Kolisi, on the eve of the match, expressed deep gratitude towards the people of Soweto, whose struggles during apartheid have enabled freedom for current generations.
"We're thankful for the people connected to that place who fought for the freedom that lets me and him [assistant coach Mzwandile Stick] sit here today," he said.
He views the upcoming game as a chance to give back through performance. "Giving our best tomorrow, and using every opportunity we get, is part of us saying thank you."
The charismatic leader also touched upon the broader cultural significance of the venue, which has a rich football history, most notably from the 1996 African Cup of Nations. Beyond the rugby field, he shared poignant images of homeless citizens cheering the team bus, and residents sacrificing their own comforts so others could enjoy the game.
"It hasn’t always gone our way in Soweto, we didn’t win the first time we played here, but the numbers that show up at the stadium, and the vibe inside it, we feel it," Kolisi noted, adding, "We hope we can give them a good memory, not just with words but with our efforts tomorrow."
On a personal note, Kolisi is poised to break a Springbok record. A victory would mark his 55th as captain, surpassing former captain John Smit. Alongside teammates Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese, he will also set a record for most Tests played together by a Springbok loose trio.
"We’ve all got different roles, and we’re used to playing alongside one another," Kolisi explained. "You can see the way Jasper carries the ball through contact, the work Pietie puts in, and mine is more the stuff nobody really notices, which I actually enjoy."
Despite these potential milestones, Kolisi remains team-focused. "As for the wins record, that’s a team achievement, not mine personally. As long as we win, I’m happy, because it shows we’re building and moving forward as a group."
With rain predicted at kickoff, Kolisi shrugged off concerns about the weather affecting their game plan. "It won’t affect our game plan at all. The way we play is built for any weather," he confidently stated.
As the Springboks gear up to face the All Blacks, it's clear that for Kolisi and his team, this match is about much more than just rugby. It's about community, history, and giving back to a place that has given so much to their nation.
