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Mpumalanga wins influencers' hearts as Boks thrill in Mbombela

Mpumalanga wins influencers' hearts as Boks thrill in Mbombela

The Citizen20-07-2025
Mbombela Stadium came alive on Saturday, July 19, as the reigning rugby world champions, the Springboks, locked horns with Georgia.
The electrifying clash was further elevated by the presence of two of South Africa's most popular influencers: Sweet Guluva (Akhonamathemba Mbele) and Juicy Jay (Siyamthanda Jwacu).
For both stars, it was a memorable first visit to Mpumalanga, affectionately known as the 'Place of the Rising Sun.' The stadium energy, combined with the warmth of the province's people, left a lasting impression.
Sweet Guluva, the charismatic winner of Big Brother Mzansi season 5 – also known as 'Umlilo' – shared his excitement about the experience:
ALSO READ: Boks batter Georgia in tough Mbombela clash
'I'm definitely coming back for leisure, to enjoy the province's tourism sector. I want to explore the Kruger National Park and the Panorama Route. But what really makes me want to return is the love and beauty of the province.'
He relished the vibe at the stadium and made it clear he's already planning a return.
Juicy Jay, a semi-professional rugby player and Big Brother Titans reality TV star, echoed the sentiment:
'Above all, I'm just happy to have been in the area. The stadium and the crowd were amazing. The people are nice, and the boys on the field didn't disappoint,' he told Lowvelder.
ALSO READ: Boks execute captain's run as test match against Georgia looms
The presence of the two influencers added a layer of glamour to an already thrilling evening of sport.
As the Boks delivered on the pitch, Sweet Guluva and Juicy Jay soaked up the vibrant atmosphere and hospitality of Mpumalanga – and both made it clear: they'll be back to explore more.
Their visit not only captured the buzz around the match, but also highlighted the growing connection between sport, entertainment and tourism in South Africa.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
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