OFM Sport

The Marumo Gallants chapter in Bloemfontein has officially come to a close after the club confirmed it will no longer play its home matches in the city. The announcement was made earlier in the week during the club’s 2026/27 Premier Soccer League season launch in Sandton, Johannesburg, just days before the new campaign gets underway. Gallants’ departure marks another setback for football in the Free State, although it had been widely anticipated following the club’s challenges over the past two seasons. During the previous campaign, much of the local fan base shifted its support to the newly established Siwelele FC. Club chairman Abram Sello acknowledged that leaving Bloemfontein was a difficult decision but believes the move back to the North West is in the best interests of the club, both on and off the field.

The defending Currie Cup champions, the Suzuki Griquas, have been dealt a major blow ahead of Friday night’s Currie Cup derby against the Toyota Cheetahs in Kimberley. The injury to hooker Janco Uys has opened the door for former Cheetahs front-rower Janus Venter to make his Griquas debut. Venter recently returned from a stint in the United States and joins the Peacock Blues on loan from the Currie Cup First Division champions, the SWD Eagles. He also previously played under Bergh at the CUT Ixias.

The defending Currie Cup champions, the Suzuki Griquas, have been dealt a major blow ahead of Friday night’s Currie Cup derby against the Toyota Cheetahs in Kimberley. The in-form and dangerous Hufke sustained the injury while setting up Gurswin Wehr’s first of his three tries in the convincing bonus-point win. Griquas coach Pieter Bergh told OFM Sport that the squad’s depth is being severely tested, confirming that Hufke will miss the rest of the season with a torn posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and meniscus.

The acting president of Athletics South Africa (ASA), John Mathane, has accused the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, of undermining the governing body while also failing to adequately support athletics in South Africa. Mathane said he was stunned when World Athletics contacted ASA to enquire about a potential bid that the governing body knew nothing about.

The pressure is on the national women’s football team as the turn their attention to their second Group B match of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. On Monday, Banyana Banyana’s campaign got off to the worst possible start after suffering a shock 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Twigga Stars from Tanzania in Casablanca. South Africa created enough opportunities to take something from the game but were left to rue their wastefulness in front of goal, while Tanzania made the most of their chances to claim all three points. Coach Desiree Ellis admitted her team's finishing let them down and felt the goals they conceded were avoidable.

Pieter Coetze continued to cement his status as one of world swimming’s brightest stars after claiming his second gold medal of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Sunday evening, putting himself firmly on course for a remarkable backstroke clean sweep. Afterwards, Coetze explained that his aggressive race plan had been carefully calculated.

The Suzuki Griquas have made several, largely injury-enforced, changes to their side as they look to bounce back against the Bulls in Kimberley on Saturday in round two of the Currie Cup. The defending champions opened their title defence with a disappointing 25-19 defeat to the Stormers in Cape Town last week, in a match they will feel they should never have lost. However, uncharacteristic ill-discipline ultimately proved costly for the Northern Cape outfit. Griquas coach Pieter Bergh told OFM Sport it had been a difficult week as the squad came to terms with a defeat they believed was avoidable, while working hard to address the shortcomings that cost them dearly.

The Toyota Cheetahs have named two debutants in their match-day 23 for Friday’s Currie Cup second-round clash against the Sharks in Bloemfontein. There is also a major milestone for veteran fullback Clayton Blommetjies, who will make his 150th appearance for the Cheetahs when he starts at the back. Prince Nkabinde has been promoted from the bench to the left wing, replacing Cohen Jasper, who drops out of the match-day squad. Former Maties forward Simon Miller is also finally set to make his Cheetahs debut. Miller was due to feature in last week’s thrilling 29-27 win over the Lions but was ruled out shortly before kick-off because of a shoulder niggle. Miller, who can cover both lock and loose forward, told OFM Sport he is eager to make the most of his long-awaited opportunity against his former team.

Experienced striker Jaisen Clifford is looking forward to a fresh chapter in his career after securing a move to Siwelele ahead of the 2026/27 Premier Soccer League season. The 30-year-old forward arrived in the Bloemfontein last season when he joined Marumo Gallants following an extensive spell playing professionally in Europe, including stints in Malta and Hungary. Speaking to OFM Sport, Clifford said he is excited about joining one of the country’s most ambitious clubs.

The Sharks are confident their attacking style of play can make the difference when they face the Toyota Cheetahs in Friday’s Currie Cup clash in Bloemfontein. Both teams opened their 2026 campaigns with bonus-point victories. The Sharks claimed a hard-fought 26-24 win over the Pumas in Nelspruit, while the Cheetahs edged the Lions 29-27 at the Toyota Stadium. Despite expecting a stern challenge from the hosts, Vowles believes his side’s approach gives them every chance of securing back-to-back victories.

Sunshine Tour professional Martin Vorster is set for the opportunity of a lifetime when he tees it up at LIV Golf United Kingdom in Rochester this week. The 24-year-old will get his first real taste of golf's big leagues after being drafted into the all-South African Southern Guards team. Vorster comes into the side in place of former Open champion and team captain Louis Oosthuizen, who remains sidelined with an ongoing back injury. The Mossel Bay-born golfer admitted he is relishing the chance to compete alongside three of South Africa's biggest names.

The Lions open their 2026 Currie Cup campaign with a challenging away test against the Toyota Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Sunday, with head coach Mziwakhe Nkosi eager to give the next generation of Lions stars the opportunity to announce themselves on the big stage. Nkosi warned that the Cheetahs are a far more dangerous team that what their performance in the recent SA Cup suggest.

The defending Currie Cup champions, the Suzuki Griquas, have been forced into a late change ahead of Friday night's opening-round clash against the Stormers in Cape Town. Versatile flank Marco de Witt has been withdrawn from the starting XV due to a minor injury concern. While the issue is not considered serious, the Griquas coaching staff opted against taking any unnecessary risks in their opening match of the campaign. Meanwhile, Griquas head coach Pieter Bergh said the experience within his squad remains one of the team's biggest strengths, with the milestones achieved by Leon Lyons and Cameron Hufke highlighting the stability built within the group.

Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach has warned against any hint of complacency when the Boks take on Wales in Durban on Saturday in round three of the Nations Championship. Despite South Africa's confidence after two impressive performances, Reinach admitted the Springboks were not entirely satisfied with aspects of their display against Scotland and are targeting another step forward this weekend.

South Africa’s leading mountain bikers will descend on Bloemfontein this weekend when the country’s premier cross-country riders compete for national honours at the South African National XCC and XCO Championships at Happy Valley. More than 250 riders are expected to line up on one of the country’s most demanding cross-country courses, with Olympians, national champions and rising stars all chasing the coveted national jersey. Charl Roos of Free State Cycling told OFM Sport that bringing the championships back to Bloemfontein after four years is a significant occasion.

The defending champions, the Suzuki Griquas, have opted for experience as they begin the defence of their Currie Cup title against the Stormers in Cape Town on Friday night. There were few surprises when coach Pieter Bergh named his matchday 23, although three players are set to make their Currie Cup debuts for the Peacock Blues. Coach Pieter Bergh told OFM Sport that selecting the squad was no easy task, with several players forcing their way into contention through strong performances during the Toyota Challenge and the recent friendly against Boland.

The Stormers are bracing for a stern examination when they host the defending Currie Cup champions, the Suzuki Griquas, in Cape Town on Friday night in the opening round of the 2026 season. Veteran Stormers scrumhalf Stefan Ungerer, who represented Griquas until 2022, told OFM Sport that his side know exactly what to expect from the defending champions.

The Springboks’ depth will once again be tested this week as they turn their attention to Scotland in Pretoria for the second round of the Nations Championship. Over the weekend, the back-to-back world champions made a strong statement at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, running in seven tries as they powered their way to a convincing 45-21 victory against England to kick-off their campaign on a high note. However, the impressive performance came at a cost, with several key players picking up injuries, while there were already concerns in the camp before kick-off.

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.