South African sports fans are in for a packed weekend as the Proteas, Bafana Bafana and Springboks all take centre stage in major international fixtures across cricket, football and rugby.
From the opening ODI against Australia in Durban to Bafana Bafana’s crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea and the Springboks’ Test against Australia in Perth, the weekend promises plenty of interest for supporters across the country.
With Heritage Day also approaching, the timing provides another opportunity for South Africans to rally behind their national teams as they compete on the international stage.
1. Cricket: Proteas Open ODI Series Against Australia
The action gets underway on Thursday, September 24, when the Proteas host Australia in the opening match of a three-game ODI series at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Cricket Stadium in Durban.
The series comes at an important stage of South Africa’s preparations for the 2027 Cricket World Cup, with both sides expected to use the matches to assess combinations and build momentum.
Australia arrive with a strong bowling attack, with captain Pat Cummins and experienced fast bowler Mitchell Starc returning to the ODI squad after being rested for the recent series against Zimbabwe.
South Africa, meanwhile, will have to manage changes to their pace-bowling resources, with Lungi Ngidi ruled out through injury, while Gerald Coetzee and Duan Jansen have been brought into the squad.
Fixture Profile
- Match: South Africa vs Australia, 1st ODI
- Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
- Venue: Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Cricket Stadium, Durban
- Series: Three-match ODI series
Experienced batter David Miller will also be part of the Proteas’ plans for the series as South Africa continue to balance experience with the development of younger players.
2. Football: Bafana Bafana Begin AFCON Qualifying Campaign
The spotlight then shifts to football on Saturday, September 26, when Bafana Bafana begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Guinea.
The match will be played at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00 SAST.
The fixture will mark Pitso Mosimane’s return to competitive action as Bafana Bafana head coach, following his appointment to replace Hugo Broos. South Africa have been drawn in Group D alongside Guinea, Eritrea and Kenya.
Because Kenya are co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON and qualify automatically as hosts, the qualification battle in the group carries particular significance for the remaining teams.
Fixture Profile
- Match: South Africa vs Guinea
- Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
- Venue: Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg
- Kick-off: 18:00 SAST
- Competition: 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers
- Group: Group D
Guinea will provide a significant early test, with Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy included in their squad for the opening AFCON qualifiers.
For Bafana Bafana, a positive start would give Mosimane and his players an important foundation as they begin their qualification journey.
3. Rugby: Springboks Face Australia in Perth
The weekend concludes on Sunday, September 27, when the Springboks take on Australia at Optus Stadium in Perth.
Unlike the other two fixtures, this match will take place outside South Africa, with the world champions travelling to Australia for a one-off Test.
The Springboks arrive after an impressive 3-1 series victory over New Zealand, but head coach Rassie Erasmus has made 13 changes to the starting XV for the Australia encounter. Andre Esterhuizen will captain the side, while two-time Rugby World Cup-winning fly-half Handre Pollard returns to the starting lineup.
The changes provide opportunities for several players to make an impact while also giving the coaching staff an opportunity to build greater depth ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Australia, meanwhile, enter the match on a five-Test unbeaten run and will be looking to challenge the reigning world champions on home soil.
Fixture Profile
- Match: Australia vs South Africa
- Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
- Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
- Kick-off: 11:30 SAST
- Competition: International Test Match
The Wallabies will face a Springbok side that remains one of the world’s leading rugby teams, while Australia’s recent unbeaten run gives the hosts plenty of confidence heading into the contest.
The South African Sports Weekend at a Glance
Thursday, September 24
🏏 Cricket: South Africa vs Australia
1st ODI | Kingsmead, Durban
Saturday, September 26
⚽ Football: South Africa vs Guinea
2027 AFCON Qualifier | Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg | 18:00 SAST
Sunday, September 27
🏉 Rugby: Australia vs South Africa
Test Match | Optus Stadium, Perth | 11:30 SAST
A Weekend Packed With International Sport
Three of South Africa’s biggest national teams will be in action within just four days, giving supporters plenty to follow across the sporting spectrum.
The Proteas will look to make a strong start against a powerful Australian side, Bafana Bafana will begin their road to the 2027 AFCON with a new coach at the helm, and the Springboks will test their depth against Australia in Perth.
For South African sports fans, it is a weekend that promises international competition, national pride and plenty of talking points.
Our Soccer Updates will continue to provide updates, reports and analysis as the action unfolds.
