After putting up incredible fights to the finish, South Africa’s chapter in two World Cups has ended. So how did many supporters respond? With all the love in the world.
Global (08 August, 2023) — Just last week, South Africa was a force to be reckoned with in two World Cups—Netball and Football. The Proteas filled Cape Town’s Foreshore with excitement and vibrance (the likes of which the area has greatly missed in recent years) as onlookers rooted for every move they made. On the other side of the world, Banyana Banyana made a comeback of note in New Zealand; making history with their first World Cup victory—ever.
Both would later be knocked out of the World Cups shortly after these highs. For Banyana Banyana, the end of the journey came after a win for the Netherlands, while for the Proteas the loss came against Uganda.
Yet, for supporters all over South Africa, the pride these teams sparked in us has been unwavering. Unconditional. Something more than winning or losing; in the same space that unity lives.
After both the Proteas and Banyana Banyana thanked South Africa for their support during the respective World Cups, South Africa welcomed these teams with open arms.
There were so many voices sporting love, support and pride for our heroines that it gave us goosebumps.
In the world of sport where witnessing serious and sometimes violent reactions to teams who have lost games isn’t uncommon, the continued pride made us remember which South Africa those teams represented.
Here are just some of the hundreds of comments across the teams’ social media spaces that made us Proudly South African:
“You earned [yourself] respect at this world cup, you will not be forgotten, you are history makers.”—Elizabeth de Koker to Banyana Banyana.
“Thank you for representing so well. Fighting for the country until the last second.”—@sabby_masabi to the Proteas.
“So proud of your efforts. You are [the] pride of our nation,”—Kerry Cuthbertson to Banyana Banyana.
“You make us proud to be South African.”—Kerry Foley to Banyana Banyana.
“Very proud of our national team and grateful for the opportunity to see them compete. Thank you [coach] Norma Plumer for sharing your wealth of experience with the players and honing their skill. They are amazing role models to our youth.”—Vanessa Millard to the Proteas.
“All we can do is be super proud of you. A job well done.”—Simon Mandonsela Jr to Banyana Banyana.
“THANK YOU THANK YOU!! You were great hosts and ambassadors for our Country!! Captain Bongi for PRESIDENT!!!!”—Leoni Black to the Proteas.
“We love you guys, ya’ll entertained us during hard times in our country and united us. Come back home and secure the millions that ya’ll deserve.”—@Cellular_jnr to Banyana Banyana.
“We are so proud of you Spar Proteas, maybe not the result we wanted or hoped for but immensely proud and will stand behind you as a country until eternity.”—Renisa Willemse to the Proteas.
“You are us and we are you.”—Monwabisi Kete to Banyana Banyana.
“You truly made your mark. We remain immensely proud. Well done many more international opportunities [to]come through.”—Zibongiwe Maceba to Banyana Banyana.
“You played some incredible netball and gave it all you had! So proud to be an SA supporter.”—Arianne Hayes-Hill.
We celebrate the wins, but we also celebrate how we treat the losses! And seeing so many people carry the heroines of our World Cups with kindness made us even more hopeful for a South Africa that can carry each other through anything.