Fans chanted “All Blacks, All Blacks” as the players walked out, singing both versions of the New Zealand national anthem in full voice and even performed the Haka.

Discover the inspiring journey of Emmkay Muziq as he reflects on his growth and the creation of his new EP 'Okuhle', blending afro-house rhythms with themes of resilience and hope.

Antonio van Wyk has opened up on his decision to leave Europe for Mamelodi Sundowns, revealing that the club’s rich history and winning culture convinced him to return to South Africa. Van Wyk picks Sundowns The 24-year-old winger joined the African champions from Austrian side SV Ried despite enjoying a productive campaign in Europe, where he featured in 30 league matches last season. Having spent two seasons abroad, Van Wyk could have pursued opportunities in one of Europe’s bigger leagues. Instead, he opted to return home and sign for the Chloorkop-based outfit, believing it was the ideal move to take his career to the next level. Speaking on the Sundowns Pitchside Podcast, the former Stellenbosch FC star admitted the opportunity to compete for trophies every season played a significant role in his decision. “I would say the history of the club and the trophies as well attracted me to Sundowns. You’re guaranteed to win a trophy or two every season,” Van Wyk said. “Obviously, that is a big aspect. As a player you want to be decorated in terms of trophies and numbers. To help my game, I thought I’m going to take the next step and if it’s not in Europe, it’s here with the African Champions.” Van Wyk is already embracing life at Sundowns and has set his sights on helping Sundowns reclaim the Betway Premiership title while hoping to add another CAF Champions League star to the club’s badge. ‘Another star would be my main goal’ “It feels so good to be here and being welcomed. Everyone has been so amazing towards me,” Van Wyk added. “I would say adding another star would be my main goal and also getting back on track to winning the league again. Coming to the badge when you look at it you see two stars. I think when you look down, you want to see three stats. So I would say that would be a highlight.” Van Wyk was Sundowns’ first signing of the transfer window before the club strengthened further with the arrival of Siyanda Ndlovu from Golden Arrows ahead of the new campaign.

Its most recent update having taken place in 2019, JLR has reportedly confirmed that the Discovery Sport will exit production in December after what will be 11 years. Over for the smallest “Land Rover” Known internally as the L550, the Sport, then still known as the Land Rover Discovery Sport, replaced the Freelander as the smallest “Land Rover” model, yet still shared a number of visual cues as well as early petrol and diesel engine options. Since then, a series of smaller updates have taken place and special editions added, the most recent being the introduction of the Landmark and Metropolitan models for the South African market last year. What’s next? At the time reported as being the likely final update, Britain’s Autocar, citing an unnamed JLR spokesperson, confirmed that the Discovery Sport will see out 2026, but not enter 2027. “Discovery Sport production will end in December 2026, in line with normal product lifecycles. As part of this transition there will be a managed sunset of manufacturing ahead of this date for certain markets,” the spokesperson told the publication. While no further details were provided, speculation has mounted that the Sport’s indirect replacement will come in the shape of the newly teased all-electric Range Rover GT. Evoque and Velar going nowhere More uncertain is the future of the Sport’s platform sibling, the Range Rover Evoque, which entered its eighth year of production of this year as the entry-level Range Rover model. Range Rover Evoque will, seemingly, continue even after the debut of the incoming all-electric GT. Picture: JLR South Africa In a related statement to the publication, though, Range Rover brand Managing Director, Martin Limpert, hinted at the prolonging of not only the Evoque, but also the Velar long believed to be facing axe in favour of the GT. “We also refreshed the Range Rover Evoque two-and-a-half years ago, and we have launched the market editions for the Evoque and Velar to keep them present in the marketplace. We have loyal audiences for these cars, and we can’t do everything at once”. Final farewell Locally, the Defender Sport range has whittled down to only the Landmark and Metropolitan variants powered by a choice of two engines. In the D200, the familiar 2.0-litre Ingenium turbodiesel produces 147kW/430Nm, while the plug-in hybrid P300e combines a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol with a 14.9-kWh battery pack powering a single electric motor for a combined output of 227kW/540Nm. Sending drive to all four wheels falls to a ZF-sourced nine-speed automatic on the D200 and a hybrid specific eight-speed automatic on the P300e, which has a claimed all-electric range of 61 km. The variants expected to see the Discovery Sport range out, chances are that JLR South Africa will start withdrawing it before production ends. Price As before, all Discovery Sport models’ sticker prices include a five-year/100 000 km maintenance plan and, in the case of the P300e, an eight-year/100 000 km battery pack warranty. Discovery Sport D200 Landmark – R1 362 900 Discovery Sport P300e Landmark – R1 740 500 Discovery Sport D200 Metropolitan – R1 427 900 Discovery Sport P300e Metropolitan – R1 825 600

Banyana Banyana defender Bambanani Mbane has come under fire on social media after a viral TikTok Live appeared to show her swearing at supporters following South Africa’s disappointing defeat to Tanzania. The 36-year-old veteran defender was seen responding angrily to viewers during the livestream, just days after Banyana Banyana’s shock 2-1 loss to Tanzania at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Mbane’s outburst sparked widespread criticism online, with many fans questioning her professionalism in the wake of the national team’s defeat. Bambanani Mbane swearing at fans is wrong. I know the fans are too much especially after a loss, but this is wrong. No one is immune to criticism pic.twitter.com/xSN3CGeT6D— Frank ⭐⭐👆 (@Thee3nthusiasts) July 31, 2026 In the video, which has since gone viral on social media, Mbane defended the team and suggested that supporters withholding their support would not change anything. “F*ing st… your love relationships are not working. Go fix them… You are not Gods,” the Banyana defender said. “If you don’t want to support us, then don’t. It doesn’t mean when you don’t support us something will change. You want us to beg you like you are our Gods. You don’t even watch football. All you know is just highlights… F*ing st,” Mbane said during the TikTok Live. The clip quickly drew strong reactions, with many supporters expressing disappointment over her comments. Fans blast Banyana defender @Snotyme wrote: “Going live during a tournament, how unprofessional. Mind you, Sithole faced far worse insults and criticism; not once did they do such.” @YokumGwebu commented: “Does she know what happened to Scotts Maphuma when he clashed with fans? She must be careful. Women’s football barely fills one stand of the stadium in SA.” @Thee3nthusiasts added:”Bambanani Mbane swearing at fans is wrong. I know the fans are too much, especially after a loss, but this is wrong. No one is immune to criticism.” SAFA or Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis is yet to respond to Mbane’s rant. The incident has fueled debate on social media, with some supporters defending Mbane’s frustration over online abuse, while others believe national team players should maintain their professionalism regardless of the criticism they receive. What’s your take on Mbane’s rant?

The wait is over as the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season gets underway this weekend, with defending champions Orlando Pirates beginning their title defence and Kaizer Chiefs embarking on a new chapter under head coach Fernando Da Cruz. The opening round of fixtures on Saturday promises plenty of intrigue, although perennial title contenders Mamelodi Sundowns will have to wait a little longer to kick off their campaign after their opening fixture was postponed. WEEK 1 | New Betway Premiership times and venues confirmed Orlando Pirates aim to make early statement Fresh from lifting last season’s league title, Orlando Pirates will look to start their defence on the right foot when they host newly promoted Milford FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon. The Buccaneers head into the new season buoyed by an impressive transfer window and encouraging pre-season performances. With domestic success and another CAF Champions League campaign on the horizon, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will be eager to ensure Orlando Pirates lay down an early marker in the title race. A victory over the Betway Premiership newcomers would provide the perfect platform as the Soweto giants chase back-to-back league crowns. Kaizer Chiefs usher in Da Cruz era Later on Saturday, all eyes will be on Mbombela Stadium where Kaizer Chiefs take on fellow top-flight newcomers Kruger United. The match marks Fernando Da Cruz’s first competitive league fixture in charge of Amakhosi, with supporters hoping the Frenchman can restore the club to title contention. Kaizer Chiefs will travel to Mpumalanga full of confidence after defeating Zimbabwean champions Scottland FC 1-0 to lift the Toyota Cup last weekend. They will also be aiming for a third consecutive opening-day victory after winning their first league matches in each of the past two seasons. Mamelodi Sundowns’ opener postponed Mamelodi Sundowns will not be in action this weekend after the Premier Soccer League approved the postponement of their home fixture against Marumo Gallants. While no official reason has been provided, the delay is understood to be linked to the club’s disrupted pre-season preparations following the death of midfielder Jayden Adams. A new date for the fixture has yet to be announced. Opening weekend fixtures Saturday, 1 August Orlando Pirates vs Milford FC, Orlando Amstel Arena – 15:00 Golden Arrows vs Chippa United, King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium – 15:00 Stellenbosch FC vs AmaZulu FC, Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium – 15:00 Sekhukhune United vs Durban City, Seshego Stadium – 17:30 Kruger United vs Kaizer Chiefs, Mbombela Stadium – 20:00 Sunday, 2 August Richards Bay vs Polokwane City, Richards Bay Stadium – 15:30 Siwelele FC vs TS Galaxy, Free State Stadium – 17:30 With the MTN8 quarter-finals scheduled for next weekend, every team will be eager to begin the new campaign on a positive note as another fiercely contested Betway Premiership season gets underway. Who’s your pick for the 2026/27 Betway Premiership title? Let us know by clicking on the comment banner below …

Eskom recorded a daily energy availability factor of 80.24% on 20 July, its best single day since 20 September 2017.

The transmission operator will own the assets outright, reversing a plan approved by the energy minister in December.