OFM Sport

The Suzuki Griquas have received a significant boost ahead of their Currie Cup title defence, with powerful loosehead prop Eddie Davids returning to Kimberley after a successful stint with the Lions in the United Rugby Championship. The Peacock Blues will begin their quest to retain South Africa’s oldest domestic rugby trophy next month, and the return of Davids adds valuable depth and experience to their front row. Since then, the Bloemfontein-born front-rower has continued his development at the Lions and believes he returns to the Northern Cape as a more complete player.

The Flexbrands Knights’ remarkable 2025/26 Division 2 campaign has been recognised at the highest level, with players, coaches and even new signings earning nominations for the prestigious Cricket South Africa Awards. After a season that delivered three trophies to Bloemfontein, the Knights’ dominance has translated into a strong presence on the CSA Awards shortlist, highlighting the depth of talent and leadership within the franchise. Speaking to OFM Sport, Ruan Haasbroek said the nominations were a welcome reward for a memorable season, although team success remained the priority.

The Leopards head coach, Riaan van Straaten, is set to swap the rugby fields in Potchefstroom for the global fitness arena when he heads to London in September to compete at the 2026 Deadly Dozen World Championships. Van Straaten is one of only seven South Africans to qualify in his division for the prestigious event and will compete in the Masters Solo. The accomplished athlete is currently ranked ninth in the world in his age category of 40 to 44 years, placing him among the sport’s elite competitors. Speaking to OFM Sport, Van Straaten said qualifying for the World Championships was a major milestone and one that exceeded even his own expectations.

It’s the business end of the 2026 FIH Nations Cup, with the playoffs and semi-finals of the men’s tournament set to light up Cape Town on Friday. At 19:00, Group A winners New Zealand’s Black Sticks will take on hosts South Africa in a blockbuster semi-final at Hartleyvale. Proteas centre link, Nic Spooner, one of the most experienced players in the South African squad, told OFM Sport that while the Black Sticks will provide a stern test, the team is relishing the challenge.

The Junior Springboks and UFS Shimlas scrumhalf, Erich Visser, is thrilled to be making his Toyota Cheetahs debut on Wednesday night when they take on Romania A in the Toyota Challenge in Bloemfontein. Visser has been part of the Cheetahs setup since last year, but his progress has coincided with commitments to both the Junior Springboks and the Shimlas during the Varsity Cup campaign. Visser told OFM Sport that he can barely contain his excitement. While the nerves will undoubtedly be there, his focus will be on keeping things simple and doing the basics well.

Die Toyota Cheetahs se afrigter, Frans Steyn, het aangedui dat ’n nuweling Woensdag in die Toyota Uitdaagreeks-wedstryd teen Roemenië A in Bloemfontein sy kans kan kry. Die Cheetahs het hul veldtog in die reeks afgeskop met ’n oortuigende sege van 54-24 oor Portugal, waarin hulle veral in die eerste helfte uitstekend vertoon het. Steyn sal veranderinge aanbring aan die span wat Portugal geklop het, maar hy het aan OFM Sport gesê hulle is beïndruk met die vordering van die sterk binnesenter, Jooste Nel. Woensdag se kragmeting by die Toyota Stadion skop om 18:00 af.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos says his side will carry the hopes of an entire nation when they take on tournament co-hosts Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday. South Africa will launch their World Cup campaign at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where a capacity crowd is expected to create a cauldron-like atmosphere for the visitors. The match will officially kick off the month-long football spectacle and is set to attract millions of viewers from around the globe.

The 40-year-old Griffons hooker, Simon Westraadt, is set for an unexpected return to the Pumas after being named on the bench for Friday afternoon’s Toyota Challenge opener against Georgia's Black Lion in Bloemfontein. Westraadt, who previously represented the Pumas with distinction, answered an SOS call from head coach Jimmy Stonehouse to bolster the back-to-back SA Cup champions during the international tournament. Westraadt told OFM Sport that he did not hesitate when Stonehouse came calling, although he first sought the blessing of Griffons coach Jacques Juries.

Suzuki Griekwas se kaptein Derik Pretorius sê die Toyota Uitdaagreeks is 'n gulde geleentheid om nuwe spelers bloot te stel voor die Curriebeker later vanjaar.

Patrício, who was born in Stellenbosch and raised in Bloemfontein, told OFM Sport that the Toyota Challenge presents a valuable opportunity to stake his claim for higher honours as he chases his dream of representing Portugal at the Rugby World Cup.

Bafana Bafana finally departed for Mexico on Monday night ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off in nine days' time. However, the squad travelled without its full complement of technical and support staff. By Monday night, the squad had finally boarded their flight at OR Tambo International Airport, but assistant coach Helman Mkhalele and head of security Mdu Mbatha were still unable to travel because of unresolved visa issues. SAFA president Danny Jordaan was on hand at the airport and said efforts were continuing to secure the necessary documentation so that both officials could join the team in Mexico.

The flyhalf George Lourens has bid farewell to the Toyota Cheetahs after four seasons with the Bloemfontein-based franchise. The former University of the Free State Shimlas star, who was named the Varsity Cup Player of the Year in 2022, has signed a short-term deal with the Boland Cavaliers in Wellington, where he will reunite with his former coach, Hawies Fourie. He told OFM Sport that leaving Bloemfontein is something that he is doing with a heavy heart, although he is excited about the opportunity awaiting him in Wellington under Fourie, who previously coached him at both the Cheetahs and Maties

The back-to-back SA Cup champions, the Pumas, are relishing the opportunity to head to Bloemfontein for the Toyota Challenge, which kicks off on Friday afternoon. The revamped tournament, which was previously staged after the Currie Cup, now gets underway much earlier and will be contested across two legs. The opening leg will take place in Bloemfontein, while the second leg will be hosted in Tbilisi, Georgia, after the Currie Cup, with the same six teams involved. The Pumas, hosts the Toyota Cheetahs, and the Currie Cup champions, the Suzuki Griquas, will each face Black Lion of Georgia, Lusitanos of Portugal and Romania A across three action-packed days of triple-header rugby in Bloemfontein. Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse has long called for his side to be tested against international opposition, and he told OFM Sport that the team is thrilled to have received an invitation and is excited about the challenge that lies ahead.

The Suzuki Griquas are determined to get back to winning ways and begin building momentum for their Currie Cup title defence when they take to the field in the Toyota Challenge, which kicks off on Friday in Bloemfontein. The reigning Currie Cup champions, along with the back-to-back SA Cup-winning Airlink Pumas and the Toyota Cheetahs, will test themselves against international opposition over three rounds of rugby. The visiting teams include Portugal's Lusitanos, Georgia's Black Lion and Romania A. Powerful Griquas winger Sako Makata, who also featured at centre during the SA Cup, told OFM Sport that while the defeat in the final was difficult to accept, the team's focus has already shifted to the bigger picture.

The Blitzboks will head to Bordeaux with plenty to reflect on after falling just short in the Valladolid Sevens final, where Australia claimed a hard-fought 26-19 victory in an entertaining and high-tempo showdown. Coach, Philip Snyman, was quick to credit Australia for their performance, saying the champions made better use of their opportunities when it mattered most.

The Suzuki Griquas are relishing the opportunity to test themselves against international opposition from next week in the Toyota Challenge in Bloemfontein. The reigning Currie Cup champions will be eager to bounce back after their heartbreaking 38-25 extra-time defeat to the Pumas in the SA Cup final on Saturday. Blanckenberg told OFM Sport that the squad is excited to measure themselves against overseas opposition - something they seldom get the chance to do - while also putting the disappointment of the SA Cup final behind them.

The Blitzboks are refusing to take their foot off the pedal as their attention turns fully to this weekend’s Valladolid Sevens in Spain, where the South Africans will chase an incredible fifth consecutive title on the World Sevens Series circuit. Captain, Impi Visser, stressed that they still have plenty of objectives to achieve this season, and is starts on the weekend with the tournament at Estadio José Zorrilla.

Excitement is continuing to build across South Africa after Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos officially announced his final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Broos admitted that selecting the final squad came with several sleepless nights, acknowledging that difficult decisions had to be made as he worked to assemble the strongest possible group to represent South Africa.

The Stormers have confirmed that Springbok superstar Cheslin Kolbe will be returning to where it all began, with the electrifying winger set to rejoin the Cape Town franchise next season. The two-time Rugby World Cup winner remains one of the most feared and lethal finishers in world rugby, and whenever debates arise about the best players on the planet, Kolbe’s name is never far from the conversation. While the Stormers’ immediate focus remains on the United Rugby Championship playoffs, coach John Dobson told OFM Sport that he is thrilled Kolbe chose to return to Cape Town of his own accord.

The Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, has admitted that the next few days could be some of the toughest of his coaching career as he finalises his squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Despite a glittering career filled with success as both a player and coach, Broos admitted that narrowing down the squad has not been easy - and the toughest decisions are still to come.

The former University of the Free State Shimlas centre and former Suzuki Griquas captain, Sango Xamlashe, has the opportunity to etch his name into South African rugby history on Saturday when the Pumas face the Griquas in the SA Cup final in Kimberley. Speaking to OFM Sport, Xamlashe said the fact that the Griquas and Pumas are meeting in a third successive SA Cup final underlines just how special and intense the rivalry between the two teams has become.

The Suzuki Griquas forwards coach, Franco van der Merwe, has called for a dominant display upfront when they face the Pumas in Kimberley on Saturday in the SA Cup final. The Pumas have built a reputation around their big, physical forward pack, which has become a cornerstone of their success in recent years. The Griquas, meanwhile, are renowned for their fearless approach, and they will relish the challenge awaiting them - particularly in the set-piece battle, where the scrums and lineouts are expected to play a decisive role in the contest. Van der Merwe told OFM Sport that the Griquas need to be rock-solid in the set pieces, especially with the intensity and pressure that comes with a final.

The Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ricardo Goss is hoping to continue his career at Siwelele FC after enjoying a stellar 2025/26 Premier Soccer League campaign with the newly rebranded club, which has firmly established Bloemfontein as one of its home bases.

The Free State Crinums will be aiming to raise the bar even higher during the second Power Week of the 2026 Telkom Netball League, which gets underway on Friday in Johannesburg. The Crinums head into the next phase of the competition as the only unbeaten side in the tournament, but despite their dominant start, the Free Staters believe there is still plenty more to come from the squad. Victor added that the return of Proteas legend and captain Karla Pretorius has taken the squad to another level, with the experienced defender continuing to inspire the younger players in the camp.

The Free State Crinums will be aiming to raise the bar even higher during the second Power Week of the 2026 Telkom Netball League, which gets underway on Friday in Johannesburg. Crinums star and Junior Protea, Karla Victor, told OFM Sport that the team is determined to keep setting the standard in the league.

Griquas captain Albert Liebenberg, meanwhile, believes discipline, mental sharpness and limiting soft moments will be crucial if they are to dethrone the defending champions.

The Suzuki Griquas have been dealt a major blow ahead of Saturday’s blockbuster SA Cup final against the Pumas in Kimberley, with influential loose-forward Phumzile Maqondwana ruled out of the clash. Griquas forwards coach Franco van der Merwe told OFM Sport that despite the setbacks, he remains confident the team has enough depth - particularly at No 8 - for the massive showdown.

The Free State Crinums will be aiming to continue their dominant run when they return to court for Power Week 2 of the 2026 Telkom Netball League, which resumes in Johannesburg on Friday. Coach Martha Mosoahle-Samm told OFM Sport she has been delighted with the way her side launched their campaign, but stressed the importance of maintaining their standards.

The Suzuki Griquas are sweating over their loose-forward stocks ahead of Saturday night’s highly anticipated SA Cup final against the Pumas in Kimberley. The men from the Diamond City have built impressive depth across the park over the past few seasons, but in their last two outings they’ve seen two key number eights leave the field injured in worrying circumstances. Following the victory over Boland, coach Pieter Bergh told OFM Sport that the medical team had not yet provided clarity on Maqondwana’s injury, but the hope is that it won’t be serious.

Mamelodi Sundowns have one hand on the CAF Champions League title after beating AS FAR in Pretoria on Sunday night. The Brazilians claimed a 1-0 win in the first leg of the final against the Moroccan outfit thanks to a stunning 36th-minute free-kick by Aubrey Modiba – who is also in doubt for the second leg. Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso warned that it is only half-time in the tie and that the job is far from done.

The Suzuki Griquas are bracing themselves for another special occasion as they prepare to host the Pumas under the floodlights in Kimberley on Saturday in the final of the 2026 SA Cup. Griquas coach, Pieter Bergh, admitted he was relieved after the victory over Boland and told OFM Sport that playing under the lights in Kimberley always creates a unique atmosphere.

The Sukzuki Griqus coach, Pieter Bergh, told OFM Sport that the Boland Cavaliers will be charged up for the semi-final and the will have to be at their best to book a home final for the second time.

The Boland Cavaliers are quietly confident ahead of tomorrow’s SA Cup semi-final against the Suzuki Griquas in Kimberley. The Griquas remain the only side in the competition that Hawies Fourie’s charges have not managed to beat, and the defending Currie Cup champions once again loom as a major threat. Despite the disruptions to their preparations, Boland assistant coach Charl Strydom told OFM Sport that as a team they are ready for the challenge.

The defending SA Cup champions, the Pumas, will be targeting a third consecutive final when they take on the Toyota Cheetahs in Nelspruit on Friday evening in the first semi-final of the competition. The men from the Lowveld finished second on the log after the round-robin stage, and this will mark the third successive year that they host a semi-final on home soil. The fiery Pumas hooker, Gustav du Rand, who scored their try in the abandoned Bloemfontein clash, told OFM Sport that they are expecting a fierce battle and are ready for whatever the determined Cheetahs throw at them.

The Suzuki Griquas have made only a handful of changes to their side for Saturday’s SA Cup semi-final against the Boland Cavaliers in Kimberley as they look to keep their momentum rolling on home soil. Up front, Janco Uys gets the nod at hooker, while Phumzile Maqondwana comes into the starting XV at eighth-man following the injury to the influential Gustav Erlank. There is also a welcome return from injury for the experienced Lourens Oosthuizen. The 23-year-old underwent scans earlier this week, and coach Pieter Bergh confirmed to OFM Sport that the damage was severe, and he will undergo surgery on Friday.

Proteas Women’s coach Mandla Mashimbyi is expecting big things from exciting young all-rounder Kayla Reyneke during the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup in England and Wales. The 20-year-old has been named in the South African squad for what will be her first senior World Cup appearance. Mashimbyi believes Reyneke could become one of the breakout stars of the World Cup.

The 2025/26 Premier Soccer League title is now Orlando Pirates’ to lose after receiving a massive favour courtesy of TS Galaxy in Nelspruit on Tuesday night. The Rockets claimed a sensational 3-2 victory over log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns at the Mbombela Stadium — a result which has placed the Brazilians’ hopes of securing a record-extending ninth consecutive league title in serious doubt. Following the defeat, which may ultimately cost Sundowns the championship, Cardoso lamented the congested fixture schedule during the closing stages of the campaign.

The defending SA Cup champions, the Pumas, have unfinished business with the Toyota Cheetahs ahead of Saturday night’s blockbuster semi-final in Nelspruit. The last time these two sides met was back in round three of the competition in March, when their clash in Bloemfontein was abandoned due to severe lightning around the Toyota Stadium. A delayed kick-off and multiple stoppages caused by lightning strikes within a 15km radius eventually forced officials to call the game off after just 34 minutes of play. Pumas loose forward Andre Fouche, whose father represented the Griffons, told OFM Sport that matches against the Cheetahs are always special occasions.

It’s official - fiery fast bowler Shabnim Ismail is set for a sensational return to international cricket. The 37-year-old has been named in the South Africa women’s squad for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup in England and Wales, and her inclusion will undoubtedly add serious firepower to the side. Ismail’s last appearance for South Africa came in the final of the Women's T20 World Cup, when the Proteas went down by 19 runs to Australia at Newlands in Cape Town. Proteas coach Mandla Mashimbyi told OFM Sport that he is thrilled to have Ismail’s energy and experience back in the side.

The search for the next Bafana Bafana head coach is set to get underway, with less than a month to go before the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. The tournament will mark the end of an era for Hugo Broos, who is preparing for his swansong not only as Bafana Bafana coach, but also in his distinguished coaching career. SAFA Technical Committee chairperson Jack Maluleke confirmed that the process of identifying Broos’ successor is about to begin.

The Toyota Cheetahs will come out swinging on Friday evening when they face the Suzuki Griquas in Bloemfontein in round nine of the SA Cup. It is more than just a derby for the under-pressure Cheetahs - it is a fight for survival. There may be no bigger challenge than taking on a confident and unbeaten Griquas side that has named its strongest possible team for the clash. Vumazonke told OFM Sport that the Cheetahs need no extra motivation ahead of the crunch encounter and that the squad will fight for one another.

The Suzuki Griquas will be doing the Toyota Cheetahs no favours in Friday night’s final-round SA Cup clash in Bloemfontein. The Peacock Blues have made it crystal clear that they mean business by naming a near full-strength side for the derby. Instead of resting players ahead of the semi-finals, they have opted for continuity and momentum as they chase an unbeaten run in the competition and look to continue their dominance over the Cheetahs. Coach Pieter Bergh told OFM Sport they carefully weighed up all their options after already securing a home semi-final, but ultimately decided that continuity was the best route forward as they look to maintain momentum heading into the playoffs.

The South African school rugby powerhouse, Grey College, will make a rare home appearance in 2026 when they welcome Paarl Boys’ High to Bloemfontein on Saturday for what promises to be a thrilling interschools clash. Grey coach Jannie Geldenhuys chats to OFM Sport about Saturday's big game against Boishaai.

The South African school rugby powerhouse, Grey College, will make a rare home appearance in 2026 when they welcome Paarl Boys’ High to Bloemfontein on Saturday for what promises to be a thrilling interschools clash. Cheetahs flanker, Sisonke Vumazonke, backs his Grey to beat Boishaai.

The SWD Eagles are bracing themselves for a stern test when they travel to Kimberley to face the Suzuki Griquas in the penultimate round of the SA Cup on Saturday. Heyneke Meyer’s Garden Route outfit still have a mathematical shot at securing a home semi-final, but to keep that dream alive they’ll need to topple the defending Currie Cup champions on their own patch — no easy feat against a side that has built a reputation for being ruthless at home. Meyer, the former Springbok and Bulls coach who has wasted little time in moulding the Eagles into a competitive and united outfit, told OFM Sport that his side is relishing the challenge that awaits in the Northern Cape.

The Free State Crinums extended their flawless start to the 2026 Telkom Netball League, making it five wins from five with another commanding display on Thursday. The four-time champions cruised to a 60–38 victory over the North West Flames in Durban, maintaining their position at the top of the Division 1 standings during the opening Power Week. Captain Karla Pretorius said the side is pleased with their momentum but remains focused on steady improvement.

The Suzuki Griquas have made four changes to their backline and three to their pack for Saturday’s crucial SA Cup clash against the SWD Eagles in Kimberley. The defending Currie Cup champions are within touching distance of finishing top of the SA Cup log, and a win this weekend will all but secure them a home final - a second in the competition’s three-year history - provided they come through the semi-finals. While Griquas were always confident of reaching the semi-finals and booking their spot in the world’s oldest domestic rugby competition, forwards coach and former Springbok lock Franco van der Merwe told OFM Sport that there’s definite satisfaction after ticking off their first major objective.

The Griquas will be out to lock in a home semi-final in the SA Cup - with a game to spare - when they take on the high-flying SWD Eagles in Kimberley this weekend. The unbeaten Peacock Blues find themselves in a commanding position: a win over Heyneke Meyer’s charges will all but secure top spot on the round-robin log. That, in turn, puts them firmly on track for a potential home final - provided they do the business in the semi-finals. Following the bruising win over Jimmy Stonehouse’s men, Griquas coach Pieter Bergh told OFM Sport that the focus has always been on building breathing room ahead of the knockouts.

The Suzuki Griquas remain the only unbeaten side in the SA Cup and have also secured their place in the semi-finals for a third successive season after beating the Pumas 44–34 on Sunday in Kimberley. The clash between the bitter rivals at Suzuki Stadium lived up to its billing, with the Currie Cup champions showing their class late on to close out the game in front of a superb crowd. Speaking to OFM Sport after the win, captain Albert Liebenberg admitted it was exactly the kind of test his side needed after a relatively smooth run in the competition.

The Suzuki Griquas have opted to start the powerful Sako Makata on the wing ahead of one of their proven finishers for Sunday’s eagerly anticipated SA Cup clash against the Pumas in Kimberley. It’s a mouthwatering showdown between the Currie Cup champions and the reigning SA Cup champions, as the fierce rivalry between the two sides continues. The Peacock Blues have named what is arguably their strongest possible starting XV for this must-win encounter. Coach Pieter Bergh told OFM Sport that it’s a massive game for his side, with qualification for the semi-finals still not secured.