Maroons stars adopt ‘Ubuntu’ as team motto – here’s where the word comes from and what it means
Queensland Origin stars use ‘Ubuntu’ as their team motto – this is where the word comes from and what it means
Queensland’s Origin squad is renowned for their team unity – and Billy Slater’s 2023 squad have proudly adopted the Afrikaans word ‘Ubuntu’ as their mantra as they attempt to win another series against NSW.
Translated, the Zulu word means ‘I am, because we are’, and it suits the Maroons, because they do everything they can to value the group over the individual.
And the likes of Valentine Holmes, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Reuben Cotter, and Lindsay Collins are all for it.
“Yeah, it’s just our team, I think the motto, that we started before the first game,” Holmes said 9Queensland News.
‘We’ve all fallen for it. We’ll even say it on the field.’
Queensland’s Origin squad is known for their team unity – and Billy Slater’s 2023 squad has adopted the Afrikaans word ‘Ubuntu’ as a mantra as they attempt to win back-to-back series
Maroon enforcer Tino Fa’asuamaleaui explained that ‘Ubuntu’ means ‘have your brothers back’
“The only way we can be successful is if we play as a team. It is a team sport.’
Ubuntu is a Zulu term that translates to ‘I am, because we are’ – and Maroon enforcer Tino Fa’asuamaleaui confirmed that the modern interpretation with footy players is ‘have your brothers back’.
Fellow striker Cotter said selflessness is keywhere the term comes first prominence in sports circles after the Boston Celtics won the 2008 NBA championship.
The team, led by superstar Kevin Garnett, chanted the term before every game on their way to a drought-breaking title.
15 years later, the Maroons have adopted the same term with gusto – and the first signs are promising.
“You’re not doing something for yourself, you’re doing it for this team,” Collins said.
“You get a huge kick out of it. Knowing that someone works for you as well as for themselves.
The Maroons performed again at the Origin arena, storming home to beat the Blues 26-18 in the series opener in Adelaide on 31 May
‘Original football…you represent everyone in Queensland…the fans, family, friends and then your teammates.’
The team’s first mantra was evident in the series opener in Adelaide, with Murray Taulagi’s back-to-back try-savers before half time setting the tone.
And late – down to 12 men – the Maroons scored two late tries to seal a remarkable 26-18 victory.
Game two is at Suncorp Stadium on June 21, with NSW needing to win to keep the series alive.
Mitchell Moses has replaced injured halfback Nathan Cleary, while Stefano Utoikamanu and Reece Robson make their Brisbane Blues debuts.
A win for the hosts is also likely to end Brad Fittler’s tenure as NSW coach.