Proteas obtain heroes’ welcome in Langa at victory parade – SABC Information

Proteas Captain Temba Bavuma and his teammates received a heroes’ welcome when they visited Bavuma’s hometown, Langa, on the Cape Flats. Their visit to the area is part of the Proteas’ victory parade, after they won the World Test Championship at Lord’s in London.

The special Captain’s homecoming honoured the people of Langa, where Temba’s journey began, and celebrated the vital role his community played in helping shape one of South Africa’s greatest cricket heroes.

“Langa that’s where things started for me and now, I have the opportunity to bring back this historic feat to share this moment with the people here. So very humbling and I think for the people here, it gives them an opportunity to just dream and really believe that whatever it is they want to achieve that they can achieve it,” Bavuma says.

Several other proteas joined Bavuma in Langa.

“We’re here in Langa and I can’t wait to be travelling around the country to share the happiness that we have with everyone else because I know they’ve been supporting us,” says Kagiso Rabada.

“I think for everyone it’s a massive achievement. Everybody’s names are etched in history, and nobody can take that away from us, but a massive achievement for cricket and the country,” Dane Paterson says.

Some young cricket players in Langa were overjoyed to see their heroes in the area and shared the following comments.

“They come to us and surprise us. And I love what they do. I feel happy because the people play for South Africa and because I like cricket.”

Another resident also shared their excitement.

“We always had the moment of choking when it comes to the semis, in the finals. So, when they won the WTC at the Lords, it was like, whoa, finally we had something to be proud about. And now that they actually are coming to Langa with it, it gives us a sense of belief, a sense of pride.”

The parade in Langa was the first leg of the official Mace Trophy tour, which is set to commence in full this September. With the Proteas are expected to visit various other cities across South Africa as part of their victory tour.