Author: Rethabile Nyelele

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso is approaching their crucial CAF Champions League semi-final second leg against Al Ahly with bold confidence, insisting that the electric atmosphere expected at the Cairo International Stadium will not rattle his players. The Brazilians are set to face the reigning African champions in front of 75,000 passionate fans on Friday night in a winner-takes-all clash. The victor will book a place in the final against either Orlando Pirates or Pyramids. But despite the intimidating prospect of a sold-out Egyptian crowd, Cardoso remains calm and assured. Miguel Cardoso Embraces the Big Stage Cardoso, who spoke…

The City of Tshwane has confirmed that Soshanguve’s Giant Stadium will soon be renamed the Amos Mkhari Stadium. This is in tribute to the legendary footballer who left a lasting mark on the local and national football scene. The city council formally approved this decision following a proposal initiated by the Soshanguve Heritage Foundation in 2023. Geographical Names Policy Supports the Change Sarah Mabotsa, Tshwane’s MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning, announced the council’s endorsement of the renaming. The change aligns with the city’s 2023 geographical names policy. The policy enables the renaming of municipal-owned landmarks to honour late…

This year’s Comrades Marathon promises to push athletes to their limits, with the official race distance now confirmed at a challenging 89.98 kilometres — just about 90km! The 2025 edition of the world-famous ultra-marathon will take place on Sunday, 8 June. It will take runners on a demanding Down Run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. A Near-Century-Old Legacy Continues The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) revealed the official race distance early on Thursday, sharing their excitement at what lies ahead. This year’s race marks the 98th edition overall, and notably, the 49th Down Run in the event’s storied history. Alain Dalais, General…

The Comrades Marathon is not just a race; it’s a testament to human endurance, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of South African runners. Spanning approximately 89 kilometres between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, this ultramarathon is a dream for many. Here’s how you can transition from training to qualification and successfully enter this iconic event. Understanding the Qualification Criteria To participate in the 2025 Comrades Marathon, runners must meet specific qualification standards: Crafting a Comprehensive Training Plan Preparing for the Comrades Marathon requires a well-structured training regimen: Navigating the Entry Process Once you’ve met the qualification criteria: Final Preparations As race day…

The top boys’ sports schools’ rankings are highly anticipated. We are excited to present the 2025 edition. As fierce as the competition has always been, these rankings are certain to ignite conversation. Some will celebrate, while others might disagree. How We Rank Our rankings are based on an in-depth analysis of six major sports: Rugby, Cricket, Soccer, Hockey, Basketball, and Water Polo. These sports are the cornerstone of the SA School Sport rankings. Our evaluation criteria consider factors such as strength of opposition, match results (win/loss/draw), and the margin of victory or defeat. This methodology means that schools excelling in…

South Africa’s national U20 side, Amajita, is en route to Egypt as they prepare to kick off their U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign. Coach Raymond Mdaka remains positive about the team’s readiness. This is despite that they face the challenge of travelling without some of their most crucial players. Amajita wrapped up their local preparations with a convincing 5-0 victory over Sekhukhune United’s ABC Motsepe League team in Bedfordview earlier this week. While a full-strength squad was not available for the friendly, Mdaka believes the team has gained the momentum they need heading into the continental tournament. Coach…

Springbok rugby players are among the highest-paid athletes in the country. However, their earnings can vary depending on where they play and their experience level. While national pride plays a huge part in donning the green and gold, the real money for many of these stars comes from their club contracts. Club vs Country: Where the Big Money Lies Most Springboks earn the bulk of their income from club rugby, not directly from SA Rugby contracts. Local franchises like the Bulls, Sharks, Lions, and Stormers offer competitive packages. However, the real financial windfalls come from stints in foreign leagues. France’s…

Easter weekend across Johannesburg is once again defined by the roar of schoolboy rugby. Three iconic Easter rugby festivals—hosted by King Edward VII School (KES), St John’s College, and St Stithians College—returned in full force for 2025. These highly anticipated long-weekend events brought together some of the top rugby talent from around the country and abroad, continuing a proud tradition in school sports. Triple-Header Easter Rugby Festival Format This year’s easter rugby festival schedule followed the familiar structure: matches were played on Thursday, Saturday and Monday at each of the host venues. However, a fresh element added even more excitement…

South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) continues to shine as one of Africa’s premier football stages. Over the past decade, the league has grown in stature, drawing interest not just from local fans but from international circles as well. Part of this rise is due to the league’s financial power, with many players earning impressive salaries rivalling top African leagues. Here’s a look at the top 10 highest-paid PSL players as of 2025 — most of whom play for the country’s wealthiest and most successful clubs. Top 10 Highest-Paid PSL Players 1. Samir Nurkovic – R930,000 per monthAt the top…

As the United Rugby Championship (URC) enters its final stretch, the Lions are gearing up for a crucial run of fixtures at home, knowing that nothing less than perfection will keep their playoff hopes alive. With just four regular-season matches remaining, the Johannesburg-based side is targeting a strong finish – and above all, the one ingredient they’ve lacked all season: consistency. Lions Rugby In Search of Stability It’s been another rollercoaster campaign for Ivan van Rooyen’s men, who have struggled to maintain form and rhythm. Currently sitting in 14th place on the URC log with 30 points from 14 matches,…