Cecil Afrika steps down from Blitzboks duty
Blitzboks legend Cecil Afrika has called time on his sevens career after 12 seasons, but hasn’t quite given up on his Olympic dream.
Afrika's national contract will run its course at the end of July and with no international matches or tournaments scheduled in that time, it means that the former World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year will bow out after 345 World Rugby Sevens Series matches and a record points’ tally of 1462.
Afrika, who made his debut in Dubai in 2009, played in his final and 66th tournament for his country in Vancouver in March this year.
Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell confirmed Afrika's departure.
“It is one of those inevitable things in professional sport, but even so, it remains a sad day to say goodbye to Cecil when his contract expires,” said Powell.
“He has been a great in the game, his achievements speak for itself and he inspired many to enjoy the game of sevens.”
Powell said that they agreed a year ago already that Afrika will make his swansong in 2020: “We extended his contract last year in order for him to have a shot at making the Olympic squad, but with that being postponed to next year, that option cruelly fell away and is not available anymore.
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Afrika said he understands that retirement is part of professional sport, but he will be available if the team needs him.
‘’Beyond contractual agreements, as a professional athlete, one is always aware of the fact that the time will come that you either stop playing for a team or when retire, and in this instance it only means that I will not be with the Blitzboks.”
Afrika is not quite letting go of his dream to make it to next year's Olympics though, and is still keen to lace up his rugby boots.
"The COVID-19 pandemic we are currently facing is definitely not something anyone wished for and was certainly not expected, and as much as it has re-arranged and possibly unsettled my Olympic 2020 chances, it is a dream deferred and not cancelled,” he said.
“As management has mentioned, the possibility remains should the opportunity to play in the 2021 Olympics present itself. I am always ready to play should the Blitzboks need me.”