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Siya Kolisi’s Birthday Tribute to Eben Etzebeth Warms Mzansi’s Hearts
Sixteen Years, One Unbreakable Bond
Some friendships in sport start and end with the final whistle. Then there’s Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth, a bond that has outlived bruises, victories, and the chaos of international rugby.
When Etzebeth celebrated his birthday this week, still glowing from the joy of welcoming his baby girl, Kolisi took to Instagram to post a message that hit Mzansi right in the feels. It wasn’t a flashy caption or a highlight reel moment. It was raw, heartfelt, and deeply personal.
Quoting Proverbs 18:24, Kolisi wrote, “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” For anyone who has followed the pair’s journey from teen prodigies to global champions, the verse couldn’t have fit better.
More Than Just Teammates
Kolisi’s tribute went on to say, “Happy birthday, my brother. Been 16 years of friendship now, and I’ve loved how it has become a brotherhood. Been amazing watching you grow and become an icon in our sport, but most importantly, the amazing human being you are. Love you long time, Langes.”
For the uninitiated, “Langes” is Afrikaans slang for “tall one,” a friendly nickname that sums up Etzebeth’s towering frame and even bigger personality. It’s the kind of word that can only be spoken between people who truly know each other.
Kolisi’s message was more than birthday wishes. It was a masterclass in humility and gratitude, the kind that reminds us that leadership doesn’t always roar; sometimes, it simply acknowledges the people who make the journey worthwhile.
From Craven Week to World Champions
Kolisi and Etzebeth first met as teenagers at Craven Week, both just 18 and chasing their rugby dreams. Their friendship grew through Western Province and into the Springboks, where they would share some of South Africa’s most iconic sporting moments, including back-to-back World Cup victories.
Their connection has never felt performative. When Etzebeth became the most-capped Springbok in history, Kolisi publicly saluted him, saying, “You have always been by my side. We have been together since we were 18. You have been a true friend and became a brother.”
It’s this mix of loyalty, faith, and humour that has made them one of South Africa’s most beloved sporting duos.
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Mzansi Reacts: “This Is Real Friendship”
Fans across social media flooded Kolisi’s post with love. Many called it “real friendship goals,” while others said the two men show what healthy masculinity looks like in sport, rooted in respect, not rivalry.
Their camaraderie offers a refreshing counter-story to the stereotype of ego-driven athletes. For Kolisi and Etzebeth, success has never been about outshining each other. It has been about growing together through injuries, milestones, and moments that have defined South African rugby history.
Brotherhood Beyond the Try Line
Kolisi has always spoken about leading with heart. His tribute to Etzebeth is a reminder that his leadership stretches far beyond the pitch. It’s found in quiet moments of gratitude, shared jokes, and prayers exchanged between friends who have seen each other through it all.
For Mzansi, it’s proof that sport isn’t just about winning; it’s about the relationships that carry you when the spotlight fades.
Also read: Somizi Mhlongo Graduates from Fashion School and Begins a Stylish New Chapter
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: African Insider
