The post Mohau Nkota Ruled Out for Four Months After Knee Surgery appeared first on SportsClub.
]]>The 21-year-old suffered a severe knee injury during a training session on 11 May 2026.
The timing of his injury could not have come at a worse time, as his injury completely ruled him out of the Bafana Bafana squad for the World Cup.
The Saudi Pro League side has since confirmed that the Bafana winger has successfully gone under the knife and is currently on the road to recovery.
“First-team soccer player Mohau Nkota underwent a successful knee surgery (on Wednesday),” the club said in a statement.
“The club family wishes the player a speedy recovery, complete wellness, and a quick return to the pitch to continue his journey with the team.”
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]]>The post Foote names wider Junior Bok training group final pre-JWC camp appeared first on SportsClub.
]]>Ten members of the extended squad have been called up to the senior Springbok group for the clash against the Barbarians and the SA ‘A’ fixture against Zimbabwe in Gqeberha on 20 June, while Cheswill Jooste is still with the Vodacom Bulls, who have qualified for the Vodacom United Rugby Championship Grand Final.
The remaining 27 players will report for duty in Stellenbosch on Monday, while the players who are in the wider Springbok squad will rejoin the U20s upon completion of their senior commitments.
The Junior Bok training group consists entirely of players who have attended previous training camps in Stellenbosch, as well as the recent U20 International Series and the SANZAAR U20 Rugby Championship, both of which were won by South Africa.
Junior Bok captain Riley Norton (lock) is one of the players called up to Springbok duty, and he will be joined in Johannesburg by Oliver Reid and Danie Kruger (props); Siphosethu Mnebelele and Liam van Wyk (hookers); Vusi Moyo (flyhalf) Yaqeen Ahmed (flyhalf/centre), Luan Giliomee (utility back); Markus Muller (centre); and Zekhethelo Siyaya (fullback).
Jooste (wing) will only join later when he has completed his Vodacom URC duties with the Vodacom Bulls, while Kai Pratt (prop) was not considered for the camp due to injury.
The players released from Springbok and Vodacom URC duty will join the Junior Boks before their departure to Georgia on Monday, 22 June.
Foote said the SA U20 group assembling in Stellenbosch from Monday would focus on fine-tuning their readiness for the global showpiece in Georgia.
“We are very excited for the players who have been called up to the senior Springbok group, and we have our contingencies in place as we continue with our final block of preparations,” said Foote.
“Given the number of players called up to the Springboks, we have selected a wider training group for this camp in Stellenbosch.
“We are also pleased that we were able to give members of our extended training group game time during the recent U20 International Series and the U20 Rugby Championship. That gave us an excellent opportunity to continue building squad depth and cohesion, while also broadening our international experience.”
Junior Bok wider training squad to assemble on Monday in Stellenbosch:
Props: Rambo Kubheka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jordan Jooste (DHL Stormers), Luan van der Berg (Vodacom Bulls), Bongani Dlamini (Vodacom Bulls).
Hookers: Altus Rabe (DHL Stormers), Mahle Sithole (Fidelity Securedrive Lions).
Locks: Heinrich Theron (Vodacom Bulls), JD Hattingh (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Jaythen Orange (Fidelity Securedrive Lions).
Loose forwards: Kebotile Maake (Vodacom Bulls), Risima Khosa (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Luke Cannon (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Wasi Vyambwera (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Quintin Potgieter (DHL Stormers), Vuyo Gwiji (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Gert Kemp (DHL Stormers), Thomas Beling (Fidelity Securedrive Lions).
Scrumhalves: Hendré Schoeman (Vodacom Bulls), Jayden Brits (DHL Stormers).
Centres: Ethan Adams (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Samuel Badenhorst (DHL Stormers), Pieter van der Merwe (Vodacom Bulls).
Outside backs: Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jordan Steenkamp (DHL Stormers), Jack Benade (DHL Stormers), Alzeadon Felix (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Akahluwa Boqwana (Vodacom Bulls).
The following group of players will join the Junior Bok training squad on completion of their Springbok and/or Vodacom URC duties: Oliver Reid (DHL Stormers), Danie Kruger (DHL Stormers), Siphosethu Mnebelele (Vodacom Bulls), Liam van Wyk (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Riley Norton (DHL Stormers),Yaqeen Ahmed (DHL Stormers), Vusi Moyo (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Luan Giliomee (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Markus Muller (DHL Stormers), Cheswill Jooste (Vodacom Bulls), Zekhethelo Siyaya (Hollywoodbets Sharks).
Issued by SA Rugby Communications
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]]>The post Broos: We Are Playing Four Our Nation appeared first on SportsClub.
]]>South Africa will take on host nation Mexico in the first game of the global showpiece when they meet at the Azteca Stadium, Mexico City, on Thursday, June 11.
Bafana will then take on Czechia on 18 June before taking on Korea Republic on 25 June.
The Belgian tactician believes South Africa can draw strength from the backing of millions at home as they prepare to represent the nation on football’s biggest stage.
“You know, it will be a special and fantastic experience for us because my players have never played in this kind of situation before,” Broos said.
“So it will be very important for us to stick to the game plan and not listen to what is happening in the stands.
“We all know that there will be thousands of Mexicans inside the stadium and maybe a few South Africans.
“We know that we have the support of the nation and we felt it in the last few days, and last week when we started the preparations (for the World Cup) in South Africa.
“All of South Africa is supporting us. This is something we have to remember on Thursday when the game starts, that we are playing for our nation. We are playing for all those people who believe in us.”
Kick-off has been set for 21:00 on Thursday.
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]]>The post Speid: Bafana Bafana Were Far From Their Best Against Jamaica appeared first on SportsClub.
]]>The Jamaican outfit were forced to share the spoils with Bafana after playing out to a 1-1 draw in their international friendly.
Lyle Foster opened the scoring for South Africa but Dwayne Atkinson equalised in the second-half at the Estadio Hidalgo.
Speid warned that Hugo Broos’ side should expect a fierce challenge from the hosts, predicting an aggressive high-pressing approach backed by a passionate home crowd at the iconic Azteca Stadium.
“As it relates to South Africa, I think they were playing within themselves, though, because probably, you know, players don’t want to get injured and everybody wants to impress the coach,” he said.
“I didn’t think they were going for it as much as they could have. But playing against Mexico in the Azteca Stadium (in the opening match of the World Cup), there’s going to be 123,000 screaming Mexicans in there, I can tell you.
“They’ll probably overload it, they’re going to be pressing high up the pitch, especially in the first half.
“They’re going to be pressing very high in the first half, relentless pressing, but of course, the pressure will ease as the game goes along.”
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]]>The post Bulls to face Leinster in URC Grand Final appeared first on SportsClub.
]]>The URC has confirmed that the fifth Grand Final will take place on Friday, 19 June at Croke Park in Dublin, where Leinster and the Vodacom Bulls will face each other in a rematch of last year’s decider. Kick-off is scheduled for 20h30 and the encounter will be broadcast live on SuperSport in South Africa.
The Vodacom Bulls had to overcome two yellow cards in their semi-final in Edinburgh to clinch a nail-biting 22-21 victory against the Glasgow Warriors, who finished top of the log. It will be the team from Pretoria’s fourth appearance in the Vodacom URC Grand Final.
Leinster had the upper hand against the DHL Stormers in Dublin after the visitors received three cards in the second stanza, which set up the Irish giants for a 20-11 victory, and secured them a home final in the process.
Bulls edge Glasgow in Murrayfield thriller
The Vodacom Bulls produced a remarkable comeback from 21-3 down to edge the Glasgow Warriors 22-21 in a pulsating Vodacom United Rugby Championship semi-final at Murrayfield in Edinburgh, booking their place in the Grand Final for the third successive season.
Glasgow dominated the opening exchanges, capitalising on the Vodacom Bulls’ ill-discipline, which cost them two yellow cards — first to Handre Pollard for a deliberate knock-down, and Ruan Nortje shortly after.
This paved the way for Kyle Steyn to cross twice in quick succession, before the Warriors were awarded a penalty try from a powerful rolling maul. The visitors’ only points, in turn, were compliments of a penalty goal by Pollard in the sixth minute.
Despite this, the Vodacom Bulls refused to fold, and they eventually powered over the chalk with Johan Grobbelaar scoring from strong forward play to reduce their deficit to 21-10 going into the break.
The second half, meanwhile, belonged entirely to the visitors, as they kept Glasgow scoreless, while Embrose Papier — the South African Vodacom URC Player of the Season — went over from a pick-and-go, before Francois Klopper dotted down in the 53rd minute with Glasgow reduced to 14 men, to hand the Vodacom Bulls a 22-21 lead.
Three missed penalty goal attempts by Pollard set nerves jangling in the closing stages, but Johan Ackermann’s team held firm to seal the rewarding one-point victory.
Scorers:
Glasgow Warriors 21 (21) — Tries: Kyle Steyn (2), Penalty Try. Conversions: Dan Lancaster (2).
Vodacom Bulls 22 (10) — Tries: Johan Grobbelaar, Embrose Papier, Francois Klopper. Conversions: Handre Pollard (2). Penalty goal: Pollard.
Stormers’ discipline costs them dearly against Leinster
Leinster ensured that they gave themselves the best possible opportunity to defend their Vodacom URC title this season as they maintained their composure and took advantage of the DHL Stormers’ ill-discipline at the Aviva Stadium to secure a vital 20-11 victory in the second Vodacom URC semi-final on Saturday.
This hard-fought victory earned the Irish giants the right to host the Grand Final against the Vodacom Bulls in a repeat of last season’s decider.
The Capetonians started slowly and found themselves under pressure at the scrum early on, but gradually wrestled that battle back and were competitive enough to earn occasional penalties as the match wore on.
Leinster struck first through a converted Rieko Ioane try in the eighth minute, and two Sam Prendergast penalty goals stretched the lead to 13-0 before the Stormers found their footing.
Adre Smith crossed from a sustained drive on the Leinster line to get the Capetonians on the board, and Jurie Matthee’s penalty goal reduced the deficit to 13-8 at the break.
The second half, however, unravelled quickly for the Cape side, as Leolin Zas was yellow-carded for a deliberate knock-down, and Ruan Ackermann followed in the 69th minute for a dangerous clean-out at the ruck, which was upgraded to a red card.
Leinster capitalised immediately through Jamison Gibson-Park to extend their lead to 20-11 with 10 minutes remaining.
Worse was to come when Salmaan Moerat was sin-binned for kicking the ball in a ruck, leaving the DHL Stormers to see out the final stages with 13 men. Their defence held to deny Leinster further scores, but the damage was done, with the three cards in the second half proving too costly, bringing their campaign to a frustrating end.
Scorers:
Leinster 20 (13) – Tries: Rieko Ioane, Jamison Gibson-Park. Conversions: Sam Prendergast, Harry Byrne. Penalty goals: Prendergast (2).
DHL Stormers 11 (8) – Try: Adre Smith. Penalty goals: Jurie Matthee (2).
Issued by SA Rugby Communications
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]]>The post Broos: The Performance Was Not What I Expected appeared first on SportsClub.
]]>South Africa played out to a 1-1 draw against Jamaica when Dwayne Atkinson cancelled out Lyle Foster’s opening goal at the Estadio Hidalgo on Saturday.
The Belgian tactician said a thorough review of the match would be needed to identify what went wrong, stressing that both the team’s performance levels and mentality must improve significantly if South Africa are to achieve positive results on the global stage in the coming weeks.
“The performance was not what I expected. I think we have to analyse the game very well and see what was really wrong and try to make it better in the next few days so that we are ready for the first game against Mexico,” Broos said.
“I thought we were close (to getting to where he wants the team to be before the opening match), but again, it was, for me, a disappointing game this afternoon.
“So, yes, I have to look at what went wrong. I think it was also a matter of mentality.
“We have to do more, much more, than what we did this afternoon to have good results in the World Cup in the next few weeks.”
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]]>The post Erasmus includes 21 uncapped players for Gqeberha double-header appeared first on SportsClub.
]]>They will focus on their double-header between the Boks and the Barbarians, as well as the clash between the SA ‘A’ team against Zimbabwe, in Gqeberha on Saturday, 20 June.
With the Vodacom Bulls players unavailable for selection after booking their place in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship final against Leinster, Erasmus selected a handful of junior players in his squad.
This group includes SA U20 players Yaqeen Ahmed (flyhalf/centre), Danie Kruger (prop), Luan Giliomee (utility back), Vusi Moyo (flyhalf), Oliver Reid (prop), Liam van Wyk (hooker), as well as Junior Springbok captain Riley Norton (loose forward/lock), Siphosethu Mnebelele (hooker), Markus Muller (centre), and Zekhethelo Siyaya (utility back), all of whom were members of the expanded Springbok alignment camp squad.
The other uncapped players in the group are Paul de Villiers (flanker), Bathobele Hlekani (utility forward), Hanro Jacobs (prop), Jurenzo Julius (utility back), Imad Khan (scrumhalf), JJ Kotze (hooker), Sibabalwa Mahashe (loose forward), Haashim Pead, Nico Steyn (both scrumhalves), Emmanuel Tshituka (flanker), and Jaco Williams (utility back).
The Japanese-based players who have completed their club commitments will join their teammates from the outset of the camp, while the UK-based players will report for duty once their season officially concludes in line with World Rugby’s Regulation 9.
The Springbok squad for the Nations Championship clashes against England (4 July), Scotland (11 July), and Wales (18 July), will be announced on Sunday, 21 June, following the conclusion of the Vodacom URC.
Erasmus was thrilled to get their on-field preparations underway with the Barbarians and SA ‘A’ game, which will play out in a fortnight, and he looked forward to seeing how the younger players adapt to the demands of senior international rugby.
“We named a large group of players as we will be selecting a Springbok and SA ‘A’ team for the season-opening double-header in Gqeberha, and this will be beneficial in the long term as we build the squad, looking forward to next year’s Rugby World Cup and beyond,” said Erasmus.
“There is also an exciting mix of experienced campaigners and young players in this squad, and this formula has worked well for us in the past to ensure a clear pathway to build depth within the group.”
Zooming in on the camp itself, Erasmus said: “The coaches have been working around the clock to put the systems in place in the last few months, and the in-person and virtual alignment camps have given most of the players a taste of what to expect, so it’s now a matter of implementing what they learned in the boardroom onto the field.
“We are under no illusions about the challenge ahead this season with two matches against the Barbarians and the SA ‘A’ team against Zimbabwe playing out on the same day, which will be followed by two new competitions in the Nations Championship and Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, so it will be important for the group to build cohesion as quickly as possible and make the most of our field sessions and team meetings to be as well prepared as possible when we take the field.”
Springbok squad (in alphabetical order):
Forwards: Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Paul de Villiers (DHL Stormers), Ben-Jason Dixon (DHL Stormers), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Neethling Fouche (DHL Stormers), Bathobele Hlekani (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Hanro Jacobs (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Siya Kolisi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), JJ Kotze (DHL Stormers), Danie Kruger (DHL Stormers), Sibabalwa Mahashe (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Ntuthuko Mchunu (DHL Stormers), Siphosethu Mnebelele (Vodacom Bulls), Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Riley Norton (DHL Stormers), Zachary Porthen (DHL Stormers), Oliver Reid (DHL Stormers), Evan Roos (DHL Stormers), Emmanuel Tshituka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Vincent Tshituka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Liam van Wyk (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Andre-Hugo Venter (DHL Stormers), Boan Venter (Edinburgh), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks).
Backs: Yaqeen Ahmed (DHL Stormers) Lukhanyo Am (DynaBoars), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Andre Esterhuizen (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Luan Giliomee (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Quan Horn (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Jurenzo Julius (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Imad Khan (DHL Stormers), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Manie Libbok (Kintetsu Liners), Vusi Moyo (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Markus Muller (DHL Stormers), Haashim Pead (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Zekhethelo Siyaya (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Nico Steyn (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Edwill van der Merwe (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jaco Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks).
Issued by SA Rugby Communications
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]]>The post Papier looking to make more memories at Murrayfield appeared first on SportsClub.
]]>Murrayfield is an unknown quantity for several players in the Vodacom Bulls team who will experience it for the first time when they face the Glasgow Warriors. But Papier remembers it fondly and is looking forward to the challenge.
“I had my first international start for the Springboks at Murrayfield. I think Murrayfield has its own culture. The atmosphere there is unique, and the energy from the Scottish supporters is great. I’ve always enjoyed playing there because of that atmosphere. It’s exciting and I’m looking forward to playing there with the Vodacom Bulls. I think we’re all looking forward to the challenge,” the Vodacom United Rugby Championship’s South African Player of the Season said.
For coach Johan Ackermann, the venue is a fitting one for a semi-final that he says will be at almost Test-match intensity.
“I don’t think we can set the scene better than the fact that we’re playing at a Test stadium. It’s a great privilege to play at such an iconic stadium,” he said.
“There’s an excitement about it. It brings energy. This whole season as a team we’ve spoken about controlling what we can. The surface at Murrayfield is exactly like Loftus Versfeld, so it won’t be such a foreign concept for us. At the end of the day, between those four while lines we just need to do what we’ve prepared for and do it as well as we can. So I think as a team we’re feeling comfortable about playing at Murrayfield.”
Issued By Michael Vlismas Media
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]]>The post Bafana Star Mbokazi Named to MLS All-Star First XI appeared first on SportsClub.
]]>Mbokazi topped the fan voting and became only the second South African in MLS history to be selected for an All-Star Game roster, following in the footsteps of Doctor Khumalo, who earned the honour in 1996.
The 2026 MLS All-Star Game will see Major League Soccer’s finest go head-to-head with a team of stars from Mexico’s top flight, Liga MX, on 29 July in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The 20-year-old has been included in the team that features stars like Lionel Messi and Son Heung-Min, who makes his first appearances.
The MLS All-Stars will face a team of All-Stars from Mexico’s LIGA MX at the Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, July 29.
2026 MLS All-Star Game First XI
Goalkeeper: Brian Schwake (Nashville SC)
Left Back: Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United FC)
Center Backs: Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire FC), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC)
Right Back: Andy Najar (Nashville SC)
Defensive Midfielder: Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
Attacking Midfielders: Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC)
Forwards: Hugo Cuypers (Chicago Fire FC), Son Heung-Min (LAFC), Leo Messi (Inter Miami CF)
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]]>The post Scottish cancer survivor and his special bond with Vodacom Bulls appeared first on SportsClub.
]]>Since the South African teams entered the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, Whittaker has served as the Liaison Officer for the Vodacom Bulls whenever they come to Edinburgh – including this week as they prepare for their semi-final against the Glasgow Warriors at Murrayfield on Saturday.
But last year he was given a cancer diagnosis that took him away from his beloved game, and some of the players he’s developed friendships with.
“I was diagnosed with cancer last year and the treatment was pretty brutal. I was isolated for six months. It was a big deal for me. The mental picture for me was difficult. I think every cancer sufferer has the same kind of thing that goes on in their heads,” says Whittaker.
“The team found out about it. When the treatment finished and the boys came over to play the Glasgow Warriors last October, I thought it was a great opportunity to go and see them and catch up. That day meant a huge amount to me. The positivity within this group is just immense. Every player I spoke to just kept telling me to be positive. That was the message – keep being you, John. I felt a part of something again. I’d been so isolated. But that day in Glasgow with this team was a big switch for me. It gave me confidence to be around people again. Just being around people who are positive and physically active and want to be the best really helped.”
In his role as a rugby liaison officer for visiting teams to Edinburgh, Whittaker has worked with several big club and international teams over the years. But he points out a distinct difference with the Vodacom Bulls.
“I think they seem like a family. Everyone cares for everyone. I’ve been around lots of teams, but this team are just good human beings who care for each other. You look at people like Embrose Papier, an absolute star of the game and he’s just so down-to-earth. Or Marcell Coetzee, who always has a smile on his face. Or Handré Pollard, a Rugby World Cup winner, and he’s just such a good person. Nizaam Carr spent so much time talking to me and sharing with me after my treatment. Kurt-Lee Arendse is also such a nice guy. They’re just so human, and you see that across this whole team.”
So that leaves the big question – who will Whittaker be supporting at Murrayfield this Saturday?
“You know, as a Scotsman I would like the Glasgow Warriors to win,” he says. And then he becomes emotional again.
“But it’s also always nice when your friends win.”
Issued By Michael Vlismas Media
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