Scrolla.Africa recently challenged you to share your favourite Springbok memory and the response we received was outstanding with several heartwarming stories.

Our panel of judges, including Lucky Maree, had to select only one winner and that was Ezekiel More — the winner of our Nokia C22 prize.

Below is a list of our favourite entries:

➤ My most cherished Springbok memory is the 1995 Rugby World Cup Final which took place at Ellis Park Stadium on 24 June, with the Springboks having won that very closely contested match by 15-12 with Joel Stransky scoring all the points. Talking about that match still gives me unbelievable goosebumps to this day. That moment at the end of the match when former president Nelson Mandela, wearing the number 6 Springbok jersey and cap, presented the Webb Ellis Cup to captain Francois Pienaar — it brought this country together. I’ll forever cherish that moment. — First prize winner Ezekiel.

➤ 2 November 2019 when Makazole Mapimpi scored in the 66th minute it was heartwarming and seeing a black captain raise the cup for the first time motivated me and showed me that whether black or white you can achieve your dreams. The Boks! — Sanele

➤ It was my birthday, and my parents took me to Ellis Park to watch the Springboks in 1995. It was a World Cup match and the Springboks won. I also got the chance to see Nelson Mandela. I had a great birthday. — Amanda

➤ My earliest Springbok memory is when I was watching the game for the first time. I was sitting at home with my big brother. I wasn’t a person who watched Springboks but I started loving the game. I was so happy to see the players. It was like I was seeing them face to face. — Sindisiwe

➤ It was 1995 and I was just one year old when I heard my family celebrating the victory of our national rugby team. Of course, I didn’t know what was going on but later I heard my grandfather telling my uncles that they must stop playing soccer so that they could start playing rugby. There were no rugby fields in our village. I grew up loving ball games but ended up playing soccer. I got my name “Boks” from the word Springbok because I was a hard player, fast, pace, quick thinking and a dribbler, so they gave me that name. When we won the World Cup in 1995, everyone in my home was happy like we had won the Lotto or something. It was Christmas for us. Some never understand that but they were happy that time. — Keropetse

Pictured above: Springboks with their supporters

Image source: Springboks