VIDEO: To have Siya in back pocket is second to none
VIDEO: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi can expect a call from new Bok captain Salmaan Moerat on Friday night ahead of the Test against Portugal in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
The new captain said Kolisi’s shoes are big ones to fill but the enigmatic Bok hero’s help has been valuable to him this week.
“Siya’s shoes are big shoes to fill,” Moerat told media during his first press conference as captain after the conclusion of the captain’s run at the Free State Stadium on Friday morning.
“Siya has become an inspirational leader all over the world.
“His contribution this week has been valuable.
“The first thing he told me was congratulations and then he said ‘Don’t ever take it lightly. Enjoy the occasion and cherish it’.
“So that’s what I am going to do this weekend.
“He has helped me manage the players and advised me not to worry about anything and just to focus on my game, which I fully agree with.
“To have him in your back pocket is second to none.
It is someone I can call whenever I need, so I’ll definitely be doing that tonight,” the tall Moerat said smiling.
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He found out he was captaining the side early in the week and only shared it with his wife at first as the news had to be kept quiet.
“I found out on Monday morning for the first time when coach Stokke [Mzwandile Stick] announced the team to us.
“Initially, I thought it was a typo next to my name because the C was quite small, but then he announced it out loud, and immediately thought to myself ‘What an honour and privilege’,” he shared.
Captaincy is nothing new for the 26-year-old lock standing at 2m tall and weighing in at 116 kg. His leadership abilities were evident early in his career already which led to him captaining the SA Schools and Junior Springboks teams.
“What has helped a lot is the fact that I have captained the Stormers and Western Province, so it is not something new,” he said.
“What also helps is that there are some experienced players in the line-up this weekend.
“They’ve really made it so much easier this week.
“For me is just to make sure that everything is running smoothly and to focus on my game.
“It’s a massive privilege for me and my family and a huge honour to captain the Springboks.
“To be honest, you never think that it is possible and that is going to happen. So it was a massive shock and surprise to me as well.
“But it is something I take immense pride in.
“My family will be here as well so they enjoy the occasion as well with me.
“When you captain the Springbok I believe it’s not only about yourself. It’s about creating hope.”
Stick talked about the time he coached Moerat at the Under-20 level and the growth that he has witnessed in the player over the years.
“One thing I can be honest about is that is has been coming,” the coach said.
“He has always been one of the special leaders, a good human being.
“I know for sure he is ready for the opportunity.”
