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WATCH: The Siya Kolisi speech that left SA with goosebumps
In an emotional moment, Kolisi waited for cheers of admiration to quiet down before sharing his side's gratitude.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi acknowledges the crowd after their superb win over the All Blacks in their World Cup warm-up match at Twickenham on Friday night. Picture: Alex Davidson/Getty Images
Just days after the Springboks’ record-breaking victory against the All Blacks, captain Siya Kolisi’s post-match speech continues to reverberate across the country.
The Boks hammered New Zealand 35 to 7 at Twickenham Stadium in London, in their final warm-up match ahead of the World Cup in France next month.
Kolisi overwhelmed Bok supporters in South Africa and abroad with the team’s thanks for the support they had received.
Ubuntu
In an emotional moment, Kolisi waited for cheers of admiration to quiet down before sharing his side’s gratitude.
“It’s been an amazing journey for us as a group and to see so many beautiful South Africans out here I can’t tell you how proud I am. Before we got to the stadium, driving here in the bus just reminded us once again who we play the game for,” said Siya Kolisi.
“You (the fans) are who we do it for and why we work hard every single day. No matter where we are in the world, South Africans always turn up. We thank you, we appreciate you and we do it for you so keep backing us,” Kolisi said.
ALSO READ: Siya Kolisi wants to inspire South Africans with ubuntu
Reactions
The moment left many emotional, and social media was filled with love for Kolisi and the Boks.
“How humble is this man. I was sceptical about his game when he was made captain in 2018. But he has sure proven me and a lot of people wrong. I’m proud to say this is my Springbok captain,” tweeted one user.
Vaughan Marshall said Siya Kolisi inspired all South Africans, while Kgopotso Africa said the Bok captain put his country first.
“Springboks does it the AKA style. Putting the country’s interests first. Less politics that side.”
Kolisi’ wife Racheal was also mesmerised by the support for the Springboks.
“So many South Africans, I’m obsessed…What a game of rugby to experience live!” she said.
With the Rugby World Cup starting next week, Kolisi’s speech will no doubt unite the country behind the Springboks as they take on the world.
ALSO READ: ‘We gave it everything,’ says Siya after Boks’ record win against All Blacks
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