The 2023/24 DStv Premiership season saw Mamelodi Sundowns continue where they left off last season as they defeated Sekhukhune United 2-1 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium while Orlando Pirates lost their opening match to Stellenbosch FC at the Danie Craven Stadium and Kaizer Chiefs played to a 0-0 draw against Chippa United at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Namibian Peter Shalulile, joint winner of the Premiership Golden Boot last season with 12 goals, and new signing Lucas Ribeiro from Brazil scored for the defending DStv Premiership champions as Rulani Mokwena's charges picked up their first three points of the new season.

In his first match in the red and white colours of Sekhukhune United, Jamie Webber scored Sekhukhune United's consolation goal in the second half.

Elsewhere, Antonio Van Wyk scored the winner as Stellenbosch FC stunned Orlando Pirates in their opening match of the DStv Premiership at the Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday night.

While there were two early chances for Thabang Monare in the opening 10 minutes of the encounter there were also half chances at the other end too, but Stellies battled to find the final touches.

Another good chance fell for Jose Riveiro’s men in the 40th minute but Sage Stephens saved Deon Hotto’s attempt from an acute angle, it would prove to be costly, as two minutes later Van Wyk raced free from the Pirates' defence before sliding the ball past Sipho Chaine.

Pirates continued to control the tempo after the break as they tried to turn around the deficit but it wasn't to be as Steve Barker's men collected their first three points of the new season.

Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs were left frustrated by a tight and nicely-organised Chippa United in both sides’ first league match of the season at an almost full to capacity – Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Chiefs, despite looking better when it comes to squad personnel in comparison to last season, dominated the game but did not trouble Chippa’s goalie Stanley Mwakali and his defence.

As the game ended in a goalless draw, Chiefs, whose fans packed up their alternative venue in the coastal city, were not given space and time by Morgan Mammila’s side.

Amakhosi next face Mamelodi Sundowns in the second round of the DStv Premiership on Wednesday the 9th of August 2023.

Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has praised her team despite their elimination from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Banyana conceded an early goal following a corner and lost Jermaine Seoposenwe and Bambanani Mbane to injuries in the first half but gave the 2019 runners-up a proper run for their money, especially in the latter stages of the first half.

Lineth Beerensteyn's second-half goal was enough to see the 2019 finalists through in a tightly contested affair.

Thembi Kgatlana proved a constant danger point but Dutch goalkeeper Daphne van Domesellar, who was named Player of the Match, kept her side from conceding.

Ellis said that her team are aiming to be back on the world stage in 2027 after a much-improved display in their second World Cup appearance.

"When we came the first time we said we want to come back and now again we definitely want to come back, I think this team has grown and one or two little things here and there and we could be celebrating now, but good luck to the Netherlands, we wish them well as they continue, I am just very proud of this team," Ellis said.

Australia reclaimed the Netball World Cup after defeating England 61-45 in the final of the tournament at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Sunday evening.

It brought the curtain down on an epic spectacle and Africa's first-ever Netball World Cup as the trophy was presented to Australia by South African president Cyril Ramaphosa.

Earlier in the evening in the bronze medal playoff, Jamaica defeated New Zealand for the second time in a matter of days to secure their first podium place since 2007 while, earlier in the day, the Proteas lost to Uganda to finish 6th at their home showpiece.

South Africa produced a much-improved display after the interval to overcome Argentina for the second time in a week following a 24-13 triumph in Buenos Aires.

The Springboks opened the game’s account via a Manie Libbok penalty, but Los Pumas would go into the break 10-3 in front through Gonzalo Bertranou’s try and Emiliano Boffelli’s three-pointer.

Jacques Nienaber’s charges responded at the start of the second period, however, as Makazole Mapimpi and Canan Moddie touched down to regain their advantage, it was a lead they would not relinquish with Libbok, despite a disappointing day with the boot, sealing the win with a trio of penalties.

Arsenal lifted the 2023 Community Shield to end Manchester City's silverware streak with a 4-1 penalty shoot-out victory after a 1-1 draw against the treble winners on Sunday.

Mikel Arteta's side forced the shoot-out thanks to Leandro Trossard's heavily deflected equaliser 11 minutes into stoppage time at Wembley.

Cole Palmer's superb curler had given City the lead late in the second half, but Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri missed their penalties before Fabio Vieira converted the decisive kick in the annual curtain-raiser to the Premier League season.

De Bruyne hit the bar with City's first spot-kick and Rodri's effort was saved by Aaron Ramsdale, while Arsenal converted all four of their kicks.

Pep Guardiola's men, aiming for an unprecedented fourth successive Premier League crown, start their title defence at promoted Burnley on Friday the 11th of August while Arsenal host Nottingham Forest the following day.