Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian
sportslatest news & developments

Bafana Bafana's victory over South Korea is about more than football; it is a lesson in believing again

Bafana Bafana's unforgettable victory over South Korea sparked joy and a renewed sense of hope across South Africa. After years of unfulfilled promise, this win signals a…

Editorial: Thank you, Bafana Bafana

Thapelo Maseko's solitary goal against South Korea has etched his name in history, as Bafana Bafana qualify for the last 32 knockout stages of the 2026 Fifa World Cup for the…

Bafana Bafana make history and advance to World Cup round of 32

Bafana Bafana have made history by advancing to the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time. South Africa secured their spot with a crucial win over Korea Republic, coupled…

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…

Africa’s best: The African story at this World Cup is not about miracles . . . it is about maturity. Photo: Fifa World Cup/X

Odds on, Africa is showing up anyway

Despite significant challenges including visa bans and exorbitant prices for tickets and accommodation, African teams are making a powerful statement at the World Cup. This…

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,…

World Cup 2026: Who will lead Africa’s challenge?

The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded 48 teams, significantly boosting Africa's representation. The Confederation of African Football…

Team USA defeated South Africa 13-8 in a thrilling tie-breaker at the 2026 Nedbank International Polo

High-goal drama and vibrant fashion collide at the 2026 Nedbank International Polo

Team USA defeated South Africa 13-8 in a thrilling tie-breaker at the 2026 Nedbank International Polo, a spectacular Sandton event blending world-class sport with bold, colourful…

How sports shape society and the unpredictable currents of public life

When the Stadium Becomes a Mirror of the Street Public life rarely moves in straight lines. A city can feel calm for weeks, then one match, one march, one headline changes the…

President of the Confederation of African Football Patrice Motsepe. Photo: File

CAF moves to restore trust after AFCON final controversy with sweeping reforms

CAF announces sweeping reforms to refereeing and governance structures following the controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Final, aiming to rebuild trust and prevent a repeat…

More than a game: How South Africans wear sport like a second skin

In South Africa, sport isn’t a hobby parked in a corner of life. It’s a social language. It decides what time people arrive at a family visit, how loud the TV gets on a Saturday,…

The Role of Sports in South African Youth Development

Sports undoubtedly play a pivotal part in moulding the lives of youngsters in South Africa. Sports are deeply entwined with social transformation and have become a powerful means…

Fast becoming popular: The local series Spinners won a top award in China last month. Photo: Charlie Sperring

South African series Spinners triumphs at Shanghai TV Festival, winning Best Foreign TV Series award

The local series Spinners won a top award in China last month.

Cheslin Kolbe, Siya Kolisi and Herschel Jantjies with the trophy during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Champions Tour on November 11, 2019 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
Video

The Springboks, Mr Barnes, Ma Zandile and James Small

Rassie, along with his captain, Siya Kolisi’s generation of players, have deepened our bonds with rugby in a manner that I thought inevitable as a young boy. Win or lose, they…

Players of Russia pose for a team photo ahead of friendly match between Russia and Iran at Azadi Stadium on March 23, 2023 in Tehran, Iran. (Photo by Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Most unwanted? How sports treat the Russia problem

International sports bodies are taking wildly varying stances on allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes and teams to compete while the war in Ukraine continues

Nike x Jacquemus collab: What to expect

The Nike x Jacquemus collaboration drops on Tuesday 28 June online. So far, no ludicrously tiny handbags in sight, but luxurious feminine twists on activewear that make this the…

South Africa’s Wayde van Niekerk (R) competes in the Men’s 400m Final during the athletics event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on August 14, 2016.   (AFP / Fabrice COFFRINI )

Tokyo Olympics: Your guide to Team SA

South Africa will be hoping to build on an impressive Rio, but face a number of challenges

Q&A Sessions: ‘I want to leave a legacy in Russian rugby’ — Vuyo Zangqa

Former rugby sevens player Vuyo Zangqa talks about taking the reins of the Narvskaya Zastava Rugby Club and growing the sport on snow-baked fields

Match of the day: Sport vs ecology

We need a profound rethinking of the meaning of sustainability in sport — the global commercial model is neither environmentally nor socially sound

Students from the movement, ‘Open Stellenbosch’, ‘Luister’ and ‘Rhodes must Fall’ during a march at Stellenbosch University on September 1, 2015 in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The students are protesting against the language policy and alleged racism at the university. (Gallo Images / Beeld / Leanne Stander)

We need more anger about racism in South Africa

Those who want a non-racial and equal society need to unite against both whites and blacks who collaborate to entrench a racist system