Caster Semenya's court victory: A beacon of hope for future athletes, says former SA Olympian
Following Caster Semenya's court win last week, which ruled that the athlete did not have a fair trial on whether she should have to lower her testosterone levels, it has been seen as something of a milestone achievement.
Semenya's career was effectively cut short in 2018, once she was required to take testosterone-lowering medication to be eligible to compete.
Since then, Semenya has fought the World Athletics ruling and gone to various courts to plead her case.
Semenya had also hoped the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) would rule that she had been the victim of discrimination in one of her legal tactics, but was unsuccessful.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
'Kaizer Chiefs bigger than Bafana' says Italian brand boss
Kaizer Chiefs supporters are beyond delighted. Ricky Joseph, the head of Kappa South Africa, has made a bold claim that has stirred serious debate in local football circles. Amakhosi, he said, are not only the biggest club in Africa, but are even bigger than the South African national team, Bafana Bafana. The boss of Italy's legendary sports brand, Kappa, made the statement during the launch of the latest club jersey for the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. According to the Kappa SA leader, the Amakhosi fanbase deserves admiration for its loyalty and sheer scale. Josephs believes the Soweto giants' influence reaches beyond football and into the very fabric of South African identity. Surprisingly, the comments arrived soon after Bafana Bafana renewed public support following their semi-final finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. However, Joseph believes Kaizer Chiefs' cultural and commercial reach exceeds even that of the national side. Kaizer Chiefs, despite recent struggles on the field, continue to dominate when it comes to brand power, shirt sales, and fan engagement. With millions of supporters across the country and beyond, Joseph insists the club's influence is simply unmatched. Kaizer Chiefs transfers: Two players from Cape Town Ricky Joseph says Kaizer Chiefs are bigger than Bafana and all clubs in Africa. Image: Lorenz Kohler 'You know the truth is right now we believe we have got the biggest team in Africa,' said Joseph. 'Kaizer Chiefs is bigger than the national team, to be honest with you.' Amakhosi fans not happy with new jerseys price Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
MaMkhize's Mbabane takeover: Glamour arrives but can it deliver substance?
Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize, centre, addressed supporters at CODEC Hall in Ezulwini this past weekend, marking the start of her ambitious presidency at Mbabane Highlanders AM FC — and a bold new chapter in Eswatini football. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix COMMENT Over the weekend, excitement rippled through the football landscape in Eswatini as Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize, the prominent figure behind the now-defunct Royal AM, officially stepped into her role as president of Mbabane Highlanders AM FC. It surely felt less like a football announcement and more like the start of a new era — one driven by image, ambition, and no small amount of controversy. This pivotal moment unfolded during a spirited gathering at CODEC Hall in Ezulwini, south of the capital, Mbabane, where a packed audience listened as Mkhize laid out her ambitious vision for the club. Her address resonated deeply with attendees, making the front pages of local newspapers. Mkhize's appointment has become a hot topic across the nation, stirring the enthusiasm of fans and football stakeholders alike, who are keenly awaiting the potential impact of her leadership. Her passionate call for unity among the various factions within Eswatini emphasised the importance of collaboration. She urged everyone to strive towards building a strong brand capable of showcasing Eswatini on the global football stage. But while many supporters quickly pledged allegiance to Mkhize's presidency, not all responses were positive. Some supporters took to the club's official Facebook page to voice their unease. Their concerns are not unfounded. Mkhize's track record in South African football is not merely colourful — it's chaotic. Royal AM, the club she previously owned, crashed out of the Premier Soccer League under a cloud of unpaid wages, legal wranglings, and an ongoing battle with SARS. Her appeal to have the club reinstated was rejected by the courts, and the football community south of the border has largely turned the page on her chapter. Now, she's attempting to write a new one in Mbabane. But is Eswatini ready — and is she? Her takeover brings immediate talking points. Will her son, Andile Mpisane — who once started matches for Royal AM despite glaring fitness questions — feature in the Highlanders squad? How much control will she exert, especially with Bheki 'Rubber' Simelane remaining on as Director and Governor? And perhaps most importantly: is this a short-term publicity surge, or the foundation for genuine long-term reform? Highlanders are no ordinary club. One of the oldest and most followed in Eswatini, their history is steeped in tradition and community loyalty. Injecting big personalities and South African flair might generate headlines, but it could also alienate loyalists who value substance over spectacle. That said, Mkhize is not to be underestimated. Known for her business acumen and resilience, she is expected to bring a dynamic and fresh perspective as the club aims for resurgence. As she embraces this new chapter with Mbabane Highlanders AM, Mkhize finds herself at the forefront of a movement aimed at reshaping Eswatini football — challenging existing norms and pushing for inclusivity. Still, the warning signs are too loud to ignore. Football isn't built on media buzz and motivational speeches. It's built on structure, consistency, and trust — none of which defined her Royal AM tenure. If she brings the same volatility to Mbabane, the consequences could be damaging, not just for Highlanders, but for Eswatini football at large. Mkhize is betting big — again. This time, the stakes involve more than just reputation. They involve a country's footballing aspirations. Whether Eswatini football likes it or not, MaMkhize will change the game — for better or worse.
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
#LetsFixSAFootball: Siwelele United move highlights South Africa's troubling club ownership trend
Seema Lehlohonolo was announced as the head coach of Siwelele United this pat weekend. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Calvin le John, the son of South Africa's Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, has added his name to a long list of businessmen who have followed their passion for football by acquiring the status of an elite league club. In purchasing SuperSport United — whom he has since renamed Siwelele United — Le John follows in the footsteps of numerous wealthy individuals who have taken advantage of South African football's disturbingly lax club ownership policies, which have contributed to the demise of several historically significant teams. #LetsFixSAFootball Image: Independent Media Le John's decision to take over SuperSport's status is actually an attempt to resurrect Bloemfontein Celtic, a club that vanished from the professional ranks after its status was sold. Unable to reclaim the original name, he has opted for 'Siwelele United FC', adopting the moniker most associated with Celtic in a bid to attract the club's passionate fanbase. But the critical question now is: which path will Le John follow? Will he emulate Patrice Motsepe, under whose stewardship Mamelodi Sundowns have become a continental powerhouse? For the city. For the people. Welcome, Coach 💚⚪#SiweleleFC — Siwelele Football Club (@Siwelele_FC) July 20, 2025 Or will he discover, like Max Tshabalala — who once owned Celtic before selling the club — that football in South Africa is rarely a lucrative business? Matshelane Mamabolo reflects on the chequered history of South African club takeovers and how they have often ended in disappointment or outright disaster. Bidvest Wits to Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila For close on a century, Wits University FC were a pillar of South African football, achieving milestones such as winning the 1978 Mainstay Cup by defeating Kaizer Chiefs in the first integrated domestic final. Wits produced top talents, including Gary Bailey, who went on to play for Manchester United, and remained competitive over the decades, claiming titles such as the BP Top 8, JPS, Coca-Cola Cup, and Nedbank Cup. Their final flourish came under coach Gavin Hunt, with a Premiership title to their name. But when corporate sponsors Bidvest pulled out of football, the club's status was sold to businessman Lawrence Mulaudzi, who rebranded it as Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM). His reign lasted just seven months — player salaries went unpaid, and he soon sold the franchise to what became Marumo Gallants. And so, a giant of the local game quietly disappeared. Mpumalanga Black Aces to Cape Town City Founded in 1937 and originally known as Witbank Black Aces, Amazayoni played an iconic role in South African football, producing legends such as Thomas 'Junior' Ngobe, Steve 'Disco' Makua, Amos 'Heel Extension' Mkhari and goalkeeper Cyprian 'Mahala' Mainame. They were runners-up in the 1983 Mainstay Cup final (a controversial loss to Moroka Swallows) and lifted the BobSave Super Bowl in 1993 with a dramatic injury-time winner against Kaizer Chiefs. The club underwent multiple ownership changes before John Comitis purchased their franchise in 2016, relocated it to Cape Town and rebranded it as Cape Town City. The club made a strong start in the elite league, winning the Telkom Knockout in their debut season, but were relegated via the play-offs at the end of the most recent campaign. Bloemfontein Celtic to Royal AM Doomed from the outset, Royal AM's purchase of Bloemfontein Celtic's status was shrouded in controversy. After failing to secure promotion through conventional means, Shaun Mkhize took the oft-travelled route and bought Celtic's status from a financially struggling Max Tshabalala. However, the union of showbiz and professional football quickly soured. Mkhize's failure to honour Samir Nurković's contract resulted in a Fifa transfer ban. Matters deteriorated further when the club was sanctioned by the South African Revenue Service, leading to suspension and eventual expulsion from the league last season. It was a deeply embarrassing episode for the PSL, who ended the campaign one team short — and a stark reminder of the urgent need for stricter regulations around club sales and ownership. Moroka Swallows FC to Marumo Gallants Before the formation of Kaizer Chiefs, Moroka Swallows were one half of the original Soweto Derby, alongside Orlando Pirates. The Dube Birds were a powerhouse of South African football and played in the top flight until their relegation in the 2014/15 season. They had an illustrious cup pedigree, winning the FA Cup under all its iterations — Mainstay Cup, BobSave Super Bowl, Absa Cup and Nedbank Cup — and claimed the Top 8 title three times. Having fallen into the amateur ranks, a resurrection attempt was led by former Gauteng MEC for Education, Panyaza Lesufi, who acquired the status of Maccabi FC. He could not initially use the Swallows name due to outstanding debts under FIFA supervision. Once the branding was restored, the revived Swallows competed admirably at first. However, when Lesufi became Gauteng Premier and stepped away from the club, its fortunes waned. Financial struggles meant players went unpaid, and Swallows could not complete their fixtures in 2023. The club eventually sold its status to Marumo Gallants.
