No DNA, just RSA! A successful sports weekend for Mzansi

Picture: Instagram

Mzani’s flag was flying high and proud this past weekend as South Africans competed and won several international competitions. In a country divided by much, sport has consistently united South Africans for one common cause; to win, together. The Springboks, Tasneem Solomons, and the women’s national hockey team are among the few to compete and emerge victorious this past weekend.

Hockey

The women’s national field hockey team is first on the list after a 4-0 series victory against France on their home turf. This was a much-needed win for the team as they had lost their second game of the series. The win provided a much-needed confidence boost ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they will take on Australia, Argentina, Great Britain, Spain, and the United States in Group B.

The team posted on X (formerly Twitter) to let the Springboks know that they had completed their mission and were rooting for them to do the same, passing on some of their winning juju.

Hey @Springboks we did our part this morning… Over to you!

The SA Women seal the series against France in France! #ThisMeansMore pic.twitter.com/ziBYZw8eQw

— SA Hockey (@SA_Hockey) July 6, 2024

The Springboks

It seems as though the Springboks got the memo from our hockey ladies. This comes after they pulled out a 27-20 win over Ireland at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. This is a monumental victory as it is the first time since 2016 that South Africa has defeated Ireland after they failed to do so in the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Many, including the South African government, congratulated the team on the victory, with some applauding mastermind Rassie Erasmus for his new style of play.

Dis waar hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie en hulle moenie!??

Halala!!!! #Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold #ANationofWinners #RSAvIRE pic.twitter.com/Qu0vUG1n0n

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) July 6, 2024

There’s definitely a change in how the Springboks are attacking.

— ObiSolo (@Obi_Solo1) July 7, 2024

The newly elected minister, Gayton Mackenzie says KB Motsilanyane’s rendition of the national anthem sealed the deal for him

After that stellar opening performance by KB Motsilanyane, I knew we had this one in the bag #GoBokke #StrongerTogether ?? pic.twitter.com/XZmQlcyTGj

— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) July 6, 2024

Pool

Tasneem Solomons has also carved her name into South Africa’s history books after defeating Wales’s Kirsty-Lee Davies, a former world champion at WEPF Ultimate Pool Women’s Championships in England. This victory makes Tasneem the first South African to win the tournament and lift the trophy.

“Coming from the Cape Flats, this is the thing that kept me away from the streets, and I told myself that one day is one day,” says Tasneem as she reflects on her journey with the sport. “To become the champion I had to take out four world champions and in the final, it was very nail-biting.” continues Tasneem.

Holding her nerve.

The moment Tasneem Solomons won it.

No DNA just RSA !!!!!!!! ??????@GaytonMcK https://t.co/JRY1OXhcUi pic.twitter.com/RSbkcGdM7N

— Cape Town, Bru /\/¯¯¯¯¯\/\ ?? (@CapeTown_Bru) July 5, 2024

Formula 1

Lewis Hamilton has secured his ninth British Grand Prix title in his final race for Mercedes before moving to Ferrari next year, making this victory even more meaningful. “All the hard work they put in over these years. I’m forever grateful to everyone at Mercedes and all our partners. And to all our incredible fans. I could see you lap by lap. There’s no greater feeling to finish at the front here.” Lewis says about his team at Mercedes. He also took to his Instagram to share a heartfelt message to all of his supporters and team.