Siya Kolisi’s Afrikaans Confession Has SA Talking After Son’s ‘Disappointing’ Mark

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi has the timeline buzzing after getting real about his complicated relationship with Afrikaans — and trust, South Africans felt this one in their bones.

In a candid Instagram video shared on Thursday, 5 February, the rugby legend opened up about his school days and revealed that Afrikaans was not his subject at all. Fast forward to 2026, and the irony? It’s now his 11-year-old son who’s stressing over an Afrikaans mark that Siya says he would’ve dreamed of.

Yes — the call is coming from inside the house.

Siya Kolisi’s Afrikaans Struggles Then vs Now

While doing school pickup, Siya reflected on a recent conversation with his son Nicholas, whom he shares with estranged wife Rachel Kolisi. According to Siya, Nicholas was genuinely upset about his Afrikaans results — and that moment hit harder than expected.

Siya admitted that hearing his son complain about a mark he once couldn’t even come close to left him torn. On one hand, he’s proud that Nicholas wants more from himself. On the other? He couldn’t help but laugh at the fact that Afrikaans once humbled him so badly that teachers allegedly chased him out of class.

Yes. Chased. Out.

Siya Kolisi “I Would’ve Given Anything for That Mark”

Siya didn’t sugar-coat it. He revealed that Afrikaans gave him serious trauma back in the day — the kind of subject that reminds many South Africans why report cards used to come with anxiety.

He explained that while it hurt to see his son disappointed, it also made him proud. Nicholas is clearly aiming higher, doing better, and expecting more from himself — something Siya says shows just how far things have come.

Still, the moment was bittersweet. Watching your child struggle with something that once defeated you completely? That’ll do it.

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Naturally, the comments section turned into a vibes-only zone.

TV personality Lunga Shabalala joked about needing a “dog bark button,” while fellow Springbok Jesse Kriel dropped a playful “Vasbyt bhuda.” Actress Lesley-Ann Brandt chimed in too, admitting she’s still learning Afrikaans while her child is already speaking French.

South Africans everywhere were nodding along, laughing, and low-key reliving their own Afrikaans nightmares.