Ndlovu Youth Choir welcomes Springboks to South Africa

Ndlovu Youth Choir / Image via Twitter: Ndlovu Youth Choir
@ChoirAfrica

Watch: Ndlovu Youth Choir welcomes Springboks back to South Africa

When two of the nation’s newest heroes meet in unity.

Ndlovu Youth Choir welcomes Springboks to South Africa

Ndlovu Youth Choir / Image via Twitter: Ndlovu Youth Choir
@ChoirAfrica

The Ndlovu Youth Choir, heroes in their own right, performed a heart-warming welcome for the Springboks as they arrived back in South Africa following a historic Rugby World Cup win.

Despite earlier delays, resulting from a technical issue en route from Japan, via Sydney, back home to South Africa, Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, and coach, Rassie Erasmus, touched down at OR Tambo International Airport shortly after 19:30 on Tuesday night.

Watch: Springboks serenaded by Ndlovu Youth Choir

The arrival of Kolisi, Erasmus and the man with the golden boot, Handre Pollard, followed on from the entrance of fellow Springbok greats, who were critical to the team’s final victory over England on Saturday. Pieter-Steph du Toit, Duane Vermeulen, Cheslin Kolbe, Makazole Mapimpi and Faf de Klerk, amongst others, arrived earlier in the day.

The buzz within the airport precinct, which had been swamped with diehard fans, was tangible. Song, dance and cheer reached a palpable climax when Kolisi and Erasmus disembarked with the irreplaceable Webb Ellis trophy in tow.

In what will be remembered as one of the most uplifting moments since Kolisi hoisted the trophy in Yokohama, the Ndlovu Youth Choir, who had been waiting patiently amongst the masses at OR Tambo, broke out into song, an ode to a nation’s heroes.

The Ndlovu Youth Choir shot to stardom earlier this year when they competed in America’s Got Talent and finished as runners-up after stealing the hearts of viewers across the globe. Earlier on Tuesday, the Ndlovu Youth Choir announced on social media:

“We will be welcoming the Springboks at OR Tambo this afternoon at 16:30. Join us in giving our World Champions the welcome they deserve.”

The choir, moment before the arrival of the Springbok team, described the atmosphere in the airport as “electric”.

Kolisi and Erasmus the last to arrive back in South Africa

Both Erasmus and Kolisi made their way through thousands of fans, shaking hands and handing out gratuitous high-fives on their way to the media conference.

In addition to winning the prestigious Rugby World Cup – a feat last achieved in 2007 – the Springboks were also named as ‘Team of the Year’. Erasmus was also named ‘Coach of the Year’, with Pieter-Steph du Toit picking up the title of ‘Player of the Year’.