Table of contents for 2024-08-01 in Star

Woolworths Holdings said headline earnings a share from continuing operations were expected to fall by between -14% and -19% for the year to June 30 due to investments made and the effects of the weak trading environment on its apparel businesses. “Whilst the group has maintained its stringent focus on preserving gross profit margin and containing costs, we equally continue to invest behind our key strategic initiatives. This, coupled with the impact of a weaker trading environment, has resulted in negative operational leverage in both apparel businesses,” the group said in a trading update yesterday. It said this was particularly prevalent in Country Road Group (CRG), which was further impacted by higher import costs due to a weaker Australian dollar, and a higher fixed cost base. Also, a reassessment of…

The Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD) yesterday called for a universal approach with a uniform electricity tariff across the country. The call underscored problems that the administration of electricity at local level had been made far too complicated and onerous, with a myriad different tariff scales differentiating between the deserving and undeserving poor proving extremely difficult to manage and largely out of control, it said in a statement. In its assessment of the impact of the 12.72% tariff hike on the basic food basket implemented by municipalities at the beginning of July, the group said affordability studies prior to tariffs being passed have never found traction, and the free basic electricity policy had mostly failed, as had cross-subsidisation. It argued that it would be possible to implement a…

MTN Nigeria, the biggest international subsidiary of the local group, reported a 56% slide in taxed profit to N102.3 billion (R1.1bn) for the six months to June 30 as high inflation and currency woes impacted consumer spending and raised business costs, as its economy continues to struggle. CEO Karl Toriola said the inflation rate in Nigeria reached 34.2% in June, with an average at 32.8% in the first half. The naira had depreciated to N1505 per US dollar by the end of June, from N907 at the end of December 2023, or by about 40%. In addition, the Central Bank of Nigeria raised the interest rate by 8 percentage points to 26.75% in the first half to control inflation. About a third of South Africa-based MTN Group profit is derived…

No entrepreneur starts their journey without being hungry for success. But what does success really mean? Many think of success in financial terms, but it’s not the only way it can be measured. Determining what success means to you could give you the impetus you need to start taking constructive action as a business owner. Start with smart goal setting. When it comes to goal setting, one of the most referenced acronyms is S.M.A.R.T – “Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Realistic and Time-related”. The term was coined in 1981 by company director George T Doran in his paper titled: “The S.M.A.R.T. Way to Write Management’s Goals and Objectives”. Since then, the system has been used to illustrate how goals and objectives should be set in any company. The gist of it is…

With all eyes on commodities firm Glencore’s decision on whether to retain or spin off its coal assets, analysts say the diversified resource firm could be seeking to bridge the gap left by the world’s jump to energy transition race by retaining the assets and seeking to separately list them in New York. Glencore, which is secondary listed on the JSE and has its prime listing on the London Stock Exchange, said this week that it would update the market regarding its decision on the coal assets when it releases its interim financials next week. Glencore shareholders also appear to have recently changed their attitude to the group’s Climate Plan. Shares in the company recovered on the JSE yesterday as it traded 2.93% higher at R101.05 in afternoon trade. Now,…

Rapper Leslie Jonathan Mampe jr, known as Da Les, is reportedly in need of financial assistance after he suffered a stroke last Friday. The All Eyes On Me hitmaker has been hospitalised and according to Zimoja, his family have asked friends for assistance to pay for his medical bills. “Hi friends, as support to Leslie’s family while Les is in hospital, we are encouraging friends to assist in kind to Leslie’s mother’s account below,” reads a note sent to Da Les’ close friends (according to Zimoja). When people saw the article in the online publication, they said they would be annoyed if they were in his shoes because his family pleading for donations would mess up his street credibility. @2022AFRICA wrote on X: “Being the North God and hearing I…

City Power has embarked on a programme to cut off illegal connections because of the risks they and cable theft pose to the electricity infrastructure. City Power’s spokesperson Isaac Mangena yesterday said electrical capacity was the reason the municipality was implementing load reduction measures. Mangena said they were in Kanana to conduct cut-offs to ensure freed up space on the network to be able to provide power to customers. “We have electrified more than 320 informal settlements in one financial year within the City of Johannesburg. “Every time we give our wish list to council to get budget for electrification and we also talk to the Department of Human Settlements so that they can formalise that particular informal settlement, in order for us to provide electricity and deliver services. “That…

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has confirmed that the Daveyton Skills School principal will face a disciplinary hearing over the drowning of two pupils, Siphamandla Peterson, 15, and Sibusiso Sibiya, 17. On Tuesday, Chiloane shared the investigative report which probed the deaths of the pair who drowned during a discipline camp at Rock Falls Adventure Ranch in Centurion on April 15. Chiloane said the department was not to be blamed for the excursion. According to the report, the principal did not follow procedure although she was well aware of what should be done to take learners on such excursions. Thembekile Graham, speaking on behalf of Seanago Attorneys, said at the time the report was finalised, they had not received some answers from the owner of the ranch despite follow-ups. Graham…

OPPOSITION parties have slammed newly elected Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu following his address during the opening of the Provincial Legislature yesterday. The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), which is the official opposition, together with the DA and the EFF, let rip at Ndlovu, saying his speech was a “wishlist” and he was “emulating” his predecessor Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane with promises that have been broken. The parties were reacting to Ndlovu after he officially opened the Mpumalanga Legislature in Mbombela. Among the promises was a brand new agricultural hub worth R25 billion and the opening of clinics for 24 hours while creating employment opportunities in the province. Ndlovu was elected premier after the May 29 general election after the ANC in the province, of which he has served as chairperson since 2022, got…

EFF MP Naledi Chirwa has come out in defence of Miss South Africa contender Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina, who is under public scrutiny focussed on her nationality. Although recognised as a South African, Adetshina was born to a Nigerian father and Mozambican mother. With calls on social media, in particular X, for Adetshina to resign or the Miss SA organisation to sack her from the competition, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie promised to look into the matter as soon as possible. “I will definitely get more information, we truly cannot have Nigerians compete in our Miss SA competition. I want to get all the facts before I comment, but it gives funny vibes already,” he said. McKenzie is infamous for his phrase abahambe, which translates to “they (foreigners)…

“Flat out at Potters Pass, don’t even think of lifting.” This advice echoed in my mind as I prepared for the fifth round of the GR Cup at the East London circuit. However, during a conversation with Glenn Crompton, vice-president of marketing at TSAM, at the recent launch of the Toyota Starlet Cross, his simple words, “just have fun, but most importantly, bring the car back home in one piece”, gave me a fresh perspective. On our arrival for the practice sessions, the mechanics emphasised learning the track while conserving our Dunlop Direzza semi-slicks, as the track was notoriously hard on tyres. We had received new tyres after Scribante Raceway shredded the previous set in round four. I stuck to my strategy of learning the track and ignoring…

According to sporting director Kaizer Motaung jr, Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs are still seeking to reinforce their squad ahead of the 2024/2025 Betway Premiership campaign. The Amakhosi are looking to usher in a new era under new coach Nasreddine Nabi, with the ambition of finally breaking their unprecedented nine-year trophy drought. The Naturena-based outfit have already locked down the services of three new additions to the squad as Nabi looks to kick-start a new project. Goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari has joined from TS Galaxy, while Bongani Sam and Rushwin Dortley were also signed from Orlando Pirates and Cape Town Spurs. Chiefs have been heavily linked with the likes of Asanele Velebayi from Spurs, as well as Polokwane City’s Oswin Appollis, who both starred in the previous campaign. With the transfer…

The South African Revenue Service (Sars) is putting its decision to apply a 45% tariff on imported clothing products from such vendors as Temu and Shein on hold until further notice. Sars spokesperson Siphithi Sibeko said yesterday Sars was consulting with the industry on the implementation of the correct duties on imported clothing. “Once this consultation is concluded, Sars will officially communicate the date,” he said. Last month it was announced that regulations would be changed. The proposed new tax envisions that clothing items imported into the country valued at less than R500 would carry the same duties as bigger orders. Clothing imports above R500 in South Africa would be subject to a 45% import duty plus VAT. The “de minimis rule” allowed these companies to get clothing parcels under…

Kore Potash says it is focusing on completing financing arrangements for the Kola project in Congo Brazza- ville while it had made progress with PowerChina for the engineering, procure- ment and construction of the mine. Kore Potash believes the Kola potash operation will have a lifespan of 33 years under which it will produce up to 2.2 million tons of the commodity per year. In 2021, it announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Summit Consortium to provide financing for the Kola project. However, at the time, the project required that an optimisation study on the mine be concluded first. Yesterday, Kore Potash said it is focused on “completing the financing of Kola and moving forward to construction of Kola” as soon as possible. It had…

The Bureau for Economic Research (BER) at Stellenbosch University yesterday outlined a “Sudden Start” scenario, which could boost economic growth. Economist Shannon Bold, talking at BER’s conference in Sandton, said the scenario modelled an abrupt and significant increase in capital inflows due to a positive shift in market sentiment, which leads to investors re-rating South African debt. This has happened to a certain extent already as the yield on the 10-year government bond has strengthened from 11.185% on April 25 to 9.46% on July 23 as investors have viewed the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) positively as they expect opposition parties’ involvement to accelerate economic reforms, address governance issues, and boost investment and employment. The model assumes net capital flows ranging between 1% and 2.5% of gross…

Altron increased 6.5% yesterday on the JSE after it said headline earnings a share would be at least 20% higher than in the six months to August 31, 2023, as momentum from last year’s profit improvements continued. The share traded at R17.87 yesterday afternoon. The price has recovered well from the R7.65 it was trading at a year ago. At the last year-end to February 29, 2024, an improvement in the second half results was reported after profit improvement strategies were implemented. Yesterday the group said in a trading statement that “this positive momentum has continued into the 2025 financial year, leading to a stronger year-to-date performance in comparison to the comparative period, which was negatively impacted by provisions and impairments raised.” The group’s Own Platforms segment had delivered a…

The debut season of The Taste Master Junior is set to showcase the baking skills and creativity of the nation’s youngsters. The spin-off to the award-winning reality baking competition, The Taste Master, which premiered on SABC 2 on Tuesday, sees 12 young talents between the ages of 13 and 17 compete for a grand prize worth more than R200 000, as well as the title of the first- ever Junior Taste Master The 13-part competition puts the young bakers to the test in weekly challenges as it pushes their baking abilities and creativity to the limit. Zola Nene, a multi-award-winning cookbook author and acclaimed chef, and Fritz Schoon, a respected South African baker, serve as judges and mentors. The Taste Master Junior will also feature appearances from youth- focused guest…

PRISON escapee and multiple offender Thabo Bester has once again made several demands for the relaxation of his jail conditions as well as access to the use of a laptop, among other things. Bester and his co-accused appeared in the Free State High Court for his prison escape pre-trial hearing yesterday. It was postponed to February 10 next year. Bester and his co-accused, appeared in court following a scathing letter he wrote on Tuesday demanding some benefits. It has been two years since Bester staged his daring prison escape with the alleged help of his girlfriend Dr Nandipha Magudumana and other co-accused who were G4S employees at the time. Bester’s legal representative, advocate Lerato Moela, complained about some of the issues affecting the rights of his client. He raised Bester’s…

Ingredients: Topping: 1 cup cake flour ½ cup castor sugar ½ tsp ground cinnamon ¼ cup granola or toasted oats ½ packet raw almonds or hazelnuts, chopped 2/3 cup cold butter, cubed Filling: ½ cup brown, treacle or regular white sugar 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tbs lemon juice (optional) 1 tsp vanilla essence 5 medium golden delicious apples, cubed (pears work well too) Custard, cream or ice cream, for serving Method Preheat oven to 180°C. For topping, mix dry ingredients together and rub butter into the mixture using your fingertips. (You can use a food processor to do this too if you have one.) Toss filling ingredients together in a 1-litre ovenproof dish, evenly coating apples with mixture. Scatter with topping. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden. Serve…

IN A dazzling display of cultural fusion, the Korean Cultural Centre in Pretoria recently hosted a fashion show that seamlessly blended the traditions of South Africa and Korea. The event was organised in partnership with the King Sejong Institute Foundation as part of its initiative to deepen the understanding of Korean culture abroad and promote cultural exchange. Held on Saturday, the event was a testament to the power of cultural exchange and the beauty of shared heritage, and was led by renowned Hanbok expert Dr Sunyoung Park. As the lights dimmed and the music pulsed, a parade of stunning models took to the runway, showcasing an array of Hanbok, Korea’s traditional dress, infused with the vibrant colours and textures of South African traditional clothing. Park said he was thrilled by…

THE Toyota Starlet is already a top seller and you just know that the addition of the Starlet Cross will increase the company’s sales figures even more. Based on the Suzuki Fronx the Starlet Cross joins the Vitz, Urban Cruiser and of course the Starlet (all out of Maruti Suzuki) in bolstering their affordable offerings. Falling into the popular Crossover/SUV segment the Cross boasts a grille with chrome garnish, reprofiled LED headlamps and LED Daytime Running Lights. At the back it gets connected LED tail lights, a rear skid plate and roof end spoiler that gives it a unique look with its sloping roofline especially with a black roof in the range-topping XR models and it stands on 16-inch alloys. The interior is neatly laid out with a three-tone dash…

Carlos Sainz announced that he had signed a two-year deal to race for Williams starting from the 2025 season amid what he said was an “exceptionally complex” market for Formula One drivers. The 29-year-old Spaniard will leave Ferrari at the end of the 2024 campaign after seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was announced as his replacement at the Italian giants earlier this year. Sainz has won three F1 races so far in his career, the most recent at the Australian Grand Prix in March. Having previously driven for Toro Rosso, Renault and McLaren, Sainz had been linked with several teams for the 2025 season including Alpine, Sauber and Mercedes. But this week it was confirmed he had agreed an initial two-year deal at Williams, with an option to extend. “I…

From where he was in 2021 with a broken ankle, South African triathlete Henri Schoeman was happy to finish in 20th place during yesterday’s triathlon final at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Alongside the 24-year-old Jamie Riddle, he led for parts of the swimming and cycling legs of the competition, but some strong cyclists and runners in their field saw the South Africans fall behind to see them missing out on podium places. In dramatic fashion, Britain’s Alex Yee (1hr:43min:33sec) hauled in New Zealander Hayden Wilde (1:43.39), who was 17 seconds clear of him at a late stage of the run and with the finish line almost in sight, to claim the gold medal. Frenchman Leo Bergere, who came in at 1:43:43, picked up the bronze ahead of his…

If SPRINGBOK coach Rassie Erasmus was looking for a boost ahead of the always-difficult tour to Australia, he has received it in the form of a significant diminishing of the injury cloud of the past few weeks. The world champions finished a bruising series against Ireland with a host of players seemingly badly crocked, but this has changed. Vital players Malcolm Marx and Pieter-Steph du Toit travelled with the squad to Australia yesterday, while several others on the injury list will be fit to play the All Blacks in two Tests after the return from Down Under. Erasmus said that Steven Kitshoff will get game time on this tour after a long injury, and the plan is to have him fully up to speed for the All Blacks. “Kitsie needs…

The National Roads Agency of South Africa (Sanral) has moved to plug the gaps in its Board sub-committees to ensure continued effective governance and operational control. In a move seen as a response to the numerous legal challenges brought by construction companies last year over the agency’s Preferential Procurement Policy (PPP) instituted in May and withdrawn in October, Sanral said yesterday that it had made appointments to some of the sub-committees, including the audit and risk committee. It said given that the Board faced challenges in maintaining the required composition of key sub-committees, specifically the audit and risk committee (ARC) and the contracts committee (CC), these committees could not meet their regulatory and operational requirements in terms of their charters. In a Stock Exchange News Service announcement, Sanral said it…

On Monday July 29, Energy and Electricity Minister, Dr Kgosientso Ramokgopa addressed the media in regard to the ever-rising electricity prices in South Africa. He decried South Africa’s current electricity-pricing framework and called for its urgent reform. Without giving any specifics, the minister assured the public that solutions to the runaway power prices would have to be found. He acknowledged however that “there’s been an exponential rise in the cost of electricity. Our electricity pricing plan needs to kick in and that’s the primary preoccupation of the work of the ministry now working with Eskom; working with municipalities and working with SALGA.” According to the minister, South Africa must adopt a pricing framework that takes care of the interests of the poor and the marginalised, so that they…

AECI, the international chemicals group, said earnings per share fell 61% to 233 cents in the six months to June 30 and no interim dividend was declared, but it had made strides in its plans to double profitability by 2026, and to be a global leader in its mining business. Revenue was down 4% to R17.58 billion, and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation was down 24% to R1.39bn. Profit from operations fell 36% to R818 million. Headline earnings per share was 57% lower at 260 cents. CEO Holger Riemensperger said 2024 was a year of transition for the group and milestones were achieved in the first half to position the businesses for better efficiencies, overall performance and profitability in the short to medium term, as well as long-term…

THE pre-feasibility study for Southern Palladium’s Bengwenyama project is on schedule for completion in October, with the company saying it holds significant cash resources to complete the process. Despite making advances with its Bengwenyama project, Southern Palladium believes that the global platinum group metals (PGM) market will remain under-supplied over the next three years as companies in the industry, especially those in South Africa, restructure their operations to match suppressed prices of the metal. Nonetheless, Southern Palladium is pressing ahead with its project. It said yesterday: “The pre-feasibility study remains on schedule to be completed in early Q4 2024 (and) is ongoing with continuous review by SRK. Southern Palladium remains well funded to complete the pre-feasibility study from existing cash reserves.” As at the end of June, Southern Palladium…

In May 2021, fans of Jack Mabaso (Vusi Kunene) bid farewell to the villain on Generations: The Legacy. Having been a part of the revamped version of the soapie for five years, Kunene’s character was one that fans loved to hate – a mastermind who was always a step ahead of the rest. When he left the television show, Kunene said: “I’ve always had a serious passion for Jack. He is the most popular character I have ever played and bringing him to life has been a pleasure. “I’m really going to miss everyone because Generations is like a family. It’s not one person’s work, it’s all our work. We all pull together and that’s what makes the show so special,” he added. Fans of the “original gangster” will be…

A Mangaung G4S inmate has accused the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) of medical negligence after developing breasts as a result of an alleged sudden change in his prescription medicines. The prisoner, who identified himself as Ndantabuzo Cotsho, said this has resulted in his identity as a man being challenged. He wants the DCS to pay him R20 million in medical negligence after he claimed that health officials switched his medication, resulting in him growing breasts. He said his ordeal started in 2015 after being admitted to the medical facility in the Northern Cape, where health officials started injecting him with a different dose of medication at the time. The Star has seen some of his medical records and his bare-breasted picture, where his breasts seem to have taken shape.…

THE issue of judicial capture has come under the spotlight once again, in South Africa as well as the rest of the African continent. This comes after the Africa Judicial Independence Fund (AJIF) reported that there was widespread political interference and corruption in the continent’s justice system. Speaking on Newzroom Afrika, the fund’s manager, Saeed Salahudeen, said the fund’s report had found evidence of corruption and interference through their in-depth assessment which focused on 11 priority countries – Angola, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Nigeria, Senegal, Mali, Ethiopia and South Africa – which displayed high levels of political interference with the justice system. “The Africa Judicial Independence Fund is an initiative of the Afrobarometer borne out of the pressing need to address the numerous and complex…

South Africans will not be able to withstand a financial setback, as most people are living payday to payday, according to the Sanlam Financial Confidence Index 2024. Only two in five people say that they can endure a financial setback or achieve financial freedom. Only half of the respondents feel like they are in control of their finances. According to the index, people can start feeling in control of their finances by going back to basics and doing basics well, including: setting financial goals budgeting tracking spend delaying gratification and limiting impulse spending living below your means having an emergency fund limiting debt learning about finances seeking professional guidance. While most South Africans are living payday to payday, financial confidence in the country is stable with an index score of…

Joburg-based group called the Friends of Johannesburg Cemeteries, is concerned about recent incidents of vandalism and damage of the ash walls at Braamfontein cemetery. Sarah Welham, convener of the group of volunteers dedicated to cemetery restoration, said that on Saturday they were told that vandals had started destroying walls at the cemetery. “At least 12 plaques have been removed from four walls,” she said. Welham said they told Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), the entity mandated by the City of Joburg to manage the city’s cemeteries, parks, and designated public open spaces, about the growing incidents of vandalism at the cemetery. She said this appears to be a situation of negligence involving the security guards. “Their security department visited the scene of the crime Monday, July 29, to gather…

THE underinvestment in the City of Tshwane’s water and electricity infrastructure has over the years seen a decline in service delivery and financial performance of both trading services. This is according to a report on the municipal water and sanitation turnaround strategy and plan, which was passed during a virtual council sitting yesterday. Utility Services MMC Themba Fosi said it was important to approve the plan to ensure that in future water and sanitation services would be more resilient, especially taking into account “the most important yet very complex relationship between water, people and the economy of South Africa”. He shared the sentiment of other councillors that the underinvestment in water and sanitation services, including inadequate maintenance, was the primary cause of a decline in the reliability and quality of…

In the world of music and education, where passion and dedication often intersect, Dr Rostislava Pashkevitch-Ngobeni shines as a beacon of inspiration. A consummate pianist who leads the Department of Performing Arts, Faculty of Arts and Design at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) with vision and grace, she was recently honoured with the Amaqhawe – Our Heroes Achiever’s Award. This recognition not only celebrates her exceptional talent, but also highlights the remarkable journey she has taken personally and professionally. The award, presented by Zee Entertainment, aims to recognise the exemplary journeys of “unsung heroes” or everyday people who do extraordinary things and are an inspiration to communities and countries. Criteria for the award include going above and beyond the call of duty and not just within the requirements of a…

Ingredients 15ml cooking oil 1 onion, finely diced 1 green pepper, chopped 500g chicken pieces, cut in half 250ml water 410g baked beans 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed 30ml Knorr Brown Onion Soup 45ml water Method Heat the oil in a pot and fry the onion and green pepper until soft. Add the chicken pieces and brown well on all sides. Add the water, baked beans and potatoes, stir well and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and allow to simmer for 30 minutes with the lid on, stirring regularly to prevent the baked beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Mix the Knorr Brown Onion Soup with the water (45ml) to make a smooth paste and stir into the stew. Allow it to simmer for a…

The facelifted Volkswagen Touareg will be available in South Africa from today, featuring a fresh new look, updated tech and a rationalised range. As before, all models are powered by Volkswagen’s 3.0-litre V6 TDI turbodiesel engine with 190kW and 600Nm on tap, paired with an eight- speed automatic gearbox and 4-Motion all-wheel drive system. But whereas the previous range had three derivatives, the new Touareg is available in two flavours, with the new Elegance trim replacing the previous Luxury model at base level and a single R-Line derivative replacing the previous Luxury and Executive R-Line. The 3.0 V6 TDI Elegance is now priced at R1 457 900, which is a R13 000 premium over the previous base model, while the R-Line at R1 763 900, carries a premium of just…

SOUTH Africans could potentially be bidding adieu to their golden girl Tatjana Smith at the Paris Olympics. Having already claimed the gold medal in the 100m breaststroke at La Defense Arena earlier this week – to go along with her silver in the same event and gold in the 200m discipline at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago – Smith is now gearing up for one final challenge. The 27-year-old was again in supreme form in the 200m heats yesterday morning, clocking the fastest time, and seems all set to defend her Tokyo crown tonight (9.04pm) in the final to join fellow South African swimming legend Penny Heyns as the only competitors to ever claim the Olympic breaststroke double at the same event. Smith is also set to be crowned…

WHEN limited-overs coach Rob Walter named his squad for the recently concluded T20 World Cup in the US and the Caribbean, one of the glaring differences compared to squads of the past was how it only featured one black African player, Kagiso Rabada. Naturally from the South African cricket community, this topic followed the team right through their World Cup campaign, and after it, despite them becoming the first Proteas men’s squad to reach a World Cup final. Asked whether he felt pressure during the tournament because he was at the centre of the transformation topic probably for the first time in his career, the 29-year-old fast bowler said no. “I’m a black player, yes, but it didn’t put pressure on me at all. “I can be brash about it…