Who is the greatest sport captain of all time? What a loaded question that is. So many variables and micro-details are needed to truly analyse every case, but today I feel I have to make mine.
Siya Kolisi is the greatest captain in the history of sport. Siyamathanda Kolisi, currently a flank for the Sharks, and the South African rugby team captain, is like no other sportsperson we have ever seen. Two World Cups, a Lions Tour, and the adoration of rugby fans globally is just a footnote to his story.
Born in absolute poverty in the Zwide township, he managed to escape the violence, suffering, and starvation only when he was 12, after being selected for a scholarship to Grey High School for his rugby skills. Raised by his grandmother, he showed up to local club games in boxers because he could not afford shorts, and yet he managed to shine. After being selected for Western Province aged 18, and the Stormers aged 19, he impressed on the pitch, earning his Springbok debut in 2013.
In 2018, Kolisi became the first black man to captain the Springboks, and he has become perfect in the role. Inspiring his players on the pitch, and inspiring people off of it, he represents not only what South Africa could be, but also some of the best of humanity. Not only does he run the Kolisi Foundation, striving to tackle inequality, but also is a champion of women’s rights and protection, often taking part in events and talking about issues.
He was named as a UN Global Advocate for the Spotlight Initiative to eliminate violence against women and girls. When interviewed post-match after defeating New Zealand at Ellis Park, he stated the win was in tribute for South Africa’s homeless, calling out for the need to help everyone in the country to build a brighter future. He is also an ambassador for women’s rugby, showing up to WXV2, which was held in Cape Town last year, proudly wearing a Womenboks jersey and helping out at training sessions.
The case for me which solidifies why he is the greatest captain of all time happened right after the final whistle was blown in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final. Cheslin Kolbe, the Springbok winger, had been yellow carded and had to sit on the sidelines, crying into his jersey, unable to watch the match, thinking he had cost his country victory. When the Springboks won, Kolisi, who had been substituted, did not run onto the field to celebrate with those already there, but instead ran to Cheslin Kolbe, picking him up and consoling him.
To me, that shows the true character of the man. Squidge Rugby titled him as “the great Siya Kolisi”, and to me that name is apt. Many players across all sports do a lot of good, but none come close to what Siya represents and does.
He exists as a shining light in a void of darkness surrounding South Africa’s race politics, and he represents what will come, if the right decisions are made. Siya Kolisi is not only a player, but an icon of rugby, and sport altogether. He has the skill alone to make it into the World XV, but pundits pick him because his captaincy is what every coach in any sport could dream of.
His respect, empathy, passion, and love for rugby, and everyone around him is what makes him, to me at least, the greatest captain in sporting history.