SPORT - The African Mirror

May

05

2025

South Africa’s Blitzboks cap off season as 2025 Sevens Series Champions

SPORT

SOUTH Africa closed off a rather challenging Rugby Sevens season with a triumphant win in the United States, at the Los Angeles Sevens tournament, to win the overall men's series title. Africa's most successful rugby men's Sevens team fought against finalists Spain to win 19-5 , to cap an unbeaten tournament campaign and claim their first world series title since 2021. https://twitter.com/Blitzboks/status/1919201782930039040 The Blitzbok's clinical attack moves outplayed the Spanish outfit, with massive tries scored by Zander Reynders and Selwyn Davids, who was named Player of the Final. The team managed to keep Spain away from their tryline with solid defence,…

May

05

2025

By The African Mirror

Basketball Africa League: The Unlikely Heroes of Cape Verde

BASKETBALL

THE ancient arena in Dakar trembled with the roar of thousands. Sweat glistened on the hardwood floor under the harsh lights as the clock ticked down to the final seconds of regulation time. Petro de Luanda, the defending champions of the Basketball Africa League, stood poised to crush the dreams of the upstart team from Cape Verde. But Kriol Star wasn't ready to surrender their moment. Anderson Correia wiped the perspiration from his brow, his eyes locked on the scoreboard: 64-64. Overtime loomed. The defending champions versus the newcomers. David versus Goliath. "This is our time," he whispered to Ivan…

May

05

2025

By Mpho Rantao

Monaco streets favour Sebastien Buemi for his third Monaco E-Prix win

MOTORSPORT

IN a dramatic and rain-soaked second Monaco E-Prix of the weekend, Envision Racing’s Sebastien Buemi ended a six-year winless drought with a measured, tactical drive from eighth on the grid. The Swiss driver’s victory – his third at the iconic circuit – came after mastering the tricky conditions and perfectly timing his Attack Mode, cementing his status as the most successful driver in Formula E history with 14 FE career wins, which surpassed his previous tied record of 13 wins with Lola Abt driver Lucas Di Grassi. Sebastien Buemi celebrates a long awaited win in the streets of the Principality. Picture: Supplied/FIA…

May

03

2025

By The African Mirror

SA cricket star Rabada cleared to return for Proteas and IPL after serving suspension

SPORT

SOUTH African cricket star Kagiso Rabada has been cleared to return to action after serving a one-month suspension for using a recreational drug. The suspension was reduced from the standard three months after Rabada completed a substance abuse treatment program, including two sessions, as per the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) rules. Rabada tested positive for a "substance of abuse" during the SA20 T20 competition in January, with the notification coming on April 1. He accepted responsibility for the doping offence and complied with the provisional suspension. He is now eligible to be selected for the South African…

May

03

2025

By Mpho Rantao

Nissan’s Rowland wins first half of Monaco E-Prix

SPORT, MOTORSPORT

MCLAREN'S Oliver Rowland bounced back from his qualifying mishap, where he hit a barrier, to win the first Monaco E-Prix race, extending his lead in the championship standings in the double-header weekend. Despite starting second, Rowland managed to fend off Mahindra’s Nyck de Vries and both Andretti drivers to secure the win. His breakthrough came on lap 13, where he overtook McLaren rookie Taylor Barnard at the chicane on Monaco’s iconic streets. The tactical masterclass handed him his third win in six races this season, earning a sigh of relief from Nissan team principal Tommaso Volpe. De Vries’ second-place finish…

May

02

2025

By The African Mirror

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon): “I want to win the Africa Cup of Nations”

FOOTBALL

AT 35, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang proves he is far from losing his shine. Still as fast, sharp, and determined, he remains one of the most feared forwards, capable of making a difference at any moment. Just like his brace against Kenya (2-1) on Match Day 6 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which earned the Panthers three crucial points, while keeping pressure on Côte d'Ivoire, another top team in Group F. A campaign that promises to be decisive for the future of Gabon, with high-stakes matches to secure a place in the final stages of the competition. This qualification is…

May

01

2025

By The African Mirror

Five stars of CAF club competitions to watch at the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025

FOOTBALL

THE TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations is the most prestigious competition on the African continent. It is the meeting place for the best African talents in football. More and more of the most anticipated players in the tournament are from the African championships. CAFOnline selects five players from CAF interclub competitions who will be able to light up the competition with their talent from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 202,6 in Morocco. ISSOUFOU DAYO (RS BERKANE & BURKINA FASO)In Morocco, at the end of this year, Issouffou Dayo will probably play his fourth TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of…

Apr

30

2025

By The African Mirror

Chris & Felix Katongo: Blood brothers, brothers in glory

FOOTBALL

IN the vast landscape of African football, few stories are as moving and inspiring as that of Chris and Felix Katongo. Trained on the bustling streets of Mufulira, Zambia, the brothers rose through the ranks of national football, fuelled by shared passion and a deep drive to elevate their country’s colours to the highest level. Over time, they became more than teammates—pillars of a golden generation and symbols of a dream fulfilled. Their defining moment? The 2012 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, won against powerhouse Côte d’Ivoire in a final that was as emotional as it was historic. For the…

Apr

27

2025

By BOITUMELO RANTAO

Simbine Sizzles in Xiamen: South African star storms to Diamond League 100m Victory with sub-10 second run

SPORT

RIDING the momentum of his breakthrough global indoor medal, South African sprinter Akani Simbine stormed to victory in the 100m at the Diamond League season opener in Xiamen, China. Simbine, fresh off a bronze medal in the 60m at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, proved his world-class pedigree once again by dominating a stacked field on Saturday. The 31-year-old surged ahead in the final metres, crossing the line in 9.99 seconds-making him the only man to dip under 10 seconds on the night. Kenyan star Ferdinand Omanyala finished second in 10.13s, with Great Britain's Jeremiah Azu third in…

Apr

24

2025

By The African Mirror

Tribute to Sinamandla Zondi: A Life Lived for the Beautiful Game

FOOTBALL

ON a rainy night at Chatsworth Stadium, South African football lost one of its brightest young stars. Sinamandla Zondi, known affectionately as "Sgora" to his teammates, friends, and fans, passed away on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, after collapsing during the warm-up ahead of Durban City’s crucial match against Milford FC. He was just 22 years old—a defender whose passion for football was matched only by the impact he had on those around him. Sinamandla’s journey in professional football began in September 2021, when he made his debut for Durban City. Since then, he had become a regular fixture in the…