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Can England finally crack the Springboks code?

Adnaan MohamedPreview, Rugby, SpringboksLeave a Comment on Can England finally crack the Springboks code?
By Adnaan Mohamed

England have been here before. Close enough to see victory. Close enough to believe. Close enough to feel the Springboks wobble.

Then South Africa find another gear.

It has become a familiar script in one of rugby’s richest rivalries. England ask difficult questions, the Springboks absorb the pressure and somehow emerge with the answer that matters most.

Saturday’s opening Nations Championship Test at Ellis Park offers Steve Borthwick’s side another opportunity to prove they have bridged that stubborn gap. They could hardly have picked a sterner examination.

Johannesburg does not welcome visitors with open arms. The altitude drains lungs, the crowd feeds every collision and the Springboks have turned Ellis Park into one of world rugby’s least hospitable addresses.

Rassie Erasmus’ side arrive riding a nine-match winning streak and carrying the confidence of back-to-back Rugby Championship titles. Momentum has become their travelling companion and complacency remains unwelcome.

“The goal is to win,” Erasmus said this week.

Simple words. Typical Springboks.

His selection reflects a squad built for every occasion. Damian Willemse and Cheslin Kolbe celebrate their 50th Tests in a backline packed with proven match winners. Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende remain one of international rugby’s most reliable midfield pairings, while Manie Libbok gets another chance to orchestrate an attack that can shift from controlled to chaotic in a heartbeat.

Up front, the Springboks possess enough muscle to move mountains.

Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx and Thomas du Toit anchor a front row that thrives on confrontation, with Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi and Jasper Wiese providing the relentless edge that has become South Africa’s trademark.

Then comes the Bomb Squad.

Fresh legs. Fresh power. Fresh problems.

England know exactly what awaits.

George Martin has welcomed the physical battle after returning from injury, while Fin Smith shoulders the responsibility of steering England around one of rugby’s toughest venues. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s return offers genuine attacking spark, Tommy Freeman arrives in outstanding form and Henry Pollock is expected to inject his trademark energy from the bench after already making himself public enemy number one among many South African supporters.

Borthwick believes his squad is ready.

“Playing South Africa at Ellis Park is one of the great Tests in world rugby,” he said.

He is right.

England have enough quality to ask questions of the world champions. Their backline carries pace, their forwards have embraced the challenge and their confidence has steadily grown despite an underwhelming Six Nations campaign.

The problem is that Ellis Park rarely rewards promise.

The Springboks know exactly how they want to play. Dominate the set piece. Win the gain line. Squeeze territory. Turn pressure into points.

It is an approach forged through experience and sharpened by success.

England may remain within touching distance for long stretches, much like they have in recent meetings. History suggests that when the contest reaches its defining moments, South Africa usually discover another level.

Prediction: Springboks by 12.

Teams:

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

England: 15 George Furbank, 14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 13 Tommy Freeman, 12 Seb Atkinson, 11 Cadan Murley, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Jack van Poortvliet, 8 Ben Earl, 7 Tom Curry, 6 Ollie Chessum, 5 George Martin, 4 Alex Coles, 3 Joe Heyes, 2 Jamie George (captain), 1 Ellis Genge.
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie,17 Beno Obano, 18 Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 19 Charlie Ewels, 20 Guy Pepper, 21 Henry Pollock, 22 Alex Mitchell, 23 Marcus Smith.

Date: Saturday, July 4
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 17.40
Referee: James Doleman (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Andrew Brace (Ireland) & Pierre Brousset (France)
TMO: Richard Kelly (New Zealand)

Images: x.com/Springboks

Can Durban 10K deliver sub 27 and sub 30 double?

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, News, PreviewLeave a Comment on Can Durban 10K deliver sub 27 and sub 30 double?
By Adnaan Mohamed

For years, African road running has waited for two stubborn barriers to fall. On 12 July, the sold-out Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K could become the stage where both finally surrender.

The prospect of the first men’s sub-27-minute 10km and the first women’s sub-30-minute performance on African soil has transformed the Durban race from another elite road event into a genuine date with history.

At the centre of the men’s assault stands Ugandan superstar Joshua Cheptegei. The Olympic champion and world record holder over 5 000m and 10 000m owns a personal best of 26:38, making him the obvious favourite to shatter the long-standing continental milestone.

Yet the stopwatch will not be chasing Cheptegei alone.

Kenya’s Felix Masai, who claimed victory at this year’s Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon, brings a 27:24 lifetime best, while Gilbert Kiprotich believes he has already crossed the psychological finish line.

After producing a blistering 27:01 split during the Lisbon Half Marathon, Kiprotich is convinced Durban’s flat course and fast pace can carry him into the exclusive sub-27 club.

Gilbert Kiprotich Photo Supplied

“I believe I am capable of running comfortably under 27:00 in Durban,” said Kiprotich.

“We are hoping for favourable weather conditions and strong pacing on race day.”

Cheptegei is refusing to become consumed by the numbers, even though they continue to follow him like a determined shadow.

“It would be an honour for the record to be broken on African soil,” he said.

“I think that would be great for African athletics.”

The women’s race carries an equally compelling storyline.

Brenda Jepchirchir returns to South Africa with unfinished business after strong winds denied her a realistic opportunity of breaking 30 minutes in Gqeberha earlier this year. Since then, the Kenyan has reinforced her credentials by clocking 29:25, making her the second fastest woman in the world in 2026 and the joint fourth fastest in history.

“If the conditions are favourable and the race unfolds well, I would love to run under 30 minutes,” Jepchirchir said.

“It would be a significant milestone in my career, and I believe it is possible.”

Beatrice Chepkoech by GSC Media House

Standing alongside her is world steeplechase record holder Beatrice Chepkoech, whose presence deepens an already formidable field. Although the Kenyan is continuing her return after giving birth, the 2019 world champion believes Durban offers the perfect setting to be part of something memorable.

“This is what every athlete dreams of, building a legacy that will endure in the world of athletics,” said Chepkoech.

Stillwater Sports founder Michael Meyer believes the stars have aligned.

“The prospect of witnessing the first sub-27-minute men’s 10km and the first sub-30-minute women’s 10km on African soil at a single event is incredibly exciting,” Meyer said.

Elite athletes, favourable winter conditions and one of the continent’s quickest road courses have combined to create a rare opportunity.

Records rarely wave a white flag willingly. The DURBAN 10K now has the chance to force their surrender, twice, in the space of one unforgettable morning.

Bafana’s Canada clash worth R66m as Broos plots path to World Cup last 16

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, Football, News, PreviewLeave a Comment on Bafana’s Canada clash worth R66m as Broos plots path to World Cup last 16
By Adnaan Mohamed

Bafana Bafana’s FIFA World Cup campaign has already delivered history. On Sunday, it could deliver another R66 million.

Fresh from a gritty 1-0 victory over South Korea, Hugo Broos’ side take on co-hosts Canada at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles with a place in the Round of 16 and a significantly bigger FIFA payday at stake.

South Africa have already secured total tournament earnings of $23.5 million (about R390 million) after reaching the knockout phase.

That figure comprises FIFA’s $10 million participation fee, a $2.5 million preparation grant and the $11 million awarded to teams eliminated in the Round of 32.

Victory over Canada would increase the performance bonus to $15 million, adding another $4 million, or approximately R66 million, to Bafana’s World Cup earnings.

The financial rewards also filter down to the dressing room.

Under an agreement between the South African Football Association (SAFA), the players and technical staff receive 30% of FIFA prize money. Having already earned bonuses estimated at around R2 million each after progressing from the group stage, another victory could lift individual payouts to roughly R3.6 million.

While the money is substantial, Broos’ focus will be on another disciplined tactical display against a Canadian side boasting genuine pace in wide areas.

Canada’s biggest threats come from European-based stars Alphonso Davies and Tajon Buchanan, two explosive wingers capable of stretching even the most organised defence.

Rather than matching Canada stride for stride, Broos is expected to rely on the compact defensive structure that frustrated South Korea.

Midfielders Teboho Mokoena and Sphephelo Sithole are likely to operate as a double pivot, shifting across the field to protect the defence and prevent Canada’s wide players from driving into dangerous central areas.

Behind them, full-backs Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba are expected to hold their defensive shape, limiting space behind the back line rather than committing early to one-on-one battles.

Should Canada’s attacking full-backs push forward, Bafana will look to exploit the space in transition, using quick vertical attacks to turn defence into offence.

That formula served South Africa well against South Korea, where patience, organisation and clinical finishing proved enough to secure a famous victory.

Sunday presents an even sterner examination.

Beat Canada and Bafana will move into the World Cup’s last 16 for the first time in the nation’s history while adding another R66 million to an already remarkable campaign.

The stakes could hardly be higher, both on the pitch and on the balance sheet.

Tayla Kavanagh leads charge in Durban SPAR Challenge

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The SPAR Women’s Challenge series is rolling into Durban like a colourful caravan of ambition, determination and flying feet, and all eyes will be on Tayla Kavanagh as she seeks to tighten her grip on the 2026 SPAR Grand Prix title race.

Kavanagh (25), who grew up in Hillcrest in KwaZulu-Natal, will enter the race wearing the leader’s bib in the series and carrying the weight of expectation. Yet the road ahead resembles a tightly packed peloton rather than a solo breakaway. Every stride on Sunday’s 10km Challenge could reshape the championship landscape.

The Hollywood Athletics Club athlete says her training has gone well and is excited to test herself against a strong field again.

“I feel strong at this stage of the season,” said Kavanagh.

“Every race is an opportunity to build momentum and consistency. I like to focus on one opportunity at a time. I always give each race my full focus and try do my best on the day”

Despite her strong start, Kavanagh is taking a measured approach to the championship battle.

“My goal is to race smart and hopefully execute a good race to achieve the best possible result on the day”

Durban’s beachfront route has often been a theatre of drama and this year promises another chapter rich in intrigue.

Kavanagh faces a formidable chasing pack. Karabo More and her Boxer teammates Cacisile Sosibo, Karabo Mailula, Zanthe Taljaard, Carina Swiegers and Lizandre Mulder will arrive fresh from competing in the South African 5km Championships in Gqeberha earlier on Saturday.

The absence of defending SPAR Grand Prix champion Glenrose Xaba, who is racing in the United States, opens a wider lane for the contenders. More, Sosibo and Kayla Jacobs remain within striking distance after collecting maximum bonus points in Cape Town. Meanwhile, Nedbank’s Ethiopian ace Selam Gebre finally joins the series after visa complications sidelined her from the opening race. She will be hunting valuable points with the hunger of an athlete eager to make up lost ground.

The format of the competition, with the final points based on an athlete’s top four races, means that runners can miss one of the five SPAR Challenges and still be in contention for the top prize of R210 000.


Selam Gebre- Ethiopian star, Selam Gebre (Nedbank) will be one of the favourites for the 10km SPAR Women’s Challenge Durban on Sunday 28 June 2026. Photo credits: Ashley Vlotman/ Gallo Images

The Grand Prix format adds another layer of suspense. With only an athlete’s best four results counting towards the final standings, one missed race is not a fatal stumble. It keeps the title race alive and turns every Challenge into a tactical chess match played at racing speed.

The age category battles are also simmering nicely. Elizabeth Potter, Nerida Lubbe and Janene Carey share early momentum in the 50-59 division after securing maximum bonus points in Cape Town. In the 60-69 category, defending champion Judy Bird, Dalene Sonnekus, Ester Brink and Suzanne Marais have already signalled their intentions.

Beyond the stopwatch, the event continues to champion causes greater than sport. A portion of every entry will support iThemba Lethu, an organisation dedicated to uplifting and nurturing young lives in eThekwini.

“The SPAR Women’s Challenge is so much more than a race,” said SPAR National PR, Communications and Sponsorship Manager Mpudi Maubane.

“It is a platform – one that brings together sport, community, empowerment, and purpose in a way that few properties in South Africa can.

“Whether it is our elite athletes competing for SPAR Grand Prix glory, a first-time 5km entrant crossing the finish line, our beneficiary organisations receiving life-changing support, or our campaigns against gender-based violence and period poverty – every single element of this property has one thing in common: celebrating and empowering women. And that is very close to SPAR’s heart.”

The event’s partnership with Hyundai adds another incentive, with an Exter SUV up for grabs in the lucky draw.

Sunday’s route starts on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue and finishes at the outer fields of Kings Park Rugby Stadium. According to Race Director Brad Glassspoole, the course is relatively flat but sprinkled with enough twists, turns and subtle elevation changes to keep runners honest.

“Supporting the SPAR Women’s Grand Prix aligns with our commitment to a healthier, more active South Africa,” said Hyundai Chief Executive Stanley Anderson.

“Regular exercise builds strength, confidence and community – the same values we strive to embody as a brand.”

As Durban prepares to lace up for another celebration of women’s running, Kavanagh stands at the front of the field. The question is whether she can stretch her advantage or whether the chasing pack will turn the Grand Prix race into a full-blown sprint to the finish.

Tete Dijana and Piet Wiersma in blockbuster Comrades showdown

Adnaan MohamedComrades Marathon, News, PreviewLeave a Comment on Tete Dijana and Piet Wiersma in blockbuster Comrades showdown
Adnaan Mohamed

Three proven Comrades Marathon champions. Three very different motivations. One famous road between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

The men’s elite race at Sunday’s Comrades Marathon has the ingredients of a modern classic, with defending Down Run champion Tete Dijana chasing history, 2024 Up Run winner Piet Wiersma hunting unfinished business and 2019 champion Edward Mothibi quietly building confidence inside a formidable Hollywood Athletics Club squad.

For Dijana, preparation has followed a familiar script.

The three-time Down Run champion says an injury-free training block and altitude camp in Dullstroom have laid a solid platform for another assault on the title, with the biggest adjustment coming in mindset rather than methodology.

“The preparation went well and injury free,” Dijana said.

“Our training stays more or less the same because the hills are always there, but mentally you have to approach it differently and put more emphasis on strength.”

Hollywood’s backing has also given him confidence throughout the campaign, although the defending champion is not buying into suggestions that there is no pressure.

“I’m defending. I have to deliver and make history for myself,” he said.

Alongside him is Mothibi, whose move to Hollywood has strengthened an already imposing purple challenge.

The 2019 winner says he has largely trusted the methods that brought success in previous years, with extra focus placed on improving speed to match a younger generation of contenders.

Hollywood AC’s Happy Bunch taking a break during training. Photo: Supplied

He believes some of his biggest rivals are the athletes he trains with every day.

“Tete is part of our Happy Bunch,” Mothibi said. “I know how fit those guys are because I train with them. Those are the competitors I understand best.”

Mothibi also praised Hollywood’s athlete-first approach, saying the club creates an environment free from unnecessary pressure while giving runners every opportunity to perform.

Standing in their way is Wiersma, whose remarkable rise has transformed him into one of the race’s biggest stars.

The Dutchman insists being labelled defending champion feels strange after winning the last Up Run rather than last year’s Down Run, though he believes this could be the strongest preparation of his career.

“I’ve done the best training of my life,” Wiersma said.

After overcoming illness earlier in the season and maintaining a carefully controlled routine, he arrives convinced he has given himself every possible chance.

His respect for Dijana and Mothibi remains evident despite the changing club colours.

“Before the race and after the race we’re friends,” he said.

“During the race we don’t show each other mercy, no matter what colours we’re wearing.”

Perhaps the strongest insight into Wiersma’s mindset comes from his description of unfinished business.

He has finished second by seconds, won while narrowly missing the course record and again fallen agonisingly short of victory.

Now he believes the depth of this year’s field could produce something special.

“With a field this strong, there’s a very high chance the course record will be broken,” he said.

For Wiersma, Comrades has changed his life, providing the platform to pursue professional running full time after shelving plans for a PhD.

Living and training in Kenya has also reshaped his perspective.

“The mindset there is incredible,” he said. “People wake up every day knowing they have to do everything right because it affects what happens months later.”

By sunrise on Sunday, predictions will count for little.

The road from Durban to Pietermaritzburg has a habit of humbling favourites and elevating dreamers.

If Dijana’s pursuit of history, Mothibi’s experience and Wiersma’s relentless ambition unfold as expected, the 2026 Comrades Marathon could produce another chapter worthy of its legendary status.

Record prize money, history on the line at 99th Comrades Marathon

Adnaan MohamedComrades Marathon, News, PreviewLeave a Comment on Record prize money, history on the line at 99th Comrades Marathon
By Adnaan Mohamed

The 99th edition of the Comrades Marathon has all the ingredients of a classic.

Defending champions Tete Dijana and Gerda Steyn return to lead a star-studded elite field on Sunday as 21,677 runners tackle the 85.777km Up Run from Durban City Hall to Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg.

With nearly all of last year’s top-10 finishers back on the start line and a record prize purse on offer, the race is poised to deliver another compelling chapter in the history of South Africa’s most iconic ultra-marathon.

The only absentee among the top 20 men and women from the 2025 race is women’s runner-up Alexandra Morozova, leaving an elite field packed with proven performers and ambitious challengers.

Race director Sue Forge expects another fiercely contested battle.

“All the signs are that this should be another thrilling race, not just in terms of proven gold medallists, but also with the addition of a number of very fast marathoners and ultra-marathoners from both South Africa and abroad, including world-class 100km competitors. We’re looking forward to seeing who claims the podium spots and a share of the biggest prize purse in the history of the Comrades Marathon.”

The elite athletes will compete for a share of R8.21 million, including incentives and bonuses, with both the men’s and women’s winners earning R925,000.

“We have made sure that the top contenders in the 2026 edition of the Comrades Marathon have 8.2 million reasons to give everything they have on the route from Durban to Pietermaritzburg,” Forge said.

“This race has always produced world-class performances, and this considerable prize purse reflects the status of both the race and the elite field we have running this year.”

Dijana targets rare company

Tete Dijana Photo: Tobias Ginsberg/CMA

Dijana arrives as the man to beat.

The three-time champion claimed victories in 2022, 2023 and 2025, yet has never won an Up Run. A victory on Sunday would not only complete that collection, it would move him level with four-time winner Alan Robb and into a tie for third on the all-time men’s winners list.

Standing in his way is Dutch rival Piet Wiersma, winner of the most recent Up Run in 2024 and runner-up to Dijana in both 2023 and 2025.

Their rivalry has become one of the defining storylines of modern Comrades racing and could once again shape the outcome.

Three-time champion Bongmusa Mthembu also has history within reach. The veteran owns 11 gold medals and sits level with Bruce Fordyce on that list. Another gold medal would move him alongside Alan Robb with a record 12.

The men’s field is strengthened further by former winners Edward Mothibi and David Gatebe, while Nikolai Volkov, Joseph Manyedi, Alex Milne, Gordon Lesetedi and Vasilii Korytkin all return after gold-medal performances in 2025.

Several newcomers add intrigue.

South African hopeful George Kusche has attracted considerable support after finishing 12th last year, while Onalenna Khonkhobe’s impressive performances over the past 12 months have elevated him into podium discussions.

Internationally, much attention will focus on World 100km champion Aleksandr Sorokin, American record-holder Charles Lawrence and French 100km specialist Guillaume Ruel.

Steyn eyes fifth crown

Gerda Steyn Photo: Tobias Ginsberg/CMA

If Dijana is chasing history, Steyn is pursuing legacy.

The South African star has dominated women’s ultra-distance running in recent years and arrives full of confidence after securing a seventh consecutive Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon title.

Having won Comrades in 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2025, Steyn stands one victory away from becoming only the second woman in history to reach five wins.

Only eight-time champion Elena Nurgalieva has won more.

Yet the women’s race appears deeper than ever.

Kenyan Shelmith Muriuki impressed with third place on debut last year and is widely viewed as a serious contender. Irvette van Zyl enters the race after breaking the Loskop 50km course record, while Dominika Stelmach, Carla Molinaro, Caitriona Jennings, Courtney Olsen, Jenet Mbhele and Melissah Gibson all return after earning gold medals in 2025.

Adele Broodryk’s return adds further quality after she missed last year’s race, while Galaletsang Mekgoe and Jenna Challenor will be eager to force their way back into the gold-medal positions.

Zimbabwean debutant Nobukhosi Tshuma is another athlete generating interest after finishing third at this year’s Two Oceans Marathon.

Strongest field in years

The elite men’s field consists of 97 athletes, while 34 women have earned elite status.

Together they form one of the strongest line-ups assembled for the race in recent years.

For Dijana and Steyn, Sunday offers an opportunity to strengthen already impressive legacies. For the chasing pack, it presents a chance to alter the narrative.

By late afternoon in Pietermaritzburg, the 99th Comrades Marathon will have produced new heroes, fresh storylines and perhaps another piece of history on South Africa’s most famous road.

Kipchoge, Ethiopian stars headline record chase at Cape Town Marathon

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is poised for a potentially historic Sunday as one of the deepest elite fields ever assembled on African soil prepares to attack the record books beneath Table Mountain.

The 32nd edition of the race has attracted 27,000 marathon runners and a combined total of 44,500 participants across the weekend’s events, while the elite field carries enough firepower to threaten both course records.

In the men’s race, 13 athletes have already run faster than the current course mark of 2:08:16 set by Abdisa Tola in 2024. Ten of them have dipped beneath that time within the last year.

Leading the charge is marathon icon Eliud Kipchoge, the two-time Olympic champion and former world record-holder, whose personal best of 2:01:09 makes him the fastest athlete in the field historically.

Although now 41, Kipchoge remains a formidable contender after clocking 2:05:25 in London last year.

Ethiopia’s Mohamed Esa enters with arguably the sharpest recent form after posting 2:04:49 in Chicago in 2025, while Israel’s Maru Teferi arrives with a personal best of 2:04:44.

Mohamed Esa

Kenya’s Benard Kipkurui Biwott and Justus Kangogo, alongside Ethiopians Yihunilign Adane, Mulugeta Asefa Uma and Boki Kebede Asefa, add further depth to a field packed with sub-2:06 runners.

Another major contender is Adane Gebre Kebede, who won in Cape Town in 2023 and finished runner-up in 2024. His recent 2:06:16 in Houston suggests he could again feature prominently.

South Africa’s hopes will largely rest with three-time champion Stephen Mokoka, alongside Desmond Mokgobu, Bennet Seloyi and debutant Anthony Timoteus.

The women’s race also promises fireworks.

South African star Glenrose Xaba set the course record of 2:22:22 in 2024, producing the fastest women’s marathon ever run on African soil. This year’s elite lineup includes five women who have already run faster than 2:20.

Ethiopian trio Ruti Aga, Dera Dida and Mestawat Fikir are expected to spearhead the challenge. Aga owns a 2:18:09 best, while Dida and Fikir have clocked 2:18:32 and 2:18:48 respectively.

Edna Kiplagat

Experienced campaigners Lonah Salpeter and Edna Kiplagat add further quality to the field. Salpeter remains the fastest woman in the race historically with her 2:17:45 Tokyo victory in 2020, while two-time world champion Kiplagat continues to compete at elite level at 47.

“We have assembled the best marathon elite and wheelchair fields the African continent has ever seen, led by the best marathon runner of all time, Eliud Kipchoge,” said Clark Gardner.

“With so many starters who have run faster times than our course records, we feel confident that the record books will need updating after this year’s race.”

The race also represents another significant milestone in Cape Town’s bid to become Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Majors event, alongside marathons in New York, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, Tokyo, Sydney and London.

Featured Photo Credit: Kevin Peters

Cape Town 10K set to blaze as elite stars line up for city showdown

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES Cape Town 10K is shaping into a race that could leave scorch marks on the Mother City’s streets this weekend, with elite athletes targeting fast times, national bragging rights and a slice of history.

The women’s race has emerged as the main attraction with the elusive sub-30 minute barrier firmly in sight for the first time on South African soil.

Kenya’s Faith Cherono enters as the quickest athlete in the field with a personal best of 30:06 and is expected to drive an aggressive pace from the opening kilometre. Fellow Kenyan Jackline Rotich also arrives with proven pedigree and should add further pressure at the front.

South African attention, though, will centre on Glenrose Xaba and Tayla Kavanagh in a contest carrying the feel of a championship prize fight.

Xaba has become the country’s dominant road runner in recent seasons, producing performances as smooth and relentless as a train gathering speed downhill. Kavanagh has rapidly climbed the ranks and continues to show the fearless racing instincts needed to survive a brutal pace on a fast course.

“Cape Town is known for quick times and strong competition,” said Xaba. “When the field moves hard from the start, everyone gets pulled into the race.”

Kavanagh believes the race could deliver something special.

“A sub-30 has been hanging in the air for years,” she said. “This field has the athletes capable of chasing that mark.”

The men’s race also carries serious firepower.

Kenyan speedster Felix Kibet Masai leads the entries with a lightning-fast 27:24 personal best and will start among the favourites alongside South African veteran Stephen Mokoka, whose experience and tactical awareness remain among the sharpest in the domestic road running scene.

Kabelo Mulaudzi, Tanzania’s Jummanne Ngoya and a powerful local contingent including Bongelani Mkhwanazi and Chris Mhlanga should ensure the pace remains fierce throughout.

Mokoka expects an uncompromising race from the gun.

“When athletes with these personal bests line up together, the pace naturally becomes aggressive,” he said. “You need to be ready for every move.”

With cool rainy, coastal conditions expected, deep international fields and national stars eager to seize the spotlight, Cape Town’s roads are set to become a high-speed theatre for one of the most anticipated races on the local calendar.

See full list of male and female elite contenders below:

Sanlam Cape Town Marathon assembles strongest elite field in race history

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By Adnaan Mohamed

The 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is set to deliver one of the strongest elite fields ever assembled on African soil when the race takes place in the Mother City on Sunday, 24 May.

As the event continues its push for Abbott World Marathon Majors status, organisers have secured a line-up featuring Olympic champions, world title holders, seasoned marathon winners and some of the fastest athletes in the world.

Four-time Olympian Stephen Mokoka will return to familiar territory as he targets a fourth Sanlam Cape Town Marathon title. The Hollywood Athletics Club veteran remains one of South Africa’s most accomplished distance runners and returns to a course where he has already built a formidable legacy.

Mokoka owns a marathon best of 2:06:42 and a half marathon personal best of 59:36, credentials that keep him firmly among the leading contenders despite the depth of the field.

The biggest attraction is set to be Kenyan superstar Eliud Kipchoge, who has confirmed his participation in what will be his first marathon on African soil.

The double Olympic champion will begin an ambitious global campaign in Cape Town, aiming to run marathons across all seven continents over the next two years. The initiative will raise funds for the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, which focuses on environmental preservation and education projects.

Israel’s Maru Teferi enters the race with the fastest personal best in the men’s field at 2:04:44. He will face strong opposition from a group of sub-2:06 runners that includes Kenya’s Bernard Biwott (2:05:25) and Justus Kangogo (2:05:57), along with Ethiopians Yihunilign Adane (2:05:33), Mulugeta Asefa Uma (2:05:33) and Boki Kebede Asefa (2:05:40).

South African interest in the men’s race will also centre on Desmond Mokgobu and Nadeel Wildschutt, both holders of sub-2:10 marathon performances. Wildschutt’s brother, Adriaan, will take on pacing duties for the elite men’s race.

Thabang Mosiako will be chasing a breakthrough sub-2:10 performance, while former South African 10km record holder Precious Mashele and former national trail representative Kane Reilly are both set to make their marathon debuts.

The women’s field is equally impressive, led by Israel’s Lonah Salpeter, who boasts a personal best of 2:17:45.

Ethiopia’s Ruti Aga, Dera Dida and Mestawat Fikir bring extensive international marathon experience, while Bahrain’s Desi Jisa Mokonin and Ethiopia’s Waganesh Mekasha add further quality to the contest.

Veteran Kenyan star Edna Kiplagat, a two-time world champion, remains one of the standout names in the field at the age of 47. Zimbabwe-born Fortunate Chidzivo and UK-born Emma Pallant-Browne, now based in South Africa, will also attract local support.

The wheelchair race will feature British great David Weir and Swiss multiple major winner Manuela Schär.

With world-class depth across both elite races, the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is positioning itself among the leading marathons on the international calendar.

Junior Boks reshuffle as Australia challenge looms

Adnaan MohamedNews, Preview, RugbyLeave a Comment on Junior Boks reshuffle as Australia challenge looms
By Adnaan Mohamed

Junior Boks coach Kevin Foote has made measured changes to his match-23 for Sunday’s U20 Rugby Championship clash against Australia at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Kick-off is at 16h10, with New Zealand facing Argentina earlier at 14h00.

The South Africans were convincing in their opening win over Argentina and Foote has largely kept faith with that combination, making a single change to the starting pack. Wasi Vyambwera comes in at blindside flank, adding fresh energy to a forward unit that laid a strong platform in the tournament opener.

The backline sees two adjustments, with Khuthadzo Rasivhaga starting on the left wing and Akahluwa Boqwana selected at fullback. Both players will be expected to add attacking edge against an Australian side known for its skill and tempo.

On the bench, Luan van der Berg replaces the injured Kai Pratt, while Gert Kemp and Jade Muller come into the matchday squad to provide loose forward and backline cover.

Foote said the team had taken valuable lessons from their opening performance.

“We had a really good review of our performance against Argentina and, while we are very pleased with the result and the way the players performed on defence and attack for long periods of the match, there are obviously aspects of our game that need improvement,” he said.

The coach stressed the need for consistency across the full match.

“Our focus is playing the full 80 minutes and ensuring that we stay on our game model to meet what will be a huge challenge against an Australian side that is well coached and who boasts strong skill sets across the park.”

The Junior Boks will again run out in front of a passionate Eastern Cape crowd after a strong turnout in the opening round.

“The support we received against Argentina last week was absolutely fantastic, and we are excited to be playing in front of the passionate Eastern Cape rugby fans once again,” Foote said.

South Africa will look to build on their early momentum, with execution and discipline expected to be key against a well-organised Australian outfit.

Junior Springboks:
15 Akahluwa Boqwana, 14 Jack Benade, 13 Samuel Badenhorst, 12 Ethan Adams, 11 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Hendré Schoeman, 8 Kebotile Maake, 7 Wasi Vyambwera, 6 Luke Canon, 5 Riley Norton (captain), 4 Heinrich Theron, 3 Danie Kruger, 2 Liam van Wyk, 1 Rambo Kubheka

Replacements:
16 Mahle Sithole, 17 Oliver Reid, 18 Luan van der Berg, 19 JD Hattingh, 20 Gert Kemp, 21 Jayden Brits, 22 Vusi Moyo, 23 Jade Muller

Photo Credits: x.com/SAJuniorRugby