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LONG READ 'Beauden Barrett couldn't hold my eye contact' - How the Impi warriors channel South African rugby spirit

'Beauden Barrett couldn't hold my eye contact' - How the Impi warriors channel South African rugby spirit
2 weeks ago

The picture is grainy and slightly out of focus, but that only adds to the photo’s spectral quality. Like a scene from The Magus, the characters in the smoky frame are cosplaying as mythological figures.

In the foreground is Siya Kolisi, whose status as a demigod in South Africa has long been established. The New Zealand All Blacks stand in a row in the background, representing the arch villains in the fable. Between them, amplifying the folkloric feel, are two behemoths wearing leopard skins and holding spears.

“What we do is spiritual,” says Sibusiso Kotela, whose presence in the photo transforms what would be an ordinary shot of the Springboks’ entry onto the pitch into something from another realm.

Out thrusts his iklwa, the short stabbing spear made famous by the great conqueror Shaka Zulu. The arm holding it seems to be carved from the hardest stones of the uKhahlamba mountains. His torso is double the size of any player’s and his face is filled with menace as he roars in unison with Kolisi, both of them charging into rugby’s greatest challenge.

“It’s an incredible honour leading the team out at home matches,” says Kotela, the leading Impi warrior and now one of the most famous mascots in world sport. “I see myself as the intro to a story. It’s my job to set the tone.”

The idea to wear a costume like a pro wrestler was put on the table but I shot it down. If I was going to do this I wanted to do it right.

The tale of the Springboks Impi begins in 2012 but was largely seen as a gimmick at first. “He wasn’t the biggest guy and [the spectacle] didn’t carry weight or impetus,” explains Marlon Kruger, the marketing and communications manager for SA Rugby.

That changed five years later when Kruger made a simple but ingenious tweak. Rather than recruit an actor, he’d scout for bodybuilders who already had the right combination of heft and showmanship. On 10 June 2017, against France at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, a legend was born.

“When I went in I had no clue what to do, I had no script, I had to work from nothing,” recalls Joshua Nkosi, the first of the modern Impis who led the team out in 27 matches, putting him level with Chester Williams and Hennie le Roux in Springbok appearances. “Before I came the concept was misunderstood.”

Nkosi now runs a successful dentist practice, but back then he was also an athlete in his own right having placed first in the 2014 NABBA-WFF Universe Championships in South Korea. When he was approached by SA Rugby, he felt confident in his abilities to put on a show but was adamant to give the role the respect it deserved.

The Zulu impi warriors have become an integral part of the pre-match build-up to a Springbok Test (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP via Getty Images)

“The idea to wear a costume like a pro wrestler was put on the table but I shot it down,” Nkosi says. “If I was going to do this I wanted to do it right. I wanted it to be authentic to the Nguni culture which represents all the Southern African tribes. I was there to entertain but I also saw my role as a cultural advisor. I hope that all the guys who have come after me feel the same way.”

Nkosi’s busy professional life away from rugby meant he had to hang up his spear at the end of 2022. By then the Springboks themselves had transformed. “I see myself as a midwife of sorts,” Nkosi adds. “Now the Impi isn’t just a mascot, it represents the country and the team. We have a black captain, many black players, the crowd at the stadium looks different than it did when I started. We’ve showcased this sport is for all South Africans.”

That is not to say there haven’t been critics. “One of the first things people said to me was that I was holding the spear incorrectly,” says Daniel Matloga, a bodybuilder who took over the reins from Nkosi at the start of 2023. “Even the way I ran, people said that it was wrong. There is always going to be someone who has a problem with what you do. Bodybuilding taught me that the people who make the most noise aren’t doing so to help. They just want to criticise.”

There have also been concerns that the show fetishises African culture. Burly men parading in animal skins shaking spears and dancing with unhinged fervour; is this sending a distorted image to the world?

I don’t like the word cultural appropriation. The Zulu culture has got such a strong history with the Springboks.

“We were absolutely conscious of that,” Kruger admits. “This is South Africa. You’re never going to please everyone. If you put something out in the public you’re not going to get 100% buy-in. I’ve personally not encountered any criticism. I don’t like the word cultural appropriation. The Zulu culture has got such a strong history with the Springboks.”

Indeed it does. In 1921, during South Africa’s first ever tour of New Zealand, in the series-deciding Test in Wellington, the All Blacks performed a pre-match haka for the first time on home soil. In response, the all-white Springboks reciprocated with an Indlamu, a traditional Zulu dance performed by soldiers before battle. The Boks would again respond to New Zealand’s haka with an Indlamu in 1928 with future captain, World War II veteran and Zulu-speaker Philip Nel leading the ritual. 

According to historian Michael Charton, Nel was born and raised on a farm bordering Zulu country and so “grew up fluent in Zulu. Having been born just 23 years after the famous battle of Isandlwana, Philip probably would have heard first-hand accounts of this famous battle from ageing but very proud Zulu warriors. Because Isandlwana saw the Zulu people register an incredible victory. A victory whereby Shaka’s old pincer movement had outsmarted the mighty British army, the most powerful and modern military force on planet Earth.”

Kruger picks up the story: “The Zulu culture represents more people in South Africa than any other group. And the Zulus are famous for warfare. They overcame the British who had a great technological advantage but the Zulus overcame them with nothing but spears and shields and willpower. They had far less resources but they still beat a much wealthier nation. That is what the Impis represent – the African spirit that allows them to overcome any obstacle no matter the odds. That is what we’re trying to get across.”

The 2021 British and Irish Lions encountered the impis during their Test series (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Which is why any criticism from the outside is easily dismissed by those who assume the role of the Impi. “There are always doubters,” adds Kotela, who has shrugged off his own naysayers to become the first black South African to win a pro card from the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness. “But you can’t have doubts to yourself. I’m there to be on the front foot. I’m there to intimidate. My job is to say to the opposition, ‘I’m here and I’m ready to fight’. I want them to say, ‘I didn’t know they made them that big down here’. I want them to be terrified before the opening whistle.”

The Impis have on occasion been told to tone it down and keep their distance from visiting players. Once an All Black screamed back at Matloga, telling him to ‘f**k off!”. Just recently, in the game against New Zealand in Johannesburg – Kotela’s first match as the lead Impi – one of the three warriors dangled a spear a little too close to a Kiwi nose.

“They weren’t happy,” Kotela says with a mischievous laugh. “But mostly they’re pretty chill. I got right upfront to Beauden Barrett and he couldn’t hold my eye contact. He looked away and shook his head. I like to think that he felt my intent.

I look intimidating because of my size but I also have to embody that warrior spirit. Which is why I love that photo of me and Siya so much.

“I believe that we make a difference. The Springboks are national key points for South Africa and being in their presence requires me to match their confidence. I look intimidating because of my size but I also have to embody that warrior spirit. Which is why I love that photo of me and Siya so much.

“Normally, when I’m in a bodybuilding show, any great picture of me is planned. I’m on stage deliberately flexing a particular muscle. But this was organic. It almost felt like I was channelling what South Africa has wanted to tell Siya, that we have his back in an authentically South African way. And if he ever has any doubt, he can look behind him and see a warrior with 60 million other people behind him. I hope that’s the message that people get from that picture.”

When the Springboks take aim at the Rugby Championship title against Argentina in Mbombela this weekend, they will do so with Kotela at the helm. And with every roar and thrust of his spear he will underline the transformative narrative in South African rugby as a testament to the power of representation.

Comments

57 Comments
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Terry24 13 days ago

I blocked this rac1st but he is still replying to my posts. Major glitch here RugbyPass?

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The One 13 days ago

Scroll to the start of the thread. You interjected yourself into the conversation, you lying moron.

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Terry24 16 days ago

You're comparing SA to Lance Armstrong? He had all his titles stripped, perhaps SA should have the last two RWCs stripped also. At least you admit SA are drug cheats.


If your testing is so ineffectual that WADA close your facility down then you are Goddamn enouraging Cheating. "Those individuals who were caught were dealt with" you mean those who were stupid enpugh to be caught under SAs clown testing system. Are you having a laugh?

Man up? Do you not remember the amount of blood spilled from SA bodies in Durban? Did Ireland choke in Durban.


Just a reminder, so ridiculous was the draw that the top 4 teams could play the greatest rugby ever seen and still two would be eliminated at QF stage. If youre making a claim of 'Choking' against Ireland in 2023 then you will have to give us more than that.


Fair pundits said that anyone calling Ireland chokers after their performances in 2023 were basically a$$holes. Well said!

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WW 16 days ago

Lance Armstrong cheated the system because of loopholes, that has changed. Same in SA Rugby, they didn't encourage or promote cheating, those individuals who were caught were dealt with and the system amended as required, bark up another tree you choking wannabe.

I'm so glad you're swearing, the real you is coming out, all we see is a little persona thrashing about spewing bshit consistently hoping to make it truth. Yes, Ireland beat SA consistently, so what, RWC is what counts, man up this time round Ireland, you're no gonna make it to the QFs.

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Terry24 16 days ago

So you admit SA are dirty. Those RWCs are in doubt so.


Do you understand that laughing at your jokes does not make them funnier or funny? I thought this was so obvious that I could call it a universal fact. The f**k you on about 'delusions of grandeur'? think through your brain not your ass.


You compalined about trolling yet here you are..trolling me.


Ireland are better than SA. Fact. You need to be juiced up, to have dodgy draws and to have luck to win anything. Any of the even playing field tournaments or tests you tend to lose.


The closing of the test laboratory is a massive story. SA were not testing their players properly.

Thats Cheating.

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Jte 16 days ago

Common as it is in African culture, it should be respected like the haka, rather than belittled.

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WW 16 days ago

Ask any Saffer, that's what we do, jokes on you.

You think it's a universal fact, so it must be true? Delusions of grandeur because you have a loudmouth on a silly sporting site is priceless.

Only reason why your record is clean is because you haven't been caught yet, but it will happen, sooner than you think.

Whatever your reasoning to ease your pain, SA has 4 RWCs, universal fact.

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Terry24 16 days ago

So you speak for the whole of SA now? Thats convenient......

I think its a universal fact. Idiots laugh at their own jokes because everyone t doesn't get any funnier if you laugh at it yourself....except the idiots who do it.


All SA have is their drug cheating and their lottery cups. Not clear at all if these were legitiately won given the drug violations. Needed NZ to beat Ireland and needed a red card in the final. Then you proclaim yourselves the greatest team of all time!!


Our record is clean and excellent and no matter how much you juice up you wont beat us.

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WW 16 days ago

Nah, we down here at the bottom of Africa laugh at everything, what doesn't kill us we laugh it off, that's why we find you so hilarious, though you're killing us by not winning the RWC and thinking that beating us is compensation. It's not buddy, you're that 4th cousin that we invite to parties because it would seem rude if we didn't.


PS: 🤣🤣🤣🤣

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Terry24 16 days ago

Apologies, that guy follows me around and trolls every comment I make. There is a glitch with blocking here but I'll try again.

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Terry24 16 days ago

Only idiots laugh at their own jokes. I thought that piece of knowledge was in every country?

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WW 16 days ago

Twitter for twatters, could be a thing 🤣🤣

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ClintP 16 days ago

Take it to Twitter you two, you left rugby out long ago

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nn 16 days ago

I've read through this entire thread because it started out as amusing... But to be honest, I am disappointed that Rugby pass has allowed the disgusting, vile and racist rants perpetrated by Terry 24, to be posted. Terry I won't lower myself to respond to anything you may post in response to this... Should you choose to do do.

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CO 16 days ago

Just keep the spears at a safe distance and don't think you have any consequence on the result as your just pure pre game entertainment. Of course Allblacks are used to haka so any head shaking and looking away will be the player thinking it's lame by comparison.

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JW 16 days ago

Here's a solid suggestion. Get an actual warrior to lead them out, will look a hundred times more authentic than these guys.

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Terry24 16 days ago

I assumed it was an actor and then I read down the article to discover it was an actor.

At least the guys in the Haka will give and take a bit of punishment in the subsequent couple of hours.

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PodgeNz 16 days ago

What has African culture have to do with Beauden Barrett? 😂🤣😂 the mosquitos have gotten to your head I think

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PodgeNz 16 days ago

Manie Libbok would clean BB’s boots though 😂🤣

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Jmann 16 days ago

dumbest thing I've ever seen....

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The One 16 days ago

Wow.


Even for you, this is beyond the pale. Shameful.

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The One 16 days ago

Gosh, you try so hard with such limited resources I almost feel sorry for you. But, hey, I really admire your perseverance. Anyone with more than a single brain cell would have moved on long ago (obviously this doesn't apply to you, oh mono-celled organism).

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The One 16 days ago

🤣🤣🤣 Does it make you feel better when you call me an incel, your unimaginativeness? Do you think "That'll show him. That'll shut him up!"


your fucktardness, you are out of your depth and have been for a long time. But you can't quit, can you? You have to keep making up new hallucinations to ensure yourself that you've bested some anonymous person who doesn't give a hoot about you, except for some comic relief.


Are you sure you're an adult?

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JK 16 days ago

Trolls are out in force today...guessing BB didn't hold eye contact b/c that would be weird...I also wouldn't expect a spoon afterwards either

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Terry24 16 days ago

Whats the spoon about?

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DC000 16 days ago

The rugby isn't that entertaining in the SH and the fans aren't bothering to show up yet again, so let's have a few half naked oiled up dudes jump around like morons.


Sounds great! Weird what passes for entertaining when your rugby teams is clearly overrated.

H
Howbzr76 16 days ago

Southern Hemisphere rugby might not be entertaining but sure wins World Cups 🏆 Gotta give credit where it's due. Well done boks- great unity and depth all over. Rassie building for the future and still getting the results 👏 #nzrugby

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Tom 17 days ago

OMG the comments under this article. Can everyone just stop being a c u next Tuesday and try to get along?

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Forward pass 16 days ago

LOL The article started it!!!!!😁 Also when did anyone "Get along"? SA fans have 1 good year and are the biggest C U next tuesdays ever since. Bad losers are a challenge but bad winners are the worst.

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JE 17 days ago

Always nice to be educated on the true meaning of being South African from a guy living in London...

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DG 17 days ago

Can you underline the part where this happened.

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Bull Shark 17 days ago

Beauden should try hold eye contact with someone in JHB traffic. When the robots are out. And it’s a four way stop. While buying a fluffy bunny or balloons with LED lights. And a Monster.


He’ll soil his pants.

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Forward pass 16 days ago

Like the Boks seeing a Haka? Hehe

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SK 17 days ago

When the Impi first started coming out people werent too impressed with their behaviour and the whole showpiece. Alot of people thought it disingenuous and rather a bit brash and brazen as well as a departure from tradition. The Springbok supporters and the team have now truly adopted the Impi and they are all part of the show. They bring additional spectacle to the occasion and its a great introduction for the Springboks. Long may it continue.

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Wayneo 17 days ago

I suppose the initial reaction also had something to do with which part of the country you grew up in. No doubt the Capetonians would have been horrified.


My initial reaction having Zulu Impi lead out the Springboks was that it was great but then again, I'm a plaasjaapie that grew up speaking Zulu.

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The One 17 days ago

"I don’t like the word cultural appropriation."


Good for you. Because, as you put it, those libtard snowflakes "who make the most noise aren’t doing so to help. They just want to criticise."

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Bull Shark 17 days ago

It’s two words

D
DS 17 days ago

"Iibtard snowflakes" and you talk about criticism? Too funny!

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