Ongama Gcwabe

Ongama Gcwabe

Sports Writer

54 Articles

Favourite Cricket Team

South Africa

Favourite Cricket Player

Makhaya Ntini

Favourite Cricket Ground

St. George’s Park Cricket Stadium

Favourite Cricket Format

Test cricket

Favourite Sporting Memory

Proteas qualifying for their first ever World Cup Final

Favourite Sports Movie

Monneyball

Ongama Gcwabe is an experienced Sports Journalist based in South Africa. In his career, Ongama’s work has been published in the country’s biggest newspapers company, Independe Newspapers, and some of the leading news and sports websites including IOL Sport.

latestArticlesBy Ongama Gcwabe

SAFRICA-ATHLETICS-COURT-GENDER

Olympics

Exclusive: Caster Semenya’s Six-Year Legal Battle Will Inspire the Next Generation, says Hendrick Mokganyetsi

South African Olympian Hendricks Mokganyetsi believes that Caster Semenya's legal battle victory will inspire the next generation of female track athletes. The European Court of Human Rights found flaws in her case against the Court of Arbitration for Sport's DSD regulations. Despite facing discrimination and media scrutiny, Semenya won two Olympic gold medals and inspired athletes like Prudence Sekgodiso to succeed.

Ongama Gcwabe

2025-07-14

South Africa v Pakistan - 2nd Test - Day 3

Cricket

Proteas Blessed with “Best Fast Bowling Stocks in the World,” says Coach Piet Botha

With the Proteas' bowling stocks growing stronger, names like Rabada, Ngidi, Jansen, Coetzee, Burger, and Williams are becoming prominent. Proteas coach Botha is excited about the depth and rotation options moving forward. Mphaka, while quiet in the first Test, is expected to grow with more experience.

Ongama Gcwabe

2025-07-04

South Africa v Australia - ICC World Test Championship Final 2025: Day Three

Cricket

Exclusive: Winning WTC Final Would Be a Full Circle Moment for Bavuma, Says Former Selector

Former South Africa national selector, Hussein Manack, believes that if Temba Bavuma wins the World Test Championship final at Lord's on Day four, it would be a historic moment for cricket in South Africa. Bavuma, who has faced criticism in the past, has the opportunity to inspire young players and help develop the game in the country. Manack praises Bavuma's leadership and courage on the field, highlighting his potential to make a significant impact on South African cricket.

Ongama Gcwabe

2025-06-13

Net Sessions - ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Cricket

Exclusive: Proteas Stalwart Rassie van der Dussen Backs Himself for Another World Cup

Proteas senior batter Rassie van der Dussen is aiming to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. With the Proteas prioritizing this tournament for their first ICC trophy, Van der Dussen's future in Test and T20I cricket is also discussed.

Ongama Gcwabe

2025-05-12

Worcestershire v Durham - Rothesay County Championship

Cricket

Exclusive: Jake Ball’s Advice and the Chance to Meet Ben Stokes Motivate Durham’s New Signing Codi Yusuf

South African fast bowler Codi Yusuf joins Durham to gain more First-Class experience after a successful season in South Africa. He credits Allan Donald for his development and looks forward to playing with Ben Stokes. Yusuf aims to make the Proteas Test squad by honing his skills in County cricket.

Ongama Gcwabe

2025-04-28

India v South Africa: Semi Final - ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup South Africa 2024

Cricket

Exclusive: South Africa’s Young Batting Prodigies Brevis and Pretorius Join Hampshire Hawks for T20 Blast

South African batting prodigies Dewald Brevis and Lhuan-dre Pretorius join Hampshire Hawks for T20 Blast. Despite their age, Brevis brings experience while Pretorius brings talent. The two friends aim to conquer the UK together, learning and growing from each other's experiences.

Ongama Gcwabe

2025-04-08

New Zealand v South Africa - ICC Men's Cricket World Cup India 2023

Cricket

Exclusive: Van der Dussen and Rickelton Eye Redemption for MI Cape Town in Season Three

Critically acclaimed opening pair, RVD - Rickelton have dominated SA20 seasons with 6 impressive 50-plus partnerships last season. Van der Dussen and Rickelton aiming for a successful Season Three, hoping to turn around MI Cape Town's disappointing history. SA20 tournament has positively impacted South African cricket, with enthusiastic crowd support. Season three kicks off on January 9.

Ongama Gcwabe

2025-01-08

1st Test: South Africa v Pakistan, Day 3

Cricket

Temba Bavuma's 'Relief' and 'Joy' as Proteas Eye Redemption in WTC Final

South African captain Temba Bavuma reflects on years of World Cup disappointments, expressing 'relief' and 'joy' after leading his team to the WTC final. The Newlands Stadium sets the stage for the second Test match, with an exciting sold-out crowd and a debut for 18-year-old fast bowler Kwena Maphaka.

Ongama Gcwabe

2025-01-02

New Zealand v South Africa - 3rd Test: Day 1

Cricket

Exclusive: "Test centuries is the currency," says former proteas opening batter Alviro Petersen

South Africa's Test Team is on track to lift the ICC Golden Mace at the World Test Championship final. Alviro Petersen reflects on the 2012 triumph, highlighting the importance of Test centuries. Despite success, there are areas for improvement like Tony de Zorzi's recent form. The team's achievements will benefit South African cricket and inspire youngsters to value Test cricket.

Ongama Gcwabe

2024-12-30

South Africa v Sri Lanka 2nd Test - Day 1

Cricket

Exclusive: Ryan Rickelton reckons the Centurion Test is the most important as South Africa push for WTC final spot

Proteas batsman Rickelton and team gear up for a crucial match against Pakistan at SuperSport Park. With a chance to secure a spot in the World Test Championship final, the young team is determined to make history. Rickelton is confident in familiar conditions and optimistic about the team's performance against tough competitors like Australia and India. Good team spirit and recent wins give South Africa hope for success in the upcoming series.

Ongama Gcwabe

2024-12-24

South Africa Cricket Team Practice Session

Cricket

Exclusive: Matthew Breetzke Remains Hopeful of a 'Proper Run' in the Proteas Test Team

South African cricketer Matthew Breetzke recalls his challenging Test debut against Bangladesh and explains his determination to come back stronger. Despite being a backup batter, he remains hopeful for future opportunities in the upcoming series against Pakistan.

Ongama Gcwabe

2025-01-06

1st Test, South Africa v Sri Lanka: Day 2

Cricket

Exclusive: The Calm, Visionary Leader Driving South Africa Toward Historic World Test Championship Final

Enoch Nkwe discovered and nurtured Temba Bavuma's leadership qualities at the Lions, leading to him becoming Test and ODI captain for South Africa. Bavuma's commitment to the team, handling adversity, and societal impact make him a top leader in world cricket. Now, he is on the verge of leading South Africa to their first-ever World Test Championship final.

Ongama Gcwabe

2024-12-22

West Indies v South Africa - 2nd Test

Cricket

Keshav Maharaj's Fitness Key as South Africa Chase WTC Final Spot

South Africa Test coach Shukri Conrad adds spinner Keshav Maharaj to the squad for the pivotal Pakistan series as the team aims for a spot in the World Test Championship final. Maharaj's injury adds to South Africa's bowling woes but Conrad remains hopeful for a successful series.

Ongama Gcwabe

2024-12-18

Exclusive: "Shukri Conrad is not too dissimilar to Rassie Erasmus," says Robin Peterson

Cricket

Exclusive: "Shukri Conrad is not too dissimilar to Rassie Erasmus," says Robin Peterson

Shukri Conrad, South Africa Test coach, has led the team to the top of the World Test Championship standings with his vast coaching experience gained over three decades. Former player Robin Peterson praises Conrad's ability to build winning teams and create a positive environment, comparing him to Rassie Erasmus. South Africa's success under Conrad's leadership will be put to the test when they face Pakistan in upcoming Test matches.

Ongama Gcwabe

2024-12-13

Kagiso Rabada, Temba Bavuma, Tabraiz Shamsi back in ODI Squad for Pakistan Series

Cricket

Kagiso Rabada, Temba Bavuma, Tabraiz Shamsi back in ODI Squad for Pakistan Series

South Africa's ODI squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan includes Tabraiz Shamsi ahead of Nqaba Peter. The experienced players like Kagiso Rabada and Temba Bavuma are returning while young talent Kwena Maphaka earns his first call-up. Anrich Nortje is ruled out due to injury.

Ongama Gcwabe

2024-12-12

Exclusive: From Injuries to Excellence, Temba Bavuma Leading the Proteas to New Heights

Cricket

Exclusive: From Injuries to Excellence, Temba Bavuma Leading the Proteas to New Heights

South African athlete Temba Bavuma makes a remarkable return from injury, leading the Proteas to victory against Sri Lanka. With impressive performances, he instils self-belief in himself and his team, currently leading the World Test Championship standings. The team is in a happy space, eyeing a spot in the final at Lord's next year.

Ongama Gcwabe

2024-12-11

Ongama Gcwabe

Ongama has covered many international and domestic fixtures across various sporting codes. One of his career highlights includes covering the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa.