Sports Archives - Page 3 of 8

Do You Still Remember “Yalla Koto”? The Rise and Fall of Free State Stars

24Apr

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Sports

Do You Still Remember “Yalla Koto”? The Rise and Fall of Free State Stars

By Rorisang Ramphetenga: There was a time when the chant “Yalla Koto!” rang through stadiums with pride and passion. Free State Stars, known affectionately as Ea Lla Koto, was more than just a football club it was the heartbeat of many supporters across the Free State. Founded in 1977 in Bethlehem, the club rose from modest beginnings to become a respected name in South African football. Playing their home matches at Goble Park Stadium, Free State Stars built a reputation as giant slayers, often competing fiercely against the country’s biggest teams in the Premier Soccer League. The club was owned by the late Mike Mokoena, whose leadership kept Ea Lla Koto alive through both triumphs and financial struggles. Under his guidance, the team ...

Goalless Grind Continues, Gallants Left Frustrated by Stubborn Siwelele

22Apr

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Sports

Goalless Grind Continues, Gallants Left Frustrated by Stubborn Siwelele

By Katleho Malangabe: In a tense Betway premiership derby that had everything except goals, Marumo Gallants and Siwelele played out in a hard-fought 0-0 draw at Dr Molemela Stadium on Saturday afternoon. It was a typical mid-to-lower table battle, with both sides focused on avoiding defeat rather than chasing victory. The defence remained in complete control throughout the match, even with numerous substitutions and the rise of pressure; neither team managed to produce the decisive finishing quality required to break the deadlock. The field was filled with yellow cards, showing how physical and tense the battle became. Ndlondlo and Manaka were booked early on, while Siwelele, Moralo and Sithole also received bookings later in the game. Letsh...

Mangaung Unite March On as the Team Everyone Is Chasing

22Apr

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Sports

Mangaung Unite March On as the Team Everyone Is Chasing

By Rorisang Rampheteng: If the league table were a movie, Mangaung Unite would be playing the lead role and right now, everyone else is stuck auditioning for the supporting cast. Sitting comfortably at the top with 67 points after 28 matches, Mangaung Unite have turned consistency into an art form. With 20 wins, just one defeat, and a goal difference of +39, they’re not just leading the league, they’re doing it with authority. While other teams are busy dropping points like loose change, Unite seem to have glued theirs firmly in place. Hot on their heels but not quite close enough to make things uncomfortable are Sasolburg United FC and Mangaung City FC with 57 and 55 points respectively. They’ve been impressive in their own right, but keeping up wi...

CUT Lecturers Edge UFS in Seven-Goal Thriller at CUT Stadium

22Apr

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Sports

CUT Lecturers Edge UFS in Seven-Goal Thriller at CUT Stadium

By Rorisang Rampheteng: Bloemfontein — CUT lecturers delivered an impressive performance to secure a 4–3 victory over UFS lecturers in an entertaining friendly match at CUT Stadium on Saturday, 18 April. The home side asserted control early in the contest, dominating possession and dictating the tempo in the opening stages. Their strong start paid off as CUT found the back of the net twice in the first half, putting the visitors under immediate pressure. UFS responded with a goal before the interval, but CUT maintained a 2–1 advantage heading into halftime. The second half produced even greater intensity, with both sides displaying attacking intent and determination. CUT extended their lead with two additional goals, capitalising on key opportun...

Kovsie Show Clinical Edge to Defeat CUT 2–1 in Bloemfontein Derby

22Apr

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Kovsie Show Clinical Edge to Defeat CUT 2–1 in Bloemfontein Derby

By Rorisang Rampheteng: Bloemfontein — The University of the Free State (UFS) secured a hard-earned 2–1 victory over the Central University of Technology (CUT) in an intense Motsepe League derby at CUT Stadium on Saturday, with the visitors making their chances count in a tightly contested encounter. The match opened at a high tempo, with CUT asserting early control. The home side earned the first corner in the third minute and continued to apply pressure through wide areas and set pieces. Despite their strong start, they were unable to convert early dominance into goals. Kovsie responded with intent, earning corners of their own and showing attacking promise. In the 11th minute, they thought they had taken the lead after a well-constructed move, on...

SA Cup Standings Take Shape as Griquas Lead Commandingly

22Apr

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Sports

SA Cup Standings Take Shape as Griquas Lead Commandingly

By Rorisang Rampheteng: After six rounds of the SA Cup, the standings have begun to solidify, revealing a competition defined by a dominant frontrunner and an increasingly competitive race for playoff positions. At the top of the table, the Griquas have delivered a near-flawless campaign. With six victories from six matches, they remain the only unbeaten side in the tournament. Their statistical superiority is striking: 397 points scored and only 59 conceded, resulting in a remarkable points difference of +338. Accumulating 30 log points, Griquas have established a significant lead and set a high standard for the rest of the field. In second place, the Pumas have also produced an impressive run of form, securing five wins and a single draw. With 296 poi...

PLAYING FOR PRIDE: SA’s LGBTQ+ team chases gold in Valencia

21Apr

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Sports

PLAYING FOR PRIDE: SA’s LGBTQ+ team chases gold in Valencia

By Sitha Maliwa: A historic South African women’s football team is set to take centre stage at the 2026 Gay Games in Valencia, Spain, using sport as a platform for visibility, inclusion and social change. Competing under the banner of SA YAG Games, the 25-player squad brings together two generations of players: veterans from the 2006 Gay Games in Chicago- where they secured a bronze medal - and former Banyana Banyana internationals, including Portia Modise, Pinkie Majekane and Phumla Masuku. The team, South Africa’s first dedicated LGBTQ+ women’s football side, will compete in the 11-a-side Division 1 tournament this June. Team representative Phuti Matlou said the initiative goes beyond football. “YAG stands for GAY. We are using sport as a platform t...

Gallants’ Frustration Deepens as Goalless Stalemate Extends Relegation Worries

14Apr

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Sports

Gallants’ Frustration Deepens as Goalless Stalemate Extends Relegation Worries

By Rorisang Rampheteng: Over the weekend, the sun dipped behind the stands of Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium as Marumo Gallants hosted Orbit College in a crucial Betway Premiership clash that carried far more weight than the modest crowd suggested. Kick-off was set for 17h30, but the atmosphere lacked its usual intensity, reflecting the growing dissatisfaction among the home supporters. With Marumo Gallants languishing at the bottom of the table in 16th place and Orbit College hovering just above them in 15th, the fixture was billed as a decisive encounter in the relegation battle. Instead, it delivered a tense but ultimately underwhelming goalless draw that did little to improve either side’s standing. Only a handful of loyal supporters occupied t...

Do You Still Remember Our Legends?: Mosese Spandel and the Bloemfontein Celtic Days

14Apr

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Sports

Do You Still Remember Our Legends?: Mosese Spandel and the Bloemfontein Celtic Days

By Rorisang Rampheteng: Mosese Spandel is one of those strikers who still lives rent-free in the memories of Bloemfontein Celtic supporters. If you were a defender in his era, you probably still wake up at night wondering where he disappeared to inside the box. Spandel was not the type of striker who warned you before scoring. One moment the ball is safe, the next moment it is in the back of the net and the goalkeeper is looking around like he lost his wallet. That was his signature style - quick, silent, and painful for opposition teams. At Celtic, he became known as a player who could turn a boring match into a celebration in seconds. If the game was 0–0, fans would just whisper his name like a prayer: “Just give it to Spandel, something will...

From Kimberley Dust to International Lights: Mohau Nkota’s Rising Flight

14Apr

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Sports

From Kimberley Dust to International Lights: Mohau Nkota’s Rising Flight

By Rorisang Rampheteng: Mohau Nkota is quickly becoming one of South Africa’s most exciting young wingers, a player whose journey from the Northern Cape to international football tells a story of talent, discipline, and belief. Born and raised in Kimberley, Northern Cape, Nkota’s football story began on the local fields with Dalton Brothers, a community team where his natural ability first stood out. Even at that early stage, his pace, direct attacking style, and confidence on the ball made him a player to watch. He was fearless with the ball at his feet and always eager to take on defenders. His talent earned him a move to the development structures of Orlando Pirates, one of South Africa’s biggest football clubs. There, Nkota refined his game in ...