Kolisi and Stick expecting intense battle against Argentina

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick sounded a strong warning to their charges after wrapping up their on-field preparations for Saturday’s match-up at Estadio José Amalfitani that they would be in for a massive battle against Los Pumas in front of a passionate home crowd in Buenos Aires on Saturday.

The match – which will mark Kolisi’s first Test of the year, along with Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager (both locks), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (flyhalf), and Morne van den Berg (replacement scrumhalf) – kicks off at 21h10 (SA time) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport. wlop.pl

Kolisi was thrilled to be back in the green and gold jersey and lining up against quality international opposition.

“I’m very excited – it’s been tough watching from the sideline, but there’s a couple of us getting an opportunity now,” said Kolisi.

“It’s been so good to see the depth in this team, with guys who have taken over and carried on the momentum. So, I’m really excited to get the chance to play again this weekend. It’s a tough place to come and play, but that’s exactly what we need as a group.

“It’s hard to train and not play, or not be involved, so we all just want to add value to the team and play our part. Getting our jerseys this morning was very special.”

Stick was equally excited about the return of the injured players and the Bok team selected for the match: “There’s a lot of excitement in our squad, especially among the guys who are getting an opportunity, and if you look at the players coming back from injury, those are guys who have worked very hard with the squad back in Johannesburg through all the camps we’ve had. They’ve waited for their chance, and now they’ve got it.

“We are pleased that our preparations have gone well, but playing Argentina away from home is always tough. They are very passionate people, much like us, so it’s going to be a tough game, but hopefully we can give our people back at home a good result.”

Commenting on the challenge of facing the Pumas on their home patch, Kolisi said they are expecting their hosts to put up a massive fight.

“Their last two games have been very close, and they could have gone either way, so it’s never easy coming here,” he said.

“We did as much preparation as we could back home last week, and this week here with the smaller group, and we know how tough they’re going to be.

“There are some good new players getting an opportunity in their team too, and we know what that feels like, having experienced the same thing in our own squad over the past three games.

“The crowd plays a big role as well. The people here are very passionate. It’s very similar to South Africa. That’s why it’s always great coming here, but we know how tough this battle is going to be.”

Stick shared Kolisi’s sentiments about the opposition and said: “The thing about Argentina at home is that if you don’t turn up physically and mentally, you’ll bring their crowd into the game. But if you turn up with the right intent, you’ll have a better chance of controlling the game.

“We’ve played against them many times, and we’ve had our bad and our good days, but as a team, we fully understand what needs to be done to execute against them away from home. The stands will be vibrating, and it’s going to be a good show, especially for our people back home.”

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

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Springbok captain Siya Kolisi said he was excited to play his first Test of the season, and more so because it will be against familiar foes in the Argentina line-up.

Kolisi missed the first three Nations Championship Tests due to a hamstring strain, but is now one of five Springbok players set to return from injury in their one-off Test in Buenos Aires on Saturday night (kick-off 9.10pm).

The others are Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Morné van den Berg and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

In the build-up, coach Rassie Erasmus said Kolisi was the one player he was least worried about finding his feet again – the 35-year-old being no stranger to injuries, and making returns before the 2019 and 2023 World Cups.

Kolisi not putting pressure on himself

“I feel good,” Kolisi said, adding that his hamstring felt strong after two weeks of training.

“I’m excited. I just don’t want to put any pressure on myself. I want to go out there and do what I can do, just play my part in the team.”

He said he expected a tough game, so no additional motivation was needed. Still, it was good to return will players had had played with for a long time.

On the opposite side of the field, fellow blindside flanker Pablo Matera will lead a young Argentine side featuring four debutants against the Springboks.

“Pablo and I kind of started at a similar time. He’s someone I respect very much,” Kolisi said.

“He’s an amazing player. He can fight at the breakdown, and he can carry the ball very well.

“He’s a very passionate guy who led the team for a couple of years until Julian [Montoya] took over, and I know the boys will follow him. They’ve always looked up to him.”

All business on the field

Kolisi said it was always a challenge playing against a leader like that, who loved his country.

“He plays for his people. He’s a good guy off the field, too. I love talking to him after a game. I’ve met his kids.”

Kolisi said the Springboks get on well with the Argentinian side, but when they’re on the field, it’s all business.

“They really fight for the people, and the crowd get behind them, and they use that to get them going.

“I know he [Matera] will be one of their key players. With Tomás Lavanini coming back, too, who’s someone that I started at a similar time with as well. I know how important it will be for him to come back and play for his country.

“So a couple of us are coming from injuries. But we also play against people we’ve played against before. It’s going to be a good challenge.”

Les internationaux et binationaux guinéens évoluant à l’étranger se sont une nouvelle fois illustrés avec leurs clubs ce vendredi.

Entre rencontres de championnat et matchs amicaux, plusieurs d’entre eux ont livré des prestations remarquées. Les buts de Bambasé Conté, de Mamady Kone et d’Issa Drammeh, ainsi que la titularisation de Karim Cissé, figurent parmi les principaux faits marquants de la journée.

République tchèque / FNL

Ousmane Conté a disputé l’intégralité de la rencontre remportée par le MFK Karviná face à Prostějov (1-2).

Autriche / 2. Liga

Le FC Hertha Wels s’est imposé face au FC Liefering (2-3). Entré en jeu à la 70e minute, Issa Drammeh s’est mué en sauveur en inscrivant le but de la victoire neuf minutes après son entrée.

Karim Conté a disputé l’intégralité de la rencontre lors du succès du BW Linz contre le FC Wacker Innsbruck (3-0).

Danemark / Superliga

Le Sønderjyske Fodbold et le Viborg FF se sont neutralisés (0-0). Mohamed Chérif Haidara a disputé l’intégralité de la rencontre.

Suisse / Challenge League

Cobel Sow Garcia a été titularisé et a disputé 89 minutes lors de la victoire du Stade Lausanne-Ouchy contre Rapperswil-Jona (2-0).

L’Étoile Carouge s’est inclinée face à Neuchâtel Xamax (0-1). Ibrahima Keita a disputé l’intégralité de la rencontre, tandis que Moussa Diallo est resté sur le banc.

Finlande / Kolmonen

L’équipe réserve de l’IF Gnistan s’est imposée face au Riihimäen Palloseura (1-2), grâce notamment à une réalisation de Mamady Koné à la 20e minute.

France / Ligue 3

Karim Cissé a été titularisé et a disputé 78 minutes lors de la défaite du FC Aubagne face à Thionville Lusitanos (0-3).

Le FC Rouen et l’AS Cannes se sont quittés sur un score nul et vierge (0-0). Sory Traoré est entré à vingt minutes du terme.

Cheick Djibril Bangoura a disputé le dernier quart d’heure de la victoire difficile de La Roche VF face au FC Versailles (3-2).

Matchs amicaux

Le CD Castellón et le CF Hércules se sont neutralisés (0-0). Titulaire, Ousmane Camara a cédé sa place à huit minutes du terme.

Malgré une réalisation de Bambasé Conté à la 38e minute, le TSG Hoffenheim s’est lourdement incliné face au Borussia Mönchengladbach (1-4).

A. Diouma Bah

The post Performances des Guinéens : Bambasé Conté et Issa Drammeh buteurs, Karim Cissé titulaire appeared first on AFRICASPORT.ORG.

Mamelodi Sundowns have announced a touching tribute to the late Jayden Adams.

The club will retire the number eight jersey for the 2026/27 season in honour of the midfielder, who tragically passed away at the age of 25 on 11 July 2026.

“In honour of Jayden Adams, the number eight jersey will be retired for the 2026/27 season. A fitting tribute to a player whose impact on the Yellow Nation will never be forgotten,” Sundowns announced.

JAYDEN ADAMS’ LEGACY LIVES ON

Adams was found inside a residential property in Schotsche Kloof, Cape Town, shortly after returning from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. SAPS opened an inquest following the discovery. Police indicated that no foul play was suspected.

His death came just weeks after he represented Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Adams showed remarkable strength during the tournament. He played against Czechia despite learning just hours before the match that his maternal grandmother had passed away.

His contribution helped Bafana Bafana reach the World Cup knockout stages for the first time.

SUNDOWNS HONOUR THEIR NUMBER EIGHT

Adams rose through the ranks at Stellenbosch FC before earning a move to Mamelodi Sundowns.

The midfielder quickly became part of a successful Sundowns team that won the Betway Premiership and CAF Champions League.

His football journey was built on technical quality, intelligence and humility.

Tributes poured in from across the football world following his death. FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie were among those who paid tribute to the midfielder.

A public memorial took place at Stellenbosch Town Hall, before his funeral was held on 25 July 2026. Now, Mamelodi Sundowns will ensure his legacy remains visible every time the team takes to the field.

The number 8 shirt will not be worn during the 2026/27 campaign as the Yellow Nation remembers one of its own.

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