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What Temba Bavuma Learned from Siya Kolisi: A Conversation Between Captains

Published

2 months ago

August 5, 2025

Chiraag

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When two captains of two very different South African sporting worlds talk, it’s more than just a chat. It’s a moment of unity, perspective, and power.

Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma recently offered a rare glimpse into the captain-to-captain conversations he’s had with Springboks hero Siya Kolisi. While the details weren’t about tactics or training drills, the takeaways were far more profound.

At a time when Bavuma faces pressure both on and off the pitch, Kolisi’s words have served as quiet anchors. The two have crossed paths during national celebrations, notably after the Proteas’ World Test Championship win, and what started as casual catch-ups turned into deep, reflective exchanges.

“Sometimes you just need someone who gets it”

There’s no fanfare when Bavuma talks about Kolisi. No hero worship. Just respect.

“Whenever I’ve met Siya, I don’t go there with a list of questions,” he said. “It’s just a conversation.” Sometimes, those chats are heavy. Sometimes they’re light. But they’re always real. From one captain to another, there’s a mutual recognition of what the other endures.

Kolisi, who led the Springboks to two Rugby World Cup titles, has faced his share of scrutiny, something Bavuma knows all too well from his own cricketing journey. Bavuma shared that Kolisi reminded him criticism eventually passes, and belief, both from within and from the outside world, can grow again.

Learning from the Springbok Spirit

It’s no secret that the Springboks command a different kind of faith from South African fans. When they compete at global events, there’s expectation, not just hope, that they’ll win.

For cricket, it’s a bit different.

“From a cricketing point of view, yes, we might go there with hopes, but there’s that lingering doubt,” Bavuma admitted. But things are shifting. With the Proteas’ recent form and growing unity in the squad, Bavuma believes belief is rising. As they prepare for the T20 and 50-over World Cups, the pressure is mounting, but so is the trust.

That, he says, is the real challenge now: to perform under that trust, just as the Springboks do.

A Brotherhood in Leadership

Kolisi’s support isn’t just symbolic. It’s emotional reinforcement, the kind that’s hard to come by in elite sport. Bavuma put it simply: “It’s also just about respecting each other’s craft and showing that we’re there for each other.”

Their bond represents something bigger than two captains chatting. It reflects the growth of South African sport culture, where athletes back each other across codes, bridging divides between cricket whites and rugby greens.

Public Response: Respect, Admiration, and Reflection

South Africans have warmly embraced Bavuma’s comments, many praising the humility and mutual admiration between the two leaders. On social media, fans called it “the kind of energy South African sport needs more of” and “a reminder that leadership is human.”

In a nation often divided by sporting loyalty, seeing the heads of cricket and rugby stand side by side, not in competition but in conversation, feels like a breath of fresh air.

What This Means for the Proteas

Bavuma’s reflections hint at a maturing leadership approach within the Proteas camp. He also credited Test coach Shukri Conrad for strengthening player relationships and building trust. As South Africa approaches major ICC tournaments, that internal cohesion could make all the difference.

If Kolisi’s legacy has shown us anything, it’s that belief, unity, and resilience can take you all the way. And it seems Bavuma is ready to bring that very spirit into the Proteas’ dressing room.