How Kolisi deals with being called a 'quota'
SPOTLIGHT: World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi has opened up about how he deals with ‘criticism’
Kolisi, just hours after confirming his departure from the Sharks, revealed some of the details in an upcoming documentary.
On Tuesday the Sharks revealed that Kolisi has been granted an early release from his contract.
Kolisi will join the French club Racing 92 after the World Cup.
On the same day, it was confirmed that the Kolisi Story has been captured in a deeply personal new documentary.
Rise: The Siyamthanda Kolisi Story, will reveal a different side to the Springboks captain when it premieres publicly at the end of February.
In 2021, Kolisi released his autobiography ‘Rise’, and he now brings his carefully-considered story to the screen.
It has been in production for the better part of the past three years.
In it, he reveals some very personal; details, including the influence of women in his life.
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#⃣BREAKING NEWS: The @SharksRugby revealed that @Springboks and @rugbyworldcup-winning captain @SiyaKolisi has been granted an early release from his contract#Rugby 🏉#RugbyUnion🌍
🔗https://t.co/qnTueaSeUS pic.twitter.com/QJmb4SDQO0— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) January 3, 2023
“That’s actually been the story of my life, being raised by my grandmother, then my aunt looking after me, and having a relationship with my mom close to the end of her life,” Kolisi said.
“My wife Rachel has also been the pillar of our family.
“At times when I don’t believe in myself and when the public gets to me, when they tell me I am a quota or I am just a political captain, I get to a place that people don’t see.
“I get to a dark place where I start doubting everything that I am and what I stand for, but she’s always that voice that tells me ‘You are enough. You are good enough, you are here for a reason’.
“Without her, I don’t think I would be where I am today.”
The Siyamthanda Kolisi Story will premiere in South Africa on February 26.
This proudly South African production – which was facilitated by world-renowned agency Roc Nation Sports International – showcases the authentic Kolisi story.
Kolisi says he wanted to be as “real” as possible when telling his story, in his way.
“At the end of the day, every single human being has made mistakes and experienced challenges, and I’m not scared to admit that.
“I think if you hide it and hold onto it, that means you’re not moving on, and I want to normalise addressing these subjects openly.
“For example, if you need to see a therapist, see a therapist. If you need help, get help.
“We want to ensure that some of the challenges experienced in the past are not the same for the next generation.”
