Guest on the line: Nthabi Mothusi -South African Netball Star

Nthabii Mothutsi has decided to call time on her netball career. Reflecting on her journey with the Limpopo Baobabs since the age of 22, she tells gsport, “As captain, my only goal was to reign supreme. Achieving that last season, I’m very happy with leaving it at that.”

Her biggest highlight includes making people fall in love with the sport again, being sassy on the court, and winning the Telkom Netball League.

“Character sharpening. It’s taught me so much about myself,” she says, expressing gratitude for the losses that paved the way to her dream victory.

Now in Saudi Arabia for netball development, Mothutsi is focused on building herself outside the sport. She states, “I’m loving seeing myself in the young women that I’m meeting every day.”

 

 

https://gsport.co.za/limpopo-baobabs-tnl-star-nthabii-mothutsi-retires-from-netball/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ENDS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the heart of Masiphumelele informal settlement in Cape Town’s Deep South, a group of passionate individuals came together in 2009 to form what would later become the Warrick Wealth Masi Pumas, a rugby team that has not only defied the odds but has become a symbol of resilience, diversity, and a commitment to life beyond the rugby field.

 

The journey of the Masi Pumas began as a social club, with members driven by a shared love for the sport and a desire to create a positive impact in their community. In 2010, recognizing the potential to transform their passion into something greater, they took the official step of registering as a rugby team. The following year marked a significant milestone as the Masi Pumas officially joined the Western Province Rugby League, a testament to their determination and dedication. They were also able to set up their base at the Noordhoek Sports Fields, where they now run operations from.

 

From 2011 to 2015, the Masi Pumas experienced an impressive trajectory, earning promotions each year in the league. Their ascent through the ranks showcased not only their athletic prowess but also the indomitable spirit that characterized the team. However, the journey was not without its challenges, and in 2015, the team faced relegation to the C division.

 

Despite the setback, the Masi Pumas refused to be deterred. Rather than viewing relegation as a failure, the club saw it as an opportunity for growth and a chance to reevaluate their strategy. This resilience and commitment to improvement define the ethos of the Masi Pumas, making them a force to be reckoned with on the rugby field.

 

One of the defining features of the Masi Pumas is their commitment to diversity. In a country with a complex history, the team stands as a shining example of unity, bringing together individuals from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and walks of life. The Masi Pumas have become a microcosm of South Africa's rich tapestry, emphasizing that sports can transcend societal divisions.

 

 

Zero-Tolerance Policy toward Cheating in 2024

Guest 1 on the line: CMA Race & Operations Manager, Ann Ashworth

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA), in collaboration with its technical officials and race referees, would like to signal its intention to adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward the violation of its Race Rules in 2024.

 

Subsequent to the running of the 2023 event, the CMA identified 58 athletes whose entry to the 2024 edition of the Comrades Marathon have been rejected as a consequence of their violation of the CMA’s race rules.

 

Louzanne Coetzee Is Getting Ready for the Paris Paralympics in 2024

Guest: South African Paralympian medalist and World Record Holder-Louzanne Coetzee

What does it take for an athlete to prepare for the Paralympics? South African Paralympian medalist and World Record Holder Louzanne Coetzee, in partnership with Profmed, takes us on a journey of her Path2Paris, preparing to represent South Africa at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, France.

 

Touted as one of the most successful Paralympians from Tokyo2020, Louzanne Coetzee has been training for another year of hopeful success.

Adventurer and cancer survivor shows ‘faith can move mountains’ as she trains for Cape Epic

Guest: Simone Sharpe - Adventurer and cancer survivor

If ever there were someone who could take a phrase like “faith can move mountains” and truly own it, it is self-described adventurer Simone Sharpe.

The 34-year-old’s name popped up on social media this week, having completed the gruelling Attakwas Extreme one-day mountain bike challenge on her trusty old, unserviced hard-tail (no rear suspension).

 

Guest: Michelle Rudolph (completed 1 Epic last year)-

As the 2024 Absa Cape Epic gains momentum, Absa is intensifying its efforts to promote women's participation in the renowned mountain bike race through its enduring #SheUntamed initiative.

Launched in 2019, #SheUntamed reflects Absa's unwavering commitment to empower and support women, fostering inclusivity and breaking down barriers within the cycling realm.

 

2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the iconic Absa Cape Epic, and in celebration of this milestone, Absa is taking the #SheUntamed initiative to new heights. The bank is setting a bold goal to assemble a 20 all-women teams as part of Team Absa #SheUntamed 20for20. This commitment will ensure that 50% of the team comprises women of colour, constituting just over a third of the Team Absa peloton. This commitment extends to the Epic Trippers programme with an ongoing all-women Session 1.

There has been an age-old debate surrounding whether this sport has earned its stripes since it does not need equipment or require some level of physical fitness. Recognized as an Olympic Sport, Chess is one of the oldest sports dating back to the sixth century in India. Its popularity resurfaced after the Netflix hit show: The Queen's Gambit profiled the journey of a Grandmaster and many started investing time into the sport during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Consisting 64 blocks, the board has two opposing sides with 16 pieces which wage against each other in strategic moves that will have one side surrenders at the calling of checkmate. But can this centuries old passtime become a team sport? 

Guest on the line: Clyde Wolpe - Director of the GoForChess Academy (Former SA Chess Champion and Author of “The Power of Chess”)

 

For this year’s Dusi Canoe Marathon, organisers have announced a couple of route changes to improve the race and ensure all competitors have a better all-round experience. We thought of catching up with the organizers and finding out what is new in this year’s trail. 

Guest on the line: Steve Botha - Chairman of the Dusi Canoe Marathon

South Africa will play host to the inaugural African Karting Cup this upcoming week as 40 participants representing 15 countries will be racing for a seat at the 2024 FIA OK-N Karting World Cup. Karting is the entry level to a professional career in motorsport and the starting point for any talented youngsters to hone their skills in the playground of motorsport. South Africa boasts a cadre of skilled karting talents who actively compete at the FIA level in Europe.To tell us more about how this event will elevate the visibility of continental talent, we are joined by…

Guest on the line: Cindy Van Der Laan - Organizer at Rok Cup South Africa

Guest on the line: Luke Hill - Junior Go-Karter (13 years old, Competing in the OK-J class)

 

 

 

 

 

Guest on the line: Dr. Metji Makgoba - Senior Lecturer in Communication and Cultural Studies at the University of Limpopo

This week saw the final four teams battled it out for a place in Sunday’s continental final. While Bafana Bafana and the leopards of DR Congo fell, the hosts - the Elephants of Ivory Coast and the SuperEagles of Nigeria progressed. Tonight, we reflect on the AFCON as it comes to a close and predict who will win it all. To help us unpack this, we are joined by…