Rugby World Cup 2019

As- salaam all,

The RWC started on the 20 September 2019 and ended on 2 November 2019. South Africa played there first match against a mighty New Zealand and unfortunately lost. Thankfully this was early in the group stages, because of this loss South Africa did not have to play them again throughout the tournament. The Bokke won every match after this loss which secured a place in the Quarterfinal. We had to play the host nation, Japan and won this match (26-3), I was very worried about this match because Japan played well throughout the tournament, even beating Scotland at the group stages.  By winning this match we had a place in the semi-final and meant we played Wales, which was another tough match, but our boys made us proud and we made it to the finals.

Saturday, 2 November 2019, was the day that would make history for South Africa.  As the national anthem was being sung at the stadium, we at home (my boys and I) were singing with all our heart the anthem. We were silently sending our prays that our boys bring the Webb Ellis trophy home. Ebrahim and I managed to watch the first half at home (Ahmed watched at work and Uthmaan decided he would rather take a nap than watch the match).

When our boys in green scored, Ebrahim would jump up and down for joy. He was shouting at the tv (run...run the ball). I think he thought they could hear him, lol.  

Unfortunately, we missed the second half as we had to attend swimming. It was a tough decision either watch the match finish or go swimming. Both sports are close to our hearts.

After swimming, I scanned the 135 messages I had on my phone to check what had happened in the match…… THE BOKKE WON…….

I say to Ebrahim, we Won babe… we won. He starts shouting “Nkosi won!!!!!” and does a little dance in his car seat.

Yes, Ebrahim calls our Rugby team Nkosi (love that he calls them this). The meaning of the phrase Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika is Lord Bless Africa. How true is this word to our beautiful country?

Even though I think Ebrahim and Uthmaan don’t truly understand how important this moment is in South African history. They were very happy that their team won and wore their rugby t-shirts very proudly. Ahmed cried when they won the match, I would have cried as well had I actually watched the second half. To see a team with very different backgrounds come together and win the most prestigious trophy in the Rugby world, is amazing.

What does the win mean… to me and my rainbow family, it means that Ubuntu. South Africa has come very far since apartheid and even though we are a young democratic nation we have made great strides especially in sports.

In the words of Tata Madiba “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to unite people in a way little else does. It speaks to the youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair.”

Thank you Bokke (Nkosi) for bringing us together.

As-salaam

Ayesha