Retiring Blitzbok Cecil Afrika says he is grateful to have played for the Springbok Sevens team and thanks fans for their contributions and continued support during his illustrious career.
SA Rugby confirmed on 8 June that Afrika had ended his celebrated 12-year sevens career after reaching a mutual agreement with the Blitzboks’ management.
His national contract will run its course at the end of July and with no international matches or tournaments scheduled in that time, it means that the former World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year (2011) will bow out after 345 Sevens Series matches and with a points tally of 1,462.
Afrika, who made his debut in Dubai in 2009, played in his final and 66th tournament for his country in Vancouver in March this year. He was part of two World Series-winning Blitzbok squads (2017 and 2018), as well as the South African team that won Commonwealth Games gold (2014) and Olympic bronze (2016) medals.
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The 32-year-old took to Instagram to express his gratitude for the opportunities that came his way and thanked the public for their unwavering support and for sharing the journey with him.
‘What would the spirit and tournament experiences be without you guys?!’ Afrika posted.
‘You have made every match special and always edged us on from wherever you are in the World.
‘I hope you enjoyed what I brought to the field in my number 10 jersey. For all the good times and the high-blood pressure moments that are all part of the game. Your continuous and relentless support always carried me through.
‘I sincerely hope that as South African citizens, I could make you proud and leave the jersey in a better position.’
Watch: Cecil Afrika – Blitzbok great
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