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SA rugby prospect Pead secures major deal

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on SA rugby prospect Pead secures major deal

Haashim Pead’s career is gathering momentum like a rolling maul surging towards the try line, and his latest move confirms his place among South Africa’s brightest rugby prospects. The 20-year-old scrumhalf has signed with Roc Nation Sports International, aligning himself with a global agency that represents leading Springboks including Siya Kolisi, Cheslin Kolbe, Aphelele Fassi and Jordan Hendrikse.

For a player shaped in the streets of the Bo-Kaap and polished at Bishops, this moment feels like a clean break from the base of the scrum, quick, decisive and loaded with intent. Pead’s rise over the past two seasons has been as sharp as a well-timed box kick, climbing from promising junior to one of the most talked-about young playmakers in the game.

His breakout came on the world stage at the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy, where he didn’t only steer the Junior Springboks with precision, he rewrote the script for what a scrumhalf can deliver at that level. Named Junior Springbok Player of the Year, Pead shattered records previously held by France star Antoine Dupont, underlining his influence with a blend of tempo, vision and nerve.

Generational Talent; Haashim Pead

Those performances opened the door to the senior Springbok environment, where he has already spent time absorbing the rhythm and demands of Test rugby. Back on home soil, he has slotted seamlessly into senior competition, becoming a key figure for the Lions in the United Rugby Championship. His service is crisp, his decision-making measured, and his tactical kicking often lands like a pinpoint cross-field strike.

Roc Nation Sports International’s Head of Rugby Recruiting in South Africa, Tamsanqa Ncwana, believes Pead’s ceiling is far from reached.

“Haashim is a generational talent whose work ethic and technical ceiling are truly exceptional,” Ncwana said.

The move places Pead in a stable that has helped shape some of the most influential figures in South African rugby, a pathway that now stretches invitingly ahead of him. With another Springbok alignment camp already under his belt this year, whispers of a Test debut are growing louder, like a crowd rising in anticipation before a decisive play.

For Pead, the decision to join Roc Nation was as instinctive as spotting a gap in a fractured defensive line.

“Joining the Roc Nation Sports International family is an exciting moment for me. Watching the impact they have had on the careers and lives of players I look up to, made this an easy decision,” he said.

“I’m proud of my roots in the Bo-Kaap, and as I take the next steps in my career, I’m excited to have a world-class team behind me as I look to achieve my goals both on and off the field.”

Roc Nation Sports International president Michael Yormark highlighted the broader impact Pead could have beyond the pitch.

“At Roc Nation Sports International, we look for athletes who not only excel on the pitch but also possess the character to inspire the next generation. Haashim’s journey as a professional rugby player is a story that will resonate throughout South Africa and we look forward to supporting him to reach his full potential.”

As Pead’s career continues to accelerate, this latest signing feels less like a milestone and more like the start of a new attacking phase, one where the pass has been set and the space ahead is waiting to be exploited.

Kavanagh keeps cool head despite red-hot form ahead of Cape Town 10K

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Kavanagh keeps cool head despite red-hot form ahead of Cape Town 10K
By Adnaan Mohamed

Tayla Kavanagh heads into the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K in the kind of form that turns heads, yet the 24-year-old remains firmly grounded as she prepares for Sunday’s race in the Mother City.

The Hollywood Athletics Club runner has lit up the past three weeks with personal bests over 3000m, 5000m and 10km, building momentum like a runner finding a smooth downhill rhythm. Still, her focus stays on execution rather than expectation.

“I’m looking forward to taking part in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K,” said Kavanagh. “I ran it last year and thoroughly enjoyed the route and the competition. With this being my second 10km race of the season, I’m looking forward to putting together a strong run.”

Her recent 3000m victory in Stellenbosch, where she clocked 8:46.86, underlined her sharpness, coming soon after her 31:33 win at the Cape Town leg of the SPAR Grand Prix where she beat Glenrose Xaba.

Kavanagh believes her decision to spend more time on the track this season is paying off.

“It was a good decision,” she said. “As someone without a track background, it is so good to add track to the mix this year. I think it’s assisting me to be faster on the road. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the track season, but the road is where my full passion lies. I’m looking forward to being back on the road and seeing what we can do in the 10km distances.”

Cape Town also marks a meaningful point in her resurgence after injury setbacks in 2023 and 2024. Her fifth-place finish here last year signalled a return to form.

“I feel that the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K last year is where I started to pick up my form again. That means it’s kind of a special race for me. I don’t have too many expectations. I’ve been enjoying the process of running. That’s when I perform at my best.”

Series founder Michael Meyer believes Kavanagh’s current trajectory makes her one to watch.

“Tayla has been nothing short of exceptional over the past few weeks, and her recent string of personal bests across multiple distances is a clear indication that she’s in outstanding form,” he said. “If her current trajectory is anything to go by, we can expect a truly special performance in Cape Town.”

The race starts at 09:00 on Sunday, 10 May, from Marine Drive in Milnerton and finishes in the Cape Town CBD.

EVENT DATES: 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series

  1. Sunday 01 March 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K

Elite Men’s Winner: Adriaan Wildschutt (RSA) 27:47
Elite Women’s Winner: Brenda Jepchirchir (KEN) 30:15

  1. Sunday 10 May 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K

Start Time: 09:00
Start Venue: Marine Drive, Milnerton
Finish Venue: Cape Town CBD

  1. Sunday 12 July 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K
  2. Sunday 23 August 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K
  3. Thursday 24 September 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K

Blitzboks reset for Hong Kong with focus on complete performance

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The Blitzboks head into the Hong Kong Sevens with renewed energy and a clear mission to deliver a complete performance as the World Championship phase kicks off.

Zain Davids returns to the squad refreshed after missing the Vancouver and New York legs, determined to make an impact at a tournament where South Africa are still chasing their first title.

“We are starting this Championship at the same venue and with no log points,” Davids said. “What happened in the past counts for nothing, but what happens this weekend will.

“We have never won here, fair enough, but that is not consuming us. What we want is to be on the same page, execute our game plan as one, and take it one game at a time. For now, that is Uruguay, and from there on in, we’ll take each challenge as it comes.”

Davids said the squad rotation plan has left him physically primed.

“You always want to play in every tournament, but coach Philip laid out his plans… so we all knew that we could be rested along the way,” he said.

“I use the word rested in italics, as our strength and conditioning coach, Ghafoer Luckan, keeps a very sharp eye on our prescribed fitness programme.

“So, I am fit and ready for this one. I’m feeling refreshed and keen to get another trophy win.”

He added that strong South African support in Hong Kong adds extra motivation.

“In a way, if we go all out and finish on top, it will be as much for them as for us.”

Captain Impi Visser believes the series winners must raise their attacking standards despite claiming four titles this season.

All the captains at the Hong Kong Sevens Photo Credit: SA Rugby

“Yes, we are not quite there yet, especially on attack, where we can be much better than what we were in our last tournament in New York,” said Visser.

“There our defence was outstanding, our attack not so much.”

The Blitzboks face Uruguay, Spain and Argentina in Pool A, with Visser stressing the need for focus from the opening match.

“We believe we are the best team on the circuit and as such, we want to prove that by winning this weekend,” he said.

“Being the top ranked team will put a target on our backs, but that is fine. We want to be challenged, but mostly by ourselves.

“Our focus is on what we want to achieve, starting with the match against Uruguay.”

Visser warned against complacency in a tournament where all teams start level.

“We all start at zero, so you underestimate any other team at your own peril,” he said.

“Twelve teams come into the same tournament hoping to achieve the same goal and that is to win it.”

He also underlined the significance of the Hong Kong stop on the sevens circuit.

“Many great names in the game have played and competed here. Just to be part of this is special, to finally finish victorious will be even more so.”

Blitzbok pool schedule (SA times, all matches live on SuperSport)

Friday, 17 April
05h16 Uruguay
08h49 Spain

Saturday, 18 April
06h13 Argentina

Trio Secure Commonwealth Berths at SA Swimming Nationals

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Trio Secure Commonwealth Berths at SA Swimming Nationals
By Adnaan Mohamed

South Africa’s elite swimmers wasted little time diving into qualification mode as the SA National Swimming Championships in Gqeberha produced a trio of early Commonwealth Games qualifiers, with Aimee Canny, Pieter Coetzé (pictured above) and Ruard van Renen slicing through the water with purpose.

At the Newton Park Swimming Pool, where every stroke carries the weight of Glasgow selection, the opening exchanges had the urgency of a final-length sprint. Coetzé, already riding a wave of confidence this season, once again proved why he is the country’s backstroke standard-bearer, delivering a performance that ticked the qualifying box with controlled authority.

World champion Coetzé had already made sure of his Commonwealth qualifying time in the morning heats, where he swam 53.13 seconds in the 100m backstroke. He went even quicker in the evening final, thanks to a strong challenge from Ruard van Renen. Coetzé claimed the title in 52.40 seconds, with Van Renen second in 53.61, also under the required qualifying time.

“I just wanted to see what I can do, get on the team firstly, and then just see what happens. I think that’s by far the fastest I’ve been at Nationals or at this time of the year, so it’s a very good sign,” said Coetzé afterwards, adding that he was pushed to a faster time by Van Renen next to him.

“I wasn’t sure what kind of form he was in, so I didn’t know what was going to happen and then after the turn, I just saw him pop up next to me, and I was like, ‘Okay, he’s looking good. I’m going to have to push.’ I’m super glad he got it, it’s been a long time coming for him,” added the 21-year-old.

If Coetzé’s swim was measured, Van Renen’s was a surge of raw intent, powering through his race like a swimmer chasing the wall in the final metres of a relay. His qualifying time underlined his growing stature in the national setup, marking him as one to watch as the season gathers pace.

Canny, meanwhile, cut through the field with the precision of a perfectly timed dive, her swim sealing a well-earned place among the early qualifiers. Calm and composed, she turned preparation into performance when it mattered most.

The 22-year-old achieved qualifying times in the 200m freestyle and the 100m breaststroke.  She first claimed a dominant victory in the 200m freestyle, speeding to victory in a time of 1 minute 56.64 to not only secure a place on the team but also better her own national and continental record, set at the SA Championships in the same pool back in 2024.

She was back in the pool around half an hour later for the final of the 100m breaststroke, where she saw off challenges from Simone Moll, Kaylene Corbett, and defending champion Rebecca Meder to win in another qualifying time of 1:06.57.

Aimee Canny Photo: Swimming SA

“I think I’m happy that [the freestyle] was first because breaststroke was kind of more of a wildcard, you could say, just because I do a lot of freestyle training. But I’m super happy with that,” said Canny afterwards.

“I’ve kind of always been training breaststroke, but this year I’ve changed training groups and done a lot more distance and a lot more 200 breast… So I was really excited for this coming in.”

As for achieving the qualifying time in the breaststroke, the University of Virginia student added: “I don’t know if I was expecting that. I knew I could get close to that, just wasn’t sure how close I would have got after that 200 freestyle.”

The women’s 100m backstroke title was won by Olivia Nel, who just missed the Commonwealth Games qualifying time by 0.37 of a second after winning in 1:00.83.

“I’ve had a very long season. There’s always the expectation of wanting [the qualifying time]. I gave my best in that race, and I executed it much better than this morning. As a technical swim, it was way better. So I’ll take the wins where I can take the wins,” said the North Carolina-based swimmer, who still has the 50m backstroke and the 50 and 100m freestyle to come this week.

Other winners on the night were 18-year-old Kris Mihaylov, who claimed the men’s 200m freestyle title in 1:48.24 and Chris Smith, who overcame a slow start to successfully defend his 100m breaststroke title, winning in a time of 1:00.36.

Swimming action at the Bombela Concession Company SA Swimming Championships continues at the Newton Park Swimming Pool in Gqeberha on Wednesday.

PUMA Athletes Smash Their Half Marathon Records In Berlin

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on PUMA Athletes Smash Their Half Marathon Records In Berlin

It was a historic day in Berlin as PUMA athlete Amanal Petros once again raised the bar on home soil. Racing in the FAST-R NITRO™ Elite 3, Petros shattered his own national record and clocked a personal best of 59:22.

His third-place finish was nine seconds faster than his 2025 performance, proving that his recent training block in Kenya is paying off in a big way.

A Record-Breaking Day in Berlin

Petros wasn’t the only one celebrating a career-defining run. The PUMA women’s roster also turned heads with massive performances:

  • Esther Pfeiffer (Germany): The four-time national champion shaved three seconds off her PB, finishing 5th with a stellar time of 67:25.

  • Chloe Herbiet (Belgium): In a truly standout performance, Herbiet sliced over two and a half minutes off her previous best. Her time of 67:32 set a new Belgian national record.

“To hit such a big personal best and set a new national record feels amazing,” said Herbiet. “I came into today feeling confident after training with the PUMA Elite Running Team in North Carolina, but this even exceeded my own expectations.”

The Tech Behind the Speed

These results continue to cement the FAST-R NITRO™ Elite 3 as the shoe to beat. Engineered specifically to “obliterate personal bests,” it has become the most coveted piece of gear in the PUMA lineup over the last year.

What’s Next?

The momentum is clearly building for the rest of the 2026 season. Petros is already eyeing the podium at the London Marathon next month, while Herbiet looks to carry this energy into a massive year of racing.

With stars like Fiona O’Keeffe and Rory Linkletter also on the roster, the PUMA team is looking faster than ever.

Want to learn more about the gear? Check out www.puma.com for the latest updates.

Mosiako in top form ahead of 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans half marathon showdown

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, News, Totalsports Two Oceans MarathonLeave a Comment on Mosiako in top form ahead of 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans half marathon showdown
By Adnaan Mohamed

Thabang Mosiako has timed his run into form with precision ahead of the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon on 12 April, delivering back-to-back performances that underline his intent to challenge for the title in Cape Town.

The Nedbank Running Club athlete produced a commanding victory at the Phakamile Mabija Human Rights Half Marathon in Kimberley, clocking 1:04:37 to set a new course record. He finished 1 minute and 23 seconds clear of teammate Joel Mmone.

“What a great race,” said Mosiako. “The road was smooth and safe, it was well organised and everything was indeed perfect. Overall, I am happy with my performance.”

That result followed a strong showing at the Paris Half Marathon on 8 March, where he ran 1:00:44 to finish third, the third fastest 21km time of his career.

The 31-year-old, who is the 2023 South African half marathon champion and one of the country’s fastest ever over the distance, believes improved race management has played a key role in his current form following his recent marathon campaigns.

“I think this time around I was smarter after my second marathon. I took enough rest, that’s why I didn’t struggle with the buildup phase and that led me to the shape I have now.”

Mosiako will return to Cape Town aiming to improve on last year’s fifth-place finish and replicate his victory in 2024.

“I’m going for the Two Oceans Half Marathon again to correct the mistake I made last year,” he said. “I’m just praying to remain injury free and to have consistency in training. I’m really happy about what’s coming my way.”

Two Oceans Marathon NPC chairperson Chris Goldschmidt believes Mosiako will be among the leading contenders.

“We’ve been watching Thabang Mosiako’s recent performances with great interest. His form in the lead-up to the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon powered by BYD certainly suggests that he is ready to challenge strongly for the title again. With athletes of this calibre lining up, we can expect an exciting and highly competitive race on 12 April.”

Race general manager Wade Bromfield echoed those sentiments.

“Thabang has shown impressive determination since finishing sixth last year, and his recent results indicate that he’ll arrive at the start line full of confidence. Performances like these add to the anticipation surrounding the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon powered by BYD, and we’re looking forward to seeing how the race unfolds with such a strong field competing for top honours.”

The 2026 event carries a combined prize purse of R2.6 million, with the half marathon offering R422 600, adding further incentive to an already competitive field.

Event Information

  • Thursday, 9 April: International Friendship Run
  • Friday, 10 April: Trail Run (07:00)
  • Saturday, 11 April: Ultra Marathon (05:15)
  • Sunday, 12 April: Half Marathon (06:15)

Total Prize Purse (2026): R2.6 million

  • Ultra Marathon: R2 177 400
  • Half Marathon: R422 600

Tayla Kavanagh stuns Glenrose Xaba in dramatic Cape Town SPAR 10km Challenge finish

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Tayla Kavanagh stuns Glenrose Xaba in dramatic Cape Town SPAR 10km Challenge finish
By Adnaan Mohamed

Tayla Kavanagh delivered a breakthrough performance to win the opening leg of the SPAR Grand Prix series in Cape Town on Sunday, outsprinting defending champion Glenrose Xaba in a gripping finish in Green Point.

The 24-year-old from Hollywood Athletics Club in KwaZulu-Natal clocked a personal best 31:33, timing her charge to perfection over the final 50 metres to edge Xaba by five seconds. It marked a significant statement at the start of the national women’s road running series.

Xaba, a three-time SPAR Grand Prix winner representing Boxer Athletics Club Gauteng North, crossed in 31:38 after a sustained duel with Kavanagh in the closing stages. Her teammate Kayla Jacobs secured third place in 32:16.

Kavanagh executed a measured race, staying within striking distance before lifting the pace in the final kilometre. The contest tightened approaching the last corner, where she committed to a decisive surge.

“No, I knew I was coming into the race in pretty good shape, but I never expected to win the race today,” said Kavanagh.

“I kind of just stuck to my plan, and I felt good in the last 1K. From about 9Ks, I just started to surge a bit. Glenrose came back at me, and I thought, ok let me keep trying. And as we took the last corner, I was like, I still got some gas in the legs, let me try.

“So, I took the risk and I brought it home. I was really happy to get a bit of a gap and to win. I’m super happy.”

Her focus this season has been consistency following a strong 2025 campaign.

“I had a really good year last year. So going into this season, I really wanted to build some consistency again. I was trying to continue that and it’s exactly what I managed to do today, so I’m really happy.”

Behind the leading trio, Karabo More (32:34) and Cacisile Sosibo (32:42) rounded out the top five in a competitive field that set a high standard for the series opener.

Double Olympic 800m gold medallist Caster Semenya (35:44), who coaches Xaba with her wife Violet Semenya finished in a credible 12th place.

Kavanagh’s victory reshapes the early Grand Prix standings and signals a potential shift in the competitive order, with Xaba set to respond as the series progresses.

A record 18000 women took to the streets of the Mother City to participate in perfect weather conditions on a fast, flat circular route that started in Vlei Road at the DHL Stadium and finished at Green Point. Common Fields.

Top 10 Results – SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge (Cape Town)

  1. Tayla Kavanagh – 31:33
  2. Glenrose Xaba – 31:38
  3. Kyla Jacobs – 32:16
  4. Karabo More – 32:34
  5. Cacisile Sosibo – 32:42
  6. Karabo Mailula – 33:28
  7. Irvette van Zyl – 33:43
  8. Zanthe Taljaard – 34:23
  9. Carina Swiegers – 34:47
  10. Elizabeth Hutamo – 35:09
  11. Deanne Launscher – 35:41       
  12. Caster Semenya -35:44

Top three: Tayla Kavanagh (center), Glenrose Xaba (left) andKayla Jacobs (right) finished on the podium at the Spar 10km Challenge in Cape Town on Sunday morning.
Photo Credit: Adnaan Mohamed

Glenrose Xaba targets record fourth SPAR Grand Prix crown

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Defending champion Glenrose Xaba will begin her bid for a record-breaking fourth SPAR Grand Prix title when the 2026 series opens in Green Point on Sunday.

No athlete has won the competition four times since its inception 18 years ago. Xaba, already a three-time winner, now has the opportunity to stand alone at the top of that list.

The opening race has been reshaped by the absence of Ethiopian runners Diniya Abaraya and Salem Gebre, who finished second and third respectively in last year’s standings. Both were unable to secure the necessary visas and clearance documents, their club confirmed earlier this week.

Their withdrawal strengthens the prospects of South Africa’s leading contenders and is expected to intensify competition among the local elite field.

“The SPAR Grand Prix has become very important to me,” said Xaba.
“I am very proud to be the first black South African to win it three times. I hope my achievements are an inspiration to young girls living in poverty as I was, who see what I have done and believe they can do the same.”

Xaba said she was in good condition ahead of the season opener.

“I am ready to run my best and I am looking forward to the competition. I just want to achieve good results in 2026,” she said.

Among those expected to challenge are Karabo Mailula, Irvette van Zyl and Tayla Kavanagh, along with Xaba’s training partners Karabo More and Cacisile Sosibo.

The SPAR Grand Prix consists of five races, with stops in Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane, Gqeberha and Johannesburg.

This year’s series offers a total prize purse of R2 million. The overall winner will earn R210 000, with additional incentives available to the top South African finishers.

Attention will also turn to the age-group categories. Junior champion Chanel Groenewald starts as favourite in her division. Anne Stewart will defend her 50-59 title, with Elizabeth Potter among her challengers. In the 60-plus category, Judy Bird is set to face strong competition from record holder Margie Saunders.

Sunday’s race follows a fast coastal route, starting near Green Point and running along the Sea Point Promenade before finishing at the Green Point Common.

For Xaba, the campaign begins with a clear objective: to convert consistency into history.

Simbine and Van Niekerk headline SA squad for Commonwealth Games 2026

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Akani Simbine, South Africa’s 100m record holder, headlines a squad that features nine other national record holder for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, set to take place in Glasgow, Scotland, from 23 July to 6 August.

The group has been trimmed from the initial 72 athletes announced in December, with the latest selection comprising 44 men and 24 women as preparations intensify.

Among those included are three athletes who reached the podium at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham: 100m star Simbine, long jumper Jovan van Vuuren and 400m hurdles specialist Zenéy Geldenhuys.

Wayde van Niekerk, the world record holder over 400m, has been selected in the 200m, while Tshepo Tshite (1500m), Adriaan Wildschutt (10,000m), Antonio Alkana (110m hurdles), Luvo Manyonga (long jump), Marioné Fourie (100m hurdles), Miné de Klerk (shot put), and marathon runners Elroy Gelant and Glenrose Xaba are also among the country’s record holders in the squad.

The provisional team further includes Olympic silver medallist Jo-Ané du Plessis (javelin), former world indoor champion Prudence Sekgodiso (800m), and ultra-distance specialist Gerda Steyn.

The final team to travel to Scotland will be confirmed at a later stage by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC).

ASA provisional Commonwealth Games squad

Men:
Akani Simbine (100m/4x100m), Shaun Maswanganyi (100m/4x100m), Gift Leotlela (100m/4x100m), Abduraghmaan Karriem (100m/4x100m), Retshidisitswe Mlenga (100m/4x100m), Tsebo Matsoso (100m/4x100m), Karabo Letebele (100m/4x100m), Bradley Nkoana (100m/4x100m), Bayanda Walaza (100m/4x100m), Sinesipho Dambile (200m/4x100m), Wayde van Niekerk (200m/4x400m), Naeem Jack (200m), Leendert Koekemoer (400m/4x400m), Matt Nortjé (400m/4x400m), Udeme Okon (400m/4x400m), Zakithi Nene (400m/4x400m), Lythe Pillay (400m/4x400m), Gardeo Isaacs (400m/4x400m), Mthi Mthimkulu (400m/4x400m), Tumisang Shezi (400m/4x400m), Tshepo Tshite (1500m), Ryan Mphahlele (1500m), Adriaan Wildschutt (10,000m), Antonio Alkana (110m hurdles), Mondray Barnard (110m hurdles), John Adesola (110m hurdles), Njabulo Mbatha (400m hurdles), Sabelo Dhlamini (400m hurdles), Jovan van Vuuren (long jump), Cheswill Johnson (long jump), Luvo Manyonga (long jump), Kyle Blignaut (shot put), Aiden Smith (shot put), Victor Hogan (discus), Brian Raats (high jump), Kyle Rademeyer (pole vault), Douw Smith (javelin), Elroy Gelant (marathon), Adam Lipschitz (marathon), Thabang Mosiako (marathon), Tumelo Motlagale (marathon), Melikhaya Frans (marathon), Regan Magwai (marathon), Bennett Seloyi (marathon).

Women:
Miranda Coetzee (400m/4x400m), Shirley Nekhubui (400m/4x400m), Precious Molepo (400m/4x400m), Zenéy Geldenhuys (400m hurdles/4x400m), Hannah van Niekerk (400m hurdles/4x400m), Rogail Joseph (400m hurdles/4x400m), Marlie Viljoen (400m/4x400m), Prudence Sekgodiso (800m), Aviwe Hoboloshe (800m), Charné du Plessis (800m), Marioné Fourie (100m hurdles), Danielle Nolte (long jump), Miré Reinstorf (pole vault), Miné de Klerk (shot put), Ashley Erasmus (shot put), Colette Uys (shot put), Jo-Ané du Plessis (javelin), Mckyla van der Westhuizen (javelin), Jana van Schalkwyk (javelin), Jessica Groenewald (35km walk), Glenrose Xaba (marathon), Cian Oldknow (marathon), Dominique Scott-Efurd (marathon), Gerda Steyn (marathon).

History for Matt and Tristan, First Cape Epic Title for Candice

Roxanne MartinNewsLeave a Comment on History for Matt and Tristan, First Cape Epic Title for Candice

Matt Beers and Tristan Nortje made history on Sunday by becoming the first all-South African team to win the Absa Cape Epic after a dramatic final stage in Stellenbosch.

Starting the day just 13 seconds behind overnight leaders Luca and Simone, the Toyota Specialized Imbuko pair raced aggressively from the start and overturned the deficit to secure the overall title. While Sam and Luca claimed the stage win, Matt and Tristan did enough with their third-place finish to wrap up a famous victory.

It was Matt’s fourth Cape Epic title and Tristan’s first — and it didn’t come easily.

The South Africans put pressure on early and had built a strong advantage before Tristan crashed heavily midway through the stage, injuring his elbow and bruising his leg. With Luca and Simone closing fast in the final kilometres, Matt helped pace and push his teammate all the way to the finish as they held on for a memorable win.

“You can’t get bigger than this,” said Tristan. “There are so many emotions right now. I think about all the sacrifices made by family, friends and the team that have supported me. Today was about doing it for them and for the people of South Africa. It’s very special.”

Matt said the result meant even more because of what it represented.

“It’s a special one because we have done what a lot of South Africans have been trying to do for a long time,” he said. “Tristan has ridden amazingly all week and showed true character pushing through.”

In the women’s race, Candice Lill finally claimed her first Absa Cape Epic title after five previous runner-up finishes, teaming up with Alessandra Keller to dominate the race from start to finish.

Candice and Alessandra won seven of the eight stages, including the final stage, to seal an emphatic overall victory. Monica and Tessa finished second on the day, with Hayley and Haley in third.

“It’s been a long time coming,” said Candice. “But sometimes you have to go through those deep, dark situations to get to where I am today. It makes it sweeter.”

It was a breakthrough win for Tristan, a fourth title for Matt, and a long-awaited moment of triumph for Candice — making it a Cape Epic to remember for South African cycling.