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38 Springboks, Two URC Derbies, One Massive Saturday

Adnaan MohamedNews, Preview, Rugby, SpringboksLeave a Comment on 38 Springboks, Two URC Derbies, One Massive Saturday
By Adnaan Mohamed

South African rugby is rolling out the heavy artillery on Saturday, with 38 Springboks spread across two United Rugby Championship derbies promising a feast of collisions, bruising set pieces and simmering provincial pride.

The Stormers host the Sharks at DHL Stadium Cape Town, while the Bulls welcome the Lions to Loftus Versfeld for the latest chapter in the Jukskei rivalry. With 24 Springboks involved in the coastal showdown and another 14 at Loftus, the domestic stage will resemble a Test-match shop window with provincial colours.

The scene is set for the strongest exhibition of South Africa’s locally based Test quality this season.

The Cape derby carries extra theatre. The Stormers revive their famous Men in Black jersey, welcome 50 former players and their families, and celebrate Siya Kolisi’s return to familiar territory.

Sentiment will fill the stands, but the scoreboard will demand hard currency.

Kolisi’s presence adds leadership and emotional weight to a Stormers side featuring 11 Springboks in its match-day squad. Wilco Louw returns to the Cape franchise for the first time since 2020, setting up a heavyweight scrum engagement with Sharks prop Ox Nché.

Their duel deserves a prize-fight billing. One dominant shove, one mistimed bind or one costly penalty could swing territory, momentum and the match. In the front row, reputations are built one brutal reset at a time.

The Sharks arrive with a dangerous memory: their 30-19 victory in Cape Town on 24 January and two wins over the Stormers last season. JP Pietersen’s side knows the coastal road can be travelled successfully, making the derby a stern examination of John Dobson’s returning Springbok contingent.

Dobson has selected his strongest available team, while the Sharks bring their own international firepower, including Nché and Eben Etzebeth. The aerial contest and forward exchanges could turn DHL Stadium into a pressure cooker where every loose ball carries the threat of an explosive counterattack.

The Jukskei derby brings its own combustible ingredients. The Bulls and Lions have contrasting provincial identities and plenty of incentive to seize bragging rights in Pretoria. Last season, the Lions won at Loftus, while the Bulls triumphed at Ellis Park, proof that familiar surroundings offer no guaranteed shelter.

Beyond the established Springboks, both derbies give members of South Africa’s successful Under-20 teams a valuable measuring stick against players who have conquered the international arena. For Rassie Erasmus and his coaching staff, the evidence will be found in the details: decision-making under pressure, physical resilience, tactical discipline and the ability to deliver when the contest tightens.

The next generation will have to earn every centimetre. Reputation might open the door, but performance determines who owns the jersey.

Saturday’s double bill is a celebration of local rugby’s depth and a reminder that provincial loyalty remains a powerful force. The Stormers want their black strip to become a symbol of renewed authority; the Sharks will arrive eager to spoil the homecoming. At Loftus, the Bulls and Lions will fight for control of a rivalry that rarely travels quietly.

Thirty-eight Springboks provide the star power. Two derbies supply the combustible atmosphere. The rest is up to the players, the pressure and the occasional referee’s whistle that will send an entire stadium into a philosophical debate.

South African rugby has cleared the stage. Now the derbies must deliver the fireworks.

JUKSKEI DERBY

Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria – Kick-off: 13.30

Teams: 

Bulls: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Sebastian de Klerk, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Hanro Liebenberg (captain), 6 Jeandre Rudolph, 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Francois Klopper, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp
Replacements: 16 Marco van Staden, 17 Alu Tshakweni, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Keagan Johannes, 22 Handre Pollard, 23 Cheswill Jooste

Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Kelly Mpeku, 13 Ethan Adams, 12 Henco van Wyk, 11 Richard Kriel, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Francke Horne (captain), 7 Siba Qoma, 6 JC Pretorius, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Dylan Sjoblom, 3 Sebastian Lombard, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Boan Venter
Replacements: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 SJ Kotze, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 JP du Preez, 20 Batho Hlekani, 21 Siba Mahashe, 22 Nico Steyn, 23 Boeta Chamberlain.

Referee: Hanru van Rooyen (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Christopher Allison (South Africa), Jonathan Lottering (South Africa)
TMO: Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa)

COASTAL DERBY

DHL Stadium, Cape Town – Kick-off: 16.00

Teams: 

Stormers: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel (captain), 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, 7 Siya Kolisi, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Adré Smith, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Vernon Matongo, 18 Neethling Fouché, 19 Riley Norton, 20 Connor Evans, 21 Evan Roos, 22 Haashim Pead, 23 Wandisile Simelane.

Sharks: 15 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (captain), 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Vusi Moyo, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi,7 Manu Tshituka, 6 Matt Romao, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Eduan Swart,1 Ox Nche
Replacements: 16 Esethu Mnebelele, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Jason Jenkins, 20 Stephan Lewies, 21 Nick Hatton, 22 Ivan van Zyl, 23 Gianni Lombard

Referee: Morné Ferreira (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Griffin Colby (South Africa), Stephan Geldenhuys (South Africa)
TMO: Quinton Immelman (South Africa)

Haashim Pead: Stormers boss sees Antoine Dupont potential

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By Adnaan Mohamed

CAPE TOWN – Haashim Pead has barely pulled on a DHL Stormers jersey and already John Dobson has placed an intriguing name alongside his: Antoine Dupont.

The 21-year-old Bo-Kaap scrumhalf is set to make his Stormers debut from the replacements bench against the Hollywoodbets Sharks at DHL Stadium on Saturday, with Dobson comparing his potential with the French superstar who previously won the Junior World Championship Player of the Tournament award.

It is a remarkable reference point for a youngster whose own global breakthrough came at the 2025 World Rugby Under-20 Championship, where Pead was named Player of the Tournament after producing electric running, rapid service and instinctive attacking rugby.

“We went to a lot of trouble to get him,” Dobson said.

“He’s world-class … I don’t want to use that term glibly, but he’s a high-quality player.

“With all respect to Stef [Ungerer] and André [Warner], Haashim is the future. The quicker we get him on the field and develop him, the better.”

That is a sizeable endorsement before Pead has even played his first senior match for the Stormers.

The Lions moved quickly to sign him after his Junior World Championship heroics, although opportunities in Johannesburg were limited. His four-year Stormers deal has now brought him back to Cape Town, the city he calls home and the team he dreamed of representing as a child.

The geography adds another layer to the story.

Pead grew up on the cobbled streets of Dorp Street in the Bo-Kaap, less than 2km from DHL Stadium. On Saturday, he could walk onto the pitch in the Stormers jersey he once imagined wearing as a youngster.

He will deputise for two-time Rugby World Cup winner Cobus Reinach, giving the teenage sensation a front-row view of the demands of elite professional rugby.

Pead’s challenge is now to turn potential into production.

The scrumhalf has the speed to exploit broken-field opportunities and the passing game to accelerate the Stormers’ attack. The Sharks derby will offer a very different examination from the junior international stage.

The Stormers have surrounded him with serious experience, naming 11 Springboks in their match-day squad. Seven returning internationals are set to make their first Stormers appearances of the season.

Damian Willemse starts at fullback, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu partners Reinach at halfback and Siya Kolisi moves to blindside flank. Wilco Louw is also set for his first Stormers appearance since 2020.

Then there is the bench.

Fourie, who has 141 Stormers caps, provides veteran guidance alongside Evan Roos, Riley Norton, Connor Evans, Neethling Fouché, Vernon Matongo and Wandisile Simelane.

The Stormers will also wear their new black kit, reviving the iconic 1999 Men in Black campaign.

Dobson expects the occasion to resonate with supporters.

“This weekend we also play our first match in the new Men in Black kit, which is a great nod to our past and something which resonates deeply with our fans.”

For Pead, the symbolism is even stronger.

The world has already seen his potential.

Now Cape Town gets its first look.

And if Dobson’s Dupont comparison proves to be more than a headline, the Bo-Kaap boy could be at the beginning of something extraordinary.

DHL Stormers:
15 Damian Willemse, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel (captain), 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, 7 Siya Kolisi, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Adré Smith, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.

Replacements:
16 Deon Fourie, 17 Vernon Matongo, 18 Neethling Fouché, 19 Riley Norton, 20 Connor Evans, 21 Evan Roos, 22 Haashim Pead, 23 Wandisile Simelane.

Mphahlele returns to defend Boxer Super Run Durban title

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Ryan Mphahlele will defend his Boxer Super Run Durban 5km title on 18 October knowing he is not at the fitness level that powered him to victory a year ago.

The Tembisa-based runner won both Durban and Johannesburg in 2025, but says this year’s race will serve as a measure of where he stands against a strong elite field.

“Whenever I line up at a race, I want to win,” Mphahlele said. “But my fitness isn’t anywhere near where it was at this time last year. I’ll definitely compete for the win, but I’ll also use the race to see where my fitness is now and how I compare with the other athletes.”

Mphahlele returns to a fast, flat Durban course he favours, although his previous victory offers little comfort ahead of another fiercely contested race.

Last year’s win required a fight to the finish, and the defending champion expects the competition to be tougher this time.

“I enjoy the fast, flat course and expect the tactics to be similar to last year,” he said. “The standard was already very high, and the win didn’t come easily.”

The attractive prize purse adds another incentive to an elite race that has already attracted a sold-out field.

Stillwater Sports managing director Michael Meyer said Mphahlele’s return would add further intrigue to the contest, particularly given his candid assessment of his preparation.

The elite women’s race starts at 09:45, with the elite men following at 10:00 at Snell Parade near Blue Lagoon Park.

For Mphahlele, the race offers two targets: another title and an answer to a more immediate question about his form.

The stopwatch will provide the answer.

The Boxer Super Run Johannesburg takes place on Sunday, 15 November, with entries also sold out.

Glenrose makes history, then finds her grandmother

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By Adnaan Mohamed

JOHANNESBURG – “Something must be done about the horrific levels of gender-based violence in South Africa.” Gerda Steyn’s powerful words set the tone for the final SPAR Women’s Grand Prix race in Johannesburg on Sunday, where thousands of women turned the City of Gold into a moving sea of solidarity before Glenrose “Supercharger” Xaba powered her way into the history books.

Steyn led a moment of silence before the race to honour victims of gender-based violence and femicide, while the elite athletes wore black armbands in solidarity with women living under the shadow of violence.

Hollywood AC’s Hollywood AC’s Irvette van Zyl, Makhosi Mhlongo and Gerda Steyn at the start of  the 2026 SPAR Women’s Grand Prix and 10km Challenge and 5km Fun Run at Marks Park Sports Club (Photo by Reg Caldecott/Gallo Images)

“Women should be able to go about their daily lives without fear, and if they want to run, they should be free to do so without wondering whether they will get home safely,” said Steyn.

The message carried extra weight on a morning when about 15 000 women took to the streets for the Jozi SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge.

Then came the moment that mattered more than the stopwatch.

Xaba had already etched her name into SPAR Grand Prix history when she stormed across the Marks Park finish line in 32:26 to win the fifth and final race of the series and secure an unprecedented fourth Grand Prix title.

Seconds later, the 29-year-old Boxer athlete found her 89-year-old grandmother, Elizabeth Xaba, and wrapped her in an emotional embrace.

It was the first time Elizabeth had watched her granddaughter race live.

The stopwatch recorded 32:26. The embrace recorded something far more personal.

“My grandma is a special lady to me. She’s very close to my heart and I’m so happy that she’s there to witness the thing that I’m doing,” Xaba said.

“She taught me very well and she always believes in me and always motivates me all the time. If I’m feeling down, she’s always there for me.

“I can say that I love her so much and she loves me too. And I’m glad that she’s there today.”

Xaba’s victory completed a remarkable season in which her trademark acceleration once again turned the final kilometres into a launching pad.

Glenrose Xaba celebrates her 2026 SPAR Women’s Grand Prix victory with her grandmother Elizabeth Xaba at Marks Park Sports Club. (Photo by Reg Caldecott/Gallo Images)

Her Boxer teammate Karabo More followed her home in 33:36 for second place, with Selam Gebre of Nedbank third in 33:52. Esther Borura finished fourth in 34:25, followed by Irvette van Zyl in 34:42.

More, who has repeatedly shown her resilience throughout the series, said she was proud of another podium finish after a demanding week.

“I’m really proud of myself. It was a very challenging week. I think I had to push from start to finish,” she said. “It’s all about your mental state. If it’s very strong, you can fight. By God’s grace, I was able to get another podium finish.”

Karabo Mailula was sixth in 35:14, Steyn seventh in 35:23, Kyla Jacobs eighth in 35:25, Emma Browne ninth in 35:31 and Dirbe Dagne 10th in 35:51.

On a morning when running became a platform for solidarity, Xaba supplied the history and her grandmother supplied the heart.

The final image was fitting: a champion who had spent 10km chasing the clock finally stopped to embrace the person who had helped her believe she could outrun it.

CHECK YOUR RESULTS OF JOZI SPAR WOMEN’S 10KM CHALLENGE PART OF THE SPAR GRAND PRIX HERE

OPEN: 1. Glenrose Xaba (Boxer) 32:26; 2. Karabo More (Boxer) 33:36; 3. Selam Gebre (Nedbank) 33:52; Esther Borura (Super Eagles) 34:25; 5. Irvette van Zyl (Hollywood AC) 34:42; 6. Karabo Mailula (Boxer) 35:14; 7. Gerda Steyn (Hollywood AC) 35:23; 8. Kyla Jacobs (Boxer) 35:25; 9. Emma Browne (Peak RC) 35:31; 10. Dirbe Dagne (Nedbank) 35:51

JUNIOR 1. Dirbe Dagne (Nedbank) 35:51; 2. Mpho Katiso (TUT) 38:03; 3. Megan Waller (Nedbank) 39:19

40-49 1. Este van Tonder (Nedbank) 38:53; 2. Makhosi Mahlongo (Hollywood AC) 39:45; 3. Tebogo Mokgosinyane (Nedbank) 40:44

40-59 1. Charne Bosman (Tuks) 41;30; 2. Elizabeth Potter (Boxer) 42:16; 3. Janene Carey (Boxer) 43:23

60-69 1. Judy Bird (Boxer) 44:08; 2. Dalene Sonnekus (Nedbank) 46:54; 3. Elmarie Pretorius (RWFL) 49:28

70+ 1. Frances van Blerk (Nedbank) 57.42; Claudette McLean (Mercury) 1:10:18; Serene Netshiaulu (RAC) 31:11:38

From 16 to 30:50: Tayla Kavanagh makes history

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By Adnaan Mohamed

At 16, Tayla Kavanagh began her journey over 10km. Nine years later, the South African star has stormed through the 31-minute barrier, turning a teenage running chapter into a history-making triumph.

Every great running story begins somewhere. For Tayla Kavanagh, it began at 16, with the 10km distance stretching ahead like an open road and a future waiting to be discovered.

Nine years later, the 25-year-old Hollywood Athletics Club Purple Elite star has made that same distance her own, obliterating the South African women’s 10km road record with a sensational 30:50 at the Brasov Running Festival in Romania on Sunday.

The stopwatch blinked. The record book trembled. South African athletics had a new landmark.

“I’m incredibly proud and it feels really special,” Kavanagh said after slicing 22 seconds off the previous national record of 31:12.

“I knew I wasn’t that far off the record previously so I came into the race with the mindset of running as fast as I could today. So breaking the record felt extra special and it was an absolute privilege to get the opportunity to line up and race against a world-class field.”

Her performance made her the first South African woman to break the 31-minute barrier over 10km. She finished fifth in a quality international field, clocking a time that will echo through the country’s distance-running community long after the finishing-line tape has fallen silent.

Kavanagh also shredded her previous personal best of 31:26 by 36 seconds. For an elite distance runner, that is a sizeable leap, the equivalent of finding another gear when the engine is already roaring.

And the timing was extraordinary.

Only 15 days earlier, she had rewritten the South African women’s 5km road record with 14:51 at the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen. Two national road records in barely a fortnight have turned her 2026 campaign into a purple patch of historic proportions.

“2026 has been a dream year come true for my running career,” she said.

“I’m so incredibly happy. I’m incredibly happy with my performance and I’m really proud of myself for putting myself in the race and racing competitively with the international ladies.”

The breakthrough has been years in the making. Earlier this season, Kavanagh claimed South African titles over 5 000m and 10 000m. Her 14:58.52 over 5 000m made her only the third South African woman to break the 15-minute barrier.

She has shown grit on the roads, too. At the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km in August, an early fall threatened to derail her race. She picked herself up, found her rhythm and stormed to victory in 31:39, setting a course record.

In Brasov, she took that momentum and put the national mark through the wringer.

Her record-breaking run also raises an exciting question: how much faster can she go as she continues to test herself against the world’s best?

For now, the woman who began running 10km as a teenager is ready to trade racing shoes for recovery time.

“Breaking the SA record today means a lot to me,” she said. “I’m proud with what I have achieved, I’ll now be taking an offseason which I’m really looking forward to, for not just a physical, but also a mental break.”

She was equally quick to acknowledge the team behind her progress.

“I’m always so thankful for the support, encouragement and cheers I receive from my Hollywood Athletics Club. It’s incredibly motivating to have so much support behind you and it really does go a long way in helping you feel valued and appreciated.”

From her first 10km miles at 16 to a record-smashing 30:50 at 25, Kavanagh has travelled a remarkable road. Her latest performance is a milestone built on years of work, belief and the courage to chase a faster finish.

The teenager who once took on 10km has become the woman setting the pace for South Africa. The road ahead is wide open, and the stopwatch may yet have more surprises in store.

Silence, GBV Solidarity at SPAR Women’s finale in Jozi

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By Adnaan Mohamed

There will be a moment of silence before the first footsteps echo through Marks Park on Sunday, but once the gun goes, there will be no room for silence in the battle for the 2026 SPAR Women’s Grand Prix crown.

A sold-out field of 15 000 women will pause to honour victims of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide before the Jozi SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge gets under way.

Leading that moment will be South Africa’s golden ultra-running star Gerda Steyn, who will also line up for the 10km.

Then the focus shifts to the front of the race, where Glenrose “Supercharger” Xaba has a chance to run herself into SPAR Grand Prix history.

The defending champion can become the first athlete to win the series four times, but Cacisile Sosibo holds the advantage heading into the final round.

Cacisile Sosibo in action at the 2026 SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge in Cape Town in March 2026 (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)

Sosibo leads on 99 points, with Xaba on 89 and Ethiopian Selam Gebre on 86. Karabo More and Karabo Mailula also remain mathematically in contention.

The championship mathematics add another layer of intrigue. The series consists of five races, with only an athlete’s best four results counting towards the final standings. Xaba missed the Durban leg while representing South Africa in the United States, keeping the door open for a late charge.

Sosibo has built her lead the hard way: through consistency. She has finished inside the top 10 in every race and collected maximum bonus points in three races.

Xaba, meanwhile, arrives in Jozi with her racing shoes warmed up and confidence running high.

She won last weekend’s Gqeberha SPAR Women’s Challenge in 31:17, the second-fastest 10km of her career. Her South African record stands at 31:12, underlining the speed she can bring to Sunday’s title showdown.

The Boxer athlete will have familiar challengers around her, with teammates Sosibo, More and Mailula all capable of making the final kilometres uncomfortable. Gebre will add an international threat, while Ethiopian junior Dirbe Dogne makes her SPAR Women’s Challenge debut.

Race director Brad Glasspoole expects the championship to remain alive until the final results are calculated.

Steyn’s run for a bigger cause

Gerda Steyn in action at the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Photo: TTOM

For Steyn, Sunday is about more than pace and placing.

The multiple Two Oceans and Comrades Marathon winner will use her platform to support SPAR’s campaign against GBV, leading the moment of silence before both the 10km and 5km Fun Run.

“Something must be done about the horrific levels of GBV in South Africa,” Steyn said.

“These have been highlighted by the spate of killings in Ekurhuleni. Women should be able to go about their daily lives without fear and if they want to run, they should be free to do so without wondering whether they will get home safely,” she said.

The 10km course starts and finishes at Marks Park and winds through Emmarentia, Greenside, Linden and Parkview. The mainly flat-to-undulating route combines fast sections with steady climbs and passes landmarks including the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and Melville Koppies.

For the thousands taking part, it is a morning of running, solidarity and remembrance.

For the elite field, it is the final 10km of the 2026 SPAR Grand Prix.

And for Xaba, it could be the run that makes history.

Glenrose Xaba unleashes another 10km masterclass in rainy Gqeberha

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By Adnaan Mohamed

GQEBERHA: Glenrose Xaba may have arrived in Gqeberha with tired legs after her World Half Marathon Championship outing in Copenhagen, but the South African road-running sensation left the rain-soaked streets with another piece of history.

The Boxer Athletics Club star scorched her way to a breathtaking 31:16 victory in Saturday morning’s SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge, producing the third-fastest 10km time ever recorded by a South African woman.

The clock was cruelly close to another national record.

Xaba finished only four seconds outside her South African record of 31:12, set at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on 7 July 2024.

GQEBERHA, SOUTH AFRICA – SEPTEMBER 26: Glenrose Xaba Boxer AC – AGN during the 2026 SPAR Women’s Grand Prix 10km Challenge and 5km Fun Run at Pollock Beach Grass Area Summerstrand on September 26, 2026 in Gqeberha, South Africa. (Photo by Michael Sheehan/Gallo Images)

That performance in Durban saw Xaba shatter the long-standing national record of 31:13 held by iconic South African distance runner Elana Meyer for 23 years.

In Gqeberha, the weather offered little assistance. Overcast skies, humidity and persistent rain turned the course into a slippery test of speed and strength, but Xaba treated the conditions as little more than another hurdle to clear.

Her 31:16 was a powerful statement so soon after representing South Africa at the World Half Marathon Championships in Copenhagen.

The stopwatch dangled history in front of her again in Gqeberha.

“I’m just happy and a little bit disappointed because I saw that I was not sure that I was in the SA record time when I was running,” Xaba said. “But when it was 50 metres to 100 metres, I saw that I was inside the record time, but when I crossed the finish line is where I got disappointed because I just missed it.”

There was little sympathy from the weather gods.

Yet Xaba described the course as “a bit challenging but very fast”, adding that she believed it could produce multiple records in future.

“I think it’s the route that can produce multiple records in future and if we can host the world champs, I don’t know when, road running, I think it will be the best route for us.”

Fresh from representing South Africa at the World Half Marathon Championships in Copenhagen, Xaba had every reason to feel the weight in her legs. Instead, she attacked from the gun.

“I just did from gunpoint because I was chasing a bonus time so that I can have the good results and good points,” she said. “I only did two races. This one is a dead one, so I’m chasing the points. I’m glad that everything went according to the way I did in the race.”

Behind her, teammate Karabo More produced one of the day’s biggest breakthroughs, finishing second in 32:21, a 12-second personal best.

More deliberately stepped beyond her comfort zone.

“I think my plan was to come here and run a PB. I’ve always been scared to go in front and go with the girls. So today it was all about risking it and seeing how far I can go,” she said.

“And it worked to my advantage because I was able to fight from start to finish. So for today I’m sure and proud that I started something I was able to finish.”

More said the weather was manageable and revealed how she approached the closing kilometres.

“My coach once told me, with the 10 kilometres, the most important kilometres of the 10 kilometres are the last three. So you need to run smart and try and push to the end.”

At seven kilometres, those words became her fuel.

“I knew then that you just have to move, regardless of how you’re feeling, just try and finish, you’re almost there.”

More said her ambition was to learn from racing closer to athletes of Xaba’s calibre.

GQEBERHA, SOUTH AFRICA – SEPTEMBER 26: Karabo More Boxer AC – AGN during the 2026 SPAR Women’s Grand Prix 10km Challenge and 5km Fun Run at Pollock Beach Grass Area Summerstrand on September 26, 2026 in Gqeberha, South Africa. (Photo by Michael Sheehan/Gallo Images)

“At the end of the day you have to risk it and see where it’s going to take you,” she said. “Each and every kilometre was all about getting faster than the one I did.”

Ethiopian Selam Gebre of Nedbank completed the podium in 32:33, but the loudest statement belonged to Boxer AC.

For Xaba, however, the job remains unfinished.

She is chasing a fourth Grand Prix crown, but refused to assume history is already hers.

“I’m not sure yet that I’m going to win the Grand Prix,” she said. “But to make history, it will for me to be not my history alone. It will be the history of everyone that loved running.”

“It will be inspiration for the young ones and older ones that they look up to me.”

Her victory was not another routine entry in the record books. It was a reminder that South African women’s distance running has a formidable engine at its front, and Xaba continues to push the needle.

The stopwatch says four seconds separated her from her own national record.

The bigger picture says Xaba remains within striking distance of history.

And with the SPAR Grand Prix season gathering pace, the race against the clock has only begun.

The City of Gold now holds the final piece of the puzzle

Gqeberha could make or break Glenrose’s historic title chase

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Glenrose Xaba’s Spar Grand Prix dream is heading into dangerous territory.

The Boxer Athletics Club star has a shot at becoming the first woman to win four SPAR Grand Prix titles, but Saturday’s penultimate race in Gqeberha could send the championship race into overdrive.

Xaba currently shares the record of three Grand Prix crowns with fellow South Africans Rene Kalmer and Irvette van Zyl, and Ethiopia’s Tadu Nare.

A victory in this year’s series would put her alone at the top.

But the road to history is littered with potholes.

Cacisile Sosibo, Xaba’s Boxer teammate, leads the standings on 80 points, with Hollywood Athletics Club’s Tayla Kavanagh on 60 and Xaba third.

Kavanagh will miss Gqeberha after staying in Europe following the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, where she smashed Elana Meyer’s South African 5km record with a sensational 14:51.

That absence has opened the door for the chasing pack.

And they are coming.

Ethiopian Selam Gebre, currently fourth, will be among those hunting points, while Karabo Mailula, sixth, arrives after finishing fifth in Thursday’s Absa RUN YOUR CITY Joburg 10K in 34:44.

Irvette van Zyl, another three-time Grand Prix champion, clocked 34:51 in Joburg and sits 10th overall.

Neheng Khatala, Cian Gerber (Oldknow) and Karabo More are also expected to throw themselves into the points battle.

Xaba, meanwhile, is carrying serious form into Gqeberha.

She finished 13th in the Copenhagen half marathon in 1:07:49, the second-fastest 21km time of her career.

Sosibo was 70th in 1:14:00 and will be determined to protect her championship lead.

Then there is the course.

SPAR Grand Prix technical consultant Brad Glasspoole says the new route could produce a furious finish.

“The new Gqeberha route starts at Pollok Beach and avoids the city centre. This reduces traffic, turns and twists,” Glasspoole told Modern Athlete

“There is a 550m climb on 10th Avenue, followed by a 450m descent. The final 2.5km is flat and fast.”

That final stretch could become a sprinting lottery, with tired legs and championship points fighting for the same piece of road.

About 6,000 runners are expected, with wet and windy conditions forecast.

Glasspoole believes the new qualification rule could make Saturday even more important.

“This is a new rule we introduced this year to make the series more competitive. With Johannesburg as the final leg after Gqeberha, Saturday’s points could be decisive.”

Athletes must complete at least three races to qualify for the Grand Prix title.

The five-race series visits Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane, Gqeberha and Johannesburg, with R1,967,500 in total prize money and up to R212,000 available per leg for the South African competition.

Caster Semenya at starting line during the 2025 SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge and 5km Fun Run at Green Point Common Sports Ground on March 30, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)

Xaba, Sosibo, Mailula and More are coached by former Olympic 800m champion Caster Semenya and her wife Violet Semenya.

Saturday is therefore no ordinary 10km.

For Xaba, it is another step towards history.

For Sosibo, it is a chance to tighten her grip.

And for the chasing pack, it is open season.

Gqeberha is ready. The title race is on.

Kabelo Mulaudzi defends Joburg 10K crown

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Kabelo Mulaudzi defends Joburg 10K crown
By Adnaan Mohamed

Kabelo Mulaudzi made his move when it mattered to defend his Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K title on Heritage Day, winning in 28:48 as Kenya’s Deborah Chemutai claimed her first Series victory in 32:50.

Mulaudzi raised his arms in celebration as he crossed the finish on Rahima Moosa Street after a tactical race on a hilly course in hot conditions.

The Boxer Athletics Club runner, who won four of the five Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series races last year, stayed in the chasing bunch behind early pace-setter Dolphine Chelimo of Uganda before making his move in the final 3km.

He surged past Chelimo and held on to finish nine seconds outside his course record of 28:39.

“I wanted to defend my title because everyone had forgotten about me. I’m happy to be back. It’s my first win of the year and in the series. I’m very happy,” Mulaudzi said.

The 28-year-old has endured a frustrating season with a hamstring injury, but said the problem was no longer troubling him.

“I’ve been struggling this year but I’m happy with my performance and defending my title. The injury is fine. It’s just that the race was tactical because it’s high altitude, it’s hot and you are running fast and slow. So, you have to adjust.”

Mulaudzi finished four seconds ahead of teammate Zenzile Pheko, who secured his second consecutive runner-up finish after also placing second in Tshwane.

Kenya’s Stephen Kangethe matched Pheko’s 28:52, taking third after a sprint finish.

Mulaudzi thanked coach Richard Mayer, Series founder Michael Meyer, sponsor PUMA SA and Boxer for their support.

“I would like to thank my coach and Ntate Michael Meyer for organising such a good race, as well as my sponsor PUMA SA and club Boxer for their support.”

Chemutai strikes Joburg gold

Chemutai produced a commanding run to win the women’s race in 32:50, improving on the third place she achieved in Tshwane in August.

The Kenyan led a clean sweep of the podium, with compatriot Mercy Jelimo second in 33:10 and Esther Borura third in 33:27.

Great Britain’s Emma Pallant-Browne was fourth in 34:15, followed by Kenya’s Dorcus Chepkwemoi in 34:21.

Defending champion Karabo Mailula was the leading South African in sixth in 34:44, with Hollywood Athletics Club’s Irvette van Zyl seventh in 34:45.

“I’m happy to win the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K. The race was hard but I tried. It was my second 10km race,” Chemutai said.

“The course was hard and it was a little bit windy but I’m happy I won.”

Joburg was the fifth completed stop on the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series after Gqeberha, Durban and Tshwane, with Cape Town cancelled because of severe weather forecasts.

The Series heads to Bloemfontein on 25 October for the inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K, with the race starting at 07:00 and entries closing on 8 October or when capacity is reached.

The event also featured a Chery vehicle giveaway, with Prudence Gumbi winning a new vehicle valued at R269,900.

CLICK  HERE FOR YOUR RESULTS:

RESULTS: 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K

Date: Thursday 24 September 2026

Start Line: Lilian Ngoyi Street

Finish Line: Rahima Moosa Street

Start Time: 08:00

ELITE MEN

1 Kabelo Mulaudzi (South Africa) 28:48, 2 Zenzile Pheko (South Africa) 28:52, 3 Stephen Ngigi Kangethe (Kenya) 28:52, 4 Dolphine Chelimo (Uganda) 28:59, 5 George Kusche (South Africa) 29:00, 6 Onalenna Khonkhobi (South Africa) 29:10, 7 Bennett Seloyi (South Africa) 29:12, 8 Tumelo Motlagale (South Africa) 29:17, 9 Chris Mhlanga (South Africa) 29:37, 10 Musawenkosi Mnisi (South Africa) 29:40

ELITE WOMEN

1 Deborah Chemutai (Kenya) 32:50, 2 Mercy Jelimo (Kenya) 33:10, 3 Esther Borura (Kenya) 33:27, 4 Emma Pallant-Browne (Great Britain) 34:15, 5 Dorcus Chepkwemoi (Kenya) 34:21, 6 Karabo Mailula (South Africa) 34:44, 7 Irvette van Zyl (South Africa) 34:51, 8 Dirbe Techanie Dagne (South Africa) 34:55, 9 Zanele Maisa (Ethiopia) 36:01, 10 Malineo Mahloko (Lesotho) 36:27

Rassie unleashes Malcolm Marx flank Masterplan

Adnaan MohamedNews, Preview, Rugby, SpringboksLeave a Comment on Rassie unleashes Malcolm Marx flank Masterplan
By Adnaan Mohamed

Rassie ready to unleash World Player of the Year in new role against Wallabies

Rassie Erasmus is cooking up another Springbok surprise, and this one could see the World Player of the Year, Malcolm Marx, packing down far from his usual hunting ground.

Erasmus continues to redefine squad management, introducing 13 changes for the Test against Australia while building leadership depth through Andre Esterhuizen’s appointment as captain.

Malcolm Marx has been named among the replacements for Sunday’s showdown with Australia in Perth, but Erasmus has revealed the wrecking-ball hooker could be unleashed at flank when he storms onto the field.

Yes, flank.

The revelation adds serious spice to an already radically reshuffled Bok pack as Erasmus attempts to keep his warriors fresh while building the depth he believes will be crucial at the next World Cup.

“Even later in the game, if Ox Nché comes on, Jan-Hendrik might move to hooker, and we’ve been trying Malcolm on the flank as well,” Erasmus said.

That means Marx could swap the No 2 jersey for the loose-forward trenches, where his ferocious carrying, physicality and breakdown work could give the Wallabies another headache.

And if that sounds like classic Rassie rugby roulette, it is.

The Boks have also thrown another curveball at No 8, with Marco van Staden packing down at the back of the scrum alongside Elrigh Louw and Paul de Villiers.

But Erasmus made it clear that Van Staden’s biggest assignment is not wearing the traditional No 8 hat.

“There’s not a specific role for the eighthman apart from scrumming,” the Bok boss said.

The real battlefield will be the breakdown.

“If you take Paul, Marco, Elrigh, Jasper [Wiese] if he comes on, André Esterhuizen and others, I think the breakdown battle is going to be massive.

“Marco will have a massive impact there. Like Fraser McReight and the guys in their team, there are certainly guys who can disrupt a defensive breakdown. They’re really good at that and hopefully Marco can help sort that out for us.”

With Australia boasting breakdown pests of their own, Van Staden has been handed the dirty-work job.

The Boks have also built a safety net should the pack start falling apart.

If Louw or De Villiers are forced off, Franco Mostert can move into the loose-forward mix, while captain André Esterhuizen can shift to either blindside or openside.

Then there is Jasper Wiese, waiting in the wings for his 50th Test cap.

Jasper Wiese will earn his 50th Springbok cap from the bench Photo: X.com

Erasmus admitted he would have preferred to start the powerful No 8, but wanted insurance on the bench if the new-look starting combination hits turbulence.

“We’d have loved to start Jasper, but we need some security on the bench,” he said.

“We’re sure the guys who are going to start are going to be a little bit energetic and haven’t played for a while. There might be some combination hiccups.”

Up front, Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Zachary Porthen will pack down either side of hooker Johan Grobbelaar.

The selections are part of Erasmus’ bigger body-management operation, with Grobbelaar getting his opportunity after Deon Fourie played three Tests in succession at 39.

“[Deon Fourie] playing three Test matches in a row at the age of 39, Grobbies deserves a chance now.”

Erasmus also stressed that Wessels and Grobbelaar have experience against Australia, adding another layer to the selection gamble.

“We’re trying to save the bodies, and manage the guys while winning but also building some squad depth.”

In Perth, therefore, the Boks are not merely taking a hammer to the Wallabies.

They are sharpening every blade in the toolbox.

And if Marx really does appear at flank, Australia could discover that Rassie’s bench has teeth in places nobody expected.

Sunday’s contest, kicking off at 11:45 SA time on SuperSport, is more than another Test. It is another examination of Erasmus’ greatest creation: a Springbok system where stars rest, leaders emerge and the conveyor belt never stops moving.

SPRINGBOKS – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 André Esterhuizen (c), 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Marco van Staden, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Zachary Porthen, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels.
Bench: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Ox Nché, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Jasper Wiese, 21 Morné van den Berg, 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 Quan Horn.