For thousands of fans, the journey to the FIFA World Cup 2026 has been one of patience, heartbreak and unwavering belief. From near misses and rebuilding seasons to moments when national pride felt tested, South Africans kept showing up for the national team — in stadiums, in homes, in taverns and in communities across the country.

READ | Alec Beckley reigns supreme again at Mbombela Open

It is that loyalty that inspired Castle Lager’s latest campaign, The Fans That Stood the Test of Time, which shines the spotlight on the people who never stopped backing Bafana Bafana.

The first part of the campaign invites supporters from across Mzansi to nominate themselves as South Africa’s ultimate Bafana Bafana superfan. Fans can submit a 30-second video explaining why they deserve the title by tagging @ Castle Lager SA on social media before 1 June 2026. Six finalists will be shortlisted, with one supporter eventually chosen to represent the spirit of South African football supporters during the tournament.

The selected superfan will attend fan-viewing events and football watch parties around the country, joining fellow supporters as the nation rallies behind Bafana Bafana on their return to the world’s biggest football stage.

For many supporters, however, the campaign is less about competition and more about recognition — an acknowledgement of years spent standing by the national team even when results did not always go South Africa’s way.

A campaign film released this week captures that journey, revisiting defining chapters in South African football since 1992 and tracing the emotional road to qualification for 2026. The story reflects familiar scenes for many supporters: packed stadiums, tense moments in front of television screens, celebrations, disappointments and the kind of hope that kept returning, even after difficult seasons.

READ MORE | Kruger United secures promotion to PSL

Now, with Bafana Bafana back at the World Cup, many fans say the feeling is bigger than football. It is about shared pride, memories across generations and a chance for the country to stand together again behind the national team.

South Africans can follow the campaign and join the conversation through Castle Lager’s official website and on the brand’s social media platforms using #DlalaCastle.

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Beckley has a knack for winning and dominating tournaments in Mpumalanga’s capital city, and this past Sunday was no different as he etched his name into the history books once again. He defeated Giulio Perego in the title match of the inaugural Mbombela Open Global Series M15, part of the International Tennis Federation World Tennis Tour. The victory made it four titles in four visits to Mbombela Tennis Club (formerly Nelspruit Tennis Club) on Court 1.

READ | Mbombela Open set for 2025

The South Africa Davis Cup Team player knows Court 1 like the back of his hand, having won the Mbombela Open title consecutively from 2023 to 2025, and his experience showed in the way he played. Returning for Global Series Week One, the second seed defeated Italy’s Perego 7-5, 6-1 in front of a partisan crowd. Among those in attendance were Leah Mabuza, Acting Mayor of the City of Mbombela William Nkhatha, and Mpumalanga Tennis Association president Karel Jacobs.

The 24-year-old did not drop a single set on his way to the title and was at his mercurial best in the final, particularly in the second set, where he consistently put the Italian’s serve under pressure and was rewarded with crucial breaks.

It was also the first time in 26 years that a tennis match at the club was broadcast live on national television since the 2000 Davis Cup tie against Yugoslavia, where tournament director Sabelo Mathebula served as a court warden.

Meanwhile, in the women’s W15 singles final, Dune Vaissaud of France defeated Darja Suvirdjonkova of Serbia 6-3, 7-5.

READ MORE | Kruger United secures promotion to PSL

The International Tennis Federation World Tennis Tour is widely regarded as a breeding ground for elite talent, having helped shape the early careers of many of today’s stars, including current world number one Carlos Alcaraz, who honed his skills on this circuit before taking the ATP Tour and Grand Slam stages by storm. One of the circuit’s current rising talents is Moise Kouame of France, who is already making waves on the ATP Tour.

Week Two of the Global Series is currently underway and concludes on Sunday, with the finals scheduled to start at 09:30 at Mbombela Tennis Club.

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READ | Chasing History: The journey to World Cup 2026 heats up

The Motsepe Foundation Championship winners look forward to their new journey in the top flight football league. The outfit will be joining TS Galaxy making them two teams based in Mpumalanga plying their trade in the elite league.

The club has a date with Gomora United in Limpopo this coming Sunday, May 9.

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As anticipation builds for the 2026 edition, South African fans have a renewed reason to stay engaged with the tournament, even from afar. Opportunities have emerged for supporters to connect more closely with the competition, including the chance to witness the decisive stages live.

READ | Rising star set to raise Mpumalanga flag high at nationals

The semi-finals of the World Cup represent one of the most intense phases in international football, where the final four teams battle for a place in the showpiece final. For players, it is the culmination of years of discipline and sacrifice; for fans, it is football at its most dramatic.

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The iconic World Cup trophy remains the ultimate symbol of achievement in the sport. Lifting it signifies the pinnacle of a footballer’s career, where preparation meets opportunity on the grandest stage.

READ MORE | Football legend Siyabonga Nomvethe empowers youngsters in coaching clinic

While the tournament will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, global fan engagement continues to grow, ensuring that supporters worldwide remain part of the experience. In South Africa, interactive platforms and fan-driven competitions are helping bridge the distance, allowing supporters to participate in the excitement and unpredictability that defines World Cup football.

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At its core, the World Cup is more than just a tournament—it is a celebration of competition, resilience and the pursuit of excellence. Whether on the pitch or in the stands, the spirit of the game belongs to those who show up, support and believe.

Carling Black Label, the official beer of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Africa, has opened a once in a lifetime competition that gives Champion fans an opportunity to experience the semi-finals LIVE.

To enter, Champions Fans can sign-up on www.carlingpredictor.com. You can also purchase a limited-edition promotional pack, available in store now in 750ml returnable bottles and 500ml cans, and follow the directions to register on www.carlingpredictor.com or by dialling *120*660#.

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For the past three years, the star has competed in the 1200-metre race, consistently reaching the district level.
Throughout this time, she demonstrated strong endurance, determination, and steady improvement. This year marked a significant breakthrough in her running journey, competing in the 800-metre race at Laerskool Kragbron, in Girls Under-13.
The star delivered an impressive performance and earned a bronze medal. Her achievement also secured her qualification for the National Championships, taking place in Cape Town, Western Cape, from 19–21 March 2026.

READ | Football legend Siyabonga Nomvethe empowers youngsters in coaching clinic

By qualifying for the national event, she will not only be representing her school and local community, but also Mpumalanga province. Speaking to Mpumalanga Mirror, her coach and teacher, Christabel Bhiya, expressed pride in her progress and achievements. “The school has been supportive towards Alwande’s journey as an athlete. She started running when she was 10 years old and has been training all these years with the help of her teachers.”

READ MORE | “Bafana Bafana must stay calm against Rwanda” – Doctor Khumalo

Bhiya also shared personal reflections on watching her growth, saying, “Even with the shortage of training facilities, I’ve witnessed her journey as an athlete through all the challenges she faced. “Despite those challenges, she still managed to achieve good results. This year she conquered many obstacles and I am proud of her performance. I believe she will definitely get a podium finish at the nationals. She has raised our school, circuit, and district flag high,” she recounted.

Looking ahead, Mamba’s running journey will continue after the national championships. She is expected to participate in cross-country competitions later this year. “After the nationals, she will participate in cross-country. I will be happy to see marathon clubs take her so that she doesn’t stop running. Since she will be going to high school next year, I wish that she continues to run,” said the coach. The school is seeking donations to support her trip to the National Championships in Cape Town. Contact Mhwayi Primary at 071 366 4257 for donations.

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The session brought together 30 eager players, aged 11 to 17, for a morning of football drills, mentorship, and life lessons from one of South Africa’s most celebrated strikers. Beyond the thrill of meeting their hero, the event represented something deeper, a collaboration built on shared values of opportunity, discipline, and the belief that community investment can change lives.

For Trellidor Hazyview, the initiative is part of an ongoing effort to give back to the communities they serve, supporting projects that nurture young talent and create safe, hopeful spaces for growth.

READ | “Bafana Bafana must stay calm against Rwanda” – Doctor Khumalo

“When we first heard about Siyadlala Football Academy and the incredible work Bongani Tshabalala was doing, we knew this was something special,” said Damian Judge, Sales and Marketing Executive at Trellidor. “The academy gives children more than football skills. It teaches teamwork, respect and responsibility. That’s exactly the kind of community foundation we believe in supporting.”

It was a chance encounter that sparked the connection, when a franchise team member noticed a pair of worn soccer boots during a client visit and learned that her son played at Siyadlala. A few conversations later, Trellidor reached out to the Academy and began planning the collaboration that would bring Nomvethe to Hazyview.

The Siyadlala Football Academy was founded by Bongani Tshabalala, whose own football journey began in the dusty fields of Mpumalanga and led him to trials with Bidvest Wits’ reserve team before injury halted his professional career.

READ MORE | Middies Netball Team crowned champions of Kay Motsepe Schools Championship

Determined to turn his experience into something meaningful, Tshabalala returned home to establish the academy in 2011, after years of learning from youth coaches and development programmes in Johannesburg.

“I realised that in my community, there was no proper development structure,” he recalls. “If I had access to the kind of coaching and guidance available in Gauteng, maybe my story would have been different. So I wanted to make sure the next generation had that chance.”

Today, Siyadlala Football Academy has grown to include branches across Mbombela, Hazyview, Bushbuckridge, and Lydenburg, with around 80 active players and a database of more than 200 young footballers who have passed through its programmes. Over the years, the Academy has produced not only professional players, including Sizwe Sithole and Joel Carlsson who is now playing for FC Arlanda in Sweden, but also community leaders, lawyers, engineers, and teachers who credit the Academy with shaping their values.

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In an exclusive interview with Mpumalanga Mirror, Bafana football legend Doctor “16V” Khumalo shared his insights as a former player who wore the national jersey and as the 10Bet ambassador.

Reflecting on the team’s recent performance, Khumalo acknowledged the setback against Zimbabwe but emphasized the need to focus on the upcoming game. “Yes, we are a little dented by Zimbabwe, but we need to do this for ourselves,” he said. “The good thing is Nigeria won against Lesotho. Because if they’re lost, I would say we’re out.”

READ | Middies U/15 Netball Team crowned champions of Kay Motsepe Schools Championship

Khumalo highlighted the importance of calmness, citing Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s reaction in their game against Zimbabwe as an example. “We don’t condone such behavior,” he said. “He’s a young man and mistakes happen, and because of emotions, there was a sense of desperation, but it has passed now. They need to calm themselves and go in there and give it their best.”

READ MORE | PSL announces Park & Ride facilities for the 2025 MTN8 Final

Khumalo noted a significant increase in fan attendance for Bafana Bafana games since 10Bet came on board. “It’s like an actual emotional film where I get to see the boys meet,” he said. “The boys have captivated the supporters with 10Bet in the most appealing manner.” As ambassador, Khumalo emphasized 10Bet’s vision to re-engage fans with the national team. The company is offering a unique VIP experience, allowing fans to visit the national team’s dressing room before the match.

This initiative, made possible through cooperation with SAFA, provides an unparalleled behind-the-scenes look. Khumalo stressed the importance of the team remaining calm and focused, saying, “The boys need to go into the pitch with a calmness and a clear mind, which will be key to their success.”

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The Middelburg Hoërskool U/15 Netball team has emerged victorious in the prestigious Kay Motsepe Schools Championship, held on September 28 at Bergsig in Rustenburg, North West.

The tournament, organized by the Motsepe Foundation in partnership with Sanlam, the South African Football Association, the Department of Basic Education, and the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture, brought together top netball talents from schools across the country.

READ | MPSA winners left high and dry

The teams competed for a share of R8.6 million in prize money, dedicated to improving school facilities and equipment. Coach Zelna Venter expressed her delight after lifting the trophy with her team and receiving a R200,000 cheque. “The Kay Motsepe Championships provided our girls with a life-changing experience,” she said. “The moment we arrived, the atmosphere was friendly and inviting. The foundation gives athletes the opportunity to achieve their dreams, and we’re grateful for their support.”

Venter highlighted the significant impact of the tournament on the community, noting that four schools received prize money to improve their facilities. “If you’re not part of the journey, you wouldn’t know how invested Kay Motsepe is in youth development and educational facilities,” she said. “They create meaningful improvements, and we’re thankful for their focus on sport and athlete development.”

READ MORE | Mbombela Open set for 2025

The team’s success is a testament to their hard work and dedication. Last year, they finished fifth in the SA U/14 championships, but this year, they set their sights on a medal. “We sat down with the girls and created a plan, setting small and bigger goals,” Du Preez explained. “Our value statement for the year was positivity, respect, and discipline, and we stuck to it.”

Venter praised her team, saying, “The girls are absolutely phenomenal – their talent is one thing, but the way they support each other is incredible. They inspire other players to do the same.” She expressed her gratitude to the Motsepe Foundation and Sanlam for investing in netball, adding, “A lot has changed for netball since I played in high school. These partnerships are giving netball the exposure it deserves.”

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To ensure a smooth and enjoyable match-day experience, five Park and Ride facilities will operate in and around the Mbombela CBD. These services are free of charge and open exclusively to ticket holders.

The Park and Ride facilities will open at 13h00 on match day and are free of charge. Access will be granted upon presentation of a valid match ticket, and ticket holders will be able to park their vehicles and board a shuttle bus directly to Mbombela Stadium, with return services provided after the match.

PARK AND RIDE LOCATIONS:

1. Showgrounds – View on Google Maps
2. Hoërskool Bergvlam – View on Google Maps
3. Lowveld High School – View on Google Maps
4. Riverside Government Complex– View on Google Maps
5. Fresh Produce Market– View on Google Maps

Ticket holders are reminded that stadium gates will open at 14h00, and early arrival is strongly encouraged to ensure smooth access and to enjoy the pre-match entertainment programme.

The match is sold out, and there will be no tickets sold at the stadium.

Supporters who were unable to secure tickets can follow the action live on the SuperSport PSL Channel (202) and SABC 2.

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Banele Shabangu, the Sports Star of the Year, revealed that she received only half of her cash prize, with the organisers claiming that the rest would be paid once more funding was received. However, nine months later, there has been complete silence.
“I’ve never heard anything from them since then,” Shabangu said. “There was no explanation whatsoever, and we still don’t know why we’re being shortchanged.”

READ | Mpumalanga Sports Awards to honour top athletes

Collen Mahlalela, the Sportsman of the Year with Disability, shared a similar experience. “Nothing was communicated, and I’m still waiting for the rest of my winnings,” he said. “This is not a good look for the organizers, and it’s quite demotivating.”
The issue doesn’t stop at the athletes. Mbekezeli Mbuli, one of the adjudicators, claimed that they weren’t paid for their services. “Bheki only bought us lunch, and that was it,” Mbuli said. Mark Kinnear, the Lowvelder’s Sports Journalist of the Year, also didn’t receive his prize money. Despite sending two email inquiries, he hasn’t received a response.

When Mpumalanga Mirror reached out to organiser Bheki Letsoalo, he attributed the delay to a “system error” and claimed he was waiting for funding from the MEC for Culture, Sports, and Recreation. This isn’t the first time Letsoalo has cited financial woes; in October 2024, he mentioned a R500,000 deficit and said he was waiting for sponsors foe more funding. The athletes are now left wondering if they’ll ever receive their hard-earned prizes.

The department’s head of Sports Bhutini Ngoma said they are aware of the situation and are engaging with Letsoalo to address some the challenges. “The matter has also been escalated to the MEC to see what can be done to address this matter. We have to resolve this as speedily as possible,” he said.

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