25 February Sports Headlines

Morocco captain Saiss announces international retirement. 

Romain Saiss, Morocco’s veteran captain, has retired from international football at 35. After repeated injuries, including a brief Africa Cup of Nations return, he decided to step away, calling it “the most beautiful chapter” of his life. Saiss led Morocco to the 2022 World Cup semifinal and will continue playing for Al Sadd in Qatar, pledging to remain the national team’s biggest supporter. 

Swallows-Gallants saga deepens as legal battle intensifies. 

Moroka Swallows are seeking to cancel their R40 million sale of Premiership status to Marumo Gallants, accusing them of defaulting on payments. The deal required R20 million upfront and R10 million for staff settlements, but Swallows say Gallants failed to settle R13 million in tax liabilities, now inflated by penalties. Gallants filed notice to oppose, arguing they’ve substantially complied, though insiders see it as a delay tactic. The Premier Soccer League is monitoring while the court decides. If Swallows succeed, they could regain control and seek new buyers, though the dispute may drag on for months. 

Springboks to open 2026 season against the Barbarians: All the fixtures. 

The Springboks will open their 2026 season with a friendly against the Barbarians in Gqeberha on 20 June. They then face England, Scotland, and Wales at home in July as part of the inaugural Nations Championship. A four-Test “Greatest Rivalry Tour” against the All Blacks follows in August and September, plus a one-off clash with Australia in Perth. In November, the Boks travel to Europe to play Italy, France, and Ireland before the Finals Weekend in London. The packed schedule blends southern hemisphere rivalries with northern tours, setting up a thrilling season.