South African Sevens captain Siviwe Soyizwapi tackled bu Josiah Morra of Canada in the Sevens Rugby Tournament at the DHL Cape Town Stadium FILE - Blitzboks player Siviwe Soyizwapi is relishing the chance to play in front of their home ground at the Cape Town Sevens.
Image: Phando Jikelo / Independent Media
Former Springbok Sevens captain Siviwe Soyizwapi is still coming to terms with his new position in the forwards after carving out a great career as a lethal finisher in the Blitzboks' team.
Soyizwapi has an impressive record as a wing, having scored 152 tries in 54 tournaments. But after missing most of 2024 with a serious knee injury, Soyiswapi is being converted into a forward after losing a bit of gas over the last couple of years.
This weekend the veteran Sevens star will have to learn to swim quickly when he will again be thrown into the deep and at the Cape Town Sevens this weekend.
Soyiswapi is one of the forwards who will have to step up and bring the physicality, especially since two regulars in the front row Ryan Oosthuizen and Christie Grobbelaar will miss action due to injuries sustained in Dubai.
Soyiswapi, though, is eager to contribute after getting a rugby lifeline following his knee surgery. Now he wants to make the most of the second chance.
“They are both very physical players so for me stepping into those roles will demand the same,” Soyiswapi said.
“I cannot be either of them, but I can be the best I can be, doing what is needed and expected from the coaches and fellow players. I realised last year that injury can finish your career when you least expect it, so I am grateful to still be playing.
“At my age and stage of career, I am playing every match as if it will be last. As I will do at this Cape Town tournament. I missed out last year and that gave me a different perspective of what it means.
“Now, back on the field again and playing at home, I want to translate some of that passion in the stands into my play. And hopefully add value to a team effort that will leave all our fans proud and pleased.”
Soyizwapi says he can't wait to experience the excitement at the Cape Town Stadium on the field again, and hopes the Blitzboks can give the faithful a lot to cheer about after disappointing home campaigns over the last couple of years.
He got the fan experience last year when he watched the matches from the stands, giving him a full understanding of what is expected of the team this time around.
“It was actually quite nice to experience the build-up in the crowd as the Blitzboks’ games approached,” Soyizwapi said.
“You could feel the buzz picking up and the energy starting to grow as kick-off approached. As a player, you are in your own zone before you enter the field, so you don’t always appreciate that build-up from the crowd. But once that whistle goes, you can feel the support from the stands.”
He realises that expectations of the Blitzboks come from past successes and feels the current group of players are growing into a very special unit.
“Look, we had some amazing teams and players in the past, but as in any team, you change personnel and with that, some dynamics. What excites about this group is the potential we have and knowing that it can click any moment.”
@JohnGoliath82
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