Returning home to an extraordinary reception at OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday, Proteas captain Temba Bavuma shared how the full weight of their remarkable achievement truly hit him only when the team stepped into the arrivals hall. The sight of thousands of enthusiastic fans gathered to celebrate their historic World Test Championship win in London was both humbling and overwhelming for Bavuma and his teammates.
An Emotional Homecoming
The Proteas secured their first major cricket trophy in 27 years after defeating Australia at Lord’s, ending a long drought since the 1998 Champions Trophy triumph. Bavuma confessed that the sheer scale of the crowd’s support caught them by surprise.
“I’ve never witnessed anything like this on our return before,” Bavuma remarked. “It was a completely different atmosphere compared to our last World Cup homecoming. This time, there were many more joyful faces.”
The captain reflected on the emotional impact of engaging with supporters, saying it helped the team fully appreciate the significance of their feat. “For me and my teammates, you don’t always immediately realise what you’ve accomplished, but seeing the passion and hearing the reactions from back home gives us a deeper understanding,” he explained.
Pride was evident in Bavuma’s words as he emphasised the team’s collective joy in making the nation proud.
“We’ve achieved something special, and what matters most is that we’ve made our people proud. Our team has done it the true South African way — embracing everything that it means to represent this country.”
Sports Minister Praises Temba Bavuma and Team
South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, joined the celebrations by applauding Bavuma as the greatest captain in the history of South African Test cricket and described head coach Shukri Conrad as the best cricket coach worldwide. McKenzie commended the squad for bringing home the global title and announced they would be honoured with a dinner hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“You must never underestimate what you have achieved, both on and off the field, and the positive impact you have had on South Africa,” McKenzie told the team. “You embody who we are and who we strive to be. You are true champions.”
Another Chance to Celebrate with the Proteas
For those unable to attend the airport festivities, fans will have a second opportunity to meet the heroes at Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton on Thursday from 1pm to 3pm. The first 100 attendees will receive a limited-edition World Test Championship champions shirt. The event will also feature surprise giveaways, and one lucky supporter will be invited on stage for a photo with the national team.
This grand welcome reflects the nation’s immense pride and the unifying power of sport in our country, as the Proteas bask in the adulation of their supporters after a landmark victory.
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