Mtolo brothers’ split adds fresh twist to 75th Dusi Canoe Marathon showdown

The 75th Dusi Canoe Marathon has been handed an unexpected subplot after the much-fancied Mtolo brothers split their K2 partnership just days before the iconic river race from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.

Sandile and Msawenkosi Mtolo had been regarded as among the pre-race favourites following strong build-up performances, including victory in the Kindo Covers Ozzie Gladwin in November, the first Dusi qualifying event.

On that occasion, the brothers edged the experienced pairing of Sbonelo Khwela and Bongani Ntinga to the line to secure the win.

However, a late reshuffle of combinations has transformed the complexion of next weekend’s race.

Sandile Mtolo has teamed up with Ntinga, while Msawenkosi and Khwela will hope to rekindle the magic that carried them to a runners-up finish in 2024.

The changes were under the spotlight at Sunday’s Bishopstowe to Dusi Bridge race, traditionally the final meaningful dress rehearsal before the three-day river marathon from 19 to 21 February.

And it was Sandile and Ntinga who made the boldest statement.

The newly formed pairing produced a commanding performance over the full day-one Dusi route, winning by more than two minutes over Msawenkosi and Khwela. In a race that offered paddlers a final opportunity to test pacing, portage efficiency and river reading under pressure, the result sent a clear warning to the rest of the field.

The break-up of two established combinations – the Mtolo brothers and Ntinga’s previous partnership with Khwela – has injected fresh unpredictability into a race already shaping up as one of the most competitive in recent years. 

Behind the leading duos, Mthobisi Cele and Zamokhule Meyiwa secured third place, while Siyabonga Ndlovu and Sbonelo Dube impressed in fourth overall as the first Under-18 crew across the line. Experienced campaigners Thulani Mbanjwa and Shaun Rubenstein rounded out the top five.

The women’s contest also delivered a twist. Abby Solms and Robyn Groenink claimed victory and finished seventh overall, just under two minutes ahead of Christie Mackenzie and Saskia Hockly, who had been tipped to dominate the Dusi – and to give four-time K1 champion Mackenzie her first K2 winner’s medal. Under-18 pair Hana Newlands and Tayla Norton completed the podium.

With the Mtolo brothers now set to race against – rather than alongside – each other, the psychological dimension of this year’s Dusi has intensified. Familiar strengths, shared river knowledge and sibling rivalry could all come into play over three gruelling days.

What once looked like a united front has become a head-to-head battle – and that shift may well define the 75th edition of South Africa’s most storied canoe marathon.

Ominously for those chasing the title, record-equalling Dusi king Andy Birkett and his partner Matt Fenn – winners of the 2024 K2 edition – have steered clear of the turbulence and remain firmly in the hunt.