Cheslin Kolbe turns 32: see how the Boks celebrate with heart-warming brotherhood goals

Mzansi loves a Springbok birthday, especially when it’s one of the wingers who can make defenders look like they’re standing still.

Cheslin Kolbe, the speedster from Kraaifontein, recently celebrated his 32nd birthday.

Born in the Cape Flats, Kolbe’s journey is the stuff of rugby legend, a story that proves you don’t need size when you’ve got heart, hustle, and a sidestep that could make defenders question their careers.

Standing at 1.71 metres, he’s never let that stop him from tearing through the biggest forwards in the game. 

After showing off his magic with the Stormers and Western Province, he packed his boots for France, where he became a superstar with Toulouse and later Toulon.

These days, Kolbe’s lighting up the field for Tokyo Sungoliath in Japan, still doing what he does best, scoring tries, breaking ankles (figuratively, of course), and reminding everyone that once a Bok, always a Bok.

Even miles away, he’s still Mzansi’s pride and joy, repping his roots and keeping that green-and-gold spirit alive.

Among the many birthday wishes flooding in, one post stood out from Springbok captain and long-time teammate Siya Kolisi.

Kolisi dropped a heartfelt Instagram message to his “brother,” paired with a throwback pic that instantly hit fans right in the chest.

From training camps to world titles, their friendship has been built on mutual respect, shared faith, and an understanding of what it means to grind for greatness. They’ve both come from humble beginnings to reach the top of world rugby, living proof that talent, teamwork and a whole lot of grit can take you to higher heights.

Kolisi wrote: "Proverbs 12:26“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” I love you, my brother, hope you have a blessed day. Thank you for the person you are on and off the field. May God keep blessing you. You stand so tall in all you do, but just not by physical height 😂❤️🙏🏾."

Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth, who recently welcomed his second baby girl, shared the cutest snap of him and Kolbe laughing together.

“Happy birthday, my bra, voel of ons al ‘n package deal is ❤️ Sien uit vir nog baie memories saam,” (feels like we’re already a package deal ❤️ Looking forward to many more memories together), he wrote.

Honestly, these guys just know which pics to post - pop off, Bokke!“

Scrum-half Faf de Klerk joined the party with his own birthday wishes: "HBD Chezzy 🎉" he wrote.