Siya Kolisi Nearing 100-Cap Milestone: When Will He Reach This Historic Achievement?
Siya Kolisi, the inspirational captain of the Springboks, is edging closer to a remarkable milestone: earning his 100th cap for South Africa. After celebrating Eben Etzebeth’s record-breaking 128th appearance in the green and gold last weekend, Kolisi is now on track to achieve his own significant feat.
Currently sitting on 89 Test caps, Kolisi is just 11 games away from becoming a Springbok centurion. If he stays injury-free, he could potentially add two or three more caps during the Springboks’ end-of-year tour. This means that if his fitness and form hold up, Kolisi could reach his 100th cap sometime next year.
Recently, Kolisi, now 33, spoke about his decision to leave French club Racing 92 and return to the Sharks. His motivation? To continue representing the Springboks and prioritize his international career.
“When I arrived in Paris, I didn’t know what the future of my international career was,” Kolisi explained. “But when I started playing for the national team again in June, I realized that my body wasn’t getting enough rest. Playing for South Africa means missing three months of the Top 14 season. I’m well-paid, and it feels like I’m stealing from Racing by not being fully available.”
Kolisi went on to say that his love for playing with the Springboks was what ultimately guided his decision: “For my physical health and out of respect for the club, I want to do what’s right. I don’t want to give half of myself. When Racing recruited me, they thought they were getting a full-time Siya Kolisi, but I love playing for South Africa too much. I want to continue with the Springboks.”
Kolisi Pays Tribute to Springbok Legend Eben Etzebeth
Following the Springboks’ recent victory, Kolisi delivered a heartfelt tribute to his long-time teammate and close friend, Eben Etzebeth, who surpassed Victor Matfield to become South Africa’s most-capped player.
“To my best friend, my ‘eerste beste pel,’ Eben Etzebeth, yster, my brother, I am so grateful to have walked this journey with you,” Kolisi said in an emotional speech.
“I am grateful you have been a part of my life. From the first day Coach Rassie named me as captain, you’ve always had my back. We’ve been together since we were 18 years old, and you’ve been by my side every step of the way. You’ve been a true friend and a brother.”
Kolisi praised Etzebeth’s leadership and intelligence both on and off the field, acknowledging the immense contribution he’s made to the team. “You’ve led us in so many ways, not only with how you play but how you think about the game and the man you are off the field. To your family, your wife, your mother, and your father who is watching from above, I’m so proud of you.”
Kolisi closed his tribute with a touching note: “I can’t wait to tell my kids I played with Eben Ysterbeth. Cheers, my brother, I love you.”
With Kolisi fast approaching his own milestone, South Africa’s rugby community eagerly anticipates the moment he earns his 100th cap, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest Springboks of all time.
