Madibaz star Nobubele Phuza made an early impression on the Varsity Netball tournament when she was twice named player of the match on the opening weekend in Port Elizabeth. Playing at Nelson Mandela University's indoor sports centre, the SPAR Madibaz team got off to a flying start with victories over University of Western Cape and Vaal University of Technology. The 25-year-old Phuza, playing at wing defence, won both match awards, but acknowledged that there were still aspects of her game she could improve on. "Personally, I am feeling confident in what I have achieved," said the sociology master's student. "I managed to execute the things that I have been working on with the coaching team. "But I know I need to work on certain aspects of my game, like my over-ball defence, to offer more to my team." Phuza has been included in the University Sport South Africa team to compete in the World University Championships in Uganda next month and said the Varsity Netball tournament was the perfect chance to test herself. "The UWC and VUT players have different playing styles, so the player-of-the-match recognition means I can handle a variety of opponents, something I will face in Uganda. "With that said, we must remember that defence depends on teamwork and I must acknowledge the work done around me by my colleagues to make space for the intercepts that I took. "On a lighter note, I have been needing new takkies after my takkies tore at practice a while back. The player-of-the-match prize means that I don't have to tape my shoes any more - I can just get a new pair!" Phuza said they based their success at the weekend on the intensive preparation they had undergone. "As a team we have worked hard to be mentally, spiritually and physically ready for the series," she said. "Unlike week-long tournaments, you need to pace yourself in this tournament, ensuring that you play your best netball when it counts - in the final stretch. "I think …
Unbeaten UJ still focused on their objective
University of Johannesburg coach Mandla Zwane is pleased with the team's progress in the Varsity Football tournament, but acknowledges that they still have plenty of work ahead of them. After five rounds, the unbeaten UJ side head the log on 13 points following their win over Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) on Thursday. This gives them a record of four wins and a draw so far and Zwane said he was happy "because we have one leg in the semifinals". "But having said that, we know it is not over yet and there are teams behind us who are chasing hard for a semifinal spot," he said. "We have two games left and this win over Tshwane was a big boost. The boys did extremely well to give us some breathing space." The unbeaten UJ team are followed on the log by Wits and TUT, who have 10 points. North-West University are next with nine points and University of Pretoria-Tuks have eight points. Depending on other results, this means the Johannesburg side need just two points from their final two games to ensure they finish in the top four. UJ's talisman Mokete Mogaila was on hand to ensure the 1-0 victory over TUT 1-0 in Soweto on Thursday as the log-leaders took control after the break. The second half saw UJ forcing errors from the opposing defence and a goal was inevitable from the Orange Army. Eventually Tebogo Mandyu put Mogaila through to seal the victory in a moment of brilliance. Looking ahead to their next game against University of Western Cape, Zwane said it would not be a simple outing. "The log positions [UWC are in sixth position] do not reflect the potential of our opponents on Thursday. "They are a difficult side to handle and it is not going be easy going there to collect full points." However, the UJ mentor added that the squad were highly motivated to achieve their primary goal of reaching the semifinals. He said one of the key factors for them this season was the victory they achieved against University of …
Sell out event showcases South African spirit of adventure
Sell out event showcases South African spirit of adventure KTM South Africa made history this weekend by hosting the first sell out Adventure Rally that the orange brand has seen. The event took place in Swaziland from 23-25 August, and was one of six locations chosen by KTM to showcase some of the most scenic and adventurous trails on earth. Close to 300 riders arrived at Lugogo Sun Hotel for registration on Thursday, with the likes motorsport legends Lyndon Poskitt, Ross Branch and Alfie Cox in the mix. "This kind of event is really important for the adventure community we have in South Africa. It brings us all together and keeps our passion for this lifestyle alive," said Cox. For some riders, the appeal of this event in particular came from far more than the promise of an untamed Swaziland adventure. Riaan Neveling, Marketing Manager of KTM South Africa, had hearts racing when he invited riders to compete in the 'Ultimate Race' for a prize worth R500,000. Specific challenges were presented over the weekend, and the two top competitors, Christiaan Odendaal and Greg Hodgskin, were awarded an all-inclusive trip to the iconic 2019 Merzouga Rally in Morocco. To top things off, the lucky riders will be given a brand new KTM 790 Adventure R to tour with. For international participants, the rally was an opportunity to experience the unique and truly South African sense of adventure. Harrison Norton from KTM Australia was moved by not only the heart-felt support from local Swazi people, but the wild and carefree spirit of South African riders. "It's been wild! Every time we rode past the locals, they were genuinely so excited and would run out to see us... I've never seen that kind of thing in Australia. The South African people are really incredible - small issues like the rain on Friday didn't dampen the mood at all. They're just so ready to make the most of every situation and the friendliest group of people I've come across," …
Madibaz coach buoyant ahead of Varsity Netball
The emergence of a promising group of first-years has put SPAR Madibaz netball coach Lana Krige in a buoyant mood ahead of the opening weekend of Varsity Netball in Port Elizabeth. A total of four matches will be played on Sunday and Monday at the Madibaz Indoor Sports Centre at the Nelson Mandela University south campus. The local team will be up against University of Western Cape in a televised game on Sunday before facing Vaal University of Technology on Monday. Krige said there was excitement in the camp ahead of the competition. "There have not been any major changes but I do feel there has been a turnaround in our netball," said the coach. "We have managed to build up a strong squad and the new players we have introduced have really contributed well." With a number of senior players sidelined by injury earlier in the season, she said they had included seven first-years in the 12-player squad for the University Sport South Africa championship in July. "But the experience of that tournament, plus the exposure they gained from the SA Nationals immediately after USSA, has lifted these girls to a new level. "They are now competing with the senior players for places in the squad and this has given us a much wider base from which to work." Krige said she had been given excellent support this year with the introduction of "two different types of coaches". "On the one hand we had Stephan Aylward, a rugby coach, helping the players with their movement and fitness. "And then we had Lee Pote to assist with the players' conditioning and that meant I could focus purely on the netball aspects. "This means we have had excellent on-court preparation since the beginning of the year and we are reaping the benefits of that now." Besides their build-up being on track, Krige said there were a number of key players who would be available, such as national rugby star Eloise Webb, as well as several seniors back from injury. "We definitely …
Entries open for the K-Way Skyrun 38km Mountain Race
For 22 years, K-Way SkyRun have been putting up a “hell of a run” for avid local and international endurance runners. In a bid to introduce even more people to this spectacular race, race organisers, Pure Adventures, have added a new 38km route to the entry mix. Known as the toughest race in Africa, they aren’t letting an “easy” route slip in, the shorter route will stay true to the SkyRun ethos by being an unmarked, self-navigated and self-supported route. “The route is tough, but we have given competitors a cut off of 13hours to complete the distance, which should be doable for most prepared athletes,” says race organiser Mike de Haast from Pure Adventures. What makes this route different, is that unlike the 100km and 65km routes it will start at the picturesque Wartrail Country Club, and will only begin once the winner of the 100km route has crossed over the finished line. “The SkyRun 38km is an event where athletes have the ability to enjoy and test the nature of a SkyRun event, slowly moving up to possibly completing the infamous 100km event” states De Haast. “It is a great stepping stone for those wanting to experience the thrills of mountain running.” “We are thrilled to add a 38km route to the fold, it will allow keen trail runners to test the waters before signing up for the treacherous 65km and iconic 100km route, what a great race to test the waters for the iconic SkyRun 100km,” says Caitlin Doney, Public Relations Coordinator for K-Way. She continues “We urge those that have always had SkyRun on their bucket list, to gear up and get out, taking the opportunity of being amongst the first runners to ever run the inaugural SkyRun 38km.” Entries are limited to only 100 participants. Make sure you get yours in to take part in the brand new SkyRun 38Km, tailored for athletes looking to enjoy not only the beauty of Wartrail country but also develop their training and endurance whilst being immersed in one of South Africa’s most beautiful playgrounds. …
Madibaz swimmers on a mission at USSA gala
The Nedbank Madibaz swimming team will be aiming to show they can match the top varsities in the country when the University Sport South Africa gala takes place in Port Elizabeth this weekend. Running from Friday to Sunday at the Newton Park pool, the meeting will see the cream of the country's varsity swimmers competing for top honours. The Nelson Mandela University squad, boasting such talented swimmers as Alard and Alaric Basson and Amica de Jager, are determined to prove their potential. Madibaz Sport Swimming manager Melinda Goosen said they were targeting a place in, at least, the top three. "We have always been in the top five at the USSA meetings, often fighting for positions from three to five," she said. "For example, in 2015 we came third and in 2017 we came fifth after there was no meeting in 2016. "This year we are looking to achieve at least a top-three spot and possibly the MVP awards for men and women." She explained that MVP stood for "most valuable player" and referred to the High Point Awards for the top three swimmers, male and female, who accrued the highest point tallies across six individual events. With plenty of potential in their squad of 19 - nine men and 10 women - Goosen added that they would be pulling out all the stops to give the other varsities a run for their money. "Alard and Alaric have been selected for the South African senior team to take part in the African Championships in Algeria in September," she said. "Alaric specialises in the breaststroke events and Alard in the butterfly races. "We also are expecting great things from Amica de Jager, who is in her first year and will thus be attending her first USSA event. "She has been selected for the SA team that will participate at the LEN (Ligue Européenne de Natation) Cup Final 10km event in Slovenia on September 9. "But overall we have a good team this year from Madibaz and we are on a mission to show what we can do." Goosen said the …
Champs medal major highlight for UJ rower
University of Johannesburg student Mzwandile Sotsaka achieved the greatest moment of his rowing career thus far when he claimed a bronze medal at the FISU World University Championships in China this month. Competing in the searing heat of Shanghai, Sotsaka and partner Brad Betts took third place in the gruelling heavyweight men's doubles race. The 22-year-old Sotsaka, who is in his final year of a BSc maths degree, said the medal was reward for the hard work they had put in this year. "Excitement was definitely the dominant feeling once we had crossed the finish line," he said. "After a tough season of training, winning a medal shows that it was all worth it." He added it had been "without a doubt my proudest achievement". "Standing on the podium of a world event is every sportsman's dream and I am privileged enough to have done it." Sotsaka, from Hatfield in Pretoria, said it was often difficult to know what to expect going into an event such as the FISU World University Rowing Championships. "Some years you find yourself up against some very experienced senior crews, and other years you'll race against top-end U23 rowers. "I was expecting high-calibre competition and that was exactly what we got. Fortunately, we were well prepared for the racing." He added that there were several hurdles to surmount on an occasion such as this, not least of them getting used to different meal options. "However the heat and humidity was certainly the biggest challenge. "I had to constantly ensure I was well hydrated, otherwise it would have been really tough to compete at a high level." The UJ rower said his partnership with Betts, of Rhodes, was a crucial part of their success. "Brad is an extremely intelligent person, both on and off the water, and he and I clicked immediately when we were paired together in the double. "Having him as my bowman [the rower closest to the bow who controls the boat] brought me great confidence. "He is sure of himself and always made …
Du Plessis part of memorable SA U19 success
Madibaz batsman Jean du Plessis returned from South Africa's U19 tour of England with another valuable block of cricketing education firmly in place as he continues his burgeoning career. Since playing in their Plettenberg Bay back yard with his father and brother using a plastic bat, the 19-year-old accounting student at the George campus has been given a taste of cricket in the upper echelons. Earlier this year he was in the national squad which played in the U19 World Cup in New Zealand and he recently enjoyed a memorable trip to England. Although beaten in the two Youth test matches, the SA U19 team fought back to record a rare series victory over England, winning the first two one-day internationals of a three-match series. The third game was washed out without a ball being bowled. "Being a part of the turnaround after the 2-0 test series loss was special," said the top-order batsman, who has represented South Western Districts at provincial level. "It was an exceptional effort from everyone to lift themselves and everyone around them after our morale had been fairly low following the tests. "We brought a positive approach to the 50-over games, which is an indication of just how determined we were to finish the tour on a high." Du Plessis said it had been the first time an SA U19 team had a won a series in England since 2003 when Proteas players AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis were in the team. The righthander, who went to Plettenberg Bay Primary before matriculating at Glenwood House in George, has been a regular player at representative level since making the SWD U11 team. He said one of the highlights of his fledgling career was the first televised game he played in the Africa Cup Twenty20 competition. "I got to play alongside and against franchise and national team players like Dane Vilas and Lungi Ngidi, so that is something that sticks in my mind. "Getting the call-up to the SA U19 side was extra special and being a part …
Sandes takes on the Alps
After setting a fastest known time in the Himalayas earlier this year, Ryan Sandes will be lining up for what many are calling the World Championships of Trail Running at this year’s Ultra Trail Mont Blanc on Friday 31 August in Chamonix. 2018 sees the “who’s-who” of trail running taking part with names like Jim Walmsley, Kilian Jornet, Luis Hernando and Tim Tollefson to mention a few all looking to take the title of King of the Mountain. “UTMB is a race that has never gone well for me and I think in the past I have put too much pressure on myself. It was really refreshing to pre run the UTMB route over a few days with a group of friends earlier this year,” says Ryan. “It was a pretty unplanned disaster style lap of the Mont Blanc. On the first night we ended up sleeping in a cow shed to take shelter from a storm as all the accommodation was fully booked, but we had an awesome few days on the mountain with lots of laughs. I have so many good memories from the trip and I will take that positive energy with me into the race.” “Running the Great Himalaya Trail earlier this year took a lot more out of me both physically and mentally than I initially thought,” explains Ryan. “I took quite a long break from training to properly recover, but I have started feeling a lot better over the past few weeks and I am really looking forward to lining up at the start line of UTMB.” UTMB will see roughly 2300 of the toughest runners in the world to taking on the French, Swiss and Italian Alps over 100miles. Known as one of the most difficult foot races in Europe, the 170km loop race, has more than 10 000m of positive altitude change before it ends - a total climb which is higher than Mount Everest. The race loop around Mont Blanc follows the Tour du Mont Blanc hiking path that normally takes hikers between 7 to 9 days to complete, but the lead runners will complete this course in just over 20hrs, with the final cut off time after 46hrs30min. The race is termed …
A Two-Fold Opportunity
This August Afrika Tikkun is calling on all South Africans who enjoy a challenge - and enjoy cycling - to make a difference by joining the Tikkun Eagles for the 22nd edition of the Telkom 947 Cycle Challenge in Johannesburg in November. If you're a cycling enthusiast and were already contemplating doing the race, no matter where you are in the country, you can join the Tikkun Eagles and make sure that your entry fee and race participation goes well beyond cycling on the day. Non-profit organisation, Afrika Tikkun works with partners in underprivileged areas of Joburg and Cape Town to develop youth holistically from 'cradle to career', including nutrition and family support programmes for the benefit of entire communities. To date, the lives of over 230,000 youth across the country have been positively affected by their efforts; and by cycling the 2018 Telkom 947 Challenge as a Tikkun Eagle you will be part of their good work. Afrika Tikkun Group Executive of Partnerships and Marketing, Onyi Nwaneri says, “We work across the areas of education, nutrition, health care and family support because they are all interlinked in the development of a little person. You can’t teach a hungry child. You can’t expect a child in crisis at home to do well at school. You can’t expect a child being abused – physically or mentally – to be able to focus. You can’t assume that a child with disabilities in any form will perform the same as a child without, and you need to equip the families of those children properly too. Taking care of a child’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing will ensure that they become productive citizens, but they need support from benefactors and individuals like us in order to survive, to learn, to shine, to hope and to dream. Joining the Tikkun Eagles team is just one way in which you can get involved and make a difference. There is still so much to achieve, and we can all help!” Afrika Tikkun and its many partners believe that when we invest …