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Redemption at full stride as See It Again wins Cape Town Met

Adnaan MohamedNews, RacingLeave a Comment on Redemption at full stride as See It Again wins Cape Town Met
By Adnaan Mohamed

See It Again cantered straight into racing folklore, completing a redemption arc as dramatic as a last-furlong swoop from the clouds when he won the World Sports Betting Cape Town Met (Gr 1) over 2000m on Saturday, 31 January 2026.

The 6-year-old, sent off a confident 5/2, travelled like a horse rediscovering his old rhythm. When jockey Andrew Fortune angled him into daylight in the straight, See It Again lengthened stride with the smooth authority of a champion finally back in tune. He held the relentless late surge of 33/1 outsider Legal Counsel by three-quarters of a length, with The Real Prince flashing briefly from the rear before flattening out into third. Okavango, who had dictated a muddling tempo, boxed on gamely for fourth.

It was a training masterclass from Justin Snaith, who saddled the first, second and fourth, underlining his dominance on a day when his yard fired like a well-oiled starting gate. The runner-up was ridden by Aldo Domeyer, Fortune’s son. It was a poignant subplot in a race rich with narrative.

Veteran jockey Andrew Fortune on See It Again celebrates his remarkable victory at World Sports Betting Cape Town Met in Kenilworth on Saturday Photo’s: Supplied

For See It Again, this victory snapped a 454-day win drought. Once brilliant at three and four, the son of Twice Over had been written off after behavioural issues at the gates blunted his spark. Critics had labelled him “past it”. Snaith disagreed.

The trainer credited the calmer environment at his Philippi base and the work of behaviourist Malan du Toit for helping reset the horse’s mindset. The signs were already there: gritty third-place finishes in the Green Point Stakes (Gr 2) and L’Ormarins King’s Plate hinted that the engine was humming again.

Fortune, who nicknamed him “Champy”, had been feeling it too. Working the horse daily, he forged a bond built on trust and patience, virtues Fortune himself had to relearn. The veteran jockey’s comeback is as remarkable as the horse’s. After battling addiction, weight issues, suspensions and rejection, he once admitted at his lowest ebb that “no one wanted me.”

Now re-admitted in his late 50s, Fortune is riding like a man reborn. His handling of See It Again was cool, balanced and perfectly judged from the hands of a jockey who knows both the cost of mistakes and the value of second chances.

Owner Mr N Jonsson added another chapter to his own fairytale, landing a fourth consecutive Cape Town Met with four different horses, Jet Dark (2023), Double Superlative (2024), Eight on Eighteen (2025) and now See It Again. He called it “an impossible dream.”

Fortune doubled up earlier when steering Double Grand Slam to victory in the Majorca Stakes (Gr 1) over 1600m. From a wide draw, he read the lack of pace, slid into a stalking role and struck early up the stand-side rail. The mare, a ten-time winner, held off Rainbow Lorikeet by a neck, once again edging out son Aldo in a family photo finish.

Elsewhere on the card, Star Major sprang a 33/1 surprise in the Politician Stakes (Gr 3), patiently ridden by Luyulo Mxothwa to deny Fortune and favourite Happy Verse. Ahead of the Facts crushed the Western Cape Stayers (Gr 3) by three lengths despite a hefty weight turnaround, while Time for Love rediscovered her best to win the Summer Fling Stakes (Gr 3) at 25/1.

A Symphony of Style

High fashion, elite racing and social culture converged in spectacular harmony under the 2026 theme Symphony of Style.  Off the track, fashionistas and celebrities enjoyed unrivalled views of the day’s thrills, including the Best Dressed competition and a performance by the Amaballet’s Amavengers, a high-energy dance troupe whose choreography blended classical ballet, Amapiano rhythms, and street dance elements, centring on visual spectacle and musical synergy. 

A Symphony of Style – Winners of the Best Dressed Competition

Nina van Dina took first place in the Best Interpretation of the Theme Symphony of Style, Beaia Kgokong from Johannesburg was awarded the Style Icon award, while Sheara Murphy won the Designers’ Choice award, and Best Dressed Crew award went to Kevin Ellis and Tracey Maltman who interpreted the theme to perfection.  Ellis and Maltman previously won the Best Dressed Crew award in 2007.  All winners walked away with bumper prizes, including a Fieldbar Mini Bar, bottle of Johnnie Walker, R3,000 in sports betting vouchers and more. 

But the day belonged to See It Again, a horse once off the bridle of belief, now back in full gallop, reminding the racing world that champions, like jockeys, sometimes just need the reins loosened to fly again.

For more information on the line-up of upcoming events, visit www.racecoast.co.za.

Stormers stuck in reverse as discipline hands Sharks another derby scalp

Adnaan MohamedNews, RugbyLeave a Comment on Stormers stuck in reverse as discipline hands Sharks another derby scalp

John Dobson didn’t duck the tackle or hide behind the referee’s whistle after the Stormers’ second straight derby defeat to the Sharks. Instead, the Stormers coach fronted up and admitted that while the game plan was drawn up neatly, the behaviours at the collision points never shifted.

The Stormers were whistled for 16 penalties and shown two yellow cards in their 38–24 United Rugby Championship (URC) loss in Durban on Saturday, and for Dobson, the most worrying part wasn’t the scoreboard, it was the lack of growth between the two derby encounters.

“We talked about it this week to start the halves well. We probably got both right, but the rest wasn’t a behaviour change from last week. I think the two games were very similar,” said Dobson.

While the Stormers repeatedly knocked on at key moments, the Sharks played with the composure of a side winning the arm-wrestle inch by inch, completing a rare back-to-back Cape Town double.

“Credit to the Sharks, they beat us properly over the past two weeks. Our discipline was poor and our set-piece definitely let us down. I thought their aerial game was really good and they played with a really clear plan that worked for them.”

Instead of tightening their grip at the breakdown, the Stormers loosened it. Seventeen penalties conceded, two more than the previous week, told the story of a side stuck in the same defensive patterns, conceding ground without resistance.

“The most destroying part of last week is that the same things that went wrong last week, went wrong this week. Five-metre lineouts not converted, giving penalties away at mauls which led to some of the discipline stuff. So for the stuff to fix, there needs to be a change in behaviour. It was really poor from us and I feel bad for our supporters.”

What gnawed at Dobson was the sense of déjà vu, the same soft underbelly exposed, the same pressure points targeted.

“The most frustrating thing about tonight [Saturday] is that everything that went wrong last week went wrong this week. There has to be a behaviour change; it is really poor from us and bad for our supporters.”

Once again, the Stormers’ defensive work inside their own five-metre zone cracked under pressure, turning promising stands into penalty concessions and scoreboard damage.

“Five-metre lineouts not converted, giving penalties away at mauls, which led to some of the discipline stuff. So, to fix the stuff, there needs to be a change in behaviour. It was really poor from us, and I feel bad for our supporters.”

Dobson was quick to salute Sharks coach JP Pietersen, whose side dominated the key exchanges and imposed themselves when it mattered most.

“I give them enormous credit. They’ve come, and they beat us twice. He is obviously doing something right within the organisation. They played with real purpose, a clear plan, so yes, he has done well.”

The aerial contest and the penalty count proved decisive battlegrounds. While the Sharks ruled the skies, the Stormers spent long stretches retreating under pressure and playing a man short.

“We didn’t win the contestable game as much as we would have liked to. They were really good in the air. If you are going to be on 11 penalties in 20 minutes, that’s going to include a card.

“If you are going to play 40 minutes in a South African derby with seven forwards, with Damian Willemse scrumming on the flank a lot of the time, it’s not good enough.”

Stormers captain Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu echoed his coach’s assessment, admitting discipline knocked the stuffing out of a side that briefly had the upper hand.

“The lack of discipline cost us. When we played our game, we were on top of them. Going into halftime, we were up 24-14, and we just let it slip.

“Within ten minutes, we went from an upbeat team scoring tries. That’s just the reality. We were being reckless, careless and irresponsible. Our discipline is costing us.”

For the Stormers, the message is blunt: unless the habits at the breakdown, maul and aerial contest change, they’ll keep losing the same battles, and bleeding the same points.

Lions, Bulls prepare for Ellis Park showdown

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Ellis Park will once again rumble like a restless scrum on Saturday afternoon as the Lions and Bulls lock horns in a Jukskei Derby that promises sparks, sweat and shifting momentum on the URC log.

The Lions, settled and confident, return home looking to turn continuity into currency. Their memories of last November’s 43–33 win over the Bulls still echo, but head coach Ivan van Rooyen knows this weekend’s contest will be a far sterner examination.

“Obviously, they’ll be hurting from the result at Loftus,” Van Rooyen said.

“But they’ve got some superstars returning in Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canan Moodie, and Marcell Coetzee, and mentally they’ll be a very different team after the two results they got overseas. We’ll have to rise to that emotional level and physical level.”

For Van Rooyen, the derby won’t be decided on reputation but on precision when lungs burn and legs feel heavy.

“Of course, we’ve got plans, they’ve got plans – but I think the team that can execute under pressure on Saturday, and enforce their strengths more often during the 80 minutes will emerge successful.”

The Lions’ unchanged 23 is a statement of trust. Chris Smith, facing his former employers, will be the conductor of tempo at flyhalf, while skipper Francke Horn leads a familiar loose trio into what is expected to be a collision-heavy battle for breakdown supremacy.

Out wide, Springbok fullback Quan Horn provides composure at the back, with Richard Kriel and Angelo Davids offering strike power on the wings.

Across the tunnel, Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has reloaded his side with intent. The return of Elrigh Louw at openside flank sharpens the Bulls’ breakdown blade, while Devon Williams replaces veteran Willie le Roux at fullback, injecting pace and aerial contestability for what is expected to be a tactical kicking duel.

In midfield, Harold Vorster and Stedman Gans form a more direct, defence-first pairing, signalling a Bulls side built for impact rather than finesse. Kurt-Lee Arendse’s return on the wing adds lightning to the Bulls’ backline, while Handré Pollard resumes his role as the general steering the attacking ship.

The Bulls’ engine room has also been reshuffled, with Reinhardt Ludwig starting at lock and Cobus Wiese primed off the bench to bring brute force in the closing exchanges.

With both sides chasing log momentum, this derby shapes as less chess match and more street fight — a high-tempo contest where accuracy will be the sharpest weapon and composure the ultimate decider.

Teams

Lions:
15 Quan Horn, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Bronson Mills, 11 Richard Kriel, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn (capt), 7 Batho Hlekani, 6 Jarod Cairns, 5 Reinhard Nothnagel, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 SJ Kotze
Replacements: Morne Brandon, RF Schoeman, Conraad van Vuuren, Etienne Oosthuizen, Darrien Landsberg, Renzo du Plessis, Haashim Pead, Erich Cronje

Bulls:
15 Devon Williams, 14 Stravino Jacobs, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Jeandre Rudolph, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Marcell Coetzee (capt), 5 Reinhardt Ludwig, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels
Replacements: Marco van Staden, Alu Tshakweni, Mornay Smith, Cobus Wiese, Mpilo Gumede, Nizaam Carr, Keagan Johannes, David Kriel

Match Details

  • Date: Saturday, 31 January
  • Venue: Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
  • Kick-off: 14:30 SAST (12:30 GMT)
  • Referee: Morne Ferreira
  • Assistants: Aimee Barrett-Theron, Hanru van Rooyen
  • TMO: Egon Seconds

All to play for in Durban as Sharks eye repeat strike on Stormers

Adnaan MohamedNews, RugbyLeave a Comment on All to play for in Durban as Sharks eye repeat strike on Stormers
By Adnaan Mohamed

Saturday’s return-leg Vodacom United Rugby Championship derby between the Hollywoodbets Sharks and DHL Stormers has all the ingredients of a heavyweight rematch – pride on the line, bodies already bruised, and both teams desperate to land the final blow before the competition pauses.

Kick-off at Hollywoodbets Kings Park is set for 17h00, with the Durban side chasing a stunning double over the previously unbeaten Cape outfit, while the Stormers arrive determined to right last week’s wrongs and wrestle momentum back across the Indian Ocean.

Stormers: reshaped for response

The DHL Stormers have reloaded their arsenal for the Durban battlefield, making several changes aimed at sharpening their edge. Damian Willemse drops back to fullback, Jonathan Roche steps in at inside centre, and Dylan Maart takes over on the right wing. It’s a backline reconfigured to counter-punch and strike from turnover ball.

From the bench, Stefan Ungerer, Jurie Matthee and Warrick Gelant are primed as late-game accelerators, ready to stretch tired defenders when the derby muscles tighten.

Up front, Oli Kebble anchors the scrum at loosehead prop, while a brand-new lock pairing of Ruben van Heerden and a fit-again Adré Smith adds fresh steel to the engine room. Evan Roos returns at the back of the scrum, bringing the kind of explosive carries and confrontational presence that can tilt a derby on its axis.

Director of Rugby John Dobson has made it clear there will be no easing into the four-week break.

“Playing back-to-back derbies against the same opposition is a fairly unique situation, and we are desperate to put in a more convincing performance than we managed at home last week.

“We have been boosted by the return from injury of some key players, and you can be sure that all 23 will be going out there to show what it means to play in our jersey for our fans,” he said.

Sharks: belief, but no complacency

The Hollywoodbets Sharks, meanwhile, have also rung the changes as they look to back up last weekend’s bonus-point victory. There’s a completely new front row, with Ox Nche, Fez Mbatha and Hanro Jacobs all starting, while Corne Rahl comes into the engine room, with Jason Jenkins named among the replacements.

In the loose forwards, Phepsi Buthelezi is the only starter retained from last week, joined by Siya Kolisi and Vincent Tshituka, both of whom made their impact off the bench in the first encounter.

The backline sees Grant Williams start at scrumhalf ahead of Jaden Hendrikse, the pair swapping jerseys, while Edwill van der Merwe replaces Yaw Penxe on the wing in the final tweak to the starting XV.

Despite the confidence that comes with a derby win, Sharks captain Andre Esterhuizen insists there is no room for complacency.

“We have a lot to improve on, we are working hard, but to know there is so much improvement ahead of us after the win last weekend is a good sign that we are on the right path,” he admits.

“Last week was a tough and brutal game, but that’s a South African derby and you have to get up for everyone. We’re all in the right mindset, knowing that we can’t just give a once-off performance like that, we must back it up this weekend again.”

With the break looming, Esterhuizen says motivation is sky-high.

“Everyone wants to go into that break in a good way; there is massive motivation for this weekend.”

Since taking over the captaincy, Esterhuizen’s influence has mirrored the Sharks’ improved form. While he credits a shift in mindset under coach JP Pietersen, his own lead-from-the-front approach remains central.

“I’m getting used to the role and enjoying leading the team and with the backing of the boys and coaching staff, that makes it so much easier.

“I’m a big believer that you can’t tell someone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself.”

What to expect

Expect collisions to echo, scrums to creak and tempers to simmer. The Sharks will look to turn Kings Park into a fortress and land back-to-back blows, while the Stormers arrive with pride wounded and packs reloaded, intent on proving last week was a stumble, not a trend.

In a derby where inches matter and moments decide everything, this one shapes as a contest fought in the trenches and finished by nerve.

Team line-ups

DHL Stormers

15 Damian Willemse, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (captain), 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Adré Smith, 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Oli Kebble.

Replacements:
16 JJ Kotzé, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 JD Schickerling, 20 Marcel Theunissen, 21 Stefan Ungerer, 22 Jurie Matthee, 23 Warrick Gelant.

Hollywoodbets Sharks

Ox Nche, Fez Mbatha, Hanro Jacobs, Corne Rahl, Emile van Heerden, Siya Kolisi, Vincent Tshituka, Phepsi Buthelezi, Grant Williams, Jordan Hendrikse, Jaco Williams, Andre Esterhuizen (C), Ethan Hooker, Edwill van der Merwe, Aphelele Fassi.

Replacements:
Eduan Swart, Phatu Ganyane, Vincent Koch, Jason Jenkins, Nick Hatton, Jaden Hendrikse, Siya Masuku, Jurenzo Julius.

Photo Credit: Rashied Isaacs

Making waves at Midmar: Louw and Caldwell front SA’s men’s charge

Adnaan MohamedNews, SwimmingLeave a Comment on Making waves at Midmar: Louw and Caldwell front SA’s men’s charge
By Adnaan Mohamed

Like two powerful swimmers sighting the buoy and surging with intent, Henré Louw and Matthew Caldwell are set to lead South Africa’s men’s charge at the 2026 aQuellé Midmar Mile, determined to stop the foreign tide from washing over the podium for a third straight year.

With New Zealander Louis Clark (2025 winner) and Australian Nick Sloman (2024 champion) absent from the starting pontoon, the waters look ripe for a local breakthrough. But standing like a steady cross-current is three-time French Olympian Damien Joly, whose presence adds an unmistakable edge to the 5–8 February showdown.

Caldwell, who finished third last year, has no hesitation in calling his shot, speaking with the calm certainty of a swimmer who trusts his stroke count.

“I think I’ll call it now: top three, not in order, but top three will be amongst Henré Louw, Damien Joly, the French swimmer, and myself,” said Caldwell.

“We will be fighting for first, second, and third, us three, I think. That’s my opinion. There are a lot of other swimmers that are looking good at the moment, but right now I think in my books that’s the top three.”

Louw, twice the bridesmaid at Midmar, agrees that Joly is a major threat, but believes the race will be deeper than just three names treading water at the front.

“There are still other good guys like Sven van der Linde, who’s also going to be there, and there are a few guys that definitely can show up on the day, like Connor Albertyn as well,” Louw said.

“But I reckon that’s going to be the five guys in the mix that’s going to be really racing for the win.”

The numbers back him up. Connor Albertyn and Sven van der Linde finished fifth and sixth respectively in 2025, but the pair tasted silver and bronze the year before, proving how quickly fortunes can change in open water where tactics ebb and flow.

For Louw, the focus is on sharpening the final surge, the moment where races at Midmar are often won or lost like a perfectly timed kick at the wall.

“Last year I did not finish as well as I wanted to finish,” he admitted.

“I think my last 400 meters last year was a bit of an issue, like I didn’t pick up my kick rate and my stroke rate as much as I should have.”

He knows that at Midmar, execution is everything, from pacing to positioning.

“And just exiting really well is also something I would definitely have to focus on if I want to beat these guys.
At Midmar, some years, the one line is faster than the other line. So you’re definitely going to have a few practice swims to see how well you can execute the race.”

Caldwell recently edged Louw with a cleaner exit during the final seeding swim in Midrand, a detail that could loom large when the dam turns into a boiling cauldron of arms and spray. Confidence, though, flows freely through his camp.

“I’ve been training very hard and the results will show,” he said. “They’ll be good. They’ll be good.”

Beyond the medals and margins, it’s the Midmar magic that keeps drawing him back, year after year.

“Just the people, the experience, just the environment. It’s a very nice weekend away. Nice place, good food, good people, good music. The weekend’s just lovely. I love the racing as well.”

Online entries for the 2026 aQuellé Midmar Mile have now closed. Swimmers still hoping to dive in can enter on the day at Midmar Dam, but are advised to arrive early as places are limited.

For more information, visit www.midmarmile.com

Two Oceans Marathon turns up the pace with R2.6m prize purse for 2026

Adnaan MohamedNews, Totalsports Two Oceans MarathonLeave a Comment on Two Oceans Marathon turns up the pace with R2.6m prize purse for 2026
By Adnaan Mohamed

The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon has raised the stakes for 2026, announcing a combined R2.6 million prize purse that further cements its status as one of the world’s premier road running events.

Dubbed the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon, the iconic Cape Town race will see increased prize money across both its flagship events. The internationally renowned Ultra Marathon and the ever-popular Half Marathon will get a significant boost as organisers look to attract top-tier local and international talent.

The Ultra Marathon will account for the lion’s share of the purse, with R2 177 400 on offer, while the Half Marathon prize money has been boosted to R422 600, a move organisers believe was long overdue.

“The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon has always been about more than just finishing the race – it’s about celebrating the spirit of running, pushing boundaries, and inspiring excellence,” said Chris Goldschmidt, chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC.

“By increasing the prize purse for 2026, we’re not only recognising the dedication and talent of elite athletes but also raising the profile of the event on the global stage. It’s a clear statement that the Two Oceans Marathon is committed to fostering world-class competition while honouring our rich heritage in road running.”

At the sharp end of the Ultra Marathon, male and female winners will each pocket R380 000, with runners-up earning R220 000 and third place R100 000. The Open Category prize money will be shared among the top 10 finishers, ensuring depth and competitiveness throughout the elite field.

The Half Marathon Open Category will distribute R298 000, with winners taking home R50 000, second place R30 000 and third R18 000, again across both men’s and women’s races.

Prize money will also be paid across multiple age categories in both events, rewarding consistent excellence beyond the podium. Additional allocations have been made for Top WPA Athletes, Top South African Athletes (Ultra only) and Teams, underlining the race’s inclusive competitive structure.

General manager Wade Bromfield said the increase in prize money was about more than financial reward.

“Increasing the prize purse is more than just a financial boost – it’s an investment in the athletes and the integrity of the race itself,” Bromfield said.

“It shows our commitment to supporting both local and international elite runners, while also elevating the prestige of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon. This step reinforces our mission to create a race experience that inspires ambition, celebrates achievement, and upholds our position as a world-class event.”

Bromfield added that the enhanced Half Marathon purse was a particularly significant milestone.

“We are especially proud to introduce a significantly enhanced prize purse in the 2026 Half Marathon, an increase that has been long overdue,” he said.

“By investing in both the Ultra and Half Marathon, we are rewarding excellence, while reinforcing our dedication to the running community. We are proudly celebrating elite performance while ensuring the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon continues to be one of the most prestigious and exhilarating races on the global calendar.”

The 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon weekend will take place from 10 to 12 April, with the Trail Run on Friday, the Ultra Marathon on Saturday and the Half Marathon on Sunday.

He left Mexico on a bicycle – Two years later, Africa is his road

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on He left Mexico on a bicycle – Two years later, Africa is his road
By Adnaan Mohamed

Gustavo Vuela Tercott doesn’t travel through the world, he pedals into it. Two years after leaving Mexico on a bicycle, Africa has become his road, his classroom and his proving ground.

Like a rider chasing the horizon with no finish line in sight, Gustavo has turned endurance into a way of life.

The Mexican adventurer is currently cycling around the African continent as part of his Vagabundo del Mundo project. It’s a journey driven by curiosity rather than speed. Already, his wheels have traced the entire West African coastline from Morocco to Namibia, stitching together cultures and climates one relentless pedal stroke at a time.

Cape Town became his latest milestone on Monday, 26 January 2026, and not just any day. Gustavo rolled into the Mother City on his birthday, after leaving Langebaan and sleeping over in Melkbosstrand, the final kilometres ticking over like the closing metres of a long stage.

He was welcomed not with fanfare, but with something far more meaningful, a homemade birthday cake, presented by Eugene Dryding, one of the many strangers-turned-friends his journey has gifted him.

Gustavo is currently staying with Eugene in Heathfield, in the Southern Suburbs, giving both rider and bike a brief recovery window.

That moment of celebration had its roots far north, deep in Namibia.

Keith Linderoth, Gustavo Vuela Tercott and Eugene Dryding when they met on the road in Namibia Photo: Bridget Linderoth

On Sunday, 28 September 2025, Cape Town couples Keith and Bridget Linderoth and Eugene and Audrey Dryding were midway through a six-week road trip through Namibia. Having departed from Khowarib Lodge in the Kunene Region, they were heading towards Palmwag Lodge when they noticed a lone cyclist moving steadily against the vastness of the landscape.

They stopped.

Water, cold drinks and food were offered, simple gestures that often mean everything on a long ride. Eugene took down Gustavo’s details, and what began as a roadside pause turned into an ongoing connection via Instagram and WhatsApp, a digital lifeline stretching across borders and months.

That thread finally led to Cape Town, and a birthday welcome that symbolised the quiet kindness Gustavo says defines his journey.

Gustavo at the Waterfront in Cape Town with Table Mountain in the background. Photo: Keith Linderoth

The ride itself began two years ago when he fulfilled a childhood dream that demanded movement rather than comfort. Since then, Gustavo has crossed more than 20 countries, discovering that the road is both unforgiving and generous.

It has tested him severely.

Five bouts of malaria forced him off the saddle. Typhoid fever threatened to end everything. Each illness was a brutal climb, but none proved steep enough to stop him.

Along the way, he has seen empty spaces of luxury, glossy but hollow, and places of deep poverty overflowing with happiness. More than once, he admits, he lost himself- only to rediscover who he was further down the road, often with help from people he never expected to meet.

Gustavo’s journey along the west coast of Africa

Asked when he felt the most fear, his answer surprises.

It was not sickness, danger or isolation.

It was the moment he crossed the Strait of Gibraltar.

That narrow stretch of water, as he approached the Moroccan shore, marked the true beginning. It was the point where the comfort zone disappeared and the unknown opened up like an unmarked descent.

Since then, every turn of the pedals has been an act of faith. Gustavo rides not to escape the world, but to understand it, slowly, honestly, and entirely under his own power.

Proteas begin West Indies T20 series as World Cup preparation intensifies

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Proteas begin West Indies T20 series as World Cup preparation intensifies
By Adnaan Mohamed

The streamers has barely settled on the pitch, yet the cricketing carousel is already spinning at full tilt. Less than 48 hours after the SA20 final, seven players are back in harness, this time in national colours as South Africa and the West Indies begin a trimmed three-match T20 series, a final nets session before the T20 World Cup spotlight switches on.

Originally slated for five games, the series was shortened to avoid colliding with the World Cup support window. Make no mistake, though this is no gentle loosener. Both teams are still bruised from the last global showpiece. South Africa reached the final and had one hand on the trophy before India snatched it away by seven runs. West Indies fell at the Super Eights hurdle, undone by the Proteas. The hunger to go one better burns like a fresh new ball on a green pitch.

For South Africa, the backdrop is complicated. Results in 2025 were uneven – 12 losses in 18 matches and no series wins – often due to injuries and players juggling formats.

All-format coach Shukri Conrad will still want a series victory inked next to his name, even if this contest is labelled “preparatory”.

Management, however, have opted for rotation. Quinton de Kock, Marco Jansen and Tristan Stubbs—fresh from lifting the SA20 trophy with Sunrisers Eastern Cape against Pretoria Capitals—have been rested for Tuesday’s first T20 in Paarl. Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Eathan Bosch step in as short-term replacements.

The series is a dress rehearsal for the T20 World Cup starting next week in India, where rhythm matters as much as results.

Markram’s joy for Stubbs and empathy for Maharaj

Aiden Markram Photo: CSA

Proteas T20 captain Aiden Markram, who knows the Sunrisers’ dressing room intimately, was glowing about Stubbs’ match-defining final.

“He’s one of the guys in the team everyone wants to see do well. He’s that sort of person, and he grafts hard, he’s the ultimate pro.

And when you put the hard work in and don’t get the results you can get quite down on yourself, even your peers feel sorry for you. Then to come out and play a knock like that last night [Sunday], you can only be happy for him. It’s great to do it in final.

And when you do well in big games you take that confidence to the next one.”

Stubbs’ unbeaten 63 off 41 balls, alongside Matthew Breetzke’s 68 off 49, powered the Sunrisers’ chase of 159 with balls to spare – an innings stitched together like a perfectly timed partnership.

On the losing side stood Keshav Maharaj, Capitals skipper and Proteas stalwart. Markram understood the sting.

“As a person he’s an all-in type of guy, and it would have hurt him. He’s not an emotional kind of guy.

It’s just that he cares and puts a lot of love into it, then you come up just short, and the way the game unfolded as well, I understand why he’s hurting.

When I see him I’ll put an arm around him, get him riled up. I chatted to him a bit last night and said the trophy you want to win is the one in a few weeks time and that’s what we’ll go for now, and he’s all in for that.

We’ll try get him over last night as quick as we can and get him looking forward to the world cup as quick as we can.”

Now the whites are folded away, the national caps pulled on, and the scoreboard reset to zero. The real exam looms, but first, three high-tempo auditions under Paarl’s lights.

South Africa squad vs West Indies (T20s)

Aiden Markram (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Rubin Hermann, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Eathan Bosch

Roc Cup set to showcase Africa’s brightest young football talent

Adnaan MohamedFootball, NewsLeave a Comment on Roc Cup set to showcase Africa’s brightest young football talent
By Adnaan Mohamed

Roc Nation Sports International (RNSI) has announced the launch of its first-ever African youth football tournament, the Roc Cup, marking a significant step in the organisation’s expansion into the continent’s football landscape.

The inaugural tournament will be hosted at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Accra from 23 to 28 February 2026, and will feature 10 elite youth teams from five African nations competing in a round-robin format.

The participating countries include Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea, with several of the continent’s most respected academies set to take part. The event is positioned as a cornerstone of RNSI’s long-term strategy to establish a meaningful presence in African football and to create clear development pathways for young players.

“The Roc Cup is more than just a tournament, it is a visible declaration of our commitment to African football,” said Grant Veitch, Director of African Football Recruitment at Roc Nation Sports International.

“After signing several incredible teenage talents last year, we are solidifying our investment by hosting this special event. We aim to inspire local communities and to hopefully provide a genuine European pathway for the continent’s brightest emerging stars.”

All matches will be played at the 10,000-capacity University of Ghana Sports Stadium, with free public entry to ensure accessibility for families, students and aspiring young footballers across Accra.

Beyond the action on the pitch, the Roc Cup aims to deliver tangible community benefits. Local volunteers will be involved in the event, while small businesses and vendors in the surrounding area are expected to benefit from increased activity during the tournament period.

Future Talent Photo’s: ROC Nation

A key objective of the Roc Cup is talent identification, with both international and African scouts expected to attend. RNSI hopes the tournament will serve as a competitive platform where emerging players can be assessed in a high-level environment, strengthening links between African academies and European opportunities.

The long-term vision is for the Roc Cup to become an annual fixture on the African youth football calendar, contributing to sustainable talent development across the continent.

Participating teams

  • Benab FC (Ghana)
  • Tripple 44 FC (Nigeria)
  • Sporting Lagos (Nigeria)
  • Zilina Africa (Ghana)
  • Empire FC (Côte d’Ivoire)
  • Fadama Field Masters (Ghana)
  • Semper Fi (Ghana)
  • Racing Club d’Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)
  • SOAR Academy (Guinea)
  • Kadji Sports Academy (Cameroon)

Key South African sports figures already with Roc Nation

Several prominent South African sportsmen and women are associated with Roc Nation Sports, the management agency founded by Jay-Z.

The agency has a strong focus on South African talent across rugby, cricket, netball, and soccer, as well as a partnership with the Sharks rugby team. 

The SA sports stars include the following:

  • Siya Kolisi: The Springbok captain, who signed with the agency to manage his brand and commercial ventures.
  • Cheslin Kolbe: Rugby World Cup-winning wing.
  • Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira: Former Springbok prop.
  • Temba Bavuma: Proteas test cricket captain.
  • Bongiwe Msomi: Former SPAR Proteas netball captain.
  • Lungi Ngidi: Proteas fast bowler.
  • Emile Witbooi: 16-year-old Cape Town City FC starlet and soccer prodigy.
  • Siyabonga Mabena: Mamelodi Sundowns young forward.
  • Neo Bohloko: Kaizer Chiefs young striker. 

Roc Nation has expanded heavily into African football, signing young talent from the PSL and other African nations, with a focus on holistic career development. 

Highveld pride, coastal fire: Bulls-Lions derby looms as Stormers face Shark Tank test

Adnaan MohamedRugbyLeave a Comment on Highveld pride, coastal fire: Bulls-Lions derby looms as Stormers face Shark Tank test
By Adnaan Mohamed

For Bulls and Lions supporters, this is not just another round of the Vodacom URC , it’s a weekend that could shape seasons, shift momentum and settle old scores. And hovering over it all is the coastal showdown in Durban, where the Stormers walk into the Shark Tank knowing that what happens there will ripple all the way up to the Highveld.

This is the URC at its sharpest: derbies that feel like knockout blows, log positions tightening like a defensive line, and belief becoming just as valuable as points.

Bulls vs Lions: Highveld pride at stake

Ellis Park will crackle long before kick-off. When Bulls and Lions meet, form becomes fragile and history heavy. The Lions still carry the memory of their 43-33 ambush at Loftus in November – a result that silenced Pretoria and reminded everyone that derby days obey no log table.

For the Lions, this match is about turning admiration into advancement. Back-to-back draws away to Perpignan (20-20) and the Ospreys (24-24) showed resilience and character, but also left a familiar ache: close, but not enough. Sitting seventh on the URC log with 24 points, they are still in the playoff conversation – but the gap to the leaders is starting to stretch like a missed tackle.

A home derby is the perfect place to change that narrative.

The Bulls, meanwhile, arrive with something they have not had for weeks: momentum. After seven straight losses across competitions, Johan Ackermann’s men have rediscovered belief with successive wins over Pau and Edinburgh. Like a pack that has finally found cohesion at scrum time, the Bulls are standing taller, tackling harder and trusting their systems again.

They have climbed to ninth on the log and are now within striking distance of their Gauteng rivals. Their Springboks are once again playing like world champions, and with Neil de Bruin added to the coaching mix, structure and clarity are beginning to show.

For Bulls supporters, Ellis Park is a chance to prove that this revival is real – not just a flicker, but a flame.

Stormers vs Sharks: a derby that matters to everyone

While Highveld eyes are fixed on Johannesburg, the Stormers’ trip to Durban matters deeply to Bulls and Lions supporters alike. The Sharks’ emphatic 30-19 win in Cape Town did more than end an unbeaten run – it reshaped the South African Shield picture and tightened the race for playoff places.

John Dobson did not sugar-coat the defeat, calling it “our worst performance of the season”. And he was right. The Stormers, previously No 1 in the URC for lineouts, mauls and scrums, were dismantled at the set-piece. Their usually fluent game dissolved into a fog of misfires and penalties as the Sharks imposed themselves with authority.

Now comes the harder test: responding in the Shark Tank, where confidence grows teeth and momentum feeds on noise.

For the Sharks, JP Pietersen’s impact has been immediate and tangible. Four wins from six since taking interim charge, and that Cape Town performance was the clearest sign yet of a team rediscovering its bite. From 14th to 11th on the log, they now sit just two points outside the top eight – very much alive.

It was not a lucky win either. It was comprehensive, controlled and settled long before the final whistle. The Stormers did not simply play badly; they were never allowed to breathe.

For Bulls and Lions fans, the Durban result could be pivotal. A Sharks surge complicates the playoff race. A Stormers response could reassert Cape Town dominance. Either way, the ripple effect will be felt far beyond the coast.

The log tells the story

The Stormers have slipped to second, three points behind Glasgow Warriors, though with a game in hand on the Scots and other overseas sides. They remain contenders – but now under pressure.

The Lions hold seventh, competitive but restless. The Bulls are climbing, confidence swelling. The Sharks are charging from behind.

This is the stage of the URC where seasons tilt.

Why this weekend matters

For Lions supporters, this is about finally landing a knockout blow in a tight fight.
For Bulls supporters, it is about proving the revival has substance.
For everyone, the Stormers vs Sharks derby is a measuring stick – of resilience, belief and championship credentials.

The URC is no longer a marathon. It is a series of collisions. And this weekend, every one of them counts.

URC Round 11 fixtures (SA times)

Saturday, 31 January

  • Lions vs Vodacom Bulls – 2:30pm
  • Sharks vs Stormers – 5pm

Photo Credit: Rashied Isaacs