JOHANNESBURG, Oct 20: Excitement ahead of Saturday’s World Cup final in Paris was reaching fever pitch in South Africa, as fans prepared for the Springbok’s first appearance in the final 12 years after lifting the trophy.

There was a massive show of support in the country ahead of the Springbok’s clash against England, with people all over the country decked out in their green and gold rugby jerseys and waving flags out of their car windows.

President Thabo Mbeki, clad in his Springbok jersey and cap left for France on Friday predicting “we are going to win, we are going to bring the cup back”.

Messages of support poured in from unions, police, activists, non-governmental organisations and the country’s cricket team who all sent their best wishes to the Boks ahead of the match.

Former President Nelson Mandela, who famously handed the 1995 trophy to then captain Francois Pienaar, was unable to travel to Paris for the match but sent a recorded message of support to the team.

Mandela said it was fortunate that President Mbeki would be in Paris to represent all at home.

“He carries with him the good wishes and support of all South Africans,” SABC public radio quoted him as saying.

Meanwhile Pienaar said the Springboks would be in dangerous form as they had “nothing to lose”.

“They’ve really turned the corner and they are living their dream. They’ve got nothing to lose and playing against a team who has nothing to lose in a final – that’s a worry,” he said.

In Johannesburg the official Absa Boktown supporters venue at Monte-Casino was preparing for a massive evening of entertainment with Zulu artists and drummer, cheerleaders and other live entertainers.

Casino entertainment manager Robb Gordon said the 2,600-seater venue sold out two weeks ago.

“It’s just going to be a blast, the atmosphere here has been almost like being at the game,” he said.

While waitresses served fans the popular green mint Springbok shooter, and others had their faces painted, Boktown was the place to be for a drink, biltong and boerewors (beef sausage) roll and the game the Springboks have been preparing for four years.—AFP