News SA

Sports

Siwelele Hold Sundowns in High: Drama Draw at Molemela
Sports

Siwelele Hold Sundowns in High: Drama Draw at Molemela

By Rorisang Rampheteng: (Image: Bongani Hlatshwayo) Siwelele FC welcomed Mamelodi Sundowns for their Betway Premiership clash following a draw against Chippa United. The match took place at the Dr. Rantlai Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein, where the atmosphere was electric from the first whistle. Early Pressure From Both Teams In the opening minutes, the stadium erupted as both sets of supporters sang passionately for their teams. In the 10th minute, Masandawana applied early pressure with a headed effort inside the box, but the chance went wide. Four minutes later, in the 14th minute, Siwelele showed their strength. A long ball from the goalkeeper found Vincent Pule on a promising run, but striker Siviwe Magidigidi failed to control the final touch, giving Ronwe...
MATCH: Gallants Determined to Challenge Pirates in Cup Final
Sports

MATCH: Gallants Determined to Challenge Pirates in Cup Final

By Rorisang Rampheteng: Marumo Gallants head coach Alexandra Lafitte says his side is fully prepared and approaching the Carling Knockout Cup final against Orlando Pirates with confidence and belief. During a media briefing on Tuesday, Lafitte emphasised that his squad understands the magnitude of the occasion and are ready to give their all. High-Intensity Preparations The coach highlighted that this week’s training sessions have been among the most impressive of the season. The players trained with sharp focus, strong motivation, and positive energy as they geared up for the decisive clash. “The spirit is good, the boys are focused, and everyone knows what is expected. We are going to the final with one goal, to bring the cup home,” said Lafitte. Road to t...
RECOVERY ENCOUNTER: Siwelele FC set to welcome Chippa as both attempt to recover from defeats
Sports

RECOVERY ENCOUNTER: Siwelele FC set to welcome Chippa as both attempt to recover from defeats

By Rorisang Rampheteng: Dr Rantlai Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein. (Image: Kick-Off Online) Siwelele FC will welcome Chippa United tomorrow (Friday) at the Dr Rantlai Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein for their Betway Premiership clash. Both teams head into the match eager to recover from recent defeats and gain crucial points. Recent Form and Log Standings Siwelele FC enters the fixture after a 2–0 loss to AmaZulu FC, a result that placed them 12th on the league table. Chippa United also suffered a 2–0 defeat to Orlando Pirates, which pushed them to the bottom of the standings. The pressure is mounting on both sides as the league begins to tighten. Possible Log Movements If Siwelele secure a victory at home, they could climb as high as 9th position, d...
Rivers Collide, Engines Roar: Free State 4×4 Eco Challenge
Sports

Rivers Collide, Engines Roar: Free State 4×4 Eco Challenge

By Boitumelo Shuping:   Ford Raptor powers through the Orange River, testing its limits on the rugged 4×4 Eco Challenge route at Tussen Die Riviere Nature Reserve. (Image: Steven Kobedi) The Free State’s vast wilderness came alive as adventure seekers descended on Tussen Die Riviere (TDR) Nature Reserve near Bethulie for the annual 4×4 Eco Challenge, hosted by the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) on 22 November 2025. Water crossings and mountain climbs The challenge unfolded with a dramatic water crossing as vehicles eased into the Orange River before moving toward the steep koppies. As the convoy climbed the rising slopes, participants could look back and see the deep orange shimmer of the river...
Siwelele Make No Justice to Sekhukhune
Sports

Siwelele Make No Justice to Sekhukhune

By Rorisang Rampheteng: Forever green, Siwelele FC in action against Sekhukhune United at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Friday night.  (Image: Becker Semela) Siwelele FC hosted Sekhukhune United in their Betway Premiership encounter on Friday, 31 October 2025, at the Dr Rantlai Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein.  The much-anticipated match was delayed due to severe weather conditions, as heavy rain and thunderstorms swept across the area. Siwelele's great energy vs Sekhukhune's counter-attack When the game finally kicked off, Siwelele showed great energy and determination. Within the first three minutes, they created a dangerous set-piece opportunity, but Lungu Gampani was unable to convert it. Siwelele continued to dominate possession and later earned a fr...
CHAMPIONS: Gallants clinch Cufa Cup title after penalty shootout thriller
Sports

CHAMPIONS: Gallants clinch Cufa Cup title after penalty shootout thriller

By Rorisang Rampheteng: Marumo Gallants were crowned Cufa Cup 2025 champions after defeating Siwelele in a tense penalty shootout at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Sunday afternoon. The much-anticipated encounter revived the spirit of the traditional Bloemfontein derby, drawing thousands of passionate supporters who filled the stands with chants and songs. The atmosphere was vibrant as both teams battled fiercely for supremacy in front of an energetic crowd. Penalty shootout After a tightly contested match that ended level after both regular and extra time, the game was decided by penalties. Gallants kept their composure during the shootout, converting their chances clinically, while Siwelele faltered under pressure, allowing Gallants to lift the trop...
WORLD STAGE: Safa referees Committee Chair entrusted with huge FIFA task as SA officials climb the world stage
Sports

WORLD STAGE: Safa referees Committee Chair entrusted with huge FIFA task as SA officials climb the world stage

By Becker Semela: SAFA Referees chairman Victor Gomez, who has been appointed to be part of the FIFA Referees. (Image: SAFA) Former South African referee Victor Gomez has joined the FIFA Referees Committee as one of the trusted referees around the world.  Gomes, who is also the chairman of the SAFA Referees Committee, is known as one of South Africa’s most respected referees. He retired after officiating at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, but has continued to play an important role in developing referees around the world. Serving the growth of African football growth Speaking to the South African Football Association (SAFA) website, Gomes said he was happy to keep serving football and helping African refereeing grow. "I am happy to contribute to the gam...
BACK ON TRACK: Siwelele FC  wins the first-ever historical Bloem derby  
Sports

BACK ON TRACK: Siwelele FC  wins the first-ever historical Bloem derby  

By Rorisang Rampheteng: The football battlefield between Marumo Gallants and Siwelele FC. (Image: Bongani Hlatshwayo) Siwelele FC's losing fever ended when they made history by winning the first-ever Bloem derby against Marumo Gallants at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein on Sunday afternoon.  We are not under pressure at all They came to the game having lost six out of eight games since their arrival in the Betway Premiership campaign this season. Their latest loss was against Orlando Pirates at Toyota Stadium, also in Bloemfontein, last Tuesday.  Coach Lehlohonolo Seema said his team is not under pressure but will play hard to get the great results as they have ended their spate of losses. "As a team, we are not under pressure, we are still watering and...
FROM DREAMS TO FAIRWAYS: How golf is changing lives in South Africa
Sports

FROM DREAMS TO FAIRWAYS: How golf is changing lives in South Africa

By Sitha Maliwa: One of the Vuma Gold Clinics Golf has long been seen as a sport for the privileged - a game of green lawns, pristine clubs, and quiet exclusivity. But in towns and cities across South Africa, that perception is being rewritten, one swing at a time. At the heart of this change are initiatives like the Vuma Golf Clinics, where young South Africans are discovering that golf is more than a sport - it’s a lifeline, a classroom, and a crucible for character. Recently, the clinics opened their gates at Benoni Country Club, welcoming hopefuls to a world where possibility, not privilege, defines the playing field. For 14-year-old Botshepehi Phakoe and 17-year-old Xander Thompson, this is more than an opportunity - it’s a turning point. Phakoe has stormed thr...
SPORTS: SCHOOLS SHINE: Kay Motsepe Championships winners eyeing R3 million national prize money
Sports

SPORTS: SCHOOLS SHINE: Kay Motsepe Championships winners eyeing R3 million national prize money

By Mandla Nkosi: Brebner Primary u/13 boys celebrating their victory (Image: Wandile Jona) The Free State leg of the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Foundation Schools Championship took place on Saturday at the University of the Free State (UFS), where schools battled for top honours and a chance to qualify for the national finals. Teams dribble to victory The competition saw 19 schools taking part, with 12 primary schools contesting in the under-13 boys and girls categories, while six secondary schools competed in the under-19 division. In the under-13 boys final, Brebner Primary from Bloemfontein edged Boikokobetso Primary from Kroonstad 1-0 in a tightly contested match. The under-13 girls' final produced strong performances, with JB Tyu Primary from Rouxville defeating Bhe...