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IOL News
16 hours ago
- IOL News
Xaba smashes course record, Mosiako reclaims title at national half-marathon championships
Glenrose Xaba broke the course record to win the national half-marathon title at the ASA Road Running Championships in Phalaborwa. Image: Athletics South Africa Glenrose Xaba broke the course record to win the national half-marathon title at the ASA Road Running Championships in the Limpopo heat on Saturday, extending her dominance in the race. Thabang Mosiako also delivered a stunning performance to win the men's title in the event in Namakgale, Phalaborwa, which was incorporated into the annual Foskor Half-Marathon. Xaba earned her sixth national title over the 21km distance in the colours of Athletics Gauteng North (AGN). She completed the race in 1:10:03, breaking former world record holder Elana Meyer's course record and finishing more than three minutes clear of Lesotho's Neheng Khatala, who was second in the open race in a time of 1:13:28. Cacisile Sosibo grabbed the silver medal in the national championship contest in 1:15:14, and Samantha Coetzer secured bronze in 1:22:52. 'This race is always run under hot conditions (in Phalaborwa), but it was warm today, but the conditions were not as bad as they can get here,' Xaba said. 'It motivated me to break Elana Meyer's record because I was inspired by her achievements, and I wished one day I could break her records.' Mosiako was also superb, coasting to a comfortable victory in the men's 21km race. He stopped the clock at 1:02:47 to reclaim the SA title he won in 2023, leading an Athletics Central North West (ACNW) sweep of the podium. Mosiako finished well clear of the rest of the field, with Thomas Lebese of Lesotho taking second place in the open race in a time of 1:04:00. Reghan Magwai was third overall in 1:04:16, taking the runner-up spot in the national championships, while ultra-distance specialist Onalenna Khonkhobe earned the bronze medal after clocking 1:04:17. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Thabang Mosiako delivered a stunning performance to win the men's national half-marathon title at the ASA Road Running Championships in Namakgale, Phalaborwa, on Saturday. Image: Athletics South Africa 'After I won in 2023, a rough patch followed me. So, I'm happy with my comeback and I can see the way forward. I think after today I will have that confidence again,' said Mosiako. 'The conditions were not bad because I've been training in Potchefstroom where it's quite hot, so I came here ready for this race.' In other events at the ASA Road Running Championships, Kabelo Mulaudzi won gold for Central Gauteng Athletics in the men's five-kilometre race in 14:00. Musawenkosi Mnisi (AGN) took second place in 14:09, and Jerry Motsau (ACNW) was third in 14:17. In the women's five-kilometre battle, Karabo More (AGN) triumphed in 16:37, with Zanthe Taljaard securing the silver medal for Athletics Vaal Triangle (AVT) in 16:56, and Busisiwe Chamane taking bronze in 17:19 in the colours of KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA). Over the mile (1.609km) distance, Boikanyo Motlhamme (CGA) charged to victory in 4:02, and Tshegofatso Pilane (AGN) earned silver in 4:03. Ryan Mphahlele (CGA), who also clocked 4:03, finished third. Carmie Prinsloo (AGN) won the women's mile in 4:41, with Ntsoaki Molahloe (KZNA) taking second position in 4:46, and Andrea Steynberg (ACNW) hanging on for bronze in 4:50.
The Citizen
5 days ago
- The Citizen
Durban prodigy wins SA Open Chess Championship
SEVEN-YEAR-OLD Amrienta Gabriels is already a household name in the chess game for having amassed a number of accolades, including her KZN colours, a cabinet full of trophies, medals and certificates, indicating that she is making all the right moves. Her most recent achievement is claiming first place in the U8 division at the 2025 SA Open Chess Championship at the University of Johannesburg from June 28 to July 5. She achieved this feat on her seventh birthday, July 5, after finishing the tournament with a perfect score of five out of five. 'It felt exciting to win the tournament,' said Amrienta as she told of how she celebrated her big win. 'I went out for supper with my friends, and I had breakfast with my cousin. It was also my birthday.' The young North Beach resident and Grade One learner at Oceanview Montessori School in Durban North began learning chess with her father, Amro, at home. From there, with the support of her parents, Amrienta developed a love for sport. She entered formal tournaments in mid-2024, where she quickly made her mark — qualifying for Team KZN at the eThekwini Trials and placing in the top three at the Mzansi Interprovincial Youth Chess Championship. Earlier this year she secured a top five finish at the SA Junior Closed Chess Championship in Cape Town, earning her a spot on the SA team for the Africa Youth Chess Championship in Zimbabwe this December. She said, 'I love playing chess because it's fun and it makes my brain smart. I love it, and losing makes me learn from mistakes and I get better, and then win all my matches and get trophies.' Also Read: Manor Gardens prodigy shines at prestigious music competition Seeing her passion and love for chess, her parents Amro Gabriels and Shienta Maharaj, enlisted the help of coaches Minenhle and Sri Ram. 'I practise every day. I love to play Lichess (chess app) matches and do puzzles, because they help me to get better,' said Amrienta. Describing Amrienta as a vibrant all-rounder who enjoys reading, drawing, and exploring nature, her proud parents said she also participates in soccer, swimming, and gymnastics. They said, 'We're incredibly proud of the hard work and determination she puts in every day. No matter the result, she always maintains such a positive spirit. It's been amazing to see how chess has helped shape the confident, kind young lady she's becoming. Her sportsmanship truly stands out; she never hesitates to congratulate her opponents and let them know they played well. That humility and grace are what mean the most to us.' Following her big win at the Open, Amrienta is already strategising her next big move where she is looking to capture the Africa Youth Chess Championship title. The tournament will bring all the great minds from the continent to Zimbabwe in December. 'I'm really excited for this tournament. I get to fly in the aeroplane, and see the clouds. I also like to stay in the hotel, and I like playing against other chess kids and making new friends. I would also like to win a trophy or get a medal,' said Amrienta. For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
20-07-2025
- IOL News
Marlie Viljoen defends World University Games 400m title with new lease of life
Marlie Viljoen is back from injury and focused on defending her 400m title at the World University Games in Germany. Image: Reg Caldecott Marlie Viljoen felt like her world had come crashing down during a recent injury-enforced spell on the sidelines. As she gears up to defend her 400m title at the FISU World University Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, on Monday, she realises it may have been a blessing in disguise. In March, the Tuks student was in high spirits after setting a personal best of 51.42 seconds in the 400m. She was convinced she was capable of even faster times. It didn't happen; within days, every step she took on the track was accompanied by pain. It became unbearable after a race in Botswana, so she went to the doctor. A scan revealed she had suffered a stress fracture. For three weeks, she had to get by on crutches. Crippling blow 'It was as if my world had come crashing down. I was in the best shape of my life, but now I couldn't participate in the South African Championships or the national student meet,' the South African one-lap star said. 'The worst thing was that I had to withdraw from the World Relays after being a member of the 4x400m team that had broken the South African record. 'I almost gave in to total self-pity. Sitting in the stands watching the women's 400m finals at the national championships was agonising. I should have been on the track racing. 'Luckily I realised that feeling sorry for myself wouldn't get me anywhere. I began doing my rehabilitation exercises with dedication. I worked out at the gym, using weights, rowing, the treadmill, cycling, and swimming. "The one thing I missed was not being able to run. It made me realise that I was truly an athlete. Running is my passion, and if my body allows me, I will continue to run for some time to come.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Back on track Last weekend in Italy, Viljoen ran the 400m for the first time in three months. She finished fifth, in a time of 53.03. 'The injury could be a blessing in disguise. If I hadn't been injured, I would not have put so much pressure on myself to defend the world student title and run even faster times. "I am more open-minded now. My only goal is to be the best I can in every race. 'Everyone knows that in the final, anything can happen. Hopefully, I can make South Africans proud again. In the end, all that really matters is knowing that I gave it my all.'
