SPORT - The African Mirror

Oct

26

2024

Exclusive: Phumelele Cafu to save South African Boxing, says star trainer

SPORT

DECORATED boxing trainer and manager, Colin Nathan, praised Phumelele Cafu’s determination following his maiden WBO title over Kosei Tanaka THE ROT IN SA BOXING South African Boxing has been on a downward spiral for many years. Many negative reports have been published about the incompetent administration involved in the sport in the country. It got so bad that the newly appointed Minster of Sports, Arts and Recreation, Gayton McKenzie, publicly aired his frustrations and said, “It’s very troubling that boxers can get in the ring to risk their lives to earn as little as R4,000 for a fight. Boxing is…

Oct

24

2024

By The African Mirror

Proteas Women lauded by SA Director Enoch Nkwe on return from World Cup

SPORT

CRICKET South Africa Director of Cricket, Enoch Nkwe, has lauded the Proteas Women’s team upon their return from the World Cup and hopes their achievements will inspire the next generation to pick up the sport. THE LEGACY OF THE PROTEAS WOMEN’S TEAM The runners-up in the recently concluded 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, South Africa Women, touched down at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Tuesday morning, only two days after their loss to New Zealand Women in the World Cup final in Dubai. As much as the team lost their second successive World Cup final in the…

Oct

23

2024

By The African Mirror

Exclusive: Arthur Zwane on AmaZulu Role

FOOTBALL

ANY avid fan of South African football will tell you that Arthur “10111” Zwane’s identity is nothing outside of Kaizer Chiefs, where he played professionally for a period of 10 years. But just last week, the legendary former player was named head coach of AmaZulu football club alongside Vusimuzi Vilakazi. In an exclusive interview, Zwane opens up about how he feels about the new career change and how he aims to turn things around alongside “Kanu”. Kaizer Chiefs opens the door to top-flight coaching Zwane was the head coach of the Soweto Giants’ senior team from May 2022 until June…

Oct

22

2024

By The African Mirror

“South Africa have best bowling team in the world,” says Kagiso Rabada

SPORT

AHEAD of the ongoing Bangladesh Test series, Proteas fast bowler, Kagiso Rabada, reckons that they currently have the best fast bowling resources in the world. When you go through four World Cups, ICC Men's T20 World Cups that is, you become a completely different player in the field and man away from the game. Four World Cup campaigns can have a massive impact on a player, more so if you have gone through all of them without winning a single edition. Proteas fast bowler, Kagiso Rabada, has had to live that reality having made his T20 World Cup debut in…

Oct

19

2024

By The African Mirror

Exclusive: Aaron Mokoena on South Africa’s Themba Zwane

FOOTBALL

FORMER Bafana Bafana captain, Aaron Mokoena, praised midfield maestro Themba ‘Mshishi’ Zwane for his creativity during the Congo fixture in Port Elizabeth. THE BRILLIANCE OF THEMBA ‘MSHISHI’ ZWANE Having hammered Congo 5-0 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth last week, many have rightfully praised forward Teboho Mokoena for his brace in the first half and have done the same with Bathusi Aubaas, Lyle Forster and Iqraam Rayners for their solitary goals in the encounter. However, there is a midfield mastermind who deserves just as much credit for his vision and creativity. That is the 35-year-old Themba Zwane, the…

Oct

19

2024

By The African Mirror

Former Kaizer Chiefs captain Willard Katsande makes interesting bold claim about AmaKhosi

FOOTBALL

FORMER Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Willard Katsande has given his thoughts on how far he thinks the club will go in the Betway Premiership. The Soweto giants appointed Tunisian mentor Nasreddine Nabi as their new head coach at the start of the 2024/25 season. The 59-year-old tactician is tasked to change the club's fortunes after almost a decade without winning any silverware under different experienced coaches. Moreover, Amakhosi have also bolstered their squad significantly as they seek to challenge for trophies this season. Players like former Mamelodi Sundowns star Gaston Sirino, ex-Petro de Luanda defender Inacio Miguel, and Bafana Bafana international…

Oct

18

2024

By The African Mirror

Jürgen Klopp unveiled as the new Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull

FOOTBALL

JÜRGEN Klopp, the 57-year-old German will assume the role of Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull starting January 1, 2025. In this position, he will oversee the company's international network of soccer clubs. Klopp, one of the most sought-after figures in world football, concluded his memorable nine-year tenure as Liverpool's manager after the 2023-24 season. Under his leadership, Liverpool secured all major football honours, including the Champions League (2018-19), Premier League (2019-20), FA Cup (2021-22), two EFL Cups, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup. They also finished as runners-up twice in the Champions League and…

Oct

15

2024

By The African Mirror

Nigerian team returns home: AFCON qualifier in limbo as CAF deliberates

FOOTBALL

IN a dramatic turn of events, Nigeria's national football team, the Super Eagles, have returned home without playing their scheduled Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya, following a contentious incident that left the team stranded for hours at a Libyan airport. According to the latest reports, building upon the initial Reuters coverage, the Nigerian team boarded their plane and flew back to Nigeria without kicking a ball, leaving the fate of the crucial qualifier hanging in the balance. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is now expected to announce its decision on the fixture. Sources close to the…

Oct

16

2024

By The African Mirror

Exclusive: Swys de Bruin full of praise for the Springbok Women and Siya Kolisi

SPORT

SINCE the appointment of former Springbok consultant Swys de Bruin as the Performance Coach for the Springbok Women in late August this year. It has seen the side raise their performances with notable victories against the Barbarians and Japan. "There has been plenty of growth, for me the biggest growth is the individuals that improved their position-specific skill set. We constantly challenge the players. Coach Franzel [September] has been working with hookers, Bafana [Nhleko] with the individual work on defence and Laurian [Johannes-Haupt] with the scrums,” de Bruin told SportsBoom.com. “What is important for me is the individual, just look…

Oct

15

2024

By The African Mirror

Exclusive: Lucky Lekgwathi on Orlando Pirates MTN8 Win

FOOTBALL

FOLLOWING Orlando Pirates’ third consecutive MTN8 trophy, former captain Lucky Lekgwathi says the success boils down to the signings made by the coach and club chairman. A TEAM FILLED WITH LEADERS In two years, Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has added five trophies in the Orlando Pirates cabinet following their 3-1 victory over Stellenbosch FC in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban this past weekend. With the five trophies, coach Riveiro, a Spaniard mastermind, has rejuvenated the souls of the millions that support Orlando Pirates in the township of Soweto. Along with the fans, former club captain…