SRH pacer Dale Steyn says he will always bring his partner on tour to cope with loneliness as every player spends a chunk of life away from home and is never quite sure when he/she is coming or going
Jeanne Kietzmann and Dale Steyn
Visakhapatnam: South Africa and Sunrisers Hyderabad fast bowler Dale Steyn said on Wednesday that it is difficult for women to be involved with sportsmen who travel since the player spends a chunk of life away from home and is never quite sure when he/she is coming or going.
Dale Steyn's partner Jeanne Kietzmann posted this picture on Instagram
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"I think it's really difficult for women to be involved with sportsmen who travel, or men to be involved with men or women, whoever it may be. I am not worried about that sexist thing," Steyn was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
Tough staying away
"It's really tough. You're spending a big chunk of your life away from home, never quite sure whether you're coming or going."
When asked how he copes with loneliness on tour, the South African said, "What I have decided now is that when I am going to these tours I'll bring people over. So I have had family come to India before. My ex-girlfriend used to travel a lot with me.
Dale Steyn
"At the moment, I have got my partner — Jeanne Kietzmann who's with me. And one of my best friends is here too, so the two of them keep themselves occupied when I'm busy at training or on the cricket field."
The 31-year-old speedster and Kietzmann have been dating since 2007.
The couple's romance began when Steyn spotted Kietzmann while she was working in a restaurant in Cape Town. The gorgeous brunette bowled him over. Steyn asked for her number and called her the next day. As they say, the rest is history.
Kietzmann seems to be his lucky charm. Since he started dating her, Steyn has rocketed up the ICC bowling rankings.
Currently, Australian Mitchell Starc leads the one-day ranking while Steyn is fourth in the list.
Interestingly, Jeanne wants to be involved in saving tigers, while Steyn who wanted to be a photographer, keeps posting pictures of the places he travels.