Kolisi and Klopp: The Story Behind a Moving Friendship

Siya Kolisi made history in 2019 when he became the first black captain to lead South Africa to Rugby World Cup glory. Seeing a man who was raised by his grandmother in an impoverished township in Port Elizabeth lift rugby’s greatest prize was a moment that made a profound impact on all of those who were watching on.

Kolisi – the man a nation turns its eyes to

Incredibly, history could be made again as the latest Rugby World Cup odds list the Springboks at 13/5 to win the 2023 World Cup in France – it is a price that makes South Africa the outright favourites. The Boks have never gone back-to-back at a World Cup but in Kolisi, they have a leader who has dedicated his life to conquering new heights.

Yes, this is a man who has earned the deep admiration and respect from those who know his story but this global adulation hasn’t gone to Kolisi’s head. Perhaps the best example of Kolisi’s disarming humility can be found in a chance encounter at a restaurant in Cape Town in 2019.

Kolisi meets Klopp

Two weeks after Kolisi led his nation to victory over England in the Rugby World Cup Final in 2019, the South African captain was enjoying a well-deserved meal out with his friends and family at a restaurant in Cape Town. At some point during the night, Kolisi looked up to see a familiar figure walk past his table and head to the bathroom.

It was none other than Jurgen Klopp who was holidaying in the Mother City during the November international break. Despite being one of the most famous men on Earth at this point, Kolisi was star-struck and asked a mutual German friend at his table to introduce him to Klopp. The pair loitered outside the bathroom and managed to catch Klopp as he walked out. They quickly went about explaining who Kolisi was which brought out the Liverpool manager’s famous belly laugh.

Klopp told Kolisi that he knew who he was after watching the Rugby World Cup final with his squad at Melwood. Klopp and his wife Ulla would join Kolisi at his table that evening where an instant bond was formed. The pair spoke into the night and found common ground around dealing with a permanent sense of expectation and strangely, that they also shared the same birthday.

When the time came for Klopp to leave, the Liverpool boss invited Kolisi to Anfield as his guest. The next day, Kolisi, a passionate Liverpool fan growing up, booked a flight to England and took Klopp up on his generous offer.

South African captain attended, Klopp and Kolisi would reunite to shoot a commercial for Adidas.

After the filming was done, Klopp invited Kolisi and his wife Rachel to his home where they spent the night continuing to build their heartwarming friendship.

An unbreakable bond between two global sporting titans

When reflecting on the night, Kolisi would say that he considers Klopp to be a ‘really good friend’ and speaks endearingly about how much he cherishes the role that the Liverpool boss plays in his life.

Undoubtedly, Kolisi will hold onto the leadership values that Klopp has shared with him as he seeks to lead his country to another World Cup triumph in France. The same can also be said of Klopp who will use Kolisi’s stirring story of overcoming adversity to inspire his charges to Premier League glory this season.