Kolisi urges Boks to channel spirit of Soweto to beat All Blacks

Captain Siya Kolisi has urged the Springboks to draw inspiration from Soweto's pivotal role in South Africa's history as they face New Zealand at the FNB Stadium. The 94,736-capacity stadium hosted the opening match of football's World Cup, the first and only time the tournament has been staged on African soil. The Soweto Uprising, which took place in 1976, marked a turning point in the fight against apartheid - the state-backed racial segregation that had long divided South African society.

Kolisi, South Africa's first black captain, emphasized that the heroes of Soweto and the football history from that area make the ground special for the team. He expressed gratitude for the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom, stating that giving their best in the match is a way to honor that legacy. New Zealand has won their last two matches at FNB Stadium, and a victory would put them 2-1 ahead in the series.