We have pulled together five predictions for what they expect to unfold in the coming 12 months.

1. Proteas eye World Test Championship glory

South Africa is set for a potentially huge year in cricket, with the Proteas looking to claim their first-ever World Test Championship (WTC) title.

After a dominant 3–0 series win against Pakistan in December, the South Africans secured their spot in the WTC final, setting up a massive showdown against reigning champions Australia at Lord’s.

Now, ranked fourth in the ODI standings, the Proteas look to be building some real momentum under head coach Shukri Conrad.

The Proteas enjoyed an outstanding seven-match winning streak in 2024, and that impressive form is expected to continue in 2025 when they compete for two ICC trophies.

Before the WTC final in June, South Africa will bid for ICC Champions Trophy glory in Pakistan, where they face Afghanistan, Australia, and England in Group B.

With a huge opportunity to add to their trophy cabinet, 2025 could be a massive year for South African cricket.

2. Springboks to continue international dominance

After a superb 2024, which saw them claim a first Rugby Championship since 2019, the Springboks look set for another year of dominance in international rugby.

Led by Rassie Erasmus, the Boks enjoyed a superb campaign with five wins from six games, securing only a fifth-ever Rugby Championship title.

Remarkably dominant, South Africa finished the tournament eight points clear of New Zealand’s All Blacks, and with a stunning +94 points difference.

With strength in depth and the emergence of fresh young talent like Henco van Wyk, the Boks look well-placed to go from strength to strength in 2025.

Erasmus’ men return to action in July with Test internationals against Italy before they begin the defence of their Rugby Championship title against Australia in August.

Can the Boks claim a first-ever back-to-back Rugby Championship? You certainly wouldn’t bet against it.

3. Banyana Banyana poised to defend AFCON title in August

The brilliant Banyana Banyana head into the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco as favourites to retain their title in Morocco.

After finally breaking Nigeria’s dominance with their historic 2022 WAFCON victory, the South African women’s side have continued to improve, highlighted by a superb run at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Banyana Banyana made history by reaching the knockout phase for the first time with a thrilling 3–2 victory against Italy in the group phase.

While eliminated by the Dutch in the round of sixteen, Desiree Ellis’ side earned plenty of praise for their impressive displays in Australia.

Now, heading into the 2025 WAFCON as favourites, and drawn into a favourable Group B alongside Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania, Banyana Banyana look to have every chance of claiming back-to-back titles in Morocco.

With a squad packed full of talent, experience, and proven match-winners, another South Africa WAFCON triumph could be on the cards later this year. Expect a deep run to the final stages where Nigeria could yet lie in wait for the reigning champions.

4. SA20 poised for growth and greater inclusivity in 2025

Since its launch in 2023, the SA20 cricket tournament has quickly become one of the most popular T20 events worldwide.

With plans for franchise expansion and the recruitment of more international stars, the league is set to grow significantly in 2025.

Yet, despite its success in reinvigorating domestic SA cricket, the underrepresentation of black African players remains a critical issue.

Last season, only 13 black South African players featured in the league, out of 119 total players, with just six playing more than one match.

In response to this disparity, Cricket South Africa (CSA) hosted a three-day diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) summit in July 2024, aiming to establish a pathway toward a more demographically representative SA20 league and national team by the 2027 ODI World Cup.

With these plans underway, the SA20 is expected to see increased participation from black African players this season.

5. Formula One’s return to South Africa

South Africa’s bid to bring Formula One back to the country is gaining serious momentum according to Bets.co.za, with 2025 likely to see confirmation of a 2027 Grand Prix at the iconic Kyalami Circuit.

Over three decades since the last F1 race in South Africa, the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture (DSAC) recently issued a tender inviting promoters to deliver a world-class F1 event.

The DSAC’s vision for Formula One’s return to South African shores includes a proposed 10-year partnership to ensure the Grand Prix’s long-term sustainability.

With governmental backing and a clear commitment to meeting Formula One’s high standards, the likelihood of F1’s return to SA seems to be growing by the day.

While a race won’t happen in 2025, confirmation of the sport’s return to the country would provide a massive economic boost, and give a serious shot in the arm to the motorsport scene in South Africa.