Author: Lehlohonolo Scheepers

Lehlohonolo writes about South African sport for a living and thinks about it the rest of the time — football, rugby, cricket. Match reports, previews, profiles, the features that take a week. He is the reason ScoreLine's copy is clear, and the reason it gets checked twice before it reaches you. He supports Kaizer Chiefs, so he understands better than most that a result is never just a result. Gold and black, every weekend, no matter what the table says.

The PSL goes dark for a week. From 23 March-2 April, the Betway Premiership pauses for the FIFA international break, giving players a rest and fans an opportunity to step back and look at the title race with fresh eyes. It is a pause that arrives at a genuinely fascinating moment: Orlando Pirates head into the break at the summit of the Betway Premiership on 51 points one ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns on 50 after their stunning 6-0 demolition of TS Galaxy on Sunday, capped by Relebohile Mofokeng’s hat-trick. Not for the first time this season, Pirates are top. The…

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The SA Cup does not always get the national spotlight it deserves. It sits below the URC and Currie Cup Premier Division in the broadcasting hierarchy, and the clubs that compete in it are often described somewhat unfairly as “second tier.” But for the players involved and the communities that follow them, the SA Cup is deeply meaningful. And in 2026, the competition has thrown up a storyline worth paying attention to: Griquas and the Boland Kavaliers, two sides with proud provincial histories, have been unbeaten through the opening three rounds and are setting the early pace as the battle…

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There are moments in South African football that feel genuinely historic, and 27 March 2026 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban is one of them. Bafana Bafana take the field against Panama in their first FIFA World Cup preparation friendly ahead of the USA/Canada/Mexico tournament this summer: South Africa’s first World Cup since they co-hosted in 2010, and their first as a qualifier since 2002. Hugo Broos has spent three years building a squad capable of competing on the global stage, and the squad he has named for these two friendlies tells you exactly how seriously this preparation is being…

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South Africa’s men’s team delivered a composed and clinical performance to defeat New Zealand by 33 runs in the fifth and final T20I in Christchurch on Wednesday, sealing a 3–2 series victory and underlining their growing confidence in overseas conditions. In a series that ebbed and flowed from the opening match, the Proteas saved their most complete display for the decider. With the series level at 2–2 heading into the final game, the stakes were clear: one strong performance would decide the contest. South Africa responded with both bat and ball, producing a performance that combined attacking intent with tactical…

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The Sharks remain one of South African rugby’s most compelling teams a franchise built on star power, physicality and a proud Durban identity. Based at Kings Park Stadium, they carry the expectations of a region that has produced some of the country’s finest players, and in recent years, they have assembled a squad capable of competing with the best in both domestic and international competitions. Yet, for all their talent, the Sharks are a team still searching for sustained consistency. A Franchise Built on Heritage The Sharks’ roots stretch back to the Natal Rugby Union, one of South Africa’s most…

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A New Club With an Old Soul Siwelele FC is one of the most fascinating additions to South African football in recent years. Officially founded in 2025, the club emerged after acquiring the Premier Soccer League (PSL) status of SuperSport United. On paper, it is a new entity. In spirit, however, it represents something much older and far more emotional the attempted revival of the beloved Bloemfontein Celtic identity. The name “Siwelele” carries deep cultural and footballing significance. It was the rallying cry of Celtic supporters for decades, a symbol of unity, pride, and community in Bloemfontein. By adopting the…

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From Rural KwaZulu Natal to the Professional Stage Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s journey into professional football is a story rooted in resilience, discipline and raw talent. Born in Hluhluwe in KwaZulu Natal, Mbokazi grew up far from the glamour of elite football structures. Like many South African players from rural areas, his path to the top was not paved with privilege but with persistence. His early years were shaped by limited resources, yet those challenges forged a mentality that would later define his playing style. Strong, composed and mentally resilient, Mbokazi developed into a defender who thrives under pressure. His rise through…

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Few figures in African football command as much respect and influence as Pitso Mosimane. Over the past two decades, Mosimane has built a legacy defined by tactical intelligence, resilience, and an unwavering belief in African excellence. From domestic dominance in South Africa to continental glory, his journey reflects both personal ambition and a broader shift in how African coaches are perceived on the global stage. From Player to Pioneer Before becoming one of Africa’s most decorated coaches, Mosimane enjoyed a solid playing career. He represented clubs such as Jomo Cosmos and Mamelodi Sundowns, as well as earning caps for the…

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New Zealand Women sealed a 3-1 T20I series victory over South Africa Women in Wellington on 22 March, with Sophia Devine’s unbeaten 64 and Jess Kerr’s 3 for 16 the decisive contributions in a six-wicket win. The series; which SA levelled at 1-1 after the first two matches, ultimately showed the gulf in consistency between two sides that both have their eyes on the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England. Series Overview — New Zealand Women Win 3-1 MatchResultKey Moment1st T20INew Zealand Women won by 80 runsNZ establish dominant series lead2nd T20ISouth Africa Women won by 18 runsSA…

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It has come down to this. South Africa and New Zealand, level at 2-2 in a five-match T20I series, meet at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Wednesday 25 March for the decider. Series deciders in New Zealand conditions are not comfortable for any away side : the surfaces tend to help the home bowlers, the crowd gets behind the Black Caps from ball one, and the weight of expectation sits differently when you are the home favourite. But the Proteas have already shown in this series that they can handle pressure, recover from a hammering in Auckland, and produce something…

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