“Sounds Fluent”: SA's Love for Jesse Kriel Grows After Springbok Speaks Xhosa
- Springbok utility back Jesse Kriel spoke in isiXhosa when assistant coach Mzwandile Stick interviewed him
- The two spoke about the national rugby team winning 11 out of 13 games at the Autumn Nations Series
- Local members of the online community admired Jesse's multilingualism, adding positivity to the comments
Source: Getty Images
Being multilingual is always beneficial and admired, as it bridges cultures and fosters connections, especially in a Rainbow Nation like South Africa.
Springbok star Jesse Kriel exemplified this beautifully when he spoke in isiXhosa, earning even more love and respect from fans.
Jesse Kriel speaks isiXhosa
The TikTok account for the sports broadcaster SuperSport (@supersportofficial) uploaded a video of the Springboks' assistant coach, Mzwandile Stick, interviewing Jesse following their victory at the Autumn Nations Series.
Mzwandile spoke in isiXhosa when he asked Jesse how he felt when the Boks won 11 out of 13 games. The utility back replied in the same language:
"Ndicel' i13 out of 13."
He then added in English:
"I think we dropped the ball there. We're very disappointed. I think it's small margins. Next season, we want to push and go even better and become better as a team."
After the assistant coach thanked him and told him to enjoy the celebrations, Jesse responded in isiZulu:
"Ngiyabonga, Mqeqeshi (Thank you, Coach)."
Watch the video below:
Mzansi loves multilingual Jesse Kriel
Hundreds of rugby fans and social media users went to the comment section to express their pride in the Springbok star communicating in isiXhosa in the viral video.
A proud @itsmylife_renchia stated:
"This is what Mandela fought for."
@flowerpowerwaxing said to the public:
"As if I could not love him more, he does this."
@user8061086162867 wrote in the comments:
"This must be the best-kept secret. He sounds fluent, too."
@pk_thanda applauded the rugby player and said:
"Jesse Kriel needs no translation."
@nkala869 added to the comment section:
"Wow, Springboks, you keep on surprising and inspiring us. As South Africans, we are so proud of this. Go Bokke, go."
@daddychadie, who appreciated the video, wrote:
"Wow, mad respect. I need to learn more."
@carlos_ndie_matu told the online community:
"Rugby is probably the most diverse sport in South Africa. National pride means a lot to them."
What you need to know about Jesse Kriel
Jesse Kriel and his twin brother, Dan, were born in Cape Town on 15 February 1994.
Dan, who plays as a centre, has represented the Bulls, Stormers, Lions, and South Africa U20 teams. Both brothers were part of the South African squad in the 2014 Junior World Cup, starting in the final in Auckland, where South Africa was defeated 21-20 by England.
Jesse attended Maritzburg College in Pietermaritzburg, a prestigious boys' school known for producing notable figures such as former Springbok fly-half Butch James, referee Craig Joubert, and 1995 Rugby World Cup champion Joel Stransky.
In Jesse's family history, his great-grandfather, John Hodgson, made his mark as a flanker for England, earning seven international caps. Hodgson also toured with the British & Irish Lions (then the British Isles) in 1930, securing two caps against New Zealand before playing for England.
Siya Kolisi calls out Jesse Kriel over legs
In another story, Briefly News reported that the Springboks' captain, Siya Kolisi, showed off his muscular legs and jokingly called out Jesse about his.
People in the post's comment section could not help but laugh about what Siya had to say about his teammate.
Source: Briefly News
