Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa scored from a hotly-disputed penalty when beating Al Masry of Egypt 2-1 on Sunday to top their CAF Confederation Cup group with one round remaining.
Flavio Da Silva conv...
South Africa smashed 47 off the last three overs to pile up 213-4 against Canada on Monday in Ahmedabad, the highest total so far in this year's T20 World Cup.
David Miller hit an unbeaten 39 off 23 ...
Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa scored from a hotly-disputed penalty when beating Al Masry of Egypt 2-1 on Sunday to top their CAF Confederation Cup group with one round remaining.
Flavio Da Silva converted the 39th-minute spot-kick after a lengthy delay while the visitors protested despite big-screen replays showing the ball striking the arm of captain Ahmed Mansour.
Algerian Abderrahim Deghmoum equalised on 57 minutes in Polokwane only for Chiefs to regain the lead three minutes later through an Aden McCarthy tap-in.
The result left Chiefs with a bitter-sweet victory as they needed to win 1-0 or by at least two goals to ensure qualification for the quarter-finals from Group D on head-to-head records.
While Chiefs were edging Masry, Zamalek of Egypt suffered a shock 1-0 away loss to ZESCO United of Zambia in Ndola, where Chadian Amine Hiver converted a second-half penalty.
The results set up an intriguing final round on Saturday with Zamalek hosting Chiefs and Masry having home advantage over ZESCO.
Chiefs have 10 points, Zamalek eight, Masry seven and already-eliminated ZESCO three with two quarter-finals places on the line.
The number of qualifiers for the knockout stage grew from two last weekend to four after Chabab Belouizdad of Algeria and AS Otoho of Congo-Brazzaville secured the Group C slots.
Belouizdad retained first place thanks to a 1-0 win over Singida Black Stars of Tanzania in Zanzibar City. Abdennour Belhocini scored the match-winner after just two minutes.
Both teams finished with 10 men after Mohamed Ben Hammouda of Belouizdad on the hour mark and Abdulmalik Zakaria deep in added time were sent off after both had been booked twice.
Otoho outplayed South African visitors Stellenbosch 3-0 with a Pomi Nzaou goal followed by a brace from Klegnime Kone.
Belouizdad have 12 points and Otoho nine ahead of their meeting in Algeria on Sunday. Singida and 2025 Confederation Cup semi-finalists Stellenbosch have four points each.
Group B leaders Wydad Casablanca of Morocco left it late to beat Nairobi United 1-0 in the Kenyan capital with substitute Wissam Ben Yedder netting in the 89th minute.
Wydad hold a three-point lead over Maniema Union from the Democratic Republic of Congo and AZAM of Tanzania. Nairobi have struggled in their African debut, suffering five straight losses.
Leaders USM Alger of Algeria and Olympique Safi of Morocco, who qualified from Group A last weekend, both won.
*This article was first published by Eye Witness News
South Africa smashed 47 off the last three overs to pile up 213-4 against Canada on Monday in Ahmedabad, the highest total so far in this year's T20 World Cup.
David Miller hit an unbeaten 39 off 23 balls and Tristan Stubbs was not out 34 off 19 as they finished the innings in the Group D encounter with an unbroken stand of 75 in 6.1 overs.
After Canada won the toss and elected to field, Quinton de Kock and captain Aiden Markram got South Africa off to a flying start, putting on an opening stand of 70 in 6.5 overs.
De Kock was first to fall, for 25, bowled by a dipping off-spinner from Dilpreet Bajwa.
Markram sailed on and reached his fifty off 28 balls before falling for 59, caught in the deep after hitting 10 fours and a six.
Left-arm wrist-spinner Anish Patel was the successful bowler and he enjoyed a fine spell, also removing Ryan Rickelton for a brisk 33 off 21 balls and Dewald Brevis for six.
Patel finished with 3-31 off his four overs after reducing South Africa from 125-1 to 138-4 before Miller and Stubbs took over for the side that were runners-up to India in the last edition of the tournament in 2024.
*This article was first published by Eye Witness News
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes the upcoming FIFA World Cup will play a key role in driving standards within his squad, with fierce competition for places in Hugo Broos’ final selection expected to keep his players motivated and hungry for success.
The Buccaneers were strongly represented at the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), contributing nine players to the South African squad—a reflection of their impressive form in the opening phase of the season.
Ouaddou has overseen intense competition for places at Pirates this term, with the squad packed with some of the country’s top talent. That internal rivalry has pushed performances to a new level, placing the Sea Robbers on course for what could become one of the most memorable campaigns in the club’s history.
The former Morocco international has also welcomed the chance for his players to compete for places in Broos’ squad, with the added benefit of gaining World Cup experience expected to build on the growth they achieved at AFCON.
“A lot of people were disappointed, but I was there for the match against Zimbabwe,” Ouaddou commented. “South Africa did their best and it gave the coach the opportunity to see his team as he is preparing for the World Cup.
“It’s a huge moment for our players. They have a huge challenge to perform after coming back from AFCON.
"They have three or four months to perform because there is a huge opportunity for the national team coach to select the best players to represent South Africa at the World Cup. It’s good for Pirates because our players will be motivated to showcase themselves and to perform in order to be selected by coach Broos.”
Pirates remain in the hunt for two additional trophies this season and will shift focus to the Nedbank Cup last 32 this weekend, where they face ABC Motsepe Foundation side Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila on Saturday afternoon (kick-off at 3pm).
The cup fixture follows a strong midweek showing that saw the Buccaneers move to the top of the Betway Premiership standings after their 2-0 win over AmaZulu, opening a three-point gap as their title race with second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns continues to gather momentum.
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.
