‘I enjoy spending time in the kitchen’: Former Springbok captain John Smit beats a fan in a cook-off

Former Springbok captain John Smit emerged victorious in a cook-off challenge against Pick n Pay customer Penny Nhlapo. The contest was organized by former Springbok player Steven Kitshoff. Nhlapo secured her spot after correctly identifying Smit as the Mystery Driver in a Pick n Pay asap! competition, earning R10,000 and an invitation to participate. "I said 'Amen' – this is an answered prayer," Nhlapo remarked after learning of her win.

Smit and Nhlapo were given 20 minutes to craft their own burger variations using a shared set of ingredients. Both contestants also selected a unique South African component from choices such as atchar, chakalaka, crispy onions, and pickled onions. The judges evaluated the final products based on flavor, presentation, texture, and overall execution, emphasizing that the competition was about more than just constructing a good burger.

Smit fashioned a double-patty burger named "The Big John," incorporating onions, mushrooms, peppadews, cheese, chakalaka, mayonnaise, and chutney. He explained that a Bok Burger must possess a punch. Nhlapo, in contrast, created a burger called "Penny Gold," featuring a single patty, atchar, cheese, tomato, lettuce, browned buns, and sauce. She opted for ingredients with health benefits in mind.

Upon winning the cook-off, Smit shared his passion for food and cooking. "I love food. I love going to restaurants and experimenting. My wife is an incredible cook, so I enjoy spending time in the kitchen. I do make a huge mess, which is why she doesn't like me in the kitchen, but I clean up eventually," he stated.

For Nhlapo, the event marked her first in-person meeting with Smit. She expressed her excitement, stating, "I was super excited. I got to see him live next to me for the first time in my life, rather than through a recording like television or the internet. This will be a lifetime memory."