OPINION: A combined solution might be found to save Soweto Marathon

Serious intervention is required to prevent the Soweto Marathon from collapsing, but while the government has said it will get involved, it needs to tread lightly.

According to reports, sports minister Gayton McKenzie said this week he would be “stepping in” to put a stop to the “nonsense” which had resulted in elite athletes not being paid. tbzikra.org

McKenzie told journalists his department would be laying criminal charges against individuals responsible for alleged missing funds, and that the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture would find the money to ensure athletes were paid.

And while McKenzie isn’t wrong, and his offer to pay athletes their money is admirable, laying criminal charges or intervening in the race in any way is a bad idea.

World Athletics won’t stand for it, as the global body’s constitution prevents government interference in the sport, and the sports ministry’s intervention could result in a ban of national body Athletics South Africa (ASA), which would be detrimental to the sport.

Endless issues with Soweto Marathon

Fortunately, it seems a joint effort between government, ASA and provincial federation Central Gauteng Athletics (the only body that can intervene directly as it sanctions the event) could result in a solution.

The issues and infighting around the Soweto Marathon, one of the country’s most popular road races, seem never ending.

Last year, two factions which claimed to have control clashed to the point that one group was threatening to ensure the event was cancelled.

And though the annual 42km contest went ahead, the other group (the Soweto Marathon NPC) which organised the race is now in hot water because nearly six months later it still hasn’t paid top athletes their prize money.

Before last year’s race, CGA said it no longer recognised the Soweto Marathon Trust, which was formed as a vehicle to manage the race for the Soweto clubs which are the custodians of the event.

However, in March, CGA also announced a governance reset, opting not to grant the Soweto Marathon NPC (now representing the Soweto clubs) the right to organise this year’s race.

A joint effort

So at this stage, the 2026 Soweto Marathon is up in the air, and even if elite athletes are paid for their performances last year, a lot of work needs to be done to regain the trust of the road running community.

But by starting from scratch in trying to create a vehicle to ensure the race is operated by individuals who practice good governance, CGA might be able to stop the event from being completely derailed.

And ASA acting president John Mathane said on Friday the national federation was in the process of strengthening oversight processes and enforcing accountability mechanisms to protect elite athletes from not being paid prize money at sanctioned events, as had been the case in Mpumalanga and Central Gauteng in recent years.

If the national and provincial federations implement new structures and processes, and government is able to provide the money for unpaid athletes, they will find a combined solution.

Now we just have to hope they all follow through with their promises.

Former Kenya national team midfielder Victor Wanyama has revealed his desire to coach Scottish Premiership giants Celtic FC in the future.

Wanyama announced his retirement from professional football on April 3, at age 34. After a distinguished 19-year playing career, he announced his retirement due to recurring knee injuries and is now set to transition into coaching as he works toward completing his UEFA A Licence.

He became the first ever Kenyan player to score in the UEFA Champions League when he scored the first goal in Celtic’s 2-1 win over Barcelona in 2012.

“I have done my UEFA B and next month I have exams for UEFA A License,” Wanyama told a Kenyan news outlet. “Things like these as a footballer are good. Just be part of everything. If you can’t coach, join something that can help you.”

“It doesn’t matter whether you want to be a coach or director, anything that can help you in the future, get involved and do it. I hope one day I can start with Scotland at Celtic. I hope one day I can get that opportunity. It would be good,” added Wanyama.

On which coach inspired him most during his playing time, Wanyama said: “All the coaches that coached me, the likes of Mauricio and Koeman. I would say my last coach at Montreal, his name was Will, Wilfried Nancy.

“I have seen him grow as a coach and he really taught me a lot and I was learning from him. I saw I can also learn and make my own history like what he has done for that club.”

Wanyama made his Celtic league debut in a 1-0 loss to St Johnstone on August 21, 2011. He played in central defence rather than his favoured central midfield role.

The post Victor Wanyama targets Celtic FC return in coaching role appeared first on SportsAfrica - Sports news | Live scores | Match highlights | Betting tips.

Serhou Guirassy made it three goals in his last four matches with Borussia Dortmund, who overcame Eintracht Frankfurt 3-2 to secure a second place finish in the Bundesliga.

Guirassy goal begins turnaround in Bundesliga victory

Visitors Frankfurt took the lead inside two minutes but the hosts woke up towards the end of the first half. Guirassy sparked the comeback in the 42nd minute when he produced a perfect first-time finish from an equally excellent cross by Julian Ryerson.

Nico Schlotterbeck completed the first half turnaround with a finish inside the penalty area to give Borussia the lead by halftime. Italian youngster Samuele Inacio’s first professional goal in the second half added further to the deficit for Frankfurt, who could only manage a late consolation through Jonathan Burkardt late on.

After a couple of disappointing seasons in the German top flight while having some success in continental competition, Dortmund will finish as runners-up for the first time since the 2022-23 season.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Borussia Dortmund (@bvb09)

Guirassy has had an up-and-down campaign by his high standards but is tied for third on the league’s top scorer list with 16 goals from 32 league matches. He has 21 goals in all competitions along with 4 assists.

He and his club will be able to relax a bit on the final matchday when they travel to face Werder Bremen with second place now secure as well as a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League. RB Leipzig, led by Yan Diomande, were in hot pursuit but will be forced to settle for battling it out as the favorites to claim third place.

Stormers coach John Dobson says there’s no place in the game for the croc roll that injured Deon Fourie in Belfast.

The 39-year-old flank hobbled off during Friday night’s 38-38 draw against Ulster after being caught in a croc roll at the breakdown by lock Iain Henderson, who was initially yellow-carded before his sanction was upgraded to a 20-minute red.

REPORT: Stormers snatch draw but lose top spot

Dobson confirmed that Fourie has suffered medial ligament damage.

“I feel very sorry for Deon Fourie,” he said. “That type of action has to be removed from the game.

“No player can survive that. If we don’t take that out, there’s no room for turnovers and the game becomes like rugby league.”

MORE: Stormers’ mistakes frustrate Dobbo

Fourie was in visible pain and, despite receiving treatment, left the field soon after.

“I don’t think the player meant to injure him deliberately, and I think the referee probably got it right,” Dobson added. “But it’s a big blow for us, especially with the form Deon’s been in.”

This could have been career-ending for Deon Fourie. pic.twitter.com/cOXzavopCy

— Simon Borchardt (@SimonBorchardt) May 8, 2026

The Stormers are expected to assess the full extent of the injury in the coming days as they prepare for next week’s Vodacom URC clash against Cardiff.

The post Dobbo: Brannas injury a ‘big blow’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.