Touching homecomings for Springbok World Cup stars

It was scenes of jubilation as the World Cup stars returned to their hometowns.

Double World Cup-winner returned home in Strand last week and was greeted by a plethora of supporters.

The 25-year-old received a hero's welcome and engaged with the local community in the Western Cape.

Hailing from the small town of Mokwena in Thaba Nchu, Ox Nché returned to an honorary ceremony by the traditional community.

About an hour's drive from Bloemfontein, queen Kgosi Gaboilelwe Moroka presented Nche with the inaugural Tlotlo ya Morafe wa Barolong-Boo-Seleka – Honour of the Nation.

It is the nation of Barolong-Boo-Seleka’s highest honour. It is “granted to esteemed individuals who stand out for their exceptional achievements in their field and have served the nation and the interests of our country to the best of their abilities.

“This honour will serve as a beacon of hope to inspire hard work and commitment for all of us to aspire to our highest ideals as the nation of Barolong-Boo-Seleka.”

After already completing a huge Springboks trophy tour with thousands in attendance around the country, there was even a special bus set up, adorned with the image of the now local hero Nché.

Manie Libbok returned to his hometown in Humansdorp, Eastern Cape, for a celebratory homecoming at Graslaagte Primary School.

Thousands of adoring fans gathered to welcome Libbok back to his former primary school.

*Additional Source: Rugbypass