He has been repeatedly written off as too small and skinny, but Elijah Just has now emerged as a World Cup star after his two clinical goals made New Zealand football history.

The 26-year-old combined to deadly effect with striker Chris Wood in Monday's (Tuesday in Sout African Time) lively 2-2 draw with Iran in Los Angeles.

Just gave New Zealand — who came into the tournament as the lowest-ranked team — a surprise lead after seven minutes.

Skipper and Nottingham Forest forward Wood teed him up, and Just transferred the ball neatly from his left foot to his right, before smashing it past goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.

Iran levelled before half-time, but Just linked up with Wood once more to put the Kiwis within sight of a historic first World Cup win.

The slight Just, who is listed as 1.74m tall, was the first New Zealand man to score twice in a World Cup match.

Back came Iran for a second time as the Group G encounter, which took place in a politically charged atmosphere because of the Middle East war, ended in stalemate.

"It's difficult to put into words, I was just buzzing to score the first and then I got the opportunity in the second half and I saw it in the back of the net, it was an incredible feeling," said Just, who plays as a winger or attacking midfielder for Motherwell in Scotland's top tier.

"Running over and seeing my team-mates and how happy they were — that will stay with me for the rest of my life."

Coached by the Englishman Darren Bazeley, New Zealand are at their first World Cup in 16 years.

In their two previous appearances, in 1982 and 2010, they failed to win a match.

That wait for a landmark first World Cup win goes on but Just warned that, while tougher assignments await against Egypt and Belgium, New Zealand can spring a shock.

"If people were surprised maybe they have not been following because we have such a talented group and we work really hard," said Just, whose parents, brother and uncle were there to witness his two-goal performance.

Although he is yet to reach his peak years, Just has already played for teams in five different countries.

He started in New Zealand domestic football, then had a stint in the Netherlands at youth level, and later played in Denmark and Austria.

Last summer he joined Motherwell, where he shone with seven goals and eight assists in 43 games in his first season.

Motherwell captain Paul McGinn recalled the first time he saw Just.

"I looked at him and thought, 'Scottish football? You could be in bother here!'," he said.

McGinn quickly learnt he was wrong, calling Just "absolutely brilliant".

"When you look at a player like that, a guy who is diminutive and left-footed, you think he's a flair player.

"But he's not. He's a grafter, he works his socks off."

Just's well-taken double against Iran made it 11 goals in 45 appearances for New Zealand.

In a country where rugby and cricket dominate, and Wood is easily the best-known footballer, even national media were left asking Tuesday: "Who is Elijah Just?"

According to Radio New Zealand, he is of Chinese descent through his mother and described as humble and unassuming.

Stuff, a leading news organisation in New Zealand, cited the chairman of an academy saying that his heroics were a lesson to "nearly every small, skinny little nine-year-old who gets pushed around on the field".

Just's impressive debut season with Motherwell propelled him into the PFA Scotland Premiership Team of the Year, and his display in Los Angeles could see him on the move again.

BBC pundit and former England striker Chris Sutton said Just had been so good that he had "added a couple of zeroes" to his transfer value.

The Scottish Sun tabloid has reported that Glasgow giants Rangers and Celtic could both swoop for him. | AFP

According to talkSPORT.com, United States President Donald Trump will reportedly break Fifa World Cup tradition by lifting the 2026 Fifa World Cup trophy alongside the champions. He is expected to remain on stage after performing the trophy presentation with Fifa President Gianni Infantino.

It wouldn’t be the first time Donald Trump has made a tournament about himself. During last year's Club World Cup in the United States, he joined Chelsea for their trophy lift, remaining on stage long after the confetti had fallen.

With the significantly larger World Cup tournament approaching, he appears set to be a focal point once again. Reports indicate he may play a prominent role during the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium.

The rationale behind Trump’s decision remains unknown. However, it is clear that he has centered the tournament around himself since it was confirmed that the United States would co-host with Mexico and Canada.

In an unexpected move, Infantino launched the Fifa Peace Prize during the World Cup draw last year, with Trump named as the first recipient. This decision was surprising, given the host of travel bans imposed by the U.S.

Shortly thereafter, it was revealed that the U.S. was involved in a military conflict with Iran, which resulted in the loss of many innocent lives.

Since the tournament began, the U.S. has dominated headlines for the wrong reasons, including denying entry to Somalian referee Omar Artan, who is currently considered one of Africa's top officials.

Infantino stated that Fifa decided to “chill and relax” regarding the matter, aiming to avoid “shouting and screaming” that might exacerbate the situation. When asked if he had lost control of the tournament to the U.S. government due to their strict and unreasonable conditions, Infantino failed to provide a substantive response during the pre-tournament press conference.

Given reports of Trump potentially overshadowing the trophy presentation to focus attention on himself, it appears he – rather than Infantino – is the central figure of this tournament in North America. This is a disappointing development for a sport loved worldwide.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has transformed the image of the national team. For this reason alone, he deserves greater respect and recognition from the public.

Following Bafana’s opening match loss to co-host Mexico in the ongoing Fifa World Cup 2026, Broos faced significant criticism. Detractors lamented his defensive approach, pointing specifically to his decision to field seven defensive-minded players.

The criticism reached such a fever pitch that many labeled his tactics cowardly. This is not the first time the coach – often referred to as 'Madala' – has faced backlash; critics even called for his dismissal following a disappointing Africa Cup of nations campaign earlier this year.

However, the players’ trust and affection for Broos remain strong, and they feel his contributions in recent years are often overlooked. Consequently, goalkeeper Ricardo Goss has spoken out, insisting that the coach deserves more respect.

“It’s unfortunate that we aren't always realistic as South Africans,” Goss said, at their base in Pachuca this week.

"I’m not saying we shouldn't aim to win, but when you look at the disparity against a Mexican team ranked 15th or 16th, the difference is clear. I’m not saying rankings dictate the outcome, but the criticism directed at the coach is unfair.”

“If you look at the coach’s tenure, I think his progress has been phenomenal – something we haven’t seen in a while. He’s helped us qualify for the World Cup and secured a bronze medal. The criticism he has been receiving is simply unjust.”

“He has been great for the national team, and because we know him on a personal level, I think we will continue to support him long after the World Cup.”

According to reports, Broos was notably animated as Bafana returned to training following their defeat to El Tri, ahead of Thursday’s match against the Czech Republic in Atlanta (kick-off 6pm). 

Bafana famously defeated European opposition – France – at the 2010 World Cup on home soil, and there is ample belief within the camp that they can strike lightning twice in Atlanta to get their 2026 World Cup campaign back on track."

Many an eyebrow was raised when Rassie Erasmus named Lions fullback Quan Horn at flyhalf for the Springboks' encounter with the Barbarians on Saturday, but the coach has explained that he needs to protect his front-line flyhalves.

Erasmus has earmarked Manie Libbok to start against England on July 4, and he doesn’t want to risk injuring him in a friendly. He also wants to see how Horn gets on in an unfamiliar position.

“Manie has played a lot of rugby in Japan, and we must still see if Handre gets through the Bulls game on Friday night without injury, “ Erasmus said

“We have learned our lesson from last year when we played the Barbarians and got injuries to key players in positions where we were thin because of injuries. That put us under pressure when we started the Test season,

“So, we want to avoid that with Manie while seeing whether Quan can play 10 and 15, because if he can, that will help in some games where we want a 6-2 bench split. We know Quan can also play wing.

“The coaching staff have seen Horn has potential at 10, then we have Vusi Moyo on the bench. I must say he is a guy who has really caught my eye in the two weeks we have been together. He is a calm guy, he is strong and kicks effortlessly with both feet.”

Erasmus said that assistants Mzwandile Stick and Tony Brown had a big influence on the decision to give Horn a crack at flyhalf.

“They have noticed how at the Lions, he sometimes takes the ball at first receiver. We have been working with Quan for three years at training camps, and we like the way he takes the ball to the line.

"He has a strong pass while on defence, and he is not afraid. He doesn’t take a step back if someone runs at him in that channel. We are actually lucky that all of our flyhalves — Sacha (Feinberg-Mngomezulu), Manie, Handre, and Vusi are all good defenders.”

Erasmus said he is hardly expecting the Barbarians to play with a “making up the numbers"  approach, having played against their coaches, Scott Robertson (New Zealand) and Felipe Contepomi (Argentina), as well as coached against them.

“I coached the Barbarians in 2019 against the Pumas. Yes, there was some fun during the week, which is part of the spirit of the Baabaas, and I am sure that they will do those things this week, but when you go on to the field, it is a different story,” Erasmus explained.

“There is not a lot of coaching you can do — they will have three sessions during the week — but Razor (Robertson) will get a lot out of the players. If you compare his record at the All Blacks, it is actually better than most South African coaches.

“Razor is a very good guy, and as we see the names of their players popping up on social media, you can see they want to win this game, and that is awesome. He is picking very competitive guys — Duhan van der Merwe, TJ Perenara, Andrew Kellaway, Kyle Sinckler, and D’arcy Rae — who will take the game personally.

"One bad game where you do some stupid things, and your reputation is gone. These players are too proud to let that happen.”

Springboks matchday squad v Barbarians

Springbok starting XV: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 André Esterhuizen, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Quan Horn, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Riley Norton, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Ox Nche; Replacements: 16 JJ Kotze, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Ben-Jason Dixon, 20 Paul de Villiers, 21 Evan Roos, 22 Faf de Klerk, 23 Vusi Moyo.

Siphiwe Tshabalala expresses deep gratitude for the stance taken by the youth during the Soweto Uprising on June 16, 1976, noting that it laid a solid foundation for the freedoms and story of hope enjoyed today.

Tuesday marked 50 years since the massive, student-led protest against the Apartheid regime took place in Orlando West, Soweto, where students fought against the imposition of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction. The youth’s stand for justice paved the way for the current generation to advocate for their own beliefs and confront contemporary challenges. Tshabalala is one such example. 

Born in Phiri, Soweto, his story resonates deeply with the spirit of the Uprising. Refusing to let his circumstances define him, 'Shabba; achieved the rare dream by becoming the first player to score at the Fifa World Cup's opening game held on African soil.

The event held profound significance for South Africa as hosts. Tshabalala and his teammates were effectively reaping the rewards of those who fought to ensure the country could showcase itself on the global stage, particularly after football was readmitted to Fifa in 1992 following the Apartheid-era ban.

“It’s a major milestone. We have come a long way. We must honour and appreciate our history, not abandon it,” Tshabalala exclusively told Independent Media, while reflecting on the Soweto Uprising.

“We shouldn’t forget where we came from and what happened on June 16. There was a great sacrifice; lives were lost.”

“We must be grateful and appreciate those sacrifices. We should celebrate those who had the courage to take a stand. While it came at the cost of lives, our presence here today is, in part, due to that sacrifice.”

The spirit of the Soweto Uprising fostered a sense of unity, particularly within the Soweto township. Tshabalala understands this deeply, which is why he remains proud of his roots.

On the eve of his life-defining moment, the people of Soweto gathered at his grandparents' house to wish him and Bafana well for the World Cup – a gesture that remains with him to this day.

“It meant so much to learn that, on the day of the opening game, the community had gathered at my grandparents' house – where I grew up – wearing our national team colours and blowing their vuvuzelas to wish the team the best of luck,” Tshabalala said.

“I was emotional, but also filled with pride. A young boy from the dusty streets of Phiri, who dreamed of playing at the highest level, was finally going to take part in a major moment. He was going to show the world who he is.”

“It was a big moment for me, for South Africa, for Africa and for Sowetans. Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Teko Modise and I all grew up in Soweto, and we used to play against each other at the amateur level.”

Tshabalala’s life has never been the same since that fateful day on June 11. He has taken on numerous ambassadorial roles, including work with Fifa as his personal brand has grown significantly.

Tshabalala remains relevant in football circles; he is currently in North America for the ongoing Fifa World Cup, where he is working as a pundit and has become very popular among local supporters.

As a personification of Soweto and a club legend for Kaizer Chiefs – where he won multiple trophies – Tshabalala reflected on what it means to be one of the most successful stories to emerge from a township whose history was also defined by the 1976 Uprising.

“It’s a story of hope and inspiration,” Tshabalala said.

“It shows young kids that destiny can be delayed, but not denied. Don’t be defined by your background. It’s a narrative that shaped not only Sowetans but Africans as well.”

“It was relevant to the world at large, as well. I can attest to that given the countless messages I received from all over the globe. It gives me great joy and pride that a boy from Soweto could actually dream.”

Serena Williams will play at Wimbledon for the first time since 2022 after the American legend was given a wildcard to play the doubles event with her sister Venus on Tuesday.

Williams made a sensational return to tennis last week when she won her first-round doubles match at Queen's Club with partner Victoria Mboko.

The 44-year-old had not played professional tennis for four years after saying she was "evolving away" from the sport following the 2022 US Open. But the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion was keen to play in front of her two young daughters and made the shock announcement of her return just prior to the Wimbledon warm-up event at Queen's.

Williams was unable to play more than one match at Queen's after Mboko pulled out with an injury, but she is due to continue her remarkable comeback in the Berlin Open doubles alongside Karolina Muchova this week.

The Williams sisters are six-time doubles champions at Wimbledon, winning their last title on their most recent appearance together a decade ago.

Following speculation that Serena would be tempted to play in the singles at Wimbledon, which starts on June 29, the American was absent from the list of wildcard entries into that part of the tournament. After so long away, she had no ranking to secure automatic entry into tournaments, leaving her to rely on wildcards.

Williams is a seven-time Wimbledon singles champion, but she hasn't won a Grand Slam crown since beating Venus to win the 2017 Australian Open. Her most recent Wimbledon singles title came in 2016, with her last four Grand Slam finals ending in defeat.

There is still one singles wildcard place for Wimbledon to be announced.

Williams' return at Queen's for her first match in 1,375 days captured the imagination of the sporting world.

Her decision to pick up a racquet in a competitive setting for the first time since losing to Ajla Tomljanovic at the 2022 US Open had sparked questions about the wisdom of the move. But it was like she had never been away as Williams produced her trademark thunderous serve and fearsome groundstrokes to the delight of a capacity crowd.

Five-time Wimbledon singles champion Venus has been beaten in all seven of her singles matches this year.

The 45-year-old, who plays only occasionally in the twilight of her career, won a doubles match with Katie Boulter in Madrid in April.  |  AFP

The non-occupation of a state-subsidised RDP house does not automatically mean ownership reverts to provincial government if the original owner holds the title deed, the Mpumalanga High Court has ruled.

The ruling by Judge Frans Phahlamohlaka overturned a Balfour magistrate’s decision that denied an RDP house owner Pheello Moloi an eviction order against Puleng Mokoena, who occupied his house.

Moloi appealed the magistrate’s court ruling that dismissed his application, after the magistrate reasoned that his non-occupation had caused ownership of the house to revert to the provincial government.

The house occupier, Mokoena, reasoned that Moloi has lost his rights through non-occupation, and she maintained that in law, the property vested in the State.

Moloi appealed the lower court’s judgment and said the magistrate had erred in applying section 10A(3) of the Housing Act to deprive him of his ownership.

The magistrate earlier dismissed his application for eviction of the respondent (Mokoena) under the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act (PIE Act). The dispute concerns a RDP house in Balfour, which was allocated to Moloi in 2004 by the Dipaliseng Local Municipality.

He did not move into the house but by verbal agreement, allowed the parents of Mokoena to occupy the property. Upon their death, Mokoena remained in occupation. Moloi claimed lawful ownership, supported by a registered title deed dated 11 November 2019.

On the strength of this, he applied for an eviction order against Mokoena. She in turn claimed that her parents bought the property from Moloi in 2007 for R40,000. Her contention was supported by confirmatory affidavits, but no written sale agreement exists.

The magistrate dismissed the eviction application because he found Moloi lost ownership of the property by deserting it. The magistrate further found that the court had no basis to consider the merits of the application because the provincial department was not joined as a party and that only an owner of immovable property can institute an application in terms of the PIE Act.

Moloi, on appeal, argued that, as holder of a valid title deed, he retained ownership and was entitled to seek eviction.

Judge Phahlamohlaka remarked that the magistrate’s interpretation of section 10A(3) of the Housing Act was that non-occupation by the appellant resulted in an automatic reversal of ownership to the provincial government, despite the appellant holding a registered title deed.

“This approach disregards the principle that ownership of immovable property vests upon registration in the Deeds Office, and that a valid title deed is conclusive proof of ownership unless set aside by a competent court,” he said.

The provision restricts alienation of state-subsidised property within eight years unless first offered to the provincial housing department. However, it does not automatically divest a registered owner of title without procedural compliance (such as endorsement in the Deeds Office), the judge said.

He found that Moloi has established ownership and that Mokoena’s occupation is not based on ownership, a valid lease, or any lawful right. Therefore, the magistrate erred by finding that neither the appellant nor Mokoena can be considered “owners” in terms of the PIE Act.

Judge Phahlamohlaka said Moloi has shown that eviction will not prejudice Mokoena, who has alternative accommodation and no dependents residing with her. There is no evidence of exceptional circumstances justifying refusal of eviction. In overturning the findings of the magistrate, the judge granted the eviction order in favour of Moloi.

zelda.venter@inl.co.za

Gerda Steyn may have approached Sunday's Comrades Marathon as though it was her last Up Run, but the South African superstar insists her remarkable journey with the race is far from over.

Just hours after storming to a fifth Comrades title in a record-breaking 5:44:53, Steyn reflected on a performance that not only reinforced her status as the queen of ultramarathon running, but also rewarded her with a payday of more than R2.3 million after claiming a host of performance bonuses. The victory came after months of singular focus, with Steyn pouring everything into her bid to improve on the Up Run record she set in 2024.

Before the race, she had spoken about treating the challenge as though it would be her final opportunity on the route from Durban up to Pietermaritzburg. Looking back afterwards, she felt she had honoured that promise.

"I definitely feel like I gave my all today," Steyn said. "The pace was really fast from the first few kilometres of the race and I just told myself that I made a promise and I'll be giving it my all, even if it takes more than 100% from me today. I wanted to come away from this race feeling proud of the effort that I put in, beyond just the time or the position that I achieved."

The result was another dominant display from an athlete who appears to be getting stronger with every passing year. Steyn, however, believes experience rather than raw physical improvement is behind her continued success.

"I think it's perhaps just the experience that is helping me to be able to train a little bit smarter, make small changes here and there, and also trust in the work that I've done in the past," she said. "It really does help the confidence."

Having only taken up running relatively late compared to many elite athletes, Steyn believes she may simply be reaching her peak later than most. "I also feel like I didn't start running until quite a late stage in my life. So in a way, perhaps it's only just peaking now rather than decreasing as I age."

That does not mean the OMO 'Stay Unbeatable' campaign ambassador expects to dominate forever. "I know there will also be a day where I can't compete at the highest level anymore. And I'm sure when I get there, I will know and enjoy that stage of my life as well."

For now, though, the immediate focus is recovery. After months of strict discipline, Steyn is looking forward to simple pleasures, including sushi, ice cream and Malva pudding, while also making good use of the oversized bottle of champagne she received after her victory. Away from racing, she and husband Duncan prefer a quieter lifestyle.

"We like to switch off and enjoy nature," she said. "Not in a way of pushing myself to the limits, but just being outdoors, going for a hike and enjoying being in nature."

With no major races yet confirmed for the remainder of 2026, Steyn plans to recover before deciding on her next challenge, hinting at trail running. One event, however, is already firmly on her radar.

Next year's 100th Comrades Marathon will also mark the 10th time she has competed in the Ultimate Human Race, bringing with it the opportunity to earn her Green Number through participation as well as achievement.

"I would love to line up again for next year's race," she said.

Yet perhaps the most revealing insight came when she was asked whether she would continue running Comrades long after her days as an elite contender are over.

"The Comrades for me, I fell in love with the race long before I even thought about the idea of becoming a professional athlete," she said. "It was not winning the race that made me so passionate about it. I would love to run in the race as part of the massive event when I'm done competing. I can't really imagine it any other way."

For a woman who has spent the past five years rewriting the Comrades record books, that may be the most significant statement of all.

The Malawi government has appealed for financial donations and humanitarian assistance to help bring home thousands of its citizens stranded in South Africa, saying the scale of the repatriation effort has placed unprecedented pressure on its resources.

The appeal comes as Malawi intensifies efforts to facilitate the voluntary return of at least 10,000 citizens, with authorities warning that the humanitarian operation requires significant financial, logistical and emergency support.

“With an estimated 10,000 citizens in distress and awaiting repatriation, the scale and urgency of the operation have created unprecedented financial, logistical and humanitarian demands,” the government said in a statement.

According to the statement, the repatriation programme is being coordinated by the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA)  in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Malawi High Commission in Pretoria, government agencies, humanitarian organisations and other stakeholders.

Authorities said a comprehensive response has already been activated to ensure the safe, orderly and dignified return of Malawians wishing to leave South Africa.

The government has deployed a task team to South Africa to oversee the registration, verification, protection and repatriation of affected citizens. Emergency travel documentation is also being issued to Malawians who have lost their passports or other travel documents.

The statement further confirmed that the first group of returnees arrived safely in Malawi on 9 June 2026, while additional groups remain in transit as the operation continues.

To support vulnerable citizens, transport operators have been engaged to move Malawians from shelters and affected communities in South Africa to designated departure points. Reception and processing facilities have also been established at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre to receive returning nationals.

The government said returnees are being provided with temporary shelter, food assistance, protection services, psychosocial support and onward transportation to their home districts upon arrival.

Despite these measures, authorities acknowledged that the magnitude of the crisis is stretching available resources.

As a result, the government has launched a public appeal for support, calling on development partners, humanitarian organisations, private companies, transport operators, faith-based institutions and individual well-wishers to contribute towards the repatriation effort.

Officials said contributions could take the form of direct financial donations, transportation services, humanitarian relief supplies or other forms of assistance needed to support the evacuation and reintegration of returning citizens.

The government described the repatriation exercise as a national humanitarian mission requiring collective action and solidarity.

“We believe this is a national humanitarian mission that requires the collective effort, compassion and solidarity of all stakeholders,” the statement said. “Together, we can ensure that affected Malawians return home safely, with dignity and hope for a fresh start.”

Meanwhile, the stranded Malawian nationals have challenged their home government over claims of financial constraints, demanding that Malawi’s wealthiest tycoons step in to bankroll their urgent repatriation.

Displaced nationals currently sheltered at the Sherwood Community Hall in Sydenham, Durban, have expressed deep frustration with the slow pace of state-led repatriation. Many argue that if state coffers are empty, Malawi’s ultra-wealthy elite have a moral obligation to intervene.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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Mpumalanga police have launched a high-level intimidation investigation following online death threats against an Ermelo Warrant Officer who was filmed trying to calm down an angry mob during an anti-drug protest.

The social media backlash erupted after a community march on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, mutated into vigilantism. After handing over a formal memorandum of grievances, a segment of the crowd took matters into their own hands, identifying specific residential addresses in Ermelo where they alleged narcotics were being actively peddled.

According to police reports, the demonstration rapidly deteriorated into lawlessness as protestors breached property lines and jumped over yard fences to search for suspected drug dealers.

"Men and women in blue responded and called for calm while attending to the allegations, in the presence of the complainants," police said.

However, searches of the four pinpointed properties by the South African Police Service (SAPS) yielded zero illicit substances. The situation turned dangerous when 35-year-old Dumisani Khumalo allegedly drew a firearm and aimed it directly at SAPS members. Khumalo was immediately wrestled to the ground, disarmed, and charged for contravening Section 08 of the Firearms Control Act.

Police said three protesters Siyabonga Mbuli, 22, Mzwakhe Mbatha, 22, and Malibongwe Sithole, 21 were arrested for aggressively targeting property during the chaos and charged with malicious damage to property.

It was during this standoff that the targeted Warrant Officer stepped in to de-escalate. Video footage captured him reasoning with the crowd, pointing out that police had already accompanied them to search all four houses and that for their own safety, given a firearm had already been seized it was time to disperse.

Parts of the crowd reacted with fury to the command. Shortly after, digital hit lists began circulating on major social media apps, maliciously accusing the veteran officer of protecting local drug rings and calling for his assassination.

SAPS management has strongly condemned the posts, noting that a formal case of intimidation is being aggressively investigated. The four suspects made their first appearance at the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 11 June 2026. While the trio accused of property damage were granted bail, Khumalo’s firearms case was postponed to Monday, 15 June 2026.

Mpumalanga’s Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, vowed that those hiding behind keyboards to threaten law enforcement would be hunted down. "Inciting violence against Police Officers or law enforcers is a criminal offence and will be dealt with accordingly without fear or favour," Mkhwanazi warned. "We will not tolerate threats, intimidation, or any attempt to obstruct police from performing their constitutional duties. We will make sure that people understand that no one can undermine the rule of law without consequences."

For more stories from The Mercury, click the link THE MERCURY

Stranded Malawian nationals, who are facing a deepening immigration crisis in KwaZulu-Natal,  have challenged their home government over claims of financial constraints, demanding that Malawi’s wealthiest tycoons step in to bankroll their urgent repatriation.

The demand comes as the Malawian government launched a global appeal for funding to manage what it calls an "unprecedented" humanitarian emergency, with an estimated 10,000 citizens in distress across South Africa following what they said were targeted vigilante attacks.

This comes amid ongoing protests by South African organisations over the issue of illegal immigration in the country and reports of foreign nationals being forced out of informal settlements and other areas by locals.

Displaced nationals currently sheltered at the Sherwood Community Hall in Sydenham, Durban, have expressed deep frustration with the slow pace of state-led repatriation. Many argue that if state coffers are empty, Malawi’s ultra-wealthy elite have a moral obligation to intervene.

Mussah Peter, a Malawian national seeking refuge with his wife and child, fiercely rejected the narrative that resources are unavailable to rescue stranded citizens.

"I hear people say in Malawi there’s no money, but I refuse to believe that," Peter said. "They can’t tell us the government cannot afford to repatriate us. In Malawi, we have very famous, rich people like Mr [Shepherd] Bushiri and Mr [Thom] Mpinganjira. Those people can help us."

The financial gridlock is compounding dangerous living conditions on the ground. Families report severe sanitary strain, with full toilets and a lack of medical staff on-site.

"Our sisters came here pregnant, and others have even given birth in this hall. It is not safe and hygienic for them and us," Peter added, while also raising concerns over alleged corruption regarding individuals bypassing fingerprinting to secure transport spots.

The primary point of contention remains the destination of the transport. Desperate families are flatly refusing to be moved to the Department of Home Affairs’ Lindela Repatriation Centre in Krugersdorp, demanding direct transport home instead.

"We don’t want to go to Lindela Centre. It is already full there," Peter insisted. "They must get buses, put a full tank of petrol, and drive us from here straight to Malawi."

The demand for private wealth intervention mirrors an official acknowledgement from Lilongwe that the state cannot handle the financial burden alone.

In an official press release issued by Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) the Malawian government formally declared the repatriation a "national humanitarian mission."

The statement, signed by Commissioner Wilson Moleni, confirms that while a task team has been deployed to South Africa to issue emergency travel documents and a first batch of citizens returned home on June 9, 2026, the scale of the crisis has created "unprecedented financial, logistical, and humanitarian challenges."

Instead of relying solely on state funds, the Malawian government has published dedicated Malawi Kwacha and Foreign Currency bank accounts with the Reserve Bank of Malawi, appealing to corporate entities, transport operators, faith-based organisations, and international development partners for financial contributions and transport services. DoDMA assured the public that all donations would be managed with strict accountability to facilitate the reception and onward transit of returnees at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

Visiting the Durban transit site on Tuesday, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli stated that the provincial government is moving swiftly to prevent the situation from turning into a full-scale disaster.

"I'm happy that already there are trucks from Home Affairs that are waiting to transport them to Lindela, those who have been deported, and even those who will have to be transported as direct," Ntuli said.

However, South African officials are currently facing logistical bottlenecks. While a virtual court system has been set up on-site to expedite Section 32 immigration hearings to legally clear deportations, officials admit they are still waiting on 10 repatriation buses expected from the Malawian government, with no definite arrival timeline.

To bypass the delays, Ntuli revealed that the province is engaging local non-profit organisations (NPOs) and South African private sector donors who are willing to donate extra buses directly to NPOs to facilitate the repatriation process.

A multi-departmental steering committee involving the eThekwini Municipality, the Department of Health, Social Development, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has been activated to manage the immediate crisis, ahead of a broader provincial summit on migration scheduled for June 25.

Premier Ntuli strongly cautioned South Africans against using the crisis to fuel xenophobic sentiment, emphasising that the issue must be managed with human dignity.

"When you see people saying 'we are here illegally and we have heard the call, we are responding to the call, but we don't have the means,' if we have means, we must afford them those means," Ntuli said. "It would be irresponsible of us as the people of KwaZulu-Natal to have such comments [telling them to find their own way back]."

Ntuli concluded that addressing illegal migration must not send a message of hatred. "The problem is not a problem for them. The problem is a problem for all of us... While we address this problem of illegal migration, we must do it in a way that is not communicating that South Africans are anti-other African countries."

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Top-ranked Scottie Scheffler, seeking a career Grand Slam with a victory in this week's 126th US Open, tested himself in windy afternoon conditions Monday as practice began at Shinnecock.

Brisk breezes, dense rough and greens that are lightning-fast despite rain and watering made practice rounds tough for those who braved the 7 440-yard, par-70 layout on eastern Long Island.

"I wouldn't want to be putting aggressively on these greens," said 2022 US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick of England.

"You have to pick and choose your moments, and that's where course management comes in. You can try to leave it under the hole on some.

"With the wind forecast, it's easy for them to get away from you this week and you're going to have to be mindful of that. I want it to get as dry and firm as possible, as US Opens do, and just see where that takes us."

Oddsmakers' darling Scheffler can become only the seventh golfer to complete a career Grand Slam with a victory on Sunday, his 30th birthday.The American is a four-time Major winner and this is his first chance at completing the Slam after winning last year's British Open and PGA Championship.

Scheffler played an early afternoon practice round on the back nine with compatriots Brian Harman, Marek Fleming and Chris Gotterup and is set for a Tuesday tour of the front side with South Korean Kim Si-woo and Americans Sam Burns and Gary Woodland.

Wyndham Clark, the 2023 US Open champion, decided against going out Monday.

"This wind is not the normal wind, so if there's any time to take a day off, it was today," he said. "Wind is always a challenge here and that's kind of what everyone talks about."

The greens, however, offer the toughest test, Clark said.

"The biggest challenge at Shinnecock is the greens. You have to really be in the right places," he said.

"If you can eliminate the three-putts or leaving yourself really challenging putts, I think that's the person that's going to have the most success. You're just going to have to handle the punches that Shinnecock is going to give you and stay really patient out here."

Defending champion JJ Spaun checked out drone footage of the course.

"The one thing you don't realise is how much more undulation and rolling hills and perched greens there are around Shinnecock," he said. "It's nice to get on property and see it in real life."

Fitzpatrick sees Shinnecock as a shotmakers' delight.

"You've got to be in control of your ball flight. That's the biggest thing," Fitzpatrick said. "When the wind is this strong in pretty much every direction with the holes you're facing, you've got to be able to have a lot of shots in your armoury, really.

"It allows for shotmaking. That's what makes it a great test overall."

World amateur number one Jackson Koivun is playing his last event before turning professional next month. The 21-year-old American missed the cut in last year's US Open.

"Just coming out here to try and have fun and enjoy it," Koivun said. "Getting in the mindset that making par is a good score and accepting you might make a good shot and not get rewarded."

The field of 156 was completed on Monday when Americans JT Poston and Bud Cauley qualified by moving into the top 60 of the world rankings and five alternates were added to the lineup — Americans Bryan Lee, Harry Higgs, Spencer Tibbits, Jack Schoenberger and South African Hennie du Plessis.

Bulls legend Victor Matfield believes the Bulls have left their URC finals hoodoo in Pretoria and will get over the line against Leinster in the big final at Croke Park on Friday night.

“It is a difficult one because Leinster must be favourites at home,” said Matfield, who captained the Bulls to three Super Rugby finals wins. “But I think the Bulls are going to graft away for the full 80-minutes, and they must be at their utmost best as they administer their poison.

“The Bulls will need to be ultra-physical if they want to compete in this final, but I just think the momentum and belief that they have created in the last eight to ten weeks is there, and the unity they have is fantastic,” Matfield explained.

“The Bulls scrum is their strength — that is where they can win it, if they can win penalties there, they will be dangerous. So I predict the Bulls by one in a low-scoring match.

With Matfield was the New Zealander Isa Nacewa, who played 185 games for Leinster and captained them in several victorious finals.

“Croke Park on a Friday night is not a nice place for visitors,” the former flyhalf/centre warned. “It is Leinster crowd favourite James Lowe’s last game; they are still hurting from the Bordeaux final; there is a lot on the line, and I think this Leinster team embraces this type of pressure.

“It has not always gone their way in finals, but last year they finished the season with the URC trophy, and I think that is the single-minded goal that they will take into this match. So Leinster by one — one is enough!”

Saving for a deposit while also covering transfer costs, bond registration fees and other expenses has become increasingly difficult for many South Africans. 

As a result, zero-deposit and cost-inclusive home loans are becoming an important pathway into property ownership, says Vermaak Properties. 

The estate agency says South Africa’s residential property market is experiencing a noticeable shift, with more buyers turning to zero-deposit home loans as affordability pressures continue to shape purchasing decisions.

56% of all home loan applications submitted during the first four months of 2026 were for 100% home loans

According to the latest data from ooba Home Loans, more than 56% of all home loan applications submitted during the first four months of 2026 were for 100% home loans, meaning buyers required no deposit to purchase a property.

Last week, Rhys Dyer, CEO of the ooba Group, said that over 56% of all home loan applications received in the first four months of 2026 fell into the zero-deposit category - two percentage points higher year-on-year.

He said this data may underline the lack of available deposits among homebuyers, but it also shows the banks’ willingness to enable and empower homebuyers in a tough economic climate.

“For some, saving up for a deposit and covering the additional associated costs relating to a home loan are no longer viable. However, they still have the affordability and income to repay their loan on time each month, and this is where these types of loans help reduce the barrier to entry,” Dyer said. 

This marks a record high and reflects a growing trend among both first-time and repeat buyers who may have the income to afford monthly repayments, but not the upfront savings traditionally needed for a deposit and transaction costs, says Vermaak Properties. 

It says that first-time buyers remain the strongest drivers of this trend.

“Between January and April 2026, 60.2% of first-time buyer applications were for 100% home loans. Demand for cost-inclusive home loans has also grown significantly, rising from around 3% of applications in 2021 to nearly 16% in 2026.” 

Encouragingly, the estate agency says banks are not only receiving more applications for these types of loans but are also approving them at strong rates.

It says approval rates for first-time buyers applying for 100% home loans have increased from 69.2% in 2016 to 80.9% in early 2026, while cost-inclusive home loan approvals have reached 88.8%.

“This points to a banking sector that remains committed to supporting qualified buyers and strengthening access to homeownership, particularly in a market where affordability remains one of the biggest challenges.” 

The company says the trend is also extending beyond first-time buyers. It adds that repeat buyers are increasingly applying for 100% finance as slower house price growth in certain regions has reduced the equity many homeowners would traditionally use as a deposit when upgrading or relocating.

For repeat buyers, approval rates are described as also strong, with 100% home loan approvals reaching 87.5% and cost-inclusive loan approvals climbing to 91.3% during the first four months of 2026.

Buyers still need to meet affordability requirements and generally require a healthy credit profile to qualify.

According to Vermaak Properties, while zero-deposit home loans can make property ownership more accessible, responsible lending remains key.

The estate agency says buyers still need to meet affordability requirements and generally require a healthy credit profile to qualify. Prequalification remains an important first step, helping buyers understand what they can realistically afford before entering the market, it adds.

For the property sector, this shift is said to be significant. It is said to show that while affordability pressures remain, banks are playing an active role in supporting market activity and helping qualified buyers move forward with confidence.

The estate agency buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions a person can make. It adds that whether one is a first-time buyer, upgrading their current home, or exploring their financing options, having the right guidance can make all the difference.

“With more accessible lending options available, now may be the right time for qualified buyers to take the next step toward homeownership.” 

Helping stimulate demand, particularly at a time of affordability pressures

According to Dyer, while these figures reflect current bank lending behaviour, these loans also act as a strategic tool to help stimulate demand, particularly at a time when affordability pressures are keeping many potential homebuyers sidelined.

He added that internal credit performance has also remained resilient, with payments in arrears by home loan applicants contained and household balance sheets among the middle-income segment appearing stable.

“This positive trend is testament to the robust vetting and prequalification processes applied by companies like ooba Home Loans, ensuring that homebuyers are approved for an amount that is realistically aligned with what they can afford,” Dyer said, adding that homebuyers require a strong credit score of 661-plus to be considered for zero-deposit and cost-inclusive loans.

Little evidence of a major shift in lending behaviour in the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.

When asked whether banks might change their stance in response to ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, including conflict in the Middle East, Dyer says there is currently little evidence of a major shift in lending behaviour, although lenders may become more cautious should global instability persist.

“For now, one thing is clear: South Africa’s banks are actively granting more 100% and 100% home loans, helping more qualified buyers access the property market and supporting housing demand in a challenging economic environment,” says Dyer.

Independent Media Property 

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) is deeply saddened by the passing of Abdullah Ibrahim,91, one of South Africa's most revered cultural icons and a towering figure in the global jazz community. 

The CTIJF is especially honoured to have formed part of the final chapter of his extraordinary musical journey. Ibrahim's final public performance took place at the festival on the Rosies Stage on Friday, 27 March 2026. In what will now be remembered as a historic homecoming moment, audiences witnessed one of the greatest musicians of our time deliver a performance that reflected the grace, depth and mastery that defined his remarkable career. It was a fitting farewell in Cape Town, where he was born and raised. The city shaped so much of his musical identity. His relationship with the festival spanned many years, having also performed in 2004 as the Abdullah Ibrahim Trio, in 2014 with Ekaya and in 2019 with Ibrahim Khalil Shihab.

A pianist, composer, bandleader and visionary, Ibrahim's contribution to South African music transcended genres, generations and borders. Through his extraordinary body of work, he gave voice to the spirit, resilience and aspirations of South Africans, creating a musical legacy that will continue to inspire audiences around the world for generations to come. 

His life and career spanned nine decades and multiple continents. A pioneer of bebop infused with a distinct Cape Town sensibility, he formed the Dollar Brand Trio in 1958 and, in 1959, co-founded The Jazz Epistles alongside Hugh Masekela, Kippie Moeketsi, Jonas Gwangwa, Johnny Gertze and Makaya Ntshoko. Their recording became the first jazz album by South African musicians. That same year, he began a lifelong partnership with South African vocalist and composer Sathima Bea Benjamin (1936-2013).

Following the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre and intensifying apartheid repression, Ibrahim went into exile. In Zurich, he was introduced to Duke Ellington, leading to recordings and major European appearances. After Nelson Mandela’s release, he returned home in 1990 and later performed at the presidential inauguration in 1994, marking a historic homecoming.

Paying tribute to his life and legacy, CTIJF Chairman Rayhaan Survé said: “Uncle Abdullah was one of South Africa's greatest musicians; he was one of our nation’s most profound storytellers. Through his piano, he captured the soul of a people, the pain of a divided past, and the hope of a democratic future. His music carried South Africa to the world and brought the world closer to South Africa.”

“We are particularly privileged that his final performance was shared with audiences at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. It is a memory that we will cherish forever and a reminder of the enduring connection between Uncle Abdullah, the city of Cape Town and a festival that celebrates the rich heritage of jazz.”

“As the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, we honour a man whose artistry helped define the very foundations of South African jazz and whose influence continues to shape generations of musicians and audiences alike. His legacy extends far beyond the stage. It lives in every artist inspired by his work and every listener moved by his compositions. 

“We extend our deepest condolences to his partner Dr Marina Umari, family, friends and colleagues. While we mourn his passing, we celebrate a remarkable life dedicated to excellence, creativity and the transformative power of music. His voice may be silent, but his music will continue to resonate for generations to come.” 

CTIJF Co-director Carolyn Savage said: “It was a profound honour for us to welcome Abdullah Ibrahim to perform on our Rosies Stage at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in March this year. His presence was both humbling and inspiring, a reminder of the depth, soul, and history that he brought to every note he played.” 

“Ibrahim was more than an icon of the music industry, he was a musical storyteller, a cultural ambassador, and a symbol of resilience whose work transcended borders and generations. His legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of jazz and will continue to inspire artists and audiences around the world for years to come.”

CTIJF Co-director Georgia Jones said: “What an immense privilege it was to dine with Abdullah, to share in his stories and humour, and to bear witness to his final performance in South Africa at the CTIJF. We are incredibly moved by his contribution to our country and its music. He has, without a doubt, left a remarkable legacy and a lasting impression on us all. We are sending our love to Marina and his family during this time.” 

“Ibrahim's influence on the South African and international jazz landscape is immeasurable. His commitment to artistic excellence, cultural preservation and creative freedom helped shape the evolution of jazz in South Africa and inspired countless musicians to follow in his footsteps. As the jazz community, the nation and the world mourn this profound loss, the CTIJF joins millions in celebrating a life dedicated to artistry, integrity and the enduring power of music. Though he has taken his final bow, Ibrahim's legacy will continue to echo through concert halls, classrooms, communities and stages across the globe.”

Arthur Zwane’s story mirrors the story of modern Sowetan football.

Born in Meadowlands and raised on the dusty fields that have produced generations of South African footballers, Zwane rose from humble beginnings to become a Kaizer Chiefs legend, a Bafana Bafana international and later a coach entrusted with developing the country’s next wave of talent.

On Youth Day, the former midfielder’s thoughts inevitably return to the township that shaped him. Long before the trophies, national team call-ups and packed stadiums, there were the streets of Soweto.

“The streets of Soweto made us who we are,” Zwane told Independent Newspapers ahead of the 50th commemoration of the Soweto Uprising.

For many South Africans, Soweto remains synonymous with the bravery and sacrifice of the youth who stood up against Apartheid in 1976. But for Zwane, who was three-years old at the time of the Uprising, it was also a place where football offered hope, identity and a sense of belonging during uncertain times.

“We lived in a very tough time obviously, you always needed to have a Plan B of escape all the time but only thing that brought everyone together was the football.”

The game became a common language spoken across communities regardless of political affiliation, social standing or neighbourhood rivalries.

“Some may have worn different colours in politics but when we played, everyone forgot all of that.”

Those township matches became the foundation of a football culture that would eventually produce some of the country’s greatest players, administrators and club owners. Zwane was among the beneficiaries of that ecosystem.

While local supporters often pledged allegiance to different clubs, scouts and coaches regularly ventured into Soweto’s football hotspots searching for talent.

“The likes of AmaZulu had their strong support base in our areas but the likes of Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, Jomo Cosmos recognised us as people in and around Meadowlands, Orlando, Diepkloof and Pimville and gave us opportunities.”

The opportunities were rarely accompanied by resources.

Like many youngsters of his generation, Zwane learned the game without access to modern facilities or expensive equipment. Instead, innovation became a survival tool.

“We grew up in under privileged communities but that made us innovative because we’d make football out of plastics and those things developed us for football and life.”

That resilience would carry Zwane through a playing career that saw him become one of Kaizer Chiefs’ most successful players before transitioning into coaching, where he helped nurture some of South African football’s brightest young talents.

Yet, while reflecting on the past, Zwane is equally mindful of the responsibility carried by today’s generation. He points to Soweto’s trailblazers as examples of how football can become a vehicle for wider social impact.

To the Young People of South Africa,

On the eve of Youth Day, we honour a generation of young South Africans who changed the course of our history. Fifty years ago, the youth of 1976 stood up against injustice and demanded the right to learn, to dream and to determine their… pic.twitter.com/T158zU3Q6z

— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) June 15, 2026

“South Africa is gifted. We had the likes of Jomo Sono, Kaizer Motaung and Irvin Khoza, all of these people are doctors today because of their philanthropy beyond football and they’re all inspiration born out of Soweto.”

“I was lucky enough to be surrounded by these people at different points of my life and that shaped me.”

It is perhaps for that reason that Zwane worries about the challenges facing young South Africans today. Despite the abundance of talent he continues to see both in football and society, he believes too many youngsters are being distracted by destructive influences.

“It saddens me that we are losing a lot of youngsters, talented youngsters at that through substance abuse and wanting to enjoy a lifestyle they don’t really understand but see from their role models.”

On a day dedicated to honouring South Africa’s youth, Zwane’s message is ultimately a reminder that greatness is not determined by circumstance.

After all, some of the country’s most influential football figures emerged from the same dusty streets, with the same limited resources and the same obstacles. And for Zwane, that remains Soweto’s greatest lesson.

The Free State Crinums returned to the top of the Telkom Netball League tree, avenging last season's final defeat to the Gauteng Golden Fireballs with a 46-32 victory in the Division 1 final at Rembrandt Hall at the University of Pretoria on Monday evening.

The unbeaten Free State side were pushed hard by the defending champions during a fiercely contested opening half before pulling away to take a 25-20 lead into the half-time break.

Returning goal attack Owethu Ngubane made an immediate impact for the Fireballs, while Tarle Mathe continued to thrive in her new role of wing defence as the Joburg outfit unsettled and harried he Crinums. Yet, it was the defensive grit that has underpinned the Crinums' march to the decider that once again proved decisive.

Veteran Karla Pretorius was the glue holding the defensive unit together as the Crinums won the key rebound battle and repeatedly disrupted the Fireballs' attacking rhythm.

👑 From First Pass to Crown

🏆 The Free State Crinums are the 2026 Telkom Netball League Division 1 Champions 🔥#TNLCrinumsFireballs #TelkomStandTall #TNL2026 @TelkomZA pic.twitter.com/FKtsyXUxH9

— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) June 15, 2026

Goal shooter Bianca Lubbe kept the scoreboard ticking over, helping offset a quieter evening from goal attack Xandri Fourie.

Matha Mosoahle-Samm's Crinums continued to tighten their grip on the final at the start of a low-scoring third quarter, stretching their advantage to 10 points at 33-23 and leaving the Fireballs with a mountain to climb.

There would be no repeat of last season's heartbreak for the Free State side, who controlled the tempo throughout the closing stages on their way to a convincing 46-32 victory and a return to the top of South African netball.

Meanwhile, the Kingdom Stars retained their Division 1 status for next season after defeating Division 2 champions the Tornadoes 42-38 in the promotion-relegation play-off.

⚔️ A fight to the final whistle. ⭐ The Kingdom Stars stay in Division 1.#TNLStarsTornados @TelkomZA pic.twitter.com/j1nwVvXmsf

— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) June 15, 2026

Leinster wing Tommy O’Brien says the champions will have to produce their best defensive performance of the year if they are to keep out the “desperate” Bulls in Friday night’s United Rugby Championship final in Dublin.

Leinster are aware of the state of mind of a Bulls team that has lost three URC finals and will want to avoid a fourth nightmare at all costs.

“They will be desperate for sure, and unbelievably hungry,” O’Brien said.

“They’ve come so close and unfortunately haven’t managed to get over the line,” he told the media on Monday. “We understand that they’re going to be highly motivated coming up here.”

O’Brien used the Spanish bullfighting term mano a mano to describe the expected fierceness of the clash. It means the combat will be “hand-to-hand.”

“The Bulls go back to the roots of rugby … It’s mano a mano, and you’ve got to stop the man in front of you,” he added. “That’s a big part of their game, so we need to make sure we’re ready for that challenge.”

O’Brien pointed out that the Bulls are not just brawn, and can call on the tactical nous of Springboks Handré Pollard, Embrose Papier, and Willie le Roux.

“They’ve got quality players right throughout the team,” O’Brien said.

“There are Springboks all over the field, and they’ve scored the most points in the URC this season, so we know how dangerous they are. We’re going to need one of our best defensive performances of the season.

“They also have a great kicking game with Pollard and Le Roux in that 10-15 axis. They look to control games through that.

“You could see it in the semi-final against the Warriors, especially in the last 20 minutes, where they really squeezed the game well and put their big pack of forwards in good positions on the field.”

Leinster will go into the final without their best loosehead prop, Andrew Porter, who suffered a calf injury in the semi-final against the Stormers.

Porter’s Ireland teammates Caelan Doris and Dan Sheehan are also in doubt.

Leinster coach Leo Cullen is running out of options at loosehead, with Paddy McCarthy and Jack Boyle still injured.

Better front row news for the Dubliners is that tighthead Tadhg Furlong reportedly participated in Monday’s training session after missing the quarter-final and semi-final.

Leinster’s issues at loosehead are all the more concerning because the Bulls have arguably the two strongest URC tightheads in Wilco Louw and Francois Klopper.

Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids says the SA 'A' team is expecting a stern examination from neighbours Zimbabwe in Saturday’s curtain-raiser to the Springboks v Barbarians match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Under former Western Province flyhalf Pieter Benade (2004-2006), the Sables have qualified for the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

“They are a well-structured team, looking at the games they have played,” said Davids. “Zimbabwe, over the years have always delivered quality players that became good Springboks.

“If you look at their team now, they have (lock) Gary Porter from the Stormers, (flank) Tino Mavesere from the Sharks, and (wing/fullback) Tapiwa Mafura of the Lions. They are good players.

“Looking at their coaching staff, they have guys who can give them good systems like (former Stormers coach) Gert Smal, who has been with them for a while, and will give their forwards good structure. They have Kennedy Tsimba (who played 97 games at flyhalf for the Cheetahs),” Davids added.

“And with Zim having qualified for the World Cup, they will be a very good challenge for us. For Zim, preparing against us, it gives them good preparation, so it works both ways, and we are excited to host them.

Davids, meanwhile, shed light on the call-up of Stormers lock Adre Smith to the squad. He followed hard on the heels of teammate Ruben van Heerden.

The Boks are vulnerable in the second row — RG Snyman is out for the year, Salmaan Moerat is a long-term injury, and veterans Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager are making their way back after long periods on the sidelines.

“We’ve looked at different scenarios and the selections we need to make based on the players available,” Davids said.

“We know Ruben is very good at calling the lineouts, while Adre is a different type of player,” he explained.

“Adre is more of a No 4 lock who brings that grunt and physicality to the team. Having him with Ruben, and players like Vincent Tshituka who can also cover there, means we’ve got enough depth if injuries happen or if we need cover at either lock position.”

Davids said the Springboks are confident they can ride out the lock issue with minimum fuss.

“It’s never the perfect scenario when you lose quality players through injury, especially in the lock department. But we’ve learned over the years that South Africa has a lot of quality players.

“Whenever someone gets injured, it creates an opportunity for the next player. We’ve seen the talent coming through, even at junior level, and this is a chance for those players to get exposure and show they can step up,” Davids elaborated.

The Springboks and SA ‘A’ teams will be announced on Tuesday, and the squad will travel to Gqeberha on Wednesday.

Paul de Villiers was at primary school in George when Springbok Heinrich Brüssow was blowing away the British and Irish Lions at the breakdown during the 2009 series, and he liked what he saw.

The stocky De Villiers has the same dimensions as Brüssow in his prime (1.80m, 99kg), and he admits he modelled much of his game on the brilliant Free State fetcher.

“It is hard to single out guys, but yes, I watched a lot of Brüssow’s rugby, and I definitely learned from how he tackled the breakdown,” said De Villiers.

The 23-year-old was speaking at a press conference in Johannesburg on Monday. The Stormers flank is poised to play either for the SA 'A' team against Zimbabwe or the Springboks against the Barbarians in Gqeberha on Saturday.

“As I played more rugby through my school years, I formed into a fetcher role, but I hope that is not the only thing I contribute,” said De Villiers, who is a former Junior Springbok captain.

“I learned a lot from watching top players at the breakdown. I am still learning, and right now from guys like Siya (Kolisi), Siba (Mahashe) and Emmanuel (Tshituka), the sixes in the squad. I have stuff I bring to the table, but Siya adds things I can learn, so it is good to listen, watch, and learn.”

But making turnovers is his De Villiers rugby signature — he made 19 in the United Rugby Championship, the second most, and just one below Turnover King Jeandre Rudolph of the Bulls.

De Villiers was asked if making a turnover is like a football player scoring a goal, or a cricketer hitting a six.

“I suppose it is the same thrill,” he smiled. “It is part of my job to make turnovers, and when you get off the field and have contributed in that area, it feels good.”

De Villiers is delighted to be part of the expanded national squad and said he has thoroughly enjoyed his time in camp.

“It's only been a week, but it’s been awesome, and I’ve learned a lot,” said De Villiers.

“We have great players in the squad, who we are all learning a lot from, so it's a perfect scenario. We also have good coaches who are great at giving advice.”

Asked what the main differences for him have been between provincial rugby and being in the Springbok set-up, he said: “The training standards have been a massive thing.

"You are competing against guys that play for the Springboks, and all the players want to be here, so the intensity of the training sessions is a main difference.”

De Villiers admitted that he is experiencing a mix of nerves and excitement ahead of the weekend. “I wouldn't say the penny has dropped (that he is about to become a Springbok). For me, the main thing will be to get the job done on the field, although there are some nerves.

“I’m just super excited to get on the field, whether it is against Zim or the Barbarians. I just want to contribute.”

While the headlines were justifiably dominated by George Kusche and Gerda Steyn at the Comrades Marathon on Sunday, one runner slowly shuffled across the finish line without much fanfare in a new record.

That, of course, was Johannes Mosehla, who broke his own record as the oldest ever finisher in race history at 84 years old. The inspiring runner crossed the line in 11 hours 12 minutes and 27 seconds (11:12:27), almost 50 minutes before the cutoff.

Mosehla did not run the race in 2024, after becoming the oldest ever finisher at Comrades in 2023 at the age of 81. However, he was back in 2025 as he crossed the line in 11:47:27 to set the new oldest finisher record at 83. It also means his time this year was 35 minutes better, which is quite incredible simply because of his age.

Mosehla’s effort in 2023 already made him the oldest-ever runner to finish Comrades, beating out the record held by the legendary Wally Hayward, who finished the race at the age of 80 in 1989. Hayward was a five-time winner of Comrades during his heyday.

Mosehla’s Journey: The Long Road to Complete 10 Comrades Marathons

Mosehla’s first Comrades came back in 2005 as a relative spring chicken at the age of 63. That year he was unable to finish the race, but since then he has completed a staggering 10 Comrades.

As Mosehla revealed in 2023, he had wanted to take part in Comrades as a young man, but apartheid laws prohibited black runners from competing at the time.

"I started running Comrades very late. When I first wanted to take part, black runners were not allowed in the early 1980s. I later joined Polokwane Athletics Club and decided to enter. Unfortunately, because of an injury, I could not run for a few years. I enjoy running the Comrades.

"I prefer the down run because I am light in weight. Most people prefer the up run because the down run is tough on the legs. I find Polly Shorts the toughest part of the route.”

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport

I had a disliking for the Comrades after my first experience of last year’s race. After Sunday’s race, I grew to despise it.

That may seem harsh after witnessing one of the greatest days in the history of the race. George Kusche produced a remarkable victory in the men’s race, while Gerda Steyn cemented her place among Comrades royalty with a fifth consecutive title.

Thousands lined the route from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, turning the roads into one long celebration of South Africa’s most iconic ultra-marathon. For almost everyone involved, it was a memorable day. For me, it started at 3am.

It is difficult to trust any day that begins before sunrise, and the warning signs arrived early. My media accreditation wristband ended up on my left arm, forcing me to wear my watch on my right. It seemed insignificant at the time. In hindsight, it was probably the universe trying to tell me something.

Instead, I loaded a laptop bag with enough equipment to survive a small expedition: laptop, iPad, modem, power banks, cables, chargers and an emergency jacket.

Driving into Durban before the start, I discovered that thousands of runners and supporters had exactly the same idea as me when it came to parking. Cars and pedestrians seemed to be moving in every direction at once. After several laps of the city, a brief flirtation with roadside parking and a failed attempt to access another parking area, I eventually surrendered and paid a small fortune to leave my car somewhere safe.

Things deteriorated further when my licence plate detached itself from the vehicle as I unpacked. Still, there was no turning back.

I joined the crowds making their way to the start and boarded the "media bus" that would follow the leading runners to Pietermaritzburg.

The term "bus" turned out to be highly optimistic. In reality, it was a truck fitted with tiered seating and steel railings. To be fair, it offered an excellent view of the race. It also offered a direct and intimate relationship with every pothole between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

As dawn broke, however, it became difficult not to be swept up by the atmosphere. The route was lined with spectators waving flags, dancing to music and tending braai fires. Communities had been awake for hours to support runners chasing personal dreams, whether they were aiming for victory, a medal or simply the finish line.

One water-point announcer summed up our unusual vantage point perfectly.

“What a way to watch the race. Sitting on a truck facing backwards all the way to Maritzburg.”

Meanwhile, the race itself was unfolding magnificently. Steyn looked in complete control as she moved steadily towards another historic victory, while Kusche was producing the performance of his life in a fiercely contested men’s race.

While they were conquering the hills of KwaZulu-Natal, I was simply trying to remain upright. That challenge became considerably harder near the finish. Unfortunately, I failed to account for the weight of the backpack hanging from my shoulders. The result was an undignified meeting between myself and the tar road in front of a sizeable audience.

While Steyn was gliding towards the finish line, I was discovering new ways to lose a battle with gravity.

The day still had surprises in store.

After making my way into the finish precinct, I discovered that I apparently had the wrong colour accreditation band. By the end of the process I looked less like a journalist and more like someone collecting bracelets at a music festival.

"There isn't a race like the Comrades in the world." 🌍

George reflects on his transition from shorter road distances to the ultimate human race, highlighting the deep cultural impact and prestige that makes the Comrades Marathon the absolute pinnacle of South African running.… pic.twitter.com/UXUB6duBwS

— ComradesRace (@ComradesRace) June 14, 2026

Eventually, I gained entry and caught glimpses of the celebrations as Steyn and Kusche received the acclaim their performances deserved.

A broken watch strap and network outage only added to my frustration. By this stage, Comrades and I were no longer on speaking terms.

The irony, of course, is that none of these inconveniences diminished what was happening around me. The real story was the thousands of runners who had spent months preparing for one extraordinary day. It was the crowds who transformed the route into a festival. It was Kusche and Steyn delivering performances worthy of the occasion.

My own struggles merely provided some unintended comic relief.

The journey home offered one final test. Traffic out of Pietermaritzburg was gridlocked and a trip that normally takes 45 minutes stretched beyond two hours. It gave me time to reflect on the day. Comrades had given me an aching back, a broken watch strap, several unnecessary grey hairs and enough material for a therapy session.

It had also delivered another unforgettable chapter in one of South Africa’s greatest sporting events. Which is why, despite everything, I'll probably be back next year.

Group J at the 2026 Fifa World Cup appears to revolve around one question: who can challenge Argentina? The defending world champions enter the tournament as overwhelming favourites to top the pool, but the battle for the remaining qualification places could be fiercely contested.

Algeria and Austria both possess the quality and experience to trouble the South Americans, while World Cup debutants Jordan will look to embrace their underdog status and make history on football's biggest stage.

Here, we dissects the group.

ARGENTINA | Champions chasing history

Head Coach: Lionel Scaloni
Captain: Lionel Messi
Key Player: Lionel Messi
Fifa Ranking: 3rd
Best World Cup finish: Winners (1978, 1986, 2022)
Nickname: La Albiceleste

Argentina arrive in North America with a chance to achieve something no nation has managed since Brazil in 1962 – successfully defend the World Cup. While much of the spotlight remains on Messi, likely playing at his final World Cup, the squad is no longer solely dependent on its iconic captain.

Forwards Julian Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez provide versatility and clinical finishin, while Enzo Fernandez and Rodrigo de Paul, provide steel and energy in midfield. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez is a proven asset in high-pressure matches and penalty shootouts. In fact, Scaloni has built a balanced side blending experience with exciting young talent, like attacking midfielder Nico Paz, and Argentina qualified with authority from South America. Anything less than top spot in Group J would rank among the tournament's biggest surprises.

ALGERIA | Africa's great hope?

Head Coach: Vladimir Petković
Captain: Riyad Mahrez
Key Player: Riyad Mahrez
Fifa Ranking: 35th
Best World Cup finish: Round of 16 (2014)
Nickname: Les Fennecs (The Desert Foxes)

Algeria return to the World Cup for the first time in 12 years determined to make a deeper impact than ever before. The Desert Foxes possess a squad packed with technical quality and attacking flair, spearheaded by the evergreen Mahrez.

Under Petković they have rediscovered consistency and confidence, emerging as one of Africa's strongest representatives at the tournament. Red-hot recent diplays included a 1-0 win over the Netherlands, as well as a 4-0 dismantling of Bolivia in frielndly matches. Their clash with Austria could ultimately determine who joins Argentina in the knockout stages, although Algeria will back themselves to compete with anyone in the group.

AUSTRIA | Europe's dark horses

Head Coach: Ralf Rangnick
Captain: David Alaba
Key Player: Marcel Sabitzer
Fifa Ranking: 24th
Best World Cup finish: Third place (1954)
Nickname: Das Team

Austria have quietly developed into one of Europe's most difficult sides to face, having cruised through the Uefa qualifiers. Rangnick's high-intensity pressing approach has transformed the team into a disciplined and energetic outfit capable of unsettling more fancied opponents.

Experienced figures such as Alaba and Sabitzer provide leadership, while a strong collective identity has become Austria's hallmark. Konrad Laimer's endless running power and defensive bite anchor the midfield. They may not attract the same attention as Argentina, but they have every reason to believe a place in the knockout rounds is within reach.

JORDAN | Making history

Head Coach: Jamal Sellami
Captain: Ihsan Haddad
Key Player: Mousa Al-Taamari
Fifa Ranking: 66th
Best World Cup finish: Debut appearance
Nickname: Al-Nashama

Jordan's presence in Group J is one of the stories of the tournament. The Middle Eastern nation qualified for the World Cup for the first time in their history and arrive with little pressure but plenty of ambition.

Winger Mousa Al-Taamari is their standout performer and will be central to any hopes of causing an upset. Progression would represent a remarkable achievement, but Jordan have already shown throughout qualifying that they are capable of frustrating more established football nations.

It has become one of the defining images of this Fifa World Cup.

The clock approaches the 22-minute mark, the referee blows the whistle and players from both teams make their way to the touchline for a mandatory drinks break.

What was introduced as a player welfare measure to combat the heat and humidity across Mexico, Canada and the US has quickly evolved into something far more influential.

Just one round of matches into the tournament, the hydration breaks are already shaping games.

Officially, the three-minute stoppages are there to protect players from extreme conditions. In reality, they have become mini tactical timeouts — an opportunity for coaches to regroup, adjust and, in some cases, completely alter the momentum of a match.

Not everyone is convinced that is a good thing.

🚨The 4th referee had to wait for FIFA’s broadcast team to signal the restart of USA vs. Paraguay which was delayed by commercials pic.twitter.com/AdujnOKGoi

— Polymarket Sports (@PolymarketSport) June 13, 2026

Among the critics are US head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who believes the breaks should only be used when conditions genuinely demand them.

“I don’t like it. I only like it when the conditions are extreme. But when the conditions are good, it is unnecessary.”

His concerns are understandable.

Some matches have taken place in climate-controlled stadiums with retractable roofs, raising questions about whether the breaks are always necessary.

Others have suggested the stoppages feel more like commercial interruptions designed to satisfy broadcasters than genuine welfare measures.

Whatever the motivation, their impact on matches is becoming impossible to ignore. Brazil’s opening encounter against Morocco offered perhaps the clearest example.

Virgil van Dijk is NOT a fan of the mandatory drinks breaks at this World Cup... especially for fans watching at home ❌ pic.twitter.com/8c1GbWf8gU

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) June 15, 2026

The five-time world champions looked second best during the opening stages and deservedly trailed 1-0 when the first-half hydration break arrived. Six minutes after play resumed, they were level through a brilliant strike from Vinicius Junior.

While individual quality ultimately delivered the goal, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted the break allowed him to communicate directly with his players and make tactical adjustments.

“You can explain a problem to the players,” Ancelotti said. ("You can) make a tactical adjustment that can be very good.”

Brazil were not alone.

Canada equalised against Bosnia-Herzegovina shortly after a second-half drinks break. Scotland scored the winner against Haiti soon after another stoppage, while Australia also found a breakthrough goal following a hydration break against Turkey.

The pattern is difficult to dismiss as coincidence. That has led some to question whether coaches should be allowed to use the breaks for tactical instruction if player welfare is the primary objective.

Former US women’s coach Emma Hayes believes the stoppages fundamentally change the rhythm of games.

“It’s advantageous for the team losing momentum — that’s why I call them momentum breaks,” she said. “When you’re on top, you don’t want it; when you’re losing, you do.”

Former Spain midfielder Juan Mata shares a similar view.

“As a player I don’t think it’s great,” he said. “When you’re losing, you want to score, and when you’re winning you want to keep the ball. I think they break the momentum.”

And perhaps that is the heart of the debate.

Football has always been governed by momentum. Teams earn dominance through pressure, intensity and rhythm. The mandatory breaks risk disrupting those natural swings and handing struggling sides a chance to reset.

The hydration breaks may have been introduced with the best of intentions. But they are already looking less like drinks breaks and more like tactical timeouts — and that conversation is only going to grow louder as the tournament progresses.

COMMENT

The debate surrounding Bafana Bafana has not just been about the result against Mexico — it has been about identity.

Much of the criticism following the defeat at the Estadio Azteca centred on Hugo Broos’ decision to abandon South Africa’s familiar 4-3-3 structure in favour of a more conservative 5-3-2 setup. 

For fans and pundits alike, the shift represented a step away from the attacking rhythm that has often defined Bafana’s best spells under the Belgian coach. But as the focus turns to a crucial clash against the Czech Republic, the expectation is that Broos will stick with the same system — not out of stubbornness, but out of necessity.

The reality of Group A leaves little room for tactical sentiment. The Czechs present a very specific kind of threat. They are not a side built on sustained possession or intricate combination play.

Instead, their greatest danger comes from set-pieces, direct delivery into the box, and aerial pressure in congested areas. That profile matters — because it is exactly where a back five becomes structurally important.

Against Mexico, the criticism of the 5-3-2 was rooted in South Africa’s lack of attacking fluidity and their struggles to progress the ball in wide areas. But defensively, the system was also designed to reduce exposure in central zones — something Broos will not ignore when facing another physically strong, set-piece-heavy opponent.

The inclusion of three centre-backs, supported by wing-backs dropping into a deeper line, is less about caution for its own sake and more about controlling penalty-box chaos. Corners, second phases, and free-kicks are expected to be the Czech Republic’s clearest route to goal.

And in tournament football, those details decide campaigns.

There is also a wider strategic layer to Broos’ thinking. After changing shape for the Mexico opener, reverting immediately back to a 4-3-3 would not only risk tactical instability but also expose a team still adjusting to the demands of elite opposition.

Continuity — even in a system that has drawn criticism — becomes its own form of control.

The psychological equation is just as important. A second defeat would leave Bafana on the brink of elimination. A draw keeps qualification alive. That margin alone pushes Broos toward a structure that prioritises defensive certainty over attacking expression.

South Korea’s presence in the group further reinforces the logic.

With two disciplined, well-organised opponents still to come, Broos is more likely to lean into a system built to absorb pressure rather than trade blows.

No time to rest, only time to prepare. ⏱️ Bafana Bafana is locked in for the next crucial group match. We are ready to fight for every point. Mzansi, stand with us! 🇿🇦⚔️🔥#BafanaPride@adidasfootball @adidasZA @REXONA_SA @StandardBankZA @10bet_ZA @flysaa @CastleLagerSA… pic.twitter.com/azu8oGRnv8

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) June 14, 2026

For critics, the frustration remains understandable. The 4-3-3 has long been associated with Bafana’s more expressive performances, and the shift to a back three has been interpreted by some as a retreat. But in Broos’ calculation, it is not about retreat — it is about survival.

The set-piece threat posed by the Czech Republic does not invite risk. It demands structure, numbers, and control in the box. And that is why, when Bafana step out again, the system is unlikely to change.

Not because debate has been ignored — but because the opposition profile has made the decision for them.

The Springboks assistant coach Deon Davids said there is no chance of underestimating a Barbarians team headed by former All Blacks coach Scott Robertson and Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi.

The bare packed with attacking threats such as Duhan van der Merwe, TJ Perenara, Andrew Kellaway, Kyle Sinckler, and D’arcy Rae. Davids was speaking in a press conference in Johannesburg before the double-header matches on Saturday in Gqeberha featuring the SA 'A' team v Zimbabwe and the Boks v the BaaBaas.

“With the Barbarians, you have to understand their background, the way their squad is put together, and you cannot underestimate them because they are a bunch of experienced players, many of them with X factor, so you don’t want them to get on a roll,” Davids said.

“The Barbarians have a unique dynamic that goes back decades — they like to entertain, which is encouraged by clever coaches who pick players who can do just that,” the forwards coach continued.

“Because they don’t have much time to prepare as a group, they stick to a style that has worked for them forever — they want to give the ball air, they want to create opportunities by a mixture of structure and attacking adventure.”

Davids said that the Boks need to concentrate on the boxes that must be ticked as they begin a long international season.

“It is important that we have balance and control in our game. We must transfer what we have been training into the match situation so we can see what works and what needs improvement.”

The Boks have chosen to prepare for the Gqeberha games in Johannesburg and will move to the coastal city on Thursday.

“We had a training camp here in Joburg and felt that we would continue our preparation for the games in a place where we have grown comfortable,” Davids said.

“It has gone smoothly as we bring what we discussed in the alignment camps onto the practice pitch. It has been about setting standards and the game plans we are working on.”

Coaching support for young unemployed South Africans could make a significant difference in their lives, a new policy brief has found.

As South Africa marks Youth Day on Tuesday, a policy brief, From Margins to Mainstream: In-Person Support as a Policy Lever for Livelihood Outcomes, comes at a time when millions of young South Africans remain locked out of employment, education and training opportunities, despite significant public investment in youth employment initiatives and social support programmes.

The policy brief was produced by the Centre for Social Development in Africa (University of Johannesburg), the Department of Social Development, FinMark Trust, the National Development Agency, South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), and the Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU) at the University of Cape Town.

It noted that for many young people, years of rejection, financial hardship, transport costs, poor mental health, food insecurity and fragmented public services often stand between young people and opportunity.

However, it showed promising results from the Generating Better Livelihoods for Grant Recipients (GBL) programme, which works with primarily child support grant recipients, and the Basic Package of Support (BPS) programme, which works with young people aged 18 to 34 who are Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET).

The BPS programme shows how intensive coaching can quickly improve outcomes for unemployed youth, and the GBL programme demonstrates how similar principles can support grant recipients over time. Both programmes involve in-person support and guidance to enable participants to move towards stable livelihood and job prospects.

Within four weeks and four coaching sessions, 40% of BPS participants had moved into learning or earning opportunities, despite many entering the programme after extended periods of unemployment and discouragement.

The programme also found significant improvements in well-being. Signs of anxiety among participants dropped from 37% at the start of the programme to 21% after three coaching sessions, while participants reported stronger confidence, improved self-belief, and a renewed sense of agency.

Rather than leaving young people to navigate a maze of disconnected services on their own, the programme pairs them with coaches who help identify barriers, connect them to opportunities, provide referrals to support services, and assist them in planning their next steps.

“The evidence increasingly shows that access to opportunities alone is insufficient. Young people need support to navigate systems, overcome barriers, and remain on a pathway towards sustainable livelihoods,” said South African Research Chair in Welfare and Social Development, Professor Lauren Graham.

Similar lessons emerge from the GBL programme, which has delivered the following results to date:

● Connected 185 participants to employment and learnership opportunities.

● Supported 1,333 participants through life skills, financial literacy, and resilience-building programmes.

● Enabled 462 participants to access technical skills training.

● Assisted 541 participants through entrepreneurship and business development initiatives.

“Human support is crucial to the GBL programme. Many participants arrive facing significant barriers, and it is often the coaching and practical guidance they receive from our Linkages Facilitators that helps them take up opportunities and stay on course,” said Brendan Pearce, CEO of FinMark Trust.

The teams behind the GBL and BPS programmes and their partners are calling for increased investment in integrated, human-centred support systems that recognise the complexity of youth unemployment and help young people move from the margins into meaningful economic participation.

For more stories from The Mercury, click the link THE MERCURY

The family of Sihle Makhaye, a KwaZulu-Natal man who died in Russia after allegedly being recruited under false pretences, has received his mortal remains following a 69-day repatriation process involving provincial and national government structures.

Speaking during a media briefing at the Royal Hotel in Durban on Monday, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma confirmed that Makhaye’s remains had arrived back in South Africa and funeral arrangements were now under way.

The MEC said his office first became aware of the family’s situation on April 8 after receiving voice notes and WhatsApp messages from Makhaye's wife Sbonile Ndwandwe requesting government assistance.

“She requested us to assist her family with the repatriation of her husband,” Duma said.

According to information provided by the family, Makhaye, 44, left South Africa believing he had secured employment in Russia.

Duma said the family reported that Makhaye “was recruited under false pretences to work in Russia”.

“Upon his arrival in that country, he was asked to sign a one-year contract as a condition to fight in a war between Russia and Ukraine. He refused to do both,” Duma said.

He declined to comment further on the recruitment process, saying the matter falls under national authorities.

“Unfortunately, as the department, we are unable to provide further details, as this matter is managed at the national level by relevant authorities, including the Hawks, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.”

Duma said his department assigned a team led by head of department Max Mbili to coordinate efforts to bring Makhaye home.

He thanked President Cyril Ramaphosa, Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO)  and the Russian government for supporting the process.

“We pause to salute the DIRCO team that worked with our team on this difficult assignment. The sanctions against Russia and the language barrier made the work even harder. However, the team worked efficiently for 69 days in service of the Makhaye Family.”

He said the family officially received the remains at the Dube TradePort Cargo Terminal at around 1pm on Sunday.

“It was indeed an emotional moment. This has been a long agonising wait.”

The family has announced that Makhaye’s funeral will take place on Saturday, 20 June 2026, in Vukaphansi, Ward 6, in Kranskop under Umvoti Local Municipality.

His remains are expected to leave Durban on Friday and arrive in Vukaphansi at 4pm for a night vigil.

Duma also announced support from the Combined Nations Funeral Parlours Associations (CNAFPA), which has appointed Ndaleka Funeral Services to assist with all funeral arrangements including grave preparation and burial.

The MEC said the department would continue providing logistical support to ensure the family could bury Makhaye with dignity.

He also thanked community members and supporters who contributed during the repatriation process.

“Our hearts are with the whole Makhaye family,” Duma said, extending condolences particularly to Makhaye’s children.

For more stories from The Mercury, click the link THE MERCURY

The Durban Metro Police have appealed to members of the public to come forward with information if they were promised jobs in the municipal police service in return for payment. 

This comes after a Durban Metro Police officer was arrested for allegedly soliciting and accepting money from members of the public in exchange for promises of employment within the Metro Police Service.

The officer was arrested at the Durban Metro Police Headquarters on Wednesday. He is accused of falsely claiming that he could secure jobs for applicants within the service if they paid him.

According to the Metro Police Service, a criminal case has been opened and is currently being investigated by the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The officer appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Friday where he was granted bail.

The Metro Police Service confirmed that the officer has been suspended with immediate effect pending the outcome of both the criminal investigation and internal disciplinary proceedings.

"The department will fully cooperate with law enforcement authorities to ensure that the matter is thoroughly investigated and that appropriate action is taken," the Metro Police Service spokesperson Boysi Zungu stated.

Authorities reiterated that employment opportunities within the Metro Police Service cannot be bought and that all recruitment and appointment processes are conducted in accordance with applicable legislation, policies and approved procedures.

The Metro police urged anyone with information related to the case, or who have been approached with promises of employment in exchange for payment, to report the matter to the relevant authorities.

"No person is authorised to sell, arrange or guarantee employment within the Service," said Zungu.

The department said it maintains a zero-tolerance stance on corruption and unethical conduct, and warned that any employee found guilty of corrupt activities would face both criminal prosecution and disciplinary action.

It also cautioned members of the public against participating in schemes involving payments for employment opportunities, noting that offering, paying or agreeing to pay money in exchange for a job constitutes a criminal offence.

"Corruption involves both the person who solicits or accepts the payment and the person who offers or provides it, and both parties will be held accountable in terms of the law," said Zungu

The Metro Police Service said it remains committed to upholding honesty, accountability, transparency and maintaining public trust.

For more stories from The Mercury, click the link THE MERCURY

Willie le Roux knows there will be little room for error when the Bulls take on Leinster in Friday’s United Rugby Championship (URC) final in Dublin.

The veteran fullback, who has experienced the highs and lows of big matches throughout his career, believes finals are often decided by a handful of moments and that the Bulls must be ready to make theirs count.

He has urged his teammates to grab the opportunities that may come their way at Croke Park as they look to taste success in a URC Grand Final for the first time in four attempts.

“In finals, you might get one opportunity, and if you don’t take it, then you may end up losing the game,” Le Roux said.

“So, focus is very important, your mindset is very important. It’s also about the big moments as well. Those things are very important.”

The Bulls could benefit from the combination of Le Roux and veteran flyhalf Handré Pollard, with the double Rugby World Cup-winning Springboks having played alongside one another for more than a decade.

Two Giants. One Trophy. No Shortage of Edge 🔥

Experience the drama 🎟️👉 https://t.co/2fIveTKs7Y#BKTURC | #LEIvBUL pic.twitter.com/k9L0cFH32s

— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) June 12, 2026

Their combinations on the attack could be the key to unlocking the defence of their opponents, while their combined tactical kicking can bring relief when they are under pressure. However, accuracy and communication between the duo and the rest of the backline will be key.

“Yeah, Polly and I have come back since 2014. We’ve played together for the Springboks, so it’s been a few years. We know each other well, and we understand each other. We know our strengths and weaknesses. We know what the one does, and then you just follow up, you back him. We are each other’s eyes, we help one another as best we can.”

For Le Roux, that understanding comes down to one key ingredient.

“Communication is the most important.”

Same spark, bigger stage loading... 🔋🏟️@Vodacom #URC | #LEIvBUL pic.twitter.com/bNTaiVbsCR

— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) June 12, 2026

Standing in the Bulls’ way is a Leinster defence coached by former Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber, whose system has become one of the toughest in club rugby to break down.

“Look, Jacques is an incredible coach. They have an incredible defence that is very hard to break down and tough to play against. So, it’s going to be a massive challenge. Like, even if you know what’s coming, it’s still hard to go through them or go around them.

“So, knowing a bit about Jacques doesn’t help you do things on the field where you only have a split-second decision to make.”

Councillor candidates for the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are under pressure to recruit new voters for the upcoming local government elections or risk losing their candidacy for the party. The office of the secretary general has written to the candidates for councillor, asking them to register 3,500 new voters by July.

In a letter seen by The Mercury from the office of the secretary general, it states that “following the successful outcome of the Branch Assembly nomination process, you are hereby formally notified that as a nominated candidate, you are required to register 3,500 first-time voters.” The letter continues, “Credentials will be created and issued to you for your access to the designated part where you will be required to capture the details of all first-time voters who register under your name no later than July 31, 2026." (Consider breaking this into two sentences for clarity.)

“Failure to comply with this requirement by the stipulated deadline will result in your automatic disqualification as a nominated candidate,” the letter said.

A councillor in the EFF stated that the letter aims to combat complacency (changed from "is meant to deal with laziness") and discourage those who think becoming an EFF councillor is an easy ride to employment.

“This is the character of the organisation where we are looking to put forward people who are hard-working, committed, and disciplined. The organisation wants to weed out those who are lazy and think that being a councillor is a way to a job. I could say that this is just one of the mechanisms that the party uses to ensure that it is not faced with a situation whereby someone is elected as a councillor and they disappear from their community afterwards and do not even call community meetings,” said the councillor.

The councillor added that the senior leadership's intention with the letter is to make people aware of what lies ahead of them in terms of work and not necessarily that the failure to meet this target could be the end of a hard-working candidate. “Keep in mind that a ward might not have 3,500 people, let alone 3,500 new voters, so the leadership is aware of this. The letter’s intention is to keep the lazy people out,” said the councillor.

An official in the EFF also confirmed that the administrative staff had received their own letter to work towards registering new voters. The letter drew significant concerns online, with many commenting that this would be an impossible task. “Those given that task must start to vacate their post before they even start this process; that cannot be done,” posted one person.

Political analysts have said that the move by the EFF is a form of political activism and could benefit the country, adding that it is actually political parties that should be leading such activism. Political analyst Professor Musa Xulu said the idea of recruiting and registering new voters is an indication of an EFF that wants to emphasise political activism as a ticket to councillor position rewards.

“There is a lot of reluctance by young voters to register as voters and go on to vote. If successfully done, it may benefit the EFF in terms of growing their voter base. The move carries some objectivity as it departs from past practices where candidates for councillor positions would depend on the whims of party leaders. Voters tend to be loyal to politicians who actively recruit them.

“The EFF may benefit if it carries this task diligently and goes on to reward its hard workers accordingly. Even the IEC is complaining about a lack of enthusiasm, especially among the youth, when it comes to voter registration and voting. The EFF's strategy may see a high voter turnout, which is good for democracy,” he said.

Another analyst, Siyabonga Ntombela, said, “In the main, the move will serve the country more than the EFF. In a country with a demoralised youth and voter apathy, it is a mission impossible.”

EFF leader in the province, Vukani Ndlovu, said the intention is to make sure that they get hard-working people.

“We want to discourage opportunists and get people who are entrenched in their communities.”

For more stories from The Mercury, click the link THE MERCURY

Group H of the Fifa World Cup 2026 brings together two traditional football heavyweights and two ambitious challengers, creating a group where experience, structure and underdog resilience will all be tested.

Spain and Uruguay arrive as favourites on paper, but Saudi Arabia’s tactical discipline and Cape Verde’s historic qualification make this a far more competitive group than it first appears. With contrasting styles and no guaranteed easy fixtures, Group H promises tight margins and potentially decisive final-round drama.

_{SPAIN | Possession kings rebuilt for control}

• Head Coach: Luis de la Fuente
• Captain: Rodri
• Key Player: Lamine Yamal
• FIFA Ranking: Second
• Best World Cup Finish: Winners (2010)
• Nickname: La Roja

Spain enter the World Cup with renewed confidence after stabilising under Luis de la Fuente. Their identity remains built on possession control, technical midfield dominance and structured pressing.

Rodri remains the most important player in the squad, dictating tempo from deep midfield, while a new generation of technical attackers adds balance and directness in the final third. Spain’s challenge remains converting dominance into goals, particularly in tight knockout-style group matches where efficiency is critical.

They are expected to compete strongly for top spot in Group H.

_{URUGUAY | South American grit and experience}

🪄⚡️ Pure @Pedri magic.#VamosEspaña | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/PSoYHUNVUN

— Spanish Football (@SpainIsFootball) June 10, 2026

• Head Coach: Marcelo Bielsa
• Captain: Federico Valverde
• Key Player: Darwin Núñez
• FIFA Ranking: 17th
• Best World Cup Finish: Winners (1930, 1950)
• Nickname: La Celeste

Uruguay arrive with renewed intensity under Marcelo Bielsa, blending traditional South American aggression with high-energy pressing and tactical structure.

Valverde provides leadership and midfield dynamism, while Darwin Núñez offers pace and power in attack. Uruguay’s identity remains built on intensity, discipline and physical competitiveness. They have rediscovered consistency in recent cycles and will be confident of advancing from Group H, particularly if their high press disrupts Spain’s rhythm.

Their clash with Spain is expected to define the group.

_{SAUDI ARABIA | Structured and improving}

🦅📸. pic.twitter.com/lzuUWzHYSB

— Saudi National Team (@SaudiNT_EN) June 13, 2026

• Head Coach: Georgios Adonis
• Captain: Salman Al-Faraj
• Key Player: Salem Al-Dawsari
• FIFA Ranking: 61st
• Best World Cup Finish: Group Stage
• Nickname: The Falcons

Saudi Arabia continue to evolve as one of Asia’s more tactically structured sides under Roberto Mancini. Their identity is built on organisation, compact defensive shape and quick counter-attacks.

Al-Dawsari remains their most influential attacking player, capable of producing decisive moments in transition. Saudi Arabia’s challenge is consistency across 90 minutes against higher-ranked opposition. They will likely target points against Cape Verde as their best chance of progressing, while aiming to frustrate Spain and Uruguay in low-scoring encounters.

_{CAPE VERDE | Historic first appearance}

Nesta manhã de sábado, a seleção nacional realizou o último treino antes de viajar para Atlanta. Mas antes dessa viagem, o treino em Tampa, decorreu na normalidade

-----#FIFAWorldCup | #FIFAWorldCup2026 | #CaboVerde | #TubarõesAzuis | #WeAreCaboVerde pic.twitter.com/kg4ZdcZRbu

— Federação Cabo-verdiana de Futebol (@fcfcomunica) June 13, 2026

• Head Coach: Pedro 'Bubista' Leitão Brito
• Captain: Ryan Mendes
• Key Player: Dailon Livramento
• FIFA Ranking: 68th
• Best World Cup Finish: Debut
• Nicknames: The Blue Sharks

Cape Verde enter the 2026 World Cup as one of the tournament’s most emotional and inspiring stories, qualifying for their first-ever appearance on the global stage.

Their squad is built on a mix of diaspora talent and experienced professionals across European leagues. Ryan Mendes provides leadership and attacking experience, while Dailon Livramento offers pace and unpredictability in forward areas.

Their approach is expected to be compact, disciplined and counter-attacking, with survival in the group stage itself considered a major achievement. Even against elite opposition, Cape Verde’s organisation and spirit make them a difficult side to break down.

GROUP H FIXTURES

MATCHDAY 1

• Today: Spain v Cape Verde @ 6pm
• Tomorrow: Saudi Arabia v Uruguay @ 12am

MATCHDAY 2

• Sunday, June 21: Spain v Saudi Arabia @ 6pm
• Monday, June 22: Cape Verde v Uruguay @ 12am

MATCHDAY 3

• Saturday, June 27: Spain v Uruguay; Cape Verde v Saudi Arabia (both 2am)

The noise outside South Africa’s camp has been relentless since the final whistle in Mexico City last Thursday.

Under the floodlights of the Estadio Azteca, Bafana Bafana were outplayed and outpaced in a World Cup opener that immediately triggered a wave of post-match dissection back home. From Hugo Broos’ tactical reshuffle to the decision to build from the back under pressure, every detail has been placed under the microscope.

Now, with a decisive Group A clash against the Czech Republic looming, the stakes are simple: respond, or risk slipping to the edge of elimination before the tournament truly begins.

As debate intensifies across social media and pundit panels, former Betway Premiership defender and international squad member Wayde Jooste has stepped forward with a firm message — slow down, and zoom out.

A seasoned Betway Premiership player, he has represented Orlando Pirates, AmaZulu, and Stellenbosch FC, and was also part of the South African squad at the recent CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), giving him a closer-than-usual view of the demands at international level.

For him, much of the reaction to the Mexico defeat has ignored the wider context of where South African football has come from — and how long the journey has been.

“Firstly, are we forgetting how long it’s been since we’ve been to a World Cup? Not hosted, qualified for one!”

That reminder cuts to the heart of Broos’ achievement in restoring South Africa to football’s biggest stage through qualification, ending a long absence that dates back to 2002.

While the performance against Mexico exposed flaws, particularly in possession under pressure, Jooste argues that such moments are part of the learning curve at elite level rather than evidence of a failed approach.

We went down like cowards, no fight at all, no risks taken, just sit and accept defeat, truly not a South African Spirit!

— 𝕳𝖔𝖔𝖉 𝕮𝖊𝖑𝖊𝖇𝖗𝖎𝖙𝖞 🐐 (@da1_trezzy) June 12, 2026

“Secondly, yes, the coach's tactics never worked on the night, but that’s football you take a risk because you believe in what you have and how you’d like to play,” he said. “He had a plan and it didn’t plan out the way he wanted it to and that’s okay.”

Beyond tactics, Jooste also pushed back against criticism of Bafana’s identity, including their pre-match singing traditions — a long-standing feature of the national team environment that has come under unexpected scrutiny.

“I see people making fun of the way the players sing before games. That's our tradition as a footballing nation, that makes us different,” he said. “But nobody questioned that when we nearly went all the way in the AFCON? Why now?”

With pressure mounting ahead of the Czech Republic on Thursday (kick-off 6pm) test, Jooste’s message is ultimately one of unity over fragmentation — a call for patience in a campaign that is still alive.

“Let’s trust the process as a country because trusting the process was what got us to the World Cup in the first place.”

Now, with everything on the line, Broos’ side must shift the conversation back onto the pitch — where belief, execution, and response will matter far more than the noise surrounding them.

Media personality Molemo Maarohanye, popularly known as Jub Jub, has been arrested following an alleged kidnapping and shooting incident involving an e-hailing driver in Edenvale.

While police did not identify the suspect by name, eNCA reported on Sunday that the man arrested is Maarohanye. According to the broadcaster, he is expected to appear in the Germiston Magistrate's Court on Monday.

In a statement released on Sunday, police said a 45-year-old man was arrested on charges of kidnapping, unlawful discharge of a firearm and defeating the ends of justice following an incident that unfolded on Sunday morning.

SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the incident began at about 7.30 am when an e-hailing driver dropped off a female passenger at a residence in Edenvale.

"It is alleged that at approximately 07:30, the e-hailing driver had transported a female passenger to a residence in Edenvale when he was confronted by the suspect, who accused him of being involved in a romantic relationship with his girlfriend," Mathe said.

Police allege the suspect then forced the driver into his vehicle and prevented him from leaving.

"The suspect allegedly forced the e-hailing driver into his vehicle and prevented him from leaving. During the incident, the suspect reportedly discharged a firearm in the direction of the driver," Mathe said.

The driver managed to escape unharmed and drove to a nearby police station, where the matter was reported.

Police said officers acted swiftly and arrested the suspect shortly afterwards. Investigations are continuing.

Maarohanye's arrest is the latest legal setback for the television presenter and musician, whose previous court battles have frequently made national headlines.

Police have not released any further details and have indicated that the investigation remains ongoing.

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The government dismissed any plans to establish refugee camps across the country, stating that its focus is on managing illegal immigration and facilitating the repatriation of foreign nationals. 

This declaration was made by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, at a media briefing on Sunday, following recent visits by the Inter Ministerial Committee on Migration (IMC) to informal settlements where foreign nationals have sought refuge amid growing uncertainty regarding residency status.

During her address, Kubayi emphasised that the government does not intend to create any refugee facilities, even on a temporary basis. She urged individuals legally residing in South Africa to either return to their original communities or voluntarily opt for repatriation to their countries of origin.

The clarification came after members of the Inter Ministerial Committee on Migration (IMC) visited the Che Guevara informal settlement in eThekwini, where approximately 457 foreign nationals had gathered amid uncertainty over their future.

According to government, only three people at the site were found not to have legal status in the country.

At a second site in Sherwood Park, Durban, an estimated 7,000 Malawian nationals had gathered while awaiting arrangements for their return home. Kubayi said the scale of the situation has prompted government to seek assistance and cooperation in managing the repatriation effort.

She added that the Malawian government has already commissioned eight buses to transport its citizens back home, while the South African government announced that it would provide an additional ten buses to accelerate the process.

"Our transport requirements have drastically increased, and more than 1,000 buses are essential to facilitate this effort efficiently," she said.

Meanwhile, nearly 980 Malawians have already been deported from the Lindela Repatriation Centre on 10 June as part of intensified immigration enforcement operations.

Government reiterated that immigration enforcement remains the responsibility of the state and warned citizens against taking the law into their own hands.

Kubayi condemned attempts by private individuals to conduct identity checks or enforce immigration laws, describing such actions as illegal. Citizens were instead encouraged to report suspected criminal activity to the relevant authorities.

In a bid to underline the seriousness of the situation, Kubayi referenced recent statistics surrounding illegal immigration, noting that law enforcement agencies have made over 40,000 arrests since the beginning of the year. This includes an impressive tally of 7,400 arrests in the past month alone.

"There is a belief that the government is wilfully ignoring illegal immigration; however, this is far from the truth," Kubayi asserted.

While acknowledging public concerns over the strain that irregular migration places on social and economic resources, government warned against misinformation and xenophobic narratives.

The IMC said false videos and manipulated images circulating on social media were fuelling tensions and creating the false impression that South Africa is hostile towards foreign nationals.

"Government will not tolerate the circumvention of our immigration systems and laws," the IMC said, adding that undocumented migrants should comply with South African law and that employers must refrain from violating immigration and labour regulations.

The committee said managing migration would require cooperation between government, communities and neighbouring states, but stressed that all actions would be carried out within the framework of the Constitution and the rule of law.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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The Bulls’ current unbeaten run of eight games will count for nothing if they lose the United Rugby Championship (URC) final on Friday against Leinster in Dublin.

That is the belief of veteran fullback Willie le Roux as he and his teammates put in their last preparations for the encounter at Croke Park.

It will be the Pretoria side’s fourth URC final in the history of the tournament as they look to shake their bridesmaid tag with a first-ever victory. The defending champions stand broadly in their way, with the two teams clashing in a repeat of last year’s Grand Final.

According to Le Roux, they are determined to avoid a repeat of last year’s performance, especially giving their hosts another fast start.

“They got an incredible start last year against us. We were on the back foot from the first minute,” Le Roux said about the duel. “They played in the right areas; their defence was incredible, and we couldn’t manage to break through them. 

'It was very tough; they made it very tough for us last year. But it’s a new year, we’re very excited for Friday, and as I said, we’re looking forward to going up against a good quality side such as Leinster.

No love lost, this rivalry runs deep 💥@Vodacom #URC | #LEIvBUL pic.twitter.com/MoV3xRSrGy

— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) June 11, 2026

“If they get a good start, it is going to be very hard to catch them, and it will become a long day for us. We’re going to give it our best shot, and then we’ll see what happens.”

According to Le Roux, they are excited to be in another final. He feels the team showed plenty of character coming back from being 21-3 down to the Glasgow Warriors in the semis. He added that the team is excited to take on another massive challenge.

He believes the way they turned their season around will stand them in good stead as they approach the job ahead.

Two Giants. One Trophy. No Shortage of Edge 🔥

Experience the drama 🎟️👉 https://t.co/2fIveTKs7Y#BKTURC | #LEIvBUL pic.twitter.com/k9L0cFH32s

— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) June 12, 2026

“I think if you look at us at the start of the season, we lost about five games on the trot. And then people started saying we’re not even going to make the URC quarters or secure a place in the Top 8.

“We fought back with a couple of good overseas wins. We beat the Scarlets away, which we haven’t done in the URC.

"Those games gave us the opportunity, and we managed to finish fourth to get a home quarter-final. We’re just playing for each other, and we’re excited to be back in the Grand Final.

“Leinster is a quality outfit. I mean, they’ve reached so many finals; they are an incredible side. And as I said, we are just excited to be there and to play in this game.”

A retired Sanlam employee has failed in his attempt to hold the Sanlam Umbrella Provident Fund liable for losses he claimed were caused by delays in the payment of his retirement benefits, after the Financial Services Tribunal upheld a ruling by the Pension Fund Adjudicator.

The tribunal dismissed an application by A Van Wyk, who sought reconsideration of a determination that found the fund had acted lawfully and in accordance with its rules when processing his retirement payout.

Van Wyk, who worked for Sanlam Life Insurance Limited from February 1989 until his retirement end March 2025, was a member of the Sanlam Umbrella Provident Fund during his employment. Following his retirement, he received a lump-sum payment of R550,000 in April 2025, while the remaining R16.56 million was transferred to Allan Gray Life Limited to purchase a life annuity.

The dispute centred on a 20-day period between the disinvestment of Van Wyk’s retirement funds and the eventual payment of the benefits. Van Wyk argued that his retirement savings had been disinvested on April 9,2025 but were only paid out on April 29, 2025. He claimed that market fluctuations during that period reduced the value of his retirement benefit, causing losses of between R600,000 and R1 million.

Before approaching the tribunal, Van Wyk had lodged an internal complaint with the fund, which was rejected by the fund’s internal arbitrator. He then took the matter to the Pension Funds Adjudicator, arguing that the delay was unreasonable and that the fund should compensate him for the financial loss he allegedly suffered.

The fund did not dispute the timing of the transactions but maintained that a gap between disinvestment and payment was unavoidable under its standard operating procedures and in compliance with its governing rules. It also acknowledged that market movements during such a period could affect the ultimate value of a member’s retirement benefit.

After examining the matter, the adjudicator concluded that the fund had acted in accordance with its rules and that there had been no unreasonable delay in paying the retirement benefits. The complaint was therefore dismissed.

Seeking to overturn that outcome, Van Wyk sought relief from the tribunal, however, the tribunal agreed with the adjudicator’s findings, stating that nothing in the record suggested the fund had deviated from its rules or acted improperly in processing the retirement benefit.

The tribunal noted that although the fund admitted its communication with Van Wyk had not been ideal, it had demonstrated that his retirement benefits were fully accounted for, correctly disinvested and transferred according to his instructions.

In its ruling, the tribunal acknowledged that the timing of the process had ultimately resulted in Van Wyk receiving a lower benefit than he might have obtained under different market conditions. Nevertheless, it found that this did not create legal liability for either the fund or its administrator.

The tribunal concluded that the fund had acted in accordance with both its rules and applicable legislation, and that there was no sustainable basis for overturning the adjudicator’s determination. It therefore dismissed the reconsideration application in its entirety.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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The Springboks and South Africa ‘A’ side will have a flyhalf and lock selection dilemma ahead of their season-opening international matches against the Barbarians and Zimbabwe this Saturday in Gqeberha.

While the clashes present the head coach Rassie Erasmus with a variety of players to choose from, particularly a handful of promising youngsters, the depth at No 10 and in the second row will be tested at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Currently, Manie Libbok is the only fit flyhalf available, with Handré Pollard involved in the United Rugby Championship (URC) final on Friday evening in Dublin. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Jordan Hendrikse will miss the opening fixtures through injury.

The Boks can field several promising youngsters on Saturday, but the likelihood is that Libbok will be the only specialist flyhalf in the side to face the Barbarians. That could open the door for Junior Springboks Vusi Moyo and Yaqeen Ahmed to feature for the SA ‘A’ side, coached by Mzwandile Stick.

However, it could be beneficial for the Springboks to test someone like Moyo on a bigger stage against the Barbarians as cover for Libbok. He is heading to the World Rugby Under-20 Championship, and a first taste of the national jersey would provide a massive confidence boost.

Likewise, youngster Ahmed could benefit from turning out for the A side before heading to Georgia alongside Moyo. They are two of the most promising flyhalves in the country, but their versatility makes them particularly exciting prospects for the future.

Libbok, meanwhile, will want to seize this opportunity as the frontrunner at flyhalf ahead of a busy Test season, which begins with the Nations Championship opener against England in a fortnight.

At lock, Erasmus also has a couple of tough calls to make. With Eben Etzebeth, RG Snyman and Salmaan Moerat out injured, and Ruan Nortjé with the Bulls, it could open the door for Junior Bok captain Riley Norton to get a look-in alongside someone like Lood de Jager.

Sharks utility forward Vincent Tshituka had his first taste of Springbok rugby against the Baabaas last year, and his ability as a line-out jumper could make him an enticing option as well. Former Junior Springbok Batho Hlekani’s versatility is another asset for the coaches, while someone like Pieter-Steph du Toit could also provide cover in the second row.

Next week this time, the #Springboks are back at The Bay, with some good memories from last year 💚💛

Don't miss out, secure your seat now for this season-opening double-header: https://t.co/5jPMDSt6AB 🎟️#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/E2dE3QkBEm

— Springboks (@Springboks) June 13, 2026

Last season, former Stormers lock Ruben van Heerden was in the colours of the Barbarians for the duel, but now presents the South Africans with a credible option as a lineout caller for one of the two matches. On Sunday, the Boks also called up Van Heerden’s Stormers teammate Adré Smith to bolster the lock stocks. Smith joined the squad on Sunday in Johannesburg where they will prepare for the two matches, before moving to Gqeberha on Wednesday.

Apart from these two positions, Erasmus should be able to field a relatively experienced side against the Barbarians, while Stick’s A side is likely to showcase the future of Bok rugby. That curtain-raiser will show exactly how far the depth stretches in South African rugby and where there are still areas to strengthen.

These games will not be about how large the winning margins can be, but rather about kick-starting the international season with confidence and giving players who have not had a run for a while some valuable game time ahead of the Nations Championship.

Erasmus and Stick will name their respective sides on Tuesday.

The final whistle at Seshego Stadium told one story. The aftermath told another.

Under the bright Limpopo sky and the tension of a play-off decider, Milford FC sealed their place in the Betway Premiership with a 1-1 draw against Magesi — completing a remarkable rise that has taken them from challengers to top-flight newcomers in dramatic fashion. But even as celebrations began on the pitch, uncertainty quickly followed off it.

At the centre of the story is head coach Dr Xanti Pupuma, the man who has balanced a demanding dual life between football management and his profession as an obstetrician and gynaecologist. 

His achievement in guiding Milford to promotion is already etched into the club’s history — but whether he will lead them into the top flight remains unresolved. Speaking shortly after securing promotion, Pupuma admitted that his future is now up for discussion.

𝐏𝐒𝐋 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲-𝐨𝐟𝐟 -RESULT:#MilfordFC held @Magesi_FC to a stalemate to secure promotion to the #BetwayPrem pic.twitter.com/VQLC7y9Lve

— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) June 13, 2026

“No, we are going to sit and talk about it with my leaders and see what is best for me, what is for my other job and for the team,” said the 47-year-old.

For Milford, it is an unusual moment: a club celebrating one of the biggest achievements in its history while simultaneously confronting the possibility of losing the architect of that success.

The demands of the Betway Premiership — longer seasons, increased travel, higher intensity — now bring Pupuma’s balancing act into sharper focus. While his football work has delivered results, the practical realities of sustaining both careers are becoming harder to ignore.

“I don’t want to compromise the team and my other job. The PSL is a bit demanding, so we are going to sit, go through the programme and see if it’s doable,” he explained. “If it’s doable then we will go on with it.”

Milford’s rise has been anything but ordinary. 

Under Pupuma’s guidance, Milford shocked Kaizer Chiefs in the 2023/24 Nedbank Cup, eliminating Amakhosi on penalties after a 0-0 draw — a result that signalled their arrival on the national stage. Now, however, the narrative has shifted from shock results and promotion joy to a more complex question of sustainability.

Pupuma’s dual identity as coach and medical professional makes him one of the most unique figures in South African football — but also one of the most stretched. As Milford prepare for life in the Betway Premiership, the club must now wait on a decision that could shape their next chapter as much as promotion itself.

For now, the celebrations belong to Seshego. But the future remains firmly in the balance.

Gerda Steyn stormed to victory in record time in the Comrades Marathon women’s race from Durban to Pietermaritzburg on Sunday.

Steyn set a new up-run record as she crossed the line in a time of 5:44:53. It was the fourth title in a row for Steyn, and her fifth win overall in the Ultimate Human Race.

Taking second was Nobukhosi Tshuma in a time of 5:53:36, followed by Irvette van Zyl in third in 6:02:30.

Steyn finally edged ahead at the four-hour mark, as she broke away from Nobukhosi Tshuma.

Steyn’s Unbeaten Streak: Dominance at Two Oceans Marathon

Since her breakthrough win in 2019, Steyn has stood undefeated every single time she has lined up for this race. (The event was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid pandemic, and she opted out of the ultra-marathon distance in 2022 to focus on shorter distances.)

Steyn also asserted her dominance earlier this year in April, cruising to a convincing victory at the Two Oceans Marathon to secure her seventh consecutive title at South Africa's second-biggest running event.

In the men’s race, George Kusche reeled off a stunning breakthrough performance to set a new up-run record.

Kusche crossed the line a record time of 5:16:06 after a perfectly paced run in which he only took the lead with less than an hour to go of the race. With a 2:13 marathon personal best (PB), Kusche has made the perfect progression to emerge triumphant in the Ultimate Human Race.

Piet Wiersma was second 5:19:45 (unofficial time), with Mbuti Mollo taking third in 5:21:40 (unofficial time).

Coming into the race, the men’s field has no clear favourite, promising a thrilling, unpredictable battle.

@Michael_Sherman

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A 28-year-old man has been arrested after 150 venomous scorpions were found in his luggage at Cape Town International airport, in an operation on Friday.

Police said in a statement that the Kuilsriver Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit and Cape Nature, received information regarding a person who is in possession of scorpions at the airport.

“ A description of the suspect was obtained and the suspect was apprehended. His luggage bags were searched and 150 live scorpions were found between his clothing. He was arrested under the Nature and Environmental Ordinance Act, being in possession of a wild animal. The value of the scorpions is yet to be determined. The scorpions were transported to a haven for safe keeping,” the statement from the SAPS said.

The man is expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 15 June 2026

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA said in a statement on its Facebook page that the rescued scorpions are currently in its care.

“We will continue to work closely with SAPS and Cape Nature to ensure that these animals receive appropriate care and that arrangements are made for their repatriation to their place of origin where possible. Wildlife trafficking is a cruel and illegal trade that causes immense suffering to animals and threatens biodiversity. We commend the swift action of SAPS and Cape Nature in preventing these animals from disappearing into the illegal wildlife trade.”

For more stories from The Mercury, click the link THE MERCURY

Miriam Makeba sang a famous song about the 16 June 1976 uprising in her birthplace, South Africa. The protest was a pivotal point in the fight against apartheid and white minority rule in the country. The song was called Soweto Blues, and its opening lines go:

The children got a letter from the Master.

It said no more Xhosa, Sotho, no more Zulu

Refusing to comply, they sent an answer

That’s when the policemen came…

The song recalls the events of that day when South African schoolchildren, marching peacefully in Soweto to protest the imposition of Afrikaans as an official language of instruction alongside English in Black schools, were shot down by the police of the apartheid regime.

Soweto Blues was also the title my publishers chose for the cover of my historical research on the politics of South African jazz and popular music.

Many high school students in South Africa – and many of their teachers – were not fluent in Afrikaans, seen as the language of the oppressor. The move was part of a push, dubbed “Bantu Education”, to reduce Black education and cut it off from international opportunities and “subversive” English-language ideas. The system’s architect, Hendrik Verwoerd, had declared that Black children must never be educated above the level of “hewers of wood and drawers of water”.

Soweto Blues is one of the two compositions most closely associated with the events of June 16. The other, Isililo (Tears of Soweto), from Sakhile, was written in retrospect in 1982, as the group’s co-leader, saxophonist Khaya Mahlangu, reflected on his nightmare memories of that day in Soweto.

But Soweto Blues was written hot, as the news of the massacre reached the world. The story of the song is a story of solidarity with the struggle against apartheid across the African continent.

Ask who composed the song, and the answer is likely to be trumpeter Hugh Masekela and/or his ex-wife Miriam Makeba. The song, officially released in 1977 by Makeba, is best known for the version on her 1989 album, Welela.

The lyrics are instantly recognisable as being penned by Masekela the rhymer – “Just a little atrocity/Deep in the city”.

But the melody tells a bigger, pan-African story. It was co-written by the trumpeter and guitarist Stanley Kwesi Todd, founder of Ghanaian ensemble Hedzoleh (“freedom”) Sounds.

Masekela was introduced to West Africans by Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti in 1973, and the collaboration produced three albums bearing his name: Introducing Hedzoleh Soundz (1973); I Am Not Afraid (1974); and The Boy’s Doin’ It (1975).

But there were other collaborations between Kwesi and Masekela too, including the 1977 You Told Your Mama Not to Worry. That was recorded in Kumasi, Ghana, with Kwesi as co-producer, and released in the US by the new Casablanca label, before that imprint settled into a pop and disco music identity.

Makeba came from her exile home in Guinea to record; there were compositions by Masekela and Todd, tunes adapted from tradition, and a title track about exile composed by South African singer and songwriter Letta Mbulu. Soweto Blues closed the A-side. The original album, regrettably, is currently hard to find.

The main title I wanted was Black Heroes, alluding to a 1976 Tete Mbambisa tune that pays tribute to both the young martyrs of ‘76 and US jazz star John Coltrane. That seemed to me to sum up the relationship between South African and Black American jazz as torches lighting the way to freedom.

But it appeared that “somebody in marketing” didn’t think the two words “Black” plus “Heroes”, would sell. “Aren’t there any other song titles that might be catchier?” A back-and-forth ensued until Soweto Blues came up. “That’s it! 'Soweto’ always sells!”

The 1976 uprising sparked in Soweto, but spread across the country, from the urban settlements of Langa and Gugulethu in the Cape to the rural villages of the North West province. Parents scoured mortuaries for their dead children, many of whom had apparently been shot in the back. Nobody knows precisely how many died, but the national figure is estimated to be well north of 700.

And just as the rising itself cannot be narrowed to what happened in Soweto – even if the name “sells” – so the song paying tribute cannot be confined to South Africa alone. It came from a trumpet player exiled in the US, a singer sheltered by Guinea, and a musician born in Ghana.

Half a century later, the song's words still hold lessons about the events of June 16. The story of its creation teaches too: about a shared African history in which borders did not define humanity.

Ansell is an associate of the Gordon Institute for Business Science, University of Pretoria

George Kusche reeled off a stunning breakthrough performance to win the Comrades Marathon men’s race from Durban to Pietermaritzburg on Sunday.

Kusche crossed the line in a record up time of 5:15:56 after a perfectly paced run in which he only took the lead with less than an hour to go of the race. With a 2:13 marathon personal best (PB), Kusche has made the perfect progression to emerge triumphant in the Ultimate Human Race.

Piet Wiersma was second 5:19:36, with Mbuti Mollo taking third in 5:21:31.

Mollo held the lead after halfway until 68km when he first started walking, though the rest was brief until he started running again - the signs were there that he was battling to keep moving.

Perfectly Paced Comrades Run by George Kusche

Around the 60km mark, Mollo had around a seven-minute lead but with 18.4km to go that gap had withered to 1:41 with George Kusche closing fast.

Kusche had surged ahead of the chasing pack, and at that point had opened a two-minute gap between himself and chasers including former champions Piet Wiersma and Edward Mothibi.

Finally, at the 4:37 mark Kusche came flying past Mollo with just over 10km to go.

From that point, Kusche was unstoppable as he powered to victory.

Coming into the race, the men’s field has no clear favourite, promising a thrilling, unpredictable battle. Defending up-run champion Piet Wiersma (who won the 2024 up-run and fought a fierce battle in 2025) was set to face immense pressure from three-time champion Tete Dijana. Alongside them, former champion Edward Mothibi, Russian contender Nikolai Volkov, and the ever-consistent Joseph Manyedi are all fully capable of pulling off a historic victory.

Kusche himself was also set to feature strongly, but was not necessarily one of the favourites as he only recently transitioned from track to marathon running.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos once famously said, “I am not a fool, as only fools do not change their minds.”

After his 5-3-2 formation backfired spectacularly during Thursday's 2-0 defeat to Mexico at a buzzing Estadio Azteca, Broos should take his own advice: change the formation and adopt a more offensive approach.

While the critics questioning the Belgian’s tactics may not share his coaching qualifications or salary, there is a universal consensus that Bafana would be better served returning to a traditional 4-4-2 system.

This shift would deploy four defenders, four midfielders, and two strikers – a necessary adjustment for their upcoming Group A clash against Czechia in Atlanta. A win here would not only provide a much-needed morale boost but also edge the team closer to the knockout stages.

Without claiming to have all the answers, it is clear that Broos should start with Khuliso Mudau, Mbekezeli Mbokozi, Olwethu Makhanya, and Aubrey Modiba in defence.

The midfield should feature Jayden Adams and Teboho Mokoena, flanked by wingers Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi. Up front, Iqraam Rayners should continue to lead the line, with Relebohile Mofokeng operating as the No 10.

Integrating this trio – Appollis, Moremi, and Mofokeng – will be vital to this new formation. Beyond adding dynamism, they bring existing chemistry and cohesion, having played together regularly at Orlando Pirates.

Appollis has enjoyed a fantastic breakthrough season at Pirates, scoring 12 goals and registering nine assists in 43 matches. He has successfully carried that form to the national team, boasting 17 goal contributions in 25 caps.

The fact that Appollis is in contention for the PSL Footballer of the Season award is no fluke; he has duly earned his stripes at both club and national levels.

Moremi also had a season to remember at Pirates, helping the team secure a domestic treble: the MTN8, Carling Knockout, and Betway Premiership. He has matured significantly over the course of the campaign, and his rising influence is becoming increasingly evident, even for Bafana.

Enter Mofokeng. One of the crown jewels of South African football, he has been tipped to take this World Cup by storm, especially after a stellar season with Pirates where he reached double-digit goal contributions for the first time in three years.

Mofokeng thrives not just on scoring, but on his ability to read the game and exploit pockets of space. Mexico coach Javier Aguirre was clearly impressed; Mofokeng was one of the specific Bafana players they made sure to analyse.

At just 21, one might argue Mofokeng is too young to carry such responsibility. Yet, younger stars like Spain’s Lamine Yamal - just 18 - are currently carrying their nations and establishing themselves as the players to watch at this tournament.

Broos has always maintained that if someone is good enough, they are old enough, so we can expect him to place his faith in “Rele.” Importantly, “Madala” has proven before that he is no fool; we expect him to adjust his approach and play offensively, a task that would be best served by deploying the Pirates trio against Czechia.

Former Stormers and Springbok hooker Scarra Ntubeni admits he would have done anything as a young player for the chance to face the All Blacks, which is why he believes the next generation must embrace the opportunity presented by the upcoming Greatest Rivalry tour later this year.

The tour will see South Africa’s franchises and the world champions take on New Zealand in an iconic series of four Tests and midweek matches, reminiscent of earlier rugby eras. It starts with a Friday match against the Stormers at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town in August and concludes just over a month later in the USA with the fourth Test.

For Ntubeni, who represented both the Stormers and Springboks during his career, the chance to play against the men in black remains one of the ultimate ambitions for any aspiring rugby player.

“If I had this opportunity, I wouldn't be here, I would be in the gym now,” Ntubeni said at a Klipdrift event this week. The iconic brandy brand has joined the Rivalry Tour as a sponsor.

“It’s what dreams are made of. As a kid, when you play rugby, what do you want to do? Play against the All Blacks, face the Haka. I remember at home doing the Haka myself, watching it. Any kid playing against the All Blacks would see it as a massive opportunity.

“Growing up, playing rugby in the street, I used to say to myself, ‘I am stepping Jonah Lomu’, you know. The last time I got to play a midweek game was all the way back when facing the England Saxons (in South Africa). I think this will be a great opportunity not just for the Springboks, but also for the franchises. SA Rugby and New Zealand have pulled off something massive.”

Ntubeni says the fascination with New Zealand rugby extends throughout the South African rugby community. Among former teammates and friends, encounters with the All Blacks are often remembered as some of the toughest and most memorable matches.

And ever since SA Rugby left the Super Rugby tournament, the only time the teams face each other is in the Rugby Championship at international level or during the Rugby World Cup. So, for the franchise players, getting to play the All Blacks will be something huge.

While he is excited by the spectacle awaiting supporters at the DHL Stadium, Ntubeni's biggest message is aimed at the younger players who could find themselves involved in the occasion.

“I think it's just going to be iconic,” he said.

“I want them to absorb it, inhale it and say, ‘I want to do this more. I want to stay on top. I want to beat these guys.’ Never think that because you’re playing the All Blacks that they’re untouchable.”

As the leader of Bafana Bafana, Ronwen Williams must accept that the buck stops with him – both on and off the pitch.

Bafana’s 2026 Fifa World Cup campaign got off to a difficult start with a 2-0 loss to co-host Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium. The defeat laid bare the team's defensive frailties and a questionable tactical game plan.

Coach Hugo Broos opted for an unfamiliar 5-3-2 formation, a decision that backfired early on; the defence lacked cohesion, and the players appeared visibly conflicted about whether to track runners or hold their positions.

These defensive struggles didn't just expose the backline; they put the spotlight on goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. While the Bafana No. 1 made two brilliant saves in the first half, he struggled at times – particularly when attempting to build play from the back.

His indecision contributed to the opening goal. Sphephelo Sithole failed to control a pass from the back and was dispossessed by Julián Quiñones, who found the net.

Williams is well-versed in playing out from the back, a strategy he employs week in and week out at Mamelodi Sundowns. It would be unreasonable to suggest he was simply taking a gamble on the international stage.

However, given the intensity of the atmosphere, the tactical setup, and the poor combinations across the field, the team was clearly struggling. As captain, Williams should have recognised this and adjusted accordingly from the outset.

Williams defended Broos’ tactics, citing Mexico’s preparation, but as the player responsible for orchestrating the defence, he retains the authority to reorganise his teammates when plans go awry.

Sithole’s red card – issued for a last-man foul – came after the Bafana defence lost focus. It was a shocking lapse, particularly because Sithole, as the defensive midfielder, should have had the support of the rest of the defensive line, including Williams.

Williams arrived at this World Cup as more than just a leader; he is a role model. His heroics at the delayed 2023 Afcon remain fresh in everyone's memory, cementing his status as one of Africa's and the world’s top goalkeepers.

No one expected this to be easy. But Williams must recognise that this intense pressure is the crucible that will define his legacy – it will either make or break his reputation as one of Bafana's greatest leaders.

Williams has already proven his mettle at the club level. He recently guided Sundowns to their second CAF Champions League title, ending a 10-year drought, and featured in last year’s Club World Cup in the US.

As Bafana prepare to face Czechia in Atlanta on Thursday, Williams has a chance to redeem himself. He knows that if the team’s tournament continues to slide, the scrutiny will fall squarely on him – not just coach Broos.

With a squad roster that already reads like the shortlist for the World Cup dream team — Alisson and Ederson between the sticks; Gabriel Magalhães and Marquinhos in defence; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães and Lucas Paquetá in the midfield — you can already see where this is going.

And we’ve yet to tap into the forward pack, which boasts names such as Vinicius Junior, Neymar Jr, Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Thiago and the young Endrick.

And yet, the Seleção’s secret weapon this time around is not even among their players; rather, he comes in the form of a Don — the Italian-born, respect-commanding tactician Carlo Ancelotti.

To some, he is affectionately known as Don Carlo; others have long preferred to refer to him as King Carlo, or more recently Carletto. The former AC Milan, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Napoli and Real Madrid boss has just extended his stay with the Seleção beyond the 2030 World Cup.

That, right there, speaks to the confidence that the godfathers of Brazilian football have in the five-time UEFA Champions League winner.

It’s not just that Don Carlo’s CV reads: the only manager to win league titles in all of Europe's top five leagues — Serie A (AC Milan), Premier League (Chelsea), Ligue 1 (Paris Saint-Germain), Bundesliga (Bayern Munich), and La Liga (Real Madrid) — or the only manager in football history to win five UEFA Champions League titles (with AC Milan in 2003 and 2007; and Real Madrid in 2014, 2022, and 2024).

Even though that CV fits Don Carlo to be the Seleção coach like stilettos on a pole dancer’s feet — no, forget that — that is not the main reason Brazil stand a better chance of lifting the Jules Rimet trophy at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.

The main thing though is that his reputation means he commands respect and is more than qualified to manage the egos of Brazilian superstars like Neymar and Vinicius.

It also means he will be able to keep them grounded and make them work as a team, and even influence the likes of Real Madrid’s Vinicius and Barcelona’s Raphinha to put aside club rivalries and put the Seleção first.

As a matter of fact, Don Carlo might have the easiest job at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In goal, Ancelotti has the tried-and-tested Alisson and Ederson, both former Champions League winners. Veterans like Casemiro provide vital midfield stability, while the return of all-time record goalscorer Neymar adds a layer of unmatched experience and playmaking that should free up Vinicius to blitz and dribble forward with freedom.

If you consider that 2026 has so far, to a certain extent, been a year to end long title droughts — think Arsenal, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns — then the Seleção are well set to end their 24-year World Cup silverware drought.

Tip Vini, who has played his best football under Don Carlo, for both a Golden Boot and a Golden Shoe while you’re at it.

Mic drop!!!

While history will be against the Bulls in Friday’s United Rugby Championship (URC) final against Leinster at Croke Park in Dublin, they can draw confidence from several key matches this season in which they fought with their backs against the wall to reach this point.

The tenure of head coach Johan Ackermann did not begin on the best note, and a few hiccups along the way, including a long losing streak, raised questions about the Bulls’ campaign. However, they have turned things around and produced some brilliant performances to put themselves in this position.

Currently on an eight-game winning run, they can take pride in clashes against Pau in the Champions Cup, where they helped turn their season around, as well as tough away victories over Edinburgh and the Glasgow Warriors in the URC semi-final.

“Sometimes you have to go through the desert before you get to the reward. As a man of faith, I will always believe that everything always works out for the good,” Ackermann said ahead of the final.

“I knew that, taking into account the history of this place and how passionate the supporters are, if we didn’t get to the final there would be a lot of questions asked, especially if we didn’t even make the play-offs. I knew the pressure was on, but I said the most important thing was to start building a culture and a philosophy of how I see rugby.

“Yes, rugby is great. But there is a bigger picture outside of it, the culture and the way you build something that when players leave this team, we have the obligation to make a positive change and input in their lives. It is a privilige to be at the Bulls and to be playing the game of rugby.”

Ackermann also credited the appointment of assistant coach Neil de Bruin as another pivotal moment for the team. He joined shortly after the start of the season, and the Bulls' performances, particularly on attack, improved significantly.

VURC 2025/26 GRAND FINAL TOURING SQUAD 🐂 @Vodacom #URC | @URCOfficial_RSA pic.twitter.com/h7zPMF7YD3

— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) June 12, 2026

“Our real spark is credit to Neil, who came in and brought new energy and excitement. The players also kept believing in the plans we wanted to implement. The culture started forming, and our values became more practical.

“Then that Pau game stands out, where we got over the line. I saw a team that started believing in what we wanted to do.”

That same kind of belief will be needed for what Leinster bring. The corresponding fixture last year brought heartbreak for the Bulls as they suffered a fourth defeat in a major final.

However, judging by the form they are currently in, the strength of their squad and the fighting performances that turned their season around, they will be primed to shed their URC bridesmaid tag on Friday evening.

Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus insists it would have been absolute folly to release Tony Brown from his contract early, after New Zealand Rugby dropped the bombshell that the attack guru is returning home in 2028.

“No, cutting Tony from our management team was never a consideration for a single second,” Erasmus emphatically stated. “Two years ago, when we discovered Tony was available, we signed him immediately and we felt incredibly lucky to secure him on a four-year deal.

“I don’t know why anyone would think we should let him go early just because he is returning home after the next World Cup. Why on earth would we want to prematurely lose out on his technical knowledge?” Erasmus asked, before answering his own question. “What Tony is delivering for us currently is invaluable. We all know the next 18 months are vital for the Springboks. He is with us for that entire block, and we are very glad about it.”

Brown will officially cross the trench to join the All Blacks’ coaching staff at the beginning of 2028 on an initial two-year contract.

“We already have specific guys in mind who we want to bring into the structural setup when Tony leaves, but we still want to absorb as much as possible from him over the next two years,” Erasmus explained. “People want to judge Tony for going back to New Zealand, but we are genuinely happy for him. He is heading back home. He is going to coach the All Blacks — a team he represented with distinction. You simply cannot be angry at a guy for that.”

Erasmus revealed that Brown had been completely transparent from day one regarding his ultimate ambition to coach his home nation.

“Tony has spoken entirely openly to the players about it. Look, Tony and I go back a very long way. He played alongside me at the Stormers, and I later coached him there,” he added. “We coached against him when we had to break down that incredibly long maul against Japan in the 2019 World Cup quarter-final. Tony and I are excellent friends. We are just delighted to have had him for two years already, and we are only at the halfway mark of his contract.”

The double World Cup-winning mastermind added that the cyclical rotation of elite backroom staff is merely a modern reality.

“We lost Swys de Bruin six months out from a World Cup; Matthew Proudfoot left us after the 2019 tournament to go to England; Jacques [Nienaber] moved to Ireland, and Felix Jones went to Twickenham… Management teams change, coaches rotate, and there are always different structural needs at different times within a squad.”

The countdown is almost over.

When 21,677 runners depart from outside the Durban City Hall on Sunday morning for the 99th edition of the Comrades Marathon, the global focus will quickly shift to an elite field packed with former champions, course record holders, and athletes convinced that unprecedented times are possible on the 50th official Up Run.

The gruelling 85.777km journey to the finish line at the Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg has attracted one of the deepest fields in recent distance-running history. Reflecting the immense quality on offer, 19 of the top 20 men's and women's finishers from the 2025 race are set to return to the starting pens, with former women's champion Alexandra Morozova the only notable absentee from the elite lineup.

The men's race features a fascinating, multi-layered battle between established recent champions and fearless emerging challengers.

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Defending Comrades champion Tete Dijana returns seeking his very first Up Run victory, following his dominant Down Run triumphs in 2022, 2023, and 2025. Standing directly in his path is the Netherlands' Piet Wiersma, the defending Up Run champion who stormed to victory in 2024 with a time of 5:25:00 — agonisingly missing Leonid Shvetsov's long-standing 2008 Up Run record (5:24:49) by a mere 21 seconds.

Wiersma has declared himself in the finest physical shape of his career, motivated entirely by "unfinished business" stemming from both his near-miss with the record books and his runner-up finish behind Dijana last year. Dijana, meanwhile, remains convinced that the blistering pace of the modern elite field will cause the existing benchmark to fall on Sunday.

"It will take someone to run somewhere under 5:24, or even 5:20, which is a new record, to win the race on Sunday," Dijana predicted.

The list of genuine podium contenders does not stop with the frontrunners. Three-time champion Bongmusa Mthembu remains a heavily respected tactical force on the road, while former winner Edward Mothibi, rising South African star Onalenna Khonkhobe, Joseph Manyedi, and Lithuanian ultra-running icon Aleksandr Sorokin add immense depth to a stacked field.

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The women's race once again completely revolves around the phenomenal Gerda Steyn, who is chasing a fifth consecutive Comrades title and a place even deeper in the annals of the Ultimate Human Race.

The four-time champion utterly shattered the women's Up Run record when she clocked a staggering 5:49:46 in 2024, and she remains the gold standard against which the rest of the field is measured. Yet Steyn insists her mental motivation has evolved far beyond mere records and titles.

"This year in training already, I told myself I am training for this race as if it's the last time I get to run the Up Run," Steyn revealed. "My mantra on Sunday is to run as if I'll never get this chance again."

Among those hoping to capitalise on any slip-ups and end her historic dominance are Great Britain's Carla Molinaro, Poland's Dominika Stelmach, and four-time South African Olympian Irvette van Zyl, who secured an impressive fourth-place finish on her race debut last year.

Molinaro believes the unprecedented depth of the modern women's field is driving individual performances to a world-class standard. "The overall standard of the women's race has got so much better," she noted. "Altogether we elevate each other, we push each other, and hopefully we get the absolute best out of each other on race day."

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There is also significantly more financial incentive on the line than ever before. The winners of the men's and women's divisions will each pocket a handsome R925,000. When factoring in a combination of course-record bonuses, average-pace incentives, and specialised prizes for the first South African finishers across the line, total individual earnings could comfortably exceed R2 million.

Weather conditions across KwaZulu-Natal appear highly favourable for fast, record-breaking running. Standard meteorological forecasts suggest temperatures will hover around a crisp 19°C at the early morning start in Durban, shifting to between 12°C and 19°C in Pietermaritzburg later in the afternoon, with zero chance of rain and light, manageable winds expected along the route.

If the winter weather plays its part and the elite contenders deliver on their bold tactical predictions, Sunday's race could produce not only new champions and record times, but another unforgettable chapter in the storied history of the sport.

Former Bafana Bafana striker Kermit Erasmus has joined the growing chorus of criticism directed at Hugo Broos following South Africa’s disappointing start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Bafana Bafana suffered a bruising 2-0 defeat to tournament co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday, a result that has sparked intense domestic debate over both Broos’ defensive tactical approach and his candid post-match assessments.

The Belgian coach opted for a cautious, heavily fortified setup against the Mexicans, deploying a rigid backline that many supporters felt completely suffocated South Africa’s attacking flair from the outset.

Broos then drew further attention, and ire, during his post-match press duties by suggesting the tactical and technical level of the World Cup was significantly higher than what most of his squad regularly experience back home in the Betway Premiership and the CAF Champions League.

Sad part of it all is that the sound bite/inteview will be played on repeat and our players will hear see everyday until their next game.

“The level is to high for my players”

U A LEADER, LEAD. https://t.co/3PLS9mZ4rN

— Kermit Romeo Erasmus (@Erasmus_95) June 12, 2026

Those remarks have gone down remarkably poorly with several former internationals and supporters, who argue that public defeatism could actively damage dressing-room confidence ahead of the remaining must-win group fixtures.

Erasmus was among the most vocal to layout his frustration, arguing that the technical staff's immediate focus should be on lifting the players' spirits rather than publicly highlighting the chasm between domestic talent and the world’s elite nations.

Taking to his X account, the former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns forward fiercely questioned the psychological message being filtered down to the squad at such a critical juncture of the showpiece.

“Sad part of it all is that the sound bite/interview will be played on repeat and our players will hear and see everyday until their next game,” Erasmus posted.

“‘The level is too high for my players’ … You are a leader, LEAD.”

The public backlash comes as Broos faces mounting scrutiny over his team selection and negative tactics, with South Africa now under immense pressure to completely revive their tournament fortunes in their next Group A encounter against Czechia.

A second consecutive defeat would leave Bafana Bafana’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages hanging by a mathematical thread, making the upcoming tactical response one of the most defining moments of the veteran manager's tenure.

Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams has defended Hugo Broos’ decision to change South Africa’s formation for their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Mexico, insisting the tactical switch was not responsible for the 2-0 defeat.

Broos surprised many by opting for a back three at the Estadio Azteca, with Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba deployed as wing-backs as South Africa sought to match Mexico’s expected shape.

However, the plan was disrupted when the hosts lined up differently to what Bafana had anticipated.

Mexico took the lead in the ninth minute and South Africa’s hopes of a comeback suffered a major blow when Sphephelo “Yaya” Sithole was sent off shortly after halftime.

Despite the disappointing result, Williams said the coaching staff’s approach was based on detailed analysis of the opposition.

“Obviously, when we analysed them as well. Most of the games they have played, they have played with a back-five as well as a 3-5-2,” Williams told SABC Sport.

“So, we wanted to go with a similar approach but have an extra number in midfield. But obviously they changed that’s how football is, they came with a back-four and that’s what we had to put out in the game.

“We had to go man-to-man and at this level you need to learn and pick it up as quickly as possible and see, it’s tough lessons today.

“But I don’t think it’s anything to do with the formation we played. We analysed, studied them and we had a good game-plan, obviously it was an error from us in the first half and that gave them the opportunity to go on the front-foot.”

Williams believes costly mistakes, rather than the tactical setup, ultimately decided the contest as Mexico made home advantage count in front of a packed crowd.

The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper was one of Bafana’s standout performers on the night, producing a number of important saves to keep the scoreline respectable as Mexico pressed for further goals.

Mexico's talisman does it for the hosts 🎯🇲🇽

Raúl Jiménez doubles the lead for the home nation ⚽⚽

📺 Stream #FIFAWorldCup2026 on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/5QQXDvIIAz

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 11, 2026

 While South Africa struggled to create meaningful chances at the other end, Williams’ interventions ensured the match remained within reach for long periods.

The defeat nevertheless leaves Bafana with work to do at the bottom of their standings if they are to progress from Group F. 

South Africa entered the tournament as underdogs, but the performance showed enough signs that they can still compete at this level despite the disappointing result.

Bafana will now turn their attention to a crucial Group F clash against the Czech Republic on June 18 before concluding the first round against South Korea on June 25.

With no points on the board, Broos’ side face an uphill battle to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive, knowing that anything less than a positive result in their next outing could leave their World Cup dream hanging by a thread.

You have to feel for Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane. All they ever wanted to do was represent the nation and repay the faith shown in them by coach Hugo Broos.

But alas, while trying to do just that, they both received red cards in Bafana Bafana’s 2-0 defeat to Mexico at the 2026 Fifa World Cup, meaning they will miss the clash against Czechia in Atlanta next Thursday.

While both should be available for Group A final feature against South Korea on June 25, for Sithole, the red card could all but spell the end of his World Cup and potentially his tenure with Bafana. 

Prior to receiving his marching orders for bringing down an attacker as the last man, he had already been Bafana’s weakest player on the pitch.

The Ulundi-born midfielder was largely responsible for the opening goal after failing to scan his surroundings and being dispossessed by Julián Quiñones, who latched onto the loose ball and slotted past Ronwen Williams.

Even in a team that fielded a back five, Sithole was the weakest link. He spent much of the game chasing shadows in midfield, with Mexico’s engine room subjecting him to the kind of rondos usually reserved for training sessions.

A poor start to the World Cup must have been the last thing Sithole hoped for. From being a relatively unknown player plying his trade in Portugal to earning a call-up from Broos, who often believes "local is lekker", this tournament was meant to be part of his redemption story.

After all, he had already shown he belonged at this level, being one of only two overseas-based players in the Bafana squad that remarkably finished third at the delayed 2023 Afcon finals in Ivory Coast.

A long-term injury appears to have contributed to his decline. "Yaya" has never quite been the same since and seems to have lost the strong partnership he once formed with Teboho Mokoena in midfield, raising questions about his selection.

Given all that, he may need significant support from the Bafana technical team and his teammates, especially as he has come under heavy criticism on social media – criticism that could linger should the team crash out in the group stage.

Enter Zwane. The 36-year-old remains the country's football demigod. So much so that even long after referee Wilton Sampaio consulted VAR over his shove to an opponent's face, a sizable section of supporters still believed the sending-off was unjustified.

That is the legacy Zwane has built. He has always allowed his football to do the talking. But given his personality and standing in the game, Zwane knew that a World Cup appearance would be the crowning moment of what has already been an outstanding career.

He could still get a chance to contribute to Bafana’s quest for a place in the knockout stages if his suspension remains limited to one match. However, he will undoubtedly feel hard done by having to miss the crucial clash against Czechia.

Throughout his decorated career, Zwane has produced decisive moments on the pitch. It is difficult to imagine Mamelodi Sundowns becoming two-time African champions and nine-time PSL champions over the last 12 years without his dazzling performances and influence.

For all his achievements, Zwane knows that perhaps his greatest honour has been the affection and admiration he receives from South Africans.

That opportunity may never have come without Broos, who, despite Zwane’s limited game time at Sundowns, believed he still deserved a place in the Bafana squad.

Now, both Zwane and Sithole must watch from the sidelines against Czechia, hoping their teammates can keep Bafana’s World Cup dream alive.

The Proteas Women will begin their quest for a first T20 World Cup title against Australia on Saturday, with captain Laura Wolvaardt insisting her side's growing belief can match the challenge posed by one of the game's most formidable opponents.

South Africa head into the tournament in England and Wales carrying greater expectations than ever before after reaching the final of the previous edition, where they lost to New Zealand. Wolvaardt believes that external confidence has helped reinforce the belief already developing in the squad.

"It has been a bit different this tournament," Wolvaardt said on Friday. "In previous editions it almost felt like a surprise when we got into the final. This time it feels like people want us to go all the way and win the World Cup.

🇿🇦 THE TIME IS NOW! 🇿🇦

The wait is officially over. Tomorrow, our Proteas women take the global stage as the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 gets underway!

Let's show the world the unstoppable spirit of Mzansi. 🏏

⏰ 15:30
🆚 Australia
📍 ICC Women's T20 World Cup#TeamSA… pic.twitter.com/uI3nUXh3Wg

— Team South Africa (@OfficialTeamRSA) June 12, 2026

"I think the group really believes that we have the talent in the room to win the tournament."

Standing in their way first, however, are six-time champions Australia, a side Wolvaardt knows will demand South Africa's best cricket.

"We all know how great Australia are," she said. "They've been the number one side in the world for a very long time. We're going to have to play some very good cricket to beat them. They've got all bases covered, so we've got to be at the top of our game."

Much of the renewed confidence in the camp has come from coach Mandla Mashimbyi, whose unwavering faith in the group has left a strong impression on his captain.

"The great thing about Mandla is that he believes in us 100 percent," said Wolvaardt. "He doesn't really care who we're playing against. He fully believes that if we do what we do well, we can beat any side in the world."

South Africa's warm-up programme included matches against both Australia and New Zealand, with Wolvaardt satisfied that the games served their purpose. The skipper admitted her side let a winning position slip against New Zealand, but said the result sparked productive discussions ahead of the tournament.

"Sometimes it's good to have a game like that pre-tournament just to wake you up a little bit before the real thing," she said.

#TheProteas Undeniable Chats – EP. 1 🎙️

After sharing the new ball for over a decade, Marizanne Kapp and Shabnim Ismail reunite as ‘Cherry & Berry’ to reflect on their journey and the pursuit of World Cup glory. 🇿🇦🏆

Watch the full video now on the CSA App. 📲… pic.twitter.com/ItJ4S9M4zN

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) June 11, 2026

The Proteas have also been boosted by the return of experienced duo Dané van Niekerk and Shabnim Ismail. Wolvaardt described Ismail's reintegration as seamless and believes the veteran quick could play a crucial role alongside Marizanne Kapp with the new ball.

"Having her and Kappy opening the bowling is going to be awesome in this tournament," she said.

Former skipper Van Niekerk has also been a valuable sounding board for Wolvaardt, particularly with her extensive experience of English conditions from her time in The Hundred and the Women's Cricket Super League. 

"I think she knows what to expect in conditions, knows about the angles, and how we can be a bit better with that. And just questions on bowling changes and stuff like that. It's been nice to be able to ask someone who's done it before." 

Perfecting The Fundamentals. 🏏

An Undeniable pursuit built on mastering the basics. 💪

From diving stops to sharp catches, #TheProteas continue to refine the finer details ahead of their opening game this Saturday. 🇿🇦🏆#Unbreakable pic.twitter.com/O30t3r8Ac9

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) June 12, 2026

Former South African batter Johann Myburgh has also been assisting the squad with local knowledge and insights into conditions that could prove valuable as the tournament unfolds.

While South Africa are among the teams many expect to challenge for the title, Wolvaardt is determined not to look too far ahead.

"It's a long tournament and anything can happen in T20 cricket," she said. "We're just trying to take it one game at a time."

The first test of those ambitions arrives immediately against Australia at Old Trafford, in a clash that could provide an early indication of whether the Proteas are ready to take the final step from contenders to champions.

Saturday's match is scheduled to start at 3.30pm SA time.

The return of Cheslin Kolbe to Cape Town is about far more than rugby.

Following nine years abroad, the double World Cup-winning Springbok will return to his roots at the Stormers next season as he and his family embark on a new chapter together, one where there will be no more six-month goodbyes.

While he is grateful for everything Japan has taught him and the support he received at Suntory Sungoliath over the last couple of seasons, he is looking forward to spending more time at home, doing school drop-offs for his three children and enjoying quality time with his wife, Layla, and their extended family.

“I’ve tried to return a year or two ago, but that didn’t work. So, I am just grateful that there was another opportunity to return home to South Africa, Cape Town, and the Stormers, where everything started for me,” he said in an exclusive interview with IOL.

“Yes, the reason was to come back to play for the Stormers, where my rugby started. Hopefully, I can finish my career with the team as well. But the biggest part was for my wife and kids.

“Not being here with them, seeing them grow, was tough on us. Last year, I returned after six months of not seeing my children, Kylah, Mila and Cayden, and my boy almost didn’t recognise me. That made me realise it is time to come home and spend time with them.”

For Kolbe, it is now about embracing and appreciating the everyday moments that often go unnoticed. He wants to be a dad who is present, not only for his children, but also for his wife and parents.

“My parents are also not getting any younger, and it’s just to have them closer to me when I play in the stadium. That has been my dream as a kid, and I am really happy with the decision to return to Cape Town, be back with the Stormers and be with my family.”

On Friday, Kolbe cemented a partnership with Nissan South Africa, a car brand close to his heart, in Cape Town. The warm welcome he has received back in the Mother City has only reinforced the feeling that he is home.

His love for Nissan vehicles runs deep, and with his collection steadily growing, the decision to partner with the Japanese brand was an easy one.

“To see the smiles on the people’s faces here, it’s special. I just want to see people happy, and being able to give back is always special to me. Nissan has been part of my family, with my dad owning one when I was a kid, so it rubbed off on me.

Built for those who push boundaries.
We’re proud to welcome Cheslin Kolbe as one of the Nissan Navara ambassadors. A true reflection of precision, performance, and relentless drive.
The journey continues. #nissan #cheslinkolbe #navara #brandambassador pic.twitter.com/NcLP9N0izt

— Nissan South Africa (@nissanza) June 12, 2026

“Ever since seeing The Fast and the Furious movie with Paul Walker in a Skyline R34, that became my dream car. And I wanted to own one. My first car was a 200STi model, and I still have it, along with an old-school Datsun 1600 SSS.

“So, I love Nissan, and to be part of the brand means I can now explore even more options.”

For now, though, he is looking forward to family time ahead of the Nations Championship, which starts in July, Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry against the All Blacks later this year, and a new United Rugby Championship (URC) season with his beloved Cape franchise.

While the Stormers are currently short on experienced wing options, Kolbe remains humble about his return, insisting that one player does not make a team. However, the quality he will bring to an already dangerous backline should have supporters at DHL Stadium excited about what lies ahead in the new URC campaign.

“I am really excited about pulling that Stormers jersey over my head and playing in front of the Cape supporters. I want to make a positive impact as a player and contribute wherever I can for the team. I play to enjoy the game and to give my best every time I run onto the field.

“I really can’t wait to run out for the first time at DHL Stadium. For now, though, it’s about making sure I do my best for the Springboks if I get that opportunity and taking things step by step. I don’t have to look too far ahead.

“For me, it’s all about taking the opportunities that await, and hopefully I can get onto the golf course a bit more. I have a good friend, Emile, who has been on my case for a round since I returned. So, I would really like to play more often.”

Bulls flyhalf Handre Pollard believes the way his team overcame early-season adversity is their biggest weapon going into the United Rugby Championship final against Leinster on June 19.

The Bulls lost six of their first seven URC games and are currently on a run of eight wins.

Pollard said there was no sudden watershed moment that turned the tide for the team.

“People think there was some dramatic meeting where harsh things were said, but it was nothing like that,” the Springbok explained. “All along, we have just agreed to work as hard as we can, play for each other, while refining our game plan a bit here and there.

Pollard said it should also be remembered that there had been a coaching change, with Johan Ackermann replacing Jake White.

“We’ve come out of so many holes as a group this season,” Pollard said. “Just last week, when we were down 21-3 in the semi-final against the Warriors, we looked each other in the eye and resolved to turn it around.

“That type of character is invaluable. When it’s going too well, you don’t necessarily get the opportunity to build that character,” Pollard explained. “If we need it again in the final, then we’ve been there before, and we trust ourselves to get out of it again. I think that’s a very good characteristic that we have in this team.”

Pollard added that the ceaseless industry put in by the players and the coaching staff has given them priceless confidence and resolve.

“This year, we had to work really hard to get where we are. In our heads, we feel we’ve worked extremely hard. We’re going to go out there in the final and repeat that. If the cards don’t fall our way, then that’s rugby. But we’ve worked really hard to get ourselves here.

“After that tough time in the season, we got clarity in the way we wanted to play, and that has shown in the last few games of the season. It’s very special for us to be in the Grand Final and we’re excited to have this opportunity.”

Pollard pointed out the value of having players who have been through it all before, like captain Marcell Coetzee and Springbok centurion Willie le Roux.

“A lot of the guys have been here before, and we’ve had some disappointments in finals. But it’s a real positive, I think. From where we came from at the start of the season to where we are is special, and we want to take that confidence into the final.”

While this is Pollard’s first final with the Bulls, most of the squad have experienced defeat in three URC finals. Pollard says lessons have been learned.

“There will be a lot of emotion from both sides. It should be that way. A final brings a different intensity. But we also need to control that. We need to use that energy, but at the same time control our minds. “We’re not dwelling on the past. We’re excited to have another opportunity. But you’ve got to enjoy the moment. The season is long, and you work so hard to get to this point, so you need to enjoy it.”

We might need to recall Hugo Broos's very first press conference to understand his highly experimental approach with Bafana Bafana on Thursday. However, we have come too far – Broos must revert to the Bafana team we know and focus on competing.

In May 2021, Broos addressed the media for the first time after being appointed Bafana coach. The briefing was largely about vindication and justifying why he, at 69 years of age, was the right man to give the team a new lease on life.

The Belgian did more than just that. He made bold promises, opening himself up to intense criticism should he fail to reach certain targets, including qualifying for the 2023 and 2025 Afcon tournaments and the 2026 Fifa World Cup, all while "waking up a sleeping giant."

Boy, did he tick every box. He overachieved, with Bafana securing a podium finish at the 2023 (delayed) Afcon for the first time in more than two decades. He qualified for the next Afcon without a loss and eventually secured qualification for the global showpiece.

It is well documented that Bafana stumbled at the last Afcon. However, according to Broos, that shortfall shifted the perspective on World Cup qualification: it was no longer about simply embracing the format but about reaching a tournament where we must truly compete.

The tournament carried significant substance. It would be Bafana's first World Cup since 2010; it would be Broos' first World Cup appearance since 1986; and it was likely his last major tournament before retiring, making it the most rewarding culmination of five years of work.

So despite Safa's misadministration leading up to the event, the team still left for Mexico knowing they had the nation behind them, with ample belief that they would repay that support with a positive performance from start to finish.

So, one can only imagine the shock felt by the masses, both at home and among those following the team in Mexico, when they saw the starting line-up against El Trio and realised Broos had opted for five defenders and two defensive midfielders.

The 5-3-2 formation betrayed the promise of a man who told the nation they would fight with sweat and blood until the end. Instead, it revealed a coach who was afraid to lose against a Mexican side that was no stronger than previous generations.

He failed in his strategy. El Tri not only exploited his defensive tactic but also humiliated Bafana in front of the world, almost nullifying all the hard work the team had accomplished over the last five years.

If Broos had not changed his tone from "we must be grateful that we've qualified" to "we stand a chance" and "we'll fight until the end," perhaps the loss would be somewhat understandable. But now, it is not.

I have covered Broos's tenure since he arrived on our shores, and I am grateful for how he has changed South African football, particularly for the belief and opportunities he has given to youngsters – a practice that had long been foreign to our national team.

But grootman, it cannot end like this, with you experimenting with formations haphazardly. No. You promised that we would compete and show a never-say-die attitude at the World Cup.

We didn't do that in the opening game, but not all is lost. We still have two matches against Czechia and South Korea, where we will need to secure at least three points to stand a chance of qualifying for the knockout stage for the first time.

Beating Czechia, South Korea, or both won't be easy, but it is certainly doable. Unleash the players and formations you know best so they can fight for you, just as you have continuously fought for them.

Let us rather exit the World Cup early with fight and determination than concede through cowardly acts. We have overcome many obstacles before, allowing us to still leave a memorable mark after a poor start. Remember, we lost the opener against Mali at the 2023 (delayed) Afcon but went on to finish third.

We worked hard at that tournament and pushed ourselves. Now, at this stage of the World Cup, we need to deliver our best performance on the global stage.

Personally, I strongly believe that you are still the man to lead us at this World Cup. You know the team's strengths and weaknesses having ensured that you are a father and leader to the players before being their coach.

The Springboks are 16 months away from the World Cup in Australia, but Rassie Erasmus won't sacrifice winning on the altar of planning.

Erasmus knows the mentality of his Springbok players and their supporters better than anyone, and he understands that, however much he wants to strategise for the future, he cannot compromise on winning.

In 2025, the Springbok coach used close to 60 players across 14 Tests and a friendly against the Barbarians. He lost just two of the Tests for a win percentage of 85.7 percent.

In 2024, Erasmus began his depth-building in earnest, but not to the cost of success — the Boks won 11 of 13 Tests at a win percentage of 84.6 percent.

This year, the Boks will again warm up against the Barbarians and then play 12 Tests between July and the end of November. Erasmus says he would love to have a similar win record by the time the Boks conclude their season with a Nations Championship match against Ireland in Dublin on November 21.

It will be a heck of a task, given that all of the Springboks opponents in 2026 are tier one countries.

“If you don’t keep winning, you lose momentum,” Erasmus said. “You lose momentum with supporters, within the squad, and in everything around the Springboks. Winning will always remain our priority.

“We’d love to go unbeaten,” he added. “Like last year and the previous year, when we tried to go unbeaten, but lost one or two matches.

“So we will always try to achieve that. That is our mindset.”

A straight red card 😲🟥

Sphephelo Sithole is sent off for denying a goal scoring opportunity ❌

📺 Stream #FIFAWorldCup2026 on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc #DStvFIFAWorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/bgWPqBFZ3v

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 11, 2026

The players Erasmus has involved in his alignment camps this year include the core of the group that won the 2023 World Cup, a raft of players that have come through since that World Cup, and then a throng of exciting youngsters yet to debut for the Boks.

“You have to plan for all possibilities, but we have got a pretty good idea of the players who can take us to the World Cup,” he said. “But there are some players who need more game time because we believe they could become important for us.

“Looking at the older guys, it is not their age that I worry about. It is when they no longer do the things on the field that they used to do that I know they are on the way out.

“If a guy stops doing something he used to do, he either doesn’t want to do it, or he can no longer do it, and then you have your answer.”

Staying on the subject of age, Erasmus pointed out the continued ability of Franco Mostert, who turns 36 in November.

“There are certain guys who have that engine that never tires. Sous can still do everything he has always done. So we know what we have in the older guys.

“We’ll have to get more game time into some guys who don’t have enough caps, in case we need them at the World Cup.”

Erasmus has said he will rest many of his senior citizens for the June 20 double header against the Barbarians and Zimbabwe. The coach will also be missing the 17 Springboks who play for the Bulls in the URC final on June 19.

“The goal is to get game time into players who haven’t played for a while and help young players settle into the environment,” he explained of the matches in Gqeberha. “We want them to understand how we do things and become comfortable in the system.

“We want to see the things we’ve been training actually happen on the field. We want players to execute the game plan and grow in confidence.”

Bafana Bafana stuttered in their start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, losing 2-0 to co-host Mexico at Azteca Stadium on Thursday. The result was due to the team's collective ineffectiveness and several individual mistakes. 

Given that they were expected to perform better – returning to the global showpiece with a fighting spirit and vigour after a 16-year absence – we rate their players' performances on the night.

GK: Ronwen Williams – 6

The Bafana No 1 had a lukewarm outing in goal. He made two jaw-dropping saves in the first half but was responsible for an ineffective build-up from the back, with one of his attempts resulting in the opening goal for Mexico.

RB: Khuliso Mudau – 7

Mudau had a decent performance. He helped maintain the team's defensive shape, even against the run of play. While Raul Jimenez scored the second goal, Mudau won several duels against him.

CB: Ime Okon – 6

Okon had a relatively quiet night as he wasn't heavily involved in the action, often operating as the last committed defender. This meant he avoided major mistakes but also didn't stand out.

CB: Nkosinathi Sibisi – 6

Sibisi delivered a decent performance at centre-back, having been vocal and fearless in his approach. He luckily avoided conceding a penalty after colliding with a Mexican attacker inside the box.

CB: Mbekezeli Mbokazi – 7.5

Mbokazi was Bafana’s best player on the night as he stood his ground, showing heart and grit both on and off the ball. He was unlucky not to score with a trademark long-range shot after having a crack at goal.

LB: Aubrey Modiba – 6.5

Having passed a late fitness test, Modiba slotted in nicely at left-back. While he was assigned to track up and down the flank, he was largely helping out defensively due to the team's mixed-up defensive organization.

DM: Sphephelo Sithole – 3

Bafana’s weakest link. Sithole had a World Cup debut to forget as he was responsible for the first goal after being dispossessed, and was later red-carded for hacking a Mexican attacker as the last man.

CDM: Jayden Adams – 5

Adams didn’t do anything drastically wrong on the night, except that he was largely invisible. There were no signs of his trademark silky passes and touches, which coach Hugo Broos must have banked on when he brought him in as one of the midfielders.

CDM: Teboho Mokoena – 6

Known for his heart and composure during tough periods, Mokoena failed to deliver. Instead, he looked frustrated with the team’s lack of cohesion and was the first player to receive a yellow card.

S: Lyle Foster – 4

Foster’s struggles in the Bafana shirt continued in Mexico as he struggled to make his partnership with Rayners work. He was always late for second balls and misplaced passes, so it was no surprise that he was the first player to be substituted.

S: Iqraam Rayners – 5

Making an unlikely starting appearance after primarily featuring as an impact player, Rayners didn’t make his mark. He failed to form a solid partnership with Foster as he was either too far up front or too distant from the action.

SUBSTITUTES:

DM: Thalente Mbatha – 6

After replacing Foster, Mbatha tried to bring stability to the midfield alongside Adams and Mokoena. However, the attempt failed as Mexico dominated all spaces, often playing with an extra man.

AM: Themba Zwane – 3

Zwane had a World Cup debut to forget. He was red-carded 25 minutes after his cameo for shoving an opponent's face. This incident could prove costly if Bafana are to exit in the group stage.

W: Oswin Appollis – Not in the match long enough to get a rating.

S: Evidence Makgopa – Not in the match long enough to get a rating.

Bafana Bafana’s World Cup opener against Mexico was meant to be a controlled exercise in structure and patience. Instead, it became a tactical collapse that exposed the limits of Hugo Broos’ system under extreme pressure.

The 2-0 defeat at the Estadio Azteca was not just about individual errors or a red card. It was about a plan that never fully settled into rhythm, from the first pass out of defence to the final collapse after the interval.

Broos set up in a 5-3-2 shape, a structure designed to provide defensive security while allowing South Africa to build through a compact midfield. 

On paper, it offered balance. In practice, it struggled to survive Mexico’s aggressive and coordinated press.

The first problem came in the build-up phase. With three centre-backs and a goalkeeper expected to initiate play, Bafana repeatedly found themselves pinned inside their own third. 

The spacing between defence and midfield was inconsistent, leaving passing lanes predictable and easily cut off.

Too often, the centre-backs were forced into lateral circulation without progression, while the wing-backs were either too deep to offer width or too high to provide an escape option. 

The result was a side that appeared structured in possession but lacked genuine outlets.

Mexico’s press did not need to be spectacular. It simply needed discipline. Once they closed the central lane, Bafana were funnelled wide or backwards, slowing their transitions and increasing the risk of forced errors.

Those errors came at crucial moments. One defensive lapse handed Mexico their opener and immediately changed the tone of the match, turning South Africa’s cautious plan into a reactive scramble.

The selection choices also came under pressure. The midfield struggled to connect phases of play, with Sphephelo Sithole often isolated between lines rather than receiving the ball on the half-turn. 

Bafana Bafana were down to nine men against Mexico 🟥🟥

Did the officials get it right? Relive the moments in isiZulu commentary 🎙️#SSFootball | #DStvFIFAWorldCup2026 | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/JVpGHPZao6

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 12, 2026

Without clean progression through midfield, the forwards were starved of service and forced into isolated duels.

The situation worsened after halftime when Sithole’s red card left Bafana structurally exposed. At that point, the 5-3-2 collapsed into a survival shape, with little ability to progress beyond clearance-based football.

From there, Mexico controlled territory and tempo, eventually adding a second goal to seal the result.

So where does Broos go from here?

The first adjustment is structural. The 5-3-2 may remain useful in specific matches, but against high-pressing opponents it leaves too few natural passing angles. 

A shift to a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 would give Bafana more stable midfield access points and reduce the burden on centre-backs in build-up.

The hosts are top of Group A after Matchday One 🇲🇽🔝#FIFAWorldCup | #DStvFIFAWorldCup2026 | @Studio_88 pic.twitter.com/TEDz7QVF1I

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 12, 2026

Personnel changes would also help. Bafana need at least one midfielder consistently capable of receiving under pressure and turning play forward, rather than simply recycling possession. Without that profile, the system becomes predictable.

There is also a case for simplifying the build-up structure. 

Instead of forcing play through short central combinations, Bafana could mix direct progression with controlled possession, especially against elite pressing sides away from home.

The lesson from Azteca is not that the system is flawed in isolation, but that it requires precision, confidence and clean execution. When any of those elements slip, the entire structure becomes exposed.

For Broos and his players, the challenge now is not abandoning the plan completely, but refining it before the next test arrives. In tournament football, adaptation is not optional — it is survival.

Into the Forest

This enchanting production, presented by The Dance Warehouse PMB, brings a hidden, vibrant woodland world to life through music, imagination and diverse choreography. 

"Into the Forest" journeys through a vibrant world filled with mystical creatures, playful animals and the raw beauty of nature itself.

The play features dancers from as young as two years old through to adults. It also includes various dance styles, including ballet, contemporary, modern, hip hop, belly dancing and breathtaking aerial acts. Theatregoers are also encouraged to come dressed as their favourite forest creature.

Where: Hilton College Theatre.

When: From Friday, June 12, until Sunday, June 14. Show times differ.

The 031 Theatre Festival 

This much-anticipated festival returns to Durban, featuring a dynamic mix of comedy, drama, music, and solo performance.

Led by the Mzansi comedy duo Lisa Bobbert and Aaron McIlroy of Macbob Productions, this year’s 11-production line-up expands to include even more top acts.

Highlights include "Rugby Mad", which will see co-creator McIlroy in a solo comedic performance, while "Cottonwool Kid", created by Toni Morkel and Sylvaine Strike and performed by Toni Morkel, explores a young girl's life burdened by her parents' carelessness.

Meanwhile, "Ms. B-haved", written and performed by Sue Diepeveen, is a comedy which follows a veteran teacher whose shocking suspension rocks a tight-knit school community and "Roti Queen" will see Shika Budhoo in a solo comedy show that hilariously uncovers the delicate dance between love, identity and the art of making the perfect roti.

"Growing Old Disgracefully", " featuring international cabaret star Tonya Koenderman, will also be staged, taking a hilarious look at the unfiltered truths of getting older.

Where: The Seabrookes Theatre at DHS, Musgrave.

When: Runs until Sunday, June 14. Show times differ.

Onalenna Khonkhobe may have arrived at Thursday's elite athletes' press conference armed with a joke, but there is little doubt that one of South Africa's most exciting ultramarathon talents is being taken deadly seriously ahead of Sunday's Comrades Marathon.

Representing the powerhouse Nedbank Running Club, the runner affectionately known as the "Head of the Table" had the media room laughing when he playfully questioned whether he would be given pride of place at the main table among the pre-race favourites. Behind the good-natured humour, however, sits a ruthless athlete who has quickly established himself as one of the country's genuine podium contenders.

Khonkhobe first experienced the unique crucible of the Comrades Marathon as an elite pacemaker, selflessly pulling the field along to help others chase their respective time goals in the Ultimate Human Race. It was not long, however, before he emerged as a formidable contender in his own right.

His official breakthrough came during the 2023 edition, where he clocked a superb 5:59:08 to earn a prestigious Wally Hayward Medal and announce his arrival to the broader distance-running community. Since then, the 28-year-old has continued to assemble an incredibly impressive professional résumé.

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A spectacular 2024 campaign saw him secure historic, career-defining victories at both the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon and the iconic Soweto Marathon, firmly cementing his status as one of South Africa's elite distance athletes.

Last year, he provided one of the most enthralling narratives of the race, boldly hitting the front early on and forcing the established favourites to execute a frantic, high-stakes chase for much of the day. While his aggressive pacing eventually caused him to fade over the final kilometres, his fearless, uncompromising approach won plenty of admirers and confirmed his willingness to go toe-to-toe with the sport's biggest names.

As Sunday's historic 50th official Up Run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg approaches, Khonkhobe insists his preparation has been flawless and that he is entirely ready for another crack at the title.

"This time around, I am absolutely going to finish Comrades at the very front," he asserted.

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The supreme confidence that has become his professional trademark remains firmly intact.

"My training has gone exceptionally well. I am not stressed at all, and I am certainly not scared of anyone here because I run this business," he added.

While the remark drew plenty of chuckles from the assembled press, it perfectly reflected the unshakeable self-belief that has become a hallmark of his tactical racing style.

In a star-studded field featuring reigning Down Run champion Tete Dijana, defending Up Run title-holder Piet Wiersma, and a host of international challengers, Khonkhobe may not start as the outright bookmakers' favourite. However, if recent history has taught Comrades followers anything, it is that writing off the "Head of the Table" is an incredibly foolish gamble.

Veteran Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk is determined to prove that he still belongs at international level should the world champions call on him during the upcoming season.

After an extended absence from the Springbok set-up, the double Rugby World Cup winner has earned a recall to Rassie Erasmus' squad and is eager to make the most of the opportunity. Having recently signed for the Cheetahs, De Klerk is focused on settling back into South African rugby while continuing his pursuit of international honours.

The 34-year-old said his immediate priority is to establish himself at the Free State outfit, but he remains driven to force his way back into regular Springbok contention.

“It was an amazing feeling getting that call-up again,” De Klerk said about rejoining the Boks.

“Once you lose that feeling, you should rather stop. But everything I do at my club is to try and prove that I am still good enough to be here, and you want to be here. I was excited. However, the important thing is to train and play well enough to stay here.

“Me being back is a win-win; my family is happy, and I don’t have to travel long hours to get to where I must be. With the new club, there are a lot of things to do and build, so I am excited to help out as much as I can.

“Our main goal will always be to play well for your club and, hopefully, get the opportunity to play for the Springboks. That will always be the main thing I strive for. I am very glad to be back in South Africa.”

The experienced scrumhalf returns to the Bok fold after finishing his stint in Japan on a high note. His strong end to the season, coupled with injuries to several scrumhalves in the national set-up, has increased his chances of featuring during the opening stages of the international campaign.

De Klerk's vast experience and proven pedigree could prove a valuable asset for Erasmus and the Boks as they begin another demanding season. His knowledge from more than a decade at Test level could be particularly valuable with several young scrumhalves included in the extended squad for next Saturday’s clash in Gqeberha.

With a couple of No 9s sidelined through injury, De Klerk’s experience could see him come into contention for selection as early as the Barbarians clash. The encounter could also give Erasmus a clearer indication of where his side stands at the start of the 2026 season.

Group C is one of the most intriguing sections of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing together a global powerhouse, Africa’s most tactically refined side, a Caribbean underdog and a European nation returning after a long absence. 

Brazil, Morocco, Haiti and Scotland all arrive with contrasting styles and expectations, but only two knockout places ensure a fiercely competitive group where fine margins will decide progression.

_{BRAZIL | The Selecao Rebuilt Around Neymar’s Return}

Head Coach: Carlo Ancelotti

Captain: Marquinhos

Key Player: Vinícius Júnior (with Neymar returning)

FIFA Ranking: 6

Best World Cup Finish: Winners (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)

Brazil enter the 2026 World Cup as one of the tournament favourites, but also under pressure to deliver after a mixed recent cycle. 

Under Carlo Ancelotti, they are working to restore tactical balance between attacking flair and defensive control.

A major storyline is the return of Neymar, who is back in the squad despite a difficult run of injuries in recent seasons, including repeated hamstring and knee setbacks. 

His inclusion adds experience and creativity, but also raises questions about his ability to sustain fitness over a full tournament.

Vinícius Júnior remains the primary attacking force, supported by a deep pool of technical talent across midfield and forward areas. 

Brazil’s challenge is no longer quality, but consistency and physical reliability across key players.

If they find rhythm early, they remain the team to beat in Group C.

_{MOROCCO | Africa’s Tactical Standard-Bearers}

Head Coach: Mohamed Ouahbi

Captain: Achraf Hakimi

Key Player:Brahim Diaz

FIFA Ranking: 7

Best World Cup Finish: Semi-finals (2022)

Morocco arrive as one of world football’s most respected tactical sides following their historic 2022 semi-final run, the first by an African nation. 

Their identity is built on organisation, compact defensive structure and fast transitions.

Hakimi remains their standout figure, offering leadership, pace and attacking thrust from full-back. 

Morocco’s system-first approach allows them to compete with elite nations even when lacking possession dominance.

Despite squad changes and injury concerns to key players in the wider pool, their structure and discipline keep them firmly in contention for top spot in the group.

_{HAITI | The Caribbean Underdogs}

Head Coach: Sébastien Migné

Captain: Duckens Nazon

Key Player: Duckens Nazon

FIFA Ranking: 82

Best World Cup Finish: Group stage (1974)

Haiti return to the World Cup for only their second appearance in history, carrying one of the tournament’s most compelling underdog stories. 

Their qualification campaign was built on organisation, intensity and collective discipline.

Duckens Nazon leads the attack as their focal point, with Haiti relying heavily on direct play, transitions and high energy defensive work. 

They are expected to be the group’s outsiders, but their physicality and work rate can make them difficult opponents in tight matches.

Their clearest target will be Scotland in a crucial survival fixture.

_{SCOTLAND | The Long-Awaited Return}

Head Coach: Steve Clarke

Captain: Andy Robertson

Key Player: Scott McTominay

FIFA Ranking: 43

Best World Cup Finish: Group stage (multiple appearances)

Scotland return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, ending a 28-year absence under Steve Clarke. The squad is built around Premier League experience, tactical organisation and strong midfield structure.

McTominay provides physical presence and goal threat from midfield, while Robertson offers leadership and balance on the left side. 

Scotland’s approach is pragmatic, focusing on defensive compactness, set pieces and transition opportunities.

Their opening fixture against Haiti is viewed as crucial, with matches against Brazil and Morocco likely to define their tournament fate.

_{GROUP C FIXTURES}

Matchday 1 •  Brazil vs  Morocco •  Haiti vs  Scotland

Matchday 2 •  Brazil vs  Haiti •  Scotland vs  Morocco

Matchday 3 •  Brazil vs  Scotland •  Morocco vs  Haiti

Samsung recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) and officially launched the Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) programme at the Durban University of Technology; in an effort to establish a strategic partnership that is able to equip the next generation with future-ready technology skills to enhance student employability.

The MOA signing ceremony and the official launch of the SIC programme took place recently at Coastlands Musgrave Hotel and in attendance were some key dignitaries and partners that included Samsung's Public Affairs team; Nhlakanipho Nkontwana – the head of department (HOD) for the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA); as well as Prof Pfano Mashau – the director of Durban University of Technology (DUT) Business School along with the members of the institution’s leadership team

Recent data from Statistics South Africa has shown that youth unemployment in South Africa stands at over 46% among people aged 15 to 34¹. Yet, the technology sector is struggling to find talent. Also, a comprehensive 2024/2025 research report titled: “Decoding ICT Demand”, conducted by The Collective X - has revealed that over 118,000 digital and ICT jobs in South Africa remain unfilled², including thousands of entry-level roles suitable for young professionals starting their careers and this, is a clear indication of a skills gap in the country2.

The SIC programme, hosted within the DUT Business School, aims to upskill 60 young people in fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies by providing training in high-demand fields, including coding and programming (C&P) in Python, as well as artificial intelligence (AI). Importantly, this programme will now also enable DUT students to move beyond job seeking and become entrepreneurs in technology - capable of developing AI-driven projects and solving real-world problems. 

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Lefa Makgato, CSR Manager for Samsung South Africa outlined how over the next three years, Samsung will be investing a significant amount annually to support this initiative, ensuring that the SIC programme is not just a training programme but an investment in South Africa's digital future. For Samsung, this strategic collaboration with both DUT and the KZN government is rooted in a shared belief that education, technology and teamwork are key to building a more inclusive society.”

She also emphasised the need for this SIC programme to bridge the divide between academic learning and industry requirements, ensuring graduates possess the practical skills needed to secure jobs in the tech sector. Ultimately, by fostering, digital literacy and job creation - the collaboration between these strategic partners as well as Samsung’s objectives - align with the country’s National Development Plan (NDP) 2030. 

The DUT curriculum which fits perfectly with the objectives of the SIC programme - also aims to teach students important soft skills that include communication, critical thinking, problem solving and the ability to collaborate with others. This SIC programme is not only equipping students with vital skills that are required in work environments, but also those that will help them solve real world challenges. 

And, according to DUT - with the advent of 4IR, society has become more connected than ever, thereby increasing the need for graduates with varied skills to drive technological innovations that address societal and industrial challenges. DUT’s inspiring launch has therefore managed to bring together industry and academia to unlock opportunities, accelerate digital skills and shape the next generation of leaders.

Prof Pfano Mashau (DUT) emphasized: “As DUT, we know that our role in this collaboration is to ensure that our curriculum equips our young people with skills that will help them to become employable. We are therefore very grateful to Samsung for this partnership that is allowing us to contribute to the skills development of our young people in KZN. We hope that at the end of this SIC programme, our unemployed graduates will use the in-demand skills they acquire from this initiative - to start their own businesses as well as empower themselves even further.”

This newly formed Public–Private Partnership (PPP) is now acting as a catalyst for youth empowerment – highlighting how successful collaborations such as the one between DUT, government and the private sector can help address youth unemployment and skills shortages in the country. 

The partners along with their government counterparts believe that this SIC programme is not only nurturing technology skills, but it is also developing a generation of technological innovators and problem solvers. The beneficiaries from this programme carry a great responsibility as they are not merely beneficiaries, but also pioneers that will shape how technology serves communities; now into the future. 

Nhlakanipho Nkontwana - HOD for the KwaZulu-Natal EDTEA explained: “The launch was more than a ceremony, it represented a moment to re-imagine education in an era defined by rapid technological advancement, particularly the rise of AI. These days, he added, AI is allowing us the opportunity to not only equip students with qualifications, but also with adaptable future building competencies.

“Importantly, partnerships such as the one we are celebrating between Samsung Africa and DUT Business School are essential in achieving the country’s educational goals. This collaboration is both timely and strategic - it brings together academic excellence and industry expertise; creating a bridge between theory and practices as well as a link between lecture halls and the real world. Through this partnership, students will not only gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies but also develop the practical skills required to navigate and shape the digital economy, ” concluded Nkontwana. 

References:

1. Source: Stats SA Report, Link - https://www.statssa.gov.za/?p=14415
2. Source: Decoding ICT Demand”, conducted by The Collective X – Link - https://www.thecollectivex.org/revealed-the-digital-jobs-south-africa-needs-most-right-now/

Shack dwellers' movement Abahlali baseMjondolo has intensified its opposition to the proposed Prevention of Illegal Eviction (PIE) Amendment Bill, staging coordinated marches and protests in Durban, Johannesburg and Mpumalanga on Friday.

Joined by members of progressive trade unions and left-wing organisations, the movement said the demonstrations were aimed at resisting what it described as an attempt by the Government of National Unity (GNU) to criminalise poverty, land occupations and grassroots struggles for land reform.

Hundreds of supporters gathered in Durban, marching from Curries Fountain to City Hall, while protesters in Johannesburg marched from Jeppe Park to the Gauteng Legislature, where a formal submission opposing the Bill was handed over. In the Pixley ka Isaka Seme Municipality in Mpumalanga, activists held a picket in solidarity with the nationwide action.

Abahlali baseMjondolo president S'bu Zikode said the proposed amendments would make it easier for authorities and private landowners to evict vulnerable communities while imposing severe penalties on those supporting land occupations and community-led land reform initiatives.

"If passed, this Bill would criminalise poverty and the self-organisation of impoverished individuals. It would make it easier to evict people into homelessness while exposing activists, community leaders and movements to imprisonment and fines of up to R1 million," Zikode said.

The movement argues that the proposed legislation undermines constitutional protections secured after the end of apartheid and rolls back gains achieved through decades of struggle by poor and landless communities.

AbM said it had spent months consulting residents in shack settlements and rural communities across several provinces, holding meetings and assemblies to discuss the implications of the Bill and mobilise opposition.

The organisation drew parallels between the proposed legislation and historical laws that enforced racial exclusion and land dispossession, including the Native Land Act of 1913 and apartheid-era Group Areas legislation.

"The PIE Amendment Bill is a new chapter in a long history of laws designed to exclude African people from access to land and cities," the movement said in a statement.

The proposed amendments have sparked growing concern among housing activists, who argue that the legislation could weaken protections currently available to unlawful occupiers facing eviction.

Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has previously defended the need for amendments, saying they would create greater certainty regarding land occupation and contribute to a more stable environment for investment and economic growth.

However, the movement maintains that the Bill prioritises property interests over human rights and fails to address the country's deepening housing crisis.

Abahlali said South Africa continues to face severe socio-economic challenges, including high unemployment, widespread hunger, rising inequality and an escalating housing shortage. Informal settlements have expanded in many urban centres as families struggle to access affordable housing and land.

The movement warned that attempts to address these challenges through tougher eviction measures would only deepen social tensions.

"We refuse to have our aspirations for land and dignity criminalised," the organisation said. "We are the people of this land and we will continue the struggle for a society where everyone can live with dignity and security."

Abahlalo indicated that should Parliament approve the legislation, it is prepared to challenge the Bill in court, including approaching the Constitutional Court on constitutional grounds.

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The Presidential eThekwini Working Group has set its sights on boosting the economy as its next area of focus in the municipality. A group of experts to look into this next step is being set up and will meet in the coming weeks to discuss its terms of reference. The business community said a lot has been achieved over the past two years, and the next target is to focus on the economic development of the city.

Yesterday, the eThekwini Mayor, Cyril Xaba, briefed the public on the achievements to date including addressing water challenges, infrastructure improvements, and investment in key industrial areas in the city.

Andrzej Kiepiela, coordinator of the KwaZulu-Natal Growth Coalition, said the next step is economic growth. “Over the last two years, we have realised we have to concentrate more specifically on economic development. Therefore, the Director-General in the Ministry of Tourism was asked by the President’s Office to lead that team of this stream; there are several streams working on the city.”

“We have had preliminary meetings, worked out priorities of what we should concentrate on, and we are meeting in the coming weeks for workshops to agree on strategy, who will participate, and what the outcome will be over what period of time. “There is no question that since it was formed, there have been a number of marked improvements in terms of doing business in KwaZulu-Natal. The city has been cleaned up and started to function; tourism has bounced back, and logistics are improving. There are big development projects that have emerged that will stimulate the economy in terms of tourism,” he said.

Kiepiela said even though the city is not yet where it should be, it is in a much better position than two years ago. “The business community is feeling much more positive about the future. Among the challenges that remain is the provision of electricity for developments, and there is still a need to address the issues of red tape,” he concluded.

Mayor Xaba also stated that significant progress has been made in stabilising the city and improving infrastructure.

“Working together, we have been able to stabilise the city, and we are beginning to see positive results, as demonstrated by the sharp increase in business confidence and the revitalisation of the tourism sector. “During the 2025 festive season, the city recorded approximately 1.2 million visitors, with accommodation occupancy increasing to 77%, up from 72% in 2024. Tourism spending during this period also rose from R2.2 billion to R2.7 billion, representing a 24% increase.

“The city was recently ranked 14th among the world’s best places to travel in 2026 by Time Out Worldwide, demonstrating that our tourism sector is firmly on an upward trajectory. Our efforts to rejuvenate the inner city are well on track as we continue to rehabilitate major road networks within the CBD,” said the mayor.

The mayor spoke of the investment already being made to shore up the city's economy. “Our teams are working tirelessly to support 61 designated industrial areas comprising approximately 27,000 businesses. These businesses generate around R9 billion annually and contribute more than 50% of the city’s total revenue base.

He said they are undertaking significant infrastructure improvements in Prospecton, where substantial investments are being made in roads, electricity, water, and sanitation infrastructure. The mayor stated that as a result of this work, Toyota has committed R10 billion towards expanding its investment in the area. This industrial node alone generates more than R1 billion annually in rates revenue for the city.

“Without the collaboration of all stakeholders through the PeWG and the District Development Model, these achievements would not have been possible,” he said. He touched on the investment in water, pointing out that a key project that could address a bulk of the city’s challenges could start operating by the end of the year.

“We are also making significant strides with the Lower uMkhomazi Bulk Water Supply Scheme. Last week, we introduced the contractor who will commence with the second phase of the Water Treatment Works. This is the final phase of the R11 billion project, which includes a storage dam, a water abstraction point, and a water treatment plant.”

He said upon completion, the project will produce 100 megalitres of water per day. Of this amount, 75 megalitres will be supplied to eThekwini. This volume will be sufficient to supply all areas in the south, from Isipingo to uMkhomazi.

The water currently being supplied to these areas will then be redirected to the central, northern, and outer western regions to further stabilise supply. He added that although the project was delayed by legal processes, Umgeni- Thukela Water has committed to ensuring that, by the end of next year, eThekwini will begin receiving water from this scheme.

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Defending Up Run champion Piet Wiersma believes he will be in the best physical shape of his life when he lines up for Sunday's 99th edition of the Comrades Marathon, motivated by intense unfinished business stretching back over the past two years.

The flying Dutchman returns to KwaZulu-Natal seeking to assert his dominance on the grueling road to Pietermaritzburg. In 2024, Wiersma stormed to an unforgettable Up Run victory in 5:25:00 — finishing a mere 21 seconds shy of Leonid Shvetsov's long-standing course record.

He also carries the fresh tactical memories of last year's Down Run, where he finished an agonisingly close second behind local talisman Tete Dijana after an epic, trunk-to-trunk battle.

Asked whether he should be considered the outright pre-race favourite for Sunday's historic 50th official Up Run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, Wiersma preferred to deflect the pressure onto his rigorous preparation.

"I have trusted my training completely," Wiersma stated. "I think this season I've faced probably more challenges than ever before in my career. But we've overcome them all.

"My roommate was saying that it is through these specific challenges that you win Comrades. That is the one thing I cannot guarantee, of course. But I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I will be in the best shape of my life on Sunday."

The 29-year-old hinted that both his agonizing near-miss with the course record and last year's narrow defeat in the Ultimate Human Race continue to fuel his professional ambition.

"Right now, it's like something deep down wants to come out because there's some unfinished business from last year, and some unfinished business from two years ago."

If Wiersma required any further reminder of the monumental challenge awaiting him on the hills, his chief rival Tete Dijana believes the pace required to secure the top step of the podium will be faster than anything witnessed before. The reigning Down Run champion, who is hunting for his first official Up Run victory after dominant triumphs in 2022, 2023, and again last year, predicted that the eventual winner will have to actively shatter the record that eluded Wiersma by seconds.

"It will take someone to run somewhere under 5:24 or even 5:20, which is a massive new record, to win the race on Sunday," Dijana warned.

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Among the local elite athletes hoping to disrupt the Wiersma-Dijana duopoly is Maxed Elite Running Club's Joseph Manyedi. The South African is targeting an improved podium performance after overcoming severe physical distress to finish fourth in 2024 with a time of 5:28:33, backed up by an impressive fifth-place finish last year.

"I almost made it to the absolute top in 2024, but I was struggling heavily with having to go to the bathroom four times on the road," Manyedi revealed. "But by the grace of the Lord, I still made it into the top five. This time around, I am incredibly hopeful that I will do something even better than 2024."

Former champion Edward Mothibi also arrives in KwaZulu-Natal buoyed by a strong, uninterrupted build-up, though he cautioned that perfect preparation offers no ironclad guarantees in an ultramarathon renowned for its ruthless unpredictability.

"We have prepared exceptionally well, and we just hope that on race-day the body responds accordingly," Mothibi said. "At the end of the day, when you race at this level, you simply cannot guarantee anything."

For Wiersma, however, Sunday's test is about something far more profound than retaining a title or claiming the massive financial prize purse on offer. It remains a golden opportunity to settle old scores — by avenging his 2025 heartbreak, defending his crown, and finally capturing the historic record that slipped through his fingers by a matter of strides.

More than 500 South African Police Service (SAPS) members are trading their heavy combat boots for running shoes this weekend as they take on the historic 99th edition of the Comrades Marathon. A total of 503 police officers from across the country will stand at the starting line in Durban on Sunday, June 14, 2026, joining a massive global field of over 21,600 runners for the gruelling 85.777km "Up Run" to Pietermaritzburg.

The SAPS contingent is using the iconic ultramarathon not just as a test of extreme physical endurance, but as a platform to champion social change under the official campaign theme: "Running the Extra Mile for Safer Communities."

Among the national contingent, 83 runners represent the host province of KwaZulu-Natal. Beyond the immense physical challenge of the world's oldest ultramarathon, these local officers are running with a specific, urgent mission: raising awareness to combat Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). Acting KZN Provincial Commissioner, Major General Phumelele Makoba, issued a stirring message of support to her team, emphasising that the race mirrors the resilience required in modern policing.

"Eighty-three police officers from KwaZulu-Natal will run an extra mile for safer communities, they will run against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), and they will endure the distance for the sole purpose of showing the resilience of police in the province," Makoba said.

As an avid runner herself, Makoba acknowledged the rigorous sacrifices required to prepare for an ultramarathon where "every detail matters." She reminded the running officers of the massive support network lifting them up through every grueling kilometre.

"Whenever you feel like giving up, think about the 29,000-strong police army behind you, and find strength from the 12 million KwaZulu-Natal residents who are cheering for you. You will be running wearing the badge of honour, of tenacity," she added.

The mass participation of law enforcement personnel is being highlighted by police top brass as a core pillar of the "SAPS Reset Agenda"—a strategic framework focused on building accountability, personal excellence, and continuous institutional improvement. SAPS management noted that the intense discipline, perseverance, and mental stamina required to cross the Comrades finish line are the exact values underpinning effective community policing.

Furthermore, the initiative shines a spotlight on the critical role that operational health, fitness, and mental wellness play in sustaining a resilient, professional police force capable of serving under deeply challenging conditions.

While dozens of officers tackle the tarmac, a dedicated team of SAPS support staff will man water points and cheering zones along the route to propel their colleagues forward. Major General Makoba and other senior police leadership will be stationed at the POLMED marquee at the Pietermaritzburg finish line to officially welcome the officers home.

"The joy that fills our hearts when we welcome the pride of the province is unexplainable," Makoba said. "I am confident that this year, some of you will grace the podium and be awarded for representing the SAPS well in the world’s toughest marathon."

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Msunduzi Municipality workers are demanding a proper grading process for their jobs to ensure that they are being paid fairly.

The workers affiliated with the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) downed tools yesterday to highlight several concerns, including grading. The strike has frustrated the business community, which stated that the city is filthy and extensive damage has been caused to infrastructure. Some businesses have been forced to close, causing mounting financial losses.

The city workers have been on strike since last week; it was suspended on Wednesday and resumed again yesterday.

Bongi Gule, the regional secretary of SAMWU, said all SAMWU members are on strike as the problems affect all units.

She stated that the city has about 3,000 workers, and 2,400 of those are SAMWU members. Among the demands of the workers is that they should be moved from grade T3 to grade T7. A contract seen by The Mercury showed that T3 workers earned about R14,000.

However, Gule said T3 is the entry level, and in terms of the wage level, it could be as low as R11,000. She mentioned that T7 is around R17,000. “This is the challenge that we are facing in Msunduzi; there is no proper grading of the staff and the work that they do, so we cannot say a worker at this level earns so much. We want this addressed. The workers in Msunduzi deserve more than what they are paid for,” she said.

The information pamphlets outlining the workers’ demands included, among others, taking action against non-performing senior managers, stopping the victimisation of shop stewards, creating safe working conditions and taking action against unqualified managers.

Gule declined to comment on the concerns raised that the strike has resulted in damage to infrastructure and a filthy city, saying they have not seen their members engaging in destructive behaviour as they had given them strict instructions not to cause damage. She warned that the strike, which has left refuse piling up in city streets, will continue until management engages workers on their demands.

The Pietermaritzburg & Midlands Chamber of Business said it was hard to understand how people who are working for the municipality could engage in such destructive behaviour.

Melanie Veness, CEO of the chamber, said, “The city has been trashed, and our infrastructure has been damaged by people who get paid with our rates money — it’s mind-boggling! This behaviour is completely unacceptable; some of it is criminal, and those responsible should face disciplinary action and the appropriate legal consequences.”

She mentioned that shops in town have had to close due to safety concerns. Many of these are small enterprises that cannot afford to lose a day’s trading.

“We have water and electricity outages that cannot be attended to because of striking workers and/or the intimidation of those who are wanting to work. This has led to factories calling off shifts and closing for the day. The economic losses are mounting, and the business community is becoming increasingly frustrated with our economy being treated like a football that anyone with a grievance or agenda can just kick, with no consequences – there need to be consequences,” she said.

ACDP councillor Rienus Niemand expressed concern over the industrial action taken by the union. “Trashing the streets of our city, disrupting traffic, and inconveniencing the public is not how disputes should be handled. At this very time, Msunduzi Municipality is experiencing critical financial difficulties due to non-payment, theft, staff inefficiency, low productivity, and bad management. It is therefore unacceptable that staff take this destructive route.

“Employees should instead be assisting the city and the ratepayer, who is the employer at this time. Working together, the city can be saved. The striking staff members should be shown no mercy. No work, no pay; focused disciplinary action and identifying those members of staff that are undermining the city's welfare must be prioritised,” he said.

The Msunduzi Municipality said in a statement that it respects the constitutional rights of employees and organised labour and remains committed to constructive engagement through established labour relations processes.

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The family of slain KwaZulu-Natal diesel mechanic Reuben “Ruby” Marsberg say they have been dealt a "devastating final outcome" after receiving official DNA confirmation that human remains discovered in Limpopo last December are those of their son.

The 22-year-old Howick local went missing from a farm in Levubu, outside Louis Trichardt, on November 26, 2025, shortly after relocating to Limpopo for work. His disappearance sparked a massive provincial search operation and an outpouring of community support.

In December last year, a severely decomposed body wrapped in a blanket was discovered in the bushes near a correctional facility in Makhado. Authorities initiated DNA testing at the time to formally identify the deceased, a process that concluded this week.

In a statement issued by the Marsberg family, they confirmed the identity match but noted that the confirmation has reopened deep emotional wounds.

“After months of searching since November 2025, we have received DNA confirmation yesterday that the body found is our Reuben. Although we have come to accept his passing, it remains a devastating final outcome for our family,” the statement read.

The DNA confirmation adds formal clarity to an ongoing murder and house robbery case. Gerhard Duncan Koekemoer, 24, was arrested in December 2025 in connection with Marsberg's murder and theft.

Following his arrest at his residence in Makhado, police also recovered Marsberg's stolen trailer, boat, and bull bar. Marsberg’s 1976 cream Toyota Land Cruiser had previously been recovered in a stripped condition at Polokwane International Airport with traces of blood inside.

Koekemoer remains in custody and his case is before the Vuwani Magistrate’s Court. The State is opposing his release on bail.

The Marsberg family has previously stated that they believe Koekemoer did not act alone, pointing out that several of Reuben's personal belongings, including household electronics, a mattress, and a PlayStation remain unaccounted for.

"We are still awaiting official details regarding what happened, and will share only when confirmed by the relevant authorities," the family added in their latest update.

Before moving to Limpopo, Marsberg was well-known in Howick as a friendly young man with a deep passion for machinery and fishing. Following the death of his father two years prior, Marsberg had stepped up at the age of 20 to become the primary financial provider and leader of his household.

The family expressed their gratitude to the public who aided in the search and supported them through crowdfunding and awareness campaigns.

"Thank you to everyone who stood by us, shared posts, donated, reached out and kept hope alive with us during this time. We now kindly ask for compassion during the next few weeks as we begin to accept and to grieve.

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The Bulls won’t arrive at Croke Park in Dublin on Friday evening thinking they already have the ascendency in the scrums, even if that is one of the areas they will look to target Leinster in the United Rugby Championship (URC) final.

Head coach Johan Ackermann wants his team to work for and earn that dominance to remain in the driver's seat during the contest. But, he warned, they cannot be arrogant and assume things will simply fall into place for them.

Leinster’s scrum came under pressure from the Stormers in the semi-final in Dublin, but they found other ways to gain the upper hand, and that is something the Bulls want to guard against.

Stormers director of rugby John Dobson earlier said that the Pretoria side might have their opponents’ number at scrum time, but warned that Leinster’s attack must be stopped.

According to Ackermann, they have taken heed of Dobson’s words, but know nothing will simply happen for them on the day.

“Dobbo has made some valid points,” Ackermann said.

“But the one thing I can testify to as a player who has played in finals and semi-finals of Super Rugby is that when you think you are strong and start to get arrogant, then you are on dangerous ground. My expectation is that we don’t think we have any ascendancy, but rather that we go out and work for it.

Last time out in Ireland.

UP NEXT 👉 VURC Grand Final.@Vodacom #URC | @URCOfficial_RSA pic.twitter.com/H66mGPvd1e

— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) June 11, 2026

“We must go and earn what we want to get. They have a percentage or two higher success rate in the lineouts than us, a similar scrum, and they score a lot of tries off set-piece play. We must match that. And if we get the upper hand, then so be it. But we won’t get carried away with it.”

Ackermann agreed that Leinster possess a quality attack and said they know they must be better on defence than they were in the semi-final against Glasgow. The Warriors raced into a 21-0 lead before a second-half fightback brought the Bulls back into the contest and ultimately secured their fourth Grand Final berth.

The Bulls are planning to shut down any fast Leinster start and, according to Ackermann, they must be better at dealing with teams from kick-off.

No love lost, this rivalry runs deep 💥@Vodacom #URC | #LEIvBUL pic.twitter.com/MoV3xRSrGy

— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) June 11, 2026

“Sometimes things don’t go according to plan, but we must deal with all the scenarios. One of our big focuses this season has been to become an adaptable team, and hopefully we can do that again in the final.

“The reality is that they are a quality team, and last year they were far ahead as well. Then you are chasing the scoreboard and dealing with pressure. If you concede early points, the difficult thing is finding a way to get them back. I am sure Dobbo and his team also spoke about that fast start, and they conceded those points. It is all about keeping them out.”

Group D may not contain a former world champion, but it is arguably one of the most evenly matched groups at the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

Co-hosts US will hope home support can carry them through, while Turkey, Paraguay and Australia all possess enough quality and experience to challenge for a place in the knockout rounds. With little separating the four nations on paper, consistency could prove decisive.

_{USA | Home Expectations Rising}

Head Coach: Mauricio Pochettino

Battling back and forth. pic.twitter.com/s44aTe9TEB

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) June 10, 2026

Captain: Christian Pulisic

Key Player: Christian Pulisic

FIFA Ranking: 16

Best World Cup Finish: Third Place (1930)

The United States enter the tournament carrying the hopes of a football nation eager to make a statement on home soil.

Led by Mauricio Pochettino, the Americans boast a talented squad featuring players competing at some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

With pace, athleticism and technical quality throughout the side, the USA will be expected to challenge for top spot. However, the pressure of performing in front of home supporters could prove both a blessing and a burden.

_{TURKEY | Europe’s Dangerous Outsiders}

TURKEY ARE QUALIFIED FOR THE WORLD CUP FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2002! LOOK WHAT IT MEANS TO ARDA GULER!!! pic.twitter.com/22WTQDS3Tm

— TheEuropeanLad (@ThaEuropeanLad) March 31, 2026

Head Coach: Vincenzo Montella

Captain: Hakan Çalhanoğlu

Key Player: Arda Güler

FIFA Ranking: 22

Best World Cup Finish: Third Place (2002)

Turkey arrive in North America with one of the most exciting young talents in world football.

Arda Güler has emerged as the face of a new generation and will be expected to lead the country’s challenge alongside the experienced Hakan Çalhanoğlu.

Turkey possess creativity, technical quality and attacking flair, making them genuine contenders to finish top of the group.

_{PARAGUAY | South American Steel}

Head Coach: Gustavo Alfaro

Captain: Gustavo Gómez

Key Player: Julio Enciso

FIFA Ranking: 40

Best World Cup Finish: Quarter-finals (2010)

Paraguay return to the World Cup after rebuilding under Gustavo Alfaro.

Traditionally one of South America’s most resilient teams, they remain difficult to break down and highly effective in tournament football.

Much of their attacking threat will revolve around Julio Enciso, whose creativity and direct running provide Paraguay with a genuine match-winner.

_{AUSTRALIA | The Tournament Specialists}

Head Coach: Tony Popovic

Captain: Mathew Ryan

Key Player: Jackson Irvine

FIFA Ranking: 27

Best World Cup Finish: Round of 16 (2006, 2022)

Australia continues to establish themselves as one of the most reliable tournament teams outside football’s traditional powerhouses.

The Socceroos have built a reputation for resilience, discipline and collective strength.

Led by the experienced Jackson Irvine, Australia will back themselves to compete with anyone in the group and potentially spring a surprise.

_{Group D Fixtures}

Matchday 1

• USA vs Australia
• Turkey vs Paraguay

Matchday 2

• USA vs Turkey
• Australia vs Paraguay

Matchday 3

• USA vs Paraguay
• Australia vs Turkey

Bafana Bafana’s long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup turned into a night of collapse, chaos and costly discipline issues as South Africa fell 2-0 to Mexico at a packed Estadio Azteca on Thursday.

In a match that will be remembered less for tactics and more for misfortune, everything that could’ve gone wrong, went wrong for Hugo Broos’ side — from the starting structure to two damaging red cards that left Bafana unravelled on the biggest stage.

Major talking points

• Formation: 5-3-2 setup from Hugo Broos
• Red card 1: Sphephelo Sithole
• Red card 2: Themba Zwane (substitute)

Broos’ decision to line up in a cautious 5-3-2 was the first major signal of intent. 

The Belgian coach leaned heavily into defensive security, deploying a system designed to absorb pressure against a Mexico side roared on by more than 80,000 supporters inside the Estadio Azteca.

A straight red card 😲🟥

Sphephelo Sithole is sent off for denying a goal scoring opportunity ❌

📺 Stream #FIFAWorldCup2026 on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc #DStvFIFAWorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/bgWPqBFZ3v

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 11, 2026

On paper, it was pragmatic. In reality, it became a night of survival that quickly spiralled beyond control.

Mexico struck first after sustained pressure, capitalising on an error involving Sphephelo Sithole, whose difficult evening set the tone for what followed. 

The opener shifted momentum decisively, and Bafana were left chasing shadows for large spells of the first half.

At the break, South Africa trailed 1-0, having offered little in attack and registering just a single attempt on target. 

The structure of the 5-3-2 held at times, but the pressure never truly eased, with Ronwen Williams repeatedly called into action to prevent further damage.

If the first half was difficult, the second was catastrophic.

Mexico's talisman does it for the hosts 🎯🇲🇽

Raúl Jiménez doubles the lead for the home nation ⚽⚽

📺 Stream #FIFAWorldCup2026 on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/5QQXDvIIAz

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 11, 2026

Just minutes after the restart, Sithole’s night went from bad to worse when he was shown a straight red card, leaving Bafana a man down and completely altering the tactical balance of the match. 

What had been a defensive block turned into a desperate rearguard effort.

From there, the game tilted entirely in Mexico’s favour.

Raul Jimenez eventually doubled the lead, finishing clinically to end any realistic hope of a South African comeback. The scoreline began to reflect the growing gulf in control, even if Bafana’s organisation had briefly delayed the inevitable.

But the evening still had one more twist.

This coach is costing us. Where is Appolis, Zwane, Mofokeng? #bafanamexico

— Madibuseng (@VeeOpulence) June 11, 2026

Introduced from the bench in an attempt to inject experience and composure, Themba Zwane endured a brief and disastrous cameo of his own, receiving a red card that compounded Bafana’s misery and reduced them to nine men. 

It was the final collapse in a sequence of setbacks that defined the night.

From that point, the contest effectively ended as a contest. Mexico managed the remainder of the game with comfort, eventually sealing a 2-0 victory in front of a jubilant home crowd.

For Broos and his players, the analysis will be unforgiving. A conservative 5-3-2, two red cards, and a series of errors ensured that Bafana were never truly able to settle into their World Cup return.

In the end, it was not just defeat — it was a perfect storm of everything going wrong at once.

South Korea got their FIFA World Cup campaign off to a winning start by edging out Czechia 2-1 on Thursday, after finally converting their overwhelming dominance into second-half goals.

Until the 80th-minute mark, it seemed as though the wasteful Koreans would be heavily punished for a succession of squandered opportunities. However, second-half substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu stepped up to slot home the decisive winner in a Guadalajara stadium that was far from full capacity.

Son Heung-min's side had utterly dominated the opening half but lacked clinical precision in the final third. The iconic forward blasted one early effort well over the crossbar before executing a trademark driving run down the left channel, evading two Czech defenders only to drag his eventual shot wide of the target.

An entertaining second half began with the Czechs taking a shock lead completely against the run of play. Ladislav Krejci ghosted to the front post to power a bullet header past Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu from a pinpoint corner.

Midfielder Hwang In-beom finally made the mounting Korean pressure pay with a clever equaliser on 67 minutes, feigning a shot before delicately caressing the ball over Czech keeper Matej Kovar.

The Czechs then had a potential goal chalked off for offside before Hwang turned provider, turning his marker on the right wing and whipping in a cross for Oh to comfortably turn home. When the final whistle eventually sounded following a frantic, end-to-end conclusion, a visibly relieved Son sank to the turf in sheer joy.

South Korea will now prepare to face co-hosts Mexico — who defeated nine-man South Africa 2-0 in the tournament's opening Group A fixture earlier on Thursday — on June 18. Meanwhile, Czechia will square off against Bafana Bafana in Atlanta on the same day in a must-win encounter for both nations.

AFP

Group B may not feature a traditional global powerhouse, but it promises to be one of the most competitive pools at the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

Switzerland arrive as favourites thanks to their consistency on the international stage, while co-hosts Canada will hope home support can help them reach the knockout rounds for the first time. Bosnia and Herzegovina have already upset the odds to qualify, while Qatar are looking to prove they can compete with the world's best after a difficult home World Cup campaign in 2022.

Here, Rowan Callaghan dissects the group.

CANADA | Hosts chasing history

Head Coach: Jesse Marsch
Captain: Alphonso Davies
Key Player: Jonathan David
Fifa Ranking: 30th
Best World Cup finish: Group stage (1986, 2022)
Nickname: CanMNT

Canada enter the tournament carrying the hopes of a nation eager to make history. Backed by home support and guided by the energetic Marsch, they possess the attacking quality to trouble any opponent.

Jonathan David remains their most reliable source of goals, while Alphonso Davies is the team's biggest star, although injury concerns have clouded his tournament. Canada have never won a World Cup match, losing all six of their previous fixtures at the finals, but home advantage offers a golden opportunity to change that narrative.

SWITZERLAND | The benchmark in Group B

Head Coach: Murat Yakin
Captain: Granit Xhaka
Key Player: Granit Xhaka
Fifa Ranking: 19th
Best World Cup finish: Quarter-finals (1934, 1938, 1954)
Nickname: Nati

Switzerland have become one of international football's most dependable tournament teams. They topped their qualifying group to reach a fifth successive World Cup and have advanced beyond the group stage in four of the last five editions.

A crucial 4-1 victory over Sweden sealed the top spot before finishing off with a draw against Kosovo. Veteran midfielder Xhaka remains the heartbeat of a side built on organisation, discipline and experience, while Breel Embolo offers a real goalscoring threat. They may lack the star power of Europe's elite nations, but Switzerland rarely beat themselves and deservedly enter the tournament as favourites to top the group.

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | The dangerous outsiders

Head Coach: Sergej Barbarez
Captain: Edin Džeko
Key Player: Edin Džeko
Fifa Ranking: 64th
Best World Cup finish: Group stage (2014)
Nickname: Zmajevi (The Dragons)

No team in Group B arrives with greater momentum. Bosnia and Herzegovina stunned four-time champions Italy in the play-offs to secure only their second World Cup appearance and first since 2014.

At 40, Džeko remains the face of Bosnian football and provides invaluable leadership to a squad that is a blend of youth and experience, while Sead Kolašinac is the defensive lynchpin. With little pressure and plenty of belief, Bosnia have the potential to disrupt the expected order and could emerge as one of the tournament's surprise packages.

QATAR | Seeking redemption

Head Coach: Julen Lopetegui
Captain: Hassan Al-Haydos
Key Player: Akram Afif
Fifa Ranking: 57th
Best World Cup finish: Group stage (2022)
Nickname: Al Annabi (The Maroons)

Qatar return to the World Cup determined to show that their disappointing showing as hosts four years ago was not a true reflection of their quality. Much of the squad's attacking threat still revolves around Akram Afif.

The creative dynamo and undisputed superstar of Qatari football is known for his exceptional vision, dribbling, and playmaking ability from the wing. On paper they appear the weakest team in the group, but that may suit them. Free from expectation and carrying valuable tournament experience, Qatar will hope to spring a surprise or two and keep their knockout-round ambitions alive.

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has lamented a critical, game-changing refereeing decision during his side's FIFA World Cup opening match, after South Africa suffered a bruising 2-0 defeat against co-hosts Mexico at a deafening Estadio Azteca.

South Africa were forced to finish the high-stakes curtain-raiser with just nine men on the pitch after being hit with two costly red cards. Midfielder Sphephelo Sithole and veteran playmaker Themba Zwane were both sent off in a fiery encounter that also saw Mexico captain César Montes dismissed for the hosts.

While Broos completely accepted the first red card handed to his side, the 74-year-old Belgian expressed fierce reservations over the second dismissal, vehemently arguing that the Mexican player was actually the individual who had committed the initial foul.

"I think the first red card, I won't say anything about," Broos remarked during his post-match press conference. "But with the second red card, I think the Mexican player fouled my player. The referee decided something else. It is a massive pity we had to finish the game with nine players."

Despite walking into a hostile cauldron in front of a heavily partisan 85,000-strong home crowd, the veteran tactician insisted his squad was never overwhelmed by the grand occasion. Instead, he pointed out that Bafana Bafana controlled large swathes of the match once they weathered an anxious opening period.

"When you play a opening match against the tournament hosts, you know you will be under immense pressure. But the only moment we were genuinely under pressure was in the first 20 minutes. After that, we dominated the ball and played well," the coach explained.

Rather than pointing fingers entirely at external factors or the refereeing standard, Broos was brutally honest about the costly, unforced errors committed by his defensive unit, which allowed a clinical Mexican outfit to exploit open transitions and secure all three points.

"We made two critical mistakes on our side. In those specific moments, you simply cannot afford to lose possession. We turned the ball over, which left immediate space for Mexico, and they were clinical enough to score twice," Broos added.

Following the opening-day setback in Mexico City, South Africa must now swiftly regroup and address these defensive vulnerabilities before their remaining Group A fixtures against South Korea and Czechia.

IANS

As South Africa prepared to take on Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, Olwethu Makhanya received a timely reminder of the support he carries from thousands of kilometres away.

The Philadelphia Union defender was the recipient of a special video message from his club teammates, who wished him good luck ahead of Bafana Bafana’s highly anticipated clash against the tournament hosts at the Estadio Azteca.

For Makhanya, it was another memorable moment in a remarkable journey that has taken him from KwaMakhutha, south of Durban, to football’s biggest stage.

The 22-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise since moving to Major League Soccer, where he has established himself as one of Philadelphia Union’s brightest young prospects.

With South Africa making their first World Cup appearance since 2010, Makhanya has become part of a generation tasked with carrying the hopes of a football-loving nation.

To Mak, 🇿🇦
From, your Philly boys 🥰 pic.twitter.com/GytETXA3tJ

— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) June 11, 2026

His club made sure he would not enter the occasion alone.

In the video, teammates offered words of encouragement and motivation as Bafana prepared to face a Mexican side playing in front of a passionate home crowd.

The gesture also highlighted the respect Makhanya has earned within the Philadelphia Union dressing room since his arrival in the United States.

The club has embraced his World Cup journey throughout the week, celebrating his achievement and proudly following his progress with the national team.

Regardless of whether he starts against Mexico or features later in the tournament, Makhanya’s presence at the World Cup represents another milestone in a career that continues to move upwards.

And as Bafana Bafana stepped onto the field for one of the biggest matches in recent South African football history, the messages from Philadelphia served as a reminder that Makhanya’s story is inspiring people on both sides of the Atlantic.

From KwaMakhutha to Philadelphia and now the World Cup stage, the young defender’s football journey continues to gather momentum.

Bafana Bafana had a day to forget going down 2-0 and finishing the game with nine men at Aztec Stadium on Thursday night.

Julian Quinones put Mexico front with his eighth minute striker after a miscomunication and blunder between Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams and defensive midfielder Sphephelo Sithole.

South Africa could have easily went to half time 3-0 as they were under siege from the first minute, but skipper Ronwen Williams kept them alive with some excellent saves.

Bafana appeared to have too much congestion from the centre of the park all the way back to the five defenders at the back.

As a result, players found themselves with no space to navigate.

15 minutes into the secon half Sithole got the red card and substitute Themba Zwane got his marching orders in the 83rd minute.

Mexico also lost Cesar Montes at 90 minutes after a foul on Khuliso Mudau.

After a gruelling, high-stakes qualification campaign, Hugo Broos and his band of Bafana brothers went into the match as massive underdogs as the lowest ranked team in Group A. In fact, the stats gurus are giving the South Africans just a 7% chance of qualifying for the knockout stage.  

Hugo Broos unleashes Lyle Foster and Iqraam Rayners in twin-strike attack against Mexico

𝗕𝗮𝗳𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗕𝗮𝗳𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗫𝗜: 3-5-2 formation

Ronwen Williams, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena, Siphephelo Sithole, Jayden Adams, Iqraam Rayners, Lyle Foster

Mexico XI: 4-5-1

Raul Rangel, Israel Reyes, Cesar Montes, Johan Vasquez, Jesus Gallardo, Erik Lira, Roberto Alvarado, Brian Gutierrez, Alvaro Fidalgo, Julian Quinones, Santiago Jimenez

Bafana Bafana fans turn up the volume in number in Midrand

As the opening match of the 2026 FIFA world cup is about to kick off between South Africa's Bafana bafana and Mexico, fans are ready for the showdown at a viewing party in a World Cup fan park in Midrdand.

Muhsin Ertugral highlights Mexico's bizarre opening-day record

As anticipation builds towards South Africa’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, former Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates coach Muhsin Ertugral has pointed to an intriguing piece of history that could offer encouragement to Hugo Broos’ side.

Bafana will kick off their campaign against co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca on Thursday, with many expecting the hosts to begin the tournament strongly in front of a packed home crowd. However, Ertugral believes World Cup opening matches often follow their own unique script.

Read more here ...

The stage is set.. 🇿🇦⚽️
We are about to witness history tonight at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Get ready Mzansi for the much anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup opener of a lifetime!

⚽ Mexico vs Bafana Bafana
📅 Thursday, 11 June 2026
​🏟️ Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
🕕… pic.twitter.com/KLhAJfv0nH

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) June 11, 2026

Siya Kolisi and Springboks rally behind Bafana Bafana with epic song

Double World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has wished his football counterparts, Bafana Bafana, well ahead of the 2026 Fifa World Cup, saying they are behind the team like the rest of their countrymen.

Bafana will face Mexico in the opening match of the global showpiece at Azteca Stadium on Thursday night (kick-off 9pm). This clash marks their return to the event since they hosted it 16 years ago. Bafana have united the country through their qualification campaign, with multitudes backing them to do well at the event and reach the knockout stage for the first time in four attempts.

Read more here ...

Bafana star Olwethu Makhanya honoured by MLS club ahead of World Cup

As Bafana Bafana continue their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, one South African defender is receiving recognition thousands of kilometres away from the national team’s base camp.

Major League Soccer side Philadelphia Union paid tribute to defender Olwethu Makhanya this week, celebrating his inclusion in Hugo Broos’ World Cup squad with a special photoshoot in the United States.

The club shared a series of images of the 21-year-old at some of Philadelphia’s most recognisable landmarks under the caption: “From the Philly steps to the world stage.”

Among the standout photographs was one taken alongside the famous Rocky Statue, a landmark that has become synonymous with overcoming adversity and chasing dreams.

For Makhanya, the symbolism could hardly have been more fitting.

Read More here ...

The ultimate Fifa World Cup song ranking: Why THAT song still reigns supreme in 2026

Since 1990, Fifa have brought — probably — an equal measure of pleasure and torture by releasing official Fifa World Cup songs to accompany the mood, feel and celebration of arguably the biggest sporting event in the world.

The 2026 World Cup is no different, with some brah named Jelly Roll singing the most American song you will have probably heard in years.

Is it the best? Well, maybe it is just average.

Which brings us to the question: If we were to rank the 10 official songs since Italy 1990, what would their order be?

Read more here ...

Relive every Bafana Bafana goal at the World Cup

With now under three hours to go to kick-off between South Africa and Mexico, let's take a look at the imposing Mexico City Stadium that will host Thursday night's opening game.

And while we are at it, why not relive every goal scored by our nation on football's biggest stage.

Nine South Africans have scored a total of 11 goals at the Fifa World Cup since Bafana Bafana's debut in 1998. Shaun Bartlett and Benni McCarthy are the top goalscorers for the nation at the showpiece event, with two apiece.

With Bafana Bafana set to play their first tournament in 16 years, we relive all the goals scored by South Africans.

Read more here ...

World Cup 2026: Comprehensive squad guide to Bafana Bafana’s tactical options

As Bafana Bafana prepare to walk out into the intimidating Estadio Azteca to face co-hosts Mexico tonight, we break down Hugo Broos' final World Cup squad.

From Sipho Chaine's record-breaking domestic form to the raw attacking pace of Lyle Foster, here is how the team shapes up.

Below is Independent Media's in-depth breakdown of Broos’ 26-man Bafana squad, analysing the key attacking weapons, midfield steel, and defensive depth tasked with unlocking Mexico.

Read our BAFANA BAFANA SQUAD GUIDE below:

• Goalkeepers
• Defenders
• Midfielders
• Strikers

Rassie Erasmus reveals hilarious 'lost in translation' message to Hugo Broos

Support for Bafana Bafana continues to come from all quarters of South African sport with the 9pm kick-off between Mexico and South Africa in opening match of the 2026 Fifa World Cup edging closer. 

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says he has wished his football counterpart, Hugo Broos, everything of the best for Thursday night’s big kick-off in Mexico (9pm), but worries that his message may have been lost in translation.

A smiling Erasmus said, “We are all excited about the match tonight.

"We have built a nice relationship with Hugo Broos. I tried to say, “You go, Hugo!” but I think he heard ‘Hugo Hugo’. It didn’t come out the right way, but we hope they do well. We know the pressure they are under, and we understand that pressure only too well.

Read more here ...

Group A preview: Hosts Mexico favourites, but Bafana Bafana ready to gatecrash

With kick-off to the opening match to the Fifa World Cup 2026 between Mexico and South Africa five hours away, catch up with our Group A guide. Along with El Tri and Bafana, South Korea and Czech Republic will also battle for supremacy to progress to the next stage of the tournament.

Read more here ...

Madlanga Commission swaps robes for jerseys to back Bafana Bafana

The Madlanga Commission has thrown its full judicial weight behind Bafana Bafana as South Africa's national football team prepare to kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against tournament hosts Mexico on Thursday night.

In an official statement issued on Thursday morning, Commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga revealed that members of the inquiry were all wearing Bafana Bafana jerseys to mark the historic opening day of South Africa's World Cup journey and demonstrate their unwavering support for the national side.

Read more here ...

The Madlanga Commissioners don the Bafana Bafana jerseys today in support of the national team ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening match against Mexico pic.twitter.com/r6V7CJPGfl

— News Live SA (@newslivesa) June 11, 2026

T20 World Cup: Proteas Women inspired by Bafana's underdog Status

Proteas Women’s coach Mandla Mashimbyi is hoping Bafana Bafana provide the inspiration for his team ahead of their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup opener against Australia in Manchester on Saturday.

Bafana face hosts Mexico in the 2026 FIFA World Cup opener in Mexico City on Thursday evening (kick-off 9pm), with the entire nation backing them to produce an upset.

Mashimbyi believes Bafana and his Proteas Women face similar scenarios, as they are both underdogs.

Read more here ...

AI predicts Bafana will make Fifa World Cup history

For a change, the data is in favour of Bafana Bafana shining at a Fifa World Cup, with South Africa given a 62% chance of advancing beyond the group stage for the first time in their history.

There is even a 1.4% chance that Bafana could go all the way and win the tournament. As Lloyd Christmas famously responded to Mary Swanson in Dumb and Dumber after she said they had a one-in-a-million chance of getting together: “So you’re saying there’s a chance!”

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What time is the Fifa World Cup opening ceremony? Shakira, Burna Boy and Tyla to perform

By now, most people will know that Bafana Bafana will kick off their Fifa World Cup campaign at 9pm SA time on Thursday evening, but the opening ceremony will take place long before the first ball is kicked on the pristine turf of Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

The opening ceremony is expected to last close to 90 minutes and will begin at 7.30pm SA time.

Read more here ...

Teboho Mokoena: 2010 is in the past ... Bafana Bafana want to make their own history in 2026

Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena has thrown down the gauntlet ahead of their daunting FIFA World Cup opener against Mexico, insisting the pressure is squarely on the co-hosts as South Africa look to rip up the textbook and script their own history at the Estadio Azteca.

Addressing a packed press room on the eve of the tournament, Mokoena confidently laughed off bleak external data that has written off the South Africans before a ball has even been kicked in anger.

Read more here ...

Three match-ups that could decide Mexico, Bafana Bafana 2026 Fifa World Cup opener

The 2026 Fifa World Cup opening match between co-host Mexico and Bafana Bafana at Azteca Stadium on Thursday is poised to be a momentous occasion for both teams, as the result could have a defining impact on the careers of all personnel involved.

The match carries significant symbolism, marking a repeat of the 2010 World Cup opening fixture in Johannesburg, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Given the history and stakes, the match in Mexico City will likely be decided by fine margins, requiring individual brilliance to secure a crucial victory in what promises to be a thrilling tournament opener.

Below, Independent Media football writer Mihlali Baleka highlights three key match-ups that could swing the match:

Read more here ...

2026 Fifa World Cup predictions: We pick our winners and Bafana Bafana prospects

The stage is set for the most expansive tournament in football history.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on Thursday, welcoming an expanded field of 48 nations across three host countries: the United States, Mexico and Canada. Over 39 days of intense competition, a record 104 matches will be contested before the champions lift the iconic trophy.

Here, Independent Media's sports department choose their favourites to win the championship on July 19.

Read more here ...

@the.clutch_za The 2026 Fifa World Cup opening match between co-host Mexico and Bafana Bafana at Azteca Stadium on Thursday is poised to be a momentous occasion for both teams, as the result could have a defining impact on the careers of all personnel involved. The match carries significant symbolism, marking a repeat of the 2010 World Cup opening fixture in Johannesburg, which ended in a 1-1 draw. #bafanabafana ♬ original sound - The Clutch_ZA

The cathedral of football, Azteca Stadium, was a cauldron of agony for Bafana Bafana as hosts Mexico defeated them 2-0 in the 2026 Fifa World Cup opener on Thursday night.

Mexico could have won by a wider margin. At times, the hosts were wasteful, sparing Bafana Bafana a harsher introduction to the realities of World Cup competition following their 16-year absence.

Bafana arrived hoping to salvage at least a draw – a repeat of the result from their meeting 16 years ago – but it was not to be. However, with two group games remaining, they cannot afford to lose heart.

Three points in the final two games against Czechia and South Korea would put them in contention for knockout stage qualification – for the first time in four attempts after 1998, 2002, and 2010.

Such an outcome, however, is now conditional on avoiding mistakes and maintaining discipline, especially after the red cards shown to Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane, if Bafana are to achieve the improbable going forward.

Mexico's talisman does it for the hosts 🎯🇲🇽

Raúl Jiménez doubles the lead for the home nation ⚽⚽

📺 Stream #FIFAWorldCup2026 on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/5QQXDvIIAz

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 11, 2026

Competing in only their fourth World Cup, Bafana Bafana remain relative amateurs at this level. Yet, the clash with El Tri 16 years ago forged a tangible rivalry – one now etched in the stands, the benches, and most importantly, on the pitch.

Bafana arrived at a buzzing Azteca, where the home faithful had already turned the stadium into a hostile atmosphere, booing the South Africans from their warm-up. This continued throughout the match, despite Bafana performing their national anthem dressed in silver tops, reminiscent of angels.

Anticipating Mexico’s attacking prowess, led by Raúl Jiménez and Julián Quiñones, Hugo Broos opted for a defensive back five. This was a clear attempt to counter Javier Aguirre’s strategy, following the Mexican coach’s detailed analysis of Bafana Bafana in his pre-match briefing.

This encounter held deeper significance due to a rivalry dating back 40 years, when Aguirre, as a player, had beaten Broos' Belgium on this same ground. Driven by this history, El Tri took the game to Bafana from the outset.

Ronwen Williams proved his value early on, saving a shot from Jiménez. However, he quickly turned from hero to villain, delivering an ill-advised pass that Sphephelo Sithole failed to control. Julián Quiñones immediately pounced, dispossessed Sithole, and slotted the ball past Williams to open the scoring in the ninth minute.

From that moment, the path back seemed long and arduous for Bafana. Frustrations quickly crept in, with Teboho Mokoena, typically one of Bafana’s most composed players, becoming the first to be cautioned by referee Wilton Simpaio.

Bafana managed to briefly stem the tide and enjoyed a period of possession. However, they failed to capitalize on it, struggling to string passes together in the final third where the pace of Iqraam Rayners and the penetration of Lyle Foster were meant to flourish.

Williams redeemed himself on the stroke of half-time, making sure the deficit did not increase. He parried away a sharp, acrobatic shot from Jiménez before Quiñones struck the upright, allowing Bafana to go into the break with hope still intact.

Despite the earlier error, Williams continued to play risky passes from the back, momentarily forgetting he was up against a renowned attacking unit. He was fortunate not to be punished for another mistake early in the second half.

A straight red card 😲🟥

Sphephelo Sithole is sent off for denying a goal scoring opportunity ❌

📺 Stream #FIFAWorldCup2026 on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc #DStvFIFAWorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/bgWPqBFZ3v

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 11, 2026

Sithole’s difficult night turned into a nightmare when, as the last defender, he fouled Filgado Alvaro, who was through on goal. Referee Simpaio did not hesitate to show him a straight red card. Fortunately for Bafana, Jiménez completely wasted the resulting close-range set-piece.

Jiménez finally got onto the scoresheet in the 67th minute, scoring his team’s second with a glancing header from close range, confirming Bafana’s defeat. Zwane was shown a straight red after clipping his marker, before Centres Montes also got his marching orders after tripping Khuliso Mudau.

It was not the perfect return to the cathedral for Broos, who made his World Cup debut here with Belgium, but he and his troops will know that the campaign is not yet lost.

SCORELINE:

MEXICO            (1)(2)

Quiñones 9’, Jiménez 67’

SOUTH AFRICA (0)(0)

LINEUPS:

México (4-1-2-3): Rangel; Reyes, Montes, Vásquez, Gallardo, Gutiérrez (Chávez 67’), Lira (Álvarez 76’), Fidalgo (Mora 67’), Alvarado, Jiménez (González 76’), Quiñones (Vega 79’)

SA (5-3-2): Williams, Mudau, Okon, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Modiba (Appollis 77’), Sithole, Adams (Zwane 61), Teboho Mokoena, Foster (Mbatha 56’), Rayners (Makgopa 77’)

As Bafana Bafana continue their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, one South African defender is receiving recognition thousands of kilometres away from the national team’s base camp.

Major League Soccer side Philadelphia Union paid tribute to defender Olwethu Makhanya this week, celebrating his inclusion in Hugo Broos’ World Cup squad with a special photoshoot in the United States.

The club shared a series of images of the 21-year-old at some of Philadelphia’s most recognisable landmarks under the caption: “From the Philly steps to the world stage.”

Among the standout photographs was one taken alongside the famous Rocky Statue, a landmark that has become synonymous with overcoming adversity and chasing dreams.

For Makhanya, the symbolism could hardly have been more fitting.

From the Philly steps to the world stage 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/6jJTVygunv

— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) June 9, 2026

Born in KwaMakhutha, a township south of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, the young defender has travelled a remarkable path to reach football’s biggest stage.

Like the fictional Rocky Balboa, whose statue attracts visitors from around the world, Makhanya’s rise has been built on perseverance, hard work and a refusal to be limited by circumstance.

The towering centre-back first made his name in South African football through the development structures of Stellenbosch FC before earning a move abroad in 2024.

His transfer to Philadelphia Union represented a major step in his career as he sought to test himself in one of the fastest-growing football leagues in the world.

Since arriving in the United States, Makhanya has continued to develop both on and off the field, steadily establishing himself as one of South Africa’s brightest young defensive prospects.

Those performances have now been rewarded with a place in South Africa’s squad for the World Cup, a tournament that represents the pinnacle of the sport.

The images released by Philadelphia Union tell a story that stretches far beyond football.

From the streets of KwaMakhutha to the Rocky Steps of Philadelphia.

From a promising youngster in South Africa to a professional in Major League Soccer.

And now, from America to the FIFA World Cup.

Whether he takes to the field against Mexico or later in the tournament, Makhanya’s journey already stands as one of the most inspiring stories within Bafana Bafana’s squad heading into football’s global showpiece.

An attractive man, a glass of red wine and a whole lot of love.

According to Martha "Aunty Matty" Davids, that is the secret to reaching the incredible age of 100.

The beloved centenarian celebrated her milestone birthday this week surrounded by the people she holds dearest, her children, grandchildren, friends and those who have become family over the years.

There were smiles, tears, laughter and countless hugs as loved ones gathered to honour a woman whose life has been defined by kindness, generosity and a love that has touched generations.

Sitting proudly among her family, Aunty Matty's eyes still light up when she speaks about the man who stole her heart all those years ago.

"I loved my husband like crazy," she said with a laugh, her face softening at the memory.

Born in Franschhoek on June 11, 1926, Aunty Matty's story stretches across an entire century of South African history.

She attended school until Standard Five before beginning work at a young age, spending her early years in Franschhoek and surrounding areas, including Beaufort West.

@weekendargus Aunty Martha "Matty" Davids celebrates her 100th birthday today. 📽 Tracy-Lynn Ruiters /Independent Newspapers #centenarian #100years #Celebratinglife #happybirthday #capetown ♬ original sound - Weekend Argus

Life was not always easy, but she rarely speaks about hardship. Instead, she remembers the people she loved and the life she built.

At 16, she moved to Sea Point, and just a year later she met the man who would become the love of her life.

The couple married and raised five children together.

Even now, nearly a century later, it is love that remains at the centre of her story.

Asked what has kept her going for 100 years, Aunty Matty chuckled before delivering her now-famous answer.

"An attractive man and a glass of red wine."

But her daughter, 77-year-old Eileen Appie, believes her mother's real recipe for a long life runs far deeper.

"I think it is her kindness," Appie said.

"My mommy always gave. No matter who knocked on the door looking for help, she would share what she had. Even if it was the food from her own plate, she would give.

"She never turned people away."

Appie believes the goodness her mother poured into others throughout her life has come back to her many times over.

"I always say that she blessed people and God is blessing her."

Growing up, Appie said she never realised how much her mother sacrificed to ensure her children felt secure and loved.

"She worked so hard for us. Every now and then she would still find a way to give us a sweet treat or something special.

"The funny thing is I never knew when we were struggling. I never knew. She never allowed us to feel it. She made it seem like we always had enough."

For Appie, that was one of her mother's greatest gifts, creating a sense of abundance even during difficult times.

At Huis Alleyne, where Aunty Matty has lived for the past 40 years, she is equally cherished.

Sister Corrina Brown, who heads the Communicare facility, became emotional while speaking about the woman she describes as a second mother.

"This woman right here, I can only say thank you for gracing us with your presence," Brown said.

"I lost my own mother and she stepped into that space for me.

"She has been like a mother to me all these years."

Brown said Aunty Matty remains remarkably independent despite her age.

"At 100 she still bakes. She still cooks. She still wants to do things for herself.

"And in all the years she has been here, she has never given me problems. Not one.

"That speaks volumes about who she is."

Those who know her best say that while reaching 100 years old is extraordinary, what is even more remarkable is the way she has lived those years, with grace, humility and an open heart.

Among those paying tribute was Reverend Glen Daries from St Joseph The Worker Anglican Church.

Looking at the centenarian seated among her family, he reflected on the rarity of such a milestone.

"You don't hear of people reaching 100 anymore," he said.

"You read about it in the Bible.

"This woman sitting here today is a living testimony of what the Bible says.

"She is proof of the Gospel."

tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za

Weekend Argus 

As anticipation builds towards South Africa’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, former Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates coach Muhsin Ertugral has pointed to an intriguing piece of history that could offer encouragement to Hugo Broos’ side.

Bafana will kick off their campaign against co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca on Thursday, with many expecting the hosts to begin the tournament strongly in front of a packed home crowd. However, Ertugral believes World Cup opening matches often follow their own unique script.

The experienced coach took to social media on Thursday to highlight Mexico’s surprising record in tournament openers, suggesting that history may be more relevant than tactical analysis when the spotlight shines brightest.

“I will look away from all the noise and lots of tactical analysis made for the opener, there is for me something much more important than those analysis,” wrote Ertugral.

6/7 of those matches were in 1970 or earlier. And of course Mexico would have the statistic against because only in 1 of those matches it was the host nation.

I can flip the stat as: Mexico has never lost its opening match in Mexico (1986 2-1 vs Belgium and 1970 0-0 vs ussr)

— ulises si (@ulisesno_1) June 11, 2026

The former Amakahosi mentor noted that Mexico will be participating in their eighth World Cup opening match, more than any other nation in the history of the competition. Yet, despite that experience, he pointed out that El Tri have never won a World Cup opening fixture.

“Mexico is playing their eighth World Cup opener. No team has ever played opening games at the World Cup like Mexico,” he explained. “All the experience Mexico has gained in World Cup history, something very interesting comes out, Mexico has never won a World Cup opening match.”

While Mexico will still enter the contest as favourites based on ranking, experience and home advantage, Ertugral believes opening matches are often influenced by factors beyond tactical preparation.

The pressure of expectation, nerves and the magnitude of the occasion can create a different type of contest compared to the rest of the tournament.

“Openings are completely different from the group stage fixtures and the knockout stages later on,” he added.

For South Africa, the statistic offers a small but fascinating subplot ahead of their return to the global stage for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010.

Whether history repeats itself remains to be seen, but Bafana will hope Mexico’s unusual opening-day record continues when the two nations meet in one of the most anticipated matches of the opening week.

Double World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has wished his football counterparts, Bafana Bafana, well ahead of the 2026 Fifa World Cup, saying they are behind the team like the rest of their countrymen.

Bafana will face Mexico in the opening match of the global showpiece at Azteca Stadium on Thursday night (kick-off 9pm). This clash marks their return to the event since they hosted it 16 years ago. Bafana have united the country through their qualification campaign, with multitudes backing them to do well at the event and reach the knockout stage for the first time in four attempts.

Their rugby counterparts, the Springboks, know all about playing in major tournaments and excelling, as they are back-to-back Rugby World Cup champions after winning their own showpiece in 2019 and 2023.

Siya Kolisi and the Springboks have a message for Bafana Bafana ahead of their #FIFAWorldCup opener tonight 🇿🇦🫂 pic.twitter.com/WFxPEfMoo3

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) June 11, 2026

Amid their preparations ahead of the rugby season at Johannesburg Stadium on Thursday, the Springboks' captain, Kolisi, surrounded by his teammates and technical staff, took time to wish Bafana well ahead of the showpiece in North America.

“Coach Hugo (Broos), Ronwen (Williams), and the whole Bafana squad, we just want to wish you all the best for the World Cup,” Kolisi said. “We are super proud of you as a country.

Kolisi and the Springboks ended their gesture with a gwijo hymn, aimed at motivating Bafana as they prepare for battle on foreign territory.

“You’ve got over 65 million people supporting you,” Kolisi continued. “We, as the Springboks, are supporting you. We just want to give you a little song: Khanivul’amabala. Sizongena kanjani? Siyabulela. (Please, open the field. How will we enter? We are grateful).”

The Springboks’ first-choice half-back pairing of Sacha Feinberg Mngomezulu and Cobus Reinach will be shipshape for the Boks’ first Test against the All Blacks on August 21, according to coach Rassie Erasmus.

Erasmus briefed the media on Thursday, and he had mostly good news as he laughed off the narrative that he is beset with an injury crisis.

Instead, Erasmus says his big challenge is to find opportunities for a burgeoning list of players knocking on the Springbok door.

“We’ve actually got a lot of players available and the challenge at the moment is figuring out how to give everyone game time,” he said.

“The reality is that only RG Snyman, Kwagga Smith, and Ruan Venter are out for the year. And it is such a pity for Ruan because he has come through so nicely at the Lions, and we had plans for him as a guy who can play flank and lock,” the coach explained.

Erasmus said that key players in Malcolm Marx, Eben Etzebeth, and Grant Williams are fully recovered and ready for action.

“Nearly all the players who would regularly feature in our match 23 are okay,” the coach continued. “The other injuries are mostly players still finding their feet in the system or guys who haven’t consistently been part of the match-day squad.

“Then you have a guy like Krappie (scrumhalf Morne van den Berg) who will be available by the time we play New Zealand, or even Scotland and Wales (in July’s Nations Championship),” Erasmus said.

Springbok supporters were alarmed when Feinberg-Mngomezulu was injured playing for the Stormers in the URC quarter-finals, but Erasmus says the star playmaker is nicely on the mend.

“Sacha should be ready about four weeks before the New Zealand matches, and the same goes for Ethan Hooker.”

That timeline could have the pair making comebacks in the Boks’ match against Argentina in Buenos Aires on August 8, or possibly in the July 18 match in Durban against Wales.

“Cobus Reinach could be ready for England, but I don’t think we should rush him back. If he hears me say this, he will get upset, but he will probably only join the squad after the July matches against England, Scotland, and Wales.”

Erasmus reiterated that the injury list is not as bad as it looks.

“I don’t want people to look at the list and think we’re in trouble, because that’s not the case,” he said.“We’ve actually got a lot of players available.”

Erasmus explained that the quality of the youngsters who have joined the squad has substantially increased his options, uncapped players such as Yaqeen Ahmed, Luan Giliomee, Vusi Moyo, Riley Norton, Siphosethu Mnebelele, Markus Muller, Zekhethelo Siyaya, Paul de Villiers, Batho Hlekani, Jurenzo Julius, Imad Khan, JJ Kotze, Siba Mahashe, Haashim Pead, Emmanuel Tshituka, and Jaco Williams.

“We work closely with Kevin Foote and his Junior Bok staff, and some of our coaches do sessions with them,” Erasmus said.

“But it makes a big difference to have them in the camp, and to look in their eyes to see if they understand … We have a bunch of youngsters coming through that are well-drilled professionals, who understand what rugby is about. It is now up to them to see how quickly they can transfer that into the matches.

“A lot of them will get chances for the SA A team against Zimbabwe, and a few of them will play against the Barbarians because we will rest a few guys for that one. The two teams have been picked for June 20. The players know who the two teams are.”

Gerda Steyn has approached this year's Comrades Marathon with a simple but powerful mindset: run it as if it might be her last Up Run.

The four-time champion and defending winner will line up in Durban on Sunday chasing an unprecedented fifth consecutive Comrades title, but the South African ultramarathon queen says her greatest motivation has come from treating the race as though she may never get the opportunity again.

"This year in training already, I told myself I am training for this race as if it's the last time I get to run the Up Run," said Steyn, ahead of the 50th official Up Run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.

"I hope it's not the last time, but I trained like it would be the last time.

"I told myself in training I give my 110% and I will be standing on the start line knowing that I've given my everything for the whole year. My mantra on Sunday is to run as if I'll never get this chance again."

THE START: Your Journey Begins at Durban City Hall🕍

The excitement, the anticipation, the famous cock crow, Chariots of Fire, and the roar of thousands of runners preparing to tackle The Ultimate Human Race!

With the introduction of the new three-group start format, a little… pic.twitter.com/sb27q0PLWe

— ComradesRace (@ComradesRace) June 7, 2026

That approach has sharpened Steyn's focus as she prepares for another assault on a race she has made her own. The Hollywood Athletics Club star has won the last four editions she has contested and holds the Up Run record, achievements that have helped redefine the standards of women's ultramarathon running in South Africa.

Yet, Steyn insists the meaning of Comrades has evolved far beyond personal success.

"To stand on the start line of the Comrades Marathon is such a privilege," she said. "You are part of history and you are part of building something that you'll remember for the rest of your life.

"The meaning of running Comrades has grown since I started running it and every year it feels bigger and bigger. I know now that when I perform well and when I come away victorious, the ripple effect is so huge.

"I don't do it for Gerda. I do it for all of you and everyone who supports me."

While Steyn starts as the overwhelming favourite, several challengers are eager to end her remarkable run.

Cape Town-based Briton Carla Molinaro returns after finishing fourth in the 2024 Up Run and expects another brutal examination on the climb to Pietermaritzburg.

👟 The Ultimate Human Race is back! 21,677 runners are set to tackle the 99th #ComradesMarathon from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. With a massive R8.2 million prize purse on the line, defending champs Tete Dijana and Gerda Steyn are back to chase history.

​Who is your money on for… pic.twitter.com/yhZe02t9tI

— ComradesRace (@ComradesRace) June 7, 2026

"I think the hardest thing about the Up Run is it's more of a mental battle because you're just looking up hills all day," said Molinaro.

"All you want to do is walk and all you're telling yourself is you've just got to keep on running."

Steyn believes the growing depth of the women's field is helping drive performances to unprecedented levels.

"We elevate each other, we push each other and hopefully we get the best out of each other on race day."

Another major contender is former Olympian Irvette van Zyl, who finished fourth on her Comrades debut in last year's Down Run and now faces the unique challenge of her first Up Run.

"Last year was a really big eye-opener for me," said Van Zyl.

"I know at least what's coming. I prefer the ups, but I've never run hills like this before. I've had to change my training and get my mind set on what is coming on Sunday."

For Van Zyl, Molinaro and the rest of the elite field, the challenge is formidable. Standing in their way is a champion determined to leave nothing behind.

Whether Sunday delivers a fifth consecutive title or not, Steyn has already decided how she will approach the race – by running every kilometre as though it is her last chance to experience the magic of Comrades' iconic Up Run.

Somalian referee Omar Artan has been appointed to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup in Salzburg on August 12, UEFA announced on Thursday afternoon, following his recent withdrawal from the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

Artan was denied entry into the United States at the Miami Airport and, consequently, will not officiate at the World Cup due to reported “safety concerns.”

This incident drew sharp criticism toward Fifa for failing to intervene and ensure the 34-year-old – who was ranked as the best referee in African football in 2025  – could realise his childhood dream.

🏆 Referee announced for 2026 #SuperCup!

We're pleased to share that Somali referee Omar Artan will officiate the highly anticipated match between PSG and Aston Villa in Salzburg.

— UEFA (@UEFA) June 11, 2026

Fifa received further criticism after President Gianni Infantino said the organisation decided to “chill” and “relax” over the matter instead of “screaming and shouting,” suggesting that such an approach could worsen the situation since visa concerns regarding entry and exit to the US are out of Fifa’s hands.

To restore Artan’s pride and recognise his hard work, UEFA, alongside CAF, has stepped in. The appointment is “in the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding ('MoU') recently signed between UEFA and CAF to encourage cooperation in many areas, including refereeing”.

The Super Cup match, scheduled for August 12, will feature UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain clashing with UEFA Europa League winners Aston Villa FC at Red Bull Arena in Salzburg.

“Omar Artan is an excellent young but already experienced referee, who has proven himself at the highest competition level of the Confederation of African Football,” said UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin.

His CAF counterpart, Patrice Motsepe, added: “Omar Artan has made Somalia and the entire people of the African Continent extremely proud.

“His receipt of the CAF Men’s Referee of the Year Award 2025 and his appointment as a referee of the Fifa World Cup 2026 are a recognition of his world-class refereeing ability and the international respect that he enjoys.

“I am very thankful to my friend, Aleksander Čeferin for enabling Omar Artan to officiate the UEFA Super Cup 2026 match. This is a great honour for Omar Artan and for African referees and is also an excellent example of football, bringing together and uniting people from Africa and Europe and worldwide.”

Meanwhile, the opening game of the Fifa World Cup is scheduled for Thursday (9 pm kick-off), where co-host Mexico will host South Africa at Azteca Stadium, in a repeat of the 2010 clash in South Africa.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says he has wished his football counterpart, Hugo Broos, everything of the best for Thursday night’s big kick-off in Mexico (9pm), but worries that his message may have been lost in translation.

A smiling Erasmus said, “We are all excited about the match tonight.

"We have built a nice relationship with Hugo Broos. I tried to say, “You go, Hugo!” but I think he heard ‘Hugo Hugo’. It didn’t come out the right way, but we hope they do well. We know the pressure they are under, and we understand that pressure only too well.

“But we are excited, and we look forward to watching it as a group tonight. The boys are excited, and the World Cup fever has spilled into our camp.”

The Springboks trained on Thursday morning at the Johannesburg Stadium, and the Bafana Bafana theme was embraced, with the players wearing yellow and beginning their session with a game of soccer, which showed some players to be substantially more skilled than others.

The Springboks are just over a week away from kicking off a challenging season that will see them playing 14 matches between next week’s opener against the Barbarians in Gqeberha and their final match of the year, which will be against Ireland in Dublin on November 21.

Erasmus said that the Boks are good to go.

“Much has been said about our injury issues, but the truth is that it is not that serious,” he said.

“Only two or three guys will not be available this year because of injury, and a lot of guys will be making their comebacks in the next few weeks. By the time we play England (on July 4 at Ellis Park), we will be close to full strength.”

Erasmus confirmed that star Springboks such as Eben Etzebeth, Cobus Reinach, Lood de Jager, and Malcolm Marx are now injury-free and in the starting blocks.

There was a broad smile from Handre Pollard, followed by typical candour, when he was asked about his untypical kicking display in his team’s URC defeat of the Warriors.

“I was terrible last weekend with the kicking. Absolutely,” he said of his three penalty misses during a crucial period of the game when the Bulls were fighting back from a 21-3 deficit in the semi-final in Glasgow. But the 32-year-old has been around for too long to be rendered a nervous wreck because of a rare off day.

“You have those days, and you’ve got to be able to put it aside and see it for what it is,” the double World Cup-winner said.

“I’d like to think I’ve had more good days than bad days in terms of kicking during my career, so I’ve been there before.

“As frustrating and disappointing as it was, I know what to do to reset.”

And that will not be to punish himself with long, torturous sessions on the training field.

“I’m not one of those guys who kicks for hours,” he said before adding with self-deprecation, “In any case, I’m older now and have to look after my body. But seriously, I am more of a rhythm guy than a tough task master. When I feel I have the rhythm in training, I will stop.

“You go back to your normal routine, the system that you know works for you, and you get back into the groove,” he explained.

The man who in the 2023 World Cup landed some of the biggest pressure kicks of all time says he has no doubt he will be back on the horse in next week’s final against Leinster in Dublin.

“The nice thing about rugby is you get another opportunity a week later, so I’m excited for the next opportunity. I’m not a guy with fragile confidence. For me, kicking is not a confidence thing at all. Each kick is just what it is – it’s a kick.

“I had a good look back afterwards, and there were one or two small technical tweaks that I picked up, which I can fix pretty quickly. It’s nothing major.

“I trust my process. It’s worked for me in the past, and I’m sure it’ll work again.”

A Durban couple who subjected a young girl to a horrific, two-year campaign of torture, starvation, and sexual degradation have been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Durban Regional Court.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the heavy sentences handed down to the 30-year-old man and his 30-year-old wife following their convictions on a string of harrowing charges including attempted murder of a minor, child abuse, child neglect, and intimidation.

The victim, who was just 10 years old when the nightmare began in 2021, is the biological sister of the wife. The couple can therefore not be named to protect the child's identity.

Following the death of her mother, she was taken in by the couple at their home in Welbedacht East, outside of Durban. Instead of finding a safe haven, the young child was trapped in a house of horrors until her escape in 2023.

NPA regional spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara detailed the extreme levels of violence the child endured, noting that the abuse intensified over the two-year period.

"On various occasions during this period, the complainant was beaten with a beer bottle until it broke, stabbed several times, and assaulted with a hammer, broomstick, or vice-grip," Ramkisson-Kara said.

The young girl was also tied up, deliberately burned with boiling water, and systematically starved. The neglect was so severe that she lost teeth and her hair, and she was forced to resort to stealing food around the house just to survive. When caught trying to feed herself, she was subjected to further brutal beatings.

To ensure her suffering remained a secret, the woman regularly locked the house doors and property gates, keeping the girl completely isolated from the outside world and preventing her from attending school.

The court heard further shocking evidence that the woman forced the child to perform an act of self-sexual assault, which was recorded. In another incident, the woman doused the young girl and two other relatives in petrol, threatening to set them on fire. This action resulted in two additional counts of attempted murder.

The child's ordeal only ended when she managed to squeeze through a bathroom window and escape during a power outage. She ran to a neighbour's house for safety, and the police were alerted the following morning.

State prosecutor Advocate Cheryl Pillay presented a formidable case, drawing on testimony from the victim, the neighbour, and other relatives. Crucial medical evidence was delivered via a J88 form, alongside expert testimony from two medical doctors and a clinical psychologist who detailed the staggering physical and mental trauma inflicted on the child.

Victim Impact Statements, facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Prudence Geraud, laid bare the ongoing psychological scars left by the couple. The young survivor stated that her body remains covered in physical scars that serve as a constant reminder of the torture, and that she continues to battle profound anger and low self-esteem issues.

Ultimately, the magistrate handed down the following sentences:

• Both accused: Life imprisonment for the attempted murder of a minor, plus an additional 10 years each for child neglect, child abuse, and intimidation.
• The child's sister (Accused 2): A second life sentence for the compelled self-sexual assault, alongside 20 more years (10 years each) for the attempted murder of the two other relatives.

Both individuals were officially declared unfit to possess firearms, and the court ordered that their names be permanently entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

Following the sentencing, the NPA reiterated its focus on handling gender-based violence and child abuse through specialised resources like the RK Khan Thuthuzela Care Centre, where the young victim received immediate medical and psychosocial support. 

The NPA noted that its national Thuthuzela network has expanded from 55 operational facilities in 2021 to 66 centres across South Africa today to secure tighter prosecutions for vulnerable victims.

For more stories from The Mercury, click the link THE MERCURY

The Madlanga Commission has thrown its full judicial weight behind Bafana Bafana as South Africa's national football team prepare to kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against tournament hosts Mexico on Thursday night.

In an official statement issued on Thursday morning, Commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga revealed that members of the inquiry were all wearing Bafana Bafana jerseys to mark the historic opening day of South Africa's World Cup journey and demonstrate their unwavering support for the national side.

"As you all see, today we, the entire Commission, are donning the Bafana Bafana jersey," Madlanga announced. "Since today marks the opening of Bafana's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, it is only fitting to show them our support. We trust that they will do well."

The high-profile commission — which is currently investigating deeply rooted allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption within the country's criminal justice system — used the morning proceedings to encourage national unity as South Africans rally behind Hugo Broos' men on the global stage.

Madlanga also shared a light-hearted anecdote involving fellow commissioner Sandile Khumalo, who had originally planned to attend the showpiece in Mexico before the commission's operational term was officially extended. The chairperson thanked Khumalo and other dedicated commission members for the personal sacrifices they have consistently made in carrying out the intensive inquiry's national mandate.

Returning to the football, Madlanga urged the public to unite behind the national squad as the 2010 World Cup hosts begin their modern quest on the world's grandest sporting stage.

"I urge all South Africans to support our team," he said. "Bafana Bafana, pull out all the stops and make us proud."

Bafana Bafana are scheduled to kick off the entire global tournament at the iconic, intimidating Estadio Azteca in Mexico City at 9 pm SA time tonight. Following the blockbuster curtain-raiser against the hosts, South Africa's Group A campaign will see them face off against South Korea and Czechia.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has called for stronger cooperation with United Nations agencies and international partners as the province prepares to host a summit on undocumented foreign nationals later this month.

Speaking during high-level diplomatic engagements in Durban on Thursday, Ntuli said migration remained an important contributor to economic development, cultural diversity, and social progress, but warned that unmanaged migration posed challenges for both communities and migrants.

The engagements were attended by the High Commissioner of Pakistan to South Africa, Malik Muhammad Farooq, as well as representatives of the United Nations system and foreign missions.

Ntuli said communities across KwaZulu-Natal had raised concerns about undocumented foreign nationals, including pressure on public services, local economic participation, criminality in certain areas, and growing social tensions.

"These concerns are real, and government has a responsibility not to ignore them, but to confront them responsibly, locally, and with humanity," he said.

The concerns about illegal foreign nationals has led to a series of protests and action being taken in parts of Durban. In recent weeks, several groups of foreign nationals claim they have been chased out of their homes. More than 1000 Malawian nationals are currently camped outside the Sherwood Hall, Sydenham after they were chased out of their homes in an informal settlement.

The premier stressed that migration itself should not be viewed as the problem.

"Migration has enriched societies, strengthened economies, contributed to social and economic development, and has been an important part of our development," he said.

"The challenge before us is therefore not whether migration should exist, but how it can be managed in a manner that is legal, humane, orderly, and beneficial to all."

Ntuli said the provincial government's approach was guided by respect for human rights, dignity, and the rule of law.

"We reject both xenophobia and lawlessness. We reject hatred, but we also reject disorder. What we seek is balance, a society where compassion coexists with accountability, and a society where rights are accompanied by responsibility," he said.

He outlined KwaZulu-Natal's provincial initiative under the banner "Engangeni ngesango iyafohla", which aims to address challenges associated with undocumented foreign nationals through local, developmental, and community-centred interventions.

According to Ntuli, the programme seeks to strengthen documentation systems, improve coordination among stakeholders, promote social cohesion, and ensure migration management is conducted within constitutional and legal frameworks.

The premier extended a formal invitation to United Nations agencies to participate in the Provincial Summit on Undocumented Foreign Nationals scheduled for June 25.

"We see this summit not merely as a government event, but as a platform for honest engagement, practical solutions, and shared responsibility amongst institutions, leadership, business, communities, and our international partners," he said.

Ntuli said migration challenges could not be addressed by any single province, country, or institution acting alone.

"The complexities of migration require partnerships grounded in expertise, evidence, and global experience," he said.

He added that KwaZulu-Natal was seeking cooperation with UN agencies in areas including migration management, refugee support, human rights, social cohesion, community resilience, and technical capacity building.

The premier also revealed that the provincial government had begun engaging various stakeholders ahead of a planned mobilisation on June 18, saying authorities wanted to understand the intentions behind the call and prevent any instability.

"We wanted to align any approach in an orderly and local manner so that it does not trigger unnecessary tensions between citizens of our country, our province, and our brothers and sisters from other countries," he said.

Ntuli linked the migration discussion to broader efforts aimed at strengthening social cohesion and tackling crime in the province.

He said KwaZulu-Natal would host a social cohesion and moral regeneration conference on Friday, bringing together stakeholders from different sectors to help develop interventions addressing current and future social challenges.

On crime, Ntuli described criminality as a major challenge affecting all residents regardless of nationality or socio-economic status.

He said community safety structures had been strengthened and that approximately 55,000 anti-crime volunteers were currently active across the province.

"The recent report I received was that we have been able to reduce crime by almost 30 percent," Ntuli said, while acknowledging that more work remained to be done.

He called on international partners and stakeholders to explore areas of cooperation with provincial authorities in support of community safety and social cohesion programmes.

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Bulls coach Johan Ackermann is confident his players will put all Springbok thoughts on the back burner and focus solely on the United Rugby Championship (URC) final against Leinster ahead of the Dublin clash next Friday evening.

The world champions will start their international season on the same weekend as the URC Grand Final, and for several Bulls stars, a Bok call-up could be on the cards after stellar seasons for their domestic franchise.

However, they were not considered for the clash against the Barbarians or Zimbabwe due to their involvement in the final, but could come into contention for the Nations Championship squad, which starts in July against England. While head coach Rassie Erasmus named an extended squad that will represent the Boks and SA ‘A’ next Saturday, he will trim his group for the incoming Tests.

That means the final next Friday will serve as a final audition for players looking to state their case for Springbok selection.

But according to Ackermann, he knows his players will focus on the job at hand and see it as another opportunity to strengthen their claims.

“I will be surprised if our players think about the Boks, to be fair,” Ackermann said.

“The talks that I had and smiles I see on their face, and the energy amongst them, it is all building up to the final. There is only one thing on their mind. I don’t think there is any player thinking they are missing out on a chance to play for the Boks.

#TheUnbreakableLine built on trust.@Vodacom #URC | @URCOfficial_RSA pic.twitter.com/Waoh1V6ppC

— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) June 9, 2026

“I also think Rassie is very clear with every player. And each one of our players who are in his plans, will know that. They can’t control anything. What will help is a good performance in the final, that will assist them further. Those games are organised in advance to give game time to those who haven’t played for a couple of weeks, it is out of our hands.

“My expectation will be that this is not something we have to address but that they are fully committed to the final, and I know our players are for this final.”

The Bulls coach also confirmed that they do not have any new injuries, and it is expected they will welcome back a few players who did not face the Glasgow Warriors in the semi-final in Edinburgh.

This could open the door to some changes in the team, but the Loftus side should still be loaded with international players to face their Irish opponents. They have had a couple of training sessions at Loftus Versfeld and will fly out to Dublin on Monday evening.

No love lost, this rivalry runs deep 💥@Vodacom #URC | #LEIvBUL pic.twitter.com/MoV3xRSrGy

— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) June 11, 2026

Ackermann says they must sharpen up a few areas ahead of the final.

“Our set-piece defence, just to get clarity on the roles and one-on-one tackles are not where we want it to be. It improved during the Glasgow game, but again, you don’t want to chase a score of 21-3 in every game. So it has to be better.

“For the first time this season, we were also a bit slow at the breakdown, and we were turned over a couple of times. So, we have to look after the possession there better. Discipline will be important, and we must get it right to give ourselves a chance in the final.”

Transport authorities have issued an urgent safety advisory to motorists, runners and spectators travelling between Durban and Pietermaritzburg ahead of the 99th Comrades Marathon on Sunday. This year’s race will be an up run, starting at Durban City Hall and finishing at Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg.

Authorities have warned that ongoing infrastructure upgrades along the N3 corridor, coupled with winter driving hazards, are expected to result in severe traffic congestion and challenging road conditions throughout the weekend. According to the advisory issued on Thursday, major road construction projects remain active in and around Pietermaritzburg and along several sections of the N3 route.

Motorists have been warned to prepare for delays due to lane reductions and construction-related bottlenecks in multiple areas, including between Heidelberg and Villiers, Warden and Harrismith, Estcourt and Nottingham Road, as well as Paradise Valley and the Westville Viaduct. Drivers have been urged to obey temporary speed limits and all road signage when travelling through construction zones.

Authorities have also cautioned that significant congestion is expected around the Scottsville Racecourse precinct, where thousands of runners will complete the race. Winter weather conditions are expected to present additional risks for road users. Areas including Van Reenen Pass, Fields Hill, Botha’s Hill and Hilton are known for dense fog during the early morning and late evening hours. Motorists have been advised to reduce speed, increase following distances and use fog lights instead of high-beam headlights in poor visibility conditions.

Drivers travelling before sunrise have also been warned about the possibility of black ice forming on roads, particularly on bridges and in shaded mountain pass sections where temperatures can drop sharply overnight. Authorities further highlighted the dangers of driver fatigue, especially for spectators and support crews who may be travelling after limited sleep. Motorists are encouraged to take regular breaks and stop every two hours or 200 kilometres to reduce fatigue-related risks.

The Comrades Marathon route will be closed to vehicular traffic from early Sunday morning until the race’s 12-hour cut-off period later in the day. While alternative routes, including the N3, will remain open, authorities expect heavy traffic volumes throughout the day. Spectators have been encouraged to use designated shuttle services, carpool where possible and arrive at their destinations several hours before the start of race activities.

Road Traffic Management Corporation spokesperson Simon Zwane said law enforcement agencies would maintain a strong presence across the road network.

“We want this 99th edition of the Comrades Marathon to be safe for everyone. The National Traffic Police, provincial officers, SAPS, and municipal authorities will be deployed heavily across the network to enforce compliance. We ask for patience, tolerance, and extreme caution from all road users. Do not park illegally along the N3 or obstruct emergency lanes,” said Zwane.

Motorists have been advised to monitor live traffic applications, local radio stations and official Comrades Marathon social media platforms for real-time traffic updates and route changes.

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The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education is warning of a potential lawsuit from unpaid suppliers and the potential disruption to examination preparations.

The warning comes as the financial crisis within the department deepens. A report tabled before the Education Portfolio Committee revealed the depth and impact of the financial crisis. The report stated that the budget cuts, and the shortage of funds are a threat to the department’s ability to ensure that pupils are being taught, as it is unable to conduct monitoring of districts and schools.

Furthermore, the lack of funding could jeopardise examinations and matric intervention programmes. For the past few years, the department has faced budget cuts from the national government; it is estimated that close to R28 billion has been cut in the past few years. The financial challenges have led the provincial Treasury to deploy a team to oversee the Education Department's finances.

The department’s report on its financial matters disclosed that budget cuts have left it unable to pay some of its suppliers, putting it at risk of legal action. “Insufficient cash resources result in non-payment to suppliers, which can lead to litigation, breach of contract, interest on overdue accounts, and closure of buildings where services required for operations, such as security, cleaning, electricity, and water, cannot be provided.

“This results in offices being intolerable for human conduct, leading to interruptions in teaching and learning in classrooms as districts are affected.”

The department noted that insufficient funding have led to enforced cuts, forcing a shift from non-personnel expenditure towards compensation, thereby limiting the performance of planned activities.

Failure to pay schools their funds for normal operations and standards results in schools being unable to pay their domestic accounts. There is challenges with securing Learning and Teaching Support Materials (LTSM) and providing the transfer of funds to schools.

Substantive travel has also been limited, which affects the department’s ability to carry out monitoring of the curriculum in schools. Examinations and matric interventions are placed in jeopardy, it said.

The education crisis continues to deepen, with the department revealing that it needs an additional R3 billion for its functions this year. This comes as the department recently disclosed that it received a R2 billion advance against its budget for the next financial year from the national treasury to pay for schools norms and standards that are due this month.

The allocation simply means that for the department, when they allocate their funding in the next financial year, R2 billion will be deducted from their allocation, putting extreme financial pressure on the department. It is not in a position to pay the norms and standards that are due in November.

The CFO of the department, Yali Joyi, briefed the committee members on the financial challenges. She said the balance of the operational funds is negative by nearly R400 million.

“This is before we take into account our operational costs in terms of our day-to-day running of the department and also our examination costs. If we have to bring that in, it would indicate to the honourable members that we are projecting a shortfall of R3.2 billion for the 2026-2027 financial year.”

A committee member, Thuthukani Madondo, stated: “What I can see is that our budget is collapsing under the weight of salaries. Almost 90 percent of our budget goes to compensation, and if it’s like that, learners are left without books. This cannot be fixed.

“This is not a budget of hope; this is a budget of survival, and I do not think survival is good enough for our teachers. How does the department plan to offer quality education when so little is left as a result of compensation for employees? How will they address this imbalance?”

DA committee member Sakhile Mngadi also stated that the department is functioning in an unsustainable way, which will eventually compromise its ability to deliver services.

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"The title actually just came to me, believe it or not," said comedian and actor Prev Reddy. "I was having a conversation with a friend and used the words in a sentence, and they immediately stuck with me."  

Those two words eventually became the title of his debut memoir, “Qualified Disappointment”, which will be released on July 1.

The book tells the story of Reddy's journey from a glitter-loving child in Durban to a Safta-winning performer, social media star and creator of the popular character Aunty Shamilla. 

At its heart, the memoir explores what it means to grow up queer, brown and ambitious in a conservative South African Indian household where family expectations often shape life choices.

"The more I sat with it, the more it made sense as the title of the book," Reddy explained.

"A lot of the expectations that our parents and families place on us, especially when it comes to careers and life choices, are often rooted in their own ideas of what is best for us."

According to Reddy, many people understand the pressure of trying to meet standards set by family and community. The moment someone chooses a different path, they can quickly be labelled a disappointment.

"Much of who I am and many of the career choices that I have made over the years would probably be considered disappointing in a conservative household," he said.

"But that is exactly what the book explores: the tension between living the life that is expected of you and finding the courage to live the life that feels authentic to who you are."

While audiences know Reddy for his comedy, writing a memoir required a different level of honesty.

He said that the most difficult part of the process was deciding he was ready to share his story.

"When I am writing a stand-up or an online skit, I usually have an idea of what I want to say and quickly write it down. I tend to do the processing and overthinking afterwards."

The book was adapted from a script, allowing him to expand on experiences that could never fully fit into a comedy routine.

"You can only cover so much in a comedy show, and because it is comedy, it has to remain light and funny," he said.

"Fleshing out the story and revisiting my past was actually the easy part because I had so much that I wanted to say. Reading it back afterwards was much harder."

Writing about family and identity also came with challenges because the stories involve people and communities that remain important to him.

"There is an added vulnerability in writing about family and identity because those stories do not exist in isolation," he said.

"They involve people and communities that you still deeply love and belong to. I worried constantly about saying too much or not enough."

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What helped him push through those fears was remembering that shared experiences often connect people.

"If there is one thing that I have learnt from years of being on the internet and doing stand-up, it is that no matter how isolated an experience may feel, there are always other people who have experienced something similar and find comfort in hearing someone else share their story. They feel seen."

Humour remains central to the memoir and to Reddy's understanding of his life.

"Comedy is who I am. It is who I have always been," he said. "It has been my way of making friends, getting out of awkward situations and, most importantly, processing difficult moments in my life."

Throughout the book, readers will encounter stories about surviving family WhatsApp groups, choreographing braai dances, navigating community expectations and dealing with the fear of becoming a family disappointment.

For Reddy, humour is not about avoiding difficult experiences. It is about reclaiming them.

"I genuinely believe that moments become funny over time, especially the hard or sad ones," he said.

"Finding the humour in them is what allows me to move forward because, if we are laughing, it often means those experiences no longer have the same power to hurt us."

He hopes that readers will allow themselves to laugh, even during the more emotional chapters.

"Humour does two things. Firstly, it reminds us of our resilience. It shows that regardless of what the world says or does to us, we can still keep going. Secondly, it reminds us that there is always a reason to smile and to laugh. Laughter is not a way of avoiding pain. It is just proof that we have survived it."

Ultimately, “Qualified Disappointment” is about self-acceptance and redefining success.

"I hope readers take away the understanding that success does not have to look the way they were taught it should," said Reddy.

"Success can be living honestly, finding joy in who you are, building meaningful relationships and creating a life that feels true to you."

He believes that while loved ones may not always understand a person's journey immediately, that does not make the journey any less valid.

"If my story encourages even one person to take up a little more space in their own life and embrace themselves more fully, then I think it has done exactly what it was meant to do."

Group A will open the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday with co-hosts Mexico facing South Africa (kick-off 9pm) and is widely regarded as one of the tougher pools in the tournament. El Tri, Bafana Bafana, South Korea and the Czech Republic all arrive with realistic ambitions of reaching the knockout stages, with fine margins expected to decide qualification.

Here, Smiso Msomi dissects the group. 

MEXICO | The hosts under pressure

• Head Coach: Javier Aguirre
• Captain: Edson Álvarez
• Key Player: Santiago Giménez   
• Fifa Ranking: 15th
• Best World Cup finish: Quarter-finals (1970, 1986)
• Nickname: El Tri

Mexico enter the tournament as co-hosts and favourites to win Group A. The pressure of playing at home, particularly in the iconic Estadio Azteca, adds both advantage and expectation. Their technical quality, possession-based style and attacking depth make them the team to beat. However, handling pressure in front of a demanding home crowd remains a key test.

SOUTH KOREA | Asia’s consistent force

• Head Coach: Hong Myung-bo
• Captain: Son Heung-min
• Key Player: Son Heung-min
• Fifa Ranking: 25th
• Best World Cup finish: Fourth Place (2002)
• Nickname: Taegeuk Warriors

South Korea arrive as one of Asia’s most consistent World Cup teams. Their structure, tactical discipline and European-based talent make them strong competitors. Much depends on Son Heung-min, whose leadership and attacking output remain central. However, consistency has been an issue, which could affect their push for qualification.

CZECH REPUBLIC | European dark horses

• Head Coach: Miroslav Koubek
• Captain: Tomáš Souček
• Key Player: Patrik Schick
• Fifa Ranking: 44th
• Best World Cup finish: Runners-up (as Czechoslovakia 1934, 1962)
• Nickname: Repre

The Czech Republic bring a physical, organised and disciplined approach. They are strong in set-piece situations and difficult to break down defensively. Led by Souček and Schick, despite needing play-offs to qualify for the tournament, they are capable of frustrating stronger opponents and remain genuine contenders for a top-two finish.

SOUTH AFRICA | Broos’ history chasers

• Head Coach: Hugo Broos
• Captain: Ronwen Williams
• Key Player: Teboho Mokoena
• Fifa Ranking: 61st
• Best World Cup finish: Group Stage (1998, 2002, 2010)
• Nickname: Bafana Bafana

Bafana Bafana return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, having rebuilt steadily under Hugo Broos. Their identity is built on structure, discipline and continuity.

South Africa’s Africa Cup of Nations 2023 third-place core remains intact, giving them stability and belief. While underdogs on paper, their organisation and defensive strength make them dangerous in tight matches. Mokoena's feel for the big moments makes him of the players to look out for in this tournament as he looks to turn continental gold to global recognition.

Fixtures

Matchday 1

• Thursday: Mexico v South Africa @ Estadio Azteca, Mexico City in Mexico City, 9pm
• Friday: South Korea v Czech Republic @ Estadio Akron in Zapopan, 4am

Matchday 2

• Thursday, June 18: Mexico v South Korea @ Estadio Akron in Zapopan, 6pm
• Friday, June 19: South Africa v Czech Republic @ Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, 3am

Matchday 3

• Thursday, June 25: Mexico v Czech Republic @ Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, 3am
• Thursday, June 25: South Africa v South Korea @ Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, 3am

Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena has thrown down the gauntlet ahead of their daunting FIFA World Cup opener against Mexico, insisting the pressure is squarely on the co-hosts as South Africa look to rip up the textbook and script their own history at the Estadio Azteca.

Addressing a packed press room on the eve of the tournament, Mokoena confidently laughed off bleak external data that has written off the South Africans before a ball has even been kicked in anger.

Statisticians have handed Bafana Bafana a mere 7% mathematical probability of upsetting El Tri or advancing from a daunting Group A. For Mokoena, however, those numbers represent the ultimate tactical liberation.

"There is apparently a seven percent probability of us going into the next round, or even winning the game tomorrow," a smiling Mokoena told reporters. "So we don't have pressure, the pressure is squarely on the hosts, Mexico. As a team, we know what is expected of us, and we know how much we have prepared for this game and for this tournament."

For this generation of South African players, the fixture carries immense symbolic weight, serving as a direct rematch of the iconic 2010 opening game in Johannesburg 16 years ago. Yet, while the rest of the world remains bathed in nostalgia, Mokoena was quick to point out that the current squad is firmly focused on the future rather than looking back.

"I can’t remember much about 2010, only the goal of Siphiwe Tshabalala. I was still young then," the Mamelodi Sundowns star admitted.

"We haven’t spoken about the 2010 World Cup as a team; we want to create our own history. As you know, our country has never been to the knockout stages, and our explicit goal is to see ourselves going through to the next round."

Mokoena, who has anchored the midfield during Sundowns' successful CAF Champions League campaign this season, believes that big-game experience will be vital in surviving the deafening Azteca cauldron.

He is part of a big Sundowns contingent who won the continental tournament by playing in hostile atmospheres. But now they want to embrace the unique atmosphere of the biggest showpiece in sport.

"You don’t experience this every day. For all of us, it’s our first time at the World Cup. Only coach Helman [Mkhalele] and coach Broos have been here before as players, who have now come back as coaches,” Mokoena said.

“We want to enjoy the experience, be competitive, and go to the next round. I told the guys that when we go home, we mustn’t go home with regrets. We must give our all."

@the.clutch_za The 2026 Fifa World Cup opening match between co-host Mexico and Bafana Bafana at Azteca Stadium on Thursday is poised to be a momentous occasion for both teams, as the result could have a defining impact on the careers of all personnel involved. The match carries significant symbolism, marking a repeat of the 2010 World Cup opening fixture in Johannesburg, which ended in a 1-1 draw. #bafanabafana ♬ original sound - The Clutch_ZA

That sentiment was echoed by Broos, who is bankrolling South Africa's chances on a heavily integrated core of Sundowns players who are well-versed in the dark arts of high-stakes knockout football.

"It’s very important to have those players in my team," Broos affirmed. "Those players are used to playing big games, Champions League games in Africa. They have great experience in playing in front of hostile crowds. Tomorrow there will be a big crowd and not a lot of South African supporters, so their experience is a big help for the team."

Broos also expressed quiet satisfaction with Bafana Bafana's preparation, which included warm-up fixtures tailored specifically to decode the unfamiliar rhythm of North and Central American football.

"I think the preparation was good. The fact was that we played against Panama and Nicaragua. It was important to play those teams because over the last four years, we have only played African sides,” Broos said.

“The style of the two continents is completely different. For me, the results in those games were not really important, but it was vital to experience that specific style of play."

With the waiting finally over, Bafana Bafana head into the Azteca cauldron with nothing to lose, everything to prove, and a clear directive to leave their everything on the pitch.

As far back as 1998, Rassie Erasmus had first-hand experience of how Franco Smith enjoyed playing expansive, attacking rugby — a memory he might well recall as he ponders a long-term successor for departing attack mastermind Tony Brown.

In that memorable year for Nick Mallett’s Springboks, Smith twice started at flyhalf to cover for the injured Henry Honiball, while Erasmus packed down on the openside flanker. In the first instance, the Boks smashed Ireland 33-0 in the infamous ‘Battle of Loftus Versfeld’ — so termed because the outclassed tourists famously resorted to off-the-ball fisticuffs to slow the South Africans down.

Having warmed up in that five-try victory, Smith brilliantly pulled the strings a week later as the Boks annihilated Wales 96-13, once again at Loftus. They crossed the whitewash 15 times that night.

Erasmus and Smith’s paths would later cross at the Cheetahs. Smith served the Free Staters in various coaching roles between 2005 and 2019, interspersed with a successful six-year stint at Benetton (2007–2013). He later served as head coach of Italy (2019–2021) before landing his current role at the Glasgow Warriors.

It has been with the Warriors that Smith has truly hit his coaching straps. The club from Scotland’s soccer-mad city have historically played second fiddle to Edinburgh — the country's traditional rugby heartland — but that dynamic has shifted dramatically under Smith's watch.

The 53-year-old, who is the exact same age as Erasmus, has consistently steered the Warriors deep into both the United Rugby Championship and the Champions Cup, with their stunning triumph in the 2024 URC final in Pretoria sending Smith’s global stock soaring.

Last weekend, the Bulls exacted their revenge when they edged out the Warriors in a thrilling URC semi-final at Loftus Versfeld. Yet, after just half an hour, the Warriors led 21-3 as Smith's deadly backline carved the Bulls’ defensive line to shreds.

In the end, it was the Bulls’ world-class depth up front that saved the day, with a 'Bomb Squad' loaded with seasoned Springboks squeezing the Scots into submission in the final quarter.

But while the Warriors were enjoying front-foot ball, Smith’s tactical blueprint had the pre-match favourites reeling. He demands lightning-quick ruck ball, ruthlessly exploits the full width of the field, and manipulates outside space with clinical precision. It left the distinct impression that if a backline coached by Smith had the luxury of the Boks' forward pack laying the platform, they would be practically unplayable.

In many ways, Smith replacing Brown ahead of the 2028 cycle would represent a seamless, like-for-like exchange. Brown has worked wonders with the Boks' attacking evolution, and Smith is uniquely qualified to take up the baton.

If Erasmus indeed has his eye on Smith, he will need to move quickly, as the word from Scotland is that Smith is being earmarked to succeed Gregor Townsend as Scotland head coach after the latter’s contract ends after the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

That would mark the end of an 11-year Townsend tenure with Scotland, a time in which results have been inconsistent. 

The 2026 Fifa World Cup opening match between co-host Mexico and Bafana Bafana at Azteca Stadium on Thursday is poised to be a momentous occasion for both teams, as the result could have a defining impact on the careers of all personnel involved.

The match carries significant symbolism, marking a repeat of the 2010 World Cup opening fixture in Johannesburg, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Given the history and stakes, the match in Mexico City will likely be decided by fine margins, requiring individual brilliance to secure a crucial victory in what promises to be a thrilling tournament opener.

Below, Independent Media football writer Mihlali Baleka highlights three key match-ups that could swing the match:

Mbekezeli Mbokazi (SA) v Raul Jimenez (Mexico)

Mbokazi has solidified Bafana’s defence. He is strong both on and off the ball, displays excellent fitness, executes passes with precision, and has a keen eye for a long-range shot. The fact that he is plying his trade in the MLS should aid his adaptation to the tournament.

Mbokazi will need to deploy all his defensive qualities against Jimenez. The outgoing Fulham striker possesses speed and a keen eye for goal, easily positioning himself to pounce on loose and second balls, making him a deadly goal poacher.

Lyle Foster (SA) v Johan Vasquez (Mexico)

Despite recent confidence and fitness concerns, Foster remains Bafana’s leading No 9. He is adept at holding up play, exploiting spaces between defenders, occupying centre-backs, and creating or scoring goals from tight areas.

He must approach the clash against El Tri in peak form. Vasquez will be watching him like a hawk, ready to use his grit and smart aggression to try and dominate the match-up on the night.

Teboho Mokoena (SA) v Erik Lira (Mexico)

Mokoena has been Bafana’s most valuable player in recent years. He must carry that form into the most important game of his career by continuing to be the crucial link between defence and attack, driving forward in the final third, and posing a threat with long-range efforts at goal.

Mokoena, however, will not have an easy task. El Tri's "Pitbull", Lira, will look to disrupt him and personify his nickname through relentless 'dirty work' and covering hard yards across the pitch.