TOP 3 South African Sports

Rugby: For the many South African fans of the game, rugby is a serious matter, a source of bursting pride and joy - or shattering disappointment. The country has traditionally fared extremely well on the world stage, and South African fans expect their national team to win every game it plays. The Springboks are the national rugby team and traditionally one of the sport's international powerhouses. Every talented South African youngster dreams of one day wearing "the green and gold".

Cricket: South African cricket was isolated from the rest of the world for 21 years - from 1970 to 1991 - because of the apartheid policies of the former government. South Africa had only ever played against Australia, England and New Zealand. When the country was readmitted to world cricket in 1991 it was able to face all opponents. The Proteas, previously known as the Springboks, adapted surprisingly quickly to the demands of the international game in 1991.

Soccer: The most widely played sport in South Africa is football – or soccer, as many call it. Traditionally supported and intensely followed by the black community, the quality of the local game keeps improving. For many South Africans, the country's proudest sporting moment came when South Africa won the African Nations Cup on home turf in 1996. The national site is called Bafana Bafana (Boys) – a name everyone will know after the FIFA 2010 World Cup.