Springbok captain Siya Kolis’s GQ cover has been critiqued by South Africans, weeks after his ex, Rachel Kolisi, donned the front pages of Women’s Health.
The popular player split from his wife – the mother of his child – six months ago.
Since then, South Africa’s former golden couple has been transitioning to a new single status.
RACHEL AND SIYA KOLISI’S MAGAZINE COVERS COMPARED
This week, Siya Kolisi’s GQ cover was revealed to South Africans. In the cover image, the Springbok captain donned a suit and a solemn attitude.
The headline read: “Siya Kolisi: Grounded. Focused. Human”.
The rugby player’s headline feature comes just a few weeks after his ex, Rachel Kolisi, donned the cover of Women’s Health. But unlike a beaming Rachel, Siya appeared more serious.
TikTok influencer Sibongile Mafu was the first to critique both Siya and Rachel’s magazine features, which she hailed as “good PR.”
She said: ‘These covers are a big part of announcing the next chapter for each of them…It’s been interesting to see how both of them have had very different strategies and how they approach their brands.
“Siya Kolisi is navigating life as a single father, with a lot of rugby and behind-the-scenes content. This cover really leans into that – what is next for Siya, post Rachel?”
@sboshmafu I need the PR and brand building girlies to chat about this, it’s so interesting to me #greenscreen ♬ original sound – Onikaxhan????
However, Sibongile claimed that the intention of the GQ cover was lost on her.
“For me, it’s not giving the next chapter. It’s giving, ‘I’m going through a lot.’
“Then you have Rachel’s cover – she has a golden glow, looking strong…with the biggest smile. It’s giving revenge body. She looks gorgeous, she’s never looked hotter”.
Regarding Rachel’s rebranding, Sibongile said, “We see her going on solo vacations, taking us along to work in a day. Before, it was a lot of wifey and motherhood content.”
‘GIVING ‘I’M DEPRESSED’
In the comments section, TikTokers also compared Rachel and Siya Kolisi’s magazine covers as single individuals.
While many commented that Rachel was embracing her newfound freedom, others believed that Siya was struggling.
@bohlokoa: “Siya is giving ‘I’m depressed. Rachel is giving ‘I’m free’”.
@kanyinokwe: “Siya’s cover is giving single father of four…in the trenches”.
@tumelomantje: “Rachel is healing, rediscovering herself, and living her best life. Siya is giving ‘I f**ked up’”.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF SIYA KOLISI VS RACHEL KOLISI’S MAGAZINE COVER?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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Megan van den Heever
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