Matsoarelo Makuke
Matsoarelo Makuke
Matsoarelo Makuke is an award-winning South African sports journalist, presenter and documentarian whose passion for sport and storytelling has made her a prominent figure in township and national sports media. With a career that began in news broadcasting, Matsoarelo transitioned into the sports world where she found her true calling covering and championing under-represented sports stories. Her storytelling and media skills have earned her multiple accolades, including being nominated for the prestigious South African Radio Awards 2024 and winning the 2023 Gauteng Women in Sports Presenter of the Year. She has also been recognized by UNICEF as their Most Promising Reporter.
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The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
RWC 1995 anniversary: Remembering Chester Williams
In our ongoing 1995 World Cup anniversary content series, we pay tribute to Chester Williams, one of the five fallen heroes from the iconic title decider at Ellis Park that took place 30 years ago. Certainly, when it comes to legendary former Springboks, Williams stands tall as one of the true icons of the game who transcended sport and politics and became a beacon of hope for so many. You can find part one here and part two here in this ongoing series. Williams played 27 Tests in total for the Springboks scoring 70 points thanks to 14 tries. He was on the winning side in 20 Tests, while losing six and drawing one for win percentage of 76%. Williams made his debut against Argentina in Buenos Aires in November 1993 and played his final Test against Wales in Cardiff in November 2000. Williams rose to fame during South Africa's march to the 1995 Rugby World Cup title. An injury prior to the start of the tournament ruled him out of the World Cup, but a suspension to wing Pieter Hendricks, for his part in a brawl against Canada, allowed Williams a reprieve after he had recovered. He returned to the side with four tries against Samoa in the quarter-finals and maintained his place through to their victory in the final against the All Blacks. Later in his career Williams was critical of the quota system employed in South African rugby and also spoke out against racism in the national squad in his book Chester . Williams's coaching career began shortly after as his playing days ended. In 2001, he was Boland's assistant coach and then became coach of the Springbok Sevens team, who he had represented at the World Cup that year. He was in charge of the Cats in 2004 and 2005, before becoming South Africa 'A' and Pumas coach in 2006. Williams coached abroad in Uganda in 2007, Tunisia in 2008, and two Romanian clubs, Dinamo Bucharest (2008-11) and Timisoara (2012-13). He finished his diploma in coaching in sports science in 2015 and was appointed marketing director of Forward Africa Petroleum. As reported by The South African website, he died from a suspected heart attack on 6 September 2019 at the age of 49. *Keep an eye on TheSouthAfrican as the remaining articles in this remembrance content series will be published over the next few days Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
World Rankings: Springboks, Ireland to lose ground to New Zealand or France
The Springboks are set to have their lead at the top cut over the next few weeks. The 2025 rugby test season is officially back in action and it comes with huge implications for the Springboks, All Blacks, Ireland and France. The Springboks kick off their season with an entertaining historic home fixture against the Barbarians. Thereafter, they face Georgia before playing two tests against Italy. Meanwhile, the All Blacks and France are set for a three-match test series against France. Whilst, the British & Irish Lions are on tour to Australia. So, this has big implications for the top four. Let's break it down. The Springboks cannot add any ranking points to their total due to the nature of their opponents. Firstly, the Barbarians are not regarded as a test nation. So, no ranking points are up for grabs for the world champions in their opening test match. Meanwhile, both Georgia (11th) and Italy (10th) are to far below the Boks for points to be awarded to them. Meaning, the Springboks will remain on 92.78 points until the end of the July test series window. Meanwhile, the mighty All Blacks take on the Flamboyant French. The All Blacks currently sit second on 90.36 points. Whilst, France is currently ranked fourth with a points total of 89.51. Just behind Ireland 89.83, who currently occupy third spot. Now, to put this in context both the Springboks and Ireland cannot add to their World Rankings points in June and July. This is because the Irish are not in action due to the British & Irish Lions series in Australia. Therefore, New Zealand and France have a chance to close the gap on the Springboks. NZ can cut the lead at the top and France can leapfrog Ireland and NZ with a victory. A win for the All Blacks by less than seven in the first test will see them gain 0.62 points which would place them on 90.98, just 1.80 behind the Boks. A win by 15 or more points will result in the All Blacks gaining 0.92 points. Thus, reaching 91.29 points after the first test. They are currently 2.42 points behind the Springboks. Whereas a French win is worth a lot more – 1.38 points to be exact. If France win the first test they will leapfrog Ireland and NZ will drop to fourth. In this scenario, they will have 90.90 points. In the most unlikely scenario, if France win by 15 or more they will gain 2.08 and be on 91.59 after the first test. In summary, the Springboks and Ireland cannot add to their World Rankings points total. However, NZ and France can close the gap on the Boks and the Irish. The South African will analyse and update this situation with each test result. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs close in on R5m defender: One obstacle remains
Kaizer Chiefs look set to pull off a major coup in the local transfer market by edging closer to securing the signature of 21-year-old Ime Okon. However, SuperSport United's hefty development compensation fee of over R5 million threatens to derail the deal. Despite Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns also expressing interest in the promising defender, Chiefs have emerged as the clear frontrunners. SuperSport United may have allowed Okon's contract to expire on 30 June, but the club retains the right to claim development compensation, a clause that has now become a stumbling block for Amakhosi. 'At the moment it's believed that personal terms have been agreed but there is a fee that Chiefs apparently have to pay to SuperSport United. It's like a compensation fee and it's believed to be around R5 million. A fee because he is a development player and the mother team has to benefit from him. It's not a transfer fee. No, it's not,' a source revealed. This demand comes as no surprise considering Okon rose through SuperSport's development system, making him eligible for compensation under current regulations. Chiefs remain determined to complete the signing before they fly out for their pre-season training camp in the Netherlands. The club wants Okon integrated into the squad as soon as possible, highlighting how highly they rate the defender. By bringing Okon on board, Chiefs would not only beat both Pirates and Sundowns to his signature but also fill a key gap in their backline. An area identified by the technical team as needing reinforcement. With multiple clubs circling and the Dutch tour fast approaching, Amakhosi must act swiftly to finalise terms and satisfy SuperSport's demands. If the Glamour Boys manage to seal the deal, they will have pulled off one of the most strategic signings of the window, a powerful signal of intent as they rebuild their squad for the new season. Will Okon make a difference at Kaizer Chiefs? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
