With the Springboks having kicked off their second international test against Italy at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha this past weekend, captain Siya Kolisi made the most of his time back in his childhood province.
Just hours before the game, the double World Cup-winning captain took his children Nicholas and Keziah, as well as his younger sister Liphelo, on a tour through the township of Zwide, a place that boasts so many memories and where he has spent most of his childhood.
It was here that his resilient character and the perseverance to succeed in life were developed, two qualities that played an integral role in shaping the global icon he has now become.
A gallery of pictures shows the family visiting Emsengeni Primary School, where they played games of football as well as shooting hoops at the netball court, before eventually touring the township.
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Later, they also visited the township of Rolihlahla where Liphelo grew up.
In a video posted on his TikTok page, he can be heard saying, “This is Phelo’s hood. This is where she lived. I’m just showing her, so she doesn’t forget eRolihlahla,” while teasing his younger sister whom he and ex-wife Rachel adopted.
“You’re blonde at the moment,” he joked, referring to her braids.
@siyakolisi @phelo ♬ original sound – Siya Kolisi
@siyakolisi Yesterday with African Bombers eZwide ❤️ #sportsontiktok #rugby #gwijo #siyakolisi ♬ original sound – Siya Kolisi
Despite having achieved tons of success in his professional career, Siya’s upbringing remains an essential part of moulding him into the man he has become, and he occasionally visits some former friends who still reside in the townships.
Those in the comment sections have since praised him for not forgetting his roots and freely walking in his hometown without any form of protection.
Also see: Tour guide Siya Kolisi shows tennis legend Roger Federer around Bushbuck Ridge kasi
