Figure of the fight against apartheid, the archbishop passed away this Sunday at the age of 90 years. He was very close to the South African rugby team, crowned world champion in 1995, 2007 and 2019.
In 2019, the South African world champions had made a point of meeting Monsignor Desmond Tutu to present the trophy to him, he who was present during the first coronation, founder of the rainbow nation, in 1995. On social networks, several Springboks wanted to pay tribute to him moved this Sunday.
Bryan Habana, sacred winger in 2007, posted a quote from the Archbishop – “Do some good where you are. It is these actions taken together that turn the world upside downยป-, before adding a touching word. “Thank you for your positivity, your passion, your courage, your leadership and your unwavering commitment to making this world a better place.“
The former Toulousain and now Toulonnais Cheslin Kolbe, 2019 world champion, sent a photo with Desmond Tutu. And posted a wish: “may your legacy live on forever“Siya Kolisi, the iconic captain of the Springboks titled in Japan two years ago, sent him a message in the Xhosa language:”Lala Ngoxolo Tata“(“Sleep in peace dad“).
“He was our moral compass”
Mark Alexander, President of the South African Rugby Federation
Legendary mainstay Tendai Mtawarira, nicknamed The Beast, had some very personal words. “The Archbishop played a major role in making my return to the Springboks possible. And, for that, I will be eternally grateful to him. Rest well Bishop Desmond Tutu. Thank you for being the epitome of what humanity should stand for.“
The president of the South African rugby federation has sent a long message. “Desmond Tutu was a staunch supporter of rugby in South Africa, and I vividly remember the pleasure he had meeting the Springboks on their Rugby World Cup trophy tour in Cape Town in 2019. The example he set and the principles he defended will be sorely missed. We have lost another giant and our country is immensely poorer for it, pointed out Mark Alexander. Archbishop Tutu stood up for all that were the best of us as a nation and his fearless fight for freedom was an example for all of us to stand up against injustice wherever it happened. He was our moral compass and always pointed in the direction of principle.“
SEE ALSO – The splendid winning goal of Moses Simon for Nantes against Lens on December 10 (3-2)