The Executive Mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Danny Jordaan, has pledged the full support of the people of Nelson Mandela Bay and the Eastern Cape to the South African Rugby Team.
Jordaan made the pledge at a welcome breakfast that he hosted for Springbok coach Allister Coetzee and his technical team Friday morning.
"Today we are a proud City. One of our own is leading the Springbok team. We are proud of what Allister has achieved. We have no doubt in our minds that we will win the match against Ireland. To the players and the technical team led by Allister: together with all the many fans and the sport-loving people of Nelson Mandela Bay, I am confident that we will leave the field with a resounding victory," said Executive Mayor Danny Jordaan.
The Mayor said he was also confident that the Springbok team was in good hands under new coach Allister Coetzee.
"On Saturday, we know that in the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium, you will tick the box and begin a new pathway for South African Rugby. The great thing that we hope for is that a man from Nelson Mandela Bay, as Madiba did in 1995, must stand there and bring home that Web Ellis Cup again. All of us in the room wish you all the best and welcome you to our - and your - City!" added Executive Mayor Jordaan.
He said he was confident that the people of Nelson Mandela Bay would create an electrifying atmosphere around the field that would bring out the best in the Springboks.
"The support we have received from Day One in Nelson Mandela Bay has been overwhelming. The City has truly lived up to its name, the Friendly City. I can even see and feel it in the players themselves that the support and love they have received from this City have had a positive effect on them. I know that the boys will go out there on Saturday and make sure they make us all proud." said Springbok Coach Allister Coetzee.
Senior municipal leadership, rugby stalwarts, rugby administrators and players were amongst the high profile guests who attended the breakfast. Former team mates, friends and leaders in the business fraternity were also among the guests.
Springbok t-shirts and balls signed by both the Executive Mayor Jordaan and Coach Coetzee were put on auction, with the proceeds to go to the St Bartz Remedial and Autism Centre.
