Check out what former and current rugby players had to say following the retirement of Blitzbok great Cecil Afrika.
END OF AN ERA
A legend in every sense of the word!! Inspiring, passionate, professional, and a role model to all!
Thank you for all the joy you have given us @AfrikaCecil!
You will be sorely missed!
May the next chapter be even more successful. Be blessed my friend.#HSBC7s pic.twitter.com/N2C0cwqk2c— Bryan Habana (@BryanHabana) June 8, 2020
@AfrikaCecil Sorry to see your announcement today but sure next chapter will be a great one. You were a Rolls Royce of a player, so graceful & creative for so many years. One of best ever. Hugely respected amongst your peers and coaches – thank you for making the game richer.
— Ben Ryan (@benjaminryan) June 8, 2020
From serving me with smiles (when I was the academy), to sharing those smiles with you. YOU gave my hope a face! I’m being pretty selfish, but I know for a fact that I’m not the only one you touched. Thank you for harnessing your gift for our pleasure. #SterkteVoorentoe pic.twitter.com/wwWEgsfst4
— Maleven (@Seabelo_Senatla) June 8, 2020
Weldone Legend on an amazing career . https://t.co/sNwLrXQrNp
— Tendai Mtawarira (@Beast_TM) June 8, 2020
Thanks for the memories Cecil Afrika,a true ambassador of the beautiful game of 7’s,youve sacrifice a lot to give you all for that jersey and our country,Dankie meneer,goodluck with your next adventure pic.twitter.com/jBj7gbU0CX
— Breyton Paulse (@BreytonPaulse) June 8, 2020
True servant of the game
— Billy Odhiambo (@OdhiamboBilly) June 8, 2020
A sad read as @AfrikaCecil steps down from international sevens rugby @WorldRugby7s. He was a true master for many years. Not the way he’d like to have walked, but what a path created!! https://t.co/rAkCs3fXaG
— Rob Vickerman (@robvickerman) June 8, 2020
What a legend! Still remember ‘fanboying’ in George 2010 @Jimmy_J90 all the best @AfrikaCecil and congratulations on our career https://t.co/lEVkvTfTRr
— James Fleming (@FlemJames) June 8, 2020
Some player!! congrats on a great career
— James Johnstone (@Jimmy_J90) June 8, 2020
One of the best @AfrikaCecil great knock my friend. All the best for future endeavours.
— Scott.Wight (@wighty10) June 8, 2020
Cecil has been a wonderful servant for @Blitzboks and the game of @WorldRugby7s …Helluva a playmaker and an alround nice guy who will he missed on the pitch and in the traveling circus https://t.co/PG1WtBZlx8
— Mike Friday (@MikeFriday09) June 8, 2020
Congratulations to @AfrikaCecil on an amazing @WorldRugby7s career with the @Blitzboks You are highly skilled and celebrated by many. You can be proud of your efforts. We salute you
— Farhaan Behardien (@fudgie11) June 8, 2020
It was always a pleasure calling 7s involving Cecil. A great career and I wish him all the best in the future.@FOXRUGBY https://t.co/vrWKH9h2kl
— Greg Clark (@greg_clarkie) June 9, 2020
GOOD job legend @CecilAfrica
Great career with @Blitzboks @WorldRugby7s @WorldRugby pic.twitter.com/77G5pM0ZzO— Terry Bouhraoua (@terrybouhraoua) June 9, 2020
@AfrikaCecil All the best! Appreciated! Top man. pic.twitter.com/GWGvrBa6KF
— Don (@donpendo) June 8, 2020
respect https://t.co/QXjuU5qlTN
— 坂井克行 Katsuyuki Sakai (@sakai_k7) June 8, 2020
Few athletes have delighted and enthralled as consistently as @AfrikaCecil. The shimmy, the slightest pause, and then the effortless burst past flailing defences – and always with that quiet smile. Brilliant on and off the field – thanks for the memories Cecil.
— Dan Nicholl (@dannicholl) June 8, 2020
Photo: Gallo Images