The Impi Warriors: South Africa’s Fierce Pregame Tradition





Before the Springboks take the field, the roar of the crowd isn’t just for rugby—it’s also for the Impi Warriors, a group of GORAS  performers who channel the spirit of Zulu warriors to electrify matchday atmospheres across South Africa.



Alfonzo “Fonzo” Franke. The original Impi and a filmmaker by trade.


Who Are the Impi Warriors?

Dressed in traditional Zulu gear—animal skins, shields (ihawu), and spears (assegai)—the Impi Warriors are a team of fitness enthusiasts (often called "goras," a slang term for strongmen) who combine athleticism, drumming, and warrior chants to fire up fans. Their name comes from the Zulu word "impi," meaning a regiment of fighters, symbolizing the same courage and unity that the Springboks embody on the pitch.




Torra Sibokwe works as a professional fitness instructor based in Sea Point, Cape Town


Their Role in Springboks Rugby

They perform high-energy displays of strength, dance, and warrior chants, setting the tone before kickoff with performances which honor Zulu heritage.




Daniel Matloga is a bodybuilder, fitness instructor and entrepreneur



Key Figures

GORAS like Sibusiso Kotelo and Daniel Matloga are the two most recognisable Impi warriors being open bodybuilders. Kotelo's sheer size, over 300 pounds of muscle, made him an instant online hit. He's a bodybuilder, and for those of us who have followed South African bodybuilding, he's a familiar face—he made history as the first Black South African to earn an IFBB pro card. 




Videos of him leading the Boks out began trending immediately, with everyone asking the same question: who is this superhuman? His legendary picture with Siya Kolisi, captured as he pointed his spear and pulled the captain toward him before "shooting" him at the All Blacks, broke the internet and became one of the most iconic images in recent Springbok history.





 In stepping into the Impi role, Kotelo hasn't just joined the crew—he has elevated the warrior legend, transforming the pre-match ritual into something spiritual and intimidating that the players  





Why They Matter

More than just entertainers, the Impi Warriors represent pride, strength, and cultural identity—reminding fans that every Springboks battle on the field is also a celebration of the nation’s heartbeat.

Catch them in action before the next Bokke match—you won’t want to miss their war cry! 🏉🔥