The Hollywood Athletics Club star is enjoying the richest vein of form of her career, but Sunday’s commanding victory in Durban merely confirmed where her attention lies. The Commonwealth Games 5 000m in Glasgow is the next target. After that, Glenrose Xaba’s South African 10km road record moves firmly into view.
Kavanagh underlined her credentials with another front-running display in the second leg of the SPAR Grand Prix series, clocking 31:32 after leading from gun to tape. The performance trimmed one second off the 31:33 she recorded while winning the opening race in Cape Town in March.
Ethiopia’s Selam Gebre stayed within striking distance before finishing second in 31:45, while Kavanagh’s Hollywood teammate Neheng Khatala completed the podium in 32:08.
The victory added another chapter to a remarkable season. The 25-year-old lowered her personal best to 31:26 at the Sanlam Cape Town 10km Peace Run in May, secured a third successive title in that race and swept to national crowns over 5 000m and 10 000m at the South African Championships in Stellenbosch.
Despite opening a healthy advantage in the SPAR standings, Kavanagh says the series title is not driving her schedule.
“My focus is on the Commonwealth Games. I have one more 10K and then all eyes are on the Commonwealth Games,” she said.
“I haven’t committed to any other SPAR races yet, so I can’t tell you if I’ll be trying to win the whole series. I’m trying to participate in the ones that I can.”
Durban presented a different challenge to Cape Town, where Kavanagh spent much of the race chasing Glenrose Xaba. This time she dictated the pace from the front and trusted her instincts.
“I was quite proud of how I managed to relax within the race, constantly checking in with myself and how my body was reacting.”
“Selam and I had a really good race. At the 9km mark I still felt I had something left in the legs, so I tried to open up. I was really happy with how it played out.”
While Glasgow has become her immediate destination, the national record remains the long-term prize.
Xaba’s South African 10km road record of 31:12, set in Durban in 2024 when she erased Elana Meyer’s 23-year-old mark, has become the benchmark Kavanagh wants to reach.
“I’d love to get there this season. Hopefully by the end of 2026 I can reach that goal or see how close we can get,” she said.
“I know on a good day, if everything comes together, I have a good chance. It’s a matter of time. It’s in God’s hands when it happens, but it’s something I do want to chase.”
The stopwatch has become Kavanagh’s toughest opponent.
If her current trajectory continues, Glasgow could provide another springboard before she takes aim at one of South African road running’s most treasured records.
SPAR GRAND PRIX 10KM RESULTS – DURBAN
Results of the Durban leg of the SPAR Grand Prix Series on Sunday, 28 June 2026.
Bafana Bafana’s FIFA World Cup campaign has already delivered history. On Sunday, it could deliver another R66 million.
Fresh from a gritty 1-0 victory over South Korea, Hugo Broos’ side take on co-hosts Canada at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles with a place in the Round of 16 and a significantly bigger FIFA payday at stake.
South Africa have already secured total tournament earnings of $23.5 million (about R390 million) after reaching the knockout phase.
That figure comprises FIFA’s $10 million participation fee, a $2.5 million preparation grant and the $11 million awarded to teams eliminated in the Round of 32.
Victory over Canada would increase the performance bonus to $15 million, adding another $4 million, or approximately R66 million, to Bafana’s World Cup earnings.
The financial rewards also filter down to the dressing room.
Under an agreement between the South African Football Association (SAFA), the players and technical staff receive 30% of FIFA prize money. Having already earned bonuses estimated at around R2 million each after progressing from the group stage, another victory could lift individual payouts to roughly R3.6 million.
While the money is substantial, Broos’ focus will be on another disciplined tactical display against a Canadian side boasting genuine pace in wide areas.
Canada’s biggest threats come from European-based stars Alphonso Davies and Tajon Buchanan, two explosive wingers capable of stretching even the most organised defence.
Rather than matching Canada stride for stride, Broos is expected to rely on the compact defensive structure that frustrated South Korea.
Midfielders Teboho Mokoena and Sphephelo Sithole are likely to operate as a double pivot, shifting across the field to protect the defence and prevent Canada’s wide players from driving into dangerous central areas.
Behind them, full-backs Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba are expected to hold their defensive shape, limiting space behind the back line rather than committing early to one-on-one battles.
Should Canada’s attacking full-backs push forward, Bafana will look to exploit the space in transition, using quick vertical attacks to turn defence into offence.
That formula served South Africa well against South Korea, where patience, organisation and clinical finishing proved enough to secure a famous victory.
Sunday presents an even sterner examination.
Beat Canada and Bafana will move into the World Cup’s last 16 for the first time in the nation’s history while adding another R66 million to an already remarkable campaign.
The stakes could hardly be higher, both on the pitch and on the balance sheet.
Thapelo Maseko’s football fairytale found its perfect chapter on Thursday night as the winger firedBafana Bafana into the FIFA World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in the nation’s history.
The 63rd-minute strike secured a tense 1-0 victory over South Korea in Guadalupe and ensured Hugo Broos‘ side advanced to the Round of 32, where Canada await.
A defeat, a draw, a win – the journey of Bafana Bafana in Group A that sees them end on 4 points, 2nd behind co-hosts Mexico. South Africa make history by advancing to the Round of 32 at a FIFA World Cup for the first time ever#BafanaPride#BafanaBafana#FIFAWorldCuppic.twitter.com/DFgCXYOeLd
For Maseko, the moment carried far greater significance than a place on the scoresheet.
Not long ago, the former Mamelodi Sundowns winger was battling injury, struggling for minutes and questioning whether his career was heading in the right direction.
Now he owns a piece of South African football history.
“Moments like these make every difficult day worthwhile,” said Maseko after collecting the Player of the Match award.
“There were times when things did not go according to plan, but I kept believing. This team never stopped believing either. To score a goal that helps South Africa reach the next round is something I will always treasure.”
The goal arrived after a lively display from Bafana, who created the better chances throughout the match. Tshepang Moremi’s delivery found Maseko inside the area and the winger made no mistake, calmly steering the ball beyond goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu.
The strike was the reward for South Africa’s attacking intent, something Broos had demanded from the outset.
The veteran Belgian coach made one of his boldest decisions of the tournament by handing Relebohile Mofokeng a first World Cup start. The youngster responded with a mature performance, linking midfield and attack while helping Bafana control large periods of the contest.
Broos admitted qualification ranks among the proudest achievements of his tenure.
“This group deserves enormous credit,” said Broos.
“The players showed courage, discipline and belief. We knew what was required and we approached the game with confidence. Making history for South African football is something very special.”
The coach’s tactical gamble paid off handsomely. South Africa registered 11 first-half attempts and consistently asked questions of a South Korean side that arrived knowing a draw would likely be enough.
Kavanagh (25), who grew up in Hillcrest in KwaZulu-Natal, will enter the race wearing the leader’s bib in the series and carrying the weight of expectation. Yet the road ahead resembles a tightly packed peloton rather than a solo breakaway. Every stride onSunday’s 10km Challengecould reshape the championship landscape.
The Hollywood Athletics Club athlete says her training has gone well and is excited to test herself against a strong field again.
“I feel strong at this stage of the season,” said Kavanagh.
“Every race is an opportunity to build momentum and consistency. I like to focus on one opportunity at a time. I always give each race my full focus and try do my best on the day”
Despite her strong start, Kavanagh is taking a measured approach to the championship battle.
“My goal is to race smart and hopefully execute a good race to achieve the best possible result on the day”
Durban’s beachfront route has often been a theatre of drama and this year promises another chapter rich in intrigue.
The absence of defending SPAR Grand Prix champion Glenrose Xaba, who is racing in the United States, opens a wider lane for the contenders. More, Sosibo and Kayla Jacobs remain within striking distance after collecting maximum bonus points in Cape Town. Meanwhile, Nedbank’s Ethiopian aceSelam Gebre finally joins the series after visa complications sidelined her from the opening race. She will be hunting valuable points with the hunger of an athlete eager to make up lost ground.
The format of the competition, with the final points based on an athlete’s top four races, means that runners can miss one of the five SPAR Challenges and still be in contention for the top prize of R210 000.
Selam Gebre- Ethiopian star, Selam Gebre (Nedbank) will be one of the favourites for the 10km SPAR Women’s Challenge Durban on Sunday 28 June 2026. Photo credits: Ashley Vlotman/ Gallo Images
The Grand Prix format adds another layer of suspense. With only an athlete’s best four results counting towards the final standings, one missed race is not a fatal stumble. It keeps the title race alive and turns every Challenge into a tactical chess match played at racing speed.
The age category battles are also simmering nicely. Elizabeth Potter, Nerida Lubbe and Janene Carey share early momentum in the 50-59 division after securing maximum bonus points in Cape Town. In the 60-69 category, defending champion Judy Bird, Dalene Sonnekus, Ester Brink and Suzanne Marais have already signalled their intentions.
Beyond the stopwatch, the event continues to champion causes greater than sport. A portion of every entry will support iThemba Lethu, an organisation dedicated to uplifting and nurturing young lives in eThekwini.
“The SPAR Women’s Challenge is so much more than a race,” said SPAR National PR, Communications and Sponsorship Manager Mpudi Maubane.
“It is a platform – one that brings together sport, community, empowerment, and purpose in a way that few properties in South Africa can.
“Whether it is our elite athletes competing for SPAR Grand Prix glory, a first-time 5km entrant crossing the finish line, our beneficiary organisations receiving life-changing support, or our campaigns against gender-based violence and period poverty – every single element of this property has one thing in common: celebrating and empowering women. And that is very close to SPAR’s heart.”
The event’s partnership with Hyundai adds another incentive, with an Exter SUV up for grabs in the lucky draw.
Sunday’s route starts on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue and finishes at the outer fields of Kings Park Rugby Stadium. According to Race Director Brad Glassspoole, the course is relatively flat but sprinkled with enough twists, turns and subtle elevation changes to keep runners honest.
“Supporting the SPAR Women’s Grand Prix aligns with our commitment to a healthier, more active South Africa,” said Hyundai Chief Executive Stanley Anderson.
“Regular exercise builds strength, confidence and community – the same values we strive to embody as a brand.”
As Durban prepares to lace up for another celebration of women’s running, Kavanagh stands at the front of the field. The question is whether she can stretch her advantage or whether the chasing pack will turn the Grand Prix race into a full-blown sprint to the finish.
Siya Kolisi has spent his rugby career breaking tackles and barriers.
Last week in London, the Springbok captain helped break another significant milestone as Steadfast Africa‘s annual fundraising gala generated R2.5 million (£108,000) for the Kolisi Foundation and the Good Work Foundation.
Hosted at the historic Chelsea Physic Garden on 16 June, the event brought together philanthropists, business leaders and supporters committed to backing community initiatives in South Africa. With an online auction and raffle remaining open until 8 July, organisers expect the total to grow further.
For Kolisi, the evening was about something far greater than the impressive figure on the fundraising scoreboard.
“I am not a self-made man,” said Kolisi.
“I am here because people invested in me. They saw something in me, opened doors for me, and gave me opportunities I could never have created on my own.
“Today, through the Kolisi Foundation, we want to do the same for others. Partnerships like this one with Steadfast Africa and the Good Work Foundation remind us that lasting change is never the work of one person or one organisation. It is built by people who choose to invest in the potential of others.”
While his achievements on the rugby field have become part of Springbok folklore, his foundation has quietly built a growing footprint in communities across the country. Guided by the values of dignity, hope and unity, the organisation focuses on food security, education, youth empowerment, sport and raising awareness around gender-based violence.
The gala’s fundraising auction proved one of the evening’s biggest attractions, with guests competing for luxury safari experiences, exclusive travel packages and premium hospitality offerings from across Southern Africa.
The Good Work Foundation, Steadfast Africa’s other long-standing beneficiary, continues to bridge the digital divide in rural communities through education and skills development programmes.
Chief executive Kate Groch said the success of the event highlighted the strength of collaboration.
“Good Work Foundation is able to serve the communities we work in and do the work we do because of the support of our partners; they are an integral part of our Pink family.
“This was again shown at the amazing Steadfast event held in London. Thank you from myself and the entire GWF family. Thank you to everyone who organised, attended, donated and made the event so successful.
“We are grateful for our partnership with Steadfast and how it continues to grow. Together we will continue to do Good Work and reimagine education and opportunity for young rural South Africans.”
In rugby, captains are often judged by the trophies they lift.
Yet evenings such as this suggest his most enduring legacy may be measured not by silverware, but by the opportunities created for others long after the final whistle has sounded.
Sinesipho Dambile arrived in Doha chasing another strong performance. He left with a Diamond League trophy, a personal best and a place in South African athletics history.
The 24-year-old stormed to victory in the men’s 200m over the weekend night, clocking a career-best 19.74 seconds to claim his maiden Diamond League title.
In the furnace-like conditions of the Qatari capital, with temperatures hovering around 37°C and a legal tailwind of 1.8 m/s, Dambile produced a race that was equal parts power and precision.
Running in lane five, he exited the blocks cleanly and attacked the bend with purpose. By the time the field straightened up for the home run, the South African had already edged ahead.
Zimbabwe’s Makanakaishe Charamba and Dominican Republic’s Alexander Ogando mounted a late challenge, but Dambile never looked troubled. His stride remained smooth and controlled as he powered clear over the closing metres.
The clock stopped at 19.74 seconds, trimming 0.03 seconds off his previous best and confirming the rich vein of form he has carried throughout the season.
“This is my fourth Diamond League event. I am having the best season of my life thus far. I am still building and can get even better,” Dambile said afterwards.
The result is another significant step for an athlete whose ambitions stretch well beyond Doha.
“I want to get gold at the Commonwealth Games and then go to the Ultimate Championships. I’ve never been to the Commonwealth Games before and would like to experience it. I’m also looking forward to the final Diamond League in Brussels.“
His triumph completed an unprecedented South African sprint clean sweep across the Diamond League circuit this season.
Gift Leotlelaopened the account in the 100m in Shanghai. Zakithi Nene followed in the 400m in Stockholm. Dambile’s Doha victory ensured South Africa has now produced Diamond League winners across all three major sprint distances in the same season for the first time.
The country’s sprint programme has often promised much. In 2026, it is cashing in those promises.
An Athletics South Africa spokesperson hailed the achievement.
“Sinesipho’s performance is a testament to the talent, commitment and growing strength of South African sprinting. His success reflects the progress being made across the sprint events and serves as inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country.”
With Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games and September’s Ultimate Championships looming, Dambile’s season is gathering momentum.
For now, the fastest thing in Doha was not the tailwind. It was a South African sprinter finding another gear.
With two kilometres remaining, George Kusche glanced at the race clock for the first time all day.
The display showed roughly 5:08.
His body felt like a battered vehicle limping home after a cross-country expedition. His left calf had been threatening mutiny for more than 30 kilometres. Every stride sent warning signals through weary muscles. The road tilted and twisted ahead like a mischievous serpent refusing to surrender its final secrets.
Yet something curious happened.
The mathematics suddenly made sense.
“I remember thinking, if I run 10 minutes in these last two kilometres, I’m still going to run 5:18.”
For most runners, that would be astonishing pace after nearly 86 kilometres.
For Kusche, it was a moment of realisation.
History was waiting at the finish line.
The remarkable part is that he still wasn’t thinking about winning.
“I thought to myself, I can’t think about anything else now. I need to focus on putting my foot in front of the other and running as fast as I can.”
That fear may have been his greatest ally.
Because while many runners arrive at Comrades armed with bravado and bold predictions, Kusche approached the race like a scientist approaching an unsolved equation.
Carefully.
Methodically.
Relentlessly.
And in doing so, he produced one of the greatest performances the race has ever witnessed.
THE UNDERDOG WHO WAS NEVER CHASING A TROPHY
When Kusche crossed the finish line at Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg, the clock stopped at 5:15:56.
The time demolished Russian Leonid Shvetsov’s 18-year-old Up Run record of 5:24:49 by almost nine minutes.
It also delivered the fastest average pace ever recorded in the history of the Comrades Marathon.
Yet the journey began not with victory but with disappointment disguised as success.
A year earlier, the former NCAA athlete had finished 12th in his Comrades debut.
Many runners would have celebrated.
Kusche analysed.
“On the day I knew that was the absolute best I could have done,” he said.
“But I know I made a lot of mistakes preparing for that Comrades because it was my first one. I was naive about what it takes to run Comrades.”
The race became a classroom.
The student paid attention.
PROJECT 2026
George Kusche at the 2026 Comrades Winners Breakfast Photo: Adnaan Mohamed
Most athletes emerging from a strong debut create a target.
Kusche created a process.
“It was Project 2026, but not to win.”
That statement sounds almost absurd after what followed.
“It was Project 2026 to focus on the process as much as I can and make sure that on June 14, 2026, I show up as the absolute best version that I could be.”
“If that means a win, then I’m happy.”
The distinction matters.
The goal was not a trophy.
The goal was optimisation.
Every kilometre became a data point.
Every session became an experiment.
Every mistake became valuable information.
THE SCIENTIST IN THE RUNNING SHOES
Away from racing, Kusche works full-time as a Data Scientist at Pepkor Lifestyle.
The numbers are woven into his DNA.
Born in Malalane in Mpumalanga, educated at Laerskool Malelane and Affies in Pretoria, he earned a Master’s degree in Statistics and passed eight Actuarial Society of South Africa examinations on his first attempt.
He coaches himself.
That revelation surprised Fordyce.
In an era overflowing with coaches, consultants and performance gurus, Kusche remains his own architect.
“I coach myself.”
His approach combines science and instinct.
“I accumulated a lot of volume, but that came over a period of a year.”
“It’s a gradual increase in both volume and intensity and elevation gain.”
“I meticulously tracked various metrics over time and ensured that they increased and peaked at the right time.“
The scientist measured everything.
The athlete listened to his body.
The combination proved potent.
THE HILL THAT BUILT A CHAMPION
Every Tuesday, a hill in Pretoria became his laboratory.
He repeatedly climbed and descended Platheus Hill.
No dramatic sprinting.
No social media heroics.
No chest-thumping workouts.
“I simply jogged up and jogged down.”
“And I just let the elevation gain do the damage it had to do.”
Slowly, the hill surrendered.
“Without increasing my effort, I could see my pace increasing and my heart rate decreasing.”
Like water carving a canyon, the work accumulated quietly until the results became impossible to ignore.
THE OVERTRAINING MYTH
As race day approached, whispers began circulating.
Some observers believed Kusche was training too much.
Even Fordyce and former champion Nick Bester had concerns.
“We said George is terribly overtrained.”
Kusche knew the rumours.
“I know about the overtraining allegations.”
His answer reflected the analytical mindset that defines him.
“You can’t look at one number and say someone’s overtraining.”
“My workouts kept improving.”
His peak week reached an eye-watering 259 kilometres.
Yet he remembers feeling restrained.
“I felt like I could have done 300.”
“I felt guilty not running more.”
The engine was humming.
The data agreed.
THE SURGES THAT BROKE THE RACE
The winning move arrived long before he took the lead.
Running within a pack, Kusche sensed comfort spreading among his rivals.
Comfort is dangerous in championship racing.
So he attacked it.
“I didn’t want the pack to be comfortable.”
Climbing Inchanga, he repeatedly surged.
Not wildly.
Not recklessly.
Simply enough to raise the temperature.
“I felt really strong.”
“I just decided to go in front of the pack and gradually increase the pace.”
The surges acted like tiny cracks in a dam wall.
Invisible at first.
Devastating later.
“After about four of those surges, I decided it’s now time to go for gold.”
The race had changed.
The field simply had not realised it yet.
FEAR ON POLLY SHORTTS
For television viewers, Kusche looked magnificent.
Fordyce remembers watching him move through Harrison Flats and immediately predicting victory.
“George is going to win.”
The reality unfolding inside Kusche’s body was far less glamorous.
“My left calf was cramping.”
“My legs were sore.”
“I kind of felt tired.”
Then came Polly Shortts.
The notorious climb often acts like a final judge standing between contenders and champions.
Fortunately, Kusche had studied every metre.
“I knew exactly how long that hill would be.“
That knowledge became a psychological weapon.
“I knew it’s two kilometres.”
“I knew that if I could get to the top in the lead and feeling strong and maintain my pace, then the odds are good of winning.”
What happened next was pure courage.
“I didn’t feel good.”
“But I went up that hill giving it everything I had.”
The scoreboards at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium painted a picture of dominance on Saturday, but Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and SA A coachMzwandile Stick were far more interested in the details hidden beneath the numbers.
The Springboks opened their season with an emphatic 80-31 victory over the Barbarians, while SA A brushed aside Zimbabwe 40-0. Despite the convincing results, both coaches identified areas requiring urgent attention before the Nations Championship begins in two weeks.
Erasmus praised the Springboks’ attacking output but admitted their discipline and defensive consistency left room for improvement.
“Our discipline wasn’t great, and they (the Barbarians) scored tries in quick succession, so yellow cards were not ideal,” said Erasmus.
The Bok coach pointed to the realities of a squad reconnecting after several months apart.
“But we have to remind ourselves that it’s been six or seven months since we’ve played together, and some guys were new in the mix, while we also didn’t know when the DHL Stormers or Vodacom Bulls players would be available at some stage, which are all aspects we have to keep in mind.
“To score 80 points is nice, but the Barbarians were thrown together quite late, and had only three training sessions, which makes them difficult to analyse. They scored four or five great tries, so we need to eliminate those defensive lapses and be better as a unit when we play against England.”
One concern for Erasmus was the injury suffered by experienced lock Franco Mostert, who was forced from the field.
“I’m worried about his ankle. He’ll go for scans tomorrow, so hopefully it’s not too bad.”
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi echoed his coach’s assessment, saying the match provided valuable evidence of what is working and what still needs attention.
“I thought a lot of what we wanted to get through, we did, but also, when things didn’t work, and we went against the plan, we learned lessons there,” said Kolisi.
“I always have to watch the game again to get a good assessment about things, but I already know some of the mistakes we made and the areas we need to fix. There were opportunities where I thought we could have controlled things better.”
Earlier in the day, SA A delivered a disciplined defensive display against a determined Zimbabwe side preparing for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Stick admitted the performance was not without frustration despite the clean-sheet victory.
“We knew it was going to be a big challenge because the majority of our players have never played together, so it was a new team, and Zimbabwe tried to challenge us by keeping ball in hand and playing direct rugby. I enjoyed the way they played.
“That said, for us, the goal was to see whether the players could execute what we’ve been working on over the past two weeks, and it was sometimes frustrating when the points weren’t coming.
“In the first half, we were unlucky, with two tries disallowed – once where a player went into touch, and another when a player was slightly in front of the kick. But from my side, the way the guys stayed in the fight, even when we were under pressure, was great, and we managed to keep a clean sheet.”
SA A captain Vincent Tshituka paid tribute to Zimbabwe’s intensity and ambition.
“We played against a desperate side, and we expected that. We knew the Zimbabwe players would be motivated and would want to prove a point against world-class opposition, and it showed.”
South Africa’s opening victories delivered plenty of encouragement. Erasmus and Stick know tougher examinations await, and both coaches left Gqeberha with a notebook full of positives and a to-do list that remains far from complete.
The race to make sport safer is gathering pace, and in Cape Town the baton was firmly placed in African hands.
More than 400 delegates from around the world converged on the University of Cape Town for the Safe Sport Global Conference, where World Athletics and World Rugbyjoined forces to strengthen safeguarding systems and elevate athlete welfare across the continent and beyond.
Held from 25 to 27 May and opening on Africa Day, the conference brought together researchers, policymakers, administrators and safeguarding practitioners in a shared pursuit of a sporting environment where athletes can thrive free from abuse, exploitation and harm.
At the heart of the gathering was a message that resonated through lecture halls and panel discussions alike.
“Safer sport is not built by one discipline, one organisation or one country alone. It depends on shared responsibility, deeper understanding, and stronger systems,” said Associate Professor David Maralack,Head of Department at the School of Management Studies at UCT.
In many ways, the conference embodied that philosophy.
Like teammates linking arms in a defensive line or runners working together through a punishing headwind, World Athletics and World Rugby used the event to create new partnerships, share expertise and strengthen safeguarding networks throughout Africa.
Maralack also highlighted the significance of hosting the conference on African soil.
“Hosting the conference at UCT placed African scholarship and lived experience at the forefront of this important dialogue, challenging the historical dominance of perspectives shaped elsewhere.”
For years, safeguarding conversations have often been driven by frameworks developed in Europe and North America. In Cape Town, African experiences moved from the margins to the centre of the field.
The collaboration between athletics and rugby was far more than a symbolic handshake. It reflected a growing recognition that safeguarding challenges are shared across sports and that solutions are often stronger when organisations work side by side.
“The Safe Sport 2026 Conference came at an opportune time for World Rugby/Africa Rugby and World Athletics/African Athletics, as both sports are establishing safeguarding focal points across their African member unions and associations,” said Global Safe Sport Conference Coordinator Norman Brook.
“Both organisations participated in the conference and hosted related side events, including a joint session where rugby and athletics safeguarding officers explored ways to build regional and national support networks.”
The three-day programme examined how safeguarding commitments can be transformed from policy documents into everyday practice. Research presentations, workshops, stakeholder dialogues and keynote sessions tackled topics ranging from athlete welfare and leadership accountability to international cooperation and policy implementation.
World Athletics and the Athletics Integrity Unit contributed expertise through discussions on continental safeguarding networks, trauma-informed case management and the relationship between integrity and athlete protection.
Away from the formal programme, 15 safeguarding leads from African athletics federations met to exchange ideas, discuss challenges and build relationships designed to strengthen athlete protection across the continent. Working alongside World Rugby representatives, delegates forged connections that organisers hope will outlast the conference itself.
“The safeguarding officer role can sometimes feel isolating, with few people available for advice,” he said.
“By working together, Rugby and Athletics have created a practical way to provide mutual, on-the-ground support across their networks.”
The importance of collaboration emerged as one of the event’s defining themes.
Neal Andersen, CEO of Safe Sport International, said that at its core “safe sport is the only sport that matters”.
National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe safeguarding officer Tawanda Mutero said the conference demonstrated growing global commitment to athlete safety.
“It emphasised listening to athletes and putting them first. Collaboration was highlighted as key to making sport safer for everyone.”
Athletics Namibia safeguarding officer Victoria Tilovanhu Katukula echoed those sentiments.
“The Safe Sport Conference provided a valuable opportunity for networking with professionals committed to creating safer sporting environments. My takeaway is that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and it is not done overnight.”
That message became the conference’s enduring refrain.
Safeguarding is not a sprint to be won in a single season. It is a marathon requiring patience, vigilance and collective effort. Strong policies matter, although culture, education and accountability ultimately determine whether athletes feel protected.
As delegates departed Cape Town, the conference concluded with a call to carry the Safe Sport legacy forward.
The final whistle may have sounded on three days of discussion. The work of protecting athletes, however, continues every day in training grounds, boardrooms, clubhouses and classrooms across the world.
If the conference achieved one thing, it was reinforcing a simple truth. Athlete safety is not the responsibility of a select few. It belongs to everyone who shares the field, the track and the future of sport.
Safeguarding is not a sprint to be won in a single season. It is a marathon requiring patience, vigilance and collective effort. Strong policies matter, although culture, education and accountability ultimately determine whether athletes feel protected.
As delegates departed Cape Town, the conference concluded with a call to carry the Safe Sport legacy forward.
The final whistle may have sounded on three days of discussion, although the real work has only begun.
If the conference achieved one thing, it was reinforcing a simple truth. Athlete safety is not the responsibility of a select few. It belongs to everyone who shares the field, the track and the future of sport.
Joshua Cheptegei’s appearance at the2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10Khas attracted what organisers believe is the strongest men’s field ever assembled for a 10km road race on African soil.
The Ugandan superstar, an Olympic champion, multiple world champion and world record holder over 5 000m and 10 000m, will line up in Durban on 12 July against a field packed with international winners, national record holders and emerging stars eager to test themselves against one of the sport’s modern greats.
Leading the list of challengers is Kenya’s Felix Masai, whose 27:24 personal best makes him one of the fastest men in the race. The Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon champion expects Cheptegei’s presence to elevate the standard of competition.
Felix Masai (Kenya) has a 10km PB of 27:24. PHOTO CREDIT: Action Photo
“He is one of the greatest distance runners of all time, and competing alongside him raises the level of the entire field,” said Masai.
“My race target is to give my best. I like competing in South Africa.”
Another athlete to watch is Kenyan Gilbert Kiprotich, who arrives in Durban with confidence after a strong performance at the Lisbon Half Marathon.
“I’m feeling well after the Lisbon Half Marathon. I took some time to recover before shifting my focus to preparing for racing in South Africa,” said Kiprotich.
“Looking back to the Half Marathon, where I recorded a 10km split of 27:01 and considering how the second half of the race unfolded, I believe I am capable of running comfortably under 27:00 in Durban.”
Kiprotich believes favourable conditions and strong pacing could produce something special.
Gilbert Kiprotich (Kenya) has a 10km PB of 27:43. PHOTO SUPPLIED
“We are hoping for favourable weather conditions and strong pacing on race day. I feel inspired by the opportunity to race against Joshua Cheptegei. He is a world-class athlete, and competing alongside him will provide valuable experience and contribute significantly to my development as a professional athlete.”
Lesotho national record holder Kamohelo Mofolo returns to the race where he set his country’s 10km mark in 2025 and believes the course remains one of the fastest on the continent.
“The Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K is a flat, fast course with few turns, and if the conditions are right it allows for very quick times,” said Mofolo.
“Every race here feels like it has the potential to be something special, and I’m honoured to be part of such an impressive lineup.”
Mofolo added that racing against athletes of Cheptegei’s calibre presents a valuable opportunity.
“Racing against athletes like Joshua Cheptegei is a great opportunity because he is an amazing runner, and I’m excited to learn from the best while sharing the start line with him.”
South African hopes will rest largely on Kabelo Mulaudzi, whose development has been closely linked to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series.
“I am grateful to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series because it created a platform for me to obtain an invitation to a big international race,” said Mulaudzi.
“I am extremely excited to be part of this event and it is always great to run in South Africa against the world’s best athletes.”
The South African believes competing alongside Cheptegei can bring out the best in the field.
“I have always enjoyed the challenge of racing against better athletes than myself and it is great to be lining up with Joshua. I hope that he will help bring out the best in me and all the other athletes competing in the race.”
Adding further depth is Cheptegei’s Ugandan training partner Emanuel Kibet, who boasts a personal best of 27:37 and is expected to play a significant role at the front of the race.
Stillwater Sports Managing Director and Series FounderMichael Meyer believes Cheptegei’s participation has transformed the event.
“Joshua Cheptegei’s participation has drawn a truly extraordinary depth of field to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K, bringing together world champions, record holders, and some of the fastest road runners on the planet,” Meyer said.
“This level of quality not only elevates the competitive standard of road running in South Africa, but firmly cements the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K as the Greatest 10K on African Soil.”
Meyer added that the strength of the field could produce a historic result.
“In conditions like these, with such depth and intent at the front of the race, the possibility of a historic performance, even a breakthrough sub-27-minute 10km, becomes a real possibility.”
