Springbok Rugby Star Joins Onamission Return

Lucky Fish ambassador Mathew de Kock’s Onamission Syndicate, who enjoyed a brief and successful launch with five-time winner Puget Sound and sprinter Elbi in 2019/20, returns after a six-year absence with a runner at Turffontein on Sunday afternoon.

Spicy Plum, a two-year-old gelding by Malmoos, makes his first racetrack appearance in Race 5 over 1160m, and Craig Zackey has been booked for the ride. He is a Narrow Creek-bred half-brother to the stable’s recently much-improved sprinter, Cold Shine.

Onamission was discontinued when Mat moved to Australia, but the interest was quickly revived upon his return. He said: “I am pleased to get the syndicate going again. There are 25 partners in Spicy Plum, including leading owners Trevelen Pillay and Dayalan Chinsammy, and many of our old members have come back on board.”

Included in the list of partners is the familiar name of Steven Kitshoff, a dual World Cup Rugby winner with the Springboks, who obtained his share via a friendship with Mathew Sham of New Turf Carriers and an introduction to Matt.

‘Spicy Plum’ was the affectionate nickname given to red-headed Steven by the late Xhosa rugby commentator Kaunda Ntunja, who had a way with words and felt it aptly described his fiery appearance and explosive power on the field.

The nickname stuck and even forms part of Kitshoff’s own Instagram bio, with the Springbok star having developed an affinity for it.

Steven, who has attended major race meetings as a celebrity guest at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth, said: “I have only a small share of Spicy Plum, but it’s a good start for me and it’s been an interesting experience so far. Mat has kept me well updated so I am looking forward to following his career and being a part of the ownership.”

Steven won’t be attending the meeting due to prior commitments in Cape Town, but said he hoped to watch the contest live.

Mat said that Sunday’s 1160m was on the short side for Spicy Plum, but that he is likely to run a competitive race. “He will improve with the run, but is fit enough and showing us good enough work to get into the action. We’re looking forward to the race.”

Steven Kitshoff Image: The Citizen.
Onamission Members Image by Chase Liebenberg.