The spirit of Ubuntu is alive as the Springboks and countless SA fans unite in support of their national hero Dricus du Plessis.
Perth, Australia (16 August 2024) – South Africa’s hearts are beating in unison as their UFC champion Dricus du Plessis prepares to fight Israel Adesanya in Australia.
The anticipation is electric and is fuelled by the overwhelming support of other Mzansi supporters, including Springboks rugby stars Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman, who are cheering Dricus on ahead of one of the most highly anticipated UFC fights of the year.
In an interview with ESPN MMA, the UFC middleweight champion talked about how much he was looking forward to the fight and had been preparing for it for a long time, even before he received confirmation that he would be facing Israel, who has an impressive track record.
A wave of South African pride
The true essence of Ubuntu was captured in a video by Dricus’ lovely friend Vasti Spiller, showing South Africans and the Springboks gathering to sing together and Hardekole while jamming with Afrikaans musician Ricus Nel. (To sing along, see the second slide in the following post.)
Even outside the country, South Africans came together and transformed Perth into a sea of green and gold, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of unity and camaraderie.
There is even a joke that says Perth is nicknamed “Perthfontein” because South Africans took over the city to support one of their own.
The MMA event, which promises to be an epic showdown, is scheduled to take place at the RAC Arena in Perth and begins a day after the Springboks face the Wallabies on Saturday, August 17.
Watching the heartwarming display of national unity, Siya Kolisi herself could not deny that it was truly a special day. There is no denying that South African fans will be very supportive of this fight as well.
An excited Dricus was grateful for the overwhelming support of his country and the Bokke and shared:
“What an absolute honour and privilege to be a Saffa! Thank you @bokrugby for the support and congratulations, let’s show the world what we know.”
