Siya Kolisi urges Springboks to draw inspiration from Soweto's history ahead of New Zealand match
Quick Look
- Springboks captain Siya Kolisi has called on his team to draw inspiration from Soweto's historical significance, particularly the 1976 Uprising, as they prepare to face New Zealand at FNB Stadium on the edge of the Johannesburg township.
- He highlighted how the struggle against apartheid shaped modern South Africa and honored those who fought for freedom they never experienced.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Soweto Uprising was a protest by school children and students against being forced to teach in English and Afrikaans, languages associated with the white minority. Hundreds were killed by police, sparking international condemnation. Apartheid ended in 1994 with South Africa's first fully democratic elections.
Captain Siya Kolisi has called on the Springboks to summon inspiration from Soweto's pivotal part in South Africa's history as they take on New Zealand on the edge of the Johannesburg township on Saturday.
The 94,736-capacity FNB Stadium staged the opening match of football's World Cup, the first and only time the tournament has been staged in Africa.
However, Kolisi, South Africa's first black captain, also referenced 1976's Soweto Uprising - the student protests that were a turning point in the fight against apartheid, the state-backed racial segregation of South African society.
"So many things that happened in Soweto helped shape the South Africa we have today," said Kolisi.
"So many heroes have come from there, and a lot of the football history of this country is from Soweto, so we know how special that is.
"We're not going to act like it's not a special ground in a significant area. All of that gives us more to play for. We are also thankful for the people who came from there and fought for people like me and [assistant coach Mzwandile] Stick to be sitting here today.
"They fought for the freedom we have now and never got to experience it, and giving our best tomorrow is part of us saying thank you."
The Soweto Uprising was a protest by school children and students against black schools being ordered to teach in English and Afrikaans, languages mainly used by the country's white population. Hundreds of protestors were killed by police as clashes continued and spread through Johannesburg.
International condemnation of South Africa's government followed. Apartheid ended in 1994 with South Africa's first fully democratic elections.
Open Questions
- What specific actions will the Springboks take to honor Soweto's legacy beyond verbal inspiration?
- How does the team plan to engage with Soweto communities in relation to this match?
