Stability is the one thing that lacked big time in South African sport in 2021 and it’s probably the one thing sports fans are asking for in 2022.
On an administrative level, this is in the hands of those in charge and can possibly improve in the year to come.
But the other big destabilizing factor is Covid-19.
Dare I say I believe things will go better in the new year, but that could also just be wishful thinking. As it stands, a big year is pencilled in in the world of sport for next year, here I take a look at some of the events sports fans can look forward to.
January-February
India’s cricket team is still in Mzansi, with Newlands playing host to the third and final Test in January, while the three ODIs will all be played in the Mother City.
The series will conclude with the third ODI at Newlands on January 23.
After that, the Proteas will travel to New Zealand for two Tests from February 17 to March 1.
While the Premier League and the local PSL Premiership are still entertaining our soccer fans, Bafana Bafana will not be involved when the best teams in Africa battle for the Afcon trophy from January 9 to February 6.
Onto the oval ball and the Currie Cup will kick off on January 14 and will run up until July. You read it right, the Currie Cup will kick off in JAN-U-ARY!
While Western Province will play domestically, the Stormers will restart their United Rugby Championship campaign in January, which is scheduled to end in May.
As we head into February, the UK gets busy with the Six Nations which will run up until March 19.
Lloyd Harris, Raven Klaasen and Kevin Anderson - the country’s top tennis stats, meanwhile, - should be involved in the Australia Open taking place between January 17-30.
March-April
On March 4, the Women’s Cricket World Cup kicks off in New Zealand and will run until April 3.
As for the Proteas, they will finish their tour in New Zealand at the start of the month, before Bangladesh from March 18 in three ODIs and two Tests, which will end on April 11.
May-June
Grand Slam tennis returns in early May, with Roland Garros opening its door for the French Open from May 16 to June 5.
Straight after that we’ve got Wimbledon running from 27 June to 10 July.
Temba Bavuma and his T20 team, meanwhile, travel to India for five matches starting on June 9.
July-August
Siya Kolisi and his Springbok teammates finally take the field again when they face Wales in the Incoming Series from July 2 - 16.
Straight after that South Africa prep for the Rugby Championship against their Sanzaar opponents.
Following their tour of India, South Africa’s cricket team then go to England for a helse three-Test, three ODI and three T20 tour which will run from 19 July to September 12.
August 19 also sees the start of the tennis’s US Open, which will end on September 11.
September-October
The biggest big sporting event in the Mother City in 2022 is arguably the Sevens World Cup which will be held from September 9 to 11.
With all eyes on Cape Town in September, October sees the world’s cricket teams head to Australia for the T20 World Cup which will be played from October 16 to November 13.
November-December
The Springboks and the southern hemisphere will travel up north as per usual.
There will be local soccer - in England and the UK.
But all the attention will be on the Soccer World Cup in Qatar from November 21 to December 18.
There you have it, the plan as pencilled in around the globe. This is not a definitive guide, but rather a keep-your-eyes-open for “plan”.
As it is, may you have a blessed new year. Cheers to 2022…