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Boks’ Cape Town Test rocked by Pollard fitness scare

Adnaan MohamedAll Blacks, News, Preview, SpringboksLeave a Comment on Boks’ Cape Town Test rocked by Pollard fitness scare
By Adnaan Mohamed

The Springboks’ bid to claw their way back into Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Series has been dealt another potential blow, with Handré Pollard reportedly set to miss Saturday’s second Test against the All Blacks at Cape Town Stadium.

According to Netwerk24, the experienced flyhalf is battling a calf injury and could be ruled out of the four-match series showdown.

Pollard was named to start on Monday, with Rassie Erasmus opting for the two-time World Cup winner’s experience of Cape Town conditions. His late fitness concern has thrown another spanner into the Springbok machinery at a time when every moving part needs to click.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who started at flyhalf in last weekend’s 33-16 defeat at Ellis Park before moving to the bench, and Manie Libbok are the leading candidates to step into the No 10 jersey.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu

Pollard’s 2026 campaign has already been punctuated by injury. He opened his season with a Man of the Match performance against Scotland on 11 July before a hamstring problem ruled him out of the Wales Test the following week. His latest appearance came in South Africa’s victory over Argentina in Mendoza almost a month ago.

Now, with the Boks’ series hopes dangling over the precipice, another injury cloud has gathered.

South Africa must win in Cape Town to prevent New Zealand from taking an unassailable 2-0 lead and effectively closing the door on a series victory. Another defeat would leave the Boks needing to win the remaining two Tests to force a draw.

Thomas du Toit insists the Ellis Park setback has already been packed away and dissected.

“I think the important thing for us was to park that game and take the learning as quickly as we can,” said the versatile prop.

The Springboks conducted their review on Monday, identifying what worked and what went wrong before turning their attention to the next assignment.

“We took on board the learnings, took the good stuff, worked on the bad and worst things of the game – it was as easy as that.”

Du Toit believes the Boks need every component firing, particularly with wet conditions potentially turning the contest into a territorial tug-of-war.

“Unfortunately, in this game you can’t only have one aspect of the game firing right for you.”

Scrums, kicking, attack, defence, entries into the 22 and finishing will all need to mesh into one formidable machine.

South Africa do have significant firepower returning. Siya Kolisi is back as captain, Pieter-Steph du Toit reaches his 100th Test, Ox Nche earns his 50th and Eben Etzebeth extends his record as the most-capped Springbok to 144 appearances.

The starting XV, with Kolisi included, boasts a remarkable 1 012 Test caps, the most experienced Springbok starting line-up ever selected. The forwards account for 584 caps and the backline 428, with another 204 caps among the replacements.

Deon Fourie could add another piece of history from the bench. Should he play, the 39-year-old will become the oldest Springbok Test player, overtaking Victor Matfield and Schalk Brits. It would also mark his first international appearance since the 2023 World Cup final, where South Africa edged the All Blacks 12-11.

New Zealand have reshaped their pack, with George Bower replacing Ethan de Groot, who remains under HIA protocols. Josh Lord makes way for Tupou Vaa’i in the second row, while Simon Parker starts at No 6. Leroy Carter and Josh Moorby have swapped positions in the backline.

The All Blacks hold the historical advantage, winning 64 of 111 Tests against South Africa, with 43 Springbok victories and four draws. New Zealand have scored 2 302 points and 253 tries to South Africa’s 1 866 points and 182 tries.

Recent form offers the Boks a glimmer of light. They have won five of the last seven meetings since August 2023 and beat New Zealand 18-12 in their most recent Cape Town encounter in 2024.

The stakes, however, are brutally simple.

The Boks need a response. They need composure. They need their big-game players to stand tall.

And if Pollard’s calf keeps him sidelined, another Springbok No 10 must step into the furnace.

Cape Town is waiting. The series is slipping. Saturday could be the night South Africa either reignites the rivalry or watches it burn away.

Probable Springbok selection if Pollard is ruled out

15 Damian Willemse, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu/Manie Libbok, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Ruan Nortjé, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nché. Replacements: Deon Fourie, Gerhard Steenekamp, Thomas du Toit, Lood de Jager, André Esterhuizen, Cameron Hanekom, Morné van den Berg, Pollard’s replacement.

ALL BLACKS – 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Ardie Savea (c), 7 Luke Jacobson, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Fabian Holland, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 George Bower. Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Peter Lakai, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Josh Moorby.

Match officials

Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant referees: Karl Dickson (England), Sam Grove-White (Scotland)
TMO: Brett Cronan (Australia)
FPRO: Eric Gauzins (France)

Kick-off: Saturday, 17:10
Venue: Cape Town Stadium

Aimee’s whistle of resilience, courage and ‘Sterkte” to the Boks

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, News, SA Sports Awards, SpringboksLeave a Comment on Aimee’s whistle of resilience, courage and ‘Sterkte” to the Boks

SUN CITY, NORTH WEST: From breaking barriers on the rugby field to facing breast cancer with extraordinary courage, Aimee Barrett-Theron continues to inspire. The most-capped female international referee in rugby history was named Technical Official of the Year at the South African Sport Awards. Her message to the Springboks ahead of their Cape Town clash with the All Blacks? “Sterkte.”

By Adnaan Mohamed

Aimee Barrett-Theron has spent years policing rugby’s most ferocious frontiers with a whistle, a stopwatch and nerves forged in the furnace of elite sport.

On Sunday night, 23 August, the trailblazing referee received another trophy for her extraordinary contribution, being named Technical Official of the Year at the 19th South African Sport Awards at Sun City Superbowl.

Her latest accolade came with an unmistakably human soundtrack. Barrett-Theron is halfway through treatment for breast cancer, temporarily away from the international rugby battlefield and drawing strength from the same discipline that carried her through some of the sport’s biggest arenas.

“The treatment’s going well. I’m about halfway through at the moment so it’s been quite a challenge not being on the field, but I’m still very much involved for coaching because I’m still very much involved here so it’s a tough time to be out there, but I’m still as supportive as I can,” she said.

The road back remains a marathon measured in courage rather than kilometres.

“Yeah, yeah, so a couple of tests and a lot of my friends out there referring I’d love to be supportive there but it’s 20% for the year,” Barrett-Theron said in the interview, reflecting on her curtailed involvement in officiating.

Her career has already smashed through several glass ceilings.

A former Springbok Women’s XVs and Sevens player, she swapped playing boots for the referee’s whistle and became the first woman to referee a men’s professional match in South Africa.

She has since taken charge of 52 international Tests, making her the most-capped female international referee in rugby history. Earlier in 2026, she became only the second woman ever to referee 50 Test matches.

Her CV reads like a roll of honour: the 2017 and 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cups, the Tokyo Olympics, the United Rugby Championship and the Women’s Six Nations.

Then came the diagnosis.

In July, Barrett-Theron announced her temporary departure from officiating after being diagnosed with breast cancer. She has confirmed the condition is treatable and is concentrating on treatment and recovery, with specialists guiding her through the process.

Rugby’s family responded with the force of a defensive line. World Rugby and SA Rugby leaders joined players, officials and supporters in sending messages of encouragement.

Her Sport Awards triumph added another medal to a career already heavy with milestones.

“It’s special to be able to get the trophy,” she said. “At the end of the day and to be recognised for the hard work that we put in”

Then came the question every South African wanted answered: could the Springboks beat the All Blacks at DHL Stadium on Saturday in the second Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry?

For a moment, the referee’s hat came off.

“Yeah, when it comes to Springboks, I can take my referee hat off and I’d love the boys to have any positive results on the weekend.”

Her message to the Boks carried the warmth of a teammate standing beside the tunnel before kick-off.

“Yeah, just stack them on and good luck boys. Represents us the best you can. We know you’ve got it in you.”

And there was one final word, simple enough to fit on a dressing-room wall and strong enough to carry across the Cape Town wind:

“Sterkte.”

For Barrett-Theron, the whistle may be silent for now. Her voice remains firmly in the game.

South African sport has crowned her greatness. Rugby knows her resilience will be worth another standing ovation when she returns.

Under the glittering banner of “Crowned in Greatness”, the 19th South African Sport Awards delivered a night where champions, trailblazers and behind-the-scenes heroes took their bows.

Akani Simbine lead the winners at the 19th South African Sport Awards, with Prudence Sekgodiso, Pieter Coetze and Protea Test Cricket also honoured.

Simbine claimed Sport Star of the Year, adding another gleaming medal to an already formidable athletics legacy. The sprint king has spent years living on the razor’s edge of hundredths of a second, and this time the stopwatch gave way to the applause of a nation.

The Protea Men’s Test Cricket team pocketed Sport Team of the Year, another feather in Cricket South Africa’s cap after a campaign that demanded patience, character and plenty of backbone.

Prudence Sekgodiso was crowned Sportswoman of the Year, while swimmer Pieter Coetze took Sportsman of the Year. Athletics also supplied Coach of the Year Thabo Matebedi, ensuring the track-and-field brigade left Sun City with pockets bulging with silverware.

Young guns Bayanda Walaza, the Youth/Junior Sport Star of the Year, and the Men’s Under-20 Rugby Team, named Youth/Junior Sport Team of the Year, showed that the pipeline is pumping.

Bayanda Walaza, the Youth/Junior Sport Star of the Year with SA swim legend Chad le Clos

Simoné Kruger won Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability, while Puseletso Michael Mabote claimed Sportsman of the Year with a Disability for para athletics.

The evening’s unsung heroes received their own standing ovation. Anthony Moruthane was named Sport Administrator of the Year, Nqobile Kunene Sport Volunteer of the Year, and Khokho Association South Africa Recreation Body of the Year.

Cricket South Africa collected National Federation of the Year, while Rachel Makhura took Sports Media Journalist of the Year, with photographer Skhu Nkomphela winning Sport Visual Journalist of the Year.

And then came the lifetime tributes, a reminder that sporting greatness is built over generations. Siya Vabaza-Booi, Selwyn Nathan and Veli Nhlapo received the Steve Tshwete Lifetime Achievement honour.

The Andrew Mlangeni Green Jacket went to William Mtolo, Teenage Dladla, Prof. Mlungisi Ngubane and Patson Banda, while Rayno Nel, Tasneem Solomons and Temba Bavuma were recognised for Excellence.

It was a night when South African sport looked in the mirror and saw its past, present and future staring back.

The crown fitted. The champions roared. And the sporting heartbeat kept thumping.

Springboks ready to turn Ellis Park into a rugby war zone

Adnaan MohamedAll Blacks, News, Preview, Rugby, SpringboksLeave a Comment on Springboks ready to turn Ellis Park into a rugby war zone
By Adnaan Mohamed

The stage is set. The old enemies are back. And the Springboks are ready to throw everything into the opening punch of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.

When South Africa face New Zealand at 10bet Ellis Park on Saturday, it will be the first of four Tests between the heavyweight rivals in a series that promises enough drama to keep rugby fans glued to their screens.

Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick knows exactly what is coming.

“Playing four games in one season against the All Blacks is always going to be a great challenge,” Stick said.

“These are moments that we live for. The closest thing to the Greatest Rivalry in terms of a series where every game counts is probably the British & Irish Lions series, or the knockout stages of the World Cup, and our mindset for these games will draw on those experiences.”

The Boks are under no illusion about the size of the challenge.

“We know it’s going to be a tough challenge. The All Blacks are in a good space and have been playing very well,” said Stick.

“But from our side, we also want to keep improving and evolving, and we will never be comfortable. It doesn’t get tougher than playing against the All Blacks four weeks in a row, and we are excited about it.”

That is fighting talk from a team preparing to enter a rugby pressure cooker.

Ellis Park brings the emotion

Captain Pieter-Steph du Toit, who will earn his 99th Test cap, is relishing the occasion.

“It’s a very different tournament,” he said. “To be involved in a series like this and have New Zealand play in South Africa, and also playing four games in a row is a massive honour and privilege.”

For Du Toit, Ellis Park carries memories bigger than rugby.

“It’s an awesome stadium for us and it’s close to my heart,” he said.

“When you stand there and sing the anthem and see the supporters behind the Springboks, it’s unbelievable. And of course, the 1995 Rugby World Cup was won there as well, so it’s a very special place for our country.”

Then comes the haka.

Du Toit says the Boks now have a deeper appreciation of what the ritual means to the All Blacks.

“I would never say we’d be relaxed, but it’s a massive honour to face the haka,” he said.

“We’ll face the haka with respect and we’ll accept the challenge.”

De Allende gets his flowers

Saturday will also belong to Damian de Allende, who becomes only the 10th Springbok to reach 100 Tests.

Stick believes the centre’s milestone deserves a standing ovation.

“For a guy like Damian de Allende, who has been with us through the ups and downs, and had to cope with a lot of people saying he wasn’t good enough to play for the Springboks, is amazing,” Stick said.

“He’s one of those guys who does the dirty work without anyone seeing it, so for him to play his 100th Test match is a great achievement for him and his family.”

Du Toit remembers watching De Allende during his Stormers days.

“I just saw this beast in the way he carried the ball and his work on defence,” he said.

“I have so much respect for him, the way he carries himself on and off the field, and how he’s grown as a person. It’s great to see people progress in life.”

Boks know where the battle will be won

Stick expects the All Blacks to bring serious heat at scrum and lineout time.

“We know New Zealand is going to bring it in terms of intensity,” he said.

“They’ll also look for gaps with their skilful players, so I’d say the key would be to stay alert and not get caught out.”

In other words, one defensive nap could become an All Blacks party.

The whistle blows at 17h10, with the match live on SuperSport. Limited tickets remain available.

Ellis Park is ready.

The rivalry is awake.

And the Boks are knocking on the door.

Teams

South Africa: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (captain), 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Andre Esterhuizen, 21 Marco van Staden, 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Manie Libbok.

New Zealand: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Josh Moorby, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Ardie Savea (captain), 7 Luke Jacobson, 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Josh Lord, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 George Bower, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Anton Segner, 20 Peter Lakai, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Leroy Carter.

Date: Saturday, August 22
Venue: 10bet Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 17.10 (Sunday, August 22)
Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
Assistant referees: Karl Dickson (England), Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
TMO: Mike Adamson (Scotland)

Sibling rivalry in semifinal of SA Senior Squash Nationals

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, News, SquashLeave a Comment on Sibling rivalry in semifinal of SA Senior Squash Nationals
By Adnaan Mohamed

Family ties will be parked at the door when brothers Damian and Luhann Groenewald face each other in an intriguing all-Northerns semifinal at the Growthpoint SA Senior Squash Nationals at Makers Landing in Cape Town on Friday.

The Groenewald brothers both powered through Thursday’s opening day to set up a sibling showdown on the glass court at the V&A Waterfront, guaranteeing the family a finalist regardless of the outcome.

Second seed Damian was clinical in dispatching fellow Northerns player Judah Phillips 3-0 (11-6, 11-7, 11-6), while third seed Luhann had to dig considerably deeper against experienced 2019 champion JP Brits.

Brits, who also coaches the 20-year-old, came out firing and swept through the opening game 11-4. Luhann then changed gears, showing remarkable composure and resilience to take the next three games 11-3, 11-4, 11-9.

“It was a very tough match because JP is my coach and a very experienced player,” Luhann said.

“The first game he played really well at a high pace and took the ball short. My brother just told me to get the ball past him and stay tough, which I managed to do in the end, and I’m very happy to get through to the next round.”

That next round now carries an entirely different dynamic.

Damian knows his younger brother’s game intimately, while Luhann will have to find a way past an opponent who knows his strengths, weaknesses and habits almost as well as he does himself.

The Groenewald name is therefore guaranteed to appear in Saturday’s final. The only question is which brother will carry it there.

At the top of the men’s draw, defending champion Dewald van Niekerk continued his pursuit of an unprecedented sixth consecutive national title with a commanding 3-0 victory over Reuel Videler.

John Anderson completed the men’s semifinal line-up with a 3-0 win over Dean Venter.

In the women’s draw, top seed Hayley Ward advanced with a 3-0 victory over Kim McDonald, while former champion Lizelle Muller marked her return to the Nationals with a gritty 3-1 win over Lara Patrick.

SA Country Districts player Lizelle Muller plays a backhand during her match against Lara Patrick (Northerns) on the opening day of the Growthpoint SA Senior Nationals squash championships at Makers Landing at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town on Thursday. Muller won 3-1. Picture credits: Grant Pitcher/ Gallo Images  

Muller, competing at the tournament for the first time since 2022, recovered from losing the opening game 12-10 before taking control of the match.

She faces second seed Helena Hudson in Friday’s semifinal after Hudson defeated Keschia Schlebusch 3-0.

Alexa Pienaar also booked her place in the last four after producing a remarkable comeback against former champion Milnay Louw to win 3-1.

Yet with Van Niekerk chasing history and Ward leading the women’s field, Friday’s headline act belongs to the Groenewald brothers.

One court. Two brothers. One place in the final.

In the girls’ U15 Growthpoint Nationals, being played simultaneously, Western Province’s seventh seed Aakiefah Taliep produced the upset of the day when she recovered from losing the opening game to defeat second seed Kimeya Moonisami of KwaZulu-Natal.

Western Province’s Aakiefah Taliep leaps to play a volley during her match against KwaZulu-Natal’s Kiyema Moonisami on the opening day of the Growthpoint SA U15 Nationals girls’ squash championships at Makers Landing at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town on Thursday. Taliep won 3-1. Picture credits: Grant Pitcher/ Gallo Images 

Moonisami appeared comfortably in control in the first game, conceding just three points, but Taliep responded strongly to take charge of the next three and secure a hard-earned four-game victory.

It was one of several fiercely contested matches in the girls’ section.

Third seed Simi Shwababa (Border) was pushed all the way by Eastern Province’s Janel Hall before prevailing 11-9 in the fifth, while No 4 seed Mia Bakkes (Northerns) had to recover from 2-0 down against Western Province fifth seed Jenna-Leith Wyllie before winning the deciding game 12-10.

Thursday’s results were:

Seniors

Women

1-Hayley Ward (EP) bt 8-Kim McDonald (WP) 3-0 (11-9 11-8 11-7), 2-Helena Hudson (Northerns) bt 7-Keschia Schlebusch (SA Country Districts) 3-0 (11-7 11-7 12-10), 3-Lizelle Muller (SA Country Districts) bt 6-Lara Patrick (Northerns) 3-1 (10-12 11-2 11-7 11-4), 4-Alexa Pienaar (SA Country Districts) bt 5-Milnay Louw (WP) 3-1 (12-10 12-10 7-11 11-9),

Men

1-Dewald van Niekerk (SA Country Districts) bt 8-Reuel Videler (SA Country Districts) 3-0 (11-6 11-9 11-3), 2-Damian Groenewald (Northerns) bt 7-Judah Phillips (Northerns) 3-0 (11-6 11-7 11-6), 3-Luhann Groenewald (Northerns) bt 6-JP Brits (SA Country Districts) 3-1 (4-11 11-3 11-4 11-9), 4-John Anderson (Joburg Squash) bt 5-Dean Venter (EP) 3-0 (11-7 11-4 11-4), 

U15

Girls qualifying round

1-Chanel Leppan (Northerns) bt 8-Kaitlin Saayman (Free State) 3-0 (11-5 11-6 11-2), 4-Mia Bakkes (Northerns) bt 5-Jenna-Leigh Wyllie (WP) 3-2 (9-11 9-11 11-9 11-3 12-10), 3-Simi Shwababa (Border) bt 6-Janel Hall (EP) 3-2 (13-11 6-11 9-11 11-9 11-9), 7-Aakiefah Taliep (WP) bt 2-Kimeya Moonisami (KZN) 3-1 (3-11 11-9 11-4 11-8).  

Boys qualifying round

1-Ponatshego Molefe (Joburg Squash) bt 8-Emile Erasmus (Northerns) 3-1 (11-6 11-4 6-11 11-6), 4-Zander Smit (Boland) bt 5-George Hung (Free State) 3-2 (11-3 11-13 11-0 7-11 11-5), 3-Zayd Badroodien (WP) bt 6-Keeran Morrison (EP) 3-0 (11-6 11-9 11-5), 2-Rupert Good (WP) bt 7-Phethahatso Motsoeneng (Limpopo) 3-0 (11-4 11-8 11-4)

Comrades starts stopwatch on century celebrations

Adnaan MohamedComrades Marathon, Features, News, PreviewLeave a Comment on Comrades starts stopwatch on century celebrations
By Adnaan Mohamed

The Comrades Marathon has started the countdown to its biggest chapter yet.

The 2027 Down Run, on Sunday, 13 June, will celebrate the 100th edition of the Ultimate Human Race, with the finish moving to the Kings Park Rugby Precinct in Durban and the entry cap rising to a record 28,000 runners.

The centenary campaign, The Greatest Story Ever Run, was unveiled at Kings Park on Wednesday, alongside a special 100th-edition logo.

The slogan, selected from more than 200 submissions from the Comrades community, neatly captures an event whose history has been built kilometre by gruelling kilometre since 1921.

For CMA General Manager Alain Dalais, the centenary is an opportunity for a new generation to add its own footprints to an extraordinary legacy.

“The Comrades Marathon has such a rich history, from the pioneers of the 1920s who ran to pay tribute to their comrades in arms from the Great War, to the hundreds of thousands of runners who have shaped the legacy of this phenomenal event by adding their own stories to Comrades Marathon lore over the past century.”

“Now in 2027, we get to add a glorious 100th chapter to this story as we celebrate the centenary of one of the world’s greatest running events, and we invite our 2027 entrants to honour those who came before them while contributing to this next chapter of the race.”

The numbers surrounding the race are almost as imposing as the hills.

The 28,000-entry ceiling will make 2027 the largest Comrades field ever, surpassing the 24,172 entries recorded for the 2025 Down Run and the 24,636 entries for the 2019 Up Run.

CMA Race Director Sue Forge says the bigger field has been backed by detailed operational planning.

“While we want as many runners as responsibly possible to experience this historic centenary race, the safety of our participants, volunteers, spectators and communities remains our foremost priority.”

Traffic management, transport, crowd control and venue operations will all receive additional attention as the CMA prepares to squeeze another sizeable slice of humanity onto the road.

The Kings Park move should provide breathing room at the business end of the race. Forge says the sports fields will offer more space for the finish area and race village, with improved runner flow, medical services, recovery, hospitality, transport and post-race operations.

The route is expected to measure approximately 91km, although the official distance will only be confirmed after formal measurement following roadworks. The 2025 Down Run measured 89.98km, while the longest Comrades route was 92km in 1971.

There is another welcome piece of news for aspiring centurions: entry fees will remain unchanged.

Entries open on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, through three phases. Green Number and Yellow Number athletes receive first access, followed by CMA Members and then general entries.

For CMA Chairperson Mark Leathers, the launch is merely the starting gun.

“Our 2027 race will be the largest edition of the Comrades Marathon yet, and we know that this launch is just the beginning of an incredibly exciting build-up to the next Down Run, and the start of an exciting next century of the race.”

The 2027 Down Run starts at 05:00 from Pietermaritzburg City Hall, with a 12-hour time limit and the finish at Kings Park.

A century of sweat, sacrifice, heartbreak and heroics has brought Comrades to this point.

Now 28,000 runners get the chance to leave their footprints on history.

The greatest story ever run is ready for another chapter.

The Purple Speedos Return: Hollard Daredevil Run 2026 

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on The Purple Speedos Return: Hollard Daredevil Run 2026 

It’s the one day of the year when thousands of South African men proudly swap formal work wear for purple speedos, all in the name of saving lives.

The 2026 Hollard Daredevil Run is taking place on Friday, 23 October and entries are now open.

Over the past 17 years, this iconic men’s health movement has raised millions for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa. Funds are used to help expand education and raise awareness about prostate and testicular cancer across the country.

This campaign continues to deliver tangible results for men’s health across South Africa. Since partnering with the Hollard Daredevil run, CANSA has reached over 59 000 men through awareness initiatives, conducts an average of over 2 000 screenings annually and referred hundreds of abnormalities for further medical care. Last year alone, CANSA completed 610 PSA screenings during the 2025 Daredevil Run campaign. 

Long-standing campaign partner, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa, has also transformed funds raised through the Hollard Daredevil Run into meaningful action. With this support, the Foundation has hosted 143 education and awareness events, supported hundreds of men and their families through its national helpline, expanded access to prostate cancer educational resources in multiple South African languages, and this year will launch South Africa’s first National Prostate Cancer Registry.

This year’s tagline, “Lekker balls, Lekker life!” celebrates the idea that taking care of your health today means being more aware, prioritising regular screenings and getting checked early.

“Wearing a purple speedo isn’t just about having fun. It’s about making a statement. Every participant who takes part in the Daredevil Run helps break down stigma, encouraging more men to prioritise their health and understand which health checks could one day save their lives,” says Adel Kriel, Head of Experiential Marketing at Hollard.

Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in South African men. One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, with Black African men facing a 60% higher risk than other population groups. A simple PSA blood test could help detect prostate cancer early, when treatment is most effective. 

The Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa recommends that Black African men and men with a first-degree family history of prostate and/or breast cancer have an annual PSA test from the age of 40. For all other men, annual PSA screening is recommended from the age of 45. 

While less widespread, testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men aged 15-49, affecting approximately 1 in every 250 males. When caught early, it is also highly treatable. 

According to CANSA, men aged 15 to 49 should perform a monthly testicular self-examination and consult a healthcare professional immediately if they notice any lump, swelling or unusual change.

The very message at the heart of the Hollard Daredevil Run for both prostate and testicular cancers, is that early detection can save lives. A simple check today could make all the difference tomorrow. 

The 2026 Hollard Daredevil Run takes place at Zoo Lake in Johannesburg on Friday, 23 October at 3pm, with runs also taking place that day at various locations, countrywide.  Entries are available at Hollard Daredevil Run – This Run Takes Balls at a cost of R200, which includes a couriered registration pack and purple speedo.

The campaign also encourages all South Africans to make a difference by donating directly through the Hollard Daredevil Run BackaBuddy page.

Last year’s Daredevil Run raised R1 200 000. This year, Hollard is aiming even higher, calling on more South Africans to take part, donate and help make an even greater impact.

For more information, go to www.hollard.co.za/daredevilrun.



PUMA X SAYSKY Get Back To Business With A Collection For Runners Who Never Clock Out

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on PUMA X SAYSKY Get Back To Business With A Collection For Runners Who Never Clock Out

please change the tone of this to a slightly more conversational tone. make it professional but less formal.
Please speak from modern athletes perspective :

PUMA and Copenhagen-based running brand SAYSKY unveil Back to Business, the final chapter of their collaboration, rooted in the mindset of runners who carry their passion for the sport into every part of their day.

For runners, the next mile is never far from mind. Whether it’s before sunrise, between commitments or after hours, running is always part of the plan. It’s woven into the decisions they make, the routes they map out and the goals they chase. Because for runners, running is their business.

Conor Cashin, Lead Product Line Manager, PUMA said: “Running has evolved beyond sport – it has become a culture, a community and a way people express who they are. With Back to Business, we wanted to capture the mindset of runners who organize their lives around the miles that matter most. Together with SAYSKY, we created a collection that bridges performance and everyday office style, reflecting the way runners move through the world today.”

Inspired by classic business attire, the PUMA x SAYSKY Back to Business collection reimagines everyday tailoring through a performance lens. Combining SAYSKY’s signature Scandinavian design language with PUMA’s advanced running technology, the collection features clean silhouettes, refined colour palettes, statement pinstripe detailing and elevated finishes, creating a modern uniform designed to transition effortlessly from everyday life to the start line.

Leading the collection are exclusive editions of two of PUMA’s standout running silhouettes: the PUMA x SAYSKY Deviate NITRO™ Elite 4 and the PUMA x SAYSKY MagMax NITRO™ 2.

Built for race day, the PUMA x SAYSKY Deviate NITRO™ Elite 4 is engineered for speed with NITROFOAM™ ELITE cushioning, delivering exceptional responsiveness and energy return, paired with a full-length PWRPLATE carbon-fibre plate for maximum propulsion and efficiency.

Designed for everyday training, the PUMA x SAYSKY MagMax NITRO™ 2 delivers maximum cushioning through a high-stack NITROFOAM™ midsole, a breathable engineered knit upper and a durable PUMAGRIP outsole, providing comfort and bounce across every mile.

Completing the collection is a premium apparel and accessories range that transforms business inspired design cues into technical running essentials. Lightweight performance materials, elevated construction and refined details create versatile pieces built for runners moving between work, training and everyday life.

As the final chapter of the PUMA x SAYSKY collaboration, Back to Business reflects the belief that running extends far beyond the miles logged. It influences how runners think, move and approach each day.

To mark the launch, PUMA and SAYSKY are hosting the Out of Office Relay in Copenhagen on 20 August, turning the Back to Business concept into a real-world running experience. Inspired by the collection, the course transforms an office building into an unexpected running environment, taking participants through elevators, stairwells and parking garages before culminating in an evening of food, drinks and celebration.

The PUMA x SAYSKY Back to Business collection launches on 20 August 2026, and is available to purchase on PUMA.com, PUMA Retail stores and Shelflife. Note the  SAYSKY Deviate NITRO™ Elite 4 will not be available in South Africa.

Dewald van Niekerk eyes sixth straight SA Squash Crown

Adnaan MohamedNews, SquashLeave a Comment on Dewald van Niekerk eyes sixth straight SA Squash Crown
By Adnaan Mohamed

Dewald van Niekerk (pictured above) is ready to turn the glass court into his personal playground as he hunts a sixth straight Growthpoint SA Senior Nationals crown at Makers Landing from August 20 to 22 at the V& A Waterfront in Cape Town.

The SA Country Districts star has been the man to beat since Rodney Durbach ended his run in 2020. Van Niekerk answered that defeat by winning his first national title in 2021 and has been swinging his racquet like a wrecking ball ever since.

Last year, he smashed through Steve Coppinger’s record of four consecutive titles, set between 2010 and 2013.

Now history is knocking again.

Standing in his way are the Groenewald brothers, Damian and Luhann, seeded second and third respectively.

Damian has already shown Van Niekerk can be pushed to the edge. He took the champion to five games at July’s Growthpoint Jarvis-Kaplan interprovincial tournament and will open against fellow Northerns player Judah Phillips.

Luhann, one of South Africa’s brightest young squash prospects, faces a baptism of fire against 2019 champion JP Brits.

Fourth seed John Anderson meets Eastern Province’s Dean Venter.

The women’s draw has its own tasty subplot.

Six-time champion and defending champion Alex Commins is absent, leaving Eastern Province ace Hayley Ward with the No 1 seeding.

Hayley Ward (EP) heads the women’s field for the Growthpoint SA Senior Nationals squash championships to be played at Makers Landing at the V&A Waterfront from August 20 22. Picture credits: Petri Oeschger/Gallo Images  

Northerns second seed Helena Hudson faces Keschia Schlebusch, while third seed and 2021 champion Lizelle Muller, Van Niekerk’s sister, takes on Lara Patrick.

Ward has finished runner-up for the past two years and will be desperate to turn silver into gold. Her first hurdle is Western Province’s Kim McDonald.

Fourth seed Alexa Pienaar faces former champion Milnay Louw in a mouth-watering opener.

Pienaar is a former University Sport SA champion, while Louw lifted the national crown in 2017 and 2019.

With reputations, records and bragging rights on the line, the all-glass court at the V&A Waterfront is set for three days of high-octane squash.

Growthpoint Properties Group CEO Estienne de Klerk said the tournament showcases the depth of South African talent.

“The Growthpoint SA Senior National Squash Championships brings together the very best of South African squash, from established champions to the next generation, showcasing the depth of talent in South African in this sport,” he said.

“Growthpoint is proud to provide Space to Thrive by supporting a championship that gives these athletes a national stage on which to compete at their best.”

City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said the tournament had become an important part of the sporting calendar.

“The City of Cape Town is proud to continue its support for the Growthpoint SA Squash Nationals in 2026,” Smith said.

“The championships have become an important platform for raising the profile of squash while creating opportunities to develop the country’s most talented athletes.”

V&A Waterfront head of public relations Donald Kau said: “The Growthpoint SA Nationals tournament continues to bring incredible energy to our neighbourhood while showcasing the V&A Waterfront as a destination for world-class experiences.”

The U15 Nationals will also take place, giving the next generation their own taste of the national spotlight.

For Van Niekerk, the mission is brutally simple: win again.

Six titles are within reach. The squash ball is in his court.

Sosibo ready to turn up the heat in Tshwane

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By Adnaan Mohamed

Cacisile Sosibo is no longer knocking politely on the door of South African road running. She is kicking it open, one kilometre at a time.

The 28-year-old Boxer Athletics Club speedster heads into Sunday’s Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K with her eyes firmly fixed on a top-five finish, carrying the kind of confidence that can make even Pretoria’s notorious hills look like speed bumps.

Sosibo has enjoyed a sizzling 2026 campaign, lowering her 10km personal best to 32:16 at the SPAR Women’s Grand Prix Durban leg in June and dipping under 32:45 three times this season.

Then came Durban.

She clocked 32:36 to finish sixth in a quality international field at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K, a performance that gave her belief and plenty of bite.

“Durban was amazing for me this year. I ran a PB at SPAR and got a top-six finish at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K, which gave me a big confidence boost,” said the KwaZulu-Natal-born runner, now based in Soweto.

Her legs have been talking loudly ever since.

On Sunday, she ran 34:01 for third at the Totalsports Women’s Race Joburg, less than 24 hours after winning the senior women’s 10km title at the Central Gauteng Cross Country Championships.

That is some serious mileage in the bank.

Sosibo knows what it feels like to mix it with the best. At the 2023 World Road Running Championships in Riga, Latvia, she finished 10th in the half marathon in a personal best 1:09:31.

Now, under the watchful eye of legendary coach Michael ‘Sponge’ Seme, who has also guided four-time Olympian Stephen Mokoka, she believes the old magic is returning.

“Things have been going well for me this year. I feel like the Cacisile who was competing back in 2023. I’m coming back slowly but surely.”

Tshwane, however, is ready to collect its toll.

The hilly, high-altitude route can chew up ambitious runners like a hungry school of piranhas. Sosibo knows a personal best may be asking for too much.

“Tshwane is a tougher course with hills at altitude, so I’m not expecting a PB. My target is to race smart and run with the lead pack for as long as possible.”

Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports, believes her Durban performance has changed the conversation.

“Cacisile’s 2026 season has been hugely encouraging, and her sixth-place finish in Durban showed that she can compete with a strong international field,” Meyer said. “We’re looking forward to seeing her build on that performance in Tshwane.”

The race is sold out, with the gun going at 08:00 from Stanza Bopape Street in Arcadia.

For Sosibo, the mission is clear: climb with courage, conserve the fuel and unleash the finishing kick when the road finally points home.

Her comeback may be labelled “slowly but surely”.

On Sunday, she will be hoping it looks anything but slow.

Rassie Erasmus hits back at All Blacks slow-play claims

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, News, RugbyLeave a Comment on Rassie Erasmus hits back at All Blacks slow-play claims
Adnaan Mohamed

The first Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Series has already produced its opening skirmish.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has dismissed suggestions that South Africa deliberately slows the game at set pieces, insisting his team will stick to its systems when the All Blacks arrive at 10bet Ellis Park on Saturday.

“There are always three truths: New Zealand’s truth, the truth people believe, and our truth,” Erasmus said.

The comments come as the pre-Test needle begins to prick. New Zealand has promoted a high-intensity, multi-phase style, with suggestions that the Springboks could seek to disrupt that rhythm.

Erasmus is having none of it.

“In our last two games against New Zealand in Auckland and Wellington, people can go and look at those games and ask were we slowing those down. They beat us in Auckland, and we got a good result in Wellington.”

For Erasmus, Test rugby is not about satisfying outside narratives but more about surviving the furnace when pressure reaches boiling point.

“We believe there’s a certain way to win big games and we think it will be a grind.”

That grind could become the defining feature of Saturday’s opening act.

“When you’re under pressure and you attack, it’s tough to maintain cohesion,” Erasmus said. “We will try to find a balance when games are really tight, but we have a system to fall back on that protects the players.”

Tony Brown’s influence has also helped shape the Boks’ attacking approach.

“Since Tony Brown, former All Black flyhalf and current Springbok assistant coach, has been with us, we feel as though we’ve been on the right track.”

SA Rugby laws advisor Jaco Peyper then entered the fray, offering a technical explanation of the much-discussed 30-second set-piece law.

“The law is very clear. From the moment the referee puts his foot down to mark the spot, not from the whistle, there is 30 seconds to form a lineout or scrum.”

Peyper said teams could manage the moments before the mark is made within the laws, while opponents who are ready to play can apply pressure.

“There’s nothing in the law that says you can’t idle before the mark is given.”

He also pointed out that teams can disrupt tempo through repeated infringements at breakdowns and mauls.

The whistle, in other words, could become a metronome for a Test where every second matters.

Peyper has full confidence in the officials appointed for the four-Test series, particularly England’s Matthew Carley, who will referee Saturday’s opener.

“You’re going to have a firm referee. Someone who deals decisively at the breakdown and is very strong on anything negative or cynical. And he does not get influenced by the home crowd.”

That could be music to the ears of both coaching boxes.

Erasmus expects the All Blacks to bring a blue-chip attacking blueprint to Johannesburg.

“You can see it on social media. They’re advocating a high intensity, running game, with multi-phase attacks. And when you analyse it, it definitely shows in the stats.”

Dave Rennie, who Erasmus previously faced during his Munster days, adds another tactical layer to the contest.

“The big battle is going to be when they have the ball, they’ll have total control of what they do with it, and when we have the ball, we’ll have total control of what we do with it.”

The biggest concern for Erasmus is the All Blacks’ breakdown work.

“What concerns us most is how physical and brutal they are at the breakdown. They take the ball through so many phases and then they put in a well-timed grubber kick. Their attacking kicks are as dangerous as when they have ball-in-hand.”

Away from the tactical chessboard, Erasmus admitted the Springboks are embracing the occasion.

“We all appreciate and respect what this series means,” he said.

“I’d love it if the people at Ellis Park create the same atmosphere as that which the people did in Cape Town. The haka was heard 100%, which makes it something special.”

The Springbok coach also knows the All Blacks remain capable of delivering a sting.

“We know how good the All Blacks are. Since 2018, when they were leading the world, we’ve always wondered when they’re going to beat us again, and they will beat us again in future, but hopefully not this weekend.”

Erasmus will name his team on Thursday, with captain Siya Kolisi and prop Ox Nche the only injury concerns.

“The only two doubtful players are Siya and Ox, who are coming along well,” he said. “I wouldn’t say either is confirmed out, but if they get through training today it could go either way. Apart from those two, everybody else is available.”

The All Blacks are also expected to unveil a few tactical surprises.

“They’ll have plans they didn’t show in the Nations Championship, little things, such as lineout variations, maybe a front peel or back peel move, and there are things that have caught us out before.”

The stage is set.

The talking has started.

Now Ellis Park gets the final word.

South Africa face New Zealand at 17h10 on Saturday, with the match live on SuperSport.