‘Not Rassie, ME’ — Mbaks takes credit for Kolisi’s captaincy, Springboks’ success
Fikile Mbalula believes he is the reason why Siya Kolisi was appointed as Springboks captain under Rassie Erasmus’ reign as head coach.
Fikile Mbalula has caused a stir on social media for posting that the work he did as Sports Minister is what ultimately led to Siya Kolisi becoming Springbok captain.
As captain of the Springboks, Siya Kolisi has just led the team to back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles; making him only the second main to achieve that feat after the great Richie McCaw, and making the Boks only the
second team after the All Blacks in 2015 to win the Webb Ellis Cup again.
Then head coach and current director of rugby, Rassie Erasmus, chose Kolisi to be the Springbok captain in 2018.
Many social media users have praised Rassie Erasmus for his extraordinary devotion and commitment to change with the Springbok team over the past few days.
Mbalula, however, objected to and publicly refuted one such opinion on Wednesday.
Rugby fans are aware of the difficulties black players encountered due to their designation as “Qouta players.” However,
emergence of Rassie Erasmus made certain that if you are qualified, you would be chosen notwithstanding the color of your skin. He is deserving of all the praise, tweeted X under the handle @Tabile_Zukile.
Mbalula, who is presently the ANC Secretary General and served as Minister of Transport from 2019 to 2023, Minister of Sport from 2010 to 2017, and Minister of Police from 2017 to 2018, replied as follows:
“I eliminated quotas because they were counterproductive, not Rassie. We firmly established the Transformation Charter, which is why Siya is the captain. However, I recognize your position and concur wholeheartedly with your statement regarding Rassie.
HERE’S MBALULA’S TWEET ABOUT THE KOLISI CAPTAINCY
MBAKS KICKED TO THE CURB BY SOUTH AFRICANS
Social media users were quick to shut him down and shut him up for his hot take.
“I believe this is an even better example of that ‘There are two kinds of leaders’ meme,” remarked one person. taking credit where it isn’t deserved. But Rassie doesn’t claim any of the credit. refuses to raise the prize. Whispers softly. Gives credit to others.
“This bruddah is probably one of the worst people who has ever been born,” said another. When you were minister of sport, my boy, SARU (South African Rugby) was on the verge of bankruptcy.
It says, ‘I made Siya Kolisi.'” The Springboks are champions again because of me. It is true that main character syndrome cannot be outgrown.
“Not this idiot attempting to take charge of the culture inside the Springboks camp. Someone else said, “These ANC politicians are shameless.”
