Blitzboks coach Philip Snyman had to make do with a candle and cupcake on his 38th birthday on Wednesday.
But SA captain Selvyn Davids celebrated his 31st in a more dramatic way, posing next to the other captains at the new Kai Tak Stadium, where this weekend’s Hong Kong Sevens takes place.
Snyman and Davids not only share birthdays, but also debut memories.
Davids represented the Blitzboks for the first time in Hong Kong in 2017, while Snyman officially took over as national sevens head coach at the corresponding tournament last year.
Davids said it is hard to believe that he is back in the Far East as captain again, so many years after his debut.
“The year 2017 was the start of everything. I did not think way back then that eight years later, representing my country, I would still be playing for the team, and to top that, lead them here in Hong Kong, as well as celebrating my birthday,” said Davids.
“Obviously, the ideal would have been to be with my blood relatives and girlfriend back home.
“But the guys in this team are my second family, so I don’t mind sharing this day with them either.
“To also represent the team at the captains’ photo was a bonus, especially in the new stadium. We are looking forward to playing there on the weekend.”
The Blitzboks never tasted a tournament victory at the previous venue, the Hong Kong Stadium, and Davids said they want to change that at Kai Tak Stadium.
“That is a definite goal for the squad, we want to be successful here in Hong Kong,” he said.
“We have won all around the world, but not here. This is such a prestigious event, and we need to get that done – and what better time to start here in the new stadium.
“We have won a lot of tournaments, like the Commonwealth Games, and got a bronze at the Olympics last year.
“We are much more consistent than we were in previous years. We are in a great space, and are playing for each other, and we have had much more positive results this year.
“If we focus on our processes and just do what the coach asks of us, I think we will be successful.
“We have shown consistent form this season, believe in each other and know what we can achieve, so we are going to have a real go at it.”
A special moment for Gino Cupido as he makes his #HSBCSVNS debut in Hong Kong this weekend🔥💯#PoweredByUnity pic.twitter.com/MsDLmEV0HB
Davids, who was recently voted the 2024 Springbok Sevens Player of the Year, said he plans to continue playing for another couple of years, hoping to be in contention for the next Olympic Games in 2028 in Los Angeles.
“I would like to have another go at gold,” the 2024 bronze medallist said.
“But I have to keep in mind that I will be 34 by then.
“There are a number of younger players that will be pushing for my spot. In fact, they are pushing already and keeping me on my toes.”