Author: Lehlohonolo Scheepers

There are football stories that give you goosebumps, and then there are stories that go even deeper than that. The confirmation that South Africa’s 2010 FIFA World Cup squad will travel to North America to support Bafana Bafana at the 2026 tournament is one of those moments. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie made the announcement, and it immediately struck a chord with a nation that holds the 2010 World Cup close to its heart. Sixteen years on from that historic tournament on home soil, the men who carried South Africa’s flag on the world’s biggest stage will be there to cheer…

When Sundowns vs Kaizer Chiefs is on the calendar, South African football stops and pays attention. But when the fixture is set against the backdrop of a sold-out Loftus Versfeld and a fiercely contested PSL title race, the stakes rise to an entirely different level. Tickets for this Betway Premiership showdown sold out almost immediately — and with good reason. Both clubs are carrying enormous pressure into this fixture. For Sundowns, it’s about maintaining their slim lead at the summit. For Chiefs, it’s about proving they have the quality to be a genuine disruptor in South African football’s biggest game.…

Even before Bafana Bafana has kicked a ball at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, South Africa has already won something, the kit game. The Bafana Bafana World Cup jersey, specifically the away design, has captured the imagination of football fans across the globe and has been ranked the most impressive design at the tournament by GiveMeSport. Yes, you read that right. In a World Cup featuring 48 nations and some of the most famous sportswear brands on earth, South Africa’s away kit is sitting at the top of the rankings. And honestly, if you’ve seen it, you know why. What…

The Betway Premiership rolls on with a mouth-watering set of fixtures that kicks off on Tuesday evening before a bumper Saturday slate delivers eight simultaneous encounters across the country. From the Lowveld to the Cape Winelands, the drama promises to be relentless as clubs chase points at opposite ends of the table. Sundowns Hunt Another Scalp in Nelspruit The week gets underway at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Tuesday, 12 May at 19:30 when TS Galaxy welcome the seemingly unstoppable Mamelodi Sundowns. Rulani Mokwena’s men have been in imperious form, and Galaxy will know better than most that Masandawana…

It was a weekend of drama, goals, and shifting fortunes in the Betway Premiership, as the title race and relegation battle both took fascinating turns across several venues around South Africa. Sundowns Put On a Show The headline act of the weekend was undoubtedly at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, where Mamelodi Sundowns delivered a jaw-dropping 7-4 demolition of Siwelele. It was a spectacle that had supporters rubbing their eyes in disbelief — eleven goals in a single top-flight fixture is the kind of scoreline that belongs in a schoolyard, not a professional league. Sundowns were ruthless in attack, clinical…

The Rise of a Street Football Talent Before he became one of South Africa’s most recognisable football exports, Sibusiso Zuma was a gifted youngster playing football on the streets of KwaMashu in Durban. Like many South African footballers of his generation, Zuma developed his style in informal matches where creativity, close control and instinct mattered more than structure. His professional breakthrough came with African Wanderers before he joined Orlando Pirates in the late 1990s. At Pirates, Zuma quickly established himself as one of the most exciting attacking players in the country. He combined pace with technical ability and had a…

From the Free State to the Springboks Francois Pienaar was born on 2 January 1967 in Vereeniging, Gauteng, and grew up in the Free State where rugby formed a major part of his upbringing. Like many South African rugby players of his era, Pienaar developed his game through a strong school rugby culture before making his mark at provincial level with Transvaal. A hard working flank forward known for his intelligence and physicality, Pienaar quickly earned a reputation as a player who led through discipline and determination rather than flair. His performances for Transvaal eventually opened the door to the…

The Rise of White Lightning Born in Bloemfontein in 1966, Allan Donald developed into a fast bowler with extraordinary natural pace. His performances in domestic cricket quickly caught national attention, particularly for Orange Free State where he consistently troubled batters with bounce and movement. South Africa’s readmission to international cricket in 1991 created opportunities for a generation of players eager to prove themselves on the world stage. Donald became one of the most important members of that side almost immediately. His Test debut against India in 1992 announced his arrival, but it was his performances against stronger nations like Australia,…

A costly slip for Mamelodi Sundowns Mamelodi Sundowns were forced to settle for a frustrating 1–1 draw against Stellenbosch FC in their Betway Premiership clash on 22 April 2026 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. In a match that looked destined to deliver three points for the hosts, a late equaliser denied Sundowns a crucial victory in the title race. Coming into the fixture as favourites, Sundowns controlled large portions of the game and created the better chances. However, their inability to convert dominance into a decisive lead proved costly, allowing Stellenbosch to remain within striking distance until the final moments. First-half…

Humble Beginnings in the Eastern Cape Born in 1977 in Mdingi, a small village in the Eastern Cape, Ntini’s journey into cricket was far from conventional. Growing up in a rural community, he spent much of his childhood herding cattle, with little access to formal sporting facilities. His talent was discovered almost by chance when he was spotted by a development programme run by Border Cricket Board. From there, his raw pace and natural athleticism were nurtured, setting him on a path that would ultimately lead to the highest level of the game. Breaking Barriers on the International Stage Ntini…