Siya Kolisi has shared a heartfelt message to his father, Fezakele, on the eve of Father's Day, in a bid to make up for lost time and repair their strained relationship. The Springbok captain, renowned for his exceptional leadership on and off the field, has been open about his challenging upbringing and his aspirations to be a hands-on and present parent to his own children.

Over the years, Siya Kolisi has been candid about his difficult childhood, including being estranged from his father. However, the 35-year-old is now working to rebuild their relationship and provide a better childhood for his kids. He told Clicks Magazine in 2022: "Our relationship gets better every day, and it’s something we’re continuously working on."

Siya also took to Instagram to wish his father a happy birthday and thank him for being a part of his life. He posted a message in Xhosa, saying: "uThixo akugcine! [God bless you]." Siya also tagged fellow Bok, Jesse Kriel, who his dad famously embraced and kissed during the World Cup trophy tour in Gqeberha in 2023.

The post featured a clip of Siya spending quality time with his dad and his friends. He captioned it: 'Here is your guy...' Jesse responded with: "The real Mnumzana!"

Siya Kolisi's decision to be a hands-on and present parent to his own children stems from his own difficult childhood. His father, Fezakele, was mostly absent from his childhood, leaving Siya to feel the effects of his absence. Siya has, however, revealed that he and his father are now working on rebuilding their relationship, and they're seeing positive changes.

Siya has spoken candidly about the importance of being present for his children, saying: "I need to make sure that I make them a priority and that I am there to support them in whatever it is that they do – whether or not I agree with it." He wants to create a better childhood for his kids than he experienced himself and be a role model and set a good example for them.

In his words: "Our relationship gets better every day, and it’s something we’re continuously working on." The 35-year-old is committed to making the most of the time he has with his kids and being there for them every step of the way.

Siya also shared his gratitude to his father for being a part of his life. He says: "I want to thank you, dad, for being a part of my life. I love you, dad." It's clear that Siya values his relationship with his father, despite their past challenges.

Key Facts

  • Siya Kolisi shared a heartwarming message to his father, Fezakele, on his birthday.
  • The Springbok captain is working to rebuild their relationship after years of estrangement.
  • Siya's father was mostly absent from his childhood, leaving him to feel the effects of his absence.
  • Siya has spoken candidly about the importance of being present for his children.
  • Siya's desire to be a hands-on and present parent stems from his own difficult childhood.