Bryanston teen living with bone cancer fulfils dream of meeting Siya Kolisi
Bryanston teenager Daniel Botha says meeting Springbok captain Siya Kolisi gave him renewed hope, and reminded him that there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.
Bryanston resident Daniel Botha (14) will never forget July 4, as he walked onto the field at Ellis Park Stadium alongside his sporting hero, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi.
Living with bone cancer for the past three years, Daniel’s dream of meeting Kolisi was made possible by the Reach for a Dream Foundation, which has been fulfilling the dreams of children living with life-threatening illnesses since 1988. Daniel and his family believed they were simply enjoying a special day out watching the Springboks take on England. After lunch at Panarottis, Reach for a Dream fieldworkers surprised him with the news that he would not only watch the match; he would meet Kolisi. “It was hard to believe that I was actually going to meet him in person, and I couldn’t have been happier.”
The surprise became even more memorable when Daniel walked, hand in hand with Kolisi, through the players’ tunnel and onto the field in front of thousands of supporters. “It was a little nerve-wracking at first, but once I stepped onto the field, I felt comfortable and proud to be there.”
For Daniel, one moment stood above all the others. “Standing alongside the Springboks and singing the national anthem, I felt like I was one of them. They didn’t make me feel like an outsider, they welcomed me as part of the lineup.”
Although Daniel recently suffered an accident and attended the event on crutches, he was determined not to miss the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Reach for a Dream Gauteng regional manager Silindile Tsotetsi said Daniel’s courage left a lasting impression. “Daniel is an incredible young boy with a big personality and an even bigger love for his parents and the Springboks. Despite recently being involved in an accident and attending his dream day on crutches, he was determined not to miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience. We’re proud to have made his dream come true.”
Meeting Kolisi exceeded Daniel’s expectations. “He is incredibly kind. He didn’t just take a photo and walk away; he took the time to talk to me like a friend. I felt that he genuinely cared, and that meant a lot to me.”
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Daniel’s mother, Stefanie Botha, described the experience as priceless. “While there are many things I can buy for my son, this was one moment I couldn’t. Watching him live out his dream and create memories that will last a lifetime was truly priceless.”
Reflecting on his cancer journey, Daniel said the experience renewed his determination to keep fighting. “I have been living with bone cancer for the past three years, and there were times when it was hard to find a reason to keep going, but I was surrounded by people who never gave up on me. Their love, encouragement, and unwavering support gave me the strength to keep fighting.”
He added that the dream reminded him how much support surrounds him. “This dream also showed me that there are far more people willing to stand by you through both the good times and the difficult ones than you realise. Seeing that support has inspired me to keep pushing forward. Why should I give up when so many people believe in me? Even in the toughest moments, I know that, with the support of those around me, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.”
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