Ironmen rise, controversy strikes, and nature interrupts at DHL Lifesaving SA Champs
And in the 12-13 division, Big Bay delivered a show-stopping performance in the 4x25m manikin relay, claiming gold, silver, bronze and the SA record in a clean sweep and leading the overall pool championships from Fish Hoek as the competition heads into the final day on Saturday.
These young stars are proving that the future of South African lifesaving is in capable, fast-moving hands.
'Today had it all, gutsy racing, emotional moments, and a reminder that nature always gets the final say,' said Craig van Rooyen, Director of Sport for Lifesaving SA. 'The athletes handled it all with professionalism and heart, and we're proud of how every club showed up today.'
The championships' final events on Saturday will decide overall team titles in the surf, pool, and combined club standings. — Lifesaving SA
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
39 minutes ago
- The Citizen
Motau calls for patience after Banyana's poor showing at WAFCON
'I think the way this tournament has gone is a testament to where the team," said Motau. Following Banyana Banyana's failure to defend their CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, co-captain Amogelang Motau has called for patience, saying the new players are trying to find their feet. Banyana lost 2-1 to Nigeria in the semifinals, and they had to settle for a fourth-place finish after going down 4-3 on penalties to Ghana in the bronze medal match last Friday. The game was decided on penalties after the sides were deadlocked at 1-1 in regulation time at Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco. ALSO READ: No complaints from Ellis in Banyana defeat to Ghana The fourth-place finish was their worst since Desiree Ellis took charge of the team, having lost in the final in the 2018 edition before winning it in 2022. Following their poor showing in Morocco, Banyana have come under scrutiny from the South African football followers and the media, with some even calling for Ellis's sacking. 'Banyana will do better in March' Motau insists that the new crop of players needs time to gel. 'I think the way this tournament has gone is a testament to where the team is. Again, we're going through a transition, some players are retiring like Jermaine, and again, some people need to step up and take the positions of the players that have stepped up for this team for such a long time,' Motau told SAFA media. Motau says the team has changed Motau added that people should take note of the fact that the composition of the team has changed from the side that lifted a maiden WAFCON trophy in 2022. 'We must also remember that even the team that won it in 2022 were together for such a long time, and I think with the upcoming players, we're going to need time. I know that time is something we don't have at the national team, but we're going to need time to play together. I think that right now, the tournament went the way it went, but again, we have an opportunity in March to show up. And I think this tournament also showed us where we are and where the other teams are. This gives us time to prepare for the main ones so that we can qualify for the World Cup.' 'The new players have potential' 'I'll go back to the fact that it's a transition, so you need time for different combinations so that we can establish the chemistry of the players that were able to qualify for the World Cup and play in the World Cup. These are the players that have been playing together for more than six years, and we are talking about the likes of Fifi (Refiloe Jane) and Linda (Motlhalo). When I came into the midfield I almost felt like I was so lost because the two of them had so much chemistry, but with time I'm also getting there. I think with the group of players that are here, we have shown that they have potential and they're willing to get there. So, for me it's just more games together and more camps together and I think things will come together, we just need to be patient,' concluded Motau. ALSO READ: England hero Kelly overcomes 'dark moments' on way to Euro 2025 glory Banyana are expected to arrive in South Africa tonight after leaving Morocco on Sunday afternoon.
The South African
5 hours ago
- The South African
England to 'copy' Springboks' 7-1 bomb squad
The concept of the 'bomb squad' first came into the rugby conversation when the Springboks utilised a 6-2 forwards-to-backs split on the bench during the 2019 World Cup, while this was elevated even further in recent times when Rassie Erasmus occasionally opted for a 7-1 substitutes set up. Although there have been some critics of this tactic – mainly from overseas pundits – there have been a number of other clubs and countries who have begun to experiment with a bench that is also packed with forwards, coupled with versatile backs. Now, according to The Telegraph , England are planning to also try out a 7-1 split as coach Steve Borthwick apparently wants to be able to include as many back-rowers as possible in his match-day squad considering this is an area where they have plenty of depth. In aiming for maximum flexibility, it's also reported that Borthwick is training props to deputise at hooker, while also prioritising some players who have the ability to cover more than one position. It all sounds a bit familiar, doesn't it? As part of recent World Rugby workshops looking at law changes, it was stated that the governing body was looking at the role of the replacements. In what will come as a huge relief to the Springboks and their fans, World Rugby's chief executive, Alan Gilpin, told The Guardian that there are no medical grounds to outlaw this bench configuration. 'We looked at it from a science, medicine perspective. Was there a distinctive view that a bunch of fresh players coming on with 20‑30 minutes to go is going to create a more injurious position, and the science said that's not the case. 'So there was no reason from that perspective to look at how we might do replacements differently. Ultimately, there are a lot of different ways to win a rugby match.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
6 hours ago
- The Citizen
South African youth lead the way in international cue sports and athletics
South African youth lead the way in international cue sports and athletics South Africa continues to make a significant impact on the global sports stage, with notable achievements across a variety of international and continental competitions. On the continental front, South Africa topped the medal table at the 3rd CAA African U18/U20 Combined Championships held in Nigeria, showcasing the depth of young athletic talent on the continent. Internationally, South African sprinters Akani Simbine and Zakithi Nene competed at the prestigious Diamond League meeting in London, aiming for gold medals. ALSO READ: Sport minister vows action over missing Boxing SA retirement fund Simbine finished fifth in the men's 100m dash with a time of 10.11 seconds, while Nene secured third place in the men's 400m race, adding to the country's strong showing on the track. In a different sporting arena, pool enthusiasts gathered in Mauritius for the inaugural Commonwealth Billiards Championships, a week-long celebration of cue sports. Team South Africa featured a strong lineup, including Craig Bouwer, Marina Jacobs, Senzo Gumede, Suzette Booysen, Elzette Koen, Jason Theron, Joy Willenberg, Kris Pillay, and Kyle Akloo, among others. The championships featured four disciplines: Snooker, Blackball, 8-Ball, and 10-Ball. Back home, the Cue Sport Centre in Primrose hosted the 2024/2025 Junior SA Blackball Championships, managed by Flames Pub and Grill, which also runs its own leagues. In the U15 singles, Phumelo Marumulo took home the trophy, medal, and a special 43-year-old cue stick donated by Bruce Cilliers. In the U18 singles, Samkelo Khumalo from Gauteng was runner-up after a tough match against Western Cape's Irfaan Williams, who dominated with a whitewash victory. ALSO READ: Ithembelihle learners and teachers unite for sports day 'Winning was amazing because I'd put in countless hours of practice,' Williams said. 'I practiced for nearly ten hours, and after winning the third round, I knew the title was mine.' Williams, who turned 17 on July 18, had previously won the U15 title without a coach, practicing with his brother at home. Khumalo admitted that he lost due to silly mistakes. 'After losing the third round, I knew I'd lost. Coming from Zone 1 Soweto, my goal is to continue learning and become more comfortable with the game, overcoming my nerves,' he said. 'I initially played for fun, but since 2021, I've taken it seriously. I've qualified for nationals four times in a row since then and represented South Africa at the World Championships in Morocco, reaching the semi-finals in 2022. As a learner from President High School, I would have dedicated the trophy to my family.' Billiards South Africa (BSA) Development Manager Liza Ngxenge highlighted that 13 South African players competed in Mauritius and noted that the country is set to host the Blackball World Championships in 2026, provided plans stay on track. Ngxenge emphasised the intensity of provincial qualifications, where a single bad day can cost players their spot. Life CueSports Academy was well represented, with 6-7 players on Gauteng's team, making the province a strong contender. Ngxenge pointed out that Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal are growing rapidly and challenging Gauteng's dominance, although the main competition remains between Western Cape and Gauteng — with Western Cape edging ahead this time. 'This sport needs all the support it can get, as it is often still viewed as a tavern activity. However, with competitors as young as seven years old participating, it's clear that the younger generation is taking pool seriously and pushing it beyond its tavern roots,' Ngxenge said. Beatrice Monjake from Room 8 in Soweto, part of Team Gauteng and operating under Qlife, has been guiding young players. She praised pool for having a positive impact on children by keeping them off the streets and teaching discipline. Monjake brought nine players from Room 8 who have grown to match her skill level. She also commended BSA for supporting the children with essentials like food and accommodation during competitions. The Commonwealth gold medalists in billiards are Craig Bouwer (South Africa) in 10-Ball, Senzo Gumede (South Africa) in Blackball, and Chandiga Ceaser (Uganda) in Heyball.
