Springboks, Saffas flock Nando’s in Baltimore [video]

The Springboks – as well as South African rugby fans – flocked to Nando’s in Baltimore, Maryland, for a taste of home.

This comes ahead of the national team’s fourth and final Greatest Rivalry clash against the All Blacks.

South Africa has won two out of three matches thus far.

SPRINGBOKS, RUGBY FANS FLOCK TO NANDO’S BALTIMORE

On social media, Nando’s US acknowledged a group of special customers who popped into its Baltimore branch – the Springboks themselves!

The group – which included Handre Pollard, Eben Etzebeth, Ox Nche and Deon Fourie amongst others – enjoyed the restaurant’s famous flame-grilled chicken during a break from training.

Nando’s shared alongside snaps of the players: “Springboks in the house! What an honour to provide a taste of home for @bokrugby”

The restaurant commemorated the occasion of the Greatest Rivalry by running a
“Rugby clubhouse” special, featuring food, booze and music.

In pics posted online, large crowds of South Africans – wearing their green and gold rugby jerseys – flocked to the eatery. Some had to join a waiting list before even entering the venue, decorated with South African flags and memorabilia. 

Take a look…

ROOTS RUN DEEP

While Nando’s prides itself as a South African restaurant, its cuisine has strong Portuguese and Mozambican roots.

The chain was founded in 1987 by South African-born Robert Brozin and Portuguese-born Fernando Duarte, who initially bought a Portuguese/Mozambican restaurant called Chickenland in Rosettenville, Johannesburg.

The duo were captivated by the restaurant’s PERi-PERi chicken, whose main ingredient is the African Bird’s Eye chilli, used by Portuguese settlers in their cooking.

The restaurant was renamed Nando’s and now has over 1000 restaurants in more than 20 countries.