Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has praised Temba Bavuma for his resilience and leadership, following the Proteas’ historic World Test Championship triumph at Lord’s.
Kolisi, who led the Springboks to back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles, told SportsBoom.co.za he feels a deep connection with Bavuma, having faced similar criticism early in his career.
The loose forward knows what it’s like to be labelled a “quota player” and to have his selection –and later, his captaincy – questioned.
Kolisi made his Springbok debut in 2013, and during the challenging years that followed the 2015 World Cup, he endured sustained criticism before being appointed captain by Rassie Erasmus in 2018 – a decision he justified with his inspirational leadership.
Bavuma has travelled a similarly difficult path. Since his 2014 debut, the Proteas skipper has been the target of abuse questioning the legitimacy of his place in the team. Even in success, he was often criticised for failing to convert half-centuries into hundreds – despite many of those innings coming in pressure situations.
Now 35, Bavuma has silenced the doubters with a key role in the Proteas’ win over defending champions Australia in the WTC final, all while battling a hamstring injury. He has averaged nearly 50 in Test cricket since 2021 and 43 in ODIs at a strike rate of 87, underlining his consistency across formats.
“I know how ugly things have been for Temba,” said Kolisi. “There were times when nothing good was said about him. It was tough at the beginning of my career too, and we speak about it. We don’t talk every day, but when it’s needed.
“We could have both given up. There were a lot of people who supported us, but there were also those who made a lot of noise. It gets lonely – seeing your name in the paper and there’s nothing positive.”
OPINION: World champion Bavuma deserves all the praise
Kolisi revealed he often reached out to Bavuma during difficult moments.
“I saw what he went through, and I would always message him. That sort of abuse can derail you. But I am so proud of him. He’s unbeaten in Tests as a captain and batted through pain – just like his career, really.”
Reflecting on Bavuma’s achievement, Kolisi added: “Who wrote that amazing story, with him as captain, prevailing in the end? I think the Proteas are going to achieve even more now. They’re going to do really well.”
