Siya Kolisi celebrates his son’s ambition despite Afrikaans hurdles
Siya Kolisi recently shared a heartwarming glimpse into fatherhood that struck a chord with parents across South Africa. While waiting in his car during a school pick-up, the rugby legend reflected on his 11-year-old son Nicholas’s recent struggles with Afrikaans.
Pride in perseverance
For many South African students, mastering Afrikaans as a second language can be a daunting task, a challenge Nicholas knows all too well. According to Siya, his son came home disappointed after receiving his latest Afrikaans mark. But instead of frustration, the former Springbok captain saw a moment of pride.
“I would have done so much to get the mark that he got,” Siya admitted with a laugh, reflecting on his own difficult history with Afrikaans.
The rugby star recalled jokingly being chased out of his Afrikaans classroom during his school years, a memory that makes his son’s effort all the more meaningful.
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Small victories, big lessons
While Siya can manage basic phrases like “Hoe gaan dit met jou” and “Goeie môre”, he confessed that Nicholas’s ambition and commitment to excel in school far surpass what he himself achieved.
“Watching him try, even when it’s hard, reminds me that determination matters more than perfection,” Siya wrote, offering a lesson in resilience that resonates far beyond the classroom.
Life, family, and moving forward
The Kolisis’ family life has seen major changes recently. Siya and his wife Rachel announced their divorce in October 2024 but have committed to co-parenting their children while remaining friends.
Despite the personal challenges, Siya frequently shares tender, proud moments with his children on social media, offering a glimpse into the ordinary yet profound joys of fatherhood.
Nicholas’s small victory in Afrikaans may seem like a minor detail, but for Siya, it’s a reminder of the bigger picture: the pride in nurturing ambition, resilience, and a love for learning in the next generation.
A moment for parents to relate
Siya’s story resonated online, with many parents taking to X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram to share similar experiences of guiding their children through academic hurdles. It’s a reminder that even national heroes face the same challenges as everyday families and that celebrating effort, not just outcomes, is what truly matters.
From the rugby pitch to the school pick-up line, Siya Kolisi proves that the lessons of perseverance, humility, and pride in small victories extend far beyond the game.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: X {@joy_zelda}
