The Stellenbosch FC camp will be drawing inspiration from Rugby World Cup champions the Springboks ahead of tonight’s Carling Knockout quarter-final clash against Polokwane City.

South Africa’s national men’s rugby team were crowned world champions for a record fourth time last weekend after narrowly defeating bitter rivals New Zealand in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final in France.

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The Springboks’ triumph has been hailed as a source of inspiration and celebration across the country, including in Stellenbosch where Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker reveals that he and his side can draw many lessons from their sporting counterparts’ success.

“We as a club and the players can learn a lot from the Springboks,” Barker said ahead of Friday’s cup encounter against Polokwane City.

“They showed commitment, unity, togetherness, and a never-give-up or never-say-die attitude.

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“They played with their heart on their sleeve, playing for not only themselves but for their families and the whole nation.

“You can draw inspiration from that, and the fact that at that level they still have the desire to want to succeed as much as they have.”

“We are very proud of what they have achieved. Hopefully we can get our football to a level where we can be as proud of it as a nation as we are of the Springboks.”

Barker’s sentiments were echoed by Stellies goalkeeper Sage Stephens, who shared that the coach had used the Springboks’ success as a reference point ahead of the club’s upcoming quarter-final clash.

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“We actually spoke about it in our team meeting where the coach touched on it,” Stephens explained.

“One thing we can take away from it is their resilience and their will to win. Their team spirit is of the highest level, and we as Stellenbosch can take inspiration from that and their never-say-die attitude.

“If we can use a bit of that this weekend and moving forward, then we can go all the way in this competition.”