The Proteas Men extend appreciation to the people of South Africa for the overwhelming support shown following their historic ICC World Test Championship (WTC) triumph at Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Over 18 - 19 June, fans across Gauteng came out in their thousands to welcome the test squad home and celebrate their achievement in winning the prestigious WTC Mace.
The celebrations began with the squad’s arrival at OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday morning, where the players and support staff were met with resounding cheers. This was followed by a special welcome reception at Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) head office in Melrose Estate.
CSA’s broadcast partner, SuperSport, hosted a ‘World of Champions’ tribute on Thursday morning before the squad made their way to Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton, where a mass of supporters gathered to meet the players and share in the momentous occasion.
In recognition of their long-standing partnership with the national team, Castle then hosted Temba Bavuma’s side for a well-deserved celebratory braai at their Bryanston head office, rounding off the two-day celebration with a touch of South African culture and camaraderie.
Sadly, the team is unable to immediately extend celebrations to other parts of the country due to their month-long tour to Zimbabwe which starts with a two-match test series on 28 June in Bulawayo.
However, CSA will host a Captain’s Homecoming later this month in Langa - Bavuma’s hometown - as well as at WSB Newlands Cricket Ground and Grand Parade in Cape Town.
In addition, a nation-wide WTC Trophy Tour is being planned for September 2025, which will take the Mace to communities across the Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and Northern Cape. Further details, including the full itinerary and dates, will be shared in due course.
Commenting on the celebrations, Bavuma said: “The support we’ve received from South Africans across the country has been nothing short of phenomenal. The scenes at the airport, at Nelson Mandela Square, and throughout the celebrations remind us of how deeply this team resonates with South Africans.
“On behalf of the entire Proteas test squad, thank you for standing with us on this unforgettable journey.”