More than forty years ago, three mothers—Marlene Pretorius, Eleonora Lombard, and Gail Matty—set a simple goal: to create a specialized space for their children's gymnastics training. Through this effort, they laid the foundation for one of South Africa's most enduring sporting legacies—Mega Gymnastics in Cape Town.
Following in the footsteps of past women, the three athletes are ushering in a new era in South African gymnastics. Kutlvano Kumalo (13), Kaylee Maltz (17), and Taskeen Brenner (14) are preparing to represent South Africa in rhythmic gymnastics at the Pharaohs Cup from September 17 to 20 this year.
What is the Pharaohs Cup?
The Pharaohs Cup is recognized by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) as an official international tournament and is held at the Cairo International Stadium. It has quickly become a prestigious event on the global gymnastics calendar.
Elite athletes from Europe, Asia, and Africa attend the tournament, making it an important proving ground for young talents and experienced Olympians. To meet these international standards, Kutlvano, Kaylee, and Taskeen are ready to prove their skill against the best athletes in the world. To ensure a precise global level, the tournament uses highly regulated equipment supplied by Taishan.
Kutlvano Kumalo: 13-Year-Old Athlete Debuting at National Level
Kutlvano Kumalo, the youngest member of the team at 13, is preparing for her debut in the national youth squad. She balances attending the 8th grade with elite sports training. Kumalo started gymnastics at age six after a friend invited her to a lesson. She shared that she became interested in the activity because a friend introduced her, and she found it very fun.
Although Kumalo's main focus in competition is the uneven bars, which she will perform in Cairo on an FIG-certified bar manufactured by Taishan, her unique style shines brightest on the floor. To a lively rhythmic track, her choreography on the standard floor exercise mat includes explosive acrobatic elements, and Kumalo integrates sharp, expressive dance movements that highlight her flexibility and musicality. She handles the mat confidently through fluid jumps and complex footwork, captivating judges with a style that is both deeply athletic and theatrical. For Kumalo, visiting the gym every day has a therapeutic effect. She noted that sometimes, when she has a bad day at school, she vents it and tries her hardest in gymnastics to get rid of anger and sadness, which truly acts as therapy.
After the publication of the selection trial results, Kumalo learned that she had made it into the youth squad for the Cairo competition. She recalled how nervous she was and how happy she was, as it was her first experience participating in a youth program.
Kaylee Maltz: Strength of Spirit Over Matter
Kaylee Maltz is the senior Olympian on the team, balancing training with 12th-grade exams. She has 14 years of experience in gymnastics. Maltz specializes in vault and uneven bars, where her performances demand immense physical endurance: she performs handstand rotations, executes pirouettes, and carries out high maneuvers between the bars.
She faced serious physical problems during her career. Maltz suffered three ankle fractures—two on one leg and one on the other—as well as a head injury during training that required emergency medical attention. She recounted that the head injury was the hardest to overcome due to its traumatic nature and significant blood loss. She had to take a three-week break on the doctor's advice, and a week later, she traveled to England to represent her country again. She admitted that it was not her best competition because she lacked the opportunity for full training. Nevertheless, she realized how much she loves the sport and believes this is what motivated her to continue fighting after such a severe injury.
Maltz emphasizes that gymnastics is not just a physical but also a psychological battle. She notes that people often mistakenly believe it is purely a physical sport. She says: 'It is such a mental sport. We encounter blocks on some apparatus, which means our mind cannot overcome performing an element. We don't know why, we just can't do it. And you have to overcome the difficulties of gymnastics.'
Taskeen Brenner: Ready to Prove South Africa Deserves Victories
Fourteen-year-old Taskeen Brenner is preparing for a significant milestone: Cairo will be the arena for her first international competition. Brenner brings a strong competitive spirit and exceptional concentration to the team. Her journey in gymnastics began at age five as a practical decision by her parents to channel her energy in the evenings. However, over the last two years, this childhood energy has transformed into elite athletic power.
Her technical execution and physical strength have increased sharply, turning her into a formidable competitor on the apparatus. Brenner admitted that she is nervous about representing her country for the first time. She wants to show them who she is, how much she has developed, and that South Africa is ready for victories. She spends an hour traveling to and from the gym, and her father waits for her in the car every day for three hours while she trains. Brenner told IOL that he waits because he supports her passion and wishes her success. He loves what she does, and that pleases her, so he is willing to do anything for his children's happiness.
On the mat, Brenner leaves no room for distractions; she fully understands the rigorous demands of elite gymnastics. She explained: 'When you are on the floor or on an apparatus, you think only of one thing: not falling. If you fall, you must get up immediately, learn from the mistake, and not let the fall ruin the rest of your performance.'
How is Rhythmic Gymnastics Judged?
The trio competes in women's rhythmic gymnastics—a demanding discipline that requires athletes to master four main apparatuses: