POWER & PASSION

Off the field and comfortable with SA rugby's MVPs, Eben Etzebeth and Cheslin Kolbe

AN UNDENIABLE FACT IS that the two heavyweights of SA rugby - Cheslin Kolbe and Eben Etzebeth - who, despite their contrasting playing styles, share an unbreakable drive for excellence. As they dominate the global rugby scene, these Springbok legends step off the field and into the spotlight as the cover stars on our November Body issue, in collaboration with Nescafé and their 'Make Your World' campaign.

IN A CAMPAIGN that encourages individuals to view each day as an opportunity for change, Cheslin Kolbe and Eben Etzebeth seem like natural fits for Nescafe's 'Make Your World' campaign, each bringing their take on motivation, family and resilience. For Cheslin, the partnership with Nescafé goes beyond a mere business deal.

"When the opportunity comes to create such partnerships," he says, "I always try to look into brands, their values and mission to see if it aligns with who I am. The work they do in giving back to the community stood out for me."

Similarly, Eben Etzebeth found the partnership to be a seamless fit. A tall-standing image of balance, humility, strength and resilience, Eben presents the values of balance and community. He is also a huge coffee lover - a loveable and down-to-earth touch that further emphasises how he embodies the campaign's focus on making every moment matter. "I have always loved coffee so it felt natural to me to align with a brand I enjoy."

As to how he balances the demands of being a professional athlete with contributing positively to social causes, such as this campaign, he says, "The life of a sports person means a lot of travelling, training, schedule changes and off-the-field duties, so it is difficult to always fulfil commitments.