Springbok captain Siya Kolisi says Saturday’s Test against the All Blacks at FNB Stadium is about more than winning, it is a chance to repay a debt to the people of Soweto. CLINTON VAN DER BERG reports.
Kolisi spoke movingly on Friday afternoon about the sacrifices made by the community living in the shadow of the famous Calabash.
“We’re thankful for the people connected to that place who fought for the freedom that lets me and him [assistant coach Mzwandile Stick] sit here today,” he said, adding that the current generation had benefited from freedoms secured by those who endured struggles they themselves had never experienced.
“Giving our best tomorrow, and using every opportunity we get, is part of us saying thank you.”
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The Springbok skipper recalled the deep footballing history tied to the ground, referencing memories from the 1996 African Cup of Nations, and said the connection runs far beyond rugby. He described homeless residents rising to cheer as the team bus passes, and locals giving up what little they have so others can watch the match.
“It hasn’t always gone our way in Soweto, we didn’t win the first time we played here, but the numbers that show up at the stadium, and the vibe inside it, we feel it,” he said. “We hope we can give them a good memory, not just with words but with our efforts tomorrow.”
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On the field, Kolisi is closing in on a piece of Springbok history of his own. A win would give him a record 55th Test victory as Bok captain, taking him past John Smit.
He and teammates Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese will also claim the record for the most Tests played together as a Springbok loose trio, a combination Kolisi credits for much of the side’s recent success.
“We’ve all got different roles, and we’re used to playing alongside one another,” Kolisi said. “You can see the way Jasper carries the ball through contact, the work Pietie puts in, and mine is more the stuff nobody really notices, which I actually enjoy.”
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He was quick to deflect individual milestones back to the collective.
“As for the wins record, that’s a team achievement, not mine personally. As long as we win, I’m happy, because it shows we’re building and moving forward as a group.”
Asked whether wet weather forecast for kick-off could disrupt the Springboks’ plans, Kolisi was unmoved.
“It won’t affect our game plan at all. The way we play is built for any weather.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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Springbok captain Siya Kolisi says Saturday’s Test against the All Blacks at FNB Stadium is about more than winning, it is a chance to repay a debt to the people of Soweto.
The post Siya eyes history, honours Soweto’s sacrifice appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
