ALL EYES ON KINGS PARK STADIUM
IT IS a big sporting weekend for fans around the world, with the domestic schedules on hold for the Fifa week around the globe.
Even though our Bafana Bafana play Sierra Leone in an insignificant friendly at the FNB Stadium tomorrow, and many local football-crazy fans do not even remember that the national side is in action.
The Hugo Broos-coached side were kicked out in the qualifying stages of the World Cup scheduled for Qatar in November and December this year. So, in the beautiful game the biggest focus is on the Qatar showpiece and the preparations before it.
South Africans will take some comfort, though, at the fact that the national rugby side, the Springboks, have something to play for in the Rugby Championship tournament played by South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina.
The Boks are joint leaders with the All Blacks at the top, and it’s down to the wire as the New Zealanders take on the Wallabies in an earlier clash, while Jacques Nienaber’s outfit need a good win with a bonus point against the Argentinean Pumas to clinch the trophy.
Without suggesting that Bafana Bafana must be ignored, South African sports fans will surely collectively back the Boks who have, by the way, blown hot and cold but have nevertheless kept themselves in the running with some impressive results at home, in Australia and Buenos Aires.
Kings Park Stadium is expected to be packed to the rafters, and this should most certainly spur the Bokke on to conquer their nerves and get the required result against the plucky Pumas.
Australia-born coach Michael Cheika will be desperate to atone for a poor showing in the Argentinian capital last Saturday.
New Zealand and South Africa have 14 points each, Australia have 10 and Argentina nine entering the final round of the most exciting Rugby Championship since its launch 10 years ago.
So, in the face of all the challenges the country faces, a win for the Boks would add a positive note, and for a moment give us something to celebrate about on our national Heritage Day.