South African superstar and beloved Springbok Cheslin Kolbe sat down to chat all things performance, growth and inspiration!
Global (11 September 2024) — Springboks rugby star and formidable winger Cheslin Kolbe is riding the high of the recent reclaimed Freedom Cup win like the rest of a very proud South Africa. But for the player, reflecting on what it took to get there serves as great inspiration for what is to come—both for the team and for him as an individual sportsman.
In an exclusive with Sportsboom and shared with Good Things Guy, Cheslin discussed his thoughts on the team’s performance:
“We’re undefeated up until now but we haven’t been playing our best rugby,” says Cheslin.
“We can’t get carried away, there’s so much to improve on and learn from especially the two New Zealand matches. That’s the beauty of the sport, we have another opportunity in the next couple of weeks, the job isn’t done.”
For the star, it’s all about evolving—something that’s stood him in good steed since his Springbok debut against Australia in 2018 during round three of the Rugby Championship.
Since that time, he’s gone on to win two Rugby World Cups, a British & Irish Lions tour, and the Freedom Cup. He also stands in line to life his second Rugby Championship title.
“I feel like I’ve grown on and off the field since coming into the Boks setup,” he shares, adding that this growth wouldn’t be possible without others.
“A special thanks must go to the coaches that I’ve been working with, and more so the players around me for making it possible for me to be at my best when wearing the green and gold jersey.”
And, like any wise player, Cheslin is not done learning.
“I’ve been given the license to be myself, and play what’s in front of me, but I’m still learning.”
“I always have to come up with something new because teams are analysing me but it’s all about growing, and this season is no different.”
A wealth of inspiration for the winger comes from the younger players. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Aphelele Fassi are two that have caught worldwide attention, and for Cheslin, they help feed his growth in new ways.
“I’ve been trying to learn and pick up from the things they do whether it’s in the gym or at training, because it brings up something different to my style of play,” he says of the younger Boks.
“You’d swear they’ve been in the team for five years. Their composure and how well they remain calm under pressure are impressive. They have a lot of new tricks, and I’m trying to grab as much and stay on par with them,” he adds.
Cheslin and the boys will be back at it again on 21 September where they’ll face Argentina in round 5 of the Rugby Championship as South Africa roots as loudly as ever in their favour.
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