Kolisi uncertain if he’ll continue leading Boks

Kolisi uncertain if he’ll continue leading Boks

‘I’ve never thought about that, I was focused on the World Cup’Kolisi is unsure if he will continue to captain the Boks: “I didn’t give that much thought because I was too focused on the World Cup.”

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi
Image: Thulani Mbele

Despite becoming the first captain to lead Springboks to two successive World Cups, Siya Kolisi has not made up his mind as to whether to step aside from the captaincy.

Kolisi led the Springboks to back-to-back titles on Saturday when they beat rivals New Zealand 12-11 in the final at Stade de France in France.

The victory was a record fourth Webb Ellis title for SA and Kolisi has now joined Richie McCaw of the All Blacks as the only two captains to have led their countries to successive World Cups.

Kolisi, 32, will be 36 years old when the next event takes place in Australia in 2027.

“Honestly, I’ve never thought about that. The most important thing was [focusing on] the World Cup and the Springboks captain is huge, especially for the country,” Kolisi told the media after their arrival at OR Tambo International Airport yesterday.

“I only got a small role to play within the team. We are all leaders in the group and we are all in charge of the game

With the win, South Africa achieved a record-tying fourth Webb Ellis championship, and Kolisi became the only captain to have led both his country and the All Blacks to consecutive World Cups, along with Richie McCaw.

When the next event occurs in Australia in 2027, Kolisi, 32, will be 36 years old.

To be honest, I’ve never given that much thought. The Springboks captain is significant, especially for the country, and it was the most important thing to focus on,” Kolisi told the media following their arrival at OR Tambo International Airport yesterday.

“In the team, I just had a minor part to perform. Each of us is in command of the game and the group as a whole.

“I believe that the boys will always back the Springboks captain, and it will fit like a glove.But I’m content as long as I’m wearing the Springbok shirt.”

Following his hero’s welcome with the team yesterday, Kolisi urged the nation to support the Proteas in India as they compete in the ongoing Cricket World Cup.

Today’s matchup between the Proteas and New Zealand will determine whether they advance to the semifinals.

“It is obvious that the Proteas are in India, and they give us great pride. They are putting on their best fight. We have received supportive texts from them,” Kolisi remarked.

“I really want to really encourage the nation to genuinely get behind Temba [Bavuma] and the squad as much as they were behind us.

“They have been demonstrating that they truly deserve our support. They are about to embark on an unprecedented endeavor.

Therefore, we need to help them now more than ever. How brilliantly they have been playing is evident. Let’s support them. We have provided them with some inspiration to work with.

“Temba and the crew, we’re behind you. Imagine if they can too. Guys, you are appreciated and loved by us.”

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