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Cream of the crop set for Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K Showdown

Adnaan MohamedNews, RacingLeave a Comment on Cream of the crop set for Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K Showdown

Adnaan Mohamed

Johannesburg’s bustling streets will swap weekday traffic for running shoes on Heritage Day, Wednesday 24 September, when the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K brings the curtain down on the five-race series. From Lilian Ngoyi Street to Rahima Moosa Street, Jozi will echo with the sound of chasing feet and national pride.

Men’s showdown

The men’s race promises fireworks with South Africa’s Precious Mashele (27:35) determined to strike gold on his favourite kind of course.

“Joburg is never easy … the air is thin, the climbs are tough. But those are the races that bring out my best,” Mashele said.

His main rival is Kabelo Mulaudzi (27:41), who has swept the last three races in Cape Town, Durban and Tshwane. A fourth straight victory would crown him series king.

But Thabang Mosiako (27:45) is also in red-hot form after winning last weekend’s Hollywood Joburg 10K. He believes his hill and speed work have prepared him perfectly.

The 28-year-old is also eyeing next month’s Sanlam Cape Town Marathon debut, making this race an important test.

Thabang Mosiako Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

They’ll be pushed hard by Ethiopia’s Aklilu Asfaw (28:03) and Lesotho’s Namakoe Nkhasi (27:52), both with the pedigree to spoil the South African party. With so much sub-28 pace, the men’s crown may only be decided in the final lung-busting metres.

Women’s battle

In the women’s race, Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala (31:53) starts as favourite, her strength on the climbs making her a natural fit for Jozi’s altitude.

“I love hard courses. They test not just the body, but the spirit,” Khatala said.

Her closest challengers include South Africa’s Cacisile Sosibo (32:54), Zimbabwe’s Rutendo Nyahora (32:55) and Kenya’s Naomy Jerono (33:28). Expect a close contest, with the decisive move likely on the punishing final stretch down Rahima Moosa Street.

Comrades stars add intrigue

Adding extra spice are Comrades Marathon champions Tete Dijana and Edward “Slender” Mothibi, both trading ultra-distance armour for 10km sharpness. Reigning Comrades Champion Dijana admits he’s using Joburg to test his speed.

Reigning Comrades Champion Tete Dijana Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

“The body is recovering well after Comrades. I use these 10km races to sharpen the legs,” he said.

Race founder Michael Meyer believes their presence underlines the event’s prestige:

“When you see Comrades champions lining up against 10km specialists, it speaks to the depth of our sport.”

A Heritage Day celebration

While the elites chase records, thousands of recreational runners will share the same course, painting the streets red and turning it into a moving tapestry of endurance and unity.

On a day celebrating South Africa’s heritage, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K will be a festival of speed, spirit and pride, as Jozi plays host to one last, spectacular showdown.

Comrades Marathon Loses a Humble Hero

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Farewell to Jetman Msuthu (1957–2025)

South Africa has bid farewell to one of its true road-running heroes. Jetman Msuthu, Comrades Marathon winner and Green Number 7532, passed away on 15 September 2025 at the age of 68, just days after the loss of his wife.

Born in the village of Lukholo near Bizana in the Eastern Cape, Msuthu began running at 18 and carried his stride into history. Between 1988 and 2016, he completed 14 Comrades Marathons, collecting three gold medals, 10 silvers and a bronze.

His greatest moment came in 1992 when, after finishing second, he was later crowned champion following Charl Mattheus’s disqualification.

That victory made him only the second man of colour, after Sam Tshabalala, to win the Ultimate Human Race.

Though denied the joy of breaking the winner’s tape on race day, Msuthu wore the mantle of champion with pride and humility for the rest of his life.

He also represented South Africa at the 1993 100km World Championships in Belgium, helping secure team gold. His final Comrades, in 2016, was a steady farewell run in 9:38:48.

Tributes have flowed from across the running fraternity. CMA Chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo called him “a legend who ran out of passion, not for prize money.”

Former chair Cheryl Winn said, “He carried the mantle of champion with enormous pride and humility.”

Nine-time winner Bruce Fordyce remembered him as gracious and humble, while 1991 winner Nick Bester recalled him as both friend and teammate.

“It’s with deep sadness that I heard about the passing of Jetman, a friend and teammate representing South Africa at the World 100km Championships in Belgium in 1993, where we won the gold medal in the team category,” recalls Nick.

“Our team consisted of Cornet Matomane, Zephania Ndaba, Charl Mattheus, Mark Page, Jetman and I, with Bruce Fordyce and the late Vreni Welch as our team managers.

“Charl and Mark did not finish the race, so Cornet, Zephania, Jetman and I counted for the team prize. Condolences to his family – he will be missed!”

Jetman Msuthu’s name is etched in the history of the Comrades Marathon and in the hearts of those he inspired. His stride has stilled, but his legacy will continue to pace generations of runners.

The Champion Who Carried the Comrades Spirit

“A legend who ran out of passion, not for prize money.” — CMA Chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo

“He carried the mantle of champion with enormous pride and humility.” — Former CMA Chairperson Cheryl Winn

“My favourite memory of Jetman is how humble and gracious he was.” — Nine-time winner Bruce Fordyce

“Our friend and teammate… he will be missed.” — 1991 Comrades winner Nick Bester

Rest in peace, Comrades Champion.

Boxer Super Run Durban primed for fireworks

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Durban’s beachfront is bracing for a tidal wave of colour, rhythm, and record-breaking speed when the Boxer Super Run sprints into its third edition on Sunday, 12 October 2025.

More carnival than competition in its opening laps, the OPEN and SUPER SOCIAL WAVES will paint the promenade in neon energy, before the atmosphere tightens like a starter’s pistol. That’s when the nation’s fastest legs take centre stage, vying for the coveted crowns of King and Queen of the Boxer Super Run.

The event already hums with history. At the inaugural race in 2023, Precious Mashele and Glenrose Xaba tore up the record books, clocking 13:44 and 16:03 – the fastest 5km times ever run by South Africans on home soil. Mashele then went one better in 2024, slicing the stopwatch to 13:39.

ELITE WOMENS WAVE Boxer Super Run Durban by Gavin Ryan

“This year, all eyes will be on whether those records can fall again,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports.

“With an impressive R147 200 prize purse adding extra incentive, we’re optimistic about seeing more South African 5km records rewritten in Durban. But it’s not only the elite race that will deliver fireworks. The Open Wave is packed with competitive runners chasing personal bests – and with prize money for the Top 3 men and women across every age group, there’s every reason to push hard.”

Meyer adds with a grin: “And of course, the Super Social Wave will once again bring the colour and energy that make this event so unique. Whether you’re running or walking, we want to see you dress up, embrace the vibe, and turn the Durban streets into a celebration of fun, fitness and flair.”

Title sponsor Boxer Superstores shares the buzz, pointing to the iconic route that snakes from Snell Parade, cruises down Lagoon Drive, and finishes at Blue Lagoon Park.

“We’re looking forward to another action-packed day of racing,” says Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores.

“It’s a fast, flat course with just one little climb to test the legs, but the real magic is in the scenery – runners as young as nine will fly past Durban’s landmarks with the ocean breeze at their side. Add in the activations, the music, and the vibe, and this becomes the most social 5km run in South Africa.”

With capacity already maxed out, the stage is set. From neon-clad walkers to record-chasing elites, Durban’s streets are about to echo with footfalls of the Boxer Super Run, a festival of speed, sweat, and celebration.

Radhi Harris: SA’s Great Hope on the F1 Grid

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The hum of engines may soon echo louder across South Africa, with the nation edging closer to a Formula 1 Grand Prix return in 2027. As preparations gather speed, eyes are turning not only to circuits like Kyalami and Cape Town’s proposed street track, but also to the next generation of drivers who might one day carry Africa’s colours onto the world stage.

At the centre of this conversation is Radhi Harris, an eight-year-old karting prodigy from Crawford on the Cape Flats. To Wesleigh Orr, four-time world karting champion and founder of Worr Motorsport, Harris is not merely a promising youngster, he is a potential game-changer.

“That’s the game-changer in the generation now. In the next three or four years there will be a Grand Prix here in Africa. So, that’s gonna put a lot of focus on the F1 teams and everyone involved in motorsport to find the talent out of Africa,” says Orr.

“Radhi could be the next Lewis Hamilton.  However, we need a driver from Africa on the F1 circuit. So, there is going to be huge interest… There will be scouts in the next three or four years looking for natural talent. And we just think Radhi is gonna be that guy.”

A Star in the Making

Harris first caught international attention when, on his overseas debut, he stormed to victory in Spain’s Tillotson Bambino class. That triumph was no fluke. Since then, he has strung together a series of titles that have made him one of South Africa’s most consistent young drivers.

“I think Rahdi Harris is one of the few young drivers that we’ve had in the country that is consistent across the board in terms of results,” Orr explains.

“When drivers don’t have the advantage of the bigger teams and they are still running in front, then I think the ability is there. I think Radhi’s charisma and the way he conducts himself is also a big part of why he is so good.”

In 2023, Harris finished runner-up in his very first competitive race, a performance that earned him kart number 23. The following year, he captured the Western Province Regional Championship, then the South African National Bambino Championship, before claiming the T4 Nations Cup World Championship in Valencia. He now races in the faster, more technical Micro MAX class, and still holds the lap record at Cape Town’s iconic Killarney track.

Racing in the Blood

Racing prodigy Radhi Harris in his element of the track Photo: Supplied

Motorsport is woven into the Harris family’s story. His grandfather, Zarier Harris, carved out a reputation as a street racer in his Toyota TRD during the 1980s and 1990s, while his father, Raaziegh, continued the tradition in the GTI Challenge at Killarney.

“Radhi was head-hunted by Wesleigh,” recalls Raaziegh.

“In his first race he ever did he finished second in 2023. And that is how he got his kart number 23… He then went on to win the T4 Nations Cup World Championship. He is now currently racing Micro MAX which is a step-up from the Bambino Class.”

For the Harris family, Rahdi’s rise feels like destiny, the next chapter in a lineage of speed.

Building a Path to F1

With Rahdi now signed to Worr Motorsport, his journey is backed by one of South Africa’s most ambitious karting outfits. Orr leads the international charge, while Hugh Orr oversees operations in the Western Cape and Neo Phasha trains up-and-coming talent at the academy. Together, they have built a structure designed to take African drivers from karting circuits to the world’s biggest stage.

Radhi Harris Photo: Instagram

“Signing a talent like Rahdi inspires our South African-based team to strive even harder to help our drivers achieve their dreams in motorsport,” says Orr.

“Our focus is on empowering African drivers with the skills, discipline, and support needed to compete on the global stage. We have one ambitious goal and that is to produce an African Formula 1 driver.

“Through rigorous training, top-tier equipment, and a passion for excellence, we hope to pave the way for African drivers to leave their mark in the world of motorsport.”

As South Africa positions itself for a long-awaited Formula 1 revival, Radhi Harris stands poised as a symbol of what that return could mean. He is not only navigating corners on karting tracks but also steering into a future where Africa claims its place on the F1 grid.

At just eight years old, Harris already drives like a racer with the road ahead mapped out. If the stars align, and the circuits are built, he could be the homegrown engine that powers South Africa into Formula 1 history.

Entries Open for 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon

Adnaan MohamedNews, Totalsports Two Oceans MarathonLeave a Comment on Entries Open for 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon

By Adnaan Mohamed

The “world’s most beautiful marathon” the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon (TTOM) will once again take over the Mother City on 11 and 12 April 2026, with ballot entries opening for Blue Number Club (BNC) Members from 15 September 2025.

BNC MEMBERS CAN ENTER HERE FROM 15 SEPTEMBER:

For the Interim Board, the coming edition of the TTOM is about more than simply sending runners around the Peninsula.

“The 2026 edition of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon will not only celebrate TTOM’s rich legacy but also set new benchmarks for excellence and inclusivity,” explains interim chairperson Chris Goldschmidt.

“We know this event holds a special place in many runners’ hearts and are therefore committed to elevating the race experience to new heights, ensuring that every runner, whether seasoned or first-time, feels part of something truly remarkable.”

That legacy runs deep. For more than half a century, the Two Oceans has been a celebration. It’s a race that can break quads but lift spirits sky-high.

Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon by Devin Paisley

Stillwater Sports managing director Michael Meyer calls it part of South Africa’s sporting DNA.

“For over half a century, it has tested endurance, united runners from across the globe, and become part of South Africa’s sporting soul,” he says.

For Meyer, taking over as staging and commercial partner brings responsibility as much as pride.

“We are humbled to step into this role, with a responsibility to honour its legacy while building an even brighter future.

“Our commitment is to put runners at the heart of everything we do, deliver value to our sponsors, showcase Cape Town’s unrivalled beauty, and drive meaningful impact.

“We are especially grateful to the City of Cape Town, whose passion and support allow the Two Oceans Marathon to flourish as the world’s most beautiful race.

The TTOM is about safeguarding tradition, elevating the experience, and charting the best path forward for decades to come.

To every runner, supporter, partner, and citizen of Cape Town: Thank you for being part of this story. Together, we can honour the past, celebrate the present, and stride confidently into the future.”*

For title sponsor Totalsports, the race mirrors the very essence of running, heart, courage and community.

Jonathan Stein, Head of Business at Totalsports, says: “It is a privilege to welcome every runner to the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon. Known as The World’s Most Beautiful Marathon, this event is more than a race. It is a celebration of endurance, passion, and the unshakable spirit of the running community.

Crossing the start line takes courage, but it is the commitment, discipline, and countless hours of preparation that bring you here today.

Whether this is your first Two Oceans or your fifteenth, you are part of something remarkable, a community united by the love of running and the pursuit of personal goals.

Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon by Devin Paisley

“At Totalsports, we believe that the greatest runs are not measured only in distance or time, but in heart. As you take on every hill, every bend, and every breathtaking view, know that you are running with heart, and that is what makes this marathon so special. On behalf of Totalsports, I wish you a memorable race and an unforgettable journey.”

When race weekend arrives, the city will once again throb with energy, flooding the streets with pounding feet echoing off the mountain, and stories unfolding with every kilometre.

Some will chase records, others redemption. All will chase the horizon, running where two oceans meet, on the most beautiful stage the marathon world has to offer.

Race Day Details

  • Ultra Marathon (56km): Saturday, 11 April 2026 | Start: Newlands | Finish: UCT Rugby Fields | Cut-off: 7 hours | Entry: SA Licensed R840 | Rest of Africa R1030 | International R3080
  • Half Marathon (21.1km): Sunday, 12 April 2026 | Start: Newlands | Finish: UCT Rugby Fields | Cut-off: 3h30 | Entry: SA Licensed R450 | SA Unlicensed R525 (incl. temp licence) | Rest of Africa R830 | International R2160

New for 2026: every Ultra and Half Marathon entrant will receive an exclusive event T-shirt as part of their entry.

Ballot Timeline:

  • Blue Number Club: 15 Sep – 31 Oct 2025
  • Ultra Applications: 17–24 Sep 2025
  • Half Applications: 18–25 Sep 2025
  • Draw Announcements & Payments: 25–31 Oct 2025
  • International & Rest of Africa: from 1 Oct 2025

More info: twooceansmarathon.org.za

Seutloali Smashes OUTsurance Gun Run Record

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Seutloali Smashes OUTsurance Gun Run Record

By Adnaan Mohamed

On a sprightly Spring morning in Cape Town where the absence of the Atlantic breeze felt like nature’s starter’s pistol, Joseph Khoarahlane Seutloali once again proved he is no stranger to rewriting the script.

The reigning Totalsports Two Oceans 56km Ultra Marathon champion from Lesotho tore through the streets like a man chasing the horizons smashing the OUTsurance Gun Run Half Marathon record in a blistering time of 1 hour 2 minutes and 27seconds. He beat Joel Mmone’s 2015 Gun Run time of 1:02:31.

Close to 9000 runners lined up at the start on Fritz Sonnenberg Road in ideal weather conditions in Green Point, and finished the challenging but spectacular 21.1km route on the lush green grass of Green Point Common.

Like a thoroughbred biding his time in the pack, Seutloali running in the colours of Hollywood Athletic Club shadowed his rivals up the Sea Point to Camps Bay climb before unleashing a surge that broke the race wide open.

Anthony Timoteus (1:03:05) from the Athlete’s Academy clung on for silver, 38 seconds adrift, while defending champion Lloyd Bosman (1:03:24) from the Nedbank Club settled for third.

Coached by the highly respected Andrew Booyens, Seutloali’s winning time was just 11 seconds shy of his lifetime best of 1:01:56 for the distance, set on a much flatter and faster route in Gqeberha in 2019.

Tymebank Langa’s William Kaptein (1:04:09) was fourth. Kaptein was followed by clubmates Yanga Malusi (1:04:09) and Edward Jack (1:04:32).

In the women’s race, KwaZulu-Natal’s Busisiwe Chamane from the Black Diamond Club literally and figuratively shined as bright like a diamond.

Busisiwe Chamane Photo: OUTsurance Gun Run

Having swapped soccer boots and volleyball nets for running shoes only in 2020, she has risen swiftly through the ranks.

In Green Point, she seized her biggest prize yet, clocking 1:17:45 ahead of Nedbank’s Anel Terblance (1:18:39) and Carla Johnson (1:20:20) from Asics Running Club. Terblanche’s Nedbank AGN teammate Deanne Laubscher (1:22:50) finished fourth with Tymebank Langa’s Alexa Townsend (1:23:02) crossing the finish line in fifth position.

Elsewhere, the Gun Run’s supporting acts provided their own theatre. Adam Lipschitz (29:18) sprinted to the men’s 10km title on Saturday. Bruce-Lynn Damons (29:32) was hot on his heels, with William Kaptein (30:07) claiming third.

Triathlete Shanae Williams (33:30) edged Kyla Jacobs (33:37) in a thrilling women’s 10km race, and trail king Philani Sengce (1:13:14) secured a third straight crown, striding home more than two minutes clear.

For Seutloali, the road ahead is painted with Olympic dreams, but on Sunday morning, The Mother City belonged to him. and to Chamane, who showed that sometimes the most unlikely journeys can end at the front of the pack.

HALF MARATHON RESULTS: MALE TOP 10
Pos Name Time
1 Joseph SEUTLOALI (#1699)
HOLLYWOODBETS ATHLETIC CLUB KZN		 01:02:27
2 Anthony TIMOTEUS (#1538)
ATHLETE ACADEMY BOLAND		 01:03:05
3 Lloyd BOSMAN (#1621)
NEDBANK SOUTH WESTERN DISTRICTS		 01:03:24
4 William KAPTEIN (#1209)
TYMEBANK LANGA		 01:04:00
5 Yanga MALUSI (#1664)
TYMEBANK LANGA		 01:04:09
6 Edward JACK (#1204)
TYMEBANK LANGA		 01:04:32
7 Desmond MOKGOBU (#1219) 01:06:18
8 Siboniso SOLDAKA (#1893)
CAPE TECHNIKON ATHLETICS CLUB		 01:07:30
9 Raydon BALIE (#1617)
TYMEBANK LANGA		 01:07:38
10 Steven GEORGE (#1507)
STRAND ATHLETIC CLUB		 01:08:58
WOMEN TOP 10
Pos Name Time
1 Busiswe CHAMANE (#1746)
BLACK DIAMONDS ATHLETIC CLUB		 01:17:45
2 Ane TERBLANCHE (#1705)
NEDBANK RUNNING CLUB WP		 01:18:39
3 Carla JOHNSON (#1795)
ASICS ATHLETIC CLUB CAPE TOWN		 01:20:20
4 Deanne LAUBSCHER (#1095)
NEDBANK GAUTENG NORTH		 01:22:50
5 Alexa TOWNSEND (#1304)
TYMEBANK LANGA		 01:23:02
6 Lizel OLDEWAGE (#1101)
PAARL ATHLETICS CLUB		 01:23:22
7 Melissa LAING (#1411)
ATLANTIC ATHLETICS CLUB		 01:23:34
8 Lisa Kathryn GEFFEN (#1377)
ATLANTIC ATHLETICS CLUB		 01:23:42
9 Nadia LOMBAARD (#1806)
BOXER CGA		 01:24:27
10 Burnedette BREYTENBACH (#3138)
MONTANA ATHLETIC CLUB		 01:24:3

Find the full results here: OUTsurance 2025 Gun Run

Steyn sharpens, Mosiako shines at Joburg 10K

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Johannesburg’s streets turned into a purple battleground on Saturday as South Africa’s finest lined up against East African pace at the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K.

Elite start of the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

The second edition of the well-organised race started and finished at the historic Wanderers Club. The popular 10km and 5km sold-out event attracted a whopping 8000 participants, who enjoyed the warm, windless, conditions over a challenging hilly route through the streets of Illovo and Sandton.

Kenya’s Frida Ndinda claimed the women’s crown in 35:18. The 24-year-old Kenyan just managed to hold off off the fast finishing 35-year-old South African ultra-marathon queen, Gerda Steyn, who clocked 35:52 for second. Tuks youngster Karabo Mailula, 23, completed the podium in 36:12.

For Steyn, a four-time Comrades and six-time Two Oceans Marathon champion, the Joburg10K was less about silverware and more about sharpening speed ahead of next month’s Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.

“The race went off so fast, I decided to hold back early,” she said.

“I worked my way through, got into second, and could see the leader, but ran out of road. I’m very happy with how strong I felt.”

The men’s race was a very different story. Thabang Mosiako, South Africa’s half-marathon champion, blasted from the gun and never looked back, storming to victory in 29:45.

National marathon champion Bennet Seloyi (30:00) was second, with the evergreen Stephen Mokoka (30:04) in third.

Thabang Mosiako Photo: Hollywood AC

“I told myself I’m going from the start,” Mosiako said.

“With guys like Stephen, you can’t wait … this madala doesn’t want to get old. Breaking 30 here was a surprise, but it shows my shape is coming back.”

For Steyn, it was a steady tune-up. For Mosiako, a statement of intent. And for Joburg, another reminder that the city’s streets remain a proving ground for champions.

Male

View All Male

Pos Name Time
1 Thabang MOSIAKO 00:29:44
2 Bennett SELOYI 00:29:59
3 Stephen MOKOKA 00:30:03
4 Namakoe NKHASI 00:30:09
5 Chris MHLANGA 00:30:25
6 Simon SIBEKO 00:30:32
7 Tsietse SELLO 00:30:33
8 Pakiso MTHEMBU 00:30:35
9 Lebenya NKOKA 00:30:37
10 Cwenga NOSE 00:30:43

Female

View All Female

Pos Name Time
1 Fridah NDINDA 00:35:17
2 Gerda STEYN 00:35:51
3 Karaboá MAILULA 00:36:11
4 Dikeledi MAJARA 00:36:31
5 Cacisile SOSIBO 00:37:06
6 Nobukhosi TSHUMA 00:38:32
7 Rutendo NYAHORA 00:39:03
8 Melinda JANSEN VAN VUUREN 00:39:09
9 Ntsoaki MOLAHLOEÁ 00:39:14
10 Melissa JANSEN VAN VUUREN 00:40:03

FULL HOLLYWOODBETS JOBURG 10K 2025 RESULTS

Around 8000 participants painted the streets of Sandton, Illovo and Melrose purple at the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

Boks brace for All Black war in Wellington

Adnaan MohamedNews, Rugby, SpringboksLeave a Comment on Boks brace for All Black war in Wellington

Adnaan Mohamed

Wellington has always been a theatre of drama for the Springboks. From that famous 36-34 ambush in 2018 to the nail-biting 16-16 draw a year later, the Cake Tin has witnessed South Africa’s grit under the fiercest spotlight.

On Saturday morning, Siya Kolisi and his men return to the capital with the Rugby Championship title race wide open, the Freedom Cup on the line, and pride at stake against their oldest foes.

Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick knows exactly what it will take.

“Last week we had two soft moments early in the game, and it cost us,” he reflected on the 24-17 defeat in Auckland.

“This time, we need to be at our best for the full 80 minutes. We must be clinical, execute with precision, and turn opportunities into points.”

It is a simple equation against the All Blacks: blink, and you bleed.

Kolisi, who will lead the Boks for his 96th Test, echoed Stick’s call for composure. The chatter around South Africa’s new-look backline being too young, too raw, too untested, doesn’t faze him.


“There’s a good mixture of players in this team,” he said.

“Some have been here before, some have lifted two World Cups. It’s not a completely new side. The new faces bring something different, and that excites me.”

For Kolisi, the challenge feels familiar yet fresh.

“It’s going to be intense, like a World Cup final in the way you need to stay calm and composed. But this is its own battle. There’s enough motivation to win this game and to make our country proud.”

The Freedom Cup adds its own layer of symbolism. South Africa claimed it last year for the first time since 2009, and defending it on New Zealand soil would be another statement of intent.

More importantly, a win would keep them in reach of both the Rugby Championship title and the No 1 world ranking.

The All Blacks will be ready, the crowd baying, the weather unpredictable. But as Kolisi leads his men out one truth remains: matches in Wellington are rarely forgotten.

Teams

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

South Africa: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Lood de Jager, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Andre Esterhuizen.

Springbok Team Photo in Wellington Credit: SA Rugby

Date: Saturday, September 8
Venue: Wellington Regional Stadium
Kick-off: 09.05 SA time
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
Assistant referees: Angus Gardner (Australia), Jordan Way (Australia)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (France)

Gerda and Tete Set to Light Up Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Gerda and Tete Set to Light Up Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K

By Adnaan Mohamed

Johannesburg’s streets are about to become a purple river of determination as 8,000 runners lace up for the sold-out Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K on Saturday.

At the front of this human tide will be two giants of the long road, Comrades champions Gerda Steyn and Tete Dijana, swapping ultra-endurance for the short, sharp burn of 10 kilometres.

Gerda Steyn Photo: Adnaan Mohamed
Tete Dijana Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

Steyn, the undisputed queen of South African distance running with four Comrades and six Two Oceans crowns, will don the purple of the host club, Hollywood Athletic, as she tests her mettle against speed merchants like Cacisile Sosibo, Karabo Mailula and Ntsoaki Mohlahlu.

Hollywoodbets Joburg 10k Women’s Elite Field Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

For her, this race is less about medals and more about sharpening her blade for October’s Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.

“This course isn’t flat as a pancake, it’s more like a stack of flapjacks with some tricky layers in between,” Steyn smiled.

“It teaches you to manage effort, race dynamics and strategy rather than just staring at your splits. Those are the lessons I’ll carry into Cape Town.”

On the men’s side, three-time Comrades Down Run winner Tete Dijana admits he’ll be running on foreign turf. Against the jet-heeled Thabang Mosiako, Stephen Mokoka and Cwenga Nose, the Mafikeng marvel is realistic:

Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K Male Elite Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

“I don’t have their speed, 10km is their playground. My time is only 32 minutes, slower than Glenrose Xaba! But racing them gives me strength. If they ever come to Comrades territory, I’ll show them who’s boss,” he chuckled.

At a lean 38kg, Dijana carries more grit than bulk, his focus firmly fixed on defending his Comrades throne.

“Among men, you can’t dance between marathons, Two Oceans and Comrades in one season. Only someone like Stephen Muzhingi managed that. I won’t gamble, I’ll always choose Comrades.”

Saturday’s 10K may be a sprinter’s stage, but with distance icons Steyn and Dijana on the line, the city will witness two ultra-legends trading their long-distance strides for shorter, sharper tactical duels.

Boks Shuffles Deck for Wellington Gamble

Adnaan MohamedNews, Rugby, SpringboksLeave a Comment on Boks Shuffles Deck for Wellington Gamble

By Adnaan Mohamed

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has thrown his cards on the table, unveiling a reshuffled Springbok backline for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash against the All Blacks in Wellington. This is a duel doubles as the decider for the Freedom Cup.

Ethan Hooker, 22, barely two caps old, is thrust into the spotlight for his first Test start, joining a back division brimming with new combinations.

Cobus Reinach links with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at halfback, Damian Willemse partners Canan Moodie in midfield, while Cheslin Kolbe and Aphelele Fassi provide the familiar fizz out wide.

Up front, Rassie leans on trusted muscle. Siya Kolisi resumes his captain and flank duties alongside Pieter-Steph du Toit, with Jasper Wiese charging back from suspension like a pent-up bull. Malcolm Marx anchors a front row unchanged, while Lood de Jager’s return adds heft beside Ruan Nortje in the engine room.

The Bok coach has again gone with a 5–3 bench split, deploying RG Snyman and Kwagga Smith as his impact forwards, while Manie Libbok and Andre Esterhuizen wait in the wings to add late spark.

“This is an exciting team, which we believe will provide us with the forward power we require, and spark in the backline against a quality All Blacks side,” Rassie insisted, well aware that last week’s lapse in Auckland gifted New Zealand the upper hand.

“We’ve maintained consistency in selection to a large degree in the last few matches, but apart from what we feel some of the players selected can add to our attack, we’d like to see what some of the players can do against the top-ranked team in the world.

“This is a vital match for our Rugby Championship campaign, and we feel some fresh legs and energy are what we need to come away with the desired result.”

Rassie added: “Every player in this squad knows we believe in them and back them, and this will serve as a great occasion for them to show us what they are capable of against a team such as the All Blacks.

“They have all done the job for us against some of the top teams in the world earlier this year, and others over the last few years, and we know they’ll relish this opportunity to face New Zealand in their backyard.”

History frowns on South Africa in Kiwi stadiums, but Sky Stadium has served up tight battles before, including a 16–16 draw in 2019.

With the Freedom Cup dangling as both carrot and crown, Erasmus’ men will chase redemption in the capital, banking on fresh legs to unsettle the world’s No.1 side.

SPRINGBOKS – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Ruan Nortjé, 4 Lood de Jager, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nché.
Bench: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 André Esterhuizen.