LISTEN: Meet Sibusiso Kotelo, Springbok's lead Impi: 'It's a tremendous honour'

John Perlman interviews Sibusiso Kotelo, Springbok's lead Impi.

Listen below.

There's nothing quite like the exhilaration of being in a stadium brimming with pride and unity, eagerly anticipating the Springboks’ entrance onto the field, ready to cheer them on to victory.

Whether you're in the stands or watching from home, you’ll witness the Impis in traditional attire charging onto the field ahead of the team, setting the stage for an unforgettable match.

Kotelo emphasises that it’s not only a tremendous honour but also a vital role that they play in creating the atmosphere and building anticipation for the Springboks.

"It's absolutely thrilling – the crowd, the atmosphere."

- Sibusiso Kotelo, Springbok's lead Impi

As a professional bodybuilder, Kotelo reflects that his journey began by sheer chance, but by 2018, he found himself stepping into the professional arena.

He describes bodybuilding as a mental discipline that must first take root in the mind before it can be realised in the body. 

"It's a lifestyle."

- Sibusiso Kotelo, Springbok's lead Impi

He emphasises the importance of technique in both building muscle and executing poses correctly.

Given this foundation, Kotelo believes that taking on the role of Impi was a natural progression for him.

"I'm actually an introvert, I keep to myself, but when you get on stage, you've got to put on a show because there is a huge entertainment element of bodybuilding."

- Sibusiso Kotelo, Springbok's lead Impi

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.