Habana honoured by Sports Minister

Habana reached the milestone two weekends ago when he scored twice against Samoa in the Castle Lager Incoming Series decider at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. He became only the sixth player in the history of the game to score 50 Test tries, as the Springboks went on to win the match by 56-23.

Apart from a special trophy, Habana also received R50,000 from Sports and Recreation South Africa.

“I feel privileged to be honoured in this manner by our Minister of Sport,” said Habana, who scored his first Test try on debut against England at Twickenham in 2004.

“However, I think it’s only appropriate that I share the accolades with my teammates, without whom I would not have been able to score any tries. To get one try for the Springboks was amazing – to reach 50 is almost unreal.”

Habana donated his prize money of R50,000 to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital.

“Madiba did so much for our wonderful country and this donation is just a small gesture to help his legacy live on forever,” said Habana.

“We all know how close children have always been to his heart and I think the building of this new hospital will ensure the world will forever know what Nelson Mandela was all about.”