Author: Rethabile Nyelele

As all eyes turn to Willie le Roux’s milestone 100th Test match for the Springboks this Saturday in Gqeberha, another stalwart continues to quietly defy the odds and deliver: Makazole Mapimpi. At 34 years old, Mapimpi remains one of the most prolific wings South African rugby has ever seen. He is set to earn his 47th Test cap against Italy. With 32 international tries already to his name, he boasts a strike rate few can match. Despite no longer being the first-choice left wing, his presence in the squad speaks volumes about his consistency and professionalism. Makazole Mapimpi Still in…

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has been given an extra week to recover from minor injuries. He is now expected to make his return in South Africa’s upcoming Test against Georgia in Nelspruit. Kolisi has been managing a stiff neck and lingering Achilles discomfort. This saw him miss the Springboks’ non-cap international against the Barbarians on 28 June. He also missed the opening Test match against Italy at Loftus Versfeld, a game South Africa won convincingly 42–24. Rassie Erasmus Chooses Caution Over Risk Although Kolisi is believed to be close to full fitness, Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus opted to err…

Ronnel Donnelly had a moment to cherish as she made her debut for Banyana Banyana on Monday, sharing the pitch with one of her football idols, Jermaine Seoposenwe. The 21-year-old forward from the University of the Western Cape couldn’t hold back her excitement following her late cameo in South Africa’s 2-0 victory over Ghana in their opening Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group C clash. Reacting to the special milestone, Donnelly summed up her feelings in a heartfelt South African way: “Yoooooooh!” It was a moment loaded with emotion and pride as she stepped onto the field at the…

The countdown has begun as Betway SA20 confirms its return with a thrilling lineup for Season 4. This sets the stage for a summer packed with top-tier T20 action across the country. Cricket fans can now mark their calendars with the competition kicking off earlier than usual—on Boxing Day, 26 December 2025. Blockbuster Boxing Day Opener Defending champions MI Cape Town will launch the tournament against Durban’s Super Giants at Newlands, Cape Town. This matchup promises an electric start to the season. The early December start is a first for SA20, aimed at capitalising on the festive atmosphere and school…

Orlando Pirates have officially announced that winger Monnapule Saleng will be spending the 2025/26 campaign on loan at newly-promoted Orbit College. The unexpected move was confirmed by the club on Wednesday. This marks a significant development in the player’s future following a turbulent season at Mayfair. Saleng’s exit had been anticipated after months of speculation. This was particularly after his absence from the matchday squad during the latter half of the previous Premier Soccer League season. Despite growing talk of a potential transfer, few predicted he would join a club making its debut in the top flight. Move to Limpopo…

The policy of issuing driving licence cards with limited validity periods in South Africa has come under renewed scrutiny. Experts argue that it offers no proven benefit to road safety. In fact, some suggest it may have even worsened the situation. According to Rob Handfield-Jones, managing director of Driving.co.za and a respected authority on road safety, there is no credible research linking short licence card validity periods with improved safety on South Africa’s roads. “There’s no evidence that the introduction of licence cards had any positive effect on road safety,” he said. He added that any potential benefit has likely…

Football is more than just a sport in Africa; it is a way of life, uniting millions across the continent. The passion for the game runs deep, and this is reflected in the awe-inspiring stadiums that host thrilling matches. From historic tournaments to international showdowns, these biggest football stadiums are not just places for football—they are landmarks of culture and national pride. Here is a look at the 10 biggest football stadiums in Africa, where unforgettable moments are made: 1. FNB Stadium, South Africa (94,736) Located in Johannesburg, FNB Stadium, also known as Soccer City, is the largest stadium in…

​The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be a landmark event, which expands from 32 to 48 teams. This significant change aims to provide more nations with the opportunity to participate on the global stage. The six continental football confederations carefully allocated the distribution of these 48 spots as follows: 1. UEFA (Europe): 16 Teams Europe has secured the highest number of World Cup spots, with 16 teams set to qualify. The qualification process involves:​ 2. CAF (Africa): 10 Teams CAF has increased Africa’s representation to 10 teams. The World Cup qualification process includes:​ Also read: Africa 2026 World Cup Qualifiers:…

In rugby, as in Italian cuisine, there are certain non-negotiables, rules steeped in tradition that must not be broken. Just as Italians cringe when foreigners snap spaghetti in half or pour ketchup over bolognese, the Springboks pride themselves on the structure and discipline of their set-pieces and breakdowns. It’s their sacred recipe for success. Any deviation from it, especially from their opposition, is considered rugby heresy. Italian Grit Shakes Up the Springbok System But this past weekend at Loftus Versfeld, a spirited second-string Italian side dared to challenge that order.Despite the Springboks’ intentions to dictate the pace, the visitors managed…

Orlando Pirates are undergoing a major squad overhaul as they prepare for the 2025/26 campaign. The club will release two more attacking players on loan The Buccaneers have already confirmed the departures of four players. Now, Angolan winger Gilberto and South African star Monnapule Saleng are next in line to temporarily exit the club. Together, the pair is valued at approximately R30 million, which marks a significant shift in the club’s attacking options. Gilberto’s Time in Soweto Nearing the End? Gilberto, who joined Orlando Pirates for a reported R10 million, is unlikely to feature in the club’s plans going forward.…