In a stadium built for crowds, the Springboks A faced the French Barbarians in a game that’s been getting our nation off their couches for decades. Rugby’s reputation precedes it and galvanises fans across the globe with unwavering support, chanting war cries that fuel the players on the field with deafening roars when any of our heroes puts the ball beyond the try line. The problem with this match at Moses Mabida was staggering: the stadium was empty.
Chulumanco Macingwane contacted a few friends with his concern that such a tangible opportunity to connect people with their country’s sports people was being lost. A week later, 35 people united in Soweto to add their voices to a game that saw the same two teams face each other — but to a way more enthusiastic soundtrack…
The Gwijo Squad was born.
With most members hailing from the Eastern Cape, the Gwijo Squad is a sports fans movement with the vision and purpose of stimulating inclusive involvement for supporters around the country across rugby, cricket and netball, by igniting a cohesive energy that unifies people through song.
Why? Because we believe that transformation and winning are not mutually exclusive.
We are now 920* strong — and growing!