Young Gun Siya Kolisi made his first mark at Coca-Cola Craven Weeks
YOUNG GUN KOLISI MADE HIS FIRST MARK AT COCA-COLA CRAVEN WEEKS
Siya Kolisi has been branded as one of the fearless young guns in current South African rugby circles. Now at the tender age of 21, this talented and unbridled youngster has his ambition firmly set on becoming one of our prestigious national prides – a Springbok.
“Rugby runs in my blood,” says Kolisi. “My dad played rugby for his local club and I started playing club rugby when I was eight. I made the Under-12 Eastern Province trials while I was playing for a club called African Bombers.
“At the trials I was spotted by a scout who offered me a bursary to Grey High School. It was an offer I couldn’t refuse and I gladly accepted.”
Hailing from Zwide township just outside Port Elizabeth, Kolisi’s rising through the ranks and overwhelming successes at various youth tournaments chart a course that not only earmark him for future glory but single him out as a role model with great leadership potential.
“My dad raised me for most of my life as my mother passed when I was very young, so the rugby influence has been there for a long time.”
Being noticed again at the prestigious Under-18 Coca-Cola Craven Week when he was the much talked about ‘laaitie’ of 2009 playing for Eastern Province, Kolisi bulldozed through the tournament and stood out with his commanding runs, ball-in-hand, executing tries right, left and centre that destroyed the opposition.
This year, the Under-18 Coca-Cola Craven Week unfolds from the 9 -14 July 2012 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth where, just like Kolisi, every rugby-playing school boy’s dream is to impress and make SA Schools as well as leave a lasting impression on the myriad of provincial talent scouts sent to spot the stellar performances throughout the tournament.
The iconic tournament that is named after Mr. Rugby himself has been going since 1963, and most Springboks have passed through this rite of passage before representing South Africa. Kolisi was in unbelievable form when he played both the 2008 and 2009 Under18-Coca-Cola Craven Weeks, and had many a rugby pundit’s tongue wagging where he was subsequently chosen for SA Schools in both years.
Delving further back into his earlier pre-teen days, Kolisi played for Eastern Province at the Under-13 Coca-Cola Craven Week – a junior tournament that is considered fundamental to instil ground basics and an unwavering love for the game set to last a lifetime.
Thereafter, he participated in the Under-16 Coca-Cola Grant Khomo Week – a tournament known to begin the process of identifying, nurturing and developing future talent – before making the SA Under-16 Elite Squad.
Since the Coca-Cola Craven Weeks, Kolisi has continued to impress as he became a Junior Bok when he represented South Africa at the IRB Junior World Championships in 2010 and 2011. Making his debut for the DHL Stormers in the Vodacom Super Rugby competition this year, he has remained in phenomenal form since replacing the injured Schalk Burger.
Kolisi has become known for his jolting tackles that send opponents backwards, long strides with ball-in-hand and tireless work-rate that mark him for potential future senior Bok status.
“Rugby is in my blood – I love it!” says the always-passionate Kolisi. “My dream is to play for the senior Boks. I want to do all in my power to fulfil this dream of playing in the green and gold one day.”
Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the enthusiasm and flair of aspiring rugby talent at the 2012 Under-18 Coca-Cola Craven Week, where tickets to a great day of family fun are an affordable R20. A full week pass is R50 and scholars attending in school uniform and accompanied under adult supervision are free.
“Greatness Beckons” as school boys just like Siya Kolisi set the field alight this winter and warm the hearts of all South African rugby fans.
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