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 ...
South Africa’s fast bowler Kagiso Rabada was ruled out of the one-day international series against Australia with an ankle injury barely an hour before the start of the opening match in Cairns on Tuesday.
Rabada underwent a scan on Monday following an inflammation of his right ankle, Cricket South Africa said in a statement, after which the 30-year-old was ruled out of the three-match series.
“He will remain in Australia and undergo rehabilitation under the supervision of the Proteas medical staff,” the statement read.
Left-arm quick Kwena Maphaka, who finished as the leading wicket-taker in the preceding T20 series between the sides, has been added to the squad but was not picked for the series opener.
Fans are encouraged to take the Gautrain to Park Station and from there, hop on to a PRASA train to the Ellis Park Stadium.
The Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) has again partnered with the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) to provide seamless train services for rugby fans attending the match between the Springboks and Australia on Saturday afternoon.
Fans are encouraged to take the Gautrain to Park Station and from there, hop on to a PRASA train to the Ellis Park Stadium.
Gautrain spokesperson Albi Modise said their train service will run until 16:00 and resume at 20:45, after the game.
Modise said the collaboration with PRASA forms part of a broader effort to create a more integrated, accessible public transport system.
“With our parking fees at R1 a day, we urge all rugby fans to take advantage of this safe and convenient and seamless service and help ease the pressure on Joburg’s roads,” he said.
A dominant performance by Khamzat Chimaev saw the Chechen completely dismantle South Africa’s Dricus Du Plessis, in what pundits subsequently declared a one-sided affair.
From the very first bell, it was clear that the Pretoria native, who was defending his UFC middleweight title, was in for the fight of his life - just not in the way he had hoped.
Chimaev’s strategy was pure, unadulterated dominance. He immediately closed the distance, nullifying Du Plessis’s striking prowess and taking the fight to the ground, where he reigns supreme due to his great wrestling abilities.
While Du Plessis's heart and resilience were on full display, they were no match for Chimaev's superior grappling and strength. The champion's attempts to escape were futile, and any brief moments on the feet were quickly ended by another powerful takedown.
Chimaev secured an incredible 12 takedowns and dominated Du plessis for exactly 21 minutes and 40 seconds out of the cumulative 25 minutes of all five rounds. Du Plessis, who is known for his relentless pressure and brawling style, was reduced to nothing but a defensive shell, spending the majority of the fight simply trying to survive the Chimaev onslaught.
The unanimous decision in favour of Chimaev was a formality. The scores of 50-44 from all three judges highlighted the sheer gap in will and determination between the two on that night.
A dramatic late equaliser from Kamogelo Sebelebele salvaged a 1–1 draw for Orlando Pirates against Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final, played at a packed Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening.
The high-stakes clash between two of South Africa’s biggest clubs lived up to expectations, delivering moments of brilliance, tactical battles, and a crucial goal apiece as the tie remains finely poised heading into the second leg.
It was the visitors who struck first. In the 36th minute, Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena showcased his aerial prowess by heading home from a well-delivered corner by Marcelo Allende. The goal came after a period of sustained pressure by the defending league champions, who looked composed and in control for much of the first half. Despite efforts from Pirates to respond, Sundown’s carried a 1–0 lead into halftime.
The second half saw a much-improved Orlando Pirates, with the likes of Evidence Makgopa and Mbekezeli Mbokazi pressing forward and threatening the Sundown’s defence. Makgopa came agonisingly close in the 78th minute, rattling the post after a slick one-two just outside the box.
But it was Kamogelo Sebelebele who would steal the spotlight. With time running out, the 23-year-old midfielder latched onto a pass inside the box and calmly slotted the ball past Ronwen Williams in the 87th minute, sending the Soweto crowd into raptures.
The 1–1 result leaves everything to play for in the return leg, set to be played at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Sundowns will feel they let a lead slip, while Pirates will take heart from their late surge and fighting spirit.
Benni McCarthy's Kenya claimed top spot in Group A and qualified for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarter-finals after defeating Zambia on Sunday afternoon.
The Harambee Stars came into the clash top of Group A following their 1-0 win over Morocco last weekend, while Zambia were playing for pride, having already been eliminated.
However, neither side could be separated in the opening 45 minutes, although McCarthy's charges enjoyed more of the chances and possession.
Kenya got the breakthrough in the 75th minute as Ryan Ogam bagged his second goal of the tournament.
The one goal was enough to secure the win and Kenya's spot in the last eight.
Democratic Republic of Congo 1-3 Morocco
Morocco advanced to the quarter-finals with a 3-1 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday afternoon.
Both nations came into the clash with their fate in their own hands, with the winner securing their spot in the next round.
The Moroccans opened the scoring after just eight minutes courtesy of a strike from Oussama Lamiloui.
Congo, however, brought themselves level three minutes before the halftime break as Jephté Kitambala Bola opened his account for the campaign.
Mohamed Hrimat restored Morocco's lead from the penalty spot on 70 minutes, before Lamiloui completed his brace ten minutes later to seal the win, which secured second spot in Group A.
In a surprising turn of events, midfielder Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo has made a swift return to Marumo Gallants, the club where he rose to prominence.
The announcement, made yesterday by Gallants, confirms the 30-year-old’s signing on a free transfer after his contract with Orlando Pirates expired in June. This move marks the end of a three-year spell at the Soweto giants that never quite reached the heights many had anticipated.
During the 2021/2022 season, he was a key figure for Gallants, scoring an impressive eight goals in 25 league appearances and leading them to the Nedbank Cup final. His dynamic performances in midfield made him one of the most sought-after players in the country, and on the final day of the transfer window in September 2022, the Soweto giants secured his services with a three-year deal.
The move was widely celebrated as a major coup for the Buccaneers, with many believing he would replicate his heroics at the bigger stage.
However, Ndlondlo’s tenure at Pirates proved to be a challenging one. While he was part of a team that won the Nedbank Cup in his first season and finished second in the league, his individual contributions were muted compared to his time at Gallants.
Over three seasons, he made a total of 65 appearances, scoring only three goals and providing three assists. His first season was the most productive with two goals in 16 league matches, but his recent 2024/2025 season saw him make just six league appearances without finding the back of the net.
His return to Gallants is a clear sign that the environment at Bucs, despite all its success, was not the right fit for him to consistently showcase his full abilities.
The clubs themselves addressed the move in official statements. Pirates released a statement saying:
“Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm the departure of midfielder Phillip Ndlondlo. The 28-year-old is now free to sign with a club of his choice. The Club extends its sincere gratitude to Phillip for his professionalism and commitment during his spell at Orlando Pirates and wishes him every success in the next chapter of his career.”
Meanwhile, Gallants announced the reunion on social media.
“We are excited to officially announce the return of Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, an attacking midfielder who previously played for Marumo Gallants FC in 2021-2022.”
With the midfielder now back at the club where he enjoyed his best form, both Ndlondlo and Gallants will be hoping he can rediscover the magic that made him a household name in South African football.
In a move that has sent ripples of concern through the Mamelodi Sundowns fanbase, the club officially announced the departure of Neo Maema this morning.
The confirmation comes after weeks of speculation and arrives just as the 29-year-old talented midfielder reminded everyone of his immense value with a stellar performance at the ongoing CHAN tournament. Maema’s recent brace against Guinea, which subsequently earned him man-of-the-match honours, served as a poignant final act in the yellow and blue.
The creative midfielder’s ability to link up play and produce moments of magic is undeniable, making his exit a difficult pill for many to swallow.
Over his four-year stint at the club, Maema made 120 appearances, scoring 14 goals and providing 14 assists. His time at Sundowns was highly successful, contributing to four league titles, a Nedbank Cup, an MTN 8 trophy, and an African Football League title.
The news of Maema’s exit closely followed the official announcement of the departure of Thembinkosi Lorch on Thursday. Lorch, who spent the last season on loan with Moroccan club Wydad AC, is also a confirmed exit.
This brings the total number of players certainly leaving the club to four, including the rumoured departures of star forward Lucas Ribeiro and fan-favourite right-back Khuliso Mudau.
While the club’s stated goal of "downsizing" is understandable given their large and talented roster, the timing and execution of these moves are a cause for concern. Sundowns’ consistently congested schedule, which included the recent 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, highlights the need for a large and deep squad to combat player fatigue and maintain momentum across all competitions.
The uncalculated disposal of players of Maema and Lorch’s calibre, just as they demonstrate their class on an international stage, feels like a significant gamble. In an era where the Brazilians have set the standard for domestic football, the departure of core players could signal a shift, and fans will be watching closely to see if the new-look squad can maintain the same level of excellence.
