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Nkosinathi Sibisi, Bafana Bafana, November 2025

World Cup draw: Time and where to watch as Bafana set to know group rivals

The World Cup fever pitch has already started as FIFA is set to conduct the draw for the 2026 finals, set to be co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada. After a gruelling World Cup campaign, Bafana will now be eager to know who their preliminary opponents will be in next year's global showpiece. This will be South Africa's first involvement in the finals for over a decade since they hosted the event in 2010.

Arthur Sales, Iqraam Rayners, Mamelodi Sundowns, November 2025

Sundowns' predicted XI to face Siwelele: Striker to start and force Bafana coach Broos into another U-turn?

Mamelodi Sundowns return to Premier Soccer League action after nearly a month after making way following the Carling Knockout semi-finals, the FIFA break and then focusing on CAF Champions League commitments. The Brazilians were knocked off the PSL top spot by Orlando Pirates last weekend. However, they can reclaim top position with a win over Siwelele FC at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Wednesday and head into the AFCON break firmly in control of the title race.

Thembinkosi Lorch & Hugo Broos, October 2025, GFX

'Chiefs rejected poor Broos, but we need Pirates' Sangoma in Bafana too - Makgopa better than Lorch?'

When Broos named his final squad for the AFCON finals, there was not much surprise because he maintained the core players who have always dominated his teams. Amakhosi stars were once again snubbed, although Mduduzi Shabalala was named among the reserve players. In recent times, Orlando Pirates have been contributing a huge chunk of players to the national side, a privilege enjoyed by Mamelodi Sundowns before.

Mamelodi Sundowns, October 2025

Masandawana urged to stay grounded for Champions League test against Algerian opponents

The Tshwane giants travel to Algeria, where they will battle it out at the Ali La Pointe Stadium on Friday evening against their former coach Rhulani Mokwena, whose side is wounded after a disappointing start to the CAF Champions League group stage. Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns supporters remain divided — some still yearning for Mokwena’s return due to dissatisfaction with current coach Miguel Cardoso, while others hope this clash will prove that the former Orlando Pirates mentor was not necessarily the ideal candidate either. However, once the whistle blows, all off-field debates fall aside, as both teams will be equally tested in their pursuit of crucial group-stage points.

Nuno Santos, Mamelodi Sundowns

Santos shares reasons for joining the Brazilians

Masandawana attacking midfielder Nuno Santos shared his reasons for joining the lethal Sundowns squad in the Premier Soccer League, following their three–one triumph over FC Saint Eloi Lupopo — the same side that knocked out the mighty Orlando Pirates — in Saturday’s CAF Champions League group-stage clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. The midfielder made a powerful statement, netting two goals and providing an assist for the Tshwane giants while donning the famous No. 10 jersey, with the third goal finished off by Marcelo Allende.

Themba Zwane, Mamelodi Sundowns, September 2025

Zwane addresses retirement talk as injuries wreck havoc on Bafana playmaker

Since October 2024, the veteran midfielder has been battling persistent fitness issues that have severely limited his game time for both club and country. His latest injury struck just as he had recovered from a previous setback, adding to the frustration. The recurring problems have raised fears that he may now be injury-prone. With him spending more time on the sidelines than on the pitch, concerns continue to grow about the future of his career. These mounting worries have also sparked fresh fears that he might soon consider calling time on his career when he is needed by Masandawana and the national team.

Lyle Foster, South Africa, August 2025

More AFCON headache for Broos? Zwane identifies 'quality strikers' for Bafana

With the three stars, Broos is arguably scratching his head on who he should pick or leave for the upcoming continental finals. The coach has already admitted he is set to make a tough decision that will be painful for the players. With an ambition of doing better than last time out in Ivory Coast, the Belgian must pick the best players at his disposal in order to realise that particular dream.

Bafana Bafana, GFX

Sipho Mbule: From outcast to main man

'Master Chef' has done his thing in several kitchens across the Premier Soccer League, but never really settled anywhere long enough to make a lasting impression. We all know the talent is there, but is the former South Africa youth international able to put in the hard yards to produce the consistent performances needed for club and country in a critical year for South African football?

Frequently asked questions

Declan Rice primarily plays as a defensive midfielder for Arsenal, either as a single pivot or in a double-pivot formation. More recently, though, he has been used in a bit more advanced position as an #8, thanks to his progressive ball-carrying and goalscoring abilities.

Declan Rice was born in Kingston upon Thames in the Greater London region in England.

The English international dons the No. 41 jersey at his current club Arsenal. In an episode of The Overlap in 2022, where he had a chat with Gary Neville, Rice explained that 41 was a number given to his by his kit man at his previous club, West Ham United, and that he continues to wear it because he's superstitious.

The Arsenal man is 1.88m (6ft 2in) tall, and is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world at the moment.

Declan Rice weighs 80kg (176 lbs) and is a physically dominant force in midfield.

Declan Rice spent the majority of his youth career at Chelsea (2006-2013), before spending two years in West Ham United's youth setup.

Declan Rice and long-term girlfriend Lauren Fryer welcomed their first child, son Jude, in August 2022.

Declan Rice hasn't exchanged vows yet, but he has been dating childhood sweetheart Lauren Fryer since 2016.