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Emma Pallant-Browne embraces Women’s Month challenge

Adnaan MohamedEvent Update!, News, PreviewLeave a Comment on Emma Pallant-Browne embraces Women’s Month challenge
By Adnaan Mohamed

Emma Pallant-Browne believes motherhood has given her a new finish line to chase.

The British triathlon star and former international track and cross-country runner will make her Totalsports Women’s Race debut in Durban on Sunday before returning for the Johannesburg race on August 16, marking her first major 10km campaign since the birth of her son a year ago.

Her return arrives during Women’s Month, with the sold-out series continuing to celebrate women in sport while shining a spotlight on athletes balancing elite competition, careers and family life.

“Coming back after having my son, I’m starting to get injury-free and run a bit faster, so I was looking to race a fast 10km at sea level, and the Totalsports Women’s Race came highly recommended to me,” Pallant-Browne said.

“My goal is to take part in two Totalsports Women’s Race events this year, so I will also be lining up in Joburg on 16 August.”

The 36-year-old said becoming a mother has strengthened her passion for women’s sport and highlighted the importance of creating opportunities where female athletes can thrive.

“Women in sport is my absolute passion, especially now as a mother. I used to see a lot of women at races with their kids supporting ‘Daddy’, and it’s so great to now see dads on the sidelines with the kids supporting ‘Mummy’ and giving her the opportunity to have her time to shine.

“I think there are still barriers in women’s sport that see many women dropping out during their teenage years or when life gets busy and they start a family, but events like this really elevate women’s running and give women their time to shine.”

Motherhood has also reshaped the way she trains.

“There are a million reasons now not to get my session in, and I think it makes you want it a bit more,” she said.

“Knowing that we are bringing my son into a life where we show him that if you want to be good at something, you have to work hard for it, is what I keep thinking when times get tough. What example am I setting for him?

“My body has definitely had more injuries, but it’s made me more patient, better at problem-solving and time management, and more resilient when facing setbacks.”

She encouraged mothers returning to exercise after pregnancy to be patient.

Emma Pallant-Browne in action at the Two Oceans Half Marathon 2026 Photo: Mark Sampson

“Take baby steps, start with a jog or walk, build up gradually and enjoy the process. It’s so rewarding to see the progress you make and to track your improvements each week. Most importantly, don’t neglect strength training.”

Pallant-Browne has set herself a clear target for Durban.

“Running faster than 34 minutes would be a good start for me. It will be my first fast 10km postpartum, so I want to see what my body can do at the moment and then build from there.

“It would mean so much to me to start winning races again, but most of all I want to know that I gave it my all in Durban and Joburg, and pushed as hard as I could.”

Totalsports head of marketing Nikki Crous believes Pallant-Browne’s story reflects the spirit of the event.

“Emma’s return to competition after becoming a mother is both inspiring and a powerful reminder that women can continue to pursue their goals at every stage of life,” Crous said.

“Her passion for empowering women through sport perfectly reflects what the Totalsports Women’s Race stands for. We look forward to seeing her take on both the Durban and Joburg events and wish her every success as she embarks on this exciting new chapter.”

With entries for Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg already sold out, Pallant-Browne’s comeback promises to be one of the standout stories of this year’s Women’s Month celebrations.

For more information on PinkDrive visit www.pinkdrive.org For further information on the Totalsports Women’s Race
visit www.totalsportswomensrace.co.za

Midmar champions chasing bigger tides in California

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, News, Preview, SwimmingLeave a Comment on Midmar champions chasing bigger tides in California
By Adnaan Mohamed

Elite sport rarely follows a straight lane. It is shaped by cold mornings, lonely kilometres and competitions that matter long before medals are on the line. That is where South Africa’s reigning aQuellé Midmar Mile champions, Callan Lotter and Matthew Caldwell, find themselves as the country’s swimmers begin their Commonwealth Games campaign in Glasgow this week.

Their immediate focus lies further west, with selection for next month’s Pan Pacific Championships in Irvine, California offering another important marker on the road to international relevance.

From 12 to 15 August, two of South Africa’s brightest distance swimmers will compete against some of the strongest fields in world swimming. The meeting is more than another championship. It is an opportunity to measure progress, expose weaknesses and gain the type of experience that cannot be replicated in training pools at home.

For Lotter, the reigning women’s Midmar Mile champion, the occasion carries added significance.

Callan Lotter Credit Action Photo SA

“It will be my first Pan Pacific Championships and I’m extremely excited,” she said. “It’s a huge opportunity to race against some of the best swimmers in the world and gain valuable international experience while representing South Africa.”

She will contest the 10km open water race together with the 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle events, embracing a programme that mirrors her growing versatility.

Lotter also sees California as an early reconnaissance mission ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.

“Being able to compete in California gives me experience with the travel, time zone, environment and overall international racing atmosphere, which will be valuable preparation for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.”

Caldwell, who claimed the men’s Midmar Mile title earlier this year, will make his own Pan Pacific debut across the 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle disciplines.

“It’s my first time competing at Pan Pacs. I am over the moon to be going there,” he said. “It’s a very big competition for me and to be racing the top athletes is very, very cool. I can learn a lot from it.”

He believes familiarity with the environment could prove invaluable when Olympic qualification and medals become the focus.

“It’ll be very good to be that side and experiencing how everything works, so it’s not a big shock when two years come by.”

Both swimmers acknowledge that preparing through South Africa’s winter has demanded discipline.

“Training has been going really well,” said Lotter. “The winter months are definitely challenging, but we’ve stayed consistent and focused on the bigger picture.”

Caldwell echoed that view.

“Once you’ve got a goal in mind, it makes it a lot easier to be training through the cold mornings, cold afternoons.”

That bigger picture still includes Midmar. South Africa’s iconic open water event remains a proving ground where elite ambitions intersect with community participation.

“Midmar is always a major goal, so the build-up will involve a strong training block,” said Lotter.

Caldwell added: “From December I’ll be building up until Midmar. I’m very excited to be racing there again.”

Entries for the 2027 aQuellé Midmar Mile, scheduled for 11 to 14 February, are already open. While thousands will gather at Midmar Dam for the challenge, Lotter and Caldwell offer a reminder that the event is more than a sporting tradition. It remains one of South African swimming’s most reliable springboards to the international stage.

Pretoria set to serve up South Africa’s biggest Padel moment

Adnaan MohamedNews, Padel, PreviewLeave a Comment on Pretoria set to serve up South Africa’s biggest Padel moment
By Adnaan Mohamed

South African sport is preparing for another first. From 26 July to 2 August, Pretoria will host the country’s first professional Premier Padel tournament, with the world’s top players heading to the SunBet Arena at Time Square for a landmark event that could reshape the sport’s future across the continent.

The Pretoria Premier Padel P1 is the first tournament of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa, placing South Africa firmly on the global padel map while giving the country’s leading players the chance to test themselves against the world’s elite on home soil.

Richard Ashforth, Luan Krige, Adam Van Harter, Warren Kuhn, Debbie van Aswegen and Marne Roos Photo: Supplied

Richard Ashforth and Luan Krige lead the South African men’s challenge alongside Egmond van Heerden and Jason Milner, while Adam van Harte and Warren Kuhn complete the local representation in the main draw.

In the women’s event, wildcard winners Linge Steenkamp and Zoe Kruger have earned their place among the sport’s biggest names after impressive performances on the domestic circuit.

Linge Steenkamp Photo: Supplied

One of the tournament’s most intriguing stories belongs to 15-year-old Basma Ali. The teenager is the youngest player in the field and will compete alongside some of the world’s finest professionals, highlighting the rapid growth of padel in South Africa and the pathway emerging for the country’s next generation.

Away from the court, organisers have assembled a week-long entertainment programme designed to turn the tournament into a sporting festival.

Jonathan Boynton-Lee and Lebo Mokoena will host the event, with DJ Nick Explicit, tournament mascot Moyà and the Vibe Squad providing entertainment throughout the week.

Finals weekend promises even more star power. DJ Maphorisa headlines Friday’s quarter-finals, Timo ODV takes centre stage during Saturday’s semi-finals, while Sunday’s finals will feature performances by Chrizz Beatz and the Mzansi Youth Choir.

“The Pretoria Premier Padel P1 is much more than a tournament, it’s a defining moment for padel and for South African sport,” said Primedia Sport vice-president Tobie Badenhorst.

“For the first time, South African fans will experience the world’s best professional padel players competing on home soil, while our own athletes have the opportunity to measure themselves against the very best. We look forward to welcoming fans to what promises to be an unforgettable week of sport, entertainment and celebration.”

Fans unable to attend will still be able to follow the action live. ESPN will broadcast the tournament across Sub-Saharan Africa from 27 July to 2 August via DStv Channel 218, StarTimes Channel 248 and ESPN’s linear channels on Disney+ in South Africa.

The closing stages from 31 July to 2 August will also be streamed worldwide on Red Bull TV, with Canal+ carrying the tournament for French-speaking audiences.

With international stars, South Africa’s leading players and a packed entertainment programme sharing the spotlight, Pretoria is preparing to deliver far more than another sporting event. It is set to serve the opening point in what many hope will become padel’s biggest chapter on African soil.

Neheng Khatala targets Durban gold at Totalsports Women’s Race

Adnaan MohamedNews, PreviewLeave a Comment on Neheng Khatala targets Durban gold at Totalsports Women’s Race
By Adnaan Mohamed

Neheng Khatala has done the hard kilometres. Now she wants the reward.

Fresh from an impressive fifth-place finish at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K, the Lesotho 10km record holder believes she is perfectly placed to challenge for top honours at Totalsports Women’s Race on Sunday, 2 August 2026.

The confidence is measured rather than loud, shaped by months of disciplined preparation and sharpened on one of Africa’s deepest elite fields only weeks ago.

“If I execute my race plan well, I believe a great result will follow,” Khatala said.

“Every race is an opportunity to improve, and I want to make the most of it.”

Durban’s fast and flat route has become a magnet for personal bests, with its sweeping beachfront roads often rewarding athletes brave enough to commit from the opening kilometres. The Hollywood Athletics Club athlete hopes it will provide another platform to showcase her growing pedigree.

Her ambitions stretch beyond the finish line.

For the 10km Lesotho national record holder, the Totalsports Women’s Race represents a celebration of women united by a shared passion for running.

“It shows the power of women supporting and inspiring one another,” she said.

“Running brings us together regardless of where we come from or our backgrounds. It is an honour to be part of an event that celebrates strength, resilience and unity.”

Khatala says her greatest rival is the athlete she was yesterday.

Neheng Khatala photo by Anthony Grote

“My biggest motivation is becoming the best version of myself. Every race teaches me something new. Growth comes through consistency and hard work.”

She also hopes her journey encourages newcomers to chase their own goals.

“Believe in yourself, be patient with your progress and never compare your journey to anyone else’s. Every champion started with a single step.”

The atmosphere in Durban could also play a decisive role.

“Crowd support always gives me an extra boost. Hearing people cheer helps me find another gear when the race gets tough.”

Victory would carry special significance.

“It would make my family, supporters and my country, Lesotho, proud while motivating me to chase even bigger goals.”

Stillwater Sports Managing Director Michael Meyer believes Khatala is primed for another strong display.

“We look forward to seeing her showcase her talent on this world-class course alongside thousands of women celebrating the joy of running.”

Totalsports Head of Marketing Nikki Crous believes Khatala’s presence adds another layer of quality to an already exciting elite field.

“As one of Africa’s leading distance runners, Neheng’s participation will inspire women of all ages and abilities.”

When the starter’s gun echoes along Durban’s beachfront on Sunday morning, Khatala will not be chasing the clock alone. She will be chasing another step towards becoming one of Africa’s leading road-running names.

Joshua Cheptegei chases history on return to Durban 10K

Adnaan MohamedNews, PreviewLeave a Comment on Joshua Cheptegei chases history on return to Durban 10K
By Adnaan Mohamed

Joshua Cheptegei will return to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on Sunday, the race that launched his rise to international stardom, with another slice of history firmly in his sights.

The reigning Olympic 10,000m champion is aiming to become the first athlete to run a sub-27-minute 10km on African soil, adding another milestone to an already glittering career.

The 29-year-old Ugandan first claimed victory in Durban in 2017 before producing a South African All-Comers record of 27:16 a year later. Since then, he has cemented his place among the greatest distance runners of his generation, winning Olympic gold, three World Championship titles over 10,000m and setting world records in both the 5,000m and 10,000m.

Armed with a personal best of 26:38, Cheptegei believes the historic barrier can fall, provided the leading contenders work together.

“Running is the same as football these days, it has become a team sport. If the organisers want us to run sub-27 minutes all of us must come together then something good can happen,” said Cheptegei.

Standing in his way will be defending champion Kabelo Mulaudzi, former South African 10km record holder Stephen Mokoka and Kenyan speedster Gilbert Kiprotich, all capable of setting a relentless pace from the gun.

Mulaudzi, a two-time Durban champion, is eager to continue his impressive record in the coastal city.

“I have done well in Durban in the past and I want to continue with that record. I think I’m in good shape, although I struggled with race fitness at the Great Manchester 10K Run on 31 May. I don’t want to put myself under pressure, but my goal remains the same. I always want to finish on the podium,” said Mulaudzi.

Kiprotich, who recorded a blistering 27:01 10km split during this year’s Lisbon Half Marathon, believes Cheptegei’s presence could inspire the entire field to faster times.

“The reason I decided to come to Durban is because I wanted to get a personal best time. Cheptegei is here and I know we are going to push. When a strong and a good athlete comes to race it means we are going to help each other to push the pace,” said Kiprotich.

Elite Women Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K by Dawn Oosthuis

The women’s race promises its own historic storyline. Kenya’s Brenda Jepchirchir, the fastest entrant with a personal best of 29:25, is chasing the first sub-30-minute women’s 10km ever run on African soil.

“If the weather is good and the body responds, I’ll push,” said Jepchirchir.

South Africa’s Tayla Kavanagh, winner of the 2021 edition when the race doubled as the SA 10km Championships, is hoping home support will inspire another memorable performance.

“It’s special to have hometown support and I’m looking forward to Sunday. The Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K is special to me because I won the race in 2021 when it doubled as the SA 10km Championships. I’m excited to see what we can produce on Sunday,” said Kavanagh.

The race starts at 07:00 on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue alongside Moses Mabhida Stadium and finishes at the Sunkist Lawns on the Durban Promenade.

Joshua Cheptegei’s return sets up blockbuster Durban 10K reunion

Adnaan MohamedNews, PreviewLeave a Comment on Joshua Cheptegei’s return sets up blockbuster Durban 10K reunion
By Adnaan Mohamed

Joshua Cheptegei’s return to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K has reignited memories of one of the fastest races ever staged on South African soil, while presenting Stephen Mokoka and Kabelo Mulaudzi with another opportunity to test themselves against one of distance running’s greatest champions.

The two-time Olympic gold medallist returns to Durban on Sunday, eight years after producing a breathtaking 27:16 South African All-Comers record in the 2018 race. That performance made Cheptegei the first athlete to break the 28-minute barrier in South Africa, while Julien Wanders also rewrote the European record with 27:32.

For Mokoka, who finished sixth in that memorable contest, Cheptegei’s presence remains a benchmark for how international stars can elevate local competition.

“It was a great event because of his presence. It was the first time a sub-28-minute 10km was run in South Africa. We witnessed that thanks to Stillwater Sports, which continues to bring the world’s biggest names to our shores. We also saw the European record being broken. Having an athlete of his calibre in our country made it a special occasion, and I’m looking forward to racing against him again,” said Mokoka.

The former South African 10km record holder believes Sunday’s race offers emerging athletes a rare chance to measure themselves against an athlete who has conquered the Olympic Games, World Championships and world records.

“It’s a great opportunity for emerging athletes to compete against one of the best athletes and a world record holder. It also shows how far the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has come.

“If you can attract someone like Joshua after winning Olympic and world titles, while also giving athletes like Kabelo Mulaudzi the chance to compete against him, you’re creating healthy competition. The younger athletes won’t be afraid to push the pace, while Joshua will want to remind everyone of his class.”

Stephen Mokoka in action during the 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K. PHOTO CREDITS: Action Photo

Mulaudzi knows the value of that opportunity.

Having finished 13th behind Cheptegei in 2018, he has since developed into one of South Africa’s leading road runners, winning six RUN YOUR CITY races and lowering his personal best to 27:41 in Durban last year.

“I am extremely grateful to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series because it created opportunities for me to compete internationally. My invitation to the Great Manchester Run came through those performances, and I believe the organisation of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series is every bit as world-class,” he said.

The 27-year-old hopes Sunday’s showdown can inspire another breakthrough.

“I have always enjoyed racing against athletes who are better than me. It’s a privilege to line up with Joshua again, and I hope competing against him will bring out the best in me and everyone else in the field.”

Stillwater Sports managing director Michael Meyer said Cheptegei’s return reflects the growing international reputation of the series.

“Joshua Cheptegei’s return to Durban is a significant moment for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series and for South African road running,” Meyer said.

“It speaks to the growth of the series that we are able to attract athletes of Joshua’s calibre. Athletes like Mokoka and Mulaudzi thrive on this level of competition and it raises the standard for everyone involved.

“When the best in the world line up in our races, it elevates the event, inspires the next generation and reinforces the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series as a truly world-class platform.”

With Durban’s race sold out and one of the sport’s biggest names back on the start line, Sunday’s contest promises another high-quality examination of South Africa’s leading road runners against the global gold standard.

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.