One of the biggest and fiercest Impi’s has paid homage to the longest-playing Springbok, Eben Etzebeth, at their match against Argentina on Saturday, 28 September.
The Zulu warrior honoured the rugby warrior with a special introduction at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.
With 128 test match appearances, Etzebeth becomes the most-capped Bok of all time.
To sweeten the occasion, the Boks beat Los Pumas 48-7.
IMPI HONOURS EBEN ETZEBETH
Ahead of the match, rugby fans were treated to an exceptional performance by the Springbok Impi.
The Zulu warriors usually introduce the national team to the crowd and try their best to intimidate the opponents.
This time around, the biggest Impi – Sibusiso Kotelo – introduced another fierce fighter, Eben Etebeth.
Kotelo was seen walking out of the changing rooms carrying a flame, which he used to light a sign that read “Eben 128”. The Impi then performed a traditional dance to the tune of the late Johnny Clegg and Juluka’s song of the same name. Moments later, Eben Etzebeth walked onto the pitch alongside his wife Anlia and their baby girl.
The towering lock was later seen shedding tears during the performance of the national anthem.
Etzebeth, who plays for the Sharks, is no stranger to the Zulu culture.
During the Durban leg of the World Cup Trophy Tour last year, Eben also paid homage to his adopted home province by wearing a traditional animal-skin headband.
Eben Etzebeth now nicknamed Elizabhedi showed crowds gathered outside the Durban City hall the trophy 🏆 on behalf of their Captain Kolisi, in his absence. #SpringbokChampions @_NMabaso pic.twitter.com/lc50BSwUQe
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) November 4, 2023
WHO IS THE ZULU WARRIOR?
Impi Sibusiso Kotelo is one of three Zulu Impis who perform before each Springbok match in South Africa.
When he’s not dazzling crowds with his dancing skills at rugby matches, the 1,86-m tall, 138 kg muscular man is a personal trainer, actor, and fitness model.
In July, Kotelo made history by becoming the first black bodybuilder to compete at the Dubai Pro.
Of his Impi duties, Kotelo claimed that he was “proud and honoured” to represent the country,
He posted on Instagram, “This has been a huge highlight for 2024. I’m really proud to call myself a South African.”
IS EBEN ETZEBETH THE ‘IMPI’ OF THE SPRINGBOKS?
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