Bafana Bafana suffered a 2-1 defeat to Panama in an international friendly in Cape Town on Tuesday night. The sides met for the second time in four days following their goalless stalemate at Moses Mab...
By Mpho Sekharume
Free State Rugby Union ignites resurgence of local rugby as 12 teams target R30 000 prize pot
The Free State Rugby Union (FSRU) is strategi cally eyeing the revitalsation of the lo...
Bafana Bafana suffered a 2-1 defeat to Panama in an international friendly in Cape Town on Tuesday night. The sides met for the second time in four days following their goalless stalemate at Moses Mabhida.
Both teams tweaked their starting line-ups, to give players minutes as they prepare for the FIFA World Cup in June. Hugo Broos was looking for an improved performance from his side after their draw in Durban.
The sides walked out of the tunnel to a thunderous reception at a sold-out DHL Stadium. The excitement and energy at kick-off was palpable, with the teams taking a pragmatic approach in the early exchanges. The first big chance fell to the visitors after half an hour, but Bafana captain, Ronwen Williams, was equal to the task.
yle Foster had a half-chance in just five minutes, but Bongokuhle Hlongwane should’ve given South Africa the lead before half-time. The South African attacker breached the Panama defense and sent the goalkeeper the wrong but sent his effort wide of the goal as the first period ended goalless.
The teams looked to impose themselves on the game, with the tourists creating the first chance as José Fajardo fired a warning shot wide of Renaldo Leaner’s goal after he replaced Williams in the South African goal for the second period. The Central Americans opened the scoring on the 58-minute mark when Leaner parried Ismael Diaz’s shot into the path of José Córdoba, who tapped home from close range.
DHL Stadium erupted six minutes later when Mbekezeli Mbokazi fired a rocket past Orlando Mosquera in the Panama goal. That strike saw Bafana up their tempo in search of the lead, but the hosts failed to convert their chances. Oswin Appollis delivered a teasing ball into the box, but Evidence Makgopa’s header crept over the crossbar ten minutes later.
Hugo Broos’ side were made to rue their missed chances when Panama regained the lead courtesy of a Jiovany Ramos header 13-minutes from full-time after the hosts failed to clear their lines. The tourists were able to take the sting out of the game, breaking any Bafana momentum in the closing stages to hang on for the victory.
Bafana’s Belgian tactician conceded that finding the back of the net needs to be worked on ahead of the World Cup.
“We can work on that certainly. Maybe there will be other players that we can see in the next months, again, and that can make our team better and stronger,” said the Bafana coach.
Free State Rugby Union ignites resurgence of local rugby as 12 teams target R30 000 prize pot
The Free State Rugby Union (FSRU) is strategi cally eyeing the revitalsation of the local game through the successful launch of the Free State Challenge Cup. The local rugby competition, which kicked off in late February this year and currently in its third week, marks a deliberate shift toward prioritising the amateur clubs that form the bedrock of the Free State’s rugby talent. Twelve local clubs have been integrated into this high-stakes format, organised into three distinct pools to ensure a high level of weekly competition. These teams are currently battling through the third week of fixtures, eyeing both a R30 000 prize purse and the official title of provincial champions. The tournament forms part of the FSRU’s broader vision to re-energise club rugby and bring commu nities back to the heart of the game. Through initi atives like the Free State Challenge Cup, the FSRU aims to restore the energy, competitiveness and community spirit that have always defined rugby in the Free State. The long-term goal remains the creation of a pipeline that feeds talent from the grassroots level to the highest tiers of the sport in the province and unleash new talent into the broarder South African rugby spectrum. By professionalising the administration and visi bility of these matches, the union is creating a sus tainable model for future growth. Early matches have already delivered competitive and entertaining rugby, reflecting the passion and pride that exists within Free State club structures. Fans have responded positively to the increased quality of play, filling local sidelines with renewed enthusiasm. The final of the Free State Challenge Cup will take place on 28 March 2026, providing a massive plat form for amateur athletes - promising to give them the opportunity to showcase their talent on a pre mier stage while celebrating the importance of club rugby in the province. Meanwhile, playing the final at the Toyota Stadi um underscores the union’s commitment to elevat ing the status of the club game. This logistical choice ensures that the winners receive the recognition their hard work throughout the season deserves. FSRU President, Coenraad Klopper, recently ad dressed the strategic importance of this tourna ment for the region’s sporting health. Klopper believes the union’s strength is inextrica bly linked to the vitality of its member clubs. “Club rugby is the cornerstone of any rugby un ion. It is where the game truly lives, in our commu nities and local clubs,” Klopper stated during a recent briefing on the tournament’s progress. Klopper further highlighted that the cup is more than a competition, but a mechanism for rebuilding a culture of excellence. He therfore urged the public to recognise and support the talent currently performing on local pitches every weekend. “The Free State Challenge Cup is an important step in reviving the passion, competitiveness and pride of club rugby in our province, and we encour age supporters to get involved and rally behind their local teams,” Klopper added. With just over two weeks remaining until the champion is crowned, the momentum behind the club game is at its highest point in years. Supporters, communities and rugby stakeholders are urged to attend the remaining matches and par ticularly the final at Toyota Stadium, as the province celebrates the resurgence of club rugby.
Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Manqoba Ngwenya believes in-form striker Iqraam Rayners could play a key role for the Brazilians as they enter an important phase of the season with CAF Champions League football returning.
After spending time on the sidelines earlier in the campaign, Rayners has rediscovered his rhythm in the second half of the season. His improved form has not only strengthened Sundowns’ attacking options but also revived his hopes of earning a place in the Bafana Bafana squad ahead of the Fifa World Cup.
The former Stellenbosch FC forward has been instrumental in Sundowns’ recent run of strong performances, scoring 13 goals in 23 appearances in all competitions. His contributions have helped the Brazilians maintain momentum in the Betway Premiership title race, where they remain locked in a tight battle with Orlando Pirates.
Ngwenya shared his thoughts after Sundowns produced a dominant second-half display to secure a 2–0 victory over Orbit College, a result that allowed them to reclaim top spot in the standings.
“Rayners could have scored early in the game if he had been more clinical,” Ngwenya said on SoccerBeat.
“As much as he gave a man-of-the-match performance once again, showing his quality and the player he is, if he could have taken those chances in the first half it would have made it much more comfortable for us. I thought we played a good, patient game. Orbit defended well, but you could tell that Sundowns were going to break them in the end.”
Rayners continues to face strong competition in attack, particularly from Colombian striker Brayan León, who has also been performing well. With domestic duties briefly taking a back seat, Sundowns will now shift their focus to their upcoming Champions League clash against Stade Malien at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Friday.
Ngwenya believes Rayners should lead the line as the team looks to secure an advantage in the first leg.
“Jayden Adams was suspended in the Betway Premiership, so he comes back in the middle with Teboho Mokoena,” Ngwenya continued.
“I would definitely start with Rayners. He is showing fine form and he is the type of player who always gives defenders headaches, especially playing at home. He will be a handful for the opponents. León is a quality striker who can always come in and add some value at the end.”
Sundowns appear to be finding their rhythm at an important stage of the season. The squad has also recently featured former Pirates midfielder Monnapule Saleng, who has begun settling into the team after joining the club earlier in the January transfer window.
Ngwenya believes Saleng’s adaptation is progressing well and expects the winger to improve further as he becomes more familiar with the team’s playing style.
“I thought it was an efficient performance from him against Orbit. He is still getting used to the style of play at Sundowns and not always having to get the ball and go at players. Sometimes you have to slow the game down, not lose the ball and be patient to find spaces behind the defenders.
“I thought his adjustment was very good in that sense. From game to game his form will improve, and he will get that goal.
"He played a part in the goal, and that should give him confidence. I am happy with his performance. To get 90 minutes was good for him.”
The 48th edition of the Cape Town Cycle Tour took place in the Mother City this weekend, drawing thousands of cyclists to one of the most anticipated events on the local sporting calendar.
Widely recognised as the world’s largest timed cycling race, the event saw more than 30 000 riders take on the challenging 109 km route around the Cape Peninsula, winding past iconic landmarks and offering some of the most breathtaking scenery in sport.
For most participants, the ride is a celebration of fitness, camaraderie and Cape Town’s natural beauty. But this year’s atmosphere shifted after an unfortunate incident involving one of the riders, casting a sombre mood over an event that usually brims with enthusiasm and achievement.
Emergency medical teams stationed along the route responded during the race, but organisers later confirmed that the cyclist had sadly passed away. In a short statement released after the incident, the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust expressed its sadness and extended condolences to the participant’s loved ones.
“It is with profound sadness that the Cape Town Cycle Tour confirms the death of a participant during the 2026 race following a suspected cardiac arrest,” the organisers said in an official statement.
Out of respect for the family’s privacy, the organisers also emphasised that they would not be disclosing the identity of the rider or specifying the exact location on the route where the incident occurred.
Fatalities during endurance events of this scale are very rare, but they are not without precedent. Medical research into long-distance cycling and running events has shown that serious medical emergencies, including cardiac arrests, can occur even among experienced and well‑trained athletes.
While such incidents remain uncommon compared with the huge number of participants, they are recognised risks in high‑endurance sports.
Intense physical exertion places significant demand on the cardiovascular system, particularly during long events or in the final stages when participants are pushing hardest.
The heart works harder to supply oxygen and nutrients to muscles, and in rare cases, underlying cardiac conditions (some of which may be undiagnosed) can be triggered by the stress of prolonged effort.
Factors such as dehydration, heat exposure and sudden bursts of pace can also contribute to increased risk, even for seasoned riders.
Event organisers are well aware of these possibilities and plan meticulously to ensure participant safety. At the Cycle Tour, medical personnel, ambulances and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are strategically positioned along the course to provide rapid response if needed.
These precautions, along with pre‑race advice on fitness and health checks, are standard practice at endurance events of this magnitude.
Despite the tragedy, thousands of riders completed the route, demonstrating determination and resilience.
The Springbok Sevens team secured yet another semifinal in the HSBC SVNS series by claiming top honours in Pool A at the Vancouver leg at BC Place on day one of the tournament.
They will face Australia at 22:33 (SA time) on Sunday in the first semifinal of the HSBC SVNS Vancouver, while Fiji and Spain will contest the second semifinal.
South Africa outplayed Great Britain (21-5), Spain (28-7), and New Zealand (17-12) at BC Place to finish top of their pool. They have contested semifinals in Cape Town, Singapore, and Perth in the previous three events, winning at home and in Australia last month.
Good defence laid the foundation for the success of the first day; they missed very few one-on-one tackles, kept their discipline, and outworked their opponents.
They were a bit slow out of the blocks in their first match, conceding a couple of penalties at the breakdown, but once Ronald Brown made a break to score the opening try, more fluency on attack followed. Brown's opener was the only scoring in the first half. Team GB scored first in the second half, but the SA side upped the tempo with several bench players making an impact, such as Ryan Oosthuizen, who—alongside Shilton van Wyk—scored the second-half tries.
Against Spain, it was again a matter of patience. The Spaniards were full of running after a confidence-boosting win over New Zealand in their first game. Brown again opened the scoring as he darted around the blind side from a scrum in the only points of an evenly contested first half.
The second half belonged to South Africa as they tested and overcame the Spanish defence. Sebastiaan Jobb raced in from 70 meters following a great break, and soon after, Shilton van Wyk dotted down after another good attacking spell. Tristan Leyds scored the fourth try and converted, before Spain scored in the last play of the match.
A great start against New Zealand sealed the deal for the Blitzboks. Impi Visser scored after an impressive long-range effort by the skipper, and Shilton van Wyk followed soon after to extend the lead. A third try by Siviwe Soyizwapi late in the first half pushed the lead to 17 points.
New Zealand, needing to win the match to stay in the tournament, rallied well in the second half, scoring twice, but some good turnovers by Selvyn Davids and Dewald Human eased the pressure and allowed the Blitzboks to finish the day unbeaten.
*This article was first published by Eye Witness News
The romantic allure of a Bloemfontein return appears to have outweighed the lure of the pound and euro as Springbok legend Faf de Klerk prepares for a sentimental homecoming.
According to a report by SA Rugby Magazine, the back-to-back World Cup-winning scrumhalf is on the verge of finalising a two-year deal with the Toyota Cheetahs, a move that would see him spurn lucrative interest from overseas giants.
While official confirmation from the franchise remains pending - with the Cheetahs’ recent communications focusing on contract extensions for players like Marko Janse van Rensburg and Matome Manyama - the Bloemfontein-based outfit is reportedly closing in on the signature of the 34-year-old veteran whose contract with the Yokohama Canon Eagles in Japan reaches its conclusion this June.
The shift in scenery is deeply personal, driven by a desire for De Klerk to be closer to their family roots in the Northern Cape and Free State regions. Negotiations with several high-profile suitors, including a potential return to Sale Sharks in England and interest from French Top 14 side Perpignan, reportedly stalled as the scrumhalf set his sights on a South Afri can return.
Despite the massive pay cuts involved in choosing a domestic move over European or Japanese contracts, the Cheetahs have emerged as the frontrunners thanks to the recent financial backing of a local business consortium.
This fiscal stability has allowed Director of Rugby, Frans Steyn, to pursue marquee talent, viewing De Klerk as a vital asset to mentor rising stars in the squad. The move marks a significant full-circle moment for the iconic number nine, who has spent the last four seasons in Japan after a storied stint in the English Premiership.
As his international career enters its twilight years, the prospect of playing in the orange jersey provides a boost to the Free State faithful and adds a legendary spark to the local rugby landscape.
While fans await the final handshake from the Toyo ta Stadium offices, all indications suggest that the ‘Gi ant Slayer’ is ready to swap the neon lights of Yokohama for the familiar horizons of the Free State.
Orlando Pirates remain masters of their own destiny at the summit of the Betway Premiership table, but there is little room for complacency as the title race intensifies.
The Buccaneers face another stern examination on Wednesday when they travel to the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium (7.30pm kick-off) to face off against Polokwane City. It is a fixture that will demand focus as every match is now a must win encounter, particularly with champions Mamelodi Sundowns breathing down their necks.
For Abdeslam Ouaddou’s charges, the weekend marked a swift return to winning ways.
After suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in their previous league outing, Pirates responded emphatically with a 3-0 demolition of Kaizer Chiefs this past Saturday. The convincing derby triumph has restored confidence within the camp ahead of what could prove to be a tricky encounter in Polokwane.
History favours the Soweto giants. Pirates have dominated this fixture in recent years, drawing just once in their last ten meetings across all competitions with nine wins, in what has been an otherwise commanding record.
On paper, they will once again start as favourites.
Tshepang Moremi is once again expected to play a pivotal role, having emerged as one of the club’s standout performers this season. The winger’s pace and direct running have added a new dimension to Pirates’ attack, and Ouaddou has been vocal in his admiration for the former AmaZulu midfielder.
“He is a really good and interesting player with a lot of qualities,” Ouaddou said.
The Moroccan tactician emphasised that Moremi’s growth has been carefully managed, highlighting the importance of structured development without exposing him to unnecessary external pressure.
“The problem with the modern footballer is there are too many coaches — everyone wants to be a coach. There are coaches on social media and coaches in the stands, and they want to mould players into what they want,” he explained.
“As technicians and coaches, we analyse the qualities of our players. When you see that his main quality is speed, you have to use that quality, create the right environment and put him in the right position to express himself.”
Although Moremi has not started consistently in recent outings, his impact off the bench in those matches underlined why he remains highly rated by the technical team. With stiff competition from the likes of Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis, team selection has become increasingly competitive.
Ouaddou believes Moremi’s unique attributes set him apart.
“He is a winger, and a winger uses pace, crosses and shooting, with the capacity to combine in the half-spaces,” he said.
"He cannot always operate in the half-space — that requires different qualities like those of Nkota, Mofokeng and Appollis. He has his own strengths and he is a top player, just different.
“Against Chiefs we used him to maximise his high qualities, and you can see that whenever we deploy him as a winger, he can surprise many people. Those qualities have also enabled him to be part of Bafana Bafana.”
