A throwback of a young Cheslin Kolbe responding to his critics.
Images via Twitter:
@alettaharrison
‘They said I was too small’: Throwback Cheslin Kolbe clip goes viral
A young Cheslin Kolbe’s message of resilience and hope has won the praise of South Africans after the Springboks’ defeat of France.
A throwback of a young Cheslin Kolbe responding to his critics.
Images via Twitter:
@alettaharrison
A throwback video of a young Cheslin Kolbe speaking out against criticism has won the praise and admiration of Springboks fans.
The pint-sized star was hailed a national team hero after he helped defeat France in their Rugby World Cup quarter-final clash.
The Boks will next play England in a semi-final showdown on Saturday, 21 October, at the Stade De France.
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THROWBACK OF YOUNG CHESLIN KOLBE HAS FANS IN FEELS
In a clip posted by journalist Aletta Harrison, a then-teenage Cheslin Kolbe was interviewed about being an up-and-coming Western Province rugby player.
The then 19-year-old spoke about having critics who questioned the longevity of his career.
The baby-faced star said: “I heard that a few times – how far am I going to last in my rugby?
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“Everybody is telling me I’m too small. And my father told me I must not worry about what people tell you. Because they don’t have much impact on my life, but it’s what I want to do and what I want to achieve.
“So I just put those things and aspects behind me and just focus on the road. It doesn’t matter in size and height and weight.
“It’s all about the heart and the mind so you can achieve anything that you believe you can”.
SHUTTING DOWN CHEATING RUMOURS
Meanwhile, Cheslin Kolbe has shut down, claims his charge down of a conversion during the SA vs France game was illegal.
In it, Kolbe ran and blocked a kick from French player Thomas Ramos in a move that likely won the Springboks their game.
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In a post-match briefing, Kolbe – who once played alongside Ramos in Toulouse – said that his move was completely by the book.
He said: “I have never charged down a kick before. It was my first one.
“I played with Thomas, and you have an idea of what his process is when it comes to goalkicking, and you analyse players throughout the week.
Defending his move, he continued: “I think I was in a good position, behind my goal line. When he took off, and I then ran as fast as I could towards him to try to block him. It worked, and it was very nice.
“I was hoping [the TMO] wouldn’t check it! But even if he had done, I am sure for my part that I had done things according to the rules.”
