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The Citizen
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
24 hours in pictures, 3 July 2025
24 hours in pictures, 3 July 2025 Through the lens: The Citizen's Picture Editors select the best news photographs from South Africa and around the world. A tiger enjoys frozen food at Rome Zoological Garden 'Bioparco' during a heat wave in Rome on July 2, 2025. (Photo by Tiziana FABI / AFP) Siya Kolisi and Marco van Staden of South Africa during the 2025 Qatar Airways Cup captains run for South Africa at Cape Town Stadium in South Africa on 27 June 2025. Picture: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix Debris and burn marks are seen along the A-52 motorway at the crash site where Liverpool sriker Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Felipe died in a car crash near Cernadilla, province of Zamora, in the northwestern Spain, early July 3, 2025. Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother died in a car crash in Spain today, police said, sparking widespread grief just after the Portugal star had got married. The Civil Guard said a vehicle veered off a motorway and burst into flames shortly after midnight in the municipality of Cernadilla in the northwestern Zamora province, confirming the deaths of Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva. (Photo by CESAR MANSO / AFP) Puppeteers operate puppet animals during a preview for 'The Herds' ahead of an evening performance in Manchester, Britain, 03 July 2025. 'The Herds' is a dramatization of the climate crisis utilizing puppets, which are traveling 20,000 kilometers from the Congo Basin to the Arctic Circle, symbolizing animals fleeing climate disaster. The Herds are appearing in Manchester from 03 to 05 July. Picture: EPA/ADAM VAUGHAN A child plays along Manila Bay on July 3, 2025. (Photo by Jam STA ROSA / AFP) An inflatable artwork entitled Panda Seven, created by Chinese artist Leo Huang, at the Yimu Art Exhibition at ICONSIAM shopping mall in Bangkok, Thailand, 03 July 2025. The Yimu Art Exhibition, in collaboration with China's Yimu Art Studio, showcases the inflatable sculpture Panda Seven by Leo Huang to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations. Picture: EPA/RUNGROJ YONGRIT Players from the Manchester City academy do kick-ups inside 'The Playmaker', an interactive series of pods and tunnels by architect Stefano Boeri and Italian footballer Sandro Mazzola, during a photo call for the exhibition 'Football City, Art United' at Aviva Studios in Manchester, Britain, 03 July 2025. The exhibition pairs 11 former and current footballers with contemporary artists to produce brand-new works, alongside a series of videos documenting the creative process. The exhibition was conceived by former Chelsea, Manchester United, and Spain player Juan Mata with curators Hans Ulrich Obrist and Josh Willdigg and features players including Eric Cantona, Edgar Davids, Ella Toone, and Vivienne Miedema. The exhibition is part of the Manchester International Festival and runs from 04 July to 24 August 2025. Picture: EPA/ADAM VAUGHAN This general view shows performances during the opening ceremony ahead of the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 Group A football match between Switzerland and Norway at the St Jakob-Park Stadium in Basel on July 2, 2025. (Photo by Bernadett Szabo / POOL / AFP) Smoke comes out of the chimneys of a factory in Yumbo, near Cali, department of Valle del Cauca, Colombia, on July 2, 2025. (Photo by Joaquin Sarmiento / AFP) China's first domestically built aircraft carrier Shandong's escort ship destroyer Yanan sails into Hong Kong waters as it arrives in Hong Kong on July 3, 2025. Commissioned in 2019, the 305-metre-long (1,000 feet) Shandong is China's second carrier and key to the country's regional ambitions under President Xi Jinping, who oversaw a massive naval buildup that has rattled Asian neighbours. (Photo by Peter PARKS / AFP) US actor and cast member Rachel Brosnahan attends a 'Superman' fan event at Leicester Square in London, Britain, 02 July 2025. The movie will be released in the UK on 11 July 2025. Picture: EPA/ANDY RAIN A young woman holds her head into the cool water of a fountain at the Lustgarten park on Museum Island in Berlin on July 2, 2025, as temperatures were predicted to reach up to 37 degrees Celsius. A record-breaking early summer heatwave spreads across Europe. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP) MORE: 24 hours in pictures, 2 July 2025
![Jesse Kriel: Springbok captain's relationship status and rugby roots [PICS]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.citizen.co.za%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F07%2Fspringbok-jesse-kriel.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
The Citizen
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Jesse Kriel: Springbok captain's relationship status and rugby roots [PICS]
Springbok star Jesse Kriel's good looks and fit physique have made him a heartthrob, sparking curiosity about his relationship status.... Springbok centre Jesse Kriel is known for his vigorous fitness regime in the gym and on the training field. Pictures: Instagram/ Gallom Images and X Fast and furious Springbok utility back Jesse Kriel has captured hearts on and off the rugby field throughout his brilliant playing career. His ability to speak isiXhosa and Japanese fluently, along with his 'nice guy' persona and gwijo song performances, has endeared him to fans worldwide. Jesse Kriel during the Qatar Airways Cup match between South Africa and Barbarians FC at DHL Stadium on 28 June 2025 in Cape Town. Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images Stepping in for an injured Siya Kolisi as Springbok captain has thrust the versatile player further into the spotlight as he led the Boks to a 54-7 victory over the Barbarians ahead of their Test series against Italy. Kriel plays club rugby for the Canon Eagles in Japan, and when he's in South Africa, he does cross-code training with world champion boxer Kevin Lerena. ALSO READ: 'Jesse sets a great example for everybody,' says Rassie about new Bok captain Is there a Springbok WAG in Jesse Kriel's life? The 31-year-old star player's good looks and fit physique have made him a heartthrob, sparking curiosity about his relationship status. The new Springbok captain, however, has been in a stable relationship with Hope Mortimer since 2018. Mortimer, a chartered accountant, has been a steady presence in Kriel's life, often spotted supporting him on and off the field. Jesse Kriel celebrates the Webb Ellis Cup with his girlfriend Hope Mortimer after the Rugby World Cup France 2023 final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France on 28 October 2023 in Paris. Picture:Their relationship first gained public attention when the loved-up rugby star shared a picture of the couple back in June 2018 on Instagram with the caption: 'Sundays should come with a pause button.' Who is Hope Mortimer? Kriel's gorgeous blonde girlfriend, an avid long-distance runner, grew up on her family's farm in Hibberdene, KwaZulu-Natal. Springbok captain Jesse Kriel and his gorgeous girlfriend Hope Mortimer. Pictures: Instagram/ @Jessekriel15 and @hopemort According to HollywoodsMagazine, the 30-year-old Mortimer is currently the head of collaborations at House of Macadamias, a South African company that produces and sells macadamia products. She has been in this role since January 2023. Prior to this, Mortimer was a chartered accountant with experience in South Africa and the UK. While details about how Kriel and Mortimer met remain private, their relationship has grown over the years, with the couple occasionally sharing glimpses of their life on social media. Jesse Kriel career highlights: The making of a Springbok captain Kriel is the great-grandson of John Hodgson who played 15 games for the British and Irish Lions in the 1930s. Kriel, who attended Maritzburg College, made his Test debut as a Springbok player in 2015 against Australia. Known for his athleticism and versatility as a utility back, Kriel has earned 79 Test caps and played a pivotal role in South Africa's Rugby World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023. Jesse's twin brother, Daniel 'Dan' Kriel, is also a professional rugby player who has played for the Lions, as well as the Seattle Seawolves in the United States. NOW READ: Big in Japan! Springbok Jesse Kriel speaks Japanese like a pro – and Faf? [WATCH]
IOL News
30-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Neethling Fouché on Bok debut: I just focused on not falling when we ran onto the field
Bok newcomer Neethling Fouché (right) celebrates winning the Qatar Airways Cup with fellow debutants Vincent Tshituka (middle) and Asenathi Ntlabakanye (left) in Cape Town on Saturday after the Springboks defeated the Barbarians. Photo: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Newspapers Image: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Newspapers It wasn't easy to control his emotions when he ran onto the field and sang the national anthem in his first-ever international match for South Africa. But one thing Neethling Fouché controlled was not stumbling as he was running out at the DHL Stadium, like his prop mate Asenathi Ntlabakanye did when the Springboks faced the Barbarians on Saturday. Fouché came on as a substitute shortly after halftime in what he describes as being 'a dream come true'. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading The Springboks beat the Baabaas 54-7 and laid the perfect foundation for the rest of the season as they head into three Tests in July, a double against Italy and one against Georgia. 'You know, you watch the Springboks and dream of playing for them one day, I got to do it,' Fouché said. 'It was unbelievable. I had to walk a bit of a gravel road to get here, but I just tried to soak it in. Yes, it was a Barbarians game, and the score was high, but it was really physical out there. 'When I ran out ahead of the national anthem, I just didn't want to fall like Asa. If you didn't see that, just go and check the highlights,' Fouché laughingly said. 'That was my first focus running out. After that, it was difficult to control your emotions when you sing your national anthem. My entire family was here for the game. As soon as I heard I was playing, they booked plane tickets, all the way from Rustenburg. It truly was a dream come true.' While it was an unofficial match, Fouché, alongside newcomers flanker Vincent Tshituka, Ntlabakanye, and hooker Marnus van der Merwe, acquitted themselves well of their tasks. Head coach Rassie Erasmus was pleased with their performances but said that there is room for improvement from the entire team. Fouché said he wasn't too focused on his performance, but more on what the team required of him. If he did that and achieved the team's goal, he was happy with his time on the field. 'Coach Rassie always tells us that you should not think about yourself when pulling the Springbok jersey over your head. We must think about South Africa and our teammates. I will always look to improve my game and will never be happy with everything. For me, there is always something I want to do better. 'But as long as I could contribute to the team in my own way. Every day you are with the Springboks is a massive privilege. You say thank you to the Great Man above to be part of this setup and that is how I will take this on, day by day.' On walking a longer journey than normal to get to the top, the 32-year-old said biding his time paid off in the end.
The Citizen
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
48 hours in pictures, 29 June 2025
48 hours in pictures, 29 June 2025 Through the lens: The Citizen's Picture Editors select the best news photographs from South Africa and around the world. Actors dressed in 'Pink guards' costume attend a final fan event of the Netflix series Squid Game season 3, in Seoul, South Korea, 28 June 2025. Picture: EPA/JEON HEON-KYUN Wild horses during the traditional Rapa das Bestas festival celebrated in Mondonedo, Lugo, Spain, 29 June 2025. Every year, wild horses are rounded up in the hills and brought to a farmyard to be branded and have their hair cut during the festival. Several thousand people attended the event to watch young people overcoming horses without using ropes or sticks. In this edition, the event is held in a new 'curro' (the venue where it takes place) following the damage caused by vandals last year. Picture: EPA/ELISEO TRIGO Vincent Tshituka of South Africa during the Qatar Airways Cup match between South Africa and Barbarians F.C at DHL Stadium on June 28, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images) Models light up the runway at Gateway's Hollywoodbets Durban July Preview Fashion Show, showcasing bold fashion and flair ahead of the big race day. Shoppers, designers, and VIPs were treated to a dazzling evening of music, movement, and couture at Durban's premier retail destination at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Durban over the weekend. The race is to take place at the Grenville race course in Durban this Saturday. Picture: Rajesh Jantilal This aerial view shows unemployed people queue to submit the Department of Unemployment and Labour work seeking registration forms at a centre in Chiawelo, Soweto on June 27, 2025, as they look to be added into the department's data base. (Photo by Phill Magakoe / AFP) Robot soccer players compete during the 2025 RoBoLeague World Robot Soccer League match at Beijing Smart Esports Competition Center in Beijing, China, 28 June 2025. Picture: EPA/WU HAO Patryk Dudek of Poland (blue) in action during the Speedway European Team Speedway Championship in Gdansk, Poland, 28 June 2025. Picture: EPA/Adam Warzawa Nepalese farmers lie in muddy water in a paddy field on National Paddy Day in Jitpurphedi village, on the outskirts of Kathmandu, Nepal, 29 June 2025. On this day, locally known as Asar Pandra, farmers begin the annual rice planting season and perform various festivities such as preparing rice meals with muddy water, mud being a symbol for a prosperous season. Picture: EPA/NARENDRA SHRESTHA Participants in action during the Office Chair Race World Cup (Buerostuhlrennen Weltmeisterschaft), in Olten, Switzerland, 28 June 2025. Picture: EPA/ANTHONY ANEX People participate in the 14th World Naked Bike Ride in Guadalajara, Mexico, 28 June 2025. The event takes place in more than 70 cities around the world, where cyclists ride naked on bicycles to highlight the vulnerability of pedestrians and cyclists to motor vehicles, as well as to promote the use of alternative modes of transportation. Picture: EPA/FRANCISCO GUASCO Minister Velenkosi Hlabisa visits Nomzamo and Ezimbuzini informal settlements in Kliptown as part of the 'Winter Risk Awareness' campaign on June 28, 2025 in Kliptown, South Africa. The outreach aims to educate communities on disaster risk preparedness during winter, while highlighting the role of the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group in promoting safer, more resilient informal settlements. (Photo by Gallo Images/Fani Mahuntsi) Western Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile visits Kanana informal settlement following the brutal killing of seven men who were gunned down while socialising on June 28, 2025 in a Gugulethu, Cape Town, South Africa. He is still expected to visit the families of the victims. SAPS has vowed that no stone will be left unturned as detectives from the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit investigate the deadly ambush. (Photo by Gallo Images/Brenton Geach) Kneecap fans carry Palestinian flags as they watch Kneecap perform at the West Holts stage during day four of the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm near Pilton, Somerset, Britain, 28 June 2025. The Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts 2025 runs from 25 to 29 June 2025. Picture: EPA/ANDY RAIN Members of the South African Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI+) community take part in a march throught the CBD during the annual Gay Pride Parade, as part of the Durban Pride Festival, in Durban over the weekend. Picture: Rajesh Jantilal DA leader John Steenhuisendelivers an important address on the Government of National Unity (GNU) and issues an ultimatum to President Cyril Ramaphosa during a media briefing held at the Orange Hotel on June 28, 2025 in Cape Town South Africa. The address is expected to outline key demands, concerns around the direction of the GNU, and political consequences should the ultimatum not be addressed, marking a pivotal moment in South Africa's evolving political landscape. (Photo by Brenton Geach/Gallo Images) 'The Herds', a life-sized animal puppet group takes part in a photocall opposite Tower Bridge on June 27, 2025 in London, England. 'The Herds' is a touring public art performance of life-sized puppet animals designed to call attention to the climate emergency, symbolizing animals fleeing climate disaster. The puppets are visiting cities along their 20,000 kilometer journey, which set off from Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic Congo on 9 April and plans to conclude in the Arctic Circle. 'The Herds' arrival in London coincides with London Climate Action Week, and is produced by 'The Walk Productions' – the same group of creatives behind 'Little Amal,' the larger-than-life puppet of a Syrian refugee child, which has has toured 18 countries as a symbol of human rights. (Photo by) (L-R) Charlize Theron and KiKi Layne attend the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project 2025 Block Party at Universal Studios Backlot on June 28, 2025 in Universal City, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP) Newly ordained hill tribe Buddhist novice monks hold saffron robes during the 60th annual mass ordination ceremony for hill tribe men and youngsters at Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram, also known as the Marble Temple, in Bangkok, Thailand, 29 June 2025. A total of 196 hill tribe males '97 men and 99 boys' from northern Thailand were ordained as Buddhist monks and novices in the 60th annual mass ordination ceremony at Wat Benchamabophit in Bangkok. The event is part of a national project, launched in 1965, aimed at spreading the Buddha's Dharma to promote knowledge, wisdom, social and mental understanding, and improve welfare for hill tribe communities. The ceremony marks the start of Buddhist Lent, which begins this year on 11 July, and also honors the Thai King's 73rd birthday on 28 July. During Lent, monks remain in one place to meditate and pray, while laypeople may give up meat or alcohol and observe other ascetic practices. In Thailand, it is traditional for Buddhist men to become monks at some point in their lives. Picture: EPA/RUNGROJ YONGRIT People attend the traditional 'Battle of Wine' in the town of Haro, La Rioja, Spain, 29 June 2025. Around 10,000 people took part in Haro's annual Battle of Wine, an event in which more than 40,000 liters of wine were thrown among participants. Picture: EPA/VILLAR LOPEZ Aircrafts perform in the sky during the air picnic called 'Odlotowe Suwalki Airshow 2025' at the Suwalki airport, in Suwalki, Poland, 28 June 2025. Picture: EPA/Artur Reszko MORE: 24 hours in pictures, 26 June 2025
TimesLIVE
29-06-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Kolbe shines through storm to power Boks to dominant win
Though clashes against the Barbarians are devoid of Test status the hunger to improve in the Springbok camp was perhaps best exemplified by wing Cheslin Kolbe in Saturday's 54-7 win at a rain-soaked Cape Town Stadium. Kolbe delivered a star-studded performance in atrocious conditions to help elevate the home team to an emphatic win to start off their season. Kolbe, a man who has risen to the occasion on the game's best illuminated stage, again shone with restless, relentless energy en route to a man of the match performance against the game's most revered and cherished composite team. Though he scored a first half try when he chased after a well weighted Aphelele Fassi toe poke, it was after the break that he stamped his authority on proceedings. While others tread water, Kolbe ran and manoeuvred like a player fitted with all-weather tyres as he deftly teased and tormented the Barbarians defence. He ran onto and jumped for the ball with zeal and purpose. He slid past defenders at will and even ran over visiting hooker Ricky Riccitelli in a surge for the try line before being halted just short. The Springboks retain the Qatar Airways Cup 👏👏 #SSRugby | #BARvRSA — SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) June 28, 2025 Barbarians coach Robbie Deans is an admirer of Kolbe's work. 'I always enjoy watching Cheslin. Even when you're playing against him. He's just so positive. You can see his positivity into contact and in the air. He is just a freakish footballer.' Kolbe, 31, showed that his desire to make an impression in the Bok jersey remains undiminished. To be fair, that attitude permeated the Boks ranks with several players putting shoulder to the wheel in the kind of match often dismissed for its frivolity. After a two-year absence lock Lood de Jager made an impressive return to the Bok fold. He tirelessly toiled for 70 minutes before being withdrawn from the action. Jean-Luc du Preez, another Bok absentee in the last few seasons, also showed his worth in the No.8 jersey. He however left the field injured just before the break. Flank Vincent Tshituka went through a huge workload and would have been well satisfied with his effort. Like Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse also sparked when opportunity presented. It was the need to impress before the two-Test series against Italy that drove the Boks. In the second half in particular they played with greater hunger and urgency, displaying also the willingness to go the extra mile. Centre Andre Esterhuizen certainly fell into that category when he was deployed as a loose forward when he came on as a second-half substitute. Champagne rugby by the Boks 🥳🎉 📺 Stream #BARvRSA on DStv: — SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) June 28, 2025 'If I wasn't willing I would not have played today,' he said. 'I'm willing to learn and slot into a bit of a hybrid role that covers forwards and backs. It can help me as a player as well and it can help the team. Hopefully we can see more of that in the future.' Knowing head coach Rassie Erasmus and his penchant for innovation Esterhuizen wasn't surprised to be pressed into a new role. 'I was waiting for the conversation to happen. It has been brought up in the past and it was shrugged off by different people. As you get older you learn how you can slot in everywhere. How you can get yourself into the team more constantly. You have to adapt as a player. I'm looking forward to see what it can be.' It is another example of the back-to-back Rugby World Cup holders forever pushing boundaries. At the last Rugby World Cup they often pushed players into situations and positions with which they are less familiar. The players by and large responded positively and rose to the occasion. A fleet-footed forward like Kwagga Smith may find himself in the backline but now a hulking back like Esterhuizen finds himself mixing it with the heavies upfront. The Boks keep innovating and it is keeping the rugby world on its toes.
