BORN and bred in Nelson Mandela Bay, Siyamthanda “Siya” Kolisi has made history, being appointed as the first ever black captain to lead the Springbok rugby team in its 127th year of existence.
Kolisi will lead the Springboks into the battle for the three test series against England next month. His more immediate assignment is a once-off test against Wales in the United States of America this weekend (Saturday, June 2nd).
SA Rugby director and Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus made the announcement last weekend. He included 17 uncapped players in his first Springbok squad of 43 for the forthcoming tests.
Kolisi’s first home game as captain will be on Emirates Airline Park in June 9th.
“I know Siya is a good leader and I am excited about what he can offer us.
“I coached him since he was 18 years old when he arrived at the Stormers from the Eastern Cape,” said Erasmus, who also hails from Nelson Mandela Bay where he was born and bred in Despatch.
The near 27-year old Kolisi was born on 16th June 1991 in Zwide and matriculated from Grey High in Port Elizabeth.– SPORT24
