Lunga Biyela

Journalist

Watch VideoRevisiting the pioneers: Where the 1998 Bafana Bafana first‑World‑Cup heroes are today

Lunga Biyela|Published

When Bafana Bafana sealed qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it reignited memories of the 1998 squad that first showcased South Africa on the world stage. ...

Does Mbekezeli Mbokazi's exit put Orlando Pirates’ league title ambitions under threat?

Lunga Biyela|Published

Orlando Pirates' title ambitions are at risk as defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi prepares for a significant move to Chicago Fire following the Africa Cup of Nations.

Watch VideoEx-Springbok reveals he had decided to quit rugby to play in the PSL after chat with a Sundowns coach

Lunga Biyela|Published

Former Springbok fullback Conrad Jantjes has revealed how close he came to walking away from rugby at the height of his career to pursue professional football in ...

Mbokazi passes Salah test with flying colours despite Bafana defeat to Egypt

Lunga Biyela|Published

Bafana Bafana faced a tough defeat against Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations, but Mbekezeli Mbokazi's impressive performance against world-class attackers like ...

Why it’s time to give former Bafana defender Pierre Issa his due

Lunga Biyela|Published

Often misunderstood and unjustly scapegoated, former Bafana Bafana defender Pierre Issa was a composed, technical player whose style was simply unappreciated in ...

South African referee Abongile Tom at centre of VAR chaos at Afcon

Lunga Biyela|Published

South African referee Abongile Tom was thrust into the spotlight at the Africa Cup of Nations after a VAR malfunction prevented the review of a late handball in ...

Bafana Bafana face early acid test against Egypt as World Cup-bound rivals clash at AFCON

Lunga Biyela|Updated

Bafana Bafana take on Egypt in a high-stakes AFCON clash, with both teams eager to secure a spot in the next round. Can Hugo Broos' side rise to the challenge against ...

‘Holiday camp’ attitude: Naughty Mokoena’s curfew-breaking fiasco still haunts Bafana’s 1998 World Cup legacy

Lunga Biyela|Published

Explore the tumultuous debut of Bafana Bafana at the 1998 World Cup, where controversy overshadowed expectations and sparked crucial lessons for South African football's ...

Can Mbokazi stop Salah and Marmoush? Bafana Bafana’s rising star faces biggest test of his career

Lunga Biyela|Published

Mbekezeli Mbokazi faces a monumental challenge as he takes on Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush in Bafana Bafana's crucial Africa Cup of Nations clash against Egypt. ...

Watch VideoHow the ‘original Teboho Mokoena’ made his mark for Bafana Bafana at the 2002 World Cup

Lunga Biyela|Published

Before today’s Teboho Mokoena starred for Bafana Bafana, another by the same name scored at the 2002 World Cup. This story revisits his moment on the global stage ...

Young South African stars making waves in England’s football academies

Lunga Biyela|Published

A new generation of South African footballers is making its mark in England’s top academies. From versatile defenders to talented goalkeepers, these youngsters are ...

Steve Barker’s Simba SC move could be his audition for the Kaizer Chiefs job – among others

Lunga Biyela|Published

Simba SC's surprising appointment of Steve Barker marks a pivotal moment in his career, potentially opening doors to elite coaching roles in South Africa.

Watch VideoWhere are they now? Revisiting Bafana Bafana’s 2010 World Cup squad 15 years on

Lunga Biyela|Published

Explore the journeys of Bafana Bafana’s 2010 World Cup heroes, from their unforgettable moments on the pitch to their current lives in football and beyond.

History stacks up against Bafana Bafana ahead of AFCON opener against Angola

Lunga Biyela|Published

Bafana Bafana begin their 2025 AFCON campaign against Angola, carrying both the weight of a poor recent record against their opponents and the pressure that comes ...

The family just got bigger: Cristiano Ronaldo set to join Fast and Furious saga

Lunga Biyela|Published

Speculation is growing that Cristiano Ronaldo could appear in the next Fast and Furious film after social media posts from cast members, including Vin Diesel, hinted ...

Where are they now? – Revisiting Bafana Bafana’s class of 2002

Lunga Biyela|Published

Four years after their historic debut in 1998, South Africa returned to the World Cup stage in 2002. Led by Lucas Radebe, the Bafana Bafana squad showcased resilience ...

Simba SC snatch Steve Barker from Stellenbosch FC in shock coaching move

Lunga Biyela|Published

Simba SC has made a surprising move by appointing Steve Barker as their new head coach, leaving Stellenbosch FC in a state of uncertainty after his departure.

Are Orlando Pirates on track to end Mamelodi Sundowns’ eight-year reign of terror?

Lunga Biyela|Published

After nearly a decade of dominance, the Betway Premiership is witnessing a thrilling shift as Orlando Pirates challenge Mamelodi Sundowns for the title.

This is how Pitso Mosimane would make Kaizer Chiefs great again

Lunga Biyela|Published

Kaizer Chiefs’ recent dip in form has reignited debate about the club’s long-term direction, with Pitso Mosimane once again emerging as the standout candidate to ...

FIFA’s official ticket resale marketplace is turning the World Cup into a rich man’s game

Lunga Biyela|Published

FIFA's official ticket resale marketplace for the upcoming World Cup was meant to protect fans, but it's quickly becoming a haven for scalpers, with prices skyrocketing ...

After the recent controversy, it’s Sipho Mbule and Mbekezeli Mbokazi who must carry Bafana Bafana at AFCON

Lunga Biyela|Published

Bafana Bafana's AFCON preparations faced a storm of controversy, but as they move forward, Sipho Mbule and Mbekezeli Mbokazi emerge as pivotal figures in the team's ...

‘Relax, Khosi – Kaizer Jr knows what he’s doing,’ ex-Chiefs star tells impatient supporters

Lunga Biyela|Published

Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Matthew Rusike urges fans to support co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef, stressing the importance of patience as the team ...

‘They know nothing about football’ – Kaizer Chiefs legend slams Kaze and Ben Youssef

Lunga Biyela|Published

Kaizer Chiefs’ coaching duo Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef have come under renewed scrutiny after club legend Joseph “Banks” Setlhodi questioned the club’s technical ...

With Mbekezeli Mbokazi gone, Orlando Pirates target Thabo Moloisane to strengthen defense

Lunga Biyela|Published

Orlando Pirates face a crucial decision as they seek to replace defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who is set to join Chicago Fire. Will Thabo Moloisane from Stellenbosch ...

Outrage grows as FIFA faces calls to halt 2026 World Cup ticket sales over 'extortionate' prices

Lunga Biyela|Published

Are you ready for the 2026 World Cup? As ticket prices soar, fans are left questioning FIFA's pricing strategy. Discover the shocking costs and the growing outrage ...