Siya Kolisi: 'Springboks can show South Africa the way'

Siya Kolisi said the Springboks' back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories should serve as an example of how South Africans from different walks of life can succeed if they work together.

Speaking after the team received a hero's welcome at a packed OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday, the Bok captain said the victory was not just for the players to enjoy, but for every South African.

Kolisi said he hoped the team inspired people from all walks of life to strive for their dreams and to realise that anything is possible.

Thousands of supporters arrived at the airport to welcome the Boks back home, and for Kolisi, it underlined what their mission in France was all about.

"Today, South Africa showed us exactly who we did it for," he said.

"On behalf of the team, we'd like to thank the people of South Africa. It was a tough 20 weeks, but there was four years of planning behind that.

"When we won the World Cup in 2019, people didn't think we would do it - instead, they were hopeful because the plan was always for 2023, but things changed and we won in 2019, and this time our people expected us to win.

"We always play for South Africa but we wanted to make sure that this one is for the people of South Africa. This one is for every single person in South Africa - rich, poor... it doesn't matter. It doesn't matter where you come from because the team that we have is a very diverse team, which is very beautiful as well, we all come from very different walks of life."

Kolisi added: "The coaching staff knew how to align us as a group. This trophy was for the people experiencing tough circumstances, those in Zwide, Goodwood and Malmesbury, and all other communities and townships, but also for those who are more well-to-do, and everyone who wants to make something of their lives.

"As a team want to be a reference point for our people, to show them how we can do it, and hopefully they'll get hope from this team.

"Another important thing for us was to transform while winning. But we'd also like this to extend beyond sport and what is happening in South Africa, and how people see things going forward.

"We may not be able to change people's circumstances, but we can give hope we can inspire people."

SA Rugby President Mark Alexander praised supporters who awaited the team from the early hours of the morning at the airport on Tuesday.

"We have deep gratitude to the supporters here today and to welcome the four-time world champions back in the country.

"The videos we saw from back home were instrumental in motivating the team and they forged hope in the nation that desperately needed it. The Springboks will begin their trophy tour on Thursday where they will share in the celebrations with the passionate citizens of South Africa."

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