MUNICIPALITIES across the Eastern Cape have caught the Boks fever and will host a Rugby World Cup fan park on Saturday, 28 October for the final between the Springboks and All Blacks.
Residents from Nelson Mandela Bay, OR Tambo and Buffalo City municipalities will be able to cheer for Captain Siya Kolisi, who was born in Zwide.
The final, which starts at 9pm, is expected to be exciting as the two nations are tied with three World Cup wins. The Springboks, who are defending champions, defeated New Zealand in 1995.
Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) spokesman Luvuyo Bangazi said: “The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium operated by the MBDA will, on Saturday, become the Bay’s official Rugby World Cup fan park. The Bay Stadium, which is still the only major venue in South Africa where the Boks have an unbeaten record, will on Saturday hope to fuel the Boks to another victory."
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MBDA CEO Anele Qaba said: “We encourage every Bok supporter from all corners of the Bay to converge at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium and be part of history as we cheer the Boks to a fourth Rugby World Cup win.”
Buffalo City municipal spokesman Samkelo Ngwenya said: “The city will host its fan park at Police Park for East London, Sisa Dukashe for Mdantsane, the Baby Swang for Zwelitsha and Macalengusha for Qonce. The city will also make contingency plans with marquees in case the weather is not in favour. The Springboks already confirmed Buffalo City as one of the areas for a trophy tour visit.”
In OR Tambo Municipality, the public can cheer for the Boks at Mthatha Stadium.
Mthuthuzeli Peter (45), a rugby fan from Nelson Mandela Bay, said: "Having public screenings will play a significant role in uniting the people of Mzansi. It will also have a huge impact on our young rugby players as they'll see that anyone can be a Springbok."
