Like Siya Kolisi, his father Fezakele has shown his affectionate side towards players during the Springboks trophy tour to Gqeberha over the weekend.
The captain’s dad featured in a clip posted on social media by the national team.
On Saturday, 23 March, the Boks travelled to the Eastern Cape city for their second leg of the tour. The stop has been criticised by fans for being “underwhelming.”
SIYA KOLISI’S DAD SHINES DURING GQEBERHA TROPHY TOUR
Although Siya Kolisi himself was mising in action over his contractual obligations to French team Racing 92, his Springbok colleagues Jesse Kriel and Deon Fourie represented the team.
The duo – who travelled on the back of a bakkie – stopped over in the Zwide township, the home of Siya.
There to greet them was Siya’s father Fezakele, who is the spitting image of his rugby player son. The elderly man greeted Jesse and Deon with hugs and kisses and even jokingly placed the trophy on his head.
Siya is also known for his playful and affectionate personality towards his colleagues.
It’s not the first time Fezakele has touched the Rugby World Cup trophy. In 2019, Siya Kolisi flew his father to Japan to watch the Springboks win the tournament.
WORKING ON A RELATIONSHIP WITH DAD
Over the years, Siya Kolisi has been open and honest about his challenging upbringing. This includes living with his grandmother as a young teen after his mother, Phakama, died.
Sometime later, he would later track down his siblings to a foster care home, where he would later adopt them.
Siya – who admits to never previously having a relationship with his father – has also mentioned how his mother suffered gender-based violence at the hands of her male partners.
In 2021, the Springbok captain touched his followers after posting a pic with his dad. In the post, the 33-year-old revealed his hopes of having a relationship with the man who did not raise him.
He shared: “I had a much-needed deep conversation with my father.
“I’m not sure about the relationship between time and healing, but I now know that in time, we can grow the courage we need in order to take the first steps towards healing.
“The relationship with this man is important to me, and I’m glad for the opportunity and strength to keep fighting for it”.