Siya Kolisi is a fighter. The team captain of South Africa's national rugby team grew up in the township. His talent caught the eye and sport became his ticket to a better life. With his success story, he wants to encourage children and young people.
A rugby coach discovered his talent, challenged, and encouraged the then 12-year-old, arranged a scholarship for him at a private school and became his mentor. From there, rugby became Siya’s ticket to a very different, a very successful life. One he never even dared to dream of as a young boy growing up in a township. With his success story, the family father wants to encourage and inspire children and young people.
„You can achieve anything“
Superstar and role model
His sporting ambition and outstanding success in rugby enabled Siya to be the first in his family to get a driver's license and to see the world as a young, talented top athlete. His insight: "If you are lucky enough to meet a person who discovers and nurtures your talent, if you work hard and believe in yourself, you can achieve anything."
He had this luck and took it in both hands. And because he wants to give something back from his success, Siya founded the “Kolisi Foundation” and also the “Men in Conversation Foundation”. His mission: to alleviate extreme poverty and give disadvantaged young people a chance to discover their strengths, to realize their potential.
"Inspiring our kids and all the other kids in South Africa, that's all I want," he said after the 2019 Rugby World Cup final victory: An inspiring pioneer, a combative top performer, a breaker of barriers, Siya Kolisi is all that – on and also off the rugby pitch!
The way to the top
Dream and practice!
Siya Kolisi has talent - and also great luck, meeting people who believed in him and gave him a chance. In our new episode of AMG Uncovered, he reflects on his life as a poor boy from a township to a celebrated rugby star. Despite all his successes, Siya remains down-to-earth and wants to inspire the next generation with his achievements, maybe even to be a role model.
On and on toward success
Has Siya’s story piqued your interest? Then learn more about his vehicle now.
