South Africans are beaming with pride after Captain of the Springboks Siya Kolisi announced his relocation to France to join the French club Racing 92.
The 31-year-old shared a heartfelt statement on social media saying that his desire to spend more time with his family was a major factor in his relocation choice.
While some fans are excited that he will be flying the South African Flag high in France, others are heartbroken as they believe this move to France will cost the Sharks.
Fans flooded social media with mixed emotions regarding Siya Kolisi’s new opportunity and this is what some of them had to say:
“Can you just stop being so amazing in everything you do, please? Best of luck, Siya and as always, behind you 100%”
Can you just stop being so amazing In everything you do, please?
Best of luck, Siya and as always, behind you 100%— Rorschachs Journal (@saffa_matt) January 3, 2023
“Siya, you are a legend. We acknowledge that. But you owe this country politically. Your leadership skills and character is needed to carve out a future for our people when you retire. So I hope you are laying the groundwork for a 2029 presidential campaign.”
Siya, you are a legend. We acknowledge that. But you owe this country politically. Your leadership skills and character is needed to carve out a future for our people when you retire. So I hope you are laying the groundwork for a 2029 presidential campaign
— Lionel du Plessis (@LionelDoep) January 3, 2023
“Totally gutted to hear this. You keep getting better game after game and have become my favourite player for the Sharks. Going to be a huge loss.”
Totally gutted to hear this. You keep getting better game after game, and have become my favourite player for the Sharks. Going to be a huge loss. Only silver lining is that Lukhanyo can step back into the captaincy, as it was harsh he lost it due to injury. Good luck Siya
— Darren Hall (@mrdazhall) January 3, 2023
“Hi Siya, so sad for me and SA that you will be leaving the Sharks but happy for you and Rachel and your lovely family. Godspeed and blessings for your new venture. I look forward to your return one day.”
Hi Siya, so sad for me and SA that you will be leaving the Sharks but happy for you and Rachel and your lovely family. Godspeed and blessings for your new venture. I look forward to your return one day.
— Joan D’Arcy (@JoanDarcySA) January 3, 2023
In the statement, the father of two also thanked the Sharks and Racing 92 for their undying support.
“It has been an incredible collaborative effort between the Sharks and Racing 92 that has enabled me to start a new chapter in my career. I want to give a massive thanks to the Sharks for welcoming me with open arms in 2021 while their support over the last couple of years has been hugely influential during a key period in my career.
“I am immensely appreciative that the Sharks have given me their blessing to make this move, and it goes without saying that I will continue to give my all for the team over the next few months,” the captain wrote.
In the statement Siya continues to say that though him and his wife Rachel will be out the country they will still be involved in the Kolisi foundation.
“It should also be stated that although I will be spending time in France, Rachel and I will continue to be as involved as ever with the Kolisi foundation and have a presence in South Africa. Our beautiful country will always be home for us, and we look forward to returning after this chapter,” Siya added.
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Also see: Siya and Rachel Kolisi take on Paris
