Latest news with #WorldChamps
The Citizen
a day ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
'Johan will do well at Bulls' – Foote hails Ackermann's impact at U20s
Johan Ackermann's advisory role with the Junior Boks has come to a triumphant end, as he moves on to coaching the Bulls. Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote believes incoming Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann will produce the goods and lead the team to new heights, after his successful stint with the national U20 team which ended in World Championship glory. The former Lions coach, who also coached in England and Japan over the past seven years, was brought into the Junior Bok setup late last year as a coaching consultant, lending his considerable experience to the junior side since. The South African Rugby Union was reportedly so impressed by Ackermann's work that they had already asked him to consider staying on, but the lure of coaching one of the country's top franchise teams was too much and he accepted the Bulls' offer. 'He's a brilliant coach' After the World Rugby U20 Championship final on Saturday, Foote was asked about the impact Ackermann had on the junior side's success, and he claimed that it was huge. 'I can't speak more highly about Johan Ackermann. He's a brilliant coach. He coaches so well technically, but he is also a cultural coach. He's so good for our environment, he knows when to smile, sometimes he's dancing, sometimes he's serious,' said Foote. 'He gets the balance right and I think the fitness and love he showed to our forward pack in particular and brought these guys up with Mushie (Junior Bok forwards coach Lumumba Currie) was fantastic. 'Johan is going to do very well at the Bulls. He's just a good person and good things happen to good people. So in my opinion Johan had a massive impact on our (successful) campaign.' Stepping up to senior level With the Junior Bok players having now arrived back in SA from the World Champs in Italy, it will be interesting to see how many of them will be able to make the step up into senior rugby going forward. With the Currie Cup kicking off it will be a great chance for some of them to get some good experience, and the Bulls have already announced that five Junior Boks – Siphosethu Mnebelele, Jaco Grobbelaar, JJ Theron, Cheswill Jooste and Demitre Erasmus – are in their squad for the competition. 'I actually think quite a lot of them could make the step up. Once you put these guys in the right environment they will flourish,' said Foote. 'Riley (Norton, Junior Bok captain) as a case in point, he finished school last year, he plays in the tight five and he now captains us. He is still going to be with us next year. 'So I believe this is such a talented group and in the right environment they will kick on. I think you are going to see a lot of these names going forward for South African rugby and in the URC.'
IOL News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
South Africa Leaps to Global Glory: K&J Dance Reigns Supreme at the World Dance Cup in Spain
'Da Future' dance group from South Africa were among the gold medalists at the Dance World Cup in Spain. Image: Supplied South African dancers made history recently, returning from the 2025 Dance World Cup in Spain as overall World Champions in the Junior and Senior Hip Hop Divisions. Marking a new chapter for South African Dancing talent with Cape Town's very own K&J Dance Unlimited Studio, leading the way in this commendable show of talent, dedication, and hard work. Often called the 'Olympics of Dance', this year's competition, held in Burgos, Spain, was unlike any other for the South African national dance team as they proudly established themselves among the world's best. Peyton Witten en route to the Dance World Cup in Burgos Spain. Image: Supplied 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 At the heart of this success story is Peyton Witten, one of the many talented young dancers from K&J Dance Unlimited Studio in Cape Town. At just 16, Peyton was part of the gold medal-winning group that impressed the judges the most. She's been dancing since she was just three years old. As Peyton and her family explored Spain's vibrant streets, I had the pleasure of speaking to Peyton and her parents Carl and Clarissa against the backdrop of the ancient Leon Cathedral. While embracing such a rich culture, vibrantly different from South Africa, Peyton expressed how it ignited her passion for this year's World Champs from "dancing in the street with little German girls, and Spanish, to talking to other people from countries like Ireland". "It was so memorable and amazing," Peyton shared, reflecting on her time soaking up the local atmosphere away from the big stage. Peyton speaks of the supportive atmosphere among all competitors, one that evoked "no animosity, no one was nasty... everyone was so passionate about their country, and South Africa, like, just came together, and everyone was so passionate, and yeah, it was beautiful," she said. Individually, Peyton earned an impressive 10th place worldwide in the tough Junior Commercial Solo (Hip-Hop) category. 'Da Future' celebrating their gold medal win on stage at the Dance World Cup in Spain. Image: Supplied 'Da Future' Legacy Peyton, as part of Senior Large Group, the "Da Future" team, took home the Gold medal, becoming World Champions. This win brought shouts of joy and tears for both Peyton, her family, and the entire South African team on stage. For Peyton and her team, this victory was "amazing". "It truly was, it felt surreal. It didn't feel real because it's such a huge accomplishment. It's insane that we could do that," Peyton recounted, still marvelling at the victory with "so much gratitude, so much love... it was an amazing feeling, truly to feel on top of the world." This victory also came with a significant 3,000 euro prize for the team, and a special invite to the prestigious Gala Grand Finals, cementing South Africa's place as a potent force in the world of international dance. Peyton described the invitation as "really special". "It meant a lot. Since it's such a prestigious event, it's like you worked so hard, and now you're being invited to something for all of your hard work, and being acknowledged globally, which is so amazing." Peyton spoke about her team's approach before their performances, particularly for Da Future's performance. Recalling this experience, Peyton describes the pre-ritual for the group reflectively, as they "went aside and just warmed up. I just led a little unwinding thing, and then we were warming up, then we were going around saying our corrections," she explained. "Then we ran the dance a few, like two times and then we played the music and sat and practiced it, like all together but with no speaking, we just sat down and practiced and then we physically practiced; and then we meditate and go into the right headspace for a few minutes." The South African dancers representing the country at the Dance World Cup in Burgos, Spain. Image: Supplied Going for Gold For Peyton, maintaining her focus also involved faith and self-belief: "I just get into the right headspace; I'm here, I have got to do this, I get to do this. I work on my breathing, and then I pray for a nice chunk of time, reminding myself that God's with me." Reflecting on the balance between intense competition and enjoying the experience, Peyton felt it was a natural fit. "I mean, I was nervous – I mean, we all were – but we've been working so hard, we knew what we were doing, so I didn't think there was much anxiety towards remembering the dance," she recalled. "I was very much able to balance everything." The most challenging aspect for Peyton was her nerves, she admitted. Yet, the key lesson she took away was empowering: "You can, you can do it. I never would have imagined I'd be here, but here I am, and I believed it, and I did it. Peyton Witten with her family after bringing home the gold from the Dance World Cup in Spain. Image: Supplied "If you set your mind to it, if you work hard, it's, you sacrifice things... with these trials come triumphs, and yeah, no, it's worth it in the end.. it's all worth it." This historic win was more than just dancing at a competition. Showcased on the international stage, with a never-say-die mentality and a support system fostered in the right environment, these athletes are among the best in the world. Da Future performing in the finals of the Dance World Cup in Burgos, Spain. Image: Supplied With love from Spain Peyton speaks with passion about how the studio's impact on her overall attitude towards dance: "K&J, it's like a family, it truly is like a home. I think I'm 100% myself when I'm at the studio. I feel like I can be authentic, like I can be myself without being judged." Peyton continues to mention how Jackie Gomes, owner of K&J Dance Unlimited, is a "huge part of my life". "She's just like a mother to me, and she truly knows me so well. I owe everything to her, as well as my choreographers. It's not just shaped me as a dancer, but as a person too. Dance has taught me discipline, it's taught me the sense of family, and love." 'Supreme' dance group from K&J Dance Unlimited Studio in Cape Town, came first among 21 other competitors to bring home the gold medal for South Africa at the World Dance Championships in Spain recently. Image: Supplied K&J Dance Unlimited's Achievements at the 2025 Dance World Cup Gold 1st Place - World Champions: Da-Future - Senior Commercial Large Group Supreme - Senior Commercial Small Group Silver 2nd Place - World Champions: Ultimate - Junior Commercial Large Group Bronze 3rd Place - World Champions: Solidity - Senior Street Dance Small Group 4th Place: Validity - Junior Commercial Small Group 5th Place: Copius - Junior Commercial Small Group Exonerate - Junior Contemporary Small Group 6th Place: Cosmic - Children Commercial Small Group Effeminacy - Senior Commercial Small Group Hi Ren - Senior Showstopper Small Group Ten teams from K&J Dance Unlimited placed in the Top Six throughout the entire competition. This achievement is a testament to Jackie's mentality, along with her team of choreographers, and the studio's approach to their love for dance as seen at this year's Dance World Cup, Burgos, Spain. IOL
Scoop
13-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
New Course Helps Youth Find Their Path
A new 16-week course is set to bridge the gap between school and the next step for young people in Hurunui District. The first programme of its kind in the Hurunui, the SEED course was inspired by similar programmes being run in Waimakariri and other districts, Hurunui District Council SEED Youth Connector Jakob Eder (26) says. The new course will complement the Hurunui Mayors Taskforce for Jobs programme, providing additional support to young people before they take that next step into MTFJ, employment or further study. 'Many young people don't have a clear plan for when they leave school and are not ready for work. In a rural district, the transition is even harder,' Eder says. 'Limited access to public transport, isolation, and a lack of exposure to potential career paths can leave school leavers unsure of what's out there, or where to start. Without the chance to try different options, choosing a direction after school can feel like a leap into the unknown. 'SEED helps young people create a plan for their lives, and then breaks it down into manageable, bite-sized steps.' The course includes 'taster days' with local businesses such as Bain Road Wines or Broomfield Preschool to provide insights into a range of industries. Complementing these will be community days, short courses to develop interests and skills and increase work readiness, and personal development. Advertisement - scroll to continue reading 'The support and willingness shown by local businesses to get involved and put aside time to engage with us has been incredibly rewarding. For young people, it just needs a little spark to expose them to something they've never experienced, and it's looking at how we can connect them to that.' Giving back to the community is important to young people, Eder says, and the community days will be a chance to do that, whether helping for a few hours at Inspire Food Bank or planting with the Birdsong Project. Short courses include car maintenance with Mockett's Motors, First Aid, and Learner Driver licensing. Eder is no stranger to supporting young people. With a background that includes four years with Camp America, working with young people over a range of activities from lifeguarding to sports; coaching and refereeing basketball at primary and high schools; and coaching the U21 New Zealand Korfball team all the way to the World Champs in Turkey, Eder is skilled at helping young people strive toward their goals. Hurunui District Mayor Marie Black says the value of the SEED course is helping young people become work ready, including having that valuable work reference. 'This can be difficult for young people without work experience to obtain but Jakob can provide a reference that endorses that young person, that they consistently turned up, participated in community projects and have undertaken personal development and training.' Full transport is also provided for young people to attend the course, Mayor Black said, with young people being picked up and dropped off at their homes. The SEED course has been made possible through funding from the Snowgrass Charitable Trust. Referrals to the course are through schools, MTFJ or by directly contacting Eder at The first course starts on 30 June 2025.
The Star
30-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Hezekiel Sepeng, Athletics SA, backs Akani Simbine, local talent to medal at World Athletics Championships
Athletics South Africa's Head of Performance, Hezekiel Sepeng, is optimistic about the nation's chances in the upcoming World Athletics Championships and next Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028. The 50-year-old Sepeng, who claimed silver at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics in the men's 800m, said ASA was now working better with its athletes and it was beginning to show on the track. Led by Akani Simbine, the SA men's 4x100m relay team claimed silver at the Paris Olympics last year. That relay team saw the world take notice of the young stars coming up in SA sprinting with Bayanda Walaza, Bradley Nkoana, and Shaun Maswanganyi forming the four-man team. Walaza (19), Nkoana (20), and Maswanganyi (24) will certainly be around for the next Olympics, and Simbine at 31 is still setting the standards of SA sprinting on the global stage in 2025. "The athletes are doing very well. If you go back a few years, if you compare it to now, we're sitting with athletes now that are, come 2028, they will be possible medallists. We are one step ahead of the other countries. But it's only a matter of planning because the main goal here is the September World Champs in Tokyo. But overall, the athletes are doing very well, and I think we are in the right space when it comes to the performance of the athletes," Sepeng told "The relationship between the athletes and the federation is in the right space. We listen to the athletes, and they share their goals with us. We needed to blend together. We need to get to that level where we are definitely confident for medals at the World Champs or the Olympics in 2028.' Simbine has the fastest 100m time in the world this year so far, with his 9.90 seconds he clocked in Gaborone, Botswana, on April 12. The 31-year-old Simbine is also unbeaten in five races now, following his victory in the Diamond League in Rabat on Sunday. His time in Rabat of 9.95 was well ahead of Kenyan Ferdinand Omanyala (10.05) in second and Fred Kerley (10.07) in third. Meanwhile, Walaza, having turned 19 in February, and despite his ungainly running style, he just keeps producing faster times. On Saturday, Walaza clocked 9.94 at the Boris Hankezovic Memorial meeting in Zagreb. It's yet another SA junior record, and he tied the fourth fastest time ever run by a South African. It's also the third fastest time in the world this year. Sepeng said the success of the men's relay team has been inspirational. "If you look at 2016, where we had Caster, Luvo Manyonga and Wayde, they were medallists at the Olympic Games and World Champs. After them, it faded. We introduced the relays because we thought that we could fast-track some of the athletes who cannot make the qualifying standards," said Sepeng. "We thought, let's put them in the relay, they can still go to World Champs in the relays and that kind of motivated them. I think one of the things that really motivated them was the four-by-one relays at the Olympic Games with the two young stars." @Michael_Sherman IOL Sport
IOL News
30-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Hezekiel Sepeng, Athletics SA, backs Akani Simbine, local talent to medal at World Athletics Championships
VOTE OF CONFIDENCE Athletics South Africa's Head of Performance Hezekiel Sepeng, is confident in their stars like Akani Simbine (centre) and Bayanda Walaza to secure medals at the upcoming World Athletics Championships and the 2028 Olympics. Picture: AFP Walaza (19), Nkoana (20), and Maswanganyi (24) will certainly be around for the next Olympics, and Simbine at 31 is still setting the standards of SA sprinting on the global stage in 2025. Led by Akani Simbine , the SA men's 4x100m relay team claimed silver at the Paris Olympics last year. That relay team saw the world take notice of the young stars coming up in SA sprinting with Bayanda Walaza , Bradley Nkoana, and Shaun Maswanganyi forming the four-man team. The 50-year-old Sepeng, who claimed silver at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics in the men's 800m, said ASA was now working better with its athletes and it was beginning to show on the track. Athletics South Africa's Head of Performance, Hezekiel Sepeng , is optimistic about the nation's chances in the upcoming World Athletics Championships and next Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028. South African Athletes Poised for 2028 Olympic Success, Says Sepeng "The athletes are doing very well. If you go back a few years, if you compare it to now, we're sitting with athletes now that are, come 2028, they will be possible medallists. We are one step ahead of the other countries. But it's only a matter of planning because the main goal here is the September World Champs in Tokyo. But overall, the athletes are doing very well, and I think we are in the right space when it comes to the performance of the athletes," Sepeng told "The relationship between the athletes and the federation is in the right space. We listen to the athletes, and they share their goals with us. We needed to blend together. We need to get to that level where we are definitely confident for medals at the World Champs or the Olympics in 2028.' Simbine has the fastest 100m time in the world this year so far, with his 9.90 seconds he clocked in Gaborone, Botswana, on April 12. The 31-year-old Simbine is also unbeaten in five races now, following his victory in the Diamond League in Rabat on Sunday. His time in Rabat of 9.95 was well ahead of Kenyan Ferdinand Omanyala (10.05) in second and Fred Kerley (10.07) in third. Meanwhile, Walaza, having turned 19 in February, and despite his ungainly running style, he just keeps producing faster times. On Saturday, Walaza clocked 9.94 at the Boris Hankezovic Memorial meeting in Zagreb. It's yet another SA junior record, and he tied the fourth fastest time ever run by a South African. It's also the third fastest time in the world this year. Sepeng said the success of the men's relay team has been inspirational. "If you look at 2016, where we had Caster, Luvo Manyonga and Wayde, they were medallists at the Olympic Games and World Champs. After them, it faded. We introduced the relays because we thought that we could fast-track some of the athletes who cannot make the qualifying standards," said Sepeng. "We thought, let's put them in the relay, they can still go to World Champs in the relays and that kind of motivated them. I think one of the things that really motivated them was the four-by-one relays at the Olympic Games with the two young stars." @Michael_Sherman IOL Sport
