Following a four-year hiatus, the African Rainbow Gold Cup, which will include 32 teams from all around South Africa, will begin play again in September.

The revamped Gold Cup will use a brand-new knockout structure for its return campaign.

 

 
GOLD CUP RETURNS

After a four-year hiatus owing to the COVID-19 epidemic and other causes, the competition for best non-university clubs has returned, with African Rainbow Capital stepping in as title sponsor to give the event a new identity.

The African Rainbow Gold Cup will include 32 club teams from throughout the continent. Fourteen provinces have nominated two teams apiece, plus one from the Griffons area of influence, with three more clubs invited as wildcard participants.

The provincial qualifiers on the North side of the draw include Naka Bulle and Harlequins from the Blue Bulls, Bloemfontein Police and Collegians from the Cheetahs, Welkom Rovers from the Griffons, Rustenburg Impala (national club champions in 2014, 2016, and 2019 – pictured above) and Wolverines from the Leopards, Louis Trichardt and Northam Rhinos from Limpopo, Pirates and Raiders from the Lions, Sasol Secunda and White River from the Pumas; and Springs and Vereeniging from the Valke.

Bella Vista and Saldanha Bay from Boland; Ncera Leopards and Police from Border; PE Harlequins and Progress from Eastern Province; Kimberley and Sishen from Griquas; Crusaders and Heidelberg from South Western Districts; College Rovers and Westville Old Boys from the Sharks; and False Bay (winners in 2017) and Tygerberg from Western Province are among the clubs in the Southern group.

Union Milnerton from WP will compete in the North division, while Wesbank from Boland and Centurion from the Blue Bulls will compete in the South.

GOLD CUP GOES TO KNOCKOUT FORMAT
ALSO READ: Eddie Jones says winning shapes perceptions

The knockout event, similar to the FA Cup in English football, will take place over five weekends. The Round of 32 and Round of 16 will be held in the North and South portions, respectively. The finest of the North will meet the best of the South beginning in the quarter-finals. The final is set for 7 October.

“This is an important tournament on our rugby calendar and we’re delighted to be able to confirm a major new partner for the competition,” said Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby.

“A lack of exposure and sponsorship since the advent of professionalism have made things difficult for our clubs across the country, but despite these challenges the local leagues go from strength to strength as communities flock to grounds to see their sons, brothers, husbands, fathers and cousins in action.

“The new format is an ambitious new departure for open club rugby in South Africa and to have a company such as African Rainbow Capital as our partner is a coup for the tournament. It underlines our message that club rugby is an essential part of the rugby landscape in South Africa and we’re determined to see it flourish.

“Club rugby is one of most important considerations on our agenda and we believe that the African Rainbow Gold Cup will breathe new life into this level of the game.

“With the support of African Rainbow Capital, this tournament will give club players and coaches a competitive platform and an aspirational event through which they can reach their goals.”

Gold Cup
Rustenburg Impala lift the Gold Cup. Photo: SA Rugby
SPONSORS STEP UP
Dr Johan van Zyl, co-CEO and Executive Director of African Rainbow Capital, would add: “We are very excited to get involved at club rugby level in South Africa, as we see this as an opportunity to make a contribution to the development and transformation of grassroots rugby in South African communities.

“For African Rainbow Capital, the Gold Cup forms an important part of the local rugby ecosystem and we believe this is an ideal platform to not only uplift the game in different communities, but also to develop new talent.”

Willem Strauss, President of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union who facilitated the sponsorship, added that he is invcredibly grateful to Johan van Zyl and Patrice Motsepe of African Rainbow Capital for their support.

“Not only are they incredible investors in professional sport in South Africa, but this also shows their commitment to sport at a grassroots level, in this case in rugby, which is incredibly important to almost 1,200 rugby clubs in South Africa, this is incredibly important,” said Strauss.

SOAPIE QUIZ: How well do you know ‘Skeem Saa

The 32-year-old Nigerian singer and record producer blew up and became a global sensation after releasing hit songs including Pull Up, Last Last, Ye, Kilometre, Gum Body, 23, and more. He is set to take the FNB stadium later this month with Somizi Mhlongo MCing the event.

 

 

According to ticketpros.co.za, the tickets are going for as little as R950 up to as much as five thousand, seven hundred and four rands. Phase one tickets which cost as little as R765 to R1 510 have already been sold out.

In July, Burna Boy took to his popular social media account and revealed that he would be coming to South Africa. His announcement had fans and social media users divided as it resurfaced his previous rant about the South African government. In his rant, he voiced that he hasn’t set foot in Mzansi since 2017 and said it would take a miracle for him to come back to the country again. Social media users were curious to know what has changed since then.

Burna Boy
Burna Boy has announced his return to South Africa, with the Nigerian musician set to perform at the FNB Stadium in September this year. Image: @burnaboygram | Instagram.Earlier this year, Burna Boy made history after his song Last Last went platinum in America, IOL reported. He was said to have become the first African with two platinum songs in the United States with his song Ye also having gone certified platinum in January.

ALSO READ: Burna Boy, Tems, Rema set to perform at 2023 NBA halftime show

According to TimesLIVE, the Gbona hitmaker also made history in the states and became the first African artist to sell out 41 800 capacity City Field stadium in New York. The South African stadium which he is set to perform at is reported to have the capacity to host almost 95 000 guests.

The latest episode of Showmax’s ‘Unfollowed‘ featured TV and radio host Phat Joe, as the legendary personality took the hot seat, viewers took to various platforms to share their thoughts on the interview, leading to an array of both positive and negative reactions.

 
PHAT JOE: UNFOLLOWED
One of the common positive themes on social media was the praise for Thembekile Mrototo, the interviewer. Many viewers commended Mrototo’s poise and professionalism in handling Phat Joe’s unfiltered opinions. Tweets like, “Thembekile Mrototo deserves a medal for keeping her cool during that interview” flooded Twitter.

@ThembiMrototo: Do you think that the industry has written off? Cancelled you?

— Kanya Ntshongwana (@kanya_kb) August 30, 2023
Phat Joe’s unapologetic stance and willingness to stand by his controversial comments about Caster Semenya garnered support from some viewers. Comments like, “Say what you want about Phat Joe, but he doesn’t back down. We need more people like him in media,” reflected this sentiment.

FREEDOM OF SPEECH
Some viewers appreciated the interview for sparking important conversations around freedom of speech and accountability in the media. They saw it as an opportunity to discuss complex issues, such as the boundaries of expression in the public domain.

What a response. The OG

— B (@Brian35911552) August 30, 2023
However, on the other end, Phat Joe’s remarks about Caster Semenya, which led to his suspension and dismissal from a radio station, continued to be a focal point of criticism. Many social media users expressed outrage over his comments, with tweets like, “Phat Joe’s comments were offensive and disrespectful. He should apologize!”

ALSO READ: Joseph Shabalala documentary set to premiere in August

ACCOUNTABILITY
Some viewers questioned whether Phat Joe should be held accountable for his statements, particularly in a media landscape where public figures are expected to be mindful of their influence. This led to debates about freedom of speech versus responsible journalism.

1st thought when i watched this: “condescending much” 😔

— RichPhumue (@phumue131) August 30, 2023
As is often the case on social media, the discussion online also took a negative turn for some. Personal attacks and name-calling were directed at both Phat Joe and those who defended his right to express his opinions. These toxic exchanges highlighted the polarized nature of the debate.

UNFOLLOWED DISCUSSIONS
As social media continues to serve as a virtual battleground for such discussions, it’s clear that the interview has succeeded in stimulating conversations about the responsibilities and consequences that come with freedom of expression.

Whether one agrees or disagrees with Phat Joe’s views, it is undeniable that his appearance on “Unfollowed” has left a lasting impression on the digital landscape.

NONSINDISO: THE BEGINNING
Born in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal Province, Nonsindiso Gcaba, first made her mark in the world of entertainment as a theatre artist according to Savanna News. Her journey began on the stage, where she honed her acting skills and developed a passion for storytelling.

From those early days in theatre, she would go on to achieve fame and recognition in the world of television. Beyond her career, Nonsindiso Gcaba’s life took a beautiful turn when she embraced motherhood.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MOMMY DUTIES AND FASHION ICON
Her daughter, who shares an uncanny resemblance with the actress, is now 8 years old. The bond between mother and daughter is a testament to their close-knit relationship.

Nonsindiso’s sense of fashion has been a subject of admiration. She effortlessly combines elements of Zulu culture with urban trends, creating a style that’s uniquely her own. Her wardrobe choices continue to dazzle, and fans eagerly anticipate her fashion-forward looks.

TALENTED ACTRESS
Nonsindiso Gcaba isn’t just an actress; she’s a woman of many talents. Besides her television and theatre career, she’s known for her guitar-playing skills, showcasing her versatility as an artist. Her multifaceted talents have endeared her to fans across South Africa.

Nonsindiso Gcaba taking a selfie and posing for a photograph at a desk. Image: Instagram via @nonsie_gcabah
With her flawless skin, undeniable talent, and flair for fashion, Nonsindiso Gcaba’s career continues to flourish. Nonsindiso Gcaba’s journey, from her humble beginnings in theatre to becoming an actress and fashion icon, serves as an inspiration to many.

Eben Etzebeth’s singer wife, Anlia has teased the news that she is recording an anthem for the Springboks ahead of the kickoff of the Rugby World Cup next week.

The bubbly blonde hinted at the news on her Instagram account.

The World Cup takes place from 8 September to 28 October. South Africa will play their first match against Scotland on 10 September.

 

 

EBEN ETZEBETH’S SINGER WIFE HINTS AT SPRINGBOKS SURPRISE
In the post, the Springboks WAG was seen in the studio.

Anlia – who wore the team’s green and gold kit jersey – intentionally blocked out the audio to the song she was recording.

Anlia
Eben Etzebeth officially made Anlia his Mrs. Image via Instagram @sarietydskrif.
“New music coming soon,” she captioned the clip.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Anlia Etzebeth (@anliastar)

According to the Afrikaans Is Groot Instagram page, Anlia and three other SA singers have teamed up to “sing a rugby song for the World Cup.”

It’s unclear who the other artists are or when the song will be released.

ALSO READ: Leon Schuster teases new Springboks song – from hospital! [watch]