Springboks are set for a special era

I wrote an e-mail to SA Rugby magazine, just to air my optimism for the current Springbok team. I feel South African rugby pundits and fans have a bit unfair on Heyneke Meyer and his young Boks. I believe they are just a few pillars away from being world-beaters.

Team South Africa, where to from here?

"We are going forward, until the fat lady has sung here in London. We are still going for 12."

These were the words echoed by Gideon Sam, Sascoc President, in an interview a few months before the London Olympic Games. He was confident of the chances Team South Africa had of recording their highest medal tally at the Olympics. He was justified in his confidence, as the team did achieve its highest medal tally since readmission. But the team was some way off Sascoc's expected tally.

Team South Africa at the 2012 London Olympics: a new guard emerges

Team South Africa can look back on the 2012 London Olympics with a sense of relief and optimism. After claiming just a solitary medal at the Beijing Olympics, the team managed to earn its highest medal tally since readmission. The six medals Team South Africa won were through performances of resilience and sheer talent. They also confirmed the arrival of a new generation of South African athletes who have the potential to be dominant in their respective sports.