Siya Kolisi: An inspirational icon and one of rugby union’s greatest leaders
Collage of Springboks captain Siya Kolisi.
Siyamthanda Kolisi. A name that has become synonymous with the word ‘leader’ over the last six years, culminating in an influence that transcends the game itself.
From a young child with a dream to an icon that bleeds the colours of the South African flag, Siya Kolisi is set to rewrite the history books as the most capped Springbok captain at Rugby World Cups (12), surpassing the great John Smit (11).
Breaking ground
The man from Zwide township near Gqerberha in South Africa’s Eastern Cape broke new ground in 2018, becoming the first black captain in the country’s history.
The significance of this moment cannot be overstated. In itself, it is a remarkable achievement, but in the context of South Africa’s history, is it that much more impressive.
The Springboks were once viewed as a symbol of apartheid to the point where the name and emblem were very nearly abandoned when the regime came to an end in 1994.
Fast-track a couple of decades, and there is a trailblazing figure, almost sobering in his honesty, humility and longing for people to work together as one. The reality is that it had to be that kind of person, considering the team was coming off a dreadful period in terms of not only poor form but also huge pressure over the transformation of the team.
Of course, there were doubters and those who believed it was a wrong appointment – there always will be – but Kolisi never broke his stride, always unphased by anything negative outside of the team environment.
Transforming the symbol of a Springbok
The famous Rugby World Cup win of 1995, where Nelson Mandela shook Francois Pienaar’s hand and handed over the trophy, united a nation, making the Springboks a permanent component of just about every South African’s life.
The years that followed saw the perception of the team change multiple times from the hard men of 2003 and Kamp Staaldraad to the gritty warriors of 2007 to the disconnection from 2016-2017.
By the time Kolisi was given the armband, it was very clear the Springboks needed a new image, something fans and people of the country could relate to. The key element the great captain brought was honesty.
From the get-go, he acknowledged he would never be perfect and that he needed good leaders around him to be a good leader himself. Instead of taking it all on his own, he shared the load to align with the individual strengths within the leadership group. His approach brings to mind the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child”, and in this case, the child was his team.
Jump to 2023, and the group has a clear identity of who they are, and who they play for. The notion that it is a privilege to play on this stage rather than a pressure is so powerful as the team acknowledges the socio-economic struggles of the everyday South African. Suddenly Springbok fans feel like they have ownership of the team; it’s no longer ‘the team’ it’s ‘our team’ a phenomenon typified by the ‘Stronger Together’ and ‘Stronger Forever’ campaign used by the side for the last five years.
Beyond the game
Since the 2019 tournament, much has happened, including the unprecedented times of the Covid-19 pandemic that influenced the lives of so many around the globe.
It was a time filled with restrictions to daily life across the world. It was also a period where Kolisi’s true colours shone through.
Instead of putting his feet up and adhering to government restrictions and waiting for the situation to improve, Kolisi and his wife Rachel kicked their newly founded organisation, the Kolisi Foundation, into overdrive.
The pair, along with all those who partner and work with the foundation, got to work delivering food packs to communities in need. Whilst others stayed inside, Siya was one of those ‘essential workers’ striving to make a difference.
Feet on the ground development
The 2019 triumph came with a lot of publicity and fame for Kolisi, particularly as the pandemic’s influence on the world eased. Not once did the superstar let this get to him; instead, he fostered his growing stature with the help of the Roc Nation Sports agency to give him a greater platform to make a difference.
Of course, this is greatly helped by him continuing his form on the field and inspiring his teammates primarily. The 2021 British & Irish Lions tour was played in front of no fans and, in many ways, had an eerie feel to it.
Kolisi’s leadership grew during that tour as the great Alun Wyn Jones used his experience to take a more commanding position in the referee’s mind. This was highlighted by Rasse Erasmus’ infamous video, but Kolisi learnt from that.
Over the next two years, one could see the flank improving the way he dealt with referees, as well as how effectively he communicated information back to his team.
Against the odds
Disaster struck in his swansong game for the Sharks earlier this year, where Kolisi suffered a serious knee injury, throwing his World Cup in doubt.
It was a panic-filled time for Springbok fans who knew that despite the country having great loose forwards, no one could match up to the captain’s influence.
Kolisi went under the knife and put his head down. Suddenly, his forecasted return to play was being brought earlier and earlier with every injury update until he was cleared to play two games before the tournament and months before he was initially projected to return.
There was great debate; is he actually fit? Will he get up to speed fast enough for the World Cup?
Those questions evaporated in minutes as Kolisi took less than five minutes in his return to play a teammate in for a try, and he has not looked back since.
Tournament leadership
Kolisi has led tremendously well in the 2023 edition, with one instance in particular highlighting this. Manie Libbok was playing extremely well, but for a couple of games had been off the mark, with his goal-kicking attracting a lot of media interest.
With Libbok under the pump and even after head coach Jacques Nienaber had answered, Kolisi brought the attention to him and spoke passionately about how a team shares duties. When one is wobbling, another steps in. He emphasised the importance of being a unit. It was a heart-warming display of leadership.
🇿🇦 Siya Kolisi taking the lead off the pitch, too!
Comes to defend Manie Libbok's kicking. 🙌#RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/cDXIMt6JbO
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) September 11, 2023
The chance to write his name in the stars… again!
Now Kolisi has the chance to join Richie McCaw as the only captain to go back-to-back at the World Cup in what will be a monumental clash in Paris.
It all comes down to this, a massive moment in the historical context of the game with both sides having already won three titles.
Win or lose on Saturday, the legendary Siya Kolisi will go down as one of rugby union’s greatest-ever leaders.
READ MORE: Springboks opt for a 7-1 split for Rugby World Cup final against the All Blacks
