Timeline and Important Events
History of South African Football and Corresponding Political Events
1862 The first documented football matches in South Africa are played in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth (between white civil servants and soldiers). 1892 South African Football Association (FASA) formed. Whites only. 1898 First South African team plays in Europe. (Britain eventually gains control of South Africa) 1902 The South African Indian Football Association (SAIFA) is founded in Kimberley. National competition for Indians, the Sam China Cup, is created. 1912 The South African Native National Congress is founded (SANCC). 1913 Black (Natives) Land Act is passed. Blacks (except those living in Cape Province) are no longer allowed to buy land outside defined reserves. 1914 Formation of (Afrikaner) National Party (NP). 1916 The Durban & District Native Football Association is established. 1926-1940 A series of Acts is passed restricting the movement and independence of black Africans. Enforces segregation. 1932 South African Football Association (SAAFA ) formed. 1933 The South African Bantu Football Association (SABFA) and the South African Coloured Football Association (SACFA) are formed. 1935 The Transvaal Inter-Race Soccer Board is formed by Africans, Indians, and Coloureds. The Suzman Cup—first official inter-racial tournament between Africans, Coloureds, and Indians—is established. 1944 African National Congress (ANC) Youth League is founded. 1944 The ANC sponsors the first football match. 1946 The Natal Inter-Race Soccer Board is established (mainly by Albert Luthuli). 1948 NP officially introduces Apartheid legislation, separating whites from all people of color. |
History of Cricket in South Africa
1896 First “test match” against England. 1911 South Africa v Australia; Australia wins 4-1. 1914 South Africa v England; England wins 4-0. 1960 Sharpeville shootings just before South Africa tour of Britain — campaign against race discrimination. Brings international attention to South Africa. 1961 South Africa loses its membership in the Imperial Cricket Conference. 1962 Pakistan Cricket Board (of Control) reinstates in South Africa. 1967 Frank Waring, South African Minister of Sport, says “If whites and non-whites start competing against each other, there will be such viciousness as has never been seen before.” 1969 President of SACA announced selective merit and grant to black cricket players. Caused controversy (including overseas). 1970 Proposed South African tour of England cancelled; South Africa excluded from participation in international cricket because of government’s apartheid policies. |