SPORT - The African Mirror

Jul

02

2020

The emergence of Nigerian Basketball as a global powerhouse

SPORT

BOITUMELO RANTAO “WHO doesn’t want to go to the Olympics? “asks Nigeria’s star and power forward Evelyn Akhator. The common answer rolls effortlessly off the tongue for most but means so much more to an athlete looking to achieve their life’s goal. Nothing less could be said of the Nigerian Women’s basketball team. A positive atmosphere radiates around the team searching for their second Olympic bid in Tokyo. The team’s first Olympic experience came in Athens in 2004 finishing in 11th. After missing the last three Olympics games, they are looking to make an impact following back-to-back triumphs in the…

Jul

02

2020

By The African Mirror

Asamoah Gyan: 2010 changed my life

SPORT

MICHAEL OTI ADJEI IT IS quite difficult, especially for Ghanaians, to come to a conclusion on how Ghana should be remembered for their performance in the 2010 Fifa World Cup. There was the quality football, the march to the quarterfinals that drew remarkable support from the rest of the continent and the making of reputations. But there was also the sense of failure, the feeling that once again when presented with the chance to reach the last four of the World Cup for the first time, an African team blew the opportunity. Ghana’s journey in 2010 is a story every…

Jun

30

2020

By MIRROR CORRESPONDENT

The 2021 African Cup of Nations postponed

SPORT

THE COVID-19 pandemic has claimed its biggest prize in African football. The pandemic, which has infected close to 400 000 Africans, killed close to 10 00, disrupted lives and destroyed economies, has forced the postponement of the 2021 edition of African Cup of Nations. The Confederation of African Football (CAF), the ultimate authority in football on the continent, has announced that the 2021 competition, due to take place in January in Cameroon, has been put off by 12 months. CAF President Ahmad Ahmad announced the postponement of the 33rd edition of the prestigious tournament. He said the suspension of football…

Jul

07

2020

By The African Mirror

Enough is enough, says Kaizer Chiefs

SPORT

Enough is enough, says Kaizer Chiefs KAIZER CHIEFS, one of South Africa’s top football clubs has come out in support of the global movement - led by Black Lives Matter - to eliminate racism.Chiefs’ players took the knee and raised their first in a black power salute, in a bold stance against racism and violence against women and children.They join many sporting organisations across the world, who have taken similar steps. Clubs in the British Premier League have taken a similar stand, taking the knee before the start of their games. Formula One racing drivers, led by reigning champion Lewis…

Jul

05

2020

By The African Mirror

Bottas victorious in Austrian Grand Prix

SPORT

MOTORING CORRESPONDENT There was drama aplenty at the first Formula One race since the onset of COVID-19. The highest dramatic point was right at the end of the race when reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton was pushed out of a podium position. The Austrian Grand Prix was won by Mercedes’s Valtteri Bottas following a stunning drive from pole position. Hamilton, crossed the line in the second position, was dramatically edged out of the podium position after he was docked five seconds for causing Red Bulls’ Alex Albon to crash. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was second, with Lando Norris of McLaren making…

Apr

13

2022

By The African Mirror

Queiroz confirms departure as Egypt coach

SPORT

CARLOS Queiroz confirmed he was leaving his job as coach of Egypt's national team, ending speculation he would stay on despite failing to lead them to the World Cup finals. Portuguese Queiroz, 69, had a six-month contract with Egypt, taking over in September to steer them through the group phase of the World Cup qualifiers and into a two-legged playoff last month which they lost on penalties to Senegal to miss out on a place at this year's tournament in Qatar. Queiroz took Egypt to the Arab Cup semi-finals in Qatar in December with a team made up of home-based…

Apr

10

2022

By The African Mirror

Leclerc wins Australian GP

SPORT

CHARLES Leclerc claimed his second win of the Formula One season for Ferrari with a pole-to-flag victory at the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday as Red Bull's world champion Max Verstappen suffered "deja vu" with another retirement. Leclerc's car showed impressive pace and performance on the upgraded Albert Park circuit to seal his fourth career win ahead of Red Bull's runnerup Sergio Perez, while third-placed George Russell grabbed his second podium and first for Mercedes in an encouraging day for the struggling constructors' champions. "What a race and what pace," said a thrilled Leclerc on the team radio, having finished…

Apr

19

2022

By The African Mirror

Kenyans Jepchirchir, Chebet win Boston Marathon

SPORT

CHRIS GALLAGHER Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir edged a thrilling sprint finish to win the women's Boston Marathon, as fellow Kenyan Evans Chebet dominated a stellar field to claim the men's title. With one mile remaining, Jepchirchir moved ahead of Ababel Yeshaneh but the Ethiopian refused to bow and retook the lead before the pair battled down the final stretch. Jepchirchir, who won in New York in November, needed every ounce of energy to break the tape in two hours 21 minutes and one second, four seconds ahead of her rival. "Above all, I was feeling she was strong and I…

Jul

31

2020

By BOITUMELO RANTAO

Lakers win the battle on opening night

SPORT

TWO dominant forces from Los Angeles ended the return of NBA last night in Orlando, Florida in high gear, with the Los Angeles Lakers triumphing over the Los Angeles Clippers 103 – 101. Star power forward Anthony Davis scored 34 points and collected 8 rebounds on route to victory for the LA Lakers. Prior to the game, Players, coaches, and staff took a silent stand against racial injustice in the United States of America by kneeling together during the American national anthem. Basketball fans have had to wait months for competitive basketball to return and the first night did not…

Jul

29

2020

By The African Mirror

The NBA is back – adjusted to COVID-19 era restrictions

SPORT

BOITUMELO RANTAO THE National Basketball Association (NBA) resumes the 2019-2020 season this week, more than four months after the COVID-19 outbreak forced the abrupt suspension of the season. Games will take place without fans inside a quarantined-safe site at Walt Disney World. The delayed regular season will debut sporting a renovated look and feel that will be unfamiliar, yet exciting, to basketball players and fanatics around the globe. Some players have been vocal with concerns regarding health, social justice issues, and restrictions that have been permitted within the bubble. In terms of the plan, which was approved by the NBA…