Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa scored from a hotly-disputed penalty when beating Al Masry of Egypt 2-1 on Sunday to top their CAF Confederation Cup group with one round remaining.
Flavio Da Silva conv...
South Africa smashed 47 off the last three overs to pile up 213-4 against Canada on Monday in Ahmedabad, the highest total so far in this year's T20 World Cup.
David Miller hit an unbeaten 39 off 23 ...
RIGOROUS TRAIL RUN: Runners from all over the country are getting ready to navigate the challenging mountain terrain in Harrismith.
Picture: Baagedi Setlhora
This Saturday, the tranquil town of Harrismith is set to transform into a testing ground of grit, endurance, and sheer willpower for the 103rd staging of its legendary annual Mountain Race. Far from a standard weekend jog, this trail race competition has earned the audacious - yet, by all accounts, accurate - title of the ‘toughest race in the world’ by its organisers.
It is an assertion that speaks volumes about the punishing terrain awaiting the hundreds of athletes ready to tackle the infamous slopes of the Platberg mountain. The event, steeped in over a century of history, offers three distinct categories this year, catering to various levels of masochistic enthusiasm. The bedrock of the competition is the 15km Mountain Race, a storied event that has been an annual fixture for an astonishing 102 years, tracing its origins all the way back to 1922. For those seeking an even more profound challenge, the 30km Trail Run pushes the limits of ultra-endurance athletes, a category that is now entering its seventh year. But the 2025 event marks a significant evolution, as a new 1 km trail is incorporated for the first time. Vusi Mazibuko, the race’s Marketing Manager, and a Harrismith native who works as an engineer for Es kom in Cape Town, highlights the lineage of the competition and the excitement around its expansion.
“The main race, the Mountain Race, which is 15km, has been run for 102 years since 1922, and the 30km Trail Run has been run for 7 years, while the mini mountain trail run, which is 10 km, will be run for the first time this year,” Mazibuko explains. The incorporation of the 10km distance, though new, is expected to draw a significant number of participants, adding to the electrifying atmosphere. “We are hoping to have around 500 runners for the mini race. For the Trail Race, which is much tougher, we are expecting around 200 entrants and for the main race, we are expecting 600 to 800 runners,” added Mazibuko.
But the true legend of the Harrismith Mountain Race lies in the challenge itself. This is a raw, unforgiving encounter with the natural world. The Platberg’s ascent is characterised by a brutal combination of altitude gain and treacherous footing - making it a true test of physical and mental fortitude. Mazibuko pulls no punches when describing the obstacles facing the runners, giving context to the race’s self-declared title.
“There is no (actual) road; there are big rocks, and there is also a one-man pass where runners can’t run past each other. You literally must run behind another runner with no opportunity to go past them,” he adds. This notorious “one-man pass” forces runners into a single-file procession, eliminating any possibility of strategic overtaking. The organisers’ confidence in calling it the ‘toughest in the world’ is not merely promotional hyperbole, but a testament to the decades of sweat, tears, and triumph etched into the mountain’s slopes.
As the sun rises over Harrismith this Saturday, the thousands of entrants won’t just be racing against a clock or against each other; they will be taking on a living, breathing challenge - a mountain that demands respect, resilience, and an unwavering spirit.
This year’s edition of the Mountain Race promises to be a spectacular display of human endurance, reminding both competitors and spectators alike that true glory is often found on the most difficult path. All races will commence from the Harrismith Primary School sports grounds, with the first race starting at 08:00. A prize-giving ceremony will take place after all races are completed, with cash prizes also on offer to cap off another successful Mountain Race in the Eastern Free State.
Noman returned figures of 6-112 for his ninth haul of five wickets or more in Tests as South Africa lost their last four wickets for 53 runs an hour before lunch, having resumed on 216-6.
Left-arm spinner Noman Ali finished with six wickets Tuesday as Pakistan dismissed South Africa for 269 in the first Test in Lahore after Tony de Zorzi's gutsy century.
Noman returned figures of 6-112 for his ninth haul of five wickets or more in Tests as South Africa lost their last four wickets for 53 runs an hour before lunch, having resumed on 216-6.
Pakistan lead by 109 after they scored 378 in their first innings.
De Zorzi carried the fight to Pakistan on a turning Gaddafi Stadium pitch as he completed his second Test century with a six and two singles off Noman.
The left-hander finally holed out for 104 to long-on off Noman, where Shaheen Shah Afridi took a low catch, ending a 208-minute innings containing 10 fours and two sixes.
Noman, who bowled a probing 35 overs, also removed Prenelan Subrayen for four during the session.
Fellow spinner Sajid Khan took the first wicket of the day when he had Senuran Muthusamy caught by Salman Agha for 11.
He then wrapped up the innings when he bowled Kagiso Rabada for nought to finish with 3-98 off 33 overs.
*This article was first published by EYE WITNESS NEWS
Former Kaizer Chiefs forward Brian Abbas Amidu and his co-accused have been denied bail by a Zimbabwean court and will remain in custody pending trial on drug trafficking charges.
Amidu, also known as Tumirai Matsika, appeared in the Kwekwe Magistrates’ Court alongside Kudzai “Reuben” Mhlanga after their arrest over the seizure of about 780 kilogrammes of dagga, with an estimated street value of US$78,000 (more than R1.3 million).
The court ordered that the pair remain behind bars as the prosecution prepares for trial.
The arrest has reignited debate around Amidu’s age, with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) recording him as 29, while football databases such as FotMob and Transfermarkt list his birth year as 1990, which would make him 35. The Herald newspaper in Zimbabwe reported that prosecutors described the bust as one of the largest in the Midlands Province this year.
Amidu’s football career included a brief stint with Kaizer Chiefs in 2012 before moving to Black Leopards in South Africa. He later played in Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, and represented CAPS United and the Zimbabwe national team, the Warriors.
The ZRP’s statement lists Amidu’s age as 29, but the older age reflected in public football databases has triggered a social media storm, with fans questioning the legitimacy of the younger figure reported in court.
Age discrepancies are not uncommon in football, particularly in Africa, where players have been known to understate their ages to meet youth tournament eligibility requirements or secure professional contracts.
Police allege that Amidu has used multiple aliases and has pending cases in Epworth and Harare under different identities, a tactic investigators say was intended to evade detection.
The stark contrast between his once-promising football career and his current legal troubles has drawn widespread attention across Zimbabwe and southern Africa.
Last week, IOL reported that Robert Mugabe Junior, 33, son of the late former president Robert Mugabe, was arrested again in central Harare for alleged possession of illegal drugs.
Authorities said Mugabe Junior was stopped by police during the night while driving a silver Honda Fit the wrong way along 2nd Street Extension in Harare. During a search, officers reportedly found two small sachets of cannabis (dagga), along with papers and a dagga grinder, in a sling bag in his possession.
The total weight was about two grammes, with an estimated street value of US$30 (approximately R500).
Morocco is scheduled to stage the Cup of Nations (AFCON) from 21 December to 18 January at nine venues, with 24 national teams competing in the premier African football competition.
African football boss Patrice Motsepe said on Monday he is "absolutely confident" the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will go ahead in Morocco, the scene of daily anti-government protests for more than a week.
Young Moroccans took to the streets on Sunday for a ninth straight night of protests, calling for an end to corruption and a change of government.
The protesters have demanded reforms to social services, especially health and education, and voiced anger over social inequality.
Morocco is scheduled to stage the Cup of Nations (AFCON) from 21 December to 18 January at nine venues, with 24 national teams competing in the premier African football competition.
Stars like Egypt and Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah and Morocco and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi are among the players set to participate.
Speaking during an annual gathering of African football bosses in Kinshasa, Confederation of African Football president Motsepe said: "We (CAF) are absolutely confident the AFCON will go ahead as planned.
"Morocco is planA, Morocco is plan B and Morocco is plan C," he told his audience, including FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
"CAF will co-operate and work with the government and all the citizens of Morocco to host the most successful AFCON in history," said Motsepe, a South African billionaire businessman.
Morocco hosted the 1988 AFCON - then an eight-nation tournament - and withdrew as hosts of the 2015 version citing Ebola virus fears.
AFRICAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE 'IMPORTANT'
Motsepe said CAF hoped to revive the African Football League, which was launched amid much hype only to be discontinued in 2023 after one radically changed edition.
Instead of 24 entrants, playing a minimum of 14 matches each, and record prize money for an African club competition, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa won a watered-down eight-team tournament.
*This article was first published by Eye Witness News
Jessica Thompson added two more gold medals to her already impressive haul on Saturday, bringing her total to five national titles at the Bombela Concession Company SA National (25m) Championships.
Thompson clinched the 50m freestyle title in 24.19 seconds, just five-hundredths of a second shy of the national record. She also took gold in the 100m backstroke with a time of 58.34 seconds.
Speaking about her sprint victory over national short-course record holder Caitlin de Lange (who finished second in 24.65), Thompson praised her rival.
“Caitlin is such an incredible swimmer, especially in the sprint free event so swimming against her I knew I had to be on my best game, top form and it was really nice having her next to me so I could get that extra push.”
Thompson described the quick nature of the sprint: “I think in the 50, you don’t have time to think – that’s the beauty about the races. It’s more just trusting in your training and you can’t think about it – your body goes into autopilot.”
VAN NIEKERK AND COETZEE SECURE VICTORIES
Meanwhile, Lara Van Niekerk successfully added the 50m breaststroke title to the 100m gold she won on the opening day. Her win comes after a challenging year of battling back from injury, illness, and disappointments.
The 22-year-old double Commonwealth Games champion expressed relief, noting her improvement from last year's world championships. “I can just take this as a positive. It’s faster than I went at worlds last year, so it’s baby steps. Rome wasn’t built in a day, so we’re getting there,” she said.
Van Niekerk is also finding her passion for the sport again. “I’ve just got back to why I started swimming in the beginning and I’m really enjoying it again. I love going to training every day and at least I’m enjoying racing again. There was a stage last year where I was scared of racing, so it’s good. It means I’m improving as a person and I’m getting back there.”
In the women's 400m freestyle, Duné Coetzee returned to winning ways, clocking in at 4 minutes 11.38 seconds. The 23-year-old, who recently moved back to Pretoria after finishing her studies in the USA, was happy with her progress under new coach Rocco Meiring. “I’ve only been swimming with Rocco for about two months, so I’m really happy with all my solid performances… This meet was just kind of to see where I’m at and what we need to do in training, so I’m very happy,” she commented.
MEN’S RACES SEE NEW AND FAMILIAR FACES ON TOP
Tai Pearson finally got his hands on two gold medals on Saturday, winning the 100m backstroke in 53.29 seconds and the 200m individual medley in 2:01.49. The 18-year-old was delighted to top the podium after several second-place finishes to the returning Chad le Clos earlier in the week.
“It’s been hard the past two days racing Chad in my events because I’m a butterfly swimmer, and freestyle, so I came second in three events and he came first, so I’m really happy with getting the double now,” Pearson said, adding, “It was a tough one, so the legs are definitely hurting.”
OTHER MEN’S TITLE WINNERS INCLUDED:
Armand Landmann, who claimed his first-ever national title in the 50m freestyle in 22.09 seconds.
Chris Smith, who took the 50m backstroke title in 26.31 seconds. He noted that he was "happy" with the time for this point in the season, despite being a bit more than half a second off his personal best.
Matthew Caldwell, who won the 400m freestyle title in 3:48.47.
Individual Medley Double for Van Heerden Keira van Heerden made a return to the podium, completing an individual medley double by adding the 200m IM gold (2:14.79) to her earlier 400m IM title, holding off a fast-finishing Georgia Els.
The Bombela Concession Company SA National (25m) Championships in Pietermaritzburg will conclude on Sunday.
*This article was first published by Eye Witness News
In the upper echelons of South African football, a troubling reality is emerging - the political manoeuvring surrounding the Premier Soccer League (PSL) is beginning to overshadow the essence of the game itself.
Recent performances from Siwelele, a new club in the top flight, have been disheartening, as they have suffered their sixth defeat in eight matches without scoring a single goal in their last seven games.
Yet, it’s the escalating off-field crises that present an even more pressing issue.
At the centre of this turmoil is the club’s chairman, Calvin Le John, whose lineage ties him to Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie. Le John has stoked controversy with his recent remarks regarding the club’s management and trajectory.
In a video announcement, Le John declared that Siwelele has severed ties with CEO Stan Matthews and assistant coach Andre Arendse, citing alleged threats to their safety. This alarming revelation suggests a more sinister atmosphere surrounding the club, prompting questions about the pressures faced by those in leadership positions.
Le John further inflated concerns with his intention to unilaterally terminate contracts of players he perceives as lacking commitment. “Players who lack heart and commitment to this team will be released,” he stated, indicating a management approach that appears more reactive than strategic.
These developments raise critical questions about the ownership standards in the PSL. Political influences looming over club decisions can have detrimental effects on the sport. When political ties become entangled with football management, it risks undermining the integrity and competitive spirit of the game.
As Siwelele navigates this precarious situation, one must ask: what constitutes effective leadership in the present-day PSL? Is it determined by hasty decisions made under duress, or should it be grounded in fostering development and stability?
While definitive answers may remain elusive, emerging trends are evident. If these declining standards go unaddressed, the essence of South African football faces serious jeopardy, hanging by a thread.
Siwelele’s struggles mirror a larger issue within South African football. How can we expect to see improvement when those at the helm appear more focused on threats and scapegoating than on creating a unified team on the field?
The future of the PSL is precarious, and if these recent developments are any indication, it’s clear that an evaluation of ownership standards is urgently needed.
The South African Football Players’ Union (SAFPU) has stepped in to support the staff at Siwelele, expressing concern over the club’s unsustainable financial practices. In its statement, SAFPU highlighted that the club’s issues indicate a serious lapse in financial due diligence during the acquisition process.
These developments cast a shadow over the PSL, the governing body of professional soccer in South Africa.
Irvin Khoza, the PSL chairman, last confronted ownership issues amid the tumultuous situation with Royal AM, which notably refused to participate in scheduled matches and the promotion/relegation play-offs. In a moment of frustration, Khoza famously remarked, “We have to go out there into the open market where there’s a willing buyer and a willing seller.”
This statement rings with desperation and aligns with SAFPU’s assertions about the club’s financial mismanagement. Khoza also insisted, “I will not let anyone – anyone – mess it (the PSL) up.” Yet, if the PSL continues to overlook due diligence, it risks undermining its own credibility. In the last decade, nearly every season has seen clubs changing hands, raising serious questions about stability.
As the Premier Soccer League strives to embody the spirit of South African football, troubling trends regarding ownership and management have surfaced. The unsettling news emanating from Siwelele extends beyond the field, revealing alarming details about its internal operations.
This significant alteration in management not only raises questions but also highlights a lack of accountability and professionalism that every reputable club in the PSL should maintain.
Football often mirrors society, reflecting deeper societal issues; Siwelele’s circumstances may serve as a wake-up call for the league’s leadership. In these challenging times, it seems that not only are player performance standards dwindling, but the expectations and conduct at the management level are also deteriorating significantly.
Orlando Pirates produced a commanding 3-0 victory over Lesotho’s Lioli FC on Saturday in what resembled a training-ground outing, ahead of their Premiership clash against embattled Siwelele FC on Tuesday.
Pirates have enjoyed a fortunate start to their CAF Champions League campaign, playing their first away continental fixture on South African soil. This rare circumstance has spared them the fatigue of international travel. Their opponents, Lesotho's Lioli FC, were unable to secure a CAF-approved venue in their home country and opted for a Free State ground instead.
Adding to Pirates’ good fortune, they will return to the same venue on Tuesday. Serbian striker Samir Nurković will not lead Siwelele’s attack against Pirates. The 33-year-old former Kaizer Chiefs star received a straight red card in his debut match against Medgesi on Saturday, ruling him out of the fixture.
Nurković, renowned for his physical presence and clinical finishing, was expected to play a pivotal role in Siwelele's offensive strategy. His absence forces the team’s coaching staff to rethink their approach to counter Pirates’ strengths.
After Saturday’s win, Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou said the team was preparing for Tuesday’s league match. “Now, it is good, and I am happy; we are going to rest because we have a very important game in the league,” he said.
In stark contrast, Siwelele FC is navigating a tumultuous period. Recently rebranded from SuperSport United, the team sits 14th in the league with just four points from seven matches. The weekend brought further upheaval as the club announced structural changes aimed at ensuring sustainability amid a dismal campaign.
hese include the departure of key staff, termination of contracts for underperforming players, and plans to recruit five to six new talents before Monday’s transfer deadline.
Siwelele faces the unique challenge of playing all their matches away from home. Following their acquisition, the team is based in Tshwane (formerly Pretoria) for at least one season, implementing cost-cutting measures such as restricting flights to journeys exceeding 600km, often resulting in long bus trips that impede player recovery.
Amidst the upheaval, former player Willem Jackson has been appointed as assistant coach to support head coach Lehlohonolo in reviving the team’s fortunes.
