There’s no mistaking that Cheslin Kolbe is one of the greatest Springboks ever. And his proud dad Andrew Kolbe believes he is deserving of all his success.
The pint-size player won man of the match in South Africa’s 29-20 victory over England in Twickenham on Saturday, 16 November.
CHESLIN KOLBE’S DAD SHARES HIS PRIDE AND JOY
In a clip that has recently re-emerged following the Springboks victory – an advert for Jungle Oats breakfast – Cheslin Kolbe’s father spoke of his decision to nurture his son’s talent.
Andrew – also a rugby player in his younger days – said of his son: “It was always his desire to become a Springbok
Explaining the star’s infamous side-step, Andrew said: “He was always playing in the street with the bigger boys, bare feet, kicking the ball. That’s where his side-step comes in because you’re playing on the tar road, so he was scared of falling.”
Andrew claimed that he decided to actively encourage Cheslin’s dreams of being a professional rugby player. This included taking him to his training and watching all his games.
“I didn’t grow up wealthy. But I told myself that when I become a dad, I want to give him the best.
“That’s the sacrifices that we make as parents. I’m going to support him to the best of my ability.
The emotional dad claimed that Cheslin – who has been described as a “once-in-a-lifetime kind of player” by Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus – was deserving of all his success.
He added: “Everything comes down to hard work. Cheslin achieved his goals”.
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‘MY DAD GAVE ME GOOD ADVICE’
In an Instagram post after the Rugby World Cup, Cheslin Kolbe praised his father for being supportive of him.
Sharing pics of his parents in Paris, he posted of his father: “To finally reward him for all his sacrifices he made for me as a kid. It was beyond special!”
Speaking to SA Rugby in 2021, Cheslin Kolbe claimed his father encouraged him not to quit rugby despite the challenges of his size.
He said: “It was 2008, and I basically wanted to give up.
“But my dad gave me good advice – perfect advice – to motivate me, not to force me into anything, but just to keep doing what I loved. And at that time I was definitely in love with rugby, but I was being put down all the time because of people doubting me and obviously just giving me negative feedback.’
In 2018, Cheslin was called up by Rassie Erasmus to be a Springbok, a dream come true.
Speaking in a press conference after Saturday’s victory against England, Rassie said: “Cheslin Kolbe is a special player, but it doesn’t go to his head. There isn’t a title he hasn’t won, I think, but he’s always stayed grounded.
“One can’t praise him enough. It’s not just the glamorous things he does; it’s the off-the-ball stuff as well.”
IS CHESLIN KOLBE THE BEST SPRINGBOK PLAYER EVER?
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