Live Update: Home Bound. The Inspiring Journey of the South African Team at the 2025 Homeless World Cup
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SOUTH AFRICA’S HOMELESS WORLD CUP 2025
WELCOME TO THE LIVE UPDATE PAGE FOR THE SOUTH AFRICAN TEAM! FOLLOW THEIR JOURNEY HERE.
LIVE UPDATES
AUG 31
15:00 CET | FROM THE PITCH TO THE PLANE
The bags are packed, and the team is at the airport. Their time on the fields of Oslo has come to an end, but their story is now being carried to all corners of the world. They may be tired, but the energy of their achievement keeps them going.
14:30 CET | THE FINAL CONFIRMATION
The anticipation is building. Logistics manager Anthea Martinus has officially confirmed to IOL the details of the team’s return. The team is set to arrive at Cape Town International Airport at 11:00 AM tomorrow morning, bringing their incredible story home.
10:00 CET | FINAL GOODBYES
A new day dawns, and with it, the final hours in Oslo. The boys are enjoying a last breakfast and exchanging heartfelt goodbyes with fellow teams from around the globe. The spirit of the Homeless World Cup is on full display as friendships are sealed with hugs and promises to stay in touch. The community here is truly remarkable.
AUG 30
22:30 CET | REFLECTING ON A LEGACY
The team is back at their hotel, beginning the final evening of their incredible journey. The atmosphere is a mix of quiet reflection and shared laughter. They came to Oslo with a dream, and though the trophy eluded them, they are leaving with something more profound—a legacy that will be felt back home for years to come.
21:30 CET | A PROUD FOURTH-PLACE FINISH
The awards ceremony is underway, and Team South Africa has just been presented with their medals for a commendable fourth-place finish. The smiles on their faces show the immense pride they feel, not just for their performance but for the journey they’ve shared. What a week!
21:00 CET | TOUGH FINISH IN 3RD PLACE PLAY-OFF
In a tense and hard-fought 3rd place play-off, South Africa loses to Poland after a dramatic penalty shootout. The final score was 1-0 on penalties after a scoreless regulation time. The team fought with immense bravery until the very end, leaving everything on the field. They finish the tournament in a commendable fourth place, their highest-ever ranking in the history of the event.
16:30 CET | TEAM PREPARATIONS FOR FINAL MATCH
The boys are back on the pitch, warming up for their final match against Poland. The atmosphere is electric, and the team is in a tight huddle with Coach Bobo. They are focused and ready to give their all for one last time in this incredible tournament. Their resilience has been inspiring.
08:30 CET | HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENT
This year’s team has made history! By reaching the top four, they have secured the highest-ever ranking for a South African team in the history of the Homeless World Cup. An incredible achievement and a testament to their dedication and heart.
AUG 29
20:15 CET | A VICTORY BEYOND THE SCOREBOARD
Heartbreak for South Africa as they narrowly lose 3-4 to Egypt in a passionate semi-final. While their run for the cup ends here, their journey has been a victory. They won the Fair Play Award, captivating hearts with their spirit and resilience. We couldn’t be prouder of these heroes who return not just as players, but as inspirations. The city of Cape Town awaits them.
18:40 CET | SEMI-FINAL VS EGYPT
Next up is the semi-final against Egypt! The boys are in the right head space. They are present and determined to bring it home right now, no distractions.
15:00 CET | QUARTER-FINAL WIN
What a match! Despite rainy conditions, South Africa won their quarter-final against Scotland with a thrilling 9-7 victory! The team’s incredible performance secures their spot in the semi-finals later today. Their journey continues!
14:00 CET | QUARTER-FINAL DAY
It’s quarter-final day! Team South Africa is preparing for their biggest match yet against a strong Scotland side. The team is focused and ready to give it their all. Stay tuned for updates!
11:00 CET | COACH REFLECTS ON THE JOURNEY
As the team prepares for their quarter-final showdown against Scotland, Clifford Martinus shared his thoughts on the players’ journey. “It was good to have observed the players on and off the pitch,” he stated, “and seeing their own personal growth through this experience.”
09:00 CET | PRE-GAME BUZZ
The energy at the venue is palpable this morning. Fans are gathering early, and the South African team looks sharp and relaxed during their final warm-ups. The camaraderie among the players is clear to see; they’re truly playing as one unit.
AUG 28 | KNOCKOUT STAGE
16:00 CET | VICTORY AGAINST COSTA RICA
What a nail-biter! South Africa clinches a hard-fought 3-2 victory against Costa Rica! Our boys showed incredible grit, scoring in the dying minutes to secure the win and move on to the next round! 🙌
12:00 CET | POLAND DEFEATED
Another incredible victory! South Africa defeats Poland 8-1 in a stunning display of skill and teamwork! The team’s resilience and determination shone through, securing their place in the next round.
09:00 CET | KNOCKOUT STAGE KICKS OFF
The knockout stage is here, and the team is buzzing. Coach Bobo mentioned the importance of taking it one game at a time. The atmosphere is intense, but the team’s bond seems to be their greatest strength.
AUG 27 | END OF DAY 5
15:00 CET | DOMINANT WIN OVER BOSNIA
Another massive win! South Africa defeats Bosnia 8-4! The boys played with true Mzanzi style and heart, showcasing their creativity and flair on the pitch. The team’s unity is unstoppable!
AUG 26 | END OF DAY 4
18:00 CET | VICTORY OVER FINLAND
Team South Africa delivers a powerful display of strength, securing a phenomenal 8-2 victory over Finland. Their strong hold on the ball and unwavering focus were on full display, making a definitive statement as they continue to dominate the tournament! 🔥
14:00 CET | WIN AGAINST BULGARIA
WHAT A WIN! 🥳 South Africa takes down Bulgaria 7-4 in a thrilling showdown! The team showed incredible resilience and fought back to secure a crucial victory!
10:00 CET | THE TEAM’S JOURNEY SO FAR
With three wins under their belt, the team is feeling confident. The players are not just competing, they are building a community. Off the field, they are supporting each other and sharing stories, strengthening the bonds that make this team so special.
AUG 25 | END OF DAY 3
21:00 CET | RECOGNIZED FOR FAIR PLAY
In recognition of their sportsmanship, the team was awarded the Fair Play Award. This honor is given to the team that best embodies the Homeless World Cup’s mission statement, capturing the essence of fair play through spirit and authenticity.
20:30 CET | TOUGH LOSS TO BRAZIL
A tough match against Brazil ends in a 3-6 loss. While the result is disappointing, the team fought hard and showed immense spirit against a formidable opponent. They’ll be back stronger tomorrow!
18:00 CET | A POST-MATCH HUDDLE
Immediately following the Brazil match, the team gathered in a circle on the pitch. Coach Bobo spoke to them, and despite the loss, the mood was focused and forward-looking. They were already analyzing what went wrong and how to improve.
16:00 CET | WIN AGAINST GREECE
Another dominant win! South Africa delivers a footballing masterclass, beating Greece with a final score of 9-1. This team is a force to be reckoned with!
AUG 24 | END OF DAY 2
18:30 CET | STANDOUT PERFORMANCE
A special mention goes to Sipho, whose hat-trick was key to the win against Norway. His quick feet and sharp finishing were on fire today.
17:30 CET | VICTORY AGAINST NORWAY
It’s another victory! South Africa defeats Norway 8-3. Their relentless attack and solid defense made for an incredible performance!
AUG 23 | END OF DAY 1
17:15 CET | FIRST WIN vs CZECH REPUBLIC
South Africa wins their first match vs Czech Republic with a dominant 12-0! What a statement to kick off the tournament!
12:00 CET | OPENING CEREMONY
The team was all smiles at the opening ceremony. The feeling of representing their country on this world stage is a huge source of motivation for them all.
Match Schedule
| Date & Time (CET) | Match | Score | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 23 16:35 | South Africa vs Czech Republic | 12 – 0 | South Africa Win |
| Aug 24 17:20 | South Africa vs Norway | 8 – 3 | South Africa Win |
| Aug 25 15:00 | South Africa vs Greece | 9 – 1 | South Africa Win |
| Aug 25 19:00 | Brazil vs South Africa | 6 – 3 | South Africa Loss |
| Aug 26 13:20 | South Africa vs Bulgaria | 7 – 4 | South Africa Win |
| Aug 26 17:00 | South Africa vs Finland | 8 – 2 | South Africa Win |
| Aug 27 15:00 | Bosnia vs South Africa | 8 – 4 | South Africa Win |
| Aug 28 12:00 | South Africa vs Poland | 8 – 1 | South Africa Win |
| Aug 28 15:40 | Costa Rica vs South Africa | 2 – 3 | South Africa Win |
| Aug 29 15:00 | South Africa vs Scotland | 9 – 7 | South Africa Win |
| Aug 29 18:40 | South Africa vs Egypt | 3 – 4 | South Africa Loss |
| Aug 30 17:00 | South Africa vs Poland | 0 – 0 (penalties 0-1) |
South Africa Loss |
| The team is set to arrive at Cape Town International Airport at 11:00 AM tomorrow morning, bringing their incredible story home. | |||
To Oslo and Beyond For The Remarkable Eight: Oslo’s Final Day.
—
The sun is rising on the final day of the Homeless World Cup in Oslo, and while the trophy is no longer within reach for South Africa’s ‘Remarkable Eight,’ today is still about victory.
A day defined not by the heartbreaking 3-4 semi-final loss to Egypt, but by the unbreakable spirit that has captivated the Norwegian crowd and all those watching from all the corners of the globe. We all shared these moments with the team.
Today, the South African team play their last game with infectious joy for the beautiful game. The team prepares for their final match, the bronze medal playoff.
Unlike other major tournaments, the stands here are filled not just with local fans, but with every single player and team from the 48 nations who have traveled to Oslo, as they are all asked to stay until the very end, to bear witness to the tournament’s conclusion.
Follow for more live updates throughout the course of the Beautiful Game’s day, the final day of the 2025 Homeless in Norway, Oslo, the 20th anniversary.
To our boys, you got this today.
With love from SA.
For the latest match day news, photos, and updates from the tournament in Oslo, please scroll down.
Match Day 1!
In their first match of the tournament, the South African team, competing in Group A, delivered a dominant performance against the Czech Republic.
The final score was a resounding 12-0 victory for South Africa.
Aug 23rd
Welcome to Match Day 2!
Follow the South African Homeless World Cup Team as they take on Norway at 17:20.
Stay tuned for live updates, photos, and comments from the team.
They sing the tune of our Mother Africa. Today’s performance against Norway featured a fast-paced first half, showcasing the team’s sheer strength.
Going into the second half, 7-1 with a suitable climate, seemed like the fatigue from two days of travel may have kicked in, with a stop in Doha.
Experiencing two different worlds, and their resilience was present today. We play Greece tomorrow!
South Africa 8 – Norway 3
End of Matchday 2.
Footage from Match Day 2 below!
With a sound victory over the hosting nation, Norway. A lovely quality game in the first half!
Let’s take tomorrow’s double vs Greece at 15:00 & Brazil at 19:00.
Live on YouTube, pitch 2 and 1 respectively.
Welcome to Match Day 3!
Today’s Fixtures:
South Africa vs Greece – 15:00
South Africa 9 – Greece 1
Brazil vs South Africa – 19:00
South Africa 3 – Brazil 6
Day 3 of the Homeless World Cup in Oslo, Norway.
The South African team was proudly awarded the coveted Fair Play Award on Day 3, recognizing the spirit of Ubuntu and fair play demonstrated by the team after the tight 6-3 defeat to Brazil on the 3rd evening.
Our true essence embodies the beautiful game.
“It’s about more than just winning or losing on the pitch,” comments Team coach, Bongani “Bobo” Matheso.
“The Fair Play award is judged by a panel of referees and tournament officials who closely observe teams for their conduct, fair play, and adherence to the spirit of the game.” – HWC Spokesperson
Today was a victory that will be felt throughout the tournament.
A comfortable win over Greece, with another slick first half, scoring eight goals, as the remarkable eight came out with a stunning 9-1 victory.
Follow Matchday 3 live here as we take on Bulgaria at 13:20 and Finland at 17:00.
SOUTH AFRICA 7 – BULGARIA 3
Great attacking performance.
We lead up to our game against Finland live at 17:00
Another win for the boys in Norway vs Bulgaria!
South Africa plays Finland at 17:00 on Pitch 2.
Another one! The boys rocked it out vs Finland, winning 11-3. And that concludes a lovely 3rd day of a wonderful, most beautiful game.
Matchday 4
With two games that tested our mentality,
we delivered two solid performances, we gave a taste of flair play, skill, speed, physicality, and our love for this week’s crucial matches.
Today’s results offer an early glimpse into how the second stage might unfold, with plenty still to play for in the days ahead.
The start of the second stage begins with teams being reshuffled according to their performance in the first phase of games.
Mindset is “happy, but we remain humble,” – Coach Bobo tells IOL.
Team SA is now top of the Group D table after beating Bulgaria and Finland in the first stage, progressing to the second.
End of Match Day 4
MATCHDAY 5!
We take on Bosnia later today at 15:00.
These players, who had a send-off event in Cape Town before their departure, represent the hope and resilience of their communities.
Hear what Coach Bobo had to say before today’s victory.
“I had a chat with the boys today about Bosnia; they told me they were willing to die for one another.”
“I have had to take a lot of time to reflect on this year’s tournament, and just seeing the boys on the pitch, it’s my dream come true.” – Coach Bobo to IOL.
Final Score: South Africa 8 – Bosnia 4
End of Match Day 5.
Day 6 in Oslo!
Welcome to the Knockout Stages
South Africa wins its 7th game of the tournament so far, beating Poland 8-1.
Our second fixture kicks off at 15:40 as we face Costa Rica.
Costa Rica – 2 South Africa – 4
A remarkable performance against Costa Rica, who were physical and tough. Two late goals in the last minutes of the game saw the remarkable eight won,
3-2
END OF KNOCKOUT STAGE.
THE QUARTER FINALS
It was exhilarating. South Africa has advanced to the semi-finals of the Homeless World Cup.
The Remarkable Eight were resilient, fierce, and composed, winning 9-7.
Semi-final spots up for grabs.
For many of us, the Homeless World Cup is an annual event that often goes unnoticed, and returning to Oslo for its 20th anniversary, the tournament has been remarkable so far!
A little under a week ago, a group of young South African men arrived in the city, and tomorrow, The Remarkable Eight, the South African HWC Team, will face Scotland in the much-anticipated quarter-final match.
I had a chance to connect with the boys via a short video call with Bly, and as I got a glimpse into their world, and humbly thankful for this I am. Seeing their smiles, their spirit came right through the screen, as humble as ever.
During our call, a simple yet profound moment occurred; a player from Hong Kong came into the hotel room and wanted to swap jerseys with one of the South African players. In this instant, barriers of language, culture, and circumstance ceased to exist; they disappeared.
It was a pure, unscripted exchange of respect, proving the true essence of the Homeless World Cup’s mission.
When Bly passed the phone to Waka and Niyaaz, I most graciously congratulated them, and I told them this: that their country was watching and cheering on. This is when their faces lit up, a mix of relief and pride?
To smile and say they are doing this for those back home is an act of true humbleness for these eight young men, who have felt unseen, unheard, and condemned by society, is truly remarkable
Earning their spot was not by luck as the team constantly came to the pitch and delivered quality football for 14 minutes each match, done with Mzanzi; joyous, skilled, creativity, and physically that has captivated audiences in Oslo.
Scotland Awaits.
The Semifinal Showdown
–
Now, all eyes turn to the semi-final showdown against Egypt at the 2025 Homeless World Cup in Oslo, Norway.
With a spot in the final on the line, the South African team prepares for what promises to be one of its biggest challenges yet.
This evening’s game is one not to be missed as the two African giants go head-to-head at 18:40.
African Giants vs Egyptian Kings
As the rain poured from the Oslo skies, the semi-final between South Africa and Egypt, two African powerhouses, was a battle with both teams displaying an incredible love for the game with every pass, tackle, and shot.
Shown through the immense passion of the players, these moments are a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is formidably life-changing.
Though the dream of lifting the trophy has ended a day early for the 2025 Remarkable South African Homeless World Cup Team in its 20th anniversary, South Africa’s legacy in Oslo is already secure.
In a few days, eight young men will leave the tournament, champions in every spiritual right.
Special Words
Celebrating the spirit of free play.