Exclusive: Cindy Booi Looks to Siya Kolisi for Inspiration as Women’s World Cup Looms

From one Springbok skipper to another, Cindy Booi draws incredible inspiration from Siya Kolisi as the team prepare to make the nation proud at the Women’s Rugby World Cup (RWC) in England, beginning on Friday.

Hosts England open proceedings against the USA in a Pool A clash, while South Africa will begin their campaign on Sunday against Brazil.

While the men’s Springboks are always expected to contend for the title, it’s a different story for the women’s side as they are ranked 12th in the world.

Therefore, if the women make it out of their group, which also contains Italy (seventh) and France (fourth), it will be a massive achievement. 

While their goals are vastly different to that of the men, Booi said the main aim of bringing South Africa together with their performances was their big ambition.

Inspiration from Siya

“We take huge inspiration from Siya, he is one of the people that follow and support us the most and the group that went before us,” Booi told SportsBoom.co.za in an exclusive interview.

“What they achieved in 2019 and 2023 was massive not just in terms of winning trophies, but in how they united the country and showed what’s possible when we play for something bigger than ourselves.”

This will be a fourth RWC for the 40-year-old forward as she is the most capped Springbok in the squad. 

Despite having led the Bok women 23 times already, it’s still a matter of pride every time Booi steps onto the field with the armband.

Leading the Springbok Women

“It’s a huge honour for me, and something I’ll never take for granted. To captain the Springbok women once is already the privilege of a lifetime, but to be trusted to lead the team into a second World Cup is very special. What makes it even more meaningful is the group of players and management around me."

“My captaincy has definitely grown over the years . When I first took on the role, I thought leadership was about having all the answers and always being the loudest voice, especially the type of person I am. But I’ve learned it’s more about listening, serving, and creating space for others to lead too, and in my group there are many leaders.”

Over 50 Caps and the Captaincy Since 2010

The longevity of Booi is quite incredible as she has earned over 50 caps for the Boks since making her debut way back in 2010. It’s an especially significant milestone added with the captaincy, as Booi adds she naturally shies away from the limelight. 

Boo reveals though, she has always had clear objectives during her career which proved as motivation.

“For me, I think knowing where I come from is one of the key things that help me a lot in my career."

“Knowing what I want, and what I want to achieve in my career. I guess also to be me, helps me a lot. I never wanted to be anyone but me. I know that I’m very shy, but I know what is expected of me and yes, I’ve never changed who I am. I’m still the same person," she concluded.