Kolisi: bigger than we imagined

Returning to his roots Springbok captain Siya Kolisi said as a team, only now have they started to realise what a massive impact the World Cup has had on South Africa.

As part of the Bok trophy tour Kolisi yesterday returned to the Zwide township in Port Elizabeth where he grew up in humble surroundings.

“Seeing all this beautiful support we only realise now what it means to the country,” said Kolisi.

“What I have seen the past couple of days is something I have never seen in my lifetime, I was too young in ‘95 and even President Ramaphosa said this is huge. Not a lot of people can do what this team have done,” he said.

Kolisi said the most important thing that coach Rassie Erasmus had said before the game was that for once this was the opportunity to play for South Africa.

“He said when you make a mistake don’t think about yourself but think of the people in SA.

“He told us not to give up and give your everything because this would mean so much for the people in SA,” added Kolisi.

For Bok backline coach Mzwandile Stick it was a return to the city where he too endured many hardships but also had his first exeperience as an assistant coach for the EP Kings.

“This is for the people in the Eastern Cape and SA, La Roche road is where I used to walk and run to training sessions, it was tough, I won’t lie,” said Stick.

“If I see a young kid out there in New Brighton I want to inspire him and give him hope, or a young kid in Zwide when he sees Siya.

Where he comes from I want to tell him it is possible,” said Stick.

Other Bok stars like centre Lukhanyo Am and wing Makazole Mapimpi also hail from the Eastern Cape where it all started for them at Border in East London, where the team also greeted fans on Saturday.

“A guy like Makazole coming from the rural areas – yes it was tough – but what a great moment to be alive and be a South African.”

“We want to say thank you to everyone. I’m hoping this is the beginning of great things in SA.”