Siya Kolisi’s Springbok journey began in Mbombela
He came off the bench much earlier than expected, and won man of the match.
Last Saturday, in his 50th Test match, his 19th as captain, Siya Kolisi reached the pinnacle of his rugby career so far. He lifted the Webb Ellis Cup after South Africa defeated England 32-12 in the 2019 World Cup Ruby final at Yokohama Stadium, Japan
But, in 2013, Mbombela played a vital role in his journey to greatness. It was an event witnessed by about 31 000 people in the capital city of Mpumalanga that winter’s day.
His long and often hard journey began many years before, barefoot on the dusty field of Emsengeni Primary School in Gwide, Eastern Cape.
It took him to Grey High, to the Eastern Province Kings, where he played junior provincial rugby, to Western Province where he donned the famous blue and white hoops and also represented the Stormers.
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One of the most important destinations he stopped at in his rugby career journey was Mbombela Stadium on June 15, 2013.
The Springboks were playing Scotland and Kolisi was named on the Bok bench.
Seven minutes into the match he achieved his childhood dream. Arno Botha was injured and the then-less bulky loose-forward came on to the field to became Springbok number 851.
Kolisi ran onto the field wearing the number 20 Springbok jersey, to rapturous applause from the packed stadium. His reputation, in just his second season for the Stormers, had preceded him.
On the field with him that day were Willie le Roux, Eben Etzebeth and Beast Mtawarira. The four played side by side to defeat England on Saturday.
The referee was Frenchman, Romain Poite, one of the assistant referees who officiated the World Cup final.
Kolisi played a blinder of a match, which was initially dominated by Scotland, with South Africa making a late surge to win 30-17.
Like in the World Cup final, Kolisi’s father, Fezakele was in the crowd to witness this milestone in his son’s career.
The replacement flanker, who celebrated his 22nd birthday the next day (Youth Day, 2013), was man of the match.
Just over six years later Siya Kolisi would lead South Africa to their third Rugby World Cup triumph.
Seventy-three minutes on a beautiful, warm winter’s afternoon in Mbombela in June 2013 made a difference to Kolisi’s life.
