Rousing Sandton send-off for Boks

28 August 2011 - 04:25 By Sunday Times
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The Springbok team that will represent South Africa at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand next month was announced in Johannesburg last night. There were few surprises in the 30-man squad named by Bok coach Peter De Villiers Picture: SYDNEY SESHIBEDI
The Springbok team that will represent South Africa at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand next month was announced in Johannesburg last night. There were few surprises in the 30-man squad named by Bok coach Peter De Villiers Picture: SYDNEY SESHIBEDI

The Sunday Times is supporting a call for all Bok fans to bid a rousing farewell to the national team as they leave for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

A special "Fans' Farewell" send-off is planned for Sandton in Johannesburg on Thursday. Fans are invited to Sandton, where the team will make an on-stage appearance at Nelson Mandela Square, before walking to the Gautrain station, where they will travel with a group of lucky supporters to OR Tambo Airport.

The event will be broadcast live on radio stations such as Talk Radio 702, 94.7 Highveld Stereo, KFM and Cape Talk, and will be shown live on SuperSport for all supporters to share in the excitement. A satellite farewell event will be hosted at the V & A Waterfront in Cape Town.

"We have been asking fans to unite behind the Boks and we are excited about creating an opportunity for them to show the team that the country is truly united behind them," said Oregan Hoskins, Saru president.

"Rugby World Cups hold a special place in the history of modern South Africa and we want to make a memorable statement about national support for the Springboks as they head for New Zealand."

Access to Nelson Mandela Square will be limited to those with VIP tickets, but West Street - from Nelson Mandela Square to the Gautrain station - will be accessible to all comers.

The gates will open at noon and the festivities will start at 3.30pm, with live entertainment by South African artists, competitions and other activities, building up to the performance of Saru's Rugby World Cup campaign song "Let's do it again!" performed by Freshlyground and Goldfish, an aircraft fly-over display and the arrival of the Springbok squad.

Fans are urged to wear their official Springbok jerseys and licensed apparel on Fans' Farewell day as well as on Bokday - every Friday until the end of the tournament - and on Springbok match days.

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