Category: News

‹ Back

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:

Stormers rue missed chances as All Blacks escape

Adnaan MohamedNews, RugbyLeave a Comment on Stormers rue missed chances as All Blacks escape
By Adnaan Mohamed

The Stormers came within touching distance of one of the biggest upsets in their history before a handful of crucial moments allowed the All Blacks to pull away at DHL Stadium on Friday night.

New Zealand eventually won 38-21 in the opening match of the Greatest Rivalry series, but the scoreline does not tell the full story.

At 14-14 after 65 minutes, the Stormers had genuine belief.

They had weathered a difficult opening, recovered from defensive lapses and gradually forced the All Blacks into a contest they were expected to dominate.

Then the game turned.

Rieko Ioane, Lee Roy Carter and Josh Moorby scored tries as New Zealand produced the clinical finishing expected from one of rugby’s most decorated teams.

For Stormers coach John Dobson, the frustration was knowing his side had created enough opportunities to make the result far more interesting.

“We dared to dream for a while, there were a couple of big moments,” Dobson said.

Those moments ultimately proved decisive.

Seabelo Senatla’s linebreak was one of them. The Stormers looked set to attack with real momentum before the opportunity ended in a penalty.

A promising maul on the far side also broke down when possession was lost.

Then came the pivotal passage at 14-all.

The Stormers were defending well and had the All Blacks under pressure, according to Dobson, before a scrum decision went against the hosts and New Zealand turned the resulting momentum into a try.

“They were shut down and boxed in, and that’s when I thought we really had a chance,” Dobson said.

Captain Ruhan Nel identified another critical moment.

The Stormers were in New Zealand territory with the scores level when a pick-and-go ended with the ball being lost forward.

Within moments, the Stormers were defending in their own 22.

New Zealand scored.

“If we converted that opportunity and go up 21-14, you’re feeling strong,” Nel said.

It was the sort of fine margin that separates a famous victory from a respectable defeat.

The Stormers had been written off before kick-off, with plenty of pre-match predictions suggesting the All Blacks would overwhelm them.

For long periods, the opposite was true.

New Zealand’s passing game eventually exposed the Stormers, but Dobson was full of praise for the skill level of the visitors.

“They pass so well. That style of rugby is magnificent,” he said.

Nel, meanwhile, was left with the unavoidable question of what might have been.

“I do feel there was an opportunity of two for us out there and if we handled it a little bit better we would’ve sung a different song,” he said.

The Stormers did not produce the historic result they dared to imagine.

They did, however, prove they belonged in the conversation.

Against the All Blacks, that is no small consolation.

The next step is turning those big moments from missed opportunities into match-winning ones.

The scorers:

Stormers:
Tries: Fourie, Senatla, penalty try
Cons: Ahmed 2

New Zealand:
Tries: Taukei’aho, Parker, Ioane, Carter, Moorby, Aumua
Cons: Barrett 3, Jacomb

DHL Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel (captain), 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Imad Khan, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Hacjivah Dayimani, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Connor Evans, 4 Adré Smith, 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Vernon Matongo.
Replacements: 16 JJ Kotzé, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Herman Lubbe, 19 Ruan Ackermann, 20 Keke Morabe, 21 Wandile Mlaba, 22 Dewaldt Duvenage, 23 Wandisile Simelane.

New Zealand: 15 Josh Moorby, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Anton Leinert-Brown, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Peter Lakai, 7 Anton Segner, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu, 4 Fabian Holland, 3 Pasilio Tosi, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 George Bower.
Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 Siale Lauaki, 19 Sam Darry, 20 Ethan Blackadder, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Josh Jacomb, 23 Caleb Clarke

Images: x.com/THESTORMERS

Celebrate Heritage Day the adventurous way.

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Celebrate Heritage Day the adventurous way.

We’re proud to announce the Torpedo SwimRun at Plaisir Wine Estate, happening on Thursday, 24 September 2026.

Set at the foot of the majestic Simonsberg mountains, this unique event combines trail running and open-water swimming through beautiful farm landscapes, offering an experience that’s as rewarding as it is unforgettable.

Three Courses. One Incredible Setting.
Designed for every level of athlete:

  • Long Course: 14 km
  • Short Course: 6 km
  • Kids Sprint Course: 2.5 km

Each route winds along scenic trails and across tranquil dams, immersing you in the natural beauty of the Simonsberg region.

Enter HERE https://www.quicket.co.za/events/373445-torpedo-swimrun-plaisir-2026#/

Race with Purpose
A portion of your entry fee will go toward supporting the Banhoek Conservancy, an initiative dedicated to:

  • Protecting indigenous biodiversity
  • Creating employment through conservation work
  • Removing invasive species to restore natural ecosystems
  • Releasing vital water back into the tributaries of the Berg River

We recognise our shared responsibility to actively improve natural rivers and mountain catchment areas—helping secure water resources for future generations. Read more about the great work here

https://banhoekconservancy.org/

Make a Day of It
After your race, unwind in true Winelands style.
Book your post-race Plaisir wine tasting experience here https://www.plaisir.co.za/taste/

Relax on the lush lawns beneath ancient oak trees and enjoy a well-earned family-friendly lunch, with burgers and pizza on offer, while taking in the breathtaking views of the majestic Simonsberg Mountains.

Why You Don’t Want to Miss This

  • A unique SwimRun experience in a world-class setting
  • Courses for all ages and abilities
  • A meaningful contribution to environmental conservation
  • A festive Heritage Day atmosphere for friends and family

Mpho Katiso targets breakthrough in Tshwane 10K debut

Adnaan MohamedEvent Update!, Features, NewsLeave a Comment on Mpho Katiso targets breakthrough in Tshwane 10K debut
By Adnaan Mohamed

Teenage middle-distance runner Mpho Katiso believes the sold-out Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K could provide the perfect platform to announce herself on South Africa’s road running stage.

The 19-year-old will make her debut in the popular series on Sunday, 23 August, lining up against many of the country’s leading distance runners on the fast streets around Pretoria’s Union Buildings.

“I have never competed in any of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series races before,” Katiso said.

“But I’d love to be there to feel the huge energy of a big race on a fast course. I’m looking forward to competing against the top elites again.”

Katiso, a Tshwane University of Technology student and former Prestige College learner, recently joined Violet and Caster Semenya’s elite women’s training squad.

The group includes South African road running star Glenrose Xaba, reigning African 1500m champion Karabo More and 2024 FISU World University Cross Country champion Karabo Mailula, giving the teenager daily exposure to some of the country’s best female athletes.

“Being part of coach Caster and Violet’s training group feels hard, but it’s also inspiring because you get mentorship, focus, discipline and you also learn to believe in yourself,” she said.

“I’m growing as a person and not only as an athlete. Glenrose, Karabo More and Karabo Mailula are more like sisters than training partners because we stick together and push each other. Training with them encourages me and I’ve learnt to show up even when it’s hard.”

Although she specialises in the 1500m, where she owns a personal best of 4:27.92, Katiso has shown encouraging progress over longer distances.

She claimed bronze at the national 5km championships in Gqeberha in June with a lifetime best of 16:48 before finishing 13th overall and first junior in 36:52 at the SPAR Women’s Challenge Tshwane earlier this month.

The youngster hopes Sunday’s race will produce another significant step forward.

“Competing against seniors feels exciting and scary at the same time because everyone looks so confident, and you’re standing there with a ‘J’ tag on,” Katiso said.

“It teaches you about pacing and race tactics, and you also learn how to be mentally tough. It forces you to run with more courage and realise what’s possible. You have to believe in yourself.”

“My target for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K is to challenge myself throughout the race and push my limits. The main target is to run a PB, and not only any PB, I’ll be targeting a massive PB.”

Stillwater Sports managing director Michael Meyer said the series continues to provide an important pathway for emerging athletes.

“We’re excited to welcome Mpho Katiso to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series for the first time,” Meyer said.

“At only 19 years old, she has already demonstrated tremendous potential. Experiences like these will play an important role in her development.”

With the Tshwane race already sold out, Katiso will have an opportunity to measure herself against South Africa’s elite while chasing the biggest personal best of her young career.

Deon Fourie comes full circle as Stormers hand ‘The Chef’ his chance

Adnaan MohamedNews, RugbyLeave a Comment on Deon Fourie comes full circle as Stormers hand ‘The Chef’ his chance
Adnaan Mohamed

Deon Fourie’s return for the Stormers against the All Blacks on Friday carries a remarkable sense of rugby symmetry.

The veteran loose forward’s previous appearance against New Zealand came in the Springboks’ dramatic 12-11 Rugby World Cup final victory in Paris in 2023. His comeback now arrives as the Stormers prepare to face the All Blacks for the first time since Western Province’s famous 12-11 victory at Newlands in 1976.

The scoreline is impossible to ignore.

For Fourie, it is another meeting with rugby’s oldest measuring stick. For the Stormers, it is an opportunity to reconnect with one of the Cape’s great rugby memories.

The 39-year-old has been sidelined since May after suffering a knee injury from a croc-roll by Ulster lock Iain Henderson in a URC clash. More than 10 weeks after surgery, he says he is ready.

“It’s about 10 or 11 weeks after the operation. Fitness-wise, I’ll probably only be able to tell you on Friday,” Fourie said.

“I am definitely raring to go, and it’s a great opportunity. I was looking forward to this match since it was announced a year or two ago.”

Few players understand the occasion better.

Fourie spent 77 minutes at hooker after replacing the injured Bongi Mbonambi early in the 2023 World Cup final. Playing through a shoulder injury, he made 21 tackles, captained the Springboks during the closing stages after Siya Kolisi’s yellow card and helped preserve South Africa’s one-point victory.

He admits another chance to face the haka seemed unlikely.

“I didn’t know if I would still be able to play this year, but fortunately everything went well, and I will get an opportunity to face the haka again.”

The veteran has not given up on adding to his Springbok career either.

“You always want to wear the green and gold jersey. Hopefully, I can put in a good performance and put my hand up for one or two more Tests.”

While Fourie represents experience, the Stormers are also preparing to unveil one of South African rugby’s brightest young talents.

Highly rated 20-year-old Junior Springbok flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed is expected to make his senior Stormers debut.

Nicknamed “The Chef” for his ability to cook up attacking opportunities, Ahmed has earned a reputation as one of the country’s most gifted young playmakers. He is expected to partner 22-year-old scrumhalf Imad Khan in a youthful halfback combination against the world’s second-ranked side.

The opportunity has come with several experienced playmakers unavailable.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is expected to rejoin the Springboks for Saturday’s Rugby Championship Test against Argentina, while Jurie Matthee continues his recovery from injury.

It leaves Ahmed with one of the toughest introductions in world rugby.

Friday’s clash therefore becomes a meeting of generations.

One player is approaching his 40th birthday and chasing another opportunity in green and gold. The other is taking his first steps at senior provincial level.

One carries the scars of rugby’s biggest battles.

The other carries the promise of many still to come.

Against the All Blacks, there is rarely a gentle beginning or a sentimental ending. There is only the next chapter.

Springboks boosted by returning stars ahead of Los Pumas showdown

Adnaan MohamedNews, SpringboksLeave a Comment on Springboks boosted by returning stars ahead of Los Pumas showdown
By Adnaan Mohamed

The Springboks have arrived in Buenos Aires with several frontline players returning from injury as preparations intensify for Saturday’s Rugby Championship Test against Argentina at Estadio José Amalfitani.

Head coach Rassie Erasmus‘ squad reached the Argentine capital shortly after midnight on Sunday after travelling from Cape Town via São Paulo in two groups. The players will rest on Sunday before resuming training on Monday as they acclimatise to the time difference ahead of the Test.

The Argentina fixture is another important step in South Africa’s season before the four-match Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand begins on 22 August.

“It’s great to be back in Buenos Aires, and we are looking forward to the challenge of facing the Pumas here once again,” Erasmus said.

“It was a long journey, and there is a fair time difference between the countries, so the players will have time to rest and acclimatise today, and then we’ll return to the training field tomorrow.

“Fortunately, we did most of the groundwork for the match at our training camp in Johannesburg earlier this week, so we have a good base to build on in the next few days.”

The biggest boost for South Africa is the return of flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu after ankle surgery.

The 24-year-old has not played since suffering the injury during a United Rugby Championship match in May. His inclusion follows a standout performance against Argentina last season when he scored a Springbok record 37 points in Durban.

Erasmus now has four experienced flyhalves available, with Feinberg-Mngomezulu joining Handre Pollard, Manie Libbok and recent debutant Vusi Moyo.

Captain Siya Kolisi, locks Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager, together with scrumhalf Morne van den Berg, are also in line to make their first appearances of the season after recovering from injury or concussion.

“We tried to get the balance right in selecting some guys who are returning from injury and who have not had too much game time,” Erasmus said.

“The guys who have recovered from their injuries have been training hard this week and are ready to go, so it will be great for them to get a tough Test match under the belt.”

Several senior players, including Jesse Kriel and Pieter-Steph du Toit, remain in South Africa after featuring in three Tests across 15 days during July. They have resumed preparations for the upcoming New Zealand series.

“We are on track in terms of our preparation for both this match and the New Zealand Tour,” Erasmus said.

South Africa heads into the match in strong form after opening the season with an 80-31 victory over the Barbarians before recording Nations Championship wins over England (45-21), Scotland (42-28) and Wales (43-0).

Argentina’s campaign has been less consistent. Los Pumas defeated Wales 35-21, although they suffered defeats to Scotland and England.

History also favours the Springboks. South Africa has won 14 of its 18 Tests in Argentina since the nations first met there in 1993, losing three and drawing one.

Erasmus is expected to consult with his coaching staff before confirming the matchday squad later this week.

Springbok squad

Forwards: Lood de Jager, Ben-Jason Dixon, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Johan Grobbelaar, Cameron Hanekom, Siya Kolisi (captain), Elrigh Louw, Wilco Louw, Zachary Porthen, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese.

Backs: Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Quan Horn, Herchel Jantjies, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe.

Coach: Rassie Erasmus.