‘Thank you South Africa,’ says Kolisi as fans welcome home World Cup winners

Inspirational two-time World Cup winning Springbok rugby captain Siya Kolisi and his brave squad of warriors returned home to a rapturous hero’s welcome on Tuesday morning at a packed OR Tambo International Airport, with the knowledge the sky is the limit for the men in green and gold.

The Springboks on Saturday in Paris became the first team to win the Webb Ellis Cup on four occasions, following their triumphs in 1995, 2007, 2019 and now 2023 after defeating the All Blacks 12-11 in a pulsating final at the Stade de France, and only the second team — after the All Blacks in 2011 and 2015 — to win it in back-to-back tournaments.

Watch: World Cup-winning Springboks return to SA

‘We did it for you’

“Today, South Africa showed us exactly who we did it for,” said Kolisi. “On behalf of the team we’d like to thank the people of South Africa. It was a tough 20 weeks, but there was four years of planning behind that.

“When we won the World Cup in 2019, people didn’t think we would do it – instead, they were hopeful because the plan was always for 2023, but things changed and we won in 2019, and this time our people expected us to win.

“This was not about us as players, this victory was for every South African, and we showed what is possible with this diverse team.”

Kolisi added: “The coaching staff knew how to align us as a group. This trophy was for the people for the people experiencing tough circumstances, those in Zwide, Goodwood and Malmesbury, and all other communities and townships, but also for those who are more well to do, and everyone who want to make something of their lives.

“As a team want to be a reference point for our people, to show them how we can do it, and hopefully they’ll get hope from this team.

“Another important thing for us was to transform while winning. But we’d also like this to extend beyond sport and what is happening in South Africa, and how people see things going forward.

“We may not be able to change people’s circumstances, but we can give hope we can inspire people.”

Singing and dancing

It was a festival atmosphere at the airport as not even the rain and cold weather in Kempton Park could deter the mood of the public for the homecoming of the Springboks.

Fans filled all three floors of the airport — singing and dancing, waving their flags and wearing their green and gold. Some were blowing their vuvuzelas.

‘Siya for President’

Posters with the words “Siya for President”, “Faf is my darling” and “Frans is Boss” were held high.

As they waited for the Boks to arrive, the Rainbow Nation celebrated to Mandoza’s Nkalakatha, Brenda Fassie’s Vulindlela, and Kurt Darren’s Kaptein.

The famed Gwijo squad had people singing at the top of their lungs, and then the crowd erupted when they belted Rassie Erasmus’ version of Zombie by the Cranberries – they sang “Rassie, Rassie, he’s in your head”.

‘Happy to be South African’

In the crowd, there were South Africans from all walks of life, young and old people who made time to welcome the holders of the Webb Ellis Cup.

“The Boks have done it. The nerves were high (in the final) but they managed it very well like champions do. I’m happy to be a South African. This is what life is all about, unity and love for one another,” said Bok supporter Sipho Mkhwanazi.

Jenna Nathan, who went to the airport with her friends, said the Springboks showed the importance of diversity in society.

“We are happy to be here, the vibe is incredible, and it’s so amazing how everyone can come just to see the Springboks. We are proud of them and everything they have achieved.

“The Springboks showed how much diversity can do, they have brought us together as a family, as South Africans.”