Springboks player Makazole Mapimpi received the loudest cheers at the 2023 Rugby World Cup squad announcement.
Images via YouTube screenshot: Supersport
WATCH: Mapimpi gets loudest cheers at Springboks squad reveal
Mzansi’s hero? Makazole Mapimpi was a clear fan favourite at the Springboks Rugby World Cup announcement on Tuesday.
Springboks player Makazole Mapimpi received the loudest cheers at the 2023 Rugby World Cup squad announcement.
Images via YouTube screenshot: Supersport
He may have his fair share of critics, but Springboks player Makazole Mapimpi has the biggest legion of supporters if his reception at the Rugby World Cup announcement is anything to go by.
After helping South Africa lift the trophy in 2019, the star player will jet off with the 33-strong squad to defend their title in France.
The national team announcement was made on Tuesday, 8 August, at the MultiChoice City in Johannesburg.
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SPRINGBOKS RWC SQUAD: MAPIMPI GETS HERO’S APPLAUSE
Up until just yesterday, rumours were rife that Makazole Mapimpi had no place on the squad.
However, a clip from the Springboks squad announcement revealed that the winger was the national team’s favourite player.
In fact, at one point, the presenter had to pause to let the crowd finish their loud cheers.
“Are these all your fans?” the announcer asked a shy Mapimpi who waved at his fans.
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Take a look…
@the_scent_central #fypシ #explore #southafricatiktok #rugbyworldcup ♬ Hamba Juba – Lady Amar & JL SA & Cici & Murumba Pitch
CHEERS FOR FAF, KURT-LEE, AND BONGI TOO
Meanwhile, 2019 Rugby World Cup players Faf De Klerk and Bongi Mbonambi also received hearty applauses from the fans, while fans were excited to see newbies Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canaan Moodie, and Mannie Libbok make the squad too.
Trevor Nyakane had fans chuckling with his dance moves while appearing on stage.
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