Even a two-time World Cup-winning captain has his “kryptonite,” and for Siya Kolisi, it’s a high school Afrikaans paper. In a heartwarming and relatable video shared with his followers on February 5, 2026, the Springbok skipper opened up about his personal history with the language while navigating a “dad moment” with his son, Nicholas.
Sitting in his car during the afternoon school run, Kolisi reflected on a recent conversation with 11-year-old Nic that left him feeling a mixture of pride, amusement, and a little bit of “academic envy.”
The “Mark” of Excellence vs. Survival
The conversation started when Nicholas expressed deep disappointment over his latest Afrikaans grade. However, for Siya—who famously struggled with the subject during his own school days—the “disappointing” mark looked like a dream achievement.
- The Captain’s Struggle: Siya didn’t hold back on his own academic record. “I would have given anything [for that mark]… they chased me out of Afrikaans, that’s how bad I was,” he joked, recalling how he was once asked to leave class because he found the language so challenging.
- Nicholas’ Ambition: Despite his father’s reassurance, Nicholas remained upset. Siya admitted he felt conflicted: “I am happy that he wants to achieve more… but at the same time, Afrikaans and you’re complaining about that mark?”
- The Silver Lining: Ultimately, Siya expressed immense pride in Nicholas’ drive to excel. “He’s much more clever now. It hurt me to hear [his disappointment], but I’m happy he’s pushing himself.”
Fans and Teammates React
The post quickly became a hub for “commiseration” from fellow South Africans who shared the Captain’s struggle with the “Struggle Subject.”
- The Teammates: Springbok center Jesse Kriel offered some classic South African encouragement, commenting, “Vasbyt bhuda” (Hang in there, brother).
- The Celebs: Media personality Lunga Shabalala joined in on the joke, while actress Lesley-Ann Brandt shared her own parenting parallel: “Same. My son is speaking French and I’m still discovering Afrikaans words.”
A New Chapter for the Kolisi Family
This glimpse into the Kolisi household comes during a period of transition. Following his high-profile return to the Sharks and his separation from Rachel Kolisi, Siya has been vocal about his commitment to being a “present” father.
Whether it’s school pickups or navigating the complexities of bilingual education, “Captain Fantastic” is proving that leading a family through the “rude awakenings” of a report card is just as important as leading the Boks at Loftus.
