Author: Lehlohonolo Scheepers

The next generation of Proteas cricket talent takes centre stage this week as South Africa’s Under-19 side heads to England for a short but significant tour that could shape the future of the game in this country. Two contrasting formats await the young South Africans at The County Ground in Beckenham, offering a stern test of both their limited-overs craft and their ability to grind through the longer version of the game. Youth ODI Opener Sets the Tone The action gets underway on Monday, 6 July at 12:00 (SA time) when the two nations clash in a Youth One-Day International…

South Africa’s Under-19 side suffered a gut-wrenching one-wicket defeat against England Under-19s at The County Ground in Northampton on Friday, falling agonisingly short in what proved to be a pulsating Youth ODI encounter that went right down to the wire. The young Proteas posted what appeared to be a competitive 227 from their 39.3 overs, but England chased the target down with remarkable composure, finishing on 228 for 2 with more than an over to spare. The margin of victory – just one wicket in terms of resources – flatters neither side and tells only part of a story that…

While the senior Proteas may be in a quieter period on the international calendar, South Africa’s next generation of cricket stars are keeping the nation’s flag flying high in England this week. The South Africa Under-19s are in the thick of a Youth ODI series against their English counterparts, and these two fixtures offer a tantalising glimpse into the future of Proteas cricket. Young Proteas Take On England’s Best The action gets underway on Friday, 3 July when the two sides meet at The County Ground in Northampton, with play scheduled to begin at 12:00. It is a ground steeped…

The FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout rounds are heating up, and for South African fans, this week’s slate of fixtures offers plenty to shout about – with African nations front and centre in some of the tournament’s most tantalising matchups. From Los Angeles to Toronto, Vancouver to Miami, the round of sixteen and beyond promises drama, heartbreak and moments of pure footballing magic. Here is your essential guide to what is coming up. African Lions Still Roaring The continent’s representatives have carried the hopes of millions, and several are still standing tall. Algeria face Switzerland on Friday 03 July at…

A Big Knockout Night for the Hosts The United States kept their FIFA World Cup dream alive with a confident 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 on Wednesday night. Playing under the pressure of being one of the host nations, the USA showed discipline, energy and patience to get past a Bosnia side that arrived with belief and plenty of fight. It was a knockout match with real tension. For the USA, anything less than victory would have been seen as a major disappointment. For Bosnia and Herzegovina, this was a chance to shock the…

England Made to Work Hard England booked their place in the FIFA World Cup last 16 after surviving a major scare against DR Congo in a dramatic 2-1 win. The Round of 32 clash was expected to test England’s patience, but it became far more than that. DR Congo showed courage, discipline and real belief, pushing one of the tournament favourites deep into the match. For England, this was not a perfect performance. It was tense, uncomfortable and at times frustrating. But knockout football is about finding a way through, and England did exactly that. Harry Kane once again proved…

Belgium showed their fighting spirit with a dramatic 3-2 win over Senegal in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32, booking their place in the Round of 16 after a tense and emotional knockout battle. Senegal looked ready to produce one of the biggest results of the tournament, but Belgium refused to fold. After falling behind, they found a way back into the match and eventually finished the job after extra time. Senegal Start With Belief Senegal entered the match with confidence and energy. They pressed Belgium high, moved the ball quickly, and looked dangerous whenever they attacked with pace.…

Mexico delivered one of the biggest nights of their modern World Cup story as they beat Ecuador 2-0 at the Estadio Azteca to reach the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For a nation carrying years of knockout-stage pain, this was more than just a victory. It was a release. Mexico had not won a World Cup knockout match since 1986, but first-half goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez changed that in front of a roaring home crowd. A Night Full Of Emotion The match had drama before a ball was even kicked. Kickoff was delayed by…

Norway booked their place in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 in an entertaining Round of 32 encounter. A late strike from Erling Haaland proved to be the difference as the Scandinavian side overcame a determined Ivorian team that had battled back to level the scores in the second half. The victory continues Norway’s impressive World Cup campaign and sets up an exciting last-16 showdown with Brazil. For Côte d’Ivoire, meanwhile, the defeat marks the end of a memorable tournament that showcased the promise of one of Africa’s emerging squads. Norway…

France booked their place in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 3-0 win over Sweden in East Rutherford on Tuesday night. Kylian Mbappé was once again the star of the show, scoring twice as France maintained their perfect tournament record. Bradley Barcola also found the net, while Michael Olise played a key creative role in another polished French attacking display. Reuters reported that the win gave France four victories from four matches and set up a last-16 meeting with Paraguay. France Take Control Sweden entered the match as underdogs but tried to stay compact…