Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian
Lelo Mzaca

Creator

Lelo Mzaca

Lelo Mzaca is an award-winning multitalented journalist, copywriter and presenter of The Big Breakfast Show on Radio 2000, with an overwhelming passion for sport, lifestyle, music, arts and culture

Despite never lifting the World Cup, Neymar delivered inspiring moments.

Ronaldo and Neymar: End of an era

As the 2026 Fifa World Cup dives into the quarter-final stage, the tournament has delivered drama, upsets, glaring controversies and unforgettable moments. Co-hosted by Canada,…

The Gods of football have mercy on Messi: Argentina’s epic 3-2 comeback over Egypt

Witness the incredible moment Lionel Messi and Argentina defied elimination, staging a historic 3-2 comeback against Egypt in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 after trailing…

Durban July  has become more than just a horse race; it is a mirror of the nation’s aspirations, divisions and contradictions.
(Supplied)

Durban July 130: The glamour and the glory

Africa’s premier horse racing and social spectacle, the Hollywoodbets Durban July, celebrated its 130th renewal at Greyville Racecourse in Durban. This year's event delivered…

Depth and resilience shine as the Springboks power past England

In a commanding display of timeless South African rugby prowess, the Springboks secured a convincing 45-21 victory over England at Ellis Park Stadium in the opening round of the…

Teams advancing to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16: A historic moment for African football

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, has reached the thrilling Round of 16. This edition marks a historic milestone for African football,…

Trailblazer: A statue of Althea Gibson in Branch Brook Park, New Jersey. Photo: Supplied

The trailblazing legacy of black women in tennis

Explore the transformative impact of black women in tennis, from Althea Gibson's pioneering courage to the dominance of the Williams sisters and the rise of new stars. Discover…

Relebohile Mofokeng: From World Cup heartbreak to European dream with Royale Union Saint-Gilloise

South African football sensation Relebohile Mofokeng, fresh from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has secured a landmark transfer from Orlando Pirates to Belgian Pro League side Royale…

Bafana Bafana’s historic World Cup run: Pride, progress and the need for ambition

Bafana Bafana made history at the 2026 Fifa World Cup, reaching the knockout stages for the first time and exceeding expectations. This achievement, including qualification ahead…

FIFA’s respectful evolution: Honoring faith on the global stage

FIFA has implemented a significant policy change, ensuring that Man of the Match trophies and award backdrops are free of alcoholic branding. This move respects the religious…

Fifa’s mandatory hydration breaks: Ruining football’s soul, one three-minute pause at a time

Fifa's mandatory three-minute hydration breaks are transforming football, eroding its continuous flow and turning it into segmented television content. This piece argues that…

Bafana Bafana’s knockout breakthrough: Pride, caution and the long road ahead

South Africa is erupting with joy as Bafana Bafana achieve the impossible, advancing to the FIFA World Cup knockout phase. After decades of heartbreak, this moment feels like a…

Record-Breaking Ronaldo: The eternal goalscorer who defies history

Cristiano Ronaldo has once again rewritten the record books, becoming the first man to score in six different FIFA World Cups. This milestone is a testament to the Portuguese…

Lionel Messi: The undisputed GOAT

At 38, Lionel Messi is rewriting history at the 2026 Fifa World Cup, silencing doubters with five goals in two matches, including a hat-trick and a record-breaking brace. He's…

Bafana’s gritty draw reignites World Cup hopes

South Africa’s Bafana Bafana secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Czechia in their second 2026 Fifa World Cup match. The result, marked by a late equaliser from star-player…

Bafana Bafana suffered a 2-0 loss to Mexico in their opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team also saw red twice and will miss two key players for their second game. (@Bafana Bafana/X)

Bafana Bafana’s World Cup permutations: Time to fight and deliver

As South Africa’s national team, Bafana Bafana, navigates the 2026 Fifa World Cup in North America, the permutations for advancement from Group A are razor-sharp and unforgiving.…

The students planned to gather at Orlando Stadium on 16 June 1976, a vital hub for soccer in Soweto and a cornerstone of black community life under segregation.

The Soweto Uprising of 16 June 1976: sport, resistance and global change

On June 16 1976, South Africa witnessed the explosive beginning of the Soweto Uprising, a student-led revolt that would shake the foundations of apartheid and echo across the…

Cracks emerge in the 2026 FIFA World Cup: From robbery to referee rows

The 2026 Fifa World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is already facing significant challenges. Incidents like the robbery of the England national team and…

Bafana Bafana lost their opening game to Mexico in the World Cup 2-0. (Bafana Bafana/X)

Bafana Bafana’s disappointing Fifa 2026 opener against Mexico

Bafana Bafana suffered a 2-0 defeat against co-hosts Mexico in their Fifa World Cup 2026 opener at Estadio Azteca. The match, played on June 11, 2026, was controversial,…

Bafana Bafana’s grand return: Pride, pressure and possibility at the 2026 World Cup opener

The day has finally arrived. The 2026 Fifa World Cup kicks off on Thursday, 11 June in Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca. South Africa’s Bafana Bafana step onto the global…

FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the opening press conference of the FIFA World Cup. (Screenshot)

Gianni Infantino highlights unity and challenges ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino painted a picture of both immense excitement and logistical complexity surrounding the tournament in a wide-ranging address before the opening of…