Today’s Sport News

4 June 2026 – Sasol Banyana Banyana striker Thembi Kgatlana is excited that South Africa will be taking on a highly-ranked opposition like Japan in two international friendly matches scheduled for Saturday (6 June) and Tuesday (9 June) in Osaka. The two games against Nadeshiko Japan, ranked fifth in the world, are part of preparations

The post Kgatlana excited for Banyana to face Japan ahead of WAFCON appeared first on South African Football Association.

There is the potential to make history in Bordeaux this weekend, but the Springbok Sevens know full well that chasing results does not always have the desired effect Hence, according to Blitzbok captain Impi Visser, a mindset of “team first” will carry them into the final HSBC SVNS World Championship tournament in France this weekend.… Read more: Blitzboks Bordeaux Biggy

The Vodacom Bulls and DHL Stormers will go full tilt this weekend to progress to the Vodacom United Rugby Championship final and in the process, uphold a proud tradition of at least one of these two South African powerhouses reaching the decider since the inception of the competition in the 2021/22 season. It’s not going… Read more: Bulls and Stormers Take the Fight Abroad

The International Cricket Council has congratulated Rod Tucker of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires for officiating on field in his 100th Test as he took the field at Lord’s for the first match of the ICC World Test Championship series between England and New Zealand. Tucker, who is only the fourth umpire in… Read more: Landmark 100th Test

Vodacom Bulls scrumhalf Embrose Papier has been rewarded for this excellent form in the 2025/26 season by being named the South African Vodacom United Rugby Championship Player of the season. Papier’s selection was determined by votes from the Springbok coaching team, the four franchise coaches and selected South African broadcast commentators. Winners from the previous… Read more: Player of the Season

It’s been some season for props scoring sensational award-winning tries. First, Rhys Carre’s unforgettable effort for Wales against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium was chosen as the best in the Six Nations. Now fellow loosehead Angus Bell has won Try of the Season award for his own solo stunner. Ulster Rugby’s Aussie star is one… Read more: Try of the Season

Unassuming, humble and charismatic, but with legend-beating credentials – these few words perfectly describe Rick Morris, a talented British racing driver who has been competing in motorsport for an impressive 55 years. At the age of 79, Morris, who lives in Hertford, England, participated in his second consecutive Simola Hillclimb this year. He was part… Read more: Rick Morris

Professional sport, especially those involving physical sacrifices such as rugby, can be brutal and at times cruel, but try and tell that to dual Springbok Women’s player Eloise Webb. After more than a decade of playing either fifteens or sevens, the 30-year-old Webb has seen it all and lived it all. A provincial cricketer and… Read more: Bok Women’s Sevens in Control of Their Own Destiny

Since the first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2009, 12 nations have played across nine tournaments, conjuring moments from the divine to the devastating. Only four nations have won the tournament – Australia triumphing six times with England, New Zealand and the West Indies winning once each – but eight other teams will be… Read more: Record Tumblers

ESPN Africa (www.ESPN.com) has secured exclusive multiyear English pay TV broadcast rights to the NBA Finals across sub-Saharan Africa, strengthening the channel’s world-class basketball offering and bringing fans even closer to one of the biggest sporting spectacles on the planet.

The rights package also includes coverage of additional NBA Sunday Night regular season games each season, both Conference Finals each year, as well as exclusive rights to the NBA Finals.

The 2026 NBA Finals will be played between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs in the customary best-of-seven format. The Knicks swept the Eastern Conference Finals 4 – 0 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, while the Spurs won a dramatic seven-game Western Conference Finals series 4 – 3 against Oklahoma City Thunder.

All games will air live across ESPN (Azam 120, DStv 218, StarTimes 248, Wananchi / Zuku TV 712, ZAP 31) and ESPN2 (Azam 121, DStv 219, StarTimes 249, Wananchi / Zuku TV 713, ZAP 32), as well as on Disney+ in South Africa. In addition to the live broadcasts, repeat airings are scheduled during the day, giving fans maximum flexibility and multiple opportunities to catch the action.

The road to NBA glory begins

The 2026 NBA Finals are scheduled to run from Wednesday, 3 June to Friday, 19 June should the series go to a decisive Game 7. All games will tip off at 02:30 CAT, with ESPN bringing African audiences every dramatic moment as it happens, live, from the United States.

The NBA commands a massive, passionate global following, with millions of fans across Africa closely following the league’s biggest stars, rivalries and defining moments. From sold out arenas and iconic franchises to viral highlights and superstar athletes, the NBA has become one of the most recognisable sporting brands in the world.

Last season saw the Oklahoma City Thunder crowned NBA champions after defeating the Indiana Pacers 4-3 in the Finals, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander named the Finals Most Valuable Player.

African stars continue to play a major role in the NBA’s global growth and popularity, with players including Cameroon’s Pascal Siakam and Joel Embiid, South Sudan’s rookie Khaman Maluach and global sensation Victor Wembanyama all helping to fuel the league’s growing fan base across the continent. Wembanyama, who has ties to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has rapidly become one of the NBA’s most exciting young superstars, captivating fans worldwide with his remarkable skill, athleticism and larger-than-life presence on court.

A new era of basketball on ESPN Africa

The addition of the NBA Finals rights further expands ESPN Africa’s growing basketball portfolio alongside its broad range of premier international sporting content.

Kyle De Klerk, Director of Sports at The Walt Disney Company Africa, says the acquisition marks an exciting moment for basketball fans across the region. “The NBA is one of the biggest and most celebrated sports properties in the world, with an incredibly passionate fan base across Africa. We are thrilled to bring audiences exclusive access to the NBA Finals over the next three seasons, alongside the Conference Finals and Sunday Night games. From superstar players and unforgettable rivalries to dramatic playoff moments, this is world-class basketball entertainment at its very best.”

So, who will lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy in 2026? There is only one way to find out.

For updates regarding the ESPN and its programming, fans can connect to @ESPNAfrica on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit www.ESPN.com. 

ESPN: Azam 120, DStv 218, StarTimes 248, Wananchi / Zuku TV 712, ZAP 31.

ESPN2: Azam 121, DStv 219, StarTimes 249, Wananchi / Zuku TV 713, ZAP 32.

ESPN linear channels are available on Disney+ in South Africa

• All times are stated in CAT / SAST.
• Schedule subject to change

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of ESPN.

About ESPN:
ESPN, Inc., is the world’s leading multinational, multimedia sports entertainment enterprise featuring a portfolio of more than 50 multimedia sports assets. It has eight U.S. television networks and reaches sports fans globally through 43 linear networks across 130 countries and territories and via streaming, where ESPN live events are available on Disney+ throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Australia/New Zealand, and the Philippines.

About The Walt Disney Company EMEA:
The Walt Disney Company has been in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) for over 90 years and employs thousands across the region. Between Disneyland Paris and its other iconic brands, including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, 20th Century Studios and ESPN, The Walt Disney Company EMEA entertains, informs and inspires millions of consumers in more than 130 countries through the power of unparalleled storytelling. Disney+, the company’s direct-to-consumer streaming service, is currently available in 85 markets across EMEA. 

Former Springbok Women’s players Natasha Hofmeester and Zolisa Noxeke have been appointed as the first coaches of the SA Schools Girls teams, that will take the field for the first time after the FNB U18 Girls Week next month in Gqeberha. Hofmeester and Noxeke’s appointments, as well as those of other junior national teams, were… Read more: National Teams’ Management Appointments

He joined the Springbok Sevens set-up straight out of school, so it’s little wonder that the 22-year-old Jayden Nell feels right at home being a newly capped Blitzbok playing in the HSBC SVNS World Championship and winning tournaments while doing so. Nell joined the Blitzboks in 2023, but a rash of injuries curtailed his early… Read more: Nell Enjoying Rookie Season

From devastating speed to devious spin, the bowlers on show at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be doing their best to make life as tough as possible for the batters. Meet the players hoping to bowl their teams to glory in England and Wales. Australia – Annabel Sutherland T20 is the format in which Annabel Sutherland’s… Read more: Bowlers to Look Out For

02 June 2026 – Sasol Banyana Banyana have settled into their hotel in Osaka, Japan, following travel from South Africa of just over 20 hours. The South Africans are in this country to face the host nation in two friendly matches, with the first set for Saturday, 6 June at Yanmar Hanasaka Stadium at 15h50

The post Banyana touch down in Japan ahead of two friendly matches appeared first on South African Football Association.

2 June 2026 – Bafana Bafana have arrived at their base camp in Pachuca, Mexico, ahead of the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup next week. The team arrived in Mexico on Tuesday in high spirits after a long trip from Johannesburg, South Africa, that included a two-hour refuelling stop in the island country

The post Bafana arrive in Pachuca, Mexico appeared first on South African Football Association.

The Junior Springbok Women will return to action in July when they play their first matches since 2024, against a USA U20 side, with a group of players invited to Stellenbosch for a two-week alignment camp that kicked off their preparations for these historic matches. The two matches in this historic series will be played… Read more: Junior Springbok Women Return to Action in July

In a game of fine margins like T20, batters who can take the game away from their opposition are worth their weight in gold. With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 now expanded to 12 teams, there are even more opportunities for big hitters to make a big impact. Here are 12 batters (one… Read more: Batters to Look Out For

The International Cricket Council (ICC) concluded its Board meetings in Ahmedabad, India, on Sunday, and announced a series of decisions aimed at strengthening governance, supporting women’s cricket, enhancing global competition structures, and fostering innovation in the game. 1. Regulations The ICC Board approved several recommendations from the Chief Executives Committee, including: Trialling the use of… Read more: ICC Board Meeting Decisions

Column by Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty on behalf of the ICC: I am very excited to be leading Bangladesh into our seventh ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. It is my sixth World Cup, and I still have happy memories of playing my first tournament back in 2016 at just 18 years old. I did… Read more: Bangladesh Are Ready to Seize the Opportunity

The plan to not play any rugby in their half of the field and give Kenya’s strike runners the opportunity to attack the South African line worked wonders for the Springbok Women on Sunday, while the team’s game management also worked well. That is the view of Springbok Women assistant coach Franzel September after they… Read more: Successful Conclusion to Springbok Women’s African Trip

•  RSSB Tigers Become First BAL Champion from Rwanda

• Tigers Guard Craig Randall II Named 2026 BAL Most Valuable Player, Receives Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy

• BAL Sets Records Across Attendance, Social Media Engagement, and Partner Support 

Rwanda’s RSSB Tigers today defeated Angola’s Petro de Luanda 90-88 to win the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL) (https://BAL.NBA.com) Championship, which took place at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, and reached fans in 214 countries and territories.  The Tigers are the first team from Rwanda to win the BAL Championship.

The 2026 BAL season set records across attendance, social media engagement, and partner support.  More than 110,000 fans attended BAL games this season, including record attendance for the group phase games in South Africa and Morocco.  The BAL generated a record of more than 1.1 billion views on social media this season, and a record 22 marketing, merchandising and institutional partners supported the league throughout the season.

Following the game, BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall and FIBA Africa President Anibal Manave presented the RSSB Tigers with the BAL Championship Trophy and Tigers guard Craig Randall II with The Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy for winning the 2026 BAL Most Valuable Player Award.  Randall recorded per game averages of 36.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists during the season, setting a BAL record for most points in game when he scored 54 points against Tanzania’s Dar City on April 4.

The Tigers went 6-2 during the Kalahari Conference group phase and Playoffs, defeating Morocco’s FUS Rabat and Egypt’s Al Ahly in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively, to advance to the Championship.  Libya’s Al Ahly Ly defeated Al Ahly 106-98 in the third-place game earlier today.

Notable attendees throughout the 2026 BAL Playoffs and Finals included NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum; FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis; NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi; Fall; Manave; Dallas Mavericks President and Alternate Governor Masai Ujiri; BAL Ambassadors Luol Deng, Joakim Noah, Pops Mensah-Bonsu, Ian Mahinmi and Chiney Ogwumike; WNBA legend and Boston Celtics Vice President of Team Operations and Organizational Growth Allison Feaster; and former WNBA player and 2026 FIBA Hall of Fame inductee Clarisse Machanguana.

The BAL has also announced the Coach of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Sportsmanship Award winner, All-BAL First Team, All-BAL Second Team, All-BAL Defensive First Team, All-BAL Defensive Second Team and Ubuntu Award winner.  The voting panels varied for each award and comprised fans, coaches, team captains, media, broadcasters, and scouts.

2026 BAL Coach of the Year

RSSB Tigers head coach Henry Mwinuka led the team to a 4-1 record and first-place finish in the Kalahari Conference group phase before leading the team to its first BAL Championship.  Mwinuka is the first Tanzanian to win the award.

2026 BAL Defensive Player of the Year

RSSB Tigers center Mangok Mathiang received The Dikembe Mutombo Trophy after helping his team to a 7-2 record and recording per game averages of 16 points, 14.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks.

2026 BAL Sportsmanship Award

Al Ahly Ly point guard Mohamed Sadi received The Manute Bol Trophy for exemplifying the ideals of sportsmanship and camaraderie.

2026 BAL Ubuntu Trophy Presented by Qatar Foundation

On May 27, Nairobi City Thunder forward Ariel Koranga was honored with the 2026 BAL Ubuntu Award in recognition of his efforts in his native Kenya to use basketball to empower young women.  Through a program that combines basketball training with mentorship, education, life skills and mental health support, he has reached more than 300 athletes across the country, including from underserved communities.

2026 All-BAL First Team

Position	Player	Team
Guard	Childe Dundão	Petro de Luanda
Guard	Craig Randall II	RSSB Tigers
Guard/Forward	Donovan Williams	Al Ahly Ly
Forward	Majok Deng	Al Ahly Ly
Forward/Center	Mangok Mathiang	RSSB Tigers

2026 All-BAL Second Team

Position	Player	Team
Guard	Omar Abada	Club Africain
Guard	Zachary Lofton	Al Ahly
Guard/Forward	Kevin Murphy	Al Ahly
Forward	Aboubakar Gakou	Petro de Luanda
Forward/Center	Jo Lual-Acuil Jr.	Al Ahly Ly

2026 All-BAL Defensive First Team

Position	Player	Team
Guard	Childe Dundão	Petro de Luanda
Guard	Mohamed Sadi	Al Ahly Ly
Guard/Forward	Aminu Mohammed	Club Africain
Forward	Mouhamadou Diagne	FUS Rabat
Forward/Center	Mangok Mathiang	RSSB Tigers

2026 All-BAL Defensive Second Team

Position	Player	Team
Guard	David Michineau	Dar City
Guard	Axel Toupane	ASC Ville de Dakar
Guard/Forward	Majok Deng	Al Ahly Ly
Forward	Osayi Osifo	Al Ahly
Forward/Center	Jo Lual-Acuil Jr.	Al Ahly Ly

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Contact:
Marie-Pierre Anamba Onana
Basketball Africa League
+221 78 637 70 62
Manamba@theBAL.com

The South Africa Under-19 (SA U19) Men’s selection panel has named a 15-player squad for the upcoming tour against England later this month.

The post SA U19 MEN’S SQUAD ANNOUNCED FOR ENGLAND TOUR first appeared on Cricket South Africa.

1 June 2026 – Bafana Bafana will depart for Mexico today after visas were secured for all the players on Sunday, 31 May 2026. The South African Football Association (SAFA) held an Emergency Committee Meeting on Sunday night, 31 May 2026 where a number of issues around the South African senior men’s national team’s delayed

The post Bafana update following SAFA Emergency Committee Meeting appeared first on South African Football Association.

1 June 2026 – The South African U17 Women’s National team is through to the third and final round of the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers after playing to a goalless draw against Tanzania in the second leg second round clash played at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Sunday. Bantwana won

The post Bantwana through to the final round of FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers appeared first on South African Football Association.

The Junior Springboks capped an impressive unbeaten run with a commanding victory over Georgia at Paul Roos Gymnasium’s Markötter Stadium in Stellenbosch on Saturday, securing a clean sweep in the U20 International Series following earlier victories over Chile and Fiji. The final outing of the series in Stellenbosch provided SA U20 head coach Kevin Foote… Read more: This Series Has Been Incredibly Valuable

The Vodacom Bulls and DHL Stormers kept the South African flag flying high in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship on Saturday as they booked their places in the semi-finals with commanding home victories in a gripping quarter-final weekend. Unfortunately, the Fidelity Securedrive Lions’ campaign came to a heartbreaking end against a ruthless Leinster outfit in… Read more: Bulls and Stormers March Into Vodacom URC Semi-finals

Springbok Women’s Sevens coach Cecil Afrika applauded the effort from his team at the HSBC SVNS Valladolid, where they finished in ninth position after beating Brazil on Sunday, and said he is confident that they will keep improving in France next weekend, when the World Championship concludes in Bordeaux. The Bok Women progressed to the… Read more: Afrika Applauds Fighting Spirit

Springbok Sevens head coach Philip Snyman was adamant that the Blitzboks were their own worst enemies in the HSBC SVNS Valladolid final, where they were outplayed 26-19 by Australia in a pulsating match. For Snyman, the slow start earlier in the tournament contributed to the result in the final, as the South Africans never played… Read more: Blitzboks Were Their Own Worst Enemies