If cricket is a game of pressure, Nonkululeko Mlaba is one of the players who seems built to handle it. As a left-arm spin bowler for the Proteas, she has steadily grown into a trusted presence in the South African setup, offering control and composure in moments where the game can easily slip away or swing in the opposition’s favour.

She slows momentum, builds pressure over a spell, and steps in when things start to unravel, bringing a sense of calm that anchors the team’s bowling attack.

She understands her role with total clarity, and over time Nonkululeko has become more than a great bowling option – she is a stabiliser in the lineup, someone the Proteas rely on when discipline, patience and game awareness matter just as much as breakthroughs. 

Before the Proteas  

Born on 27 June 2000 and raised in KwaMashu, north of Durban, her introduction to the sport came through school and community programmes that made space for girls to pick up a game still fighting for equal footing.

Nonkululeko has spoken about discovering cricket as a child and learning her craft on uneven pitches with limited resources, shaping the accuracy and patience that now define her bowling.

In an interview with ICC Media, she said that growing up playing with boys forced her to “learn to be brave very quickly” – a mindset that later translated seamlessly into international cricket.

She didn’t start out as a spinner, either. That came later, after a coach suggested she switch from pace to spin, a decision that would quietly shape her entire career.

As she told ESPNcricinfo, “I didn’t understand it at first and I was so mad, but then I started to enjoy it more because I didn’t have to run to bowl. I could just walk in and bowl” – which captures how instinctively she took to the craft that now defines her role in the Proteas women’s team.

She added that she “fill in love with the control of spin bowling” and the challenge of out-thinking batters rather than overpowering them. That early fascination with control became a through-line in her game.  Those beginnings did more than produce a great cricketer; they produced a competitor comfortable with responsibility. 

Owning the role  

Nonkululeko’s journey has been a steady accumulation rather than a sudden explosion. Since making her debut for South Africa in 2019, she has become a regular feature in the T20I and ODI sides, trusted for her economy rate and ability to break partnerships.

She has said that international cricket “taught me patience… you can’t rush a batter at this level” – a lesson visible in the way she builds overs like small traps.

Her T20I economy has frequently hovered among the best in the squad, and by the time our women’s cricket team started reaching the latter stages of global tournaments, Nonkululeko’s role had become non-negotiable: bowl in the powerplay, return when control is needed, and close out innings without drama.

As she said on Cricket South Africa’s channels, her focus is “to give the captain options”, a simple brief she fulfils with remarkable consistency.

As her confidence playing at international level has grown, so has the recognition of her impact. “It’s very nice to see my name on the [ICC] rankings” she told The Citizen newspaper, a quiet acknowledgment of how far she’s come in a relatively short space of time. At the time of print, she was at No. 4 on the T201 bowlers’ table. 

On the world stage, Nonkululeko’s value to the team sharpens. During World Cup campaigns and high-pressure bilateral series, her overs often arrive at moments when momentum threatens to swing. She explained to ICC Media that her job is to “stay calm so the team can stay calm”, an outlook that mirrors her unhurried run-up and repeatable action.

Teammates and captains have leaned on that calm, using her as a stabiliser when matches speed up. The wickets matter, but the dots matter more – a philosophy she’s described as “winning the over before thinking about the wicket”. It’s a mindset built for tournament cricket, where control is currency.  

Built for the long game  

Nonkululeko’s rise is a reminder that greatness in cricket is often found in the details – the dot balls, the tight lines, the overs that quietly change the tempo of a match and shift momentum without spectacle. Her career so far reflects a player who understands that influence isn’t always about headlines or highlight reels, but about moments of control when they matter most.

As women’s cricket in South Africa continues to gain momentum, Nonkululeko Mlaba stands as part of the foundation of that progress, shaping games with a quiet authority that speaks louder than celebration ever could.

In doing so, she represents a new kind of cricketing presence – one built on patience, precision and a deep reading of the game – proving that sometimes the quietest players on the field are the ones making the biggest difference. 

Words: Emma Mbuthuma
Photos: Supplied  

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Pele vs Sweden

1958 Final

Pelé was only 17 in the 1958 World Cup final, yet he played with a confidence of a veteran.

He scored twice in Brazil’s 5-2 win over Sweden, including a brilliant goal in which he flicked the ball over a defender and finished calmly. What makes the performance so iconic is not just the goals, but the fact he was able to do it on the biggest stage without fear. The teenage forward announced himself to the world and delivered Brazil’s first world title in spectacular fashion.

1966 Quarter-final

Portugal looked finished when North Korea surged into a 3-0 lead in the 1966 World Cup quarter-finals, but Mozambican-born Eusebio responded with one of the great rescue acts in the history of the global finals. He scored four times as Portugal roared back to win 5-3, blending power, intelligence and ruthless finishing. Eusebio dragged his team back into the match almost single-handedly and showed his ability to change a game on his own through his sheer quality.

Diego Maradona vs England

1986 Quarter-final

Maradona’s display against England is probably the most famous individual World Cup performance ever. In one match, he produced two of the sport’s most memorable moments.

First, the controversial Hand of God’ opener that was a clear cheat, and then extraordinary solo run later named the Goal of the Century and with good reason. Beyond those moments, he controlled the tempo, carried Argentina forward under pressure, and looked like the game’s most potent start to finish. It was genius and chaos all in one brilliant, controversial performance.

@the.goatxx

Garrincha vs Chile

1962 Semi-final

With Pelé injured for much of the 1962 World Cup, Brazil needed someone to carry the attack, and Garrincha did exactly that. Against host nation Chile in the semi-finals, he was devastating with his direct, fearless and inventive dribbling that made him nearly impossible to stop in one-on-one situations. He scored twice and constantly destabilised the Chilean defence with his unpredictability. It was the kind of performance that reminded everyone Brazil’s brilliance was not dependent on one superstar alone. It is also the reason why Garrincha is considered one of the greatest dribblers of all time.

Geoff Hurst vs West Germany

1966 Final

A hat-trick in a World Cup final has only happened twice in history, but Geoff Hurst’s performance in the 1966 final matters for more than the statistic alone. He was sharp, composed and decisive in the biggest match England have ever played. His second goal remains one of football’s most debated moments, and evidence now suggests it did not cross the line, while his third, struck late with England pouring forward, sealed the match. Finals are usually tense, cagey affairs, but Hurst shone in this setting and his goals delivered England their only title.

@footballworld9442

Paolo Rossi vs Brazil

1982 Second Group Stage

Brazil’s 1982 side is remembered as one of the most stylish teams ever, which is exactly why Paolo Rossi’s destruction of them deserves such praise. Italy needed a win, and Rossi delivered a hat-trick in a 3-2 victory that shattered one of football’s greatest romantically remembered teams. It was an excellent individual display that showed his predatory instincts and would help him win the Golden Boot, and the Golden Ball, at those finals as he scored six times in all, including the final win over West Germany. In one afternoon in the group stages, Rossi changed the whole narrative of that World Cup.

Oleg Salenko vs Cameroon

1994 Group Stage

Oleg Salenko’s place on this list comes from a statistical achievement so extreme it still seems almost impossible as he scored five goals in a single World Cup match. Against Cameroon, he finished clinically again and again as Russia won 6-1, setting a record that still stands in the men’s tournament. Three of his goals came in the first half, including a penalty, and he then added two more in three second half minutes. With some real minnows in the 2026 tournament, could we see this record matched lor even beaten?

Ronaldo vs Germany

2002 Final

The Brazilian Ronaldo’s two goals in the 2002 final were historic not just because they won the trophy, but because they completed one of football’s great redemption stories. Four years earlier in France, his World Cup final had ended in disappointment. After serious knee injuries threatened his career, he returned to lead Brazil again and scored both goals against Germany. He was sharp, alert and predatory, especially on the rebound for his first. The performance gave Brazil the title and gave Ronaldo back his reputation as one of the greatest strikers to have ever lived.

@evcrlqre

Zinedine Zidane vs Brazil

2006 Quarter-final

This was not a hat-trick performance or a statistical anomaly, but rarely has there ever been a player to so completely control a game on such a big stage.

Against a Brazil team packed with star names, France’s Zinedine Zidane dictated the game with his incredible technical ability. Every touch seemed to slow defenders down and open space for France. He drifted between midfield and attack, repeatedly escaping pressure and creating danger, including the free-kick that led to Thierry Henry’s winner. He was simply unbeatable that day.

Kylian Mbappe vs Argentina

2022 Final

He might have ultimately ended up on the losing side, but Kylian Mappé’s (below) final was an astonishing individual performance as he became the second player after Hurst to score a hat-trick in the showpiece decider. For long stretches France were flat and second-best, then Mbappe exploded into the game and changed everything. He scored twice in quick succession, one from the penalty-spot, to force extra-time, then completed a hat-trick to send the game to penalties. He scored in the shoot-out, but it was not meant to be for France, who fell

Words: Nick Said

Images: IBL/Shutterstock/Hulton Archive/VCG/Getty/Gallo Images

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 Rugby has never been in a better space. The recent Six Nations was widely acknowledged as one of the most competitive in history, with Italy beating England for the first time, Scotland scoring 50 points against eventual winners France, and fullback Thomas Ramos kicking a last-gasp penalty against England to steer Les Bleus to glory and deny Ireland the title. Records tumbled over the course of the northern hemisphere showpiece, with 111 tries scored overall, and with France winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey breaking his own record, by dotting down nine times. 

@sixnationsrugby 22 years old. 27 caps. 29 tries for Louis Bielle-Biarrey. 🤯 How far can he go? 💎 #sixnationsrugby #since1883 #guinnessm6n #rugbytok #rugby #xvdefrance ♬ son original – Guinness Men’s Six Nations

Attacking rugby is in the ascendancy in this World Cup cycle, if one considers that the Springboks – the southern-hemisphere’s leading team as well as the No.1 side in the world – broke their own records across the 2025 Test season when they scored 81 tries and 572 points. 

While the tries and points are flowing, the contest for possession at set pieces like the scrum and lineout are fiercer than ever – and contrary to what some might believe, an increase in the number of kicks from hand and aerial contests has contributed to the spike in tries and points. 

Does the game of rugby need fundamental changes at this stage? The numbers above would suggest not.  

And yet, there are parts of the community that would see the scrum – one of the sport’s defining features – reduced and depowered. Some feel that the set pieces are slowing the game down, even though the data shows how scrums, lineouts and mauls create space for the attack, and directly contribute to tries and points.  

Earlier this year at the Shape of the Game conference in London, Springbok boss Rassie Erasmus and France coach Fabien Galthié led the pushback against the proposed changes to the set pieces. 

The war may be far from over, but for now, the battle for rugby’s soul has been won. At the very least, the game’s laws will remain unchanged until after the 2027 World Cup in Australia. 

“We’re satisfied that we gave our opinion and that World Rugby will make decisions with proper input,” Erasmus said.  

Former Ireland fullback Felix Jones, who serves as one of the senior assistant coaches in the Bok set-up, explained why it was necessary to challenge the negative narrative around kicking and scrums. 

“That was a narrative that was put out there, with not a lot of facts behind it,” Jones said. “The numbers are pretty conclusive: scrums aren’t increasing due to a spike in contestable kicking. 

“That actually came up a few times at the Shape of the Game conference in London. In the end, there was a lot of positivity around the aerial contest and what it’s doing for the game, as it’s correlated with more line breaks, more tries, which everyone loves to see.” 

“The thing is, when you see a contestable kick go up, no one says this is going to be boring for the next two minutes… everyone has a sense of anticipation, there’s going to be some sort of athletic contest to win the ball back, and a dynamic piece of play afterwards. 

That was the great thing about going to London, we got to see how much buy-in there is for rugby having a contest – whether it’s a scrum, maul or an aerial contest. The contest is unique to rugby union and we have to keep driving that.” 

 Administrators in Australia and New Zealand, however, are attempting to steer the game in a different direction. 

Earlier this year, the Super Rugby Pacific tournament implemented several new law variations, such as replacing certain scrum options with a free-kick, with the aim of boosting the tempo of play. 

The Australasians are not fans of the kick contest either, with former and current players complaining about the lack of protection for the receiving player in these scenarios – even though this has led to broken-field situations and better attacking opportunities across the board. 

“Some of the World Rugby rules right now, I mean far out,” Hurricanes and All Blacks utility back Ruben Love told SkySports NZ. “There’s no support in the backfield, so World Rugby, if you’re watching, change that rule asap.” Jones and the Boks – as well as others France, Ireland, Italy and even ball-in-hand maestros like Scotland – are reaping significant attacking rewards from the kicking tactic and the chaos that ensues if the ball bounces loose. 

“We’ve seen how important it is to be able to adapt during those transitions,” said Jones. “Teams are getting creative, largely due to the increase of contestable kicking.  

“It’s difficult from a defensive view, because you don’t have a reference point, but on the flip side the opportunity that comes with the broken field, to play what’s in front of your face, the skills and athletic profiles that you can exploit are massive. 

“A lot of attack coaches are getting excited the second contest when the ball bounces loose, and defence coaches are having to think about it, on top of the actual aerial contest itself” Mzwandile Stick, Bok coach, believes it has been great for the game. 

“The game has changed for the better in terms of these contests,” he said. “I understand in the past when supporters got frustrated by the kick tennis, because it seemed like nothing was happening for long periods of time. Now there are more contests, and more opportunities, and the fans are probably getting more value for their money.” 

Springbok defense coach Jerry Flannery pointed out that these scenarios are difficult to manage for the defensive side, but the better teams will find a way. 

“You’ve got to look at the pressure you can exert on the quality of the opposition’s kick,” said Flannery. “Then it’s about how you align your players, firstly in the air, giving you the best chance to win the ball back, and on the ground if the ball goes loose. 

‘In the past, attacking teams would take a quick tap or a quick throw to catch the defence unstructured. These days, the best way to do that is through the contestable kick, and it’s happening just about every second or third kick, the game is being blown wide open. 

“It is a challenge for the defence, but it’s been good for the game.” 

 Will rugby ever have a global season?  

Leading players from South Africa and Argentina are currently subjected to a never-ending season, with the northern hemisphere club schedule stretching from September to June, and the southern hemisphere Test calendar running from July to November. 

Player welfare advocates and conditioning experts have called for a more streamlined season, which will ensure that the game’s stars have sufficient opportunity to rest. 

The topic was broached at the Shape of the Game conference in London earlier this year, and it remains to be seen if the northern and southern hemispheres will align in the coming years. 

‘We need it for player welfare, and to get more international players competing in the club competitions” said SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer.   

“Something will have to give somewhere – either the Rugby Championship will have to be earlier in the year or the Six Nations a bit later. We need a window for Test rugby and a window for club rugby. How do you fit all that into 365 days? That is the challenge” 

“There is a working group working on it [at World Rugby]. They hope that by 2027 we will be in a position to know if there will ever be a global season.”‘ Springbok head of athletic performance Andy Edwards agreed that it needs to be implemented sooner rather than later. 

“A global calendar would globalise rest periods and solve a lot of the existing player-welfare problems, Edwards said. 

 Words by: Jon Cardinelli  

 Images: Andrew Matthews BackPagePix  

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Get ready for round seven, with Carlos Alcaraz enjoying a slight points advantage as the latest rivalry in tennis begins to take root. So far, in six meetings in Grand Slam events between the two best men’s players on the planet, the 22-year-old world No.1 (Alcaraz) holds a 4-2 winning record over his 24-year-old opponent, ranked No.2, Jannik Sinner. 

Across all competitions dating back to 2021, that scorecard reads 10-6 to Alcaraz. And yes, the Spaniard will arrive in Paris looking to complete a hat-trick of wins on the Roland Garros clay on the back of his performance at the year-opening Australian Open, when he became the youngest man to achieve the career Grand Slam. Alcatraz is a juggernaut, beginning to average two Grand Slam titles a year. He already has seven, and he turns just 23 a fortnight before the first ball is struck at the French Open. 

Let us do a simple projection. Say Alcaraz continues for another 10 years at this level, taking him to 33 – Roger Federer retired at 41, Rafa Nadal at 38, and Novak Djokovic is still going strong at 38 – and wins those two Grand Slams a year, the numbers become staggering. Just FYI, Sinner won three in 2025, so he is not out of the equation either.  

Barring accident or injury, the next decade could conservatively see Alcaraz add 20 to his list of seven. The currency of determining GOAT status, apparently, is Grand Slams, and Djokovic holds that mythical title with 24. Alcaraz needs 17 more to match the GOAT. 

Given their superiority, the reality is that for now, and the foreseeable future, Alcaraz and Sinner are likely to share the Grand Slams. And, when one falls early, like in the semi-finals, the other is there to pick up the pieces. This is what happened with Djokovic at the Australian Open. He won a five-setter against Sinner in the Friday semi-final and 48 hours later was up against Alcaraz in the final. And, as every other player will find out, they are likely to have to beat Alcaraz and Sinner to win a Grand Slam. This is also because they are certain to be seeded No.1 and No.2 on opposite sides of the draw for some time to come. 

Check out this fascinating take on Carlos Alcarez-Jannik Sinner rivalry!  

Although I was watching from the comfort of the sofa, last year’s final at Roland Garros featured the most brutal consistent hitting of a tennis ball I have seen, and while the game itself might not have reached the heights of the 2008 Wimbledon final between Federer and Nadal, it surely ranks in the top three of championship finals ever played. 

Impossible as it is to compare generations, modern equipment, diet and conditioning have led to the sustained power game. Like golf, where things have evolved to the extent that players are now routinely “bombing drives” of 300 metres off the tee, tennis has become a brutal exhibition of power. But Alcaraz and Sinner are also bringing intelligence and artistry that’s far superior to whoever No.3s and 4 are. 

Last year coughed up the longest modern French Open final, all 5 hours 29 minutes of it, with Alcaraz staring at match point 3 hours 43 minutes into the contest. The Spaniard fought back and eventually won 4-6, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 7-6. Stats often lie, but of the 385 points played in the match, Sinner won 193 and Alcaraz 192. It was that tight, but the one that mattered most – match point – went the way of the younger man. 

In trying to keep up with Alcaraz, firstly narrowing the gap in their head-to-heads and even going ahead, Sinner has spent the first quarter of 2026 working on improving his serve.  

And getting more physical. When it comes to the tale of the tape, he is slightly the bigger man – 1.91m and 77kg versus 1.83m and 74kg. “I’m trying to get a very solid serve at the moment, which is what we work a lot on,” Sinner said in February. “Also a lot in the gym, the gym sessions are very important. I try to make an extra step forward in that scenario, and that’s it.”  

If you are of a betting persuasion, you might want to take that advice and pencil Sinner in for Wimbledon, but when it comes to the French Open, Alcaraz is going to be the one with the target on his back, like Nadal was on clay. He enjoys being hunted, and he is determined to do what it takes to stay a step ahead of the pack.  

“You have to find the joy in suffering,” Alcaraz said after last year’s epic in Paris. “I think that’s the key, even more on clay here in Roland Garros, long rallies, four-hour matches, five sets, you have to fight, you have to suffer, but as I talked with my team many, many times, you have to enjoy suffering. Thanks to him (Sinner), I push myself to be better, to be a better player.” 

After Alcaraz had mopped up the Australian Open in January, he was asked to look ahead to the rest of 2026 – the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open – and his opinion on picking up all four majors in this calendar year. “It is going to be a big challenge,” he replied. “I just want it to be one at a time. Right now, the next one is Roland Garros. I have great memories of that tournament. I feel really special every time. I go there. I don’t want to put myself in a really pressure position to have to do it.”  

As Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus often says, “pressure is a privilege”. It is indeed, but there is a different pressure when you are a rugby team of 23 players in the squad heading into every match. If you are an individual and having a bad day, you get substituted, and at all times, there are 14 teammates running onto the field with you.  

Standing on hallowed tennis courts like Roland Garros and Wimbledon, it is just you, with your opponent at the other side of the net. There is no place to hide. Drop your standards by the smallest of percentages and you will lose the final, and that is exactly where Alcaraz and Sinner are right now. 

The head-to-head stats show that for now, Alcaraz is starting to edge ahead of Sinner as the rivalry goes into round seven of this heavyweight tennis slugfest. But, it is all a matter of margins, and with men’s tennis Grand Slams being played over the best of five sets, there is always going to be an ebb and flow. Buckle up for the next in the series.  

Words: Gary Lemke 
Photography: Noushad Thekkayil/Landres Martinez Casares 

Also read: Donald Ramphadi: The dynamic wheelchair tennis ace 

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Donald Ramphadi, who was runner-up in the Wimbledon men’s wheelchair doubles finals in July this year, grew up in rural Limpopo and dreamed of emulating his football idols from Orlando Pirates. He was an extremely active child and his mother had her hands full. However, Donald’s world changed forever when he was diagnosed with brittle bone disease at the age of 12. 

Rewinding two decades, Donald admits that it was the toughest time of his life. “I went from being an active kid to sitting on a chair and asking people to do things for me,” he tells us from his home in Pretoria. At the time, he said to himself: “It’s done, Donald… You’re useless and you’re not going to fulfill your dreams.” 

But he says the change came when he got the opportunity to attend a disability school in Tzaneen, with the help of a social worker in the area, and he accepted the way he was and came to terms with his new normal’. At the school, young Donald met children who were in an even worse state but were confident in their own bodies. That was the moment when he totally shifted his outlook. 

With the support of his late mother, Linah, whom he describes as ‘Superwoman’, he realised that if he didn’t accept himself, how could he expect other people to accept him?  

“Everything that I do today is to restore hope to the hopeless,” says Donald, who used to be a keen soccer player before the life-changing diagnosis. “I wanted to be a soccer star, but after I got sick I gave tennis a try [in 2009].”  

Tennis SA development officer Patrick Selepe spotted his talent early on and the sport soon became an outlet through which Donald’s competitive edge was reignited. It offered him the same rush he’d experienced playing soccer in the village.  

Living without limits  

Ever since he started playing in the official quad division of wheelchair tennis in 2018, Donald has morphed into more than just a champion on the court. His mission is to inspire black youth – especially those with disabilities – to dream bigger.  

“My message is that anything is possible, whether you have a disability or not he says. “You can be whoever you want to be but you have to work very hard.” 

When he first picked up a racquet, Donald admits he saw tennis as “a sport for whites”. His achievements in the game — most notably Grand Slam titles, Paralympic medals and global recognition – have shifted the narrative and this perception. He encourages black youth with disabilities to take up tennis and believe in their potential  

Donald played tennis for the longest time without material reward, but he had an unyielding belief that his time would come and he’d rise to the top of the sport. He hails from a disadvantaged family and never knew his father, but raised his head up and went for what he wanted in life.  

Today, his 11-year-old son Tebogo is living out his father’s dreams as a footballer and Donald reveals his son’s nickname is ‘Neymar, owing to his Brazilian-type flair on the field.  

Career bests  

• Quads doubles winner at the French Open (2023), with Andy Lapthorne. 
• Quads doubles bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, with Lucas Sithole (a first for Africa). 
• Singles semi-finals of the US Open (2023), Australian Open (2023, 2024) and Wimbledon (2025). 
• Doubles finals of the US Open (2023), Australian Open (2023, 2024) and Wimbledon (2025).

The role model  

Beyond the sporting sphere, Donald is focusing on being the male role model he never had. The lessons he wants to impart to his child are to be grateful, kind and know no limits. 

“I didn’t grow up with a father figure and had so many challenges. I know how painful it is and really don’t want my son to experience that,” he says. “I love to tell my story because I believe it can touch people and change how they think.”  

He stresses that if someone is being negative, they can be negative, but he doesn’t allow that to disturb him. He also reveals that, for him, tangible self-acceptance came when he was comfortable wearing shorts again.  

He would always wear long trousers to hide his feet until fellow wheelchair tennis star Kgothatso Montjane sparked the mindset shift. She said to Donald: “If you’re not going to accept yourself, no one is going to accept you.” 

Ever since, he’s been rocking his shorts and sneakers, and if people stare, he frames it as them enjoying his fashion style instead of judging his physical appearance.  

Last year, Donald admits he was not “okay mentally”, dealing with personal issues, and even thought about retiring. But he’s the sole provider and representing his family remains his ‘why’. As such, he has no plans to call time on his triumphant tennis career any time soon. He intends competing in two more Paralympics and playing for at least another 10 years.  

@officialteamrsa Introducing Donald Ramphadi, an inspiring wheelchair tennis player making strides on the court! 🎾💪 With passion and resilience, he’s a true representation of #TeamSA. ♬ original sound – OfficialTeamRSA

Fast facts  

Full name: Donald Tebogo Ramphadi  

Nickname: Dona

DOB: 10 June 1993  

Age: 32

Hometown: Mogapeng, Limpopo

Plays: Right-handed

Preferred surface: Hard

Rankings: Africa and South Africa’s No.1 quad player; sixth in the world (ITF) quad singles player; eighth in the world quad doubles player.  

By: Grant Shub
Photography by: Gallo/Getty Images, Supplied
Text courtesy of  MAN magazine

Also read: 5 Grooming tips for men this summer  

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He doesn’t just win tennis matches, he bends time. At 38 years old, Novak Djokovic is still rewriting the record books. With 24 Grand Slam titles, seven ATP Finals crowns and over 400 weeks as the world’s No.1, it’s no doubt that he is a champion. 

 

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At this point in what has been a phenomenal career, Novak is no longer measured by scorelines and statistics. He is in the middle of a transformation, one that puts family and legacy alongside the relentless pursuit of victory. What matters to him now is balance, between his love of the game and his love of family; between being the greatest of all time and between being, just simply, Novak.

The start of Novak’s tennis career 

His story begins in Belgrade (in now Serbia) during the Yugoslavia War, which started in 1991 with the breaking up of the Soviet Union and ethnic conflict in the region. He first picked up a tennis racquet at the age of four, when the war started, and the rest is history (literally). Novak left home as a 12-year-old to join the Pilić Tennis Academy in Oberschleissheim, near Munich in Germany.

 

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By age 18, he’d entered the top 100 of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), and in July 2006 won his first ATP event. In 2003 he turned pro, and by 2008 he had clawed his way to winning his first Gland Slam — the Australian Open.In December 2010 he led the team of his newly formed country, Serbia (which gained independence in 2006), to the country’s first Davis Cup title.

This marked the beginning of a 43-match winning steak, the third-longest in the Open era (since 1968), which in 2011 included his first of seven Wimbledon wins.  

To explore more about Novak Djokovic’s incredible journey and achievements, subscribe to Man Magazine today!

Words: Rughsaar Bibi Ismail
Photography: Gallo/Getty Images, Instagram

The post Novak Djokovic: King of the court appeared first on TFG Media.

Nomsa doesn’t just play rugby; she lives it. When she’s not working at the hospital, she’s all in at the gym or training with her squad, putting in serious hours to stay match-ready – and it shows. The Springbok Women’s team, which she’s a part of, made us proud by reaching the quarterfinals at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in the UK earlier this year.  

In her nursing role, Nomsa often draws on the same grit and strength she uses on the field. Whether she’s tackling medical emergencies or rugby opponents, her power and courage are always in play. 

Thriving in these different roles 

“I became a nurse because I wanted to help people. I have the kind of personality that wants to help, that wants to nurture and see people getting better,” she shares. “I like to encourage people when they’re having the treatment they need at the hospital, and to help them not to lose hope.” 

Nevertheless, she also wanted to play rugby because there’s a whole generation to inspire. “It’s that simple. If they see me doing it, it could spark something inside them that says, ‘I can too’,” she explains. 

Nomsa acknowledges that it’s not always easy to manage her two demanding roles. “I work night shifts, so immediately after work, I go to the gym for training. Sometimes I swap work shifts with other nurses, so that I can attend the Springboks training camps,” she says. 

 

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It’s all about teamwork 

“I often think that in a medical setting, you can be as brilliant as ever, whether you are a doctor or a nurse or whatever other role, but you still require the person who is working next to you to help you to be successful,” she explains.  

“For example, you cannot resuscitate somebody alone. You need someone else to manage the airways, a colleague to manage circulation, and someone to see to the medication, so that the procedure is a success. So, it helps to identify other people’s strengths and combine them with yours to save a life.” 

She believes that rugby also teaches us to identify one another’s strengths. “It’s a team sport. As an individual, you can be very fit and super-fast, but you will never conquer your opposing team alone. You need your team for that,” she reflects. 

“For me, both these uniforms mean teamwork. I love working with other people. I always learn from others, and I also love to teach them what I know,” she says.  

She paid tribute to Netcare and her unit manager, Taahira Mondell, for allowing her to pursue her rugby career. “I’ve been assisted and supported, and I have really appreciated this.” 

Why Nomsa chose rugby 

Asked why, of all the sports available to women, she chose rugby, Nomsa laughs. “Because many people don’t think women can play rugby. I never thought I’d play rugby because I grew up thinking girls played netball and basketball, and the guys played rugby. I want to prove that we can do the same as men do,” she explains.  

“I’ve played a lot of sports, but what makes rugby so unique is that it creates a bond that connects you with different characters and diverse cultures in a way that encourages you to merge and become a family. It has that special quality.” 

 

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H2: The beautiful things in life 

“I love to bake (especially dark chocolate brownies), cook delicious pasta dishes and sew my own clothes,” she says. She also used to do modelling and is still a confessed fashionista. “My previous rugby coaches couldn’t understand that there was this model that plays rugby. But regardless of the physical sport that I play, I’m still a woman, and I love looking beautiful – you know, having lashes, makeup, nails and a nice outfit.” 

“Many people think I am that strong girl, that tough cookie. But I have a big, soft heart,” she shares. “I think my colleagues may see me as being quite strict because I like certain things being done a certain way at work. It’s not that I want it done my way, I want it done the right way.” 

 

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Nomsa says that although she sometimes finds it a bit overwhelming when people recognise her, she admits it’s lovely to connect with different people, and to see that people really acknowledge and appreciate what she does. 

The best of both worlds 

“The best thing about my job is being able to be a compassionate and caring nurse to those I help, like when I can be a shoulder to cry on or share words of encouragement. Seeing people getting better is what we want to see every day,” she says. 

“With rugby, the best feeling isn’t just about winning. Winning is a collective team effort, and it’s great when that happens. I want to inspire young girls and young women to play rugby, and I also want to inspire those who are struggling to juggle two things at the same time,” she reflects.  

“I feel like this is my journey and my story. It’s a testimony to say that you actually can do this – be one woman, with two uniforms and many aspects – and still walk tall.” 

Words: MNA of behalf of Netcare 

Photography: Supplied

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Smart play starts with injury prevention 

“The sport is an excellent form of cardio exercise, however as more amateur players take to the padel courts, we are seeing an increase in injuries associated with it, especially to the knees, shoulders, elbows, and ankles,” says Dr Ashley Naidoo, who practices at Netcare Waterfall Hospital’s Sports Orthopaedic Surgery (SOS) Centre. 

Recent research from Europe shows that around 36% of recreational padel players are injured each year. “Many of the common padel injuries affect the lower limbs, with ankle sprains, overused knees, calf and thigh strains, and Achilles tendon problems fairly common – particularly in players over 30 and in those who are new to the game,” he says.“Padel players should also be aware of the risk of upper limb injuries, as pain or strains affecting the elbow, shoulder, and wrist are also prevalent, especially among players using heavy rackets and less experienced players who are still working on improving their technique.” 

Dr Naidoo also points out that many padel injuries can be avoided. “Prevention of injuries is always better than treating them, and given the growing popularity of padel tennis, I would advise anyone who is enjoying this sport to make prevention part of their preparation.” 

Remember to warm up before serving 

Physiotherapist Ulaysha Narandas, part of the multidisciplinary team at Netcare Waterfall City SOS, stresses the importance of warming up before you start playing.  

“Research from European and Latin American sources has consistently highlighted one common theme: the absence of a structured warm-up dramatically increases injury risk,” she says. 

“Most padel-related injuries – especially to the knees and calves – happen early in matches when cold muscles are pushed too hard, too fast. Her advice: start every session with 10 minutes of active movement, including light jogging, mobility drills, and dynamic stretching. After the game, static stretching of the legs, forearms, and lower back helps prevent tightness and speed up recovery.” 

The structured smart training programme, provided at Netcare Waterfall City Hospital, combines education with hands-on training, ideal for padel players looking to elevate their game and avoid injury. 

The individualised training programme offers safe, strength training for all ages. It is also especially effective for improving strength without overstraining joints. 

Wear the proper shoes 

Dr Naidoo points out that appropriate padel footwear is another critical piece of the injury prevention puzzle.  

“Padel is played on synthetic turf, often with sand infill, and requires lateral grip and ankle support. Running shoes and general trainers are unsuitable, increasing the risk of slipping or ankle rolls. Footwear designed specifically for padel or clay tennis surfaces offers the best protection. Recent Spanish data suggests that hybrid or omni-soles may reduce impact forces compared to full herringbone designs,” he says. 

“By combining smart training, proper preparation, suitable footwear, and evidence-based rehabilitation, players of all ages can enjoy padel while minimising injury risk. Whether you’re playing socially or competitively, whether you’re 25 or 65, playing smart today can help you stay on court and pain free for years to come.” 

 Words: Netcare

Photography: Pexels 

Also read: How these A-list celebrities stay on top of their fitness 

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Gavin Hunt  

“Budgie Byrne, who I played under at Hellenic for most of my career and who became my father-in-law, was someone I looked up to. “I was always intrigued about the coaching side of the game. I started coaching while I was still playing and coached at schools, including the Western Province side, for extra money.  

“I like coaches like Carlo Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp because there’s much more of an opportunity these days to see how they operate. “Coaching for me has always been intriguing. Guys like former Cape Town. 

City coach Frank Lord, John Rowley, Kevin Keegan and Willie Hunter, who did the Mobil coaching clinics in Cape Town in the 1970s, all inspired me. “In my playing days, we had full-time jobs. I was out for nine months with a snapped Achilles tendon and then got offered a job as coach at Vasco da Gama.  

After we beat Seven Stars in a league game I got offered the job by their owner Rob Moore. “During that time I was still coaching in the evenings but then Mitre, the sports goods company for which I had the agency in Cape Town, got bought out. At the same time football also became more professional and I went full-time.  

“José Mourinho has always been my favourite coach – I always felt he galvanised his players very well and managed to get the best out of his teams. Pep is more flamboyant and attacking.” 

Cavin Johnson  

“My biggest inspiration as a coach was Nelson Mandela, the first president of the democratic South Africa. “Madiba was the one who said sport can change lives and that is so true. I was part of the people who lived in the black-and-white era and he really made a difference.  

“I started coaching the Bosmont Chelsea Caltex Colts team and from there I decided I want to make this a career. Centre in Soweto together with a group of people including Farouk Khan, Zunaid Mall, Sam Mbatha and Ted Dumitru, who was also part of the group. 

“From a footballing point of view, for me it was always good to see what the Brazilians were doing. Later on, going to Brazil and listening to and interacting with people like Mário Zagallo, Carlos Alberto Parreira and Zico was a good experience. 

“Locally, Ted Dumitru was someone I looked up to. I also admired Dougie Carelse, the former Cape Town Spurs midfielder, who was coach at Bosmont Chelsea. “While at Ajax Cape Town, I got the platform and opportunity to spend some quality time with Johan Cruyff and Louis van Gaal because of the relationship the club had with Ajax Amsterdam. 

“Just being able to spend a few days with the legendary Cruyff at De Toekomst, Ajax’s headquarters, was an inspiration. “No matter how knowledgeable they were or how many trophies they won, they all had the same message: ‘Football is a very simple game. Keep things as simple as possible and you will get the best results.’ 

“I like what Marcelo Bielsa does. He is crazy about football. You see how his teams play, especially the Leeds United team he brought up to the Premier League in 2020, and see how they played throughout their winning campaign.” 

Rulani Mokwena  

“I come from a football family where my late grandfather, Eric ‘Scara’ Sono, was an Orlando Pirates legend,” Mokwena told Fifa.com. “My father, Julius ‘KK’ Sono played professional football and my uncle Jomo was a superstar who played in America with Franz Beckenbauer and Pelé. Growing up with that type of background, I had, and still have, their influence in my career.   

“I started coaching from the age of 14 – it was by default because I was the captain of the under-15 team. I arrived at the field and the under-13s were just sitting around because the coach wasn’t there. As the captain, I took balls and started a training session.   

“I adopted that group because the regular coach had found a job. It gave me the possibilities to try something new and I fell in love with it. “I started doing it officially at the age of 19 when I said: ‘Okay, no more playing now.’   

That was because of a knee injury and then I started focusing on coaching. I got my first coaching badges at 19. “I went on to work at a lot of different academies including the Silver Stars/ Platinum Stars academy, where I worked with some of the top young talent in the country. 

“I’ve worked with Cavin Johnson, who was the head of Youth at Platinum Stars. He had a rich history and body of knowledge about youth development from his early days at the School of Excellence and Ajax Cape Town. Allan Freese taught me lots of things, even at the youth level, about organisation and attention to detail. He was very strong on structures. 

“Pitso Mosimane gave me an opportunity and my travels into Europe also helped me greatly. I’ve made a lot of contacts. Coaches like José Mourinho have been incredible from afar, Arsène Wenger has been an incredible source of inspiration.

“Currently, Fernando Diniz in Brazil, Pep Guardiola, Roberto De Zerbi and Roger Schmidt are coaches that I follow quite extensively. They’ve had a big influence in my career. I’ve followed them from a distance, I’ve read their autobiographies, I’ve watched how they train their teams.” 

Words by: Mogamad Allie
Images: Samuel Shivambu/Martin Rickett/Sydney Mahlangu/Backpagepix 

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