Fearful Journey: Siya Kolisi Bok Captain on World Cup Race

Siya Kolisi, the captain of the Springboks, has revealed his initial fears of missing the upcoming Rugby World Cup in France due to a knee injury that required surgery. Kolisi, who led the team to victory and their third Webb Ellis Trophy in 2019, sustained the injury while playing for the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship in April as reported by the Herald Live. With the World Cup looming, he underwent surgery in late April with the hope, albeit uncertain, of making a full recovery in time for the tournament, which kicks off on September 8.

Recent indications suggest that Kolisi will return in time for the Springboks’ warm-up games before the World Cup. Speaking at a press conference held at the team hotel in Pretoria, Kolisi expressed his genuine concern about the possibility of missing the prestigious event before undergoing scans at the hospital to assess the severity of his injury.

“I was really scared, especially when I went to the hospital for a check-up and scans,” admitted Kolisi. “The support structure and family around you, along with the medical team, are the most important factors. Once they have confidence in the situation, it puts me at ease. Although there is still a lot of work ahead, I know I have overcome challenges like this before and I can do it again.”

Also Read: Local non-profit organisation takes action to combat youth unemployment

Drawing upon his experience from 2019, when he faced a similar knee injury before the Rugby Championship, Kolisi finds motivation because he successfully returned to play just before the World Cup. He played through the Pool stages, eventually leading South Africa to victory over England in the final.

“This isn’t the first time I have been injured before a World Cup, and knowing that I have overcome it in the past gives me motivation,” Kolisi stated. “Although it’s tough, I am improving every day. Things are progressing well, and if everything goes according to plan, I might even play before the start of the World Cup. Being part of the team environment and witnessing the hard work happening around me has been invaluable for my mental strength. If I weren’t here, I would miss out on a lot that the group is doing.”

The Springbok squad is preparing in Pretoria for the 2023 Rugby Championship, which begins with a match against Australia at Loftus on July 8. As the team gears up for this important tournament, Kolisi remains focused on his rehabilitation and race to regain full fitness, drawing inspiration from his past triumphs and the collective efforts of his teammates.

Also Read: 

Disgruntled Diepsloot residents plan to take protest to Union Buildings

Follow us on Google News

Photo: Facebook / @Siya Kolisi