Watch: Siya Kolisi tribute song by Robbie Wessels [video]

Popular Afrikaans singer Robbie Wessels switched things up to give Springbok captain Siya Kolisi a moving tribute through song.

The artist – famous for the comic song “Leeuloop” – is no stranger to lending his music to rugby, with one of his biggest hits serving as an unofficial soundtrack for one Currie Cup campaign.

Siya Kolisi inspires a song 

Following the Springboks’ successful 2019 Rugby World Cup campaign, he reached out for his guitar once more to pen a song about the skipper, who made history by becoming the first black man to lead the men in green and gold.

Kolisi was at the forefront of what was the most diverse group of players to represent South Africa at the Rugby World Cup.

Having returned home with the Webb-Ellis cup, he came back to a hero’s welcome, which culminated in the Boks touring five cities to show off the big prize.

Now the famous triumph has spawned a song, sung by Wessels, with the flanker again in the spotlight.

The song – sung in English – drives home the now-household hashtag #StrongerTogether, preaching a message of unity, regardless of background, race or culture.

How a nation was inspired

It’s fitting for what has been the theme in the celebration for the Springboks’ triumph.

Since the team arrived from Japan earlier in the month, diverse crowds have given them a heroes’ welcome.

It began from their arrival at OR Tambo International airport in Johannesburg, where scores turned up to catch the first glimpse of the Webb-Ellis trophy, which arrived a little later than anticipated – held by the man of the moment, Kolisi.

This was after the skipper delivered a moving speech in his post-match interview, after South Africa had beaten England in the final.

“Since I’ve been alive, I have never seen South Africa like this,” Kolisi said.

“Obviously in ’95, what the World Cup did for us, and now, with all the challenges we are having, the coach (Rassie Erasmus) just came and told us the last game, ‘We’re not playing for ourselves any more. We’re playing for our people back home’.

“That’s what we wanted to do today and we really appreciate all the support. People in the taverns, people in the shebeens, people in farms, homeless people and people in rural areas – thank you so much, we appreciate the support.

“We love you, South Africa, and we can achieve anything if we work together as one.”

Siya Kolisi

Watch Robbie Wessels tribute to Siya Kolisi here: