September 29, 10:20IOL

Siyabonga Kolisi could strengthen the Stormers squad ahead of Edinburgh match in United Rugby Championship

South Africa national rugby captain Siyabonga Kolisi potentially could make his second debut for the Stormers on Friday evening in the United Rugby Championship match against the Edinburgh team. This decision is due to a growing injury crisis among the backline players.

UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

Ahead of the second round fixture in Scotland, the Cape Town side confirmed that forwards Evan Roos and Marcel Teunissen were sent back to South Africa after sustaining injuries before their victory over Connacht on Friday. Forwards coach Rito Khulungwane announced on Monday that both players are in Cape Town undergoing specialist examinations: Roos suffers from a hamstring issue, while Teunissen has a calf strain.

As the recovery timelines for both athletes remain uncertain, attention quickly shifted to Kolisi, who joined the team last week and was seen training with the group before the Connacht match. When asked about the possibility of the 35-year-old flanker featuring in the Friday matchday squad, Khulungwane responded evasively, noting with a smile that the team 'will be announced on Thursday.' Nevertheless, he confirmed that no other returning players from the South African national team would be added to this stage of the tour.

Khulungwane emphasized Kolisi's ability to play in all backline positions, making his potential inclusion timely reinforcement for John Dobson's team in the absence of No. 8 Roos and versatile Teunissen. In their absence at the Blue Bulls, former South African international star Riley Norton, initially listed as a lock, demonstrated outstanding play at side-flank, and Connor Evans also impressed from the bench.

However, Kolisi's presence has already provided a significant psychological boost to the team following the first-round win. His contribution in Friday's game could bring even greater effect. Khulungwane noted: 'It is very good for the players to see that it is not a South African national captain, a superstar, coming to them, but a humble player who is just like any of them—ready to work hard, ready to belong, ready to be accepted by the team.' He added: 'He really wants to be part of this team, and he showed it through his actions. You can see it in how he sacrificed travel... It just shows what kind of person he is, and that is what we all respect and value.'

Dynamic forward Hajiva Daimani acknowledged that the team was kept completely unaware of Kolisi's joining the tour, calling his unexpected arrival in Ireland 'super cool.' Daimani added: 'We felt the energy since he came in. He tried to lift the guys up, tried to bring positivity.'

In other squad news, South Africa prop Ntutuko Mchunu joined the group over the weekend, while versatile forward Ben-Jason Dixon remains under observation during his recovery from concussion symptoms. Both may be declared fit for selection announcement on Thursday.

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iol.co.zaSeptember 27, 12:30

Siya Kolisi's return to the Stormers began with training and celebrating victory in Galway

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi eagerly awaited his long-awaited return to the Stormers jersey and joined the team in Ireland before their first match in the United Rugby Championship (URC) last week.

Siya Kolisi was so keen to wear the Stormers jersey again that he flew to Ireland on Thursday and asked to play in their first URC match against Connacht in Galway on Friday evening. The Springbok captain aimed to return in the first game after coming back to the club from Cape Town, where he started his professional career.

Late injuries to Evan Roos and Marcel Teunissen ultimately allowed rugby director John Dobson to consider using Kolisi in Ireland. Initially, Roos was supposed to play at position No. 6, but his late departure from the game, followed by an injury to his replacement Teunissen, prompted Dobson to consider the option of Kolisi.

However, the newcomers invited to the team, Louw Nel and Riley Norton, showed exceptional results, which helped the Stormers secure a 29-15 victory in the first match of the new season.

United Rugby Championship

Kolisi joined his new teammates on Thursday and even participated in the pre-match warm-up with the team at the Dexcom stadium, surprising a small number of Stormers fans in Ireland. After the victory, he joined the team in the locker room and sang their song, Impi Yama Stormer, celebrating the triumph.

The inspiring Bok leader, along with assistant coach Rito Khulunwani and several players, also went to sing with the fans who waited for them after the match. John Dobson highly praised Kolisi's efforts to join the team and his willingness to contribute.

Dobson stated: "I just want to loudly thank Siya Kolisi, who asked to join us, and he wanted to play tonight (Friday), despite landing so late on Thursday." He continued: "I think this will help the entire destratification of the Stormers with the Springboks and without them. Having such a guy who is so involved, and truly an amazing example of actions speaking louder than words. And he comes here, puts in so much effort, trains with the team. It meant a lot to us.".

iol.co.zaSeptember 26, 18:19

Bafana Bafana defeats Guinea thanks to Kabini's goal; Pizo Mosimane starts second term with triumph

The Bafana Bafana team managed to defeat Guinea 2-1, thanks to a late goal by Samukelo Kabini. This match marked the beginning of Pizo Mosimane's second term as head coach, who achieved success at the Orlando Stadium Amstel Arena on Saturday.

The South African national team secured the first three points in their group, starting the journey to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations on a positive note. Bafana showed an active start to the game and had a chance to score within the first ten minutes, but Relebokhile Mofokeng failed to capitalize on his opportunity.

The South Africans continued to dominate possession and create higher-quality chances, eventually earning a reward 30 minutes into the match. Defender Ime Okon, based in Germany, opened the scoring with a set-piece goal after the Guinean defense could not handle the attack inside the crowded penalty area.

Bafana Bafana

The first half was an ideal reward for Mosimane's team's dominance, although they could have gone into halftime with a more comfortable lead. However, Guinea returned with significant momentum in the second half and eventually equalized the score in the 69th minute.

A free kick created problems in Bafana's box, after which the ball found Seidou Sisse in the area, who did not miss from close range, leveling the teams' chances.

Mosimane reacted by bringing on substitutes, and the substitutions quickly paid off. Substitute Kabini restored Bafana's advantage in the 77th minute, drawing loud applause from the fans at the Orlando stadium.

The left-back delivered a pass from Mbutumu on the edge of the box and then calmly finished the attack, sending the ball past the Guinean goalkeeper. Despite Guinea trying to achieve another equalizer towards the end, Bafana maintained its advantage, securing a victory for Mosimane in his first official match after returning to the national team.

This result gives Mosimane a crucial start to a new phase with Bafana, and the game itself showed that despite South Africa's control over most of the match, there is still much work to be done. Nevertheless, it was a memorable day for Kabini, as his late goal, his first international one, secured all three points for the team and helped Mosimane return with a win.