RUGBY FANS IN MPUMALANGA TO WATCH WITH RAMAPHOSA IN FRANCE
By Montsho Matlala
Siyabuswa:President Cyril Ramaphosa burns with anticipation on his seat at Stade de France stadium in Paris,France on Saturday, he will not be alone wishing Springboks victory over All Blacks in world cup rugby finals. Another SA citizen Hopheney Selala in Siyabuswa under Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality will also be experiencing the same burning sensation of excitement as he watches the fierce activities at Stade de France stadium loud and clear in front of him, thanks to Mpumalanga Department of Culture, Sports and Recreation (DCSR).
But unlike President Ramaphosa who needs a jet to fly to the venue, Selala’s hassle is no headache; he will walk to Siyabuswa Mall
to be with fellow residents from the whole Nkangala District in front of a big screen showing Boks and New Zealand turning against each other. This public viewing site has been made possible by DCSR in collaboration with business for fans who to enjoy live rugby encounters, especially a high value Wold Cup such as this one.
Says Selalala “I am very grateful of the department and sponsors who have taken efforts to bring the world cup game to us. I love the Boks, I am confident they will beat All Blacks.
“The excitement has always been there with the Boks, I became even more delighted because our rugby boys continue to put South Africa on the world map for all the good reasons. We are behind our boys we will always support them.”
According to DCSR spokesperson Ms Sibongile Nkosi there are two more public viewing sites in addition to the one in Nkangala District which are Loft Launge Cnr Ennis and Oosthuise Str., Ermelo, Msukaligwa Local Municipality in Gert Sibande District and Praxos Butchery, Schoemansdal, Nkomazi Local Municipality in Enhlanzeni District.
Nkosi says, “We have noted the interest and excitement that came with the Springboks qualifying for the World Cup Finals. The Department has identified familiar and safer places where our communities have been converging to watch these matches leading to the semi-finals
“The Department aims to support these places with big screens, sound systems and chairs to make the experience more enjoyable. The Department has envisioned a scenario where our communities can access the Public Viewing Sites which are situated within their communities where they can be able to walk to and from these venues without difficulties. The sites open at 19:00 on Saturday October 28.”
While the excitement is building up for the clash of the two fierce rivals, Springboks and All Blacks weather focasters have predicated 8mm rain over Paris on Saturday night accompanied by wind blowing at 56/km speed..
But fans in Mpumalanga and the whole South Africa say, “Come rain or sunshine the Boks must crunch All Blacks.” It remains to be seen.
The last time they clashed in world cup Boks beat Blacks 15-12 at Ellis Park stadium in 1995.
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