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Captain of the Springboks world rugby champions in mid-autumn, the third wing line Siya Kolisi has marked history with South Africa. The first black player wearing the armband to lift the William Webb Ellis trophy with his national team, the native of the township of Zwinde, a suburb of Port Elizabeth, had an exceptional year. Interview.
RFI: Siya Kolisi, what a year 2019 for you, so rich in emotions…
I couldn't have asked for better! (Smile). There have been so many joys during this year, some difficult moments too, but the victory is even more beautiful. I think I could not have dreamed of such a good year in 2019. Winning this title of world champion is a dream that has come true. Even in my wildest dreams, I thought it would be huge to achieve, and we did it! (note: he clenches his fist as a sign of satisfaction). There is not a day when I do not speak of this title of world champion. Ask my wife! (note: seated to her left, she nods, all smiles, to confirm what her husband has said). It is an immense satisfaction, and I have the impression that I lifted the trophy yesterday, whereas it was almost two months ago. I even dream of it even some nights in my bed, that's to tell you how it marked me.
Two months after the title, let's go back to your team's journey during the world championship. What was the great strength of the Springboks in Japan? Your team still somewhat thwarted the forecasts of some experts ...
Our great strength is our unity. We are more than a team, we are a family. We gave our all for each of our teammates, we did not give up and we supported each other. You know, between preparation and the tournament, we spent long months together, and we go through several types of emotions, because we live in a close relationship between all the players and the staff. We solidify ties, we indulge a little more, because we spend so much time together that we can get to know his teammates almost as well as his own wife (smile). We did this together, we managed to reach the coronation of the world by being united, playing as one man if I may say so. We did not let go after the end of the meeting where we won the title, we all kissed, we all cried, it looked like a team of children who had just won the moon. It was just magic, it was the highest moment of my career so far.
Show everyone that you can be a united nation
You are also the first black to become world champion in the role of captain with the Springboks. What does this mean for you?
I see this as a strong sign, but I'm just a teammate trying to make his national team shine and playing for the team. The symbolism is important, and I was so moved to win the world in this position, but I think collectively. It is clear that my role as a national team could inspire other young people and kids in the townships, and I especially think of the positive impact across the country that our victory created. I just want to be an example and show everyone that we can be a united nation and that talents come from all ethnic origins. The symbolism is strong, my image lifting the trophy has gone around the world, but I think above all of the positive impact and the actions for the youth to come. There are millions of Siya Kolisi in the country, we must help them as I was helped to get out with sport.
I am very happy to be an example
You are now a symbol, an example for your compatriots and for young people in townships across the rainbow nation. We often hear you talk about the importance of having examples and role models for the country's disadvantaged youth. How do you feel about the South African star of the moment?
I feel good in this role, but it was not always easy to manage. It's difficult to become captain of a team as strong as South Africa, and you have to know how to stay the course whatever the circumstances. I am very happy to be an example, a role model for the young people of my country, whatever their social status or their ethnic origin. I want to show, and continue to show that we are a strong people, that I, the kid from the township of Zwinde, can do beautiful things and that young people can do as much, if not better, than I do. I also want to get more and more involved in social projects with this new status. I am passionate about my sport, but I also use it to help others. By rugby, but also by other sports while putting education and health above everything. The craze around rugby and our title is huge in the country, and if that can help the South African youth to gain self-confidence and believe in their dreams, well I would be the happiest man in the world.
What can we wish you for this new year?
I want to become the best player in the world and come back in four years to keep our world title. I want to take on a new dimension on and off the field. I want to continue to be a good ambassador for my sport and my country, I want to continue to work hard so that mine will continue to see me as an example and inspired by my career. I want to continue to show that everything is possible, that nothing is taken for granted, that with work and a lot of patience, we can achieve great things in life.