Category: News

‹ Back

Xaba puts the hammer down in Joburg

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Xaba puts the hammer down in Joburg
By Adnaan Mohamed

Glenrose Xaba saved her sharpest kick for the closing kilometres, powering to a commanding 32:11 victory at the Totalsports Women’s Race Joburg at Marks Park, Emmarentia, on Sunday.

The South African turned a demanding 10km into a tactical game of patience, pace and positioning, picking her moment before putting daylight between herself and the chasing pack with about two kilometres remaining.

It was a performance built for the hill

Xaba had initially planned to shadow Kenya’s Brenda Kenei, who arrived with a 30:29 personal best and ambitious sub-30:30 intentions. The Joburg elevation and rolling route soon exposed where the race could be won.

“I saw a post that there would be a lady aiming for sub-30:30, and I said I would go with her. I knew the course was tough, but I would try my best to stick with her,” Xaba said.

“The beginning was hard because she was pushing, but I tried my best to keep the pace. I noticed that when it came to the hills, she was not as strong, so I tried to close the gap on the downhills so that when we approached the hills, I could stick with her. I think the plan worked for me.”

It certainly did.

With the final climbs looming, Xaba shifted gears and turned the race into a solo pursuit.

“I think it was two kilometres to go when I broke away from her. I knew that when we got to one kilometre to go, we were going to climb again.”

Her reward was a second victory of the year and another confidence boost ahead of the World Championships.

“It feels amazing to cross the finish line first. I think it’s my second win of the year, so I am very happy. It shows that my training is going well. I am focusing on the World Champs, so when I come to a race, I am coming with a full programme.”

Top Three: Brenda Kenei, Glenrose Xaba and Cacisile Sosibo. Photo’s Tobias Ginsberg

Kenei finished second, with South African Cacisile Sosibo third.

Xaba’s victory also put a distinctly local gloss on a series increasingly becoming a meeting point for South African talent and international challengers. Durban went to Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala in 32:06, while Kenya’s Daisilah Jerono won Cape Town in 31:29.

Stillwater Sports managing director Michael Meyer praised the Joburg finale and the thousands of women who helped turn the series into a national celebration.

“The Totalsports Women’s Race Joburg was the perfect culmination of this year’s three-race series,” Meyer said.

Totalsports head of marketing Nikki Crous echoed the sentiment, saying women across Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg had created “three truly memorable race days”.

With Busiswa providing the soundtrack and PinkDrive remaining central to the campaign, the series finished with plenty of colour, community and running shoes pounding the pavement.

Xaba supplied the final flourish.

Joburg had its champion. The 2026 Women’s Month racing relay had its perfect finishing kick.

RESULTS – TOP 10 / Totalsports Women’s Race Johannesburg 2026 10km

Date: Sunday 16 August 2026

Start Time: 08:00

Start Venue: Judith Rd at Orange St intersection

Finish Venue: Orange Road and Buffalo Road Junction, Marks Park

Top 10 Elite Field

1 Glenrose Xaba (South Africa) 32:11, 2 Brenda Kenei (Kenya) 32:28, 3 Cacisile Sosibo (South Africa) 34:01, 4 Irvette Van Zyl (South Africa) 34:23, 5 Emma Pallant-Browne (Great Britain) 34:44, 6 Karabo Mailula (South Africa) 35:02, 7 Dikeledi Majara (Lesotho) 35:41, 8 Carina Swiegers (South Africa) 37:04, 9 Cornelia Joubert (South Africa) 38:19, 10 Maria Shai (South Africa) 39:06

GET YOUR FULL RESULTS HERE:

All Blacks turn up volume ahead of first RGR Springboks Test

Adnaan MohamedNews, Rugby, SpringboksLeave a Comment on All Blacks turn up volume ahead of first RGR Springboks Test
By Adnaan Mohamed

The All Blacks have turned up the volume ahead of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry (RGR), with the Bulls bearing the brunt of a 50-19 demolition at Loftus Versfeld.

New Zealand ran in eight tries in Pretoria on Saturday, producing their most complete performance of the South African tour to date and finishing their provincial warm-ups unbeaten.

It was a statement built on scrum power, breakdown brutality and attacking freedom. Josh Moorby, Leroy Carter and captain Codie Taylor all crossed twice as the All Blacks raced into a 24-0 halftime lead.

The Bulls eventually found some life, scoring three tries, yet New Zealand kept the scoreboard ticking like a taxi meter on a busy Saturday night.

For Dave Rennie, the performance offered useful clues ahead of next Saturday’s first Test against the Springboks in Johannesburg.

“50 points against a very good Bulls side is a positive,” Rennie said.

“We played a team that was prepared to play and really took it to us. I thought our set piece was strong, especially the scrum.”

The All Blacks created 11 line breaks to the Bulls’ one and showed improved discipline, giving Rennie plenty of selection headaches with his Test squad now taking shape.

“That certainly wasn’t our Test side tonight, and so there will be a number of changes,” he said.

“There were some really good performances that will put pressure on us from a selection point of view.”

Rennie also knows the Bulls were not a Test-strength opponent. The Pretoria side had not played since June and had limited preparation following their URC final appearance.

That reality explains why Rennie was quick to sound the brakes on the victory parade.

“What we know is that the intensity levels and the quality we’re going to come up against next week are three, four, or fivefolds, but we’ve played reasonably well on tour, and we know we need to up the ante.”

The All Blacks could welcome back Will Jordan and Cam Roigard, who have progressed from their respective injuries. Damian McKenzie remains a concern with an ankle problem, while Rennie hopes he can train on Tuesday.

New Zealand captain Codie Taylor delivered his own warning.

“No disrespect to the Bulls but they [the Springboks] will lift the tempo and physicality. That’s what Test match footy is all about. It’s an exciting week ahead.”

Loftus was the dress rehearsal. Ellis Park is where the curtain rises.

And the Boks have heard the warning bell.

Brianna Robinson rallies to national glory

Adnaan MohamedNews, SquashLeave a Comment on Brianna Robinson rallies to national glory
By Adnaan Mohamed

Brianna Robinson turned years of hard work into a national title after producing a stirring comeback at the Growthpoint South African Junior Nationals at Makers Landing at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town on Saturday.

The Joburg Squash player recovered from 2-1 down to beat Northerns’ Elzandri Janse van Rensburg 3-2 in a gripping U19 women’s final.

Robinson found her rhythm when the match entered its business end, moving with purpose and using the court like a chessboard as she pinned Janse van Rensburg deep before finishing the job 11-6, 11-5 in the final two games.

The victory fulfilled a goal Robinson has carried since first competing at the tournament.

“This has been a big goal for me since I started playing this tournament, so I’m very proud to have got the win,” she said.

“I am so grateful to everyone who has helped me over the past few years to make this sort of result possible.”

Janse van Rensburg, the Growthpoint U17 champion in 2024 and 2025, had to settle for third after KwaZulu-Natal’s Makayla Naidoo beat Boland’s Dane Meintjies 3-0 to finish second.

There was more five-game drama in the U19 men’s final, where Northerns top seed Juan-Corne Brand edged Western Province’s Joseph Feast 3-2.

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – AUGUST 15: Juan-Corne Brand in his match against Joseph Feast during day 3 of the Growthpoint SA Squash Nationals 2026 – Juniors at Makers Landing, V&A Waterfront on August 15, 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Petri Oeschger/Gallo Images)

Feast appeared to have the match in his grasp after Brand squandered a match point in the fourth game, forcing a decider. Brand steadied himself, raced into an early lead and held his nerve to win 11-6 in the fifth.

The scoreline, 3-11, 12-10, 12-10, 10-12, 11-6, underlined a final played at full throttle.

The U17 girls’ final produced another test of nerve.

Northerns left-hander Starla Phillips recovered from losing the opening game 11-8 to beat Border’s Kate van Biljon 3-1. Phillips repeatedly found the back corners with precision length before unleashing a sharp short game.

She survived a late wobble after allowing three match points to disappear while leading 10-6 in the fourth, then sealed the title with a winning backhand drop.

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – AUGUST 15: Starla Philips in her match against Kate van Biljon during day 3 of the Growthpoint SA Squash Nationals 2026 – Juniors at Makers Landing, V&A Waterfront on August 15, 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Petri Oeschger/Gallo Images)

“I’m feeling good and very happy right now,” Phillips said.

“I’ve had some good results this year, and also a few bad ones, but I am glad I was able to finish it off today.”

Phillips was particularly pleased to settle an old score against Van Biljon, who beat her in the 2024 Growthpoint U15 girls’ final.

“Kate and I have been playing each other for many years and always have a good game, so I’m happy to get the win today.”

Christian Swanepoel completed the U17 winners’ list by beating provincial teammate Ruan Botha 3-0 in the boys’ final.

Christian Swanepoel Photo by Petri Oeschger/Gallo Images

The championships produced a healthy dose of sweat, skill and sporting theatre, with South Africa’s emerging squash stars showing that when the pressure cooker starts whistling, composure can be the sharpest weapon in the racket bag.

Final results

U19 women: 1 Brianna Robinson (Joburg Squash), 2 Makayla Naidoo (KZN), 3 Elzandri Janse van Rensburg (Northerns), 4 Dane Meintjies (Boland).

U19 men: 1 Juan-Corne Brand (Northerns), 2 Joseph Feast (WP), 3 Thomas Boutall (WP), 4 Benji Newman (EP).

U17 girls: 1 Starla Phillips (Northerns), 2 Kate van Biljon (Border), 3 Rylee Howells (KZN), 4 Chelsey Cameron (KZN).

U17 boys: 1 Christian Swanepoel (Eden), 2 Cobus Schimper (Free State), 3 Ruan Botha (Eden), 4 Ross Smorfitt (Eden).

Doreen Cherop targets Tshwane 10K victory

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Doreen Cherop targets Tshwane 10K victory
By Adnaan Mohamed

Doreen Cherop arrived in South Africa as an unknown quantity. She left Durban as a 10km winner. Now the Kenyan has the Tshwane 10K in her sights.

Cherop will return to action at the sold-out Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K on Sunday 23 August, carrying the confidence of a stunning 30:43 victory in Durban last month.

The 22-year-old produced a lifetime best on her international 10km debut, upsetting pre-race favourite Brenda Jepchirchir and announcing herself with a finish-line flourish.

“The 10km course was amazing and the race was very well organised. I wasn’t expecting to win. I was aiming for a podium finish, only to find myself in a winning position,” Cherop said.

“I think I won because I believed in my training.”

That belief now faces a sterner examination in Tshwane, where Cherop will confront another high-quality field and the demands of racing at altitude.

She knows the script cannot be copied and pasted from Durban.

“It feels good to run with champions. I am still gaining more experience on how to run 10km. So I want to run my own race and do my best.”

It is a quietly confident approach from an athlete whose first international 10km outing produced a result loud enough to turn heads across the road-running world.

Cherop has the speed to light the fuse. Tshwane will test her tactical patience and ability to manage the pressure of arriving as a favourite.

Stillwater Sports managing director Michael Meyer expects another fiercely contested women’s race.

“Doreen’s performance in Durban was a great introduction to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, and we’re excited to see what she can produce when she takes on the challenging Tshwane course,” Meyer said.

“We’re expecting another exciting battle for the podium in Tshwane.”

The race starts at 08:00 from Stanza Bopape Street in Arcadia, with the same road serving as the finish.

The 2026 series has already produced serious fireworks. Adriaan Wildschutt won Gqeberha in 27:47, Brenda Jepchirchir claimed the women’s race in 30:15 and Joshua Cheptegei scorched Durban in 27:19. The Cape Town event was cancelled because of a severe weather forecast.

Tshwane is next.

Cherop has already shown she can finish with the champagne.

Now she wants another taste.

Bulls bolster pack and unleash overseas X-factor for All Blacks clash

Adnaan MohamedNews, Preview, Rugby, SpringboksLeave a Comment on Bulls bolster pack and unleash overseas X-factor for All Blacks clash
By Adnaan Mohamed

The Vodacom Bulls are loading up for an All Blacks ambush at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, combining returning Springbok muscle with a pair of overseas-tested backs capable of injecting serious X-factor.

The recipe is clear: add international steel to the pack, then let Curwin Bosch and Thaakir Abrahams bring the fizz.

Bosch starts at flyhalf after two seasons with Brive in France, where the 29-year-old says he rediscovered the freedom that made him one of South Africa’s most naturally gifted attacking players.

“It’s amazing to be back in South Africa,” Bosch said. “The two seasons I spent in France were really good for me, but there’s no place like home.”

His French adventure was a mental reset.

“It was so good for me mentally to spend a bit of time in France and just get the shackles off and get back to doing what I do best, and that’s play rugby.”

Bosch believes the experience stripped away the noise and restored his instinctive game.

“There were no sideshows and no distractions. I could just focus on playing good rugby.”

“I just felt a lot more free. The last couple of seasons I spent in South Africa, I felt boxed a little bit.”

“That time in France freed me up. It took me back to how you play rugby at school. You see the space and you play the space. That’s when I’m at my best.”

Now the stage could hardly be bigger.

“It’s probably an opportunity of a lifetime to test yourself against the second-best team in the world,” Bosch said.

On the wing, Abrahams offers another attacking spark. The former Sharks and Munster winger returns to the Bulls with speed to burn and the ability to turn half-chances into highlight-reel material.

Together, Bosch and Abrahams give the Bulls a backline with genuine unpredictability.

Up front, the Bulls have reinforced the pack with Springbok quality. Hooker Johan Grobbelaar and loose forward Elrigh Louw have been released from the Springboks after their Argentina tour and will provide fresh international experience from the bench.

Both have had a single training session with the Bulls.

“It’s great to have them with us, and we’re looking forward to the challenge,” coach Johan Ackermann said.

Jaundre Schoeman and Mpilo Gumede make way in the match-day squad.

Captain Marcell Coetzee leads a pack containing plenty of experience, while Hanro Liebenberg returns to South Africa after his stint with Leicester Tigers.

Willie le Roux adds another Springbok presence at fullback, with Embrose Papier and Jeandré Rudolph providing tempo and thrust.

The numbers make for sobering reading. New Zealand have won three of the four meetings since 1949. The Bulls’ solitary victory came in 1976, when Northern Transvaal edged the All Blacks 29-27.

Almost 50 years later, Loftus gets another crack at rugby folklore.

The Bulls have brought the Boks for ballast and the overseas returnees for fireworks.

Now they need the whole package to explode.

Bulls: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Thaakir Abrahams, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Jeandré Rudolph, 7 Hanro Liebenberg, 6 Marcell Coetzee (c), 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Francois Klopper, 2 Juann Else, 1 Alu Tshakweni.
Bench: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Sti Sithole, 18 Khuta Mchunu, 19 Reinhardt Ludwig, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Katlego Letebele, 23 Hakeem Kunene.

New Zealand: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Josh Moorby, 10 Josh Jacomb, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Peter Lakai, 7 Anton Segner, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu, 4 Fabian Holland, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor (captain), 1 Xavier Numia
Bench: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 George Bower, 18 Siale Lauaki, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Wallace Sititi, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23 Emoni Narawa

Date: Saturday, August 15
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 19.00 (17.00 GMT; 05.00 Sunday, August 16 NZST)
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
Assistant referees: Karl Dickson (England), Matthew Carley (England)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (France)

From Comrades glory to Tshwane 10K speed test

Adnaan MohamedEvent Update!, News, PreviewLeave a Comment on From Comrades glory to Tshwane 10K speed test
By Adnaan Mohamed

George Kusche has conquered the Comrades Marathon. Now the reigning champion wants to find out whether his legs still have enough sting to mix it with the 10km specialists.

Kusche will line up at the sold-out Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K on 23 August, with Kenya’s Salem Kibet arriving with victory firmly in his sights.

The 28-year-old Kusche has never been a one-distance pony. A sub-four-minute mile and 13:28.95 5000m personal best from his US NCAA days provided the speed foundation for his road-running career.

A 28:56 10km in Gqeberha in 2024 was followed by a 2:20:12 marathon debut in Cape Town and fourth place at last year’s Soweto Marathon.

Then came his Comrades masterpiece.

George Kusche is set to tackle the Tshwane 10k in his home town Pretoria. PHOTO CREDIT: Action Photo

Kusche clocked 5:15:56 on 14 June to obliterate the Up Run record by more than eight minutes. It was an ultra-marathon performance with a sprinter’s heartbeat underneath it.

Now he wants to put that speed back under the microscope.

“It’s very important for me to run a fast 10km because I train as a marathon athlete year-round and then I switch to Comrades-specific training in March,” Kusche said.

“And if you want to be a good marathoner, you must be able to run a good 10km. So I’m hoping to be able to run a good race at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K. I’d love to see if I can run sub-30 minutes, which should be a good time at altitude. I’m curious to see how well I can do. I’m in decent shape and I’m really looking forward to this.”

A sub-30-minute run could put Kusche in the thick of the action, although Tshwane’s hills have a habit of turning confident runners into humble pedestrians. Only 10 men broke 30 minutes in last year’s race.

Kibet knows the terrain and the pace required.

Joshua Cheptegei and Salem Kibet in action at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in July this year. PHOTO CREDIT: Anthony Grote

The Kenyan arrives after running a lifetime-best 27:29 for second behind Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei in Durban last month. He now wants to move one place higher.

“My target is to improve on my performance from Durban and compete for the win,” Kibet said.

“Finishing second in Durban was not easy, especially running alongside a great athlete like Joshua Cheptegei. That experience taught me a lot. I thank God for the opportunity, and I am looking forward to giving my best in Tshwane.”

Stillwater Sports managing director Michael Meyer believes the meeting of Kusche’s endurance and Kibet’s speed could add serious spice to the Pretoria showdown.

“George Kusche’s decision to test himself over 10km against a field of established specialists adds another fascinating dimension to what is shaping up to be a highly competitive Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K,” Meyer said.

“He has already shown that he has the speed and endurance to compete at the highest level, and it will be exciting to see what he can produce over 10km after his record-breaking Comrades victory.”

Kusche brings the endurance. Kibet brings the velocity. Tshwane supplies the hills.

The stopwatch will deliver the verdict.

Ash Barty to take on men at Icons Cup South Africa

Adnaan MohamedEvent Update!, Golf, News, PreviewLeave a Comment on Ash Barty to take on men at Icons Cup South Africa
By Adnaan Mohamed

Three-time Grand Slam champion Ash Barty will return to the Icons Series when she lines up for Team World against Team South Africa at The Links at Fancourt in December.

Barty was announced on National Women’s Day as the latest addition to José María Olazábal’s 14-player squad for the Icons Cup South Africa, which takes place from 11 to 13 December.

The former world No 1 will take on the men in three days of team match-play golf, bringing a two handicap and previous Icons Series experience to the contest.

Barty competed at the 2022 Icons Cup New York, where she produced a strong winning record. Her return adds one of the world’s most accomplished multi-sport athletes to a field already packed with sporting heavyweights.

Her tennis CV needs little introduction. Barty won the French Open, Wimbledon and Australian Open before retiring in 2022 while ranked No 1 in the world.

On the golf course, her competitive instincts remain sharp.

Barty joins former Chelsea and England captain John Terry and West Indies batting great Brian Lara in Team World.

Olazábal’s side will face an increasingly formidable Team South Africa captained by four-time Major winner Ernie Els. AB de Villiers, Fourie du Preez, Butch James and Vernon Philander have already been confirmed for the hosts.

The format promises to put sporting reputations on the scorecard. Golf has a habit of exposing even the smallest crack in concentration, with every tee shot capable of opening the door and every missed putt capable of slamming it shut.

For Barty, the challenge will be familiar territory in one respect: pressure.

Her return gives the Icons Cup another compelling storyline as the fairways become a meeting point for athletes whose careers were forged in cricket, rugby, football and tennis.

The full line-ups are still being assembled, with further announcements expected in the coming weeks.

The Links at Fancourt will host the 28-player contest, with the event set to be broadcast internationally.

For Barty, the target will be clear. Bring the Grand Slam temperament, trust the golf swing and let the scorecard do the talking.

Roshdy wins second Assore Squash title in Johannesburg

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, News, SquashLeave a Comment on Roshdy wins second Assore Squash title in Johannesburg
By Adnaan Mohamed

Adham Roshdy has turned Parkview Squash Centre into his personal launching pad, with the 19-year-old Egyptian teenager claiming his second PSA title in as many weeks at the Assore Challenger 6 in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Roshdy defeated compatriot Seif El Shenawy in a final that barely had time to find its rhythm. After taking the opening game 11-5, Roshdy watched El Shenawy concede after one point of the second game, bringing the contest to an abrupt end.

It was an unusual finale to an impressive fortnight. Roshdy had beaten El Shenawy in the previous week’s Assore Challenger 6 final too, making the Egyptian teenager the undisputed king of Parkview.

“I am really proud of myself and my performances, and I want to thank my team back in Egypt for all the hard work they have put in,” Roshdy said.

His back-to-back titles offer a glimpse into the depth of Egypt’s squash system, where young players routinely sharpen their games against elite opposition.

“In Egypt, we are one of the strongest squash countries in the world and we always compete against top-10 players, so that is a difference,” Roshdy said. “But there are some very good players in South Africa too.”

The women’s final provided considerably more fireworks.

Fourth-seeded Amira Elrefaey survived a 59-minute Egyptian duel with third seed Hana Aladdin, winning 11-13, 12-10, 5-11, 11-9, 11-5.

The match was a squash rollercoaster, with momentum changing hands like a loose ball in a frantic netball circle. Elrefaey eventually steadied her game and her emotions to claim the crown.

“This tournament was so great, and it went better for me,” she said. “This time I placed a lot of focus on my mental approach and that gave me more confidence in the match.”

Her adjustment was tactical too, with greater emphasis on length, composure and court discipline.

“I also focused on getting a better length on my shots and trying to stay calm on court and not get too angry with myself.”

The real prize for South African squash may extend beyond the trophies.

Tournament director Craig van der Wath sees the Assore series as a bridge between local ambition and international expertise. Two Challenger 6 events were staged close together to maximise competitive exposure while limiting travel costs.

The visiting Egyptians have also worked with juniors from Parkview Squash, Egoli Junior Squash and Joburg programmes, sharing insights into preparation, training and life on the Egyptian squash circuit.

“Our players have a lot of talent and after these tournaments they now have the information,” Van der Wath said. “It is up to the players to put into practice what they have learnt and try to move up the world rankings.”

That, ultimately, is the Assore series’ bigger swing.

“We provide the opportunity for those players to come and compete, and we are best served by having a close relationship with Egypt because they are the strongest squash nation in the world,” Van der Wath said.

“If we align ourselves with the best, then we can also aim to become the best.”

For South African squash, the scoreboard tells only part of the story. The lessons absorbed between rallies could prove the more valuable result.

“It’s not something that will happen immediately. It’s a progression and maybe after a few years our players will see the real benefits of this. It starts with how we prepare, how we train and how we practise.”

The Assore tournaments have provided ranking points, international competition and a front-row seat to Egyptian excellence. The next move belongs to South Africa’s players.

Tshwane turn up the heat as semi-final picture takes shape

Adnaan MohamedNetball, NewsLeave a Comment on Tshwane turn up the heat as semi-final picture takes shape
By Adnaan Mohamed

The semi-final picture is taking shape at the SPAR National Netball Championships in Cape Town, with Tshwane, Cape Town, Mangaung and Johannesburg safely through to the playoffs after a fourth day of high-octane action.

Tshwane produced the statement performance of Sunday, beating four-time defending champions Johannesburg 53-46 to climb to the summit of the Senior A log.

The Pretoria side came out firing, building a commanding 32-20 half-time advantage. Johannesburg found another gear after the interval and won the final quarter by five goals, yet Tshwane had built enough breathing room to keep the champions at arm’s length.

For coach Rozanne Matthyse, the result underlined the progress of a team determined to set the tournament’s benchmark.

“We wanted to come into this tournament and set a standard and I think we’ve done that,” she said.

Matthyse likened the campaign to clearing a series of hurdles, with every match another obstacle between Tshwane and the ultimate prize.

Her concern is that her players have occasionally taken their foot off the accelerator after establishing commanding leads.

“It seems like our quarter three and four, we start very slow,” she said. “I think sometimes it is very complacent that they go into that third quarter feeling that they have that lead and they can relax… It is a problem that we’re giving teams a little bit of confidence where we don’t need to.”

That warning could prove prophetic when the margins become razor-thin in the playoffs. In netball, a comfortable lead can evaporate faster than a missed centre pass.

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – AUGUST 09: Anja Smit of Cape Town A during the U/21 A match between Mangaung and Cape Town A on day 4 of the SPAR National Netball Championships at Gene Louw Primary School on August 09, 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images)

Tshwane earlier beat Alfred Nzo 39-28 in a rain-affected encounter that was abandoned at the start of the third quarter. Johannesburg had opened their day with a 53-45 victory over Dr Kenneth Kaunda.

Hosts Cape Town were equally ruthless, brushing aside eThekwini 68-34 before beating Alfred Nzo 72-44 to finish second.

Assistant coach and former SPAR Proteas defender Phumza Maweni was delighted with the progress.

“I’m very satisfied to be honest. We worked for this. We’ve been building up all the combinations, and these two games really helped us to see who can push until the end…”

Sunday also carried added significance as South Africa celebrated National Women’s Day.

For Maweni, there was no better stage than a national netball championship to celebrate women in sport.

“Being athletes and being around the women who really push you and see you as a leader, it’s huge, and having the tournament over Women’s Day is really special for women athletes,” she said.

“There are a lot of kids that look up to the SPAR Proteas so when they see us, they see the leaders and when we see them, we learn from them as well. I think SPAR is doing a great job to combine all the women under one umbrella on this day.”

With Tshwane, Cape Town, Mangaung and Johannesburg through, Monday’s final round-robin matches will decide the semi-final pairings.

The scoreboard has done its work. Now the permutations take centre stage.

Senior A results

  • Cape Town 68-34 eThekwini
  • Alfred Nzo 28-39 Tshwane
  • Johannesburg 53-45 Dr Kenneth Kaunda
  • Nelson Mandela Bay 35-52 Mangaung
  • Cape Town 72-44 Alfred Nzo
  • Tshwane 53-46 Johannesburg
  • Botswana 49-50 Mangaung
  • eThekwini 29-36 Nelson Mandela Bay
  • Namibia 60-44 Dr Kenneth Kaunda

Under-21 A results

  • Johannesburg 63-23 Ekurhuleni
  • Tshwane 51-40 Royal Bafokeng
  • Mangaung 51-37 Cape Town
  • Ekurhuleni 28-28 Dr Kenneth Kaunda

Kenyan star Jerono wins Totalsports Women’s Race

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Kenyan star Jerono wins Totalsports Women’s Race

Kenyan road-running star Daisilah Jerono arrived in South Africa with a simple mission: test her training. She left Cape Town with gold around her neck.

The world No. 7 half-marathon runner produced a composed 31:29 to win the Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town on Sunday, 9 August, adding another international victory to an already impressive 2026 campaign.

The 1:05:21 Berlin half marathon performer, currently the second-fastest Kenyan over the distance this year, had hoped to sharpen the racing blade ahead of bigger challenges. Cape Town instead handed her a podium finish on a platter.

The course offered little charity, with wind and rolling undulations testing every stride. Jerono kept her rhythm ticking like a metronome, refusing to let the conditions derail her charge.

Daisilah Jerono claims gold at the Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town in 31:29. PHOTO CREDIT: David Sullivan

“The race was tough. It was windy, with a few ups and downs, but I am happy to have run today,” said Jerono.

Her victory was even sweeter because it came without expectation.

“This is my first time in South Africa. I didn’t come with the idea of winning; I came to see where I am in my training.”

The Cape Town crowd helped propel her over the finish line.

“The runners were so cheerful, and I really liked how they cheered for us. I am so happy to win today. I was not expecting it; it’s by God’s grace. God willing, maybe I’ll come back next year.”

Faith Cherono, also of Kenya, finished second, with Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala completing the podium.

Elite Women’s Podium (from left to right): Neheng Khatala (Lesotho), Daisilah Jerono (Kenya) and Faith Cherono (Kenya). PHOTO CREDIT: David Sullivan

Jerono was among 10 000 entrants who turned Cape Town’s streets into a moving celebration of women, fitness and community on National Women’s Day, while raising support for PinkDrive.

For Stillwater Sports Managing Director Michael Meyer, the day delivered both elite competition and mass-participation magic.

“Congratulations to Daisilah Jerono on a truly outstanding performance. The standard of elite racing at this year’s Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town was exceptional, with an exciting display of talent and determination from start to finish,” said Meyer.

He also highlighted the wider significance of the event before looking ahead to Johannesburg on 16 August, following successful races in Durban and Cape Town.

Totalsports Head of Marketing Nikki Crous Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

Totalsports Head of Marketing Nikki Crous said the event again demonstrated the power of women united by sport and purpose.

“The Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town once again showcased the incredible power of women coming together to celebrate fitness, friendship and purpose,” said Crous.

With the Mother City roaring and 10 000 women adding their footsteps to the occasion, Jerono’s debut became the fastest chapter of a much bigger story: competition with a conscience, celebration with a finish line.

RESULTS – TOP 10 / Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town 2026

Date: Sunday 09 August 2026

Start Time: 08:00

Start Venue: Darling Street, Cape Town

Finish Venue: Grand Parade, Cape Town

Top 10 Elite Field

1 Daisilah Jerono (Kenya) 31:29, 2 Faith Cherono (Kenya) 31:32, 3 Neheng Khatala (Lesotho) 33:23, 4 Olga Firsova (Australia) 36:20, 5 Marie-Tinka Olivier (South Africa) 37:25, 6 Nicole Van Wyk (South Africa) 37:43, 7 Deanne Laubscher (South Africa) 38:07, 8 Lauren Jonathan (South Africa) 38:18, 9 Yandiswa Shange (South Africa) 38:39, 10 Mia Steytler (South Africa) 38:49

FIND THE FULL RESULTS HERE: