Siya Kolisi bonds with dad after heartbreaking past

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Springbok captain and Sharks player Siya Kolisi is working hard to mend the relationship with his father, Fezakele. The father-and-son shared a special moment together after the Durban club’s match over the weekend.

SIYA KOLISI BONDS WITH DAD

In a heartwarming Instagram post, Siya Kolisi embraced his dad, Fezakele, who sported a Sharks player in support of his son. The Springboks captain shared a heart emoji and the word “Gqwashu,” referring to his Xhosa clan name.

Siya’s dad was in attendance at the Sharks game against Leinster at Kings Park Stadium over the weekend.

Although the Durban club lost to their Irish counterparts, Siya enjoyed priceless moments with his dad, with whom he recently reconnected. This included an all-boys weekend, which involved Siya’s son Nic, who he shares with his former wife, Rachel Kolisi.

In another Instagram post, Siya Kolisi poked fun at his dad, who was “living his best life” at the rugby player’s Ballito home. In the clip, it was evident that Siya had inherited his silly sense of humour from his father.

FAMILY AND FORGIVENESS

Over the years, Siya Kolisi has been open and honest about his challenging upbringing, including being estranged from his father, Fezakele.

As a teen, Siya lived with his grandmother after his mother, Phakama, died.

Sometime later, he would later track down his siblings to a foster care home, where he would adopt them alongside his then-wife Rachel Kolisi.

Siya Kolisi – who admits to never previously having a relationship with his father – has also mentioned how his mother suffered gender-based violence at the hands of her male partners.

In 2021, the Springbok captain touched his followers after posting a pic with his dad. In the post, the 33-year-old revealed his hopes of having a relationship with the man who did not raise him.

He shared: “I had a much-needed deep conversation with my father.

“I’m not sure about the relationship between time and healing, but I now know that in time, we can grow the courage we need in order to take the first steps towards healing.

“The relationship with this man is important to me. And I’m glad for the opportunity and strength to keep fighting for it.”