Obakeng Meletse

Obakeng Meletse

Sports Writer

21 Articles

Favourite cricket team

The Proteas

Favourite cricket format

Test cricket

Favourite cricket player

Graeme Smith

Favourite sporting memory

434 ODI match SA v AUS at the Wanderers Stadium.

Favourite cricket ground

Lords Cricket Ground

Favourite Sports Documentary

Crossing the line

Obakeng - A passionate sports fan at heart that had a dream to be a professional soccer player or cricketer. He was introduced into the world of MotoGP and Formula One by Brad Binder's dominant moto3 championship win and he has not looked back. He is able to live through his passion for sport through writing, and he is a sport writer for the Independent Newspapers in South Africa.

Favourite quotes

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that". - Dr Martin Luther King.

latestArticlesBy Obakeng Meletse

MotoGP Of Italy - Free Practice

Interviews

Exclusive: Ruche Moodley Embraces Hard Lessons After Injury-Disrupted Moto3 Debut

Ruche Moodley's MotoGP rookie season was filled with promise, marred by injuries. Despite setbacks, he finished 27th overall, collecting 14 points. His historic debut as the first rider of color from Africa was also notable. Moodley looks forward to the next season with lessons learned and support from fellow South Africans, the Binder brothers.

Obakeng Meletse

2026-01-02

New Zealand's Raffaele Gregorio avoids a kick from

Soccer

Exclusive: David Kannemeyer Urges Bafana to Block Out World Cup Talk and Focus on AFCON

Former Bafana Bafana defender David Kannemeyer believes focusing on the present, starting well in the AFCON tournament, and avoiding distractions will be crucial for South Africa's success. With coach Hugo Broos balancing youth and experience, the team must prioritize AFCON before looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup.

Obakeng Meletse

2025-12-19

PEC Zwolle v Kaizer Chiefs - Pre-Season Friendly

Soccer

Exclusive: Shongwe Urges Kaizer Chiefs to Fix Finishing, Not Rush January Signings

Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper William Shongwe praises the club's solid defensive improvement this season, leading to a strong fourth-place position in the league. However, he believes there is still work to be done in the attacking department. He highlights the need for better finishing and utilizing current squad members before considering new signings in the upcoming transfer window.

Obakeng Meletse

2025-12-16

Absa Premiership Final: Orlando Pirates v Golden Arrows

Soccer

Exclusive: Lucky Lekgwathi Backs Pirates for Big Season ahead of Carling Knockout Final

Former Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi believes the club is on track for success this season with a strong start and a cup final against Marumo Gallants. Despite already winning the MTN8 title, they aim for more trophies, especially the league. Lekgwathi emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus and not underestimating opponents. With lessons learned from past failures and a strong squad, Pirates are in a good position to achieve their goals.

Obakeng Meletse

2025-12-05

South Africa v Thailand - ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup

Cricket

Exclusive: Dane van Niekerk Puts Retirement on Hold to Lead Proteas’ New Era of Youth

Proteas Women star Dane van Niekerk is making a comeback after postponing retirement plans. She could make her return against Ireland in an upcoming series. South Africa aims to build towards the T20 World Cup next year. Van Niekerk's experience and leadership will be crucial for the team's preparation. She reflects on the changes in the team's dynamic and evolution since her last game.

Obakeng Meletse

2025-12-03

Pyramids v Mamelodi Sundown - CAF Champions League Final

Soccer

Exclusive: Rulani Reunion Adds Heat as Mnguni Predicts Sundowns Will Rise in Algeria

Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, Bennett Mnguni, believes his former club is ready for a tough CAF Champions League clash with MC Alger, led by former coach Rulani Mokwena. Despite challenges, Sundowns aim for a second Champions League title and face a formidable opponent.

Obakeng Meletse

2025-11-26

FBL-AFR-PSL-PIRATES-SUNDOWNS

Soccer

Exclusive: Pirates Legend Backs Abdeslam Ouaddou to Bounce Back and End 13-Year League Title Drought

Former Orlando Pirates legend Edward Motale urges the club to focus on winning remaining silverware following their CAF Champions League exit. Despite controversy, he advises Pirates to stay focused on league title and Carling Knockout. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou praised for squad management.

Obakeng Meletse

2025-11-05

South Africa v Ghana

Soccer

Exclusive: Sundowns Losing Their Spark and Identity, says Benedict Vilakazi

Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Benedict Vilakazi expressed concern over the club's loss of identity and sharpness as they kick off their latest CAF Champions League campaign against Remo Stars in Nigeria. Vilakazi doubts their ability to replicate past success under coach Miguel Cardoso's leadership.

Obakeng Meletse

2025-10-17

Exclusive: Siyabonga Nomvethe Praises Kaizer Chiefs’ Progress but Calls for Players to Step Up

Soccer

Exclusive: Siyabonga Nomvethe Praises Kaizer Chiefs’ Progress but Calls for Players to Step Up

Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Siyabonga Nomvethe praises his old club's improvements this season, despite some setbacks. He believes their participation in the Confederation Cup will sharpen them for domestic competitions. He also reflects on his long-standing goal record being broken by Namibian Peter Shalulile.

Obakeng Meletse

2025-10-09

FBL-AFR-PSL-PIRATES-SUNDOWNS

Soccer

Exclusive: Sebola Predicts Pirates Will Finally End Sundowns’ Stranglehold on the League

Former Orlando Pirates attacker Andries Sebola believes his ex-team is well-positioned to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns for the league title after strong performances under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. Pirates' depth and consistency could see them dethrone Sundowns, who are currently struggling.

Obakeng Meletse

2025-10-08

FBL-CAF-C1-SUNDOWNS-WYDAD

Soccer

Exclusive: Edward Motale Urges Orlando Pirates to Sign Proven Striker Amid Strong Window

Former Orlando Pirates defender Edward Motale praises the team's recent signings, aiming to fortify rather than overhaul the squad after a strong performance last season. Noting the need for goal scorers, Motale is optimistic about new recruits and coach Abdeslam Ouaddou's potential to lead the team to success.

Obakeng Meletse

2025-07-09

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

Cricket

Exclusive: Rubin Hermann on Proteas Call-Up, SA20 Breakthrough, and His Three-Format Dream

North West Dragons' Rubin Hermann has earned his first call-up to represent South Africa in a T20 series after standout performances in domestic cricket. The Proteas' recent success, led by coach Shukri Conrad, has paved the way for young talent like Hermann to showcase their skills on the international stage. Hermann hopes to use this opportunity to eventually represent South Africa in all formats of the game.

Obakeng Meletse

2025-07-08

World Athletics Relays Guangzhou 25 - Day 2

Olympics

Exclusive: Akani Simbine Eyes LA Gold and Insists the Best Is Yet to Come

After a decade of carrying South African sprinting hopes, Akani Simbine is reaping the rewards with Olympic and World Championships medals. The 31-year-old looks ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Games, aiming to continue his success while nurturing the next generation of sprinters.

Obakeng Meletse

2025-06-16

South Africa v New Zealand - FIFA Confederations Cup

Soccer

Exclusive: Bernard Parker Hopes Kaizer Chiefs’ Cup Breakthrough Ends Years of Underachievement

Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Bernard Parker has successfully transitioned to coaching, leading the TS Galaxy's senior and youth teams. Despite Chiefs' success in the Diski Challenge, the senior team faced challenges. Parker hopes to improve Chiefs' league form next season and highlights the need for better finishing in South African football.

Obakeng Meletse

2025-06-13

Jeonbuk Hyundai v Mamelodi Sundowns - FIFA Club World Cup 5th Place Match

Soccer

Exclusive: Hlompho Kekana Sees Club World Cup as Key Platform for South African Footballers

Mamelodi Sundowns, a top club in world football, is set to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup against teams like Ulsan Hyundai, Fluminense, and Borussia Dortmund. After recent Champions League disappointment, they look to showcase South African football on the global stage. Former captain Hlompho Kekana emphasizes the importance of this opportunity and the team's resilience.

Obakeng Meletse

2025-06-11

Australia v South Africa - Women's ODI Series: Game 3

Cricket

Exclusive: Nadine De Klerk Warns of No Room for Error as Proteas Women Prepare for ICC World Cup

The Proteas women's cricket team prepares to face the West Indies in three T20Is and three ODIs as they gear up for the upcoming 50-over World Cup. Coach Mashimbyi and all-rounder De Klerk focus on refining their game, with momentum playing a key role heading into the World Cup. Mashimbyi's impact on the team has brought fresh ideas and a positive change in team dynamics.

Obakeng Meletse

2025-06-03

Obakeng Meletse

Obakeng has a dream to watch a test match live at the iconic Lords Cricket Ground and to also see Lewis Hamilton live in a race before his retirement.

Obakeng perfected his art while working for the Cricket Fanatics Magazine, and his career highlights so far include covering the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics Games, The South African Men and Women cricket teams and the Premier Soccer League. He is not afraid of being in the deep end and thrives on finding a way out of tough situations.