Inhoudsopgave van 2025-02-19 - Star

The mastermind behind the accounting fraud at Steinhoff, Markus Jooste, continued to earn millions in both euros and rand even as the company came under increased scrutiny over its financial situation. Jooste, who reportedly killed himself in March last year a day before he was set to be arrested on several charges of fraud, continued to earn a remuneration package that – apart from the 2017 financial year – grew at an annual rate of above inflation. Included in his income each year was a base salary worth millions of rand, the same amount in performance bonuses, as well as millions in shares vested. In addition, in the 2015, and 2016 financial years, he earned strategic bonuses of R20 million and R25m respectively. Jooste also sometimes earned a bonus related…

South Africa is one deal away from having its own crude oil to refine and serve the local market from the Orange Basin Crude oil reserves find shared with Namibia, more than half of which fall on the local side, taking the country a step further towards energy independence. This is what the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMRE) deputy director-general Tseliso Maqubela told Parliament on Tuesday. “Basically, the vast majority of that oil found in Namibia in that basin is on our side of the border. It is now a question of ensuring that companies are allowed to explore,” Maqubela said, briefing the Portfolio Committee on Minerals and Petroleum Resources. “We allow them to produce, we don't stand in their way. We make it attractive to produce…

South Africans will be keeping a close eye on Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana’s Budget Speech on Wednesday with a keen interest on tax adjustments in the country. Tax adjustments will impact businesses and consumers alike and citizens always pay close attention to the popular ‘Sin Taxes’. Joubert Botha, executive director: head of tax and legal at KPMG told Business Report that 2025 May well be a year of tax consolidation with consequential adjustments and not major announcements or proposals, especially taking into account global minimum tax and two pot retirement system. Botha further said that there will very likely be a large focus on AI and the opportunity for such technology to improve tax collection, management and disputes. Botha said, “From an expense and cost perspective we predict more…

Power – or the lack thereof – has been a hot-button issue in South Africa for the past few years. Every South African knows the story: ageing infrastructure meant that the grid took strain, loadshedding kicked in, business operations ground to a halt, and profitability took a nosedive…all seemingly faster than the speed of light. Cut to 2025 and loadshedding – fingers crossed – is just about a thing of the past, largely thanks to the increasing adoption of renewable energy, resulting in less pressure on the grid. Reliable electricity remains a hot topic. There are still the usual issues like escalating prices that persist. The difference now, however, is that there’s a greater sense of cautious optimism surrounding the future, driven by the rapid expansion of the renewable…

DRDGold, one of South Africa’s leading gold producers, has experienced a downturn in its share price on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), a trend attributed directly to a slight decline in gold prices. In an interview on Tuesday, CEO Niel Pretorius explained that this dip was reflective of a broader trend affecting various gold stocks, including Harmony Gold, which has seen its shares weaken by 7% over the past week as well. Pretorius said that gold prices had traded traded a little bit lower around $2 900 (around R54 300) per ounce compared to where it was some weeks ago. “I think that's related to the performance of the gold price. If you look at the gold index, you'll see that that's pretty much been the trend for for the…

JP Duminy, the former South African cricketer, and his wife, Sue, have announced their separation after 12 years of marriage. The couple, who tied the knot in 2011 and share two daughters, confirmed the news through a joint statement posted on social media. The two made it clear that their separation was amicable and requested privacy during this difficult transition. The announcement comes after months of speculation about the state of their relationship, fuelled by their absence at public events and lack of joint social media posts. Fans had noticed the couple unfollowing each other on Instagram, with neither sharing pictures of the other, leading many to wonder if trouble was brewing behind closed doors. In response to the growing rumours, JP took to social media: “Hi peeps. After much…

I’m sure everyone is probably wondering what happened to our summer given the cold and rainy weather of late. But here’s something to warm the cockles of your heart, Paul Slabolepszy’s Bitter Winter is making its debut at Pieter Toerien’s Studio Theatre tomorrow. The acclaimed playwright mirrors the world he’s spent the longest time in, paying homage to the legends gracing the South African stages. Explores through the lens of an artist’s life, Bitter Winter looks at the new generation trying to fill the giant shoes of their predecessors. Of course, the journey isn’t without disappointment and challenges but such is the path to success. Directed by Lesedi Job, it stars Andre Odendaal (playing Jean-Louis Lourens), Oarabile Ditsele (playing Prosper Mangane) and Chantal Stanfield (playing Felicia Willemse). Much of the…

A 40 year-old-man appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court today in connection with fraud after he violated the Tax Administration Act and the Income Tax Act. Avron Poggenpoel was nabbed by the Hawks following investigation work by the Bellville Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team together with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Hawks spokesperson, Zinzi Hani, confirmed the arrest when the man allegedly failed to submit personal income tax returns. “The arrest follows a warrant issued in November 2024. The case was subsequently referred to the Hawks for further investigation. “Preliminary findings revealed that the suspect allegedly failed to submit personal income tax returns for the period between 2011 to 2022, without taking notice of the constant reminders by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to ensure compliance. “The accused…

The Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) has slapped 38 employers with fines amounting to R680 000 for hiring illegal foreign nations without valid work permits in contravention of immigration laws. In a parliamentary reply, Minister Nomakhosazana Meth said her department conducts blitz inspections in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs and the police. Meth said her department’s mandate was to enforce the implementation of labour laws to ensure the protection of workers, while the Department of Home Affairs scrutinised the validity of visas and work permits through the application of immigration laws. “In the event of non-compliance with immigration laws, the Department of Home Affairs arrests the non-compliant employers and employees.” Meth said during the blitz, 68 employers and 322 foreign nationals were found on the wrong side…

The men who shot ANC member Siduduzo Magwaza in January 2021 were identified more than once at the crime scene. The State witnesses who named the alleged murderers, Siphamandla Makhanya and Mxolisi Percy Hadebe provided corroborated testimony, according to the Durban High Court. On January 12, 2021, Magwaza was shot at his Cornubia flat. After being brought to the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital, he passed away there. Magwaza requested that Hadebe be contacted to transport him to the hospital after he was shot. Magwaza and Hadebe were acquaintances or friends. They were both members of a Project Steering Committee that handled tender projects in Verulam, Ward 102. Magwaza was instrumental in the allocation of tender projects in this ward. Delivering her judgment, Judge Sharmaine Balton said the evidence of State…

Three victims have come forward to report incidents of abuse at Pretoria’s Zanzou nightclub, following the circulation of disturbing videos showing security personnel using excessive force on suspects. The victims, now aged 20, 21 and 22, have alleged sexual assault, kidnapping, and assault. SAPS is investigating, with the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Investigations (FCS) unit taking the lead. This follows the release of a number of videos, showing security personnel using excessive force - allegedly at the club - against suspects linked to phone thefts, prompting a widespread condemnation of the actions captured on tape. The incidents happened about two years ago. Police had urged victims and witnesses to come forward, and three individuals, out of a group of five friends who had been assaulted, have reported…

Cell C was slapped with a R500 000 fine after a consumer received a R11 265 bill for just a few hours of international roaming in France The National Consumer Tribunal sitting in Centurion found the mobile operator contravened various sections of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). Apart from the fine, Cell C must also refund its client, Julie Williams, the R7 480 she was overcharged. Cell C was further interdicted from in future engaging in similar prohibited conduct. The scathing judgment by the tribunal followed a complaint by Williams regarding her cellphone bill. She said Cell C agreed on a monthly bill limit of R3 785 for international roaming before her departure, yet when she returned, she was slapped with a bill of more than R11 000. In May…

On a sun kissed day, jubilant uShaka Sea World aquarists gathered to celebrate a remarkable milestone: the release of six adorable thorntail stingray pups born in the Open Ocean Exhibit last month. The release not only resonates with the organisation’s commitment to marine conservation but also highlights the meticulous care and dedication of the staff in nurturing these creatures from birth. South African Association for Marine Biological Research (Saambr) spokesperson Ann Kunz said it is always a highlight for the aquarists when they release animals born in the exhibit. “Today (Monday) was extra special as they released all six of the thorntail stingray pups born in the Open Ocean Exhibit on January 27, this year,” Kunz said. She said while the pups were under observation in the clinic over the…

Planning and continued execution will be paramount for the Proteas, if they are to be successful in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, which starts this week, bowling coach Anton Roux revealed on Tuesday. South Africa have had the opportunity to play a handful of matches on the subcontinent ahead of the tournament, revealing pitches that appear to be batting havens which have posed significant challenges for their bowlers, as conditions have offered little movement for either pace or spin. Roux, however, maintains that while the flat surfaces may present challenges, they also afford an opportunity for all 11 players to step up when it matters most on game day. “Pace is definitely part of our weaponry,” Roux acknowledged, emphasising the importance of tailoring their approach to specific phases…

Arne Slot insists Liverpool can handle the mounting pressure of the Premier League title race after the leaders were hampered by nerves in their tense win against Wolves. Slot's side head to Aston Villa on Wednesday knowing a victory would move them 10 points clear of second-placed Arsenal in their bid to clinch a record-equalling 20th English title. But Liverpool, in dynamic form for much of the season, have looked less secure of late and almost blew a two-goal lead in Sunday's 2-1 win over lowly Wolves at Anfield. The Reds had already suffered a costly collapse in the Merseyside derby draw just days earlier when Everton's James Tarkowski scored a stoppage-time equaliser. Liverpool's reserves also crashed out of the FA Cup with an embarrassing fourth-round loss at second-tier Plymouth…

The official rate of unemployment eased slightly in the three months to the end of December Conditions in South Africa’s labour market are poised for a gradual improvement by 2025, driven by the stabilisation of electricity supply and an optimistic outlook for economic growth, which could boost job creation, though the agricultural sector lags behind. This comes after the official rate of unemployment eased slightly in the three months to the end of December buoyed by increasing jobs in the finance and manufacturing sectors. Data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Tuesday showed that the official unemployment rate fell by 0.2 of a percentage from 32.1% in the third quarter to 31.9% in the fourth quarter of 2024, marking the lowest jobless rate since the third quarter of 2023.…

Natural evolution is a messy and chaotic process, yet it often goes unnoticed because of the slow, gradual pace required for any significant change. Since we cannot observe natural evolution in real time — and marvel at how a single common ancestor gave rise to both the elephant and the dassie — we tend to see evolutionary changes in man-made processes and institutions instead. The business landscape, driven by neo-liberal principles of unrestrained creation and destruction, serves as one of the clearest representations of evolution in the modern world. As long as companies and organizations are allowed to compete on relatively equal terms, the marketplace determines the fittest players, who compete and struggle to carve out their niche. Throughout this process, less-suitable business models fade, and dominant forms of operation…

Citadel Investment Services, the asset management division of the Citadel financial services group, has overcome stiff competition in South Africa’s investment industry to win the coveted South African Manager of the Year trophy at the annual Raging Bull Awards gala dinner, held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Monday, February 17. The runners-up in the South African Manager of the Year race were Nedgroup Investments. The event, sponsored this year by the JSE, recognised outstanding performance to the end of 2024 by collective investment scheme managers. For the first time, the awards included passively managed funds and ETFs. Iress and Apex were the data providers. The guest speakers at the event were Mark Barnes, founder of Purple Group and former chief executive of the SA Post Office, and…

President Ramaphosa’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA) with a government of national unity (GNU) has been crystal clear- that we need bold, decisive action to drive inclusive growth, tackle unemployment, and build a more resilient, sustainable economy. The President reflected on ours being a country at a turning point at a domestic, continental, and global front. This however, does not mean we must lower our guard and compromise our development goals and our responsibility towards resolving global challenges. An acquaintance and a strong denialist of the climate crisis, was in reflection of the Sona, quick to state that this year’s SONA had escaped the capture of the climate alarmism by focusing infrastructure investment and economic transformation. I, in response emphasised that growth means little if it does…

After posting a plunge in full year earnings due to a rollback in sales and commodity prices, Kumba Iron Ore is keen to participate in the revival of Transnet’s logistical logjam. Mpumi Zikalala, the CEO of Kumba Iron Ore, on Tuesday said she believed that private players should be allowed to run the iron ore rail line to Saldanha. Kumba Iron Ore, like other South African bulk commodity producers, has suffered under rail and port logistical constraints. The Anglo American unit’s production of 35.7 million tons matched ore railed to Saldanha Bay port of 35.6 million tons for the full year to December. Sales volumes of 36.3 million tons for the period “reflect low levels of finished stock levels at the port due to logistics” constraints under Transnet. Zikalala said…

In an unfolding drama that highlights the often fraught relationship between art, activism, and recognition in South Africa, renowned poet and social activist Ntsiki Mazwai has publicly questioned fellow author and media personality Unathi Nkayi’s involvement in the prestigious 33rd Havana International Book Fair, that took place this past weekend. Mazwai’s comments were sparked by Nkayi’s recent announcement of her trip to Cuba, where she performed for the island nation’s president upon arrival as a guest of honour at the literary fair. Known for her fierce and controversial public persona, Mazwai took to social media platform X to express her disbelief at the selection process, especially given her own prior discussions with Cuban poet and editor Leyman Pérez regarding her participation. “I want to know how the minister of arts…

A baker who omitted to mix white bread flour with brown flour, resulting in a bakery losing more than 11 000 loaves of bread, will not lose his job after his employer initially fired him. The Johannesburg Labour Court came to the aid of Thabani Khumalo after Pioneer Foods, trading as Aeroton Bakery, wanted to have an earlier CCMA ruling - which found his dismissal to be unfair - overturned. A commissioner at the CCMA earlier found that the dismissal of Khumalo was found to be substantively unfair and ordered the bakery to reinstate him. He was fired after he was found guilty of gross negligence during a disciplinary hearing. The charges against him related to him not manually blending brown bread flour with white bread flour, which resulted in…

The National Department of Health’s response or back-up plan to the 90-day suspension of certain foreign aid by the United States is said to be pivotal in ensuring that HIV/AIDS services and treatments can continue without disruption. The Western Cape Government (WCG) has since welcomed the department's swift action, which includes a series of measures to minimize the impact of the funding pause. Among these measures are a 6-month antiretroviral treatment (ART) dispensation and a 28-day late collection allowance for clients refilling ARTs. These efforts will help alleviate the pressure on both patients and clinics. Additionally, the WCG will introduce automatic chronic dispensing unit script renewals for ART, further reducing the need for facility visits. The suspension of this foreign aid will further add pressure to an already overburdened healthcare…

Members of the Nxumalo family, supported by community members and friends, gathered outside the Lenasia Magistrate’s Court yesterday for the highly anticipated bail application appearances of Sithembile Xulu and Simon Mogale. The case, which has drawn significant attention due to its harrowing details, involves allegations of murder and insurance fraud that left the family grappling with grief and betrayal. Xulu, accused of allegedly fraudulently taking out three life insurance policies on her cousin Busiswa Nxumalo, who is a domestic worker, will have to wait until March 20 for her bail application, which she had temporarily abandoned last year. Her co-accused, Simon Mogale’s bail bid also suffered a major blow after a report by the investigating officer indicated that his places of residence and employment were found to be questionable. Mogale,…

Award-winning TV and radio presenter Lerato Kganyago has revealed the progress of her husband’s mall in Pretoria. In December, Kganyago revealed that her businessman husband Thami Ndlala had expanded his portfolio by acquiring a mall. At the time she did not reveal the name of the mall her husband had acquired but now has revealed details about the big acquisition. Kganyago shared an image of Ndlala Mall on her Instagram stories, which used to be Sterland Mall in Arcadia, Pretoria. Sterland was refurbished in 2012 and R53 million was spent to change Sterland into the ultimate leisure and entertainment destination in the central Pretoria area. “The mall is nearing completion, with exciting additions on the way, including new restaurants, a barbershop, a hair extension store, residential apartments, and a nightclub.…

The City of Johannesburg has warned residents that they require the municipality’s permission to drill boreholes after the Gautrain was disrupted due to water and soil seeping into one of its tunnels. On Saturday, the Gautrain was forced to provide a bus replacement service between Park and Rosebank stations after an investigation established that there was illegal drilling activity on a private property located above the tunnel. According to the service, the activity was not approved per the requirements of the Gauteng Transport Infrastructure Act. “This illegal activity, therefore, caused the ingress of water and soil into the tunnel, which impacts our ability to operate the system between these two stations,” Gautrain officials explained. In its warning yesterday, the City of Joburg also cautioned residents against making uninformed decisions which…

As the Orlando Pirates return to Betway Premiership action Wednesday night, fans are holding their breath in anticipation of a resurgence in their title aspirations. The Buccaneers will face Golden Arrows at the Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammarsdale, with kick-off set for 7.30pm. Following a frustrating defeat to their title rivals Mamelodi Sundowns, this encounter represents a critical opportunity for head coach Jose Riveiro’s side to rediscover their winning form and keep alive hopes of clinching their first league title in 13 years. Pirates have stumbled at the halfway mark of the season, losing twice in their last five matches to Cape Town City and the Brazilians during a period where the defending champions also strung together a seven-match winning streak. Despite the humbling loss to Sundowns, there is a flicker…

AmaZulu find themselves at a critical juncture in their season as they prepare for a highly anticipated fixture against Sekhukhune United at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium this Wednesday. Kick-off is set for 7.30pm, and for Usuthu, this match presents an invaluable opportunity to channel their recent frustrations into a formidable performance on the league stage. Following a disappointing exit from the Nedbank Cup during the Last 16 stage at the hands of Marumo Gallants, tensions are running high within the AmaZulu camp. Co-coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi did not mince his words in his criticism of the officiating, having felt that questionable referee decisions thwarted their chances of clinching silverware this season. The exit from the cup has left a bitter taste among the players and coaching staff, amplifying their desire…

Here’s an oldie but a goodie regarding SA cricket: The Proteas have won an International Cricket Council tournament, despite their nightmare history in ICC events over the years. The very first incarnation of the ICC Champions Trophy – which begins this week in Pakistan and the UAE – was as the ICC KnockOut Trophy in Bangladesh in 1998. South Africa had a depleted team, due to injury and resting protocols even at that time, which saw virtually their entire bowling attack missing out: Allan Donald, Shaun Pollock, Lance Klusener and Roger Telemachus, as well as left-handed opener Gary Kirsten. Only off-spinner Pat Symcox remained from the usual specialist bowling line-up, along with batting all-rounder Jacques Kallis. But that was no problem for master tactician, coach Bob Woolmer. He came up…

Anglo American has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its nickel business to MMG Singapore Resources for up to $500 million (R9.2 billion). The nickel business of Anglo American comprises two ferronickel operations in Brazil: Barro Alto and Codemin, and two high-quality greenfield growth projects, Jacaré and Morro Sem Boné. Anglo American added that the agreed sale consisted of an upfront cash consideration of $350m at completion; the potential for up to $100m in a price-linked earnout; and contingent cash consideration of $50m linked to the Final Investment Decision (FID) for the development projects. Duncan Wanblad, Anglo American CEO, said that the sale of their nickel business after a highly competitive process marked a further important milestone towards simplifying their portfolio to create a more highly valued copper, premium…

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) on Tuesday said it was set to improve its dredging capacity through the installation of a new marine excavator on the Italeni, a Grab Hopper dredger in Durban. The Grab Hopper Dredger is used by the ports authority to maintain the promulgated depth of port berths, basins, and entrance channels necessary for the safe navigation of vessels in the ports. TNPA said that the installation of this cutting-edge technology will boost dredging volumes and increase efficiency at South Africa’s commercial seaports. “A marine excavator is specialised technological machinery that is used to improve dredging operations while ensuring safe and sustainable practices of marine and coastal environments,” it said. With an investment value of R76 million, TNPA said the newly installed excavator was designed to grab…

The global energy marketplace is shifting toward the acceptance of natural gas as a pivotal component in the transition to cleaner energy solutions, and rightly so. Africa, with its vast untapped gas reserves, has significant opportunities in the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade, a market that has quadrupled over the past few decades. However, a host of challenges overshadow this potential and threaten to impede its realisation. In our recently released 2025 Outlook Report, The State of African Energy, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) covers the dynamics of Africa's involvement in the LNG sector, exploring both the potential gains and the inherent risks. Promise on the Horizon Africa's natural gas reserves are substantial, accounting for approximately 6% of global gas supply, with an expected growth of about 15% by…

Attributable profits in BHP rose by 376% to $4.4 billion (R81bn) in the half year to December, boosted by strong cost containment that offset an 8% decline in revenues for the period, with the company determining dividends of up to $2.5bn. The company’s interim revenues fell to $25.2bn against $27.2bn in the year earlier contrasting period. There were increased sales volumes across BHP’s key commodities of copper, iron ore and steelmaking coal. However, revenue decreased primarily as a result of the “decline in realised iron ore and steelmaking coal” prices, “partially offset” by higher realised copper prices. The attributable profit of $4.4bn was attained through “disciplined cost control and strong operational performance, amid the lower price” environment, said the company. Nonetheless, underlying attributable profit for the period decreased by 23%…

Imam Muhsin Hendricks’ family has been living in fear following his brutal assassination on Saturday. The death threats he received had become a norm, but his commitment to promoting inclusivity and acceptance for queer Muslims never wavered. On the day of his murder, Hendricks, known as the first openly queer imam, was scheduled to preside over an interfaith marriage in Gqeberha, but was gunned down on the way to the wedding. Desiree le Roux, the aunt to one of the lovers, remembered Hendricks’ strength and conviction in performing such ceremonies. “He was the only one who had the courage to do so,” she said, her voice filled with grief. Le Roux described the shock and grief she felt upon learning of Hendricks’ murder. “The news nearly brought me to my…

The Gauteng High Court, Pretoria was closed yesterday due to a power outage in the city. The Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) confirmed that the court will temporarily cease operations due to a power outage in the Tshwane CBD affecting the court. The court’s generator is currently also out of commission. The OCJ said affected parties will be contacted regarding alternative arrangements. Meanwhile, the city said the continuous rain has led to delays in attending to power outages in most parts of the seven regions of Tshwane. The City, meanwhile, said it was aware of the power outages in parts of the CBD but explained that a transformer had tripped at the Boom Street substation. It explained that its technicians are overstretched due to the size of the network…

The Kruger National Park has hailed the success of its collaborative efforts with local communities in combating poaching, but warned that the scourge remains a significant threat. According to Ike Phaahla, spokesperson for the Kruger National Park, the park has seen a significant increase in intelligence from local communities, which has led to several successful operations against poachers. “We have had several successes based on intelligence from the community regarding potential poaching activities.” Phaahla emphasised that poaching is not just a conservation issue, but a criminal matter that affects local communities directly. “Some poachers originate from local communities; they could be someone’s brother or father,” Phaahla said. “So, the more we cooperate with the communities, the better. Law enforcement has also come to the party, and we are grateful for…

The recent emergence of shocking footage from the Zanzou nightclub in Pretoria has ignited an uproar, revealing chilling acts that some content resemble severe human rights violations. This disturbing video, which has been widely circulated on social media, portrays incidents of what appears to be kidnapping, sexual assault, and even attempted murder, thrusting the nightclub into the centre of a heated national debate on safety and accountability. In light of these events, the Men’s Forum of South Africa has taken a bold stance, calling for urgent action to address the myriad abuses unfolding within the establishment. Deputy President of the Men’s Forum, Tebogo Lerole, expressed grave concern over the content depicted in the footage and promised psychological support for the victims. He furthermore urged the public to cease sharing the…

Lufhereng Secondary School in Soweto is facing serious allegations after a teacher was suspended following claims that he raped a grade 11 learner at his home. According to the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), the 45-year-old male educator has been removed from the school following an incident that allegedly took place on February 13. In a statement, MEC Matome Chiloane emphasised that the department has prioritised the safety and well-being of the affected learner by promptly removing the teacher. “This measure is taken to prioritise the safety and well-being of the affected learner and the broader school community. The department will also ensure that all due processes are followed to address this matter appropriately.” Chiloane expressed his devastation over the allegation and vehemently condemned such actions in schools and society…

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said his side have just a 1% chance of progress to the Champions League last 16 against Real Madrid on Wednesday but the English champions' new recruits could offer a lifeline. City blew a late 2-1 lead in the first leg of the play-off tie last week at home to lose 3-2 to the holders. That collapse was part of a wider trend this season as Guardiola's ageing squad have struggled to last the pace, particularly when the intensity is turned up on Champions League nights. As a consequence, City broke with their usual transfer policy to spend big in January, bringing in Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis and Nico Gonzalez for fees totalling £170 million (about R3.95 billion). However, none of them started…

The Lions' strongman, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, has declared that his forwards will fight fire with fire when they scrum down against the formidable Bulls in a United Rugby Champions showdown in Pretoria this Saturday. Last week, the Bulls suffered a surprising defeat to the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld. Although they demonstrated their prowess in set scrums, ultimately, it was not enough to secure victory. Meanwhile, the Lions managed to break a four-game losing streak, triumphing over the Stormers at Ellis Park. Ntlabakanye expressed confidence in the Lions pack ahead of the clash. “We are very excited to face the best scrummaging pack in the competition,” the 25-year-old said. “We look forward to challenging ourselves against guys who have played at the highest level.” He acknowledged the challenge posed by the Bulls'…

Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan said on Tuesday the ICC Champions Trophy would be a “historic occasion” for the country, as the hosts kick the tournament off against New Zealand. The Champions Trophy is the first major cricket event hosted by Pakistan in nearly three decades and is regarded as second only to the World Cup in the one-day game. “A global event has come to Pakistan after 29 years, so I think the whole nation should enjoy this historic occasion,” Rizwan said on the eve of the tournament, which runs until March 9. Pakistan had been due to host the tournament in 2008 but were thrown into cricketing isolation by a security crisis as violence spilled over from the long-running war in neighbouring Afghanistan. Islamist gunmen then attacked a bus…

Whenever a team pull off a big win, it is easy to get carried away with the result – even the performance wasn’t necessarily outstanding. In the same breath, the Bulls are being careful not to reinvent the wheel entirely ahead of Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash against the Lions at Loftus Versfeld (2pm start), following last week’s 29-19 loss to the Sharks in Pretoria. Wing Sebastian de Klerk wasn’t involved in the Sharks encounter, but came off the bench the previous week in the 33-32 win over the Stormers in Cape Town, where he made a real impact out wide. He will hope to be involved against the Lions again this weekend, having been a regular starter for most of the season. That may depend on where Canan Moodie…