---
title: "Springboks’ return to Gqeberha sparks pride, nostalgia — and a playful Rassie Erasmus"
description: "When the Springboks return to Gqeberha this weekend, it won’t just be a Test match — it’s a hometown reunion. From fan petitions to rename a highway after coach Rassie Erasmus, to emotional homecomings for players, the Boks’ Friendly City fixture is packed with pride, nostalgia and local heart."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "BEST OF THE BAY"
author: "Riaan Marais"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/riaan-marais/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-07-08-springboks-gqeberha-test-rassie-erasmus/"
published: "2025-07-08T22:08:19"
updated: "2025-07-08T22:44:06"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 413
---

# Springboks’ return to Gqeberha sparks pride, nostalgia — and a playful Rassie Erasmus

> When the Springboks return to Gqeberha this weekend, it won’t just be a Test match — it’s a hometown reunion. From fan petitions to rename a highway after coach Rassie Erasmus, to emotional homecomings for players, the Boks’ Friendly City fixture is packed with pride, nostalgia and local heart.

By Riaan Marais · Published 9 July 2025, 00:08 SAST · Updated 9 July 2025, 00:44 SAST

## Key points
- In a delightful twist, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus initially mistook a petition to rename a road in his honour as an AI prank, but he’s now basking in the warm glow of local adoration ahead of a much-anticipated homecoming Test in Gqeberha—though he might want to steer clear of Despatch if the team doesn't deliver…
- Rassie Erasmus initially dismissed a petition to rename a road after him as a joke, expressing disbelief at the idea.
- The Springbok coach finds inspiration in fan support as the team prepares for their Test match against Italy in Gqeberha.
- Local players, including Makazole Mapimpi and Manie Libbok, express excitement about returning to their home province for the match.
- Siya Kolisi will sit out this week’s game as a precaution after injury, despite his desire to play in front of his home crowd.

## Content

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says he thought it was a joke when he first saw a petition calling for the R75 between Gqeberha and his hometown of Despatch to be renamed in his honour.

“A friend sent me pictures of this petition and I thought it was generated with AI or something. I couldn’t believe it,” the Springbok coach said with a laugh.

But when journalists at a press conference ahead of the Boks’ clash with Italy in Nelson Mandela Bay asked him about the suggested name change, Erasmus said the fans’ faith in him and the support for the team were inspiring.

“I find it difficult to talk about myself, but it’s nice to hear people discussing things like this. I love hearing what the people have to say about me and the team, and it’s great to check social media and to be in touch with what the public thinks of us.”

**Read more:**[After four years, the Boks are back in Gqeberha for a Test with deep local roots](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-07-06-after-four-years-the-boks-are-back-in-gqeberha-for-a-test-with-deep-local-roots/)

Besides Erasmus, Nelson Mandela Bay’s first Test match in four years will be a homecoming of sorts for several players in the team. No 11 wing Makazole Mapimpi, who hails from Mdantsane, said he was very excited to play his 47th match in the Friendly City.

“We don’t come here often, and coming here is always exciting. The people love to see us play, and I am just happy that I get to play here in my home province,” Mapimpi said.

In the starting line-up with him will be flyhalf Manie Libbok, who was born just around the corner in Humansdorp.

Fans will, however, be sad to know that hometown hero Siya Kolisi will not be donning the number six jersey this week.

Erasmus said that while he knows Kolisi wants to play in front of his home crowd, resting him for another week after coming back from injury might be the smarter choice.

“I never got to play a Test match here, in the old Boet Erasmus Stadium. I think the closest I got was playing against Canada in East London.

“I know how much it means for the guys to come home. It’s lekker here and we know how the people operate,” Erasmus said.

“While we are here, I would like to go to Despatch and visit some old friends. I’m just afraid they will ask for their ticket money back if we don’t play well,” Erasmus laughed. **DM**