'Rough and aggressive': Kolbe on why Moerat is a leader

EXCLUSIVE: @rugby365com reporter Angus Opperman sat down with two-time World Cup-winning wing Cheslin Kolbe who shared his thoughts on this weekend's team to face Portugal and Salmaan Moerat being named captain.

Kolbe spoke at an activation event at his old school, Simonsberg Primary, following the launch of the Kolbe Foundation earlier this month in aid of Mandela Day on July 18.

Kolbe shared his excitement for the newbies who will make their debut against Portugal this upcoming Saturday in what many have dubbed as the next generation of Springboks.

"It's going to be exciting for a lot of the players. I think there are seven of them making their debut for the Springboks," said Kolbe.

He added: "I'm super excited for all the boys getting an opportunity against Portugal this weekend and that they make the most out of it."

He was full of praise for newly appointed captain Salmaan Moerat, who will become the 66th Springbok captain and the first-ever Muslim to lead the national side.

"For Salmaan I'm super excited and proud of him for what he's achieved.

"He's been very unlucky with injuries in the past few years but just glad he's come out on top.

He added: "I've followed him since high school - the way he plays the game is rough, it's aggressive and just the way he conducts himself and the way he speaks to players.

"He has that leadership mindset and it's a role he can definitely fulfil."

Kolbe concluded that Moerat "should just go out and play his game everyone knows he can play."

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The Cheslin Kolbe Foundation

Meanwhile, Kolbe also spoke about the difficulties of starting a foundation and the unforeseen challenges that held it back initially after the 2019 World Cup.

"It was quite difficult with us being abroad and not being in South Africa to set up a foundation because we firmly believe that having a foundation means you have to be on hand and be there.

" Covid happened so we couldn't start anything but during that time we've worked with other foundations and started learning how things worked, and what the needs are in different communities.

"Yes, we are here to launch the Cheslin Kolbe Foundation, but we always said it wasn't about just having the name - it's about the purpose of going out and making a difference and giving back to other communities because it's not about us or the foundation, it's about those out there that need it most."

With the backing of Roc Nation Sports International, Kolbe states that anyone who wants to get involved with the foundation in any capacity will be welcome to do so.

"We always say, whoever wants to be part of the foundation can always reach out to us, and we will never say no.

"We will always try and help and see where we can assist."

When asked if he would collaborate with the Kolisi Foundation in future, he stated that the door is open to anyone.

"Whether it's Siya's foundation, whether it's Gift of the Givers or a local foundation - it's not about the name.

"Yes, I'm sure the Cheslin Kolbe Foundation will do a lot of work with the Kolisi Foundation but we will work with anyone... because there are so many needy communities and for us just to use the platform we have,  so it doesn't matter who we work with as long as it's for a good cause."

When asked what his immediate focus is for the foundation, Kolbe was very clear on three main things.

"For me, being a sportsperson, sport will be a part of it.

"Food, supplements and education will definitely be a part of it, so those are just three simple things I can mention for now, but as I said we will go out to communities and see what the need is."