It’s been a magical year on and off the rugby field for Springbok double World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe.
He played an instrumental role in the Boks’ successful 2024, helping the team to win 11 of their 13 Tests after the World Cup.
The fleet-footed Kolbe was nominated for the World Rugby Player of the Year award, eventually won by teammate Pieter-Steph du Toit, and yesterday he was revealed as one of the five nominees for the SA Rugby Player of the Year gong.
“It was an honour and very special being nominated as World Rugby Player of the Year as one of four players from thousands,” Kolbe said.
“The goal is to keep growing and improving. I am just happy Pieter-Steph (du Toit) eventually won it, and it went to a South African.”
All those accolades came on the field, but one of his most recent achievements – before he left for the new club rugby season in Japan – was one that brought him the closest to tears.
The speedster and his wife Layla recently – via the Cheslin Kolbe Foundation – donated iPad devices in partnership with the iSchoolAfrica programme and iStore to Petunia Primary in Scottsville, Kraaifontein near Cape Town.
The school, with its 780 learners, is a stone’s throw from Kolbe’s childhood home.
For the Bok star, the ability to give back to a community that’s played an influential role in his upbringing is one of his biggest goals, and he wants to keep doing it while still active on the rugby field.
He is hopeful the technology the kids will be exposed to in the new school year will assist them in ways that he and plenty of other kids from underprivileged schools in the community never had growing up.
“Walking in my area, there’s probably a better rugby player than me around – but they just need that opportunity or to be equipped with the right tools, and they’ll be successful,” Kolbe said.
“That is why it’s important for me as a son of the soil of Kraaifontein to give back to my community. This is where I’ve learned so many things.
“These are the people I represent, and they’ve supported me so much throughout my rugby career.
“But, I don’t just want to be remembered as the rugby player, but as someone who gave back – and hopefully this programme at the school will have a ripple effect in the community.”
On the field, Kolbe was happy to be able to contribute to the Springboks’ success after they claimed an 84.6 winning percentage, losing only to Ireland and Argentina in their 13 matches.
While he is eager to see the growth and success the iSchoolAfrica programme achieves in Scottsville, the success the Boks had on the field in 2024 also put a big smile on his face.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus experimented with plenty of combinations, but Kolbe was one of the mainstays in the side.
“It was an amazing 2024 with the Springboks. Yes, we wanted to win all of the Tests, but that didn’t happen,” the speedster added.
“The growth in the side, those youngsters who stepped in to use their opportunities, excites us. We did our best, and ended the season by winning all our matches in the United Kingdom.
“Hopefully in 2025 we can improve on these results... I know we can. I am sure the coaches will already have some plans for what is to come.”
The Boks will face Italy, Georgia, Argentina and Australia in South Africa next year. They will also travel to New Zealand during the Rugby Championship for two away Tests against the All Blacks.
For now, Kolbe is eager to start the Japan club rugby season off with a bang. It’s his second season at Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath, and he hopes to improve on last season’s performances to stay in the Bok picture.
After making headlines playing alongside winger Kurt-Lee Arendse at the Boks, he looks forward to facing him and other Springboks during the Japan Rugby League One season.
Arendse plays for the Dynaboars, and they are set to face each other next March.
“My duel with Kurt-Lee will be interesting,” Kolbe said with a giggle.
“He is a great player and a great person. He will enjoy Japan a lot.
“But that is rugby for you: you will face a teammate when you are at your club. We are going to give each other stiff competition on the field.” | Independent Media Sport