You know the moment. The lights drop, a drumbeat builds, and through the smoke they charge. Animal skins, rippling muscle, feet pounding to Johnny Clegg’s Impi. These are the Impi Warriors; The men who fire up the Springboks and get the gees of 60 million South Africans roaring.

They’re not mascots. They’re athletes, performers, and storytellers. After years with the Springboks, they’re aiming higher.As symbols of warrior spirit across all of South African sport. Maybe even at the Olympics someday.

Let’s meet the men carrying that legacy.

MEET THE WARRIORS

Alfonzo “Fonzo” Franke

The original Impi and a filmmaker by trade. Fonzo helped shape the whole concept. He still recalls his debut against the All Blacks. His leap landed him face-to-face with captain Kieran Read, so intense it nearly looked like an attack. Instead, it earned respect, with New Zealand’s coach praising the fire he brought to the field.

Torra Sipokwe

A fitness trainer, model, and actor from Cape Town, with nearly a decade in the squad. Torra sees the role as cultural representation and personal empowerment. He leads the match-day prep: push-ups, pump-up drills, and says the process gives him confidence.

Daniel Matloga

The newest lead warrior, and a champion bodybuilder. When he took over in 2023, scrutiny came fast, but so did growth. “Bodybuilding taught me that critics don’t help,” he says. Today he stands confidently in the role, a clear testament to the discipline and resilience at the heart of the Impi ethos.

THE RITUAL

Backstage, they pump up. Push-ups, focus drills. Then the first beats hit. Smoke fills the tunnel. They charge forward, spear raised, eyes locked.

Fonzo captures it best: “There are butterflies right before, but the moment you run on, the adrenaline kicks in.” They’re not just performing—they’re setting the tone, lighting up the crowd and rattling the opposition. The roar of fans rises. Even opponents don’t look away.

THE SPEAR POINTS TO THE FUTURE

What began in rugby has grown. Now the Impis envision themselves at the heart of all South African sport. As living symbols of heritage, unity and fire.

They’ve moved from theatre to legacy. From gimmick to identity. With Fonzo, Torra and Daniel at the forefront, they’re carrying that spear toward a future bigger than any one game.