Springboks captain Siya Kolisi delivered an inspirational and emotional post-match interview following South Africa’s win against New Zealand’s All Blacks.
The 33-year-old – the first black captain of the national rugby squad – used the opportunity to speak about the 30th anniversary of democracy and people who have yet to experience freedom.
The Boks won the game 31-27 at the Ellis Park Stadium (now Emirates Airline Park).
SIYA KOLISI DELIVERS ICONIC POST-MATCH SPEECH
Speaking at Ellis Park Stadium, where the Springboks beat the All Blacks in the 1995 Rugby World Cup, Siya Kolisi thanked South Africans in the stadium and around the world for their support.
Sporting a bruised and battered face, Siya used an example of homeless people who had waved to their tour bus en route to Ellis Park.
He said, “The people of South Africa are our number one motivation. We represent everyone, and we appreciate you.”
He added: “Please don’t stop when things are tough. We can’t do it without you.”
But Siya Kolisi left South Africans with lumps in their throats when he touched on democracy and what it means to him.
He said, “It’s 30 years of freedom; I want to say congratulations to South Africans. But we still know there are many people who are still not free. Hopefully, the next celebration we celebrate is the women who are free of Gender-Based Violence.”
He added: “Let’s celebrate but [remember] that there are so many people who are not free yet.”
ELLIS PARK, NELSON MANDELA AND THE SPRINGBOKS
Following the inception of democracy in 1994, the first black president, Nelson Mandela, urged South Africans to mend racial divides and support the Springboks, who had previously been reserved for white players.
A year later, SA – who were once shunned by the world over Apartheid atrocities – not only hosted the Rugby World Cup but won it too. That game was played against the All Blacks, SA’s biggest and most respected rugby rivals.
The legacy of Nelson Mandela undoubtedly lives on through Springboks captain Siya Kolisi.
Iconic images of the late proud president – donning green and gold – lifting the Webb Ellis trophy at Ellis Park alongside Springbok captain Francois Pienaar made headlines around the world. The historical scenes were credited as the moment South Africans of all races formed a bond through sport and support for, ultimately, the Springboks.