The swimming pool, rugby field and football pitch are all keeping South African sports fans busy this week.
Global (02 October 2026) – Another weekend means another round of sport to keep us busy, and there’s plenty happening across the pool, rugby field and football pitch.
If you’re wondering what’s worth keeping an eye on over the next few days, we’ve picked out three South African sporting stories that should have you checking the scores, setting a few reminders and, hopefully, celebrating some wins.
Team SA Makes Waves in Baku
The South Africans have already made their presence felt, with several swimmers booking their places in the finals after the opening heats.
Pieter Coetzé is through in both the men’s 200m backstroke and 100m medley, while Michael Houlie will line up in the 100m breaststroke final. Aimee Canny has also made the final in the women’s 100m medley, with Duné Coetzee and Matthew Caldwell through in their respective 400m freestyle events.
Coetzé was third overall in the 200m backstroke in 1:53.71, while Houlie finished second overall in the 100m breaststroke in 56.98 seconds. Canny was fifth in the 100m medley in 59.22.
The first stop of the World Cup runs from 1 to 3 October, with the finals getting underway this afternoon.
Round Two of the URC is Here
The South African sides could hardly have asked for a better start to the new United Rugby Championship season, with all four teams winning their opening games.
The Stormers get the weekend underway on Friday evening, before the Lions, Sharks and Bulls take on overseas opposition on Saturday.
There’s plenty of early-season optimism around the South African teams, but the URC waits for no one. Round Two brings new opponents, new challenges and another chance to keep that momentum rolling.
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The U23s Continue Their Olympic Build-Up
South Africa’s U23 men have also got their eyes on the future, kicking off preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games with a comeback win over Algeria.
The South Africans came from behind to beat Algeria at the Dr Rantlai Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein on Thursday.
There’s another chance to see the two sides in action on Sunday, when they meet again at the same venue.
Kick-off is at 15:00.
Plenty to keep an eye on this weekend. Time to get that sports-watching schedule sorted.
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