“They Didn't Deserve to Win”: South Africans Crushed After National Athletes Lose

• Over the weekend, the Proteas, the Springboks, and UFC fighter Dricus du Plessis lost their matches
• An Afrikaner man comically demonstrated how he thought South Africans would react to the defeat
• Social media users expressed their thoughts in the comment section, with some trying to remain positive

South Africans' hearts were broken over the weekend after sports stars from the Proteas, the Springboks, and UFC fighter Dricus du Plessis lost their matches. However, some people tried to see the positive side of the three unfortunate defeats.

TikTok content creator Stefan van der Merwe uploaded a post to his account on 17 August, 2025, showing his take on how South Africans would have reacted to the sports losses.

Wearing green and gold and holding a Springboks blanket, the young Afrikaner comedically and dramatically dropped to the floor and pouted as he rocked himself in a fetal position.

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He wrote in the caption of his post:

"First the Proteas, then the Springboks, and now Dricus Du Plessis, too."

Sports losses over the weekend

The Proteas' defeat

On Saturday, 16 August, 2025, the Proteas lost against Australia by two wickets after the team from Down Under won the third T20I. The match took place at Cazalys Stadium in Cairns, Australia, where the two teams are set to face each other again for a three-match ODI series.

Could the Proteas have a shot at redemption?

The Springboks' defeat

Australia seemed to be the team to beat on 16 August, 2025. The country's rugby team won the Springboks 38-22 during the Rugby Championship at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg. Captain Siya Kolisi apologised to fans for the defeat.

The Springboks may also get a redeeming moment as they will meet the Wallabies once more on 23 August, 2025 at Cape Town Stadium for the Rugby Championship.

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Kolisi apologises to fans after Springboks’ defeat to Australia: "Sorry about the performance"

Dricus du Plessis's defeat

Russian-born Emirati fighter Khamzat Chimaev dethroned South Africa's Dricus to become the new UFC middleweight champion after defeating him at UFC 319 on the morning of 17 August, 2025.

The fight, which took place in America and ended in a unanimous decision, left many South Africans feeling disappointed, while others didn't mind the former champ losing his belt.

South Africans disheartened over losses

The defeat had many South Africans humorously stating that they needed a few days off from work to recover from what had occurred over the weekend. Other local social media users remained optimistic and shared encouraging words in the comment section to boost the nation's spirits.

@joshua_spagnoletti told the online community:

"I blame the Springboks for DDP’s performance. He was just as depressed as the rest of us."

@prenishainderjith added humour under the post and said:

"We need pap, wors, vetkoek and breyani to recover."

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Unwavering love: Vasti Spiller stands by Dricus du Plessis after UFC loss

@mark.rosser stood up for the UFC fighter, writing:

"That fight against Dricus was not a real fight. Dricus could not do anything."

@torns.and.thissel added positivity in the comments:

"And from this we will rise! A true champion never gives up, and losses make up the greatness. My team, the Bokke! My team, the Proteas! Well done, my DDP! You showed heart! I am inspired by the way you never gave up! South Africans can take a good lesson in making something for themselves!"

@gemmer791 shared their opinion with locals:

"I think it was important for the Boks to lose that match. They didn't deserve to win. Champions still have to work hard to retain that title."

@jakes5226 noted to the public:

"We as a nation have to keep our heads high. You win some, you lose some. This weekend should be a learning curve for us and not a defeat."

Read also

UFC 319: South Africa left disapointed as Du Plessis loses title to Chimaev in US

Take a look at Stefan's TikTok video below:

3 Other stories about Dricus du Plessis' loss

• In another article, Briefly News reported that Dricus' fiancée, Vasti Spiller, showed unwavering support after the athlete lost his match.
• Media personality Sizwe Dhlomo criticised Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie after he consoled the UFC fighter. Some people defended the minister, while others questioned Sizwe's conduct.
• Despite losing the match, Dricus still made more money than Khamzat after participating in the main event.

Source: Briefly News