The Blitzboks feed off the fervent support of the crowd at Cape Town Stadium and Siviwe ‘Shakes’ Soyizwapi is determined to make a memorable return to the venue in helping the Blitzboks bounce back from Dubai disappointment.
A year ago, Siviwe Soyizwapi was seated among supporters at Cape Town Stadium cheering the Blitzboks on. Now he’s back on the field and fit again following recovery from a successful knee operation that kept him out for most of the 2023-24 series, and itching to make up for lost time.
“It was actually quite nice to experience the build-up in the crowd as the Blitzboks’ games approached,” Soyizwapi said of the opportunity to be a supporter last season.
“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.”
The Blitzbokz failed to impress in the series-opening tournament in Dubai last week, finishing in sixth place after a 17-15 defeat to Olympic gold medalists France. The goal is to bounce back in front of their faithful fans in Cape Town.
Soyizwapi 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.”
Soyizwapi, a former wing who has scored 152 tries in 54 tournaments, does not expect his new role in the forwards to allow him such easy access to the tryline, especially since two regulars, Ryan Oosthuizen and Christie Grobbelaar, will miss action due to injuries suffered in Dubai.
“They are both very physical players so for me stepping into those roles will demand the same,” he 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 my 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.”
Photo Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
