Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian
Lelo MzacaIn the news
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

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.…

  • Lelo Mzaca
4 min read
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.
SOWETO UPRISING

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…

  • Lelo Mzaca
3 min read
FIFA WORLD CUP

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…

  • Lelo Mzaca
4 min read