The two best matches of the 2023 Rugby World Cup weren’t the final or even the semi-finals — they were the quarterfinals. Those titanic clashes between Ireland and New Zealand, and France and South Africa, delivered everything the sport could offer: heart, heartbreak, and history. Both encounters were settled by the narrowest of margins, with the All Blacks edging Ireland 28–24, and the Springboks beginning their famous run of one-point victories by toppling hosts France 29–28. For Ireland, it was another painful reminder of their quarterfinal curse. For France, the loss cut even deeper — their dream of a home World Cup shattered in a contest that many still call the greatest game ever played. Led by the indomitable Antoine Dupont, Les Bleus believed that New Zealand referee Ben O’Keeffe’s decisions had tipped the balance towards the Boks. Whether fair or not, the bitterness lingered. The match itself was a masterpiece — a symphony of power, precision, and pure will. It was rugby at its rawest and most beautiful, played at breakneck speed with ferocious collisions and fearless ambition. Fans still talk about where they were when Cheslin Kolbe charged down Thomas Ramos’s conversion — a moment that proved decisive in a one-point thriller — and when Damian Willemse coolly called for a scrum off a mark, an act of audacity that summed up South Africa’s composure under pressure. France’s heartbreak ran deep. It took them almost two years, and a strong Six Nations campaign, to rediscover their spark. But this Saturday in Paris, they finally get their chance at redemption — a chance to exorcise the ghosts of that night and settle the score with the world champions. The All Blacks have already closed their own chapter, avenging their loss to Ireland with a 26–13 victory earlier this year. Now it’s the Springboks’ turn to see whether lightning can strike twice — or if France will finally have their revenge.

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou threw young Cemran Dansin straight into the lions’ den — handing the 20-year-old his first Betway Premiership start against none other than Mamelodi Sundowns, the reigning kings of South African football. And for a moment, it looked like the lions might feast. Dansin, nerves jangling under the Loftus lights, struggled to find his rhythm. His touches were heavy, his passes misplaced, and frustration rippled through the Pirates faithful. The murmurs grew louder; some even turned on him. But the School of Excellence graduate showed exactly why he’s earned the “Excellence” tag — he refused to crumble. Instead, Dansin bit back. With a flash of brilliance, he silenced the critics and stunned Sundowns with a thunderbolt of a goal — a strike that brought Pirates level and earned them a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Pretoria. It was the moment that transformed boos into belief. That resilience was no accident. Forged at the famous School of Excellence — where he learned his craft alongside current teammates Relebohile Mofokeng and Selaelo Rasebotja — Dansin had long been marked for big things. Though he was the last of the trio to reach the senior side, his leadership as captain of the DStv Diski Challenge team caught the eye of then-coach Jose Riveiro, who gave him his first senior appearance in May against Golden Arrows. Since then, Ouaddou has been easing the youngster into top-flight football — giving him tastes of the CAF Champions League and domestic action against the likes of Lioli FC, Magesi FC, Polokwane City, and Siwelele FC. But against Sundowns, Dansin faced his true baptism of fire. He didn’t just survive it — he roared back. With his composure, skill, and guts, Dansin announced himself as the latest rising star in the Buccaneers’ new golden generation — the “Cocomelons” — the fearless youth brigade once hailed for carrying the first team under Riveiro. If this debut was any indication, Cemran Dansin isn’t just part of the future — he’s already knocking loudly on the door of the present.

South Africa’s Noluthando Makalima is set to make waves at the 2025 World Para Surfing Championships in Oceanside, California, from 2–7 November, as she looks to add another chapter to her remarkable story. A silver medallist at the 2020 World Championships and the 2019 Adaptive SA champion, Makalima has already proven that cerebral palsy is no barrier to chasing excellence. Based in Khayelitsha — a community where opportunities are scarce and challenges many — the single mother is self-funding her journey through local support and a BackaBuddy campaign. Her determination shines a light on the financial struggles faced by many South African athletes striving to represent their country on the global stage. For Makalima, though, this trip is about more than medals. She hopes her performance in California will inspire young athletes from under-resourced communities to believe that their dreams, too, can rise with the tide.

When the Proteas Women were bowled out for just 69 and beaten by 10 wickets in their World Cup opener against England, few would have imagined they were looking at future finalists. That match was nothing short of a trainwreck. Yet, from the rubble of that defeat, the team rose magnificently — winning all but one of their remaining eight matches to storm into their first-ever ODI World Cup final against hosts India. Having already beaten India earlier in the tournament, hopes were high that South Africa could finally lift their maiden World Cup trophy — especially after reaching back-to-back T20 World Cup finals in 2023 and 2024. With captain and opener Laura Wolvaardt leading the run-scoring charts, the belief grew stronger. Wolvaardt delivered again in the final, crafting a brilliant century (101) — the only one of the match — to finish the tournament with 571 runs from nine innings at an average of 71.37. But despite her heroics, it wasn’t enough. India’s openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma laid a solid foundation with a century stand, setting up a daunting target of 299. In reply, the Proteas fought hard but fell short, bowled out for 246 — 52 runs shy of glory. India, meanwhile, celebrated their first-ever World Cup title, finally breaking through after finishing runners-up in 2005 and 2017. For South Africa, the heartbreak was doubled — following last year’s T20 World Cup defeat to India by the men’s team, this marked a second consecutive year of Indian triumph over the Proteas. Still, Mandla Mashimbyi’s charges can hold their heads high. They didn’t go down without a fight — and they’ve shown the world that South African women’s cricket is here to stay.

Eliud Kipchoge’s Historic New York City Marathon Debut Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge will make his long-awaited debut at the New York City Marathon on 2 November, completing the final chapter in his collection of the world’s six Marathon Majors. Widely hailed as the greatest marathon runner of all time, Kipchoge’s record is the stuff of legend — an 11-time World Marathon Majors champion, with triumphs in Berlin, Tokyo, London, and Chicago, a two-time Olympic gold medallist, and the first man to run a sub-two-hour marathon (albeit unofficially). His personal best of 2:01:09, set in Berlin in 2022, remains among the fastest times ever recorded. Now 40, the Kenyan icon faces questions about whether his peak years are behind him. Yet in true Kipchoge fashion, he enters New York not simply to silence doubters but to embrace the challenge. The field will be fierce — featuring defending champion Abdi Nageeye, former winners Evans Chebet and Albert Korir, 2024 Paris Olympic bronze medallist Benson Kipruto, and London Marathon champion Alexander Mutiso. Beyond the pursuit of victory, Kipchoge is on a mission to claim the coveted World Marathon Majors Six Star Medal, awarded to athletes who complete all six of the sport’s iconic races. For him, New York represents both a missing milestone and a celebration of the sport he has helped redefine. “I’m honoured to run alongside tens of thousands of runners,” Kipchoge said, eager to experience the electric atmosphere of the five-borough course, where more than 55,000 participants and two million spectators will line the streets. Eliud Kipchoge’s New York debut is more than a race — it’s a victory lap of a legendary career, a final stride towards completing a marathon legacy unlike any other.

Proteas Women Handed Chance for Revenge at World Cup They may have been bowled out for under 100 in their final group match against Australia, but by then, the Proteas Women had already booked their place in the World Cup semifinals. The twist? Their opponents will once again be England — a side that has haunted South Africa at previous tournaments. The two teams met in their tournament openers, where the Proteas, batting first, were bundled out for just 69, with England cruising to a 10-wicket victory. That result carried painful echoes of the 2022 World Cup semifinal, when England thrashed South Africa by 146 runs. Those scars still linger, and the question remains: have the Proteas truly evolved since then? There are signs they have. Throughout this campaign, South Africa’s batters have shared the load, each stepping up at key moments. The team’s bowling unit has also shown renewed bite and discipline. Yet, their defeat to Australia exposed a lingering vulnerability — a struggle to dominate when batting first and setting the tone. Now, as they prepare to face England again on Wednesday, the Proteas have more than a place in the final to play for. This is a chance to rewrite their World Cup story, to exorcise old demons, and to prove that they are not just a team that chases — but one that sets the pace. The Proteas Women are standing on the edge of redemption. Victory would not only avenge years of heartbreak but also affirm their growth into one of world cricket’s true powerhouses.

Thembinkosi Lorch: A Man Reborn Thembinkosi Lorch has found new life in Morocco. The former Bafana Bafana star is thriving at Wydad Casablanca, where he lit up the FIFA Club World Cup with his flair and confidence. Lorch’s move to the Moroccan giants was initially influenced by his former coach at Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, Rhulani Mokwena, who was then part of Wydad’s technical setup. But even after Mokwena’s departure, Lorch continued to impress — so much so that Wydad made his stay permanent, signing him on a two-year deal after a successful loan spell. So far this season, he’s been electric — six goal involvements in six games, with three goals and three assists to his name. His performances have not only reignited his career but also reminded fans of his class and creativity on the ball. South Africans may soon get the chance to see Lorch up close again in the CAF Confederation Cup. Wydad will enter the draw in Pot 1, while Kaizer Chiefs and Stellenbosch FC sit in lower pots — raising the tantalising possibility of Lorch facing his compatriots in the group stage. Thembinkosi Lorch’s resurgence at Wydad Casablanca is a story of redemption and brilliance — a reminder that true talent never fades; it simply finds a new stage.

Rassie Erasmus has never been one to flinch in the face of adversity. From transforming the Springboks into back-to-back world champions to redefining player management, his methods often blur the line between science and art. As his plans are thrown into disarray once again, Erasmus’s true strength — adaptability — comes to the fore. For him, every setback is an opportunity to uncover new heroes, to test the system, and to reinforce the Springbok identity: resilient, relentless, and ready for anything. Having looked a settled and confident side while defending their Rugby Championship crown, the Springboks now find themselves navigating unexpected turbulence ahead of a demanding end-of-year European tour. Traditionally a three or four-match campaign, this year’s itinerary has expanded into a five-match gauntlet — starting with Japan and closing against Wales, with fixtures against France, Italy, and Ireland sandwiched in between. For Rassie Erasmus and his squad, it’s a schedule that tests not just physical endurance but also squad depth and adaptability. Complicating matters, utility front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been handed a nine-match ban following an alleged incident involving Connacht flanker Josh Murphy — a decision that, pending appeal, rules him out of the tour. His absence is a double blow; Wessels’ rare ability to cover both hooker and prop positions means Erasmus will likely need to call up two replacements to fill the void. As if that wasn’t enough, the Boks were dealt another setback when Damian Willemse suffered a hamstring injury during the Stormers’ victory over Benetton. Should he be sidelined, Erasmus loses not just a player but a tactical weapon — Willemse’s versatility across flyhalf, inside centre, and fullback has been central to South Africa’s fluid backline play, particularly evident in his standout performance during the record 43-10 demolition of the All Blacks in Wellington. With two key multi-role players potentially out, the Springboks’ European mission has grown significantly more complicated. Erasmus will need to rely on his famed squad rotation and tactical nous to steer his men through what promises to be a testing tour.

Sipho Mbule’s dazzling performance for Bafana Bafana against Zimbabwe suggested that the Orlando Pirates playmaker could well be the heir to the Themba Zwane throne. Zwane isn’t just a creative spark for Bafana — he’s their heartbeat, the glue that holds the team together. His influence stretches beyond skill; it’s rooted in professionalism, consistency, and the inspiration he provides to those around him. Mbule, by contrast, is a different kind of leader — one whose charisma and humour foster a sense of unity in their own right. While questions about his discipline have surfaced in the past, his talent and flair make him capable of becoming the heartbeat of Bafana in his own way. Against Zimbabwe, the 27-year-old showcased both his artistry and his work ethic, driving play forward and tracking back relentlessly when out of possession. He made Bafana tick, carving out several chances that went unconverted, and his visible pride in wearing the national jersey pushed him to give everything on the pitch. The presence of his former midfield partner, Teboho Mokoena, added an extra spark. The two share deep roots — both hailing from Bethlehem and having come through Harmony Sports Academy before breaking into the professional ranks at SuperSport United. Their paths diverged thereafter, with Mokoena rising steadily while Mbule’s off-field issues threatened to derail his progress. Now, under the guidance of coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and Hugo Broos, Mbule finds himself in an environment that demands discipline yet nurtures confidence. It’s a balance that could bring out the very best in him — and perhaps usher in a new era for Bafana’s creative heartbeat.

In naming their squads for the multi-format tour to Pakistan, the Proteas selectors opted for a line-up that felt somewhat experimental for the tour’s official opener — a first-ever T20 clash with neighbouring Namibia in Windhoek. Donovan Ferreira was handed the captaincy, while the returning Quinton de Kock was included to ease back into international cricket. The uncapped Rivaldo Moonsamy featured too, alongside a handful of other bold selections. When rising star Kwena Maphaka withdrew from the squad with a hamstring injury, the balance of the side shifted once more — a disruption that hinted at what was to come. Batting first, the Proteas could only muster 134/8 from their 20 overs, a total that left the door wide open. Namibia seized the opportunity, reaching 138/6 off the final ball to claim a stunning four-wicket victory — their first ever over South Africa in any format. It was a night when everything went right for the underdogs and wrong for the visitors. Gerald Coetzee, making yet another comeback from injury, suffered a pectoral setback that could sideline him for several months, while De Kock’s return yielded just a four-ball single. If ever a match embodied the pure unpredictability of T20 cricket, it was this one — a clash that proved, yet again, that in the shortest format, no giant is too big to fall.

As the 2025 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon draws near, all eyes turn to the queen of South African ultra-running — Gerda Steyn. The four-time Comrades Marathon champion and six-time Two Oceans winner headlines a powerful women’s elite field, once again carrying the hopes of a nation. With defending champion and national record holder Glenrose Xaba absent, Steyn steps forward as one of the frontrunners. Xaba’s blistering 2:22:22 run at last year’s race set a new benchmark for South African women’s marathon running. But Steyn, ever composed, has played down any pressure to reclaim the record she once held. Now 35, Steyn recently recovered from a knee injury sustained in a training fall, and has received heartfelt encouragement from Xaba, who is turning her focus to the Valencia Marathon later this year. In a show of camaraderie, Xaba urged Steyn to “keep the Cape Town Marathon title in the country,” a call that captures the spirit of mutual respect between South Africa’s leading long-distance athletes. As the 24,000-strong field readies itself for race day, Steyn stands at the heart of it all — poised, resilient, and ready to lead from the front once more against a fierce African contingent.

Round three of the United Rugby Championship marked the weekend when Springboks eager for game time after the Rugby Championship rejoined their franchises. Normally, the Boks take a short break before returning to domestic duty to sharpen up ahead of the end-of-year tour in November. But this season, things unfolded differently. Thanks to Rassie Erasmus’s extensive player rotation throughout the early stages of the season and the Rugby Championship, many players were keen to get straight back into action. As a result, Makazole Mapimpi, Vincent Koch, Bongi Mbonambi, and Ethan Hooker turned out for the Sharks; Wilco Louw, Handré Pollard, Marco van Staden, and Canan Moodie ran out for the Bulls; Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Damian Willemse returned for the Stormers; and Morné van den Berg made a brief appearance for the Lions before injury struck. Yet despite the injection of international firepower, only the Stormers managed to claim victory over the weekend — and even then, Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Willemse didn’t quite deliver the commanding performances expected of them. The weekend served as a timely reminder that reintroducing Springboks to the URC sides doesn’t guarantee success. While their presence undoubtedly lifts standards, it can also disrupt rhythm and cohesion in teams still finding their early-season flow. The Springboks’ return, then, is not just about adding star quality — it’s a delicate balancing act between experience and chemistry, one that could define the next few rounds of the URC.