The victorious national cricket team, the Proteas, arrived to one of the most rapturous and fitting welcomes at the OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday morning.
When captain Temba Bavuma emerged from the arrivals section with the World Test Championship trophy in his hands, the crowd erupted into wild celebration.
Fans, draped in national and sporting memorabilia, started arriving at the airport early in the morning, and the South African flag and colours covered the airport like a blanket.
There were vuvuzelas, makarapas, whistles and all that is associated with creative South African followers.
Proteas shed ‘chokers’ tag
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie and Gauteng MEC for education, sports, arts, and culture Matome Chiloane were among the dignitaries who welcomed the team after its successful mission in England.
After years of heartbreak, the Proteas have finally won something significant by emerging victorious in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s on Saturday.
South Africa ended their long wait for a major global title by defeating Australia by a margin of five wickets.
They have now ended a 27-year drought and have finally shed their ‘chokers’ tag.
Previously, South Africa had made significant promises in cricket tournaments, only to falter just as they were on the verge of victory.
However, they managed to hold their own and win the Test match with one day remaining in this World Test Championship.
A nation of winners
The loudest applause was given to Bavuma, fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, star batsman Aiden Markram, and coach Shukri Conrad as they made their way into the airport’s arrival area.
South African superfan Botha Msila remarked: “We are here to celebrate with the champions.
“We were here with the SA Under-20 soccer boys, who won the Africa Cup of Nations two weeks ago, and today we are here with the Proteas – we are a country of winners.
“Sports bring us together; just look at the Rainbow Nation that is here. Congratulations to captain Temba [Bavuma] and his team; we wish them more luck in the future.”
The former Bloemfontein Celtic number one supporter continued: “We are so happy, and we will celebrate with them waya-waya [for many days to come].
