SPORT - The African Mirror

Mar

16

2023

FIFA approves 2026 World Cup format with record 104 matches

SPORT

ROHITH NAIR THE 2026 World Cup will have 104 matches instead of the traditional 64 games due to the expanded format with 48 teams taking part, global soccer governing body FIFA said ahead of its Congress in Kigali, Rwanda. The 2026 edition, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will be the first edition of the quadrennial tournament where 48 teams are taking part. The final will be held on July 19. The new format will also stick to drawing four teams in a group after a proposal for 16 groups of three was shot down…

Mar

16

2023

By The African Mirror

Infantino to lay out plans for new term at FIFA Congress in Kigali

SPORT

THE major discussion points have already been settled before delegates gather for the 73rd FIFA Congress in the Rwandan capital of Kigali, including the format for the 2026 Soccer World Cup and Gianni Infantino’s next term as president. Incumbent Infantino will stand unopposed making his re-election a formality, even if he is not universally popular among member associations for a range of reasons, including pushing for a failed plan to play the World Cup every two years. Instead, there will be an expanded final that will feature 48 teams at the 2026 event co-hosted by the United States, Canada and…

Mar

16

2023

By The African Mirror

First-ever LaLiga camps in KwaZulu-Natal to be held from 27 March to 31 March 2023

SPORT

LaLiga Camps were first held in Johannesburg in 2021 and in Cape Town in 2022. First LaLiga Camps to be held in KwaZulu-Natal from 27 March to 31 March at Hoy Park, Durban, hosted by two LaLiga UEFA Pro Licenced coaches. 150 young boys and girls from under 10 to under 17 will participate in the LaLiga Camps, funded by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. AFTER successful LaLiga Camps in Johannesburg and Cape Town, the popular Camps will be held in KwaZulu-Natal for the first time from 27 March to 1 April 2023 at Durban’s Hoy Park.…

Mar

15

2023

By The African Mirror

Women sports leaders celebrated

SPORT

LORI EWING FIFA General Secretary Fatma Samoura has applauded the eight nations who are debuting at the Women's World Cup, urging the players to take pride in their ability to inspire. Haiti, Morocco, Panama, Philippines, Portugal, Ireland, Vietnam and Zambia will debut at the global women's soccer showcase that runs from July 20-August 20 in Australia and New Zealand. "Seeing you ladies who are mothers, sisters, students and athletes. Women they identify with, excelling on the pitch," Samoura said in a statement. "This will encourage a generation of young girls and women to aim high, to aim big. To advocate…

Mar

12

2023

By JULIETTE JABKHIRO

Corruption sentence for Papa Massata Diack stands

ATHLETICS

PARIS appeal court upheld a corruption conviction for Papa Massata Diack, son of Lamine Diack, the late former head of the world athletics governing body. Papa Massata, who has denied all wrongdoing, is currently in Senegal, where he fled seven years ago when the French investigation first began. His lawyer said he was unable to attend the trial because he was under legal supervision and could not leave the country. Papa Massata and his father were at the heart of a scandal that involved taking kickbacks from Russian athletes in return for concealing positive drug tests that enabled them to continue…

Feb

25

2023

By The African Mirror

Da Costa wins Africa’s 1st ePrix in Cape Town

SPORT

ON a beautiful sunny afternoon, right under the Table Mountain, Antonio Felix da Costa made history by winning the ABB FIA Formula E world championship - The Cape Town ePrix - and the first on African soil. The street race was filled with drama, with several key drivers, including championship leader Pascal Wehrlein, crashing out. Da Costa, driving for Porsche, drove a bold race and impressed with his brave overtaking skills after starting 11th, to register his first win in the championship. The victory also delivered glimpses of the ability of Da Costa, who won the championship in the 2019-20…

Feb

25

2023

By The African Mirror

FE: High-speed Cape Town E-Prix ready to challenge drivers

SPORT

AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER THE fifth leg of Season 9 of the ABB FIA Formula E championship takes place in Cape Town, and all eleven teams are ready to attack the high-speed circuit. The teams warmed up to the track with their second and final free practice session on Saturday Morning, with Envision Racing’s Nick Cassidy ending on the top, beating out Maserati’s Edoardo Mortara in second by 0.307s, followed by NIO 333’s Dan Ticktum in third. The fast track allowed for Cassidy to set a new all-time fastest Formula E lap, at a speed up of 154.37 km/h. The South…

Feb

16

2023

By BONFACE ORUCHO, BIRD STORY AGENCY

Get ready to ball: Basketball Africa League’s 3rd season is here

BASKETBALL

AFRICAN basketball fans are set to witness a fierce battle for the Basketball Africa League, or BAL, title after the unveiling of fixtures and game schedules for its 3rd season. The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the NBA and featuring club teams from across Africa, has become a standout on the continent's basketball scene in just two seasons - and a hit with the sport's fans. “We are confident that fans and viewers will be treated to top-tier basketball that reflects the calibre of the talent we have on the continent,” noted Anibal Manave FIBA…

Mar

09

2023

By The African Mirror

Special Olympics SA national team launches its “Road to Berlin”

SPORT

About Special Olympics Special Olympics is a global inclusion movement using sport, health, education and leadership programs every day around the world to end discrimination against and empower people with intellectual disabilities. Founded in 1968,and celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, the Special Olympics movement has grown to more than 7 million athletes and Unified partners in more than 178 countries. With the support of more than 1 million coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics delivers Olympic type and over 108,000 games and competitions ATHLETES from the Special Olympics South Africa (SOSA) are ready to hoist the national flag high and…

Mar

10

2023

By The African Mirror

Afcon Under-20: World Cup U-20 teams chosen as Gambia makes history

SPORT

BONFACE ORUCHO, BIRD STORY AGENCY GAMBIA, Senegal, Nigeria, and Tunisia will represent Africa in the FIFA U-20 World Cup taking place from 20 May to June 11, 2023. The four teams secured their places following a thrilling last-eight stage of the ongoing TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, in Egypt. At the semi-final match played at the Cairo International Stadium on Monday evening (March 6), Gambia edged out seven-time U-20 world cup champions Nigeria with a 1-0 penalty win. The winning goal scored in the seventh minute fulfilled Gambia’s years-long desire to reach the finals. Their historic qualification places them…