The Springboks announced the start of their season in spectacular fashion – at time – at Loftus in Pretoria on Saturday, beating a willing Italy 42-24 in their first of two Castle Lager Incoming Series Tests. They had a solid 28-3 lead at the break, but things were not as fluent and effective in the second half for the hosts, with the tourists refusing to throw in the towel, despite being outplayed for most of the match. The Boks can…

Midfielder Yusuf Maart is on his way to Europe, ending a three-year stay at the Soweto club. African Times has established that Maart’s move to Austrian club SV Ried was sanctioned by the Amakhosi management, and the player was allowed to remain in South Africa when they traveled to the Netherlands for pre-season training earlier this week. “It’s a transfer from Chiefs, meaning they sold him. He’ll be leaving for Austria,” confirmed a source privy to the business dealings at…

Bafana Bafana defender Siyabonga Ngezana has won another cup in Romania. Ngezana, who plays for FCSB, starred for the team as they beat CFR Cluj 2-1 on Saturday to win the Romanian Super Cup. The former Kaizer Chiefs center-back has now won two league titles with FCSB. The first came in his debut season, the 2023/24 campaign, and then in 2024/25. FCSB has also gone on to win the 2024 and 2025 Super Cups, adding to Ngezana’s collection. As things…

Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey has broken his silence over rape charges being brought against him. African Times reported on Friday that the former Arsenal player has officially been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by England’s Metropolitan Police Service. “The charges follow an investigation by detectives, which commenced in February 2022 after police first received a report of rape,” the force said. “The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorized the prosecution of Thomas Partey…

The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Dr Patrice Motsepe, has paid tribute to the late Peter Rufai. Motsepe expressed his condolences following the death of the 61-year-old Rufai this week. Rufai was a part of Nigeria’s 1994 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team. “He was an enormously talented football player and was respected in Africa and globally. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, the Nigeria Football Federation (“NFF”) and its President Ibrahim Gusau, his former teammates…

Kaizer Chiefs have announced their sixth signing ahead of the new season. Amakhosi have brought in midfielder Siphesihle Ndlovu, who joins from SuperSport United. African Times understands the former Orlando Pirates man has penned a three-year deal. “Kaizer Chiefs’ blueprint for strengthening the squad ahead of the new 2025/26 season continues to take shape with the acquisition of Siphesihle Ndlovu,” announced the club. “Previously with SuperSport United, for whom he played 28 matches in all competitions last season, the energetic…

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has challenged Sipho Mbule to fully focus on his career and live up to expectations. Mbule, 27, has been handed a one-year contract with an option for a further two years by the Soweto club. Bucs’ short-term deal could be interpreted as their concern over Mbule’s lifestyle off the field, which is well-documented, particularly issues related to alcohol. Ouaddou, however, has thrown his weight behind the former SuperSport United, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Sekhukhune United midfielder,…

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has officially been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by England’s Metropolitan Police Service. “The charges follow an investigation by detectives, which commenced in February 2022 after police first received a report of rape,” the force said. “The Crown Prosecution Service has authorized the Metropolitan Police Service to charge a man after a file of evidence was submitted by detectives. “The Met has issued a charge and requisition to…

New Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says he is well aware his coaching career is under scrutiny after joining the Buccaneers. Ouaddou, who hails from Morocco, has been coaching for about five years, and he is yet to win a trophy in his career. He has been at Mouloudia Oujda (Morocco), AS Vita (DR Congo), and Marumo Gallants (South Africa), amongst others. The Pirates job is arguably his biggest challenge in his young career, and despite the fact that he…

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has increased the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) prize money by 100%. The tournament kicks off on Saturday, 5 July, in Morocco. The President of CAF, Dr Patrice Motsepe said: “CAF is continuing with its commitment to the development and growth of Women’s Football in Africa.” “The 100% increase in the Prize Money for the Winner of the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON and the 45% total increase in the Prize Money of this competition…