Page 17 - SA Chamber UK-NOV News letter 2023

Never Underestimate South Africa

It always amazes me how many South Africans are living in the UK, particularly, the
community that has grown in South West London. As I joined the throng of green rugby

jerseys that swarmed the pubs in my local area to watch the Rugby World Cup final, I
was brimming with the buzz of the pre-match chatter and with a feeling of belonging
that is rare to find when so far from home.

The St Johns Tavern Clapham had bookings for over 150 South African supporters,
whilst The Railway in Putney was bursting with Springbok jerseys and the odd New
Zealand supporter that bravely waded into the mix.

After feeling myself go grey from watching the Springboks win by only one point in the
quarters and semis, it was a relief to watch them go to a 6-point lead and have a red
card in our favour. I thought we had this in the bag, but one thing you should never do

is write off the All Blacks. As the sea of green jerseys clung to the edge of their seats, we
watched the New Zealand side come back with a vengeance in the second half, scoring
a try to come within one point of our lead.

“Never give in during a match as this spoils the game for your opponents and your
teammates. Keep a sense of proportion. Remember it is only a game and not a war. A
good sportsman exercises self-control.” Siya Kolisi

But as the final whistle rang out, the sound that erupted from South African fans felt like it
reverberated around the entire world. I never thought that I could feel such pride for the land

that raised me when living thousands of miles from it, but that night reminded me that South
Africa should never be underestimated.

- by Nick Sachs, Exco Member, Young Professionals (YP) Chapter

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SA CHAMBER UK NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2023