Siya Kolisi Siblings: Get to Know Liyema and Liphelo

Siyamthanda Kolisi was born on 16 June 1991 in Zwide, a township near Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.

His life is a quintessential story of rising from poverty to become a national icon.

He was raised by his grandmother after his mother passed away in 2009. Rugby became his escape and his path to a better life.

He won a scholarship to the prestigious Grey High School in Port Elizabeth, a pivotal moment that set him on the path to professional rugby.

In 2018, he was appointed the first black captain of the Springboks, a historic moment that helped complete the team’s transformation into a symbol of national unity.

Siblings

Siya has two younger half-siblings, a brother named Liyema and a sister named Liphelo.

Following the death of their mother, the siblings were placed in foster care in Zwide while Siya was pursuing his rugby career.

When Kolisi returned to his hometown as a professional player, he was reunited with his siblings. His sister, who had been a baby when they last saw each other, did not even know him.

In a gesture of profound love and responsibility, he and his then-wife, Rachel, began the legal process to adopt them.

The adoption was a long process, taking about 18 months to complete.

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Rachel was just 24 years old and had recently given birth to their first child when Liyema and Liphelo came to live with them permanently.

Siya later recalled taking them in for the December holidays and knowing he couldn’t send them back to the foster care system.

Career

After making his mark with Western Province and the Stormers, Kolisi made his Springbok debut on 15 June 2013 against Scotland, where he came off the bench as an injury replacement and was named Man of the Match.

His career path has included stints with the Sharks in South Africa and a season with the prestigious French club Racing 92.

However, his captaincy is what truly defines his legacy.

Appointed by coach Rassie Erasmus in 2018, Kolisi’s leadership has been the driving force behind the team’s resurgence.

He led the Springboks to a memorable victory in the 2019 Rugby World Cup, followed by an even more remarkable win in the 2023 Rugby World Cup in Paris, securing back-to-back titles.

In November 2025, he became just the ninth South African to earn 100 Test caps, a testament to his longevity and world-class ability.

Accolades

The list of accolades in Siya Kolisi’s career is a reflection of his profound impact on the sport and his nation.

His team achievements are exceptional: winning the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups as captain, a series victory against the British and Irish Lions in 2021, and winning three Rugby Championships.

Beyond the trophies, his individual recognition is immense.

The most significant is his historic appointment as the first black captain of the Springboks, a role that carries immense social and historical weight in South Africa.

He has been celebrated internationally, and his status as an icon is cemented by his inclusion in the elite group of Springbok Test centurions.

Off the field, his work through the Kolisi Foundation, which addresses inequality, gender-based violence, and food security, adds a significant humanitarian dimension to his list of achievements.