New Stellenbosch Signing Grobler Sets Sights on Silverware

New Stellenbosch FC signing Bradley Grobler has set his sights on winning silverware with the club after making the move to the Cape Winelands.

Grobler arrives at the club as a free agent after he parted ways with Sekhukhune United.

The 38-year-old will now reunite with former Matsatsantsa coach Gavin Hunt in Stellenbosch. cat-cross.com

The experienced striker believes Stellenbosch have the quality and ambition to compete for trophies and is eager to play his part in helping the club achieve its goals.

“It feels amazing to be at Stellenbosch FC. This is a club that I’ve always admired for the way it is run and the players it has produced over the years.

“It’s a club I probably should have considered joining a long time ago. Arriving here, meeting everyone, and getting an understanding of what the Club is about have made it an easy decision.

“There’s a lot of potential here in Stellenbosch. When you look at the players that have signed and combine it with the youngsters coming through, it becomes a very exciting opportunity.”

He added: “It also certainly helps when you’ve worked with the coach before, and I’ve worked with Coach Gavin a few times in my career, and we’ve always worked well together.

“But it’s not only him. The people around and involved in the Club have all made me feel like I’ve been here for years already.

“I’m someone who has always taken pride in what I do, and when a club shows interest in me the way Stellenbosch has, I want to make them proud and give the fans something to celebrate.

“This is a team that I believe can compete for trophies. For me personally, nearing the end of my career, I’d also love to win more silverware, and I believe we can do that together.

“The Club is ambitious, and the coach is ambitious, so I just want to come in and add as much value as I can,” he concluded.

The post New Stellenbosch Signing Grobler Sets Sights on Silverware appeared first on SportsClub.

Aston Villa left-back Lucas Digne has joined Paris Saint-Germain on a three-year deal, the European champions announced Sunday.

The 33-year-old French international, who grew up in the Paris region, returns to PSG, where he played for two seasons between 2013 and 2015.

“I am very honoured to be returning to Paris Saint-Germain,” Digne said in a statement on the Ligue 1 champions’ website.

“I am particularly impressed by how the club has developed over the years.

“I can’t wait to start this new chapter and put all my experience at the service of the team.”

After PSG, Digne spent time on loan in Serie A with Roma before signing for Spanish giants Barcelona, who were then coached by current PSG boss Luis Enrique.

He moved to the Premier League in 2018, firstly with Everton, then four years later joining Aston Villa.

At Villa Park, he won the Europa League under Unai Emery last season.

Capped 64 times by his country, Digne became France’s first-choice left-back over the course of the 2026 World Cup.

Digne is PSG’s second major signing of the summer transfer window after fellow French international Maghnes Akliouche arrived from Monaco.

He could make his debut for his new club against his former employers Aston Villa on Wednesday in the UEFA Super Cup in Salzburg.

However, long term it is likely his principal role will be to provide cover for PSG’s starting left-back, Nuno Mendes.

The wait is over. After a spectacular 2026 FIFA World Cup, European football roars back to life as SuperSport on DStv and GOtv delivers wall-to-wall action to launch season 2026/27. From curtain-raising showpieces to the opening rounds of the continent’s biggest leagues, fans can expect a relentless feast of elite football in the weeks ahead.

The new campaign kicks off in style with the UEFA Super Cup, where Paris Saint-Germain look to continue their dominance on the continental stage. Having secured back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles, the French giants now have their sights set on lifting the Super Cup for a second successive year.

Standing in their way are Aston Villa, a side that has risen impressively in European competition and will relish the chance to upset one of the game’s modern powerhouses. It’s a clash that perfectly blends pedigree with ambition, and sets the tone for what’s to come.

Attention then shifts to the traditional English season opener, the FA Community Shield, staged in Cardiff this year. Premier League champions Arsenal meet FA Cup winners Manchester City in a heavyweight encounter that offers an early glimpse into the balance of power in England.

For City, it marks the beginning of a new era under Enzo Maresca, while Arsenal will be eager to underline their status as the team to beat. Expect intensity, quality and a strong statement of intent from both sides.

Across Spain, LALIGA returns with its opening round of fixtures, offering fans an early look at the teams ready to shape the new season. With Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid granted extended rest following Spain’s World Cup triumph, the spotlight falls on the rest of the league to seize the early momentum.

It’s an opportunity for emerging contenders and established challengers alike to make their mark and set the pace before the giants rejoin the race.

The Premier League also bursts into life with a compelling opening weekend. Champions Arsenal begin their title defence at home against promoted Coventry, a fixture that captures the essence of English football: ambition meeting expectation.

Across the round, there’s a blend of historic rivalries, fresh narratives and new beginnings, ensuring that the drama starts from the very first whistle.

Italy’s Serie A joins the action at the same time, adding another layer to an already stacked schedule. Inter Milan launch their title defence against Monza, determined to carry their dominance into the new season.

With traditional heavyweights and ambitious challengers all in the mix, the Italian top flight promises its usual blend of tactical intrigue and high-stakes competition.

From Paris to Cardiff, from Spain to England and Italy, the new European football season arrives with unmatched excitement. SuperSport on DStv and GOtv is your home for it all: every pass, every goal, every moment. The game is back, and everything can wait.

Broadcast details

All times CAT

UEFA Super Cup

Wednesday 12 August

21:00: Paris Saint-Germain v Aston Villa – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Africa 1, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 2

LALIGA, Matchday 1

Saturday 15 August

19:30: Alaves v Getafe – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 3

21:30: Sevilla v Rayo Vallecano – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 3

Sunday 16 August

17:00: Racing Santander v Villarreal – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

19:00: Espanyol v Levante – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 3

21:30: Celta v Osasuna – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

Monday 17 August

21:00: Deportivo v Elche – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 3

FA Community Shield

Sunday 16 August

16:00: Arsenal v Manchester City – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 1, SuperSport Maximo 2 and SuperSport Maximo 360

La Liga, Matchday 2

Thursday 20 August

21:00: Rayo v Alaves – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 3

Friday 21 August

21:00: Betis v Sociedad – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

Saturday 22 August

17:00: Athletic v Sevilla – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

19:30: Valencia v Celta – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

21:30: Espanyol v Real Madrid – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

Sunday 23 August

17:00: Atletico v Villarreal – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

19:30: Getafe v Racing – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

21:30: Elche v Barcelona – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

Monday 24 August

19:30: Osasuna v Levante – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

21:30: Malaga v Deportivo – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3

Premier League, Matchday 1

Friday 21 August

21:00: Arsenal v Coventry – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2

Saturday 22 August

13:30: Hull v Man United – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2

16:00: Ipswich Town v Sunderland – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2

16:00: Everton v Palace – LIVE on SuperSport Action Africa and SuperSport Maximo 360

16:00: Forest v Leeds – LIVE on SuperSport Action and SuperSport GOtv Football

18:30: Brentford v Tottenham – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 2

Sunday 23 August

15:00: Man City v Bournemouth – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2

15:00: Brighton v Villa – LIVE on SuperSport Action and SuperSport Action Africa

17:30: Newcastle v Liverpool – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 2

Monday 24 August

21:00: Fulham v Chelsea – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 2

Serie A, Matchday 1

Saturday 22 August

18:30: Udinese v Como – LIVE on SuperSport Variety

18:30: Inter v Monza – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Africa 2 and SuperSport Maximo 360

20:45: Parma v Cagliari – LIVE on SuperSport Variety

20:45: Genoa v Napoli – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Africa 2 and SuperSport Maximo 360

Sunday 23 August

18:30: Venezia v Lecce – LIVE on SuperSport Variety

18:30: Frosinone v Juventus – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Africa 2 and SuperSport Maximo 360

20:45: Torino v Milan – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Africa 2 and SuperSport Maximo 360

20:45: Atalanta v Sassuolo – LIVE on SuperSport Variety

Monday 24 August

18:30: Bologna v Lazio – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Africa 2 and SuperSport Maximo 360

20:45: Roma v Fiorentina – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Africa 2 and SuperSport Maximo 360

The post European football season 2026/27 returns to SuperSport appeared first on SportsAfrica - Sports news | Live scores | Match highlights | Betting tips.

Malawi completed one of the greatest stories in the history of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026) by defeating Ghana 2-1 on Sunday to secure a historic place in the semi-finals and qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 for the first time.

A dramatic second-half winner from Rose Kadzere capped another unforgettable night for the tournament debutants, whose remarkable run continued after earlier victories over defending champions Nigeria and Egypt in the group stage.

Having topped Group C on their maiden appearance, the Scorchers have now become one of only a handful of debutants to reach the semi-finals of the Women’s AFCON, while simultaneously booking one of Africa’s four automatic places at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.

For Ghana, the defeat was a bitter blow to their hopes of returning to the global finals for the first time since 2007. However, the Black Queens remain in contention for a World Cup place and will now face Côte d’Ivoire in the African play-off, with the winner advancing to the FIFA Women’s World Cup intercontinental play-offs.

Dream start for Ghana

The quarter-final had been billed as one of the most evenly balanced contests of the tournament.

Malawi entered the match full of confidence after an outstanding group-stage campaign, while Ghana hoped their greater experience in knockout football would prove decisive.

The Black Queens made the brighter start.

Just seven minutes into the contest, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah finished clinically to hand Ghana an early lead and briefly put Kim Lars Björkegren’s side on course for a return to the last four.

But Malawi’s response was swift and emphatic.

Five minutes later, captain and star forward Temwa Chawinga once again demonstrated why she is regarded as one of Africa’s finest attackers, drawing the Scorchers level in the 12th minute to ignite celebrations among the Malawian supporters.

The equaliser transformed the contest into an open and fiercely competitive encounter, with both teams creating opportunities while remaining aware that a place in the semi-finals—and the World Cup—was at stake.

Fine margins define the contest

The second half continued at a relentless pace. Ghana believed they had regained the lead shortly after the restart when Doris Boaduwaa found the net, only for the effort to be ruled out following a VAR review.

It proved to be one of the defining moments of the match.

Despite introducing fresh attacking options, including Princella Adubea, Wasila Mohammed and Princess Marfo, Ghana struggled to break down a disciplined Malawi defence.

The Scorchers, meanwhile, continued to threaten on the counterattack through the pace and movement of the Chawinga sisters.

Their persistence was rewarded in the 79th minute.

Rose Kadzere found space inside the penalty area before producing a composed finish beyond the Ghana goalkeeper to put Malawi ahead for the first time and move the tournament debutants within touching distance of history.

Ghana threw numbers forward during the closing stages in search of an equaliser that would force extra time, but Malawi defended resolutely to protect their advantage until the final whistle.

Historic achievement for Malawi

The victory marks another extraordinary milestone for Malawi’s women’s national team.

Competing at their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, the Scorchers have exceeded every expectation by reaching the semi-finals and becoming one of Africa’s representatives at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027.

Coach Lovemore Fazili had insisted before kick-off that his side would continue taking the tournament “one step at a time,” while captain Tabitha Chawinga spoke of the historic significance qualification would have for women’s football in Malawi.

Their belief has now become reality.

After defeating some of Africa’s most established nations, Malawi have announced themselves as one of the continent’s newest footballing powers.

Ghana’s World Cup hopes remain alive

While the Black Queens were left devastated by the defeat, their World Cup ambitions have not yet ended.

Under the tournament’s qualification format, the four losing quarter-finalists progress to an African play-off. The two winners of those play-off matches will then qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup intercontinental play-offs, where they will have another opportunity to secure places at Brazil 2027.

Ghana will now face Côte d’Ivoire in one of those decisive African play-off fixtures, knowing victory would keep alive their hopes of returning to the Women’s World Cup for the first time in two decades.

For Malawi, however, Sunday belonged entirely to the Scorchers.

From tournament debutants to World Cup qualifiers in the space of two remarkable weeks, they have produced one of the most memorable stories in Women’s AFCON history and will now continue their dream run in the semi-finals with a place among the continent’s elite already secured.

SOURCE: CAF ONLINE

The post WAFCON 2026: Malawi stun Ghana to reach historic semi-finals and seal first-ever World Cup place appeared first on SportsAfrica - Sports news | Live scores | Match highlights | Betting tips.

The Sharks have been forced into two changes for Tuesday’s clash against the All Blacks as head coach JP Pietersen battles a fresh wave of injuries at the Durban-based club.

Pietersen on Monday shared in a press conference ahead of the second match of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series that lock Emile van Heerden is injured and his place in the starting XV will be taken by Deon Slabbert.

Springbok utility forward Vincent Tshituka has also been ruled out due to concussion, with Corne Rahl promoted to the bench.

More to follow…

ALSO: All Blacks excited for a crack at Nonu

SHARKS – 15 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 14 Donovan Don, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Murray Koster, 11 Litelihle Bester, 10 Vusi Moyo, 9 Bradley Davids, 8 Nick Hatton (c), 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Deon Slabbert, 4 Hendrè Stassen, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Nemo Roelofse.
Bench: 16 Liam van Wyk, 17 Rambo Kubekha, 18 Simphiwe Ngobese, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Matt Romao, 21 Ivan van Zyl, 22 Luan Giliomee, 23 Ma’a Nonu.

Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images

The post Sharks lose Bok for All Blacks clash appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.