Mike Abel’s heartfelt open letter celebrates the unifying power of the Springboks, reflecting on shared history, iconic moments, and the team’s ability to bring South Africans together in a diverse and harmonious spirit of “Green and Gold” unity.
Western Cape, South Africa (23 August 2023) – Sport has always held a special place in the hearts of South Africans. From the dusty streets to the grand stadiums, the power of sport to unite a diverse nation has been undeniable. It’s a phenomenon that can be traced back to the legendary Nelson Mandela, who harnessed the unifying potential of sports, particularly rugby, to bridge the gaps left by apartheid.
As the Rugby World Cup 2023 approaches, this spirit of unity is once again brought to the forefront, and advertising guru Mike Abel has taken to his pen to remind us of the significance of our beloved Springboks.
In a heartfelt open letter, Mike passionately conveys the essence of what the Springboks represent to South Africans.
He writes, “One they have delivered glory on, three times already. One that unites and unifies our Nation in an entirely unique way.”
This unity, born from shared pride and history, is magnificently encapsulated in the simple yet powerful symbolism of the Springbok’s green and gold jersey.
Abel draws a profound connection between the jersey, the players, and the diverse population of South Africa. He brings to mind the iconic image of Nelson Mandela wearing Francois Pienaar’s Number 6 jersey during the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
This singular moment symbolized not only the victory of a sports team but the victory of a nation over the barriers that had divided it for so long.
“It’s not Black or White, or Coloured or Indian or Asian,” Abel reminds us, “it’s all of us. Together. Behind one team. Because our blood is Green and Gold.”
Shared Moments, Shared Dreams
Abel captures the essence of what it means to be a part of the Springbok family. From the regional heroes to the schoolboy dreamers, each individual represents a piece of the puzzle that forms the greater picture of unity. He eloquently describes the team’s magic, their courage, and their unwavering belief as they step onto the field.
“It’s the shouting in the taverns, the biltong and beer, the boerie rolls, Klippies,” he writes, illustrating the vivid tapestry of emotions and experiences woven into each match.
But the Springbok spirit is not limited to the 80 minutes on the field; it extends far beyond. Abel’s open letter emphasizes the impact of the team’s actions, both on and off the field. He recalls the moments that have become etched in our memories—the Stransky drop goal, the off-field antics of Faf, the determination of Lukhanyo, the flair of Mapimpi, and so many more. These moments, both triumphant and challenging, mirror the ebbs and flows of life itself. They show us that, in the face of adversity, the Springbok spirit prevails.
Looking Ahead to the Future
As the Rugby World Cup 2023 approaches, the anticipation and excitement are palpable. Mike Abel’s letter serves as a reminder that the Springboks are more than just a sports team—they are a symbol of what South Africa can achieve when united.
In his closing words, Abel implores the team to continue inspiring the nation: “May they inspire us all to be better… to love our neighbour.”
The sentiment echoes the timeless message of “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika,” the national anthem that unites all South Africans.
In this world of divisions and challenges, the Springboks stand as a shining example of unity. The journey ahead is bound to be filled with highs and lows, but the unbreakable bond that ties the nation together through the green and gold remains unwavering. The Springboks are not just a rugby team; they are a reminder that, in the words of Mike Abel, “Our blood is Green and Gold.”
Siya Bonga Bokke – Mike Abel’s open letter
Siya Bonga Bokke 💚 💛 🇿🇦
In a few weeks, our “manne” take to the field—one they have delivered glory on three times already.
One that unites and unifies our Nation in an entirely unique way. Why?
Because our blood is Green and Gold.
It’s Tata Madiba in his Number 6 jersey. With Francois Pienaar. And indelible image 🏆 A fragile time. Still, a fragile time.
It’s not Black or White, or Coloured or Indian or Asian, it’s all of us. Together. Behind one team. Because our blood is Green and Gold.
It’s not Muslim, or Christian, Jew or Hindu, atheist or believer. It’s all of us. One field. Behind one team. Because our blood is Green and Gold.
It’s these moments that define us. The players. Their magic. The team, the whole team. On and off the field. The chosen players and the hopefuls. The regional heroes. The schoolboy dreamers. Their belief and facing the foe with bravery and fortitude.
Because our blood is Green and Gold.
It’s not whether you are a man or women, straight or gay, tall or short, skinny or large, young or old. It’s us all. Together. Behind our boys. Because, yes, our blood is Green and Gold.
And whether it’s the dying minutes of a spectacular and defining Stransky drop, and eternal memory, or the off-field laughs of Faf in his budgie smuggler offending the Mother- Grundys, or Lukhanyo chewing his gum, eyes askance, plotting his next move, or Mapimpi dashing down the wing with his unique flair, and knowing his profoundly challenging backstory, or the flash of red by Kitshoff going in, or Marx stealing the ball, or any moment really. It’s all of them. Together. The big and small movements. The defining ones. And the forgettable, because, they make the game. Our blood is Green and Gold.
It’s the shouting in the taverns, the biltong and beer, the boerie rolls, Klippies, speculating around the braai, the ecstatic moments, and others of crushing disappointment.
It’s the slagging off of the ref “are you blind – didn’t you see that. Come on!!” Shouted around the country. Or the tannie floeking at her screen in the Karoo. It’s us. It’s us all. Because our blood is Green and Gold 💚💛
It’s Siya bellowing out our national anthem with schoolboy pride, belief and determination. Head back, eyes closed. Hand over heart.
It’s the boys who we shout for, as they the ones in the arena. The bruises, the bumps. The tackles. The pressure. The pain. The mistakes. The brilliance. The failure. The flair. The regroup. The digging deep. The ice packs. The physio. The penalties. The return. The misses and conversions. It’s all that. And more. Because our blood is Green and Gold.
We can’t wait for Rugby World Cup 2023 🇿🇦
Our troubled land Mzansi needs your magic. You make us the one team we should be. Every day. A race of South Africans. A race to the top. A race hopefully to glory. One people pulling together for One country 🇿🇦 Mzansi
So we say Siyabonga. We say Siya Bonga ❤️🇿🇦💚💛🏆 May glory be ours again. May we play our hearts out. May we learn from our men in Green and Gold how to play as a team off the field too. May they inspire us all to be better 🙏🇿🇦 To love our neighbour.
Nkosi sikelel’ iAfrika 🇿🇦💚💛 We are behind you boys. We are with our amabokke every step of the way. We are all #StrongerTogether.
Because, our blood is Green and Gold 💚💛🇿🇦
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