Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos believes young defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has all the attributes to become one of South African football's future leaders after his impressive performances alongside Ime Okon at the World Cup.

The young central defensive pairing has exceeded expectations during South Africa's run to the Round of 32, helping the side recover from an opening defeat to Mexico before securing qualification for the knockout stages.

Asked about the blossoming partnership between Mbokazi and Okon, Broos singled out the Chicago Fire defender in the MLS for special praise.

"Mbokazi is a very good player. He's young and he's making progression," Broos said at a press conference ahead of Sunday's Round of 32 clash against Canada in LA. "I see him now and I see him nearly one year ago and I think he becomes better and better."

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The veteran Belgian believes the 20-year-old is ready to test himself at a higher level.

"I really hope that in the next months or year he should go to a bigger competition where he's more challenged and can become even better than he is already now."

Broos also backed Mbokazi to develop into one of the leaders of the national team.

"He's not only a good player, but he can be a leader later, certainly," he said. "I expect much from him in making a fantastic career."

The Bafana coach highlighted the youngster's all-round qualities, describing him as "strong, quick and good in passing", before suggesting South Africa's future at the heart of defence looks secure.

"With him and next to him two young players, I think the future of Bafana Bafana for central defenders is secured."

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos believes his side have shed their early World Cup nerves at exactly the right time, but has warned that matching Canada's physical intensity will be crucial if South Africa are to extend their historic run into the last 16.

South Africa bounced back from defeat to Mexico in their opening match to qualify for the knockout stages with a draw against Norway and a memorable victory over South Korea, securing a place in the knockout rounds for the first time.

According to Broos, the opening defeat ultimately proved to be an important learning experience.

"The first game against Mexico we were overwhelmed by the event," the Belgian said ahead of Sunday's clash. "I think that will not happen again. That was a game where we learned a lot, not only on the pitch but also what happens outside the pitch.

Bafana Bafana 🇿🇦 does their pitch inspection and first training session at the Los Angeles Stadium ahead of their match tonight against Canada 🇨🇦 at 21:00 (SA Time).
Let's gooooo Mzansi are you ready?? ⚽️🔥🔥#BafanaPride #BafanaBafana #FifaWorldCup pic.twitter.com/nYUiC5HiwI

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) June 28, 2026

"For this team it is very important to be at tournaments like this because it is totally different from what we are used to. We were only in Africa, where everybody knows every team and every player. Suddenly you come into a strange world and that asks for adaptation. But we are adapted now."

That growing confidence has been fuelled by victory over South Korea, with Broos believing his players are no longer content simply to have reached the knockout rounds.

"Everybody wants to win again and everyone wants to go to the third round. It is already historic now, but can you imagine what it would be for Bafana Bafana if we should go to the third round?"

Standing in their way, however, is what Broos considers South Africa's toughest tactical challenge of the tournament.

Rather than focusing solely on Canada's star names, including the returning Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies, the veteran coach highlighted the North Americans' relentless pressing game and collective work-rate as their greatest strengths.

"I think Canada are a physical team. They go for it from the first minute until the 90th minute," Broos said. "They are very close to the ball, they are pressing the opponent and they are trying to make you make mistakes. And they do it as a team."

He said Canada's intensity extends across the entire side.

"Sometimes you have teams where two or three players, when they lose the ball, are not really defending. But this is totally different with Canada. The moment they have the ball, everyone is in movement. The moment they lose the ball, everyone wants to recover it back. That is very difficult to play against."

Road to the Final - World Cup 2026 pic.twitter.com/SiFAXtwwck

— World Cup 2026 (@ofootball__) June 27, 2026

Broos believes Bafana's hopes of pulling off another upset will ultimately depend on whether they can stand up to that challenge.

"If we can make something against that, then we have a big chance to win," he said. "But if we should be dominated by the physical strength, physical power, then it will be very difficult to win against them."

Yet, after proving they belong on the world's biggest stage over the past two matches, Broos is convinced his players will not be overawed by the occasion again. Instead, they head into the biggest match in South African football history believing they have earned the right to compete for a place in the last 16.

The crunch match at the Los Angeles Stadium kicks off at 9pm SA time on Sunday.

The group stages of the 2026 World Cup have drawn to a close, leaving a historic trail of celebration across the African continent as nine African teams qualified for the last 32.

Leading the charge are Morocco and Ghana, two heavyweights who held the African flag exceptionally high and have done over the years. 

While both nations faced grueling groups, they were always expected to put up a fierce fight.

The Atlas Lions dominantly secured seven points, including a statement draw against Brazil to finish second in Group C, while a resilient Ghana navigated a taxing Group L to advance with four points.

Yet, while the powerhouses did what was expected, the real magic of this tournament belongs to the underdogs.

For teams like South Africa, DR Congo, and the Ivory Coast, the ultimate World Cup dream unexpectedly continues, courtesy of some of the most stunning surprise performances in recent football history.

South Africa's Bafana Bafana shocked the world by qualifying for the knockout rounds for the first time ever, courtesy of a clutch, historic 1-0 victory over South Korea.

Not to be outdone, DR Congo clinched an unforgettable first-ever World Cup win and knockout berth by defeating Uzbekistan 3-1, defying all pre-tournament oddsmakers.

Meanwhile, the Ivory Coast bounced back from a narrow defeat against Germany to secure dominant wins over Ecuador and Curaçao, proving their tactical mettle on the grandest stage.

And in a more controversial fashion, Egypt qualified for the last 32 after a 1-1 draw with Iran, which many believed they lost because a goal was deemed offside. 

Arguably the most emotional storyline out of Africa has been attached to Cape Verde. From their 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozhina stealing the show against Spain, to an emphatic group stage performance, Cape Verde have proven their worth. 

The eighth team to complete the last 32 will be Algeria, after a 3-3 draw with Austria on Sunday morning. After being a part of a highly controversial African Cup of Nations final against Morocco, Senegal complete the nine African teams in the last 32. 

Now, the safety nets are gone, and the Last 32 brings mouth-watering matchups for Africa's finest.

Morocco will face the high-flying Netherlands in a highly anticipated, culturally loaded tactical battle in Monterrey.

Ghana is slated to take on Colombia, the formidable winners of Group K that Portugal couldn't trump.

South Africa will go head-to-head with co-hosts Canada at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, looking to keep their fairytale alive. 

Ivory Coast draws an aggressive Norway side in an intriguing clash in Arlington. England take on Congo, Senegal play Belgium, Switzerland play Algeria, Australia take on Egypt while Argentina play Cape Verde.

With the group stages now done and dusted, nine African nations march into the Round of 32, no doubt, with the hopes of a continent resting on their shoulders. 

Jehran Naidoo is sports reporter for Independent Media and social media coordinator of the our YouTube channel The Clutch

The Proteas Women have embraced the occasion of playing at Lord's for the first time as they prepare for Sunday's must-win ICC Women's T20 World Cup Group A clash against Bangladesh.

Assistant coach Claire Terblanche revealed there was plenty of excitement when the squad arrived at the famous ground, with players eager to capture the moment before turning their attention to the task ahead.

"The first thing they did was pop up their phones, took a couple of pictures and videos, and then settled," she said at a pre-match press conference. "They're very excited to be at Lord's and play here tomorrow."

Terblanche understands the feeling. During her own playing career she also fulfilled the dream of appearing at the Home of Cricket, even if her memories include making a duck.

"It was a bit overwhelming," she recalled with a smile. "I scored a duck that day, which wasn't great, but I played at Lord's. I've got very fond memories."

Player Number 16 at the #T20WorldCup 🇿🇦

Carried by the nation, powered by belief, and fuelled by every voice in the stands 💚💛

From sixes flying to nail-biting finishes, our fans are living their best life in England! 🎉

Turning every match into a full on celebration with… pic.twitter.com/3oKQNhlObF

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) June 26, 2026

She believes the growth of women's cricket means today's players are benefiting from opportunities her generation could only imagine.

"You've seen teams across the world improve in leaps and bounds," she said. "The evolution across the years has been extremely exciting to see."

Terblanche said interest in the Proteas Women has also increased significantly since their run to the previous World Cup final, with more South Africans following the team than ever before.

"We've noticed more people, men and women, young girls and young boys, becoming interested in women's cricket," she said. "Even people who don't understand cricket are asking questions."

That growing support was evident this week when children from Khayelitsha, who are touring England, attended the Proteas' training session.

"Having them here and seeing us train is fantastic. I think they absolutely enjoyed themselves."

Time is running out to qualify for the #T20WorldCup semi-finals😲

Who books their ticket next? 🤔

Don't miss the action! Get your tickets here 🎟️ https://t.co/8kyuNOXKdL pic.twitter.com/SapeNDyZLZ

— ICC (@ICC) June 26, 2026

For now, however, sentiment will have to wait. The Proteas know they must first overcome Bangladesh in their final group match before discovering whether results elsewhere will be enough to send them into the semi-finals.

"We know what we need to do," Terblanche said. "It comes down to Bangladesh and South Africa. As long as we're focusing on what we're going to be doing, the result will take care of itself."

Sunday's match against Bangladesh at Lord's starts at 11.30am SA time.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has hinted that his journey with South African football may not necessarily end after the World Cup, revealing he would be open to a reduced role that allows him to spend more time with his family in Belgium.

Broos has repeatedly suggested this tournament would likely be his last in management, admitting he has missed watching his grandchildren grow up during his five years in charge of South Africa.

Speaking after Sunday's pre-match press conference ahead of Bafana's historic Round of 32 clash against Canada, however, the 74-year-old acknowledged that retirement may not be as straightforward as he once thought.

"Months ago I said, 'Yeah, this has to be finished now. I'm 74 and it has been enough'," Broos said. "But the closer the end comes, the more you start thinking about it. So we will see.

"For the moment, I still stay with my decision. But at the other side I always said that it's not to go home and sit on my couch and drink coffee. I have too much energy, still too much energy.

"So maybe, maybe we can find something in South Africa that I have to be less there, that I can be more with my family and then we will see if it's possible." 

⚽️ Bafana Bafana vs Canada
📅 Sunday, 28 June 2026
​🏟️ Los Angeles Stadium
🕕 Kick-off: 21:00pm SA Time
🖥 SABC 1/3 & SABC+#Fifaworldcup#BafanaPride #BafanaBafana pic.twitter.com/6OxUZnyYrF

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) June 26, 2026

Broos admitted being away from his family remains one of the biggest reasons behind his decision to step away from full-time coaching, but said their support throughout the World Cup has given him renewed motivation.

"They regularly send me WhatsApp clips of the moments they are looking at the game, celebrating like after South Korea," he said.

"It makes me enormously happy and it gives me also energy to go on."

The Belgian also revealed his wife had joked after South Africa's victory over South Korea that he had permission to extend his stay at the tournament.

"I phoned my wife and she said, 'Okay, you can stay another week, there is no problem,'" Broos laughed.

Whether that stay eventually extends beyond the World Cup remains to be seen, but Broos has now acknowledged that while his time as Bafana coach may be drawing to a close, his involvement in South African football may not be over just yet.

Hugo Broos and his technical team have done what no South African men’s national side has achieved before — guiding Bafana Bafana into the FIFA World Cup knockout stages. 

In pure footballing terms, it is a milestone that should have unified a country behind a team writing its most successful chapter on the global stage.

Instead, the narrative is drifting into uncomfortable territory.

After the opening defeat to Mexico, criticism of Broos’ tactical approach, selection choices and game management was loud and immediate. 

It was not unusual — major tournaments amplify scrutiny, and South African football has always been deeply emotional in its relationship with the national team. At that point, Broos and his technical staff looked under pressure and exposed.

But football moves quickly, and so did Bafana.

The response on the pitch was exactly what elite tournaments demand. Improved structure, better game management, and a growing sense of tactical discipline carried South Africa into the knockout rounds for the first time in history. 

The victory over South Korea, sealed by Thapelo Maseko’s decisive strike, should have been the moment where football took centre stage and everything else faded into celebration.

Yet the messaging from within the camp has complicated that moment.

Broos, in reflecting on the win, said: “I think we gave really a good answer to all those big mouths from previous weeks who wanted us to change things and wanted to tell us what we need to do.”

It was a line delivered in emotion, but it lands differently in the broader context. Instead of closing the gap between team and public, it risks widening it at a time when unity should be at its strongest. 

South Africans who followed the team through disappointment, debate and eventual triumph are unlikely to feel included in that framing.

Bafana Bafana analyst Sinesipho Mali! 🇿🇦

"They must never doubt us! They talk at home, we do it here!" 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/akvcKqa3i2

— Sahil Ebrahim (@sahil_e_) June 25, 2026

The sentiment was echoed even more sharply by analyst Sinesipho Mali, who said: “Back home, they’re talking, we are here doing the work and that’s the difference.”

While intended as a defence of the team’s focus and internal environment, the tone comes across as confrontational rather than conciliatory. 

It creates an implied divide between “those doing the work” and those watching and engaging from afar — a divide that is unnecessary in a moment of national achievement.

This is where the tension now sits. Not in results, but in perception.

Broos and his technical team are, by any objective measure, delivering success. The football has improved, the structure is clearer, and the team has reached unprecedented heights. That should be the story.

However, public communication matters just as much in modern football. 

Sinesipho Mali has disrespected us as Bafana Bafana faithfuls. He's telling us that we must accept loss and keep quiet when the team is not performing. I don't know if it was excitement or he really feels like that about us. pic.twitter.com/oV2n8vlock

— Frank ⭐⭐👆 (@Thee3nthusiasts) June 25, 2026

National teams do not operate in isolation — they exist within a shared emotional space between squad and supporters. When that space is framed as oppositional, even unintentionally, it risks turning success into division.

And that is the danger here.

South Africa is not dealing with failure — it is witnessing history. But instead of a unified celebration, there is now a growing sense of separation between those inside the camp and those outside it.

The reality is simple: Broos has delivered results that silence sporting criticism.

But in attempting to respond to that criticism verbally, the messaging has reopened a different kind of conversation — one about respect, tone and connection.

If Bafana are to continue this historic run, they will need more than tactical discipline and transitional sharpness. They will need a united front.

Because at this level, the biggest battles are not always on the pitch — sometimes they are in how victory is spoken about.

Lionel Messi came off the bench to score his sixth goal of the tournament as Argentina warmed up for their Fifa World Cup knockout  tie with Cape Verde by beating Jordan 3-1 on Saturday.

The ageless Messi tops the scoring charts in North America as the tournament heads into the last 32.

Cape Verde's players will have been watching closely with the debutants ranked 67 facing the champions on July 3 in Miami.

With qualification already in the bag, Messi started on the bench but came on after an hour in Texas to huge cheers to get his side's third with a free-kick.

Argentina finished emphatically top of Group J with maximum points after also beating Algeria 3-0 and defeating Austria 2-0, all the goals coming from Messi.

The holders and their 39-year-old talisman look formidable, albeit in one of the weaker groups.

Argentina finish on 🔝 of Group J!#FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 28, 2026

A much-changed Argentina scored in the first half through a Giovani Lo Celso free-kick and a penalty by Lautaro Martinez.

Mousa Al-Tamari pulled one back 10 minutes after half-time for Jordan, whose first World Cup was already over.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni made nine changes, retaining only goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and forward Lautaro Martinez from the Austria win.

Jordan were already eliminated after defeats to Algeria and Austria, rendering the match inconsequential in terms of the tournament.

But competition in the Argentina squad is fierce and Scaloni wanted his side to join France and co-hosts Mexico with nine points.

Argentina also wanted to make a statement ahead of the meeting with surprise packages Cape Verde as they attempt to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups.

The home of the Dallas Cowboys was packed with Argentina fans and their team dominated from the off.

Lo Celso got the party started, bending in a free-kick on 19 minutes that goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila got nowhere near having inexplicably moved in the opposite direction.

Argentina end the group stage unbeaten 🔒#FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 28, 2026

A relaxed-looking Messi smiled broadly from the sidelines.

Soon after the champions doubled their lead when Martinez rifled in a penalty following a VAR review when Marcos Senesi appeared to be kicked in the face as he went for a diving header.

Minutes after half-time the crowd began calling for their captain Messi, the leading scorer in World Cup history.

As he stripped off to come on, Tamari stabbed in from close range to pull a goal back and stun much of the stadium.

The match felt like a friendly after that, before Messi bent in a tame free-kick with 10 minutes left to go with his hat-trick against Algeria and brace versus Austria.

Algeria and Austria played out an incredible 3-3 draw in Kansas City on Saturday that ensured both teams qualified for the Fifa World Cup knockout rounds and eliminated Iran.

Veteran forward Marko Arnautovic put the European side in front at Arrowhead Stadium but Rafik Belghali levelled shortly before half-time, benefiting from a huge slice of luck.

Marcel Sabitzer restored Austria's lead with a superb strike but minutes later Algeria were all-square again thanks to former Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez.

Both teams appeared to have settled for a mutually beneficial draw in the closing minutes but there was still time for some edge-of-the-seat drama.

Mahrez netted again in the 93rd minute and then, in the final seconds Sasa Kalajdzic, just on as a substitute, headed home -- sparking scenes of wild joy from the Austrian squad.

The result means the two teams both finish Group J on four points behind Lionel Messi's Argentina, who topped the section with nine points.

The points are shared as Algeria and Austria advance to the knockouts! ⏭️#FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 28, 2026

Austria are in the World Cup knockout round for the first time since 1982 while Algeria have matched their performance at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Algeria will play Switzerland in the next round while Austria, who finished second in the group, will face European champions Spain.

The build-up to the game was dominated by speculation over whether both teams would try to avoid finishing second in order to swerve Spain, who are one of the favourites to win the World Cup.

Both managers dismissed any suggestion that the match would be rigged at their pre-match press conferences and the nature of the game underlined their case.

The match, played in humid conditions in the American Midwest, burst into life after the first hydration break, which was booed by the largely Algeria-supporting crowd.

Veteran forward Arnautovic broke the deadlock in the 28th minute with the first effort on target.

The 37-year-old controlled a long ball from David Alaba and finished calmly past Oussama Benbot, brought into the team at the expense of Luca Zidane, son of France great Zinedine Zidane.

Algeria were a whisker away from an equaliser in the 40th minute when Fares Chaibi's powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area smashed off an upright.

But Belghali levelled in the 45th minute, dancing past three Austrian defenders before lashing home.

🇩🇿 Algeria have qualified for the Round of 32!#FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 28, 2026

Algeria were fortunate that the chance came their way -- defender Phillipp Mwene tried to shepherd the ball out of play but it ricocheted back off the corner flag and was picked up by Belghali.

The game fell quiet in the early stages of the second half but caught fire again in the 55th minute when Sabitzer finished off a superb team move, striking in home Konrad Laimer's cross from the edge of the box.

There was another twist five minutes later when Mahrez finished powerfully after fine work from Houssem Aouar, who produced a pinpoint cross.

As the clock ticked down, both teams played cagily, cutting out the risks, knowing a point was enough.

But the late, late drama means Iran, who had hoped to progress as one of the best third-placed teams, are out of the World Cup.

England defeated Panama 2-0 on Saturday to clinch top spot in their Fifa World Cup group and set up a last-32 clash with the Democratic Republic of Congo as the African underdogs reached the knockout rounds for the first time.

Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane scored the goals in a laboured victory for England at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey that clinched first place in Group L - and a date with the DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday.

DR Congo advanced after a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan in Atlanta - their first ever victory in a World Cup match - that saw them finish third in Group K as one of the best third-placed teams.

Colombia topped Group K after holding Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal to a 0-0 draw in Miami - a result that means the Portuguese will now face Croatia in the last 32.

England were made to work hard by a well-organised Panama team and looked to be heading for a repeat of their lacklustre 0-0 draw with Ghana until Bellingham opened the scoring on 62 minutes before providing an assist for Kane five minutes later.

"It was what we expected: a tough match against a physical opponent," England manager Thomas Tuchel said.

"They are a difficult team to score against and we were the only team to create this amount of chances and score twice," Tuchel added, before confidently predicting England would improve during the knockout phase.

"We will step up," the German said. "The bigger the games get, the bigger we will get."

Croatia meanwhile made sure of claiming second place in the group behind England with a 2-1 victory over Ghana in Philadelphia.

Petar Sucic and Nikola Vlasic scored the goals for Croatia, as Ghana were forced to settle for third.

Croatia's win extinguished Scotland's hopes of squeezing into the last 32 as one of the best third-placed teams, sealing their elimination from the tournament. Scotland manager Steve Clarke promptly resigned.

Friday's results had already guaranteed England, Croatia and Ghana a place in the knockout rounds, with the only issue to be settled the order of qualification.

Croatia face Portugal in Toronto on Thursday.

The Junior Springboks sent an early warning to the rest of the field as they opened their Junior World Championship title defence with an overpowering 104-7 victory over Uruguay in Tbilisi on Saturday evening.

Winger Jordan Steenkamp and flanker Risima Khosa led the way with a hat-trick, while fellow speedster Khuthadzo Rasivhaga scored two tries alongside replacement scrumhalf Jayden Brits. Markus Muller, Ethan Adams, Cheswill Jooste, Siposethu Mnebelele and Gert Steenkamp also crossed the whitewash in a ruthless attacking display that marked the perfect start for the defending champions.

The forwards laid the platform with a dominant physical performance up front, while the backs showcased their silky skills, pace and clinical finishing to carve Uruguay open throughout the contest. The Junior Boks ran in seven tries before the break as any resistance from their opponents quickly crumbled, taking a commanding 50-0 lead into half-time.

There was no let-up after the interval as South Africa added another 54 points to underline their status as one of the tournament favourites. Their attack was slick and varied, with quick ball, brilliant support lines by the backs and excellent handling, allowing them to convert almost every opportunity they created.

While the attack grabbed the headlines, the Junior Boks were just as impressive without the ball. They defended with intensity and good discipline that will have coach Kevin Foote overjoyed, after repeatedly denying Uruguay despite the South Americans creating several promising attacking opportunities.

Time and again, the Junior Boks scrambled brilliantly, produced dominant tackles close to their own line and forced errors to keep their opponents at bay. Although Uruguay eventually crossed after the final hooter, the defensive effort throughout the contest was another major positive for Foote.

The Junior Boks get the perfect start to their #JuniorWorldChampionship title defence 🇿🇦🏆#SSRugby pic.twitter.com/2NhVk0biSW

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) June 27, 2026

Fullback Luan Giliomee was outstanding, constantly injecting himself into the backline with great running lines on the attack and excellent support play. At the same time, flyhalf Alzeadon Felix controlled proceedings superbly with his game management and flawless distribution. Steenkamp’s clinical finishing and Rasivhaga’s blistering pace ensured the Junior Boks made the most of the platform laid by the pack of forwards.

The emphatic victory provides the perfect platform for the rest of the tournament as the Junior Boks prepare for a pool-defining clash against Georgia on Thursday. Foote will be pleased that his side combined their attacking flair with some brilliant grit on defence in an opening performance that sent a clear message to the rest of the competition.

He will have some tough decisions to make about the composition of his side for the match against the hosts this coming week. But the squad showed that whoever he selects, they are capable of a strong performance in their second duel.

Points scorers

Junior Springboks 104 (50): Tries: Markus Muller, Jordan Steenkamp (3), Risima Khosa (3), Ethan Adams, Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (2), Cheswill Jooste, Jayden Brits (2), Siphosethu Mnebelele, Gert Kemp. Conversions: Alzeadon Felix (2), Luan Giliomee (3), Akahlulwa Boqwana (6). Uruguay 7 (0): Try: Sebastian Dalmao Rivero. Conversion: Juan Francisco Pereira.

Ferrari looked the strongest all weekend after upgrading their engine, but a dramatic late crash handed George Russell a golden opportunity as the Mercedes driver snatched pole position for Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix in one of the most controversial qualifying sessions of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

For much of the weekend, Ferrari had been the team to beat. Their upgraded power unit delivered the extra performance the Scuderia had hoped for, with both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton looking comfortable throughout practice and qualifying.

The SF26 appeared perfectly suited to the high-speed Red Bull Ring, combining impressive straight-line speed with excellent traction through the circuit's flowing final sector.

And when it mattered most in Q3, Ferrari delivered.

Hamilton produced one of his strongest qualifying laps since joining the Italian team, extracting every ounce of pace from his upgraded machine.

Just moments later, Leclerc went even quicker, edging ahead of his teammate to put Ferrari on course for what looked like a deserved front-row lockout and perhaps even pole position.

It seemed the session was settled. But then everything changed.

As the final flying laps unfolded, Max Verstappen, who was pushing it to the limit on sector 3, lost control of his Red Bull at Turn 9 and crashed heavily into the barriers, immediately bringing out yellow flags.

The incident forced several drivers to abandon their final attempts, while confusion spread throughout the circuit over who had slowed sufficiently and whose lap would count.

Russell, however, had already built enough momentum earlier in the lap to keep pushing. Although he encountered the yellow flags in the final sector, he reduced his speed enough to satisfy the FIA's regulations before crossing the line with a stunning lap that eclipsed Ferrari's benchmark.

His time was immediately placed under investigation, with many expecting the lap to be deleted.

Instead, the stewards ruled that Russell had complied with the yellow-flag requirements, confirming the Mercedes driver as pole sitter after an anxious wait in the paddock.

The decision sparked debate across Formula 1, with some arguing that Russell had simply benefited from fortunate timing, while others pointed to his experience in judging exactly how much he needed to slow without sacrificing the lap.

Whatever the verdict, the result leaves Mercedes with its first pole position in Austria since 2018 and gives Russell his first pole of the 2026 campaign.

Ferrari, meanwhile, will be left wondering what might have been. Both Leclerc and Hamilton extracted everything from their upgraded package, only to see pole slip away in the final moments through circumstances beyond their control.

So was it a bit of luck or pure merit that put Russell on pole ?

That question will continue to dominate the conversation heading into Sunday's race. But pole position only guarantees clean air into Turn 1.

Russell has yet to stand on the top step this season, and with two Ferraris lining up directly behind him, he will have to prove that Saturday's brilliance was about more than just being in the right place at the right time.

Jehran Naidoo is sports reporter for Independent Media and social media coordinator of the our YouTube channel The Clutch

Ngconde Matwebu and Cacisile Sosibo celebrated breakthrough victories after claiming their first senior national half-marathon titles and securing automatic selection for the World Athletics Road Running Championships at the ASA Road Running Championships in Gqeberha on Saturday.

Held in conjunction with the Nelson Mandela Bay Half-Marathon, the championships served as South Africa's trials for September's global showpiece in Copenhagen, with automatic places on offer for athletes who finished in the qualifying positions while achieving the required standards.

Matwebu produced the performance of his career, finishing second overall behind Kenyan Rogers Murei but taking the South African title in a personal best 1:01:57. His victory spearheaded a KwaZulu-Natal Athletics clean sweep of the national podium, with Cwenga Nose earning silver in 1:02:17 and Pontsho Motaung taking bronze in 1:02:33.

The newly crowned champion described the victory as the reward for years of perseverance after battling injuries.

"I think this was the best race of my career because I've been struggling with injuries for the last three years and I haven't been myself, so I'm glad I'm picking up now and I think this is just the beginning," Matwebu said.

"It's a wonderful feeling to be a national champion. I feel like I'm dreaming, but I knew today could be my day because the training has been going well and I came here with confidence and passion, feeling I could do it today."

His personal best comfortably beat the qualifying standard for Copenhagen and confirmed his place in the South African team. Speaking after the race, Matwebu said he was already looking forward to testing himself against the world's best.

"The qualifying time was 63 minutes and today I ran 61, so I think I'm going to the World Championships. No choice," he said, adding that he plans to race at next week's Absa Run Your City 10K as part of his preparations.

The women's race was equally competitive, with Sosibo pushing Namibian Lavinia Haitope all the way to the finish. Haitope won the open race in 1:12:36, while Sosibo crossed just two seconds later in 1:12:38 to secure the South African title for Central Gauteng Athletics and comfortably dip under the qualifying mark of 1:13:50.

Karabo Mailula claimed the national silver medal in 1:15:16, with Samantha Coetzer taking bronze in 1:17:02.

"It was a good race, and it was quick because the weather was fine and the conditions felt comfortable," Sosibo said. "I don't know what the plan will be, but I'm going to train hard for the World Athletics Road Running Championships."

The shorter championship races also delivered impressive performances.

Thapelo Ramokhoase claimed the men's 5km national title in 13:42 after holding off Athletics Gauteng North teammate Musawenkosi Mnisi by a single second, while Zanthe Taljaard secured the women's crown in 16:15.

In the mile events, Johannes Morepe won a thrilling sprint finish in the men's race, while pre-race favourite Karabo More lived up to expectations by storming to victory in the women's contest.

Based on their performances, Matwebu, Nose, Sosibo, Ramokhoase and More all secured automatic selection for the South African team that will compete at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen in September, capping a memorable day for the country's top road runners.

Bafana Bafana will play in their first-ever Fifa World Cup knockout match when they face Canada at the Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday night (9pm). It is a high-stakes clash that could ultimately be decided by the finest of details, tactical strategies, and moments of individual brilliance.

Given that both sides are navigating unfamiliar territory at this stage of the competition, key individuals will need to rise to the occasion and carry their nations into the Round of 16. Below, we look at the three key matchups that could decide the tie.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Bafana) vs Jonathan David (Canada)

Mbokazi has been one of the standout centre-backs at this World Cup, marshalling Bafana’s defence and reading the game with sheer maturity despite being only 20 years old. His timely tackles and composure have allowed him to consistently outplay opposing strikers.

He will want to return to the US, where he currently plays for the Chicago Fire, with the same dominant approach – if not a better one. However, his work will be cut out for him against the hard-running David. The Canadian forward has a sharp eye for goal, having already netted three times in the group stage, and will look to test Mbokazi with relentless pressing.

Teboho Mokoena (Bafana) vs. Stephen Eustáquio (Canada)

After missing Bafana’s historic win over South Korea due to suspension, Mokoena is expected to return against Canada. He will look to bring much-needed stability to the engine room, influencing the game both defensively and offensively through his precise passing and dangerous set-pieces.

Eustáquio, however, will be locked in on the midfield battle. He will be tasked with tracking Mokoena's every move while ensuring he controls the tempo of the game whenever Canada transitions into attack or drops into a defensive shape.

Thapelo Maseko (Bafana) vs. Alphonso Davies (Canada)

Maseko is currently chasing Shaun Bartlett’s record as the only Bafana player to score more than once at a single World Cup. He is well-poised to achieve that historic feat, provided he delivers another relentless performance filled with the pace, trickery, and clinical edge he showed against South Korea.

However, with Davies set to be fit for this clash after missing out on the group stage, Maseko may have to double his efforts. Davies is incredibly quick on and off the ball and possesses the nippy footwork that makes him one of the deadliest wing-backs in world football.

“Don’t fix it if it’s not broken.”

That is the definitive message for Bafana Bafana and head coach Hugo Broos ahead of their historic FIFA World Cup round of 32 showdown against co-hosts Canada at the Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday night.

Kick-off is scheduled for 9pm (SA time) as South Africa compete in the knockout stages of the global showpiece for the first time in history. Broos' men achieved the monumental feat by finishing as runners-up in Group A, recovering from an opening-day defeat against Mexico before grinding out a spirited 1-1 draw with Czechia in Atlanta and sealing progression with a brave, charismatic 1-0 win over South Korea at the Monterrey Stadium.

As a result, local supporters have firmly restored their faith in the squad, believing the class of 2026 can etch their names even deeper into the history books and pen a Hollywood-style script on American soil.

Former Bafana Bafana striker Katlego Mphela, who famously scored in South Africa's final match of the 2010 World Cup on home soil, has pleaded with the technical team not to tinker with their hard-earned momentum or become overwhelmed by the bright Hollywood spotlight.

“They need to build on the mentality and performance of the last match, fighting from the very first whistle until the end,” Mphela told Independent Media in an exclusive interview.

“It will be highly similar to the Mexico fixture where they’ll play in front of a partisan opposition crowd, which gives the hosts an extra push. The coach mustn’t fix something that’s not broken. It worked, so why change it?”

Mphela stressed that while Jesse Marsch’s Canada side might not pose the exact same tactical structural threats as Bafana’s group-stage opponents, South Africa must remain wary of individual brilliance — especially with a world-class talisman returning to the co-hosts' line-up.

“I saw Canada play, and out of the teams we have encountered so far, I don’t think they are fundamentally any better than them,” Mphela stated.

“It’s just that they have highly dangerous individual players. I think their captain from Bayern Munich [Alphonso Davies] will come back; I heard their coach indicate that. But in terms of pure talent, I think we edge them. If we are able to match their intensity, we will be perfectly fine.”

To match the Canadians, however, Bafana Bafana must finally find their cutting edge in the final third. South Africa's frontline has struggled for goals in North America, with Lyle Foster, Iqraam Rayners, and Evidence Makgopa all drawing blanks despite receiving respective starts during the group stage.

Despite the drought, “Killer” — who earned his legendary moniker for being utterly ruthless in front of goal — named the frontman he believes must lead the line in Inglewood based on his structural traits.

“We have strikers whose confidence might not be sky-high in terms of converting chances right now,” Mphela admitted. “But in terms of playing for the badge and fighting for the team, I think Makgopa is ideal to start the match.

"He brings something unique to the system; he is able to hold up the ball cleanly and give our midfielders a chance to transition forward and join the attack. When he plays, the guys naturally put more quality crosses into the box, which suits our profile. Hopefully, he can nick a goal and boost his confidence.”

One player who certainly hasn’t been short of self-belief is Thapelo Maseko. The 22-year-old winger won the decisive penalty in the draw against Czechia before exploding in Monterrey to rifle home the winner against South Korea. Mphela advised the young speedster to maintain his fearless approach to overcome any raw in-game shortcomings.

“He needs to keep playing exactly the way he’s been playing and maintain that consistency,” Mphela said. “He could have scored two or three goals already. He’s not converting enough of his opportunities, but he still got us the priceless winning goal.

"I hear some sectors wanted him to be substituted, but if we are being honest, he was the only one asking serious questions of the defence in that match. He was constantly putting himself into dangerous spaces.

"Yes, the final technique and composure were sometimes missing, but his work rate has been outstanding. He’s given opposition full-backs a massive run for their money. You need a winger who keeps a backline busy by cutting inward and taking shots. If he keeps playing like that, I see him securing great offers abroad.”

The availability of Teboho Mokoena for Bafana Bafana’s crucial Fifa World Cup Round of 32 clash against Canada presents a welcome selection headache for coach Hugo Broos, but he must guard against a defensive approach.

Mokoena returns to the Bafana setup after serving a one-match suspension during the 1-0 win over South Korea, having accumulated yellow cards in the first two group-stage matches against Mexico and Czechia.

Given Mokoena's influence and quality, Broos is expected to start the 28-year-old in midfield. However, the question remains: who will he sacrifice between Sphephelo Sithole and Thalente Mbatha? Or will he opt for a three-man midfield instead? That remains to be seen.

To outside observers, it is evident that a midfield trio does not work for Bafana. It backfired in the 2-0 loss to Mexico, as well as in the first half of the 1-1 draw with Czechia in Atlanta. 

Deploying three midfielders tends to create a more defensive structure, causing the team to play cautiously and with fear. This ultimately limits their inroads into the final third, where goals are created and scored.

Because the two-man midfield pairing of Sithole and Mbatha worked so well against South Korea, most South African supporters, pundits, and former players alike want Broos to retain the same structure to ensure a dynamic, offensive approach.

Speaking exclusively to Independent Media, former Bafana striker Katlego Mphela said that while Broos will feel compelled to make space for Mokoena in the engine room, he shouldn’t disrupt the team's existing structure.

“I am a bit worried because he might try to accommodate him, change the formation, and want to play with the three of them, which will be negative again,” Mphela said.

“I was very impressed with Yaya (Sithole) and how he managed to redeem himself after the first game. He pulled up his socks, so I think he was one of the best players on the field. 

“Thalente also brought stability. He controlled the tempo of the game. And then there’s Tebza (Mokoena): he’s an important part of the team. He’s someone who has experience and is a leader. He’s been doing well.”

Mphela wasn’t the only one impressed by Mbatha and Sithole against South Korea. Former Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane – who has been heavily linked with replacing Broos after the World Cup – shared the same sentiments.

“The master of tactics in that game was Mbatha,” Mosimane said as he reflected on Bafana's win over South Korea on his podcast, Changing the Game with Pitso Mosimane, on Thursday morning.

Mosimane also lauded Sithole for bouncing back with a fine performance. Sithole had a poor start in the opening game against Mexico, where he was responsible for the first goal and received a red card early in the second half.

Given all of this, Mphela has put his head on the block and named the player he thinks Broos should sacrifice to maintain a balanced structure against Canada in Los Angeles on Sunday night (9pm).

“I think he’s going to drop Yaya,” Mphela predicted. “It won’t make a massive difference if he's dropped, but I will feel sorry for him if he’s benched.”

Bafana Bafana's FIFA World Cup journey has already reached unknown territory as Hugo Broos sharpens his men for a last 32 encounter against host Canada on Sunday. 

The Belgian's tactics have come under the spotlight in a positive and negative light and is expected to be dissected once more ahead of the country's biggest ever match. 

Canada’s high-intensity, front-foot football under Jesse Marsch presents both opportunity and risk — and for Broos, the key opening has appeared in the most important area of the pitch.

The absence of Ismaël Koné through injury has left a structural gap in Canada’s midfield engine room, removing one of their most dynamic ball carriers and press-resistant profiles. In a system built on aggressive pressing and vertical transitions, that loss disrupts both balance and progression.

For Bafana Bafana, it changes the midfield equation completely — especially with Mokoena returning from suspension to restore balance, control and long-range distribution in the centre of the pitch.

The combination of Mokoena and Thalente Mbatha or even ‘Yaya’ Sithole gives Bafana a far more stable base than in their previous outing. 

Mbatha’s role remains containment and ball recovery under pressure, while Mokoena adds the progressive passing range needed to break Canada’s first and second lines of press.

That balance becomes critical against a Canada side that thrives on chaos.

Jesse Marsch’s team press high, commit bodies forward, and force turnovers in advanced areas. At SoFi Stadium, with home crowd energy behind them, that intensity is expected to rise even further in the opening stages.

But that same approach creates space.

Canada’s defensive line remains extremely high, and when their press is bypassed, there is often vast space between centre-backs and goalkeeper — the exact zone Bafana are built to attack.

Relebohile Mofokeng becomes the connector. His ability to receive under pressure and turn quickly is essential in breaking Canada’s press. Once he turns, the game changes instantly.

⚽️ Bafana Bafana vs Canada
📅 Sunday, 28 June 2026
​🏟️ Los Angeles Stadium
🕕 Kick-off: 21:00pm SA Time
🖥 SABC 1/3 & SABC+#Fifaworldcup#BafanaPride #BafanaBafana pic.twitter.com/6OxUZnyYrF

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) June 26, 2026

Ahead of him, Thapelo Maseko provides the vertical threat — the runner who stretches Canada’s back line and forces constant defensive recovery sprints.

The tactical plan from Hugo Broos is expected to mirror the disciplined mid-block used against South Korea. Rather than engaging Canada in a pressing duel, Bafana will look to absorb pressure, stay compact, and strike in transition.

This is where the game will be decided.

If Mokoena can dictate tempo from deep, and Mbatha can survive Canada’s early pressure waves, Bafana will find moments to break forward into dangerous space.

And against a high line, one clean transition is often enough.

For Broos, the message is simple: stay compact, survive the press, and release the speed. Because knockout football is not about control — it is about timing.

And Bafana now have the weapons to punish it.

The Proteas Women head into Sunday's decisive ICC Women's T20 World Cup clash against Bangladesh in London knowing victory is essential to keep their semi-final hopes alive, but assistant coach Claire Terblanche believes the Proteas are gathering momentum thanks to different players delivering when it matters most.

The Proteas kept themselves in contention with an emphatic 88-run victory over the Netherlands on Thursday night, where opener Tazmin Brits blasted an unbeaten 114 after Marizanne Kapp had earlier inspired the team's crucial victory over India. For Terblanche, that spread of contributions is one of the biggest positives to emerge from South Africa's campaign.

"I think they are," she said, when asked at a pre-match press conference whether the team's senior players were stepping up. "I think it's different players stepping up during different matches. It just shows to us that there are people within our squad that are coming together quite nicely and performing when we need them to."

The ability to produce a different match-winner every fixture is often the hallmark of teams that challenge for global titles, and it is a trend the Proteas will hope continues should they secure a place in the semi-finals.

Brits' breathtaking century against the Dutch followed Kapp's match-winning all-round display against India, while skipper Laura Wolvaardt laid the platform with a fluent opening partnership before Annerie Dercksen provided the late acceleration that carried South Africa beyond 200 on Thursday.

With the ball against the Netherlands, experienced all-rounder Chloé Tryon and seamer Ayabonga Khaka shared six wickets to ensure there would be no way back for the Dutch after the imposing batting display.

Earlier in the tournament, Dercksen's composed half-century proved decisive in South Africa's tense two-wicket victory over Pakistan, while Shabnim Ismail's hostile pace set the tone with a devastating opening spell. Rather than relying on one or two star performers, South Africa have found different players taking responsibility when the occasion has demanded it, a sign of a squad beginning to click at exactly the right time.

Terblanche said Brits' innings perfectly reflected the aggressive style the Proteas have been trying to develop under head coach Mandla Mashimbyi.

Next Up, Bangladesh 🔜

With three wins on the trot, #TheProteas head into their final group-stage fixture of the #T20WorldCup this Sunday, taking on Bangladesh at Lord’s. 🇿🇦🏆#Unbreakable pic.twitter.com/xr8gJyDILR

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) June 26, 2026

"Coach Mandla spoke about our brand of cricket and how we want to be batting," she said. "I think Tazmin just stepped up to the plate, especially in that powerplay with Wolfie and taking that game forward. One hundred and fourteen from 61 balls was fantastic."

South Africa now face Bangladesh at Lord's needing another victory before turning their attention to Australia's meeting with India later in the day. Despite the permutations, Terblanche insisted the Proteas' focus remains firmly on producing another polished performance rather than worrying about events elsewhere.

"We're just going to focus on what we've been doing, taking into account the positives from the Netherlands game and bringing that into our game against Bangladesh."

Tazmin Brits soars into second place after a stunning innings against Netherlands 👏

Don't miss the #T20WorldCup action! Get your tickets here 🎟️ https://t.co/8kyuNOXcod pic.twitter.com/jaIR5ephhq

— ICC (@ICC) June 26, 2026

She described Group 1 as having lived up to its billing as the tournament's "group of death", with qualification still undecided heading into the final round of matches. While Bangladesh have yet to register a victory, Terblanche expects another fiercely contested encounter, insisting no team can be taken lightly in the shortest format.

The Proteas know victory alone may not be enough to secure a semi-final place, with Australia's clash against India likely to determine their fate later on Sunday. But Terblanche believes South Africa's job remains unchanged.

"As long as we're focusing on what we're going to be doing the result will take care of itself," she said.

If the Proteas can again produce a complete team performance they will give themselves every chance of extending their World Cup campaign.

Rassie Erasmus said all the right, diplomatically courteous things about a "dangerous" England side during his press conference this week, but inside the inner sanctum of the Springbok team room, you can bet the head coach has been singing a vastly different tune.

Unquestionably, Erasmus will be reminding his players of the arrogant refrain echoing out of the England camp late last year. Having enjoyed victories over the All Blacks, Pumas, Wallabies, and Fiji to conclude their campaign on an 11-match unbeaten streak, the message from Twickenham was clear. To paraphrase, it was: “What a pity we did not play the Springboks this autumn.” The insinuation was as subtle as a sledgehammer — had they met, they would have beaten the world champions.

Chief crower of the lot was, of course, rising loose forward Henry Pollock, who drew an amusingly sharp riposte from Duane Vermeulen. "The Great Duane" wryly remarked that he would consider coming out of retirement for the July 4 clash simply so he could go head-to-head with the cocky England No 8.

As fate would have it, England’s chariot came a spectacular cropper during the subsequent Six Nations, completely derailing all the hype about turning that 11-match streak into a world record. Instead, Steve Borthwick's men endured a miserable campaign — losing to Italy for the first time in history, alongside defeats to Scotland and Ireland — to slip down to a lowly sixth place in the World Rugby rankings.

To be fair, England finished their tournament with a rousing, full-blooded performance in Paris, falling just short in a 48-46 thriller against France. It was a fixture they genuinely should have won, but for some clumsy tactical indiscipline at the death of the match.

The visitors have not played since that afternoon and will undoubtedly look to draw confidence from that final Six Nations clash (it is not how you start, it is how you finish). But that was a backs-against-the-wall display; England had absolutely nothing left to lose and played unstructured, Barbarians-style rugby.

The burning question is whether they possess the courage to play that expansively against the Springboks at Ellis Park. The fundamental issue with England under Borthwick is that they are yet to establish a concrete tactical identity. They constantly preach about executing cavalier rugby, playing with width and having a full-blooded go, but they fundamentally lack the confidence to fully embrace it, invariably reverting to their forwards for conservative solutions to win matches.

Marcus Smith, England’s mercurial flyhalf/fullback, once again banged the “go big or go home” drum just before the squad boarded their flight at Heathrow Airport.

“The biggest thing that we’ve spoken about as a group is around playing big in big-pressure matches. At the start of the Six Nations, the fixtures at the start were a bit cagey, a bit tight, and then what a difference a week can make when we went to France with a completely different attitude," Smith insisted.

“We’ve agreed it’s entirely mental — it’s in the top two inches. We need to free ourselves up and play big from minute one.”

That bravado could theoretically provide the antidote, but only if the English players genuinely believe they can execute such high-risk rugby in front of 65,000 frenzied, hostile South African supporters.

The significant, chasm-like contrast between the two traditional rivals is that the Springboks possess crystal clarity regarding their tactical blueprint. They have been refining it for the better part of a decade. Every individual in the squad knows exactly what his role is and precisely what is expected of him.

This ruthless efficiency was on full display last November when the Boks rampaged through Europe, walloping Japan, France, Ireland, Italy, and Wales. The clinical, systematic dismantling of old foes Ireland and France was chilling in its execution.

England are not just coming up against a laser-focused juggernaut determined to launch the international season with a statement victory; they are also battling the crushing weight of historical data.

Overall, the two nations have locked horns 47 times, with the Springboks claiming 29 victories to England’s 16, alongside two stalemates.

However, in the 16 Test matches played on South African soil, England have emerged victorious on just four occasions. While perhaps only the optimistic Pollock will beg to differ, there seems little earthly chance of England adding to that meagre tally of Highveld scalps come next weekend.

If we traced the Springbok dynasty created by Rassie Erasmus and Siya Kolisi back to its roots, we would find ourselves at Ellis Park on June 9, 2018.

Eddie Jones’ powerful England team was in town and tipped to beat a shaky Springbok side that remained bereft of confidence after the unfortunate era under Allister Coetzee.

The new coach, Erasmus, had taken over the reins and lost his first match, an exhibition game in Washington against Wales the week before.

But Erasmus was already up to his planning tricks — he had sent a B team to the US capital and kept his big guns in Joburg to prepare for England.

Only for it to go horribly wrong in an opening quarter that silenced Ellis Park, England playmakers George Ford and Owen Farrell ripped holes in the Bok defence, and at 24-3 midway through the half, Springbok supporters were wondering if Erasmus was to be the messiah after all.

Siya Kolisi was in his first match as captain, and this week he candidly admitted that he had no idea how to stem the tide. He said.”I remember saying to the guys in a huddle, ‘I have no answers’. Then I asked if anyone had anything to say.”

Fortunately, experienced warriors like Duane Vermeulen, Handre Pollard, and Tendai Mtawarira had suggestions.

Slowly, miraculously, then quickly, the Boks clawed their way back into the game. The stunned supporters found their voice. Somehow after that awful start, the Boks led 29-27 at half-time. The second half was just as extraordinary.

The teams traded tries over the next 40 minutes, with England wing Jonny May scoring a late try to make it 42-39. With just seconds left on the clock and England pressing for victory, the Boks stole a lineout. The clearance into touch brought the final whistle and bedlam from a crowd that endured excruciating tension.

Erasmus had his first victory as coach, Kolisi his first as captain.

One of the most successful partnerships in rugby history had been launched. The Boks were on their way….Two World Cups have been won, and a third is a distinct possibility.

That day careers were launched — RG Snyman made his debut as a gangly lock, and the debutants on the wings were Sbu Nkosi and Aphiwe Dyantyi. Nkosi scored two tries and Dyantyi, one.

Sadly, after that bright start, the pair could not possibly have known that their careers were doomed. Nkosi would play 16 Tests before his career crumbled amid mental health issues, while Dyanti — the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year in 2018 — would be suspended for four years for use of a prohibited substance. He played 13 Tests.

That day was the launch of Jacques Nienaber’s famous rush defence, which the players were clearly struggling to grasp. If you look at a replay of that game, you will see Nienaber on the pitch side frantically yelling instructions.

Erasmus had a tight coaching staff at the start of his tenure — just a few assistants in Nienaber, scrum coach Pieter de Villiers, backs coach Mzwandile Stick, and attack coach Swys de Bruin.

It is interesting to go back to Erasmus’ prophetic words not long before that Ellis Park epic.

“It is a huge task to coach the Springboks, and I am very privileged,” he said.

“I really believe we have the players and the rugby IP (intellectual property) to turn things around and to mount a serious challenge at next year’s Rugby World Cup.

“We have 18 Tests and just under 600 days until the 2019 World Cup. We have already done a lot of planning. Who knows what could happen in Japan?”

The first Springbok Test squad for Saturday’s Nations Championship clash against England at Ellis Park is expected to be named by head coach Rassie Erasmus on Tuesday, but those within the Bok camp will likely already have a good idea of the matchday 23 by Sunday.

While several positions virtually pick themselves, there are a handful where Erasmus and his coaching team face genuine selection dilemmas. In each case, the decision will come down to the game plan they want to play on the day against one of the world’s most physical sides.

We take a look at five of the biggest selection calls the Springboks must make.

1. Flyhalf – Handré Pollard or Manie Libbok?

For Springbok supporters, this is arguably the biggest debate heading into the Test.

Handré Pollard remains a proven big-match winner, but his form over the last couple of matches has raised a few questions. However, against an England side that thrives on pressure and territory, his kicking consistency remains invaluable.

Manie Libbok, meanwhile, offers a completely different attacking dimension. His ability to play flat, challenge defensive lines, find the wings with pinpoint kicks and create attacking opportunities could be the key to unsettling England’s defence, particularly on the Highveld, where the game is expected to be played at a high tempo.

The decision will ultimately come down to whether the Springboks opt for an expansive attacking game plan or prefer to control proceedings against the visitors.

Camp done, next up: Test week ✅#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/aCuMYnVudA

— Springboks (@Springboks) June 25, 2026

2. Scrumhalf – Is Cobus Reinach ready?

Grant Williams has all but cemented his place after another outstanding performance against the Barbarians last weekend, but the race for the second scrumhalf spot is far less straightforward.

Cobus Reinach has consistently been one of South Africa’s best No 9s, yet he is returning from injury and has not had any meaningful game time ahead of the encounter. That could open the door for either Herschel Jantjies or Embrose Papier to get the nod.

Papier’s sharp service and running threat have impressed this season, while Jantjies brings valuable Test experience and composure. If Reinach is not deemed fully match-fit, Erasmus has a genuine decision to make over who will provide cover behind Williams.

3. Lock – Who partners Eben Etzebeth?

Few players are guaranteed a starting berth like Eben Etzebeth, but deciding who packs down alongside him is another matter entirely.

Lood de Jager has returned to fitness and, when the Japan-based lineout caller is fully fit, remains one of the world’s premier second rows thanks to his expertise in the lineout and work rate around the park.

Then there is exciting youngster Riley Norton, who has impressed throughout the season with his athleticism and physicality. Throwing him into a Test against England would be a gamble, but one that could pay dividends as the Boks continue building depth ahead of the next World Cup in Australia.

Bulls lineout caller Ruan Nortjé is the other secure option for the world champions ahead of this duel.

The #Springboks are aligned on the expectations and standards going into the Nations Championship - more here: https://t.co/aicnqxPZVm 🫡#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/lEJw01hBGP

— Springboks (@Springboks) June 25, 2026

4. Tighthead prop – Wilco Louw or Thomas du Toit?

This is perhaps the toughest call in the forward pack.

Wilco Louw has enjoyed arguably the best season of his career with the Bulls, establishing himself as one of the country’s dominant scrummagers while making a major impact around the field with his powerful carries.

Bath prop Thomas du Toit, meanwhile, offers versatility and a proven pedigree after taking on the best England had to offer in the Premiership. He has also consistently delivered whenever called upon in the green and gold.

If Erasmus wants to emphasise total scrum dominance, Louw may get the nod. If versatility and overall impact are prioritised, Du Toit remains an exceptionally strong option.

What would your #Springboks half-back pairing be for the #NationsChampionship opener against England next week? pic.twitter.com/wwLP0ToLq3

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) June 23, 2026

5. Inside centre – Damian de Allende or André Esterhuizen?

Damian de Allende has been the Springboks’ first-choice No 12 for years and remains one of the most complete midfielders in world rugby. His defensive organisation, physical ball-carrying and understanding with Jesse Kriel make him the safe selection for the England Test.

Yet André Esterhuizen has once again produced outstanding performances for the Sharks and most recently against the Baabaas in Gqeberha. His ability to consistently win the gainline and offload through contact offers a different dimension that could trouble England's midfield.

It is a classic selection dilemma between the proven continuity of De Allende and rewarding the outstanding form Esterhuizen is in — one that could have a significant influence on how the world champions approach one of their biggest Tests of the year.

Springbok Women's head coach Swys de Bruin has retained the core of the squad that made history at last year's Rugby World Cup after naming a heavily experienced 30-player group for the upcoming two-Test series against the USA.

Twenty-two players from the team's breakthrough run to the World Cup quarter-finals have been locked in for the blockbusting fixtures at Ellis Park on 4 July and Loftus Versfeld on 11 July. A further eight players have been rewarded for standout individual performances during the recent Rugby Africa Women's Cup and the domestic Women's Premier League.

Amongst the highly anticipated new faces are the continental tournament's breakout star, loose forward Logan Welman, powerful prop Thandile Mazwi, and dynamic backline utility Shaunique Alexander, who all earned their maiden international caps during the recent tour of Kenya.

The series will be played as high-profile double-headers alongside the men's senior Springbok side's opening two Nations Championship fixtures, marking an immense milestone for a women's game eager to capitalise on its most successful global campaign to date.

Amongst the returning heavyweight stars are England-based forwards Danelle Lochner and Micke Gunter, who rejoin the national setup following stellar premier club seasons with Harlequins and Leicester Tigers respectively.

The squad wrapped up a grueling two-week alignment camp in Stellenbosch on Friday before traveling up to Johannesburg. De Bruin revealed that the playing group had rapidly rediscovered the formidable tactical chemistry that underpinned their historic World Cup journey.

"This squad has not played together since last year's Women's Rugby World Cup, but once we got together in camp, it did not take long at all for us to rediscover that beautiful synergy we had last year," De Bruin told reporters.

"The USA have been battle-hardened in the Pacific Four Series against New Zealand, Australia, and Canada, so we fully expect them to bring significant momentum into this historic series on South African soil. However, for the last two weeks, our absolute focus was strictly on ourselves. I am incredibly pleased to say we concluded this camp feeling exceptionally positive about our tactical outcomes."

Locked in: the first #BokWomen squad for 2026, with 22 players from last year's RWC back in the mix to face the USA - more here: https://t.co/mF7ZhNzTTo 😍#BackHer pic.twitter.com/JShel6e3jc

— SA Women's Rugby (@WomenBoks) June 27, 2026

For dynamic hooker Gunter, the inaugural home Test series against the Americans provides the perfect platform to prove that South Africa's sudden ascension to the world's top table was merely the opening chapter.

"We left the Springbok jersey in a very special, elevated place after the World Cup, but now it is our responsibility to take it another step forward — to level up and carry that jersey to an even better place," Gunter reflected earlier in the week. "The fans can expect a massive fight from this squad, but also a relentless internal drive to become better than we have ever been in our history."

The visiting Eagles, currently ranked eighth in the world, arrive in South Africa with significant match fitness under their belts. Gunter expects a highly physical, demanding contest from an athletic opponent.

"I have played alongside some of them and lined up against others in the PWR (Premiership Women's Rugby) competition over in England. They are world-class athletes and exceptionally sharp rugby players, and I believe it is going to be a fantastic match-up."

Seven key squad members were ruled unavailable for selection due to ongoing injury rehabilitation and strict return-to-play protocols, including the explosive, experienced back Nadine Roos.

Meanwhile, De Bruin confirmed that the identity of the squad's new permanent captain — following the iconic Nolusindiso Booi's retirement from the international arena — will be kept tightly under wraps until the starting line-up for the opening Test is officially unveiled next week.

Springbok Women's squad:

Forwards: Sanelisiwe Charlie, Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Yonela Ngxingolo, Thandile Mazwi, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Babalwa Latsha, Anushka Groenewald, Micke Gunter, Nomsa Mokwai, Danelle Lochner, Vainah Ubisi, Anathi Qolo, Sizophila Solontsi, Sinelitha Noxeke, Lerato Makua, Faith Tshauke, Catha Jacobs, Logan Welman.

Backs: Anacadia Minnaar, Felicia Jacobs, Unam Tose, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Eloise Webb.Aphiwe Ngwevu, Ayanda Malinga,  Maceala Samboya, Alichia Arries, Byrhandré Dolf, Jakkie Cilliers, Shaunique Alexander.

South Africa's first-ever PFL Africa champion, Nkosi Ndebele (12-3), is officially set to graduate to the global stage of the Professional Fighters League next month.

The 2025 PFL Africa Tournament champion will face American Mando Gutierrez (11-5) in a bantamweight clash at PFL D.C. on July 25, 2026, marking Ndebele's official introduction to the promotion's elite global roster.

The event takes place at CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C., and will be headlined by undefeated 2025 PFL Welterweight Tournament champion Thad Jean (11-0), who takes on 2024 tournament winner Shamil Musaev (20-1-1) for the vacant PFL Welterweight World Championship.

Ndebele has enjoyed a remarkable rise since joining PFL Africa. Before signing with the promotion, he made history in BRAVE Combat Federation by becoming the first South African to capture BRAVE CF bantamweight gold in 2023.

After arriving in PFL Africa, Ndebele compiled a four-fight winning streak that included his tournament championship victory and a lucrative $100,000 cash prize.

Earlier this year, the Diepsloot-born fighter appeared destined for a global debut in Madrid against 2025 PFL Europe champion Barus "The Sniper" Adiguzel (10-1). However, the bout was scrapped after Adiguzel opted not to compete while observing Ramadan.

Ndebele was subsequently matched against Italy's Michele Clemente (7-2) at the SunBet Arena in Time Square, Pretoria for PFL Africa: Season 2. The contest served as a fitting homecoming, allowing him to compete on South African soil for the first time in eight years.

Throughout his rise, Ndebele has been vocal about his belief that he belongs among the sport's elite.

"I want to go global — that's where I belong. If Africans want to see me back in PFL Africa, tell PFL Africa to pay me what I'm worth, and then you'll see me again. Otherwise, you won't see me here anymore," he said with a confident chuckle before facing Clemente.

Ndebele went on to earn a unanimous decision victory over the gritty Italian, who in turn won the respect of the South African crowd with his determined performance.

Now, the South African has the opportunity to showcase his skills on one of the biggest platforms in global MMA when he meets the experienced Gutierrez, a veteran of the PFL World Tournament, UFC's The Ultimate Fighter and Dana White's Contender Series.

Gutierrez has remained active throughout 2025, competing three times. However, he enters the contest looking to return to winning ways, with his last victory coming against Italy's Francesco Nuzzi (11-2) at PFL World Tournament: Round Two in Orlando, Florida, in April 2025.

A new era for the PFL

The Professional Fighters League has undergone a significant strategic transformation over the past two years and is no longer operating under the league structure that originally distinguished it from the UFC.

The biggest changes arrived in 2026, with PFL global events moving away from tournament-driven cards in favour of traditional MMA matchmaking centred around championship fights, contender bouts and marquee attractions.

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PFL CEO John Martin has described the strategy as prioritising elite matchups rather than requiring all top fighters to compete within tournament brackets.

Under the new model, the promotion plans to deliver:

• 16 global events annually

• Events in major markets including Dubai, Madrid, Pittsburgh and Chicago

• Champions actively defending their titles

• Rankings-based title contention

• Year-round storytelling similar to the UFC model

"We're continuing to make big changes to PFL," Martin said.

"Many of you probably remember that we're stepping away from the tournament format. So what does that mean? That means every card is going to be built around the best fights possible. The biggest fights, every card. The fights the fans are asking for and the fights that the fighters want."

"Our regional leagues in Europe, MENA and Africa are going to continue to maintain tournament formats, building the next wave of stars who will move up to the global stage," Martin continued.

"This is a new era at the PFL — the best fighting the best every time."

How to watch in South Africa

PFL D.C. will air live in South Africa on SuperSport and ESPN via DStv.

The preliminary card is scheduled to begin at 1:00 a.m. SAST on Sunday, July 26, with the main card expected to get underway at 4:00 a.m. SAST.

Fans can also stream the event live through DStv Stream where available.

Tickets for the event are available through pre-sale at pfl.info/dc, with additional bouts expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

UPCOMING PFL SCHEDULE: 

Saturday, May 23 –  PFL Brussels - ING Arena - Brussels, Belgium 

Saturday, June 27 – PFL San Diego Presented by GOVX – Pechanga Arena San Diego – San Diego, California

Saturday, July 18 – PFL Austin – Moody Center – Austin, Texas

Saturday, July 25 – PFL D.C. – CareFirst Arena – Washington, DC

South Africa's leading distance runners will have far more than national titles on their minds when they line up at the ASA Road Running Championships in Gqeberha on Saturday.

The championships, held in conjunction with the Nelson Mandela Bay Half-Marathon, will double as the national trials for the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, in September, ensuring fierce competition across the half-marathon, 5km and mile events.

The biggest prize will be in the 21km races, where the first two men and women across the line will earn automatic selection for the South African team, provided they achieve the qualifying standards of 1:03:50 for men and 1:13:50 for women before the qualifying window closes on July 20.

While four South African men – Adriaan Wildschutt, Thabang Mosiako, Adam Lipschitz and Elroy Gelant – have already met the required standard, only Glenrose Xaba has done so in the women's race, leaving plenty to fight for on Gqeberha's traditionally fast, flat course. 

Former national marathon champion Bennet Seloyi heads the men's title contenders after showing impressive speed over shorter distances in recent seasons. He is expected to face stiff opposition from Melikhaya Frans, who won the national half-marathon crown on the same roads in 2022.

In the women's 21km race, Cacisile Sosibo starts as the favourite after finishing an outstanding 10th at the 2023 World Athletics Road Running Championships in Riga, Latvia, where she clocked a personal best of 1:09:31. Another strong performance would go a long way towards securing her return to the global stage.

The battle for World Championships places also extends to the shorter events.

Former South African 5km record holder Ryan Mphahlele will be eager to prove he is back to his best after injury setbacks, though rising talents Musawenkosi Mnisi and Zenzile Pheko will be looking to spring an upset.

In the mile races, multiple national record holder Tshepo Tshite enters as the overwhelming favourite in the men's field, while reigning South African 1 500m champion Karabo More is expected to lead the women's challenge.

Reigning ASA 10km champion Tayla Kavanagh is also expected to contest the women's 5km, adding further quality to a race with World Championships places on the line. Another national title would further strengthen her credentials as one of South Africa's leading road runners and boost her hopes of securing a place on the plane to Copenhagen.

Automatic qualification is also available in the 5km and mile events for the winners who meet the required standards, with ASA retaining the discretion to complete the national squad based on world rankings, head-to-head performances, current fitness and medal potential.

With national honours and places on the plane to Copenhagen both up for grabs, Saturday's championships promise some of the most fiercely contested road racing of the domestic season. Racing gets under way at 7am from Pollok Beach.

You have to give it to Relebohile Mofokeng; he has grown and matured immensely over the last few months. That’s why I can only hope that his success is finally written in the stars!

A talented player of note, Mofokeng has had an impressive campaign at the ongoing Fifa World Cup in North America. His cameo against Czechia and start against South Korea have drawn widespread recognition from across the globe.

He hasn’t only stood out as an individual, but also alongside his beloved Bafana Bafana – who have reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time ever, after previous appearances in 1998, 2002, and 2010. It is a massive milestone for both the player and the team.

But there’s a feeling that it shouldn’t end just there. While Mofokeng and Co aim to steer Bafana as far as they can in the competition, the standout players of the group should also finally secure moves abroad.

Make no mistake, the PSL is one of the top leagues on the continent. Mofokeng attested to this in his post-match interview after the Czechia game, saying he was fearless when he came on because he plays in a highly competitive domestic league.

But be that as it may, he knows there is still room for improvement – and that means Europe. Not only do the leagues there grow football from strength to strength, but they also develop players as individuals, forcing them to adjust to different cultures and ways of life.

Mofokeng needs that. He needs to be coached by minds at the highest level and continue to fine-tune his skillset. This will not only enable him to stand out individually but also help put Bafana and South African football on the map going forward.

He was widely tipped to move last season, but that wasn’t to be – a setback that seemed to disrupt him, leading to a slow start to the league campaign. It required coaches Abdeslam Ouaddou and Hugo Broos to remain patient with him at Orlando Pirates and Bafana, respectively.

Dubbed the crown prince of South African football, Mofokeng dusted off the frustration of "his failed move" to live up to that tag over the last few months at Pirates. It is no wonder he’s been tipped to win the PSL Footballer of the Season at just 21 years of age.

🎤 Mofokeng describes what it feels like to be under so much pressure on a stage such as a crucial World Cup match. 🥵

🇿🇦 Get the WC pass and watch the game on our YouTube channel and follow Bafana Bafana to the knockout stage. 📺📲 https://t.co/NAhrEWXxGU pic.twitter.com/MUQbqX1kjn

— SportyTV (@SportyTV) June 25, 2026

Mofokeng came of age last season, helping the team win a domestic treble, including the league title which had eluded them for 14 years. His growth and maturity have been evident where it matters most: on the pitch.

He reached double digits in goal contributions for the first time with the seniors in the league, registering eight assists across 27 games.

Goal contributions are second nature to Mofokeng’s game – a skill he honed through the support of his teammates and the guidance of Ouaddou. It is through his footballing trickery and nippy feet that he truly thrives.

Mofokeng doesn’t just play football; he glides through it with ease. The fact that he had a solid foundation laid at the renowned School of Excellence, before joining Pirates’ youth ranks a few years ago, is evident in his game.

While football talent is largely described as a natural gift, there is another trait a player needs to be a complete footballer: personality. Mofokeng has that, making him a standout figure.

So Mofokeng mopped the floor with PSG players. 😫😫🫣🫣❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/7jwlGnQItz pic.twitter.com/EvebkszNdc

— Village Guluva (@VillageGuluva) June 25, 2026

As he grows by leaps and bounds, he continues to remain humble and respectful. He can walk into a room full of people young and old, yet he shows humility by greeting everyone before quietly going about his business.

In a sport where fame can easily fuel a big ego, many of Mofokeng’s peers struggle to do what he does both on and off the pitch. His humility keeps him grounded, and he always wears a gigantic smile on his face.

As Bafana head into arguably the most important game of their modern tenure – perhaps since they won AFCON 30 years ago – Mofokeng will be watched like a hawk from all over the world. I can only hope he attracts a European suitor that will lure him to greener pastures.

For a tiny island nation with a population of just over 500,000 people, Cape Verde can hold their heads high after securing a historic qualification for the round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup.

The Blue Sharks have become one of the tournament's most captivating narratives, defying the odds to emerge unbeaten from a daunting Group H featuring European heavyweights Spain, two-time world champions Uruguay, and an ambitious Saudi Arabia side. Few expected Cape Verde to survive, let alone advance, but their remarkable defensive resilience has carried them into the knockout stages.

Their World Cup adventure began with a tactical masterclass against Spain. Whilst the Spanish dominated possession and peppered the Cape Verde area, veteran goalkeeper Vozinha turned back the clock with a string of breathtaking saves.

The 40-year-old captain inspired a historic 0-0 draw that immediately announced the newcomers had not travelled to North America simply to make up the numbers.

The Blue Sharks backed that result up with an entertaining 2-2 draw against Uruguay. Kevin Pina wrote his name into the history books by scoring the nation's first-ever World Cup goal, before the South Americans hit back with two quick-fire strikes before the interval.

Lesser sides might have crumbled under the pressure, but Cape Verde refused to surrender. Helio Varela restored parity in the second half, earning another priceless point against one of football's traditional powerhouses.

Everything rested on the final group fixture against Saudi Arabia. With knockout qualification hanging in the balance, Cape Verde once again relied on the rigid defensive organisation that has become their trademark under pressure.

Logan Costa marshalled the backline superbly, whilst Vozinha produced yet another composed performance between the posts as the Blue Sharks battled to a tense 0-0 draw.

Bubista's men conceded just two goals across three grueling group matches, keeping clean sheets against both Spain and Saudi Arabia whilst frustrating Uruguay for long periods. Their discipline, collective work ethic, and unwavering belief have transformed them from tournament outsiders into genuine fan favourites.

The celebrations after the final whistle were unforgettable, with players and staff huddled around a mobile phone on the pitch to watch the tense closing moments of Spain's parallel victory over Uruguay. When their progression was mathematically confirmed, emotions spilled over as the Blue Sharks celebrated the single greatest achievement in their sporting history.

Now, the fairytale faces its most daunting chapter yet. Cape Verde's resolute defence and inspirational shot-stopper will be tested like never before when they take on reigning world champions Argentina in the round of 32, with another famous global upset firmly in their sights.

Following back to back losses at the World Cup, Senegal rediscovered their confidence in a commanding 5-0 victory over Iraq that has revived their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.

The goals came from Abdoulaye Diarra, Ismaila Sarr, Pape Gueye — who struck twice — and Iliman Ndiaye as Senegal produced one of their most complete performances of the tournament so far, overwhelming Iraq with pace, pressing and relentless attacking pressure.

More significantly, the victory has kept Senegal alive in the race for the Round of 32.

The situation in Group I is now fully defined. France and Norway have secured the top two positions, meaning Senegal can finish no higher than third regardless of the final round of fixtures. 

However, under the expanded World Cup format, eight of the best third-placed teams progress into the knockout rounds — and Senegal remain firmly in that fight.

That reality has completely shifted the emotional temperature around the squad.

Only days ago, Senegal looked vulnerable and disconnected. Their pressing lacked coordination, transitions felt hesitant, and the attacking aggression that once made them one of Africa’s most feared sides appeared missing.

Now, they suddenly look dangerous again.

The performance against Iraq showed a team rediscovering its identity. Senegal pressed higher with intensity, defended with greater confidence, and attacked with freedom. 

But while Senegal were relaunching their campaign, another storyline exploded elsewhere in Group I — and it belonged entirely to Ousmane Dembele.

The France forward delivered one of the defining individual performances of the tournament so far, scoring a devastating first-half hat-trick in France’s 4-1 victory over Norway.

Dembele struck three times inside the opening half-hour before France added a fourth goal later in the match, completely overwhelming Norway with speed, precision and attacking fluidity.

His movement dismantled defensive structure throughout, with every transition carrying the threat of another breakthrough moment.

For France, it reinforced their frightening attacking depth beyond Kylian Mbappe. For Senegal, however, attention now shifts entirely toward permutations.

Their route is narrow but still alive. Goal difference, points total and results across other groups will determine whether they finish among the eight best third-placed teams progressing into the Round of 32.

But after looking close to elimination earlier in the tournament, Senegal have achieved the most important turnaround possible at a World Cup:

They have given themselves a chance again.

Senegal have made history by becoming the first African nation to score five goals in a single FIFA World Cup match, with a stunning second-half double from Pape Gueye inspiring them to a 5-0 demolition of 10-man Iraq in their final Group I fixture.

The emphatic victory drastically boosts the Lions of Teranga's chances of progressing to the round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams. Aliou Cissé’s side now boast the superior goal difference among the teams locked on three points. Conversely, Iraq head home without a single point, drawing the curtain on a hugely disappointing campaign that followed an arduous qualification route.

Senegal struck early in Texas, with Habib Diarra getting the slightest of touches to guide home Abdoulaye Seck's towering header from an inswinging corner. The breakthrough marked Diarra's first international goal since his memorable strike in a friendly against England last year.

Iraq's already slim hopes of rescuing their tournament suffered a catastrophic hammer blow just moments later. Defender Rebin Sulaka had been drafted into the starting line-up by manager Graham Arnold, but his contribution lasted a mere 13 minutes.

English referee Anthony Taylor brandished a straight red card after reviewing the VAR screen, penalising Sulaka for a cynical professional foul on Sadio Mané whilst the Senegal talisman was clean through on goal.

It represents the earliest red card of the tournament so far and the fourth-fastest dismissal in World Cup history.

Iraq were utterly unable to fashion a single chance for the remainder of the half. Despite their numerical advantage, a cagey Senegal initially struggled to break through the low block, with Ismail Jakobs unleashing a fierce long-range strike that whistled just wide of the post with the goalkeeper beaten.

However, the West Africans emerged for the second half bristling with attacking intent. Iraq had been further destabilised at the interval, forced to replace goalkeeper Ahmed Basil — who picked up a knock in the opening period — with veteran Jalal Hassan.

Hassan survived an early wave of sustained pressure but was left completely helpless once Senegal found their rhythm.

Ismaïla Sarr tapped home in the 56th minute to claim his third goal of the tournament, capitalising on a dreadful defensive error by former Manchester United midfielder Zidane Iqbal deep inside his own half. The sheer relief of the cushion was evident as Sarr lay prone on his back, pumping his fists in celebration.

Then came the Pape Gueye show, a breathtaking cameo that had the supporters inside the stadium off their seats.

Within just 89 seconds of stepping onto the pitch as a substitute, the Villarreal midfielder let fly from well outside the penalty area, unleashing a sublime curling effort that left Hassan stranded for 3-0 in the 59th minute. Gueye arguably outdid himself 12 minutes later, striking a vicious, instinctive half-volley that flew past the helpless keeper to extend the lead.

A dejected Arnold was reduced to leaning against the dugout and ruefully shaking his head, forced to watch on as Iliman Ndiaye rubbed further salt into Iraqi wounds with another spectacular, long-range screamer eight minutes from time.

Ousmane Dembele produced his best ever Fifa World Cup performance with a stunning first-half hat-trick in France's 4-1 win over Norway on Friday, and then insisted it was his least impressive performance of this year's tournament so far.

The 29-year-old Paris Saint-Germain forward showcased the lethal finishing which saw him win last year's Ballon d'Or as he netted three times in the space of 26 first-half minutes at the Gillette Stadium near Boston.

His goals, as well as a late Desire Doue header, allowed France to complete the first round with three wins out of three after earlier victories against Senegal and Iraq.

They progress to the last 32 as Group I winners, and there is clear evidence that France can be contenders to win the World Cup even if Kylian Mbappe is not scoring the goals.

"This is a unique and important moment for me. But I preferred how I played against Senegal or against Iraq," Dembele claimed.

"I think I was much more influential in those games, so I think we need to stay fully concentrated because we have important things ahead of us."

Dembele's focus was striking, almost as impressive as his finishing against Norway, as he scored only the fourth hat-trick by a France player at a World Cup.

Just Fontaine scored two during his incredible 1958 tournament, including four goals in the third-place play-off against West Germany.

Kylian Mbappe then netted an astonishing hat-trick in the 2022 final, which France lost on penalties to Lionel Messi's Argentina in Qatar.

It is easily forgotten now in the madness of that game, but Dembele was actually substituted before half-time with France trailing 2-0 and appearing listless.

He had played a key role on their run to the final, having also made four appearances as a 21-year-old during France's triumphant campaign in Russia in 2018.

Transformation

But he had never scored a World Cup goal before breaking his duck on his 13th tournament appearance, in last Monday's 3-0 win over Iraq on a stormy evening in Philadelphia.

Against Norway he displayed his ability to score with both feet, his first goal coming with his right, and his next two with his left.

Dembele's transformation from thrilling but injury-prone and sometimes wasteful winger -- as he so often was at Barcelona -- into Ballon d'Or winner, came after Luis Enrique moved him into a central attacking role early last season at PSG.

He went on to score 35 goals in all competitions as the Parisians won the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history.

The season that just finished saw the old injury worries reappear, and there was a falling out between PSG and the France team when he suffered a hamstring problem on international duty in September.

But PSG managed his fitness brilliantly.

He started only 11 Ligue 1 games, but was still named player of the year in the French top flight. And he scored seven goals in the last seven matches in the Champions League knockout stages as PSG retained their European title.

Now he is showing that France need not only rely on Mbappe, who netted a brace in each of France's first two games but did not score against the Norwegians.

"He had a great game. It's good for us. It's great to have a player like that who can make the difference," defender Maxence Lacroix said of Dembele.

His interchanging of positions with Michael Olise between the right wing and the number 10 role is proving a real headache for opponents, and France's attacking arsenal is frightening.

"Their front four is the best in the competition by far," said Norway coach Stale Solbakken.

Apart from Mbappe's strikes, France's other goals at this World Cup have all come from PSG players: Dembele, Doue and Bradley Barcola.

"That can only be positive," said assistant coach Guy Stephan, as France prepare to face a third-placed team in New Jersey in the last 32 next Tuesday.

"These are players who have not stopped winning things in the last two years. They can take players on, score goals, set up goals. It is a big plus for us."

AFP

The inclusion of Junior Springbok stars Jaco Williams, Vusi Moyo and Riley Norton in the Springbok squad is further proof that Rassie Erasmus has found the right balance between fast-tracking young talent and maintaining the world champions’ standards.

That is the view of former Springbok winger Breyton Paulse after the trio were named among six uncapped players ahead of next weekend’s Nations Championship opener against England at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

Alongside the talented youngsters, loose forward Paul de Villiers, lock Ruben van Heerden, and prop Carlu Sadie have also been selected as they all look to make their Test debuts for the world champions over the coming weeks.

Ahead of a demanding 2026 season, which got underway with last weekend’s friendly against the Barbarians, the Springboks are expected to hand opportunities to several new faces as Erasmus continues refining his squad ahead of the Greatest Rivalry Tour against New Zealand. The long-term objective remains building an experienced group capable of defending the Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027.

According to Paulse, it is encouraging to see talented youngsters being introduced into an established environment where they can develop without the pressure of carrying the team.

“They are coming into an extraordinary team environment, where they can settle themselves seamlessly and adapt to the culture of the Boks,” Paulse said.

“For youngsters like Vusi and Jaco, that is massive. When I was playing, something like that (selecting 20-year-old) wouldn’t just have happened. The guys would’ve said, ‘you are too young and have a lot to learn’. But there is nothing like that here.

“Rassie has struck a balance between fast-tracking young stars and giving them opportunities. He always comes with one or two surprises when it comes to his squads. I mean, who would’ve thought someone like Riley or the other youngsters would get a chance so early?”

Paulse believes the current Springbok environment allows emerging players to grow alongside some of the world’s best while ensuring sufficient depth to keep the team competitive over the next World Cup cycle.

What a gifted youngman,he grab his opportunity with both hands,we’re in good hands 🤝 https://t.co/QlurcnXN8M

— Breyton Paulse (@BreytonPaulse) June 22, 2026

The former Bok winger also singled out fetcher Paul de Villiers as another player who has impressed him this season.

The Stormers flanker has lit up the United Rugby Championship with his relentless work rate at the breakdown and outstanding ball-poaching ability. With Kwagga Smith sidelined by a long-term injury, De Villiers appears well-suited to fill Smith’s Bomb Squad role, having also made a strong impact off the bench after replacing captain Siya Kolisi against the Barbarians last Saturday.

“He has a massive engine on him and doesn’t stop at all. He reminds me of Deon Fourie quite a lot, his work ethic and work rate. He is like that proverbial annoying fly that just doesn’t stop.

“We are privileged to have a guy like him in the team. Let’s wait and see the other surprises Rassie springs on us going forward.”

Tayla Kavanagh has another chance to stamp her authority on the Spar Grand Prix after an eagerly anticipated rematch with Glenrose Xaba was denied by the weather.

Kavanagh stunned the three-time Spar Grand Prix champion in April, edging Xaba in a thrilling sprint finish to win the series opener in Cape Town and seize the early lead in the standings.

The pair were due to renew their rivalry at the Absa Run Your City Cape Town 10K the following month, but severe weather forced the cancellation of the event, delaying what many hoped would be the next chapter in one of the season's most compelling contests.

Instead, Kavanagh heads into Sunday's Spar Women's 10km Challenge Durban without her biggest rival on the start line. Xaba, the defending Durban champion, is competing in the US, leaving the Hollywood Athletics Club star with a golden opportunity to extend her advantage at the top of the Grand Prix standings.

The KwaZulu-Natal athlete has enjoyed an outstanding first half of the season, backing up her breakthrough road performances with success on both the track and the road.

The reigning national 10km champion swept to a memorable 5 000m and 10 000m double at the ASA Senior Track and Field Championships in Stellenbosch in April, becoming only the third South African woman to break the 15-minute barrier over 5 000m.

Victory on Sunday is far from guaranteed, however.

Kavanagh will be among a host of elite runners making the trip from Saturday's ASA Road Running Championships in Gqeberha, with Cacisile Sosibo, Karabo More, Karabo Mailula, Zanthe Taljaard, Carina Swiegers and Lizandre Mulder all expected to challenge for the title.

Sosibo, More and Kayla Jacobs are all within striking distance after collecting maximum bonus points at the Cape Town opener, while Ethiopian runner Selam Gebre returns to the series after missing the first race because of visa issues and will also be chasing a maximum haul in Durban.

With only the best four results from the five-race series counting towards the overall standings, athletes can afford to miss one event and still remain in contention for the R210 000 first prize, ensuring Sunday's race could prove pivotal in the title battle.

“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.”

This famous quote from South Africa’s first democratically elected President, Nelson Mandela, rang true once more on Thursday, June 25, 2026.

Just as it did on June 24, 1995, when the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup on home soil at Ellis Park.

Just as it did less than a year later, on February 3, 1996, when Bafana Bafana stormed to the Africa Cup of Nations title at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.

Bafana Bafana’s Historic 2026 World Cup: A New Chapter for South African Sport

Those early sporting triumphs in the infancy of a new South Africa helped shape a national mindset that, however briefly, a brighter future for the Rainbow Nation was indeed possible.

In the early hours of Thursday morning, the national mood once again felt reminiscent of those special days before the turn of the century. Bafana beat South Korea 1-0 in their final Fifa World Cup Group A match to book a place in the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time in their history.

To put the achievement into perspective, this is only South Africa’s fourth appearance at a Fifa World Cup. It is also the first time Bafana have qualified for the tournament since 2002, having gained automatic entry as hosts in 2010.

It has been 16 years since South Africa inspired the nation as hosts of the 2010 Fifa World Cup. Yet even then, advancing to the knockout stages proved a bridge too far, despite an unforgettable 2-1 victory over France.

What made this 2026 achievement even more special was the manner in which it unfolded. Bafana looked overawed in their opening match against co-hosts Mexico, slumping to a 2-0 defeat.

Even in their second group game against Czechia, which ended in a 1-1 draw, they offered precious little attacking threat.

But when Thapelo Maseko smashed the ball into the back of the net against South Korea on this historic day, those feelings of nostalgia came flooding back. It felt as though a new chapter of South African sporting history was being written.

And indeed, it was.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport

* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.

** JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Send us an email with your comments, thoughts or responses to iolletters@inl.co.za. Letters should be a maximum of 500 words, and may be edited for length. Anonymous correspondence will not be published. Submissions should include a contact number and physical address (not for publication).

Bafana Bafana are set to navigate unfamiliar territory when they face Fifa World Cup co-hosts Canada in their first-ever knockout stage match at Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday night (9pm kick-off).

While Canada might seem like a beatable opponent on paper, that is easier said than done. They will provide Hugo Broos’ men with a stern test if South Africa are to secure an unprecedented Round of 16 berth.

Independent Media football writer Mihlali Baleka looks at what Bafana must be wary of against the Canadians under the Hollywood spotlight.

Similar Debut Status

Canada are also making their debut in the World Cup knockout rounds. They previously qualified for the global showpiece in Qatar, and coincidentally 40 years ago in neighboring Mexico, who are one of this year’s co-hosts.

Spurred on by their co-host status, the Canadians are highly motivated to progress as far as possible in the tournament, especially against a South African side that has also never reached this stage before.

Canadian Fan Support

Although Canada is best known for ice hockey, football's popularity there is surging as they co-host the tournament, and the fans will be eager to get behind their team.

The Canadian national team might not be playing on home soil after failing to top their group, but distance won't matter. Their supporters will be ready to travel to Los Angeles to make their presence felt in the stands.

The Return of Davies

Alphonso Davies is set to return for this crucial clash after missing the group stage due to injury. His comeback is a massive boost for a defence that conceded three goals during the group stage.

The Bayern Munich talisman might be a left-back by trade, but he offers a massive threat in attack. He can glide past defenders down the flank and has an eye for goal, making him incredibly dangerous on the counter-attack.

Thapelo Maseko has been tipped to join an elite group of Bafana Bafana players who have scored more than one goal at a single Fifa World Cup tournament, as the national team looks to extend their historic run in North America.

Maseko was the hero on Thursday morning when Bafana progressed to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in history, scoring the only goal to defeat South Korea in their final group stage clash.

The 22-year-old had enjoyed an impressive tournament even before that. In Bafana's second Group A match, his pace and trickery in the final third won the penalty that salvaged a 1-1 draw against Czechia.

Given his form, Maseko is expected to start again when Bafana face tournament co-hosts Canada in the Round of 32 in Los Angeles on Sunday night (9pm kick-off). A win would secure an unprecedented Round of 16 berth under coach Hugo Broos.

Maseko will undoubtedly want to cap off the match with another goal to join Shaun Bartlett, who remains the only Bafana player to score more than once at a single World Cup following his brace against Saudi Arabia in 1998.

Legendary South African striker Siyabonga Nomvethe, who scored the winning goal against Slovenia in the 2002 World Cup, has encouraged Maseko to bring his scoring boots on Sunday and join Bartlett in the history books.

“It’s a pretty sight to see the young man scoring a goal. Everyone wants to score in the biggest football tournament in the world,” Nomvethe told Independent Media in an exclusive interview. “I think, above all, it will open more opportunities for him to move to greener pastures.

“I would encourage him to continue working hard. I hope he can also score in the next game; he’s a young talent who I hope keeps moving forward. He has shown that he has football in his veins. He can go far.”

⚽️ 𝔽𝕀𝔽𝔸 𝕎𝕠𝕣𝕝𝕕 ℂ𝕦𝕡 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟞 🏆

🥅 ⒼⓄⒶⓁ: Thapelo Maseko finally gets an opener for Bafana Bafana!

🇿🇦 1⃣➖0⃣ 🇰🇷

🚨 LIVE
📺 SABC 1 | SABC 3
🌐 https://t.co/26PdrPrnVE#SABCSportFootball #FIFAWorldCup #AllOfUsAllInKaofela pic.twitter.com/aTGss0qO7s

— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) June 25, 2026

While Canada may present a tough challenge on paper, the co-hosts will also be brimming with confidence, lifted by their home advantage and vocal crowd support.

Furthermore, Canada are set to welcome back captain Alphonso Davies, who missed the group stage through injury. However, Thabo September – Maseko’s former reserve team coach at SuperSport United – is confident the winger will give the Canadian star plenty to think about.

“Canada might have Alphonso Davies back for the game against South Africa, but Thapelo is a very good player,” September also told Independent Media. “On his day, when he's on song, he’s a top player who can take on anyone.

“The match we just played against South Korea was the biggest of these players' careers so far, but the next game will always be bigger the further they progress. Facing Canada, expectations will be high, but I think he’s going to shine.

“A lot of people, even our own country's fans, had already written South Africa off, but I think he can produce magic when his back is against the wall. That’s what great players do.”

While Maseko is currently Bafana’s most dangerous attacking threat, his game isn't flawless. He missed a few clear-cut chances against South Korea and was occasionally guilty of being selfish on the ball. Nonetheless, September believes the youngster will mature.

“Knowing Thapelo, he learns from every single game,” September added. “Being around experienced players like Themba Zwane, Teboho Mokoena, and Relebohile Mofokeng will help him grow into a great player for both club and country.”

The question every South African is asking right now is simple: Can Bafana Bafana beat Canada in their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash on Sunday?

Depending on who you ask, you’ll probably get a different — and often emotional — answer.

If you ask me, I’d say we have no chance.

Just kidding. I think we can do it.

AI Predictions: Bafana Bafana’s Chances Against Canada in FIFA World Cup Round of 32

But the point of this story is to look for a more clinical, data-driven assessment.

So I turned to AI.

I asked both ChatGPT and Google Gemini the same question:

“What chance does Bafana Bafana have of beating Canada in their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match on Sunday?”

The responses were quite different.

ChatGPT estimated Bafana’s chances of winning in normal time at 30%, gave Canada a 50% chance, and assessed a 20% probability that the match would go to extra time and penalties.

Gemini, meanwhile, declined to attach a percentage to the outcome.

Instead, it concluded: “While the bookmakers and rankings might technically label South Africa the underdogs, the reality on the pitch shows that Bafana Bafana have a very realistic, fighting chance of progressing to the Round of 16.”

ChatGPT also pointed to South Africa’s improvement as the tournament has progressed, noting that Bafana looked vulnerable defensively in their 2-0 defeat to Mexico before producing much more disciplined displays against Czechia and, most notably, South Korea.

Gemini also highlighted the confidence Bafana will have gained from their historic victory over South Korea.

It added: “If Bafana can replicate the organised, fearless defensive display they showed against South Korea and catch Canada on the counter-attack, they have every chance of writing another Hollywood script in LA.”

Whichever AI model you prefer, both agree on one thing: Bafana Bafana have more than just a puncher’s chance of making even more World Cup history.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport

There has been some conjecture that the All Blacks’ midweek games during the Greatest Rivalry Tour could lack fizz because so many players will be away on Springbok duty, but Sharks coach JP Pietersen thinks the opposite.

The All Blacks play the Stormers on August 7, the Sharks on the 11th, the Bulls on the 15th, and the Lions on August 25.

Pietersen played 10 matches against the All Blacks in his 70 Tests for the Springboks, and played innumerable Super Rugby matches against the Crusaders, Blues, Highlanders, and Chiefs.

Pietersen says the rich interaction with New Zealanders made him a better player. He adds that the rarity and novelty of the upcoming midweek games will make them thrilling for the non-Springbok players — since South Africa split from Super Rugby in September 2020, the only interaction with the Kiwis has been at Springbok level in the Rugby Championship.

“It is unfortunate in a way that our players are disconnected from New Zealand and Australia at franchise level,” he said. “We don’t watch that much Super Rugby as we used to because we are focused on the European side. It will be awesome to see our young talent playing against New Zealand. It will be exciting to see what we can do against such classy players.

“To use an example, a guy like Jurenzo Julius is up to about 50 career games but has only come across New Zealanders in the Under-20 Championships. Many of our players have never played against a New Zealander.

“When I played for the Sharks, week in week out, I was playing against All Blacks players, testing myself and being forced to improve.”

Pietersen said the South African teams benefited from playing the top-quality Kiwi opposition.

“If it were not for the All Blacks, the Springboks would never have improved to the level we got to.

“Every week for our Super Rugby teams, it felt like you were playing a Test match. Most of the time, I was up against an international wing.”

Pietersen laughs off the suggestion that the All Blacks are on the wane.

“New Zealand rugby has gone through a bit of a dip. Some people think they are not that great, but they will be back stronger than ever. Anyone who has experienced their rugby culture knows that. They are a small but proud country with a rich rugby history.”

With the All Blacks' visit to Durban in mind, the Sharks have begun their pre-season early.

“It is a funny game in that it is in the middle of our pre-season,” Pietersen said. “That is why we started early (the Sharks had five weeks off after their season ended against Zebre on May 16). We want to be ready for the All Blacks. We want to give them a good game.

“It will be wonderful for our guys to face the haka. It is beautiful to have the All Blacks in Durban after such a long time. It will be a fantastic occasion, and we are super excited to host them.”

Thomas “The Tank" du Toit is still en route, but the rest of the Sharks’ new signings have begun pre-season training under coach JP Pietersen, with the first team goal a historic match against the All Blacks on August 11, followed by the United Rugby Championship kick-off against the Ospreys on September 26.

It is interesting to see the profile of the incoming players — they are mostly seasoned professionals returning from long stints overseas, and players that will be available for the Sharks throughout the season.

This indicates a positive change in recruiting focus because the Sharks have been hampered in the past by the loss of a swathe of Springboks for long periods of the URC.

Du Toit is the obvious exception — he has enjoyed vast success at Bath in the English Premiership over the last three years, and during this time has advanced from a fringe Springbok to a first-choice prop who can play both sides of the scrum.

Already sweating in Durban is the former Springbok scrumhalf Ivan van Zyl, who grew enormously as a player at Saracens and has drawn rave reviews from Springbok great Fourie du Preez.

He is the obvious replacement for the Japan-bound Grant Williams.

The Sharks have granted Aphelele Fassi a one-year sabbatical in Japan. This type of “working vacation” is a growing custom for southern hemisphere players. It is a long-established trend in New Zealand and Australia, while in South Africa, Marcell Coetzee, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Lukhanyo Am, and Makazole Mapimpi are examples of players who have been “loaned” to Japanese clubs.

Those players have all said that they returned to their South African clubs as better players for the exposure to players and coaches from all over the world.

The Sharks said in a statement: “As part of Aphelele Fassi’s renewed contract with the Sharks, he will take up an exciting opportunity in Japan for the 2026/27 season following the conclusion of his Springbok commitments.”

Fassie was talent-spotted by the Sharks when he was playing for Dale College at the Kearsney Easter Festival in Durban in 2017. He has been at Kings Park ever since.

“Having grown through the Sharks system since joining out of school in 2018, Aphelele has become a proud product of the Sharks family. This opportunity will allow him to experience a new rugby environment, embrace a different culture, and continue growing both on and off the field.

“We look forward to welcoming him back home in July 2027.”

Coach JP Pietersen told Independent Media on Thursday that Van Zyl and his fellow newcomers had settled in well at training.

“Hendre Stassen has joined us from Brive. He is a big boy who is a lock that can also play loose forward. We are excited to have him,” Pietersen said of the 28-year-old former Junior Springbok.

“Nemo Roelefse is a prop from Perpignan. He has spent 10 years in France, so he is highly experienced.

“Gianni Lombard has joined us from the Lions and plays flyhalf and fullback. Also in the backline, (centre) Murray Koster is back with us after two seasons in Japan, and Blitzbok Donovan Don joins us from Boland,” Pietersen said.

Koster was one of the star players in Sean Everitt’s all-conquering Sharks Under-19 team of 2018.

Veteran lock Stephan Lewies is another returning to Kings Park. He earned a Test cap for the Springboks during a long tenure in Durban (2014-2018) before enjoying a stellar career with Harlequins in London.

“I am thrilled that (Junior Springbok hooker) Siphosethu Mnebelele is joining us after the Under-20 World Championships,” Pietersen added. “I travelled to Joburg to watch him as a schoolboy at the KES Festival. I loved what I saw and jumped at the chance to sign him.”

Tazmin Brits insists the Proteas Women will not become distracted by net run-rate permutations after her magnificent unbeaten century breathed fresh life into South Africa's ICC Women's T20 World Cup semi-final hopes.

Brits struck a career-best 114 not out as South Africa thrashed the Netherlands by 88 runs in Bristol, lifting the Proteas level with India on six points in Group 1.

However, India hold a superior net run rate after comprehensive wins over Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Netherlands, leaving South Africa with little margin for error. The Proteas must beat Bangladesh on Sunday and could yet find themselves relying on Australia's clash with India rather than the calculator.

Tazmin Brits, You Beauty!! 😮‍💨

A night of pure dominance from Tazmin Brits as she produced a breathtaking Player of the Match performance, registering her maiden T20I century in spectacular fashion. 💯🇿🇦#Unbreakable #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/HPhS2fQ8Dk

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) June 25, 2026

"We're just going to go out there and try and win that game," Brits said. "We're not going to get into the run rates and stuff. We'll just show up."

The opener admitted Thursday's innings was driven by a determination to respond after South Africa's narrow victory over India, where she felt she had not made the impact she wanted despite the team's success. Her century opening stand with skipper Laura Wolvaardt, followed by a quickfire partnership with Annerie Dercksen, laid the platform for the convincing victory over the Dutch.

"That was a must-win game for us," Brits said. "I do feel that I may let the team down a bit in the powerplay there, so today I just wanted to show a bit more intent, which Wolfie and I definitely did."

Brits revealed head coach Mandla Mashimbyi's message before the match was simple: trust her ability and play with greater attacking intent.

"He knows what I'm capable of doing. I must just show him more intent," she said. "After the second drinks break he came in and said, 'sixes need to fly'." 

The advice paid off as Brits reached South Africa's first century of the tournament and helped propel the Proteas to 208, a total that ultimately proved far beyond the Netherlands.

"I always believe in myself," she said. "I always like to think that somewhere along the line I'll be able to help this team win a World Cup. I'm glad I could get that hundred and help us get to 200."

Despite posting her highest individual T20I score, Brits said personal milestones mean little if they do not help the team achieve their ultimate goal.

"It's a nice achievement, but at the end of the day I just want us to win the World Cup. If I can contribute in any sense, I'm all in."

Attention now turns to Sunday's showdown with Bangladesh (11am SA time) before the Proteas cast one eye on the outcome of Australia's clash with India at Lord's later that day.

Asked whether she would become an honorary Australian supporter for the afternoon, Brits laughed: "Indeed."

The fact that Bafana Bafana have made it through to the knockout stages of the Fifa World Cup for the first time in their history is monumental, and much of the credit has to go to coach Hugo Broos.

This World Cup marked the first time Bafana had qualified for the tournament since the 2002 edition, having gained automatic entry as hosts in 2010.

The major achievement, therefore, was simply qualifying again for football’s biggest showpiece.

However, once the tournament rolled around, expectations quickly grew.

Bafana Bafana’s Journey: From Opening Loss to World Cup Round of 32 Triumph

Those lofty ambitions came crashing back down to earth after an opening 2-0 loss to co-hosts Mexico on June 11.

Bafana conceded inside the first 10 minutes and looked utterly toothless in attack.

On June 18, they again appeared short of creativity and cutting edge against Czech Republic, although they managed to secure a crucial 1-1 draw thanks to a late penalty from Teboho Mokoena.

It was then time to face a dangerous South Korea side on Thursday. Despite seeing just 31% of the possession, Bafana looked revitalised in attack.

They fired off 14 shots at goal and were finally rewarded when Thapelo Maseko broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute. That proved enough to secure a 1-0 victory and book their place in the Round of 32 in this expanded 48-team World Cup.

The last time Bafana experienced anything close to this level of excitement and euphoria was back in 1996 when they won the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations.

I watched that triumph as a wide-eyed 10-year-old sports-loving boy. Thirty years later, the cynicism of a grumpy 40-year-old has, at least for now, been replaced by optimism about South African football once again.

And if Bafana keep making history, don’t be surprised if the calls of “Watch out Cyril, Hugo Broos for president” only grow louder.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport

* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.

** JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Send us an email with your comments, thoughts or responses to iolletters@inl.co.za. Letters should be a maximum of 500 words, and may be edited for length. Anonymous correspondence will not be published. Submissions should include a contact number and physical address (not for publication).

Proteas fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has put country before franchise cricket after rejigging his playing commitments ahead of South Africa’s new season.

Ngidi has opted out of Major League Cricket (MLC) to focus on his fitness and ensure he is fully prepared for a demanding international schedule.

The Proteas quick comes off a busy campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he played 12 matches for the Delhi Capitals.

With South Africa set to face Australia, Bangladesh and England during the upcoming season, the onus will be on Ngidi to be firing on all cylinders.

Ngidi Prioritises South Africa with Crucial Break After IPL

“The main thing is that if you look at it, since the WTC [World Test Championship], I haven’t had a break from cricket until now. So if I continue to just play through, I’d basically be playing two seasons in a row with no break,” Ngidi told SportsBoom.

“I think with our medical team, the conversation was about what is best for me in terms of my body and making sure that, because we know how important the summer is, we take the best course of action leading up to that.”

Ngidi said the decision ultimately came down to prioritising South Africa.

“So it was a case of asking where I could possibly get a break. Even if that meant making the sacrifice of not playing a league, what is my priority? My priority is always playing for South Africa.

“So making that decision was never easy, but it had to be made. After the IPL, this would have been the only little break that I could get.

“Just to get away from the game, recharge and then have a proper conditioning block. I’ve got about 12 weeks now to work in preparation for the summer.

“As a cricketer and as a professional, I think it was the right decision to make. It was hard to make, but it wasn’t something I spent very long thinking about because I knew what was coming.”

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport

“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.”

This famous quote from South Africa’s first democratically elected President, Nelson Mandela, rang true once more on Thursday, June 25, 2026.

Just as it did on June 24, 1995, when the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup on home soil at Ellis Park.

Just as it did less than a year later, on February 3, 1996, when Bafana Bafana stormed to the Africa Cup of Nations title at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.

Bafana Bafana’s Historic 2026 World Cup: A New Chapter for South African Sport

Those early sporting triumphs in the infancy of a new South Africa helped shape a national mindset that, however briefly, a brighter future for the Rainbow Nation was indeed possible.

In the early hours of Thursday morning, the national mood once again felt reminiscent of those special days before the turn of the century. Bafana beat South Korea 1-0 in their final Fifa World Cup Group A match to book a place in the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time in their history.

To put the achievement into perspective, this is only South Africa’s fourth appearance at a Fifa World Cup. It is also the first time Bafana have qualified for the tournament since 2002, having gained automatic entry as hosts in 2010.

It has been 16 years since South Africa inspired the nation as hosts of the 2010 Fifa World Cup. Yet even then, advancing to the knockout stages proved a bridge too far, despite an unforgettable 2-1 victory over France.

What made this 2026 achievement even more special was the manner in which it unfolded. Bafana looked overawed in their opening match against co-hosts Mexico, slumping to a 2-0 defeat.

Even in their second group game against Czechia, which ended in a 1-1 draw, they offered precious little attacking threat.

But when Thapelo Maseko smashed the ball into the back of the net against South Korea on this historic day, those feelings of nostalgia came flooding back. It felt as though a new chapter of South African sporting history was being written.

And indeed, it was.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport

* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.

** JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Send us an email with your comments, thoughts or responses to iolletters@inl.co.za. Letters should be a maximum of 500 words, and may be edited for length. Anonymous correspondence will not be published. Submissions should include a contact number and physical address (not for publication).

Last month I tried on the new Bafana Bafana FIFA World Cup jersey, and while it’s a great kit to add to your wardrobe, the R1,599 price tag is a tad heavy.

That was also the case for me, as I just couldn’t add that to my monthly budget, so it was with heavy heart that I had to put the official jersey back on the hanger.

Then the other day, I was walking past Mr Price home when something caught my eye in the shop window.

It was a supporters replica of the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations Bafana jersey.

The 1996 Bafana Bafana Jersey: A Nostalgic Favourite with Iconic Design and Affordable Price

That jersey has always been a favourite of mine and many supporters, not just for the nostalgia but because that was the most successful Bafana side ever as they were crowned champions of Africa.

This jersey features that iconic colour theme of white, black and gold with horizontal patterns.

What was even better was the price. At R299, this is just a fraction of the price of the 2026 official supporters jersey.

Even if you don’t like this specific ’96 themed jersey, there were other Bafana designs in store - with the bright yellow and gold versions also available.

For me though, the 96 edition really stood out and though I’m yet to actually purchase this one, I definitely think I will as soon as my debits for the month have gone off.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport

Now that Bafana Bafana are through to the knockout stages of a FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history, it’s time to shore up their defence, according to Florent Malouda.

The former France and Chelsea star was concerned by the defensive lapses Bafana showed in their opening two matches.

South Africa conceded inside the first 10 minutes against both Mexico and Czechia.

Against Mexico, it resulted in a 2-0 defeat, while against Czechia, Bafana fought back to rescue a crucial point with a late equaliser.

South Africa’s Defensive Improvements and Upcoming Clash Against Canada in World Cup Knockout Stages

“To go through, South Africa had to fix their defensive balance. Before the South Korea game they had been exposed every time there was a high tempo in the game. There were a lot of defensive tactical mistakes that were costly, including disciplinary mistakes,” Malouda said while speaking to BoyleSports, who offer the latest World Cup odds.

“Offensively, South Africa showed across the three games that they can create chances and are very interesting to watch because they have raw talent and the ability to produce something out of nothing.

“If you do have disciplinary issues, you start the game with a disadvantage, and this is what they have to remember going into the knockout stages.”

South Africa defied the odds to keep a dangerous South Korea side at bay, securing a historic 1-0 victory to finish second in Group A. The result also spared Bafana the anxious wait to see whether they would qualify as one of the eight best third-placed teams across the tournament’s 12 groups.

Bafana will now face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on Sunday evening, with kick-off at 9pm SA time.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport

By putting South Korea to the sword in Monterrey via a moment of magic from Thapelo Maseko, Bafana Bafana have booked their place in the FIFA World Cup round of 32 for the first time in history.

But as the frantic celebrations across the streets of Mzansi settle, the harsh reality of the global showpiece confronts the nation: the job is far from done. South Africa is now daring to dream, scanning the tournament bracket to see just how far this historic narrative can go.

Here is the monumental permutation of Bafana Bafana’s potential road to the ultimate prize — the World Cup Final.

The Round of 32: The Canadian Hurdle

• Opponent: Canada

• Venue: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles

• Time: 9pm (SA time)

Having qualified from the group stage, South Africa’s immediate reward is a high-stakes date with tournament co-hosts Canada. Broos knows better than anyone that playing a host nation on their own continent is a psychological mountain to climb.

The Canadians will bring plenty of Major League Soccer-fueled athleticism, but Bafana's immense tactical discipline against South Korea showed they can withstand sustained pressure before striking like a viper. If Maseko, Tshepang Moremi, and Relebohile Mofokeng can duplicate their Monterrey masterclass, a spot in the last 16 is well within reach.

The Round of 16: An African Derby or a Dutch Masterclass

Should Bafana navigate past the Maple Leafs, the tournament reaches a definitive boiling point. The bracket reveals that the round of 16 will present one of two mouth-watering blockbusters: the Netherlands or Morocco.

A tie against the Dutch would represent a high-level tactical chess match against European footballing royalty. Conversely, a knockout rematch against the Atlas Lions would be an all-African epic dripping in continental pride and recent Africa Cup of Nations nostalgia.

The Quarter-Finals: Defying the Global Elite

If South Africa breaks into the final eight, they will enter the absolute stratosphere of African football lore. The potential heavyweights waiting in the wings at this stage are truly daunting.

Bafana would collide with the survivor of Germany vs Paraguay or France vs Sweden. Surviving the machine-like discipline of the Germans or the sheer individual brilliance of the star-studded French squad would require another inspired, career-defining performance from captain Ronwen Williams between the sticks.

The Semi-Finals & The Final: Immortality

Reaching the semi-finals means you are just two matches away from footballing immortality. Ahead of the final group stage conclusions, Bafana’s potential grid of opponents features fascinating survival blocks: Portugal vs Ghana, Spain vs Austria, USA vs Bosnia-Herzegovina, or Egypt vs South Korea.

Clear that final hurdle, and the ultimate dream awaits on 19 July 2026 at MetLife Stadium in New York, where the likes of Brazil, Argentina, or England will likely wait in ambush.

Hugo Broos has already delivered a historic masterstroke, but this team clearly did not pack their bags just to make up the numbers. If they continue to fight for the badge with the same grit they displayed in Mexico, who is to say where the ceiling is?

In international football, structure wins matches — but emotion fuels legacies. And for Bafana Bafana, emotion is now driving everything.

Following their historic, qualification-sealing victory over South Korea, head coach Hugo Broos reaffirmed that this FIFA World Cup represents the final chapter of his illustrious coaching career. It was a brief, quiet moment in the post-match press conference, but one that instantly reshaped the emotional weight of South Africa’s entire tournament campaign.

What was already a fiercely unified squad has now become something far more intense: a group playing not just for knockout progression, but for a lasting legacy.

Broos has spent five years rebuilding Bafana Bafana from a state of chronic instability into a model of modern footballing structure. The veteran Belgian has demanded discipline, restored accountability, and systematically reshaped belief in a national team long defined by frustrating inconsistency.

Now, his players appear fiercely determined to repay that transformation in the most meaningful way possible.

Following the final whistle against South Korea, the team's captain and goalkeeper openly stated that the Belgian manager deserved a statue in South Africa for everything he has achieved with the group. None of this mutual adoration is accidental — it is the direct product of a system built on absolute tactical clarity and mutual expectation.

Adding another profound layer to this mission is the timely return of midfield maestro Teboho Mokoena from suspension. As one of Broos’ most trusted lieutenants, his presence is vital at a time when tactical control and engine-room leadership are essential. However, his return is more than just tactical; it is symbolic of continuity and absolute trust in this five-year project.

"He deserves a statue!" 🇿🇦

South Africa's goalkeeper Ronwen Williams dedicated their win to manager Hugo Broos after reaching the knockout stages of a World Cup for the first time ❤️ pic.twitter.com/KpaHGYCYFF

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 25, 2026

Inside the dressing room, a potent "us-against-the-world" mentality has become the psychological foundation of their tournament identity, transforming external doubt into internal fuel. Broos’ post-match comments reflected that exact mindset.

He did not speak only of structures or results; he spoke of personal growth, the journey, and intense pride — of half a decade of work that now feels completely validated on the grandest stage of all.

This profound validation has shifted the responsibility squarely onto the players. This is no longer just about survival or navigating a tricky round of 16 tie. It is about extending a story that feels deeply personal to every member of the squad, and especially to the coach leading them.

In knockout football, emotional unity often becomes the ultimate margin between a premature exit and tournament survival. Teams that believe together tend to suffer and overcome together. Bafana Bafana now fit that mould completely — making them an incredibly dangerous proposition for anyone left in the draw.

Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams had to cope with the devastating loss of his grandmother while representing South Africa at the FIFA World Cup.

The Mamelodi Sundowns star received the news just hours before Bafana’s Group A clash against Czechia in Atlanta on June 18, according to former South Africa captain Doctor Khumalo.

Despite the emotional blow, Adams took to the field as Bafana fought back to earn a crucial 1-1 draw through a Teboho Mokoena penalty seven minutes from time.

That point kept South Africa’s World Cup hopes alive, setting up a decisive final group match against South Korea.

Bafana’s Historic Victory and Potential Player Transfers

Bafana seized the opportunity in spectacular fashion, pulling off a shock victory to finish second in Group A and book a historic Round of 32 clash against co-hosts Canada on Sunday.

Khumalo, who rates Adams highly, said the midfielder showed remarkable professionalism under incredibly difficult circumstances.

“Against Czechia, he [Adams] had a very serious problem. His grandmother passed away and he received the news just hours before the game," said Khumalo via 10bet.

“Maybe that was a reason why he was substituted. But he has worked very hard to command that position in the final squad and also in the Mamelodi Sundowns team.”

Khumalo also believes Adams has done enough at the World Cup to attract interest from clubs overseas.

He added that Orlando Pirates youngster Tshepang Moremi could also earn a move abroad following his performances for Bafana.

“And then we also have Tshepang Moremi who plays for Orlando Pirates, a young boy that played for a team that is called AmaZulu here in South Africa [in] KZN and Pirates bought him from AmaZulu. And again, this is one of the youngsters that I strongly believe has the potential to be scouted to play overseas.”

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport

Veteran manager Herve Renard insists he has no regrets about taking on the job as Tunisia's emergency head coach at the FIFA World Cup, despite the North African nation's catastrophic campaign.

Tunisia were beaten 3-1 by the Netherlands in Kansas City on Thursday, following a heavy 5-1 defeat against Sweden and a 4-0 reverse against Japan to finish dead bottom of Group F. The much-travelled French tactician was hired just last week after Sabri Lamouchi was dismissed following their opening-day loss, but he was ultimately powerless to stop the structural rot.

Speaking after the defeat against the Dutch, the 57-year-old delivered a characteristically frank assessment of Tunisia's lack of quality on the global stage.

"We were not at the level for this World Cup," Renard admitted. "This is clear. There is no discussion. It's a massive tournament with very good teams, especially in this group. It was a very tough group. Now, the Tunisian federation needs to sit down and analyse everything."

The former Africa Cup of Nations-winning manager said he had "absolutely" no misgivings about accepting the high-stakes role despite the team's swift collapse.

"I have already spoken to the players and I thanked them," he said. "It wasn't easy. We have the feeling that football is easy when you're a player. But when you're in this type of psychological situation, it's not easy to handle the final matches, especially when it's against a very strong team in an amazing stadium packed with orange. So it was a difficult moment."

Tunisia had previously romped through African World Cup qualifying unbeaten, without conceding a single goal. However, they crashed out prematurely in the round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, and their build-up to this World Cup had been deeply fractured.

Renard, who has managed a host of African national teams throughout his career, remained entirely non-committal over his long-term future with the Carthage Eagles.

"The federation called me for a very short mission," he noted. "We agreed on that deal, and rather than stay on my couch watching this amazing tournament from far away, I thought, 'Well, you know, I've got nothing to lose'."

AFP

Former Senegal star Henri Camara believes an African nation can go all the way to the FIFA World Cup final.

The 49-year-old was part of the Senegal side that reached the quarter-finals at the 2002 World Cup, a run that remains one of African football’s greatest achievements on the global stage.

Despite still having work to do to reach the Round of 32, Senegal remain in contention to qualify as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.

On Friday evening, Senegal take on Iraq, with both sides heading into the clash after losing their opening two matches.

Camara Believes Senegal Can Achieve World Cup Glory Despite 2026 Uncertainty

Camara admitted 2026 may not be the year Senegal make history, but believes the country has too much talent to rule out another memorable run.

“I would love Senegal to be the first African nation to win the World Cup and I think we will be one day. I don’t know if it will be this year, but I’d like us to finish in the last four, to reach the semi-finals,” Camara told IOL via Parimatch.

“With the players we have, I think Senegal can go far. That said, what Morocco showed against Brazil was very strong. I think Morocco will also be there in the later stages.

“We’ll see which teams reach the final, but I’d like to see an African team get there this year.”

South Africa, meanwhile, have already made history by reaching the World Cup knockout stages for the first time and will look to keep the continent’s hopes alive when they face Canada in their Round of 32 clash at Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport

Bafana Bafana have already exceeded expectations by reaching the knockout stages of a FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history. Now South Africans are asking one question: Can they actually beat Canada?

Bafana face World Cup co-hosts Canada in their Round of 32 clash at Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday.

On paper, Canada are clear favourites. They are ranked 32nd in the world, with Bafana sitting 22 places lower in 54th.

But football matches are not won on paper. Here are five ways Bafana can pull off another famous upset.

Belief

Mindset could be the biggest factor for Hugo Broos and his players.

Few gave Bafana a realistic chance of finishing in the top two of their group. Most believed their best hope was squeezing through as one of the best third-placed teams under the expanded World Cup format.

Instead, they stunned South Korea to qualify automatically for the knockout rounds. That result should give Bafana enormous confidence. Incidentally, South Korea are now one place above Canada in the FIFA rankings, so there is every reason for Bafana to believe they can produce another upset.

Tighten up the defence

Against both Mexico and Czechia, Bafana conceded inside the opening 10 minutes.

Although they kept South Korea scoreless in a historic 1-0 victory, South Africa have had significantly less possession in all three of their group matches.

If that trend continues against Canada, defensive concentration will be even more important.

Against Mexico, a misplaced pass from goalkeeper Ronwen Williams gifted the hosts the opening goal. Against Czechia, Bafana were caught out by a quick attacking move that left Williams with virtually no chance of making the save.

It’s also about confidence. There are times when Bafana should resist the temptation to play intricate passes out from the back. Sometimes the smarter option is simply to clear their lines and regroup.

Trust the young stars

This appeared to make a difference against South Korea.

The 21-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng made his first World Cup start and, although he didn’t produce his very best football, the Orlando Pirates star showed glimpses of his immense talent. He is only likely to improve with every opportunity.

Another player who could be crucial is Jayden Adams. At 25, he brings energy and creativity to midfield. Although Broos is unlikely to start Adams and Mofokeng together, the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder could provide the spark Bafana need going forward if called upon.

Stick to the familiar formation

For the first time since Broos took charge, Bafana lined up in a 5-3-2 formation against Mexico.

The experiment proved costly. Simply adding more defenders does not necessarily make a team more solid defensively.

Since then, Broos has reverted to his trusted 4-3-3 system, and the team has looked far more comfortable. The players understand their roles in this formation, and familiarity breeds confidence.

Frustrate Canada and strike on the counter

One of Bafana’s greatest strengths is their ability to launch dangerous attacks from seemingly nothing.

If they can enjoy longer spells of possession in midfield, they may force Canada to become impatient, commit more players forward and leave gaps at the back.

As the game wears on, those spaces could become even bigger.

That’s when Bafana can unleash the pace and creativity of Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster to devastating effect.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport

The Stormers are continuing to build towards their ambitious Project 2029 target, securing another crop of the country’s top schoolboy talent for the Stormers Rugby Institute in Stellenbosch ahead of the 2027 season.

The institute, which was revived earlier this year, has already shown its value as a key part of the franchises’ long-term player development strategy. Five players from the 2026 intake were named in the Junior Springbok squad for the Junior World Championship, highlighting the pathway from the institute to the professional ranks.

One of those success stories is Markus Muller, one of the 12 players currently based at the institute. The talented centre made his Stormers debut against the Glasgow Warriors in April this year before earning a call-up to the Springbok squad and representing South Africa ‘A’ against Zimbabwe in Gqeberha last weekend.

The 2027 intake features 13 highly rated youngsters, several of whom have already represented South Africa at school level.

Oakdale loose forward Jacobus de Villiers, younger brother of Stormers flanker and current Springbok squad member Paul de Villiers, and Grey College fullback Lamla Mgedezi both played for the SA Schools side in 2025, and they will be looking to retain their places this year.

Five more players have SA Schools A experience.

Our institute will be stacked next year! 13 top players commit their futures to our club.

👀 Full story here https://t.co/UeAU3qsN9V#inittogether pic.twitter.com/AitblzOILV

— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) June 25, 2026

Paarl Gim scrumhalf Mickyle Booise is joined by schoolmates Hendre van Zyl, Ethan Barker and Bernhardt Schulze after committing their futures to the Stormers, while Stellenberg pair Juvan Burden and Ethan van Biljon will continue their development in Stellenbosch.

Oakdale will have three representatives at the institute next year, with De Villiers joined by loosehead prop Kyle Burger and hooker Adrian Smith. Paul Roos captain Tiaan Basson, Wynberg Boys flyhalf Achmat Behardien and Northwood wing Anesu Kuzonyei complete the intake, with Kuzonyei and Mgedezi the only players schooled outside the Western Cape.

Stormers director of rugby John Dobson believes the latest intake is another important step in their long-term vision.

The future of DHL Stormers looks bright... pic.twitter.com/eSbDYtgc21

— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) June 16, 2026

“We’ve already seen the impact that the revival of the institute has had this year and once again, we have been able to attract the cream of the crop for 2027,” he said.

“This is a crucial building block in Project 2029, and we are very excited to see how these players develop and come through our system. There is so much talent in this region, and we have carefully selected this group, so we have full faith in these players who have decided to start their professional journey with us.

“We have also made some tactical acquisitions from outside of the Western Cape as we plan for the future and look to build a squad profile to help us compete with the best in the world and sustain the highest standards across the board.”

If the UEFA Champions League season proved anything, it’s that football fans struggle to stay quiet when the stakes are high.

Not even Heineken’s whispering commentator could change that. Proof that football passion can’t be silenced.

At the heart of Heineken South Africa's UEFA Champions League activity this season was Whisper Mode, a playful activation created in partnership with SuperSport. The campaign delivered what became known as the loudest silence in South African sports history.

Voiced by Lemi Loco and available through SuperSport’s language settings, the “Whispering Commentator” offered fans a quieter way to follow the action, even if their reactions were anything but.

It’s a scene many football fans know well: keeping the volume down during a late-night match, while every goal, near miss or controversial decision makes that increasingly difficult. Whisper Mode helped soften the commentary, but the emotion of the game quickly took over.

“Whisper Mode came from a simple insight into how fans actually experience football,” says Warrick Wyngaard, Marketing Communication Manager at Heineken South Africa. “UEFA Champions League matches come alive at night – when the lights go on, the stakes feel higher, and the whole world leans in.

"It’s in those moments that football becomes emotional and deeply immersive. We wanted to reflect that distinct night-time intensity in a way that feels engaging, playful and true to how fans experience the game.”

The activation formed part of Heineken’s broader Fans Have More Friends platform, which highlights the connections that often form around the game and the friendships that grow out of it.

That idea was present from the start of the campaign. In January, Heineken House Fan Edition brought hundreds of supporters together to watch all 18 UEFA Champions League fixtures from a single round in one night. What is typically a solitary, late-night viewing habit became something more social, with fans sharing the experience, debating big moments and following the night’s drama together.

The season came to a close at the Heineken House Finals screening on 30 May, hosted by sport enthusiast Robert Marawa. Blending football with entertainment, the event featured performances from some of the five iconic stars in the music industry, including Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, Lamiez Holworthy, Kelvin Momo and Mafikizolo, among others, creating a fitting backdrop to the final match.

While each moment took a different form, they all pointed to the same thing: football has a way of bringing people together in a way few other experiences can.

Whether fans were at Heineken House, following the semi-finals through Whisper Mode, or reacting to a last-minute goal from their living room couches, the season once again showed how naturally the game connects people.

Whisper Mode may have lowered the volume, but it also underscored something fans already know, the game’s biggest moments are rarely experienced alone.

A year ago, Junior Springbok prop Rambo Kubheka would never have imagined he would be leading the South African U20 side in their opening match of the Junior World Championship.

However, in his second campaign, the youngster will have the privilege of captaining the reigning champions in their opening clash against Uruguay (6.30pm kick-off) on Saturday in Tbilisi, Georgia, as they look to start their title defence with a strong performance.

Kubheka was part of the winning squad under head coach Kevin Foote last year and, as one of the returning players, has a big role to play. Squad skipper Siphosethu Mnebelele starts on the bench, while regular captain Riley Norton is with the senior Springbok side. As a result, Foote handed the captaincy to the loosehead prop.

“It’s a blessing for me and such a great honour,” Kubheka said of his role as captain.

“If someone had told me a year ago that I would be leading the team as captain in our first match, honestly, I would have thought it was a joke.”

Although the Junior Boks are the defending champions, they are not resting on their laurels. Foote has indicated he will rotate his squad across the three pool matches, with Georgia and Wales still to come over the next fortnight.

Rambo Kubheka on leading the #JuniorBoks tomorrow: “It’s a blessing for me and such a great honour” - more here: https://t.co/Jvf7smPCX7 🤝#JourneyToGreatness pic.twitter.com/gDJ0EmazRW

— SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) June 26, 2026

Kubheka warned that the team cannot dwell on past achievements and must start from scratch if they are to retain their crown.

“We are going in with our own goals. We are not dwelling on past achievements. Everyone is very keen to start the tournament with a clean slate. As leaders, we want to lead with action. Having guys who understand that makes your work as captain much easier.

“We respect all our opponents and won't take anyone lightly. We must be ready for the challenge, no matter who the opposition is.”

The Junior Boks will have to make do without Norton and another key figure from last year's tournament, flyhalf Vusi Moyo. Both are with the Springboks ahead of the Nations Championship, which starts next week. They would undoubtedly have been influential in the U20 campaign, but the title defence must continue without the duo.

Foote has selected a near full-strength side for the opener, and they will be expected to lay a solid platform for the remainder of the pool stages. Uruguay are arguably the least demanding of the three opponents on paper, making it important for the Junior Boks to build momentum from the outset.

Hosts Georgia are next up and, although Foote insisted his side's full focus remains on Uruguay, they are well aware of the threat the Georgians pose after their recent victory over New Zealand. That encounter is likely to be the toughest of the pool stage before the Junior Boks conclude their group campaign against Wales.

The #JuniorBoks will take on Uruguay with a new captain in a settled squad on Saturday - more here: https://t.co/GmpkqahAA2 🙌

Catch all the action live on @SSRugby 📺#JourneyToGreatness pic.twitter.com/5YdiECqof3

— SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) June 25, 2026

“Georgia did really well to beat New Zealand, and they have improved. They will get a few overseas players back and won't be the same team we played against previously,” Foote said.

“They have a very passionate crowd, and we expect that to be a very physical game. But for now, we must ensure our heads are screwed on for the first game, and when we play against Georgia, we expect a very emotional and physical battle.”

Junior Springboks

15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Ethan Adams, 11 Jordan Steenkamp, 10 Alzeadon Felix, 9 Hendré Schoeman, 8 Vuyo Gwiji, 7 Gert Kemp, 6 Risima Khosa, 5 JD Hattingh, 4 Jaythen Orange, 3 Luan van der Berg, 2 Liam van Wyk, 1 Rambo Kubheka (captain).

Replacements: 16 Siphosethu Mnebelele, 17 Jordan Jooste, 18 Danie Kruger, 19 Thomas Beling, 20 Wasi Vyambwera, 21 Jayden Brits, 22 Akahluwa Boqwana, 23 Cheswill Jooste.

Reddam House Umhlanga Grade 8 learner Nobubelebesisa “Nobe” Zwane has been selected for the South Africa U19 Women’s squad that will tour Pakistan for the team’s inaugural Youth T20 International (T20I) series.

The selection comes shortly after Nobe was named in the South African U19 Women’s Cricket Training Camp at the Cricket South Africa Centre of Excellence in Pretoria, where players are preparing for the ICC U19 Women’s World Cup in 2027.

Representing KZN Coastal, Nobe has secured her place in the national high-performance environment while still in Grade 8, competing alongside players several years older than her.

Nobe began her cricket journey in Grade 1 and joined a cricket academy in Grade 5 to further develop her skills. At the age of 11, she earned selection for the KZN U13 team and later captained the side while in Grade 7.

She said representing KZN Coastal was an achievement she had never imagined possible and credited the experience with exposing her to talented players and new learning opportunities.

The young cricketer said progressing to provincial level required a significant mental adjustment as she adapted from age-group cricket to competing at a higher standard.

As she prepares for the Pakistan tour, Nobe said she is looking forward to gaining experience, creating memories and embracing the opportunity to learn.

Balancing academics and elite sport has been made easier through the structured environment at Reddam House Umhlanga, where she says boarding school routines and transport arrangements help her manage both commitments.

Looking ahead, Nobe has set her sights on earning selection for the ICC U19 Women’s World Cup in 2027.

She encouraged young people not to compare their progress with others, saying success comes through patience, faith and hard work.

Reddam House Umhlanga Executive Head, Chad Moses, described Nobe’s selection as a significant milestone and a reflection of her hard work, discipline and commitment.

He said her achievement demonstrates what can be accomplished through ambition, perseverance and the right support structures.

Nobe’s selection marks another step in a cricket journey that has taken her from school cricket in Grade 1 to provincial and national recognition within a few years, as she prepares to represent South Africa on the international stage.

Now that Bafana Bafana are through to the knockout stages of a FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history, it’s time to shore up their defence, according to Florent Malouda.

The former France and Chelsea star was concerned by the defensive lapses Bafana showed in their opening two matches.

South Africa conceded inside the first 10 minutes against both Mexico and Czechia.

Against Mexico, it resulted in a 2-0 defeat, while against Czechia, Bafana fought back to rescue a crucial point with a late equaliser.

South Africa’s Defensive Improvements and Upcoming Clash Against Canada in World Cup Knockout Stages

“To go through, South Africa had to fix their defensive balance. Before the South Korea game they had been exposed every time there was a high tempo in the game. There were a lot of defensive tactical mistakes that were costly, including disciplinary mistakes,” Malouda said while speaking to BoyleSports, who offer the latest World Cup odds.

“Offensively, South Africa showed across the three games that they can create chances and are very interesting to watch because they have raw talent and the ability to produce something out of nothing.

“If you do have disciplinary issues, you start the game with a disadvantage, and this is what they have to remember going into the knockout stages.”

South Africa defied the odds to keep a dangerous South Korea side at bay, securing a historic 1-0 victory to finish second in Group A. The result also spared Bafana the anxious wait to see whether they would qualify as one of the eight best third-placed teams across the tournament’s 12 groups.

Bafana will now face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on Sunday evening, with kick-off at 9pm SA time.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport

The expanded World Cup format all but guaranteed a record-breaking total number of goals with more teams in the mix, but nobody quite predicted the sheer efficiency of the onslaught. 

The tournament is averaging close to three goals per match, placing it among the highest-scoring World Cups in modern history.

Even with only half the groups completed, this is already shaping into a relentless showcase of attacking football, late drama, and shifting momentum. 

If the early rounds were meant to settle nerves, they have done the opposite, feeling less like a structured group phase and more like a continuous wave of attacking intent.

The latest round of matches only reinforced that pattern.

_{Clinical Giants and Major Shocks}

• Netherlands 3–1 Tunisia: The Dutch continued their strong form with a result built on control, efficiency, and ruthless transitions. The Netherlands once again punished defensive gaps, confirming their status as one of the most dangerous attacking sides in the competition. For Tunisia, the tournament has been a difficult one, with defensive vulnerabilities repeatedly exposed under sustained pressure.

• Ecuador 2–1 Germany: One of the standout results came as Ecuador produced a major upset, coming from behind to defeat the four-time champions. The victory sealed Ecuador’s place in the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams, marking one of the defining shocks of the group phase so far and underlining how unpredictable this tournament has become.

173 - Auston Trusty's goal was the 173rd scored in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the most in any edition of the competition.

Party. pic.twitter.com/zn57NJ19aj

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 26, 2026

_{Stalemates and Late-Game Chaos}

Elsewhere, the matches offered a mix of tactical discipline and pure, chaotic entertainment. Japan and Sweden played out a 1-1 draw in a match that balanced structure with moments of attacking quality; both sides did enough to remain competitive but lacked the final edge to take full control.

Meanwhile, Paraguay and Australia followed with a more cautious 0-0 draw—a tactical stalemate defined by organization rather than risk-taking, as both sides prioritized structure in a tightly contested group.

The United States and Turkey, however, delivered one of the most entertaining matches of the round as the Europeans notched up their first win if the competition on their way out in a chaotic encounter filled with momentum swings, late pressure, and end-to-end transitions. It served as a perfect reflection of the tournament’s wider identity.

_{Why Are the Goals Flowing?}

Across the partial group-stage picture, the most striking trend remains the same: goals are coming at a historic rate. Analysts point to three distinct factors driving the high scorelines:

1. Tactical Evolution: Teams are pressing higher up the pitch and transitioning faster than in previous cycles.
2. Structural Imbalance: Varied playing styles and contrasting regional philosophies are colliding, creating open, unpredictable games.
3. Fatigue: As matches stretch on, space is appearing more frequently, allowing late-game drama to thrive.

What has emerged is a group stage that refuses to settle—still incomplete, but already defined by chaos, intensity, and attacking ambition. And with only half the groups played, the sense remains that the most unpredictable moments are still to come.

Türkiye defeated a heavily rotated United States side 3-2 with a late Kaan Ayhan winner in an action-packed dead-rubber clash that handed the FIFA World Cup co-hosts their sternest test yet ahead of the knockout rounds.

Already crowned Group D winners, the US arrived in Los Angeles seeking to extend their perfect start to the tournament with a third successive victory. However, manager Mauricio Pochettino clearly had more than an eye on next Wednesday's round of 32 meeting against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

For Türkiye, already eliminated and without a single goal to their name after disastrous losses to Paraguay and Australia, the solitary objective at SoFi Stadium was to restore some national pride.

Despite the low stakes and substantially reshuffled starting line-ups for both sides, a packed house in California was in a deafening mood. For the third match running, the Americans got off to a dream start.

One of nine changes to the side, back-up centre-half Auston Trusty was left completely unmarked at the far post from a US corner, finding the time to cushion the ball with his left foot before blasting it home. It was the Celtic defender's first international goal and — at just under three minutes — the second-fastest ever scored by the US at a World Cup.

But Türkiye did not surrender. Having failed to score with 62 previous efforts across their opening two fixtures, it was 63rd time lucky for the country and their star man, Arda Güler. The Real Madrid forward duped Mark McKenzie with a clever dummy, allowing the ball to run down the right flank to Barış Alper Yılmaz. Yılmaz crossed it back into Güler, who smashed it past Matt Turner to equalise in the 10th minute.

With Hollywood actors Brad Pitt and Edward Norton among the star-studded crowd, the match briefly threatened to become a literal Fight Club, as Türkiye's bench rushed the touchline to protest a heavy challenge by the combative Sebastian Berhalter, who earned a yellow card for his troubles.

The Americans thought they had restored their lead shortly afterwards when McKenzie became the second US centre-back to put the ball in the net, but his sharp response to Ricardo Pepi's saved shot was ruled out for offside.

In the 31st minute, the tournament co-hosts found themselves behind for the first time this World Cup. Güler spotted Eren Elmalı's overlapping run, feeding the wing-back, who cut the ball back from the left byline to Yılmaz to steer beyond the exposed Turner.

The half-time break proved the perfect tonic for the hosts. In the 49th minute, they were back level from a long throw by McKenzie. The ball was cleared by the Turkish defence only as far as Berhalter, who did exceptionally well to smash his shot low into the bottom corner.

The home crowd erupted again just before the hour mark as Pochettino introduced Christian Pulisic, undoubtedly US soccer's biggest icon, who will shoulder much of the nation's hopes of a deep run into the knockouts. Nicknamed "Captain America", Pulisic earned a resounding round of "USA" chants, making his first appearance since aggravating an injury during the first half of the opening victory against Paraguay two weeks ago.

Pulisic immediately looked lively, twice having efforts blocked from close range after trademark darting runs from the left channel, before a looping ball deflected off his shin and hit the post. Yet, just as the match seemed destined for a draw, Türkiye began to knock on the door again. Kenan Yıldız saw a curled effort whisper inches wide of the upright in the 72nd minute. Then, deep into stoppage time, Ayhan spoiled the American party, slamming the ball home from close range.

Türkiye were jubilant at the final whistle, whilst the American players clustered in a tight circle on the pitch, seemingly determined to not let the gut punch derail a campaign that had previously been off to a flying start.

Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann accused his players of committing "tactical suicide" after Ecuador came from behind to stun the Fifa World Cup Group E winners 2-1.

Leroy Sané had given the structural table-toppers a perfect start by netting after just two minutes, but Nilson Angulo equalised seven minutes later. With Ecuador chasing a place in the knockout phase, they looked the hungrier outfit, and Gonzalo Plata secured a priceless winner in the 77th minute to seal third place and safe passage into the next round.

"We got off to a great start," Nagelsmann said after the final whistle. "Unfortunately, right after scoring, we started committing tactical suicide with our positioning. That makes things difficult."

"Ecuador had everything to play for, and you could tell — they had their foot on the gas. But I also can't say that any of my players didn't give it their all. That's too simplistic."

Nagelsmann admitted he would have preferred not to head into the business end of the tournament on the back of a defeat, with Germany scheduled to play their round of 32 fixture against a third-placed finisher on Monday.

"Defeat is never good, not even in a match where you can't lose top spot," the manager added. "We'll learn our lessons and move on. We have to learn from it and improve, but we also have to look forward. We won a lot of matches, we lost one, and on Monday it's important to start well and give it everything to get to the next round."

Germany captain Joshua Kimmich agreed that Ecuador were the entirely more determined side on the night.

"The difference today was that our opponent wanted to win more than us," Kimmich told reporters. "You could really feel it, especially in the second half. This is why they won, and it was completely deserved."

The midfielder warned that Germany must rapidly tighten up their defensive structure in their round of 32 fixture or face an abrupt exit from the global stage.

"We keep inviting the opposition back into the match with our loose turnovers, and that only makes them stronger," Kimmich insisted.

"Fortunately, nothing fatal has happened yet. But we can't afford another defeat — that's clear. We can't concede one or two goals in every match. We have to minimise the number of times we give the ball away, then we can beat anyone."

AFP

Ivory Coast forward Nicolas Pépé believes the Elephants can continue their momentum at the Fifa World Cup after defeating Curaçao 2-0 on Thursday to reach the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.

The Villarreal winger netted a goal in each half against Curaçao in Philadelphia to seal the historic win.

"We are delighted and proud to be the first Ivory Coast side to reach the knockout rounds. Everyone has worked hard for this and we have got our reward," Pépé said following the final whistle. "We are setting no limits. We have huge potential. Now we are into the knockout rounds, so we will see what happens."

The Ivory Coast finish in second place in Group E with six points, behind table-toppers Germany only on head-to-head records. The West African side defeated Ecuador 1-0 in their opening fixture before suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat to the Germans.

This current Ivorian squad has now achieved a monumental milestone that the previous "Golden Generation" — featuring legendary figures like Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré — never managed to accomplish. Before this year's tournament, the Elephants had participated in three World Cups between 2006 and 2014, but vanished at the group stage on every occasion.

They will now head to Dallas for a round of 32 tie next Tuesday against the runners-up in Group I, which will be either France or Norway.

"We are really pleased. We will celebrate this and enjoy it a bit before starting to prepare for what's to come," said their manager, Emerse Faé. "Not everything was perfect, but we have qualified and the victory will be excellent for morale."

The Proteas Women thrashed the Netherlands by 88 runs in their ICC Women's T20 World Cup clash at the Bristol County Ground on Thursday, with opener Tazmin Brits starring with an unbeaten 114 and captain Laura Wolvaardt returning to form with a fluent 45.

After winning the toss and electing to bowl, the Dutch were punished by South Africa's opening pair, who shared a commanding 121-run stand.

Wolvaardt had stressed the importance of maximising the powerplay against a Dutch attack that had struggled for early wickets, and she led from the front as South Africa raced to 66 without loss after six overs. Forty of those runs came in boundaries, with Brits striking seven fours as the Proteas scored at more than 10 runs an over.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 🔝 Tazmin Brits, that was special 🤩

Watch the #T20WorldCup LIVE, broadcast details here ➡️ https://t.co/niBjzedxPu pic.twitter.com/mfWRYwdJx7

— ICC (@ICC) June 25, 2026

opening pair negotiated a testing spell of spin bowling. The duo also survived a run-out scare before Wolvaardt fell for 45 off 36 balls, chasing a wide delivery with the score on 121.

With the platform laid for a late surge in a match where net run rate was important for Mandla Mashimbyi's charges, Brits put her foot on the accelrator, racing to 83 at the end of the 15th over, including 10 boundaries, as SA reached 142/1.

The veteran opener finished unbeaten on 114, including three sixes, while Annerie Dercksen added a brisk 36 as the Proteas piled up 208/1 — their highest total in Women's T20 World Cup history.

🚨 Change of Innings 🚨

An absolutely sensational display from #TheProteas as we close out our innings on 208/1 after 20 overs. 😤🇿🇦

The responsibility now shifts to the bowlers as we look to seal a third successive victory! 😎#Unbreakable #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/FZVCboigN9

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) June 25, 2026

South Africa's bowlers then set about ensuring the victory margin was equally impressive.

The Netherlands made a bright start, reaching 50/0 at the end of the powerplay despite some disciplined bowling from Marizanne Kapp, who was unlucky not to claim her 100th T20I wicket when Sanya Khurana was dropped at slip.

Spinner Chloe Tryon eventually made the breakthrough, dismissing Khurana for 36 in the eighth over. The Dutch continued to battle, reaching 100/1 in the 15th over before Shabnim Ismail struck to remove Sterre Kalis for 13.

South Africa seal a commanding win over the Netherlands to boost their #T20WorldCup semi-final hopes 💪

📝: https://t.co/bFvtRDUw9b pic.twitter.com/jNEyYf96cy

— ICC (@ICC) June 25, 2026

Opener Phebe Molkenboer top-scored with 41, but South Africa tightened the screws late in the innings. Tryon finished with 2/16, while Ayabonga Khaka claimed 3/19 as the Netherlands were restricted to 120/8.

The Proteas will next face Bangladesh on Sunday as they continue their push for a place in the semi-finals.

When France and Norway meet to decide top spot in Group I on Friday, the 2026 World Cup contest will feature far more than two unbeaten teams with perfect records.

It will also bring together the leading contenders in the race for the Golden Boot, with Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland arriving in sparkling form after helping fire their nations into the last 32.

They have scored four goals each in their opening two matches and both have underlined why they are regarded among the most devastating forwards in world football. With the knockout rounds looming, this clash could provide an early indication of which superstar is best placed to finish as the competition's top scorer.

Mbappe thrives once again on football's biggest stage

If there were any doubts about Mbappe's ability to dominate another World Cup, they have disappeared quickly.

The France captain has been at his explosive best, scoring twice in a 3-1 victory over Senegal before repeating the feat in a comfortable 3-0 win over Iraq. Four goals from two matches (and 16 overall in three tournaments) have already placed him among the tournament's leading scorers and highlighted the frightening efficiency that has become the Real Madrid marksman's trademark.

What makes Mbappe so dangerous is that he does not require many opportunities. Against Senegal, he punished defensive mistakes with ruthless acceleration and finishing. Against Iraq, he demonstrated his growing maturity, drifting across the frontline and finding pockets of space before delivering the decisive blows.

France have scored six goals in two matches and Mbappe has been directly responsible for four of them, underlining how central he remains to Didier Deschamps' attacking plans.

Perhaps most ominous for Norway is that Mbappe appears fresh and hungry. Rather than conserving energy for the knockout rounds, he has attacked every group-stage game with the intensity of a final. With France creating chances at will, he looks perfectly positioned to continue adding to his tally.

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Haaland finally enjoying his World Cup moment

For years, football fans wondered what Erling Haaland might do on the World Cup stage. Now they are getting their answer.

Norway's first appearance at the tournament in nearly three decades has provided the Manchester City striker with a platform worthy of his talent, and he has grabbed it. Haaland struck twice in Norway's 4-1 opening victory over Iraq before adding another brace in the thrilling 3-2 win over Senegal.

While Mbappe often dazzles with his speed and flair, Haaland's impact is more brutal. Defenders know exactly what is coming and still struggle to stop it. His movement inside the penalty area remains unmatched, while his physical presence allows Norway to turn half-chances into goalscoring opportunities.

The encouraging sign for Norway is that Haaland is not carrying the attack alone. Martin Odegaard has consistently supplied quality service, while Antonio Nusa's pace has stretched opposing defences and created additional space for the striker to exploit.

Norway have scored seven goals in two matches, the highest tally in Group I, and Haaland has been at the heart of almost everything they have done well in attack. Having waited so long for his World Cup debut, he looks determined to make up for lost time.

Who comes out on top?

Expect both men to find chances on Friday, but Mbappe's ability to create danger even when tightly marked gives him a slight edge in this heavyweight duel, and perhaps in the race for the Golden Boot as well. 

The doubleheader at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium last week showcased much of South Africa’s emerging rugby talent, and none was more pleased than Sharks coach JP Pietersen.

Between the SA A team and the Springboks, 120 points and 18 tries were scored, many of them by youngsters from Durban — 10 Sharks were playing for the Boks and five in the SA A lineup.

No Sharks fan needs reminding that their team failed to make the United Rugby Championship quarter-finals. Still, the promise of better things to come was reflected in the Sharks’ last three home games as they scored an average of 50 points against Munster, Benetton, and Zebre.

“The way we ended the URC showed that anything is possible with the youth coming through in the group — they are brave and full of energy,” Pietersen said. “We want to build on those performances going into the new season.”

Pietersen’s belief in what the Sharks can do in the new URC was multiplied when a raft of his players excelled in Gqeberha.

“That was almost the whole Sharks team on show. It was great to see our guys given exposure at international level, and that would have given them the confidence that they belong there,” Pietersen said.

“I was thrilled because the future of the Sharks was on prominent display.

“Take a guy like Vusi Moyo. With kids, you never know what level they are at. Vusi had a bit of a slow start against Zebre before getting into the game, and then in his next game, he excels for the Boks,” the coach explained.

“I always knew Vusi was going to be good, but to perform like that… His composure and the way he ran the show is what you want from your flyhalf — to know when to pass, when to kick. It was beautiful to see that he is ready, and it gives me extra confidence.”

Moyo’s reward was inclusion in the Springbok squad for the Nations Championship, where teammate Jaco Williams joins him.

“Jaco is pure class,” said Pietersen, who knows a thing or two about wing play after playing 70 Tests for the Boks. “He has been a bit up and down with injury, but I knew Jaco was special and would come through.”

Another Sharks teenager, Zekhethelo Siyaya, might also have been picked by Rassie Erasmus had he not suffered a concussion against Zimbabwe

“Siyaya is another special kid,” said Pietersen. “These guys have come straight from school. It is ridiculous how good they are. They come out of school, put on the jersey, and perform. As a coach, you want to give them superpowers. It is awesome to see.”

The youngster with whom Pietersen has a special affiliation is hooker Siphosethu Mnebelele, who started against Zimbabwe. He has been in the Bulls age youth ranks, but is on his way to Kings Park.

“I personally hunted Mnebelele,” Pietersen smiled. “I saw him at school level playing for KES, and I chased him. He and Vusi (Moyo) played in the same team. I went and watched them at the KES festival in Joburg.

“(Former Bulls coach) Jake White persuaded Mnebelele to go to the Bulls, but when the opportunity arose for him to make a move, I jumped on it immediately because I knew how good he is as a hooker and leader. He is just built differently. He is a big boy.”

Pietersen said the way Mnebelele plays reminds him of another former KES hooker, who happens to be the World Rugby Player of the Year.

“Mnebelele plays like Malcolm Marx, very similar. I was chuffed when he said he is coming to us,” Pietersen said.

Bafana Bafana’s attacking approach paid off in their historic win over South Korea in Thursday morning's Group A clash. With such momentum, they should avoid making significant changes for Sunday night's match against Canada.

Bafana defeated South Korea 1-0 at Mexico’s Monterrey Stadium, securing their first-ever World Cup knockout stage appearance after previous attempts in 1998, 2002, and their 2010 home campaign.

The victory relieved pressure on coach Hugo Broos, who faced heavy criticism following the team's opening 2-0 loss to co-hosts Mexico, where his defensive back-five system drew ire.

Broos' decision to return to a familiar 4-2-3-1 formation against South Korea pleased the Bafana faithful, including former striker Siyabonga Nomvethe, who represented the national team in the 2002 and 2010 World Cups.

“I think the coach changed his tactics on how we played. We had a lot of attacking options as well,” Nomvethe exclusively told Independent Media. “A lot of people thought that we were scared of South Korea, but we were able to open them up and managed to play to our own strengths.”

Bafana face a significant challenge in the uncharted territory of the knockout stage, where they will meet co-hosts Canada at Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday night (9pm kickoff).

As they are sure to be outnumbered in the stands, Bafana head into the match as underdogs. However, Nomvethe has warned the team against overcomplicating their play.

“The team shouldn’t change their approach and game-plan,” Nomvethe said. “They must continue working hard, bearing in mind that nothing is guaranteed.

“Yes, we have beaten a tougher opponent than Canada, but we need to be wary of them. We should just continue where we left off against South Korea, and that could give us an advantage to win by at least 2-0.”

Against South Korea, Bafana’s strength lay in the creativity of talisman Relebohile Mofokeng, complemented by the speed and trickery of Maseko and Oswin Appollis.

While substitute Tshepang Moremi combined with Maseko for the winning goal, the partnership between Mofokeng and Maseko was also a standout, despite Maseko failing to convert several opportunities.

Nomvethe urges Broos to maintain the same approach against Canada, emphasising that the team’s reliance on speed must remain their driving force.

“When we have smart forward players, it’s important for us to add more numbers in attack,” Nomvethe said. “I am sure that the coach has realised that what will work for us is to have a high press and speed.

“We are also quick with the ball as well, and I think that’s helping us because we don’t do things slowly. So that’s very important.”

Having reached the Round of 32, Bafana are daring to dream of further progression – a realistic goal after already proving they can compete at this level.

COMMENT

Seven percent … 7%.

Those were the chances given to Bafana Bafana of progressing out of Group A before the Fifa World Cup 2026 kicked off. In many respects, a group comprising co-hosts Mexico, South Korea, and the Czech Republic was a formidable one. You could say that to many South Africans, it was akin to a dreaded "Group of Death."

All those nations remain above us in the Fifa World rankings, despite our recent triumph. Bafana, described as recently as Thursday morning as a "lesser" football nation moments before kick-off against South Korea, did not have the luxury of playing other "lesser" nations in their group.

There was no Haiti, New Zealand, Curaçao, Ghana, Cape Verde, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Iraq, Uzbekistan, or Tunisia to look down on and declare, "Ah, there will be an easy three points, we should win that."

I mean no disrespect to those countries — for they have brought their own beautifully unique culture and flair to the event — but the narrative of this World Cup — expanded to 48 teams — has been that nations like South Africa have devalued the spectacle. Instead, Bafana Bafana have overcome the odds to shock the world and write their own piece of history into the record books.

And what odds they were.

Seven percent.

In real-world terms, that is the percentage of individuals globally born with that entrancing genetic mutation that is blue eyes. Open a pack of cards and shuffle it, and you will have roughly a 7% chance of picking an ace from the deck.

Male and left-handed?

Congrats, you make up 7% of the eight billion or so people that inhabit this planet.

Although a lowball expectation, it remains within the realm of slight probability. On Thursday morning, as my solemn celebration echoed in the clefts and delves of Melville Koppies in Johannesburg waiting for a response, South Africans watched that 7% become a tangible reality — and a 100% fact.

Getting out of the group was always the objective of this team, the goal that Hugo Broos dreamed of achieving. They can now dare to dream a little bigger and a little bolder.

The pressure and stress test of knockout football awaits, and regardless of any statistical analytics, it remains the ultimate random generator of victors. One foot placed wrong in the final third, an extra burst of speed down the flank, a stumble in a pass, or an errant first touch could now define the next three weeks of football at the World Cup.

Next up are Canada, ranked 31st in the world. After South Africa’s heroics this past week, Bafana have jumped up six places to 54th in the live rankings.

Predictably, the math men still aren't convinced. The bookies have priced Canada as the clear 1.72 favorites, handing them a 58% chance of beating Bafana on Sunday evening in Los Angeles.

But after such an awe-inspiring effort to get this far, that number won’t mean much. If Broos and Co apply themselves with the same fierce determination that defied the initial 7%, Canada will quickly find out that statistics don't play the game. South Africans do. And we rarely capitulate when we have the bit between our teeth.

Ultimately, Bafana have shown that tournament football isn't won on paper or decided by historical ranking brackets. By insulating themselves from external noise and channelling a collective South African resilience, they have transformed from group stage outsiders into a unified, unknown and dangerous outlier.

As they march into the last 32, this team has earned the right to look at any opponent, look at any percentage, and know that they possess the grit to rewrite the script entirely.

The Junior Springboks will look to follow their winning blueprint of last season and stick to their rotation policy as they look to defend their World Rugby U20 Championship title in Georgia.

However, for the first clash of the tournament on Saturday, head coach Kevin Foote has selected an almost full-strength squad, allowing certain players who were with the SA 'A' team to integrate into their plans slowly.

Experienced prop Rambo Kubheka takes over the leadership duties for the SA U20s’ first pool match against Uruguay, with hooker Siposethu Mnebelele among the replacements.

The starting pack features Kubheka, hooker Liam van Wyk, and tighthead Luan van der Berg in the front row, with Jaythen Orange and JD Hattingh pairing up in the second row. The loose trio consists of Risima Khosa, Gert Kemp, and Vuyo Gwiji.

It’s an exciting backline, who should be full of running, headlined by the experienced midfield combination of Ethan Adams and outside centre Markus Muller.

According to Foote, they won’t take the South Americans lightly, which is why he went for a powerful matchday squad.

“We have picked a team that we believe will do the job for us against Uruguay on Saturday,” he said.

The #JuniorBoks will take on Uruguay with a new captain in a settled squad on Saturday - more here: https://t.co/GmpkqahAA2 🙌

Catch all the action live on @SSRugby 📺#JourneyToGreatness pic.twitter.com/5YdiECqof3

— SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) June 25, 2026

“We are highly motivated to start on a positive note, but we know that every team here will be determined to make an impact in Georgia. Last year’s success was wonderful, but that belongs to the past.

“The team is focused, ready, and highly motivated for this new challenge. The players have put in the hard yards to get fit and grasp our game model, and everyone is excited for Saturday’s match.”

Junior Springboks

15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Ethan Adams, 11 Jordan Steenkamp, 10 Alzeadon Felix, 9 Hendré Schoeman, 8 Vuyo Gwiji, 7 Gert Kemp, 6 Risima Khosa, 5 JD Hattingh, 4 Jaythen Orange, 3 Luan van der Berg, 2 Liam van Wyk, 1 Rambo Kubheka (captain).

Replacements: 16 Siphosethu Mnebelele, 17 Jordan Jooste, 18 Danie Kruger, 19 Thomas Beling, 20 Wasi Vyambwera, 21 Jayden Brits, 22 Akahluwa Boqwana, 23 Cheswill Jooste.

The Springboks may have comfortably dispatched the Barbarians in Gqeberha, but the bigger story is what lies ahead as Rassie Erasmus continues to build towards another demanding international season.

With England arriving next weekend for the opening Test of the Nations Championship, the world champions are still fine-tuning combinations, expanding their depth after including six uncapped players in the squad and ensuring they have answers for every possible challenge that awaits.

In the latest episode of The Last Word on Rugby, the team takes a closer look at Erasmus’ long-term planning and the remarkable depth chart he is assembling. With more than 70 players on the Bok radar, the coaching staff are leaving little to chance as they balance proven veterans with a new generation of talent ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

We look at the rise of youngsters such as Riley Norton and Paul de Villiers, the continued evolution of the Boks and the challenge of keeping so many players engaged while maintaining the standards that have made South Africa the envy of world rugby.

Attention also turns to the looming showdown with England, including the growing excitement around highly rated loose forward Henry Pollock, his first visit to South African shores for a Test match and how the Springboks can ensure the spotlight remains firmly on their own performance.

There will be plenty going into their preparation week in Johannesburg ahead of the opening Nathoons Championship clash at Ellis Park.

The podcast also revisits the Bulls’ disappointing United Rugby Championship (URC) final defeat to Leinster in Dublin.

Was it a case of travel fatigue and a flat display from Johan Ackermann’s men, or did controversial refereeing and TMO decisions play a bigger role than many are willing to admit?

The panel unpacks the key moments from the final and what another runners-up finish means for the Bulls as they still seek silverware in the URC.

The phrase "No DNA, Just RSA" became the rallying cry of South Africa's World Cup celebrations on Wednesday night as Bafana Bafana booked their place in the knockout stages for the first time.

Social media was flooded with messages of pride and disbelief after Hugo Broos' side secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over South Korea to progress from Group A, with the slogan quickly trending among supporters celebrating another famous upset.

Among those joining the chorus was Trevor Noah, who posted an emotional reaction after the final whistle.

"We made history!!!!!! Bafana Bafana in 5. #Mudau is my hero," wrote the comedian and television host, while also sharing a celebratory video as South Africans revelled in one of the country's greatest football achievements. 

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A post shared by Trevor Noah (@trevornoah)

Fans, celebrities and public figures alike joined the celebrations as South Africa completed a remarkable turnaround after opening their campaign with a defeat to co-hosts Mexico.

Bafana's 2010 World Cup hero Siphiwe Tshabalala posted under the slogan on Instagram: "Believe! We made history. Believe! Your energy matters. Your spirirt matters. Your support matters!" 

Attention now shifts to Sunday's round-of-32 clash against co-hosts Canada, but for one day at least, social media belonged to Bafana and a simple message that captured the national mood: No DNA, Just RSA!

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A post shared by Siphiwe Tshabalala (@siphiweshabba)

When Hugo Broos walked away from the touchline after Bafana Bafana’s historic victory over South Korea, there was visible relief mixed with vindication.

For much of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage, the Bafana coach had found himself under pressure.

There had been criticism after the opening defeat to Mexico, questions around his tactical decisions and growing debate over whether South Africa were becoming too cautious against elite opposition.

Yet by the end of the group phase, Broos had guided Bafana into the knockout rounds of the World Cup for the first time in their history.

And in many ways, the victory over South Korea finally looked like the performance he had been trying to build towards throughout the tournament.

“I think we played a very good game, tactically, we were very good, everyone did their job,” Broos said afterwards.

“The difference between now and our previous games is that when we had the ball, we were dangerous and that’s important.”

That final sentence may ultimately explain the entire story of Bafana’s group-stage campaign.

Against Mexico in the opening match, South Africa looked like a side overwhelmed by the occasion. 

Broos’ decision to switch to a back three backfired badly, while Bafana struggled to play through pressure and rarely threatened consistently in attack.

The performance became even more chaotic after two red cards reduced South Africa’s hopes of mounting any comeback.

It was a night where almost everything that could go wrong did go wrong.

Yet the response against the Czech Republic quietly changed the mood around the squad.

Bafana returned to a more familiar structure, competed physically and showed greater courage in transition. 

Although the match ended in a draw, South Africa looked far more settled and emotionally stable than they had against Mexico.

Africans who stayed up all night hoping South Africa would lose 😂 💀pic.twitter.com/cWs524jYDf

— ❤️Jus d’Ananas🍍 (@AnaelMevoung69) June 25, 2026

That laid the foundation for what followed against South Korea.

Broos finally trusted speed, directness and attacking movement.

The introductions of Relebohile Mofokeng, Evidence Makgopa and later Tshepang Moremi transformed the balance of the side. 

Instead of spending long periods defending deep, Bafana repeatedly attacked spaces behind the Korean defence and looked dangerous whenever they transitioned forward.

South Africa’s pressing structure also improved significantly.

The front players worked aggressively without the ball, while midfield support arrived quicker and with better organisation. It allowed Bafana to disrupt South Korea high up the field rather than simply reacting inside their own half.

Most importantly, South Africa finally looked like they believed in themselves.

“We had very quick players on the pitch, we used them very good and found spaces and we needed that goal,” Broos explained.

“But we had shown in the first half already and that’s what I said at half time — that we don’t stop believing in the plan and that’s what happened.”

That belief became one of the defining themes of Bafana’s group stage.

There were moments when the campaign could easily have collapsed after the Mexico defeat. Public criticism intensified, tactical debates dominated headlines and pressure on both players and coaching staff increased dramatically.

Instead, the squad gradually grew stronger as the tournament progressed.

Ronwen Williams delivered leadership and composure under pressure. Teboho Mokoena remained influential despite suspension issues. Young players such as Mofokeng and Moremi embraced the occasion without fear.

Even players who struggled earlier in the tournament, such as Sphephelo Sithole, showed resilience by recovering mentally and contributing positively when the pressure increased.

👀 𝔻𝕆𝕌𝔹𝕃𝔼 𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎 👀

Reliving 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 Bafana Bafana 🇿🇦 moment with the double vision you didn't know you needed 🤩#SABCSportFootball #AllOfUsAllInKaofela #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/OdjQsF3W3y

— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) June 25, 2026

That emotional strength inside the squad became just as important as the tactical improvements on the pitch.

By the time Thapelo Maseko scored the winning goal against South Korea, the emotional shift around Bafana felt complete.

What began with uncertainty and criticism ended with one of the most important victories in South African football history.

Now the challenge changes again.

The knockout rounds will demand even greater discipline, tactical intelligence and emotional resilience.

But after surviving the chaos of the group stage, Bafana suddenly look like a side growing into the tournament rather than shrinking under it.

And for Broos, that may be the most satisfying part of all.

Bafana Bafana's place in the Fifa World Cup round of 32 has not only delivered one of the country's greatest football achievements, but also guaranteed a sizeable financial reward.

Fifa confirmed ahead of the tournament that teams eliminated in the round of 32 will receive prize money of $11m (about R182m), while all 48 participating nations also received a $2.5m preparation grant.

Having progressed from Group A after a dramatic 1-0 victory over South Korea, South Africa are now guaranteed at least $23.5m (about R390m) from their World Cup campaign, comprising Fifa's $10m participation payment, a $2.5m preparation grant and the $11m awarded to teams eliminated in the round of 32.

The financial rewards become even more substantial if Hugo Broos' men can overcome co-hosts Canada in their round-of-32 clash on June 28.

A victory would send Bafana into the last 16 and guarantee a prize-money payout of $15m (around R248m), an increase of about R66m on the amount awarded to teams eliminated in the round of 32.

South Africa's clash with Canada therefore carries significance beyond sporting history. Progression would not only see Bafana equal the best World Cup performance by an African side outside the continent's traditional heavyweights, but also secure one of the biggest financial windfalls in the history of South African football.

The achievement is all the more remarkable given that South Africa entered the tournament as one of the lower-ranked teams in the field and were widely tipped to struggle in a group featuring co-hosts Mexico, South Korea and the Czech Republic. 

June holds great significance in the South African calendar, commemorating the defiant youth of 1976 and focusing on the importance of men’s mental wellness – milestones that 22-year-old Thapelo Maseko embodies.

As a beneficiary of the sacrifices made in 1976, Maseko enjoys the democracy and freedom to pursue his career path within the bounds of the law.

Having set his sights on professional football from an early age, he has reached the pinnacle of the domestic game, representing both SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns, the most successful club in the country.

⚽️ 𝔽𝕀𝔽𝔸 𝕎𝕠𝕣𝕝𝕕 ℂ𝕦𝕡 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟞 🏆

🗣️ "𝙸𝚝'𝚜 𝚞𝚗𝚋𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚎𝚟𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚎" ~ Bafana Bafana forward Thapelo Maseko!

🇿🇦 1⃣➖0⃣ 🇰🇷

🚨 LIVE
📺 SABC 1 | SABC 3
🌐 https://t.co/26PdrPrnVE#SABCSportFootball #FIFAWorldCup #AllOfUsAllInKaofela pic.twitter.com/EHiMaugshY

— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) June 25, 2026

His unwavering ambition has seen him represent the national team, Bafana Bafana, at major tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) and the Fifa World Cup, currently being held in North America.

Maseko dazzled for Bafana at the World Cup, establishing himself as a key talisman. After winning the penalty that salvaged a draw against Czechia, he scored the crucial solo goal that propelled Bafana to a historic knockout stage appearance against South Korea.

However, continuing his career was not always a certainty. Maseko struggled mentally due to a lack of game time at Sundowns late last year, leading him to share an open, candid note about losing his love for the game.

“The hunger, the excitement, and the love for the grind, they’ve all been slipping away piece by piece,” he wrote on his post on Instagram at the time. “Now, hope feels like something far off in the distance, and I am wondering if I will ever get back to that place again.”

His fortunes turned around when a move to Cypriot outfit AEL Limassol revitalised his career. Rediscovering his mojo, he has enjoyed his football once again – a resurgence that has been evident in his stellar performances at the World Cup.

⚽️ 𝔽𝕀𝔽𝔸 𝕎𝕠𝕣𝕝𝕕 ℂ𝕦𝕡 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟞 🏆

🥅 ⒼⓄⒶⓁ: Thapelo Maseko finally gets an opener for Bafana Bafana!

🇿🇦 1⃣➖0⃣ 🇰🇷

🚨 LIVE
📺 SABC 1 | SABC 3
🌐 https://t.co/26PdrPrnVE#SABCSportFootball #FIFAWorldCup #AllOfUsAllInKaofela pic.twitter.com/aTGss0qO7s

— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) June 25, 2026

Overcoming these mental health struggles was far from easy. It required the steadfast support of his family and teammates, who helped him face adversity and overcome the barriers in his path.

With Bafana Bafana set to face co-hosts Canada in the Round of 32 in Los Angeles this Sunday (9pm), Maseko is expected to build on the profound resilience that has defined this historic month in South Africa and help drive the team further into the tournament.

Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote is more than happy for Riley Norton to focus on his Springbok opportunity as South Africa begin the defence of their Junior World Championship title in Georgia on Saturday (6.30pm kick-off).

The highly rated lock is currently involved with the senior national set-up and will not feature in the Junior Boks’ opening plans for the tournament. For Foote, however, the exposure to the world champions is a valuable part of Norton’s development and one that could pay dividends in the long term.

While Norton is physically removed from the Junior Boks, Foote says the youngster has remained invested in the team’s campaign from afar.

“Riley’s feet right now are in South Africa, and I think that he’s obviously got a lot to take in when he’s with the senior team,” Foote said.

“But he is very, very engaged with the group. We’re a very, very close group. I think this is probably the closest group in my history that I’ve ever coached. So, he does message all the time. I see he pops up with little messages on WhatsApp to the groups, the forwards as well, so he’s definitely still engaged and at the same time, being very respectful of the strong leadership group that we have here.

“So, with Rambo (Kubheka) obviously captaining, he’s got a great captain’s record back at school, so Riley will definitely support, but he’ll do it in a respectful way.”

The #JuniorBoks will take on Uruguay with a new captain in a settled squad on Saturday - more here: https://t.co/GmpkqahAA2 🙌

Catch all the action live on @SSRugby 📺#JourneyToGreatness pic.twitter.com/5YdiECqof3

— SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) June 25, 2026

The Junior Boks will instead lean on the depth and leadership that have been built throughout a successful season as they open their title defence against Uruguay on Saturday.

Foote confirmed that South Africa will continue with a rotation policy during the pool stages, allowing players to stake their claim before the coaching staff settle on their strongest combinations for the knockout rounds.

He has selected several players returning from the senior set-up on the bench as they are gradually reintegrated into the squad. New captain Siposethu Mnebelele is among the replacements, while fullback Luan Giliomee has been handed a start in the No 15 jersey.

The #JuniorWorldChampionship is here 🏆

The Junior Boks begin their title defence against Uruguay on Saturday night 📆

The first match of the day kicks off at 11:00 on #SSRugby 📺 pic.twitter.com/rYQ6s7jC5Q

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) June 23, 2026

“We do want to give everyone a go within these first two games, just to spread out the load a little bit and see where we’re at. But once we finish with the pool games, then we have only two games left, and we’ll decide on what our strongest team is.

“For now, though, we are going to rotate, and we think the team that was selected to face Uruguay on Saturday is a team that’s really, really balanced and settled.”

Junior Springboks

15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Ethan Adams, 11 Jordan Steenkamp, 10 Alzeadon Felix, 9 Hendré Schoeman, 8 Vuyo Gwiji, 7 Gert Kemp, 6 Risima Khosa, 5 JD Hattingh, 4 Jaythen Orange, 3 Luan van der Berg, 2 Liam van Wyk, 1 Rambo Kubheka (captain).

Replacements: 16 Siphosethu Mnebelele, 17 Jordan Jooste, 18 Danie Kruger, 19 Thomas Beling, 20 Wasi Vyambwera, 21 Jayden Brits, 22 Akahluwa Boqwana, 23 Cheswill Jooste.

The Springboks have built their success on a drive to outwork any team they face and maintain an intensity that eventually overwhelms opponents.

That same drive and fighting spirit were on display in the Bafana Bafana side on Thursday morning in Monterrey, Mexico as they beat South Korea 1-0 to claim a historic victory at the 2026 Fifa World Cup, booking their place in the knockout rounds for the first time ever.

The last time South Africa appeared at the tournament, in 2010 as hosts, they were unable to progress beyond the group stages despite a memorable victory over France. 16 years later, they have turned those fortunes around, and a clash against co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles now awaits on Sunday evening (9pm).

The same grit, intensity and determination will be needed if they are to pull off another upset and secure a place in the Round of 16.

Looking back at the victory over South Korea, it was encouraging to see every player fighting for every ball and every moment of possession. There was a willingness to put bodies on the line, to chase lost causes and to keep working even when things weren’t always going their way.

Earlier last week, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi explained what coach Rassie Erasmus demands from his players. He wants them to work hard, never give up and always outwork their opponents.

As Kolisi put it: “It must be a fight, it must not look like a fight.”

That philosophy was evident in Bafana Bafana's performance. They fought, they outworked the Koreans, and, on another day, they may even have won by a bigger margin. While the scoreline remained narrow, their effort and commitment never wavered, and the intensity was always there.

Importantly, they earned the result through hard work and grit and that ever-present fighting spirit.

There were painful memories from 2010, when South Africa missed out on progression on goal difference. After a disappointing opening match against Mexico at this tournament, there were fears that history might repeat itself. Instead, the team responded magnificently, showing resilience and character in their remaining group matches to secure a place in the knockout stages.

Bafana Bafana are still on a high after making history 🤩🇿🇦#DStvFIFAWorldCup2026 | #EverythingCanWait pic.twitter.com/4njFOucZfa

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 25, 2026

Now Canada awaits.

The squad will regroup ahead of Sunday's encounter, but Kolisi’s words should serve as inspiration: "Make it a fight, but do not let it look like a fight".

Anything is possible in knockout football. Even if South Africa is given only a seven percent chance of victory, belief can be a powerful weapon. If Bafana can produce the same grit, intensity and work ethic that carried them past South Korea, they may well write another chapter of history and secure a first-ever place in the World Cup Round of 16.

No DNA, just RSA!

The Springboks wrapped up their Nations Championship training camp on Thursday with a vigorous session at the Johannesburg Stadium, with the big Test-season kick-off against England just days away.

Coach Rassie Erasmus has declared himself satisfied that the necessary building blocks are in place as the squad prepares to switch into full Test mode before next week’s competition opener against at Ellis Park.

Erasmus’ charges travelled from Gqeberha to Johannesburg last Sunday and had a productive training week, which wrapped up on Thursday afternoon. The players will spend the weekend with their families and reassemble at their training base in Johannesburg on Sunday to begin their official Test-week preparations.

The Test against England will kick off at 5.40pm on Saturday, 4 July, and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

“We had a productive training week, which allowed us to work on the learnings we took from our matches against the Barbarians and Zimbabwe, so it was certainly a valuable week for the team,” said Erasmus.

“England are a quality outfit, and they will present a completely different challenge to that which we faced against the Barbarians, as they are a settled squad and come off a Six Nations campaign, but we are pleased that we had the opportunity to give our players invaluable game time before the Nations Championship begins.

“The team is aligned on the expectations and standards going into the competition, and we are pleased with the hard work they put in this week, so we are ready to get the international season into full swing next week.”

The England match will be followed by clashes against Scotland at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, 11 July, and Wales at Kings Park in Durban on 18 July.

Sport is full of quirky occurrences, but right up there is the case of the Springbok who played for his country one weekend and a week later captained the opposition.

Faf de Klerk enjoyed an impressive Springboks comeback at scrumhalf against the Barbarians in Gqeberha last Saturday, and this weekend he hops the fence to lead the Barbarians in their match against Wales at Twickenham.

The 34-year-old will be joined by fellow Springbok Vincent Koch and Jeremy Ward, the former Sharks centre who has been with Stade Français for the last four years. Ward, a product of Grey High in Gqeberha, captained the Junior Springboks in four matches in 2016.

Double World Cup winner De Klerk leads a star-studded Barbarians team that boast 19 internationals from 11 different nations.

Barbarians head coach Scott Robertson said: “It’s great to have a player of Faf’s quality and experience leading the group this week. We have a group packed with talent, with players who have come together from all over the world.

“Faf is such a fierce competitor; he knows how to run a week, so he is driving the boys, but he also fully embraces the Barbarian spirit and hits the right balance.”

De Klerk’s fellow double world champion, Koch, packs down in a front row with Georgia and Racing 92 tight-head Giorgi Kharaishvili and Dragons RFC hooker Elliot Dee, who faces his fellow countrymen.

Robertson is assisted this week by former Crusaders and Wallabies coach Robbie Deans. He replaces Felipe Contepomi, who has gone back to Argentina to prepare the Pumas for their match next week against Scotland.

Former All Blacks coach Robertson has named a physically imposing back five in the pack, with Australia international Izack Rodda combining with France enforcer Romain Taofifénua in the second row. Wallabies powerhouse Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, former England international Nathan Hughes and Panasonic Wild Knights' Lachlan Boshier form the back row.

De Klerk partners Clermont’s former Auckland Blues fly-half, Harry Plummer. Munster’s Alex Nankivell starts for the second consecutive week and combines with Ward, with Virimi Vakatawa moving to the wing. The 82-cap France international is joined in the back three by Wallaby Andrew Kellaway, who bagged a brace last weekend, and Bayonne and France full-back Tom Spring.

Robertson added: “We are looking forward to another great occasion at Twickenham and the fact that it’s a double-header with the women is awesome.

“We have picked a team to really challenge Wales. It’s a big team, with a bit of a Top 14 core, but we also want to move the ball, play what’s on, and entertain a big crowd. It’s an awesome opportunity for this talented group to show what they are all about. They are all here because they have a super talent, and we want them to express themselves.”

Wales and British & Irish Lions legend George North is named on the replacements' bench, with a six-two split. North, who still holds the record for the youngest player to reach 100 caps, will draw the curtain on his glittering career at Twickenham.

Barbarians team v Wales

Starting XV: 15 Tom Spring, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Jeremy Ward, 12 Alex Nankivell, 11 Virimi Vakatawa, 10 Harry Plummer, 9 Faf de Klerk (c), 8 Nathan Hughes, 7 Lachlan Boshier, 6 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 5 Romain Taofifénua, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Elliot Dee, 1 Giorgi Kharaishvili; Replacements: 16 Harry Thacker, 17 Jack Iscaro, 18 Paul Alo-Emile, 19 Yoan Tanga, 20 Jordan Joseph, 21 Santiago Arata, 22 George North, 23 Liam McConnell

Redemptions in football are rarely this swift, or this sweet. For Sphephelo Sithole, the journey from national villain to midfield general took two weeks, culminating in a colossal performance during Bafana Bafana’s historic 1-0 victory over South Korea.

When the final whistle blew in Monterrey, sealing South Africa’s first-ever passage to the FIFA World Cup knockout stages, “Yaya” dropped to his knees. It was a moment of pure catharsis for a player who had spent the preceding couple of weeks in the eye of a social media storm and the butt of many jokes.

In Bafana's tournament opener, the midfielder endured a nightmare evening against Mexico, turning the ball over cheaply for El Tri’s opening goal before a reckless second-half challenge saw him sent off.

Suspended for the subsequent draw with the Czech Republic, the 27-year-old was handed a high-stakes return by Hugo Broos due to Teboho Mokoena’s disciplinary absence.

Facing a technical, fast-breaking South Korean engine room, the pressure on Sithole to fill Mokoena’s massive boots. Yet, instead of shrinking under the spotlight, he delivered a midfield masterclass built on discipline, anticipation, and sheer physical dominance.

“I didn’t have a good start to the tournament. There were many doubters. But that is how you bounce back, and I’m proud of myself,” Sithole told SportyTV after the match.

“I want to thank my family … they supported me through the hardest time of my life. Everyone is happy now!” 

Operating as the solitary screen in front of the back four, with Thalente Mbatha given more of a free role to play box-to-box, Sithole anchored Bafana's aggressive mid-block press brilliantly.

He broke up play with clinical precision, registering a handful of crucial tackles and winning the majority of his aerial duels. More importantly, his composure in possession allowed South Africa to weather the second-half storm when South Korea introduced their talisman Son Heung-min.

Rather than rushing his clearances, Sithole dictated the tempo from deep, providing the launchpad for substitute Tshepang Moremi to construct Thapelo Maseko’s 63rd-minute winner.

Broos’ unwavering faith in the Portugal-based midfielder was vindicated. In the absence of Mokoena, Sithole didn't just fill a tactical void, he completely bossed the centre of the pitch.

As Bafana prepare for a historic round of 32 clash against Canada, they do so with a midfield anchor who has emerged from the crucible of heavy criticism completely transformed.

Redemption arcs don’t come this shift or any sweeter than this.

As Bafana Bafana prepare for the biggest match in their history, coach Hugo Broos is prepafring to thrown a protective shield around his squad to ensure that outside criticism does not derail South Africa's Fifa World Cup dream.

The Belgian mentor has spent much of the tournament insulating his players from the noise that often accompanies major international competitions, particularly after the criticism that followed his team selection and the disappointing opening defeat to Mexico a fortnight ago.

Broos has never been one to bow to public pressure and, with a last 32 clash against co-hosts Canada looming on Sunday in Los Angeles, he made it clear after beating South Korea 1-0 on Thursday morning that neither social media nor self-appointed football experts will influence his thinking.

"I'm nearly 40-years a coach, and there's a side of the job of criticism, and for those who don't know, I do things my way, and I never listen to the trash of social media," said Broos.

The veteran coach was even more blunt when addressing some of the criticism aimed at his squad and tactical decisions.

"I never listen to people who think they are important and think they have to criticise them, and if I've seen what they have done before, I think it's better if they shut up."

Rather than allowing negativity to fester after the Mexico loss, Broos said the team dealt with the setback internally through honest discussions and accountability.

"Again, I know what went wrong (in the game against Mexico), we had a debriefing after the game, the players know it, and I will do things my way."

That approach appears to have paid off. Bafana responded by drawing against Czechia before defeating South Korea to secure a historic place in the knockout stages for the first time. Broos believes the most important voices are those inside the camp, not outside it.

With Canada standing between South Africa and a place in the round of 16, Broos remains unwavering in his conviction.

SA Rugby has led the chorus of congratulations after Bafana Bafana secured a historic place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stages for the first time ever, following their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Korea in Monterrey on Thursday morning.

The governing body hailed the achievement as a moment of immense national pride, praising the team's resilience, dedication and determination on football's biggest stage.

"As South Africans, we celebrate this achievement together, united in joy and admiration for the dedication, resilience and spirit shown by our players on the world stage," SA Rugby said their social media post.

The rugby body added that Bafana's success demonstrated the power of unity and urged South Africans to continue backing the national team as they prepare for their Round of 32 showdown against tournament hosts Canada.

SA Rugby extends its warmest congratulations to@SAFA_net and @BafanaBafana on advancing to the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup. This is a moment of immense pride and historic significance for our nation. As South Africans, we celebrate this achievement together, united in joy… pic.twitter.com/QqPsMuW2Cg

— Springboks (@Springboks) June 25, 2026

"Their success reminds us of the strength found in unity and the boundless potential of our nation when we stand together," the statement read.

Bafana's victory was enough to secure progression from Group A and write a new chapter in South African football history. After years of near misses and disappointments on the global stage, Hugo Broos' side delivered when it mattered most, producing a disciplined defensive display and taking their chance in attack through Thapelo Maseko's decisive goal.

The result sparked celebrations across the country, with sporting federations, political leaders and fans united behind a team that has exceeded expectations at the tournament.

South Africa's reward is a high-profile encounter with Canada, a match that offers Bafana the opportunity to continue their remarkable World Cup journey and move one step closer to the latter stages of the competition.

President Cyril Ramaphosa was among those to salute the team's achievement, congratulating Bafana Bafana on reaching the knockout rounds for the first time.

He praised coach Hugo Broos and goal scorer Thapelo Maseko for helping guide South Africa into the group of 32.

"Bafana Bafana displayed an inspired team performance of discipline in defence and precision in their attack," Ramaphosa said. "We remain united and hopeful under our banner that declares 'One Nation. One Dream. One Goal.'"

Reigning champion Jannik Sinner is a strong favourite to successfully defend his Wimbledon title this year, despite a shock early French Open exit which ended his and Carlos Alcaraz's dominance of men's tennis.

Alexander Zverev took advantage at Roland Garros but has never performed well at Wimbledon, while Novak Djokovic may be running out of time to secure a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title. Here, we look at three talking points — regarding the men's draw — ahead of the tournament, which starts at the All England Club on Monday.

Does Sinner have a weakness?

World No 1 Sinner returns to action for the first time since seeing his 30-match winning streak snapped in dramatic fashion in the French Open second round by Juan Manuel Cerundolo.

The Italian led by two sets and 5-1 in the third before collapsing to a bizarre loss as he faded physically in blistering heat. Sinner has only lost nine matches since the start of 2025, four of those to currently injured rival Alcaraz.

He insisted he was "not dying because of the heat" in Paris, insisting he had been feeling unwell. But he has failed to deal with hot temperatures before, including in his last Masters defeat when he retired from his third-round tie against Tallon Griekspoor in Shanghai last year.

Sinner also struggled visibly during the Australian Open earlier this season, before later losing to Djokovic in the semi-finals.

The four-time Grand Slam champion will be happy to see the current heatwave hitting Western Europe being forecasted to end before the start of Wimbledon, where he is still without doubt the man to beat after his final victory over Alcaraz last year.

"It is definitely something I would love to feel again, I'm not lying, but at the same time, if it's not going to happen, I did it once, and will remember (it) forever," he said in an interview with Stan Sport of his hopes of going back-to-back.

Djokovic bidding to bounce back

The 39-year-old Djokovic has come close several times to winning a long-awaited 25th major trophy, but at the French Open he suffered his joint-earliest exit from a Slam since the 2017 Australian Open.

Wimbledon will be only Djokovic's fifth tournament of the campaign as he continues to play a reduced schedule. The grass courts of SW19 may represent Djokovic's best chance of another Slam success, although he did reach the Australian Open final in February.

But doubts still surround the Serb's fitness and he pulled out of an exhibition grass-court event in London this week, without specifying a reason. However, Djokovic, one short of Roger Federer's record tally of eight men's Wimbledon titles, only played one match on clay in preparation for the French Open and then said he was "happy with his level" during the tournament.

Can rising stars build on Paris promise?

Teenagers Rafael Jódar and João Fonseca produced some eye-catching tennis with breakthrough runs to the French Open quarter-finals and will be expecting to build on that at Wimbledon. Czech 20-year-old Jakub Mensik also impressed in reaching the semis as a new generation made their mark on a major competition for the first time.

Fonseca's comeback victory in the third round at Roland Garros over Djokovic appeared to be a coming-of-age moment for the Brazilian star. The 19-year-old's power-packed game looks primed to make an impact on grass and the Brazilian reached the last 32 on his Wimbledon debut last year.

Jódar, 19, has never even played an ATP-level match on grass, but has climbed into the world's top 30 having started 2026 at number 168. Mensik is now back in the world's top 20 and is one of only three men to beat Sinner this year.

French Open champion Zverev has never got past the last 16 in nine previous Wimbledon appearances, leaving the youngsters as perhaps the most likely challengers to Sinner and Djokovic.  |  AFP

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti hailed Vinícius Júnior as "one of the best players in the world" after the Real Madrid forward continued his excellent Fifa World Cup form with a brace in Thursday morning's 3-0 win over Scotland.

Vinícius scored twice in the first half in Miami, including a header, to set Brazil on their way to a victory which allowed them to progress to the last 32 as winners of Group C.

"I had no doubts about how he would be coming into this World Cup," said Ancelotti of the 25-year-old, who has four goals in three games at this year's tournament.

"For him it is an honour to play for the national team. He is playing well and he even scored a header, which is very rare for him.

"I knew all about what Vini could do. He is one of the best players in the world," added Ancelotti, who managed the forward for four years at Real Madrid.

Vinícius scored in Brazil's opening 1-1 draw with Morocco and then also netted in the 3-0 defeat of Haiti. He is level with France's Kylian Mbappé and Norway's Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot race, with that trio all one behind Lionel Messi.

He is the first Brazilian to score in all three group matches at a World Cup since Ronaldo and Rivaldo both achieved the feat in 2002. The only other Brazilian players to find the net in all three group games are Jairzinho, in 1970, and Romário in 1994 — that is illustrious company to keep, and Brazil went on to lift the trophy every time one of their players did that in the past.

"I always say I am not that bothered about numbers. I am not used to scoring so many goals, but the coach has moved me into a position to which I have adapted well, and now I am scoring and helping the team," Vinícius told Brazilian broadcaster CazéTV.

Vinícius, who came second in the Ballon d'Or in 2024, netted 22 goals in 53 games in all competitions for Real last season.

"Hopefully, I can keep going to the final. I am very happy with the work being done by the team. If everyone is playing well, the ball will arrive in attacking areas and we will have chances to score goals," he added.

Matheus Cunha got Brazil's other goal against Scotland, before the Manchester United player was replaced by Neymar for his first appearance for his country since October 2023.

"He deserved to come on. He has worked hard and trained hard to recover fitness. He has done it very professionally," Ancelotti said, of Brazil's all-time top scorer.

"He has the quality to help the team at this World Cup and he played well in the few minutes he was on. He needs no motivation to play for Brazil, none of the players do. He is 34-years old but he has the same passion for playing football as a kid."

Brazil now go to Houston for a last-32 tie next Monday against the runners-up in Group F — either the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden.

"Compared to the first game we are making fewer errors, playing with more rhythm, and we are more clinical up front," added Ancelotti.

"In the two games since Morocco we have left a good impression. The objective was to finish first, and now we just need to keep working and getting better for the next game.

"Now we are really playing as a team, and that was the aim. We are not perfect, we have things to improve on. But I am very happy because we have got better already and we are solid now. It's really important to be solid in the knockout rounds."

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos took aim at his critics following South Africa’s historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup knockout stages, insisting the victory over South Korea was the perfect response to mounting outside pressure.

Bafana secured a famous 1-0 victory on Thursday morning, a result that saw South Africa advance to the round of 32 for the first time in the nation’s history. The triumph arrived after intense scrutiny surrounding Broos and his tactical approach following the opening defeat to co-hosts Mexico earlier in the competition.

The Belgian tactician had faced heavy criticism over his decision to switch systems against the hosts, whilst debates around team selection and style of play dominated discussion back home throughout South Africa’s World Cup campaign. But after watching his side deliver under immense pressure in Monterrey, Broos made it clear he felt entirely vindicated.

“I’m very proud of my team and I think we gave really a good answer to all those big mouths from previous weeks who wanted us to change things and wanted to tell us what we need to do,” a defiant Broos said after the match. “We did what I wanted to do and this is the result. I’m happy for my team.”

The result represented a dramatic turnaround for Bafana after beginning the tournament with that loss to El Tri and then fighting back to earn a hard-fought draw against the Czech Republic. Against South Korea, however, South Africa finally produced the complete performance Broos had been searching for.

Bafana played with far greater attacking intent, whilst the introductions of Relebohile Mofokeng to the starting line-up and Tshepang Moremi off the bench added crucial energy and unpredictability in forward areas. Thapelo Maseko’s 63rd-minute strike ultimately secured the historic victory and sent South Africa into the knockout rounds.

For Broos, though, the result appeared to carry personal satisfaction beyond qualification itself. The veteran coach has repeatedly defended his methods throughout his five-year tenure, often urging patience during difficult periods of transition.

Now, after guiding Bafana to one of the greatest moments in modern South African sports history, he believes his squad have answered their detractors in the strongest possible way — on the pitch.

Bafana Bafana’s historic 1-0 victory over South Korea was shaped less by possession dominance and far more by structure, patience, and devastating efficiency in transition.

Hugo Broos’s side operated in a fluid 4-3-3 system, but crucially, they defended in a compact mid-block that completely frustrated South Korea’s 3-5-2 before springing into life when space opened up. It was a tactical masterclass built on control without the ball — and explosive speed with it.

Here is the tactical breakdown of how the historic triumph was achieved.

Mid-block discipline sets the foundation

Bafana’s defensive shape was one of the defining tactical features of the match. Rather than pressing high for long spells, they held a disciplined mid-block, squeezing space between the lines and forcing South Korea into predictable, sideways circulation in front of them. The back four stayed tightly connected to the midfield engine room, whilst the front three screened passing lanes rather than aimlessly chasing the ball.

This rigid structure ensured South Korea struggled to find clean entries into the final third, despite possessing a numerical superiority in midfield through their 3-5-2 system. The result was a controlled defensive performance that limited central penetration and forced the opposition wide.

South Korea’s wing-backs become the key battleground

Against South Korea’s wing-back system, the widest areas became the most vital zones on the pitch. With the Korean wing-backs pushing aggressively high, huge pockets of space opened behind them whenever possession was turned over. Bafana were alert to this vulnerability from the first whistle.

The moment they regained the ball, the first thought was strictly vertical — not sideways recycling. Those wide channels became launchpads for quick transitions, especially when South Korea were caught mid-transition and still reorganising. This was where the match began to tilt heavily in South Africa's favour.

Mofokeng and Maseko act as transition triggers

Bafana’s primary attacking threat arrived when Relebohile Mofokeng and Thapelo Maseko were unleashed in transition. Mofokeng’s ability to receive between the lines and immediately turn forward created constant instability in South Korea’s midfield structure. Maseko, meanwhile, was the chief runner into space behind the defensive line — even if his finishing was initially erratic.

Several of Bafana’s best openings came from quick combinations where Mofokeng released him early into channels before the back three could reset. The pressing sequence that led to one of Maseko’s first-half chances perfectly summed up the blueprint: win possession, find Mofokeng, break the line, and release Maseko.

South Korea’s 3-5-2 crumbles in defensive transitions

Whilst South Korea enjoyed sustained phases of possession, their biggest weakness was their rest defence. With their wing-backs pinned high and central midfielders committed forward, they were often completely exposed when possession turned over.

Bafana exploited this repeatedly by playing the first pass forward immediately rather than building slowly from the back. Even when they did not create clear-cut chances, they consistently forced the South Korean defenders to sprint backwards toward their own goal, disrupting their shape and draining their physical reserves. This structural imbalance became more costly as the match stretched in the second half.

The breakthrough comes from the system working perfectly

The winning goal in the 63rd minute was no accident — it was the system in perfect harmony. A clean regain within a compact defensive block, a rapid forward move into space, and a decisive wide delivery from substitute Tshepang Moremi led to Maseko arriving on cue to finish inside the penalty box.

By that point, South Korea’s structure had already been stretched to breaking point. When the definitive moment arrived, Bafana were positioned exactly where the tactical blueprint demanded.

Record-breaking Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams was visibly emotional on Thursday morning after leading his side to their first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout stage appearance.

Bafana secured their spot in the round of 32 following a historic 1-0 victory over South Korea. They finished second in Group A, trailing only co-hosts Mexico, who maintained a perfect opening-phase record, including a victory over South Africa in the tournament opener.

Coach Hugo Broos’s side had been largely written off by pundits following their initial loss to El Tri and a subsequent draw against the Czech Republic. Entering the final fixture against South Korea as clear underdogs, they defied the critics to qualify.

Displaying immense determination in Monterrey, the squad secured a crucial three points thanks to a second-half goal from Thapelo Maseko. His clinical strike capped off a stellar individual performance that earned him the official FIFA Player of the Match award.

Williams etched his name into the history books as the first Bafana captain to lead the national team to the World Cup knockout stage after three previous failed tournament attempts by the nation. He reflected on the monumental milestone during an emotional post-match interview with SABC Sport.

"It’s amazing. I’m lost for words," Williams said. "I’m not sure there’s a better word than proud. I am ecstatic and incredibly proud, especially considering what this side has endured. Dealing with doubters and the stress of playing at this elite level is never easy."

"Keeping a clean sheet against such high-quality opposition, and defending the way we did, is no small feat. It speaks volumes about the character of this group. We were under immense pressure, but we stayed strong."

With a youthful and exciting squad — including Maseko, Relebohile Mofokeng, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi — Williams is confident that the future of South African football is in safe hands.

"Given the mentality and character of these boys, I am excited for the future of this country. They are so young, yet they are competing at this elite level," Williams noted. "I feel like an old head already, but the experience they are gaining will only benefit the nation. It’s amazing, and I am proud to lead this group."

Whilst the squad will celebrate their victory well into the night, they will soon return to work. Their focus must quickly shift to Sunday’s maiden knockout stage clash against tournament co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has led the country's celebrations after Bafana Bafana secured a historic place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stages for the first time.

Bafana booked their place in the round of 32 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea in Monterrey, with Thapelo Maseko scoring the decisive goal.

The result capped another impressive performance from Hugo Broos's side, who have earned widespread praise for their organisation, discipline, and growing confidence on football's biggest stage.

In an official statement released on Thursday morning, President Ramaphosa congratulated the team on achieving a milestone moment for South African football.

"Congratulations to Bafana Bafana on beating South Korea 1-0 in Monterrey to make it to the knockout stages of a FIFA World Cup for the first time," Ramaphosa said.

The president also acknowledged the contributions of head coach Hugo Broos and match-winner Maseko, whilst praising the collective effort that has carried South Africa into the next round.

"Coach Hugo Broos and scorer Thapelo Maseko opened the way for South Africa to progress to the round of 32, where an encounter with tournament co-hosts Canada awaits," he said.

Ramaphosa added that the side had shown "discipline in defence and precision in their attack" throughout the tournament and urged South Africans to continue backing the squad.

Bafana will now shift their focus to a high-stakes knockout clash against Canada as they attempt to extend their dream run and create another piece of footballing history when they take on the co-hosts in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Bafana Bafana’s 1-0 victory over South Korea will go down as one of the defining results in the country’s footballing history.

Thapelo Maseko’s second-half strike sealed a first-ever passage into the FIFA World Cup knockout stages, but the story of this landmark night goes far beyond the scoreline.

Here are five key takeaways from a historic evening in Mexico:

Bafana Bafana rewrite the history books

This was more than just a victory — it was a watershed moment for the domestic game. Bafana Bafana finished second in Group A to secure their place in the round of 32, marking the first time in history that South Africa has advanced to the knockout stages of a FIFA World Cup.

For a nation that spent years in the international wilderness following the 2002 tournament, and only returned via the qualification route after hosting in 2010, this result represents a glorious new chapter. It was a performance built on collective resilience, unwavering belief, and clinical quality under immense pressure.

Broos goes brave for final group fixture

Hugo Broos made bold, unapologetic decisions in what could have been his final match in charge of the national team. The Belgian tactician reshuffled his starting line-up, handing starts to Relebohile Mofokeng and Evidence Makgopa following their positive impact off the bench in the previous fixture, whilst Sphephelo Sithole replaced the suspended Teboho Mokoena.

Ultimately, his mid-match interventions decided the contest. The introduction of Tshepang Moremi injected raw pace and directness at a crucial junction, leading directly to the winning goal. Broos’s willingness to trust youth and maintain an attacking philosophy paid off on the biggest stage of all.

Mofokeng unfazed by global stage

Relebohile Mofokeng once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of South African football's brightest young talents. Operating between the lines, the playmaker consistently found dangerous pockets of space and linked play intelligently under pressure.

Even in a high-stakes World Cup fixture, the youngster looked entirely composed and proactive. He played a key role in orchestrating Bafana’s first-half openings, including the high-pressing sequence that initially released Maseko on goal. His maturity on such a massive occasion was exceptional.

Maseko overcomes frustration to turn hero

It was a night of immense personal redemption for Thapelo Maseko. Before netting the winner in the 63rd minute, the winger had endured a thoroughly frustrating match, spurning at least three clear opportunities. He was first sent clean through on goal after a well-executed press but hesitated at the crucial moment.

Later, he failed to capitalise on another promising transition and was guilty of fluffing a key chance during Bafana’s first-half dominance. But when it mattered most, he delivered. His composed finish from Moremi’s low cross turned initial frustration into footballing immortality.

Defensive resilience delivers golden clean sheet

While the frontline will understandably dominate the headlines, Bafana’s defensive structure was equally monumental. The central-defensive pairing of Ime Okon and Mbekezeli Mbokazi stood firm under sustained pressure, particularly in the second half when South Korea introduced talisman Son Heung-min.

After the interval, South Africa were forced deeper and faced wave after wave of attacking pressure, but the defensive line maintained its shape and rigid discipline. It was a gritty, organised rearguard display that delivered Bafana’s first clean sheet of the tournament at the perfect moment.

Thapelo Maseko's 63rd-minute strike had South Africans had South Africans on the edge of their seats, hoping Bafana Bafana would hold on and do what was deemed impossible.

But when the final whistle blew, a glorious reality set in. A long-awaited dream had finally been realised as Bafana qualified for the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in the country's history.

As expected, die-hard fans took to social media in the wee hours of Thursday morning to express their delight, joy, and raw emotions as Hugo Broos’ men overcame the formidable obstacle that was South Korea.

The South African Government led the tributes online, writing: "A memorable night for South African football as Bafana Bafana secure a place in the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup for the first time. The team has shown courage, determination, and belief, making the nation proud on the world stage. South Africa stands united in celebration. Congratulations, Bafana Bafana, the journey continues."

Match-winner Maseko admitted it all felt like a dream after netting the historic goal that sent his country into the knockout phase for the first time.

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie was also prominent on social media following the final whistle, posting a video of himself dancing and celebrating the country's success alongside SAFA President Danny Jordaan.

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A post shared by Trevor Noah (@trevornoah)

"Ha Bashwe Baloi," McKenzie wrote triumphantly on Facebook.

The victory will undoubtedly serve as a massive relief for Jordaan as well, who has overseen the national setup through some of its darkest footballing days in recent decades. Now, Bafana must quickly dust themselves down and prepare for their next monumental battle — a round of 32 clash against tournament co-hosts Canada.

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A post shared by South African Football Association (@bafanabafanaofficial)

Bafana Bafana etched their names into history, reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time ever after defeating South Korea in their final Group A clash on Thursday morning.

Thapelo Maseko was the standout performer for the South Africans, securing the historic goal that clinched the victory. Below, Independent Media soccer writer Mihlali Baleka provides player ratings for all 14 participants on the night.

GK: Ronwen Williams — 6

Williams had a relatively quiet night. His defence shielded him against most threats, ensuring he kept his first clean sheet of the tournament — a welcome result after conceding three goals across the previous two fixtures.

RB: Khuliso Mudau — 6.5

Mudau delivered his best performance in a Bafana shirt at this World Cup. He displayed his characteristic tenacity, winning ground duels and anchoring the defence, particularly when the side was under immense pressure in the closing stages.

CB: Mbekezeli Mbokazi — 7.5

Bafana’s defensive stalwart continued his excellent form, keeping the backline compact and neutralising threats. His physical presence and keen reading of the match were pivotal, as he consistently won duels against the Korean attackers.

CB: Ime Okon — 6

Okon helped maintain defensive discipline during periods when the squad was under siege. However, he could have been more proactive in his individual challenges rather than relying on Mbokazi to cover the hard yards.

LB: Aubrey Modiba — 6.5

After a quiet start, Modiba came alive in the second half. He neutralised the threat down the left flank and, despite his smaller stature, effectively won his aerial duels to regain possession.

DM: Sphephelo Sithole — 7.5

Calmness personified. Sithole put in a much-improved performance in midfield following his disappointing opening outing against Mexico. He kept play tidy and simple, providing stability for both the defence and his midfield partner, Thalente Mbatha.

CDM: Thalente Mbatha — 6.5

Mbatha complemented Sithole perfectly. His ability to press the Koreans in the middle of the park created space for Relebohile Mofokeng to manoeuvre and cause chaos. He nearly capped off his performance with a first-half goal.

AM: Relebohile Mofokeng — 7.5

Mofokeng enjoyed a memorable first World Cup start. He excelled at exploiting pockets of space and finding Maseko with well-executed passes, though he could have been more clinical when taking shots at goal.

RW: Oswin Appollis — 6

Appollis consistently found the right spaces when in possession. However, his final delivery let him down on several occasions, which made his early substitution by coach Hugo Broos unsurprising.

LW: Thapelo Maseko — 8.5

Maseko was Bafana’s best player on the night. After missing two opportunities in the first half, he finally found the net in the second with a historic strike. His awareness and movement were a constant headache for the Korean defence.

S: Evidence Makgopa — 6

Makgopa performed his role as expected, providing a physical presence and excellent hold-up play. He successfully kept the Korean defenders under pressure for the majority of the match.

Substitutes

LW: Tshepang Moremi — 6

Moremi made an immediate impact, providing the assist for Maseko’s crucial winning goal. While he could have utilised his pace to challenge the Koreans more aggressively, he did exactly what was required of him.

"We are getting better and better" 🎙️

Hugo Broos has high praise for his Bafana Bafana squad 🇿🇦#DStvFIFAWorldCup2026 | #EverythingCanWait pic.twitter.com/k2wDwwsKrB

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 25, 2026

S: Iqraam Rayners — 5

Replacing the goalscorer with 15 minutes remaining, Rayners did not contribute significantly to the attack. However, he tracked back effectively to help the side defensively against the run of play.

CDM: Jayden Adams — N/A

Adams was not on the pitch long enough to earn a subjective rating.

Bafana Bafana beat South Korea 1-0 at Estadio Monterrey on Thursday to book their spot in the knockout round of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history.

Bafana took the lead in the 63rd minute through Thapelo Maseko.

The win took Bafana to four points to finish in second place in the group, automatically advancing to the next round. Mexico finished top of Group A, after beating Czechia 3-0 in a simultaneous fixture on Thursday.

Bafana will play in the first fixture of the round of 32, against World Cup co-hosts Canada at Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday.

Bafana’s World Cup Journey: Overcoming Challenges Against South Korea

In three previous appearances (1998, 2002, 2010) at the FIFA World Cup, Bafana have crashed out in the group stage, but it was different in 2026 under coach Hugo Broos. 

Coming into the game, Bafana had just an 18% chance of victory. There was a 25% chance of a draw, while South Korea were clear favourites, with their chances of winning sitting at 57%.

Midfield maestro Teboho Mokoena was suspended and was forced to watch from the sidelines. Sphephelo Sithole instead was tasked with filling the void left by Mokoena, which was a significant responsibility on the young midfielder’s shoulders.

The 21-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng also made his first start of the World Cup in an attacking role, in what was the biggest game of his career so far.

Meanwhile, Son Heung-min remains South Korea’s biggest star but only came on in the second half. The winger has spent the last decade with Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League and is widely regarded as one of Asia’s finest footballers.

He was expected to pose the greatest attacking threat to Bafana.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport

“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.”

This famous quote from South Africa’s first democratically elected President, Nelson Mandela, rang true once more on Thursday, June 25, 2026.

Just as it did on June 24, 1995, when the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup on home soil at Ellis Park.

Just as it did less than a year later, on February 3, 1996, when Bafana Bafana stormed to the Africa Cup of Nations title at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.

Bafana Bafana’s Historic 2026 World Cup: A New Chapter for South African Sport

Those early sporting triumphs in the infancy of a new South Africa helped shape a national mindset that, however briefly, a brighter future for the Rainbow Nation was indeed possible.

In the early hours of Thursday morning, the national mood once again felt reminiscent of those special days before the turn of the century. Bafana beat South Korea 1-0 in their final Fifa World Cup Group A match to book a place in the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time in their history.

To put the achievement into perspective, this is only South Africa’s fourth appearance at a Fifa World Cup. It is also the first time Bafana have qualified for the tournament since 2002, having gained automatic entry as hosts in 2010.

It has been 16 years since South Africa inspired the nation as hosts of the 2010 Fifa World Cup. Yet even then, advancing to the knockout stages proved a bridge too far, despite an unforgettable 2-1 victory over France.

What made this 2026 achievement even more special was the manner in which it unfolded. Bafana looked overawed in their opening match against co-hosts Mexico, slumping to a 2-0 defeat.

Even in their second group game against Czechia, which ended in a 1-1 draw, they offered precious little attacking threat.

But when Thapelo Maseko smashed the ball into the back of the net against South Korea on this historic day, those feelings of nostalgia came flooding back. It felt as though a new chapter of South African sporting history was being written.

And indeed, it was.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport

* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.

** JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Send us an email with your comments, thoughts or responses to iolletters@inl.co.za. Letters should be a maximum of 500 words, and may be edited for length. Anonymous correspondence will not be published. Submissions should include a contact number and physical address (not for publication).

Bafana Bafana's goalscorer against South Korea, Thapelo Maseko, beamed proudly as he encouraged South Africans to enjoy the moment after a historic 1-0 victory on Thursday morning propelled the nation out of the group stages of the Fifa World Cup for the first time in their history.

Maseko’s 63rd-minute strike was enough to ensure progression to the Round of 32, where Bafana will face co-hosts Canada on Sunday in Los Angeles.

Due to the victory, South Africa finished second in Group A with four points, one point ahead of third-placed South Korea. Co-hosts Mexico won the group after crushing the Czech Republic 3-0 at the same time, the latter rounding up the group on one point.

𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 ⚽💥

Bafana Bafana are on the brink of history 📚🔥

📺 Stream #FIFAWorldCup on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc #SSFootball | #DStvFIFAWorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/ji9NxrvzmN

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 25, 2026

Speaking post-match, Maseko dedicated the win to all South Africans, even those who have — in recent weeks — doubted the team.

“This win is just for those who supported us and those who actually didn't support us, too,” said Maseko.

“They said we had a seven per cent chance of getting out of the group and yet here we are. We are thankful for everyone … we keep going.

“We’ve been through a couple of rough patches. From the first game, the media bashing us, the memes were trending. But this team showed that they are capable and they are strong and they have some mentality in them.”

Maseko signed off by instructing South Africans to revel in the victory. 

“Thank you,” he said to Bafana’s supporters, “and enjoy.”

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos was full of emotion and pride after guiding South Africa into the FIFA World Cup knockout stages for the first time in history, following a hard-fought 1-0 win over South Korea.

“I can’t explain how we feel, it’s a fantastic experience, today was tough but we played a fantastic match,” he said.

The decisive moment came from Thapelo Maseko’s second-half strike, but Broos insisted the achievement was built on structure, discipline, and collective improvement across the tournament.

“We had chances and tactically I think we were good. We defended well and were dangerous in transition.”

"We are getting better and better" 🎙️

Hugo Broos has high praise for his Bafana Bafana squad 🇿🇦#DStvFIFAWorldCup2026 | #EverythingCanWait pic.twitter.com/k2wDwwsKrB

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 25, 2026

For Broos, the result marked the culmination of a five-year project that has transformed Bafana into a more organised and competitive international side. “We are in the second round, it is historical but I’m happy for the guys. I’ve worked with them for five years and what we’ve done in those five years is amazing.”

South Africa’s journey to the round of 32 was not straightforward. After a disappointing opening performance, Bafana grew steadily into the competition, showing greater control and maturity with each outing before delivering under pressure in Monterrey.

“Our first match wasn’t good, but we became better and better. Now, the next match, we will see. We just have to enjoy everything now and maybe we can go to the next round again.”

That final message reflected both celebration and ambition. Whilst Broos stopped short of making bold promises, his words carried a clear sense of belief that this squad has more to offer on the world stage. For now, though, history has already been written — and Bafana Bafana are through.

More than just a goal 🤩🇿🇦

Look at the celebrations as South Africa book their place in the Round of 32 ⏭️#SSFootball | #DStvFIFAWorldCup2026 | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/b6XnJ7VjFW

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 25, 2026

Bafana Bafana made history on Thursday morning after defeating South Korea 1-0 to secure qualification for the FIFA World Cup knockout stages for the first time in South African football history.

A solitary second-half strike from Thapelo Maseko proved enough to separate the sides as South Africa finished second in Group A and booked their place in the round of 32 of the competition, where they will face Canada on Sunday at 9pm.

For a nation that waited more than two decades to return to the World Cup through qualification rather than host nation status, this was a result that instantly became one of the most important in modern South African sports history.

Ironically, the match-winner had endured one of the most frustrating evenings of his international career before finally delivering the decisive moment. After wasting several opportunities throughout the contest, Maseko finally lit up households across South Africa in the 63rd minute when he calmly controlled and finished a low cross from substitute Tshepang Moremi into the bottom corner.

⚽️ 𝔽𝕀𝔽𝔸 𝕎𝕠𝕣𝕝𝕕 ℂ𝕦𝕡 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟞 🏆

🥅 ⒼⓄⒶⓁ: Thapelo Maseko finally gets an opener for Bafana Bafana!

🇿🇦 1⃣➖0⃣ 🇰🇷

🚨 LIVE
📺 SABC 1 | SABC 3
🌐 https://t.co/26PdrPrnVE#SABCSportFootball #FIFAWorldCup #AllOfUsAllInKaofela pic.twitter.com/aTGss0qO7s

— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) June 25, 2026

The assist came from Moremi’s very first touch of the World Cup. The winger, introduced moments earlier as Hugo Broos searched for greater attacking energy, immediately changed the tempo of the contest with his pace and directness before creating the breakthrough.

In what could potentially have been his final match in charge of Bafana Bafana, Broos made three changes to the side that earned a hard-fought draw against the Czech Republic in Atlanta. Following impressive substitute appearances in the previous outing, Relebohile Mofokeng and Evidence Makgopa were both handed starts, whilst Sphephelo Sithole replaced the suspended Teboho Mokoena in midfield.

Needing a victory to realistically keep qualification hopes alive, South Africa started with far greater attacking intent than they showed against Mexico earlier in the tournament. Bafana almost made the perfect start when Ronwen Williams attempted a long pass over the top for Mofokeng, but the young attacker failed to bring the ball under control with space opening ahead of him.

One of the biggest surprises before kick-off had been South Korea’s decision to leave captain and talisman Son Heung-min on the bench, but despite his absence, the Asians still threatened through their movement and combinations in attack. The match quickly developed into an open tactical battle, with both sides finding moments in transition.

South Africa’s first major opportunity arrived after an aggressive pressing trap high up the field. Mofokeng reacted sharply to release Maseko through on goal, but the winger hesitated at the crucial moment, allowing a recovering defender to block the chance. That miss was followed by an even more painful opportunity just after the half-hour mark.

After Thalente Mbatha’s powerful effort was spilled into danger by the goalkeeper, Makgopa reacted quickest to the loose ball with only the goalkeeper left to beat. Yet the striker failed to compose himself and instead passed the rebound straight into the shot-stopper's hands.

Despite the missed chances, Bafana controlled large periods of the first half. Mofokeng repeatedly found dangerous spaces between the lines and looked the most threatening player on the pitch, whilst South Africa’s pressing unsettled the Koreans throughout the opening period. The scorching Monterrey conditions also appeared to favour the Africans, with South Korea visibly fading physically as the half progressed.

Recognising the momentum shift, South Korea responded aggressively after the interval by introducing Son alongside two other substitutions in an attempt to regain control. The changes initially worked; Bafana suddenly struggled to maintain possession and spent longer periods without the ball as South Korea began forcing them deeper into defensive positions.

Yet Broos’ own substitutions would ultimately prove decisive. The introduction of Moremi gave South Africa fresh attacking speed and directness just as the match threatened to drift away from them. Within moments, the substitute produced the defining action of the night.

Driving into space down the flank, Moremi delivered a dangerous low cross that Maseko controlled brilliantly before firing beyond the goalkeeper to send South Africa into dreamland. The final stages brought pressure, tension, and frayed nerves as Bafana desperately defended their advantage. But when the final whistle eventually arrived, history arrived with it. Bafana Bafana were through.

The fact that Bafana Bafana have made it through to the knockout stages of the Fifa World Cup for the first time in their history is monumental, and much of the credit has to go to coach Hugo Broos.

This World Cup marked the first time Bafana had qualified for the tournament since the 2002 edition, having gained automatic entry as hosts in 2010.

The major achievement, therefore, was simply qualifying again for football’s biggest showpiece.

However, once the tournament rolled around, expectations quickly grew.

Bafana Bafana’s Journey: From Opening Loss to World Cup Round of 32 Triumph

Those lofty ambitions came crashing back down to earth after an opening 2-0 loss to co-hosts Mexico on June 11.

Bafana conceded inside the first 10 minutes and looked utterly toothless in attack.

On June 18, they again appeared short of creativity and cutting edge against Czech Republic, although they managed to secure a crucial 1-1 draw thanks to a late penalty from Teboho Mokoena.

It was then time to face a dangerous South Korea side on Thursday. Despite seeing just 31% of the possession, Bafana looked revitalised in attack.

They fired off 14 shots at goal and were finally rewarded when Thapelo Maseko broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute. That proved enough to secure a 1-0 victory and book their place in the Round of 32 in this expanded 48-team World Cup.

The last time Bafana experienced anything close to this level of excitement and euphoria was back in 1996 when they won the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations.

I watched that triumph as a wide-eyed 10-year-old sports-loving boy. Thirty years later, the cynicism of a grumpy 40-year-old has, at least for now, been replaced by optimism about South African football once again.

And if Bafana keep making history, don’t be surprised if the calls of “Watch out Cyril, Hugo Broos for president” only grow louder.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport

* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.

** JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Send us an email with your comments, thoughts or responses to iolletters@inl.co.za. Letters should be a maximum of 500 words, and may be edited for length. Anonymous correspondence will not be published. Submissions should include a contact number and physical address (not for publication).

Morocco twice overcame the shock of conceding to Haiti to win a Fifa World Cup thriller 4-2 in Atlanta on Wednesday, but missed out on top spot in Group C to Brazil.

Haiti bowed out with their first World Cup goals for 52 years as a Yassine Bounou own goal and Wilson Isidor's stunning strike twice gave them the lead.

Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari, with his third goal in as many games at the World Cup, levelled before half-time.

Soufiane Rahimi was nearly brought to tears when the 30-year-old's deflected effort found the top corner to give Morocco the lead before Gessime Yassine rounded off the scoring. But by finishing second to Brazil on goal difference, Morocco will head to Monterrey for a likely meeting against the Netherlands or Japan in the last 32 on Monday.

Despite bowing out without a point, Haiti's performances at a first World Cup since 1974 have done a nation gripped by poverty proud.

Les Grenadiers were already eliminated after losing to Scotland and Brazil, but the thousands of Haitian expats in the stands at Atlanta were undeterred as every attack was met with deafening cheers.

"Today we scored two goals, we are really proud of it, the emotions were big, but it is still really frustrating because we didn't get a point," said Sunderland striker Isidor.

"With the generation we have I am confident we are going to be here again to win Haiti's first point in a World Cup."

Haiti's long wait for a goal on the global stage was ended after just 10 minutes when Jean-Kevin Duverne got to the by-line and Lenny Joseph flicked his cross into the net via a deflection off Bounou.

Hakimi has continued to captain Morocco despite learning mid-tournament that he is to face a trial on rape charges in France.

But the reigning African footballer of the year said he was still in a good place "personally and professionally" after helping Paris Saint-Germain to a second consecutive Champions League title and his country into the knockout stages of the World Cup.

"I am in a very good moment, personally and professionally," said Hakimi, who won man-of-the-match.

"I feel very good, I have good people around me that help me concentrate on the most important thing and the truth is it is one of the most important moments of my career. I hope to continue like this for as long as possible."

Hakimi equalised when he was left with the simple task of forcing the ball over the line after Johny Placide could only parry Bilal El Khannouss' strike.

Within four minutes, though, Haiti had restored their lead in far more spectacular fashion.

Isidor pounced on a loose ball and let fly from outside the area with a shot that arrowed into the top corner.

Hakimi and coach Mohamed Ouahbi were visibly angered by conceding for a second time, but the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists responded before half-time.

Saibari stroked home his third goal of the tournament with a cool finish from Hakimi's low cross.

With Brazil cruising to victory over Scotland in Miami, Morocco knew only a comprehensive victory would secure them top spot in Group C.

Ouahbi began turning his attention to the last 32 as Bayern Munich-bound Saibari and Real Madrid's Diaz were replaced with over 20 minutes remaining.

But two of his substitutes came on to win the game for Morocco.

Rahimi's powerful strike from a corner flew into the top corner via a deflection off a desperate Haiti defender.

He then turned provider by robbing possession on the Haiti by-line and crossing for Yassine to roll into an empty net.

AFP

Vinicius Júnior made it four goals in three matches at the Fifa World Cup as Brazil cruised to a 3-0 victory over Scotland on Wednesday, sealing progress to the round of 32 as Group C winners and leaving their opponents in danger of another first-round exit.

The Real Madrid superstar took full advantage of a defensive howler to give Brazil an early lead in Miami and headed in another in first-half stoppage time. Scotland were never really in the contest and Matheus Cunha registered a third on the hour mark for the record five-time World Cup winners, who brought on Neymar towards the end for his first international appearance in over two-and-a-half years.

There remain doubts as to whether Carlo Ancelotti's side are genuine contenders to win this tournament, but boosted by finishing top of the pile, they head to Texas for a round of 32 tie in Houston on June 29. That fixture will be against the runners-up in Group F, which will be either the Netherlands, Japan, or Sweden.

After scoring in both the opening 1-1 draw with Morocco and the 3-0 win over Haiti, Vinicius Júnior is the first Brazilian to find the net in every group match at a World Cup since Ronaldo and Rivaldo both did so in 2002. With four goals, he sits just one behind Lionel Messi and level with Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé in the Golden Boot race.

Scotland, meanwhile, are at real risk of yet another group-stage elimination, as has been their fate at every previous major tournament in which they have participated — an unenviable record that includes eight World Cups before this year.

Morocco took second place in Group C, finishing on seven points but behind Brazil on goal difference after coming from behind twice to beat Haiti 4-2 in Atlanta. Scotland finish third with three points and a goal difference of minus three. They must now wait to see if that is enough to finish as one of the eight best third-placed sides who advance to the round of 32.

Steve Clarke's team could not recover from conceding inside two minutes in their previous outing against Morocco in Boston, and they only had themselves to blame as they once again fell behind early. It was a very soft goal to concede and a nightmare for Scott McKenna, who had been brought into the starting line-up in place of Grant Hanley.

McKenna was far too casual in possession in his own box in the seventh minute and was quickly closed down by Rayan. Starting in place of the injured Raphinha, the young Bournemouth forward teed up Vinicius Júnior, who effortlessly rounded Angus Gunn to score.

Neymar makes comeback

Scotland were incredibly fortunate not to concede again in similar circumstances midway through the first half when Jack Hendry was closed down by Vinicius Júnior, who went on to slot home. This time, however, the goal was overturned following a VAR check by the Mexican referee, who spotted that the forward had clipped the leg of Hendry on his way through.

Neymar was in tears after his first match for Brazil since October 2023 🥺 pic.twitter.com/p7hKmq0H5E

— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 25, 2026

But it was only a matter of time before Brazil struck again, and Vinicius Júnior headed home deep into first-half stoppage time. Once more, Scotland were punished for slack play at the back, with an Andy Robertson pass being intercepted inside his own area before Bruno Guimarães crossed for the clinical forward to finish.

Scotland looked at risk of completely collapsing as Gunn had to save from Rayan just before the half-time whistle, and the goalkeeper then denied Vinicius Júnior his hat-trick soon after the restart. Instead, it was Manchester United's Cunha who got the third — his third of the tournament — from a smart Guimarães lay-off, and Brazil could easily have won by more.

A consolation goal for Scotland might have been significant in their quest to reach the next round, but Alisson twice denied Scott McTominay in the closing stages. Neymar, Brazil's all-time top goalscorer, then came on for Cunha in the 76th minute to huge cheers from the crowd, making his emotional comeback after being absent from the Seleção since October 2023.

This victory marks Brazil's fourth win in five World Cup meetings with Scotland, with the sole exception being a goalless draw way back in 1974.

AFP

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is determined to reward the multitudes of supporters back home, who will be rising in the wee hours of Thursday morning to watch the team face South Korea in a must-win Group A clash.

Bafana Bafana square off against South Korea at Monterrey Stadium in their final Group A fixture, needing a victory to secure a spot in the Fifa World Cup knockout stage.

While their qualification fate has come down to this final hurdle, Bafana’s campaign has not been without challenges. The team opened with a 2-0 loss to co-host Mexico, a result that drew significant criticism toward Broos for his chosen formation.

A spirited second-half performance salvaged a 1-1 draw against Czechia, yet Bafana supporters remain divided on whether Broos will adopt the right approach to defeat South Korea.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the Belgian coach vowed that his team would leave nothing to chance, despite being without suspended talisman Teboho Mokoena for the encounter.

Broos noted that the team has felt the nation's support since their pre-departure tour of Johannesburg. He emphasized the squad's desire to make history for the fans and their "12th man" back home.

“The guys want to be in the second round because they are professionals, but we know that we have massive support from all those people in South Africa,” added Broos, who was speaking on Safa’s podcast, Inside Camp, before the game.

“They’ll be up at 3am on Thursday to watch. So, I hope with all my heart that we can produce a good result and win to progress to the next round. We want to make them happy; that’s for sure.”

Broos is equally eager for a victory, which would see him reach the knockout stages of the competition for the first time. The Belgian previously competed at the Mexico World Cup 40 years ago, though his team exited in the group stage at that time.

Proteas Women’s coach Mandla Mashimbyi has warned his team against any form of complacency when they face off against the Netherlands in a crucial ICC Women’s T20 World Cup clash in Bristol on Thursday.

The Proteas are coming off a high after beating India in their last match, but now they must maintain their momentum against a Dutch side that has lost three matches in a row.

“The only surprise that I would be wary of is the complacency we bring as a team to this match,” Mashimbyi said.

“If we are complacent, then I'll be really surprised because every game is important for us now. So we cannot drop our energy, our intensity.

“We need to make sure that we bring the right intensity for us to actually be in a position to dominate the game.”

Mashimbyi also does not want his team to focus on the opposition, but instead to improve their batting efforts over the next two matches.

“I think we just want to focus on how we want to play cricket, which is obviously this aggressive brand of cricket,” he said.

“We haven't been doing that in the past few games, and we're still obviously working towards a complete performance from a batting point of view.

“And hopefully, maybe in the next two games, we'll get the confidence needed for us to make sure that when we go through, we are where we need to be as a batting unit.”

One positive to emerge on the batting front has been the return of opener Tazmin Brits. Despite being a stellar performer for the Proteas in major tournaments over the last few years, Brits was left out of the starting XI for the opening two matches in the UK.

Matchday -1! 🏏

Polishing the skill set ahead of tomorrow’s #T20WorldCup encounter with Netherlands. 🇿🇦💪#Unbreakable #TheProteas pic.twitter.com/z3GMgfKgOe

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) June 24, 2026

Brits, though, was recalled for the last game against India in place of the axed Sune Luus and made an immediate contribution with a valuable 40 during the successful run chase.

Mashimbyi believes it’s due to the hard work the veteran opener has been putting in behind the scenes at training.

“She's been working for the past few months now since New Zealand. There are a couple of things that we picked up that we felt were going to be essential for her to really push up her batting strike rates and average in white-ball cricket. So we just put in some work with regards to that.

“It’s paid dividends now, and still you're sitting there and you're going, 'There's more that she can actually do.'

“But most of the time it's actually just mental things that we need to get over. Our players realise that they need to conquer themselves first for them to conquer the world. And that's what it's about.

“It's just putting in the work and you try within yourself every day and make sure that you improve all the time.”

For outsiders, it seems odd that the man reported to be behind the player insurrection that cost Scott Robertson his job as All Blacks coach, Ardie Savea, has been appointed captain of the new regime, under Dave Rennie.

Mind you, perhaps it makes perfect sense if Savea had sound reasons to question Robertson’s abilities as coach of arguably the most successful rugby team in history.

All of this will have come out in the wash following Robertson’s shock sacking earlier this year, and Rennie’s appointment as his successor.

And the Savea appointment seems beyond reproach when you consider that Rennie and Savea, for some time now, have been a partnership at the Kobe club in Japan.

Both have recently finished up at the club — Rennie to take up his new job in New Zealand, and Savea to stay in New Zealand for good so that he continues to qualify for the All Blacks (he had bent New Zealand Rugby’s eligibility laws by having “sabbaticals” in Japan but playing for Moana Pasifica in Super Rugby.

The Pasifica team, by the way, just this week learned that it is to be disbanded because of financial reasons, meaning the new All Blacks captain will have to find a new Super Rugby team.

The pathway to Savea getting the job was opened when Robertson’s captain, Scott Barrett, was badly injured (he won’t play this year), but Rennie would likely have made the change to Savea anyway.

In Japan, Rennie has gained first-hand knowledge of the flanker’s leadership capabilities and team-first character. Rennie noted that while Savea is not the most vocal player, he commands immense respect, has over 100 Test caps, and consistently inspires with his work ethic.

Interestingly, Rennie has said that Savea’s initial reluctance to take the captaincy — he was consulted some time ago in Japan — made Rennie all the more determined to have him as captain.

By not jumping at the chance to take the captaincy reins, Savea indicated to Rennie that he is not driven by ego and would be a humble captain who leads by actions, rather than hot air rhetoric. That is the man Rennie wants leading his team.

The All Blacks begin their season next month with home tests against France, Italy, and Ireland, before the six-week tour to South Africa, where they will face the Springboks in three Tests before a fourth is played in the USA.

Asked what leadership looks like to him, Savea said, “For me, on a deeper level, it is making sure we connect and build trust as people and as players. If I can walk off the field and someone can say I've helped them and made them better, that's success for me as a human.

“It's a beautiful thing to me when people come together under one goal that they're trying to achieve, and you embrace the people and their stories and their testimonies. That is beautiful.

“Whether you're brown, white, whatever, we're all Pacific. The Pacific Ocean connects us. The next 17 months are about us, not only the team, but the country and people coming together and trying to win.”

Those words are not dissimilar to what you would hear Siya Kolisi and Rassie Erasmus say. And for that reason alone, the Springboks need to take note because in terms of the All Blacks captaincy, Rennie has nailed it.

South Africa’s bowling fraternity is celebrating this week after SASCOC unveiled the national team that will fly the flag at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. Among the athletes named on Wednesday evening were the lawn bowlers hand-picked by Bowls South Africa following a demanding camp held at Midstream Indoor Bowls.

Under the intense scrutiny of the BSA selectors, the country’s premier bowlers spent days refining their skills, forging combinations and preparing to proudly don the green and gold on one of the sport’s most prestigious international stages.

For the first time in bowling history, the Commonwealth Games will be contested on indoor greens, placing a premium on the adaptability honed during the national camp.

One of the three men selected is Paul White, the 32-year-old Westville Bowling Club star who will lead for Jason Evans in the men’s pairs. When reached for comment, White was still struggling to find his footing after the life-changing news. “I’m shocked speechless,” he admitted.

White’s journey to the top began at the age of twelve at Wentworth Bowling Club, where his love for the sport was nurtured by his mother Bridget, a respected Port Natal district bowler, and his late father, Dave le Roux. That early encouragement has blossomed into a distinguished career.

A regular competitor at the Port Natal and BSA Men’s Masters Tournaments, White has represented the Port Natal district on numerous occasions, earning his place in the Men’s Open A side. His crowning achievement to date came in 2023 when he clinched the BSA Open Singles title.

With Glasgow now firmly on the horizon, White has no intention of letting his standards slip. He plans to maintain a rigorous training schedule on fast greens to preserve the edge developed during the indoor camp. His selection is a testament to the dedication and talent that have carried him from a junior at Wentworth to the pinnacle of South African bowls.

Port Natal’s representation does not end there. Durban Collegians Bowling Club is also celebrating the selection of visually impaired bowler Keith Orrell and his director, Trevor Freeman, who will compete in the Parabowls division at the Games.

Forty years ago, Orrell suffered a devastating rugby injury that changed the course of his sporting life. It was his father, a member of Collegians, who encouraged him to try bowls. He was joined at the club by Mario Markovic, whom Orrell credits as the motivating mentor whose unwavering support propelled him to persevere through the challenges of his bowling career.

This will mark Orrell’s fourth appearance for South Africa on the international stage, but for Freeman, it is a debut. Despite having directed Orrell for only two years, Freeman has already earned his highest praise. “Trevor, a former South African Ten Pin bowler, is a phenomenal director,” Orrell enthused. “He is always calm and demonstrates a positive mindset at all times.”

As the countdown to Glasgow begins, the Port Natal district has every reason to swell with pride. White and the Orrell-Freeman partnership represent the grit, passion and diversity of South African bowls. The nation will be watching and cheering as they chase Commonwealth glory.

Earlier this year, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus had a growing interest in JJ van der Mescht, but this week explained why Riley Norton has leapfrogged the burly lock into the Springbok squad for the Nations Championship.

Van der Mescht, the 26-year-old former Junior Springbok, has displayed excellent form — and a newfound maturity — for Northampton Saints, who last week won the English Premiership title.

At 146kg and 2m tall, the lock is athletic despite his bulk and at one stage was touted as a "like-for-like" replacement for (long-term injured) RG Snyman in terms of the impact he could provide from the Bomb Squad.

But lately, Erasmus has not held back in singing the praises of Junior Springbok captain Riley Norton, who has impressed the coach off the field in the recent alignment camp, and on the field in the match against the Barbarians.

“We all think JJ is a wonderful player,” Erasmus said. “It’s not to say that he is not going to play for us in the future, but what we feel we need at this stage is probably more like what Riley gives us.”

Erasmus said that in addressing the reality of his current lock stocks — Snyman, Salmaan Moerat and Ruan Venter are injured, and Lood de Jager and Eben Etzebeth are about to come back from injury — Norton is a better fit than Van der Mescht.

“It’s totally two different types of players,” Erasmus explained.

“One player is a lineout caller who is very athletic around the park. The other is a bruiser who plays very directly. It depends on what you need for a specific Test match.”

“Riley is obviously somebody who knows our systems really well because he comes through our structures,” said Erasmus.

“JJ has been away for a really long time. Our interaction with him has mainly been virtual or through monitoring his performances and speaking to his club.

“If you look at RG, you might think JJ is an immediate replacement, but there are other guys in the squad like Cobus Wiese. Jasper (Wiese) can even scrum at lock, and Jan-Hendrik Wessels played there at school for a long time.”

Erasmus said that the timing is not right to bring Van der Mescht into the camp from England.

“We didn’t want to bring somebody in and then not utilise him,” he said.

“Hopefully, in the future, when we need somebody like JJ, we can press his number and get him into the squad.”

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup now under way across the United States, Canada and Mexico, fans are making increasingly expensive decisions about which matches to attend, where to stay and which teams are worth following.

New analysis by FreeBets suggests those choices can have a significant impact on the overall cost and value of experiencing the tournament. "Live World Cup action doesn't always come cheap. Prices this summer have surged up to 300% above normal in some host cities, and dynamic pricing has turned ticket-buying into a contact sport of its own," it says.

The study ranked 20 of the 48 qualified nations using a combination of FIFA rankings, World Cup success, recent international performance, ticket prices, hotel costs, fan engagement and a value index measuring FIFA ranking points against average ticket prices.

France emerged as the top-ranked nation overall, ahead of defending champions Argentina and five-time winners Brazil.

According to the analysis, France benefited from a combination of strong on-field performance, relatively affordable ticket prices and host-city matches in lower-cost destinations such as Atlanta and Kansas City.

Argentina ranked second overall, followed by Brazil, Germany and the Netherlands.

Budget blown

The findings come as the cost of attending the tournament remains a major consideration for travelling fans. Earlier analysis found that flights, accommodation and match tickets could push the cost of attending the World Cup into the tens or even hundreds of thousands of rand for South Africans making the trip to North America.

While France topped the overall rankings, Mexico was found to be the most expensive nation to follow.

Average ticket prices for Mexico matches reached $1,178 (about R19,578), more than double those of many competing nations. The study attributed the premium largely to host-nation demand and the attraction of matches at iconic venues such as Estadio Azteca.

Portugal also ranked among the most expensive teams to follow, with average ticket prices of $850 (R14,127), while supporters of the United States faced average ticket costs of $780 (R12,964).

At the other end of the scale, Senegal offered the cheapest average tickets at $310 (R5,152), followed by Uruguay at $350 (R5,817) and Morocco at $360 (R5,983).

The numbers

For South African supporters already facing the substantial cost of travelling to North America, the choice of team could have a significant impact on the overall cost of a World Cup trip.

Based on the study's ticket prices and an exchange rate of R16.62 to the dollar, a supporter attending three Mexico matches would spend about R58,734 on tickets alone. Following Portugal would cost around R42,381, while attending three United States matches would amount to approximately R38,892.

By comparison, three France matches would cost about R24,432. Fans following Morocco would spend around R17,949, while supporters of Senegal would pay approximately R15,456 for the same number of games.

The difference is substantial. A South African supporter choosing to follow Mexico rather than Senegal could spend more than R43,000 extra on match tickets alone before factoring in flights, accommodation, food, local transport or other tournament expenses.

Swimming there is cheaper

The findings build on earlier estimates showing that attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup could cost South Africans tens of thousands of rand. While flights and accommodation remain the biggest expenses, the team a supporter chooses to follow can dramatically alter the final bill.

Morocco emerged as one of the tournament's most notable outliers. Despite climbing to sixth in the live FIFA rankings, ahead of Germany, Portugal and the Netherlands, the North African nation remained among the cheapest teams to follow.

The study found that Morocco's combination of strong recent performances and relatively low ticket prices made it one of the tournament's biggest bargains for travelling supporters.

Saudi Arabia ranked last in the value index. The nation entered the rankings with a FIFA ranking of 59th, one point from its opening two matches and average ticket prices of $480 (R7,978).

Value for money

FreeBets said the rankings were designed to provide a broader measure of fan value rather than simply identify the cheapest tickets.

Each country was assessed across seven categories covering affordability, performance and supporter engagement, with scores normalised on a five-point scale before being combined into a final ranking.

For fans already weighing the cost of flights, accommodation and match tickets, the results suggest that football pedigree alone does not determine value for money. In some cases, supporters are paying a premium to follow teams with little World Cup success, while others can watch higher-ranked nations at a fraction of the cost.

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With the United Rugby Championship (URC) season wrapped up, the dust has settled on a dramatic campaign for South Africa’s top franchises.

It was a year defined by historic firsts, grueling away trips to Europe, and a bittersweet mix of championship heartbreak and soaring potential. From the Bulls pushing all the way to a final in Dublin, to the Lions locking down a historic South African Shield, Independent Media dissect how each of our teams fared on the grand stage.

Bulls | Fourth time unlucky

Played 21 Won 14 Draw 0 Lost 7 | Points difference +203 | Tries for 101 | Tries against 67 | Bonus points 11 | Points 59 | Final standing: Fourth

Average score:34–14

Never mind a game of two halves, this was a season of two different galaxies. After starting their campaign with two wins, the Bulls lost six of their next seven games before spectacularly turning things around — they won their last nine league games in a row and added wins in the quarter-finals and semi-finals to reach the final, where the wheels came off against Leinster in Dublin.

The first half of the season can be explained by the fact that the Bulls were under a new coach, Johan Ackermann, and it took them a lot of pain before they settled into a gameplan that worked for them. To use a cricket analogy, they began the season trying to hit sixes off every ball before understanding that they needed to build an innings. That over-adventurous attacking early on opened the Bulls up on defence, and they conceded far too many tries. Once they played more with their formidable forwards and unleashed the backs only when the team had forward momentum, they were hard to stop.

In the semifinal, the Bulls showed wonderful character to come back from a 20-3 deficit to beat the Warriors 22-21 at Murrayfield. Their determination in Edinburgh made their no-show in Dublin two weeks later all the harder to fathom.

Best player: Embrose Papier.

This was a one-horse race. The scrumhalf recorded 11 tries (nine in the regular season and two in the play-offs), five assists, 25 defenders beaten and 15 clean breaks to earn the SA URC Player of the Season.

Young Turk: Cheswill Jooste.

The 19-year-old Junior Springbok is probably the quickest rugby player in South Africa. His blinding pace underpinned some spectacular try-scoring. It is a pity he struggled with leg injuries in the second half of the season.

Best moment: The semi-final defeat of Franco Smith’s Glasgow was extraordinary. At half-time, nobody could have predicted a Bulls win, but the scrum pushed the 'advance' button and the penalties flowed. In the scenic splendour of Murrayfield, it was the Bulls’ finest hour of the season.

Worst moment: In hindsight, the Bulls’ decision to return home from Edinburgh to prepare for the final in the comforts of Pretoria is probably the reason they were so flat. They had just got over the long-distance travel in getting back from Scotland when they were heading off to Dublin. Whatever the reason, the Bulls never left the starting blocks at Croke Park in a terribly disappointing non-performance.

Springbok worthy: Akker van der Merwe, Cameron Hanekom, Cheswill Jooste, Canan Moodie, Cobus Wiese, Elrigh Louw, Embrose Papier, Gerhard Steenekamp, Handre Pollard, Johan Grobbelaar, Jeandre Rudolph, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Marcell Coetzee, Marco van Staden, Ruan Nortje, Ruan Vermaak, Willie le Roux, Wilco Louw.

Our rating: A-  |  Mike Greenaway

Lions | One step better

P18 W10 D1 L7 | PD +59 | TF 73 | TA 70 | BP 12 | PTS 51 | FS: Seventh

Average score: 30–26

Leinster revealed the step up that the Lions will have to make in the future, if they are to be considered serious contenders for the URC crown, when they mauled the Joburgers in an emphatic quarter-final display in Dublin.

Nonetheless, the Lions finally came good, in many respects, regarding the promise they have shown since joining the tournament. A Top 8 finish was desperately needed and they achieved just that, while also winning the SA Shield for the first time by beating the much more fancied Bulls, Sharks and Stormers.

There should be genuine excitement regarding several young players who made a massive impact during the season and declared themselves as future Springbok regulars.

There remain a few pressing issues. Their away form abroad this past year was woeful. They lost all but one of their seven games in Europe, which was a draw against the Ospreys. There were matches in Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales they should and could have won and their near-misses remain as frustrating as ever.

Best player: There were many.

Captain Francke Horn was immense, while veteran Chris Smith kicked them into the play-offs with his unerring boot. Henco van Wyk returned to impressive form before his injury, while Quan Horn was a consistent force. But, for us, Ruan Venter was undoubtedly a beast on the pitch. He should have been involved now in everyday Bok planning, had it not been for a season-ending injury.

Young Turk: Again, there were many.

Bronson Mills, despite his off-field indiscretions, was a needed foil for Van Wyk in the midfield, while Haashim Pead had a handful of good moments. Prop SJ Kotze, meanwhile, will be a Bok one day. Then there is big, bruising Batho Hlekani, who is an undoubted find. Considering all of this, however, Siya Mahashe is a superstar in the making.

Best moment: Winning the SA Shield was the highlight of the Lions’ season. They beat the superior-resourced Sharks twice, and also defeated the Stormers and Bulls to claim the silverware.

Worst moment: The doping ban of Bok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye spoiled the latter stages of their season.

Springbok worthy: Quan Horn, Henco van Wyk, Bronson Mills, Chris Smith, Morne van der Berg, Nico Steyn, Haashim Pead, Francke Horn, Ruan Venter, Batho Hlekani, Siya Mahashe.

Our rating: B+  |  Morgan Bolton

Sharks | Missing the mark

P18 W8 D1 L9 | PD +39 | TF 55 | TA 45 | BP 12 | PTS 46 | FS: 10th

Average score: 26–24

Any season in which a team suffers a change in head coach not even midway through the tournament is unlikely to culminate in success, and it did not when the Sharks failed to qualify for the play-offs.

A late rally in which the Durbanites rattled up 145 points against Munster, Benetton and Zebre was too late to prevent them from finishing in a disappointing 10th place. John Plumtree began the season as he had the previous two since his return for a second tenure — doomed to a tough start because less than a quarter of the squad had been available. Most of the big Kiwi’s top players were either away with the Springboks or injured.

It was only in the fifth round that the Sharks enjoyed their first victory, and it was a vain catch-up battle on the log from there. A significant issue for the Sharks was a crippling injury list that seldom went below 20 players. Among that number for long periods were key players such as Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Grant Williams and the Hendrikse brothers, Jordan and Jaden.

A big problem for the Sharks is that they did not have a commanding flyhalf to drive their game, with Jordan Hendrikse perpetually crocked, and Siya Masuku and Jean Smith workmanlike at best.

Best player: Several players did their best to right the listing ship.

Captain Andre Esterhuizen played his heart out, Phepsi Buthelezi emptied the tank, and the up-and-coming lock Emile van Heerden showed that if he can kick the injury curse, he is a star of the future. But best of the lot was Vincent Tshituka. Whether at flank or lock, the elder Tshituka was highly impressive.

Young Turk: It is good news for the future of the Sharks that there is a host of contenders for this award: prop Phatu Ganyane, flyhalf Vusi Moyo, wing Jaco Williams, centre Jurenzo Julius, but for sensational impact, utility-back Zekhethelo Siyaya trumped all.

Best moment: Not long after JP Pietersen took over as coach, the Sharks shocked the log-leading Stormers with home and away victories, with the emphatic 30-19 win in Cape Town the season highlight.

Worst moment: In round seven, the Sharks had an encouraging win over the Bulls, only to lose home and away to the Lions. It was the 22-23 home defeat to the Joburgers that hurt the most because a simple kick at goal to win was turned down for an unsuccessful attempt for a try.

Springbok worthy: Phatu Ganyane, Vusi Moyo, Jaco Williams, Zekhethelo Siyaya, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker, Andre Esterhuizen, Edwill van der Merwe, Vincent Tshituka, Manu Tshituka, Ox Nche, Aphelele Fassi, Phepsi Buthelezi, Bongi Mbonambi, Eben Etzebeth, Jurenzo Julius, Makazole Mapimpi, Vincent Koch.

Our rating: C-  |  Mike Greenaway

Stormers | Depth reality check

P18 W12 D1 L5 | PD +160 | TF 63 | TA 48 | BP 10 | PTS 60 | FS: Third

Average score: 28–19

The Stormers’ painful semi-final exit at the hands of Leinster exposed a harsh reality: John Dobson’s men still lack the strength in depth required to dominate the heavyweights of Europe.

A bruising trip to Dublin in the semis proved to be a bridge too far for a side that often blew hot and cold during the regular season, as injuries to key players at various times had a major impact on their performances. They struggled to find maximum consistency, including a frustrating late-season slip-up against Cardiff at the Arms Park before the play-offs.

They were also humbled home and away by a Sharks team who never looked like making the play-offs. These defeats saw them drop down in the standings, eventually missing out on a vital home semi-final.

The Stormers managed to sneak into the Top 4 after looking on course to finish on top of the standings. They got a home play-off, placing third during the regular season, while also navigating their way past Cardiff Rugby comfortably in the quarter-finals. But the slip-ups meant they had to face Leinster away in a semi-final, which was always going to be tough without key players such as injured flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

However, there should be genuine excitement regarding several young players who made a massive impact during the season and declared themselves as future Springbok regulars.

Best player: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu had a rather up-and-down campaign by his lofty standards, while Damian Willemse also had a stop-start season because of injuries. No 8 Evan Roos was again the spark with powerful carries and thunderous hits. But the man who had the biggest impact on the Stormers’ season was loosehead prop Ntuthuko Mchunu, who played himself right into Springbok contention. His scrumming was on another level, while he proved unstoppable with ball in hand close to the opposition line.

Young Turk: There were plenty of newbies coming through the ranks, with Imad Khan making the No 9 jersey his own when Cobus Reinach got injured, while props Zachary Porthen and Vernon Matongo gave us a glimpse of the next generation of fierce scrum operators.

However, nobody had the sort of impact that openside flank Paul de Villiers enjoyed in his breakthrough season for the Stormers. A poacher of note, De Villiers was a menace at the breakdown and his work-rate around the park was phenomenal.

Best moment: Hammering the log-leading Glasgow Warriors 48–12 at the DHL Stadium was undoubtedly the highlight of the Stormers' regular season, proving exactly how destructive John Dobson's men can be when everything clicks.

Worst moment: There were plenty of bad moments on the field, such as the home defeat against Connacht and the Cardiff meltdown away. But the biggest one was the sudden passing of the Cape side’s long-time and beloved team manager Chippie Solomon. He will be missed.

Springbok worthy: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Evan Roos, Damian Willemse, Ruben van Heerden, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Paul de Villiers, Andre-Hugo Venter, Neethling Fouche, Zachary Porthen, Ben-Jason Dixon.

Our rating: B+  |  John Goliath

Kylian Mbappé. Harry Kane. James Rodríguez. Thomas Müller. Miroslav Klose.

What do these five iconic footballers have in common?

They are, of course, the winners of the Golden Boot at the last five Fifa World Cups. For two decades, the blueprint for winning the tournament's ultimate individual prize remained remarkably consistent: hover around the six-goal mark, navigate a strict 32-team grid, and hope for a multi-goal explosion along the way. Even Mbappé’s sensational eight-goal haul in Qatar 2022 required a historic World Cup final hat-trick to break the mould.

But the footballing jamboree currently unfolding across Mexico, the US and Canada is proving to be an entirely different beast.

The expansion of the World Cup to a mammoth 48-team format has completely rewritten the handbook. For the first time in history, players have an extra knockout fixture on their itinerary, courtesy of the introduction of the Round of 32.

Furthermore, the addition of lower-ranked nations making their tournament debuts has provided the world's premier marksmen with a buffet of opportunities. While we haven't seen many blowouts from the underdogs, the sheer volume of games has allowed elite mega-stars to get on the scoreboard early and often. 

Look no further than Lionel Messi. The Argentine maestro is tearing up the history books with a staggering five goals from just two matches — already matching the entire tournament tallies of Klose in 2006 and Müller in 2010.

A hat-trick against Algeria followed by a double against Austria has seen Messi officially overtake Klose as the all-time leading goalscorer in Fifa World Cup history.

Astonishingly, it could have been six already had Messi not continued his bizarre trend of missing World Cup penalties (a feat he has now repeated three times). Had that spot-kick found the net, we would be talking about a realistic challenge to Just Fontaine’s legendary, seemingly untouchable record of 13 goals in a single tournament, set back in 1958.

Messi isn't running away with the crown just yet though. 

Norway’s Erling Haaland is tearing up Group I like the Vikings of old with four goals, while the reigning Golden Boot holder Mbappé has struck four times himself and has no intention of handing over his crown just yet.

Still only 27 and playing in his third World Cup, Mbappé is currently tied with Klose on 16 total tournament goals — just two behind Messi — and has the added motivation of trying to haul in ‘La Pugla’.

Haaland and Mbappé go head-to-head in a blockbuster clash on Friday that will shape not only the Golden Boot race but the tournament destinies of their respective nations.

Meanwhile, other heavyweight contenders remain lurking in the tall grass. England's Harry Kane will be disappointed to have blanked against Ghana following his opening-game double, but the Bayern Munich frontman remains essential to England's hopes. Similarly, Brazil's Vinícius Jr has left his mark, scoring in both of the Seleção’s opening matches to keep the frontrunners within arm's reach.

Yet, no World Cup goalscoring conversation is truly complete without Cristiano Ronaldo.

At 41-years old and navigating the twilight of his career in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo was heavily criticized after a scoreless outing in Portugal's opening draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo. With the media spotlight intensifying with his long-standing rival Messi scoring for fun on the other side, Ronaldo was pushed up against a wall. 

Legendary sportspeople do not lie down though. Defying critics is the premium fuel that has powered Ronaldo’s entire career. Just 24 hours after Messi grabbed the headlines, Ronaldo responded with a brace against Uzbekistan in a 5-0 rout, becoming the first player in history to score in six separate Fifa World Cups.

When pressed by reporters about Messi’s explosive start to the tournament, Ronaldo dismissed the comparison in vintage ‘CR7’ fashion: “I don’t care about Messi.”

The stage is set for an absolute shootout. As the stakes rise and knockout football looms, defences will undoubtedly tighten, and space will become a luxury. 

But with the sheer amount of world-class firepower currently firing on all cylinders, the coming weeks promise to be the most fascinating, high-scoring spectacle the global game has ever seen in decades.