When Siya Kolisi sprints onto the pitch for his 100th Test cap this Saturday against France in Paris, he won't just be carrying the hopes of a nation, but the hearts of everyone who has touched his journey from Zwide to becoming a double World Cup-winning captain. The 34-year-old Springbok captain is set to join an elite club as the ninth South African to hit this milestone.
Kolisi shared reflections on his upbringing and the numerous people who've supported him along the way. "I’m very proud and honoured, and just grateful to everybody who has played a part in my life," Kolisi stated, crediting his community for shaping him into the man he is today. He reminisced about his childhood with a hint of humor, "When you did something wrong, your neighbours would discipline you and then take you home so you could get another hiding from your parents."
"Siya’s now our hero"
Kolisi didn't forget to acknowledge Eric Songwiqi, his first rugby coach and school principal, who provided transportation to trials when Kolisi had none. Andrew Hayidakis and Vincent Mai, who offered a bursary for his education at Grey High, were also mentioned with gratitude. Mai, particularly, has made the trip from the USA to Paris to witness Kolisi's landmark game.
The influence of his coaches was paramount. "There were times when coaches could have given up on me, but they stuck with me and kept backing me until I learned my lessons," he said, appreciating figures like Rassie Erasmus, Heyneke Meyer, Allister Coetzee, and Jacques Nienaber for their roles in his career.
"I realised Siya could become a statesman"
For Kolisi, reaching 100 caps is more than a personal achievement; it's a tribute to everyone who has molded his path. "When I run out, I carry all those people with me – and all South Africans who expect so much from this team because they’ve seen what we can do," he commented. "It’s a huge honour to wear the green and gold. Captaincy is secondary – just to wear the jersey means everything."
Kolisi also touched on the transformative power of rugby, "Rugby is more than just a sport to us, it’s changed our lives. It gave us direction and purpose. That’s why this game isn’t just about me or the team. It’s for the kids in clubs, for their parents, and for everyone who loves the sport."
Looking ahead to the clash with France, Kolisi is aware of the stakes. "This game against France is massive. For us, it’s a Test we need to win to stay No 1 and keep building. Every game, it’s about representing our people, our country, and each other. The French are passionate, and so are we." He predicts that the game will hinge on key battles at the gainline, the breakdown, and the set piece.
As the Springboks prepare to defend their top world ranking in what promises to be a titanic clash, all eyes will be on Kolisi, a man who carries much more than just the hopes of a victory.
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When Siya Kolisi sprints onto the pitch for his 100th Test cap this Saturday against France in Paris, he won't just be carrying the hopes of a nation, but the hearts of everyone who has touched his journey from Zwide to becoming a double World Cup-winning captain. The 34-year-old Springbok captain is set to join an elite club as the ninth South African to hit this milestone.
Kolisi shared reflections on his upbringing and the numerous people who've supported him along the way. "I’m very proud and honoured, and just grateful to everybody who has played a part in my life," Kolisi stated, crediting his community for shaping him into the man he is today. He reminisced about his childhood with a hint of humor, "When you did something wrong, your neighbours would discipline you and then take you home so you could get another hiding from your parents."
"Siya’s now our hero"
Kolisi didn't forget to acknowledge Eric Songwiqi, his first rugby coach and school principal, who provided transportation to trials when Kolisi had none. Andrew Hayidakis and Vincent Mai, who offered a bursary for his education at Grey High, were also mentioned with gratitude. Mai, particularly, has made the trip from the USA to Paris to witness Kolisi's landmark game.
The influence of his coaches was paramount. "There were times when coaches could have given up on me, but they stuck with me and kept backing me until I learned my lessons," he said, appreciating figures like Rassie Erasmus, Heyneke Meyer, Allister Coetzee, and Jacques Nienaber for their roles in his career.
"I realised Siya could become a statesman"
For Kolisi, reaching 100 caps is more than a personal achievement; it's a tribute to everyone who has molded his path. "When I run out, I carry all those people with me – and all South Africans who expect so much from this team because they’ve seen what we can do," he commented. "It’s a huge honour to wear the green and gold. Captaincy is secondary – just to wear the jersey means everything."
Kolisi also touched on the transformative power of rugby, "Rugby is more than just a sport to us, it’s changed our lives. It gave us direction and purpose. That’s why this game isn’t just about me or the team. It’s for the kids in clubs, for their parents, and for everyone who loves the sport."
Looking ahead to the clash with France, Kolisi is aware of the stakes. "This game against France is massive. For us, it’s a Test we need to win to stay No 1 and keep building. Every game, it’s about representing our people, our country, and each other. The French are passionate, and so are we." He predicts that the game will hinge on key battles at the gainline, the breakdown, and the set piece.
As the Springboks prepare to defend their top world ranking in what promises to be a titanic clash, all eyes will be on Kolisi, a man who carries much more than just the hopes of a victory.