Siya Kolisi has opened up about his life growing up, the toll doubts take on ones mind and the legacy he hopes to leave behind one day.
Salzburg, Austria (15 May 2024) – In March, Springbok Captain Siya Kolisi found himself in Salzburg, Austria where he took part in the Mind Set Win podcast. His episode has just been released and he shares what inspires him on and off the field.
Siya Kolisi is the latest guest to feature on Season 3 of Red Bull’s ‘Mind Set Win’ podcast. Following his second Rugby World Cup victory, Siya joins host Lisa Ramuschkat to delve into his position as a leader, his experiences with therapy, and the mark he wants to make on the world.
There is no doubt about Siya’s phenomenal rugby performance, but his influence stretches far beyond the pitch. He represents a symbol of inspiration and resilience for many across the globe, in his home nation of South Africa, and the underrepresented communities like the one he grew up in.
Hailing from the township of Zwide in South Africa, Siya was introduced to rugby at age seven. His talent led him to earn a scholarship at Grey Junior School in Port Elizabeth, which consequently brought him to the international stage.
In 2018, Siya’s appointment as Springboks captain marked a historic moment, as he became the first black man to hold the prestigious position, a testament to his leadership qualities.
Despite his numerous achievements, Siya remains dedicated to uplifting others from similar backgrounds, exemplified through his philanthropic efforts with the Kolisi Foundation. With a mission to address inequality in South Africa, Siya continues to inspire change and empowerment in his community.
Many things were discussed in the podcast however, the moments that Siya wants to be remembered for most, are not the ones that have taken place on the rugby field.
“[I don’t want to be remembered] for the things I do on the field, but the things I do on the field help me do the things I love to achieve off the field. So what I want to be remembered for is the work I do with my foundation.”
“I think that’s a much bigger impact because the trophies and all the achievements that we do achieve in the field and the records that we make will always be broken. Somebody else will come and break them. But I think the lives that you touch off the field, like the world, the work that we do with my foundation, and it’s some of the work that I needed as a child that I wish somebody had done for me.”
You can watch the whole interview below:
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