Latest sports news and fixtures: Saturday 8 February

We bring you the latest sports news and fixtures for Saturday 8 February 2020, a day that includes Nedbank Cup action as well as Super Rugby and Guiness Pro14.

Latest sports news and fixtures

Super Rugby

Lions vs Reds, Johannesburg, 15:05

Springbok fullback Andries Coetzee makes a welcome return to the Emirates Lions team for their first Vodacom Super Rugby home game against the Reds on Saturday, as a replacement for Tiaan Swanepoel. The match in Johannesburg starts at 15:05.

In the only other change to the starting line-up Morne van den Berg replaces the injured Andre Warner (ankle) at scrumhalf. Meanwhile, the Reds have made four changes to their starting team. Wallaby utility back James O’Connor switches from inside-centre to flyhalf for only his second start in the Reds’ No 10 jersey, and Hamish Stewart comes off the bench and slots into the vacant midfield spot.

Stormers v Bulls, Cape Town, 17:15

Springbok tighthead prop Frans Malherbe will play his 100th Vodacom Super Rugby match for the DHL Stormers in the South African derby against the Vodacom Bulls at DHL Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday.

The kick-off for the North-South Derby is at 17:15 on Saturday, as the DHL Stormers look to make it two straight wins at the start of the season, following their 27-0 victory against the Hurricanes last weekend.  All the games are live on SS1.

Guinness Pro14

Leinster vs Cheetahs, Dublin, 16:30

The Cheetahs face top of the conference Leinster in a crunch match in Dublin coming off the back of a brace of derby wins.

The men from Free State are still in contention for the playoffs but could really use a win against the Irish powerhouse.

Nedbank Cup

Bloem Celtic vs AmaZulu FC, Dr Molemela Stadium, 15:00

AmaZulu FC will be away to Bloemfontein Celtic in thir Last 32 match at the Dr Molemela Stadium on Saturday.

Usuthu are coming into this encounter having secured a 1-0 victory over Polokwane City at home in an Absa Premiership match last weekend.

Usuthu are coming into this encounter having secured a 1-0 victory over Polokwane City at home in an Absa Premiership match last weekend.

Passion FC vs Real Kings, Kameelrivier Stadium, 15:00

In a battle of the minnows Real Kings are favoured to come out on top but with Passion playing at home anything could happen.

Both sides would be emboldened by TS Galaxy’s incredible cup run last season.

Amavarara FC vs Super Eagles, Sisa Dukashe Stadium, 15:00

Another lower-league special this match should showcase the magic of the cup with the winners taking a place in the competition’s last 16.

Vaal University vs Golden Arrows, Dobsonville Stadium, 15:00

Steve Komphela’s side are in Dobsonville to take on Vaal University in a non-televised match.

Abafana Bes’thende are flying high in seventh place in the PSL and come into the match with a 1-0 win over Supersport United last week.

Kaizer Chiefs vs Royal Eagles, FNB Stadium, 18:00

NFD strugglers Royal Eagles face a monumental task to overcome PSL-leaders Kaizer Chiefs who were last season’s beaten finalists in this competition.

Chiefs fans will be expecting nothing short of an absolute rout in this David and Goliath clash.

Highlands Park vs Uthongathi FC, Makhulong Stadium, 20:15

The Lions of the North have overachieved this season so far but they would like nothing more than to hold onto a top eight spot while going on a cup run.

Uthongathi FC have not won since January but the KZN outfit are a prospective banana skin for Highlands.

Mamelodi Sundowns vs SuperSport United, Loftus Versfeld, 20:15

The fifth installment of the Tshwane derby is perhaps the tie of the weekend with Pitso Mosimane’s Sundowns favoured to see off Supersport.

Supersport have already achieved cup success this term though and will not go quietly.

Latest sports news

The second One-Day International between South Africa and England was abandoned in Durban on Friday.

Cricket SA (CSA) and the SA Cricketers’ Association (Saca) have agreed to a consultation process with regard to the review and possible restructure of domestic cricket in South Africa.

This follows the decision of the CSA Members’ Council on January 31 to rescind the previous decision taken to restructure domestic cricket to a 12-affiliate first-class structure.

In turn, Saca have withdrawn their application to the High Court as they and CSA have reached a confidential settlement agreement.

Following the signing of the broadcast agreement between Athletics SA (ASA) and the SABC a fortnight ago, the national federation on Friday released the broadcast schedule of events for the 2020 Athletics season.

In the SABC schedule, only four events will be broadcast live which are the Two Oceans Marathon, Comrades Marathon, Nelson Mandela Marathon and the Cape Town Marathon. The rest of the 19 events will be delayed broadcasts.