Travel News South Africa

Cheetahs take to the Falls

After winning their pre-season clash in Harare against the Vodacom Bulls, the Toyota Free State Cheetahs paid a visit to Zimbabwe's top tourist attraction, Victoria Falls.
The Cheetahs rugby team at Victoria Falls. Photo - Tom Varley
The Cheetahs rugby team at Victoria Falls. Photo - Tom Varley

The 45-strong squad, who stayed at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge this week, were blown away by the beauty of Victoria Falls, which many had never seen before, with team captain Francois Venter saying, it was well beyond his expectations.

“It’s an unbelievable experience. We’ve been hearing a few rumours that Victoria Falls is drying up, but I can tell you that’s not true. It’s amazing to see how much water is there,” Venter said.

Giving back while on tour

The Cheetahs’ visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the World included a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, a tour of Victoria Falls, dinner at The Boma – Place of Eating, as well as a coaching clinic at Victoria Falls Primary School.

“Sport plays a big role in a child’s life... giving something back is a big thing for us - we want to reach out to the community and make a difference where we can, and not just in the Free State, where we are from,” Venter said. “We did basic drills with the kids and they excelled, they were surprisingly good,” he added.

The Toyota Free State Cheetahs returned to South Africa, but Venter hoped the Lafarge Zimbabwe Champions Cup would become an annual fixture, allowing them to return to Zimbabwe next year.

Africa Albida Tourism (AAT) chief executive Ross Kennedy said it was such a privilege and pleasure to host the Cheetahs pre-season squad in Victoria Falls at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. “To see and hear their enthusiasm, delight and energy during their stay and the pure wonder and amazement when seeing Victoria Falls for the first time, for many of them, was wonderful. We hope to welcome them and other South African sports teams back in future,” Kennedy said.

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