|
AfricaPlay/Watch
Organisational bodies
CompetitionsAfrican Cup of Nations African Cup of Nations - Held every two years for members of CAF, the Confederation of African Football, held since 1968, following its introduction in 1957. 16 teams participate in the final, held in January. Cameroon, Egypt and Ghana head the winners table. See Wikipedia for background, winners etc
News
GhanaKenyaPlay/Watch
MoroccoNigeriaPlay/Watch
South AfricaOverviewHistoryHistory of Football in South Africa The first documented matches took place in 1862 between White civil servants and soldiers in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth..... more from South Africa Soccer Chronology which provides useful information over all the decades since this time.Play/Watch
Organisational bodiesSouth African soccer is controlled by S.A.F.A. - South African Football Association - which was founded in December 1991 as the apartheid era was coming to a close. The body was recognised by FIFA in 1992 and brought the country back into the international fold. The national side subsequently won the African Nations Cup in 1996, were runners up two years later , and took part in their first world cup, in France, in 1998.CompetitionsThe major competitions played in SA are: Absa cup- all teams; Coca cola cup - premier teams only; SAA Supa 8 competition -top premiership teams; Telkom Charity cup - 4 teams voted most popular by the fans.
South African winners Which teams hold the trophies? The 2005 / 2006 Premiership title was won by a Pretoria based side - Mamelodi Sundowns , second and third placed were two of the most popular clubs Orlando Pirates and Kaiser Chiefs who are both based in Johannesburg. Kaiser Chiefs who are probably the most recognised side in southern Africa won the title in 2003 / 2004 and 2004 / 2005. This year they triumphed in a pre season 3 team round robin tournament which involved a Manchester United squad. They beat the English team on penalties in the final gameSouth African national side The National Team "Bafana Bafana" International soccer interest in South Africa is now tending towards the 2010 world cup and the 2009 CONCAF cup to be hosted by an African nation for the first time In an effort to improve their own national side the experienced Brazilian - Carlos Alberto Parreira - was recently appointed new coach to the SouthAfrican squad See Wikipedia for more detail.
The SA League Structure Besides the senior men's side, there are national representative sides at under 23 , under 20 and under 17 level, and strong women's sides at under 19 and senior level. Professional teams play in all provinces and the highest league - the Premiership (P.S.L ) -involves 16 professional clubs. The season is mid August to the end of May Promotion / relegation is on a 2 up / 2 down basis from / to the national first division. The first division is fed from national play offs involving the different provincial log leaders. In addition there are various knock-out cups.
The Cups The major competitions played in SA are: Absa cup- all teams; Coca cola cup - premier teams only; SAA Supa 8 competition -top premiership teams; Telkom Charity cup - 4 teams voted most popular by the fans
Women's Soccer The women's soccer section is played in provincial leagues with the two top sides in each league going through to a national play off to determine the women's champions. In 2002 the senior women's national side were crownedthe COSAFA cup champions.
ProfessionalMVela Golden League MVela Golden League The First division, below the Premier League. Automatic promotion for the top team at the end of the season, with play-offs for teanms in positions 2, 3 and 4. Coverage by Kick-off South Africa.News
SwazilandPlay/Watch
Ask the ExpertUse this form to ask one of our experts about this sport. Submitting this form will take you to another screen where you can complete your request. |
The virtual library of sport,
online since 1993
Version 0.9.6