The Betway Premiership is heading toward a dramatic photo finish as league debutants Orbit College find themselves holding the keys to the South African football kingdom. In a classic David versus Gol...
The 16 Premier Soccer League teams in the Betway Premiership are edging closer to the end of a gruelling 10-month season as they prepare for their final two matchday league fixtures.
Mamelodi Sundown...
South African rugby supporters had best get ready for the early shift when they prepare for the Springboks’ opening game of the Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia next year.
Coach Rassie Erasmus and his team will get their campaign to retain the Webb Ellis Cup — good ol’ “Bill” — started on Sunday, 3 October when they face Italy at 5.45am. They will then continue their Group B fixtures the following Sunday against Georgia (8.45am) before finishing the round-robin phase on Sunday, 17 October, against Romania (1.15pm).
The defending champions will criss-cross Australia as they do so, starting the tournament in Adelaide before moving on to Brisbane and then finishing the first phase of the competition in Perth.
Should they progress as Group B winners, they will remain in the Western Australian capital for the Round of 16, where they will play the third-best team from either Pool D, E or F — pools that involve the likes of Uruguay, Portugal, the US, Samoa, Tonga and Zimbabwe. Although unlikely, Scotland, Japan or Wales could also potentially be opponents during that round.
That match is scheduled for Saturday, 23 October (12.45pm).
A second-place finish in Group B for the Boks, meanwhile, would see a Round of 16 clash with the winners of Group F — realistically either England or Wales (also in Perth) the following day, also at 12.45pm.
Should the wheels truly come off for the world’s top-ranked and top-seeded team, the Boks could also qualify as one of the best third-placed teams from Group B, E or F. In such a scenario, they would in all likelihood face either Ireland or Scotland from Group D in Melbourne on the Sunday (7.45am).
The 2027 World Cup has been expanded to 24 teams over 52 matches, starting on Friday, 1 October when hosts Australia open the tournament against Hong Kong — who will be making their first appearance at the tournament — in Perth.
The quarter-finals will take place on the weekend of 30–31 October, followed by the semi-finals a week later on 5 and 6 November. The final will take place in Sydney on Saturday, 13 November.
“It’s pleasing that we now know where and when we are playing, and we are fortunate that we have played in Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, and Sydney in the last few years in the Rugby Championship,” said Erasmus, via an SA Rugby statement on Tuesday morning.
“We can now go full steam ahead with our planning and preparation for the tournament, and we will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that we are as fresh and well prepared as possible for the competition.
“The one thing that pops out looking at the schedule is that, should we progress to the playoffs, there will be travel between the round of 16 and quarter-final, which is something we have to factor into our planning, as the flight is just under five hours between Perth and Sydney, and there is a two-hour time difference.
“Over and above that, our likely opponents could be either Australia or New Zealand, and it would be good to see their travel schedules. But obviously, we have to make it through first, which will require a massive effort.
“There’s a lot of hard work ahead in the next 18 months, but we are all very excited for the tournament and we are looking forward to putting the building blocks in place this season and next year before we depart for Australia.”
The Boks are chasing an unprecedented "three-peat" — a third consecutive world championship — and a fifth title overall. Before they attempt that feat, however, they will first have to navigate 2026.
Their first game of the international season in early June will see them face England, followed by Scotland and Wales. They also have a four-match Test series to contemplate against the All Blacks, as well as an outbound tour against Italy, France and Ireland later in the year.
There’s uncertainty over the future of 2026’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and whether South Africa would step in at the last minute to host.
This follows contradictory statements made by Deputy Sports Minister Peace Mabe, the department and Minister Gayton McKenzie.
The Women’s AFCON in 2026 is scheduled to be held in Morocco from 17 March 2026.
It has added significance, as it will also serve as a World Cup qualifier.
Speaking to the public broadcaster at the Women’s Super League awards on Sunday night, Mabe said South Africa had been offered the tournament’s hosting rights with just over a month before kick off.
“We took an opportunity that presented itself because we feel we have the necessary infrastructure and the support, of course, of hosting WAFCON. When Morocco said they were unable to host, as South Africa we said ‘yes, we’re available, we’re going to take it’… look, we are ready - we can host it.”
No other body has made an official announcement about the future of the tournament.
Since then, the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture released a statement, saying no formal decision has been taken to relocate the event.
*This article was first published by Eye Witness News
The thrill of knockout cup football is about to get unleashed with the return of the Nedbank Cup as the round of the Last 32 is set to kick off this coming on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, with the spotlight shines brightest on the opening night as the defending champions, Kaizer Chiefs, begin their quest to retain the throne. The Amakhosi face a daunting start to their campaign as they travel to the Western Cape to lock horns with a formidable Stellenbosch FC at the DHL Stadium. This high stakes encounter on Wednesday evening serves as a perfect litmus test for the holders, who will need to navigate the tricky coastal conditions and a disciplined Winelands outfit to keep their title defence alive. Simultaneously, the powerhouse of Mamelodi Sundowns will be in action at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, where they play host to Gomora United. While the Brazilians are perennial favourites in any competition they enter, the 19:30 kick-off offers Gomora United the ultimate stage to attempt a historic upset against one of the continent’s most decorated sides. As the midweek energy transitions into the weekend, on 6 February Durban City FC will seek to utilise their home advantage against a resilient Chippa United side that often finds its best form in knockout football. On the same night, the romanticism of the cup is further highlighted as CR Vasco Da Gama takes on Luthuli Brigades FC - a match that represents the very essence of the Nedbank Cup’s inclusive nature. The tournament will reach fever pitch on 7 February with six fixtures scheduled across the nation. The headline act of the day features Orlando Pirates traveling north to face Tshakhuma FC. The Buccaneers, with their rich cup history, will be wary of the motivated hosts in what is expected to be a packed football showdown. Elsewhere that very same Saturday, the footballing map expands as FC Cardinals and Jacksa Spears battle for supremacy, while Highbury FC tests their mettle against Sekhukhune United. The day will be rounded up by Army Rockets FC hosting Casric Stars, Upington City welcoming Magesi FC, and Lamontville Golden Arrows entertaining Orbit College FC in what promises to be a showcase of diverse playing styles. TS Galaxy, a club that famously won this competition as a lower-division side, will face Marumo Gallants in a match that could easily go the distance on Sunday, 8 February. Meanwhile, a familiar rivalry is renewed as Hungry Lions and the University of Pretoria (AmaTuks) square off in a clash where psychological edges will be just as important as technical skill. The Sunday roster also includes Mkhambathi FC versus Lerumo Lions and an intriguing battle between Siwelele FC and Richards Bay FC. These matches provide a vital platform for provincial pride and offer players a rare chance to catch the eyes of national scouts. The opening round of action finally draws to a close on 10 February, with two encounters. SSU M-17 FC will host Milford FC at Dobsonville Stadium, while the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane will provide the backdrop for an all-topflight affair between Polokwane City and AmaZulu FC. This final pair of matches ensures that the drama remains high until the very last whistle of the round. History has proven that the room for the amateur clubs to cause major upsets in the Nedbank Cup is a fathomable possibility. It is in this competition where small clubs either forge their dreams or have them ruthlessly shattered by the local giants. It is a period that promises the usual blend of David-versus-Goliath narratives, tactical chess matches, and the raw emotion that only a winner-takes-all tournament can provide. For amateur footballers in the lower divisions, the Nedbank Cup is a once in a lifetime opportunity that can serve as a significant launch pad into a successful football career. The competition also offers a relentless feast of nail-biting football that either induces great excitement or considerable heartbreak for fans across the country
The Betway Premiership has officially shifted into high gear with the commencement of the second half of a highly competitive season this week. With table toppers Mamelodi Sundowns and third-placed Kaizer Chiefs having set the tone at the upper end of the table with important midweek victories, the focus now turns to other critical league fixtures where teams will go on their respective quests to finish within the upper half top eight grouping at the end of the 2025/2026 campaign. All eyes now turn to the Richards Bay Stadium this Friday, where ninth-placed local outfit Richards Bay hosts Siwelele FC as both teams are still looking to get one over the other by registering their first win ever against their counterparts. The tone for this encounter was set by their cagey 0-0 draw in their first ever fixture back in August 2025. However, both sides arrive with fresh momentum following gritty midweek preparations for this clash. Currently sitting 11th on the table with 16 points, Siwelele’s mission would be to replicate the tactical discipline that saw them hold the Sundowns before the recently elapsed December break. The ‘Natal Rich Boys’, just one point ahead in ninth, know that a home win is essential to maintain their mid-table position as the race toward the finish line intensifies. The football action continues Saturday afternoon with a high-stakes relegation zone battle at Olympia Park as 14th placed Orbit College FC takes on Chippa United who lie flat at the bottom of the premiership log with only nine points to show after 15 league outings. Orbit, on the other hand, enters this fixture reeling from a 2–0 midweek defeat at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns - a result that also left them too close to the relegation drop zone with 13 points. They face a Chippa side that is desperate to ignite their season and attempt to climb up to a much safer spot to avoid probable prospects of sinking down into the second league come the end of the season. Concurrently, a massive clash will also unfold at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium as fourth placed Sekhukhune United hosts title contenders, Orlando Pirates - who trail Sundowns by a single point with 28 points and lie second position on the log. Sekhukhune are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 1–0 midweek loss to Stellenbosch FC, which stalled their climb to 25 points. Although they face a well-rested Pirates side, Sekhukhune has proven to be the latter’s ‘bogey team’, especially after their 1-0 victory over the ‘Buccaneers’ in their previous league meeting. Sunday’s fixtures bring the curtain down on the weekend with two intriguing matchups. At the Moses Mabhida Stadium, sixth-placed AmaZulu FC welcomes a high-flying TS Galaxy side that is sitting fifth on the table. Both teams are currently on 24 points, but Galaxy arrive in Durban with maximum confidence after a commanding 2–0 midweek win over Marumo Gallants - a result that propelled them into the top five with 24 points. Galaxy is only ahead of AmaZulu on goal difference. This encounter, therefore, serves as a direct battle for continental qualification spots, with Galaxy looking to repeat their 3-1 dominance from earlier this season. To cap off the weekend Durban City FC faces off with Polokwane City at Chatsworth Stadium. This impending nailbiter promises to be the most tightly contested duel this weekend given the similar runs both teams have endured in the current season. City are eighth on the log with 22 points to show, while Polokwane sit seventh with 23 points. Most importantly, City is looking to avenge a bruising 4–1 cup defeat at the hands of Polokwane, which will surely reduce this fixture into a thrilling affair, where margins for error will be very minimal. As the points become more precious, this weekend’s results will likely dictate who is sprinting for glory and who is stumbling towards the finish.
Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa’s loan transfer to Stellenbosch FC may mark the beginning of the end of his time with the Soweto giants, potentially concluding when his contract expires at the end of the season.
For the Pirates faithful, the departure stings, yet it reflects a hard truth. Mabasa has struggled to etch his mark, caught in the shadow of limited opportunities and a coach’s vision that never fully included him.
With just six months left on his contract, Mabasa is now free to explore options with other clubs. While his performances have been solid, his playing style has not fully aligned with Abdeslam Ouaddou’s tactical approach or the team’s preferred style.
Even with four goals from nine appearances across all competitions, he would have needed to consistently force his way into the starting line-up to secure a permanent role.
Goals remain the ultimate measure for any striker, and Mabasa has proven himself among the country’s finest finishers. Pirates may well feel the long-term impact of his absence, particularly if he leaves on a free transfer at season’s end, taking with him both experience and finishing quality.
The 29-year-old is no stranger to loan moves, having previously enjoyed a productive spell at Moroka Swallows, where he scored six goals in 15 matches. Stellenbosch could reap similar benefits, with the loan — set to last the remainder of the season — providing a timely boost to their attack and potentially shaping their campaign.
Mabasa’s arrival also reflects a shrewd strategic move by head coach Gavin Hunt, who now has a proven striker ready to make an immediate impact. Combined with other new signings, the Cape side could be on the verge of an exciting period, as Hunt looks to strengthen his squad and leave a mark this season.
The victory underlined their dominance at the Sevens Stadium, where the South Africans maintained an undefeated status by winning all five of their matches over the weekend.
The Springbok Women's Sevens were crowned champions of the inaugural HSBC SVNS 3 tournament in Dubai on Sunday after defeating Argentina 12–5 in a tightly contested final.
The victory underlined their dominance at the Sevens Stadium, where the South Africans maintained an undefeated status by winning all five of their matches over the weekend.
PATH TO QUALIFICATION Beyond the silverware, the team's semi-final victory over Poland earlier on Sunday secured their qualification for the HSBC SVNS 2 series. This upcoming series will feature tournaments in:
Nairobi: 14–15 February
Montevideo: 21–22 March
Sao Paulo: 28–29 March
FINAL STAND: SOUTH AFRICA VS. ARGENTINA South Africa endured a slow start in the final against Argentina. While their defence remained resolute in the early stages, the attack struggled to find its rhythm, failing to convert several created opportunities. Argentina took advantage of the stalemate, scoring the only try of the first half to lead 5–0 at the break.
The second half remained an "arm wrestle," but the South African offence eventually broke through. Zintle Mpupha levelled the scores at 5–5 with a try three minutes from time. Patience Mokone then crossed the line with a minute remaining, and a successful conversion by Nadine Roos sealed the win. The team was forced to defend one final, desperate Argentinian surge before the whistle confirmed their championship status.
SEMI-FINAL SURGE AGAINST POLAND The road to the final also began slowly. In the semi-final against Poland, Nadine Roos opened the scoring following a powerful scrum, but a lapse in concentration at a ruck allowed Poland’s Martyna Wardaszka to equalise.
However, momentum shifted back to the Bok Women following a try by Tshiremba, leading to a 12–5 advantage at halftime. The second half was a clinical display of dominance as South Africa found space on the edges. Tshiremba, Ayanda Malinga, and Patience Mokone all added to the tally, while Mpupha closed the match with a final try following a quick penalty.
*This article was first published by Eye Witness News
Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) as Pape Gueye's extra-time winner sunk hosts Morocco 1-0 after a chaotic final that saw the eventual champions storm off the pitch late in the game.
Brahim Diaz could have won the trophy for Morocco with a controversial spot-kick in the 24th minute of added time at the end of normal time as ugly scenes broke out in the stands.
But Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy easily saved the weak attempted 'Panenka' chip by the Real Madrid winger, who was clearly distracted by the long delay that followed the penalty award.
The game at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium then went to extra time, and Gueye's brilliant 94th-minute strike handed them the title.
VAR controversy, late penalty drama and crowd unrest overshadow Senegal victory
"We had a feeling of injustice. Just before the penalty we thought we should have had a goal and the referee didn't go to VAR," said match-winner Gueye, who added that Sadio Mane had urged the team to come back onto the pitch for the penalty.
"Sadio told us to come back on and we remobilised. Edouard then made the save, we stayed focused, got the goal and won the game."
The controversial penalty was awarded by Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala right at the end of the allotted eight added minutes in normal time following a VAR check for a challenge on Diaz by El Hadji Malick Diouf.
The Moroccan team vehemently protested to the referee to check the images, but the decision to eventually give the spot-kick was met with fury by Senegal and their fans.
As most of their players walked off the pitch, some Senegal supporters at the opposite end of the stadium threw chairs and other objects and attempted to get onto the field of play.
They were eventually contained by a large barrier of police and stewards, and their anger turned to delight when the penalty was saved.
The Senegal team had initially been riled by the referee's decision to disallow for a foul a goal scored by Ismaila Sarr in the second added minute.
Gueye the hero
Diaz's penalty miss clearly galvanised Senegal, however, and they scored in the fourth minute of extra time to stun the crowd of 66,526.
Sadio Mane won possession in midfield and found Idrissa Gana Gueye, who released his namesake Pape Gueye.
The Villarreal midfielder advanced towards the box before beating goalkeeper Yassine Bounou with a superb strike into the top corner, leaving the hosts distraught.
They could still have forced a penalty shoot-out, with Nayef Aguerd heading against the crossbar in the second half of extra time.
But it was not to be for Morocco, who had been dreaming of winning the title in front of their own fans to end a 50-year wait to become African champions for just the second time.
It is Senegal's second Cup of Nations title in the last three editions, after they defeated Egypt on penalties in Yaounde in 2022 to win the trophy for the very first time.
They can now look forward to the World Cup, and will hope to persuade star man Mane to play another AFCON after he declared that the final would be his last game at the tournament.
"The image we gave of African football was rather shameful. Having to stop the game for more than 10 minutes with the world watching is not very classy," said Morocco coach Walid Regragui, who urged his team to "come back stronger".
Any investigation into the disgraceful scenes will focus on the conduct of the Senegal team and their fans as well as any shortcomings by Moroccan organisers.
The incidents came at the end of a tense final low on goalmouth action -- not surprising given the defensive strength of Africa's two top teams in the FIFA rankings.
Then came the late drama, with Senegal surviving the penalty award before Gueye became their hero -- with the first goal scored by Senegal in an AFCON final after they had failed to find the net in any of their three previous appearances in the tournament's deciding game.
It was an agonising ending for Morocco, and many of their fans left the stadium before the final whistle on a cold and wet night.
