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  Rabada Ruled Out as Proteas Face Australia in Durban Test DURBAN, 8 October 2026 — South Africa will begin their highly anticipated Test cricket series against Australia without star fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who has been ruled out of the opening match at Kingsmead Stadium. The first Test begins on Friday, 9 October, with the Proteas hoping to make a strong start against one of international cricket's toughest opponents. Rabada's absence is a significant setback for South Africa, but the return of Anrich Nortje provides an important boost to the bowling attack. Why Kagiso Rabada Will Miss the Match Rabada is still recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in June. Although he trained with the squad ahead of the series, captain Temba Bavuma confirmed that the team would take a cautious approach rather than risk aggravating the injury. The fast bowler could potentially return for the second Test in Gqeberha, scheduled to begin on 18 October. Anrich Nortje Makes His Test Com...

South Africa are preparing for a major Test cricket showdown against Australia at Kingsmead in Durban on Friday, with uncertainty still surrounding the fitness of star fast bowler Kagiso Rabada. The opening match will begin a three-Test series and marks Australia's first Test series in South Africa since the controversial 2018 tour that became synonymous with the ball-tampering scandal known as “Sandpapergate”.  Rabada faces late fitness test Rabada's availability could be one of the biggest factors in South Africa's preparations. The 31-year-old fast bowler has been recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during training in August and has not played competitive cricket since the conclusion of his IPL campaign with Gujarat Titans in May. However, there were encouraging signs ahead of the match, with Rabada seen bowling in the nets during South Africa's training session in Durban on Wednesday. The Proteas are expected to wait until close to the start of the Test bef...

  Orlando Pirates midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula says the Buccaneers are ready for Mamelodi Sundowns ahead of their sold-out MTN8 final on Saturday. Article body Orlando Pirates midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula has played down the threat posed by Mamelodi Sundowns as excitement builds ahead of Saturday's highly anticipated MTN8 final. The two South African football giants will battle for the season's first major domestic cup on 10 October 2026 , with the Premier Soccer League confirming that tickets for the showpiece have already sold out. Makhaula's confidence comes as Pirates prepare to face a Sundowns side that has established itself as one of the dominant forces in South African football. But the experienced Pirates midfielder believes the Buccaneers have enough quality to compete with their rivals and has backed the younger players in the squad to rise to the occasion. Pirates prepare for another major test The final arrives during an important period for Orlando Pirates...

  Orlando Pirates veteran midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula has revealed why he decided to continue playing football despite previously indicating that he could retire after winning the league title. The 36-year-old midfielder had suggested that lifting the league trophy with the Buccaneers could provide the perfect ending to his playing career. Pirates subsequently achieved that goal, but Makhaula did not walk away. Instead, he extended his stay at the Soweto giants for another season.  Irvin Khoza convinced Makhaula to continue Makhaula has now explained that Orlando Pirates chairman Dr Irvin Khoza played an important role in convincing him that his career was not over. Speaking ahead of Pirates' MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns, the experienced midfielder said the chairman believed he could still contribute for another season. Makhaula said he feels physically capable of continuing and is grateful that the club has given him another opportunity.  His decision resulte...

  Bafana Bafana continued their positive run with a 1-0 victory over Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium. Puso Dithejane enjoyed a memorable debut for South Africa, scoring the decisive goal against the Egyptian national team. The result followed South Africa's impressive 5-0 victory over Eritrea in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The two results provide another boost for the national team as attention turns to upcoming international fixtures. For Dithejane, scoring the winning goal on his Bafana Bafana debut marks a significant moment in his international career. SA360 NEWS Sport will bring you the latest developments from Bafana Bafana and South African football.