Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Lance Fredericks
Farewells, awards and title races in busy week in sport, and a look ahead to the weekend
IT HAS been a week of milestones, farewells and high-stakes contests, with a new tennis world No.1 confirmed, one of the sport’s greats playing his final match and a football star finally claiming the game’s biggest individual prize. There is plenty more to come, too, with the Soweto Derby, a decisive Test at Newlands, a second meeting between the Springbok Women and Ireland, and a potentially historic Formula One weekend on the schedule.
New Amstel partnership aims to bring AmaZulu fans closer to the club
Amazulu Football Club president Sandile Zungu said the agreement with Amstel recognised the importance of the people who had supported the team throughout its history.
Key battles where the Soweto Derby could be won and lost
Moremi vs Chiefs’ defence, Duba vs Pirates’ backline, the midfield tussle and a battle between the posts. Who wins the key duels when the Soweto giants meet? SO HERE we are. It’s right on our doorstep; the big game of the sporting weekend for many, many SA football fans. And as these fans all know, the Soweto Derby rarely needs extra motivation, but Saturday’s meeting between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs comes with several intriguing individual contests that could shape the outcome.
Spice on Day 3: Harmer hauls Proteas back into contest, but Lyon strikes late
The cat was set amongst the pigeons when Proteas captain Temba Bavuma was dismissed late on Day 3 against Australia at Newlands. THE PROTEAS clawed their way back into the third Test at Newlands on Thursday, but a late dismissal of captain Temba Bavuma left Australia with the upper hand heading into day four of the series decider.
It’s unwise to sprint in a marathon
MY FAVOURITE book provides the perfect definition of a marathon runner. “The wicked run when no one is chasing them …” Proverbs 28:1. Honestly, why anyone would willingly run without being chased is beyond me. It’s silly. Yet more than 4,000 (silly) people took to the streets of the Diamond City last weekend to run distances ranging from a fun run to a full marathon. Reports suggest that the event was a huge success, with runners enjoying the experience.
Proteas pay for missed opportunity as Aussies take the lead at Newlands
Marco Jansen was a sole light of hope for the Proteas on a testing second day at Newlands. AUSTRALIA seized the initiative on day two of the third Test at Newlands, with an unbroken century partnership between Josh Inglis and Alex Carey leaving the Proteas facing a fight to stay in the series decider. The visitors reached 330/4 at stumps on Wednesday, edging one run ahead of South Africa’s first-innings total of 329.
Soweto derby by the numbers: Orlando Pirates edge recent form but Kaizer Chiefs hold historic edge
Four goals to one across the last two league meetings. Pirates have the stronger record, but both rivals remain unbeaten in the Premiership — and both won 3-0 in the Carling Knockout on Tuesday. The numbers tell an interesting story ahead of Saturday’s Soweto Derby: Orlando Pirates have scored four goals to Kaizer Chiefs’ one across the last two league meetings, yet both sides remain unbeaten in the Betway Premiership this season.
The Soweto Derby: a rivalry with a long memory
Four goals to one across the last two league meetings. Pirates have the stronger record, but both rivals remain unbeaten in the Premiership — and both won 3-0 in the Carling Knockout on Tuesday. THE NUMBERS tell an interesting story ahead of Saturday’s Soweto Derby: Orlando Pirates have scored four goals to Kaizer Chiefs’ one across the last two league meetings, yet both sides remain unbeaten in the Betway Premiership this season.
Seven things the Carling Knockout last 16 has taught us thus far
Kaizer Chiefs player Wandile Duba celebrates after scoring against TS Galaxy during the Carling Knockout round of 16 clash at FNB Stadium. YESTERDAY, the DFA speculated. Today, the publication has egg on its face. Ahead of the Carling Knockout games on Tuesday, we dared to suggest that the teams facing Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs could still pull a rabbit out of the hat and surprise the more fancied teams from the PSL, spring a surprise and eliminate the big boys.
Day one: Proteas cash in on slow Newlands pitch, but Starc turns the tide
Proteas opener Marques Ackerman entertained during the morning session before Australia hit back in the afternoon on Day 1 at Newlands. IT WAS a case of punch and counterpunch in the Cape on Tuesday. Firstly, South Africa made Australia pay for misreading the Newlands pitch before Mitchell Starc’s late burst turned the third Test on its head, leaving the visitors with an opportunity to seize control on day two — but without Steve Smith in their batting line-up.
Carling Knockout: Underdogs may have a trick up their sleeves yet
Orlando Pirates players in training as they look to conquer a tight week with Carling Knockout last 16 match on Tuesday ahead of the Soweto derby on Saturday. IT USUALLY happens that when a football tournament is in progress and a fixture or round of action features a big-name team taking on a (forgive the expression) less glamorous outfit, that the spotlight, and the angle of writing focuses on the big teams. The other teams can sometimes feel like an unwanted stray.
Unbeaten, but not equal: Pirates and Chiefs approach Soweto derby from different directions
Pirates have seven league wins from eight. Chiefs have drawn five of their eight matches. Now both face Carling Knockout tests before Saturday’s Soweto Derby. Who will carry the momentum into the big one? ORLANDO Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs head into Saturday’s Soweto Derby unbeaten in the Betway Premiership, but the numbers tell two very different stories. Pirates have won seven of their eight league matches, drawing the other, to collect 22 points and sit second behind Mamelodi Sundowns.
Hungry Lions and Upington City set for Northern Cape’s own football derby
Hungry Lions are on a roll, with three straight wins and no goals conceded. But Upington City arrive with two victories of their own. Who will come out on top when these Northern Cape rivals meet? SURE, football fans around the country are thrilled about the weekend’s Soweto Derby; and they have every right to be excited. However, closer to home, fans in our province are also drooling in anticipation; this time for the Northern Cape Derby.
Proteas and Australia prepare for Newlands showdown with series and rankings at stake
The Proteas and Australia head into the Newlands Test locked at 1-1, with the series on the line in Cape Town. South Africa have home advantage, but Australia will be determined to hit back. Can the Proteas finish the job? THERE are few things more thrilling than watching a sports contest between two teams or individuals who are skilled, determined, and capable of making huge plays at unpredictable times during the game or match.
Proteas vs Australia: Fans can watch Newlands decider live on SABC3
HAVE you paid your television licence? I know, that’s an odd question to find on a sports page, but its relevance is rather exciting. You see, if you didn’t know it yet, cricket fans will be pleased to discover that you can follow the decisive third Test between South Africa and Australia free-to-air on SABC3. With the series finely balanced after the Proteas Durban defeat and their Gqeberha victory it’s thrilling news that fans can keep an eye on the live action happening at Newlands from today.
Northern Cape Heat finish Pro20 campaign with a glimpse of their potential
THE NORTHERN Cape Heat could not quite get their 2026 YesPlay Pro20 Cup campaign firing, with early setbacks, a washout, inconsistent batting and a string of close calls preventing them from building any real momentum in the competition. Their final Pool B match against the North West Dragons in Potchefstroom on Sunday offered a glimpse of what might have been, but the weather intervened before the Heat could turn an encouraging performance into a victory.
Carling Knockout: Big guns prepare to fire in midweek action
MAKE no mistake, the adrenaline is probably still pumping for Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns after their weekend hit-outs in African competition. Yes, Amakhosi and the Brazilians endured really tough results as they were dumped out of continental competition. But this does not mean their skills or their drive have been blunted.
The weekend that was: City stumble, Madrid rule and Kimberley turns out
FROM Formula 1 drama and football upsets to a thrilling URC round and a strong local showing on the roads, the sporting weekend had plenty to offer. Here are 10 results and talking points readers may have missed. Kimi Antonelli strengthened his grip on the Formula 1 world championship race with victory at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. The Mercedes driver finished 13.078 seconds ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, with Max Verstappen third. Lewis Hamilton came home fourth.
Seloyi and Ndinda defend titles as Kimberley marathon draws 4,000-plus runners
MORE than 4,000 runners were reported to have taken part in the Diamonds and Dorings Kimberley Big Hole Marathon over the weekend, with defending champions Bennet Seloyi and Kenya’s Fridah Ndinda retaining their marathon titles. The event, held on Saturday and Sunday, October 24 and 25, brought runners to Kimberley for four distances: the 42.2km marathon, half-marathon, 10km and 5km. According to SABC News, about 200 participants came from elsewhere in Africa.
Purple Speedos, serious business: Northern Cape joins Daredevil Run
Thousands of men donned purple Speedos for the 2026 Hollard Daredevil Run, with Kimberley, Kuruman and Upington joining the nationwide push to raise awareness of prostate and testicular cancer. Behind the cheeky spectacle lies a serious message about early detection.
‘Our Stories, Our Voices’: Ya Rona celebrates Kimberley’s literary talent
Highlights of the festival included the launch of Chris Hani: A Life of Courage and Compassion, an authorised biography of Chris Hani by award-winning author Zakes Mda (right), seen here with Kutlwano Masote. THE INAUGURAL Ya Rona Literary Festival, whose name translates from Setswana as “Ours” or “Our Own”, made its debut last weekend under the motto “Our Stories, Our Voices”. Organisers said the festival went well, with attendance exceeding expectations.
Temba Bavuma leads the charge in a week of sporting drama
After losing the opening Test in Durban by 214 runs, South Africa needed a response. They delivered one through a captain’s innings from Temba Bavuma, a valuable contribution from Marco Jansen and a devastating bowling performance that left Australia with little room to recover.
Kimberley Sports Legends gala to honour rugby, hockey and bowls greats
KIMBERLEY’S sporting heritage will take centre stage in November when former rugby, hockey and bowls stars are honoured at the second annual Kimberley Sports Legends gala dinner — an initiative aimed at preserving the stories of those who helped shape sport in the region. The “Diamonds of the Game” gala will take place at Elizabeth Conradie School Hall on Saturday, November 7, following a community meet-and-greet and nostalgic walk through Kimberley the previous afternoon.
Don’t copy bad study methods
WANT to hear something really weird? It turns out that if you want to do well in your studies, you may need to sleep more! I know, I know, that sounds very strange. But it’s not me saying this. Dr Matthew Walker is a British neuroscientist and sleep researcher specialising in how sleep affects the brain, learning, memory and health. Walker suggests that getting the best out of your brain when studying means, firstly, getting adequate sleep the night before learning new material.
Kimberley prepares for second Big Hole Marathon
KIMBERLEY’S Diamonds and Dorings Big Hole Marathon returns this weekend with R1.2 million in prize money and a target of 5,000 participants, as organisers look to build on last year’s inaugural event. The October 24 and 25 race will feature four distances, with Kimberley Boys High School serving as the start and finish venue.
Northern Cape Heat push Garden Route Badgers to final over but suffer fourth Pro20 defeat
THE NORTHERN Cape Heat will be playing for pride and a stronger finish to their YesPlay Pro20 Cup campaign when they face the North West Dragons in Potchefstroom on Sunday, after a narrow defeat by the Garden Route Badgers left them unable to reach the competition’s next phase. The Heat came agonisingly close to defending a modest total of 126/6 at Diamond Oval on Wednesday, taking the match into the final over before the Badgers reached 127/4 to win by six wickets.
Northern Cape Heat face tough test at home against visiting Badgers
BY ITS VERY nature, the cute little badger is not to be messed with. These little critters are known to have a notoriously fierce, fearless disposition when cornered. And that is the exact task ahead of the Northern Cape heat on Wednesday, October 21, when the Kimberley team will be looking to get their YesPlay Pro20 Cup campaign back on track when they host the Garden Route Badgers at the Kimberley Oval.
From Kimberley’s skate scene to the extreme edge of skateboarding
Kimberley loves its skate culture, but how extreme can skateboarding get? Spanish daredevil Diego Poncelet has hit a world-record 151.83km/h downhill! SKATEBOARDING is big in Kimberley, and Skateboarding fans in the city know that mastering a board takes balance, timing, nerve and plenty of practice.
Proteas take upper hand as Bavuma’s career-best knock rocks Australia
Proteas captain Temba Bavuma played another top-class knock to out his team in pole position against Australia. THERE were the usual comments on social media about the Proteas' inability to cope with what Australia brought to the party at St George's; some even suggesting that the Test was done and dusted after wickets tumbled on days one and two. But cricket is, and always has been, a funny old game.
Premier Soccer League confirms Carling Knockout venues and kick-off times
THE PREMIER Soccer League (PSL) has confirmed the venues and kick-off times for the Carling Knockout Cup Last 16, with the opening matches scheduled for Saturday, October 24. Lamontville Golden Arrows and Chippa United will get the round under way at King Zwelithini Stadium at 3pm, followed by Polokwane City against Siwelele at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium at 6pm. Sunday’s programme begins with Kruger United hosting AmaZulu at Mbombela Stadium at 3pm.
One lead to protect, one tie to unlock, one deficit to overturn — and new kids on the block
FOUR South African clubs head into a decisive week of continental football with places in the group stages at stake — and little room for a careless night to derail their ambitions. Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and Durban City all have work to do in the second legs of their respective CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup ties between Friday and Sunday.
Bavuma and Jansen revive Proteas hopes with record-breaking stand
SOUTH Africa mounted a spirited fightback against Australia on day three of the second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, reaching 216/6 at lunch after a difficult start to their first innings. Captain Temba Bavuma and Marco Jansen were the heroes of the morning session, putting together an unbroken 106-run partnership to steady the Proteas after Australia’s pace attack had reduced them to 110/6.
Thistle RFC calls on Kimberley’s rugby players to join its revival
Looking to get fitter, make friends and be part of a team? Historic Thistle RFC is recruiting players aged 18 and older as it prepares for the 2027 season. Could you help bring the blue and white back to the field? FOR ANY “brekers” looking to get fitter, make new friends and become part of a team of brekers, Thistle Rugby Football Club has an invitation: pull on the jersey, pull up the shorts, and pull on the boots as you help bring a historic Kimberley club into its next chapter.
The waiting game: Carling Knockout fans can get their game plan ready
Orlando Pirates lifted the Carling Knockout trophy after their extra-time victory over Marumo Gallants last year. Who would YOU pick in the starting XI? The Carling Knockout is giving supporters a chance to put their football knowledge to the test, compete for prizes and stand a chance to win a Champion Coach Experience at the final! IN THE NATURAL world, waiting is not always a matter of sitting back and doing nothing. Take the humble antlion, for example.
Bavuma battles against Aussies as Boland leaves Proteas in trouble
Australian seamer Scott Boland was once again the most impressive bowler on a truncated second day at St George's Park. PROTEAS skipper Temba Bavuma was unbeaten on 41 at stumps as South Africa limped to 97/5 on day two of the second Test against Australia at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on Monday. Wiaan Mulder was alongside the captain on 2 not out, with the Proteas still needing a substantial recovery after Scott Boland claimed four wickets to leave the home side under pressure.
Proteas hit a pothole, SA rugby shines in Europe as football giants battle in Africa
Muddy patches across the St George's Park outfield remain a concern for umipres on Day 2 of the second Test between SA and Australia. IT WAS A weekend of contrasting fortunes for South African sport, with the Proteas struggling to make headway against Australia, three local rugby sides opening their European campaigns with convincing wins, and the country’s leading football clubs facing very different challenges in continental competition.
One win, one draw, one defeat: how South Africa’s big three fared on the continent
SOUTH Africa’s three biggest football clubs experienced contrasting fortunes in continental competition over the weekend, with Orlando Pirates securing a first-leg advantage, Mamelodi Sundowns being held in Angola and Kaizer Chiefs suffering a setback in Zambia. All three will have another opportunity to settle their respective ties in the return legs, but they head into those matches with very different tasks.
Rain, juicy pitch, and Boland leave Proteas with uphill battle in Gqeberha
Proteas Test captain Temba Bavuma will resume duty with debutant Maques Ackerman against Australia at St George's Park on Monday. THE PROTEAS have a fight on their hands at St George’s Park after a rain-hit opening day of the second Test against Australia left them on 20/2 at stumps on Sunday. Australia won the toss and elected to bowl first on a green, moisture-laden pitch, but persistent rain delayed the start by two hours, with play getting under way at noon.
Kimberley-born Witbooi remains at Cape Town City for now after Pirates talks
Orlando Pirates showed interest in Emile Witbooi, but no deal materialised. For now, Cape Town City want the Kimberley-born teenager to help their promotion push. KIMBERLEY-born football talent Emile Witbooi remains a Cape Town City player after discussions with Orlando Pirates over a possible transfer failed to produce an agreement.
Draw done: Sundowns, Pirates and Chiefs face tricky Carling Knockout tests
The 2026 Carling Knockout Cup draw was conducted at Langhams Lifestyle Estate in Johannesburg on Wednesday evening, with all 16 Betway Premiership clubs discovering their opening opponents. THE CARLING Knockout Cup draw has spared South Africa’s three biggest football names an early showdown with one another, but by the looks of things, there are no guarantees of a comfortable passage into the quarter-finals.
SA Champions face familiar foes as England stand between them and another final
James Anderson, Moeen Ali, Jason Roy and Dawid Malan are in the picture as the unbeaten SA Champions chase another final. Can AB de Villiers and JP Duminy (picutred), and others, deliver and give Proteas fans a lift before the second Test? LET’S be honest.
‘Our Stories, Our Voices’: Kimberley literary festival aims to give local writers a voice
Kimberley’s new Ya Rona Literary Festival is putting Northern Cape writers in the spotlight! With Zakes Mda (pictured), book launches, poetry and local talent on the programme, there’s plenty for book lovers and aspiring authors to discover. “THERE’S nothing to do in Kimberley.” “No one is interested in the Northern Cape.” “The youth are only interested in their smartphones.” These are familiar perceptions of the Diamond City and its people.
Pressure builds at the bottom of the table as Premiership action resumes
I’M SURE we are all familiar with the frustration that accompanies putting in effort, applying yourself, and putting in endless hours only to be met with frustration, roadblocks, and shortfalls. So we can all, probably, sympathise with the teams at the bottom of the Betway Premiership table who, despite their best efforts, find themselves in a very undesirable position at this stage of the season.
Northern Cape Heat seek consistency after snapping winless streak
THE NORTHERN Cape Heat will look to build on their first victory of the YesPlay Pro20 Cup when they face the DP World Lions in a Pool B clash at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday. The Kimberley-based side finally managed to end a difficult start to the competition with a 14-run victory over the Wenbro Impalas at Kimberley Oval on Tuesday, October 13, offering some encouragement after two heavy defeats in their opening matches.
At which end of the queue are you?
GAME ranger, an astronaut, or an artist. These were my top three career choices when I was in primary school. When I got to high school, it was much the same, except for the fact that – because I have high levels of acrophobia (see what I did there?) – “astronaut” was replaced with “architect”, and because I used to have recurring childhood nightmares of a rhino attacking me, “game ranger” became “ninja”. Hey … ninja movies were cool at the time.
Donnelly delivers again as Banyana dominate Madagascar to book Olympic qualifying spot
Ronnel Donnelly scored five goals across two matches as Banyana Banyana beat Madagascar 7-0 on aggregate to reach the third round of the 2028 Olympic qualifiers, where they will face Angola. BANYANA Banyana are through to the third round of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifiers after completing a 7-0 aggregate victory over Madagascar, with rising star Ronnel Donnelly continuing her remarkable scoring run.
Pirates and Sundowns kick on, Amazulu spoils a party, as Chiefs settle for another draw
Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz must be frustrated man after his team had to fight to achieve a draw against Stellenbisch FC at FNB Stadium on Tuesday. ORLANDO Pirates returned to winning ways, and Mamelodi Sundowns carried on where they left off after the MTN8 final, when the Betway Premiership got under way Tuesday night. Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs were left searching for answers after being held to yet another draw, and Amazulu bossed the KZN derby.
Old Proteas magic alive as SA Champions make it four from four in Legends title defence
AB de Villiers (pictured). JP Duminy. Richard Levi. Imran Tahir. Aaron Phangiso. Remember these names? They’re back in South African colours – and the defending champions in the World Championship of Legends tournament are unbeaten after four matches. OK, LET’S quickly address the elephant in the room. The Aussies gave the current Proteas team a cricketing lesson at Kingsmead with that massive 214-run victory in the first Test on Tuesday. South Africa’s head coach, Shukri Conrad, called for cool heads.
Rwanda wins race to bring Formula 1 back to Africa as 33-year wait nears its end
Formula 1 is heading back to African soil — but it’s Rwanda, not South Africa, that has secured a 10-year deal. The first race is planned for the early 2030s, with a new circuit still to be built. FORMULA 1 is officially returning to Africa, with Rwanda securing a 10-year agreement to host the continent’s next Grand Prix in a major development for the sport — and a setback for South Africa’s efforts to bring the championship back to local fans.
Ellis demands professional performance as Banyana aim to finish the job against Madagascar
BANYANA Banyana will look to complete the job against Madagascar on Tuesday evening, as they carry a commanding 4-0 advantage into the second leg of their 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifying tie in Bloemfontein. South Africa won Friday’s first leg by four goals at Toyota Free State Stadium, with Ronnel Donnelly scoring a hat-trick and a Madagascar own goal completing the scoreline.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Lance
Contact Lance, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack