What Happened to Sportstake? Meet the New MatchPlay Games in South Africa

For many South Africans, Sportstake was a household name. Whether you regularly played Sportstake 13, checked Sportstake results every weekend, or enjoyed predicting soccer fixtures with friends and family, the game became a familiar part of the local lottery landscape. Recently, however, many players have been left confused. Searches for “Sportstake 13 results”, “Sportstake fixtures”, and “Sportstake pools” continue to grow, yet players are now seeing something called MatchPlay instead. So what happened?

The good news is that Sportstake hasn’t disappeared. The sports pool games have simply been rebranded and modernised under the new National Lottery operator, Sizekhaya. While the names have changed, the core concept remains very similar. If you’re wondering what MatchPlay is, how it works, and how it compares to the old Sportstake games, this guide will get you up to speed.

Is Sportstake Gone?

Not really. The sports pools themselves still exist, but they now operate under the MatchPlay brand. The biggest changes are the updated digital platform, improved online functionality, and a fresh look aimed at modern South African players. If you enjoyed Sportstake before, you’ll likely find the new MatchPlay games very familiar.

What Changed From Sportstake?

The basic concept remains the same. You still predict the outcomes of selected sporting fixtures in the hope of winning a share of the prize pool. You still pay a low entry fee per board. You still compete against other players rather than against bookmaker odds.

The biggest changes are:

• The new MatchPlay branding.
• A new online platform managed by Sizekhaya.
• Improved mobile and online ticket purchasing.
• Enhanced player account management.
• A more modern experience when checking fixtures, results, and ticket history.

For most players, the learning curve is minimal.

What Is MatchPlay?

MatchPlay is a pool-style prediction game where players attempt to correctly forecast sporting outcomes. Unlike traditional sports betting where odds determine your potential payout, MatchPlay works on a prize pool system.

Players select outcomes for a list of fixtures and prizes are paid based on the number of correct predictions achieved. Each board costs just R2, making MatchPlay one of the most affordable ways to enjoy sports prediction games in South Africa. Players can choose their selections manually or use the QuickPlay option, which generates random predictions automatically.

MatchPlay 8 Explained

MatchPlay 8 is currently the simplest MatchPlay game available. Players predict both the first-half and full-time outcomes for eight selected soccer matches.

For each match, you choose:

• 1 for a home win
• X for a draw
• 2 for an away win

Because you are predicting both halves of every match, there are 16 predictions required across the eight fixtures. This game is ideal for casual players who enjoy soccer but don’t want to analyse a huge fixture list.

MatchPlay 13 Explained

MatchPlay 13 is the direct successor to the popular Sportstake 13 game. If you were a regular Sportstake player, this is probably the MatchPlay game you’ll feel most comfortable with. The objective remains simple. Predict the outcomes of 13 selected soccer matches and aim for the highest number of correct results. Many South African players still refer to this game as Sportstake 13 out of habit, but MatchPlay 13 is now its official replacement.

MatchPlay 14 Explained

MatchPlay 14 increases the challenge by requiring predictions across 14 selected fixtures. Because more matches must be predicted correctly, winning becomes more difficult. However, the reduced number of winners can often lead to larger prize payouts. For serious football followers who enjoy studying form, injuries, team news, and recent results, MatchPlay 14 offers one of the biggest challenges in the MatchPlay portfolio.

MatchPlay 9/14 Explained

MatchPlay 9/14 provides a slightly different prize structure. Instead of requiring perfection, players can qualify for prizes by correctly predicting nine matches, while larger prizes remain available for those who achieve all fourteen correct predictions. This creates a balance between accessibility and larger jackpot opportunities. Many casual players prefer this format because it feels more achievable than trying to predict every fixture correctly.

MatchPlay 14 Omnisports Explained

MatchPlay 14 Omnisports expands beyond soccer. Instead of focusing exclusively on football fixtures, this version may include multiple sporting codes. This creates a different type of challenge for players who follow several sports rather than focusing purely on soccer. Sports fans who enjoy rugby, cricket, tennis, and other events may find MatchPlay 14 Omnisports particularly appealing.

How MatchPlay Works

Getting started is straightforward.

• First, create an account through the official MatchPlay platform.
• Once registered, fund your wallet using South African Rand.
• The platform supports several popular payment methods including Instant EFT, Visa, Mastercard, OTT Voucher, and 1Voucher.
• Next, select your preferred MatchPlay game.
• You can manually choose your predictions or use QuickPlay to generate random selections.
• After purchasing your board, your entry is stored securely within your account.
• Once the fixtures have been completed, you can view the results and check whether you’ve won.
• Smaller prizes are usually credited automatically, while larger winnings may require additional verification before payment.

How Much Does MatchPlay Cost?

One of the biggest attractions of MatchPlay remains its affordability. Each entry board costs just R2. Players can purchase multiple boards if they want to increase their chances of winning. The QuickPlay feature also allows players to generate multiple random boards quickly and easily.

MatchPlay Results

Results are determined using the official fixture outcomes. For MatchPlay 8, first-half and full-time scores are used. Only regulation time plus injury time counts towards results. Extra time and penalty shootouts are excluded.

• Players can check:
• MatchPlay 8 Results
• MatchPlay 13 Results
• MatchPlay 14 Results
• MatchPlay 9/14 Results
• MatchPlay 14 Omnisports Results

Results are published on the National Lottery site after fixtures have been completed and prize allocations have been calculated.

How to Claim MatchPlay Winnings

If you’ve landed a winning MatchPlay ticket, claiming your prize is fairly straightforward. The process depends on how much you’ve won and whether you played online or through a retail outlet.

• Smaller prizes of up to R2,000 can be claimed immediately at participating and authorised retailers.
• Prizes up to R10,000 can be claimed at selected Approved Prize Payment Centres (APPCs), including participating Shoprite and Checkers stores.
• Players who purchase tickets online can claim prizes of up to R249,999.99 through two convenient methods. Winnings can either be paid into your Sizekhaya iLottery Wallet via EFT or transferred directly into your registered South African bank account. These payments are typically processed within 72 working hours.
• For larger prizes, or if you prefer to deal directly with the operator, all prize amounts can be claimed through official Sizekhaya offices. Payments are made via EFT and are generally processed within 72 working hours once all verification requirements have been completed.

As with all National Lottery products, players should ensure their personal details are accurate and up to date, particularly when playing online, to avoid delays when claiming winnings.

Why South Africans Still Love Sports Pools

Long before online betting became mainstream, sports pools gave ordinary South Africans a chance to test their football knowledge and compete for meaningful prizes. That appeal hasn’t changed. Many players enjoy the fact that MatchPlay rewards prediction skill rather than simply chasing bookmaker odds. The low R2 entry cost also means players can participate without risking large amounts of money. For football fans, it remains one of the most entertaining ways to make weekend fixtures even more exciting.

The Gambler’s Thoughts

The transition from Sportstake to MatchPlay has confused plenty of players, but the reality is much simpler than many people think. Sportstake hasn’t disappeared. It has simply evolved into MatchPlay. The games remain affordable, familiar, and easy to understand. The biggest improvements are the modern online platform, better mobile functionality, and improved player experience.

If you previously enjoyed Sportstake 13, you’ll probably feel right at home with MatchPlay 13. Likewise, MatchPlay 8 and MatchPlay 9/14 offer excellent alternatives for players looking for something slightly different. For South African sports fans who enjoy predicting match outcomes rather than traditional sports betting, MatchPlay continues to offer one of the most accessible and entertaining options available today.

Visit The Gambler for more betting news, guides and insights. You can also explore our list of the best casino sites in South Africa, or check out our latest no deposit free spins offers currently available. Best of luck with your betting!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sportstake still available in South Africa?

The original Sportstake branding has been replaced by MatchPlay. The games themselves continue to operate under the new MatchPlay name.

What is MatchPlay 13?

MatchPlay 13 is the successor to Sportstake 13. Players predict the outcomes of 13 selected soccer matches to compete for prizes.

How much does MatchPlay cost?

Each MatchPlay board costs R2.

Can I play MatchPlay online?

Yes. Players can register, fund their accounts, purchase entries, and check results through the official online platform.

What is the difference between MatchPlay and sports betting?

MatchPlay is a pool game where players compete for a share of a prize pool, while traditional sports betting uses bookmaker odds to determine payouts.

Where can I check MatchPlay results?

Results for MatchPlay 8, MatchPlay 13, MatchPlay 14, MatchPlay 9/14, and MatchPlay 14 Omnisports are published after the fixtures have been completed.