Springboks captain Siya Kolisi took to Instagram to honor his teammate Steven Kishoff after the veteran rugby player announced his retirement.
This heartfelt tribute was shared on Tuesday, February 25, as Kishoff closed the chapter on his rugby career due to a serious injury.
Siya Kolisi’s Message to His Teammate
Kolisi, known for his close bond with Kishoff, referred to him as “spicy plum” and praised him as a “legend” following the news of his retirement.
The Stormers had confirmed the decision earlier, stating that Kishoff’s neck injury had forced him to step away from the game.
In his Instagram post, Kolisi wrote: “Thank you spicy plum @steven_kitshoff! You are a legend my brother, now enjoy the @bombsquad_rsa,” showing his deep respect and affection for Kishoff’s contribution to the team.
Kishoff, who had suffered a neck injury while playing in the Currie Cup, had already been recovering from a previous knee injury.
Unfortunately, doctors advised that continuing to play would put him at high risk for further damage.
A Tough Decision for Steven Kishoff
Kishoff’s decision to retire came after an extensive rehabilitation period following his neck injury.
A specialist neurosurgeon advised against continuing his career due to the high risk of further damage.
The Stormers issued a statement confirming the injury’s severity, highlighting that Kishoff’s neck mobility had been significantly impacted, making it unsafe for him to return to the game.
The emotional decision marked the end of an era for the Stormers player, who had been a staple on the field.
Aimee Kishoff’s Heartfelt Tribute to Her Husband
Kishoff’s wife, Aimee, also took to Instagram to share her love and admiration for her husband.
She expressed how proud she was of his achievements and his dedication to rugby.
In her touching message, Aimee wrote: “My Dearest Steven, I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how incredibly proud I am of everything you’ve achieved as a rugby player.
Your hard work, dedication, and passion for the game have been nothing short of inspiring.”
She went on to add that she was equally proud of the man he is off the field.
“But beyond your incredible achievements on the field, I am even prouder of the person you are.
Your kindness, strength, and character are qualities that make you so special.”
As Steven moves on from rugby, Aimee expressed excitement for the new journey ahead.
“I know this isn’t the end—it’s just the beginning of even more extraordinary things that await you.”
Looking Ahead for Steven Kishoff
With Steven Kishoff now stepping into retirement, his legacy in the rugby world will live on.
Both his teammates and fans alike have shown nothing but support and admiration for his career and his character.