By Phenyo Selinda
The Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture (DSAC) has lauded the Springboks and Bafana Bafana for their thrilling performances over the weekend, which left the nation in high spirits. The Springboks secured an 18-12 victory over the All Blacks at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town, while Bafana Bafana fought back to claim a 2-2 draw against Uganda in a critical Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at Orlando Stadium.
In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), the DSAC congratulated the national rugby team for their monumental triumph. “Congratulations Bokke! Mzansi is very proud!” the department posted, reflecting the pride felt across the country.
Springboks’ Dominance Over the All Blacks
The Springboks’ victory against the All Blacks marked their second consecutive win over New Zealand in the 2024 Castle Lager Rugby Championship. The Boks outscored the All Blacks by two tries to zero, demonstrating their superiority on the field. However, the team humbly acknowledged that the match did not go entirely according to plan. According to SA Rugby’s match report, “The Boks will be the first to admit that it was not the way they planned to execute the game plan,” as the All Blacks led 9-3 at halftime .
Despite trailing at the break, the Springboks showcased their resilience, capitalising on errors from the New Zealand side, including a late yellow card that proved costly for the visitors. The win not only solidified the Boks’ position in the Rugby Championship but also allowed them to reclaim the Freedom Cup for the first time since 2009, ending a 15-year wait.
“It was also the Boks’ fourth win in a row over the Kiwis, the first time they achieved this in the professional era,” SA Rugby said, highlighting the historic significance of the victory .
Springbok Women’s Triumph Over Barbarians
Meanwhile, the Springbok Women also had a weekend to remember, as they dominated the Barbarians Women’s side with an emphatic 59-17 victory in Cape Town. This match was a testament to the growing strength of South Africa’s women’s rugby, with the Springbok Women’s team delivering a performance full of skill, pace, and power.
The team’s victory adds to the national momentum, with women’s rugby receiving increasing support and recognition across South Africa. The Springbok Women’s side has consistently demonstrated that they are a force to be reckoned with, and this latest victory against an international side further solidifies their standing in the global rugby community .
Bafana Bafana’s Dramatic Draw in AFCON Qualifier
In football, Bafana Bafana produced a dramatic comeback to secure a 2-2 draw against Uganda in their AFCON 2025 qualifier on Friday. Played at Orlando Stadium, the match saw South Africa trailing for much of the game, but debutant Thalente Mbatha scored a crucial equaliser deep into stoppage time, ensuring that Bafana Bafana escaped with a valuable point.
“Uganda had thought that they were on the cusp of a famous victory in South Africa, but debutant Thalente Mbatha had other ideas and snatched the precious equaliser deep in the referee’s optional time to ensure a sharing of the spoils,” the South African Football Association (SAFA) noted in their statement .
The dramatic finish was celebrated across the country, with fans praising the team’s fighting spirit. DSAC Minister, Gayton McKenzie, took to X to applaud the national football team for their resilience. “Thanks for the great fight back, Bafana Bafana! You didn’t leave us heartbroken,” McKenzie said, adding that the team’s performance “made us jump for joy.”
This draw keeps South Africa in contention for qualification to the 2025 AFCON, and the team’s ability to salvage a point in difficult circumstances is seen as a positive sign of their potential going forward.
National Pride and the Role of DSAC
The DSAC’s recognition of these national teams’ achievements underlines the importance of sports in uniting South Africa and fostering national pride. Both the Springboks and Bafana Bafana have consistently demonstrated the power of resilience and teamwork, inspiring millions across the country.
The department’s social media posts, as well as statements from Minister Gayton McKenzie, reflect a commitment to celebrating South African sports stars and ensuring that they receive the recognition they deserve. The weekend’s results have further solidified South Africa’s place on the global sporting stage, with both rugby and football teams making strides in their respective competitions .
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