Sports
Bafana Team In High Spirit At AFCON
The three Bafana Bafana goalkeepers huddled together after the draw against Morocco – and Itumeleng Khune and Wayne Sandilands says the whole team is a tight-knit group.
Bafana came back from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Atlas Lions in their last Group A match, to make it through to the knockout round, and at the sound of the final whistle, when the rest of the players celebrated at the centre of the field, Senzo Meyiwa, Khune and Sandilands were kneeling in a hug next to the goalposts with the cameras zooming in on them.
Khune, who has played every minute in the tournament so far, was chosen the Orange Man of the Match, and his co-keeper Sandilands says the three keepers, who each represent one of the ‘big three’ PSL clubs, are “good friends”.
“We all know it’s not about us as individuals, it’s about the country,” the Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper says. “We all know we have a role to play and we have to play that role as best as we can. We are professionals on the field, but we are also good friends off it.
“We respect each other and we also push each other as best as we can because at the end of the day it’s about the country. We know that if we are not playing we push the one that is playing to do his best. We give the support to each other because we want the same when selected to play. As players we are hungry to give our best and keep performing well, and God-willing that will take us all the way to the final to do our country proud. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for some players so we have to make the most of it.”
Khune agrees that there is great team spirit in the camp, and a healthy relationship among the goalkeepers.
“Yes, there is a great team spirit but also it shows the healthy competition we have. We support each other, we are always there for each other. But what I like most about Senzo and Wayne, even during the game, whether after conceding a goal or making a save, they are always encouraging me to do more and that’s what keeps me going during the 90 minutes because I know I have the support of the other goalkeepers,” Khune says.
“I don’t think there is anything that will stop us if we show that great team spirit. And it’s not only the goalkeepers but also the in-field players as well who are behind us all the way, we all have a great team spirit in camp and I believe that’s why we have come this far.”
Bafana Bafana take on Mali in the quarter-finals at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, February 2.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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