What do you think?
Rate this book
Rise: The Brand New Autobiography
‘Siya's rise from humble beginnings to lifting that World Cup trophy is the stuff of fairytales.’ MARCUS RASHFORD
‘Siya Kolisi is a warrior on the field and an inspiration off it. This book is an extraordinary reminder of what can be achieved with inner belief and an indefatigable spirit.’ JAY SHETTY
'Siya's story is well documented, and I am so impressed by the way he conducts himself. As the captain of his team and as a statesman he is measured and thoughtful. He is a leader in every way. An inspiration to a dynamic South African nation.' EDDIE JONES
‘Few people embody the tenacity of what the New South Africa stands for, like Siya does. His story mirrors the nations’; in its trials and tribulations and also in it’s triumph against all odds. This is a real life heroes journey.’ TREVOR NOAH
‘There is no doubt Siya has made a significant impact on World rugby, especially within South African rugby. [He] is passionate about changing people's lives for the better and uses his position and status to do that.’ MARO ITOJE
‘Brilliant’ THE TIMES
‘Moving’ THE GUARDIAN
His truth. His story. In his words.
There have been many comments made and books written about Siya Kolisi, captain of the Springboks, and the first black man to lead his country in over 128 years of South African rugby. But now, for the very first time, Siya Kolisi shares his story in an extraordinarily intimate memoir, charting his journey from being born into the impoverished Zwide township, to leading his proud nation to an astonishing victory at the Rugby World Cup in 2019. However, Rise is not simply a chronology of matches played and games won; it is an exploration of a man’s race and his faith, a masterclass in attaining a positive mindset, and an inspirational reminder that it is possible to defy the odds, no matter how they are stacked against you. In 2020, partly in response to the pandemic, Siya and his wife, Rachel, launched The Kolisi Foundation, providing personal protective equipment to healthcare workers and delivering food parcels throughout South Africa. The title Rise is inspired by Siya’s mother – Phakama – which translates to the book’s name, as well as a celebration of his Xhosa heritage.
‘Siya Kolisi is a warrior on the field and an inspiration off it. This book is an extraordinary reminder of what can be achieved with inner belief and an indefatigable spirit.’ JAY SHETTY
'Siya's story is well documented, and I am so impressed by the way he conducts himself. As the captain of his team and as a statesman he is measured and thoughtful. He is a leader in every way. An inspiration to a dynamic South African nation.' EDDIE JONES
‘Few people embody the tenacity of what the New South Africa stands for, like Siya does. His story mirrors the nations’; in its trials and tribulations and also in it’s triumph against all odds. This is a real life heroes journey.’ TREVOR NOAH
‘There is no doubt Siya has made a significant impact on World rugby, especially within South African rugby. [He] is passionate about changing people's lives for the better and uses his position and status to do that.’ MARO ITOJE
‘Brilliant’ THE TIMES
‘Moving’ THE GUARDIAN
His truth. His story. In his words.
There have been many comments made and books written about Siya Kolisi, captain of the Springboks, and the first black man to lead his country in over 128 years of South African rugby. But now, for the very first time, Siya Kolisi shares his story in an extraordinarily intimate memoir, charting his journey from being born into the impoverished Zwide township, to leading his proud nation to an astonishing victory at the Rugby World Cup in 2019. However, Rise is not simply a chronology of matches played and games won; it is an exploration of a man’s race and his faith, a masterclass in attaining a positive mindset, and an inspirational reminder that it is possible to defy the odds, no matter how they are stacked against you. In 2020, partly in response to the pandemic, Siya and his wife, Rachel, launched The Kolisi Foundation, providing personal protective equipment to healthcare workers and delivering food parcels throughout South Africa. The title Rise is inspired by Siya’s mother – Phakama – which translates to the book’s name, as well as a celebration of his Xhosa heritage.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2021
197 people are currently reading
823 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
May 16, 2025
What an amazing read this was, and cannot believe I am only reading this now!!
Siya Kolisi, is one of the great legends of not just South African sports, but of South Africa, and his journey is awe inspiring. Growing up in extreme poverty in the Eastern Cape, he got a bursary from the prestigious Grey High School in Port Elizabeth when he was 12, and took his opportunity with both hands. His rugby career took off here and he was rated as one of the top schoolboy rugby players. He went from here to Western Province and the Stormers in Cape Town and eventually played for the Springboks as well. His time however came when Rassie Erasmus took over as coach in 2018 when SA Rugby was at an all time low and he appointed Siya as captain. Together, they and the team lead us to World Cup glory just 18 months later and Siya has become the most successful Springbok captain of all time with a further World Cup win in 2023 and cementing Springbok dominance further in 2024 with Rugby Championship glory. His descriptions of the on-field action is brilliant, and it is great to go into the team camps with him and see how the players' mindset is during crunch times.
But this is a book about more than rugby, and Siya tells his story beautifully and candidly. While his story is that of determination and belief, it is also one where he admits his shortcomings in detail, showing his vulnerable side to show he is just a human with all the same struggles. He also highlights his hopes and dreams for a better South Africa, and never shows any anger at the past he had to live, but instead uses it as a driving force for change in our beautiful country.
Siya is a true patriot, and his blood flows green for this country. The book ends after the 2021 Lions tour and I hope he publishes and extended one in the future. I cannot wait to see what he does in the next few years and hope his battered body can make two more years and hopefully does the three-peat at the 2027 World Cup along with Rassie and the team. Highly recommended reading, and I read this right after Rassie's book that complement each other.
Siya Kolisi, is one of the great legends of not just South African sports, but of South Africa, and his journey is awe inspiring. Growing up in extreme poverty in the Eastern Cape, he got a bursary from the prestigious Grey High School in Port Elizabeth when he was 12, and took his opportunity with both hands. His rugby career took off here and he was rated as one of the top schoolboy rugby players. He went from here to Western Province and the Stormers in Cape Town and eventually played for the Springboks as well. His time however came when Rassie Erasmus took over as coach in 2018 when SA Rugby was at an all time low and he appointed Siya as captain. Together, they and the team lead us to World Cup glory just 18 months later and Siya has become the most successful Springbok captain of all time with a further World Cup win in 2023 and cementing Springbok dominance further in 2024 with Rugby Championship glory. His descriptions of the on-field action is brilliant, and it is great to go into the team camps with him and see how the players' mindset is during crunch times.
But this is a book about more than rugby, and Siya tells his story beautifully and candidly. While his story is that of determination and belief, it is also one where he admits his shortcomings in detail, showing his vulnerable side to show he is just a human with all the same struggles. He also highlights his hopes and dreams for a better South Africa, and never shows any anger at the past he had to live, but instead uses it as a driving force for change in our beautiful country.
Siya is a true patriot, and his blood flows green for this country. The book ends after the 2021 Lions tour and I hope he publishes and extended one in the future. I cannot wait to see what he does in the next few years and hope his battered body can make two more years and hopefully does the three-peat at the 2027 World Cup along with Rassie and the team. Highly recommended reading, and I read this right after Rassie's book that complement each other.
October 12, 2021
Wonderful read
There’s no question Siya Kolisi’s story is a powerful one, simply by nature of the two extremes of reality he has experienced. But I admire his commitment to using that story, both the sufferings and the successes together, for making positive change.
Rise is well written, an enjoyable chronology crescendoing with the lifting of the greatest prize in rugby, and continuing up until the 2021 Lions Tour. I enjoyed watching highlights or full replays as I read his insights into the many key matches he’s played in, particularly through the RWC.
Throughout the book, Kolisi speaks candidly about his faith without forcing it upon the reader. His love of South Africa in all it’s broken beauty is as much a theme of the book as it is of the man himself. His passion for fighting against gender-based violence is as powerful as his tackling, an inspiration and solid reminder for every man who reads it. And his discussion of his commitment to doing good works in South Africa with the platform he has both been given, and earned for himself, make this autobiography a worthwhile read.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the photos at the end, each picture made even more special knowing the journey that preceded it.
It’s enough to make this All Blacks fan proud of the Springboks winning the Rugby World Cup again!!
There’s no question Siya Kolisi’s story is a powerful one, simply by nature of the two extremes of reality he has experienced. But I admire his commitment to using that story, both the sufferings and the successes together, for making positive change.
Rise is well written, an enjoyable chronology crescendoing with the lifting of the greatest prize in rugby, and continuing up until the 2021 Lions Tour. I enjoyed watching highlights or full replays as I read his insights into the many key matches he’s played in, particularly through the RWC.
Throughout the book, Kolisi speaks candidly about his faith without forcing it upon the reader. His love of South Africa in all it’s broken beauty is as much a theme of the book as it is of the man himself. His passion for fighting against gender-based violence is as powerful as his tackling, an inspiration and solid reminder for every man who reads it. And his discussion of his commitment to doing good works in South Africa with the platform he has both been given, and earned for himself, make this autobiography a worthwhile read.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the photos at the end, each picture made even more special knowing the journey that preceded it.
It’s enough to make this All Blacks fan proud of the Springboks winning the Rugby World Cup again!!
October 14, 2021
Inspiring
Great man, rugby player and captain. I have more respect for him reading about how he has achieved what he has from humble and disadvantaged beginnings. It is inspirational reading about how his faith has formed him into the man he has become and the difference he is making in South Africa and beyond. Well written and recommended.
Great man, rugby player and captain. I have more respect for him reading about how he has achieved what he has from humble and disadvantaged beginnings. It is inspirational reading about how his faith has formed him into the man he has become and the difference he is making in South Africa and beyond. Well written and recommended.
January 21, 2024
4.5*
This was actually a very emotional read for me (or should I say, listen). There are matches and games that Siya refers to in this book that I remember so well, especially when it comes to the 2019 World Cup in Japan. He describes some games in detail, but he also describes things that we will all remember, like the Springboks arrival back in SA, and the bus tour that followed. And I loved reliving all of those moments. Like I say, extremely emotional for a rugby nut like me.
It was also interesting to read this book now, after the Springboks have won the 2023 World Cup. Obviously, at the time of writing his book, that event hadn't yet taken place, and so it was interesting to read about Siya's thoughts as they were then, about the upcoming World Cup and his desire to win it again.
The reason for deducting half a star is just because I found the book to be rather light in regard to his personal life. Yes, he talks about his young life in the township, about meeting Rachel for the first time, their wedding, his drinking problems, and then about how he found God and religion (which I actually didn't know about), but I feel that he did gloss over some of the more personal details of his life. At the end of the day, this is his memoir, yes, but it is definitely one written more about his life as a rugby player, and not so much about his life off the field.
Overall though, this was a really great memoir. It moved me, and it brought me to tears a few times (but that might be just because I'm an emotional person). I also just love this man, and everything he stands for. He tries so hard to be a good person, and as South Africans, we're lucky to have him as the leader of our national Springbok team. Go Siya! You deserve all the happiness!
This was actually a very emotional read for me (or should I say, listen). There are matches and games that Siya refers to in this book that I remember so well, especially when it comes to the 2019 World Cup in Japan. He describes some games in detail, but he also describes things that we will all remember, like the Springboks arrival back in SA, and the bus tour that followed. And I loved reliving all of those moments. Like I say, extremely emotional for a rugby nut like me.
It was also interesting to read this book now, after the Springboks have won the 2023 World Cup. Obviously, at the time of writing his book, that event hadn't yet taken place, and so it was interesting to read about Siya's thoughts as they were then, about the upcoming World Cup and his desire to win it again.
The reason for deducting half a star is just because I found the book to be rather light in regard to his personal life. Yes, he talks about his young life in the township, about meeting Rachel for the first time, their wedding, his drinking problems, and then about how he found God and religion (which I actually didn't know about), but I feel that he did gloss over some of the more personal details of his life. At the end of the day, this is his memoir, yes, but it is definitely one written more about his life as a rugby player, and not so much about his life off the field.
Overall though, this was a really great memoir. It moved me, and it brought me to tears a few times (but that might be just because I'm an emotional person). I also just love this man, and everything he stands for. He tries so hard to be a good person, and as South Africans, we're lucky to have him as the leader of our national Springbok team. Go Siya! You deserve all the happiness!
September 10, 2024
Worth reading for the first 100 pages - seeing where Siya started and how far he’s come is truly inspirational. He’s so much more than a sports captain; he is an emblem of unity and hope for SA, and it felt like the right time to read this with our national pride in the Springboks at an all-time high.
Unfortunately, the book is let down at times by clunky prose (to be expected from a sports autobiography), and going through rugby games play-by-play eventually gets a bit tedious.
Unfortunately, the book is let down at times by clunky prose (to be expected from a sports autobiography), and going through rugby games play-by-play eventually gets a bit tedious.
August 28, 2024
I finished this yesterday, but this site was giving me issue. At the time I wanted to quote this thing on the last page of the epilogue but now I don't care anymore.
I liked the way the voice of the subject came out sounding sincere and authentically theirs. If it was ghostwritten, as was suggested by someone in my network, then the GW was so good at removing any trace of themselves from the writing.
I will say that I started out liking and respecting him as a person, discovered something about him that made me lose that respect. Thankfully my opinion of him is none of his business.
I didn't love it, but I also didn't hate it, so 2.5 stars is the middle ground.
I liked the way the voice of the subject came out sounding sincere and authentically theirs. If it was ghostwritten, as was suggested by someone in my network, then the GW was so good at removing any trace of themselves from the writing.
I will say that I started out liking and respecting him as a person, discovered something about him that made me lose that respect. Thankfully my opinion of him is none of his business.
I didn't love it, but I also didn't hate it, so 2.5 stars is the middle ground.
November 15, 2023
Exceptional journey. Remarkable story. Inspiring human.
With all the odds stacked up against him, this man should not be where he is today. But pure hard work, determination, grit, resilience, and just being a good human got him there.
South Africans, according to him, really are a great people and nation. And he is the epitome of this.
I have learned a lot from this man. Excellent autobiography.
With all the odds stacked up against him, this man should not be where he is today. But pure hard work, determination, grit, resilience, and just being a good human got him there.
South Africans, according to him, really are a great people and nation. And he is the epitome of this.
I have learned a lot from this man. Excellent autobiography.
September 23, 2023
I surprisingly loved this book - I didn't expect that because I am not such a huge rugby fan, but I loved Siya's raw honesty, his strength, and humility. He even sparked a new love, respect and understanding in me for rugby, which is also surprising, not least to my husband 😅 Highly recommend this book!
February 24, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ An incredible story of rising through many challenges. Loved reading about what it’s like to play the All Blacks through the ‘oppositions’ eyes. Guttered how their story has come to be - hope Rachel writes a book.
December 16, 2021
How could I give this anything other than a straight flush of stars. What an incredible person and what a life. Treasure Tshabalala’s narration is also exactly right for this audiobook.
November 13, 2023
Wrote a LOOONG review, then lost signal and it did not post. So here is the condensed version.
Please read this autobiography. Twice.
We love you Siya.
Please read this autobiography. Twice.
We love you Siya.
June 23, 2025
i listened to the audio version of this book.
i would have given it a higher rating if i read this book when it came out.
i'm not a judgemental person. you can't judge if you don't know the details.
it was just hard for me to read how he praised rachel throughout the book - and boom, they got divorced. their divorce was a big disappointment to the people of south africa. they were a power couple and brought our rainbow nation together. 😔
he has a phenomenal story of rags to riches. i hope he stays grounded, as i think rachel kept him grounded.
i would have given it a higher rating if i read this book when it came out.
i'm not a judgemental person. you can't judge if you don't know the details.
it was just hard for me to read how he praised rachel throughout the book - and boom, they got divorced. their divorce was a big disappointment to the people of south africa. they were a power couple and brought our rainbow nation together. 😔
he has a phenomenal story of rags to riches. i hope he stays grounded, as i think rachel kept him grounded.
January 6, 2024
Siyamthanda Kolisi.
Captain. Father. Friend.
Wow. What an absolutely inspiring story. I once saw a journalist ask “is Siya Kolisi too good to be true?” I think he’s looking at it all wrong. Siya’s not too good to be true, he’s so good - because he’s so real about why he’s not actually good.
Siya’s story paints the portrait of a man whose humility and depth of character are intrinsic to who he is. Siya’s story is a South African story that honours the deeply troubled, but beautiful, fabric of the nation - and is inextricably connected to the salvation he found in the blood of Jesus.
I would recommend this to anyone. Whether you’re a rugby fanatic, or have never seen a match. It’s a human story as much as it is a rugby story.
Captain. Father. Friend.
Wow. What an absolutely inspiring story. I once saw a journalist ask “is Siya Kolisi too good to be true?” I think he’s looking at it all wrong. Siya’s not too good to be true, he’s so good - because he’s so real about why he’s not actually good.
Siya’s story paints the portrait of a man whose humility and depth of character are intrinsic to who he is. Siya’s story is a South African story that honours the deeply troubled, but beautiful, fabric of the nation - and is inextricably connected to the salvation he found in the blood of Jesus.
I would recommend this to anyone. Whether you’re a rugby fanatic, or have never seen a match. It’s a human story as much as it is a rugby story.
November 9, 2021
#rise - Siya Kolisi
#HarperCollins
This autobiography opens in Yokohoma, Japan on 2 November 2019. The day that resulted in the name of Siya Kolisi to be permanently engraved in the hearts of all rugby enthusiasts. But there was a long, difficult journey preceding this day.
Siyamthanda Kolisi was born on 16 June 1991. His mother was barely more than a child herself. She left shortly thereafter, marrying and bringing two other children into the world: Liyema and Liphelo.
Siya himself was battling to survive; as a youngster in the Zwide township, food was scarce whilst violence was in abundance. Thank to a benefactor he was able to continue and complete his school career at Grey High School; providing him a foot into the door of professional rugby. But he never forgot his roots.
As a non-rugby fan, I feared that his autobiography would be a boring account of wins and losses, but it was so much more. With honesty and humor it tells the rags to riches story of a very determined young man. He neither denies nor conceal his mistakes; he did not always give it all to the game; he battled with alcohol and pornography and admits to becoming vain, selfish and arrogant. But he turned himself around - and became history.
The identity of the co-author was a surprise to me: Boris Starling, an English author and creator of one of my favourite thrillers, ‘Messiah’ !
‘Rise’ is recommended for readers interested in biographies; autobiographies and memoires. You need not be a sport fan to enjoy sharing Siya’s journey. I am not one either, but his vivid accounts of nail biting moments on the field did have me fascinated, regardless.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#Uitdieperdsebek
#HarperCollins
This autobiography opens in Yokohoma, Japan on 2 November 2019. The day that resulted in the name of Siya Kolisi to be permanently engraved in the hearts of all rugby enthusiasts. But there was a long, difficult journey preceding this day.
Siyamthanda Kolisi was born on 16 June 1991. His mother was barely more than a child herself. She left shortly thereafter, marrying and bringing two other children into the world: Liyema and Liphelo.
Siya himself was battling to survive; as a youngster in the Zwide township, food was scarce whilst violence was in abundance. Thank to a benefactor he was able to continue and complete his school career at Grey High School; providing him a foot into the door of professional rugby. But he never forgot his roots.
As a non-rugby fan, I feared that his autobiography would be a boring account of wins and losses, but it was so much more. With honesty and humor it tells the rags to riches story of a very determined young man. He neither denies nor conceal his mistakes; he did not always give it all to the game; he battled with alcohol and pornography and admits to becoming vain, selfish and arrogant. But he turned himself around - and became history.
The identity of the co-author was a surprise to me: Boris Starling, an English author and creator of one of my favourite thrillers, ‘Messiah’ !
‘Rise’ is recommended for readers interested in biographies; autobiographies and memoires. You need not be a sport fan to enjoy sharing Siya’s journey. I am not one either, but his vivid accounts of nail biting moments on the field did have me fascinated, regardless.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#Uitdieperdsebek
June 6, 2024
The start of this book is gripping, I couldn't put it down. Looking into Siya's early life, and a glimpse into township reality, you truly appreciate how far he has come and how easily it could've gone down a different path.
Even when his rugby career kicked off, his lifestyle still spoke to his early trauma and things that he had to work hard to shake off.
It is a truly heartfelt and inspiring story. I love the way that his writing could stir up the same pride and anticipation leading up to a game that I felt when they were actually occurring. Rugby knowledge is not at all a necessity - as mine is limited - and, in fact, I finished feeling a bit more confident about what actually goes on in these games.
The only drawback is that, towards the end, with so many rugby games being described it can become a bit of a skim read while you wait for the most anticipated matches.
That being said, if you loved watching SA in the Rugby Cup finals - no matter your rugby knowledge - the book is well - worth a read!
Even when his rugby career kicked off, his lifestyle still spoke to his early trauma and things that he had to work hard to shake off.
It is a truly heartfelt and inspiring story. I love the way that his writing could stir up the same pride and anticipation leading up to a game that I felt when they were actually occurring. Rugby knowledge is not at all a necessity - as mine is limited - and, in fact, I finished feeling a bit more confident about what actually goes on in these games.
The only drawback is that, towards the end, with so many rugby games being described it can become a bit of a skim read while you wait for the most anticipated matches.
That being said, if you loved watching SA in the Rugby Cup finals - no matter your rugby knowledge - the book is well - worth a read!
December 30, 2023
RISE, Siya Kolisi, is my 2023 Top One Non-fiction.
"RISE is not simply a chronology of matches played and games won; it is an exploration of a man's race and his faith, a testament to attaining a positive mindset and a moving reminder that it IS possible to defy the odds, no matter how heavily they are stacked against you." From the blurb.
Siya's reflections on #beatingtheodds," In a sense, I'm tired of being celebrate because I suffered and still managed to make it. The individual stories of people triumphing against the odds are inspiring, but it would be even more inspiring if one day those stories weren't so piquant as the odds would have been greatly shortened."
And this ending happened," It doesn't matter what your talent is; if you BELIEVE, WORK hard and GRAB opportunities and resources that come your way, you CAN rise, and you WILL rise."
And that's how LUCK works. A simple formula OF E2¢+Op7°=L490§ which translates into EFFORT + OPPORTUNITY = LUCK
This is it, man. RISE is the Queen.
@thebookwormersgp let's seize 2024 and RISE to greater heights.
"RISE is not simply a chronology of matches played and games won; it is an exploration of a man's race and his faith, a testament to attaining a positive mindset and a moving reminder that it IS possible to defy the odds, no matter how heavily they are stacked against you." From the blurb.
Siya's reflections on #beatingtheodds," In a sense, I'm tired of being celebrate because I suffered and still managed to make it. The individual stories of people triumphing against the odds are inspiring, but it would be even more inspiring if one day those stories weren't so piquant as the odds would have been greatly shortened."
And this ending happened," It doesn't matter what your talent is; if you BELIEVE, WORK hard and GRAB opportunities and resources that come your way, you CAN rise, and you WILL rise."
And that's how LUCK works. A simple formula OF E2¢+Op7°=L490§ which translates into EFFORT + OPPORTUNITY = LUCK
This is it, man. RISE is the Queen.
@thebookwormersgp let's seize 2024 and RISE to greater heights.
August 31, 2023
This has a very interesting early years. Whereas most biographies from British sport stars their early years are fairly boring such as their favourite teachers & subjects whereas Siya comes from a township so a very hard upbringing & eye opening. The rest of the book is interesting shows his great attitude & achievements but also years when he went slightly off the rails. He comes across as very genuine person with strong beliefs.
May 12, 2022
Wonderful sporting biography - a real rags to riches story. Siya’s humble beginnings resonate so much with some of what I’ve seen on visits to SA. But while rugby gave him a release from his tough upbringing, Siya came to find that true freedom is found only in Christ.
November 17, 2023
Extremely inspirational story, amazing what he does outside rugby to help others. Puts life & sport into perspective. Loved hearing about his life, only downside is there is a good bit of rugby chat (as one would anticipate) 💫💫💫
July 23, 2024
I loved the honesty of this book. Before reading this book, I had a lot of respect for Siya but that has increased after reading this. This was so much more than just a rugby book and tackled the social problems of South Africa.
June 19, 2022
Great read as an SA rugby fan. Incredible story and certainly a lot of emotion as a proud South African
June 27, 2022
Seems like a great man but this is not a great book. There’s an amazing story there but so much of this is filler that could probably be read from match reports on South African rugby websites 😴
December 26, 2023
Very very good book & an easy read. Would highly recommend
January 13, 2024
Every South African should read this book. I would go as far as to say that in terms of influence, it runs a pretty close second to "Long Walk to Freedom". Amandla, Siyamthanda, Amandla!
February 28, 2024
Great book by one the most inspirational sportsman South Africa has ever produced. His rise from Zwide to double World Cup winning captain shows that no matter your circumstances, anything is possible.
September 29, 2024
An incredible life, lots of which I knew nothing about. Inspiring!
January 29, 2025
Enjoyed this book for the most part as it wasn't just a classic sports career life but a lot of focus on his upbringing and the cultural climate of South Africa.
December 17, 2025
Felt like I had to read this at some point, really enjoyed it! Was a great easy read after LOTR
October 7, 2022
What an inspiring story by a truly inspirational man. I actually gave this book to my husband as a birthday gift, but Siya’s eyes (on the front page) kept staring at me. After a few months I picked up the book at started to read, and to my utter surprise, I couldn’t put it down. What an amazing story, told in such a beautiful way. A must-read for all hopeful South-Africans, whether you’re a rugby fan or not!
December 2, 2021
As a passionate Springbok rugby fan I really enjoyed the insight into the team and game, but as a human the story of Siya's upbringing, what he has had to overcome, and how he has chosen use his platform and influence is truly inspirational. A remarkable South African success story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews