TIME Magazine announced that Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has been recognised as one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2024.
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According to IOL, the 100-year-old American news magazine unveiled its annual list on Wednesday. Kolisi’s narrative, spanning from the hardships of the Zwide township to Rugby World Cup victory in 2019, initially caught the sporting world’s eye four years ago. Yet, it’s his humility, philanthropic efforts beyond the field, and his recent captaincy leading the Springboks to a record fourth World Cup title that have propelled him to global icon status.
Former Sharks and Stormers player, now with Racing 92 in the French Top 14, Siya Kolisi has made history as only the second Rugby World Cup captain to secure consecutive Webb Ellis Cup victories. His triumphs in 2019 in Japan and again in France last year solidify his status as one of the greatest Bok captains, earning him widespread admiration in South Africa.
TIME Magazine recognised Kolisi as an ‘innovator,’ placing him among a select group of global sports stars for their international impact in the past year. He shares this prestigious list with luminaries such as Super Bowl-winning Patrick Mahomes, three-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen, and Spanish women’s football world champion Jenni Hermoso.
Trevor Noah, an Emmy-award-winning comedian and fellow South African, authored Kolisi’s entry for TIME Magazine. The publication highlighted that ‘(Kolisi) has been the embodiment of hope during a time in which many South Africans find it hard to hold on to any.’
‘Through political strife, an energy crisis, and the effects of Covid-19, Siya has made rugby into something more than just a competition. His multiple victories, the country’s victories, have meant so much.’
‘Through his wisdom and humility, Siya has taught us that a powerful captain should be someone who serves and inspires those he leads. And for him to lead a team in a historically white sport, to be loved and adored by fans of all races, is an immense achievement.’
Kolisi shared his gratitude for the accolade on his Instagram page.
‘Being named to the 2024 TIME 100 list is an incredible honour, one that deeply humbles me,’ he wrote.
‘It’s a profound responsibility to stand alongside individuals who dedicate their lives to enriching others.’
‘This recognition isn’t just for me; it reflects the numerous individuals and communities who has poured into me and shaped me to be the person I am and am becoming.’
With 83 caps for his country, Kolisi also guided the Boks to a British and Irish Lions series victory during the Covid lockdown amid immense pressure in 2021.
The Boks are set to take on Ireland in a highly anticipated two-match Test series at the end of June, first at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria and then a week later at Kings Park in Durban.
Following this, they will play a one-off Test against Portugal before entering their annual Rugby Championship campaign.
Their international season begins with a match against Wales at Twickenham on 22 June, a date outside the Test window, expected to feature an experimental match-23 lineup.
Kolisi’s involvement in these matches and his role remain to be seen.
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Picture: Alet Pretorius / Gallo Images