SPORT - The African Mirror

Jul

13

2021

Africa, a hunting ground for sporting talent

SPORT

SETH ONYANGO, BIRD NEWSROOM At the 1990 World Cup, former Cameroonian forward Roger Milla personified the free spirit and creative genius of Africa’s athletic talent ― displaying wit and ebullience in the game, despite his relatively advanced years for top-end athletic performance at the time (he was 38). Then came George Weah, who won the Ballon d'Or (FIFA's world best player of the year) in 1995. With their impressive physiques and footballing talent, the duo provided the world with a lens through which to examine and appreciate the continent’s sporting talent. Today, Africa offers a vibrant and diverse pool of…

Jul

12

2021

By The African Mirror

England’s Black players face racial abuse after Euro 2020 defeat

SPORT

MICHAEL HOLDEN and MITCH PHILLIPS BLACK players in the England soccer team have been subjected to a storm of online racist abuse after their defeat in the final of Euro 2020, drawing wide condemnation from the squad's manager Gareth Southgate along with royalty and politicians. Marcus Rashford, 23, Jadon Sancho, 21, and Bukayo Saka, 19, were the targets of the abuse after they missed spot-kicks in a penalty shootout with Italy which settled Sunday's final after the game finished as a 1-1 draw. The comments have prompted a police investigation and wide condemnation, although critics accused some ministers of hypocrisy…

Jul

12

2021

By The African Mirror

Nigeria Basketball stun USA in historic win

SPORT

BOITUMELO RANTAO THE Nigerian senior national team continued their Tokyo 2020 Olympic preparation by defeating a star-studded United States of America team 90-87 in an exhibition game in Las Vegas. Known as D’Tigres, Nigeria’s starting five, consisting of Josh Okogie, Gabe Nnamdi Vincent; KZ Okpala; Ike Nwamu and Precious Achiuwa, came out guns-blazing, matching the USA team shot for shot. “We just wanted to compete,” said Nigeria’s Gabe Vincent, who plays for the National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise the Miami Heat. “We know what USA Basketball means around the world and what they’ve stood for, for so long.” Vincent stole…

Jul

11

2021

By The African Mirror

Messi, Argentina win 1st major trophy in 15 years

SPORT

AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER LIONEL Messi has described it as the greatest day in 2021, one that he dreamt of many times. He said: "What a beautiful madness ! This is amazing. Thank God ! We are the champions ! Let's go… Vamos !" Football players and fans around the world applauded as Messi led Argentina to a 1-0 victory over hosts and defending champions Brazil in a titanic clash of global football giants in the Copa America Cup. The win at the Maracana Stadium was Messi’s first victory in a major tournament and he could not hide his excitement at…

Apr

09

2021

By The African Mirror

Nkosinathi Sibisi’s Netherlands awakening

SPORT

ZODWA NDABA NKOSINATHI Sibisi’s trip to the Netherlands changed his life. The Lamontville Golden Arrows defender, who is among this season’s best players, was part of the club’s MultiChoice Diski Challenge (MDC) side that won the 2015/16 campaign and earned themselves a trip to the home of Total Football. Sibisi spent three seasons with the MDC side, coached by Vusi Vilakazi. In those three seasons they won the MDC twice, earning trips to Spain and the Netherlands where they played several friendlies and were trained by Barcelona and Dutch legend, Johan Neeskens. But it’s the 2016 trip to the Netherlands…

Jul

10

2021

By The African Mirror

Barty ends Australia’s long wait for Wimbledon women’s title

SPORT

WORLD number one Ash Barty became the first Australian woman to win the Wimbledon singles title for 41 years when she defeated Czech Karolina Pliskova 6-3 6-7(4) 6-3 in the final. The 25-year-old Barty, who won her maiden Grand Slam at Roland Garros in 2019, emulated her idol Evonne Goolagong who claimed the second of her All England Club titles in 1980. "I hope I made Evonne proud," Barty said on court after the trophy presentation. "This is incredible." Ten years after winning the girls' singles title at Wimbledon as a 15-year-old, Barty came into Saturday's final having won five…

Jul

08

2021

By The African Mirror

Nigeria zero in on Olympic goal

SPORT

Nigeria have announced one of their strongest national rosters ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Led by head coach Mike Brown, who had the tough task of trimming the 49-man squad to just 15, the talented squad looks forward as the sole African representatives. Twelve countries will compete in Tokyo for Olympic Gold in Men’s Basketball and the Nigerians are primed to provide a competitive touch of basketball. Nigeria are grouped with Australia, Germany, and Italy. Germany and Italy qualified for the Olympics after successful outings at their respective Olympic Qualifying Tournaments (OQT) in Serbia and Croatia. The 15-man list…

Jul

06

2021

By The African Mirror

Banyana Banyana Ace joins Athletico Madrid

SPORT

FORWARD sensation Thembi Kgatlana has officially become an Atlético de Madrid Femenino player. The Spanish giants announced the two-year signing of the 25-year old South African from rival team SD Eibar after a successful 2020/21 season. While playing for Eibar, she excelled for the team, scoring 10 goals in 21 games, which led to Atlético Madrid securing her signature. #BienvenidaKgatlana 🔴⚪ pic.twitter.com/qOAzCr3Ilk— At. Madrid Femenino (@AtletiFemenino) July 6, 2021 The 2018 CAF African Woman Footballer of the Year’s international football career involves time spent in the United States for Houston Dash, in China for Beijing BG Phoenix and in Portugal…

Apr

14

2021

By The African Mirror

Ghanian prospect joins Italian giants

SPORT

AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER THE newest AS Roma signing Felix Afena Ohene Gyan already has eyes on a first team spot for the Italian Serie A side. The young Ghanaian striker joined Roma for an undisclosed fee after impressing on trial with the Under-18 team. Gyan netted a goal and registered an assist, in a 5-0 win against Genoa, a day after the signing announcement. "It is amazing. It is a dream come true for me. Now that I am here, the target is to be in the first team and go on to become an important player for the club.…

Apr

13

2021

By The African Mirror

Bavuma’s burden and the dearth of Black batsmen

SPORT

LUNGANI ZAMA AS soon as he could walk, Temba Bavuma had a bat in his hand, getting balls thrown at him by his grandmother. Around him, he had uncles who played the game with passion and purpose, and they soon introduced the young boy to both the fundamentals and the complicated techniques a batsman must master to play cricket at a competitive level. Surrounded by encouragement and patience, it was inevitable that Bavuma, recently appointed captain of the South African men’s national team, would fall in love with the sound of bat on ball. “He’s always been determined,” says Tengo…