Comrades Records Fall, Milford Seal Historic Promotion, Tornados Crowned Champions
South African sport produced another unforgettable weekend filled with record-breaking performances, promotion celebrations, championship glory, and World Cup drama. From a historic Comrades Marathon to a decisive PSL promotion battle and major results in netball and cricket, several athletes and teams made headlines across the country and beyond.
- Kusche and Steyn Rewrite Comrades Marathon Record Books
The 99th edition of the Comrades Marathon delivered a memorable chapter in the race’s rich history as both the men’s and women’s Up Run records were shattered on Sunday.
South Africa’s George Kusche stormed to victory in the men’s race, crossing the finish line in 5:15:56 to establish a new Up Run record and eclipse the previous mark set in 2008.
In the women’s race, Gerda Steyn further cemented her status as one of the country’s greatest distance runners. The South African star claimed her fifth Comrades title in a record-breaking time of 5:44:53, improving on the Up Run record she set in 2024.
More than 22,000 runners took part in the gruelling journey from Durban City Hall to Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg, with increased prize money adding further incentive. The overall winners pocketed R925,000, including performance bonuses.
- Milford Secure Betway Premiership Promotion After Play-Off Success
Milford FC will be playing top-flight football next season after securing promotion to the Betway Premiership through the PSL Promotion/Relegation Play-offs on Saturday.
The club confirmed its place among South Africa’s elite after earning a valuable 1-1 draw against Magesi FC at Seshego Stadium in their final play-off fixture.
Magesi made a strong start and took the lead through Edmore Chirambadare in the 14th minute. However, Milford responded before the hour mark when Menzi Chili found the equaliser that ultimately proved enough to secure promotion.
- Western Cape Tornados Claim Division Two Netball Crown
Western Cape Tornados emerged as Division Two champions after edging Kingdom Queens 47-46 in a thrilling National Netball League final on Sunday.
The championship decider lived up to expectations, with the Tornados overcoming an early setback before holding their nerve in a tense finish to secure victory by a single goal.
Elsewhere, Southern Stings defeated Gauteng Jaguars 55-45 to claim third place in Division One, while Sonoblomo secured the Division Two bronze medal after a dominant 62-44 victory over Limpopo Baobabs.
Several players were recognised for their outstanding performances throughout the tournament. Aphiwe Thusini of Kingdom Queens was named Best Shooter, while Tornados stars Lara Ehlers and Asemahle Dyidi collected the Best Mid-court Player and Best Defender awards respectively. Rochelle Maree of the Baobabs received the prestigious Player of the Tournament honour.
The final Division Two standings saw Tornados finish as champions ahead of Kingdom Queens, Sonoblomo and Limpopo Baobabs.
- Australia Hand Proteas Women Difficult Start at T20 World Cup
South Africa’s Women’s T20 World Cup campaign got off to a disappointing start after a 65-run defeat to Australia in Manchester on Saturday.
After winning the toss, Australia posted an imposing 172/8 thanks largely to an explosive half-century from Phoebe Litchfield and a valuable contribution from experienced batter Ellyse Perry.
The Proteas struggled to keep pace with the required run rate during their chase and were eventually dismissed for 107.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt provided one of the few bright moments for South Africa, scoring 44 runs, but the Australian bowling attack consistently applied pressure and prevented any meaningful partnerships from developing.
The defeat leaves South Africa with work to do in Group 1 as they look to reignite their campaign in the upcoming fixtures.
From record-breaking marathon performances and football promotion celebrations to championship netball and international cricket action, it was another action-packed weekend for South African sport. Stay tuned to SizaNazo365 for the latest breaking news, analysis, results and updates from across the sporting world.
Comrades Records Fall, Milford Seal Historic Promotion, Tornados Crowned Champions (Images HWAthleticsClub, PSL, NSA & CSA)