Springbok Seven coach Philip Snyman has heaped praise at the team for enduring all the challenges to claim bronze at the Paris Olympics after beating Australia 26-19.
This after the team lost their first two games against Ireland and New Zealand respectively, before they bounced back to beat Japan and shocked New Zealand to book a place in the semifinals.
“We have a great management, and this win was also for those back in South Africa, but the moment belongs to the players – I am so proud of them and what they achieved here today,” said Snyman.
“We had our ups and downs, especially on the first day, but the way the team came back on the next two competition days made me so proud,” said Snyman.
Snyman, who was member of the 2016 Rio Olympics squad that won a medal in the inaugural Rugby Sevens event, said credit must go to the players who clinch the country’s first medal at the games.
“We had our lapses and could have been in the final, but all that matters will be the bronze medals they earned today. It is so deserved to a group of guys who never stopped working and playing for their country.
“We were gutted after the France defeat, but the players showed huge courage to come out and fight for that bronze medal against Australia.
“I am so proud of them, as I am sure South Africa will be for their first medal at the Paris Games,” added the coach.
Meanwhile, Blitzbok captain Selvyn Davids, who produced an excellent performance against the All Blacks in the quarterfinals, echoed the coach’s comments.
“We had to come such a long way, and needed to qualify through the repechage tournament just to get to Paris, and we were the last team in.
“We were almost down and out earlier in the year, but what a comeback and what a fight by this group.
“It is so satisfying to see us playing to our potential and be proud Olympic medallists.
“We are proud of this medal and achievement and to know that we have done our system justice and hopefully gave South Africa something to smile about is really a great feeling,” added Davids.
