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London - Nobody can argue that South Africans are not passionate about their sport.
Just ask brothers Reder (24) and Jan-Andre van Rooyen (26).
The two cricket nuts have travelled all the way from Johannesburg to London to watch Thursday's Cricket World Cup opener between the Proteas and England at The Oval.
Fortunately for them, the weather seems to be playing its part, because 13 000 km is a long way to travel for a washed-out game!
"We got the news last year that we got the tickets and we have been saving up ever since then," Reder told Sport24 outside the ground.
"We're heading back to South Africa on Saturday and then back to work on Monday.
"It was spur of the moment, but we're super stoked."
There was a large contingent of South African fans building outside of the venue in the hours leading up to the first ball of the tournament, but many of them live in the UK already.
"It's worth it," Jan-Andre added.
"We've been at different stadiums throughout the week checking them out, but to be here on day one is absolutely amazing.
"We're more than happy to be here having come all the way from Joburg to see the first ball."
The mood among South Africans outside the stadium was one of optimism.
"We're behind the boys completely and it's just a matter of things going our way," said Reder.
"We're silent underdogs right now. Hopefully we can conquer them," added Jan-Andre.
@LloydBurnard is in England covering the 2019 Cricket World Cup for Sport24 ...
This is what gees looks like. Looks like there will be a strong contingent of SA supporters at The Oval today for the Proteas' #CWC2019 opener against England @Sport24news @News24 pic.twitter.com/AhD6SigCgX
— Lloyd Burnard (@LloydBurnard) May 30, 2019
