Stoke v Sunderland: Gus Poyet wants apology after red card

Sunderland manager Gus Poyet wants Wes Brown's red card in the defeat at Stoke to be rescinded - and for referees' chief Mike Riley to apologise.

Referee Kevin Friend dismissed Brown for a tackle on Charlie Adam during the 2-0 loss, though the defender appeared to win the ball cleanly.

Last week, Riley rang West Brom boss Steve Clarke after a controversial penalty award against Chelsea.

"Maybe Mike needs to call. I will have my phone on," Poyet told BBC Sport.

Sunderland were trailing 1-0 to a 30th-minute Adam strike when Brown went sliding in on the Stoke goalscorer and, after a short delay, was sent off by Friend.

Poyet, who reacted furiously at the time, shouting at the officials and throwing his coat to the ground, added: "Either we get an apology or you don't make me appeal and take the red card away. We can accept the mistake from the referee and we move forward. 

"Sometimes we keep asking ourselves what is going on because it is difficult to understand. I would like somebody to explain. If you explain the action with some different words maybe I try to give some credit to the referee.

"But I don't think there is any explanation. Was it a two-footed tackle? No. Was he not in control? No. Over the ball? No. Was the opponent in danger? No. Did he make contact? No. Please explain me. It is difficult to accept."

Riley, who is in charge of the the Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOB), contacted Clarke to say sorry for referee Andre Marriner's contentious decision to award a late spot-kick to Chelsea in the 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge on 9 November.

Poyet added: "I would like the referees' association to apologise to me this time.

"They did it last week. I think it is fair - they called a British manager and I think it is time for them to call a foreign manager."

Brendan Rodgers: Everton's Kevin Mirallas deserved red card

Roberto Martinez said the tackle was "not malicious" after his first Merseyside derby as Everton boss.

But Rodgers said: "Mirallas should have been sent off."

The 40-year-old added: "It would have been interesting had Luis made that challenge. He's just caught him right on the back of his knee and that can end your career. It took Luis 10 or 15 minutes to recover and it was disappointing."

Daniel Sturridge's 89th-minute equaliser gave Liverpool a point after Philippe Coutinho and Suarez had twice put them ahead, with Mirallas helping Romelu Lukaku score twice for the home side.

Rodgers added: "Kevin Mirallas is a really honest attacking player and sometimes attackers make those challenges that are poor and that was a really bad one.

"I thought it was a brilliant game. We don't want to see players sent off and it was 11 v 11 and great attacking end-to-end stuff but if someone should be sent off then that's what should happen. 

"Sometimes Luis rolls about a bit but gets up quickly, so I knew it was a reasonably bad one for him to stay down for so long."

Martinez, who became a father for the first time on Friday after his wife game birth to daughter Luella, defended Mirallas.

He said: "I can see why Liverpool might think that. I have seen the replay and obviously Kevin goes for the ball with a typical striker's tackle and closes his eyes when he gets to the incident and his right leg catches Suarez.

"I don't think it is a red card because it is not a malicious incident, he tries to win the ball but gets there late.

"I think a yellow card, bearing in mind the emotions you bring into a derby, was the right decision. But I can see why, if that had been against my team, I would've been thinking it would have been a red card."

Cardiff striker Peter Odemwingie has recovered from a minor muscle injury, while Aron Gunnarsson is fit despite hobbling off for Iceland on Tuesday.

Andreas Cornelius, sidelined since August by an ankle injury, is also fit.

Manchester United are without Michael Carrick and Phil Jones because of respective Achilles and groin problems.

The Red Devils will assess strikers Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck, both of whom withdrew from international duty because of injuries.

MATCH PREVIEW

Cardiff City against Manchester United isn't a fixture with a particularly rich history, illustrated by the fact this will be the first meeting of any kind between the clubs since March 1975, some 38 years ago.

Go back a bit further though and there's a date of significance for Manchester United fans, because it was 60 years ago that the legendary Duncan Edwards   made his debut for the club in a match against this weekend's opponents.

Burkina Faso lodge World Cup appeal against Algeria

The Burkina Faso Football Federation (FBF) has complained to Fifa over claims that Algeria used an ineligible player in the second leg of the World Cup play-off tie.

The FBF says Algerian defender Madjid Bougherra should have been suspended for two yellow cards in earlier games.
Bougherra scored the only goal in Algeria's 1-0 win that saw them qualify for Brazil on the away goals rule.
The federation has also complained about Senegalese referee Badara Diatta.
According to FBF president Sita Sangare, Bougherra picked up a yellow card during the group stage of qualifying against Mali and also went into the book during Burkina Faso's 3-2 win in the first leg of their play-off, which should have ruled him out of the second leg.
The teamsheets on the Fifa website do not show a yellow card for Bougherra  in the first leg of the tie.
Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe, who was in charge of the first leg, told BBC sport that what is on the Fifa site is what he had reported back after the match.
He also said that he had not booked any players in the tunnel or away from the field of play.
Sangare also argues that Diatta failed to play out the full four minutes of injury time, depriving them of the chance to score a late equaliser which could have qualified them for their first ever World Cup.
The African qualifying campaign has been overshadowed by several matches that were overturned by Fifa for nations using players who should have been suspended.
Cape Verde were denied a place in the final round of play-offs when football's world governing body Fifa ruled they had used an ineligible player in their final group win over Tunisia.

West Ham defender Winston Reid has undergone ankle surgery and is expected to be a long-term absentee.

West Ham defender Winston Reid has undergone ankle surgery and is expected to be a long-term absentee.

Razvan Rat is a doubt with a hamstring injury he sustained on international duty with Romania, but Joey O'Brien and James Collins should be fit.

Chelsea forward Fernando Torres is not quite ready to return from an adductor muscle injury.

Ashley Cole will play despite sitting out England's matches with the recurrence of a rib injury.

MATCH PREVIEW

England need more skill, pace and match-winning trickery in midfield. That much is clear from the back-to-back Wembley defeats. West Ham's Ravel Morrison should use spotlight matches like this to stake his claim for a place on the plane to Rio.

Now that he's shrugging off the tag of trouble-maker under the watchful eye of Sam Allardyce and a new mentor in Kevin Nolan, the 20-year-old is showing the sort of creativity that once had Sir Alex Ferguson drooling.

I think there's still one midfield spot in Roy Hodgson's squad yet accounted for. Morrison has a lot to do, but his five goals this season have a stamp of class. If he can get his head right, he could be a terrific player. 

Chelsea's Frank Lampard might be looking over his shoulder at the rise of Morrison. He struggled against Chile. Critics will say the years are catching up with him fast, especially as he's suffering his worst Premier League scoring drought in a decade.

This is the start of a run of five winnable games for Chelsea against modest opposition prior to visiting Arsenal on 23 December.

So far they've picked up the same number of points under Jose Mourinho as they did in Rafa Benitez's first 11 games in charge. Imagine the boos he would have had! But, for the moment, Jose can still do no wrong.

West Ham also need to hit immediate targets - six points at least from the next three home games. They have the worst current home form in the division. They've struggled to score. The win at Spurs and the Capital One Cup run have camouflaged a disturbing slump. Six points from nine games is relegation form.

This week they unveiled computer images of what football will look like in the Olympic Stadium when they move. They can't afford to go there in the Championship.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• This is the 100th meeting of the clubs in all competitions. Chelsea have won 44 times, West Ham 37 and there have been 18 draws.
• West Ham beat Chelsea for the first time in 13 league matches in the corresponding fixture last season. However, Chelsea were then 2-0 winners at Stamford Bridge.
• West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has picked up just two points in his previous six top-flight meetings with Jose Mourinho, losing all three home games.

West Ham

• West Ham are without a win in their last four home games in the league (D1, L3 D1), their worst run under Sam Allardyce.
• They have failed to score in six of their 11 league matches this season.
• Their only league victory since the opening day of the season was by 3-0 at Tottenham.
• This is the start of three successive London derbies for the Hammers, with Fulham at home and Palace away to come.

Chelsea

• They have just six points from six games against teams in the top half of the table going into the start of the weekend's matches.
• Frank Lampard has scored in three of his last four Premier League appearances against his former club West Ham, but the England midfielder has failed to score in 10 successive league games - his longest run without a goal in the Premier League since April-August 2003.
• Chelsea are unbeaten in their last six London derbies in the league (W4, D2).

Ian Holloway: Crystal Palace boss departs Premier League strugglers

"It's a completely different challenge for Ian and a completely different challenge for us at the club.

"Ian's been very noble and he's come forward and said: 'I can't do it.' I've spent three days trying to get Ian in the frame of mind that he can do it."

Assistant manager Keith Millen will take temporary charge  for the game against Arsenal on Saturday.

Although the club lost star player Wilfried Zaha to Manchester United, Holloway was allowed to bring in 16 players during the summer.

"I have pride in the job we've both done," Holloway said.

"We need to shut up shop in this division. At the minute we've got a whole new group there.

"I have to hold my hand up and say we didn't keep the spirit that got us up.

"We changed too much too quickly."

He added: "This club needs an impetus of energy - but I just feel tired to be honest. I'm worn out."

Palace won 3-1 against fellow strugglers Sunderland on 31 August, but they have lost their seven other league games this season.

Palace are 19th in the Premier League table and speculation had surrounded Holloway's position following a meeting with Parish after the Fulham defeat, despite the chairman telling BBC Radio 5 Live before the game his job was secure.

Parish said he would consult Holloway when it came to appointing a new manager and that the club needed someone with more top-flight experience. 

"We've got a whole group of people who are only really used to the Championship and dropped them into the Premier League," added Parish.

"I think we both realised we need someone with more experience at this level."

Holloway ended a three-year spell at Blackpool - who he guided to promotion to the Premier League in 2010 before being relegated back to the Championship the following season - to join the Eagles, succeeding Dougie Freedman.

Palace were fourth in the Championship table when Holloway arrived, but held onto a play-off place thanks to an 89th-minute winner from Mile Jedinak in the final game of the season against Peterborough.

After beating Brighton in the play-off semi-finals, an extra-time Kevin Phillips penalty secured promotion against Watford at Wembley.

Tony Pulis: Crystal Palace appoint former Stoke boss as manager

ony Pulis has been confirmed as the new manager of Crystal Palace on a two-and-half-year deal.

The 55-year-old left Stoke City during the summer and succeeds Ian Holloway, who exited Selhurst Park on 23 October.

Caretaker manager Keith Millen will remain in charge for Saturday's trip to Hull, with Pulis's first game coming against Norwich next weekend. 

Pulis has never been relegated in 21 years as a manager but Palace sit bottom of the Premier League.

Palace were promoted to the top flight via the Championship play-offs in May, but have never survived a season in the Premier League.

They have only beaten Sunderland this season and despite keeping a first clean-sheet of the campaign in a goalless draw with Everton two weeks ago, have just four points from 11 matches.

During Holloway's final news conference as manager, Palace co-chairman Steve Parish said the club hoped to talk to Pulis, but it is understood the former Plymouth Argyle boss was initially cautious about taking the job.

It is understood he wants to bolster the squad during the January transfer window to aid Palace's fight for survival. 

There were rumours Wales manager Chris Coleman could be appointed before he committed his future to his country, with Iain Dowie and new Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka also linked with the role.

Parish had also explored the possibility of appointing former Chelsea defender Dan Petrescu, who is now manager of Dinamo Moscow.

However, Petrescu said: "I have not been in talks with any club being under contract with another outfit. And I'm not set to do it in the future."

Welshman Pulis was appointed Stoke boss for a second time in 2006 and two years later led them into the top flight after a 23-year absence.

Despite not finishing lower than 14th in five seasons in the Premier League and guiding the Potters to an FA Cup final, he left the Britannia Stadium by mutual consent in the summer after being told the board wanted to take the club in a "different direction".

Palace, who are yet to win since Millen took temporary charge, are six points from safety ahead of Saturday's trip to the KC Stadium.

Daniel Sturridge's late equaliser rescued a point for Liverpool after a classic Merseyside derby with Everton at Goodison Park.

Daniel Sturridge's late equaliser rescued a point for Liverpool after a classic Merseyside derby with Everton at Goodison Park.

In the finest meeting between these two sides in years, Everton and Liverpool traded blows almost from the first whistle before sharing a point at its conclusion.

Philippe Coutinho gave the visitors an early lead but Kevin Mirallas - who should have been sent off for a shocking first half-tackle on Luis Suarez - quickly equalised.

Suarez restored Liverpool's advantage before half-time but Everton, playing with the attacking intent manager Roberto Martinez is determined to introduce, responded in style.

Romelu Lukaku, who had twice been thwarted by Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet, sidefooted home the equaliser before a towering header from Mirallas' corner put the hosts ahead with eight minutes left.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers had introduced Sturridge for Lucas with 15 minutes left and the move paid dividends in the 89th minute as he rose to head Steven Gerrard's free-kick beyond home keeper Tim Howard.

The list of chances was almost endless as, even in stoppage time, Howard saved from Suarez, and Mignolet blocked Everton substitute Gerard Deulofeu as both teams went for the winner.

They earned a standing ovation at the final whistle and rightly so after a thrilling 90 minutes.

Liverpool could only put Sturridge on the bench after he struggled with a thigh injury on England duty - but Suarez was available after flying back from Uruguay aboard owner John W Henry's private jet following their World Cup qualification on Thursday.

And it was inevitable that Suarez would be involved in most of the major talking points of an eventful first half.

The Reds were ahead inside five minutes in a manner that would have left Toffees manager Martinez aghast, as his side left Coutinho unmarked at the far post to score from Gerrard's corner, despite the efforts of James McCarthy on the line.

Martinez's counterpart Rodgers will not have felt any better as Everton equalised three minutes later, Mirallas pouncing to score after Martin Skrtel could not clear a Leighton Baines free-kick.

A free-flowing game looked certain to produce further goals. And so it proved as Suarez restored Liverpool's advantage in the 19th minute. He was fouled by Gareth Barry 25 yards out before inflicting further punishment by curling a low free-kick past the left hand of Howard.

Suarez was a central figure once more when he was felled by a shocking high challenge from Mirallas - referee Phil Dowd taking his time to make a decision as Liverpool's striker received lengthy treatment, before producing only a yellow card.

Mirallas, who was injured by a challenge from Suarez in last season's Merseyside derby, was fortunate to stay on the pitch after what looked a clear red card.

The hosts were dealt a blow just after half-time when Baines limped off, but Martinez felt bold enough to introduce gifted youngster Deulofeu, on loan from Barcelona, instead.

And he should have scored within moments when he was sent clear by Mirallas, but Mignolet was off his line quickly to block.

Lukaku had been a growing threat after a quiet start and twice Mignolet thwarted the giant striker as he looked poised to bring Martinez's men level.

It was Liverpool, however, who had the best opportunity - and contrived to waste it.

Suarez somehow ran a slalom through a number of home defenders and the ball fell to Joe Allen, but the midfielder, alone and eight yards out with only Howard to beat, sidefooted wide.

Everton were throwing everything forward and were rewarded when Mirallas crossed for Lukaku to finally beat Mignolet, who got a hand to his shot from eight yards but could not keep it out.

And the striker then soared above Reds defender Jon Flanagan in a mismatch in Liverpool's penalty box to head in a corner from the influential Mirallas.

Liverpool were not to be denied a point though and Sturridge earned it for them. He had the ball in the net again in injury time but was well offside, while the visitors' substitute Victor Moses also headed wide.

But Everton fully deserved something from this game and final whistle blew just after McCarthy had seen a shot blocked in the area.

Zimbabwe: Rugby More Than Just a Game

opinion

HENRY Blaha once said "Rugby is a beastly game played by gentlemen; soccer is a gentleman's game played by beasts; football is a beastly game played by beasts." The coming on board of Delta Beverages through its Lion Lager brand in 2011 was the dawn of a new era in the game of rugby in Zimbabwe.
Having gone for so many years without sponsorship, club rugby suffered a lot resulting in a number of teams folding as they could not afford to carry on playing rugby, as the costs of transport and running clubs were very high and unmanageable.
This resulted in the formation of the Northern Rugby League and Mid/Mat League in 2006, were teams from the same city played together to cut on transport costs.
It was not the most ideal situation but was a necessity to try and keep the game of rugby alive.
What was more encouraging was the fact that the clubs took the initiative to start and run a league without the input of the mother body.
Because of success of the first two years the passion and love of the game and the need to revive Inter-City Club rugby, clubs from the Northern and Southern regions came together and agreed to combine and form the National League.
The year 2009 saw the birth of the National Rugby League with six teams and the excitement of Inter City Club Rugby was re-born.
Even with that excitement, clubs still had to foot their own travel and medical services bills as we struggled to lure partners to the game.
In 2011, Delta Beverages, through their Lion Lager Brand, came on board to become the first partners of the National Rugby League.
In the past three seasons that we have partnered with Delta, clubs have been provided with branded playing kits, medical kits, branded training equipment that included balls, ruck shields, tackling bags, cones etc.
These were handed over to the clubs and the clubs have been putting the equipment to good use and the results are there for everyone to see, standard of the game has improved, though it might not be to the levels that we would want but there has been a major injection of life.
The Lion Lager National Rugby League has in the past years, through clubs, produced some great players that have gone on to represent the country at different National team levels and competitions.

Zimbabwe: Joke of the Year!

National senior football team, the Warriors, have emerged as a shock nominee for the prestigious Team of the Year award, threatening to make the 2013 Annual National Sports Awards (Ansa) set for December 11 a farce.

The Sports and Recreation Commission announced the awards nominees at a press conference yesterday. If the Warriors really deserve nomination, then it demonstrates the paucity of achievements in Zimbabwean sport.

The team finished bottom of their group in the running for a Fifa 2014 World Cup place, completing their worst campaign for the global showcase ever.

The Warriors came out of the four-nation pool with just two draws against Mozambique, while losing all the other four matches including two home defeats.

It might have been their success in qualifying for the African Nations Championships (Chan) which won the team nomination for the top prize.

But Chan is not even recognised by Fifa and considering the investment into the team, the Warriors do not deserve plaudits for mediocre peformances.

The also failed to win the regional Cosafa tournament after losing out to Zambia.

Warriors coach Ian Gorowa was also nominated in the will Coach of the Year category where he fights it out with Rachel Jane Davis of rowing and Wayne Davidson of triathlon.

Gorowa's only achievement in his short spell is qualifying for Africa's second tier tournament, Chan.

The other surprise was the exclusion of national cricket team coach Andy Waller from the Coach of the Year nominations even though his team, which won a Test match against Pakistan, is in the running for Team of the Year award.

The Zimbabwe Under-19 beach volleyball team completes nominations in that category.

Golfer Brendan de Jonge, reigning Sportsperson of the Year, did not receive any nominations this year.

Instead, the top accolade could be won by Cara Black (tennis), Micheen Thorncroft (rowing) and Rachel Goromonzi (hockey) who have been nominated in the Sportswoman of the Year category while Charles Manyuchi (boxing), Takanyi Garanganga (tennis) and Samson Muripo have been nominated for Sportsman of the Year.

Rwanda: Espoir's Ngandu - How I Ended Up in Rwanda

Bienvenu Ngandu has been the best defensive player in the national basketball league for two seasons running. In the just concluded campaign, he was named the Most Valuable Player after guiding Espoir to a second successive league and playoff titles.

The new MVP, who replaces his teammate Aristide Mugabe, was born on August 28, 1985 in the DR Congo capital Kinshasa to Mbanze Jamarie and Ilangi Odette. He is the first born in a family of seven; three boys and four girls.

The 28-year-old attended EP4 Yolo North for his primary and Lycee Matonge for his secondary education respectively, both in Kinshasa. He says he started playing basketball in primary and was the team captain for his secondary school team.

"After my secondary school studies, I joined BC Yolo team. But I didn't stay long as shortly after I signed for DCMP and later in 2003 I played for Onatra Matadi before crossing to Mulokayi team (all of DRC) in the same year.

"I also played in the Afrobasketball U-20 championships in Senegal," Ngandu disclosed in an interview with Saturday Sport on Thursday.

In 2005, Kabinda club of Angola signed him but life wasn't all that good in Luanda.

He struggled to settle in the team and played one season before returning to Congo where he featured for BC Onatra.

Ngandu is engaged and plans to marry his long-time fiancé (names withheld on his request) sometime early next year, he told this paper.

How APR spotted him

After winning two Congolese national championships with BC Onatra, the six-foot Ngandu also played a key role for the Kinshasa-based side at the Fiba Afro-basket Club Championships in Angola from where he was spotted by APR couch Cliff Owour.

Rwanda's APR were in Group A, while BC Onatra were on Group B and the two teams met in the quarter-finals which APR won 64-41. The tournament was won by Angolan side 1º de Agosto, who beat archrivals Petro Atlético 61-53 in the final.

"We (BC Onatra) played against APR at the African club championship in Angola, and it was after that game that the couch (Owuor) handpicked me, that is how I ended up in Rwanda," Ngandu recalls.

Rwanda/Uganda: CECAFA Cup - Another Showdown for Amavubi and Uganda Cranes

Rwanda's Amavubi Stars find themselves drawn with a country that has proved to be a thorn in their flesh once too many times. Uganda has been victorious in three consecutive CECAFA finals against Rwanda - in 2003, 2009 and 2011.

While this is not agonising, more pain comes in the fact that in 2005 and 2007, Rwanda still managed to reach the final, but lost to Ethiopia and Sudan respectively. This means that in recent years, Rwanda holds a record for the 'best losing finalist'.

Uganda Cranes have won Africa's oldest regional football competition a record 13 times, while Rwanda, despite the usual high hopes and expectation from the fans, have won it just once, in 1999 when it was held in Kigali for the first time-It was Rwanda B that triumphed over Kenya.

A fixture between the Amavubi and the Cranes, be it a friendly or a competitive game, is ultimately the most mouthwatering clash in the region, drawing from a historic rivalry that has sometimes gone beyond the pitch.

Yet in this year's CECAFA Cup, both nations find themselves drawn in the same group - Group C, alongside Eritrea and Sudan. A win to whichever side in the cup's first game on Wednesday next week will be a massive boost.

Much as Uganda has mostly emerged on top in these fixtures, last week's friendly in Namboole Stadium shone light on Rwanda's intentions. It's out to prove a point that gone are the days when Uganda simply walked over the fixture.

Rwanda played that game with intent to win. On the other hand, Uganda was mostly on its back foot, mostly, playing with respect. This friendly game gave a glimpse of what we should expect in Wednesday's game.

Yet, the epic may not be about the footballers, but the coaches. Amavubi's Eric Nshimiyimana was appointed the new coach of Amavubi, replacing Milutin Micho Sredojevic, who was fired after a streak of poor results.

Micho was snapped by Uganda as The Cranes head coach, a job he took with both hands, helping Uganda to qualify for African Nations Championship 2014 in South Africa.

Micho told Ugandan press that his motive is "not to revenge" against Rwanda - although I think that is more of talk than reality.

Nshimiyimana on the hand must prove that he deserves the job - so it might not be surprising to see a bit of hot air off the pitch during the competition.

Much as Rwanda and Uganda are the highlights in Group C, a shocker from either Eritrea or Sudan is quite possible.

Eritrea may be the fodder side, but it's hard to tell whether Sudan, a three times champion, will be a walk over.

That said, Rwanda has to kick the monkey off its back and prove that it has what it takes to win this trophy, seeing as it's the biggest chance they have for silverware after failing to qualify for other tournaments.

Zimbabwe's World Cup Hopes Doomed

The 2014 Twenty-20 cricket World Cup is around the corner and while all other participating nations have started priming themselves up, Zimbabwean preparations have been shambolic amid crippling financial woes.

The domestic season, which falls far short of adequately preparing the national team for such an event of such magnitude though it would have helped in some way, has had its start dates shifted and shuffled several times, with hopes it will take place waning.

South Africa are currently hosting Pakistan, at the back of other series in all formats in Dubai; India have an engagement with the West Indies; the Ashes has just started and the two nations will also play a One-Day-International series and a T-20; New Zealand is in Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile Zimbabwean players are either sitting idle at home or practising in the nets with the batsmen flattering themselves against predominantly school boys.

The latest information is that the domestic league could start on December 7 as Zimbabwe Cricket desperately waits for funding.

The countries that Zimbabwe will play in the pre-tournament qualifier in Bangladesh from March 16 are all engaged in their preliminary round of qualifiers and are exposed to much competitive cricket.

Having recorded rare success when they defeated Pakistan in a Test match at the back of an ODI win and another win in a lost T-20 series, all the gains which the team would have built on are likely to go to waste.

Worst still Zimbabwe could suffer the ignominy of climbing down from a Test win against super powers Pakistan to an embarrassing early exit at the hands of non-Test playing minnows at the global showcase.

The latest ICC T-20 team rankings place Zimbabwe at 15th below associate nations Kenya, Scotland, Netherlands, Ireland and Afghanistan.

Zimbabwe could face the Netherlands and Afghanistan in their qualification group.

Memories still linger of Zimbabwe's embarrassing display at the last T-20 World Cup in Sri Lanka where they suffered heavy defeats to the hosts and South Africa, and were the first to be eliminated.

Zambia: Arrows Eye Fifth Title

LEAGUE champions, Red Arrows this afternoon take on 'Men At Work' Diggers in the inaugural Copperfields-sponsored Zambia Rugby Union (ZRU) Super Eight Rugby Championship aiming to wrap up the 2013 season on a high with a fifth silverware to in their cabinet.

The tournament that will be held at the Nchanga Rugby Club in Chingola will signal the end of the 2013 rugby season.

Arrows have, apart from winning the Buildcon/ZRU national league title, also won the Mufulira, Ndola and Owen Busange tournaments, while Diggers would be out to seek revenge against the airmen who dethroned them as league champions.

Diggers, who beat Green Eagles 7-3 to reach the semi finals, have already bagged the Knock-Out (KO) Cup and Heroes Sevens titles and are favourites going into this final to win and earn a third cup success.

Having lost 11-10 to Arrows in the last game of the league, coach Robertson 'Plough' Kang'ongwe knows very well what is at stake.

Kang'ongwe is recognises the fact that his team will need to be at its best to overcome an Arrows side that defeated 'Powerhouse' Lusaka 7-6 to get this far.

Kang'ongwe will bank on inspirational Beneya Mukwamba to lead his side to victory along with the likes of Ephraim Musukwa, Ackim Mushota, Patrick Chanda and Jessie Mazabuka and company, to get the title. Arrows coach Mwamba Mulenga will bank on the likes of Paston Chola, Terry Kaushiku, Peter Mulenga, Daniel Sakala, Larry Kaushiku and William Daka to claim another famous victory for a Diggers side that they twice beat in the league.

The tournament was introduced by the ZRU as a way of increasing competition among teams and also as a fundraiser for the union to improve operations of the secretariat.

The Martin Musunka-led executive committee also decided to give opportunities to perceived 'small' clubs the chance to host high profiled events with Nchanga hosting the Super Eight final, while the Kitwe Playing Fields (KPF) was host to the KO final as way of building capacity for the clubs.

Zimbabwe: Raiderz Date Struggling Black Rhinos

SECOND-placed Raiderz will take on Black Rhinos tomorrow in the Harare Basketball League at Arcadia courts seeking to collect maximum points. Raiderz are currently on second position with 12 points after winning five of the seven matches they have played so far and they will be hoping for a win tomorrow when they take on struggling Black Rhinos.

Raiderz coach Martin Mukweva said they were ready for the match.

"We are actually looking forward to that game and we can safely say we are okay.

"We had one practice session on Tuesday due to the weather conditions because we were using an open court but these guys have been playing for the past two weeks," said Mukweva.

Fixtures:

Today:

A League: JBC V Airforce Falcons (Richwood), Cameo v UZ Stars (Richwood), Cheetahs v Pistons Richwood).

B League: Cubs v Pacers (Richwood), Arcadia v Swagou (Richwood).

Women's league: GS Academy v UZ Stars (Richwood), Arcadia v Green Stars (Richwood).

Tomorrow:

A League: Black Rhinos v Raiderz (Arcadia).

B League: Mablazo v Platinum Ballers (Richwood), F.M.L v South Central (Richwood), City Hornets v G.A (Arcadia), Arcadia v Cameo Sikaale (Arcadia).

Women's League: Hornet Queens v Black Rhinos (Arcadia), Stanbic RR v Platinum Ballers (Richwood), F.M.L v Vixens, Arcadia v Raiderz (Arcadia).

Zimbabwe: City Have Chance to Seal It

Will the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title change hands tomorrow? That is the big question which can only be answered at the end of the day tomorrow as Harare City look to break new ground in a must-win match against CAPS United at the National Sports Stadium. The previous two seasons were dominated by giants Dynamos who won the League and Cup double under Callisto Pasuwa.

But the Sunshine Boys established themselves as firm favourites when they thrashed giants Highlanders 4-0 last week and opened a two-point lead at the top of the table ahead of the last round matches.

And now Harare giants, CAPS United, stand between them and the Promised Land as defending champions Dynamos and Highlanders stalk them.

However, City will have to make the best of their opportunities in their last outing of the season.

As Big boy Mawiwi conducted his last training session, it was difficult to ignore the spirit of expectation in the camp.

City are only in their second season in the Premiership.

"We are ready for the game. Actually, I am happy with the way things have turned out this week in terms of our preparations," said Mawiwi.

"The guys are happy and motivated. It's important that we win this game to realise the dream. But I would like to believe that this is going to be a tough game, just like many other matches that we have played this season.

"We don't have to place ourselves under lots of pressure. We were doing things the normal way the whole week. We didn't change anything in terms of our training methods.

"So we have to remain focused and try as much to concentrate on winning the game itself, and not placing too much emphasis on the title as three teams are running for it," said Mawiwi.

Harare City rose when it mattered most last week with that demolition of Highlanders to take pole position ahead of Dynamos and Highlanders.

The Sunshine Boys are two points clear at the top with 53 points.

The championship is theirs to lose after taking this vital advantage on the same afternoon holders Dynamos dropped two crucial points in the 2-2 draw at Chicken Inn to leave them tied on 51 points with Highlanders.

Nigeria: The Beautiful Ones Have Done It Again

opinion

Jones Usen, a popular broadcaster with the FRCN at a time, and self styled 'man with the golden voice' called the golden eaglets the beautiful ones after their exploits of 1985 in far away Asia.
Those young boys dazzled and glittered in China and made our heads swell with pride as they delighted the world with skilful and purposeful football. In celebrating our moments of euphoria, Jones had declared 'the beautiful ones have now been born'.
It was the maiden edition of a tournament that has since discovered many football super stars. It was also our first exploit on the international stage and it was a performance that stunned the whole world especially the sponsors who did not expect an African country to win and wondered how they would recoup their sponsorship funds.
For us as Nigerians and Africans, it was a beautiful moment as everybody thought we had entered the world stage. And Pele, the same acclaimed Pele, endorsed the boys when he said they would rule the world if they could be kept together for a few years to mature as a unit.
But what happened after the euphoria? The vultures took over- in the name of greed, ethnicity, self- centredness and bad administration.
Everybody, including those who had never succeeded in anything in their lives, had an opinion. By the time the under -17 boys had become under 21, it was a different team; infused and diffused by additions and subtractions that were based on everything but merit.
The result was that we lost all the good things that should have accrued to Nigeria as a result of that ground- breaking feat.
Prodigies have to be handled well, or they will self destruct which is what happened when many of these boys signed all kinds of one sided agreements with clubs that exploited rather than nurtured them.
Many say the reason we did not benefit was because the boys were closer to 25 than 17. But that, even if it was true, was only half of the story. Whoever said 23, 24 year olds can not be kept together and nurtured both mentally and technically?
What is worse is that we had two other opportunities to get it right and build on the foundation of our young talents. Each time we have short changed ourselves. Will we be fourth time lucky?

Nigeria: Fuji Musician, Pasuma, Signs Endorsement Deal With Sports Betting Company

A popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Alabi, popularly known as 'Pasuma,' has signed an endorsement deal with new online sports betting company, 9japredict.com.

The deal, which is believed to be mouth watering, will see the Fuji maestro become the face of the company, which is becoming popular among Nigerian youth.

According to Azeez Anifowose, the CEO of 9japredict.com, signing Pasuma as the company's brand ambassador is due to the Fuji singer's love for football and sports in general.

"Pasuma is an Arsenal FC fan but many people are not in the know that he is not just a football fanatic but also has wide knowledge of sports in general.

"He represented Lagos State many years back at Rowe Park boxing championships and was dropped at the last minute for FIFA Kodak games 85, where Nigeria Golden Eaglets, led by Fatai Atere and Jonathan Akpoborie, won the under 16 championship in China".-

Pasuma was unveiled by 9japredict.com on Wednesday.

Gambia: Call to Keep Hunger At Bay Reinforced - As Youth & Sports Minister's Tour Progresses

The call by the president of the Republic, the nation's number one farmer, for the citizenry to engage in farming with a view to augmenting the national food basket and keeping hunger at bay, has been reinforced by the touring Youth and Sports minister, who continued his visit to youth farms and projects in the rural Gambia.

Minister Alieu K. Jammeh, who is accompanied on the tour by officials of his Ministry and members of the Youth in Agriculture and Fishing Initiative (YAFI), has visited some projects and farms cultivated by youths in the North Bank and Central River Regions.

The delegation on Tuesday visited the Illiassa Youth Association Livestock Project; a one-hectare groundnut farm cultivated by the Green Youths in Chamen, Upper Baddibu; Farafenni mini stadium; and a 1.5-hectare farm in Ballangar Kerr Nderry in the Central River Region (CRR). Speaking during a meeting held in Illiassa, an adviser to the Illiassa Youth Association, Tamba Jammeh, informed the entourage that the Association was formed in 1997, but it was not until 2007 when it started to engage in agricultural activities. He informed the delegation that the livestock project came up in September 2013 thanks to the support of the Livestock and Horticultural Development Project (LHDP).

The 250-member Association, according to Tamba, has cultivated a coos farm this year, resulting to a bumper harvest for them. This, he went on, is part of their response to the Gambian leader's call for young people to participate in national development. "As far as the livestock project is concerned, we have 24 sheep for now and we hope the number will increase as time goes on," he disclosed.

While thanking the minster and entourage for visiting the project, the adviser expressed hope that the project will contribute in addressing the problem regarding the hiking of prices for rams during Tobaski. Chief Ebrima Jammeh of Illiassa district, for his part, commended the Livestock Horticultural Development Project (LHDP) for enhancing the capacity of the youth, recalling that some of the youths have undergone overseas training in Songhai on sustainable development. While asserting that the government of the day wants to see all young people engage in anything that can contribute meaningfully to national development, the local governance administrator commended President Jammeh for creating the enabling environment. The chief said an initiative like the one in Illiassa would greatly contribute to food self-sufficiency objective of the leadership.

South Africa: Where's the Good News for Cricket in SA?

analysis

After all the angst and heartbreak about the Indian tour, it's about time the South African cricket-loving public had some good news.
With the height of the summer's cricket action about to take centre stage, there is certainly a sense of excitement building. But the question of what will fill the chasm left by India's abbreviated visit has been a vexing one.
Pakistan's players are here at the moment, and they form a team that boasts some exciting individual talent even if, as a team, they are struggling to get the better of South Africa.
But both Pakistan and India will be long gone by the time the new year arrives and the prime cricket-watching period was deliberately left empty by the awful machinations of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Newlands in Cape Town felt the major cut as there is no longer a New Year's Test, usually the best-supported event of the entire summer.
But the smell of charred meat and the hum of contented, often beer-fuelled conversations under the oaks beneath Table Mountain look set to once again stimulate the senses as there is talk of a festival of cricket to...

Read the full story on the Daily Maverick website.

Zambia: Blatter Salutes 12-Star Nkana

IN a historic move, world football governing body, FIFA president, Joseph Sepp Blatter has congratulated Zambian league kings, Nkana for clinching their record 12th league title this season. Nkana won the 2013 MTN Premier Division League championship, coming exactly 12 years since they last tasted glory.

In an unprecedented move Blatter, is aware of Nkana's achievements and on behalf of FIFA, has paid tribute to Zambia's league record breaking side, the first to have ever happened for a Zambian club.

In a congratulatory letter to Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president, Kalusha Bwalya, Blatter said FIFA was pleased with Nkana's achievement of winning their fist league championship since 2001 and their 12th overall.

"On behalf of the world football community, I would like to thank Nkana for the excitement they bring to the fans of the beautiful game, and wish them all the best for the future," Blatter said.

The FIFA president said the world football community was happy with the excitement that Nkana brings to the fans of the beautiful game. He paid tribute to coach Masautso Mwale, players and members of the technical and medical staff including supporters for their respective instrumental roles they played in Nkana's rich history.

"Dear president, please pass my warmest congratulations to Nkana FC on winning their first league championship since 2001 and 12th overall. Please convey my warmest wishes to all of the players, the manager, the technical and medical staff, and all of the team's supporters, as each part of this organisation have no doubt been instrumental in their club's history," he said in his letter to Kalusha.

And club sponsors, Mopani Copper Mines said the mining giant was happy that its support and the K2.7 million investment into the rehabilitation of Nkana Stadium had borne fruits.

Mopani chief operating officer, Johan Jansen said the league title was not delivered on a silver platter but through hard work, discipline, resilience and passion by the players and support staff.

In a statement released yesterday, Jansen, however, cautioned the team against dwelling on its past glory but to work even harder to achieve more success.

"Whilst congratulating the team on winning the league and its qualification to the lucrative CAF Champions League next year, we wish to caution the team not to dwell on its past glory but work even harder to achieve more success. The battle has just begun and only the fittest will survive," Jansen said in a statement released by Mopani public relations manager, Cephas Sinyangwe. Nkana wrapped up the 2013 league championship in emphatic fashion, thumping 2004 winners, Red Arrows 4-1 in the season-closing Week 30 fixture last Sunday in Kitwe. That victory earned Nkana recognition from the Kitwe City Council with Mayor Chileshe Bweupe who announced a reward of residential plots to each member of the squad. Nkana now have a task of breaking more records by representing Zambia well in the 2014 CAF Champions League and probably beat South Africa's Orlando Pirates' record to reaching the finals this year.

Zimbabwe: Best Eleven Selection Today

THE anxious wait is over as this afternoon the best eleven players who excelled would be revealed after the journalists and coaches meet to select the Castle Lager Premiership Soccer Stars for this season. Three goalkeepers - George Chigova, Tafadzwa Dube and Munyaradzi Diya - made their presence felt during the season.

Highlanders had the largest number of players among the 11 finalists last year with Masimba Mambare, who was the first runner-up, Mthulisi Maphosa, Ariel Sibanda and their skipper Innocent Mapuranga making the shortlist.

But most of their players have been average performers this season.

But there were gems like Bruce Kangwa, who could have been a strong candidate for the big award, following an outstanding season at the leftback position.

Kangwa, however, is ineligible for selection as he is among the several players that have fallen victim to the selection rules which state that a player who accumulates more than six yellow cards or two red cards cannot be considered.

Defending champions Dynamos were far below the usual standards that have made them a household name despite competing for the championship alongside Highlanders and Harare City in a tight race to be decided on the last day.

There was no one to fill the void left by last year's winner Denver Mukamba.

Besides Devon Chafa, who was unfortunately disqualified following a failed doping test, Ocean Mushure who is also out with six yellow cards, Partson Jaure and goalkeeper George Chigova, there wasn't much on offer from the rest.

Gift Bello has always been touted as DeMbare's unsung hero, overshadowed by his defence partner Jaure and his name could also be of interest.

Jaure survived to be eligible for selection after his disciplinary hearing could not be conducted yesterday as he is down with malaria.

Giant goalkeeper Chigova has been outstanding between the posts and after keeping clean sheets in his first seven outings, the DeMbare goalminder capped the season with three individual accolades for the Goalkeeper of the Month.

Harare City midfielder Silas Songani, who will miss the last bite of the Premiership action, is a strong candidate for the top award.

Zambia: Boxer Chisanga Lands WBO Fight

Zambia: Mwale, Chembo Win Coaches Body's Kudos

ZAMBIA Football Coaches Association (ZAFCA) Ndola branch has saluted its members Masautso Mwale and Tenant Chembo for their good performance at Nkana and Zesco United, respectively this year.

Mwale guided Nkana to their first league win since 2001, while Zesco under Chembo finished runners-up in the 2013 MTN Premier Division League.

Ndola publicity secretary, Emmanuel Mwelwa said Mwale did well at Nkana by helping the Kitwe giants claim their record 12th championship, stunning the league favourites.

Mwelwa, however, appealed to Mwale to reinforce his squad before heading into the 2014 CAF Champions League competition where they would be Zambia's envoys.

On Chembo, Mwelwa said the ZAFCA Ndola members were pleased that the Zesco executive committee exercised patience with the coach until he delivered a runners-up spot which guarantees the Ndola club a slot in the CAF Confederation Cup next year.

"As Ndola coaches, we are proud of the performance of two of our own members in the 2013 season.

We thank Zesco United executive committee for being patient with coach Tenant Chembo and congratulations to coach Masautso Mwale for guiding Nkana to the first league title since 2001," he said in an interview yesterday.

Mwelwa urged both Nkana and Zesco to prepare adequately for their respective continental competitions and that the Ndola coaches were confident the two teams would represent Zambia well.

The Ndola coaches also paid tribute to their other member Stephen Mwansa for propelling Indeni back to the MTN Premier Division League after finishing second on the Division One North log behind National Assembly.

Mwelwa said the coaches were also happy with the strides being made by newcomers in the FAZ league, Premium Sports who are being tutored by Sam Phiri and Francis Litana.

Zambia: Boxer Chisanga Lands WBO Fight

EXCITING flyweight boxer, Pethias Chisenga has been handed a career defining World Boxing Organisation (WBO) International title fight against Namibia's Abmerk Shindjuu, who is the defending champion.

Chisenga, whose record reads nine wins and one loss, will get the title shot on December 6 this year in Windhoek against a boxer he has fought twice before.

His coach and manager Anthony Mwamba yesterday confirmed the development saying it was a great opportunity that his boxer will not let slip off his hands.

"Pethias (Chisenga) has been given a WBO International title fight against the reigning champion Abmerk Shindjuu of Namibia. The fight will be in Namibia and we shall be leaving on December 3 for the big fight," he said.

Whereas Mwamba will be excited about his boxer getting a title shot, he is quickly reminded that the one loss that dents Chisenga's record was at the hands of Shindjuu, his opponent for next weekend's title fight.

"Yes that loss was to Shindjuu but you will be more excited hear that after that loss, they two fought again and Pethias won that fight by a unanimous decision, so we have the advantage," he said.

In the two boxers' first meeting on October 12 last year at the Windhoek Country Club Resort, Shindjuu won the fight by majority decision after two judges gave him a tight victory while the third scored for a draw.

And in the rematch, also a non-title fight at the same venue on 20th March this year, Chisenga avenged the earlier loss by defeating the Namibian and African champion via a unanimous points' decision.

Shindjuu is a hugely experienced boxer who has also fought but lost for the Commonwealth title and has 13 wins and five losses and carries a 25 per cent knock-out rate.

But Mwamba said that did not intimidate him a bit adding his boxer has been having intensive training for the last six months and this chance will not slip off his hands.

Mwamba also announced that Sheriff Kasongo from Exodus Stables will challenge WBO African welterweight Champion Sacky Shikukutu of Nestor Sunshine boxing Academy over 12 rounds.

"Thanks to Nestor Sunshine boxing Academy for giving us this opportunity, I would also like to thank the Boxing Board of Control (BBC) and the Government for the assistance," he said.

Rwanda: Algerian Wins Stage Five

Algeria National Team's Azzedine Lagab clocked 2 hours 29 minutes and 15 seconds to win Stage Five of the 2013 Tour of Rwanda, from Muhanga to Nyamagabe (102km) yesterday.
However, South Africa National Team rider Dylan Girdlestone retained the Yellow Jersey after finishing in fourth place in yesterday's leg.
The 24-year-old clocked 2 hours 29 minutes and 51 seconds, 36 seconds behind the Algeria National Team's Lagab who convincingly won the stage.
The Algerian charged at his breakaway companion Goytom Biru with an explosive acceleration in the final 400 metres. Girdlestone's South African Team worked hard to protect the Tour leader.
Girdlestone maintains his place at the top in the general classification in a time of 15 hours six minutes and 51 seconds with two stages remaining today and tomorrow.
Team MTN-Qhubeka's 21-year-old rider, Louis Jes Meintjes, who came third yesterday, is second overall with a time of 15 hours eight minutes and 58 seconds and in third position is Eritrean Eyob Metkel of Team SA CO BE with a time of 15 hours nine minutes and 17 seconds.
Kenya National Team rider John Njoroge is in fourth position after clocking a total time of 15 hours, ten minutes and 26 seconds, while Team Rwanda Kalisimbi's Jean Bosco Nsengiyumva, who was 11th yesterday, is in sixth position with a time of 15 hours 11 minutes and 47 seconds.
Nsengiyumva clocked 2 hours 29 minutes 59 seconds in yesterday's Stage Five from Muhanga to Nyamagabe in the Southern Province. He retains the White Jersey for best Rwandan rider in the competition.
Yesterday, Team Rwanda Akagera's Gasore Hategeka came in fifth position in 2 hours 29 minutes 54 seconds.
MTN-Qhubeka's Rwandan rider, Adrien Niyonshuti is in tenth position overall with a time of 15 hours 13 minutes and 3 seconds and his team continue to don the Green Jersey for the best team so far in tournament.
Lagab's win on stage five, made him the fifth different stage winner since the start of this year's Tour of Rwanda last Sunday. He is in tenth position in the general classification with 15 hours, 12 minutes 23 seconds.
Team Rwanda Karisimbi's Janvier Hadi won the Prologue on the first day (Amahoro stadium-Kimoronko-Amahoro stadium), Team MTN-Qhubeka's Jay Robert Thomson won stage one (Kigali-Kirehe) but has pulled out of the Tour due to illness.
Team Rwanda Akagera's 19-year-old rider Valens Ndayisenga won stage two (Rwamagana-Musanze), Team MTN-Qhubeka's Meintjes took stage three (Rubavu-Kinigi) before MTN-Qhubeka's Johann Zyl Van won stage four ( Musanze-Muhanga) on Thursday.
Stage six today will see the riders racing from Huye in the Southern Province to the City of Kigali where they will finish at Stade de Kigali Nyamirambo, covering a distance of 125.7km.
The 2013 Tour of Rwanda will climax on Sunday (tomorrow) with the seventh and last stage which will start from Amahoro stadium, go round the City of Kigali, covering a total distance of 94.2km and finish at Amahoro Stadium.

Gambia: Ban On Provincial Summer Football Lifted

The minister of Youth and Sports, Alieu Kebba Jammeh has declared that the presidential ban imposed on football across provincial Gambia during the summer in order to encourage rural youths engage in farming has been "lifted" with the ushering of the winter season.

The minister made the declaration in Basse Upper River Region (URR) during a meeting with the youths and local authorities in that far-flung region in continuation of his five-day nationwide tour. He said a directive has been given for them to carry on with their 'noran' football tournaments now that the rainy season is over. The minister quickly told the meeting that one of his biggest challenges is to see sports up and running across the length and breadth of the country, noting that this is why his Ministry attached greater importance to sports development. He stressed the need to decentralise activities, and challenged all sporting associations to tow that line in a bid to ensure a mass participation in sports. "We want committed and function sporting associations that can be seen and felt in all regions," he stressed.

While thanking all those who have in one way or the other contributed towards youth and sports development, Youth and Sports Minister Jammeh reassured that his Ministry will continue to invest in the promotion and development of youth and sport in the region. "Where we see hope, commitment, and seriousness, we will not hesitate to give support and that is exactly what we have seen in the Upper River Region," he told the gathering.

Minister Jammeh also used the Basse meeting to call for unity among youths and sports stakeholders, saying the wrangling should stop and that genuine and sport loving people should be allowed to run the affairs of sports. He informed the gathering that the region will benefit D500, 000 from the Ministry for sports infrastructure development in region, saying the funds have already been disbursed. The chairman of the Basse Area Council, Omar Sampo Ceesay, reassured the minister and delegation of his office willingness to support the young people in their programmes, noting that 25% of their annual budget is earmarked for them.

Zimbabwe: Thrilling Finale to Premier League

THE Castle Lager Premier League, which approached boiling point last week, is set for a frantic conclusion this Sunday as champions Dynamos, Highlanders and leaders Harare City tussle for the title.

Only Harare City, who have a two-point cushion over their two main rivals, both with 51 points, have the destiny of the championship in their own hands while DeMbare and Bosso depend on the results of other matches.

If City can replicate their scintillating display against Highlanders, whom they dispatched 4-0 on Sunday, they stand a good chance of clinching the title.

Harare City will need the precision and efficiency they exhibited last week against a strong Caps United side at the National Sports Stadium. Caps have little to gain from the three points on offer.

Dynamos, however, will be hoping their foes Caps will do them a favour and at least force a draw against City.

Dynamos will then have to win their match against relegation-threatened Black Mambas to stand any chance of extending their dominance.

Last season's runners up Highlanders have an equally tricky assignment against Shabanie at Barbourfields and they too will be hoping for a Harare City defeat.

Winger Silas Songani, who has emerged as midfielder Tawanda Muparati's biggest rival for the Soccer Star of the Year award, will carry the hopes for Bigboy Mawiwi's Sunshine Boys.

South Africa: SA Open - Bad Weather, but Afternoon Field Dominates

analysis

The weather was gloomy and the wind blustery, but that didn't stop the afternoon field from dominating the first round of the South African Open at Glendower Golf Club on Thursday.

Matthew Nixon, the Englishman who managed to retain his European Tour card for the first time this year, snatched the lead late in the day as he birdied his 16th and eagled his 17th holes.
Nixon's eight-under-par 64 featured just 22 putts, the lowest of his career, and the 24-year-old, who began his round on the 10th tee, made the perfect start by birdieing his first three holes.
The lead had previously been shared between Italian Marco Crespi and Jbe' Kruger, the South African who initially plied his international trade on the Asian Tour but won the European Tour's Avantha Masters in India last year, the duo finishing the day one behind Nixon on seven-under-par 65.
Kruger lives in the Serengeti Golf Estate just up the road in Kempton Park and the 27-year-old is clearly relishing the comforts of home as he fired six birdies - four of them in a row from the 12th - and an eagle on the par-five eighth, while dropping just...

Read the full story on the Daily Maverick website

Zambia: Blatter Salutes 12-Star Nkana

IN a historic move, world football governing body, FIFA president, Joseph Sepp Blatter has congratulated Zambian league kings, Nkana for clinching their record 12th league title this season. Nkana won the 2013 MTN Premier Division League championship, coming exactly 12 years since they last tasted glory.
In an unprecedented move Blatter, is aware of Nkana's achievements and on behalf of FIFA, has paid tribute to Zambia's league record breaking side, the first to have ever happened for a Zambian club.
In a congratulatory letter to Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president, Kalusha Bwalya, Blatter said FIFA was pleased with Nkana's achievement of winning their fist league championship since 2001 and their 12th overall.
"On behalf of the world football community, I would like to thank Nkana for the excitement they bring to the fans of the beautiful game, and wish them all the best for the future," Blatter said.
The FIFA president said the world football community was happy with the excitement that Nkana brings to the fans of the beautiful game. He paid tribute to coach Masautso Mwale, players and members of the technical and medical staff including supporters for their respective instrumental roles they played in Nkana's rich history.
"Dear president, please pass my warmest congratulations to Nkana FC on winning their first league championship since 2001 and 12th overall. Please convey my warmest wishes to all of the players, the manager, the technical and medical staff, and all of the team's supporters, as each part of this organisation have no doubt been instrumental in their club's history," he said in his letter to Kalusha.
And club sponsors, Mopani Copper Mines said the mining giant was happy that its support and the K2.7 million investment into the rehabilitation of Nkana Stadium had borne fruits.
Mopani chief operating officer, Johan Jansen said the league title was not delivered on a silver platter but through hard work, discipline, resilience and passion by the players and support staff.
In a statement released yesterday, Jansen, however, cautioned the team against dwelling on its past glory but to work even harder to achieve more success.
"Whilst congratulating the team on winning the league and its qualification to the lucrative CAF Champions League next year, we wish to caution the team not to dwell on its past glory but work even harder to achieve more success. The battle has just begun and only the fittest will survive," Jansen said in a statement released by Mopani public relations manager, Cephas Sinyangwe. Nkana wrapped up the 2013 league championship in emphatic fashion, thumping 2004 winners, Red Arrows 4-1 in the season-closing Week 30 fixture last Sunday in Kitwe. That victory earned Nkana recognition from the Kitwe City Council with Mayor Chileshe Bweupe who announced a reward of residential plots to each member of the squad. Nkana now have a task of breaking more records by representing Zambia well in the 2014 CAF Champions League and probably beat South Africa's Orlando Pirates' record to reaching the finals this year.

Algeria and Ghana on Tuesday completed the five African qualifiers for next year's World Cup, joining Nigeria, Cameroon and Ivory Coast, who all qualified at the weekend.
This quintet is identical to Africa's ambassadors at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Algeria did just enough to book their ticket to their fourth World Cup by beating Burkina Faso 1-0 to go through on the away goals' rule after the first game ended 3-2 in favour of the west Africans.
It needed a scrambled effort in the 49th minute by skipper Madjid Bougherra for Algeria to book their flight to Brazil next year.
Burkina Faso, beaten finalists at this year's Africa Cup of Nations, were resolute in defence, but offered very little going forward.

Despite losing 2-1 in Cairo, the Black Stars of Ghana qualified for a third successive World Cup,
7-3 on aggregate.
Egypt could not overcome the 6-1 humiliation they suffered at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi last month.
The Pharaohs, who last appeared at the World Cup in 1990, scored through Amr Zaki and Mohamed Gedo in either half, before substitute Kevin-Prince Boateng pulled a goal back for Ghana late on.
It was a huge disappointment for the seven-time African champions, whose American coach Bob Bradley is now expected to quit his post.
Ghana became only the third African team to reach the last eight of a World Cup four years ago,
And they will again be fancied to do well in Brazil with the return of several of their top stars like Michael Essien, Kevin-Prince Boateng and the Ayew brothers, Andre and Jordan.

Nigeria became the first African team to qualify for Brazil on Saturday when they beat Ethiopia 2-0 in the southern coastal town of Calabar to go through 4-1 on aggregate.
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi admitted nerves affected his team's below-par showing in front of the home fans.
But Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi has promised the African champions will cause surprises in Brazil after they were held to a thrilling 2-2 draw by Italy in a friendly in London two days later.
"The potentials are obvious, but we must avoid arrogance and complacency. With that, this team will go places," he said.
Cameroon put aside their internal squabbles to qualify for an African record seventh World Cup in style when they trounced Tunisia 4-1 in Yaounde after the first leg finished in a goalless draw in Tunis.
The Indomitable Lions became the first African team to reach the quarterfinals of the World Cup in 1990 and would now hope to improve on their first round exit at the last tournament in South Africa.
"Cameroon are back after we were written off," declared Roger Milla, who featured at three World Cups.
"We need to work now, set up friendlies not against small teams, we must not be scared to play against top teams like England, Portugal and Germany. It will be good for the players."
The Ivory Coast will also hope to go beyond the first round of the competition in Brazil after they out scored fellow west Africans Senegal 4-2 on aggregate.
The Elephants led by inspirational skipper Didier Drogba were eliminated in the first round in 2006 and 2010 and in both cases they were drawn in very tough first round groups.
The draw for the 2014 World Cup will be conducted in Bahia, Brazil, on December 6.