Siya Kolisi's heartfelt birthday tribute to Eben Etzebeth leaves Mzansi in their feels

Sometimes you see a friendship on the pitch and think, “Okay, this is just rugby,” but then there’s Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi, and it hits differently.

Yesterday, we celebrated Cheslin Kolbe, but today we shine the spotlight on Etzebeth, fresh off welcoming his baby girl and stepping into another exciting chapter of life. 

And what makes it sweeter? Kolisi’s Instagram post gives us all the feels about their friendship.

Kolisi shared Proverbs 18:24: “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Let’s pause here. It tells us that for Kolisi, friendship is deeper than locker-room camaraderie.

He’s spiritually tuned in, recognising that the right people are not just around for highlights reels, they’re around for life’s scrums, the hits, the wins, and the losses.

And for Etzebeth, Kolisi sees that.

“Happy birthday, my brother, been 16 years of friendship now, and I’ve loved how it has become a brotherhood. Been amazing watch you grow and become an icon in our sport, but most importantly, the amazing human being you are. Love you long time time Langes ❤️.”

In South African slang, particularly among Afrikaans speakers, “Langes” is a playful nickname or term of endearment that literally means “tall one” or “long one”.

It’s often used jokingly to tease someone about their height, but in a friendly, affectionate way. If you know, you know. 

His birthday post to Etzebeth also shows how Kolisi’s leadership incorporates genuine friendship, faith and respect for his teammates.

Sixteen years of friendship. Sixteen years of scrums, tackles, late-night runs and probably banter that would leave fans in stitches if we saw it. 

What makes this bromance even more layered is how Kolisi leads with care. He’s not just captain of the Springboks but lifts his teammates, celebrates their milestones, and nurtures their growth.

When Etzebeth became the most-capped Springbok, Kolisi publicly said: “You have always been by my side… We have been together since we were 18 years old… You have been a true friend, and you became a brother”

He also added, “I am so proud of you, I’m so grateful to be your friend. I can’t wait to tell my grandkids that I played with Eben Etzebeth. Cheers, my brother, I love you”

Their friendship began back in their teenage years, first crossing paths at Craven Week when they were both 18.

From those early days playing youth rugby, their bond grew stronger as they trained, travelled, and competed together, eventually becoming teammates at Western Province and later the Springboks.

The bond between Kolisi and Etzebeth is a perfect example of how Kolisi leads by building trust, loyalty, and genuine connections with his teammates.

He doesn’t just captain a team, he creates a brotherhood that stretches far beyond the rugby field.