 The All Blacks Supporters Club, Worcester, South Africa. - Our clubs formation and progress since first established in 2009.
- We now have about 150 members including women and juniors.
- We have access to our “own” club house which belongs to a local rugby and cricket club.
- We have been participating in some fundraisers for charity, one being the cancer association of South Africa when we dressed in black and each member bought a bandanna in support of the CANSA Shavathon, where you could either shave or spray your hair for a small donation.
- We had a great time, and doing these little things gives us as a club the satisfaction knowing that we are being noticed.
- But hey it is for a good cause and at the same time we get good exposure.
Dear All
The local NZ support group visited our store recently and made a huge purchase of 50 bandanas as part of our community awareness program. Posing with the "enemy" is AM Johan Kleynhans with Sarah Mintoor and Peter Witbooi.
Kind regards,
PnP Mountain Mill
Proudly Bokke!!!
In December of 2009, (30) of us were fortunate enough to be able to attend the George 7’s, it was awesome, you may have seen our All Blacks Supporters sign at the 7s.
The best part was after DJ received the cup in front of the main stand he pointed in our direction, and the boys did the haka in front of us....Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!
The bok supporters just stood there envious.
Why we support the All Blacks
The first time I saw the ABs play was in 1981, remember that tour? My dad woke me up at 4 in the morning to watch players like Cowboy Shaw, Mexted, Hayden, Stu Wilson, Pokere, Loveridge, Fraser, etc. I saw the AB’s when I was just 10 years old so politics was not even a factor. Hooked on AB’s ever since. Every bit of rugby news and history I just treasure. I love rugby and I love the AB’s. My favorite player of all time was Christian Cullen. I used to look at maps in a Geography handbook of New Zealand, and as a 10 year old, try to pronounce Waikato, and Otago. What still amazes me is how a country the size of NZ can take on and beat countries like Australia, France, South Africa and the British Isles. South Africa is my country but the All Blacks are my rugby team.
Cheers
Mardun
I put the following questions to some of our members, and to Nigel in Cape Town;
Kia Ora
Ladies and gentlemen
A quick question or 3;
1) What does it mean to you to be an All Blacks rugby supporter?
2) Is your choice politically or racially motivated?
3) Is it still worthwhile to be an All Blacks supporter?
Do not think I am in doubt about whom and what I support.
Remember we have members out there who need to respond to these questions.
I think in the light of Saturday’s incidents it is up to us to educate our members with proper and insightful answers.
Ek praat nie van opstel skryf nie net ‘n paar gedagtes asb.
Thanx
Mardun
Worcester, RSA
Hey bro,
I always strangely enough get confronted with these questions when faced with journalists and interviews etc.
No.1. You are associating yourself with the ideals of the All Blacks and to me that means being the best in the world at what you do while remaining totally humble and keeping your head glued to the ground. When we teach our kids about anything, we always look at the best in the business to learn from and in RUGBY, it is the All Blacks. We identify with the goals of dominating in what we do with the humility and the way we never stay down for long. We align ourselves with a cause most familiar to our own ideals and that is why I choose to support the ALL BLACKS.
No.2. Straight talk is no insult, yes, it used to be back in those days, but not TODAY, I am an All Blacks supporter because I firmly believe they are the superior rugby race on earth. In the old days the bond which fostered between the Maori players and the colored community on the Cape Flats has become unbreakable and has passed on to the younger generation and they too choose to be All Blacks and there is no political motivation attached. How are you that have ties with them as your friends, expected to turn your back on them when they pull on that Black Jersey?
No.3. If your values have not changed, how can your rugby team?
We must remember mates, we fought for the freedom to choose and freedom to associate so whoever has a problem with us exercising those hard earned rights, its not our problem, they must deal with it.
Kashief
Worcester, RSA
To share in the passion of true rugby, not of one or two or 15 but of many.
Not political neither racial, rather about a legacy passed on from my father, grandfather and great grandfather.
It is not merely worthwhile its one of the key ingredients of my life, my lifestyle, my being. I am an AB Supporter by choice, by identity and always proud to wear the black jersey
Claude
Worcester, RSA
I support the All Blacks because I love them. They are a great expression of who we are. They are tough, simple, courageous, innovative, humble, and punch above their weight. Increasingly we don't recognise the images of the All Blacks in front of us. They are becoming indistinguishable from international sports celebrities in soccer, basketball or golf, Ferrari or Woods.
In the seventies I met Billy Bush, from Wairarapa. He, together with Syd Going and Brian Williams, STAYED AT MY GRANDPARENTS’ HOME, BECAUSE THE WHITE HOTELS DID NOT ALLOW MAORI’S IN THEIR HOTELS>..So coloureds accommodated many of the players.
In those times I was NOT politically aware. It was simply ‘something I liked’ but over the years, over time, I became to LOVE THEM. Their legacy of over 100 years of rugby tradition is something I will promote till the day I die!!
KIA KAHA HAPU!!!
Nigel
Cape Town, RSA
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