Springboks Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am have been spotted undergoing a Xhosa custom in a rural village in the Eastern Cape.

In pics posted on social media, the rugby stars – who both play for the Sharks – were decked in traditional wear.In the pics – posted by X user @Skekezwa, Mapimpi, and Lukhanyo AM were seen attending a Xhosa ceremony held in the village of Nxahuni.

 

Both Springboks hail from the Eastern Cape; Makazole grew up in the village of Tsholomnqa, while Lukhanyo comes from Zwelitsha in East London.

In the pics, Makazole is seen wearing blue Xhosa beads around his head and neck. In another, he wore a traditional men’s wrap skirt.

On X, one user suggested the Boks were attending an Umgidi ceremony, which marks the triumphant return of initiates.In the comments section, many praised the Springboks for remembering their Xhosa customs.

One tweep posted: “True Xhosa Dyans. Always respect their traditions, even if they are famous”