Kriel, Masuku embody SA's spirit of positivity

10/05/2024 07:18

Players like Jesse Kriel and Siya Masuku are the foundations to what will always make South African rugby and the Springboks strong, writes MARK KEOHANE.

Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane celebrates the inspiring journeys of the hard-working backline duo, emphasising their patience and positive attitudes as key factors in their success.

He acknowledges that both players have overcome adversity: two-time Bok world champion Kriel dealing with Rugby World Cup disappointment in 2015, and Masuku patiently waiting for regular game-time opportunities.

Keohane highlights their dedication to training, playing hard, and being team players, and never focusing on negativity, paying off with Masuku’s recent success with the Sharks in the Challenge Cup and Japan-based Kriel’s resurgence after injury showcase their perseverance.

Despite setbacks, he applauds their commitment and believes their stories serve as inspiration for aspiring players – Masuku’s journey from amateur rugby to the professional ranks and Kriel’s resilience in reclaiming his spot in the Bok starting XV.

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“These are two players who have earned every reward through a determination that has refused to be defeated by adversity or by a lack of opportunity,” Keohane writes.

“Both players, on their respective rugby – and life – journeys have only ever focused on the controllable: the things they can do, which is train hard, play hard, have a great attitude, be a wonderful team player and be an inspiration and not a drain of negativity.

“When his moment came, he [Masuku] delivered and his on-field impact has been such that when you Google Siya, it is Siya Masuku that tops the page and relegates the iconic Springbok captain Siya Kolisi to a second entry.

“Kriel's rugby story is different but equally powerful in the patience of the journey.

“As long as there are these types of characters in the South African game, players who will never give up the fight, South African rugby will always be in a good place.”

Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

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