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WATCH: Springboks in full voice ahead of season-opener
The Springboks kick off the 2026 season against the Barbarians this Saturday, and by all accounts the players have been loving being back in camp together. sos-zagle.org.pl
This week a video came to light showing a group of players in full voice as they came out of the tunnel to head into a training session.
It served as another authentically South African moment that sets Siya Kolisi and his team apart.
WATCH THE SPRINGBOKS IN FULL VOICE BELOW
READY FOR ACTION
Looking ahead to this weekend’s season-opener, Springbok centre Esterhuizen – who will man the midfield with Jesse Kriel – said the Boks are focused on playing their own game.
“It is a Barbarians match and people think it will be a loose game, but the important thing for us is to stick to our processes as we do in every other game,” he said. “We are treating this encounter as a Test match, and hopefully we can be successful.”
Esterhuizen will have a new flyhalf on his inside this weekend, but the hard-running centre supported Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus’ decision to hand the No 10 jersey to Quan Horn, who usually runs out at fullback.
“He’s a very good player, and he has a lot of skill and reads the game well,” said Esterhuizen.
“He’s slotted into the No 10 position very well at training, and he’s been working hard, so with the support inside and outside of him, there are players who can help and guide him, and I think he’ll be good in that position.”
Meanwhile, 19-year-old Luan Giliomee, who will run out in his third different team in green and gold this year after already representing the Junior Springboks and the Blitzboks, was very excited about the SA ‘A’ game in Gqeberha.
“I’ve been privileged enough to be in a lot of environments this year,” said Giliomee, who was named at fullback for the clash.
“Thankfully I’m still healthy and I can play in this Saturday’s game.
“As a team, we’ve set standards for ourselves, and obviously we have some goals in mind, but personally I just want to go out there and perform, and hopefully I can transfer the things I’ve learned in the last two weeks from the players and coaches onto the field.”
Both matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport, with the SA ‘A’ fixture against Zimbabwe kicking off at 12:00, while the Springboks will line up against the Barbarians at 15:00.
Transfer news: Orlando Pirates sign another Siwelele star
Orlando Pirates have been agrressive in strengthening their squad during the current transfer window.
Neo Rapoo now becomes the second star player from Siwelele FC to Soweto after Bohlale Ngwato.
ORLANDO PIRATES WIN RACE FOR NEO RAPOO
According to FARPost journalist Mthokozisi Dube, the Buccaneers have reached an agreement with Siwelele FC over a transfer fee for the 20-year-old Rapoo.
The report further states that the player has also agreed to personal terms, clearing the way for the move to be finalised.
With veteran left-wing back Deon Hotto approaching the end of his career, and Nkosikhona Ndaba yet to dominate the left-flank when given the opportunity, Rapoo faces a massive chance to be Orlando Pirates’ number one left-back.
WHY THE BUCCANEERS MADE THIS SIGNING
Based on his performances and underlying statistics, Rapoo has established himself as arguably the most dangerous attacking left-back in South African football.
His journey began in Tsitsing near Rustenburg, where he was spotted as an 11-year-old before joining the SuperSport United academy. His rapid development saw him break into the senior team under Gavin Hunt at just 17, laying the foundation for what has become one of the country’s most promising careers.
A move to Siwelele FC before the 2025/26 campaign elevated his game to another level. Rapoo cemented his place as a first-choice starter, making 26 Betway Premiership appearances and producing eye-catching numbers from left-back.
His attacking output was particularly impressive. Rapoo topped the league’s crossing charts with 150 deliveries into the penalty area, surpassing AmaZulu’s Riaan Hanamub (145) and Mamelodi Sundowns defender Aubrey Modiba (127). He also registered 14 shots on target over the course of the season, underlining his willingness to influence matches in the final third.
Defensively, Rapoo proved just as influential. He amassed 140 combined tackles, interceptions and clearances, outperforming both Hanamub and Modiba in total defensive actions. Although Siwelele spent more time without possession than clubs like Sundowns, the figures highlight his tireless work ethic and ability to cope under sustained pressure.
The youngster also won 55% of his aerial duels and 56.1% of his ground duels, demonstrating a competitive edge beyond his years. His combative style resulted in seven yellow cards during the campaign, reflecting an aggressive approach to defending rather than a passive one.
Rapoo’s rise has also extended onto the international stage. He captained South Africa’s Under-20 side to the Africa Cup of Nations title.
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FIFA World Cup 2026: Ghana edge Panama 1-0 as Yirenkyi delivers dramatic late winner
Ghana secured a dramatic and hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening Group L match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi scoring a stoppage-time winner in Toronto.
In a contest that appeared destined for a goalless draw, Yirenkyi struck in the 95th minute, handing the Black Stars a priceless three points and an early advantage in the race for a knockout stage spot. This result places Ghana level on points with England, who defeated Croatia 4-2 earlier in the day.
The match was played in challenging weather conditions, with heavy rain impacting the quality of play for much of the evening. Panama started more brightly, dominating possession in the opening stages and creating the first meaningful opportunities. Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi was forced into a series of important saves to keep the score level.
Ghana struggled to find their rhythm in the first half and found it difficult to penetrate Panama’s disciplined defensive structure. Captain Jordan Ayew worked tirelessly upfront, while Antoine Semenyo and Ernest Nuamah attempted to provide attacking impetus from wide areas. However, clear-cut chances remained scarce.
The Black Stars faced a setback at halftime when goalkeeper Ati-Zigi was forced off due to injury. Benjamin Asare was introduced and would later play a crucial role in maintaining Ghana’s clean sheet. Panama continued to threaten after the break, with Cristian Martínez and Cecilio Waterman troubling the Ghanaian defense, but neither side could find a breakthrough.
As the match entered its closing stages, Ghana gradually began to assert control. Jordan Ayew came close to scoring, and Brandon Thomas-Asante added fresh energy after coming off the bench. Despite Ghana’s improved performance, a goalless draw seemed increasingly probable as the clock ticked into stoppage time.
Five minutes into added time, Thomas-Asante broke forward and delivered a dangerous ball into the penalty area. Yirenkyi timed his run perfectly and finished calmly to send the Ghana supporters into wild celebrations. The goal, scored in the 95th minute, proved to be the winning strike and one of the most dramatic moments of the tournament so far.
Panama nearly snatched an equalizer in the dying seconds, but substitute goalkeeper Benjamin Asare produced an excellent save to deny Ismael Díaz and preserve Ghana’s advantage.
The victory is particularly significant for Ghana, who were without Thomas Partey after he was unable to travel to Canada. Despite his absence, Carlos Queiroz’s side showed resilience, patience, and determination to secure all three points.
With England next on the schedule, Ghana will take immense confidence from this result. While the performance was not always fluent, the Black Stars demonstrated the fighting spirit that has defined many of their memorable World Cup campaigns.
For Panama, the defeat was heartbreaking after an impressive defensive display, leaving them with little margin for error in their remaining group matches.
The post FIFA World Cup 2026: Ghana edge Panama 1-0 as Yirenkyi delivers dramatic late winner appeared first on SportsAfrica - Sports news | Live scores | Match highlights | Betting tips.
Cullen hails Leinster’s final push
Leinster coach Leo Cullen says reaching another Vodacom URC final is a testament to his squad’s resilience after a difficult start to the season.
The Irish giants will host the Bulls at Croke Park on Friday night, looking to defend the title they won with a 32-7 victory over the Pretoria-based outfit in last season’s final.
On Wednesday, Cullen reflected on Leinster’s journey to the showpiece after losing three of their opening four URC matches.
“I think it’s an amazing competition, and it’s an unbelievable privilege to be here at this stage of the competition, at a final,” he said.
“If you’d asked me when we were sitting here last, after round four, when we lost three of our first four games, would we be in the situation we’re in, playing in a final in Croke Park? I think everyone would have thought we were crazy at that point.
“It’s been an amazing squad effort, I think, to get to this stage.”
TEAM: Furlong returns for Leinster, Porter ruled out
Leinster will tackle the Bulls without Ireland loosehead prop Andrew Porter, who has been ruled out with a calf injury.
His absence means Jerry Cahir will start, while 20-year-old Alex Usanov is set to provide cover off the bench against a powerful Bulls scrum featuring Springbok Wilco Louw.
Cullen, however, has no doubts about his young front rowers.
“Andrew has missed a big chunk of the season already so guys have plenty of exposure throughout the season,” he said.
“We would always have huge faith in the group that we have. It’s one guy down, next guy up. I don’t try to get too bogged down by that.”
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: Five battles that will decide URC final
Cullen reserved special praise for Cahir.
“To see his progression through the season has been amazing,” he said. “It’s a great story of persistence, perseverance, isn’t it?
“He was back playing club rugby, battling it out in the AIL [All-Ireland League] with a few different teams.
“To see him progress with us through the course of the season, he’s had some huge moments for us, some huge games.”
Cullen backed both Cahir and Usanov to rise to the occasion.
“I don’t think anyone thinks they’re going to let the team down on Friday, because they’re bloody great characters.”
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: Five battles that will decide URC final
The Leinster coach expects another stern examination from the Bulls.
“We know it’s going to be a serious challenge, because we’re up against a serious team,” he said.
“We want to be really respectful to the opposition, but we also need to be very focused on ourselves and what makes Leinster great.”
Photo: Leinster Rugby
The post Cullen hails Leinster’s final push appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.