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Precious Mashele and Cacisile Sosibo set for Boxer Super Run Joburg speed test

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Precious Mashele and Cacisile Sosibo set for Boxer Super Run Joburg speed test
By Adnaan Mohamed

Precious Mashele is preparing for a battle of experience against youth when he lines up alongside Boxer Athletics Club teammate Cacisile Sosibo at the Boxer Super Run Joburg on Sunday, 15 November.

The experienced distance runner hopes his marathon training will provide the endurance needed to tackle a fast, competitive 5km field, with the challenging Emmarentia route adding another dimension to the contest.

Mashele, who is preparing for the Cape Town Marathon, is particularly excited by the opportunity to compete in a 5km event offering prize money for elite athletes.

“I am excited to compete in the event because there are so few 5km road races that offer prize money for elite athletes,” he says.

The former campaigner knows the younger athletes will have speed on their side, but believes his growing endurance could prove valuable when the race reaches its decisive stages.

“The route has hills, and I hope my strength on the climbs will give me a chance against the younger guys,” he says.

With a strong South African field expected, Mashele has set himself a realistic target.

“As an old soldier, I would be very pleased if I managed to achieve a top-ten finish against the young guns.”

Sosibo, meanwhile, will make her Boxer Super Run Joburg debut, with the Soweto-based athlete eager to make an impression on familiar territory.

Cacisile Sosibo in action at the Boxer Super Run Durban. PHOTO CREDIT: Anthony Grote
 

She believes the event’s appeal lies in its ability to bring elite competitors and recreational runners together, reflecting the growing popularity of road running in Johannesburg.

“My goal is to run smart, have a controlled start, a strong middle and a fast finish,” Sosibo says.

“With 5km racing, you need speed, but also patience.”

The women’s race will provide an opportunity for Sosibo to test herself against a strong field, with the athlete targeting a competitive finish.

“The route in Joburg is exciting, with great crowd support,” she says. “With such a strong field and a great prize purse, my goal is to be competitive and fight for a top position.”

Stillwater Sports managing director Michael Meyer believes the presence of athletes of their calibre will add considerable interest to the event.

Boxer Superstores head of marketing Lee-Ann Pillay also highlighted the supermarket group’s commitment to supporting athletics and encouraging healthier, more active lifestyles.

The 5km event starts on Orange Road in Emmarentia, with the finish at Marks Park Sports Club.

The open wave gets under way at 07:00, followed by the Super Social waves between 08:00 and 09:30. The elite women start at 09:45, the elite men at 10:00, and the 1km children’s race at 10:30.

Entries are sold out.

For Mashele, the challenge is to make experience count against youthful speed. For Sosibo, it is an opportunity to announce herself on the Joburg stage.

Five kilometres may be a short distance, but with this calibre of competition, there will be nowhere to hide.

Gelant and Swiegers target strong returns at Boxer Super Run Joburg

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The Boxer Athletics Club runners will headline the elite action at the sold-out 5km event in Johannesburg on Sunday, 15 November.

Elroy Gelant and Carina Swiegers are looking forward to testing themselves against a competitive field when the Boxer Super Run returns to Johannesburg on Sunday, 15 November.

The Boxer Athletics Club pair will tackle the 5km course, which starts on Orange Road in Emmarentia and finishes at Marks Park Sports Club.

Gelant, who is based in Potchefstroom, believes the short distance demands speed, sound tactics and careful pacing.

“The Boxer Super Run is a fantastic event for South African road running,” says Gelant. “The 5km format makes it very exciting because there is nowhere to hide; you need to be ready from the start and you have to race intelligently. I also really enjoy the atmosphere around the event and the way it brings elite athletes and recreational runners together.”

The experienced distance runner welcomes the opportunity to compete over different distances and use the 5km to assess his speed and racing form.

“I enjoy challenging myself over different distances,” he says. “The 5km is a great opportunity to test my speed and racing ability. It is a very tactical distance because it is short enough to require a high level of speed, but long enough that you can pay a big price if you get the pacing wrong. The key for me will be to race the athletes around me, stay focused and make sure I still have something left for the final kilometre.”

Swiegers, who lives in Pretoria, also regards the event as a highlight of her racing calendar. She expects the hilly route to test the field and hopes to finish in the top eight or improve her course best.

Carina Swiegers by Action Photo

“It is an amazing event,” says Swiegers. “The vibe is great, the route is challenging, and what I am most excited about is the amazing atmosphere and all the great elite athletes competing.”

She plans to build her pace as the race progresses.

“My plan is to start conservatively and build up the pace towards the end. It is a challenging route with a few hills, which I enjoy, so I hope my strength will pull through. My goal is to finish in the top eight or run a course PB.”

Michael Meyer, managing director of Stillwater Sports, said the event’s inclusive format continues to attract runners across different levels of ability.

“We’re looking forward to bringing the Boxer Super Run back to Johannesburg on Sunday, 15 November. The event offers a unique combination of competitive racing and a fun, inclusive atmosphere, with the 5km distance appealing to everyone from elite athletes to social runners and first-time participants. The Joburg route presents an exciting challenge, and we look forward to seeing athletes like Elroy Gelant and Carina Swiegers make the most of the opportunity, test themselves against the course and enjoy everything the Boxer Super Run has to offer.”

Lee-Ann Pillay, head of marketing at Boxer Superstores, said the event supports the retailer’s commitment to active lifestyles and community participation.

“At Boxer Superstores, we’re proud to support an event that brings people together through a shared love of running and an active lifestyle. The Boxer Super Run is about more than the finish time; it’s about the atmosphere, the sense of community and the opportunity for everyone to be part of something special. We’re excited to welcome runners, families and supporters to Joburg and look forward to another memorable day.”

The open wave starts at 07:00, followed by the Super Social Wave between 08:00 and 09:30. The elite women’s race begins at 09:45, with the elite men starting at 10:00. A 1km children’s race is scheduled for 10:30.

Entries for the Johannesburg event are sold out, with runners set to receive a performance T-shirt, goodie bag, race number and timing chip, and a finisher’s medal.

The focus will be on Gelant and Swiegers as they take on the course and pursue their respective goals over a distance where every kilometre can shape the outcome.

Race schedule

  • 07:00: Open Wave
  • 08:00–09:30: Super Social Wave
  • 09:45: Elite women
  • 10:00: Elite men
  • 10:30: 1km kids’ race

Entries: SOLD OUT

Entry package includes a performance T-shirt, goodie bag, race number and timing chip, on-route experience and finisher’s medal.

Gerda Steyn’s message of inspiration in Bloem

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Gerda Steyn returned to the City of Roses for her first competitive race in Bloemfontein with a message that could outlast any finish-line clock: believe in your dreams, work hard and never rule yourself out.

The ultra-distance specialist, a five-time Comrades Marathon champion and seven-time Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon ultra winner, found herself back in the city of her birth for Sunday’s inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K, where 5,000 participants turned the streets into a rolling celebration of road running.

Steyn grew up in Bothaville and studied at the University of the Free State. Her homecoming carried a personal significance, and she used it to encourage the next generation to dream big.

“If I think back to the years I lived here in Bloemfontein, nobody would have imagined that Gerda would become a professional athlete, win the Comrades or become an Olympic athlete,” she said.

“Never think it cannot be you. You can achieve something if you work hard for it and believe in your dreams. You can accomplish great things if you are prepared to put in the hard work every day.”

Known for conquering ultra-distance challenges, Steyn also showed her versatility over 10km, finishing sixth overall in the women’s race in 35:01 as the second South African behind winner Glenrose Xaba.

The Boxer Athletics Club star claimed her first Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series victory of the season in 32:10. Kenya’s Jackline Rotich was second in 32:15, with Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala third in 32:19 after winning the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K the previous week.

“I’m very excited to win Absa. I’m glad that I’m able to be the one crossing the line,” Xaba said.

The course served up a stern test around the seven-kilometre mark, where a climb demanded both strength and tactical discipline. Xaba had inspected the route the previous day and was prepared for the challenge.

She also stressed the importance of bringing elite athletes closer to young fans, giving children the chance to meet their role models and picture themselves lining up in future races.

In the men’s race, Kenya’s Felix Masai Kibet, winner of the 2026 Two Oceans Half-Marathon, set the pace and held firm to win in 28:14.

“I enjoy racing in South Africa, just like Two Oceans Half-Marathon earlier this year. It went well again today,” he said. “I felt good. There was no competition from start to finish. The course was quite fast, with a hill with two kilometres to go.”

South Africa’s Kabelo Mulaudzi finished second in 28:43, followed by teammate Zenzile Pheko in 28:54.

Mulaudzi admitted he had left his challenge too late after allowing Masai Kibet to dictate the early pace. “Filex started fast. We thought we would catch him. But by the time we started to close the gap it was too late. I’m happy with today because I’ve been struggling with injury this year. The race was good. It’s just that I closed the gap too late,” he said.

The Mangaung race added Bloemfontein to the six-event series, which drew about 60,000 participants across its events. The Cape Town race was cancelled because of adverse weather.

For Steyn, the day’s lasting legacy may have been the reminder that every champion starts somewhere, and sometimes the most powerful finish is the one that inspires someone else to begin.

GET YOUR ABSA RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K RESULTS HERE:

Mulaudzi stands in Masai’s way at Mangaung 10K

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Kenyan distance runner Felix Masai Kibet is targeting a personal best at Sunday’s inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K, but South African Kabelo Mulaudzi has warned his rivals they will have to work hard to deny him victory in Bloemfontein.

The race, scheduled for Sunday, 25 October 2026, promises a compelling contest over 10km, with Masai chasing a fast time, Mulaudzi pursuing another series victory and Glenrose Xaba targeting a personal best in the women’s race.

Masai, who owns a 27:19 personal best and led a Kenyan podium sweep at the Totalsports TWO OCEANS HALF MARATHON in April, outlined his ambitions at Friday’s official race press conference alongside four-time Olympian Stephen Mokoka and Mulaudzi.

“I want to run a PB on Sunday,” said Masai.

The Kenyan’s challenge will be complicated by the presence of Mulaudzi, one of the most successful athletes in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series in recent seasons.

Mulaudzi is chasing an eighth series victory after winning twice in 2023, claiming four victories last year and triumphing at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K last month.

His credentials include a 27:41 personal best, set while winning the 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K.

“I’m feeling very good and I’m ready for Sunday. The competition is tough, but I will try my best. The field will have to work hard to win,” said Mulaudzi.

The men’s contest will test whether Masai can convert his ambitions into a fast performance against a South African rival who has repeatedly delivered on the series circuit.

Xaba eyes personal best

Glenrose Xaba Photo: Pule Mogorosi

Xaba heads into the women’s race in strong form after winning the Boxer Super Run 5K in Durban on 18 October and becoming the first athlete to secure four SPAR Women’s Grand Prix Series titles.

The South African came within striking distance of her 31:12 personal best at last month’s SPAR Women’s Challenge in Gqeberha, clocking 31:16.

A flat, fast course in Mangaung could provide the opportunity she needs to improve that mark.

“I heard the course is flat and fast, and I’m looking forward to giving my best as I always do. I’m in good form and hoping to have a great race. I came close to my PB in Gqeberha, so I would be happy to set a new PB on Sunday,” said Xaba.

Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala will also arrive with confidence after winning the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K on 18 October.

Khatala will be looking to improve her national record of 32:01, setting up another important test against a competitive women’s field.

A new challenge for Mangaung

Michael Meyer (Stillwater Sports Managing Director & Series Founder), Dirk Mokgele (Regional Segment Head, Absa Group), Glenrose Xaba (South Africa), Mrs Odessa Swarts (Athletics Free State Acting President), Hon Ketso Makume – MEC DEDT (Department of Economic Development and Tourism) and Filex Masai (Kenya). PHOTO CREDIT: Pule Mogorosi

The inaugural event adds Bloemfontein to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series calendar, giving elite athletes another opportunity to chase fast times and compete for honours on South African roads.

With Masai targeting a personal best, Mulaudzi determined to extend his winning record and Xaba eyeing a breakthrough, Sunday’s race will provide an early measure of the course’s potential.

The stopwatch will ultimately decide whether Mangaung delivers the fast times the athletes are seeking.

Purple reign: Hollywood stars light up Joburg 10km

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Hollywood Athletics Club’s Purple Team turned its sold-out Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km into a showcase of organisational muscle and elite running firepower, with Neheng Khatala striking gold and three club athletes finishing in the men’s top seven at Nasrec on Sunday.

The third edition of the race attracted 12,000 participants across the 10km and 5km events, doubling last year’s turnout and turning the streets around the Johannesburg Expo Centre into a spectacular sea of purple.

For the Hollywoodbets Purple Team, the day was a powerful advertisement for its growing footprint in South African road running. Its elite stars delivered on the road while the organisers celebrated another milestone for an event that has rapidly become a major fixture on the racing calendar.

Nedbank Running Club’s Thabang Mosiako stopped the hosts from sweeping the men’s honours, defending his title in 30:43. Hollywood’s former Comrades Marathon champion Edward Mothibi, however, stole the spotlight with a superb second place in 30:51, matching third-placed Rebaone Obotseng’s time.

Thabang Mosiako successfully defended his title. Photo: Suppied

“I am really happy with my achievement today because it’s my second time running the Hollywoodbets Joburg. I think it was my third or fourth, but I have been maintaining a podium finish, so I can say I am very happy I managed to defend my title,” he said.

Mothibi’s performance was particularly impressive against a field packed with specialist 10km runners. The veteran showed that his endurance pedigree still carries plenty of firepower over shorter distances.

Hollywood’s Poloko Maphunye finished fourth in 30:54, while Stephen Mokoka, the experienced multiple South African record-holder, placed seventh in 31:29.

Edward Mothibi Photo: Supplied

Three Hollywood Athletics Club runners in the men’s top seven offered tangible evidence of the Purple Team’s depth, with Mothibi leading the charge and Maphunye and Mokoka reinforcing the club’s presence among the front-runners.

Khatala leads a purple podium charge

The women’s race provided an even bigger celebration for the hosts.

Lesotho’s 10km record-holder Neheng Khatala crossed the finish line in 33:40 to collect the R40,000 winner’s cheque and complete a memorable Durban-Joburg double after winning the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km in August.

The 2024 Olympian knew the hilly route would demand discipline and strength. Having won the Soweto Marathon two years ago, she recognised the challenge posed by the closing kilometres.

“I knew I did not have to go too fast; just manage my speed and balance the pace so I get to the finish because I did not want to be slaughtered at the end,” she said.

Emma Pallant-Brown, Neheng Khatala and Irvette van Zyl Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

UK-born Emma Pallant-Browne of Peak Running Club finished second in 35:04, followed by Hollywood teammate Irvette van Zyl in 35:17. South Africa’s golden girl of ultra-distance running, Gerda Steyn, completed a memorable club performance in fourth in 35:42.

Having three Hollywood athletes among the women’s leading four and five in the top 10 gave the Purple Team another reason to celebrate. Khatala’s victory, Van Zyl’s podium finish and Steyn’s fourth place underlined the strength of a line-up featuring talent across different racing distances.

The 2024 Olympian knew the hilly route would demand discipline and strength. Having won the Soweto Marathon two years ago, she recognised the challenge posed by the closing kilometres.

“I knew I did not have to go too fast; just manage my speed and balance the pace so I get to the finish because I did not want to be slaughtered at the end,” she said.

Khatala said winning in her club colours made the occasion particularly special, with the responsibility of representing her own team adding to the emotion.

Purple momentum heads to Mangaung

The club’s attention now shifts to the next challenge. Khatala, Van Zyl and Steyn are set to line up at the inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY Mangaung 10km next Sunday, where Khatala hopes to attract strong support from fellow Basotho.

For Hollywood Athletics Club, Sunday’s success was about more than prize money and podium photographs. A sold-out mass-participation event, a formidable elite contingent and three male runners in the top seven provided a compelling demonstration of the Purple Team’s competitive reach.

Nasrec belonged to the purple wave. The challenge now is to keep it rolling.

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FULL 2026 HOLLYWOODBETS JOBURG 10K RESULTS

Young gun takes aim at established stars at Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, News, PreviewLeave a Comment on Young gun takes aim at established stars at Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K
By Adnaan Mohamed

A rising star, a seasoned campaigner and a defending champion will bring three very different ambitions to the starting line when the sold-out Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km unleashes 12,000 runners at Nasrec on Sunday morning.

Twenty-two-year-old Sibusiso Msibi is hungry to announce himself on the big stage, Hollywood Athletics Club veteran Stephen Mokoka is chasing another strong finish, and Nedbank Running Club speedster Thabang Mosiako must decide how much his body has left after a demanding marathon in Germany.

The third edition of the race starts at 07:30, with the winner’s prize climbing to R40,000, making it the richest-paying 10km race in South Africa. With the stakes rising and the field packed, the road to glory promises to be anything but a Sunday stroll.

Rising Star: Sibusiso Msibi

For Msibi, the race represents a golden ticket to a bigger stage.

The University of Johannesburg athlete, who won the 2025 ASA 4km cross-country title, has spent much of his development focusing on track and cross-country. His speciality is the 1,500m and 5,000m, and he is now stretching his ambitions onto the road.

Speaking at Friday’s pre-race media conference in Hyde Park, the Tembisa-born runner made no secret of his intentions.

“I feel if I do good on Sunday, it will open opportunities for me. This is special for me. I am going all out and I am expecting a podium finish.”

Msibi has watched Mokoka and Mosiako from afar, drawing inspiration from the very athletes he will now measure himself against. A 10km encounter with Mokoka at a Region 5 event last year left a lasting impression.

“I remember watching them on TV and wishing to be like them,” he said. “He actually spoke to me during the race, but at the time I was ‘suffering’. That told me to go back and work harder at training.”

His focus remains on cross-country and University Sports South Africa competition next year, while bigger road races are firmly on his horizon. Balancing studies and athletics adds another layer to his challenge, although he says he is coping.

Mosiako, meanwhile, arrives with a title to defend and tired legs to manage.

Defending champion Thabang Mosiako

The former South African half-marathon champion pocketed R37,500 for winning last year’s race. However, his marathon outing in Cologne, Germany, two weeks ago has complicated his Johannesburg campaign.

The 31-year-old is still assessing his recovery and rates his chances at 50/50, wary of pushing too hard and risking injury. His usual end-of-year peak has also been disrupted by bringing his marathon plans forward.

He has even identified Msibi as a serious threat.

“I don’t think I’m going to defend this title with this young man next to me because I saw he can sprint that final 5km,” Mosiako said. “I’m still in my marathon mindset so I’m going to go with the flow and then we’ll see how the race unfolds.”

Mokoka brings a wealth of experience to the contest. The 41-year-old improved from eighth in the inaugural edition to third last year and wants to maintain that upward trajectory.

Accomplished veteran: Stephen Mokoka

“My target this year is to be able to maintain being in the top six from last year in Durban,” he said, reflecting on his recent results.

Mokoka also has reason to feel satisfied with his season after clocking 2:10:48 at the Cape Town Marathon, where he finished 13th.

At Nasrec, youth, experience and endurance will collide over 10 kilometres. Msibi wants a breakthrough, Mosiako hopes his marathon-weary legs can still deliver a title defence, and Mokoka has the experience to read every twist in the race.

The stopwatch will have the final say. For Msibi, though, Sunday could be the morning his name moves from the margins of South African distance running into the spotlight.

  • Venue: Johannesburg Expo Centre NASREC.
  • Start Times: The 10km race starts at 07h30. The 5km fun run follows at 08h00.
  • Race Pack Collection: Today (Saturday, 17 October) is the final day to collect your race number and pack. Collections are open at NASREC until 18h00. Note that there are strictly no race-day entries or number collections tomorrow morning.
  • Strict Rules: Running with headphones, earphones, or pets is strictly prohibited for safety reasons.
  • Cut-off Times: The 10km route has a hard cut-off at 09h00 (1 hour 30 minutes course time), and the 5km cut-off is at 09h30.

Gerda Steyn chases Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K glory

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Gerda Steyn is accustomed to conquering the long road, but at the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10k on Sunday, the queen of South African ultra-running will need to summon her speed, sharpen her instincts and keep her rivals firmly in her sights.

The race starts at 7:30am at Nasrec, where 12 000 entrants are expected to turn the occasion into a celebration of running, community and personal achievement. At the sharp end of the elite women’s contest, Steyn faces a compelling challenge from Hollywood Athletics Club teammate Neheng Khatala and UK-born athlete Emma Pallant-Browne.

With defending champion Fridah Ndinda absent, the battle for the title is wide open. Steyn finished second behind the Kenyan last year and will be determined to go one better in the third edition, with R40 000 awaiting the winner.

The seven-time Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon and five-time Comrades Marathon champion has built a reputation on

endurance, resilience and an ability to deliver when the kilometres begin to bite. Yet she is taking nothing for granted over a distance where the pace is fierce and the margin for error is razor-thin.

The Hollywood AC star made it clear that a podium finish would represent a significant achievement.

“The 10km race dynamic is very unpredictable, and I know that there will be strong competition on Sunday. Yes, the previous winner is not here, but there are many other elite runners, so just to finish on the podium will be an amazing achievement for me.”

Khatala’s presence adds an intriguing club dimension to the contest, while Pallant-Browne brings another formidable challenge to a race that should demand speed and tactical nous from the opening strides.

Steyn has increasingly embraced the 10km as an important part of her racing calendar, using the shorter distance to develop speed and maintain her competitive edge ahead of a demanding 2027 season.

“It’s very exciting for me to line up in yet another 10km race because I always find the 10km race distance so challenging and so different to the marathons and ultra-marathons. These races play a very specific role in my preparation throughout the year.

“You have to challenge yourself at a much faster pace and you have to remain focused during each and every single second of the race.”

Her training has also taken a new direction this year, with trail running added to the mix as she prepares for the challenge of a 100km trail race next year. It is another test of versatility for an athlete whose appetite for endurance challenges appears boundless.

For Steyn, Sunday is an opportunity to turn that preparation into a performance and test herself against quality opposition on a faster stage.

She also has an encouraging message for the thousands of recreational runners lining up at Nasrec, particularly those tackling their first 10km.

Enjoy the experience, trust your preparation and make the most of the opportunity to be part of one of South Africa’s biggest road-running events.

Whether chasing a personal best, completing a first 10km or racing for the R40 000 prize, every runner will have a finish line worth celebrating.

For Steyn, though, the mission is clear: turn last year’s silver into gold. With Khatala and Pallant-Browne in the mix, the road to victory promises to be anything but a Sunday stroll.

Dr Insaaf Levy gets Springbok Women call-up for Ireland Tests

Adnaan MohamedNews, Racing, Springbok WomenLeave a Comment on Dr Insaaf Levy gets Springbok Women call-up for Ireland Tests
By Adnaan Mohamed

The balancing act between medicine and international rugby awaits newly qualified doctor Insaaf Levy after she was named in the Springbok Women squad for their two-Test series against Ireland in Cape Town.

The DHL Western Province player was named in the Springbok Women squad for their two-Test series against Ireland in Cape Town. Levy is among two additions to the squad announced by co-coaches Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September for the encounters at Athlone Stadium on 24 and 31 October.

Anacadia Minnaar also returns after missing the recent European tour, with the EP Queens back replacing Felicia Jacobs. Levy comes in for the injured Ayanda Malinga.

For Levy, who has two Test caps, the call-up brings another opportunity to advance her rugby career while navigating the demands of life as a newly qualified medical doctor.

Her rugby résumé includes appearances in two of South Africa’s three Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Tests in Kenya in May, followed by a tour of Brazil with the SA Women A side in August.

The latest selection places her in the frame for the Springbok Women’s final assignments of the year, with Ireland providing a significant test of South Africa’s progress.

The hosts return from Europe after securing victories over Italy and Spain during a demanding tour that also included a match against Wales. Johannes-Haupt and September have opted for continuity, retaining the bulk of the group that finished the trip strongly.

“We opted for continuity as we have good momentum from the last couple of matches on tour, hence the call to stay with the same group of players,” Johannes-Haupt said.

She welcomed Minnaar’s return and explained the thinking behind Levy’s inclusion.

Dr Insaaf Levy

“Anacadia could unfortunately not travel to Europe, but we are happy to have her back, while we also want to bring Insaaf closer to the action and tap into her skill set,” she said.

Ireland, ranked fifth in the world, will offer a demanding examination as the Springbok Women look to build on their European results and close the season successfully on home soil.

“Ireland are not the fifth-ranked team in the world for nothing. They will really test us,” Johannes-Haupt said.

The two Tests will conclude the 2026 WXV Global Series for South Africa, with both matches scheduled to kick off at 15:00.

Johannes-Haupt believes Athlone Stadium provides an ideal setting for the team’s final international outings of the year.

“We are pleased on how the season progressed and want to finish it strong at home,” she said.

“Athlone Stadium has been a happy hunting ground for us in recent years and it is a perfect setting for us to close out the season.”

Free State Women centre Aisha Camara and DHL Western Province prop Anothando Katshwa have also been invited to train with the squad throughout the camp.

Anacadia Minnaar of South Africa with the ball during the Women’s International test match between South Africa and New Zealand at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)

For Levy, the immediate challenge is to make the most of her opportunity in a settled Springbok Women group while balancing the responsibilities of her medical profession with the demands of elite rugby.

Tickets for the matches on 24 and 31 October are sold separately and available exclusively through Ticketmaster: https://springboks.tmtickets.co.za/Events.

Pieter Coetze breaks 50m backstroke World Record

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By Adnaan Mohamed

South African swimming sensation Pieter Coetze has officially entered the record books, slicing through the water to shatter the men’s 50m backstroke world record in Tashkent on Friday with a blistering 22.09 seconds.

The 22-year-old’s lightning -fast performance eclipsed Russian Kliment Kolesnikov’s previous global benchmark of 22.11, set in 2022, and carved 0.42 seconds off Coetze’s own personal best of 22.51, which he recorded last week.

After coming agonisingly close to the 100m backstroke record at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow earlier this summer, the reigning 100m backstroke world champion finally landed his golden moment, leaving a world-class field floundering in his wake.

“Seeing that time on the board, it didn’t even click that it was a World Record,” Coetze said. “And then, like, a second later, I was like… ‘the World Record was 22.1.’ So… not many words to describe that. It’s crazy.”

The race delivered a breathtaking finish. Russia’s Egor Kornev, who was ahead of world-record pace at the halfway mark, mistimed his final strokes and touched in 22.29 for silver. compatriot Pavel Samusenko claimed bronze in 22.35, while former record-holder Kolesnikov languished in sixth in 22.88.

Coetze’s breakthrough adds another jewel to a remarkable year following his 100m backstroke world title in 2025 and two 51.7-second swims in Glasgow that threatened the longer-distance record.

His new status as world-record holder will put a target squarely between his shoulder blades as the Silk Road Tour continues in Kazakhstan next week.

Yet Coetze insists the record will not turn his head.

“I don’t think it changes much,” he said. “My mindset normally stays the same, no matter what the race is, because, you know, at this level everyone is always close. I mean, the world-record holder was there, and look how close it was. So, no, you can never get too comfortable. I’ll just keep doing the same.”

Fellow South African Michael Houlie ensured the national flag flew high again, winning the men’s 50m breaststroke final in 25.67 seconds. The performance placed him 16th on the all-time list despite battling lower-back pain and food poisoning.

“I think, in spite of all of that, I’ve been able to overcome it and swim the way I swam today,” Houlie said. “That takes courage, and I’m just… I’m grateful. Grateful to be here.”

Coetze’s historic splash was the Silk Road Tour’s first outright world record. Kornev had matched the 100m freestyle world record the previous week, but could not lower it.

Now South Africa has a new record-breaking name in the swimming spotlight, and Coetze has shown the world that when he hits top gear, even history struggles to keep its head above water.

Dayimani’s Diamond shines bright in Springbok shop window

Adnaan MohamedNews, Rugby, SpringboksLeave a Comment on Dayimani’s Diamond shines bright in Springbok shop window
By Adnaan Mohamed

Hacjivah Dayimani is making a compelling case for greater recognition after back-to-back Man of the Match performances for the Stormers.

The loose forward scored twice in the 39-22 URC derby victory over the Sharks, showcasing his growing physicality, leadership and versatility.

With 43,000 supporters roaring beneath the shadow of Table Mountain, the 28-year-old diamond in the Stormers’ pack glittered brighter than the opposition’s star-studded Springboks as the hosts revived their famous Men in Black swagger.

The Sharks arrived unbeaten and loaded with heavyweight international firepower. They left nursing a bruising defeat, their coastal rivals having turned the scrum into a Cape Town battering ram.

While the return of several Springboks dominated the pre-match chatter, it was the Stormers’ collective muscle that stole the show. Wilco Louw, André-Hugo Venter and Ntuthuko Mchunu gave Thomas du Toit, Eduan Swart and Ox Nche a torrid afternoon in the front row.

Behind that demolition crew, Dayimani, Siya Kolisi and Paul de Villiers hunted at the breakdown like hungry predators.

Dayimani supplied the glitter.

He powered over from a maul in the 36th minute before crossing again after the interval, helping the Stormers build a commanding advantage and ultimately secure a bonus-point victory. Seabelo Senatla, Venter, Leolin Zas and JJ Kotzé also crossed the whitewash as the hosts avenged last season’s back-to-back derby defeats.

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO | Hacjivah Dayimani says it would be nice being part of the Bomb Squad

For Stormers director of rugby John Dobson, Dayimani’s growing influence has become impossible to overlook.

“We have a players’ Man of the Match, which always differs from what SuperSport comes up with. In the first two games, Hacjivah was a convincing winner,” Dobson said.

The coach believes the forward has added precious steel to his trademark sparkle.

“What’s changed about Hacjivah is his stopping power; I don’t know whether it’s because he’s decided what the gym is or because he’s got more determined.”

Dobson also praised Dayimani’s leadership, revealing that he has taken charge during training sessions involving the Currie Cup players.

That is music to the ears of Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, who values players capable of covering multiple positions.

Dayimani has started three consecutive matches at No 8, can operate across the back row and has even played on the wing, including against the All Blacks. His experience with French club Racing 92 also adds versatility to his rugby résumé.

“He’s metamorphosised,” Dobson said.

“At 28 years old and when you talk about hybrids, a guy who can run 10.80 and has stopping power has got to be in anybody’s [selection] frame eventually.”

There is, however, a catch in this tale of glittering ambition.

Dobson insists Dayimani must maintain his current standards over an entire season, acknowledging that previous flashes of brilliance have not always developed into sustained excellence.

“He’s had flashes of brilliance. He needs to build a proper innings. He’s just at the start of it. If he carries on like this, I’ve got no doubt about it.”

Those words should ring in Dayimani’s ears louder than Saturday’s thunderous applause.

The Stormers star has the speed, the flair and, increasingly, the muscle to make a compelling case. His challenge is to turn dazzling cameos into a season-long exhibition of consistency.

The Springbok jersey remains the prize, and competition for places is fierce. Yet another performance of this calibre will make it harder for the selectors to ignore the diamond shining in black.

Dayimani has struck gold in the opening rounds. Now he must keep mining his rich vein of form.

The sparkle is undeniable. The real test is whether this diamond can shine long enough to earn its green-and-gold setting.

STORMERS – Tries: Seabelo Senatla, Hacjivah Dayimani (2), André-Hugo Venter, Leolin Zas, JJ Kotzé. Conversions: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (3). Penalty: Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
SHARKS – Tries: Manu Tshituka, Matt Romao, Phepsi Buthelezi. Conversions: Gianni Lombard (2). Penalty: Lombard.