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

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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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24 January 1970 – Rogue Beer Cup third-place play-off 

Kaizer Chiefs (2) 4 (Jacob Masike, Pule Ntsoelengoe 2, Petros Nzimande)
Orlando Pirates (2) 6 (Percy Moloi, Petros Nzimande own goal, Remember Majoe 2, Bernard Hartze 2) 

The first ever meeting between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates took place in a year in which there was no structured league, but rather several smaller one- off competitions. The two sides met in the third-place play-off of an eight-team tournament sponsored by South African Breweries, with the prize money coming to R1 000. Pirates’ Teboho ‘Chippa’ Moloi got the first Derby goal before Chiefs’ Petros ‘Ten-Ten’ Nzimande then calamitously scored the second for Pirates with an own goal off his head. Chiefs fought back through the guile of ‘Ace’ Ntsoelengoe, but Pirates sealed it late.  

24 April 1971 – League 

Kaizer Chiefs (2) 4 (Herman Blaschke, Petros Nzimande 2, Thomas Johnson)
Orlando Pirates (3) 3 (Johnny Kekana, Hubert Leroke, Alfred Jacobs) 

The first league meeting between the two sides saw Chiefs stage a remarkable comeback after being three goals down, with their player-coach Thomas ‘Zero’ Johnson proving the hero of the day. Pirates stormed into a runaway lead but ‘Pelé’ Blaschke pulled one back and Petros Nzimande got another against his former club. Chiefs took control and the winner came dramatically with three minutes left via Johnson, who scored with a brilliant scissor kick.   

12 February 1972 – Champion of Champions final, second leg 

Orlando Pirates (2) 3 (David Fakude pen, Blessing Mgidi, Alfred Jacobs)
Kaizer Chiefs (0) 7 (Joseph Setlhodi pen, Herman Blaschke, Ariel Kgongoane, Michael Dlamini, Kaizer Motaung, Johnny Mokoena 2) 

An unbelievable comeback for the AmaKhosi after being two goals down at half time. Chiefs came back through a Joseph ‘Banks’ Setlhodi penalty and there were two more goals inside the next eight minutes as Blaschke headed home a bicycle-kick pass from ‘Bizzah’ Dlamini and then ‘Pro’ Kgongoane put them ahead. Alfred Jacobs forced the game into extra time, but Chiefs’ Johnny Mokoena set up Kaizer Motaung as Chiefs ran out as winners.  

6 July 1974 – League  

Kaizer Chiefs (3) 4 (Pule Ntsoelengoe, Shaka Ngcobo 2, Johnny Mokoena)
Orlando Pirates (0) 3 (Jomo Sono pen, MacDonald Skosana 2)  

Pirates staged a dramatic comeback in the second half of the game but came one goal short of affecting a remarkable turnaround after trailing 0–4. Chiefs stormed off to a bright start, taking the lead after only three minutes through Ntsoelengoe. Shaka Ngcobo (two) and Johnny Mokoena added further goals, but it was all Pirates in the second half as Sono converted a penalty and Skhosana struck twice. Pirates could not find the magical fourth goal.   

1 April 1975 – Chevrolet Champion of Champions semi-final  

Kaizer Chiefs (1) 2 (Patson Banda own goal, Shaka Ngcobo)
Orlando Pirates (2) 2 (Gerald Dlamini own goal, Elias Banda)  

It took penalties to find a winner, though the novelty of settling the result in this way saw both sides reluctant to take part in the shootout, which Chiefs won 4–2. Pirates led 2–1 at home at half-time, which included an own goal by Gerald Dlamini, who missed the target as he sought to pass back to goalkeeper Setlhodi. Bucs’ goalie Patson Banda took the blame for the two goals his club conceded, one of them a fumble into his own net.  

4 April 1971 – Champion of Champions final, second leg  

Orlando Pirates (0) 3 (Henry Khumalo 3, 1 pen)
Kaizer Chiefs (0) 1 (Peter Mokotedi)  

Second-half substitute Khumalo was given a hero’s reception at the end of the game after engineering a remarkable victory for Pirates, two goals down on aggregate before the was brought on. Chiefs were a goal up from the first leg and extended their aggregate lead when Mokotedi scored. Not even the most die-hard of Pirates’ fans would have then believed a comeback was possible but Khumalo, who had not exactly set Pirates alight since his move from Durban two years earlier, turned the result right around with a stunning hat-trick.  

10 June 1984 – JPS Knockout Cup quarterfinal  

Kaizer Chiefs (0) 3 (Moran Khulu, Trevor Mtimkulu, Nelson Dladla)
Orlando Pirates (0) 3 (Jeff Ntsibande, Nick Seshweni, Mandla Sithole)  

A match rated as one of the best ever in South African football ended in a stalemate. There should have been a penalty shootout to decide who progressed to the semi-finals, but the referee decided it was too dark in Orlando to take the kicks. Just two minutes from the end of extra time, Dladla had equalised for Chiefs but that was only a fraction of the drama. The game finished 2–2 at the end of 90 minutes, before both teams scored again in extra time.  

25 July 1992 – Coca-Cola Cup first round  

Kaizer Chiefs (0) 3 (Fani Madida 2, 1 pen, Albert Bwalya)
Orlando Pirates (1) 2 (Tsepo Ntsoane, David Nyathi)  

Chiefs came back from two goals down to win a thrilling game that ended with five goals. Ntsoane and Nyathi made it 2–0, but the game turned 12 minutes from the end when Bernard Lushozi handled in the box and referee Stan Swart awarded Chiefs a spot kick, from which Madida made no mistake. Bwalya got the equaliser, and in extra time Khuse set up Chiefs’ winner for Madida to finish.  

2 November 1996 – BoB Save Super Bowl semi-final  

Kaizer Chiefs (0) 1 (David Modise)
Orlando Pirates (2) 4 (Jerry Sikhosana 3, Helman Mkhalele)  

It was one of the best games all year but the Buccaneers could have had eight goals and gave Chiefs the same sort of run-around that the AmaKhosi were used to dishing out to other teams. Sikhosana scored what has proven to be the most recent hat-trick in the Soweto Derby.   

17 March 2012 – League  

Orlando Pirates (3) 3 (Benni McCarthy 2, Andile Jali)
Kaizer Chiefs (1) 2 (Siphiwe Tshabalala, Lehlohonolo Majoro)  

A blitz from Pirates in the opening 24 minutes looked to have sewn up the result but the champions ended up having to hold on to desperately for a vital three points in their bid
to defend their league title. Benni McCarthy – a confirmed Chiefs fan growing up – opened the scoring and later got another, either side of an Andile Jali goal. But Siphiwe Tshabalala reduced the deficit and Lehlohonolo Majoro set up a thrilling final 20 minutes when he converted from Bernard Parker’s corner.  

Words by: Nick Said
Images: Lefty Shivambu/Getty Images/Gallo Images  

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Max Verstappen will look to build on his dominant, record-breaking 2023 season when the new Formula 1 campaign gets under way at the Bahrain Grand Prix on 2 March.  

It will be the first of an expanded schedule of 24 races in the season, though, sadly, South Africa has still not managed to gain a place on the calendar and Africa as a continent remains excluded. 

Red Bull driver Verstappen was so dominant last year that he either broke or equalled 18 records in the campaign, including for the most wins (19 out of 22 races), most consecutive wins (10), most podiums (21) and most points in a season (575) out of many others.  

It is difficult to see anyone emerging from the chasing pack to challenge him, especially as the driver line-up remains identical in 2024, though many contracts expire at the end of this campaign. What this feat requires, therefore, is a quantum leap forward in vehicle competitiveness from the other teams, and that is the area where it seems most unlikely. 

One name that has been bandied about is that of George Russell, the Mercedes driver who impressed in 2022 before a more challenging second year. But he has talent and if Mercedes can get a competitive car on the track, he could be one to watch, especially as the form of teammate Lewis Hamilton has dropped off – the Briton has gone without a win since the penultimate race of the 2021 season.  

“The unexpected outsider for the World Championship could be George Russell, if Mercedes become competitive again and can challenge Red Bull,” former Formula 1 driver Jarno Trulli told La Gazzetta dello Sport, with Russell himself confident he can make an impact.   

“I have been on Lewis’s level, on average, throughout this year,” Russell told the Telegraph. “And I’m not satisfied with just being on his level. I want to be ahead of him. But I’ve also got to be realistic.  

“I’m going up against the greatest driver of all time. He’s definitely not a bad benchmark. And I think [in the] qualifying statistics, if you include sprint races, we’re exactly the same. And pace-wise, we’re generally the same as well. So there are positives. And to be honest I’d prefer to be sat here without the results, but with the pace.”  Trulli also picked McLaren’s young Australian driver Oscar Piastri as one to watch in 2024. “As a surprise [for 2024], I would say Oscar Piastri, because he is at the wheel of a potentially competitive McLaren and could confirm his talent following a more than positive debut season,” Trulli said. 

Race Calendar 

Words By: Nick Said
Photography: Tom White/Shawn Thew/Backpagepix/Redbullcontentpool 

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Chloe Tryon had just turned 16 when she got the call that would change her life. “I got told I was in the T20 squad for the World Cup,” she remembers. It came as a complete surprise. Tryon was still at school, playing cricket mostly with boys, with her father as her coach and had just attended a training camp for aspirant women’s players.  

“I was very nervous. I told my dad after that camp that I didn’t think I was good enough, I was still young and I didn’t think they would take me,” she told SportsClub. “So when I got the message, I thought I was going to hear that I didn’t make it. When they told me I was selected, I don’t think it sank in. I was speechless.  

“My dad was a little bit more excited than me. He was my number-one coach from a young age and he was super stoked. I was just trying to process it.” And the magic did not stop there. Before she knew it, Tryon was travelling to the Caribbean to play in a Women’s T20 World Cup, “even though nobody even knew that female cricketers played in World Cups and it definitely wasn’t televised,” and was picked in the starting XI for the opening game.  

She was asked to open the bowling with Shabnim Ismail. “I got thrown the ball, and I didn’t know if I was ready,” she said. “I stood at the top of my run-up and I told myself that this was a moment I will remember for a long time, so I must make use of it.” 

That very delivery claimed her first international wicket. Stafanie Taylor was caught by Alicia Smith and even though South Africa fell 17 runs short in the run chase, Tryon remembers that moment as “the highlight of my career,” in spite of the team’s misfortunes. They lost all three group-stage matches and stood no chance of qualifying for the knockouts or getting close to the trophy. 

“But just to experience that and be next to the best in the world was breath-taking,” Tryon said. “It made me hungry to want to be part of it again.” Fast-forward 14 years and Tryon has played in three fifty-over and six T20 World Cups. From no-hopers in 2010 to semi-finalists in the past two ODI World Cups and losing finalists in the home T20 World Cup next year, she has first-hand experience of the progress women’s cricket has made. “We’ve seen the game improve so much. When I started, we had one or two tours a year and we’d meet up just before, have a small pre-camps regularly and we are working on skills.  

She could easily have only been talking about herself because when it comes to big hitting, there is no one better in the South African setup. Tryon is one of only nine players with more than 1 000 T20I runs for South Africa and has a strike rate of 137.85, the highest among the top fifty players. 

She is also the best hitter in ODIs, where she has a strike rate of 99.94 and is South Africa’s ninth-highest run scorer. Those numbers have got her deals at the Women’s Big Bash League, CPL, IPL and the Hundred and have helped her develop her game. 

“The leagues are really good for the game because it open you up to new challenges. I’ve learnt a lot because I get to work with different coaches around the world,” she said. But it is not all about clean ball striking and, as a senior in the squad, Tryon is also trying to show she can be an anchor.   

“I’ve always been looked at as a power hitter but over the years, I have tried to change my game a little bit and work on being able to play fifty-over games, where I am batting for 30 overs and taking the game as deep as I can,” she said. “I don’t want to just be put in one category. I’ve realised that I’ve got plenty of time to bat in different formats, so I am taking a lot more responsibility when it comes to that.”  

And she also offers something with the ball. Having started out as a left arm pace-bowling all-rounder because “my dad always told me, I want you to do everything,” she switched to spin and now has 76 international wickets to her name across all formats. Although she does not always bowl a full quota of overs in a match, Tryon is always available to her captain as an option and will never turn down the opportunity to turn her arm over. 

“I enjoy being in the game, so it’s good to be an all-rounder. And on some days, when it doesn’t go well with the bat, then I want to come back with the ball. I am a fierce competitor so to do both is quite ideal.”  

Except when it comes at a price. The increasing volume of cricket and opportunities to play around the world means that injuries are more likely, and Tryon suffered a groin niggle after pushing herself through a season in England during the home winter. “Last year was tough for me. I tested the waters a little bit because I played domestic cricket in Leeds in the off season, so I played a lot of cricket,” she said. 

She had to opt out of SA’s tour to Pakistan and missed series against New Zealand and Bangladesh but was named in the touring party to Australia. “I want to be able to manage that a little bit more going forward and make sure I take breaks. It’s important as a player to have those mental breaks because a lot of cricket can become very consuming. 

“For me, making sure I step away from it a little bit, take some time out, reset, refresh and go back into it again.” At 29 years old, Tryon still has several years ahead of her. She has not put a number on it but would like to “keep going for as long as I can,” with the aim of being part of a South African side that wins the World Cup. “That’s what we want,” she said. 

“We’ve been to a couple of semi-finals, and we could have done so many things differently, so we want to make sure we have learnt from those mistakes. It’s been a long time coming for us. It’s hard to just get there and miss out. It sucks to be on that side of it so many times.” But South Africa will have the opportunity to go one step further as early as later this year, at the Women’s T20 World Cup in October in Bangladesh. 

Words By: Firdose Moonda
Photography: Mike Egerton/Pa Wire/Pa Images/Backpagepix 

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The North Face asked some athletes what Trail Running meant to them and Jennifer Lichter said that “Running is like meditation. Only faster” and Zach Miller believes that “You have to run with nature, not against it”, which drives home the realisation of what trail running means to athletes, and reminds us that everyone runs for different reasons, which is one of the wonderful things about Trail Running.

Another great thing is that trails are for everyone, from trail running athletes looking to capture their next FKT (fastest known time), seasoned hikers and climbers looking to conquer the next challenge, to weekend adventurers taking some time out, and first-time hikers looking to explore. Discover Your Trail aims to inspire all.

The North Face Trail Running collection honours trail runners at their best. The innovative technology and deeply considered gear that make up The North Face Trail Running ranges, are inspired by the some of the most iconic trails that continue to inspire The North Face athletes. The Run Wind Jackets, Sunriser running apparel and the incredible VECTIV™ Footwear range, bring a sense of confidence and excitement, while still allowing you to fully experience the beauty and serenity of trail running.

The North Face’s VECTIV™ tagline is “Power Further” and every runner understands why the moment they put on a pair of these Trail Running shoes. VECTIV™technology turns energy into momentum to propel you forward. The 3D Plate and Rocker Midsole combine to reduce impact by 10%, with no compromise on energy efficiency. The Rocker Midsole optimises foot strike and forward momentum, while the 3D Plate provides propulsion and stability, and the SurfaceCTRL™ Grip Outsole surefooted confidence on any terrain.

The North Face’s VECTIV™footwear technology effortlessly combines stability, traction and enhanced cushioning for overall comfort, support and solid confidence in each stride.

The Discover Your Trail campaign from The North Face focuses on what benefits there are to Trail Running, and what Trail Running means to individual runners, of all abilities and experience levels, and encourages all to get out there and #NeverStopExploring the trails.

There’s a trail for everybody. Discover yours.

#DiscoverYourTrail #NeverStopExploring

The North Face continues to be obsessively devoted to providing the best gear for athletes, modern-day explorers and urban adventurers alike. Proprietary technology and a deep understanding of truly great performance gear make The North Face the logical choice for those who need to stay warm, dry and stylish. 

The North Face clothing & gear is available online and in selected Totalsports stores, on The Drop or from The North Face Concept Store in Canal Walk.

Follow along on social media for more news and product features @thenorthfacesouthafrica #NeverStopExploring #TheNorthFaceSouthAfrica

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‘Ready, set, go!’ From running to wrestling, hockey to archery, the Olympic Games is one of the most exciting sports events. It takes place every four years and is held in different countries each time. This year the Winter Olympics was held in Beijing, the capital city of China.

We know that the Ancient Greeks held festivals and other events to honour their gods. That’s why the first Olympic Games was held in honour of Zeus, known as the ruler of all the gods and humans.  The first Olympic athletes prayed to Zeus for victory and left gifts to thank him for their success. Some Greek myths say that the Olympic Games was created by Hercules and first held in 776 BC, with sports such as running, wrestling and boxing.

The first modern Olympic Games was held in 1896 in Athens. There were 60 000 spectators and 280 athletes from 12 nations. They competed in 43 events including athletics, gymnastics, swimming, wrestling, cycling, tennis, shooting and fencing. The games really took off in 1924, with new sports such as figure skating, ice hockey and bobsledding, and a closing ceremony. The official symbol of the games also became five coloured rings, representing the continents: North and South America, Asia, Africa, Europe and Australia.  

There is also the Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games, which happen after the Olympic Games. The Winter Olympics has sports such as ski jumping, curling, skiing and skating. The Paralympic Games is held for disabled athletes to compete in – these include the usual Olympic sports, but only disabled athletes participate.

The opening ceremony with the torch relay started in 1936. In the torch relay, athletes run to each other while passing on a flame torch. This is to show friendship, spirit, knowledge, life and the passing of fire from generation to generation. How cool is it that the games started as a Greek tradition and is now a global event?!

Photography: Courtesy Images

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