Latest news with #Nicolette
Daily Maverick
5 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Long journey from Kriefgat — Stellies soccer star Tylon Smith nets deal with UK's Queens Park Rangers
After years of hardship and grit the determined 20-year-old central defender has landed a life-changing deal with Queens Park Rangers. Many a night as he lay on the small bed that his divorced mother, Nicolette, insisted he slept on, while she slept on the floor in the wooden structure that was their home, young Tylon Christopher Smith vowed: one day he would make it big as a soccer player. Then he would buy his mother a decent, comfortable home. These weren't just words to console himself – they were serious intentions. Smith, the youngest of three children, saw his mother refusing to allow poverty to destroy her family. He watched and learnt from her as she shared what little she had with others who had less than she had in Kriefgat, an informal settlement in Jamestown on the fringes of Stellenbosch, where they lived. In Kriefgat, a derogatory Afrikaans word that means the rear end of a lobster, community activist Nicolette inspired her son, who was born on 9 May 2005. They were very poor – so poor that he remembers playing soccer matches in a pair of borrowed boots until the captain of Stellenbosch FC gave him his first pair of boots when he was 14 years old. Smith cannot remember having had his own ball to dribble or kick around as a child. As a youngster, he played as a striker, a position that means plenty of goals. Today, as a 20-year-old soccer player, he is a central defender: a stopper of strikers. In an interview early in July, Smith, who has developed into one of South Africa's hottest young football talents, spoke about the impact of his parents' divorce, poverty, hard times and better times ahead. He is on the cusp of making it big in England, having been offered a four-year contract with the English side Queens Park Rangers (QPR), who play in the EFL Championship, the division below the Premier League. QPR has been quietly tracking his progress for the past few years. Unbeknown to him, a scout was watching the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt earlier this year. South Africa beat Morocco 1-0 in the final in Cairo on 18 May. Smith impressed as he marshalled the defence throughout the tournament. He was named player of the tournament. The tournament convinced QPR that they would have to sign the young man from Stellenbosch. He was invited to hold discussions with the club via Zoom. 'I was shocked to learn that QPR had been monitoring me for more than a year. They showed me a contract. This was a life-changing offer. I will now be able to give my mother a better life. I've always said I would buy her a house. Now I'll do it.' Charming, confident and oozing maturity and humility, Smith carries the nickname Rafa. In the comfortable lounge of the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport, where he now lives, he recalled times when he had no money for the minibus taxi fare from Kriefgat to Stellenbosch. 'I would say, 'It's fine, Ma'. I didn't skip practices on these occasions. A friend and I would jog along the R44 to Stellenbosch FC's training ground. We didn't beg people for lifts. We jogged.' That was a 7km run, followed by a full practice session. Running was one of his favourite sports. Indeed, he got into Stellenbosch Primary School on an athletics scholarship given to him because of his promise as a 100m sprinter. This is a former model C school. Attending it was a big step into the unknown for a township boy. 'They didn't look down on me. I was welcomed,' he said. From primary school, he had a short stint at Stellenbosch High School. He struggled to get to school and back every day because the family didn't have money and Smith urged his mother to transfer him to a school closer to home in Jamestown, which she did. When he was in Grade 11, he was included in Stellenbosch FC's Diski team (reserve team) and was selected to play in a tournament in India. On his return, he was offered a contract. 'I was serious about football. I had to decide whether I would sign for Stellenbosch's under-21 team or concentrate on school. I couldn't do both, because as a professional footballer I would have to practise in the morning when I was supposed to be in a classroom. I chose football.' Committing himself to Stellenbosch FC entailed moving into digs at the club's soccer academy, which is at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport next to the Eerste River in the hub of Stellenbosch. Life at the academy includes bonuses such as regular and special meals prepared to build up the bodies of young soccer professionals, a warm bed and a room that he shares with another player, his bestie Kegan Johannes. Last season, he said, his mother watched two of his games. 'She always said that she would like to come to more matches. She couldn't afford to come to more games. She also has a hip problem and can't walk normally.' The QPR offer will change his life radically. He will earn 'money that people can only dream of. My mother lives with my sister, Chantall. Now I can buy a house for my mother… even one for myself should I want to. My mother's influence on my life is huge. She is a praying person. Her strong moral values and discipline kept me away from the distractions of township life like hanging out in shebeens or nightclubs.' He carries his nickname, Rafa, with pride and in honour of former Stellenbosch FC captain Rafiek (Rafa) de Goede and not the Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal. 'I was a ball boy and used to retrieve the balls that the senior players kicked off the field when they played. Rafa was also a defender. I liked his style. He gave me my first pair of boots: a pair of Adidas. Having my own boots meant a lot to me.' Smith is in England this week for a battery of strenuous medical tests as a prelude to signing his contract to play professional football in the country. It's been a long, hard journey from Kriefgat to English football, but one that was worth travelling. When Daily Maverick spoke to Nicolette, she couldn't contain her excitement and pride. She is overjoyed that she will be able to fly to London to watch her son play. ''We have been through dark times. I'm so happy that things are working out. I've prayed so hard. Tylon knows, all glory goes to God.' DM Dennis Cruywagen is a journalist and the author of Brothers in War and Peace, and The Spiritual Mandela. This story first appeared in our weekly Daily Maverick 168 newspaper, which is available countrywide for R35.
Miami Herald
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Olivia Culpo welcomes first baby with Christian McCaffrey. ‘Look at the grip'
Olivia Culpo and Christian McCaffrey are officially a family of three. The superstar couple, who celebrated their one-year wedding anniversary on June 29, took to Instagram on July 13 to announce the birth of their first baby together. In the caption, Culpo revealed the name of her newborn baby girl: Colette Annalise McCaffrey. Colette, a shortened form of Nicolette meaning 'victory of the people' in Greek (via Nicholas), has been listed in the Social Security Administration's (SSA) top 1,000 every year since 2012. It most recently ranked 400th in the U.S. with 789 recorded births in 2024, per the SSA. But, in the eyes of Culpo and McCaffrey, Colette is one-of-one. 'Luckiest man on the planet,' McCaffrey, a running back for the San Francisco 49ers, wrote next to a photo of him and Colette on his Instagram Stories. 'The scariest and most rewarding of all experiences,' Culpo wrote in an Instagram story of her own. 'As soon as (McCaffrey) came into the room I felt most at peace. Look at the grip.' In a separate story, Culpo praised McCaffrey as the 'best daddy in the world.' Many of the couple's close friends and colleagues took to the comment section to congratulate them on the new arrival. 'Oh sweet girl you are so loved already. Welcome to the world angel. Love y'all so much,' wrote Natalie Stewart, the wife of retired running back Jonathan Stewart. 'Congratulations!!!! so happy!' added Morgan Romano, who was crowned Miss USA in 2022. 'Colette you have no idea how loved you are already! The luckiest little lady with two of the best to call mom & dad LOVE YOU ALL!!!' wrote Kathleen Messier, who married McCaffrey's brother, Max, in June. Culpo has 'been dreaming of this' moment for a long time Culpo, a former Miss USA and Miss Universe winner, revealed her pregnancy in March on Instagram with a black-and-white photo showing off her baby bump in a dress. 'Next chapter, motherhood,' she wrote in the caption on March 10. In an interview with People, published March 26, Culpo opened up about what she's looking forward to as a first-time mom. 'I'm so excited and grateful to be pregnant. I've been dreaming of this for a long time,' she said at the time. 'It's very special.' One of the things she was looking forward to the most was making 'traditions' with her new family. 'It is fun growing your family with someone that you really love and just being able to see Christian as a dad will be really exciting,' she told People. 'I just know he's going to be such a good partner and husband and father,' she added. 'I can't wait to see him step into that role. It will just be unlike any other experience.' On May 18, the couple took to Instagram to share a video of gender predictions from their baby shower. 'I am your mom and I have no idea what you are. I thought you were a boy, now everyone thinks you're a girl, so I think you're a girl, but watch you be a boy,' Culpo said at the start of the video. 'I'm your dad and I think you're going to be a boy,' McCaffrey added in the next clip. One month later, the couple celebrated their first wedding anniversary — two weeks before their baby's birth. 'One year down, with something new, Soon it's more than just us two,' Culpo wrote in a caption on Instagram. 'Best day ever, best year ever… happy anniversary to the love of my life. So so thankful.' McCaffrey and Culpo sparked dating rumors in 2019 and went Instagram official later that year. The couple got engaged in 2023, per People, and tied the knot on June 29, 2024. And now they have a baby.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
NFL star Zach Wilson marries Nicolette Dellanno in fairytale NYC ceremony
Zach Wilson's fairytale NYC wedding with Nicolette (Image credit: X/Instagram) Zach Wilson not only found a new home in Miami, but he also got his forever person. The ex-Jets quarterback-now-Dolphins backup, married Nicolete Dellanno. She was his long-time love. The ceremony took place on June 28, 2025. Well, it was surely a wedding that seemed plucked directly out of a film. And where is more fitting to set a romance like theirs than within New York's famous St. Patrick's Cathedral, followed by a starry soiree in the legendary Rainbow Room? Football enthusiasts and fashionistas alike had their reasons to swoon. Zach Wilson went from stadium sightings to "I Do" at St. Patrick's Wilson and Dellanno's romance started last June 2022 when they were first seen together at a Yankees game. Flash forward two years, and the couple became engaged while on a romantic vacation to Italy's Amalfi Coast. Nicolette's heartfelt Instagram post made their fans go awe: "Zach, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me… I'm so in love with you." Zach didn't hesitate, calling her his "best friend" and "everything. " Cue the tissues. On their wedding day, Nicolette was breathtaking in a smooth off-the-shoulder wedding dress. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like เทรดทองCFDsกับโบรกเกอร์ที่เชื่อถือได้| เปิดบัญชีวันนี้ IC Markets สมัคร It has dainty lace floral details and a dramatic train, every inch the couture bride. Zach played it old-school in a sleek black tux and bow tie, topped with a yellow flower lapel to coordinate with her bouquet. N ow let's talk about the venue. It was the cathedral location that added a splash of fairytale magic. Especially, with sweeping architecture and golden light making their promises as eternal as their romance. The rainbow room struck a glimmer, and gourmet morsels After the ceremony concluded, guests made their way uptown for a reception at the Rainbow Room in Rockefeller Center. And yes, it was as glamorous as it sounds. The views of the city skyline, the five-level wedding cake with gold accents, and their initials "N & Z,". If that wasn't enough to fancy you, then they even arranged a Crumbl cookie wall provided at the reception with a balance of high-end and heart. Wedding guests found their seats with personalized "ticket" place cards that cost "$628.25." The menu dished up spicy rigatoni, salmon, filet mignon, and more. When it was time to get on the dance floor, the bride and groom made their big entrance to Bruno Mars' "Marry You" before breaking hearts during their first dance to Dan + Shay's "From the Ground Up." Zach even picked Nicolette up during the dance, because why not go all rom-com when it's your wedding day? The celebration didn't end there. Glow sticks were circulated with messages asking visitors to "Light up the dance floor," and they obliged. Dellanno would go on to call it the "Best night ever" on Instagram. And judging by the photos, fans are sure that she wasn't lying. Also read: Zach Wilson and Nicolette Dellanno's wedding weekend begins: Dolphins QB celebrates with NFL family and friends Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Daily Mail
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
NFL quarterback Zach Wilson marries partner Nicolette in beautiful New York wedding
NFL quarterback Zach Wilson and his partner Nicolette tied the knot on Saturday in a classy Manhattan wedding. Wilson, now a member of the Dolphins, began his career in New York as he spent his first three seasons with the Jets. And the 25-year-old returned to the Big Apple this weekend as he and Nicolette (formerly Dellanno) wed at St. Patrick's Cathedral. In an Instagram story posted by Kennedy Stidham, the wife of Wilson's former Broncos teammate Jarrett Stidham, the couple looked to be in good spirits as they walked out of the church and raised their arms in the air. The newlyweds could later be seen sharing a first dance and cutting their wedding cake in front of their guests. Wilson wore a classic black tux for the occasion, while Nicolette kept things similarly traditional with a flowy white wedding dress. The couple, who met in 2022, looked overjoyed as they cut their cake during their party She later wrote on her Instagram story that it had been the 'best night ever,' with the couple celebrating their nuptials at the fancy Rainbow Room following their ceremony. The couple, who have been linked since 2022, announced their engagement last June after Wilson popped the question in Italy. Nicolette later gushed about her beau as she posted about the milestone and showed off her new ring. 'Zach, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me,' she captioned a photo of her wearing a ring alongside Wilson. 'Everyday I admire your strength and i'm so incredibly proud of you. 'I'm so in love with you and can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together i love you.' Dellanno, a native of New Jersey, met Wilson while he was playing for the Jets. Wilson spent his 2024 NFL season as a backup for the Denver Broncos, but did not see the field Wilson and Dellanno traveled to Hawaii for their friends' wedding earlier this year The team replaced him with Aaron Rodgers after two difficult seasons at the helm, but Wilson was thrust into action once again during the 2023 season after Rodgers injured his Achilles in his debut for the team. Wilson was traded to the Broncos the following year, and he did not see the field in Denver as he served as the third-string quarterback behind Bo Nix and Stidham. Wilson then signed a one-year, $6million deal with Miami that could rise to $10million with incentives, according to multiple reports. He is expected to back up Tua Tagovailoa on the Dolphins.
Independent Singapore
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Independent Singapore
Stage set for Mediacorp 987 STAR grand finale: Who will take the mic?
Courtesy of press release SINGAPORE: After weeks of high-pressure challenges and non-stop hustle, just four talents are left standing in the race to become the next Mediacorp 987 STAR. Georgina, Lex, Nicolette and Shaniah have earned their place in the spotlight—and now, it all comes down to the live grand finale at the Ultimate Showdown. Only one will take the crown. Star power Since the beginning, the challenges have not been easy. The top 10 contestants sat through two high-pressure challenges that put their creativity, grit and star power to the test earlier this week. Contestants were given complete control over the scripting, filming, and editing of their video for the first challenge, 'Messy Is The Message,' provided that it advertised the competition finale. Striking and memorable It all came down to originality, inventiveness, and digital production skills in order to produce the most visually striking and memorable film for the judges, influencers Faris Samri and Avi Dixit, and Mediacorp 987's Germaine Tan. The next challenge, 'Going Viral', contestants have to step into the spotlight through a TikTok Live session where they entertain viewers in real-time with their energy and charisma. They then went into the radio booth to co-host with the personalities of Mediacorp 987 for 30 minutes. Without breaking a beat, they managed to spin tunes, interact with listeners, and provide traffic and weather updates while live on air. Zhu Zeliang of Mediacorp YES 933, Nity Baizura of RIA 897, and Gerald Koh of 987 were the judges of this real test of multi-platform wizardry. Final four Georgina, Lex, Nicolette, and Shaniah stepped up to the task, passing every exam and earning their places in the final four despite the extreme difficulties. They will now go to the last round, The Ultimate Showdown, which will take place live at 313@somerset on Saturday, May 31 at 5 p.m. The last four will compete in an exciting series of challenges unlike any other challenge before, in front of an enthusiastic live audience. They will be put to the test on their stage presence, originality, and vocal skills while interacting with the audience. What's at stake? Imagine this: you could be the next Mediacorp 987 STAR! That means landing an awesome gig with 987, plus you'd walk away with a cool $5,000 in cash. In addition to witnessing all the action live, viewers can expect exclusive performances from local singer WhyLucas and singer-songwriter Shazza, as well as the opportunity to interact with their favourite Mediacorp 987 characters. The contestants have reached the final stretch! It sounds like it's been a real adventure getting here. Who will take over the microphone? Attend the launch of the next Mediacorp 987 STAR! Tune in to watch the full episodes now on Mediacorp Entertainment on YouTube and mewatch , and enjoy exciting highlights on Mediacorp 987's TikTok .
