{"id":92568,"date":"2025-11-08T13:36:31","date_gmt":"2025-11-08T13:36:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/south-africa\/all-news\/kolisi-reflects-on-humble-start-before-france-clash"},"modified":"2025-11-08T13:58:07","modified_gmt":"2025-11-08T13:58:07","slug":"kolisi-reflects-on-humble-start-before-france-clash","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/south-africa\/all-news\/kolisi-reflects-on-humble-start-before-france-clash","title":{"rendered":"Kolisi Reflects on Humble Start Before France Clash"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – South-Africa. <\/strong><\/span>South Africa take on hosts France on Saturday in a match that will be special in several ways, not least as the 100th cap for Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and as a repeat of their epic 29-28 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal victory in Paris two years ago.<\/p>\n

The Autumn International series clash does not carry the same weight as a World Cup knockout fixture, but there will be no shortage of passion from both sides, with France seeking revenge over the team who denied them glory on their own field.<\/p>\n

It has been a week of reflection for Kolisi, arguably one of the most iconic and important Springbok players in history, whose rise from the unforgiving streets of the township of Zwide to a double-World Cup winning captain has been an unlikely fairytale.\u201cWe saw a clip from a club (in South Africa), showing what rugby means to kids in the community and that really hit home for me,\u201d said Kolisi.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor guys like me, who come from those same backgrounds, rugby is more than just a sport, it saved us from so many things. People say that often, but it\u2019s true.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe game gave us structure, opportunity and a reason to believe. It\u2019s not just trophies. The trophies just give us a platform to give back to our community.\u201cThis game isn\u2019t just about me or even the team, it\u2019s about those kids, their parents and everyone who finds hope through the sport.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor that 80 minutes when the kids are playing, their parents know they\u2019re safe. That means everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kolisi\u2019s story of growing up in impoverished conditions is well told, and while he will earn his 100th cap in the glamour of Paris, his mind casts back to his roots.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt starts with my community in Zwide,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was helped by so many people from different walks of life, but the foundation of who I am comes from there.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople in the township raised me like I was their own child. When I made mistakes, they corrected me, they guided me and they cared for me.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m also grateful to every teammate I\u2019ve had, from childhood until now. I carry all those people with me when I play.\u201d<\/p>\n

The 100th cap aside, Kolisi is aware of the magnitude of the game at the Stade de France as the Springboks seek to keep their number-one ranking to the end of the year.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery game for us right now feels like a knockout game,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\r\n