Sport is almost woven into our RSA DNA – evident by how we unite when the Springboks, Proteas, Banyana Banyana and Bafana Bafana take on the world.

This year was another magical year on the sports front and to wrap up 2024, Caxton Local Media looks at the most-read (and some notable) sports articles.

1. Our captain comes home

The most-read article is about an iconic sporting figure: Our Springboks captain, Siya Kolisi. The news that Kolisi would return to home soil after a stint in France was music to our South African ears. Coach Rassie Erasmus, the man who made Kolisi the first-ever black Bok captain, backed the move before it was finalised.

2. What did he have for breakfast?

A Hoërskool Menlopark learners’ massive penalty kick (approximately 60m) during the u/16 final of the NWU Sport Series went viral, with internet users dubbing him the next Frans Steyn.

Watch it again:

Just a South African schoolboy slotting a 75 meter kick.

CLUTCH! pic.twitter.com/Ls6MbgkqSA

— Darren (@SaffasRugby) April 23, 2024

3. A memorable year for Moerat

Springbok Salmaan Moerat made headlines when he captained the team against Portugal earlier this year, becoming the first Muslim captain of the national rugby team. However, the article that grabbed your attention the most was when Moerat was again announced captain for The Rugby Championship clash against the Wallabies in Perth. The Boks eventually ran out 30-12 victors. Oh yes, let’s not forget, the Springboks clinched the championship later on.

There were also several notable happenings in the sporting world this year:

Cricket

• Lauren Agenbag became the first woman to umpire in the SA20.
• The Proteas Women made history with a landmark six-wicket T20I victory over Australia
• South Africa secured victory over New Zealand in the Over-40 Cricket World Cup final.

Golf

• South Africa’s leading golfers with a disability were given a unique opportunity to compete in the Sunshine Tour’s 2024/25 season opening tournament, the Waterfall City Tournament of Champions.
• In announcing its 2025 schedule, the Sunshine Ladies Tour unveiled a strong schedule of local and international tournaments, increased prize money, and a reward for the champions to chase a R1m payday.
• A controversial incident happened at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, but American Wyndham Clark was deemed not to have broken a rule.

Rugby

• World Rugby ref boss Joël Jutge broke his silence on the officiating during the 2023 Rugby World Cup clash between the Boks and France.
• Former Springbok Elton Jantjies was banned for doping.
• South African referee Jaco Peyper hung up his whistle and took up an advisory role with the world champions.

Soccer 

• Bafana Bafana beat Cape Verde to progress to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.
• TS Galaxy head coach Sead Ramovic resigned live on TV after his side drew with Stellenbosch FC.
• Watch: Swedish soccer player Anthony Elanga, who plays for Nottingham Forrest, impressed with his Afrikaans.