Author: Lehlohonolo Scheepers

South Africa’s under-19 side delivered a composed and clinical chase on Tuesday to edge past England’s young guns by six wickets at Grace Road in Leicester, booking a confidence-boosting victory in what promises to be a compelling Youth ODI series between the two nations. Nerves of Steel in Leicester England’s under-19s were bowled out for 158 in 33.5 overs after being put under consistent pressure by the South African attack. It was never a commanding total, but on a day where wickets tumbled at regular intervals, 158 always had the potential to test a young batting line-up still finding its…

South Africa’s next generation of cricket stars are set to get a thorough examination on English soil this week, as the Junior Proteas lock horns with England Under-19s in a three-match Youth ODI series. With the 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup cycle firmly in mind, these fixtures carry more weight than mere development cricket – they are auditions, proving grounds, and pressure cookers all rolled into one. Series Opener – Leicester (Tuesday, 30 June, 12:00) The series gets underway at the Fischer County Ground, Grace Road in Leicester on Tuesday at noon local time. Grace Road is a ground steeped…

Atlas Lions Show Their Resilience in Dramatic Knockout Victory Morocco booked their place in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties following a gripping 1-1 draw in Monterrey. In a contest filled with tension, late drama and heroic goalkeeping, the Atlas Lions once again proved they belong among world football’s elite by overcoming one of Europe’s traditional powerhouses. The victory marked another significant milestone for Moroccan football, continuing the momentum they have built in recent years. Having captured the imagination of football fans during previous international tournaments, Morocco once again…

Martinelli’s stoppage-time strike sends Brazil into the last 16 Brazil booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Japan, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring a stoppage-time winner to end a fiercely contested knockout clash in Houston. The five-time world champions were pushed to the limit by an organised and fearless Japanese side that looked set to produce one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. Instead, Brazil showed the composure and resilience that have defined many of their greatest World Cup moments, overturning a first-half deficit through Casemiro before Martinelli delivered the…

Paraguay produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by eliminating Germany on penalties after a thrilling 1-1 draw in their Round of 32 clash in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The South Americans held their nerve in the shootout to win 4-3, ending Germany’s hopes of lifting a fifth World Cup title and booking their place in the last 16. Germany entered the match as favourites after topping their group with impressive performances, but Paraguay once again showed why they have become one of the tournament’s surprise packages. A disciplined defensive display, clinical finishing and nerves of steel…

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is delivering some mouth-watering knockout football, and for South African fans, the next week could not be more emotionally charged. Bafana Bafana headline the action, but there is no shortage of African interest across a packed schedule that stretches from Los Angeles to Vancouver and everywhere in between. Bafana Bafana’s Moment of Truth The standout fixture for every South African supporter is undoubtedly South Africa vs Canada on Sunday 28 June, kicking off at 21:00 at Los Angeles Stadium. Hugo Broos’s side have already made history just by being here, but now the real work…

While the senior Proteas enjoy a well-earned break, South Africa’s next generation of cricket stars are busy making their mark on English soil. The junior Proteas are set for a two-match Youth ODI series against England Under-19s, and these fixtures offer a compelling look at the talent pipeline that could be shaping South African cricket for years to come. Youth ODI Series – England vs South Africa U19 The series gets underway on Tuesday, 30 June at 12:00 at the Fischer County Ground, Grace Road in Leicester – a venue steeped in county cricket tradition and one that offers a…

Sunday’s FIFA World Cup 2026 action delivered drama, heartbreak and African pride in equal measure, as the tournament continues to throw up storylines that will keep fans talking long into the American summer. From Kansas City to Atlanta, African nations reminded the world why this expanded tournament is all the richer for their presence. Algeria Refuse to Fold in Kansas City Thriller The standout result from an African perspective has to be Algeria’s extraordinary 3-3 draw with Austria in Kansas City. The Fennec Foxes, playing in their first World Cup since 2014, showed the kind of grit and technical quality…

Bafana Bafana’s historic FIFA World Cup run ended in painful fashion after a 1-0 defeat to Canada in the Round of 32 at Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday night. South Africa were minutes away from forcing extra time, but Stephen Eustáquio struck in the 92nd minute to send Canada into the last 16 for the first time in their history. A Brave Defensive Effort Hugo Broos’ side spent large parts of the match under pressure, with Canada enjoying more control and creating the clearer chances. Bafana defended with discipline, stayed compact and frustrated the North Americans for most of the…

Dutch Quality Shows When It Matters The Netherlands booked their place in the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup with a composed 3-1 win over Tunisia in their final Group F match. It was not always a perfect Dutch performance, but it was professional, controlled and strong enough to confirm their status as one of the teams to watch in the tournament. Coming into the game, the Netherlands knew that victory would secure top spot in the group. Tunisia, on the other hand, were playing for pride after a difficult campaign. The difference in confidence showed early, as the…