Siya Kolisi, the captain of the South African national rugby team, is considered a living legend in the world of rugby.
He grew up in the Zwide township in Port Elizabeth. His mother passed away when he was 15 years old, after which he was raised by his grandmother, Nolulamile.
Kolisi had shown talent in rugby from a young age, and at the age of 12, he was discovered by talent scouts during a youth tournament.
He was later accepted on a scholarship to Grey Junior School in Port Elizabeth and continued on scholarship to Grey High School. Throughout high school, he was always part of the school’s rugby team. Between 2007 and 2009, he played in the youth ranks of the Eastern Province Kings.
He was eventually selected for South Africa’s under-18 national team.
Professional Career and Historic Captaincy
Kolisi began his professional rugby career with Western Province.
He later played for teams such as the Stormers and Racing 92, and currently plays for the Sharks. His playing position is flanker and loose forward.
In 2018, he was appointed captain of the national team — a historic moment, as no black player had ever been given this role in South Africa before.
World Cup Victories and Global Recognition
During his captaincy, he achieved numerous successes, including winning the 2019 Rugby World Cup against England and the 2023 World Cup final against New Zealand.
These achievements led to his inclusion in New African magazine’s December 2019 issue, where he was listed among the 100 most influential Africans.
In April 2023, he was awarded the National Order of Ikhamanga by the South African government for his contributions to rugby.
South Africa’s Most Successful Rugby Captain
Siya Kolisi has not only become South Africa’s first black captain but also the most successful captain in the team’s history.
In a single year, he led the team to win multiple trophies, including the Qatar Airways Cup, Mandela Challenge Plate, Freedom Cup, Rugby Championship, and Prince William Cup.
Personal Life and Family
In 2016, Kolisi married Rachel Smith, and the couple has two children.
Kolisi’s siblings from his mother, Liyema and Liphelo, also live with his family.
In 2024, Kolisi and Rachel announced their decision to divorce but emphasized their shared commitment to their children’s future and their intention to co-parent responsibly.
The Kolisi Foundation and Social Impact
In 2020, following the COVID-19 pandemic, Kolisi and his wife established the Kolisi Foundation.
One of the foundation’s main goals is to address gender inequality in the country.
The organization focuses on areas such as gender-based violence, food insecurity, education, and sports, particularly in townships and other under-resourced communities.
Additionally, Kolisi, along with cricketer Faf du Plessis, has contributed to food donations for aid organizations.
In July 2020, Kolisi was appointed a Global Advocate for the UN’s Spotlight Initiative, which aims to end violence against women and girls.
A Symbol of Equality and Change
Siya Kolisi, who has achieved great success through sheer determination and effort, has become a symbolic figure in the fight for social equality.
In the post-Apartheid era, he stands out as one of the most culturally significant figures to challenge and break the legacy of that regime.