Los Pumas – the national rugby team of Argentina – have been spotted out and about at the Umhlanga Rocks Beach in Durban. This comes ahead of their clash against the Springboks next weekend.
However, residents have expressed their concern at the choice of venue, once dubbed “Durban’s toilet”.
LOS PUMAS SPEND TIME AT UMHLANGA ROCKS BEACH
In a clip posted on their social media account, Los Pumas are seen enjoying the sea, sand, and sunshine at Umhlanga Rocks Beach.
The Argentine rugby club took advantage of the outdoor training experience and even enjoyed a few splashes in the ocean.
However, a few Durban residents voiced their opinions that the beach, and particularly the water, was not a safe environment.
In recent years, the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) coastline waters have been contaminated by sewage leaks, leading to health hazards, including the spread of E. coli.
@fostrevor: “Is that water safe to swim in? Sewerage has been running into the ocean at an alarming rate.”
@willievanniekerk: “Are Los Pumas swimming in the sea with the poop?”
@craig: “Be careful of the e.coli!”
@Brad19771977: “Sewage poisoning accusations loading”
Earlier this year, Umhlanga Rocks residents dubbed their local beach “Durban’s toilet” after reportedly discovering faeces floating in the water.
According to city water quality reports, Umhlanga Rocks Beach is now safe to swim in.
@veruschkagovender Springboks vs Argentina. The Los Pumas are in Durban 🎉🎉🎉🥰🥰🥰 #lospumas #argentina🇦🇷 #rugbychampionship #springboksrugby #springboks ♬ original sound – Veruschka Govender🇿🇦
CLASH AGAINST SPRINGBOKS
Meanwhile, Los Pumas will face the Springboks on Saturday, 27 September, at Durban’s Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium.
This will mark the South African team’s last match on home soil.
A week later, the rivals will play again on 4 October at England’s Twickenham.
