WATCH | Battle for a tactical edge at Dusi race

Defending champion Andy Birkett admitted they were pushed to the limit after a thrilling opening stage of the 75th Dusi Canoe Marathon on Thursday. Speaking toThe Witnessat the finish at Dusi Bridge, Birkett said the day-one battle from Bishopstowe Hall was anything but straightforward. “It was not easy at all, from the start at Bishopstowe until the finish at Dusi Bridge.

You saw what happened towards the end — it was a blistering pace from all of us and a real cat-and-mouse situation,” he said. Sbonelo [Khwela] and Msawe [Mtolo] are no longer the young boys of this race. They’re big contenders now, and anyone who wants to win this Dusi will have to beat them first.

Birkett and partner Matt Fenn eventually claimed the men’s stage victory after a dramatic duel with local favourites Sbonelo Khwela and Msawenkosi Mtolo, who matched the defending champions stroke for stroke throughout the 43km opening leg. The front two crews traded positions repeatedly along the route, with spectators lining Mission Rapid, Finger Neck Portage and Cabbage Tree Portage witnessing an intense tactical battle. The decisive moment came in the closing stages, where explosive running on the final portage set up a breathless sprint to Dusi Bridge.

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Third place went to another Valley combination, Sandile Mtolo — younger brother of Msawenkosi — and Bongani Ntinga, who remained firmly in contention behind the leading pairings. In the women’s race, Abby Solms and Robyn Groenink delivered a strong and composed performance to secure victory. The experienced duo of Christie Mackenzie and Hillary Bruss finished second, while Bridgitte Hartley completed the podium in third place. With two demanding stages still to come, the milestone 75th edition is already living up to its reputation — and, if day one is anything to go by, the fight for the title is far from over.

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