Rugby is Siyanda Grey’s blessing – and curse
Rugby always found a way to reunite with Grey, no matter how much he tried to run away. But, in the end, the sport that gave him so much also took his arm. Now, he is fighting to reclaim all he has lost.
Sport
The making of football genius Themba Zwane
From being overlooked in the amateur ranks to having to adapt quickly to playing football for Sundowns and being compared to Doctor Khumalo, Zwane’s rise has been as unpredictable as his game.
Olusoji Fasuba’s journey from athletics to the navy
Africa’s fastest man has had an interesting career path since hanging up his spikes. The Nigerian, who holds the continent’s 100m record, explains why he left athletics at 27 for Britain’s Royal Navy.
Part two | Sport and the climate crisis
In the second of a two-part series, the focus is on what sport can do to reduce its footprint, whether it’s changing the way stadiums are built or the food that is served to fans.
Part one | Sport and the climate crisis
Sport gives fans an escape from reality, but it cannot escape the reality of climate change. Not least, cyclones and water shortages threaten grounds and tournaments.
Sharks lay a Roc-solid foundation
The Durban rugby franchise’s chief executive discusses the benefits of their move to Europe, Siya Kolisi’s arrival and the rocks under the chairs of the 2021 academy intake.
Mzimasi Mnguni, a genius of South African boxing
The trainer, promoter and manager produced many world champions in a sport he got into ‘by accident’. Those who knew him tell of his passion and the role he played in the anti-apartheid movement.
Bridgitte Hartley’s undimmed Olympic dream
The Olympic medalist has begun planning a life beyond canoeing but wants to tick off a few more achievements before she retires, even if some are beyond her control.
Andisiwe Mgcoyi, the bulldozer who paved the way
The Banyana Banyana striker’s exploits in Europe have changed perceptions and opened doors for many South African footballers, who are now cropping up in the best women’s leagues overseas.
The psychologist helping athletes retire
Sports psychologist Kirsten van Heerden, who represented South Africa in swimming at the Commonwealth Games, focuses on athletes’ mental health and life after sport.
Mandla Ncikazi is SA football’s quiet coach
The Golden Arrows coach refuses to blow his own horn despite his success at Abafana Bes’thende so far and in South African football over the years.
How money is erasing sport’s traditions
Capitalism is changing sports. From South African rugby teams going to Europe to European football teams toying with the idea of new leagues, the common denominator is money and greed.
Vaccine inequality and the Olympic Games
Equality is one of the values of the Olympics. But athletes from developing countries will be marginalised should the Games go ahead this year, because of unequal vaccine rollouts.
Egoli Squash rerouting former colonial sport
The non-profit organisation is growing the sport in areas where squash hasn’t been at the top of the list when it comes to sporting activities. It improves players on and off the court.
Why Bafana haven’t repeated their 1996 success
It’s been 25 years since South Africa lifted the Africa Cup of Nations. Instead of dawning a new era, Bafana Bafana went backwards in spite of the country’s footballing wealth and infrastructure.
A Currie Cup final in the middle of summer
The Bulls being favourites to win the Currie Cup in January is a sign of the times. The season was hampered by Covid-19, resulting in bland rugby with teams not having much time to train.
Running coach Michael Seme has the golden touch
Coach ‘Sponge’ has had a hand in producing some of South Africa’s most decorated athletes, but chances are you don’t know much about him.
Nick Kyrgios, a team player in an individual sport
The talented Australian tennis player has a tendency to talk his way into controversy, but his headstrong opinions often overshadow actions that speak louder than words.
At last, Pakistan opens for international cricket
With heavy security and no fans because of Covid-19, the Proteas’ tour to Pakistan will be like no other. But in a way, both nations are in a similar situation as they try to resurrect their glorious pasts.
Victors not victims, says Ntombesintu Mfunzi
The Nedbank Running Club athlete speaks about being raped, her road to recovery and how she supports others, and the impact of delivering talks to convicted rapists.
Marcus Rashford’s greatest goal
The Manchester United striker netted a far more memorable goal than those scored on the pitch when he used his voice and influence to keep vulnerable children fed during the Covid-19 pandemic.