WHO CAN GATECRASH THE PSL’S ONE-HORSE RACE?
Can the Proteas end their World Cup curse in India?
NEDBANK GOLF CHALLENGE
Tommy
for a hat trick
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You’ve got to hand it to Siya Kolisi. He doesn’t just show up, he gets involved, wears his heart on his sleeve and bleeds green and gold.
The Springbok captain was named a worldwide ambassador for South African Tourism – and what better face and voice for our country on the world stage than his?
Kolisi’s energy and positivity is infectious. And in a year where international women’s sport has taken its rightful spotlight, Kolisi has been front and centre as its biggest cheerleader.
He sent Banyana Banyana an emotive video message as they embarked on their historic FIFA Women’s World Cup odyssey to Australia and New Zealand, where they reached the knockout stages for the first time.
And he was there in the crowd in his Proteas’ netball shirt, singing and dancing as Bongi Msomi’s Proteas played in the Netball World Cup. The Proteas couldn’t quite pull it off on home soil, but their spirit and guts in coming back from the dead to snatch a draw against archrivals New Zealand will long be remembered.
Electric in the stands, it’s mixing it in the trenches on the field in his number six Springbok jersey where South Africans want and need him most.
As he did before the last Rugby World Cup in 2019 in Japan, Kolisi seems to have miraculously recovered from a serious injury to lead the Springboks at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France next month.
Can Siya and the Springboks lift the golden William Webb Ellis trophy again in France? While there are plenty of challengers to the Bok crown this year, Stuart Hess writes that coach Jacques Nienaber has plenty of strength to pull it off again, and the Boks will be among the tournament favourites.
While the Springboks are looking for a World Cup repeat, Temba Bavuma’s Proteas soon go in search of the ICC Cricket World Cup holy grail again, approaching a tournament that has forever eluded them.
The ladies of South African sport have shone brightly on the world stage, now it’s the Springboks and Proteas’ turn to see if they can end the sporting year with a bang.
Editor Jermaine Craig13
What are the chances of the Proteas ending their Cricket World Cup curse in India? The best answer is: ‘Nobody knows.’ And that’s ok.
14
The objective of becoming one of the world’s official major marathons continues for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon and, not surprisingly, several tweaks have been made to this year’s event to get the desired recognition.
5 RUGBY
Seven knockout games, that’s how Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber views this year’s World Cup for his side.
9 ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
A look at how the race in the biggest league in world football might pan out after Manchester City claimed a historic treble, including a first UEFA Champions League.
10 PREMIER LEAGUE SOCCER
COPYRIGHT: No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent of the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited material. Inside Sport is published by Picasso Headline. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Picasso Headline. All advertisements/advertorials have been paid for and therefore do not carry any endorsement by the publisher.
Who can gatecrash the PSL’s one-horse race?; Is the Spanish coaching armada looking to make a difference in South African football?
17
It’s time for Joburg residents and visitors from around the country and the world to get up close and personal with the city’s streets as they gear up for the Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg.
18
Long before the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Tour turned heads and wallets with its monopoly prize money, the Nedbank Golf Challenge was the event that captured world golf’s imagination.
Sowetan sports editor Nkareng Matshe questions the Premier Soccer League teams’ commitment to professional women’s soccer.
Seven knockout games, that’s how Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber views this year’s World Cup for his side, writes STUART HESS
There is no room for compromise as far as the Springboks mentor and coach, Jacques Nienaber, is concerned. This is because, unlike four years ago when it was just New Zealand as the other main contender, in 2023, three of the top five highest ranked teams are all in South Africa’s pool.
The Springboks (Boks) start their title defence on 10 September against Scotland, which World Rugby ranks at number five, just one spot below the Boks.
“We’ve got our plans, but it is going to be a tough pool. We know we are in knockout rugby from the first game. The most important game is going to be Scotland,” says Nienaber.
It is a point he has made repeatedly because while everyone’s focus is on the number one team Ireland – which will be the Boks’ third match on 23 September – a loss in the opening match, will leave SA teetering.
That is also why Nienaber has been so meticulous about the team’s preparation, especially the amount of playing minutes he has spread around the extended squad during the Rugby Championships and the three warm-up matches before the tournament.
New Zealand leads the pack with three World Cup wins (1987, 2011, 2015) along with South Africa (1995, 2007, 2019). Australia has won the title twice (1991, 1999) and England has only won it once (2003).
*Source: Funfactsabout.com
“All our pool matches are knockout games and you don’t want to go into a knockout game with players who haven’t played for a month,” says the Bok coach.
There is a notable exception, however, in captain, Siya Kolisi, who has shocked everyone with his rapid recovery from the serious knee injury incurred during the Sharks’ United Rugby Championship campaign in April.
Where it looked like the inspirational Bok skipper may miss the World Cup, Kolisi was on course to get a run even before the tournament starts.
However, even if he doesn’t, Nienaber has explained that Kolisi fits into a tiny category of players who can be thrust straight into a World Cup because it is something he’s done before – in 2019 when he also missed large chunks of the build-up.
SOUTH AFRICA
RUGBY WORLD CUP SQUAD 2023
FORWARDS
Props
Vincent Koch
Ox Nché
Frans Malherbe
Trevor Nyakane
Steven Kitshoff
Hookers
Bongi Mbonambi
Malcolm Marx
Locks
Marvin Orie
RG Snyman
Jean Kleyn
Eben Etzebeth
Back-rows
Marco van Staden
Jasper Wiese
Kwagga Smith
Pieter-Steph du Toit
Duane Vermeulen
Siya Kolisi (captain)
Utility forwards
Franco Mostert
Deon Fourie
BACKS
Scrum-halves
Faf de Klerk
Jaden Hendrikse
Grant Williams
Cobus Reinach
Fly-halves
Manie Libbok
Damian Willemse
Centres
Andre Esterhuizen
Andre
Jesse Kriel
Damian de Allende
Damian de Allende
Back-three
Canan Moodie
Cheslin Kolbe
Makazole Mapimpi
Kurt-Lee Arendse
Willie le Roux
“WE’VE GOT OUR PLANS, BUT IT IS GOING TO BE A TOUGH POOL. WE KNOW WE ARE IN KNOCKOUT RUGBY FROM THE FIRST GAME. THE MOST IMPORTANT GAME IS GOING TO BE SCOTLAND.”
The Webb Ellis Cup is the trophy presented to the winners of the Rugby World Cup. The sterling silver trophy with a 24-carat gold plating was made in 1906 and stands 38cm tall and weighs 4.5kg.
* Source: funfactsabout.com
Flyhalf Handre Pollard, who has battled with a calf strain and last played in May, unfortunately missed out. The Boks will miss his much-needed control and physicality in the number 10 jersey, as well as his goal-kicking in what, besides the Scots and Irish, is a pool that also features the hard-hitting brutality of Tonga, and Romania’s heftiness.
Get through that, and the Boks will most likely face one of their old rivals, New Zealand or host nation France, in the quarter-finals.
“It is a tough side of the competition,” Nienaber says.
“I don’t think it matters to us,” veteran fullback Willie le Roux claims. “The draw is what it is, you have to get out of the pool and then you can’t lose a game after that anyway.”
Although there is concern that the Boks may be relying on too many of the players who won in Japan, Nienaber believes that their experience is one of the team’s main strengths. It has a robust pack with plenty of depth in the front row and a pair of world-class hookers in Bongi Mbonambi and Malcolm Marx.
There are plenty of lock options, with Eben Etzebeth still a bruising block of power.
Although there have been questions asked of Duane Vermeulen, he remains an imposing presence and key lieutenant for Kolisi.
Rarely have the Boks had as many options as they do in the number 9 jersey with each providing a different threat. Faf de Klerk remains the first choice, but Nienaber knows there is strong competition in Cobus Reinach, Jaden Hendrikse and Grant Williams.
Among the backs, Nienaber felt there was sufficient versatility for him to only include Manie Libbok as flyhalf, with Damian Willemse and even Le Roux capable of providing backup at number 10.
One of the heroes of 2019, Makazole Mapimpi, only just held onto his spot after being passed in the pecking order this season by the electrifying Kurt-Lee Arendse, whose pace, stepping and stability under the high ball have quickly elevated him to one of the sport’s best young stars.
The Boks have all the ingredients to cook up a feast in France, but getting everything in the right order will be arduous with so many challengers hunting their crown.
The same whistle is blown at every opening game of the Rugby World Cup. A tradition that dates back to when the whistle was first used in 1905.
In 2019, the whistle went on a worldwide journey, in the same style as the Olympic Flame, that covered 20 000km before being delivered to the opening match in Tokyo.
* Source: funfactsabout.com
SUPPORTING OUR BOYS IN FRANCE 2023
Atopsy-turvy last season ended with a predictable flourish from Manchester City, overhauling what looked like a healthy Arsenal lead at the top of the Premier League, to be crowned champions for a third year running.
They will still be firm favourites, but Pep Guardiola’s team is inevitably in a rebuilding phase. Key man Ilkay Gundogan has left for Barcelona, while Riyad Mahrez has opted for the riches of the Saudi Pro League. Guardiola, however, has been here before, preferring to let go of his best talent at their peak and replacing them seamlessly to ensure a smooth transition. He has recruited Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea, ostensibly as a replacement for midfield workhorse Gundogan, but the key to City’s progress is Guardiola’s ability to play multiple systems. For as long as Erling Haaland is injury-free, City will be too hard to stop.
1
The Gunners were undone by inexperience at the crucial stage last season, giving in to City’s relentless pursuit as their attempt to annex a first premiership title since 2004 faded. An injury to key defender William Saliba proved their main undoing as Mikel Arteta’s team were exposed as lacking adequate depth. They have now beefed up with Declan Rice, a £100-million arrival from West Ham United. But Arsenal will have to show a bit more maturity if they are to be true challengers. That Arteta has retained most of the team who mounted last year’s unsuccessful chase should give them hope, but they will also require some of the luck that saw them win when they were not too good. They will be fortunate to achieve the heights of last year.
2 3 4
For years, they gave City a run for their money, beating them to the title in 2020 and losing out twice by just a point in 2018/19 and 2021/22. Liverpool flattered to deceive last season and consequently finished outside the top four for the first time since 2015/2016. Forever a competitor, bet on Jurgen Klopp to come out with guns blazing this time. He has beefed up with World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, while letting long-serving captain Jordan Henderson depart. While some fans were not happy, Henderson’s leaving is actually a massive fillip for the Reds’ midfield, which was stunted by the underperforming, ageing former skipper. Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Salah could blossom as a front three in the manner that Sadio Mané, who left for Bayern last term, Roberto Firminho, who now has also left, and Salah did a few years ago.
A return of one trophy and a third-place finish was deemed satisfactory by many United fans, but whether they can improve on that this term is highly debatable. The Red Devils had the worst goal difference among the top six last season, something pointed out as unbefitting for a team with title aspirations. Manager Erik ten Hag has sought to address that by recruiting keeper André Onana from Inter. In midfield, he’s got Mason Mount who will have to aid the ever reliable, but ageing Brazilian Casemiro as a midfield creative force. United fans will hope a new contract for Marcus Rashford helps him continue his form from last season, which blossomed under strikers’ coach and Bafana legend Benni McCarthy.
NKARENG MATSHE asks who can challenge Mamelodi Sundowns’ domination?
Another Premier Soccer League (PSL) season kicked off in the first week of August, with most local football supporters concluding almost with certainty who the champions will be. Having clinched the DStv Premiership championship for the past six seasons, Mamelodi Sundowns is now only expected to show up this time and win – as it starts the season with more direction after the confusion following Pitso Mosimane’s departure from the club three years ago.
Despite winning two championships in a row without Mosimane, Sundowns’ coaching arrangement – it initially had Rulani Mokwena and Manqoba Mngqithi as joint head coaches, alongside Steve Komphela as “senior coach” – before dismantling the system last year, had previously meant accountability for poor showings wasn’t really that clear.
But Mokwena’s elevation, coupled with Mngqithi’s shock demotion to assistant coach and now the departure of Komphela to Moroka Swallows, brought about stability in the technical department.
For that reason, Sundowns remains the outright favourites to bag the championship yet again, as Mokwena proved his competence as the main man by ensuring they don’t give the opposition a sniff.
But there were areas where Sundowns fell short last year – and this is where the rest of the opposition hopes to cash in. The Brazilians relinquished both the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup to Orlando Pirates.
Since the inception of the Premier Soccer League in 1996, Mamelodi Sundowns has won the league title a record eleven times, won the Nedbank Cup four times, and holds the joint record of three National Football League Championships. It is also the only South African team to have competed in the FIFA Club World Cup.
*Source: sundownsfc.co.za
Surrendering the two domestic cups proved that Sundowns was not invincible, and Gordon Igesund – a four-time Premiership champion –has reiterated this.
The veteran coach expects Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport to give Sundowns a run for its money, as all teams have reinforced their personnel in a bid to halt another embarrassing one-horse procession masquerading as a title race.
“It is really about time that someone challenges Sundowns, and Gavin Hunt, the SuperSport coach, can do that. Not only SuperSport, but Pirates and Chiefs as well,” Igesund told Sowetan Inside Sport
The former Sundowns and Pirates coach also believes Bucs has a great chance since it has retained coach Jose Riveiro, who inspired it to a second-place finish in his first season along with two cup titles.
“Pirates are doing all the right things now, and are serious. I think this season is going to be interesting. And, I think the rest of the teams have said, ‘You know what, we can’t allow one team (Sundowns) to dictate’,” Igesund said.
Thapelo Maseko (Sundowns). He’s switched from SuperSport to Sundowns where competition is high, so this could be a true test of his potential.
Given Msimango (Chiefs). Joining a Chiefs side that leaked over 30 goals last year will add pressure on the promising central defender after being recruited from TS Galaxy. Lesedi Kapinga (Pirates). He didn’t do much in the two seasons he spent at Sundowns, but Pirates have given him a lifeline to revive his career. It’ll be a make-or-break season for the midfielder.
HAVING CLINCHED THE DSTV PREMIERSHIP CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE PAST SIX SEASONS, MAMELODI SUNDOWNS IS NOW ONLY EXPECTED TO SHOW UP THIS TIME AND WIN.Rulani Mokwena
Is the Spanish coaching armada looking to make a difference in South African football, asks SIHLE NDEBELE
Orlando Pirates tactician Jose Riveiro arrived in the country to massive doubt about his credentials, with many predicting he would become another European fl op after several unknown coaches from that continent failed to knuckle down in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) over the years.
However, it didn’t take long for Riveiro to turn doubters into believers, winning two cups in the form of the MTN8 and the Nedbank Cup in his maiden season in charge of the Sea Robbers. Riveiro’s instant success with Pirates
seems to have had far-reaching infl uence in the PSL as two more teams, AmaZulu and Black Leopards, have since found their own Spaniards, in Pablo Franco Martin and Alejandro Dorado respectively, to steer their ships.
This looks like the birth of a Spanish revolution in the PSL. Inside Sport caught up with Martin during the launch of the DStv Premiership season in Randburg, where the Usuthu mentor revealed he had never met Riveiro in person before this event,
where they sat next to each other and kept on chatting.
Even so, Martin, a former Real Madrid assistant coach, suggested Riveiro’s success played a role in Martin coming to South Africa.
“We are meeting here for the fi rst time. I don’t know him personally, but we have a few common friends. I followed his work when he came here. He’s done an amazing job, and he deserves all that because he’s a great coach and a nice man,’’ Martin said.
Martin also disclosed that he doesn’t know Dorado, but hopes the three of them will make their mark in South Africa this season.
“I also didn’t know Dorado, but my assistant coach knows him, and they have been talking. He has a tough job right now, but I know the quality of Spanish coaches and their commitment, so I think he will succeed. I think when we (as Spanish coaches) come to any contest, we make a difference, and I am sure the three of us will do that this season,’’ Martin said.
The ever-modest Riveiro downplayed the notion that his success may have been why AmaZulu and Leopards went to Spain to get their own coaches. “I don’t have infl uence on what happens around the decisions of other clubs. But I wish them both all the best,’’ the Pirates coach said.
“WHEN WE (AS SPANISH COACHES) COME TO ANY CONTEST, WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE, AND I AM SURE THE THREE OF US WILL DO THAT THIS SEASON.’’ – PABLO FRANCO MARTINOrlando Pirates’ Jose Riveiro during the DStv Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. Pablo Franco Martin
shoulders, and wrists.
It’s a better forecast than four years ago when it was clear that the disjointed team under Faf du Plessis, burdened by Cricket South Africa’s administrative buffoonery, had no chance of making it to the semi-finals. That team won only three matches.
Temba Bavuma’s 2023 team will win more. Enough to make it to the last semi-finals? Well, nobody knows.
Based on the limited evidence available this year the components appear to be in place. The most important one is the captain himself. The 2023 version of Bavuma is a player transformed, unburdened by outside influences and more comfortable in the role of captain than at any stage since being appointed in 2021. He has relished implementing a more aggressive style for the team.
A typical cricket pitch is 20.12m long and 3.05m long, making the overall area 61.366m². firstmats.co.uk
In limited overs coach Rob Walter, Bavuma has a strong ally, one who constantly seeks his input and has given him a bigger say over selection. As a result, he has thrived, batting better than at any time in his career, playing with greater authority and demanding the same from his teammates.
“For me, the pressure will be our ability to keep up the style of cricket we have been playing in the last few months,” says Bavuma. “If we do that, then, honestly, the results will take care of themselves. That’s the expectation I have; are we going to be able to play like that in a World Cup?”
He has a formidable middle order in the shape of Aiden Markram, David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen, who have all shown good form and exemplify the way Bavuma wants to play.
As is typical of any South African team, it is not short of fast bowlers, with Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada as an enviable trio, while Wayne Parnell and Marco Jansen provide variety.
The first ever ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup took place at Lord’s in England in 1975, and 2023 marks the 13th edition of this exciting tournament.
India has hosted the tournament three times previously, but 2023 will be the first time it will be the sole host. Previous co-hosting years include 1987 – India and Pakistan; 1996 – Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka; and 2011 – India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
*Source:
There is depth in the spin department with Bjorn Fortuin, Tabraiz Shamsi and hopefully, Keshav Maharaj, who is recovering after rupturing his Achilles last season. Markram’s off-spin will also be influential on the slow-turning pitches in the subcontinent.
The Proteas begin their campaign on 7 October against Sri Lanka in Delhi.
They will want a strong start because while nine round-robin matches provide plenty of wiggle room for finding form, the Proteas are aware that a tough second half of the tournament awaits. They crisscross India, playing Pakistan in Chennai, New Zealand in Pune, and the host nation in Kolkata, all in 10 days.
“When it comes to that part of the schedule, there really is no time for training. It’s not the number one priority because of the quick turnaround. So we will have to be smart with recovery, which will be the most important element,” says Walter.
There is an air of quiet optimism surrounding the Proteas this year, which is understandable given how they have played recently.
How will the World Cup go? Well, nobody knows. icc-cricket.com
best answer is: ‘Nobody knows.’ And that’s okay, writes STUART HESS
The objective of becoming one of the world’s official major marathons continues for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon and, not surprisingly, several tweaks have been made to this year’s event to get the desired recognition .
By NKARENG MATSHE
In 2021, the Cape Town Marathon was announced as a candidate for the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM), heralding a major change in the 42-kilometre route last year.
Consequently, a race that regulars had originally termed smooth and trouble-free was suddenly described as “tough”, even by winner Stephen Mokoka, who defended his title in 2:09:58.
“It was not an easy route because they changed it due to the application to be a major. It was just hectic,” Mokoka said at the time.
Good news for the three-time winner, Mokoka, and thousands of others expected to lace up on 15 October is that this year another revamp has been made to lessen the burden on runners, with organisers confirming that 90 metres of elevation has been shaved from the route.
This was done by removing the District Six hill – a source of major discontent for visibly drained runners last year – and will make the Cape Town Marathon “flatter and faster”, organisers said.
The total route ascent for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is 179 metres.
*Source:capetownmarathon.com/marathon
The route modification will also see the start returning to Fritz Sonnenberg Road, instead of the DHL Stadium, with the finish at Vlei Road – both around the Greenpoint precinct.
All this is an effort to boost the Cape Town Marathon’s attempt to gain the official AbbottWMM status, which would enable the Mother City to join six other majors in Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York. Cape Town has been under the microscope of Abbott authorities since 2021, and a decision should be made next year to determine if it can join the elites from 2025.
The marathon’s technical partner, apparel maker Adidas, has come on board to pledge vouchers to all finishers of this year’s event. The sports brand said each finisher will receive a R2 000 voucher, provided they run with an Adidas shoe.
“We pledge to reward all South Africans that finish the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon and support the goal of becoming an Abbott World Marathon Major – the first in Africa,” the apparel maker said in a statement. “A key criterion to achieve world marathon status is to have 15 000 runners in a marathon event. The goal is ambitious and requires all South Africans and Africans to come together, participate and finish the 42.2-kilometre Sanlam Cape Town Marathon on 15 October.
“So much so that Adidas, as the proud technical sponsor, has committed to rewarding all those who start, run and finish the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in Adidas footwear with a R2 000 Adidas online shopping voucher.”
While over 17 000 Cape Town Marathon registrations were received last year, fewer than 10 000 made it to the finish line, failing a key AbbottWMM element.
Can Mokoka make it three wins in a row? Last year, the Johannesburg-based elite runner had to ward off a challenge from two Ethiopians, Kassie Derseh and Maru Adere, to defend his title. It appears he will have to carry South Africa’s hopes yet again this year.
THIS YEAR ANOTHER REVAMP HAS BEEN MADE TO LESSEN THE BURDEN ON RUNNERS, WITH ORGANISERS CONFIRMING THAT 90 METRES OF ELEVATION HAS BEEN SHAVED FROM THE ROUTE.Stephen Mokoka poses with his marathon medals. Running enthusiasts participating in the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2017.
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Once again, it’s time for Joburg residents and visitors from around the country and the world to get up close and personal with the city’s streets as they gear up for the Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg.
The popular cycle race, hosted by the City of Johannesburg, takes place on Sunday 19 November this year, covering the city’s iconic spots as it starts and finishes at the FNB Stadium and takes in the inner city CBD over the Nelson Mandela Bridge. It then heads through the suburbs to the north of Fourways and Sandton, plateauing at the famous Kyalami race track before heading back towards the country’s national football stadium.
It’s a race and experience like no other – fortunately, traffic-free for cyclists who want to make good time or simply just enjoy the unique scenes, sights and energy of Joburg.
It’s by no means an event purely for the serious cyclists, but a fun social occasion and the opportunity to “Ride for a Purpose” –- be it a charity of your choice or just in honour of a person or organisation that needs a boost with the “#ImRidingJoburgFor …” campaign. Over the years, this special event has proudly raised over R100-million for charity.
The 97-kilometre road and mountain bike route is a bucket list item, but there is also the shorter 35-kilometre route for the social cyclists who do not want to miss out on being part of the occasion.
The Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg is more than just a cycle race – it’s a platform for people to accomplish something great, and an event that allows participants and supporters alike to reach out, support each other, and make themselves and the whole of Joburg proud.
The event caters for mountain bikers too. On 12 November, there will be a 10- and 25-kilometre MTB race inside the sensational Steyn City estate, as well as a 50-kilometre MTB race inside Steyn City on 13 November.
And it’s the kids who will kick off the Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg festivities with a kids race for children under 10 years of age at Steyn City on Saturday 11 November, in distances suited to their age and ability. For more information and to enter this fantastic Joburg race or book your hospitality packages to join the fun, go to https://ridejoburg.co.za
DID YOU KNOW?
Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg offers the biggest prize purse for a single-day event on the African continent. In 2022, there was R200 000 prize money on offer for the top male and female in the Elite category.
*Source:ridejoburg.co.za
#OWNTHESTREETS
Joburg is getting ready to ride. There’s nothing quite like the City of Gold – Jozi is not for everybody, but those who live in it, love it, warts and all, writes JERMAINE CRAIG
JOBURG
MORE THAN JUST A CYCLE RACE – IT’S A PLATFORM FOR PEOPLE TO ACCOMPLISH SOMETHING GREAT.
Long before the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Tour turned heads and wallets with its monopoly prize money, the Nedbank Golf Challenge was the event that captured world golf’s imagination, writes JERMAINE
CRAIG
Known originally as the “Nedbank Million Dollar”, the tournament in the northwest of South Africa has, since 1981, attracted the world’s best golfers to Pilanesberg’s majestic Gary Player Country Club at Sun City.
And this year, 66 of the golf game’s best will again head to South Africa for this special $6 000 000 event that holds a unique place on the country’s sporting calendar.
In South Africa, this is far more than a golfing event, it’s a huge end-of-year party as golf aficionados and corporates head to Sun City for a week of wining and dining, with world-class hospitality laid on around the course.
Headline sponsors Nedbank’s marquee overlooking the 18th green is one of the hottest tickets of the year and is sure to be teeming with excitement again this year.
The golf course at the Gary Player Country Club is the first course in South Africa constructed to stringent USGA specifications. It’s also the first facility in South Africa to be built with multiple tees.
* Source: nedbankgolfchallenge.com
Among the glittering array of Nedbank Challenge winners over the years, there has been South African golfing icon Ernie Els – a three-time winner of the event – the legendary Seve Ballesteros, and Major champions Bernhard Langer, Ian Woosnam, Sir Nick Faldo, Retief Goosen, Trevor Immelman and Danny Willett to give a sense of the tournament’s stature.
English European Ryder Cup star Tommy Fleetwood is aiming to complete a unique Nedbank Golf Challenge hat trick. He returns as the defending champion to compete in the tournament, which takes place this year from 9 to 12 November.
Last year, Fleetwood successfully defended the trophy, which he first won in 2019, as “Africa’s Major” returned to the DP World Tour international schedule following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fleetwood has an enviable record at Gary Player Country Club, and the 32-year-old is relishing his return in November.
Fleetwood has an enviable record at Gary Player Country Club and the 32-year-old is relishing his return in November.
“I’ve got some great memories from the Nedbank Golf Challenge, and I’m really excited to get back to Sun City. Last year’s event was such a rollercoaster with the weather, and I wasn’t feeling great at the start of the week, so to be able to come out on top on Sunday was amazing. It is always special to defend any title, but returning to Sun City as defending champion is a true honour. I was lucky enough to be able to do it last year and I can’t wait to do it again this year. Nobody has ever won this event three times in a row so I can’t wait to give that a go,” Fleetwood told the event organisers.
As always, South Africa’s “Black Knight” Gary Player will be the tournament host. “When we launched this tournament, I called on the biggest names in golf to support us, which they did. I am delighted that Tommy continues to do so as well, and I can’t wait to greet him on the first tee once again. He has written his name into Nedbank Golf Challenge history as a magnificent champion by becoming only the seventh golfer to win back-to-back titles at Sun City. He is a wonderful ambassador for the game of golf and now has the chance to stand alone in the history of this event as its first-ever winner of three consecutive titles and to add to the incredible legacy of this great tournament,” says Player.
The 2023 Nedbank Golf Challenge will once again be included on the DP World Tour schedule in partnership with Nedbank and Sun International, and will be the penultimate event before the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, Dubai.
“IT IS ALWAYS SPECIAL TO DEFEND ANY TITLE, BUT RETURNING TO SUN CITY AS DEFENDING CHAMPION IS A TRUE HONOUR. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO DO IT LAST YEAR AND I CAN’T WAIT TO DO IT AGAIN THIS YEAR.” – TOMMY FLEETWOOD
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the history Banyana Banyana wrote at the Fifa Women’s World Cup couldn’t have been a more appropriate riposte to the cynicism they experienced when departing for the tournament.
Branded greedy mercenaries in some quarters for demanding written contracts guaranteeing their bonuses, the South African women’s national team entered the tournament in Australasia under a cloud. Not helpful was that they were largely an inexperienced bunch heading to only their second World Cup. Having been drawn in a tough group comprising former champions Sweden, European giants Italy and South American powerhouse Argentina did not make their task any easier.
“Expect three losses and a fi rst-round exit” was a line peddled by Banyana’s detractors, including a South African Football Association national executive member, who penned a Facebook post degrading the team as no-hopers and highlighting that there was little confi dence in it, even from the higher echelons of football administration.
Banyana, from the moment they strode onto the fi eld in the opening match against the Swedes, served humble pie. When many expected a hammering in that opening match, we were left marvelling at the South Africans’ courageous effort in losing 1–2, only through a late Swedish goal.
They then took on Argentina and shot into a 2–0 lead. Unfortunately, our women surrendered that
advantage to emerge with a draw. At least they won their very fi rst point in a World Cup, having lost all three pool matches in their fi rst attempt at France 2019.
But, Banyana’s 3–2 victory over Italy on 2 August will linger in the memory of many a sports fan. That win – which secured South Africa a place in the knockout phase – has to carry the same signifi cance as other notable sporting moments this country has seen since the dawn of democracy in 1994.
To put it in the same category as the 1995 Rugby World Cup triumph by the Springboks and Bafana Bafana’s 1996 Africa Cup of Nations victory would be a stretch.
But there’s no doubt it ranks as high as Bafana’s fi rst qualifi cation for the World Cup in 1998. Thembi Kgatlana’s winning goal against the Italians was celebrated with similar gusto to Phil Masinga’s long-range winner against Congo, which secured Bafana a ticket to France 1998.
It would perhaps be unfair to box Banyana and compare them with others when they have had so much going against them off the fi eld yet have delivered plentiful on it.
Most in the Banyana squad have formal jobs outside football, a point illustrated by keeper Kaylin Swart following the win over Italy. She explained how, whereas she welcomed the fi nancial windfall that came with qualifi cation for the knockout phase (each Banyana player stood to earn well over R1.3-million, according to an agreed bonus contract with SAFA), she and some of her teammates would return to their normal working life instead of being full-time footballers. “I work 9am to 5pm and only get to train from about 7pm,” Swart told reporters.
How is this sustainable? As a nation, we should rise against the fact that we still do not have a professional, fully functional women’s league. We should question Premier Soccer League teams’ commitment to the women’s cause, as many still have not complied withthe Confederation of African Football’s stipulation to form women’s teams or miss out on continental competitions. We should not even start the pay-gap conversation without addressing the basics (closing that gap will naturally take longer given that sponsors are only now trickling in, while some fans require a lot of convincing).
The structures to advance women’s football beyond the usual publicity stunts – usually spearheaded by shameless politicians who never miss a photo opportunity – should long have been in place.
Banyana’s exploits at the World Cup have proved it is a truly able, talented team that can withstand the highest of pressure situations. They are national heroines who should be feted.
Hopefully, their historic success in Australia and New Zealand has gone a long way in changing perceptions about women’s football for the better. We are proud of you, Banyana!
