Angelo Davids paid an emotional tribute to outgoing Blitzboks coach Neil Powell at the Sevens World Cup on Sunday.

Powell’s 10-year tenure ended in a victory against Samoa in the seventh-place playoff.

Speaking after the match, Davids explained how much Powell has meant to him personally, as a coach and a positive role-model off the field.

“Whenever we speak about Neil Powell, it always hits me deep,” said Davids. “He was the man who changed me; he was the guy who told me that I could make it; the guy who was there when I needed a father; he was the guy who told me to never give up, to keep going, to keep believing.

“So for him, I want to thank him for what he did in my life. I’m going to miss him a hell of a lot – and I love him so much.”

Fellow Blitzbok JC Pretorius shared how influential Powell had been for both himself and his teammates.

“Some of the guys come from far away – straight out of school and haven’t been away from home before,” said Pretorius.

“My home is about 1,500km away – over the weekends I can’t fly back home and see my friends. Coach Neil stepped in as a father figure. He formed us as better men off the field. That was his main goal – to make us better men and better players on and off the field.”

Davids thanked the home support from South Africans at the Cape Town Stadium, who stuck with the side to the end despite the Blitzboks’ disappointing quarter-final exit to Ireland on Saturday.

“I think we’re happy with that last match, but I know we couldn’t give South Africa fans what they wanted,” said Davids.

“But one thing I want to say is: thank you to all the supporters who came out throughout these whole three days: supporting us, not giving up on us, and always having our backs no matter how it went.

“It’s been incredible over these three days – supporters who have come from far, to support us. It’s much appreciated.”

Photo: Roger Sedres/Gallo Images