BY BYRON LUKAS
SPORT
JAN SPORTING ICONS
Cricket – REEZA RELOADED
Reeza Hendricks continues to establish his role as a key figure for MI Cape Town, anchoring their top order with consistency and composure throughout Season 3. Known for his graceful stroke play and ability to build innings under pressure, Hendricks has become a dependable run-scorer who often lays the groundwork for the team’ s explosive middle order.
Soccer – HAKIMI HUNTS AFRICAN GLORY
Moroccan football is on the brink of a remarkable shift, with Achraf Hakimi spearheading this exciting period. The 2025 African Footballer of the Year, the 25-year-old defender has cultivated an impressive club career, securing prestigious titles. The anticipation for Morocco’ s success in the African Cup of Nations( AFCON) is high, but the tournament offers a chance for him to etch his name into the history of African football.
Rugby – THE DUPONT DEADLINE
As anticipation builds for the upcoming Six Nations Championship, focus is on Antoine Dupont, the talented French scrum-half known for his part in the team’ s recent successes. After a challenging 2025 rugby season, during which the skilled player missed many matches due to injury, the main question remains: Will he regain his top form to lead France’ s title defence?
Tennis- MELBOURNE! SINNER IS COMING
Jannik Sinner will undoubtedly be one of the headline acts at Melbourne Park as he prepares for the 2026 Australian Open. With his powerful baseline game, growing mental resilience, and a breakthrough 2025 season that firmly established him among the sport’ s elite, Sinner begins the new year with higher expectations.
Athletics – THE WAYDE COMEBACK
Wayde van Niekerk, the 400m legend and former world-record holder, is determined to reclaim his throne. After years of injury setbacks, 2026 will mark a new chapter— one filled with renewed resolve and a fierce competitive spirit. Will this be the year Wayde makes a stunning return to the top ranks and reminds the world why he’ s regarded as one of the greatest ever?
Skiing – SA’ S‘ SNOWBOK’ GOES OLYMPIC
South Africa’ s Matt Smith is set to make history as the first cross-country skier at the 2026 Winter Olympics in over a decade. Known as the“ Snowbok,” Smith secured a quota place for Team SA, a notable achievement for someone who started cross-country skiing less than three years ago. His unlikely rise signifies a breakthrough for a country better known for rugby than for snow sports.
32 INBOUND SA / JANUARY 2026