Siya Kolisi thrilled to be captain New Stormers leader makes history, with Etzebeth as vice
SIYA Kolisi’s elevation to Stormers captain in 2017 is a staggering rise for a young man who came from hardship before enjoying the good life as a young professional rugby player a little too much.
But marriage‚ having a son and becoming the guardian to his long lost brother and sister has matured the 25-year-old flank and set up him for a significant position in South African Rugby.
The Stormers and rugby in Cape Town generally receive more attention than other franchises in the country and Kolisi is now the face of the organisation.
And he is ready for the challenge that not only being captain of the Stormers entails but also the first black African captain of the team.
“My life has been up and down to reach this point‚” Kolisi said.
“When I was nine and living in the township [Zwide outside Port Elizabeth] I never would have thought this possible.
“When I got to Grey High I started thinking about rugby as a career but even at U19 level I wasn’t sure how it would go and I never thought I’d be a leader.
“At my wedding‚ after my speech‚ coach Fleckie [Stormers coach Robbie Fleck] told me that I was a natural leader but that I needed to grow up. People see things in me that I don’t always see.
“So coach Robbie and I had a chat in the preseason when I was doing rehab. He told me to lead on and off the field. I’ve taken that in.
“My domestic situation changed as well. My brother and sister came to live with us and I never want them to look far for a role model. I want them to live life like I lead it – my son also – so I have to set a good example.
“While I was recovering from an ankle injury‚ I paid some attention to my life away from rugby.
“I realised that you can’t make rugby your entire life. You need to have a focus for life after rugby‚ so when it’s gone you know how to cope as a human being.”
Kolisi is already a Springbok and is entering his fifth year of Super Rugby. He has been around the block as a player and is now one of the most experienced men in the callow squad.
His good friend and Bok lock Eben Etzebeth will be vice-captain and has offered his unwavering support to Kolisi.
They should make a good combination with the more softly spoken and by his own admission ‘softer’ Kolisi leading and the ‘harder’ more direct Etzebeth backing him up.
“I’m not much of a talker on the field but I will communicate when I have to‚” Kolisi said.
“Eben is also not a talker but when he speaks‚ players stop to listen because they’re not used to hearing his voice.
“I feel really strong and confident with Eben at my side. We’re two different people, I’m softer than him so I’m going to have to learn to be harder.
“But he is also going to have to learn to be a little softer.”
The two both wanted the job of captain and it came down to a choice between them. It could have been awkward and strained their relationship when Fleck called the pair to his office on Monday to reveal his decision.
“My heart was pounding when coach Fleckie told me I would be captain. But there was never a moment’s hesitation that I would accept it.
“Eben and I have come a long way and become really good friends. Every year we’re getting closer. He was a groomsman at my wedding and he immediately said that he gives me his full support.
“It’s a big responsibility but it’s not a burden. It was nice getting congratulations and feeling special but then you get home and you’ve got to do homework with the kids‚ and you realise you’re not that special.
“I spoke to my wife about it and told her that I was chosen because of the person I am. I have to keep being that person.” — TMG