Springboks’ closest fan inspires team in UK
Picture caption: Mr Greg Levendahl with Siya Kolisi and Pat Lambie, supporting the Springboks at the Olympic Stadium against the USA on Wednesday, is attached.
After watching two of South Africa’s Rugby World Cup Pool B victories in England, Springbok bus driver Greg Levendahl, said he is leaving England knowing that Heyneke Meyer and his team will do well in the rest of the tournament.
The 62-year-old Levendahl, who has been driving the Springboks’ bus in South Africa for the last eight seasons, supported the Boks in their matches against Scotland in Newcastle and the USA in London.
It was his first trip abroad, made possible by the players, through their internal team fund, the South African Rugby Union and the Springbok team management, have of all whom made contributions to pay for Levendahl to make the trip across to England.
Levendahl, whose nickname is ‘Getuie’ (Afrikaans for witness), is a firm favourite of all the players and he said it was wonderful to spend some time with them in England.
“The trip was a great success and I enjoyed every moment,” said Levendahl.
“The players really inspired me and I think they enjoyed having me here, while I also loved spending time with them here in England.
“My message to them is that everyone in South Africa are united behind the team and they must bring the World Cup back home. It’s a massive honour for me to be able to be here with them, and I want to thank every one of them for making this possible.”
Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer said the players really enjoyed having Levendahl with them in Newcastle and London.
“To have had Uncle Greg here with us was truly special as he has been close to all of us for years,” said Meyer.
“And to see how he got stuck in, assisting where he can even though he was on a very well-deserved holiday, shows the character of the man.
“He has driven the team tens of thousands of kilometres across South Africa, always with a huge smile of his face. He has experienced with us the highs of victory and the lows of defeat and has become one of the team.”
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