Latest news with #Habana
The South African
10-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
Springbok legend makes impact with SA's fastest-growing company
Over an illustrious career that spanned more than a decade, former Springbok wing Bryan Habana established himself as one of the greatest players to ever grace the game. Habana racked up a litany of records and accolades during a remarkable playing career, which saw him earn 124 Test caps for the Springboks, the former wing is now making a considerable impact away from the game. The 42-year-old has taken on various ambassadorial, philanthropic and broadcast roles – as well as doing a variety of speaking engagements around the world – but it's also his business acumen that has added to his remarkable success. In 2020, Habana helped start and grow fintech firm Paymenow, the first and leading 'earned wage access provider' in South Africa. In basic terms, its a tool that facilitates employers to allow their staff to get access to a percentage of already earned wages in key circumstances (and at a fee). Key features and benefits of the Paymenow platform include: Instant access to wages for urgent needs, providing a safety net in times of financial strain. Encouragement of saving through our innovative app feature, allowing users to seamlessly save directly from their available wages into an interest-bearing money market account. Free access to investment products and financial education resources, empowering users to take control of their financial futures. Exclusive financial wellness and mental well-being helpline dedicated to Paymenow users, offering expert guidance and support. Value-added services in the form of vouchers to buy necessities such as groceries, airtime, & electricity purchases, further addressing the day-to-day needs of our users. Data-free app, meaning users do not require any data to access the platform during emergencies, removing the access barriers to ensure they remain in control of their financial wellness. Free implementation for employers. Habana initially served as the Chief Commercial Officer, before pivoting to become the Chief Client Officer in 2023. Incredibly, the company's rapid growth was reflected in the Financial Times' recent ranking of the fastest-growing African companies for 2025, with Paymenow named as the sixth fastest-growing company in Africa, while leading the way for any South African company. It's stated that the company's revenue increased from $0.14 million in 2020 to R4.86 million today, and saw absolute growth of 3,756.1% and a 237.8% compound annual growth rate. Besides Habana's role in this incredibly successful company, he also serves as a director for several companies, including procurement and investment company Procura SA, UK-based BH11 Media Limited and construction supplier Quantech. Habana previously fulfilled a role as the Chief Relationship Officer for Retroactive, a sports-focused marketing and advertising agency. He also served in a similar role for Matchkit, which helped athletes to grow their professional profile. 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.
Wales Online
15-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Bryan Habana's new life after rugby, 100m time and surprise Man Utd link
Bryan Habana's new life after rugby, 100m time and surprise Man Utd link The Springbok icon is swapping the egg-shaped ball for the round one, seven years on from hanging up his rugby boots Bryan Habana swaps the egg-shaped ball for the round one in Soccer Aid 2025. (Image: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire ) Rugby legend Bryan Habana is playing in Soccer Aid 2025. As far as sporting royalty goes, South Africa icon Habana is near the very top, and he'll be joined by a whole host of similar stars this weekend for UNICEF's huge event at Old Trafford in Manchester. The 42-year-old will line up alongside footballing legends Leonardo Bonucci, Nemanja Vidic and Edwin van der Sar for World XI against England on Sunday evening, and will be coached by Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel. Habana will be the only rugby player on the pitch during the match, and despite retiring seven years ago, World XI will certainly be thankful to have the former winger's pace at their disposal. As a player, Habana was prolific, and became the second top try-scorer in Test rugby history. Only Japan's Daisuke Ohata has more - 69. Rory Underwood, Doug Howlett and David Campese join Habana in the top five highest Test match scorers - good company. Here's everything you need to know about the Springboks legend. Life after rugby Since he hung up his boots, Habana has gone into business, pursuing a career in entrepreneurship, as well as broadcasting roles. Article continues below The former speedster co-founded financial wellness company Paymenow in 2019, a technology that allows earned wage access for South African employees. Speaking about the business, he said to Enterprise Africa: "We are trying to make people's lives better, and the way our technology does that is great. "We are grateful to have some phenomenal Paymenow colleagues and we have yet to see someone leave the business – that is exceptional. The way we have organically grown and the way we have built in a start-up environment has been extremely positive." He went on to co-found Matchkit, a DIY website builder, something which was launched during the pandemic. The idea behind it is to provide athletes with a quick and easy way to build a website - "We need to give fans, sponsors and potential sponsors a single home to find you," he said to Rugby Centurions. However, this hasn't been active on social media since 2023. He started The Bryan Habana Foundation 10 years ago while he was still playing, and was active in both the UK and South Africa. The charity had a goal to "direct funds to helping those in need and make a difference where hope is lost." He was also named Chairman of Laureus Sport for Good South Africa in 2024, with Habana saying: "Together, we will continue to create opportunities for young people, foster inclusivity, and drive impactful initiatives that uplift and empower communities." That organisation uses sport to drive social change in South Africa. Habana also works on TV, appearing in punditry roles for international rugby matches on Sky Sports, ITV, TNT Sports and more. 100m time Wingers are known for their speed, but when it comes to Habana, he is simply in his own league. In his heyday, he was clocked at 10.4 seconds over 100 metres, which means he is the fastest ever South African international player. For context, the fastest ever recorded human is Usain Bolt, who ran that distance in 9.58 seconds. Modern Springbok wingers Sbu Nkosi and Cheslin Kolbe clock in at similar speeds but remain around 0.2 seconds off the pace of Habana. This pace is well known by those in the rugby community, with Habana being one of the most deadly wingers in the history of the sport. In the 2007 World Cup alone, he scored eight tries in only seven matches, matching All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu's record. Manchester United link Habana is directly linked to English football heavyweights Manchester United through his name. The former Toulon flyer was named after two United legends, with his full name being Bryan Gary Habana, honouring Bryan Robson and Gary Bailey - two Red Devils icons from the 1980s. Habana dreamed of becoming a footballer due to this connection, but realised rugby was his true love following the iconic 1995 World Cup, which South Africa won. Article continues below 'I was always fast as a child; the speed was there. My parents, Bernie and Faith, named me after two Manchester stars, captain Bryan Robson and goalkeeper Gary Bailey, so I ended up wanting to be the import from this country to play in the English Premier League," Habana said. Speaking about the 1995 World Cup, he continued: "I didn't know anything about sport or even politics during that era, I was just caught up in the excitement as an 11-year-old boy. I was enthusiastic about an experience I would say helped me see the raw emotions, the joy and the passion people had that SA had won the cup. "I got to witness history and unity. It really became a watershed moment in my life because I got to see Mandela walking right there in the pitch and the Springboks creating a moment not only iconic but impactful in a way that it brought to me inspiration to want to emulate what they were doing. If it wasn't for this moment, I don't know if I'd be playing rugby."
Extra.ie
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Extra.ie
Matfield, Botha, Spies, Du Preez... Bulls all-time XV is an elite club
The Bulls will be hoping it will be third time lucky at Croke Park on Saturday. Since their arrived onto the URC scene in 2021 – along with the other South African heavyweights – Jake White's side have made a huge impact on this tournament, losing the 2022 and 2024 finals. On both occasions, it was Leinster who suffered defeat against the Pretorians at the semi-final stage. Vodacom Bulls captain Ruan Norté and Leinster captain Jack Conan at Croke Park. Pic: INPHO/Ben Brady So, something has to give at GAA headquarters this weekend. The hosts will encounter an immense challenge against a giant of the global game. The Bulls are a club steeped in history and they have winning pedigree, securing three Super Rugby titles in 2007, 2009 and 2010. There has been no shortage of megastars in the club ranks through the years, too… FULL- BACK: Zane Kirchner Zane Kirchner. Pic:Not the flashest of fullbacks and the former Springbok, who made 31 appearances for his country, didn't set pulses racing during his four-year stint at Leinster. In fairness, replacing Isa Nacewa was always going to be a thankless task. But Kirchner was as solid as they come and he was a vital cog in the Bulls side which dominated Super Rugby for a time. RIGHT-WING: Bryan Habana Bryan Habana. Pic: Lee Warren/A try machine and one of the greats. Habana had devastating acceleration and finishing ability. The flying Bulls wing will forever be remembered for his stunning, last-gasp finish in all-South African Super Rugby final against the Sharks in 2007, Habana crossing the line in the dying seconds to secure the first of many titles for the Pretorian giants. He was equally deadly at Test level, scoring 67 tries in the 124 Test appearances. MIDFIELD: Jan Serfontein and Wynand Olivier Wynand Olivier. Pic: Lee Warren/A real clash of styles, but a pair of hugely influential centres. Olivier was the ever-reliable glue player between a mighty Bulls pack and speed merchants such as Habana. The classy midfielder spent almost a decade with the Bulls before embarking on a nomadic late career with Ricoh Black Rams in Japan, Montpellier and Worcester. Serfontein, meanwhile, was a naturally instinctive player with the highest of ceilings. Racked up 60 appearances for the Bulls and a further 35 Test caps for the Springboks. Injury was an unfortunate footnote but Serfontein, on his day, was top class. LEFT WING: Akona Ndgungane Akona Ndungane. Pic: Lee Warren/A regular for the Bulls between 2005 and 2015, Ndgungane terrorised opposition defences with his lighting-quick pace. A member of the 2007 World Cup-winning South Africa squad, Ndgungane won 11 caps for his country. Now an accomplished golfer. OUT-HALF: Morne Steyn Morné Steyn. Pic:A club legend, Steyn was still lining out for the Bulls at age 38 only few seasons ago. The ultra-reliable No10 was a regular fixture in the sky blue jersey for the best part of two decades. A nerveless goalkicker and an unflappable customer on the pitch, Steyn played to the Bulls' strengths throughout a glittering career, keeping a giant pack on the front foot. Handre Pollard is in the conversation but Steyn is synonymous with Loftus Versfeld, especially after his match-winning long-range penalty to win the 2009 Lions series. SCRUM-HALF: Fourie du Preez Fourie du Preez. Pic: Anesh Debiky/The late Joost van der Westhuizen was a trailblazer in his position and revered by Bulls and Springboks fans. But Fourie du Preez gets the nod. The Bulls scrum-half was the complete package. Du Preez was a world class kicker and a brilliant passer with a deadly turn of pace. LOOSEHEAD PROP: Gurthro Steenkamp Gurthro Steenkamp. Pic: Lee Warren/A fearsome frontrower who struck fear into opposition packs for many years. Steenkamp was a Bulls stalwart and then carved out a brilliant career in France, anchoring the Toulouse pack for six seasons. Now working alongside Ronan O'Gara as La Rochelle scrum coach. HOOKER: Gary Botha Gary Botha (left). Pic: Duif du Toit/A stalwart in the Bulls frontrow, Botha begin lining out for the Bulls as a 13-year-old in the junior ranks and quickly become a mainstay in the senior team. A tough, uncompromising figure, Botha was unlucky to ply his trade in the same eras as John Smit and Bismarck du Plessis and his talents deserved more than 16 caps at international level. TIGHTHEAD PROP: Wilco Louw Wilco Louw. Pic: Gordon Arons/The Bulls have never been short of hard-nosed props. Wilco Louw has taken the scenic route to the top but the 30-year-old is already en route to becoming a hall of famer. A former youth player with the club, Louw has stints with the Stormers, Toulon and Harlequins before returning home in 2023. The powerful tighthead has been a smash hit and his destructive scrummaging is a big reason why the Bulls are quietly confident of derailing Leinster's URC title bid. Widely tipped to become the cornerstone of the Springboks scrum ahead of their treble World Cup bid in 2027. SECOND ROW: Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha. Pic:When you think of the Bulls at their peak, this iconic second row pairing immediately springs to mind. Matfield and Botha pretty much did it all. From Super Rugby titles to World Cups to tearing it up in the Top14 with Toulon. The legendary locks were the perfect combination of skill and ferocity. Botha was very much the Mr Muscle in this partnership. The hard-nosed second row loved the jobs that his teammates hated. Botha lived on the edge and had a disciplinary rap-sheet longer than his giant 6ft, 7in frame. He was the perfect foil to the athletic Matfield, widely regarded as one of the greatest lineout forwards to ever play the game. A born leader, too. A duo who were central to many great days at Loftus Versfeld. BLINDSIDE FLANKER: Danie Rossouw Danie Rossouw. Pic: Duif du Toit/Equally at home at lock, flanker or No8, Rossouw was a potent presence in the Bulls backrow for 10 years. The perfect roil for the free-running Spies, Rossouw relished the physical stuff and had a bordeline disregard for his own wellbeing. A key member of the Springboks side which claimed World Cup glory in 2007 and followed up with a series victory against the Lions two years later. OPENSIDE FLANKER: Ruben Kruger Ruben Kruger. Pic:They didn't come any tougher than the hard-as-nails former Bulls flanker. Long before the heady Super Rugby victories of the late 2000s, Kruger led from the front. A member of the 1995 World Cup-winning Springbok team, Kruger passed away in February after a 10-year battle with cancer. NO8: Pierre Spies Pierre Spies. Pic: Lee Warren/A Rolls Royce of a backrow forward, Spies was a force of nature at the back of the scrum. The Bulls No8 had a freakish blend of size, speed and power. Spies was box office when he hit top gear. There's plenty of highlights reels available on YouTube of this Bulls powerhouse in full flow.
The South African
21-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Ranked: Three most lethal Springbok attacking players
The Springboks have always been renowned for their physicality and forward dominance, but over the years the four-time world champs have also boasted some of the most thrilling attacking players. In this ongoing series, we attempt to rank the most lethal attackers of all time. 1 Danie Gerber Arguably the greatest Springbok of all time, Gerber was a once-in-a-generation player who had the most incredible natural attacking ability. He was renowned for his pace, strength, powerful sidestep and ability to read the game, as evidenced by his 19 tries in just 24 Tests. In fact, this leaves him with a 79.2% try ratio, placing him at the summit of the Springbok list for players who have featured in 10 or more Tests. Gerber was an iconic player, and his attacking prowess is simply the stuff of legend. 2 Bryan Habana Over an illustrious career that encompassed 124 Tests, Habana established himself as one of the most iconic wingers of all time, having announced himself on the world stage with a try-on debut against England in 2004. At the 2007 World Cup, he equalled the record for most tries scored in a single World Cup (8), set by the late great Jonah Lomu in 1999, and ultimately he remains the Springboks' leading try-scorer (67). It wasn't just his try-scoring heroics that made Habana such a lethal threat, though, it was his searing pace, ability to read attacking opportunities as well as his physical power. 3 Cheslin Kolbe The diminutive winger has redefined what 'smaller' players can achieve on the Test stage, with his iconic tries in the 2019 World Cup final and 2021 British & Irish Lions series sure to forever hold down a special place in Springbok history. Kolbe could sidestep someone in a phone booth, with his speed and elusive running having made him one of the most influential X factor stars in world rugby. A truly special player with individual highlights reels for the ages, there is no doubt that Kolbe deserves his place on the podium of attacking greats. 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 South African
17-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
He's heartbroken: Springboks legend Bryan Habana's letter to the Hendricks family left fans in tears
Springboks legend Bryan Habana penned a heartfelt letter showing his love to the late Cornal Hendricks and his family. It's been a week of mourning among rugby fans, players and former players since Hendricks' death. Many top rugby players like Siya Kolisi and legends like Tendai Mtawarira showed their hurt. Indeed, the mourning continues, but Habana went a little deeper with emotions. He poured his heart out on Instagram, describing Hendricks' goodness, and wishing his family would heal fast. Springboks Bryan Habana Hendricks family 'Still struggling to find the words or come to terms with this. Heartbroken to wake up to news that still seems unreal.' Habana started showing his disbelief. 'A true warrior on the field, but an even bigger inspiration off it. When he entered, his energy lit up the room, and his zest for life was infectious. Cornal's journey reminds us all that resilience isn't just a trait, it's a way of life. From setbacks to stunning comebacks, from humble beginnings to the world's biggest stage. Every team he represented, he did so with pride, passion, purpose and an unwavering desire to contribute positively,' he continued. 'Rest easy, Boytjie. Your courage, kindness, and unstoppable spirit will never be forgotten. The world was a better place with you in it, and I am grateful and honoured that our paths crossed.' Habana continued. 'My heartfelt condolences go out to Steph, the kids, and the Hendricks family. Rus sag boytjie 🕊️' he said, finishing by wishing the Hendricks family a fast healing. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bryan Habana (@bryanhabana_) Fans wished him peace after the Springboks legend Bryan Habana posted his heartfelt letter to the Hendricks family. Some fans consoled Habana, citing his close relationship with the late Springbok. @Alfred Thorpe 'Oh, Brian, I'm crying nicely now. Good luck to all of you who were close to him.' @Bevan Petersen 'Always sang the national anthem with SO MUCH passion ❤️' @Danielle (Nolli) Waterman 'Beautiful words, Bryan. Sending love and strength xx' @Marlon Owen Peters 'Condolences to you, his family, and the Rugby Community. ❤️' 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.
