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Latsha’s Troops Ready for French Fire at Franklin’s Gardens

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The Springbok Women march into Northampton on Sunday with their scrum set like a fortress wall and their backline primed like a slingshot, ready to test themselves against France in a Pool D decider that feels more like a quarterfinal dress rehearsal.

At the heart of it all stands Babalwa Latsha, the iron anchor of the Bok front row, now entrusted with the captain’s armband. Like a general forged in the trenches, she will lead South Africa into battle for the first time at a Rugby World Cup, her experience as the most capped prop in national history providing both shield and sword.

There’s fresh blood in the ranks. Mary Zulu, the flyhalf debutant, has the playmaking instincts of a chess master who suddenly finds herself on the biggest board of all. Alongside her, towering lock Anathi Qolo earns her maiden start, a new pillar of green and gold muscle tasked with turning French lineouts into shaky scaffolds.

Coach Swys de Bruin has rolled the dice with bold squad rotation. With quarterfinal qualification already secured, he’s handed debuts to several bench warriors such as Luchell Hanekom, Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Nomsa Mokwai, and Faith Tshauke. They will all be eager to stamp their names into the Bok folklore. It’s not a gamble, though, but more like resting heavy artillery while unleashing new cavalry to test their mettle.

France, ever the flamboyant juggernaut, are as unpredictable as a gust of Parisian wind. Their flair can cut through defences like a rapier, but De Bruin has his eyes on the scrum, that darkened colosseum of eight-on-eight where South Africa believe they can draw French blood.

Add to that a clever kicking strategy designed to turn Les Bleues’ structure inside out, and the Bok Women may just find cracks in their armour.

“Every player in our 32 has now had skin in this World Cup,” De Bruin reminded.

“That unity is our sharpest weapon.”

For veterans like Tayla Kinsey, sharpening her arrows for a 41st Test cap, this clash is about composure and craft. For the new faces, it’s about showing that the jersey sits on their shoulders as naturally as it does on legends.

The French will bring firepower; the Bok Women will bring grit. At Franklin’s Gardens, expect collisions as heavy as iron gates slamming shut, with Latsha’s warriors looking to prove that South African steel doesn’t bend easily, even against one of the most polished teams in world rugby.

What’s at Stake in Pool D

The Springbok Women have already punched their ticket to the quarterfinals, a historic achievement in itself. But this clash with France will decide the finishing order in Pool D, and with it, the calibre of their next opponent.

  • A victory over France would be a statement win, catapulting the Boks into the knockouts with momentum and belief, possibly avoiding a clash with the tournament’s heavyweights in the very next round.
  • A loss would still see them progress, but likely on the tougher side of the draw, where giants like England or New Zealand lurk.

For South Africa, the stakes are as much about sending a message as they are about scoreboard math: that they belong not just in the knockouts, but in the conversation among the world’s elite.

Springbok Women Team to Face France

Starting XV
15. Byrhandré Dolf – 24 caps, 57 points
14. Jakkie Cilliers – 21 caps, 106 points
13. Eloise Webb – 18 caps, 30 points
12. Chumisa Qawe – 23 caps, 20 points
11. Maceala Samboya – 5 caps, 20 points
10. Mary Zulu – 15 caps, 40 points
9. Nadine Roos – 20 caps, 45 points
8. Aseza Hele – 30 caps, 85 points
7. Catha Jacobs – 24 caps, 5 points
6. Lerato Makua – 17 caps, 20 points
5. Anathi Qolo – 9 caps, 5 points
4. Vainah Ubisi – 20 caps, 15 points
3. Babalwa Latsha (captain) – 38 caps, 30 points
2. Micke Gunter – 15 caps, 5 points2. Micke Gunter – 15 caps, 5 points

1.Yonela Ngxingolo – 37 caps, 15 points

Replacements
16. Luchell Hanekom – 9 caps
17. Xoliswa Khuzwayo – 8 caps
18. Nombuyekezo Mdliki – 7 caps
19. Nomsa Mokwai – 13 caps
20. Faith Tshauke – 3 caps, 15 points
21. Sinazo Mcatshulwa – 40 caps, 60 points
22. Tayla Kinsey – 40 caps, 53 points
23. Aphiwe Ngwevu – 29 caps, 65 points

Clash of the Titans at Eden Park

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Auckland’s Eden Park stands like an impregnable fortress, its walls echoing with a 31-year unbeaten symphony with 50 Tests without a South African win since 1994, and only a single draw breaking the Kiwis’ dominance on Saturday, 6 September 2025.

The Clash of the Titans between the All Blacks and the Springboks is arguably the most iconic rivalry in the game of rugby.

The Springboks, back-to-back World champions and hunters of history, arrive not with fear but with fire, determined to shatter the legend with brilliance and hard steel.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus:

“Facing New Zealand away from home is always a challenge, and doing so at Eden Park makes both teams desperate… It’s going to be a nervy week for both teams.”

He also dismisses the “Eden Park hoodoo” as media myth: “It’s a 70 × 100 m field… there is a passionate crowd, but that’s about it.”

And in a rare statistical flourish: “History has shown you must score 28 points against New Zealand … if you want to beat them… you have to score tries.”

All Blacks coach Scott “Razor” Robertson:

“It’ll be a hell of a fiery Test… South Africa played beautifully for a period of time… discipline and accuracy… you can force errors, and things can change quickly.”

His side, on the hunt for a renewed identity, is leaning on their creativity, tactical nous, and renowned ability to play the situation … as part of a longer-term plan to match the physicality of reigning world champions South Africa.”

Historical Canvas

Since 1921, this has been rugby’s most fervent rivalry. Eden Park holds a mythical edge for New Zealand. The last South African win here came in 1937, and only scattered visits since have challenged the narrative.

The modern Springboks, steered by Erasmus since 2018, have reasserted dominance, winning four straight against the All Blacks, including the 2023 RWC final

This clash smolders like two wildfire fronts colliding in a storm. South Africa’s forwards are iron-clad, a green tsunami crashing through scrums. Their backs glide like predators on the hunt with the likes of Cheslin Kolbe, Canan Moodie, and general Handre Pollard ready to pounce on any creaking gap.

Across the park, the All Blacks are coiled springs, massive, muscular and methodical. With Robertson’s “big bodies,” they’ll smash the breakdowns and let momentum ripple through their ranks.

Eden Park’s record looms like a dragon’s claw, but Erasmus’s men come not to worship that legend; they’ve sharpened their blades in smaller skirmishes and now march to conquer it. They believe that, with 28 points, they can tame the beast.

This test match is seen by both sides as a battleground where history, pride, and modern mastery intersect.

Will the Springboks’ raw power, chiselled precision and try-line ambition breach Eden’s walls? Or will the All Blacks, backed by homefield gravity and athletic brilliance, repulse them with ruthless accuracy and unpredictability?

Teams:

New Zealand: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Emoni Narawa, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Finlay Christie, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Tyrel Lomax, 19 Fabian Holland, 20 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Quinn Tupaea, 23 Damian McKenzie.

South Africa: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel (captain), 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Canan Moodie, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Siya Kolisi, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Stated, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacement: 16 Jan Hendrik Wessels, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 Ethan Hooker.

Date: Saturday, September 6
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 19.05 (09.05 SA time; 07.05 GMT)
Expected weather: Clear and breezy, with wind gusts of 40+ km/h. Real Feel: 6°C
Referee: Karl Dickson (England)
Assistant referees: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia), Jordan Way (Australia)
TMO: Brett Cronan (Australia)

Adidas Z.N.E. keeps SA Sports Stars connected

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Adidas Z.N.E. keeps SA Sports Stars connected

By Adnaan Mohamed

When sporting icons Damian Willemse (rugby), Laura Wolvaardt (cricket), and Rele Mofokeng (football) step off the field, they don’t drop their sense of unity, they carry it like a favorite jersey stitched to the skin.

In adidas’ FW25 Z.N.E. campaign, A Team Way of Life, they step into off-duty fits that feel as natural as a teammate’s pat on the back.

This campaign is like a winning playbook. It’s about individual flair as well as celebrating the power of a team bond that stays intact even when the stadium empties.

Through these athletes, adidas shows how the Z.N.E. uniform keeps teammates connected in the locker room, on the sidelines, and everywhere in between.

The showpiece two-piece, bathed in plum and black, is as versatile as a utility athlete, morphing effortlessly between sport-culture hotspots.

South African Cricket star Laura Wolfaardt Photo: adidas

Crafted with a 3D material structure, Primeknit comfort, a soft cotton touch, matte-finish stripes, and a technical mesh lining, it moves with the wearer like a scrumhalf weaving through traffic.

Singer-choreographer Tate McRae likens the tracksuit to her ultimate off-stage playmaker:

“I spend so much time on the road with my team and being comfy is essential for us all. I am all about sporty style vibes.

“I need track-style pieces that I can wear from the tour bus to rehearsals and then to hang with my crew go-carting. That’s exactly what ADIDAS Z.N.E. offers.

“I love the blank canvas aesthetic. It lets me style it how I want and works for so many off-stage moments.”

Teen phenom Lamine Yamal echoes the same winning synergy as a captain leading his side:

“Being comfortable is important to me in general. Whether it is on the pitch with my teammates, off the pitch with my friends, or just about the clothes I wear, it matters.

“My ADIDAS Z.N.E. tracksuit is a look that makes me feel and move as I like to. In my own way.”

The FW25 ADIDAS Z.N.E. collection including hoodies, trackpants, tees, and shorts lands globally from late August 2025, ready to be scored via the adidas website, app, or stores everywhere.

R147K up for grabs at Boxer Super Run Durban

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Durban’s hitting the fast lane on Sunday, 12 October 2025, as the Boxer Super Run returns with a R147 200 prize purse. South Africa’s most social 5km is no jog in the park, it’s a sprint for glory with the elite men’s and women’s champs each pocketing R20 000.

“The Boxer Super Run is an exciting challenge for elite athletes,” says Michael Meyer of Stillwater Sports.

“With the guaranteed prize purse on the line, runners will be motivated to give nothing less than their best. The Elite Race promises to be a must-see highlight.”

Lee-Ann Pillay of Boxer Superstores adds:

“The 5km demands both endurance and strategy. The R147 200 prize purse will be split across the Elite and Open Waves.

“In the Elite Race, the top eight men and women earn prize money, while the Open Wave also rewards age-group champions. Everyone gets a shot at glory.”

She continues: “Competing at the highest level takes more than talent. It demands dedication. This prize purse honours the passion and hard work of our athletes while making sure every participant is part of something unforgettable.”

Last year’s winners:

Precious Mashele blitzed the 2024 men’s race in 13:39, the fastest 5km on SA soil.
Karabo More stormed to the women’s crown in 16:16.

More remembers the boost:

“The Boxer Super Run prize purse is truly impressive for a short-distance road event. Winning R20 000 was not just a financial boost but a huge validation of my training. It felt like recognition for all the hours behind the scenes.”

She adds: “This kind of prize money shines a spotlight on short-distance road running. It can inspire younger athletes to chase these events and drive the sport forward in South Africa.”

RACE DAY INFO

12 Oct 2025 | Snell Parade to Blue Lagoon Park, Durban
5km | R100 entry | Min age: 9
Includes T-shirt, goodie bag, chip timing & medal

Start Times:

  • 07:00 – Open Wave
  • 08:00–09:30 – Super Social Wave
  • 09:45 – Elite Women
  • 10:00 – Elite Men

Entries open 11 Aug | Close 6 Oct
Enter at www.webtickets.co.za or any Boxer Superstore

Socials:
FB: Boxer Superstores / Boxer Super Run 5K
IG: @boxer_superstores / @boxer_superun5k

Comrades New Race Director Sue Forge Promises an Exceptional Experience

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Sue Forge: Image courtesy Comrades Marathon Association.

By Adnaan Mohamed

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has appointed Sue Forge, a seasoned event specialist, as its new Race Director, a role created in a strategic shake-up to keep the world’s oldest and largest ultramarathon at the front of the pack.

The CMA Board split the duties of General Manager and Race Director to sharpen focus on innovation, safety and the runner experience. Forge was chosen after a rigorous, independent process that drew more than 100 applications.

Sue Forge, who boasts over 20 years’ experience in the industry, has led the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series SPAR Women’s Challenge, the Two Oceans Marathon NPC and the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, as well as serving Western Province Athletics. She has also contributed to international events such as the Confederation of African Athletics Cross Country Championships.

“It is an honour to take on the role of Race Director,” says Sue, who has taken on the huge responsibility in leading the world’s oldest and largest ultramarathon.

“The Comrades Marathon is more than just a race, it is a symbol of endurance, camaraderie, and South African spirit.

“I look forward to working with the CMA Board, staff, sponsors, and the incredible volunteers to make the 99th Comrades and the centenary event the best yet, ensuring safety, innovation, and an exceptional experience for every runner.”

Known for her deep industry knowledge, collaborative management style, and runner centric approach, Sue has consistently delivered safe, high impact events while building strong relationships across sponsors, federations, government bodies, suppliers, and local communities.

Her appointment follows a rigorous selection process from over 100 candidates. From November 1, she will take full-time charge of race operations, reporting to CMA General Manager Alain Dalais.

Alain is confident she’ll keep the event moving smoothly:

“Sue brings a wealth of experience, passion and dedication to this role. I know that the Comrades community will all benefit from this appointment.”

CMA Chair Mqondisi Ngcobo echoed that sentiment:

“As we approach our centenary, appointing a dedicated Race Director ensures that Comrades remains at the forefront of global ultramarathons.

“Sue brings unparalleled expertise, a proven track record in major sporting events, and a passion for the running community.”

But Sue herself sums it up best:

“The Comrades Marathon is a journey that unites people. To be entrusted with guiding it into its 99th and 100th races is a privilege I’ll carry every step of the way.”

Springboks charge Eden Park hoodoo head-on

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By Adnaan Mohamed

History stands on the tryline. The Springboks return to Eden Park on Saturday, the All Blacks’ impenetrable fortress since 1994, chasing a first victory in Auckland since 1937.

“Facing New Zealand away from home is always a challenge, and playing at Eden Park will make both teams equally desperate,” said coach Rassie Erasmus.

“There’s no doubt the players will throw everything out there on Saturday. There is a massive rivalry between the sides, and the history between us is tremendous.”

The Boks’ two lone wins at Eden Park came in 1921 and 1937. Since then, seven defeats and one draw have left the ground a graveyard of green-and-gold dreams.

Now Erasmus’ men, back-to-back World Champions and reigning Rugby Championship holders, want to flip the script.

“Playing against New Zealand in their backyard… is special, and we don’t need more motivation than that. It’s going to be a nervy week for both teams,” he admitted.

Erasmus brushed off talk of Eden Park being an impossible fortress:

“People are making a big deal of the Eden Park record and, of course, it adds pressure. But if one looks back a few weeks ago, we lost against Australia at Ellis Park, and it’s now history.

For us, it’s a huge honour to get the chance to play at Eden Park, and it’s a great opportunity for us.”

And when asked if this was the biggest Test since the World Cup Final? His answer was blunt:

“It would be a slap in the face to Australia and Argentina for us to say this is the biggest game since then.”

With both sides ranked one and two in the world, Saturday’s Test match will be a collision of legacies and settle the argument for now as to who can claim the bragging rights of being the best rugby team on the planet.

Springbok Women’s Historic World Cup Win

Adnaan MohamedNews, Rugby, Springbok WomenLeave a Comment on Springbok Women’s Historic World Cup Win

By Adnaan Mohamed

The Springbok Women tore through the history books in York on Sunday, barging past Italy 29–24 to clinch their first-ever Rugby World Cup play-off spot. It was a tackle-busting, line-breaking moment that also catapulted South Africa into the world’s top ten for the first time.

Head coach Swys de Bruin hailed the victory as a true pack effort:

“We stuck to our game plan, scrummed down as one, and outplayed them in the backs. Italy showed their Six Nations pedigree, but our team simply wanted it more.”

De Bruin said his team’s refusal to back down when Italy came with a determined fight back to twice draw level in the game, as well as the tactical acumen of his coaching staff were highlights in this exceptional win.

“I am so proud of everyone, this was really a team effort, not only from all here in England, but also our support structures back home, and this performance justifies the belief SA Rugby had in us,” said De Bruin.

“We had a plan on how to beat Italy and credit to my coaches, as it worked to a tee. Our first phase helped us to score some tries, while we also outplayed them in the backs with some delightful tries.

“We improved on every positive statistic out there and we are only two rounds into this tournament. It is such a relief and one can only thank God that it worked as planned.”

Italy twice levelled the scores after trailing 17–5, yet the Bok Women refused to fold. Their grit in defence and flair on attack delivered tries that split the Azzurri line like a well-timed crash ball.

Captain Nolusindiso Booi, playing her fourth and final World Cup, likened the triumph to lifting silverware after years of hard graft:

“This win is for those who laid the foundations before us. From where we started to breaking into the top ten. It’s magic. This is just so rewarding for everyone, especially the coaches who prepared us for this moment. I couldn’t have asked for a more rewarding send-off.”

The Boks now return to their Northampton base, preparing for a heavyweight pool clash with unbeaten France. This game will be yet another massive test in their quest to keep this fairytale rolling.

Van Niekerk and Commins continues SA Squash dominance

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By Adnaan Mohamed

At the V&A Waterfront’s Makers Landing, the walls echoed with familiar thuds of dominance as Alex Commins and Dewald van Niekerk once again shut out all challengers at the Growthpoint SA Nationals.

Like seasoned players who know every corner of the court, the titleholders reminded the country why they still call the shots in South African squash.

Van Niekerk, the 28-year-old ironman from SA Country Districts, carved his way into history by clinching a record fifth consecutive crown.

His 3–1 victory over 21-year-old Northerns prodigy Damian Groenewald broke KwaZulu-Natal’s Steve Coppinger’s long-standing record of four straight titles.

Groenewald, fearless and inventive, did something no South African has managed in over a year: he pried a game off Van Niekerk.

But the champion, like a wall that absorbs and redirects everything, adapted and tightened his grip on the match.

“Damian played really well and changed his game, so I had to adjust,” Van Niekerk said. “It’s an incredible feeling to win five in a row.”

On the women’s side, Cape Town’s Commins proved that retirement from the professional tour hasn’t dulled her blade.

At 31, she sliced her way to a sixth national title, taking down Eastern Province rival Hayley Ward 3–1 in a repeat of last year’s final.

Losing the second game only lit her fire. Commins reclaimed the title by dictating the rallies, forcing Ward into the back corners until the match was hers.

“Against Hayley it’s always tough,” she admitted.

“I just tried to stay calm and stick to my game plan.”

But the tournament wasn’t just about the established rulers of the court. The juniors lit up the Nationals with their own fierce rallies

In the U15 boys’ division, Makhanda’s Ashton Burger sealed the title after blitzing Boland’s Zander Smit 3–0, while Eden’s Codey Abrahams staged a thrilling comeback elsewhere to confirm Burger’s triumph.

In the girls’ U15 draw, KwaZulu-Natal’s Rylee Howells was untouchable, storming through the round-robin and polishing off her campaign with a commanding 3–0 win over Northerns’ Alyssa Arcangeli.

From record-breaking legends to hungry newcomers, the Growthpoint SA Nationals served up a feast of squash brilliance providing proof that South African squash’s rally is far from over.

Glenrose Snubs World Champs Despite Blistering Form

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Photo Credit: Adnaan Mohamed

By Adnaan Mohamed

South African road-running star Glenrose Xaba has stunned fans by stepping off the global start line before the gun has even gone off. Despite earning her spot for next month’s World Senior Athletics Championships in Tokyo, the record-breaking marathoner has withdrawn from what would have been her first major global race.

The 30-year-old, who smashed the national marathon record (2:22:22) on debut at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon last year, chose caution over ambition after discussions with manager Lee-Roy Newton and coaches Caster and Violet Semenya.

Like a runner easing off the gas before the finishing tape, Xaba says she is not yet conditioned for the punishing marathon stage at the World Champs.

“My manager said I’m still a baby in marathons… Yes, I qualified, but we didn’t do the program,” she explained, acknowledging the need for a proper build-up rather than leaping from track mileage straight into marathon intensity.

The announcement came moments after Xaba broke the tape at the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km in 31:34, just shy of her own national record (31:12).

Her latest victory in Durban comes after a streak that includes the Spar Women’s 10km and last weeks Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10km in Preoria. Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala (31:44) and Kenya’s Fridah Ndinda (33:05) chasing her slipstream came in second and third respectivley.

Yet it was the news of her withdrawal frpm the World Champs, not the course record, that dominated headlines.

Critics argue that with national titles spanning 10km, 21km, and 42.2km, Glenrose has already proved her endurance credentials and should test her legs against the world’s best.

But Glenrose insists she isn’t ready to stride into the deep end of marathon racing without proper preparation.

She admits her real dream was to qualify for the 5000m or 10 000m to taste the stadium roar in Tokyo, but she missed the mark.

“It was not an easy decision. I was excited when I qualified last year, but my manager told me I’m not strong enough yet,” she said.

For now, Glenrose Xaba’s path is one of patience: training blocks instead of global spotlights, measured strides instead of risky sprints.

Like any seasoned runner, she knows the biggest races are not just about getting to the start line, but its about setting goals and looking at the bigger picture.

Women’s Top 10 Results:

1 Glenrose XABA 00:31:42
2 Neheng KHATALA 00:31:52
3 Fridah NDINDA 00:32:34
4 Irvette VAN ZYL 00:32:51
5 Karabo MORE 00:32:59
6 Karaboá MAILULA 00:33:10
7 Nthabiseng LETOKOTO 00:33:12
8 Cacisile SOSIBO 00:33:18
9 Ntsoaki MOLAHLOEÁ 00:33:47
10 Malineo MAHLOKO 00:34:16

Teenager tastes glory at Hollywood Durban 10km

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Kamohelo Mofolo turned the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km into his personal victory lap, storming away from the pack like a runaway train on Saturday morning. The 19-year-old from Lesotho, already his nation’s 10km record-holder, lit up Kingsmead Cricket Stadium as he broke the tape in 27:58 leaving 12,000 competitors trailing in his slipstream.

With compatriot Tebello Ramakongoana absent, Mofolo carried the Mountain Kingdom’s flag high, ensuring the crown never left Lesotho’s grasp. Running in the colours of Durban’s Xcel Running Club, he made it back-to-back victories for his country, clocking the fastest stride of the day.

South Africa’s finest tried to reel him in, but Mofolo was simply out of reach. Kabelo “Mr Podium” Mulaudzi ( 28:01) chased hard, finishing just three seconds adrift, while Thabang Mosiako (28:03) sprinted home another two seconds later. Both men held on to his shadow but could never quite close the gap.

Mofolo’s race was bold from the gun. Just after 2km, he hit the accelerator, opening daylight between himself and the chasers. Even when stiff coastal winds blew across the route after 6km, slowing his record attempt, his lead never wavered.

“I realised the record was gone, but I focused on protecting my lead,” he said.

The teenager’s decision to skip the Absa Tshwane 10km the week before was a tactical masterstroke by saving his legs for Durban’s big stage. The gamble paid off handsomely, as he surged through the final kilometre in a blistering 2:40, sealing the title and the R35,700 prize.

“Yes, I said earlier this week that I wanted to win,” Mofolo smiled, breathless but triumphant.

“Everything went according to plan, and I am just so happy.”

For Mulaudzi, the runner-up spot was yet another podium finish in a career built on consistency.

“The race was tactical. I’m happy with my time, but today belonged to Kamohelo,” he admitted.

Mosiako, meanwhile, was elated with third.

“I was with Kabelo until halfway, but it got tough. To still finish top three in 28:03 makes me really happy,” he said.

On Durban’s flat, fast streets, Mofolo showed he is no longer just a promising prospect but a genuine force. At just 19, he has already proven he can set the pace and leave even the strongest rivals chasing shadows.

Men’s Top 10 Results

1 Kamohelo MOFOLO 00:27:57
2 Kabelo MULAUDZI 00:28:01
3 Thabang MOSIAKO 00:28:03
4 Matlakala Bennett SELOYI 00:28:04
5 Bongelani MKHWANAZI 00:28:08
6 Cwenga NOSE 00:28:10
7 Stephen MOKOKA 00:28:16
8 Simon SIBEKO 00:28:18
9 Siyabonga NDLOVU 00:28:21
10 Chris MHLANGA 00:29:0