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Proteas begin West Indies T20 series as World Cup preparation intensifies

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Proteas begin West Indies T20 series as World Cup preparation intensifies
By Adnaan Mohamed

The streamers has barely settled on the pitch, yet the cricketing carousel is already spinning at full tilt. Less than 48 hours after the SA20 final, seven players are back in harness, this time in national colours as South Africa and the West Indies begin a trimmed three-match T20 series, a final nets session before the T20 World Cup spotlight switches on.

Originally slated for five games, the series was shortened to avoid colliding with the World Cup support window. Make no mistake, though this is no gentle loosener. Both teams are still bruised from the last global showpiece. South Africa reached the final and had one hand on the trophy before India snatched it away by seven runs. West Indies fell at the Super Eights hurdle, undone by the Proteas. The hunger to go one better burns like a fresh new ball on a green pitch.

For South Africa, the backdrop is complicated. Results in 2025 were uneven – 12 losses in 18 matches and no series wins – often due to injuries and players juggling formats.

All-format coach Shukri Conrad will still want a series victory inked next to his name, even if this contest is labelled “preparatory”.

Management, however, have opted for rotation. Quinton de Kock, Marco Jansen and Tristan Stubbs—fresh from lifting the SA20 trophy with Sunrisers Eastern Cape against Pretoria Capitals—have been rested for Tuesday’s first T20 in Paarl. Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Eathan Bosch step in as short-term replacements.

The series is a dress rehearsal for the T20 World Cup starting next week in India, where rhythm matters as much as results.

Markram’s joy for Stubbs and empathy for Maharaj

Aiden Markram Photo: CSA

Proteas T20 captain Aiden Markram, who knows the Sunrisers’ dressing room intimately, was glowing about Stubbs’ match-defining final.

“He’s one of the guys in the team everyone wants to see do well. He’s that sort of person, and he grafts hard, he’s the ultimate pro.

And when you put the hard work in and don’t get the results you can get quite down on yourself, even your peers feel sorry for you. Then to come out and play a knock like that last night [Sunday], you can only be happy for him. It’s great to do it in final.

And when you do well in big games you take that confidence to the next one.”

Stubbs’ unbeaten 63 off 41 balls, alongside Matthew Breetzke’s 68 off 49, powered the Sunrisers’ chase of 159 with balls to spare – an innings stitched together like a perfectly timed partnership.

On the losing side stood Keshav Maharaj, Capitals skipper and Proteas stalwart. Markram understood the sting.

“As a person he’s an all-in type of guy, and it would have hurt him. He’s not an emotional kind of guy.

It’s just that he cares and puts a lot of love into it, then you come up just short, and the way the game unfolded as well, I understand why he’s hurting.

When I see him I’ll put an arm around him, get him riled up. I chatted to him a bit last night and said the trophy you want to win is the one in a few weeks time and that’s what we’ll go for now, and he’s all in for that.

We’ll try get him over last night as quick as we can and get him looking forward to the world cup as quick as we can.”

Now the whites are folded away, the national caps pulled on, and the scoreboard reset to zero. The real exam looms, but first, three high-tempo auditions under Paarl’s lights.

South Africa squad vs West Indies (T20s)

Aiden Markram (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Rubin Hermann, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Eathan Bosch

Roc Cup set to showcase Africa’s brightest young football talent

Adnaan MohamedFootball, NewsLeave a Comment on Roc Cup set to showcase Africa’s brightest young football talent
By Adnaan Mohamed

Roc Nation Sports International (RNSI) has announced the launch of its first-ever African youth football tournament, the Roc Cup, marking a significant step in the organisation’s expansion into the continent’s football landscape.

The inaugural tournament will be hosted at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Accra from 23 to 28 February 2026, and will feature 10 elite youth teams from five African nations competing in a round-robin format.

The participating countries include Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea, with several of the continent’s most respected academies set to take part. The event is positioned as a cornerstone of RNSI’s long-term strategy to establish a meaningful presence in African football and to create clear development pathways for young players.

“The Roc Cup is more than just a tournament, it is a visible declaration of our commitment to African football,” said Grant Veitch, Director of African Football Recruitment at Roc Nation Sports International.

“After signing several incredible teenage talents last year, we are solidifying our investment by hosting this special event. We aim to inspire local communities and to hopefully provide a genuine European pathway for the continent’s brightest emerging stars.”

All matches will be played at the 10,000-capacity University of Ghana Sports Stadium, with free public entry to ensure accessibility for families, students and aspiring young footballers across Accra.

Beyond the action on the pitch, the Roc Cup aims to deliver tangible community benefits. Local volunteers will be involved in the event, while small businesses and vendors in the surrounding area are expected to benefit from increased activity during the tournament period.

Future Talent Photo’s: ROC Nation

A key objective of the Roc Cup is talent identification, with both international and African scouts expected to attend. RNSI hopes the tournament will serve as a competitive platform where emerging players can be assessed in a high-level environment, strengthening links between African academies and European opportunities.

The long-term vision is for the Roc Cup to become an annual fixture on the African youth football calendar, contributing to sustainable talent development across the continent.

Participating teams

  • Benab FC (Ghana)
  • Tripple 44 FC (Nigeria)
  • Sporting Lagos (Nigeria)
  • Zilina Africa (Ghana)
  • Empire FC (Côte d’Ivoire)
  • Fadama Field Masters (Ghana)
  • Semper Fi (Ghana)
  • Racing Club d’Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)
  • SOAR Academy (Guinea)
  • Kadji Sports Academy (Cameroon)

Key South African sports figures already with Roc Nation

Several prominent South African sportsmen and women are associated with Roc Nation Sports, the management agency founded by Jay-Z.

The agency has a strong focus on South African talent across rugby, cricket, netball, and soccer, as well as a partnership with the Sharks rugby team. 

The SA sports stars include the following:

  • Siya Kolisi: The Springbok captain, who signed with the agency to manage his brand and commercial ventures.
  • Cheslin Kolbe: Rugby World Cup-winning wing.
  • Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira: Former Springbok prop.
  • Temba Bavuma: Proteas test cricket captain.
  • Bongiwe Msomi: Former SPAR Proteas netball captain.
  • Lungi Ngidi: Proteas fast bowler.
  • Emile Witbooi: 16-year-old Cape Town City FC starlet and soccer prodigy.
  • Siyabonga Mabena: Mamelodi Sundowns young forward.
  • Neo Bohloko: Kaizer Chiefs young striker. 

Roc Nation has expanded heavily into African football, signing young talent from the PSL and other African nations, with a focus on holistic career development. 

Team South Africa Announces Milano Cortina 2026 Squad

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Team South Africa Announces Milano Cortina 2026 Squad

With just 11 days to go before the 2026 Winter Olympic Games kick off in Milano Cortina, Italy, the South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SASCOC) has announced a record-breaking squad of five athletes to represent the nation. This marks the largest South African delegation ever sent to a Winter Games, surpassing the four athletes who competed at Squaw Valley in 1960.

Meet Team South Africa: Milano Cortina 2026

The 2026 squad is a dynamic blend of youthful promise and experienced leadership, featuring two teenagers and three first-time Olympians:

– Thomas Weir (17) – Alpine Skiing (Slalom & Giant Slalom)

– Lara Markthaler (18) – Alpine Skiing (Slalom & Giant Slalom)

– Malica Malherbe (21) – Freestyle Skiing

– Nicole Burger (31) – Skeleton

– Matthew Smith (35) – Cross Country Skiing

All five athletes will be making their Winter Olympic debuts. Notably, Lara Markthaler steps up to senior Olympic level after her appearance at the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympics.

Leadership and Support

Three-time Winter Olympian Alex Heath will serve as Chef de Mission, bringing invaluable experience from his appearances in 1998 (Nagano), 2002 (Salt Lake City), and 2006 (Turin).

The coaching team includes Robert Weir and Christian Markthaler (Alpine Skiing), Ole Ensrud (Cross Country), and Rhys Thornbury (Skeleton).

Incentives for Excellence

To inspire podium performances, SASCOC has introduced financial incentives: – Gold: R400,000 for the athlete, R100,000 for the coach – Silver: R200,000 for the athlete, R50,000 for the coach – Bronze: R75,000 for the athlete, R25,000 for the coach

A Proud History, A Bright Future

Twelve different athletes have represented South Africa at seven previous Winter Olympics, but the country is still chasing its first medal. Multiple representatives include Alex Heath (three Games) and Oliver Kraas (two Games). South Africa’s only Winter Paralympian, Bruce Warner, competed in 1998.

Words from SASCOC Leadership

SASCOC President Barry Hendricks expressed pride in the team: “It always brings great pleasure to announce any team that will represent South Africa at a multi-coded Games, with the Winter Olympic Games being the pinnacle for any athlete participating in snow sports.”

CEO Nozipho Jafta added: “Team South Africa has always competed with pride at the Winter Olympic Games. This edition we expect similar, in the pursuit for excellence… we hope their representation will inspire more young athletes to follow their dreams.”

Team South Africa: Milano Cortina 2026 – At a Glance

– Thomas Weir – Alpine Skiing, Slalom & Giant Slalom

– Lara Markthaler – Alpine Skiing, Slalom & Giant Slalom

– Malica Malherbe – Freestyle Skiing, Freestyle

– Nicole Burger – Skeleton, Skeleton

– Matthew Smith – Cross Country Skiing, Cross Country 

Looking Ahead

With a youthful team, experienced leadership, and the backing of the nation, Team South Africa heads to Milano Cortina 2026 with high hopes and the dream of making history. Their participation not only aims for medals but also to inspire the next generation of South African winter sports athletes.

For more on Team SA’s journey in Milano Cortina, follow Modern Athlete’s coverage throughout the Games.



 

PUMA Project3 returns to Boston & London Marathons

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on PUMA Project3 returns to Boston & London Marathons

Global sports brand PUMA has announced that its groundbreaking Project3 marathon program will return for the 2026 Boston and London Marathons.

Project3 gives participants the opportunity to experience life as a professional athlete, trial PUMA’s best-in-class race day products including the Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3 and Deviate NITRO™ Elite 4, and the chance to bank huge performance-based cash bonuses.

Returning bigger and better than ever, PUMA will select 300 applicants competing at two pinnacle spring marathons – 100 for the Boston Marathon and 200 for the London Marathon – making this the largest intake for Project3 since the launch of the program.

“Last year, Project3 turned the run community on its head. We had three incredible race days in Boston, London and New York, where we brought the global run community together and put the science around Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3 to the ultimate test. The results speak volumes and made the decision to run it back for 2026 a very easy one” said Lucas Maher, Senior Athlete Activation Manager at PUMA.

It was a momentous debut year for Project3, with 269 athletes from more than 13 countries toeing the line wearing the most talked about race-day shoe of the year, Fast-R NITRO™ Elite3.

Nearly one hundred runners set new PBs, with 48 of those breaking their PB by three-minutes or more to take home $3,000 in performance-based cash bonuses. In total, PUMA awarded more than $160,000 in prize money across the three races, making Project3 the most lucrative sub-elite marathon program in history.

What To Expect?

As a Project3 participant, you will receive unprecedented access to the PUMA Elite Running Team coaches, elite PUMA athletes, and PUMA innovation experts who will provide guidance on various aspects of your training cycle to ensure you’re ready to break records on race day. Participants will also receive a bespoke collection of PUMA running products, including Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3 and the soon to launch, Deviate NITRO™ Elite 4. The eye-catching $3,000 performance bonus for breaking your previous PB by three-minutes or more remains, as does the $3,000 performance bonus to the fastest Project3 male and female finishers of each race, as well as the runner who breaks their marathon PB by the biggest margin out of all Project3 runners.

How To Apply?
Prospective candidates must meet the minimum criteria to be considered for selection including:
– Holding a valid 2026 Boston or London Marathon race bib/race entry
– Existing marathon PB of 3:00 for male applicants or 3:15 for female applicants

To apply visit www.puma-project3.com. Applications open at 11:00 (EST) / 16:00 (GMT) on
Monday 26 January and will close at midnight on Friday 30 January.

For more information, please visit: www.puma-project3.com

 

Tete Dijana & Edward Mothibi Join the Team: Official Launch at Hollywoodbets Offices, Durban

Roxanne MartinNewsLeave a Comment on Tete Dijana & Edward Mothibi Join the Team: Official Launch at Hollywoodbets Offices, Durban

Hollywood Athletics Club (HAC) has reinforced its standing as one of South Africa’s leading homes of long-distance excellence with the official induction of ultra-marathon champions Edward “Slender” Mothibi and Tete Dijana into its athletics stable. The announcement welcoming the two runners to the “Purple Team” took place at the Hollywoodbets offices in Durban, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both the athletes and the broader running fraternity.

You can watch the whole launch on our Instagram page

A Landmark Ultra-Running Event

The launch event saw staff celebrating the signing with a guard of honour to welcome the runners to the Hollywoodbets Durban headquarters. Teammates present to support the newcomers included Stephen Mokoka, Tayla Kavanagh, Cian Oldknow, and Thabang Mathebula, alongside media representatives and passionate supporters. The atmosphere was electric as Tete Dijana and Edward Mothibi made their entrance to great cheering and fanfare, demonstrating the club’s enthusiasm in welcoming the duo.

Tete Dijana, renowned for his relentless pace and competitive spirit, shared his enthusiasm:

“Joining this team is a dream come true. I am looking forward to new challenges and representing my supporters with pride.”

Edward Mothibi, a revered Comrades Marathon champion, spoke about the importance of the partnership:

“This partnership is about more than racing—it is about community, mentorship, and giving back to the sport that has given me so much.”

Impact on the Running Community

The signing of Tete and Edward is more than just a boost to the team’s competitive strength; it is a powerful statement regarding investment in South African athletic talent. Both athletes are admired for their achievements and their commitment to uplifting others within the sport. Their presence is set to inspire a new generation of runners and foster a culture of excellence, teamwork, and community engagement.

This was highlighted by remarks from Greg Glossop, Hollywood Athletics Club Chairman, who spoke passionately about the club’s vision and the significance of these signings.

“Welcoming Tete and Edward to the Hollywood Athletics Club is a proud moment for us all. Their dedication, humility, and drive for excellence are exactly what we stand for. We believe their journey with us will inspire countless young runners to chase their dreams and reach new heights. Tete and Edward represent the very best of South African running—resilience, discipline, and a passion for giving back. Their presence will elevate our club and set a new standard for excellence.”

Morgan Shandu, President of the Athletics Club, added:

“Seeing Tete and Edward join our club is a testament to the values we hold dear—commitment, unity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Their achievements are already legendary, but I believe their greatest impact will be in how they inspire and uplift every member of our running community.”

Looking Forward

With their official launch now complete, both Tete Dijana and Edward Mothibi are preparing for a season filled with promise. Both will line up at the eThekwini Best of the Best Marathon, where they will compete in the famous purple colours for the first time. The season ahead promises to be an exciting one as they begin their journey with a new club and fresh goals.

Nedbank Running Club Invests in the Future of South African Running

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Nedbank Running Club Invests in the Future of South African Running
Nedbank Running Club is proud to announce a wave of exciting new signings for the 2026 season, reaffirming our commitment to the future of South African athletics. As one of the country’s most successful and respected running clubs, we believe that investing in young, emerging talent is the key to sustaining our nation’s proud tradition of excellence on the roads, tracks, and trails.
 

The foundation of our club’s legacy lies in discovering and developing future stars. Champions like Sipho Ngomane, Joseph Molaba, Claude Moshiywa, Bongmusa Mthembu, Ludwick Mammabolo, Gerda Steyn and Farwa Mentoor, Charne Bosman, Caroline Wostman —All of them household names in South African running—rose to prominence through the support and development opportunities that Nick B Sport incorporating Harmony and Nedbank Running Club’s offered them,” says Nick Bester, Nedbank Running Clubs National Manager, adding, “By focusing on talent identification and athlete development, we continue to set the pace for the sport nationwide.”

This year, we are especially excited to unveil a strong squad from the home ground of the Comrades marathon Association -KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), a region brimming with untapped potential like Bongmusa Mthembu and hunger for success. Athletes such as Sithembiso Mqhele, Musawenkosi Mthalane, Sinethemba Tshangase, Bonginkosi Mavuso, Thokozani Mbambo, Nathi Khanyezi ,Jenna Challenor , Fikile Mbuthuma ,Msawenkosi Nsibande and Dion Ross have joined the club, eager for the opportunity to highlight their talent on the biggest stages. We believe that with the right support and guidance, these runners will become household names in the years to come.

To support our athletes’ ambitions, Nedbank Running Club is investing in a series of high-performance training camps across the country:

–  Comrades and Two Oceans training camp in the Drakensberg mountains in Underberg and Bulwer, managed by Mthandeni Nene, is providing vital altitude and endurance preparation for our elite squad.

– Comrades training camp in Klerksdorp under the guidance of Pio Mpolokeng, featuring standout athletes such as ‘Onalenna Khonkhobe, Lucky Mohale, the Sibeko brothers (Samuel and Simon), Puseletso Mofokeng, Thabang Mosiako, and others, is sharpening the team’s competitive edge for the year’s biggest ultra.

– Two Oceans training camp in George, led by Lloyds Bosman, brings together a group of upcoming talented Nedbank RC stars, including Francois Maqhosa and Selwyn Mathews, to prepare for the unique demands of the Cape’s iconic race.

– Comrades training camp in Dullstroom where we combine our National athletes with our international athletes:

Names like Deanne Laubscher, Dominika Stelmach, Piet Wiersma etcetera.

Looking ahead to South Africa’s premier ultra-distance events, Nedbank Running Club is proud to highlight

Onalenna Khonkhobe and George Kusche as strong contenders for the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon (TOM) and the iconic Comrades Marathon. Their performances and dedication position them among the top athletes to watch this season.

At the same time, we wish to acknowledge the departure of two of South Africa’s most celebrated ultramarathoners, Tete Dijana and Edward Mothibi. While their contracts have not been renewed due to their requested retainer rates exceeding what the club can sustainably offer, we hold the deepest respect for their achievements and contributions to the green dream. We wish Tete and Edward everything of the best as they continue their remarkable journeys.

Nedbank Running Club remains steadfast in its mission: to discover, develop, and champion the very best in South African running. Our investment in emerging talent today is an investment in the champions of tomorrow.

For more information on their athletes, events, and club initiatives, visit Nedbank Running Club’s website or follow them on social media.

Nick Bester-National Manager of the Nedbank Running Clubs.

Absa RUN YOUR CITY R1.68m Incentive Revolution

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Absa RUN YOUR CITY R1.68m Incentive Revolution
By Adnaan Mohamed

The road to greatness in South African distance running just got smoother, and significantly richer. The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has fired the starter’s gun on its 2026 campaign by unveiling a R1.686 million combined prize purse, paired with one of the most aggressive SA athlete incentive structures ever seen on local roads.

Since its inception in 2015, the series has re-engineered the domestic road-running ecosystem, transforming 10km racing from a supporting act into the main event. In 2026, the five-city circuit once again strings together Gqeberha (March), Cape Town (May), Durban (July), Tshwane (August) and Johannesburg (September). The 10km specialists have five fast courses, five chances to chase both time and fortune.

“Offering an impressive prize purse is extremely important to us and we are proud to once again be able to do so at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series in 2026,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports.

“We believe that a strong prize purse does more than reward dedication and loyalty towards the series – it fuels ambition and inspires athletes to chase extraordinary performances. That is why we are proud to continue growing our prize purse each year with 2026 featuring a combined prize purse of R1 686 000.00.”

Built for Speed and Sustainability

Each race carries a R337 200 prize allocation, with R267 200 reserved for the Open Category. The top 10 men and women split R133 600 each, while winners in every city bank R33 000, with R24 000 for second and R21 000 for third.

Depth and longevity are equally rewarded.
“In addition, R70 000.00 per event has been allocated to Age Categories, rewarding the top three finishers in the Junior, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69 and 70+ age groups – ensuring excellence is celebrated across generations.”

Incentives that Reward the Stopwatch

If the prize purse is the foundation, the SA Athlete Incentive Schedule is the accelerant.

Elite men unlock bonuses for times under 28 minutes, with a headline-grabbing R300 000 incentive for smashing the 27:00 barrier, plus R50 000 for a new SA record. Elite women are similarly rewarded, with bonuses starting at 32:08, escalating to R300 000 for breaking 30:20, and an additional R50 000 for a national record.

Consistency, often the missing ingredient in elite development, is also rewarded:

  • Elite Men: R20 000 for two sub-28s; R30 000 for three
  • Elite Women: R20 000 for two sub-32:08s; R30 000 for three

“In 2025, we paid out an impressive total of R1.9 million in Prize Money and SA Athlete Incentives,” Meyer adds.

“Building on this momentum, our focus for 2026 is to reward exceptional performances even further and elevate the level of competition in South African middle-distance running. By empowering our elite athletes to build successful careers at home, we’re confident these incentives will attract the country’s top talent and deliver spectacular racing across all five events.”

Wildschutt Eyes African History

Fresh off a 2025 campaign that saw him erase four national records, Olympian Adriaan Wildschutt returns to the series opener in Gqeberha on 1 March with history in his sights — a sub-27-minute 10km on African soil.

“The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has been a huge help in providing opportunities for us to run fast and compete against high-quality athletes,” says Wildschutt.

“The incentives they provide also motivate us to prepare well for these races, which further enhances the competition.”

A Platform for Pure 10km Racing

Glenrose Xaba at Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K 2025

For Kabelo Mulaudzi, three-time SA cross-country champion and six-time series winner, the value of the circuit goes beyond prize money.

“As an athlete who specialises in shorter distances, the Series allows me to focus purely on 10km racing without having to step up to half marathons or marathons just to earn decent prize money,” he explains.
“For a long time in South Africa, there were very few opportunities for sub-marathon athletes to make a sustainable income, so the prize money on offer in this Series is a game-changer.”

Mulaudzi adds:
“The time-based incentive structure really encourages fast and consistent performances… I strongly believe athletes should be rewarded for fast performances rather than appearance money, and I’m excited to test myself against some of the best athletes from Southern and East Africa in the Series.”

In 2026, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series is setting the pace for what elite road running in South Africa can become.

2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Dates

  • 01 March: Gqeberha 10K
  • 10 May: Cape Town 10K
  • 12 July: Durban 10K
  • 23 August: Tshwane 10K
  • 24 September: Joburg 10K

www.runyourcityseries.com
WhatsApp: 072 042 7613
#RunYourCity #AbsaRunYourCity

Entries Open for 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run

Adnaan MohamedNews, Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, TrailLeave a Comment on Entries Open for 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run
By Adnaan Mohamed

Entries for the 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run will open at 12:00 on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, offering runners the chance to tackle ±16km or ±24km of iconic Table Mountain trails.

Celebrating its 13th edition, the Trail Run has become a highlight of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon weekend, with participation limited to 500 runners per distance to preserve an intimate trail-running experience.

Trail Runners enjoying the 2025 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run route. PHOTO CREDIT: Tobias Ginsberg

“We’re excited to kick off 2026 with the opening of entries for the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run,” said Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC.

“The ±16km and ±24km trail runs offer participants a rare opportunity to explore the stunning and challenging trails of Table Mountain during the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon weekend. With each distance limited to just 500 runners, this is an intimate and exclusive experience in one of the world’s most breathtaking natural settings.”

Starting from the historic steps of the University of Cape Town, runners climb through the Newlands Forest before navigating the rugged lower slopes of Devil’s Peak, with sweeping views of Table Bay, Robben Island and the Cape Peninsula.

According to Wade Bromfield, General Manager of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, the Trail Run enhances the broader event programme.

“The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run adds another exciting dimension to an already action-packed Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon weekend, allowing even more runners to immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere and vibrant energy of this iconic celebration of running,” said Bromfield.

“The Trail Run routes showcase some of the most breathtaking scenery and authentic trail-running terrain on Table Mountain, offering a challenge that is as achievable as it is exhilarating.”

Trail Runners enjoying the 2025 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run route. PHOTO CREDIT: Tobias Ginsberg

Bromfield confirmed that demand is expected to be high.

“Entries open at 12:00 on Tuesday, 20 January 2026. With limited spots available, we encourage runners to enter early for the opportunity to be part of this unforgettable trail-running experience.”

The entry fee includes an exclusive event-specific T-shirt, a limited-edition pair of TTOM-branded Versus Quarter Running Socks, and SANParks access, which supports conservation efforts and trail maintenance.

Event Details:

  • Date: Friday, 10 April 2026
  • Venue: University of Cape Town
  • Distances & Fees: ±16km (R750) | ±24km (R950)
  • Entries Open: Tuesday, 20 January 2026 at 12:00
  • Entries: First-come, first-served

For full details, route information and compulsory kit requirements, visit www.twooceansmarathon.org.za.

Springbok Women’s Sevens Clinch Dubai Title as Defence Impresses Afrika

Adnaan MohamedNews, RugbyLeave a Comment on Springbok Women’s Sevens Clinch Dubai Title as Defence Impresses Afrika
By Adnaan Mohamed

The Springbok Women’s Sevens claimed the HSBC SVNS 3 title in Dubai on Sunday after an unbeaten tournament highlighted by strong defence, effective attack and disciplined teamwork, according to head coach Cecil Afrika.

South Africa topped their pool on Saturday before defeating Poland in the semi-finals and coming from behind to beat Argentina 12-5 in the final.

The victory marked Afrika’s second consecutive tournament title since taking over as coach in October, following the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup triumph in Nairobi in November.

“It was a great win and the players deserve all the credit – we really defended well, but our attack also proved very effective,” said Afrika.

He said the team struck the right balance between defence and attack throughout the tournament.

“Overall, I think we got the balance right at this tournament. When we needed to, we defended our line very well and when the opportunity came, we could switch to attack and scored some really nice tries.”

Afrika emphasised collective effort as key to the team’s defensive success.

“One of the keys to a successful defensive effort is for players to work hard for each other, getting back in line, getting back off the floor to get in position and to trust the system and not try things on your own.”

The Dubai title secures qualification for the HSBC SVNS 2 series, with three tournaments to follow, starting in Nairobi on 14–15 February.

Afrika also acknowledged squad members who did not travel to Dubai.

“We must also acknowledge those players who did not travel this time but are part of the squad,” he said. “They helped us with our preparation and I am happy to say we got our tactics and game analisys right also.”

The team will depart Dubai later on Sunday and arrive in Cape Town at 11:00 on Monday.

Selected stats:
Most points – Nadine Roos (54: four tries, 17 conversions)
Most tries – Maria Tshiremba (7)

Stormers survive Leicester storm to stutter into Last 16

Adnaan MohamedNews, RugbyLeave a Comment on Stormers survive Leicester storm to stutter into Last 16
By Adnaan Mohamed

The DHL Stormers may have booked their place in the Investec Champions Cup play-offs with a 39–26 win overLeicester Tigers at DHL Stadium on Saturday, but this was less a polished symphony and more a garage band that occasionally forgot the chords.

Yes, the scoreboard says five tries to four. Yes, the Stormers marched into the last-16 in front of an enthusiastic Cape Town crowd of 25 000.

But context matters, and this particular Tiger arrived with more stripes missing than a clearance-sale jersey. A significantly weakened Leicester side, shorn of several frontline names, still managed to bare its teeth often enough to expose some worrying cracks in the Stormers’ armour.

The home side started like a team keen to make an early statement. Evan Roos thundered over for the opener after Jonny Roche’s midfield burst split the defence, before André-Hugo Venter peeled off a maul to make it 12–0. At that point, it looked like traffic control rather than a contest.

Then the Stormers remembered their habit of inviting chaos. Two quick Leicester tries, through George Pearson and Will Wand, flipped the scoreboard to 14–12 and highlighted how quickly defensive alignment can evaporate when concentration wobbles.

For long spells, the Stormers looked like a side playing fast-forward without checking the mirrors. Passes went to ground, exits were optional, and defensive spacing sometimes resembled a group photo taken mid-blink. Leicester didn’t need their full complement to punch holes; the Stormers generously supplied the gaps themselves.

The hosts regained the lead at the break thanks only to Leicester’s kindness and new skipper Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s boot, after Dylan Maart fumbled what should have been a walk-in try. It was 15–14 at halftime, advantage Stormers, but with the handbrake still half on.

Leicester struck first again after the restart with a maul try to reclaim the lead, underlining just how vulnerable the Stormers were when the basics slipped. The response, though, captured the essence of this side: chaotic, brilliant, risky and entertaining in equal measure. Leolin Zas finished off a slick passage of offloads for the Stormers’ third, dragging momentum back their way.

The game teetered again when Feinberg-Mngomezulu saw yellow, reducing the Stormers to 14 men, usually the cue for consolidation. Instead, JD Schickerling produced an outrageous dummy more suited to a centre than a lock, carving open the defence to score the bonus-point try and turn disbelief into delight.

Replacement scrumhalf Imad Khan added the final flourish at the death, his try stretching the scoreline into something that suggested control rather than the rollercoaster reality.

Replacement scrumhalf Imad Khan provided a spark. Photo: Rashied Isaacs

The Stormers’ attack still flickered with moments of brilliance, because that’s their DNA, but too often it came wrapped in loose decision-making. It’s champagne rugby, once more, served in a paper cup. When it worked, it sparkled. When it didn’t, it fizzed out spectacularly.

Defensively, the warning lights flashed brightest. For a side with ambitions of lifting Europe’s biggest prize, conceding soft metres and broken-field opportunities against a patched-up opponent is the rugby equivalent of leaving your front door open and hoping no one notices.

This was a match the Stormers should have controlled with one hand on the wheel and the other on the gearstick. Instead, they veered between dominance and disorder, brilliance and brain fade, sometimes within the same phase.

The truth is simple: knockout rugby does not grade on flair alone. The further you go, the less forgiving the margins become. European heavyweights won’t offer second chances, and they certainly won’t arrive missing half their starters.

If the Stormers genuinely want to go all the way in this competition, the basics must stop being optional extras. Tackle completion, exit accuracy, set-piece pressure and defensive spacing are not glamorous, but they are non-negotiable.

Winning ugly still counts. Winning sloppy comes with a warning label. The Stormers advanced to the last 16 of the Champions Cup and will now tackle French Giants Toulon at the Stade Mayol in the South of France in April.

Unless John Dobson’s charges tighten the bolts, sharpen the fundamentals and start respecting the small moments, Europe’s elite will make them pay with interest.

For the Stormers switch their attention to the Vodacom URC where they host the Sharks in Cape Town on Saturday.

STORMERS – Tries: Evan Roos, Andre-Hugo Venter, Leolin Zas, JD Schickerling, Imad Khan. Conversions: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (3), Khan (1). Penalties: Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Khan.
LEICESTER TIGERS – Tries: George Pearson, Will Wand, Jamie Blamire, Tom Manz. Conversions: Billy Searle (3).

Investec Champions Cup Round of 16 fixtures in full

Union Bordeaux Bègles vs Leicester Tigers

Glasgow Warriors vs Vodacom Bulls

RC Toulon vs DHL Stormers

Stade Toulousain vs Bristol Bears

Bath Rugby vs Saracens

Leinster Rugby vs Edinburgh Rugby

Northampton Saints vs Castres Olympique

Harlequins vs Sale Sharks