There's probably no quicker way to "break the ice" with the South African man on the street than to demonstrate some knowledge of local soccer. To help you improve your conversational skills, here's a crash course on the country's most important teams and competitions.

SA cricket was isolated from the rest of the world for 21 years because of apartheid. Isolation came at a time when the country could fairly claim to be the top test-playing nation in the world, having just pummelled the powerful Australians.

For many South Africans, rugby is a serious matter, a source of bursting pride - or shattering disappointment. The country has traditionally fared well on the world stage, and SA fans expect the national team to win every game they play.

Horse racing is a popular sport in SA, with regular racing taking place around the country. The sport enjoys a long and rich history in South Africa that can be traced back to 1797!

South Africa is the home of world-class sporting facilities capable of accommodating tens of thousands of spectators in comfort, such as the picturesque Newlands grounds, nestled at the foot of Cape Town’s mountains, and the energy-charged Wanderers Cricket Grounds in Johannesburg.

SA cricket was isolated from the rest of the world for 21 years because of apartheid. Isolation came at a time when the country could fairly claim to be the top test-playing nation in the world, having just pummelled the powerful Australians.

For many South Africans, rugby is a serious matter, a source of bursting pride - or shattering disappointment. The country has traditionally fared well on the world stage, and SA fans expect the national team to win every game they play.

Horse racing is a popular sport in SA, with regular racing taking place around the country. The sport enjoys a long and rich history in South Africa that can be traced back to 1797!

South Africa is the home of world-class sporting facilities capable of accommodating tens of thousands of spectators in comfort, such as the picturesque Newlands grounds, nestled at the foot of Cape Town’s mountains, and the energy-charged Wanderers Cricket Grounds in Johannesburg.

As was evident during the 2003 Cricket World Cup, South Africa is blessed with beautiful cricket grounds. They all bring something different to the game: when one thinks of The Wanderers then one thinks of the super-charged atmosphere of the "Bullring"; when one thinks of Newlands then it's the beautiful setting that comes to mind; when one thinks of Supersport Park then it’s the spectator-friendly grass embankments that leap to mind.

For the golf enthusiast, South Africa is a wonderful destination - and that's an understatement. The country boasts an ideal climate for spending time out on the fairways under the bright African sun, and golfers here are blessed for choice.