VIDEO: Sad welcome for Proteas captain Bavuma at OR Tambo
Who let the ball drop on this one?
Not too long ago, OR Tambo International Airport was filled from top to bottom with proud South Africans welcoming their favourite rugby team home after the Springboks managed to become the first team to win the Webb Ellis Cup four times.
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Unfortunately, the Proteas did not manage to bring home the Cricket World Cup trophy after losing in the semi-finals to Australia, who then went on to win the tournament.
While many fans have been stating how proud they are of the team for getting as far as they did, it seems that not bringing home a trophy is not enough to warrant a warm welcome.
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Sadly, Proteas captain Temba Bavuma and coach Rob Walter arrived back from India at OR Tambo International Airport on Saturday, the 18th of November, to an empty airport.
Here is a video of the exact moment they walked through the gate:
The moment they walked through the arrival gates…
— Chad Kelly-Klate (@CKlatey) November 18, 2023
The rest of the squad will arrive in separate groups tomorrow and Monday. pic.twitter.com/WmChTRSfGk
Many took to social media to state their disappointment in their reception, or rather their lack thereof:
Dear South Africa this is NOT how our captain and coach should be welcomed back to the country!
— Xoli Zondo (MBA) (@XoliswaZondo) November 18, 2023
Proteas captain Temba Bavuma and Coach Rob Walter are back from India after finishing in the SEMI FINALS of the ICC Cricket World Cup
Here are the fans who came through pic.twitter.com/AHhmKbYUZg
Others were not scared to mention the obvious facts while also acknowledging that they were still proud of the team:
But to be fare in a world of fine margins there is a huge gulf between being a losing finalist and a World Cup winner. I respect the #ProteaFire ‘s achievements as they over-performed at #CWC23 but they did not win the World Cup. We cannot imagine they did and celebrate it as…
— Ashraf Garda (@AshrafGarda) November 19, 2023
In the end, the team gave their all and did their best.
Only four more years until they get another chance at gold and glory.
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Main image courtesy of @CKlatey/Twitter