The year 2024 was filled with unforgettable sporting moments. Records were broken, and history was made.
From soccer to rugby, every discipline saw incredible feats. Fans around the globe celebrated as their teams reached new heights.
The Springboks had a superb year and the Proteas had success too, while Mamelodi Sundowns continued their supremacy in South African club soccer amid Kaizer Chiefs’ struggles.
Easybet has brought you odds on the most exciting sporting events and these are the numbers which define it:
51: Manchester United’s Struggles
Manchester United (47.77) endured a dismal 2024. They earned only 51 Premier League points across the calendar year, their worst-ever points haul in history.
Erik Ten Hag has been replaced as head coach by Ruben Amorim, but United’s form has not yet turned.
10: Kaizer Chiefs’ Decline
Kaizer Chiefs hit a historic low in South African soccer by finishing 10th in the DStv Premiership, their worst position in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) era. This marks a stark decline for a club that once dominated local soccer, boasting 13 league titles and a rich history of success. The season was riddled with inconsistency, poor performances, and questionable decisions both on and off the pitch, leaving fans increasingly disillusioned.
Protests and widespread frustration among supporters have amplified calls for sweeping changes, including a revamp of the squad, a fresh tactical approach, and stronger leadership at the top. Kaizer Chiefs have gone eight years without winning any trophies, which has made their fans very unhappy. This long drought of success has added even more pressure on the team to improve and bring back the victories that made them one of South Africa’s most famous soccer clubs.
66.67: Proteas on the Rise
The Proteas had an impressive year in Test cricket, finishing with a 66.67% win rate in the World Test Championship (WTC). Their consistent performances, including key victories against top-ranked teams, secured them a spot in the 2025 WTC final at Lord’s.
This achievement highlights their resilience and adaptability in the longest format of the game, as they overcame tough conditions and formidable opponents to cement their position among cricket’s elite
40: LeBron James Makes History
LeBron James celebrated his 40th birthday while continuing to rewrite the history books. Defying age and expectations, he achieved a groundbreaking milestone by playing alongside his son, Bronny James, in the NBA. This remarkable father-son pairing became the first in basketball history, symbolising LeBron’s enduring dominance and longevity in the sport.
Despite the physical demands of the game, LeBron remains a key player for his team, showcasing his ability to perform at an elite level while mentoring the next generation of talent in his son.
2:09:56 Ruth Chepng’etich’s Marathon Masterclass
Ruth Chepng’etich set a new standard for marathon running in 2024 with a historic performance at the Chicago Marathon. She shattered the women’s marathon world record, finishing in an incredible time of 2:09:56, becoming the first woman to break the 2:10 barrier. Her extraordinary achievement captivated the global running community, showcasing her exceptional endurance, strategy, and determination.
Chepng’etich’s record-breaking run not only redefined the limits of human performance but also inspired athletes and fans around the world, solidifying her place as one of the greatest marathon runners in history.
7: Mamelodi Sundowns Make it Seven on the Trot
Mamelodi Sundowns secured a record-breaking seventh consecutive DStv Premiership title in 2024, solidifying their supremacy in South African soccer. This unprecedented achievement sets them apart as the only team to win more than four titles consecutively in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) era.
With this latest triumph, Sundowns have now amassed an incredible total of 14 league titles since the league’s inception, leaving their closest rivals far behind. Their consistency, superior squad depth, and tactical brilliance under various coaches have made them the gold standard in South African soccer, cementing their legacy as one of the continent’s most successful clubs
4: Springboks Consolidate Southern Era Supremacy
The Springboks continued their dominance over the All Blacks, securing a fourth consecutive victory against their arch-rivals. This impressive run included a 2-0 sweep in the Freedom Cup, showcasing their tactical precision and physical superiority. Their commanding performances against New Zealand played an essential role in reclaiming the Rugby Championship title, their first since 2019.
With a blend of experienced campaigners and rising stars, the Springboks not only reaffirmed their status as a powerhouse in world rugby but also sent a strong message ahead of future international competitions.
2024 was a year of unforgettable sporting moments, from Ruth Chepng’etich’s record-breaking marathon to LeBron James making history with his son. South Africa shone brightly with the Springboks, Proteas, and Mamelodi Sundowns delivering triumphs, while challenges for teams like Kaizer Chiefs showed the highs and lows of the sport’s unrelenting drama.
