Sibling rivalry turns into title push as Mtolo brothers chase Dusi K2 crown

Brothers Msawenkosi and Sandile Mtolo have announced themselves as contenders for the Dusi Canoe Marathon K2 title, despite pairing up for a shot at the crown for the first time in the 75th edition of the iconic river race.

Both brothers have impressive Dusi pedigrees. Msawenkosi holds a runner-up medal from 2024, when he and Sbonelo Khwela finished second in the K2 race. However, the upcoming journey from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, taking place from February 19 to 21, will mark their first time competing together in the same boat.

They fired a warning shot at their rivals with a victory in the Kindo Covers Ozzie Gladwin in November. As the first Dusi qualifying event, it incorporates flat water, portages, and rapids, providing a comprehensive test of a crew's readiness. The brothers pipped the experienced pair of Khwela and Bongani Ntinga to the line to secure the win.

"It's so good to have him in the boat," Msawenkosi said of his brother. "We enjoy paddling together and keeping each other motivated on and off the water. We support each other a lot in both our paddling and in other parts of our lives."

The cancellation of this month's Drak Challenge, a traditional Dusi warm-up, has forced most of the field to adjust their preparations. "Training for the Dusi is always a very interesting process because you focus on doing the right things that you think will work over the three days, but the race is so unpredictable," Msawenkosi noted. "You really cannot predict what is going to happen or how you are going to feel, so you just need to manage yourself at the end of each day."

Despite their new partnership, the Mtolos say their pre-race routines are naturally aligned. The only remaining question is tactical: who will sit in the front and steer?

"We will only decide who's going to drive the boat closer to the time," they said. "We are both comfortable driving and we are both happy to be at the back, so we will see how we go closer to the race."

The Mtolo brothers are expected to be locked in a fierce battle at the sharp end of the field. Their competition includes the formidable duo of Andy Birkett and 2024-winning partner Matt Fenn. Birkett is chasing a record-extending 16th title this year, having equalled the legendary Graeme Pope-Ellis' record of 15 wins during last year’s K1 race.