Gqeberha’s own Rudi van Niekerk unleashed full beast mode at Mandela University this past weekend to clinch his first-ever Madibaz Open squash title — and he did it in unforgettable fashion.
Facing off against tournament director and longtime rival Jason le Roux in Sunday’s final, the Londt Park player brought fire and finesse to the court, claiming a 9-2, 9-3, 9-8 victory in a showdown that showcased strategy, nerve, and next-level squash.
But this wasn’t your average final.
In a bold twist, this year’s Madibaz Open used a modified format — with games played to 9 points, sudden death at 8-8, and a wildcard: bonus points. Each player could nominate one rally per game to count double if they won it. The format made for quick, electrifying play and tested the athletes’ tactical smarts as much as their stamina.
“We wanted to create a fresh dynamic,” explained Le Roux, who masterminded the new structure. “The players really embraced it — and it worked.”
And it really worked for Van Niekerk.
Coming off three previous runner-up finishes, the 37-year-old, who also represents SA Country Districts provincially, wasted no time. He dominated the first two games with speed and precision, using his bonus points smartly to close them out. But in the third, things got tense. Le Roux clawed his way to 8-5 and had three game points, but Van Niekerk wasn’t letting this one go to four. With clutch drop shots and a cool bonus-point call, he flipped the momentum and forced an error to seal the win.
“It felt amazing to finally get the win,” Van Niekerk said post-match. “I really enjoyed the new format — it made you think differently. My plan was always to start cautiously and attack once I settled.”
The victory is even more impressive given his recent recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon in late 2023. Now back on court and building steam, Van Niekerk says he’s feeling strong and excited for the year ahead.
“It’s been a long road, but I’m in a good place. I’ve had a solid run, only lost one match at the SA Country Districts interprovincial. So I’m ready to push on.”
In the women’s section, Madibaz student Tanith Moreton emerged as the top performer among a competitive field of second- and third-league players. Meanwhile, former Madibaz standout Hayley Ward showed she still has game, finishing third in the men’s A section — proof that local squash talent is firing on all cylinders.
As for the future of the Madibaz Open? Le Roux confirmed the traditional scoring format will return when the event doubles as a USSA qualifier, but hinted the bonus-point system may return for selected events.
One thing’s certain: Bay squash is alive and thriving — and Rudi van Niekerk is leading the charge.
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