WELCOME TO THE LIVE UPDATE PAGE FOR THE SOUTH AFRICAN TEAM! FOLLOW THEIR JOURNEY HERE.
LIVE UPDATES
AUG 30
10:00 SAST | ONE MORE MATCH TO GO!
The team is preparing for their final match of the tournament. At 17:00 CET, they will face the loser of the Brazil vs. Costa Rica semi-final in the 3rd/4th place playoff. It’s a three-way rematch for South Africa, as they have already played and battled against all three of these teams. While the boys are disappointed to not be in the final, they are fired up to finish strong and secure a podium finish!
AUG 29
20:15 CET | A VICTORY BEYOND THE SCOREBOARD
Heartbreak for South Africa, but their heads are held high. In a semi-final that will be remembered for its passion and intensity, the team narrowly loses 3-4 to Egypt. While their fairytale run for the cup ends here, their journey is far from over. These remarkable eight players, who journeyed from the streets of Cape Town to the world stage, have won something far greater: the Fair Play Award. They captivated the hearts of fans from every nation with their unwavering spirit, infectious joy, and incredible resilience. They didn’t just play football; they embodied the very essence of the Homeless World Cup – unity, hope, and the power of a second chance. We could not be prouder of what they have accomplished and are incredibly excited to see what their bright futures hold. They return not just as players, but as heroes and inspirations.
We can’t wait for them to return! The city of Cape Town is ready to welcome them back as heroes.
An Ode to Our Warriors:
From streets of doubt, to fields of green,
Eight warriors, a nation’s dream.
With every pass, and every goal,
You stitched together a country’s soul.
You played with fire, you played with grace,
And found your victory, in this time and place.
Not in a cup, but in the fight,
Shining for all, a brilliant light.
The city awaits.
18:40 CET
Next up is the semi-final against Egypt! The boys are preparing for what will be a defining match. Clifford Martinus shared some inspiring words about their mindset.
“The boys are in the right head space. They are present and determined to bring it home right now, no distractions.”
– CLIFFORD MARTINUS, FOUNDER AT OASIS REACH FOR YOUR DREAMS
15:00 CET
What a match! Despite the rainy and slippery conditions, South Africa held on right until the last minute to win their quarter-final against Scotland with a thrilling 9-7 victory! The team’s incredible performance secures their spot in the semi-finals later today. Their journey continues!
11:00 CET
As the team prepares for their quarter-final showdown against Scotland,
Clifford Martinus shared his thoughts on the players’ journey. “It was
good to have observed the players on and off the pitch,” he stated, “and
seeing their own personal growth through this experience.” The team is
loved by all for their spirit and story, but their powerful performances
have also made them a serious threat to top-ranked nations. Clifford
emphasized that while this tournament is an incredible experience, “we
keep reminding them that real life is back home and waiting.” If the
team does well against Scotland, they’ll play in the semis later today,
with the finals taking place on Saturday. This tournament is a stepping
stone, and it is up to them to now show up for what’s next.
“It is up to them to now show up for what’s next.”
– CLIFFORD MARTINUS, FOUNDER AT OASIS REACH FOR YOUR DREAMS
14:00 CET
It’s quarter-final day! Team South Africa is preparing for their biggest
match of the tournament yet. They’ll be facing a strong Scotland side.
The team is focused and ready to give it their all. Stay tuned for
updates!
AUG 28 | KNOCKOUT STAGE
16:00 CET
What a nail-biter! South Africa clinches a hard-fought 3-2 victory
against Costa Rica! The match was incredibly intense, with both teams
fighting for every ball. Our boys showed incredible grit and scored in
the dying minutes to secure the win and move on to the next round! 🙌
15:00 CET
Following a decisive win against Poland, Team South Africa is
increasingly being seen as a top contender! Coach Bobo tells IOL that
the team is ready for the upcoming matches, saying, “we are feeling
positive, we are not going into this game big headed as we take it one
game at a time.” This mindset is key as they prepare to face formidable
opponents like Costa Rica and Brazil. ⚽
12:30 CET
Perfect football weather today! It’s a clear, sunny day in Oslo, making
for ideal conditions on the pitch for the knockout matches. No rain in
sight, just pure, competitive football. ☀️
12:00 CET
Another incredible victory! South Africa defeats Poland 8-1 in a
stunning display of skill and teamwork! The team’s resilience and
determination shone through, securing their place in the next round.
09:30 CET
A new day dawns for Team South Africa as they enter the knockout stage.
The competition is fierce, but the team’s spirits are high as they
prepare for a challenging day on the pitch. Keep cheering for our boys!
08:00 CET
Did you know? The Homeless World Cup’s mission is to use football to
inspire people who are homeless to change their own lives and to change
perceptions towards people experiencing homelessness. Since its first
tournament in 2003, it has helped transform the lives of over one
million people in 70 countries!
AUG 27 | END OF DAY 6
17:00
Reflecting on the team’s loss to Brazil earlier in the tournament, Coach
Bobo comments on the high level of competition:
“All teams that have now progressed are tough contenders, picking one or
two top teams is difficult to say”.
AUG 27 | END OF DAY 5
15:00 CET
Another massive win! South Africa defeats Bosnia 8-4! The boys played
with true Mzanzi style and heart, showcasing their creativity and flair
on the pitch. The team’s unity is unstoppable! ✨
“We are happy, but we remain humble. I chatted to the boys this morning
and as brothers they said they would die for one another. That’s the
spirit of this team.”
– COACH BOBO REFLECTS POST-MATCH
AUG 26 | END OF DAY 4
18:00 CET
Team South Africa delivers a powerful display of strength and
determination, securing a phenomenal 8-2 victory over Finland. Their
strong hold on the ball and unwavering focus were on full display,
making a definitive statement as they continue to dominate the
tournament! 🔥
14:00 CET
WHAT A WIN! 🥳 South Africa takes down Bulgaria 7-4 in a thrilling,
nail-biting showdown! The team showed incredible resilience and fought
back to secure a crucial victory!
AUG 25 | END OF DAY 3
20:30 CET
A tough match against Brazil ends in a 3-6 loss. While the result is
disappointing, the team fought hard and showed immense spirit against a
formidable opponent. They’ll be back stronger tomorrow!
16:00 CET
Another dominant win! South Africa delivers a footballing masterclass,
beating Greece with a final score of 9-1. This team is a force to be
reckoned with!
AUG 24 | END OF DAY 2
17:30 CET
It’s another victory! South Africa defeats Norway 8-3. Their relentless
attack and solid defense made for an incredible performance!
09:00 CET
Welcome to Day 2! The sun is shining, the energy is high, and Team
SA is ready for more exciting matches on the pitch!
AUG 23 | END OF DAY 1
17:20 CET
“Yeah, of course, the boys started with a plan, and they executed it…”
– COACH BOBO
17:15 CET
South Africa wins their first match vs Czech Republic with a
dominant 12-0! What a statement to kick off the tournament!
16:00 CET
The first match is about to begin at Rådhusplassen! The crowd is
buzzing with excitement!
14:30 CET
The opening ceremony has concluded. Spirits are high and the team is
pumped to represent their country!
AUG 22
21:00 CET
Team South Africa has arrived in Oslo, Norway, and is resting up.
The countdown to the first game is officially on!
Match Schedule
Date & Time (CET)
Match
Score
Status
Aug 23 16:35
South Africa vs Czech Republic
12 – 0
South Africa Win
Aug 24 17:20
South Africa vs Norway
8 – 3
South Africa Win
Aug 25 15:00
South Africa vs Greece
9 – 1
South Africa Win
Aug 25 19:00
Brazil vs South Africa
6 – 3
South Africa Loss
Aug 26 13:20
South Africa vs Bulgaria
7 – 4
South Africa Win
Aug 26 17:00
South Africa vs Finland
8 – 2
South Africa Win
Aug 27 15:00
Bosnia vs South Africa
8 – 4
South Africa Win
Aug 28 12:00
South Africa vs Poland
8 – 1
South Africa Win
Aug 28 15:40
Costa Rica vs South Africa
3 – 2
South Africa Win
Aug 29 15:00
South Africa vs Scotland
9 – 7
South Africa Win
Aug 29 18:40
South Africa vs Egypt
3 – 4
South Africa Loss
Aug 30 17:00
South Africa vs Costa Rica or Brazil
TBD
Upcoming
For the latest match day news, photos, and updates from the tournament in Oslo, please scroll down.
IT’S ALL ABOUT LOVE AND SUPPORT THE HOMELESS WORLD CUP OPENING CEREMONY WALK.
Match Day 1!
In their first match of the tournament, the South African team, competing in Group A, delivered a dominant performance against the Czech Republic.
The final score was a resounding 12-0 victory for South Africa.
Thrilling first day in Norway! Win over the Czech Republic 12-0 on Match Day 1.
Today’s Fixtures: South Africa vs Greece – 15:00 South Africa 9 – Greece 1
Brazil vs South Africa – 19:00 South Africa 3 – Brazil 6
Waka Waka!
Day 3 of the Homeless World Cup in Oslo, Norway.
The South African team was proudly awarded the coveted Fair Play Award on Day 3, recognizing the spirit of Ubuntu and fair play demonstrated by the team after the tight 6-3 defeat to Brazil on the 3rd evening.
Our true essence embodies the beautiful game.
“It’s about more than just winning or losing on the pitch,” comments Team coach, Bongani “Bobo” Matheso.
“The Fair Play award is judged by a panel of referees and tournament officials who closely observe teams for their conduct, fair play, and adherence to the spirit of the game.” – HWC Spokesperson
Today was a victory that will be felt throughout the tournament.
Bring home the Fairplay Team of the Day! Celebrating the SPIRIT of FREE PLAY
Strikers up front on the pitch, brothers in love and nity for life. A game to define.
A comfortable win over Greece, with another slick first half, scoring eight goals, as the remarkable eight came out with a stunning 9-1 victory. Follow Matchday 3 live here as we take on Bulgaria at 13:20 and Finland at 17:00.
SOUTH AFRICA 7 – BULGARIA 3 Great attacking performance. We lead up to our game against Finland live at 17:00
Another one! The boys rocked it out vs Finland, winning 11-3. And that concludes a lovely 3rd day of a wonderful, most beautiful game.
Matchday 4
With two games that tested our mentality,
we delivered two solid performances, we gave a taste of flair play, skill, speed, physicality, and our love for this week’s crucial matches.
First win over Balgaria, passing was precise, finishing needing a little more fine tuning. Overall strong game.
As expected, matches are getting tighter and more competitive, with teams adjusting to new opponents and fighting for position in their respective Trophy tiers.
Today’s results offer an early glimpse into how the second stage might unfold, with plenty still to play for in the days ahead.
The start of the second stage begins with teams being reshuffled according to their performance in the first phase of games.
Top of Group D ahead of tomorrow!
Mindset is “happy, but we remain humble,” – Coach Bobo tells IOL.
South Africa beat Bosnia 2-0 in the second stage group.
Team SA is now top of the Group D table after beating Bulgaria and Finland in the first stage, progressing to the second.
End of Match Day 4
MATCHDAY 5! We take on Bosnia later today at 15:00.
The South African team, with Bly airborne, stands together in a line on the pitch
These players, who had a send-off event in Cape Town before their departure, represent the hope and resilience of their communities.
Hear what Coach Bobo had to say before today’s victory.
“I had a chat with the boys today about Bosnia; they told me they were willing to die for one another.”
“I have had to take a lot of time to reflect on this year’s tournament, and just seeing the boys on the pitch, it’s my dream come true.” – Coach Bobo to IOL.
Final Score: South Africa 8 – Bosnia 4
These are the standings heading into the final day of Stage 2. After today, it’s knockout time!
End of Match Day 5.
Day 6 in Oslo! Welcome to the Knockout Stages
South Africa wins its 7th game of the tournament so far, beating Poland 8-1.
Our second fixture kicks off at 15:40 as we face Costa Rica. Today’s first game for the remarkable eight! A lovely start to the knockout stages!
Costa Rica – 2 South Africa – 4
A remarkable performance against Costa Rica, who were physical and tough. Two late goals in the last minutes of the game saw the remarkable eight won, 3-2
END OF KNOCKOUT STAGE.
THE QUARTER FINALS
It was exhilarating. South Africa has advanced to the semi-finals of the Homeless World Cup. The Remarkable Eight were resilient, fierce, and composed, winning 9-7.
The knockout stage kicks off today, where every match is win or go home.
Semi-final spots up for grabs.
For many of us, the Homeless World Cup is an annual event that often goes unnoticed, and returning to Oslo for its 20th anniversary, the tournament has been remarkable so far!
A little under a week ago, a group of young South African men arrived in the city, and tomorrow, The Remarkable Eight, the South African HWC Team, will face Scotland in the much-anticipated quarter-final match.
I had a chance to connect with the boys via a short video call with Bly, and as I got a glimpse into their world, and humbly thankful for this I am. Seeing their smiles, their spirit came right through the screen, as humble as ever.
During our call, a simple yet profound moment occurred; a player from Hong Kong came into the hotel room and wanted to swap jerseys with one of the South African players. In this instant, barriers of language, culture, and circumstance ceased to exist; they disappeared.
It was a pure, unscripted exchange of respect, proving the true essence of the Homeless World Cup’s mission.
When Bly passed the phone to Waka and Niyaaz, I most graciously congratulated them, and I told them this: that their country was watching and cheering on. This is when their faces lit up, a mix of relief and pride?
To smile and say they are doing this for those back home is an act of true humbleness for these eight young men, who have felt unseen, unheard, and condemned by society, is truly remarkable
Earning their spot was not by luck as the team constantly came to the pitch and delivered quality football for 14 minutes each match, done with Mzanzi; joyous, skilled, creativity, and physically that has captivated audiences in Oslo.
Scotland Awaits.
And we go to the Semis!
A Date with Destiny: The Semifinal Showdown
Now, all eyes turn to the semi-final showdown against Egypt at the 2025 Homeless World Cup in Oslo, Norway.
With a spot in the final on the line, the South African team prepares for what promises to be one of its biggest challenges yet.
This evening’s game is one not to be missed as the two African giants go head-to-head at 18:40.
Day 8: African Giants vs Egyptian Kings
As the rain poured from the Oslo skies, the semi-final between South Africa and Egypt, two African powerhouses, was a battle with both teams displaying an incredible love for the game with every pass, tackle, and shot.
Shown through the immense passion of the players, these moments are a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is formidably life-changing.
Though the dream of lifting the trophy has ended a day early for the 2025 Remarkable South African Homeless World Cup Team in its 20th anniversary, South Africa’s legacy in Oslo is already secure.
In a few days, eight young men will leave the tournament, champions in every spiritual right.
The acting Minister of Police Professor Firoz Cachalia has raised concern over the return of 121 dockets to the Political Killings Task Team after they were removed from the South African Police Services (SAPS) unit.The announcement was made on Thursday General Fannie Masemola, the National Police Commissioner who said the dockets would be processed and returned to KwaZulu-Natal to allow the investigative team to proceed with their work.Masemola indicated that […]
