Hail the sports pioneers daring to break the mould
There has been a noticeable rise in the number of women coaching men in professional sport across the globe. But is this positive trend an honest effort and can it be sustained?
Sport
The secret to AmaZulu’s success
Usuthu coach Benni McCarthy reveals what he has done to transform a team that was fighting to avoid relegation last season to being among title contenders in this campaign.
The state of cricket capture in India
Keeping the Indian Premier League running was part of Modi’s strategy to market his government’s ability to handle the Covid-19 pandemic, but it only reinforced his party’s intrusion in Indian cricket.
Blowing the whistle on patriarchy
As players turned referees, Akhona Makalima and Aimee Barrett-Theron are trailblazers in the male-dominated sports of football and rugby. They share the ups and downs of their jobs.
Football versus faith – the Ramadan conundrum
The holy month is challenging for Muslim footballers and their clubs. How does one honour one’s religion by fasting yet remain in top condition? With some compromises, that’s how.
Long Read | SA football needs a reboot
Former Safa technical directors Fran Hilton-Smith and Serame Letsoaka assess why the dysfunctional association is on its knees and how to get South African football back in contention.
The SA coach with eyes in the back of her head
Sherylle Calder is sought after around the world as an expert who teaches sports teams and individual athletes to ‘see’ better, improving their speed, decisions, actions – and results.
Why Tokyo Olympics is special for Erin Gallagher
The SA swimmer had a challenging Covid-19 experience as she was hit hard by the virus. But she was able to bounce back and claim three individual national titles. This is how she did it.
Sarel Erwee, a Dolphin in calmer waters
The Dolphins opener used lockdown to address a mental health issue, transforming into the confident and resolute batsman that helped his team to success in the last competition of the franchise era.
Hitting a bullseye for SA’s least celebrated sport
For many South Africans, darts is a pastime at family gatherings and in pubs. But quietly and resolutely, players like Cameron Carolissen are making a living from it in the international arena.
Murderball needs money to thrive
The players are talented and passionate, but wheelchair rugby costs money. One player has begun making chairs locally to make it more affordable, but more can be done to produce Paralympians.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons: playing and begging
The Super Falcons are the undisputed queens of African football, winning 11 of the 13 women’s continental championships ever played. But they still have to beg the Nigerian federation for pay and respect.
Dumisani Chauke, netball coach supreme
The Spar Proteas assistant coach talks about her career, the house she has bought to accommodate her netball players, and the racial imbalance in the national team and how it can be fixed.
‘I’ve not been to a football stadium since’
A sibling of one of the 43 Ellis Park disaster victims shares the pain of losing his brother, watching his children grow up without him and why the PSL should have done more for families.
The green jacket is Enos Mafokate’s just reward
The legendary equestrian pioneer had to endure much racism in his heyday during the height of apartheid, and the abuse didn’t end with the arrival of democracy.
A tough decision for Palestinian football
The national team find themselves at a crossroad: Should they be a competitive football side or a political tool to highlight Palestinian suffering? Doing both is impossible under the status quo.
How women’s sport can recover from Covid-19 blow
Just as South African women’s sports teams made significant advances, especially in football and cricket, Covid-19 hit, derailing further growth. But there are lessons in the disturbance.
Can Beitar Jerusalem overcome its bigotry?
Known as the most racist football club, the Israeli side has never signed an Arab player and Muslims who joined the team faced chilling prejudice. But an Arab billionaire says he can change all that.
Bavuma’s burden and the dearth of Black batsmen
Temba Bavuma’s uncle, who watched the Proteas captain develop into the successful cricketer that he is, explains what makes him a good leader and what is going wrong in nurturing Black talent.
Political forces obstructing Zanzibar’s CAF dreams
The islanders are said to be the victims of powerful forces in Africa’s football governing body serving their own political interests. The same case can be made for the exclusion of Western Sahara.
Nkosinathi Sibisi’s Netherlands awakening
The Golden Arrows defender, just like the club, is having a remarkable season, winning over fans beyond Durban. He credits a trip to the founders of Total Football for his outlook in football.