Springbok’s headline sponsor MTN has surprised SA Rugby Union (Saru) with a mammoth R30-million pledge towards rugby development.
The generous gesture comes after the Springboks successfully defended their Rugby World Cup title when they beat New Zealand 12-11 in a pulsating final on Saturday evening.
The announcement took place during the squad’s special visit at the MTN headquarters in Fairland, northern Johannesburg on Thursday
Ralph Mupita, CEO of MTN Group, and Charles Molapisi, MTN South Africa CEO, presented a sugarcoated cheque to Saru president Mark Alexander.
Molapisi said MTN is proud to be associated with the Springboks and seeks to see more rugby stars being unearthed through their contribution.
“As MTN, we take immense pride in being the primary sponsor of this great team, the Springboks,” Molapisi said.
“We want to see more Siya Kolisis, Ox Nches and many more players coming through the ranks of the Springboks first team.
“So, we decided as a company that we are pledging and putting R30-million to the development of rugby in South Africa.”
Ahead of the special announcement, the men of the hour were welcomed by a boisterous crowd that patiently camped outside the MTN headquarters where they entered the building with a guard of honour.
As expected, the Boks were led by vibrant captain Kolisi, who took selfies with fans as they made their way to the stage.
The Boks started a trophy tour around selected areas in Johannesburg and Soweto, where they are showing off their prestigious Webb Ellis trophy.
The trophy parade kick-started at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where they were officially welcomed by President Cyril Ramaphosa and several ministers.
Johannesburg & Soweto Tour — 2pm-4.15pm — 33km
2pm: Parade starts;
- 1 Jan Smuts Avenue in Braamfontein to Metro Centre and across the Nelson Mandela Bridge;
- To FNB Bank City in Simmonds Street — FNB CEO speech from Springbok bus roof;
- Into Nasrec Road past Riverlea and to the FNB Stadium;
- South to Ben Naude Street;
- Left into Immink Road;
- Right into Chris Hani Street past Maponya Mall;
- Right into Klipspruit Valley Road;
- Left into Kumalo Main Road and left into Vilakazi Street and on to the Hector Pieterson Memorial;
- From about 3.45pm to 4.15pm: Past Orlando Stadium to the FNB Stadium.
