What an extraordinary moment to be alive in South Africa, reminiscent of the 2010 soccer World Cup with fond memories of our mascot, Zakumi and the vuvuzelas. Although our soccer journey was cut short back then, the excitement and unity we experienced remain etched in our hearts. The recent triumph of the Springboks couldn’t have come at a better time for a nation grappling with its fair share of challenges, often lightened by our unique sense of humor in the face of financial hardships. With taxes and salaries that don’t always align, we still find reasons to smile. Instead of dwelling on our struggles, let’s draw inspiration from the Springboks and the valuable lessons they’ve taught us.
Your Personal Life: It Counts
What you do and how you conduct yourself in your personal life matters. In today’s world, the boundaries between your personal and professional life have blurred. It’s no longer acceptable to be one person at home and another at work. The Springboks have shown us the importance of being family-oriented, which has a profound impact on their performance. The truth is, a stable home life gives you the upper hand. While the PR has helped to position the team as being family-orientated, you can’t fake that kind of bond. Which leads me to my next point.
PR: The Power of Shaping Perception
I recently engaged in a discussion on LinkedIn where someone clung to the cliché, “there’s no such thing as bad PR.” I respectfully disagreed, emphasizing that there is indeed such a thing as bad PR. It’s essential to steer clear of PR practitioners who lead with this mindset. The Springboks’ portrayal as a family-oriented team and the prominent display of Kolisi’s armband are not mere accidents. PR is not about fabricating stories; it’s about conveying the accurate message that evokes emotions and often drives specific actions. Take a musician, for instance, who encourages you to download their latest music. In the case of the rugby team, it’s an invitation for those who don’t typically watch rugby to give it a chance and perhaps even purchase rugby merchandise, ultimately attracting valuable sponsorships for the team. Nothing we witnessed was by chance; it’s a testament to the power of effective PR.
Leadership Knows No Boundaries
Leaders often mistakenly believe they must always be at the forefront. I vividly recall my high school dance group, where our leader, taller than the rest of us, insisted on being in the center and even having a solo, ultimately diluting our collective effort, which led to our downfall. Witnessing Siya Kolisi’s leadership, on the other hand, was a lesson in authentic leadership. During the medal ceremony, he chose to be the last to receive his medal, sharing the moment with his team rather than leading from the front.
What’s even more remarkable is the genuine brotherhood he shares with his teammates. The camaraderie is so strong that Jessie Kriel was captured in a video singing Amagwijo, and Eben Etzebeth ululating as if he had been born into the culture. This also underscores how diversity and inclusion was achieved very well.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
The Springboks have shown us that the power of teamwork isn’t just a game-changer; it’s the key to World Cup glory. Like a precision-engineered machine, they’ve harnessed their diverse talents to create an unstoppable force on Saturday, 28 October 2023. Generally, it’s this magic that transforms a scrum into a spectacle with any team, on and off the field. The Springboks have mastered the art of bringing out the best in each other. It’s a playbook that’s all about camaraderie, resilience, and that unwavering sense of unity that turns matches into epic tales of triumph. So, take a leaf out of their book, because the truth is, you can’t win alone. Success thrives in collaboration, and the Springboks have set the ultimate example to follow.
Celebrate Your wins
One of my favorite players, Faf de Klerk, affectionately known as the nation’s lastborn, adds a delightful touch to our wins with his South African flag speedo. It’s something we eagerly anticipate whenever our team triumphs. The Springboks’ celebratory videos, including their exuberant wine-drinking from the World Cup, remind us of the importance of marking our achievements. Whether it’s popping a bottle of bubbly, indulging in a candle-lit bubble bath, or embarking on a well-deserved vacation, it’s crucial to celebrate your wins. Often, we become so consumed with what’s next that we forget to revel in our accomplishments. I believe that celebrating the little joys attracts even greater ones, and I make it a point to celebrate not only my own victories but also those around me. Take a moment to reflect, what’s the one victory, big or small that you haven’t celebrated this year?
Be Lovable
A heartwarming video captured Eben in France, leisurely strolling with his wife when a group of South Africans recognized him and burst into song. He joined in the celebration. It’s easy to overlook that our most dedicated fans are people who won’t forget how you make them feel. Being lovable entails not only giving love but also being open to receiving it wholeheartedly.
In a heartwarming recent event, a devoted fan brought a bouquet of flowers to express her admiration for the Springboks at the OR Tambo International, and as fate would have it, Cheslin Kolbe happened to pass by. Despite security’s efforts to usher him along, Kolbe’s exceptional character shone through. He paused, locked eyes with the fan, and reversed his steps. With open arms and a warm smile, he embraced her and graciously accepted the bouquet. It’s moments like these that remind us of the incredible power of connection and the genuine bond between players and their fans.
*However, it’s crucial to remember that lovable people also have boundaries. Being open to receiving love doesn’t mean accepting inappropriate or intrusive behavior from others.
God is able to make the unable to be able.
This line is an actual song, I know right? It’s a line that resonates deeply, and you can listen to it on my Instagram page @ke_kgoshigadi. It serves as a reminder to believe in the unimaginable because anything is possible. Whether it happens in the final moments or right from the start, a win is a win. We literally won the last three matches with one point, when the opponents looked stronger. The Springboks have shown us that even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains and lead to incredible accomplishments.
What valuable lessons have the Springboks taught you?
Makhotso
• 1 year agoI think what they did is unbelievable. They ignited such a deep sense of joy in myself and for the rest of the country.
One lesson that shone through was the grit and resilience that they showed until the very end. It’s truly not over until it’s over ❤️
This will go down as one of my favourite national team wins. The spirit of what they did was palpable.