South Africa’s national team stars have taken a selfless stand following their World Cup campaign, insisting that a significant portion of their tournament earnings be funnelled back into the country's youth structures. Rather than focusing solely on their own financial gain, the national team squad is prioritising the future of the domestic game to ensure the next generation of talent has the resources to thrive.
Former South Africa Under-20 head coach Thabo Senong believes the nation’s youth production line is finally reclaiming the attention of elite European clubs. With several high-profile exports already secured, the veteran tactician argues that a shift in developmental philosophy is required to sustain this momentum.
The 75-year-old is facing a difficult period as he battles significant health challenges. A prominent government official has now stepped forward to urge the South African public and the corporate sector to provide necessary support for the legendary tactician.
The Sea Robbers legend has launched a scathing attack on football agents, accusing them of 'snatching' young talent from hardworking academies without contributing to their development. The former Buccaneers left-back expressed his frustration after seeing his developmental efforts undermined by representatives looking for a quick payday.
The representatives of Siviwe Magidigidi have moved to clarify reports suggesting the forward has gone absent without leave from Belgian club K Beerschot VA. Rumours had begun to swirl regarding the youngster’s future after he failed to return to Europe following a trip home to Mzansi.
Usuthu boss has broken his silence regarding the intensifying rumours linking him with the presidency of the South African Football Association (SAFA). The prominent businessman confirmed he has been tipped to take over the reins at Nasrec but insisted his immediate focus remains in Durban.
The 61-year-old is once again being heavily linked with a return to international management after he emerged as a top candidate for The Eagles. But having just acquired the status of Gauteng Development League team East Rand Athletic FC as part of his football academy project it appears 'Jingles' is more focused on producing future Bafana Bafana stars than coaching current internationals.
The tactician is unhappy that he was illegally dismissed before being asked to go back, but as an assistant to an ex-Manchester City star who had taken over. The South African believes the ex-club has a case to answer, explaining the reason for seeking legal redress. He is unhappy that he was lied to when he had already signed a contract with them.
The South African national team will head into the final stages of their preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations, as they prepare to face Ghana in their last international friendly before stepping onto the big stage against Angola in their opening match on December 22, where they look to break more boundaries while raising the Mzansi flag high.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach was full of praise for the current state of South Africa’s displays on the bigger stages. Bafana Bafana recently reaped the rewards of their hard work by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will next month take the stage at the Africa Cup of Nations. Meanwhile, Amajimbos bowed out of the FIFA U-17 World Cup earlier this month, and the senior women’s national team is busy preparing for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations [WAFCON].
South Africa is entering a Golden Era as they prepare to participate in the 2025 AFCON and 2026 World Cup after a long barren spell of failures and disappointments. With Banyana Banyana and Amajita winning silverware, and Amajimbos showing promise and the PSL title race tightening up, it's easy to get excited about local soccer right now.
In the last couple of years, Mzansi football has been growing to great heights, starting from the Premier Soccer League all the way to the national team for both men and women. The government, through the Ministry of Sports, has awarded the players for what they have achieved in the recent past across all competitions.
South African players and teams have made their way into different categories to be recognised as the best on the African continent. In coming up with the nominees, the continental football governing body considered top performers for the period between January 6 and October 15.
The Buccaneers defender has received continental recognition and could be named as Africa's best in the category he has been named in. It is testimony of how he has been improving, with seen steady growth as he carves out his name with standout performances and that has not gone unnoticed.
The 19-year-old midfielder continues to rise after showcasing his skills on the global stage. But focus is on him to see if he can establish himself as a big name in South African football, the way the Orlando Pirates duo of Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota did.
The 19-year-old was one of the best-performing South Africa players in Chile as he seemed to be sending a message to his Amakhosi coaches. He might have succeeded in proving that he can be on top of his game in another environment. Now, a former coach of the Soweto giants who gave the player his breakthrough wants him to play more at club level.
As our SA U20 side prepare to make World Cup history, we take a look at the difficult history of what came before, and the incredible talent that turned the team's fortunes around so much so they stand on the cusp of a quarterfinal at the global showpiece.
Despite losing their group opening game, South Africa rose from what looked like their ruins to register back-to-back victories and reach the knockout stage. The African champions also scored eight goals and only conceded three, showing how resilient they have been in the global showpiece.
Amajita reached the knockout phase of the global tournament for the second time following their win over the Young Stars and Stripes. First-half goals were enough to earn the Southern African side the win.
The U.S. under-20 men's national team finished atop their group at the World Cup despite a 2-1 loss to South Africa in Sunday's group stage finale. Even with the defeat, the U.S. finished as group winners due to the favorable goal differential generated from their dominant opening win against New Caledonia - a 9-1 rout.
South Africa registered their biggest win at the tournament by outclassing their group rivals. However, head coach Raymond Mdaka said although the game was not an easy affair, Amajita should have scored more goals.
The Europeans secured the slim win over the African representatives courtesy of a late second-half goal in a game that was also characterised by a number of missed chances. Amajita's focus now shifts to the next match, where they will face the tournament's debutants in search of their first win in this year's edition.
Raymond Mdaka will be hoping the absence of his two key players will not be felt and his team will manage without them just as they did when they lifted the 2025 Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations. However, the two's exclusion shows how they have improved to be considered as having grown to be above the youth football tournament.
The Sea Robber has been a sensation both for the club and the national team because of his consistency and work rate. However, he has been overlooked by the Amajita head coach, who did not include him in his U20 World Cup squad.
South Africa U20
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
