“My Life Story Influential To Roc Nation Deal” Siya Kolisi
Siya Kolisi’s mercurial rise from the ashes to the apex of the world through sport and uniting a nation at crossroads is the stuff of dreams that will inspire many and that will ring a symphony for generations to come.
Kolisi led South Africa to a Rugby World Cup triumph last month in Japan and just like the great founding father Nelson Mandela united a nation in rainbow fashion with people from all backgrounds, class and status joining in the trophy parades across the country.
Kolisi’s story has not gone unnoticed in the global stratosphere and it is about to get exciting as the Springbok captain has been roped in by Roc Nation Sports International to share his story of overcoming adversity through passion, love and humility all across the globe inspiring individuals to rise beyond their limited thinking or seeming untenable backgrounds.
Roc Nation Sports believe it is “only in South Africa could a captaincy have the power to change the nation around it” hence their quick manoeuvre to lure the historic Kolisi into their corner.
The power in a squad made up of different backgrounds and races coming together to reach one goal had the world at a standstill taking notice.
Roc Nation in an official statement divulged the major reason that caused them to take Kolisi under their wing.
“Kolisi represents generations of black players who were never offered the same opportunities purely on the basis of South African laws. Stepping on to the pitch in Yokohama, Japan, he was living the dream for those who weren’t given the same opportunities as him. The impact of that captaincy was far greater than anything he could achieve with a ball on the pitch.
“South African rugby, up until that point, had represented nuances of a complicated nation but in the words of Kolisi, “We can achieve anything when we work together as one,” dedicating the World Cup win to “all South Africans”. Siya Kolisi is the new modern face of Africa, with a voice to unite a nation, who offers a new pathway for many.
“Away from the pitch, Siya Kolisi’s life story has captivated the world. Born to teenage parents, the 28-year-old Stormers and Western Province flanker was born in the impoverished township of Zwide, just outside of Port Elizabeth on the Eastern Cape, and was raised by his grandmother. He slept on a bed of cushions on the living room floor throughout his childhood, and talking post-World Cup win Kolisi said, ‘I never dreamt of a day like this at all. When I was a kid all I was thinking about was getting my next meal.”
“Today, Kolisi stands as not only a Rugby World Cup champion, but a BBC ‘Sports Star of the Year’ nominee and one of New African’s ‘Most Influential Africans’ – achievements that demonstrate the impact of his journey outside of sport. A son of the soil and icon of substance, Kolisi epitomes a new face – the challenges and adversities he has faced over the last 28 years reflect the growing pain that South Africa has encountered and yet he continues to rise above them, creating hope for multiple generations.
Roc Nation Sports International
“I never thought it will get to this to be honest. Never in my wildest dream I imagined something like this happening to me and that I will one day be associated with an organisation like Roc Nation.
“I’m overjoyed to be joining the Roc Nation family, and to be the first South African to do so is a special feeling. The team is very much an extension of my own family, they have been extremely welcoming and passionate about my story and my journey. It’s the perfect partnership and I’m excited to get started.” said Siya Kolisi.
“Signing the deal was huge. They did not come to me because of my rugby but they came to me because of my story and the person that I am.
“They believe I can touch so many lives and they called everybody to get me. That alone said to me that these guys believe that my story can touch people.”
By Gerald Dandah
