Junior Boks return to South Africa as U-20 world champs
They beat six-time champions New Zealand in Italy on Saturday evening to win their World Rugby Under 20 Championship for the first time since 2012, breaking a 13-year drought.
South Africa's men now hold the world championship titles at senior and junior level, as well as in the sevens format.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
34 minutes ago
- The Citizen
Smith expresses delight completing move to QPR from Stellies
"I'm really proud and grateful for the opportunity QPR have given me to showcase my talent,' said Smith. Tylon Smith says he is delighted to join Queens Park Rangers after completing a permanent switch from South African side Stellenbosch FC. Picture: QPR FB Tylon Smith says he is proud and delighted to join Queens Park Rangers after completing a permanent switch from South African side Stellenbosch FC. According to the English Championship side, the transfer for the rising star remains subject to international clearance and visa approval. ALSO READ: Pirates confirm Lepasa exit The highly-rated 20-year-old defender, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past year, joins QPR for an undisclosed fee and will initially link up with the club's development squad. 'I'm very happy to be here. I'm really proud and grateful for the opportunity QPR have given me to showcase my talent,' said Smith after putting pen to paper at Loftus Road. 'QPR is well-known for developing young players. The style of play here is similar to how we play in South Africa and it's a style that I really like.' Smith arrives in West London on the back of helping South Africa's U20 side win the Cosafa Cup U20 Championship. He also played a key role again as Amajita claimed the U20 Africa Cup of Nations title, where he was named Player of the Tournament. 'It was incredible, scoring the winning goal in the semi-final against Nigeria was amazing and we made history by winning the final,' Smith added. 'It was very special to win Player of the Tournament and it's very rare for it to go to a defender. It usually goes to an attacking player, so that was amazing for me.' The young centre-back was also recently nominated for the DStv Diski Challenge Player of the Season award. Smith now has his sights set firmly on settling in at QPR and making an impression. 'I would say I'm like a modern defender; composed, good on the ball but I also enjoy defending. My main focus now is QPR. I'm going to give my all for this club and hopefully together we can be successful,' he concluded. QPR CEO Christian Nourry welcomed the new addition, stating: 'We are happy to beat significant competition to land the services of Tylon today. ALSO READ: Rashford 'at home' at Barca after sealing loan from Man United 'His raw attributes give him every opportunity to become a successful central defender and we are excited that the player feels, as we do, that we are best placed to develop and extract that potential from him. We will take it step by step.'
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Beyond the blame: Understanding the governance challenges in South African football
SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan In the complex world of South African football, much of the criticism aimed at its president, Danny Jordaan, appears to overshadow a deeper issue: the decision-making power lies not solely with him, but primarily with the National Executive Committee (NEC). Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix Image: Backpagepix The ongoing criticism directed at South African Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan has reached a crescendo, with many supporters and analysts voicing their frustrations via social media platforms. However, this intense vilification appears to overshadow a more complex reality. The true decision-making power lies not solely with Jordaan but predominantly with the National Executive Committee (NEC), which plays a crucial role in the governance and strategic direction of South African football. As South Africa's footballing landscape grapples with numerous challenges, Jordaan has inadvertently become a focal point for widespread discontent. The frustrations directed at him are often disproportionate, with little acknowledgement of the collective responsibility of the NEC. This body is drawn predominantly from National List Members from various regions and Provincial List Members representing the country's nine provinces. This situation raises vital questions about the dynamics that govern South African football. While it is natural for fans to seek an individual to blame in times of difficulty, simplifying the discourse to target one person can be misleading. The NEC, the backbone of SAFA's administrative structure, should not be overlooked. Fix Football #LetsFixSAFootball Image: Independent Media Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ SAFA found itself in the spotlight recently as it faced an inquiry by the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture into its governance structure, specifically focusing on the compensation of NEC members and the committee's overwhelming size. The portfolio committee hastened to add that FIFA has already recommended that SAFA reduce the size of the NEC. The parliamentary session opened heated discussions regarding the controversial honorariums received by NEC members. Critics argue that, while football faces numerous systemic issues, the financial remunerations for these officials are excessive. With growing frustration among fans and stakeholders regarding the state of South African football, the perception of a lavish payment system has angered many, who are clamouring for better investment in grassroots football and coaching initiatives. Furthermore, the composition of the NEC, consisting of a staggering 48 members, has drawn sharp criticism. Described as the largest governing body among any national sports association, questions have arisen concerning the efficiency and productivity of such a large committee. Everything unacceptable about SAFA has unprecedented repercussions for national teams. The core of these problems lies in a significant lack of corporate support and sponsorship. The absence of robust financial backing has severely impeded SAFA's ability to adequately compensate national teams and their players, often leading to delays in payments that have sparked unrest within the ranks. This financial instability does not simply end with players. It extends to SAFA's capacity to hire top-tier coaches who can elevate the standards of South African football. In the absence of stable funding, SAFA finds itself unable to secure the expertise that is paramount for the success of its teams. The ramifications of inadequate corporate support manifest not only in the players' performance but also in the overall infrastructure surrounding the sport. With insufficient funds flowing into the organisation, vital structures that underpin the development, training, and strategic planning for teams are grossly underfunded. The lack of resources to develop youth academies, run effective training camps, and provide essential welfare for players hampers efforts to nurture local talent and build a robust footballing future. As other nations invest heavily in their footballing structures, South African football risks being left behind. The paradox lies in a sport that has the potential to unite and inspire a nation, yet struggles to achieve basic operational support from the corporate sector. As these challenges continue to unfold, there is an urgent call to action for local businesses and corporate entities to recognise the value of investing in the future of South African football. Partnerships and sponsorships could provide a lifeline not only to SAFA but also to a generation of young players who see football as a pathway to greatness. The time is now for stakeholders to come together to foster a sustainable environment where football can thrive, and with it, the pride of a nation.
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
Sekhukhune United embarks on major growth journey with land acquisition in Midrand
Sekhukhune United Football Club is charting an exciting new chapter in its development, with major investments aimed at elevating its status and competitiveness in South African football. During a strategic partnership unveiling on July 14 at the Southern Sun Rosebank, club chairperson Simon Malatji revealed that Babina Noko has acquired 8ha of land in Midrand. The project, with a projected investment of R30m, is aimed at achieving a level of competitiveness comparable to that of Kaizer Chiefs Village in Naturena, Johannesburg. Also read: Total Football Excellence coach has high hopes for Hollywoodbets Regional League Malatji emphasised the significance of this development, stating: 'The land has existing structures, which are quite huge and are undergoing renovations. In that regard, we are utilising that one, to reduce costs and renovate the building. The estimate suggests, to be competitive like Chiefs, will be around R30m.' As part of its ambitious vision for the upcoming 2025/26 Betway Premiership season, the club also revealed another major development. Last season, Babina Noko showcased gear from Kelme, and the partnership announcement confirmed a three-year sponsorship deal with the leading sports apparel brand. This agreement, presented by Malatji in the presence of a Chinese delegation, including Kelme's chairperson Ke Yongxiang, officially designates Kelme as the club's partner for the next three seasons. The Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture Limpopo MEC, Jerry Maseko, was also present at the ceremony. 'This collaboration promises to enhance sport excellence, promote economic growth, and foster social cohesion.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
