Kolisi's first presser as Springbok captain left an impression on the Scenic Drive team
In his first press conference as the captain of the Springbok rugby team, Siya Kolisi made a strong statement about his approach to leading the Boks. The Scenic Drive's Marcelle Gordon shared her thoughts on the statement.
The news of Siya Kolisi's appointment as the captain of the Springboks was met with much fanfare in the sporting world.
SA Rugby magazine reported on the appointment, revealing that Kolisi will first step onto the field as captain during the three-Test series against England. Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus also announced that Pieter-Steph du Toit would lead the Boks against Wales, and reiterated that both Kolisi and du Toit were "honest, hardworking men who enjoy the respect of their fellow players".
Kolisi has played 28 tests since his debut at the age of 22. He's scored four tries and was one of the Springboks to shine in an otherwise disappointing international season last year.
The Scenic Drive team also wanted to congratulate Siya Kolisi on his appointment and spoke about the impression that Kolisi's 30 May press conference - his first as the captain - left on them.
Says Jacaranda FM's sports presenter Marcelle Gordon: "The 26-year old from Zwide, in Port Elizabeth, says he
understands that his personal story is especially inspiring to black South
Africans but says his role and that of his teammates is to represent all South
Africans."
Kolisi's responses during the conference showed that he was cognisant of the weight of his position and that he was not going to undermine it by playing politics; his job is to represent all South Africans by playing the well-loved sport to the best of his ability.
Kolisi was also asked about the moment he found out he was being handed the captaincy.
*Visuals courtesy of Brenden Nel