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Siya eyes history, honours Soweto’s sacrifice
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi says Saturday’s Test against the All Blacks at FNB Stadium is about more than winning, it is a chance to repay a debt to the people of Soweto. CLINTON VAN DER BERG reports. freshyourfeel.com
Kolisi spoke movingly on Friday afternoon about the sacrifices made by the community living in the shadow of the famous Calabash.
“We’re thankful for the people connected to that place who fought for the freedom that lets me and him [assistant coach Mzwandile Stick] sit here today,” he said, adding that the current generation had benefited from freedoms secured by those who endured struggles they themselves had never experienced.
“Giving our best tomorrow, and using every opportunity we get, is part of us saying thank you.”
AFRICA PICKS: Springboks vs All Blacks betting odds
The Springbok skipper recalled the deep footballing history tied to the ground, referencing memories from the 1996 African Cup of Nations, and said the connection runs far beyond rugby. He described homeless residents rising to cheer as the team bus passes, and locals giving up what little they have so others can watch the match.
“It hasn’t always gone our way in Soweto, we didn’t win the first time we played here, but the numbers that show up at the stadium, and the vibe inside it, we feel it,” he said. “We hope we can give them a good memory, not just with words but with our efforts tomorrow.”
SNAKEY: Boks’ midfield holds edge
On the field, Kolisi is closing in on a piece of Springbok history of his own. A win would give him a record 55th Test victory as Bok captain, taking him past John Smit.
He and teammates Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese will also claim the record for the most Tests played together as a Springbok loose trio, a combination Kolisi credits for much of the side’s recent success.
“We’ve all got different roles, and we’re used to playing alongside one another,” Kolisi said. “You can see the way Jasper carries the ball through contact, the work Pietie puts in, and mine is more the stuff nobody really notices, which I actually enjoy.”
STOKKE: Boks want home series win
He was quick to deflect individual milestones back to the collective.
“As for the wins record, that’s a team achievement, not mine personally. As long as we win, I’m happy, because it shows we’re building and moving forward as a group.”
Asked whether wet weather forecast for kick-off could disrupt the Springboks’ plans, Kolisi was unmoved.
“It won’t affect our game plan at all. The way we play is built for any weather.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post Siya eyes history, honours Soweto’s sacrifice appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Springbok Women undaunted by Black Ferns challenge
The 10th-ranked Springbok Women say they clearly understand the task at hand and are unbothered by facing world number two, New Zealand.
The South Africans face the Black Ferns in a once-off Test at FNB Stadium, Soweto, on Saturday (kick-off 1.30pm) in a curtain-raiser to the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry third Test between the Springboks and All Blacks.
This, just days after Springbok Women’s coach Swys de Bruin quit. Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September are co-coaches for the match.
‘We have a plan’
Still, captain Babalwa Latsha said they are undaunted by the prospect of facing the same side that beat them 46-17 in the quarter-finals of last year’s Women’s World Cup in England.
They also lost to the Black Ferns in the only other match between the sides – a 2010 World Cup pool game (score 55-3). They did, however, beat an invitational Black Ferns XV 41-24 in August last year.
“We have a plan and that includes being direct and physical and playing to our strengths, which is a very strong set piece,” said Latsha.
“They are a very skilful team and will no doubt try to get around us, while the direct route is our preferred option.
“We are also aware of the historical nature of this clash, being the first one between us played in South Africa as well as our first match at FNB Stadium, the biggest stadium in the country.”
Vice captain Libbie Janse van Rensburg said they had good lessons from their previous encounter in Exeter last September.
“We had a plan and it worked for the first half, when we were 10-10,” she said.
“We did not maintain that composure in the second half. That allowed them to run away with it. We cannot afford just one half, we need to play equally well in both.”
Springbok Women target top five
The move up the world ranking is a motivation, but the growth of the team is as important, she said: “We wanted to break into the top 10 and needed to play against teams in that bracket to get there. We did that.
“Now our next focus is getting into the top five and for that we need to play against teams in the top five. Tomorrow we are doing that. Those things are all part of our growth spurt which over the last two years was impressive.”
According to the World Rugby rankings South Africa will jump three places to a record high of seventh if they can beat New Zealand, with an additional place gained if the margin is by more than 15 points.
Desmond Tutu et la «folie du pardon»: «The Foolishness of God» ouvre le FIFDA à Paris
Prix Nobel de la paix en 1984 pour sa lutte contre l’apartheid, l’archevêque Tutu a continué à se battre contre les crimes contre l’humanité, en Afrique du Sud, au Rwanda, aux États-Unis… Et il a utilisé une arme bien à lui : le pardon. La réalisatrice américaine Karen Hayes l’a accompagné pendant quinze ans pour faire surgir l’origine très intime de cet engagement radical de Desmond Tutu au service du pardon. « The Foolishness of God – A Forgiveness journey with Desmond Tutu » ouvre ce vendredi 4 septembre le Festival international de films de la diaspora africaine (Fifda) à Paris.
Marumo Gallants vs Polokwane City: Team News, H2H & Match Details
Marumo Gallants vs Polokwane City.Marumo Gallants host Polokwane City in the Betway Premiership on Friday, 4 September 2026. The match takes place at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, with kick-off at 19:30 SAST. For wider domestic-season context, see SportPesa South Africa’s PSL 2026/27 season preview.
This fixture gives both teams another opportunity to build their early-season momentum. The focus will be on how Marumo Gallants use their home setting at Royal Bafokeng Stadium and how Polokwane City handle the contest away from home.
Marumo Gallants vs Polokwane City match details
| Detail | Information |
| Competition | Betway Premiership |
| Date | Friday, 4 September 2026 |
| Kick-off | 19:30 SAST |
| Venue | Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg |
| Fixture | Marumo Gallants vs Polokwane City |
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Team news and injuries
No verified injury, suspension or selection updates were available at the time of this update. The final picture can change close to kick-off, so confirmed line-ups remain the most reliable guide to player availability.
Head-to-head
Marumo Gallants and Polokwane City have met six times in the available head-to-head record. Marumo Gallants have won two of those matches, Polokwane City have won one and three have ended in draws. That history shows that the fixture has often been closely contested.
Current form and match context
Early-season form can change quickly as teams settle combinations and respond to results from the opening weeks. This match gives both sides a chance to add points and improve their position in the Betway Premiership.
What to watch
The midfield contest and the way each team handles transitions are likely to shape the rhythm of the game. Marumo Gallants will look to use the familiarity of Royal Bafokeng Stadium, while Polokwane City will aim to make their away performance count.
Follow Marumo Gallants vs Polokwane City live
For confirmed line-ups, live scores, goals, cards, substitutions and match statistics, follow SP Score. Current football markets are available on SportPesa South Africa.
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FAQs
When do Marumo Gallants play Polokwane City?
Marumo Gallants play Polokwane City on Friday, 4 September 2026.
What time is Marumo Gallants vs Polokwane City?
Kick-off is at 19:30 SAST.
Where is the match being played?
The match is being played at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.
What is the head-to-head record?
Across six recorded meetings, Marumo Gallants have two wins, Polokwane City have one and three matches have ended in draws.
Where can I follow the match live?
SP Score provides live scores, confirmed line-ups, match events and statistics.
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Conclusion
Marumo Gallants vs Polokwane City brings two Betway Premiership teams together at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on 4 September. The match offers another early-season test for both clubs, with the live match state available through SP Score after kick-off.
