The Springbok Rugby World Cup squad is a diverse group of players from all over the country. They come from different backgrounds and speak different languages, but they are united by their love of rugby and their desire to win the tournament.
As we jet off to France it is polite to learn the language and culture and as a kick-start, we thought we’d help the French understand the universal language of our players.
For example, the name “Siya Kolisi” means “he who brings victory” in Xhosa.
And the name “Cheslin Kolbe” means “World’s Best Right Wing ” in Zulu.
To help us navigate France and the World Cup, El Broide of The Platinum Club shared the following phrases and their translations.
- Je voudrais du champagne, s’il vous plait – I would like some champagne, please.
- Allez Bokke! – Go Bokke!
- Où est le stade? – Where is the stadium?
- Une bière, s’il vous plait – A beer, please.
- Combien ça coûte? – How much does it cost?
- J’adore le rugby! – I love rugby!
- Parlez-vous anglais? – Do you speak English?
- C’est incroyable! – It’s incredible!
- Quel est le prochain match? – What is the next match?
- Merci beaucoup! – Thank you very much!
In the Spirit of #BokFriday and the opening of the World Cup, we’re sharing a universal language all South Africans will understand, and the French will come to know:
YiBokke lena, yiBokke le (These are the Bokke, these are the Bokke)
Abangaziyo, abazange bayibona (Those who don’t know, have never seen them like this)
YiBokke lena, yiBokke le (These are the Bokke, these are the Bokke)
Abamaziyo, abazange bayibona (Those who know them, have never seen them like this)
Abazange bayibona (They’ve never seen them like this)
2023 Rugby World Cup Springbok Squad

YiBokke lena Remix
Bok Opening Game Team Lineup
Now Read: SABC and MultiChoice have agreed on the rights to broadcast the 2023 Rugby World Cup


