"It’ll Be Emotional": South African Expat Gears Up To Watch Springboks in US
- Jason Keith, a South African rugby content creator living in Texas, is raising funds to attend the Springboks match in Baltimore
- Keith said tickets, flights and accommodation made the trip an expensive but worthwhile journey for him
- The Baltimore clash is set to draw a sizeable South African expat community, who will cheer together thousands of kilometres from home
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US - South African rugby fans living in the United States are gearing up for an emotional weekend as the Springboks prepare to face New Zealand at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Saturday.
For many expats, the match is about more than rugby. It is a rare chance to see the two-time world champions play on American soil and reconnect with a piece of home.
One excited supporter is Jason Keith, a rugby content creator and South African living in Texas. Speaking on CapeTalk’s Good Morning Cape Town, Keith said he had followed the Springboks from afar and was thrilled to finally watch them live.
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South African expat raises funds to watch Springboks
Keith admitted that attending the match has not been cheap, with tickets costing a significant amount when compared with some NFL and NBA games.
He even launched a crowdfunding campaign to help cover the cost of flights, accommodation and match tickets.
"It’s not cheap, but it’s worth it to see the double world champions in the flesh,” Keith said.
His passion for the Springboks goes back to childhood, and he said the team has a strong following among South Africans living in the US.
The Baltimore match is therefore expected to bring together a sizeable community of South African supporters, giving them an opportunity to sing the national anthem and cheer for the team together.
"It’ll be a bit emotional"
For Keith, the occasion carries a deeper meaning than simply watching a rugby match.
He said the Springboks represent qualities that resonate with him, including hard work, integrity and hope for a better future.
“It’s not just about rugby for me. It’s a team that represents hard work, work ethic, integrity and hope that there is a better day tomorrow,” he said.
Keith admitted that the experience could become emotional when he looks around the stadium and sees fellow South Africans who, like him, now call the US home.
“It’ll be a bit emotional,looking to the person to my left and to my right, and realising that this is all our home now,” he said.
The Springboks' clash with the All Blacks in Baltimore promises to be a memorable occasion for the South African expat community, with fans getting the chance to support their team thousands of kilometres from home.
Springboks receive warm welcome in Baltimore
Previously, Briefly News reported that the Springboks received an emotional welcome on American soil after touching down in Baltimore, Maryland, where they will face the All Blacks in the fourth and final match of the Greatest Rivalry series this weekend.Supporters turned out in force to welcome the squad upon their arrival, with the scenes capturing the intense public interest surrounding the concluding. Captain Siya Kolisi joined in the fanfare singing along to the fans, while many clamoured to get a highly sought after selfie.
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Source: Briefly News
