Springbok Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu Breaks Down During National Anthem in Baltimore
- Springbok flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was visibly moved to tears during the South African national anthem in Baltimore
- Jesse Clegg, son of the late Johnny Clegg, performed Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika ahead of the fourth Greatest Rivalry test match
- Jesse described the opportunity to sing for the Springboks as an 'amazing honour' and an 'epic experience'
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Springbok star Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was visibly overcome with emotion during the South African national anthem ahead of the fourth and final Greatest Rivalry test match on 12 September 2026.
The 25-year-old broke down in tears as the camera caught him during the performance at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
Source: Getty Images
Singing Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika on the night was Jesse Clegg, the 38-year-old son of the late, beloved South African musician Johnny Clegg. Jesse's powerful rendition had both fans in the stands and players on the field struggling to keep their composure, with Sacha among those most visibly affected.
Watch the emotional anthem moment in Baltimore below.
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Fans were touched by the moment and reacted on social media.
@Vicky55010806):
“Ooh! Sacha, your tears were not for nothing. We see you 👀, and we appreciate you! 🇿🇦”
@mjgillbee):
“The most beautiful anthem in the world! 🇿🇦 Thank you, Springboks, for another momentous victory and memories! Thank you. 🙏🏼”
@Sandraboyce19):
“A player’s tears of true patriotism, and a spectator’s tears of true patriotism. I am sure he also misses home if he stays there. 🏠💕❤️🙏🏽🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦 South Africa, our beautiful country and its people. 🇿🇦💕”
Jesse Clegg pays tribute to his father's legacy
Before taking the mic inside the stadium, Jesse performed a concert for supporters outside the venue. The crowd was overwhelmingly South African, and the atmosphere was electric. During the outdoor set, he performed his late father's iconic 1987 song Spirit of the Great Heart, originally recorded with Johnny Clegg's band Savuka. That same year, Savuka released Asimbonanga, a moving tribute to Nelson Mandela, who was still imprisoned on Robben Island at the time.
Johnny Clegg, a humanitarian and fierce anti-Apartheid activist, passed away in 2019 after battling pancreatic cancer. Jesse's choice of songs was a quiet but meaningful tribute to a man who used music as a force for change.
An honour to sing for the Boks
Speaking before his performance, Jesse said it was an "amazing honour" and an "epic experience" to have been invited to represent the Springboks in this way. His words resonated deeply with South Africans watching from home and those who made the trip to Baltimore to cheer on the team.
For Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, the moment was clearly more than just a pre-match routine. His tears spoke to what pulling on the green and gold jersey means, and reminded South Africans just how much pride runs through the Springbok camp.
Springboks vs All Blacks Test halted
Briefly News previously reported that referee Karl Dickson's communications equipment failed during the first half of the decisive fourth Test in Baltimore
Players from both South Africa and New Zealand were left standing on the field as technicians worked to resolve the technical fault
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Source: Briefly News
