South African sports supporters have a full weekend of football, rugby and cricket from Friday, 25 September to Sunday, 27 September 2026, with three major fixtures taking place in Gauteng. Bafana Bafana host Guinea in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, while the Lions face Leinster in Johannesburg on the same day. On Sunday, the Proteas meet Australia in the second One Day International at the Wanderers, which will also host Cricket South Africa’s annual Pink Day fixture
The weekend also marks the opening round of the United Rugby Championship, with all four South African franchises scheduled to play.
ALSO READ: Proteas vs Australia 2026: Full ODI and Test Fixtures, Dates and Venues
South African sports fixtures at a glance
All times below are South African local time.
| Date | Fixture | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, 25 September | Connacht vs Stormers | 20:45 | Dexcom Stadium, Ireland |
| Saturday, 26 September | Lions vs Leinster | 13:30 | Ellis Park, Johannesburg |
| Saturday, 26 September | Bafana Bafana vs Guinea | 15:00 | Orlando Stadium, Soweto |
| Saturday, 26 September | Sharks vs Ospreys | 16:00 | Kings Park, Durban |
| Saturday, 26 September | Zebre Parma vs Bulls | 18:30 | Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Italy |
| Sunday, 27 September | Proteas vs Australia | 10:00 | Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg |
The rugby fixtures and times are listed by the United Rugby Championship, while the football and cricket schedules are supported by the relevant match listings.
Bafana Bafana Host Guinea at Orlando Stadium
Bafana Bafana begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Guinea at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday, 26 September.
The Group D fixture kicks off at 15:00 and marks Pitso Mosimane’s first competitive match since returning as South Africa’s national team coach.
South Africa’s qualifying group includes Guinea, Eritrea and Kenya. The match against Guinea is the team’s opening fixture of the campaign, with another qualifier against Eritrea scheduled for Wednesday, 30 September.
Bafana Bafana vs Guinea
Saturday, 26 September
Kick off: 15:00
Venue: Orlando Stadium, Soweto
Competition: 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier
Tickets: R100 for adults and R40 for children under 12.
What the Bafana Bafana Match Means for Gauteng
Hosting the qualifier places Soweto at the centre of South Africa’s international football programme this weekend.
The match gives Gauteng residents an opportunity to watch the national team locally while also bringing visiting supporters to Johannesburg.
Football supporters travelling to Orlando Stadium may use local restaurants, accommodation, public transport and other services before and after the match.
Residents attending should plan their journeys in advance and check stadium entry requirements before travelling.
Lions Open Their URC Campaign Against Leinster
Johannesburg also hosts international club rugby on Saturday as the Lions face Irish side Leinster in the opening round of the United Rugby Championship.
The match takes place at Ellis Park, with kick off scheduled for 13:30 South African time.
The fixture is part of the first round of the new URC season, which begins on Friday, 25 September.
Lions vs Leinster
Saturday, 26 September
Kick off: 13:30
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Competition: United Rugby ChampionshipView URC fixtures
The Lions fixture gives Gauteng rugby supporters a home match during the opening weekend of the competition.
It also means Johannesburg will host international club rugby and international football on the same afternoon, with the two matches taking place at separate venues.
Supporters attending either event should account for travel time and confirm venue arrangements before leaving home.
Bulls, Sharks and Stormers Begin Their URC Season
The other three South African franchises also feature in the opening round of the United Rugby Championship.
The Stormers begin their campaign in Ireland against Connacht on Friday evening.
On Saturday, the Sharks host Welsh side Ospreys in Durban, while the Bulls travel to Italy to face Zebre Parma.
According to the United Rugby Championship’s published schedule, the fixtures are spread across Friday and Saturday, with the Lions the only South African franchise playing in Gauteng this weekend.
Proteas Face Australia at the Wanderers on Pink Day
The Proteas return to Johannesburg on Sunday, 27 September, for the second One Day International against Australia.
The match starts at 10:00 at DP World Wanderers Stadium and forms part of Australia’s three match ODI tour of South Africa.
Cricket South Africa has confirmed that the Johannesburg fixture will also be the annual Pink Day match.
The ODI series began in Durban on Thursday, 24 September, and will conclude in Potchefstroom on Wednesday, 30 September.
The Wanderers match therefore provides Gauteng supporters with an opportunity to attend the only ODI of the series scheduled in the province.
South Africa vs Australia
Sunday, 27 September
Start: 10:00
Venue: DP World Wanderers Stadium, Illovo, Johannesburg
Competition: Second ODI and Pink Day
Tickets: From R150 through the official Cricket South Africa ticketing partner.
What Pink Day Means for Gauteng
Pink Day is an established fixture on South Africa’s cricket calendar, using the annual ODI at the Wanderers to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer initiatives.
The match also brings international cricket to Johannesburg, with supporters able to attend a national team fixture without travelling outside Gauteng.
For visitors travelling into the province, the event creates opportunities to use local accommodation, restaurants and transport services.
The official Ticketpro listing shows tickets starting at R150. Supporters should check availability and purchase conditions directly with the authorised ticketing platform.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
Gauteng hosts three significant sporting fixtures over two days, giving residents access to international football, club rugby and international cricket.
Saturday’s programme includes the Lions against Leinster at Ellis Park and Bafana Bafana against Guinea at Orlando Stadium. Sunday’s programme moves to the Wanderers for the Proteas against Australia.
The events also create opportunities for visitors to explore Johannesburg and Soweto while attending matches.
Residents planning to attend should check ticket availability, stadium entry requirements and transport arrangements. Supporters travelling to the cricket should also review the venue’s prohibited items and parking information.
Those watching from home can follow the matches through their respective broadcasters and official sporting platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Bafana Bafana play Guinea?
Bafana Bafana face Guinea on Saturday, 26 September 2026, at 15:00 at Orlando Stadium in Soweto.
Where are the Proteas playing Australia this weekend?
The Proteas face Australia at DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday, 27 September 2026. Play starts at 10:00.
Is the Proteas match a Pink Day ODI?
Yes. Cricket South Africa has designated the second ODI against Australia at the Wanderers as its annual Pink Day fixture.
Which rugby teams are playing in Gauteng?
The Lions host Leinster at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, 26 September, at 13:30.
Where can supporters buy tickets?
Bafana Bafana tickets are listed through Ticketpro. The Proteas Pink Day fixture also has an official Cricket South Africa Ticketpro listing. Supporters attending the Lions match should consult the club’s official ticketing channels.
Gauteng Hosts a Weekend of International Sport
From Bafana Bafana’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Soweto to the Lions’ opening URC match and the Proteas’ Pink Day ODI, Johannesburg will host three major sporting fixtures between Saturday and Sunday.
The matches give local supporters opportunities to attend national team and international club competitions while bringing visiting teams and spectators to the province.
Residents planning to attend should confirm the latest match information, purchase tickets through authorised sellers and make travel arrangements before match day.
