By Nick Said
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Springboks captain Siya Kolisi carries not only the weight of an expectant nation as he leads South Africa into the Rugby World Cup in Japan but also the hopes of millions of youngsters who dream of using sport to break the cycle of poverty.
Kolisi was last year named South Africa’s first black test captain, reward for his all-action style on the flank coupled with a level head and passion for the game that he hopes to pass on to a new generation of players in the country’s townships.
Kolisi, 28, grew up in the impoverished Zwide township in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, where wearing the Springboks jersey seemed an impossible dream.
But after impressing in a youth tournament he won a scholarship to Grey College in Port Elizabeth, an established rugby school, and set out on his current path.
He believes there are many other ‘Siya Kolisis’ out there around the country, if they can develop the same kind of passion for the game.
"Before, not a lot of us could dream of opportunities like this, but as you can see now it is becoming more normal. It’s possible," Kolisi, who missed most of the 2019 international season with a knee injury, told reporters on Monday.
"Every day I make sure I work as hard as I can so that kids who came from the same area as me can say, ‘If he can do it, so can I’. That is the ultimate goal, I want those kids to believe they can make it if they work as hard as they can."
South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus has played a key role in Kolisi's rise and was coach of Western Province when the back rower earned a first professional contract.
"I’ve known the coach for quite a long time, he gave me my first contract out of school. He knows where I come from, that these types of opportunities, we did not really dream about," Kolisi said.
The knowledge that he has unwavering support from other senior players in the team is also a big plus, and will help him settle back into the role having not captained the side since 2018 due to his injury.
"I’m excited, but I’m also very nervous, I’m not going to lie about it. I have confidence in my team mates, that they will support me," he said.
"There are a lot of guys who have led before and can lead again, so that is something I am counting on.
"Whenever I need help I go to my team mates, I am not the kind of guy who wants to be seen to be in charge. I am always looking for help from others and to allow others to lead in ways that I cannot do."
Two-time winners South Africa open their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Yokohama on Sept. 21. They have also been pooled with Italy, Namibia and Canada.
(Editing by Peter Rutherfordpeter.rutherford@thomsonreuters.com; +822 6936 1482)