VIDEO: Kolisi opens up on captaincy
WATCH as Siyamthanda Kolisi fronts up to the media for the first time as Springbok captain and chats about being the first black to lead his country in a Test.
Kolisi, seen by many as a ‘political’ appointment, made it clear he sees himself as ‘representative’ of the whole country and not just the black community.
In his first public appearance since being named Bok captain this week, he told journalists in Johannesburg that he wanted to focus on the game and not on the political and racial narratives around his historic appointment.
“I can’t focus on what those people are saying,” Kolisi told the media gathering, adding: “I can only focus on people that really matter to me and who support me.”
He said Bok coach Rassie Erasmus is not a politician.
“It [the captaincy] is genuine for me.
“He [the coach] is not that kind of person.
“I know him since I was 18 years old. He is straightforward with me.
“He had a sit-down with me and spoke with me. That’s how it is with all the players – you always know where you stand with him.
“The most important thing is that we win and perform.
- Article continues below video!
WATCH as Siyamthanda Kolisi fronts up to the media for the first time as Springbok captain and chats about being the first black to lead his country in a Test.
“If I had questions [about the captaincy], I would go to him and ask. He would tell me straightforward.
“I have no doubts, he told me exactly why he appointed me and I am good [happy] with that.
“Coach Rassie is not a politician and I am also not a politician. I am a rugby player that wants to do well and play well.
“[I want to] inspire, not only black people, but the whole South Africa.
“I am not only presenting one group, it is everybody.
“I can’t stand here and say I represent this one group, I represent the whole of South Africa.”
Kolisi added that the captaincy hasn’t really sunk in yet.
“To be honest, [only] when I play my first game it will really sink in that I am the Springbok captain.
“I am proud to be captain and it means a lot to me – it is a huge privilege and an honour.”
@rugby365com
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