Sthembiso Nkabinde Author image

Sthembiso Nkabinde

Contributing Editor

Biography: I’m a writer and sub-editor with seven years of experience. I joined GOAL in 2023 and have been on an exciting journey ever since. I hold a BA Journalism degree from the University of Johannesburg. My love for writing and Sport, especially football, have intertwined perfectly. I have been fortunate to cover some of the biggest matches in the South African Premier Soccer League, the CAF Champions League as well as the various levels of international football, from junior to senior.

My Football Story: At one point, football was the one thing I looked forward to everyday. My obsession with the beautiful game started in the dusty streets of my township, where I played. In my head, I was on N5, gracing the Emirates, for my beloved Arsenal. Although that never happened, I’m grateful that there’s no stadium I haven’t been to in South Africa and have witnessed countless historic moments, like Yusuf Maart’s iconic long range Soweto derby stunner.

Areas of Expertise:

  • Writing & editing local and international football stories
  • Expert football opinion & analysis
  • Premier Soccer League, CAF Champions League & international football insights
  • SEO 

Favourite Footballing Memory: Watching Siphiwe Tshabalala bring the country to a standstill with his iconic 2010 FIFA World Cup goal against Mexico. Although I was not fortunate enough to be at the FNB Stadium on that day, I felt just about every bit of the electric atmosphere that had gripped the nation during that exciting time.

Articles by Sthembiso Nkabinde
  1. GOAL's 2026 New Year predictions

    It has been a memorable year in South African football, marked by plenty of excitement and several major achievements. Bafana Bafana qualified for both the Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The junior national teams played in major international tournaments and flew the country’s flag high.

  2. Bafana out to start AFCON on a high against Angola

    All preparations have been done, and now it’s time for the games to begin. Hugo Broos’ charges have done everything to get ready for the AFCON opener, and now all that is left is for the players to deliver on the pitch. After spending the last few days fine-tuning their preparations in Morocco, they kick-start their campaign with a clash against Angola at the Grand Stade de Marrakech today.

  1. Will Mbokazi make it out of Broos’ bad books?

    South Africa’s brightest young talent, Mbokazi, finds himself in the bad books of the no-nonsense Bafana Bafana coach and needs to work his way out to keep his dream of playing in the AFCON as well as the World Cup. Broos was left fuming after Mbekezeli Mbokazi, fresh from leading the Buccaneers to yet another cup triumph, arrived late for the national team camp in preparation for the upcoming AFCON.

  2. Best XI of Bafana players left out of Broos' AFCON squad

    When the Belgian announced his 23-man squad headed to Morocco for this year’s Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON], there were some surprises. The 73-year-old tactician left tongues wagging with some of his choices, leaving out some big names and experienced campaigners. Broos also included a couple of youngsters, some of whom will be in the senior national team setup for the very first time.

  3. CAF delight for Downs & Stellies, but Chiefs flop! 

    It was almost the perfect weekend for Mzansi sides in continental football. Mamelodi Sundowns were in CAF Champions League action on Saturday, while Stellenbosch FC and Kaizer Chiefs did duty in the Confederation Cup on Sunday. Downs, although slightly underwhelming, managed to beat Orlando Pirates slayers Saint Eloi-Lupopo at home. Stellies, meanwhile, left it late to see off Otoho d’Oyo. It was then over to Amakhosi to ensure South African teams completed a perfect outing in the CAF interclub competition, but they disappointed.