WATCH: Siya Kolisi and Springboks welcome Banyana at airport

Team captain Siya Kolisi and several of his Springbok teammates were part of Banyana Banana’s welcoming committee at the airport upon the national soccer team’s return home from the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia.

The Springboks are set to depart on their own World Cup journey in about 24 hours’ time, but on Friday afternoon Siya Kolisi, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie made time in their busy schedules to join the crowd in welcoming Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis and several of her managerial colleagues at OR Tambo International Airport.

WATCH: SIYA KOLISI EMBRACES DESIREE ELLIS

And THERE IS @descaptain, who arrives with the rest of the @Banyana_Banyana staff. She first greets @Springboks captain @SiyaKolisi & the players…@Sport24news pic.twitter.com/qS5WhYhKrh

— Khanyiso Tshwaku (@kaymorizm) August 11, 2023

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BANYANA MADE THE NATION PROUD

Banyana’defeated Italy 3-2 to secure a passage to the round of 16 but were dealt a heavy blow in the match against the Netherland when Jermaine Seoposenwe got a knock and was forced to leave the field.

The Netherlands eventually won 2-0 and Matlou said they were unlucky in that game.

“It is not by mistake that we won WAFCON last year,” she said. “We went to the World Cup and we wanted to give our best, and we did our best. We went to the knockout stages and were unlucky to lose to the Netherlands in the Round of 16,” said the Banyana defender.

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SPRINGBOKS OFF TO RUGBY WORLD CUP

On Saturday, the 33 Bok players and 22 management will fly from OR Tambo International Airport on Saturday as they head towards two more Rugby World Cup warm-up games that are on the horizon – against Wales in Cardiff and New Zealand at Twickenham. The team will then turn full attention to their World Cup opener against Scotland on 10 September.

ALSO READ: Siya Kolisi MUST go to RWC, ‘even if he doesn’t play’ — Mallett

According to a SA Rugby statement, “the public is being invited to see them off as they are serenaded and entertained by an ‘A’ list of South African artists”.

The gates open at noon with entertainment from 13h00 and the Springboks due to appear on stage from approximately 14h15.

Robbie Wessels, Early B, Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels, PJ Powers, Loyiso Bala, Lloyd Cele, Good Luck, Mariechen and Bernice West will all be on stage in the build up. 

The players and coaches will appear on stage and be available for some fan engagements, while there will be live acts and other entertainment at the free-entry event.