Vodacom's Shosholoza Bokke campaign keeps SA fans in players hearts via virtual stadium

Nothing inspires players more than a nation's backing, and the Vodacom Shosholoza Bokke campaign has sent the Springboks to New Zealand confident that they have an entire country supporting them.

Since it launched on June 11, the innovative campaign has revealed unprecedented fan support for the Springboks as celebrities and fans showed their passion for the national team. More than 2000 unique creative video file uploads of fans singing the popular anthem flooded in from the public.

The winning contributions ranged from Bedfordview's Lizzie Maelane dressing up as a Tokoloshe, Andrew Christie from Centurion and his friend painting themselves green and Chano le Grange, who persuaded her husband Frans to remove her garter against the backdrop of Shosholoza at their wedding. Emile Jansen of Parow and his little daughter delivered a wonderful rendition of the anthem, while Johannesburg's Anthony Burns filmed himself singing Shosholoza in various places all over Africa.

These are the winners of the Shosholoza Bokke competition, who each win an all expenses paid trip for themselves and a partner to New Zealand in October, valued at R200 000. Vodacom would like to congratulate all the entrants for their fantastic support and for the entertaining video submissions to the Vodacom Shosholoza Bokke competition.

The Vodacom Shosholoza Bokke campaign was an instant hit in the media, drawing more than 25 000 views on YouTube and receiving extensive coverage on television, radio and social media.

The popularity of the campaign inspired Vodacom to show the Springboks the true measure of the South African nation's support. As a follow-up to the first TV ad, Vodacom's Creative Agency Draft FCB and their production agency produced a world first "Virtual Stadium". This television ad features a virtual fan stadium with each uploaded video filling a seat in the rugby environment.

With the Springboks centre stage on the field, each supporter video adds to the chorus of Shosholoza that rings around the virtual stadium and boosts the Springboks on their journey across the globe.

The "Virtual Stadium" TV ad, launched on YouTube and the rugby show Boots and All on Thursday 1 September, has drawn great support with over 6000 views to date.

"We expected the nation to support the Springboks, but the response to the Vodacom ShosholozaBokke campaign was absolutely overwhelming," said Enzo Scarcella, Managing Executive: Marketing at Vodacom."The fans embraced the campaign with full-blown enthusiasm and the outcome was absolutely stupendous. The Vodacom Shosholoza Bokke campaign certainly underlines the support our Springboks enjoy in this country."

The national team was overwhelmed by the support and the passion shown by their fans, particularly in the humour and creativity of the entries. Vodacom is keeping the support for the Springboks alive through the biggest virtual stadium online.

Fans can continue to show their support by uploading their Shosholoza Bokke videos, which are placed in the virtual stadium. This enables all the Springboks and their fans to see and hear the support by navigating their way through the videos at vodacom.co.za/rugby. Vodacom has provided the tools for every South African to show their passion by adding their voice to the ever-growing virtual stadium online.

In association with Vodafone NZ, Vodacom has ensured that the Springboks stay connected with friends, fans and family in South African. Upon their arrival in New Zealand, Vodacom provided the players with Vodafone New Zealand data sim cards with 5GB of data pre-loaded.

Thanks to Vodacom, the Springboks now have the power of a nation behind them.

ENDS