SPORT - The African Mirror

Jul

02

2023

Ingebrigtsen holds off Girma to win 1,500m at Diamond League in Lausanne

ATHLETICS

OLYMPIC champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen held off Lamecha Girma in a battle of world record holders to win the much-anticipated men's 1,500 metres at the Athletissima Diamond League meet on Friday. The 22-year-old from Norway, who broke the world mark in the seldom-run two-mile event this month in Paris, clocked three minutes 28.72 seconds, less than a second off his personal best despite a chilly evening at Stade Olympique de la Pontaise. "I have had to make some adjustments with my strategy, I have been putting in extra miles in the last couple of weeks," Ingebrigtsen said. "It's all to get myself in…

Jun

30

2023

By BONFACE ORUCHO, BIRD STORY AGENCY

Ball, Dream, New Life: How soccer freestyling revolutionized a life

FOOTBALL

IN the dark alleys of Greyville and the rough neighbourhoods of Eldorado Park, Newclare, and Westbury, Patel Zain’s early life was ensnared in a web of violence, drug abuse, and crime. As he explained in an interview with bird story agency, his rough childhood experiences had a strong influence on the choices that led to his involvement in drug trafficking and crime. But a drug-related conviction in 2009 threatened to define his future. “The conviction was my lowest but being a strong-willed person, I knew I had a chance of turning my life around,” he explained. After serving his prison…

Jun

30

2023

By The African Mirror

Mendy joins Saudi’s Al-Ahli from Chelsea

FOOTBALL

SENEGAL goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has left Chelsea to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli, the two clubs announced. "The Lion of Teranga protects our goal," Al-Ahli said in a Twitter post. Al-Ahli, who are making their return to the top-flight Pro League next season after a year in the second division, said Mendy's contract would run until 2026, without giving any financial details. British media reported that the Saudi club would pay around 16 million pounds ($20.24 million) for the goalkeeper. Mendy joined Premier League Chelsea from Stade Rennais in 2020 and the 31-year-old played a pivotal role as the London…

Jun

30

2023

By The African Mirror

Arsenal sign Germany forward Havertz from Chelsea

FOOTBALL

ARSENAL have signed Germany forward Kai Havertz from Chelsea on a long-term contract, the Premier League club said. The transfer fee has not been disclosed but British media reported Arsenal will pay Chelsea 65 million pounds ($82.63 million) with an additional 5 million pounds in add-ons. "It's super exciting for me to be joining this amazing club and to be part of the Arsenal family. This club has such a big history, and I hope we can achieve lots of things," the 24-year-old told the club website. Havertz joined Chelsea in September 2020 from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, where he…

Jun

28

2023

By The African Mirror

NATIONAL HEROES: Special Olympics athletes return home with 22 gold, 20 silver, 7 bronze medals

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

THE 2023 Special Olympics South Africa National Team has returned home to a hero's welcome after an extraordinary performance at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany. The team amassed an awe-inspiring medal tally of 22 Gold, 20 Silver, and 7 Bronze medals, placing them among the top contenders and reinforcing their status as true champions. This remarkable achievement holds great significance for South Africa, as it exemplifies the extraordinary talent, determination, and resilience of individuals with intellectual disabilities. The Special Olympics South Africa National Team has shattered barriers, defied expectations, and emerged as a beacon of inspiration for…

Jun

26

2023

By The African Mirror

Van Wyk out, Kgatlana in for South Africa at World Cup

FOOTBALL

SOUTH Africa's experienced defender Janine van Wyk has had to be left out of their 23-player squad for the women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, but coach Desiree Ellis has been able to recall pacy forward Thembi Kgatlana. Van Wyk, a stalwart of the side since her debut in 2005 and record caps holder for the country with 183, has not recovered in time from injury. "She won't be part of the World Cup, but definitely still remains in the picture (for the future)," Ellis said as she unveiled the squad on Friday. Kgatlana ruptured her Achilles when…

Jun

26

2023

By The African Mirror

Messi says he struggled to adapt after PSG move, some fans treated him differently

FOOTBALL

LIONEL Messi said he and his family had trouble adapting after his move to Paris St Germain in 2021, and he said the boos and jeers directed at him towards the end of his stint was something teammates Kylian Mbappe and Neymar also endured. The Argentine great did not renew his contract with PSG this month after two years and he announced on June 7 that he will join MLS side Inter Miami, leaving some fans disappointed with his performance. While Messi recorded 32 goals and 35 assists in his two seasons with the French champions, a rift with the…

Jun

26

2023

By The African Mirror

United States to host expanded Club World Cup in 2025

FOOTBALL

THE first edition of FIFA's new 32-team Club World Cup will be held in the United States in 2025, world soccer's governing body said. FIFA confirmed in March that the revamped Club World Cup will be played every four years from June 2025. The FIFA Council unanimously appointed the United States as the competition's host for the first edition of the expanded format. The United States will also host the 2024 Copa America while they are also co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup along with Mexico and Canada. "The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will be the pinnacle of elite professional…

Jun

25

2023

By The African Mirror

‘Proud’ Boxall praises team mates after Qatar racism storm

SPORT

NEW Zealand defender Michael Boxall said he was proud of his teammates' decision to abandon Tuesday's international friendly against Qatar after he was subjected to an alleged racial slur during the game played in Austria. The All Whites refused to emerge for the second half after Boxall and his teammates claimed Qatar winger Yousuf Abdurisag made a "significant racist slur" five minutes before the interval. New Zealand's players did not return for the second half after reporting the incident to officials. "It's one of those things, I'm pretty competitive and I say a lot of things that I wouldn't want…

Jun

27

2023

By The African Mirror

Saudi’s Al-Hilal sign Senegal defender Koulibaly from Chelsea

FOOTBALL

SENEGAL defender Kalidou Koulibaly has joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal from Premier League side Chelsea, the two clubs announced on Sunday. "We'll continue to make history together," Al-Hilal wrote on Twitter, alongside a short video featuring Koulibaly. The four-times Asian Champions League winners said Koulibaly's contract would run until 2026 without giving any financial details. British media reported that the Saudi club would pay around 17 million pounds ($21.61 million) for the centre-back. "I'm here with those who make the glory in the present and the future," the Africa Cup of Nations winner said. Koulibaly scored two goals in 32…