Springbok captain Siya Kolisi says he will carry everyone who was part of his rugby journey with him when running out for his 100th Test cap on Saturday. SIMON BORCHARDT reports.
Kolisi will become the ninth South African to reach the milestone when he leads the Boks against France in Paris.
Speaking to the media on Friday, the 34-year-old reflected on his journey from Zwide to double World Cup-winning captain and the many people who helped him along the way.
“I’m very proud and honoured, and just grateful to everybody who has played a part in my life,” said Kolisi. “Without my community, I wouldn’t be here. The foundation of who I am definitely comes from Zwide – the people there raised me.
“When you did something wrong, your neighbours would discipline you and then take you home so you could get another hiding from your parents,” he added with a smile. “That’s how it was.”
Kolisi paid tribute to Eric Songwiqi, his first rugby coach and principal at Emsengeni Primary, who drove him to Eastern Province trials when he had no transport.
He also thanked Andrew Hayidakis, a former rugby coach at Grey High who scouted Kolisi at age 12 and offered him a bursary to attend the school.
Another key figure was Vincent Mai, who funded Kolisi’s education through the Vincent Mai Bursary Scheme, of which Kolisi was the first recipient, allowing him to attend Grey High. Mai has travelled from the USA to Paris to watch Saturday’s match.
“There are so many others – my grandmother, who isn’t with us anymore, and coaches like Rassie Erasmus, who gave me my first contract; Heyneke Meyer, who first picked me for the Boks; Allister Coetzee, who gave me my first start; and Jacques Nienaber, who I’ve played under,” he said.
“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.”
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Kolisi said his milestone was not about him but about everyone who had shaped his career.
“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 said.
“It’s a huge honour to wear the green and gold. Captaincy is secondary – just to wear the jersey means everything. Not many get that chance, and to do it a hundred times is really special.”
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Kolisi also reflected on what rugby has meant to his life, and to communities like the one he grew up in.
“Rugby is more than just a sport to us, it’s changed our lives,” he said. “Growing up, we were exposed to so many things we shouldn’t have been, but rugby saved us. 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. The trophies give us a platform to give back.
“Coach Rassie always reminds us it’s not just about winning; our drive goes far deeper than that. Rugby saves lives – and that’s what makes it all so special.”
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Looking ahead to Saturday’s Test, Kolisi said the Boks were determined to deliver.
“This game against France is massive. For us, it’s a Test we need to win to stay No 1 [in the World Rugby rankings] and keep building.
“We’ve seen what’s been said in the media about [French] revenge and hurt from the World Cup quarter-final, but our purpose doesn’t change.
“Every game, it’s about representing our people, our country, and each other. The French are passionate, and so are we.
“It’ll come down to the gainline, the breakdown and the set piece – whoever wins those battles will win the game.”
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Photo: Franco Arland/Gallo Images
