Springboks captain, Siya Kolisi, in joyous mood with an MTN staffer at the Trophy Tour at MTN Headquarters in Fairland on Thursday.
by SAVIOUS KWINIKA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – NEWLY-crowned world rugby champions, the Springboks, have lauded the partnership with mobile network operator, MTN.
The gratitude was expressed during the Webb Ellis Trophy Tour when it made a stop-over at MTN head office in Fairland, Johannesburg.
“I wish to take this moment to thank team MTN for backing us two years ago during a very difficult period for us as a team,” said Siya Kolisi, Captain of the Springboks.
“You guys (MTN) enabled us to live our dreams and play rugby. Thank you to all of you working in the offices, we really appreciate your support so thank you so much,” Kolisi told cheering MTN employees.
In 2017, MTN announced its headline sponsorship of the national rugby team after signing a three-year sponsorship agreement with the Springboks.
This entrenched MTN’s commitment to bringing South African fans closer to sport, while also supporting South Africa’s sporting ambitions.
Rassie Erasmus, Springboks coach, was humble in victory.
“People say we give hope by the way we play, but it wasn’t initially our plan to give hope, we just wanted to play well,” the coach said.
He said when the side started playing well they gave hope to the nation.
“It is easy to give hope, but MTN gives solutions. To MTN, keep giving solutions and we will keep giving hope, by doing that together we are stronger together.”
The Sprinboks beat England 32-12.
Erasmus was named Best Coach in the World at the World Rugby Awards on Sunday.
Godfrey Motsa, Chief Executive Officer of MTN SA, said MTN believes sport in general and rugby in particular was a powerful instrument that could foster national unity and drive social cohesion.
“This was proven this week,” Motsa said.
He said the nationwide euphoria following the win demonstrated the faith the country had in the Springboks and showed how millions of South Africans from all walks of life regarded them as national heroes.
“Thank you for being with us today and sharing that winning feeling,” Motsa said.
– CAJ News