Springboks Fans Pack Nando's in Baltimore Ahead of All Blacks Match

• SABC News USA correspondent Sherwin Bryce-Pease spotted Nando's in Baltimore packed with fans before the big game
• Springboks supporters filled the South African chain restaurant on the eve of the match against the All Blacks
• The post sparked a debate among South Africans about flying their flag on foreign soil

Springboks fans descended on a Nando's restaurant in Baltimore, Maryland, on Friday 11 September 2026, turning the popular South African chain into an unofficial pregame gathering spot ahead of the highly anticipated clash against the All Blacks.

SABC News USA correspondent Sherwin Bryce-Pease shared the moment on X, posting a photo of the packed restaurant with the caption:

"Nando's in Baltimore packed to the rafters... But when in Rome..."

The Springboks and the All Blacks are set to face off in Baltimore on Saturday 12 September, drawing a sizeable South African crowd to the city.

SA fans make Nando's their Baltimore base camp

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The image quickly struck a chord with South Africans online, many of whom were surprised to find Nando's operating on American soil. For fans who travelled to support the Boks, the familiar menu offered a taste of home thousands of kilometres away.

According to 2023 US Census data, approximately 85,000 South Africans live in the country, with around 2,000 residing in the state of Maryland specifically. That number is expected to grow following recent changes to US resettlement policy affecting South African nationals.

Not everyone shared the warmth of the moment, though. The post sparked a lively debate about South African identity and behaviour abroad.

See the post that started the conversation:

Mzansi reacts to the Baltimore Nando's sighting

South Africans had plenty to say in the comments:

@nubiangenius said:

"Don't appreciate seeing South Africans hanging our flags in other people's countries though. It's weird. If in the US, or anywhere else, respect the land - If not, stay home. We can't be acting like the Nigerians who started erecting places like Little Lagos here in SA."

@NN83_Sa was less than impressed with the food:

"Tastes horrible, nothing like Nando's, so dry."

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@roa78333 was stunned:

"Wow, didn't know you guys had Nando's."

Siya Kolisi joins singing fans

Briefly News previously reported that the Springboks squad landed at Baltimore Washington International Airport ahead of their All Blacks clash at M&T Bank Stadium on 12 September

South Africans in the US turned out in Springbok jerseys and SA flags to welcome the team in the early hours of Monday morning

Source: Briefly News