Inside Sport June 2023 Edition

SPORT: SA’S RAY OF LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS

For all South Africa’s challenges, such as persistent load shedding and a struggling economy, sport has always found a way to bring much-needed relief and joy to this nation, and this year has been no different.

While gloom continues to overshadow our beloved country – with an unstable power grid and depressing social issues – we should always look to the sporting fields for solace. Inside Sport is our attempt to help lift your mood amid all the cynicism.

There’s a lot to look forward to this year on the sporting front, not least the Netball World Cup that Cape Town will host in July and August. Our Proteas face huge pressure in that tournament, but we trust that, just like their namesakes from cricket – the women’s team who reached the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup final in February – they will make us proud.

In September, our world-champion Springboks will seek to defend their title when they go to France, and it’s only a matter of time before we see the green jersey populating our streets ahead

CONTENTS

of the tournament. Pity injured skipper Siya Kolisi is a huge doubt for the event.

Earlier this year, the SA20 – a domestic T20 tournament contested by six teams – kept us captivated as almost every match was sold out, a major fillip for our cricket that had in the past endured negative headlines. It was also helpful that our Proteas men side finally booked a ticket to the World Cup that takes place in India later this year.

In more exciting soccer news, Bafana are also headed to the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Ivory Coast in January.

We wish Banyana Banyana all the best as they trek to Australia and New Zealand for the FIFA Women’s World Cup this winter.

All in all there’s reason to be optimistic on the sporting front. This, dear reader, is why we have produced this magazine: to attempt to show you light amid the dispiriting day-to-day challenges. Enjoy!

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EDITORIAL

Editor, Inside Sport: Jermaine Craig

Sports Editor, Sowetan: Nkareng Matshe

Content Manager: Raina Julies | rainaj@picasso.co.za

Contributors: Jermaine Craig, Karien Jonckheere, Nkareng Matshe, Mahlatse Mphahlele, Sihle Ndebele, Athenkosi Tsotsi, Happy Zondi

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DESIGN

Head of Design: Jayne Macé-Ferguson

Senior Designer: Mfundo Archie Ndzo

Junior Designer: Bulelwa Sotashe

16 ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

The young stars on the field today; Mark Fish shares how he believes he would have faired against today’s brash strikers; and Hollywoodsbets’ EPL sponsorship.

18

SOUTH AFRICAN FOOTBALL

He may not be everyone’s favourite, but Hugo Broos has helped Bafana Bafana qualify for Afcon 2023.

19 RUGBY

The Kaizer Chiefs rebirth hasn’t quite been smooth sailing under Amakhosi heir apparent, Kaizer Motaung Jr.

7 TENNIS

Two South African wheelchair tennis stars smashed, lobbed and swung their way into the record books at Roland Garros.

9 NETBALL

All you need to know about the game and players as we head into the 2023 Netball World Cup.

14 CRICKET

A look at the next crop of future Proteas who could light up the game.

South Africa’s future Rugby World Cup hopefuls.

20 THE OUTTAKE

Sowetan sports editor, Nkareng Matshe, looks at Mamelodi Sundowns’ utter dominance of local football in recent years, and says it is up to the rest of the league to catch the Brazilians if they can.

Cover Image: istock.com/ efks, supplied

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PRODUCTION

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COPYRIGHT: No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent of the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited material. Inside Sport is published by Picasso Headline. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Picasso Headline. All advertisements/advertorials have been paid for and therefore do not carry any endorsement by the publisher.

6 PROFILE

Sports editor, Sowetan Nkareng Matshe

FIXING CHIEFS

club’s new sporting director

As their extended barren trophy-less spell extends now to more than nine years, Kaizer Chiefs’ current crop of players is struggling with the burden of expectation that comes with wearing the club’s heavy badge. Amakhosi have turned to the club’s heir apparent, Kaizer Motaung Jr, to turn around the fortunes of the club his famous father founded – in the pivotal role of sporting director. Motaung Jr has been central in appointing, and supporting, his close friend and former teammate, club legend Arthur Zwane, as head coach.

The first year of the pair’s tenure in their pivotal positions flattered to deceive as they played a distant second fiddle to dominant champions Mamelodi Sundowns and found themselves unable to secure CAF Champions League qualification.

A promising run to the Nedank Cup semifinal was halted by arch enemy Orlando Pirates, which means that by the time next season starts, it will be more than nine years since Kaizer Chiefs has won a major trophy.

Under pressure

Reputations, names and past pedigree count for little in modern-day football, and the pressure is already mounting on Motaung Jr and Zwane.

Zwane has come out fighting, insisting there were many positives from his debut season as Amakhosi head coach. “We could have done better.

Because of the demands and expectations of playing for this team, a lot of people will see

DID YOU KNOW?

Kaizer Motaung Jr holds the distinction of being the first Chiefs player to score a goal at the old and new FNB Stadium, scoring before renovation in a 1-1 draw against BidVest Wits on 9 June 2004, and after in a 1-0 win over Sundowns on 8 January 2011.

* Source: Kaizer Chiefs

us as failures, but they forget where we come from. I am disappointed because we could have done better, but we have done a lot of good things.”

Motaung Jr has steadfastly supported Zwane and insisted in media interviews that “all directors and the chairman are fully behind the coach, and our job is to provide the right infrastructure as best we can”.

While the process of awakening the sleeping Amakhosi giant will still require more time, Motaung Jr is seeing a return to the club’s identity and playing style. “We have begun to play a brand of football that our fans can identify with, but it’s got to come with results, not any illusions. It’s a fact, and we are going to be judged and are accountable if we don’t deliver that.”

The right signs

Former Chiefs and Bafana Bafana goalkeeping legend Brian Baloyi says it’s high time Chiefs started signing quality players who can do the jersey justice. “Chiefs haven’t signed ‘Chiefs players’ for a long time and until that changes no coach is going to help to fix the team. It has to start with management saying we need to get quality players to be able to compete with Mamelodi Sundowns. We need to be honest if we really love the club, and venting our frustrations on coaches is not going to help.”

There is no doubt that the massive weight of expectation will continue to weigh heavily on the Chiefs players and technical team. The the question remains: How will they respond to the mounting pressure as the patience of their expectant fan base wears exceedingly thin?

MAHLATSE MPHAHLELE unpacks Kaizer Chiefs’ new game strategy, now in the hands of Kaizer Motaung Jr as the

“We have begun to play a brand of football that our fans can identify with, but it’s got to come with results, not any illusions. It’s a fact, and we are going to be judged and are accountable if we don’t deliver that.”

– KAIZER MOTAUNG Jr

Kaizer Motaung Jr

DOUBLE VICTORY AT FRENCH OPEN

Two South African wheelchair tennis stars smashed, lobbed and swung their way into the record books on Saturday 10 June, writes J ER M AINE CRAIG

South Africa celebrated double doubles delight as wheelchair tennis players Donald Ramphadi and Kgothathso Montjane each won French Open titles with their respective mixed doubles partners,

Ramphadi joined doubles partner Andy Lapthorne from Britain as they beat the second-seeded pair of Heath Davidson from Australia and Robert Shaw from Canada in the thrilling French Open final with a 1-6, 6-2, 10-3 victory to secure the quads doubles title.

With the huge win, Ramphadi became only the first South African male – both able-bodied and wheelchair-bound – to win a French Open title since Johan Kriek accomplished the feat in 1981. What made the win even more special was that it came on Ramphadi’s birthday.

“It is truly amazing to hear that I am the first South African in 42 years to win the French Open. Coming from a challenging background, I am proud to serve as an example to young children in underprivileged circumstances, showing them that anything is possible when you envision it,” Limpopo star Ramphadi told News 24 after his win.

RED-LETTER DAY

It was a red-letter day for South African tennis on the red clay courts of Roland Garros in Paris, as Kgothathso Montjane and her doubles partner, Yui Kamiji from Japan, clinched an impressive 6-2, 6-3 victory over Diede de Groot and Maria Moreno to claim the women’s doubles trophy.

The feat saw Montjane become the first South African woman to win a French Open title since Tanya Harford and Ros Fairbank – their win also coming in 1981.

Paralympian Montjane, who had previously reached six doubles finals at Grand Slam tournaments between 2019 and 2022 without

being able to get over the finishing line, has finally secured her well-deserved maiden Grand Slam champion title.

It was a fantastic story of determination and perseverance from Montjane, who was born with a congenital defect and, at 12 years old, underwent a single amputation below the knee.

“It’s a moment worth living for. I have been fortunate to play both singles and doubles, so it’s an exciting time for me. I will keep fighting for the singles title that I have been waiting for,” Montjane told News 24 after the final.

In 2018, Montjane became the first African wheelchair tennis player to compete in all four Grand Slam tournaments in the same calendar year. She has gone on to have a stellar career on the courts of the world’s best tennis arenas.

Japan’s Yui Kamiji (R) and South Africa’s Kgothatso Montjane claimed the women’s wheelchair doubles title at the French Open tennis tournament in Paris.

“It is truly amazing to hear that I am the first South African in 42 years to win the French Open. Coming from a challenging background, I am proud to serve as an example to young children in underprivileged circumstances.”

– Donald Ramphadi

Donald Ramphadi of South Africa (R) and Andy Lapthorne of Britain won the French Open wheelchair men’s doubles at Roland Garros.

AFRICA’S NET WIN

The tournament, first held in 1963 in the UK as the World Netball Championship, has visited Australia, the Caribbean, New Zealand and Singapore, but has never been on African soil.

The initial stage of the tournament will see four pools of four teams going head-to-head in the group stage. The Spar Proteas have been grouped with Jamaica, Wales and Sri Lanka in Pool C. They’ll play their first match against Wales on 28 July.

The South Africans’ best result at the tournament was a silver medal on their return from isolation in 1995. Led by inspirational captain Bongi Msomi and iconic Australian coach Norma Plummer (who has once again made a return to the side), the team came close to repeating that feat in 2019, when a famous victory over then second-ranked Jamaica saw

fast fact

them reaching the semifinals. There they came nail-bitingly close to a massive upset, just two goals separating them from victory over 11-time champions Australia. It was nevertheless a massive result for the Proteas, who just four years earlier had lost by 35 goals to the Aussie Diamonds.

In the 60 years of the tournament’s existence, only three teams have lifted the trophy: Australia (11 times), New Zealand (five times), and Trinidad and Tobago (once as joint winners with Australia and New Zealand in 1979 when the tournament was played in a round-robin format).

The Silver Ferns head into the 2023 World Cup as defending champions but the number one-ranked Australians will hold the favourites tag, having dominated the recent Quad Series, also held in Cape Town as a test event, and the Commonwealth Games in August last year.

At 2.06m in height, Sri Lanka’s Tharjini Sivalingam was the tallest player at the last Netball World Cup in 2019. Unsurprisingly, she was the top scorer in the tournament with 348 goals

2023 WORLD CUP POOLS

POOL A: Australia, Tonga, Zimbabwe, Fiji

POOL B: England, Malawi, Scotland, Barbados

POOL C: Jamaica, South Africa, Wales, Sri Lanka

POOL D: New Zealand, Uganda, Trinidad and Tobago, Singapore

RAPID-FIRE Q&A WITH SPAR PROTEAS CAPTAIN BONGIWE MSOMI

Favourite food?

Mutton samp.

Favourite country to tour with the Proteas?

Australia (particularly Sydney).

What is your hidden talent?

I think I can sing, I’m not bad. Also I can Zulu dance – most people don’t know that.

What are the essential items in your kit bag?

Definitely my massage machine, my training shoes (that’s one thing I always pack because I used to forget them and get in trouble), extra training shorts, vest and towel.

Favourite prematch snack?

I like peanut butter on toast for a quick snack.

Three words that describe you?

Fearless, strong, good-hearted.

Who would win an arm-wrestling competition on the Proteas team?

Maybe someone like Shadine van der Merwe. I just think she’s strong.

For the first time in the history of the tournament, the Netball World Cup will be hosted on the African continent, with Cape Town set to become the focus of the sporting world from 28 July to 6 August.

By KARIEN JONCKHEERE

Norma Plummer

The Spar Proteas’ new Puma kit for the 2023 Netball World Cup.

Bongiwe Msomi

IS CAPE TOWN READY TO TAKE CENTRE STAGE FOR THE 2023 NETBALL WORLD CUP?

From 21–25 January 2023, the Cape Town International Convention Centre hosted the Quad Series with teams from Australia, New Zealand and England jetting in to take on the Spar Proteas. Apart from some excellent international competition for the teams, it provided Netball World Cup organisers with the perfect opportunity for a dress rehearsal at the same venue.

The World Cup is a much larger occasion, of course, with 16 teams taking part while a massive international media contingent and throng of global fans are also expected. But the Quad Series was nevertheless a good test ahead of the big one.

Asked about the readiness of Cape Town to host the global showpiece with less than 100 days to go, Netball World Cup tournament director Priscilla Masisi says: “We are ready. The plans are going ahead. The accommodation and security have all been sorted for the teams.

“The venue is also ready to host. CTICC 1 and CTICC 2 are going to be converted into playing fields, where we are also going to be putting in the stands, so it’s not being built from scratch. We are ready and we will start with the build-up from the 14th of July to be ready by the 28th when the games start.

“I’m 100 per cent confident,” adds Masisi. “We have all the support from our partners, we’ve got all the government departments also supporting us. Tourism and Brand SA are on board so we are all working together to ensure that this is a successful tournament.”

Spar Proteas captain Bongi Msomi says: “I think they are ready. I love Cape Town and even before the setup of hosting at the venue, I think the city itself is ready to host.

“We already had the Quad Series there. Almost all the players who came loved it. Now with the World Cup setup, I can only imagine what it’s going to look like, so I really hope it’s going to be a good reflection of us as a country.”

DID YOU KNOW?

fast fact

South Africa is the only country apart from Australia and New Zealand to have contested a Netball World Cup final – in 1995.

Artist Sikhumbuzo Skubalisto Salman and Annelie Lucas, head coach of the Western Province Southern Stings netball team, in front of the Netball World Cup legacy mural he created at the Langa Indoor Sports Centre.

Cape Town unveiled a series of murals around the city in the lead up to the 2023 World Cup.

*Source: Topendsports.com

2023 WORLD CUP OFFICIALS

The murals being unveiled around the City of Cape town is part of the City’s legacy projects as the host city for Africa’s first ever Netball World Cup.

*Source: City of Cape Town

Twelve murals have been unveiled around the City of Cape Town in the lead-up to the Netball World Cup.

The City of Cape Town is partnering with the Cape Town Netball Federation to roll out an afterschool programme focused on developing player skills, rules of play and teamwork as well as mentorships for coaches.

The programme is open to girls aged between 10 and 16.  The pilot project will be launched at 12 City facilities including:

WILL HOSTING THE WORLD CUP GROW THE GAME IN SOUTH AFRICA?

White elephant, dilapidated stadia are often a sad legacy for countries hosting major sporting events. But the Netball World Cup plans to be different. Of course, there’s no building involved for the 16-team tournament, which has the benefit of being hosted in an already-existing venue. And the good news for South African netball players is that, if all goes according to plan, they are set to benefit from the country’s hosting of the 2023 tournament.

“I believe it will have a good impact in terms of growing and professionalising the sport,” says Netball World Cup tournament director Priscilla Masisi. “Remember that Netball South Africa is going to be a beneficiary of our legacy programme. They will get the two sprung floors so they’ll also be able to play international netball on the new courts.

“Also, each of the nine provinces within the country will receive a sprung floor as part of the legacy so also within in the provinces and regions, people can play on a professional surface.

“The National Department of Sport in various provinces and districts are also rolling out netball courts, including the ones being done by the Western Cape. The Western Cape has committed to 48 courts, revamping and building new ones so that even after the World Cup is finished, development still goes on and people are still able to enjoy the benefits of this tournament.

“We are also doing training for the umpires and match officials so that we capacitate them, to ensure that after this World Cup, we not only benefit in terms of facilities but also in terms of skills development,” adds Masisi.

Just after the last Netball World Cup in Liverpool in 2019 came to an end, a report by England Netball noted a 1 000 per cent increase in visits to its online netball session finder compared to two weeks prior. That kind of increased interest can only be good for growing what is already the largest women’s sport in South Africa.

WHO ARE OUR SPONSORS?

In a sport that has struggled to turn professional in this country, the 2023 Netball World Cup has brought with it unprecedented levels of support in terms of tournament sponsors.

In November last year, organisers announced both supermarket group Spar and communications provider Telkom as major sponsors. The two are no strangers to netball. Spar has long supported the Spar Proteas, Spar International Challenge and the Spar National Championships, while Telkom sponsors the Telkom Netball League and the Telkom Netball Championships for schools.

Those interested in joining the programme can sign up at the participating facilities closest to their homes or schools.

The programme will culminate in a once-off tournament featuring teams from all areas.

Then in February of this year, Vitality came on board as the title sponsor of the tournament. At the time, Discovery’s chief marketing of cer Firoze Bhorat said: “We’re thrilled to play a role in hosting the most prestigious event of a sport that’s so loved, both locally and around the world. We believe that through the sport of netball, we will be able to inspire South African women and girls to live more active, healthier lives by playing the sport they love.”

Other sponsors and partners involved in the tournament are host broadcaster SuperSport, Gilbert, Southern Sun, SABC, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the Western Cape Government and the City of Cape Town.

JARGON YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR THE 2023 NETBALL WORLD CUP

With just two months to go until the Netball World Cup, it’s time to get familiar with some jargon that may come in handy when the global spectacle arrives in Cape Town.

Centre circle: The spot in the middle of the court where the action starts.

Goal shooter, goal attack, wing attack, centre, wing defence, goal defence, goalkeeper: The positions of the seven players on a netball team. Each position is restricted to certain areas of the court. Landing foot: When a player catches the ball, they’re not allowed to move the foot they landed on. If they catch the ball and land on two feet, they can choose which foot to use when taking one step in any direction.

Over a third: Players are not allowed to throw the ball over a total third of the court without passing through the central area.

Obstruction: Defenders can’t be closer than three feet or 0.9m to the person they’re defending.

Shooting circle: Goals can only be scored by the goal shooter or the goal attack and the shot must be taken within the shooting circle. Three-second rule: You can’t hang on to the ball too long. A player must pass or shoot the ball before three seconds are up.

Spar and Telkom partnership

1. Rebecca van Amsterdam Recreation Centre/Westfleur Sports Ground, Atlantis

2. Scottsdene Recreation Centre & Sports Ground, Kraaifontein

3. Du Noon Recreation Centre

4. Sarepta Sport and Recreation Centre, Kuils River

5. Nomzamo Recreation Centre, Strand

6. Khayelitsha CBD Centre,

7. Ravensmead Recreation Centre

8. Proteaville Recreation Centre, Bellville South

9. Gugulethu Indoor Centre

10. Portlands Indoor Centre, Mitchells Plain

11. Lotus River Recreation Centre

12. Ottery Centre/Coniston Park

CRICKET’S NEW HEAVY HITTERS

South African cricket received a new lease of life this year through the success of the inaugural Betway SA20, the Momentum Proteas’ performance in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and the Proteas changing things up in their leadership.

Fans returned to stadiums, filling them in anticipation as excitement in the sport returned to a fever pitch. If sustained, the future of cricket in South Africa is promising. New stars will be born and take over the baton as the country looks to return to its position as one of the most feared opponents in world cricket. These are some of the future stars of the men’s and women’s Proteas.

KARABO MESO, LIONS

At just 15 years old, Meso has the confidence of an elite athlete. In essence, she epitomises the spirit of all talented youth players.

Coming from a sporting background, her athletic abilities transferred successfully from her parents. She started playing cricket at the age of seven after watching her sister play. Since then, Meso has gone on to play for the Lions and become a South African U19 top-order batter and wicket-keeper. Her game is impressive – she plays with great skill, execution and a dash of cheekiness, which stems from her confidence.

Meso is from Rockville, Soweto, and that’s something that motivates her to aim for the top. She aims to play for the Proteas and to participate in the Women’s IPL, both of which are within her reach.

fast fact

The longest cricket test match of all time was between South Africa and England. In 1939, between the 3rd and 14th of March, South Africa and England battled it out in a timeless test in Durban. In total, the match lasted 43 hours 16 minutes. By the end, the teams had amassed a combined sum of 1 981 runs.

* Source: betandwin.co.za

GEORGE VAN HEERDEN, SOUTH AFRICA U19

As U19 captain, Van Heerden is thought by some to be set to go on and become a Proteas player. However, the pathway to the national side is not the same for all those who have captained or been part of the U19 teams. For some, it happens easily, while for others, it comes slowly or not at all.

The onus will be on Van Heerden at the end of the day. His performances will take him to the top. He has all the qualities to make it there, having accumulated big scores on the world junior stage.

The encouraging thing about Van Heerden is that he has a cool and calm head – one of the qualities that made him the U19 captain and a prospective Proteas captain. He may not have the hype of someone like Dewald Brevis, but he sure has the talent.

George van Heerden

Karabo Meso

ATHENKOSI TSOTSI asks if the recent new lease on life that the Proteas have enjoyed can be sustained

AYANDA HLUBI, DOLPHINS

Many children hog the remote to watch cartoons, but Hlubi spent her formative years watching cricket on TV all day, much to the annoyance of her mother. The product of Lindelani Cricket Club in KwaZulu-Natal is one of the most exciting prospects in local cricket.

The 18-year-old fast bowler is very much aware of her strengths and weaknesses. One thing that’s impressive about Hlubi is her mentality. She knows the potential she has and the areas for improvement in her game. Regardless of the problem she faces, she does not alter or fear, and that is a trait that will help her in her career.

DID YOU KNOW?

Park. The first match held there was in 1888.

* Source: betandwin.co.za

NQABA PETER, LIONS

Former Proteas spinner Paul Adams, who coached Peter at Eastern Cape Iinyathi, once described him as special. Indeed, Peter is special, and as a leg spinner he’s a rare breed in a country not known for producing them.

Peter spent time with Adams during his formative stages, and that will have aided his growth. Now, having joined the Lions, he will get better in a setup that builds spinners and values them. With the quality of coaching that Peter will get, there is no doubt he will hone his craft even more.

The 20-year-old may not have the pedigree of a South African U19 prodigy, but he should be a player that CSA follows closely as he has the potential to become a major asset.

KFC MINI CRICKET

KFC Mini Cricket celebrated its 40th anniversary this month, returning to where it started in Soweto, Johannesburg, with a big festival

What started in Soweto in 1982 has spread across South Africa, reaching the most remote areas, townships and affluent areas. The mini cricket initiative serves as an introduction to cricket for boys

and girls and teaches them the basics of the game. They start with a soft, tennis-type ball and move gradually onto hard balls.

What’s special about mini cricket is the euphoria it brings to children when they have coaching clinics or sports periods. They look forward to being out with their friends and

fast fact

The main function of the KFC Mini-Cricket coach is to see that the fun and entertainment aspects are maintained at all times.

* Source: KFC Mini Cricket

playing cricket. Teachers who may not have had an interest in sports take up coaching in the mini cricket structures because of what it means to their students.

For young children, mini cricket offers them the opportunity to meet their heroes, with many saying that they go to sessions to meet the Proteas stars they see on TV.

Once the children progress from the mini cricket phase, many of them remain with cricket and progress within the sport. There have been countless direct products of mini cricket, delivering Proteas internationals both men and women, while many have got the chance to play on the domestic scene.

Some of the talent include Cricket South Africa (CSA) director of cricket Enoch Nkwe, former Proteas seamer Mfuneko Ngam, spinner Aaron Phangiso and women’s Proteas star Ayabonga Khaka.

According to CSA, the annual participation number in mini cricket is 126 000 players, with 13 000 coaches in more than 6 000 schools.

The oldest cricket ground in SA lies in Port Elizabeth – St George’s

Ayanda Hlubi

Nqaba Peter

EPL’S RISING STARS

It’s revered as the best league in world football, having over the years produced exceptional talent with the likes of Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford of Manchester United and Mason Mount of Chelsea.

NKARE NG MATSHE ponders who will be the next big young stars to set the English Premiership alight

fast fact

A goalie can only hold the ball for a maximum of six seconds.

* Source: Soccerwhizz.com

Ball-playing defenders

DID YOU

KNOW?

Mark Fish started and finished his career at Jomo Cosmos.

When he moved from Lazio to Bolton, he become the club’s highest-paid player.

Fish once turned down an opportunity to play for his boyhood club favourite, Manchester United.

Fish, who made over 200 Premier League appearances for Bolton Wanderers and Charlton Athletic between 1997 and 2005, has backed himself, asserting in his heyday he would have managed to close down the likes of record-breaking Erling Haaland and Harry Kane with ease.

The 49-year-old Bafana legend banks on his comfortability on the ball and tactical awareness as the attributes that would help him contain the athletic strikers of this era. “The game has changed, we all know that, but the way that I played, I think that I’d love the English Premiership now. As you see, the defenders are more ball players now than they were then. I was a ball-playing defender and I had the ability to identify tactical problems that arose during a game, making sure I responded appropriately, so I think that would have helped me deal with the Halaands of this world.

“I strongly believe I would have stood a good chance to compete with these modern Premier League strikers. What we see week in week out in the league is exciting. I so wish I could rewind time to see how I’d fare against these guys, the strikers of the modern era, but I really back myself.”

Fish likens Halaand to former Newcastle United striker Duncan Ferguson, whom he faced on numerous occasions during their heyday in the EPL. “Yes, the likes of Halaand are strong and technically good but we also had players like Duncan Ferguson, who was even bigger and stronger. Those are the types of players you want to play against every week because when you play against the best players, they bring out the best in you.”

Betting on Brentford

Durban-based Hollywoodbets has made history with its sponsorship of Brentford, but changes are afoot, writes

Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s famous quote, “If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough,” could well have been tailor-made for the mavericks of Hollywoodbets.

The Durban-based sports betting company is not known for thinking small, and its distinctive purple brand has quickly become synonymous with some of South Africa’s biggest sporting brands and events.

Back in 2020, it kicked off a global sponsorship journey that would become the biggest – and certainly most visible – in South African sports sponsorship history. Hollywoodbets joined West London club Brentford FC’s remarkable promotion campaign in November 2020, with their logo appearing on the back of all Brentford’s official match day jerseys.

When Brentford made it to the big time of qualifying for the English Premier League,

JERMAINE CRAIG

Hollywoodbets upped their game and their stakes by announcing their front-of-jersey sponsorship of the club, becoming the first South African sports betting company to appear on the front of an English Premier League jersey.

Hollywoodbets brand and communications manager Devin Heffer said of the sponsorship that it was “a dream come true” for a company that started just over 20 years ago with a single betting shop in Durban. “We are proud to be a part of such a special football club. We share similar values and we have the motivation to keep pushing ourselves to new heights and we are excited to bring our customers closer to the most watched league in the world.”

It’s been a fairytale ride, for Hollywoodbets and Brentford, as the club more than held its own with the big guns in the English Premier League this season.

There will be changes in the future, as the United Kingdom reviews its sports betting legislation and English Premier League clubs agree to stop featuring gambling sponsorships on the front of their match day shirts. Nevertheless, Hollywoodbets has made a bold statement of just what they’re capable of, and are sure to have some more purple tricks up their sleeves to ensure they remain front and centre in the minds of their consumers.

Have you ever wondered how some of Mzansi’s greatest defenders would have fared against the league’s modern marksmen? SIHLE NDEBELE finds out what Mark Fish would do

Mark Fish

Hollywoodbets became the first South African sports betting company to appear on the front of an English Premier League jersey.

BAFANA’S BROOS

Swimming against the tide has always been Hugo Broos’s style,

Veteran Belgian Hugo Broos nearly performed a miracle in his fi rst major assignment with the national side, overseeing the 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign. A single goal denied Bafana a chance to go to fi nal phase of qualifying, losing out to Ghana via a controversial penalty in the last match.

Having arrived in South Africa with a huge reputation after clinching the Africa Cup of Nations in 2017 with a relatively young, untested Cameroon team in Gabon, Broos’s selection raised eyebrows as he overlooked more experienced players and included younger ones as part of his pledge to rebuild Bafana, which had endured a traumatic failure to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Broos included the likes of Yusuf Maart, Ethan Brooks and Bongokuhle Hlongwane in his initial squads, dispensing with regulars such as Thulani Hlatshwayo and Thulani Serero.

Fortunately for him, he hasn’t found too many egos or big names at Bafana. He’s had carte blanche to pick and drop players without upsetting the dressing room. He’s given opportunities to the likes of Luke Le Roux, Sphephelo “Yaya” Sithole and Lyle Foster, who

should all be integral to Bafana’s squad in next year’s tournament, alongside the more experienced Percy Tau and skipper Ronwen Williams.

Bafana haven’t really set the scene alight yet, but to say they’ve not improved would be unfair on Broos, who in March led the team to AFCON 2023 qualification after an away win over Liberia. Under him, Bafana are yet to taste a home defeat, with his three losses coming away to giants France, Ghana and Morocco.

On the line

Famously, he put his neck on the line by proclaiming: “Don’t kill me if we don’t qualify for the World Cup in Qatar, but kill me if we don’t make it to the 2023 AFCON and 2026 World Cup.” He has now fulfilled the first part of his promise, but getting there was hardly smooth sailing. Bafana found themselves in a three-team group, with Morocco and Liberia, after Zimbabwe were banned by FIFA.

A defeat away to Morocco was expected, but South Africa’s home match – against Liberia at Orlando – almost muddied the waters after Bafana threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2–2. Nevertheless, the team turned it around in the return fixture away in Monrovia, beating Liberia before a hostile crowd to secure the ticket to Ivory Coast.

BROOS’ MANAGERIAL CAREER

Division: Clasificación Copa África

Current club: South African Football Association

Date of arrival at current club”

5 May 2021

Contract until: 30 June 2026

Division of debut: Super Cup Belgium

Team coach made debut at: Club Brugge

Date of debut: 7 August 1991

BROOS’ PLAYER CAREER

Position: Defender

Historic team: Anderlecht

Elo ranting: 64

Caps: 2

*Source: Besoccer.com

DID YOU KNOW?

In July 1992, at Kings Park stadium in Durban, fans shouted “Bafana Bafana” [Go boys, go boys] when South Africa was on the verge of beating Cameroon. After the game a group of three Sowetan newspaper journalists began to use the name in print when referring to the team. The name was initially used only informally, as SAFA felt that it was not commercially viable. Stanton Woodrush Ltd applied to trademark the name in 1993. The trademark was granted but was for clothing only. In 1994, the team’s technical sponsor at the time, Kappa, applied for the trademarks “Bafana” and “Bafana Bafana” in class 25. These were granted and subsequently passed on to SAFA. In 1997, SAFA filed for the trademark “Bafana Bafana” for all goods and services, in all classes.

SAFA then applied to have Stanton Woodrush Ltd removed from the trademarks register, on the grounds that SAFA was the rightful owner of the name. The case was dismissed. Then in 2011 SAFA paid R5-million to Stanton Woodrush Ltd for rights to the name “Bafana Bafana”, in class 25 and all other classes.

*Source: kids.kiddle.co

Hugo Broos with his players

and the Bafana Bafana coach’s two-year tenure has proven him to be a man only a few can preempt.

By NKARENG MATSHE

Future Boks

ATHENKOSI TSOTSI takes a look at South Africa’s future Rugby World Cup hopefuls

PHEPSI BUTHELEZI, SHARKS

In 2019 the Springboks won their third Rugby World Cup with the most transformed team since readmission. There were no transformation targets or quota talks, and the players selected were there on merit.

With the 2023 Rugby World Cup only a few months away, here are our picks for potential new players for coach Jacques Nienaber’s team.

ASENATHI NTLABAKANYE, LIONS

Lions prop Ntlabakanye stands at 1.82m and weighs around 143kg. French Top 14 club Racing 92 described him as a pillar with an impressive build. The 24-year-old was one of the standout players for the Lions this season. He came into his own bamboozling opponents by being fi rm in the scrum and covering ground like a fl anker.

Ntlabakanye is the most-capped Junior Springbok, and this year he proved he can be part of the Boks setup.

SANELE NOHAMBA, LIONS

The nippy scrumhalf has had an impressive resurgence after his name was mooted in the discussion of Bok No.9s. Nohamba has managed to put it back in the hat after growing in leaps and bounds this season, playing an infl uential role for the Lions in the Challenge Cup and United Rugby Championship.

He has grabbed games by the scruff of the neck, dictating the tempo, kicking 50–22 kicks, and putting points on the board. These qualities could see him sneak into the World Cup squad.

The race to be Duane Vermeulen’s heir is one of the most competitive in the Boks setup, with Jasper Wiese in pole position, followed by Evan Roos, Elirgh Louw and Buthelezi. What makes Buthelezi stand out from the rest is his leadership skills, having stepped up as the Sharks skipper this season. The balance he has struck between leading and performance is impressive, making him a potential asset if integrated into the system.

THE KOLISI FOUNDATION

The Kolisi Foundation, founded by Springboks captain Siya Kolisi and wife Rachel, embodies what South Africa should stand for. The organisation aims to eradicate poverty and gender-based violence while empowering people through education and sports development.

In a nutshell, all these formed a part of Kolisi’s upbringing. He grew up in an impoverished environment, at times having sugar water for dinner, and witnessed his mother being abused. These are realities many South Africans experience daily and Kolisi understands them well.

The foundation rose to prominence during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing poor communities with food packages and support avenues for victims of gender-based violence.

Without an educational sports bursary to Grey High in Gqeberha, Kolisi would not have been able to change the future of his family and impact so many in the world. The organisation has thus helped many youngsters with placement in schools where they can better themselves through sports and plant seeds for a better future.

To poor people, many foundations seem very distant and unreachable, but the Kolisi Foundation is the opposite of that. People from Zwide would go to Kolisi’s family home to ask his father for food or assistance, and they would be attended to immediately. This underlines the true core values of the foundation and its founders.

Sanele Nohamba

Lions’ prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye is tackled by Stade Français prop Giorgi Melikidze during the European Challenge Cup Pool B rugby union match.

Phepsi Buthelezi

With tears in my eyes…

Sowetan sports editor NKARENG MATSHE laments the state of South African football

Nothing has epitomised the sad state of local football as much as Mamelodi Sundowns’ total dominance of this season’s DStv Premiership. Sundowns sauntered to their sixth championship in a row, doing it more ruthlessly this time with about seven matches to go.

A title race that in the past was a bit more interesting, with fans on the edge of their seats right up to the last fixture, has now become an inexorable one-team procession. It’s a sad state of affairs that has led to all manner of debate about what is to be done to halt the monotony, which no doubt will have a devastating effect on the product.

Some have suggested a financial cap on Sundowns’ spending power, as the club, bankrolled by billionaire Confédération Africaine de Football president Patrice Motsepe, can buy just about any player they desire.

Sundowns has also ventured into previously uncharted waters for a domestic team – by going to South America to acquire talent. One of their most impressive signings in this season has been Marcelo Allende, the exciting Chilean midfielder who once had a trial at English Premier League side Arsenal.

Sundowns also recruited Moroccan Abdelmounaim Boutouil, as well as Erwin Saavedra from Bolivia – an indication that they have a vast network of scouts who are always on the lookout for any fresh, available talent they can recommend.

It is true that Sundowns’ financial supremacy enables them to acquire the best, and at times even dismiss without hesitation misfits should they fail to make the grade.

Deep pockets

But domestic teams folding arms and giving up without a fight is not going to help the competitiveness of the DStv Premiership. Moreover, it’s not as though Sundowns are swimming in new money. Motsepe acquired full ownership of the Tshwane club in 2003, and they were not always this dominant, recruiting high-profile coaches and players only to falter.

Indeed Motsepe’s first decade at the club (2003–2013) delivered just four trophies: two leagues, a Nedbank Cup and an MTN 8. In the subsequent 10 years, Sundowns have added an incredible 16 more trophies, an indication that there’s something they managed to get right other than just throw money around.

The revolution was sparked by Pitso Mosimane when he took over from Dutchman Johan Neeskens in December 2012. The following season, he led the club to the championship, famously overtaking Kaizer Chiefs’ huge lead.

Ever since, Sundowns have not finished outside the top two in the domestic league, but even more worryingly for local sides, they have not been dislodged from the top since Bidvest Wits’ historic triumph in 2017.

More than just money

The opposition should have a moment of self-reflection instead of moaning about lack of resources, when there’s evidence that Sundowns’ dominance did not merely come as a direct result of money.

At the base of their success has been a solid recruitment drive, which has seen even average players (Khuliso Mudau and Neo Maema are but two examples) become better.

They also have a vast, qualified technical team with clearly defined roles that complement each other. Yet elsewhere we still hear stories of certain clubs unable to conduct internal medical tests because they do not have a full-time team doctor.

Granted, there will always be a difference in resources and affordability – in any professional league – but PSL clubs should be getting some of the basics right, or else the gap at the top will only widen.

Sundowns’ supposed biggest challengers, Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, cannot throw about the resources complaint when they are so well funded, with a host of lucrative sponsorships. The Soweto giants have both been able to recruit top players even from Sundowns’ grasp, so their problems may lie elsewhere but in the budget.

Do they recruit the right players? Do they have the right technical and support staff? What kind of football do they want to play? What is the medium- to long-term vision? All these questions Pitso Mosimane laid bare and answered when he first took over at Sundowns in December 2012. When he left, those who remained just carried on. I’m afraid it will take some time to stop them.

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