Bulls and Stormers Chase URC Glory, Milford Eyes Promotion as Bafana Friendly Goes Behind Closed Doors
South African sport is set for a thrilling weekend, with high-stakes rugby, football promotion battles, and national team preparations all dominating the headlines. From the Vodacom United Rugby Championship semi-finals to the PSL promotion/relegation play-offs and Bafana Bafana’s final warm-up match, fans have plenty to keep an eye on over the weekend.
- Bulls and Stormers Face Tough Away Tests for Place in URC Final
South Africa’s hopes of maintaining a strong presence in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship rest on the shoulders of the Vodacom Bulls and DHL Stormers this weekend.
Both franchises travel abroad for crucial semi-final encounters on Saturday, knowing that victory will secure a place in the Grand Final on 20 June.
The Bulls will be first in action when they meet Glasgow Warriors in Edinburgh at 15:30. Later in the day, the Stormers face arguably an even tougher challenge against defending champions Leinster in Dublin at 18:30.
Since the competition was launched in the 2021/22 season, at least one South African team has featured in every final. The Bulls and Stormers will be eager to continue that tradition despite the challenge of playing away from home.
- Milford FC Closing In on Historic Betway Premiership Promotion
Milford FC have the opportunity to move one step closer to the Betway Premiership when they host Cape Town City FC in a crucial PSL promotion/relegation play-off clash at Richards Bay Stadium on Saturday.
The KwaZulu-Natal side has enjoyed a dream start to the mini-league campaign, winning both of their opening fixtures. Milford stunned Cape Town City away from home before edging Magesi FC in another narrow victory to claim top spot on the standings.
Cape Town City, meanwhile, find themselves under immense pressure. The Citizens have lost both of their opening matches and are yet to find the back of the net during the play-offs.
- Fans Shut Out as Bafana Bafana’s Jamaica Friendly Moves Behind Closed Doors
South African football supporters will not be able to watch Bafana Bafana’s final preparation match before their upcoming international tournament after it was confirmed that the friendly against Jamaica will be played behind closed doors.
The fixture, originally intended as a standard international friendly, has now been closed to spectators and will not be televised or streamed live.
The match was also pushed back by a day following visa-related travel complications that delayed Bafana’s arrival by 24 hours.
Kick-off is scheduled for 23:00 (SA time) on Saturday at Hidalgo Stadium in Pachuca, Mexico. The encounter will serve as Hugo Broos’ side’s final opportunity to fine-tune preparations before opening their campaign against co-hosts Mexico next Thursday.