Navalsig High School and Ntsu Secondary School under-19 teams will represent the Free State at the Kay Motsepe National School tournament which will take place from 24 to 28 September 2026 in Soshangu...
Marumo Gallants will set their sights on a Betway Premiership home encounter against TS Galaxy on Tuesday next week, after suffering their second consecutive defeat of the new league campaign against ...
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.
Siwelele FC have officially announced the sale of the player to Belgian second tier club
Siwelele Football Club has officially announced the transfer of their exciting young forward and South African Under-20 international, Siviwe Magididigi, to the Belgian side K. Beerschot V.A.
The move marks a significant milestone for the 20-year-old, who will be joining the Belgian Challenger Pro League following successful negotiations between the two clubs.
In a statement released by the club this afternoon, Siwelele FC expressed immense pride in the player's progression.
CEO Lerato Kholoanyane highlighted the rarity of such an opportunity for the player.
“Few players earn the chance to move to Europe at 20 years old, and we have every confidence that he will seize this opportunity and continue to develop his already impressive talent,” Kholoanyane said.
With the deal concluded, Magidigidi leaves the Bloemfontein-based side with the club's appreciation and respect as he begins his international career.
While the departure of a key talent is a major change, the club assured supporters that they are looking toward the future with the imminent announcement of new signings in the coming days, as they aim to reinforce the squad and deliver the results their fans expect.
South Africa was knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Cameroon in the round of 16 on Sunday.
While both teams scrambled in the early stages of the match, South Africa's failure to capitalise on early opportunities proved to be costly in the end, said Faver.
“It was extremely frustrating at times. It wasn’t a match that I felt that we should have lost. Fundamentally, we got it wrong in certain areas and aspects with regard to our approach."
He added: “Those first three chances, if we are clinical and we put that away, we are three-nil up within the first 10 minutes, match sealed. Unfortunately, old habits came back to haunt us.”
Faver called for a review of the team’s approach, questioning the selection of players and the strategy employed by coach Hugo Broos.
Looking ahead to the FIFA World Cup, he says the team needs to go back to basics, starting from the technical team to the players, and make sure they are all on the same page.
“Football is about goals, and goals win you games. You put the ball in the net, you have your foot on your opponent's neck, and you have to be ruthless. It’s tournament football; there is no time to be nice, to get second chances.”
*This article was first published by Eye Witness News
Former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana defender Lucky Lekgwathi says the national soccer team players should continue with the way they have been playing when they meet Zimbabwe on Monday in their last AFCON group stage match.
Lekgwathi says Bafana should not be disheartened after their narrow one-nil loss to Egypt in Morocco on Boxing Day.
“They played very well, they were unlucky not to win, obviously losing a penalty. Yeah, people can argue and say the last handball for Egypt, for me, it was a penalty. You understand, sometimes as a referee, you must balance the game; you give them the penalty, give us the penalty, but overall, I think they played very well.”
“I think it gave them confidence to go through our next game against Zimbabwe, where you know our neighbours, whenever they play against South Africa, they make sure they don’t want to lose against South Africa.”
Meanwhile, Sudan‘s dreams of reaching the knockout stages at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco are also still alive.
They beat Equatorial Guinea 1-0 in a Group E clash to register their first victory of the tournament in Casablanca.
Following their 3-0 loss to Algeria in the first match, the Sudanese now have three points after two matches.
Equatorial Guinea have lost their two opening matches.
Group B at AFCON 2025 promises a fascinating mix of experience, ambition and unpredictability. Egypt arrive as the clear favourites, boasting a record seven continental titles and a squad packed with seasoned internationals.
South Africa, fresh from a bronze medal in 2023, aim to build on their momentum under coach Hugo Broos and challenge the Pharaohs for top spot. Angola and Zimbabwe, the group’s underdogs, have the potential to spring surprises with their resilience and team unity, making this a tightly contested pool where anything can happen.
Egypt remain the standard-bearers, not only in Group B, but on the continent. As Africa’s most decorated national side, they bring experience, pedigree and a tradition of tournament composure.
Under head coach Hossam Hassan, the Pharaohs will aim to rediscover clinical edge up-front and defensive stability at the back. Their blend of seasoned internationals and technically gifted midfielders offers tactical flexibility.
As group favourites, Egypt will seek to open strongly and build momentum, though past inconsistencies mean they cannot underestimate spirited challengers like South Africa, Angola or Zimbabwe. Qualification for the knockout rounds remains their primary target.
South Africa (Bafana Bafana)
CAF Ranking: 11th
Head coach: Hugo Broos
Player to watch: Oswin Appollis
Best AFCON performance: Winners (1996)
Predicted finish: Winners
From bronze medallists in AFCON 2023 to renewed continental ambition, South Africa enter Group B with momentum and belief.
Led by coach Hugo Broos, Bafana combine tactical discipline with pace and creativity on the break. Their squad blends experienced domestic and overseas players, with recent form showing a team comfortable under pressure.
Opening against Angola on December 22 offers an early chance to set the tone. While Egypt are group favourites, Broos believes South Africa have the depth and spirit to challenge, with a realistic target of progressing to the knockout stage and a deeper run if mental toughness holds.
Angola (Black Sables)
CAF Ranking: 18th
Head coach: Patrice Beaumelle
Player to watch: Joao Milson
Best AFCON performance: Quarter-finals
Predicted finish: Group stages
Angola arrive as one of Group B’s dark horses, a team built on strength, resilience and growing chemistry.
Their qualifying campaign was marked by solid defensive organisation and effective transitions, with key attacking threat from forwards such as Mabululu. In midfield, players like Fredy Ribeiro provide protection and control.
Although they lack Egypt’s experience or South Africa’s star power, Angola’s unity and unpredictability make them dangerous. A top-two finish or a shock result is possible if they manage games tightly.
Zimbabwe (The Warriors)
CAF Ranking: 36th
Head coach: Marian Marinica
Player to watch: Tawanda Chirewa
Best AFCON performance: Group stages
Predicted finish: Group stages
Zimbabwe enter Group B as underdogs, but with collective spirit and hunger to prove themselves. Known as the Warriors, they qualified by finishing second in their group behind Cameroon — an underappreciated achievement showing grit and organisation.
Their squad blends experienced campaigners with younger talent eager to make a mark. As outsiders, Zimbabwe can play without expectation, making them dangerous in matches when opponents underestimate them. A strong defensive structure and opportunistic attack could yield surprises, though qualification will be tough.
