Table of contents for 2023-07-18 in Star

AVI APPEARS locked in dispute with the black economic empowerment (BEE) partner of its fishing products subsidiary I&J Limited after it decided last month to replace its partner of 19 years with a new grouping that is unknown in the fishing sector and which is headed by I&J’s non-executive chairperson Professor Brian Figaji. According to AVI, having been extended in 2012, 2018 and in 2022, the BEE transaction with Mainstreet 198 matured on July 1, 2023, having generated “significant value over 19 years”, including more than R202 million in net cash to Main Street 198. In line with the agreement, AVI exercised their call option and acquired the shares held in I&J from Main Street, upon maturation of the transaction. AVI has now entered into a new agreement with…

The Health and Allied Workers Indaba Trade Union (Haitu) has vowed to intensify its protest against the Limpopo Department of Health and its MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba. This comes after the trade union marched to the department’s offices in Polokwane on Friday. During the march, unionists, led by union general secretary Lerato Mthunzi, handed over a memorandum of demands. Some of these include the absorption of Covid-19 contract workers into permanent workers and filling vacant posts. There have been concerns over the shortage of nurses in Limpopo, with the union saying the province was failing to fill vacant positions. In March, Ramathuba announced that all clinics would operate on a 24-hour basis. Mthunzi said the MEC is failing to fulfil some of her promises “The Limpopo Health Department, under the…

GAUTENG law-enforcement are hot on the heels of 12 gunmen who stormed a Pretoria police building, tied up a security guard, and shot and wounded an officer in the early hours of yesterday, according to the SAPS. The attack, which took place at 2am, is believed to be a botched robbery. Speaking to Pretoria News yesterday, SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the police were following all leads to catch the suspects. “We have not caught them yet, but we have a few leads and we are following them as we continue with the investigation,” Mathe said. The Pretoria News understands that while attempting to enter the police building, 12 heavily-armed men overpowered a security guard and tied him up. In the process, the gang shot and wounded a police…

FIVE years and eight months after being taken hostage by al-Qaeda in Mali, South African paramedic, Gerco van Deventer, has a team fighting to get him a ransom-free release. A fresh photograph of Van Deventer was released this week, seeing him dressed casually and appearing to be calm and hopeful. In May, it was reported that his captors had made a request for ransom of R9.5 million. Last week, Imtiaz Sooliman, Gift of the Givers chairperson and founder, said their negotiator, Mohamed Yehia Dicko, returned from Mali and after having communicated and engaged with many parties for his release. Sooliman said Yehia met the chief intermediary, several other intermediaries, elders, tribal leaders and people of influence to convince JNIM (al-Qaeda) to consider a ransom-free release as there was no source…

THE Woodlands Boulevard Shopping Centre is thrilled to host the highly anticipated mall-wide exhibition, The Face of Art, by renowned South African sculptor and artist, Marco Olivier. This captivating journey into the world of bronze sculptures will take place until August 31, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a world of artistic expressions brought to life. Olivier is celebrated for his awe-inspiring art installations across the country. With voluminous bronzes up to 6m tall, his work has mesmerised audiences not only locally but on the global stage, too. Now, Woodlands Boulevard Shopping Centre provides the perfect platfor, and eye-catching pieces. From aircraft engineering and extravagant furniture design to his successful ventures as a professional golfer, Olivier’s journey has been nothing short of fascinating in establishing himself as a leading figure…

On a recent visit to Australia, he was treated like a celebrity with the Aussie prime minister referring to him as The Boss – in obvious reference to rock star Bruce Springteen – and said there were more people in the stadium than the night Springsteen appeared. Well Modi certainly epitomises Springsteen’s 1987 hit, Tougher Than The Rest. And like a rock star, after every appearance there are rave reviews. Modi, 72, came into power in 2014 and over the years has brought about vast reform, the most important being the abrogation of Article 370 regarding the states of Jammu and Kashmir, thus delivering on his poll promise. He has liberalised India’s foreign investment policies and been hailed as a saviour for helping farmers, changing labour laws and revolutionising the…

Yesterday, 200 delegates from progressive organisations, political parties, people’s movements and trade unions across the African continent gathered in Bela-Bela for the “Dilemmas of Humanity: Pan African Dialogues to Build Socialism” conference. Over the course of the next two days, delegates will interact and deliberate on the myriad challenges that capitalism poses for working-class people today. And, importantly, to debate how to advance proposals of action to build socialism “within our lifetime”. Hosted by Pan Africanism Today, the conference will bring together almost 40 organisations from 17 countries, including the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa), the Socialist Movement of Ghana (SMG), the Socialist Party (SP) of Zambia, the Workers’ Democratic Way party from Morocco, as well as social movements including Abahlali baseMjondolo (AbM) from South Africa and…

Seoul: South Korea’s president has vowed to “completely overhaul” the country’s approach to extreme weather after at least 40 people were killed by recent flooding and landslides during monsoon rains. Rescuers waded through thick mud as they drained a flooded underpass in central Cheongju, searching for more people after vehicles were trapped in the tunnel, the interior ministry said, with nine people still missing nationwide. Rivers are bursting their banks, and reservoirs and dams are overflowing. South Korea will “mobilise all available resources”, including the military and police, to help with rescue efforts, he said. | AFP…

GAZA: Islamic Jihad militants said Palestinian security forces had detained a total of 10 of their members in Jenin, underlining rifts between groups in the West Bank two weeks since Israel launched its largest raid there in years. Israel has pressed the Palestinian Authority to take tougher action against Iran-backed Islamic Jihad and Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip. Militant groups have accused the Palestinian Authority of failing to do enough to stand up to Israel. The Authority protested against the Israeli operation, which it called a war crime, but was unable to do anything to halt it. | Reuters…

ESKOM and its former chief operating officer, Jan Oberholzer, would part ways by mutual agreement, it was announced by the power utility yesterday. The move came as a surprise and was announced late in the day. Oberholzer’s last day with Eskom will be July 31. Oberholzer was on a fixed-term contract to provide support to the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station long-term operation and Kusile Power Station projects. “Eskom expresses gratitude to Mr Jan Oberholzer for his dedicated service, expertise and valuable contributions during his tenure. We wish him well in his future endeavours, ” it said. | BR Reporter…

GIBB POWER, as part of the Amandla Consortium, said yesterday that it had completed the power evacuation scope of a bankable feasibility study for the proposed 98MW Waterkloof Solar Photo- voltaic Project, which will provide Royal Bafokeng Platinum (RBPlat) with renew- able power. The project is located on 250 hectares of land in Rasimone in close proximity to Rustenburg. Construction of the solar energy facility is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2023, with the commencement of commercial operation projected for 2025. Once con- structed, the project will provide renew- able power to the nearby RBPlat via some 148 800 solar panels. “The solar energy facility is expected to produce more than 208GW/h of renewable energy annually and reduce CO2 emissions by 192 000 metric…

South Africa’s music industry is brimming with talent, and it seems like every day there’s a new release that deserves attention. From diverse genres like amapiano, gqom, hip-hop, and afro-pop, among others, the South African music scene offers a wide range of sounds and styles to suit every taste. These artists are making waves with their fresh sounds and compelling lyrics, representing the best of what the country has to offer musically. Here are a few new home-grown offerings that you should add to your playlist now. Sho Madjozi & Tashinga – Balotelli, featuring Robot Boii, Sneakho, Matthew Otis and CTTBeats Balotelli is a fantastic collaboration that brilliantly showcases the exceptional talents of the artists on the track. This powerful and energetic anthem is proof of the power of musical…

A planned e-hailing service strike did not make a huge impact in most parts of Johannesburg yesterday as Bolt, Uber and In-drive drivers were divided over certain matters. Initially, all drivers were expected to meet at Zoo Lake, but that did not happen. Instead, different regions held their own protests. Some had chosen to switch off app notifications as a form of protest. In Midrand, incidents of intimidation of drivers who chose to work were reported. A number of e-hailing service drivers lined up their cars outside the Gautrain station to ensure that other e-hailing drivers didn’t stop to drop customers off. The Star understands police were called in after reports of intimidation. There were also reports that some drivers who were working had their cellphones or valuables seized. Drivers…

Activist and chief of the Namaland Shaul, Paul Swaartboi, commends diamond mogul Louis Liebenberg for his commitment to the development of Namaqualand. This area, rich in minerals, houses communities left impoverished due to an imbalance in the wealth distribution from the mining industry. Swartbooi says one of the people who shows deep care for the people of the area is Liebenberg, who continues to invest in the development of the area through his mining activities. He says the founder of Forever Gold and Tariomix has been helping develop Namaqualand ever since he started mining in the area. “We are grateful for the development initiatives which are giving our people a sense of pride and joy due to the jobs created by the company.” Swartbooi, who has in the past…

WEEKS before the BRICS summit takes place in Durban next month, the National School of Government (NSG) kicked off the build-up event at the University of Pretoria (UP) yesterday. NSG is hosting a three-day BRICS conference to drum up support for the summit that will see leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa converge next month. The conference, held at UP’s Future Africa campus from yesterday, will focus on “Governance and Public Administration Reforms”. BRICS was created in 2009 as part of efforts by member states to counter the influence of Western countries on global affairs. The conference, under the summit’s theme “Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism”, was opened by Public Service and Administration deputy minister Dr Chana Pilane-Majake. Speaking to Pretoria News,…

POLICE in Mpumalanga have arrested a 49-year-old man in an operation where heroin bricks worth R75 million were confiscated from a truck travelling from neighbouring Mozambique. The drugs were destined for the international market, according to Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale. She said the Hawks’ serious organised crime team is committed to disrupt the proliferation of illegal drugs and ensure the people involved in smuggling the banned substances face the full might of the law. “This is evident in the multi-disciplinary operation that was conducted in Mpumalanga on Sunday, July 16, 2023 wherein a 49-year-old foreign national was apprehended. “It is reported that the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s South African Narcotic Bureau (Sanab) received information from Witrivier K9 on a truck that could possibly be ferrying illegal drugs,” said…

Ingredients 6 thick hake medallions, thawed 1 tsp fish spice 1 cup cream 1 sachet tomato paste 3 tbs TABASCO® Sauce or Jalapeño Sauce 1 small onion, finely diced 2 cups baby spinach, sliced ½ tsp salt and pepper, optional Method Preheat the oven to 180°C and lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish with non-stick spray. Lay the hake medallions onto a plate, pat them dry with a paper towel and season with fish spice. Add the cream, tomato paste, ⅓ cup hot water, TABASCO® Sauce or Jalapeño Sauce, chopped onions, spinach and salt and pepper, if using, to the dish. Mix to incorporate. Nestle the seasoned fish into the tomato sauce and bake for 20-25 minutes until perfectly cooked. Remove the bake from the oven and garnish with the…

With meditation known to produce a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind, an expert has suggested meditation for those who are not able to get out and do something good for someone else this Mandela Day. Founder of Brain Harmonics and Neurofeedback, Kerry Rudman, said spending 67 seconds doing this simple meditation is not only good for you, but will have a positive ripple effect on your family, your community, your country and ultimately the world. Rudman has shared a 67-second meditation exercise anyone can do to help them connect better with themselves. 1. Find a quiet, comfortable place to sit. Sit on a chair with your feet flat on the floor, or sit cross-legged on a cushion. Make sure your spine is straight but not rigid. 2.…

THE passing of anti-apartheid icon, Imam Achmad Cassiem, has created a void that will take decades to fill. While words can never fully express how much someone means to us, language can still provide comfort, solace hope and even inspiration following the death of a person who did so much for so many over such a long time. Imam was an icon of the times. This apostle of caring and giving, is a promise to the vast geographical mass of South Africa that there is hope even in the most seemingly hopeless conditions. His dedicated long life and monumental contributions to the community reaffirms our faith in humanity that the streams of unending assistance to the destitute and homeless have not dried up. His entire life was a fabric of…

Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s view that his enemies within and outside the ANC who want to get rid of him and scupper his chances of becoming the country’s president, although at first sounded hollow, is increasingly becoming credible. Since he assumed the position, he has been the subject of vitriolic attacks in the media ranging from his alleged romantic relationships to accusations of corruption. This was not made any easier by the behaviour of his VIP protectors recently, who behaved abominably – but there is no evidence he had anything to do with that. What is becoming clear is Mashatile is a closed book to the South African political and economic establishment, and this worries them. For one, we know that President Cyril Ramaphosa did not consider him within his…

A report published yesterday by the international anti-poverty group ActionAid revealed that the cost of food, fuel, and fertiliser continues to increase in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities due to Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The survey of more than 1 000 community leaders and members from 14 countries in Africa and Asia plus Haiti conducted by the Johannesburg-based NGO found that some families are spending up to 10 times what they paid for necessities nearly 16 months ago. This is despite the latest United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation Food Price Index – which tracks monthly changes in the price of a basket of food items in various countries – indicating a nearly 12% decline in global prices since February 2022, the month Russian forces invaded neighbouring…

Oslo: Norway’s data protection agency said yesterday it would ban Facebook and Instagram owner Meta from using the personal information of users for targeted advertising, threatening a $100 000 (about R1.8 million) daily fine if it continues. The Norwegian watchdog, Datatilsynet, said Meta uses information such as the location of users, the content they like and their posts for marketing purposes. The ban will begin on August 4 and last three months to give Meta time to take corrective measures. Meta said the company would review the demands. | AFP…

Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s powerful sister dismissed the idea of talks with the US as “a daydream” yesterday, ahead of the first US-South Korean meeting on nuclear deterrence today. Seoul and Washington have ramped up defence co-operation in response to the North’s weapons tests, staging joint military exercises. Kim Yo Jong warned that a strengthened extended deterrence system and military alliance will only further alienate the North from dialogue. The best way to ensure peace and stability was to deter the US with force, she said. | AFP…

Orlando Pirates yesterday confirmed the controversial release of striker Terrence Dvukamanja to SuperSport United. The 29-year-old forward was said to have secured his place in coach Jose Riveiro’s squad for the upcoming season by putting in a string of fine performances at the back end of last season. However, it now seems the future of the the Zimbabwean international has changed, with the Buccaneers confirming his intention to transfer to Matsatsantsa. “Dzvukamanja approached the club pleading to be released to play in Zimbabwe to be close to home in order to address pressing family matters,” the statement read. “After consideration, the club offered to pay his salary whilst sorting out his personal issues at home. The club acceded to this on compassionate grounds. “As part of the club’s commitment to…

Johnny Sexton will be free to captain Ireland in the World Cup after receiving a three-match ban for misconduct announced by European rugby chiefs on Sunday. But the 38-year-old flyhalf will miss next month’s warm-up games against Italy, England and Samoa. Sexton faced a disciplinary hearing over “misconduct complaints” after exchanging words with South African referee Jaco Peyper after his club Leinster’s loss to La Rochelle in the Champions Cup final in Dublin on May 20, in which the injured Sexton did not play. The charge can carry a long ban, but a statement issued by the EPCR on behalf of an independent disciplinary committee, said: “Having regard to the full circumstances of the misconduct and the mitigation which is set out in detail in the written reasons, the disciplinary…

Novak Djokovic was still trying to digest the loss of his Wimbledon crown to Carlos Alcaraz when one reporter asked him whether Sunday’s clash was the start of a great rivalry. The irony was not lost on Djokovic, who, despite still operating at his peak, is 36 and in sight of the end of his record-shredding career. “I would hope so, for my sake,” the Serb said. “He’s going to be on the tour for quite some time. I don’t know how long I’ll be around.” Djokovic’s rivalries with Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal, not to mention Andy Murray, have captivated the sport for close to two decades, but time is against him forming another one with Alcaraz, so Sunday’s five-set duel should be savoured. He played Federer 50 times,…

New Orlando Pirates player Patrick Maswanganyi has expressed his happiness at joining the club and being around “the best teammates ever”. The 25-year-old joined the Buccaneers from SuperSport United after an impressive 2022/23 campaign under Gavin Hunt. “It’s a great feeling to be part of this club. I’m really enjoying myself so far and happy that I’m with the best teammates ever,” said Maswanganyi. The Stars of Africa Academy graduate arrived with Sephelo Baloni from Cape Town All Stars, Katlego Otladisa from Marumo Gallants, and Melusi Buthelezi from TS Galaxy. The midfielder has seemingly taken to life at the Sea Robbers with ease as he continues where he left off last season with impressive performances. He netted the solitary goal as Pirates beat Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv in the first…

FITCH Ratings has slashed South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for 2023 to zero on the back of intensified power cuts while pointing to elevated socio-political risks due to high unemployment rate. This comes as it maintained that the country’s sovereign debt was below investment grade. Fitch becomes the first ratings agency to firmly pronounce that South Africa’s economy will not grow at all this year, and it is a significant climbdown from the 0.2% it forecast in March. The ratings agency yesterday affirmed South Africa’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at “BB-” with a stable outlook. Fitch’s primary ratings analyst Thomas Garreau said South Africa's “BB-” IDR was constrained by low real GDP growth hampered by power shortages, high level of inequality, a high government debt-to-GDP…

OCEANA’S US subsidiary Daybrook Fisheries has repaid $15 million (R271m) of debt and has refinanced its five-year loan and revolving credit facility. Oceana purchased 100% of Daybrook, a company incorporated in Louisiana, US, in 2015. The debt raised by Daybrook at its acquisition amounted to $142m (about R1.7 billion), which required quarterly capital repayments. This debt was refinanced in 2019 with a final payment due on September 30, 2024. As at June, 2023, Daybrook had repaid $46.4m, resulting in a debt balance of $95.6m (R1.72bn). Oceana said yesterday given the group’s recent financial performance, continued tightening of US credit markets and the fact that this facility would be classified as current at the end of September 2023, a decision was taken to refinance the facility prior to the…

South African award-winning artist Lady Zamar continues to face backlash from social media users for accusing ex Sjava of raping her at the Porche-Villa Hotel and Conference Centre in Thohoyandou in 2017. In November 2020, the charge of rape against Sjava was thrown out by the director of the National Prosecuting Authority. Sjava then released a video which said he was not a rapist. Zamar is still being trolled by social media users who believe she “falsely” accused the Umbayimbayi hitmaker. On Sunday, she seemed to have had enough of the cyberbullying, and took to Twitter to ask tweeps what she must do to move on from this ordeal. She even suggested killing herself or quitting music. “Why do you guys hate me so much? How have I become such…

President Cyril Ramaphosa said the late ANC deputy secretary-general (DSG) Yasmin “Jessie” Duarte was one of those leaders who did not tolerate any nonsense from party leaders, adding she was a stern leader. Duarte’s family members and ANC members including Deputy President Paul Mashatile and other dignitaries attended a wreath-laying ceremony to celebrate her life at Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg yesterday. Duarte passed away last July after a battle with cancer. “Many of us will remember her as a very humorous leader, but also a very stern one. She took no nonsense from ANC leaders. If you spoke out of line, she immediately picked up the phone and called, and not only said what were you thinking about. She would immediately admonish and put you straight on your cause once…

THE murder trial of the six men accused of carrying out a hit on whistle-blower Babita Deokaran got off to a bumpy start after it was postponed without getting under way yesterday. The much-awaited trial was meant to begin in the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, but due to ill health of one of the accused’s advocates, the matter was postponed to August 7. The six accused – Phakamani Hadebe, Zitha Radebe, Phinda Ndlovu, Sanele Mbhele, Siphiwe Mazibuko and Siphakanyiswa Dladla – appeared briefly before Judge Motsamai Makume. All the accused were denied bail and remain in custody until their next court appearance. The trial, which takes place almost two years since the murder of Deokaran, killed in what is alleged to have been a hit, has been two years…

Popular music talent, Prince Kaybee – real name Kabelo Motsamai – has been candid to his fans about not making music for money despite being constantly asked about amapiano features. Motsamai was asked on Twitter if he would reject an amapiano feature, where he revealed he did not do music for business anymore. “I’m not doing music for business anymore, I’m laying down thoughts, telling authentic stories and most of all loving music in its essence not what sells the most, been there done that.” Speaking about amapiano, he said the genre did not align with his dreams and future. “Yes, it is not aligned with my dreams and future. Love the genre though, my current favourite song is Gangnam Style,” said the popular DJ. The Charlotte hitmaker has also…

The UN resolution urging countries to “address, prevent and prosecute acts and advocacy of religious hatred” is a step in the right direction to stop all forms of religious prejudice including the desecration of the holy Qur’an and insulting revered personalities. It is sad to note that many European countries, including the US, had opposed the motion, arguing it conflicted with laws on free speech. Western countries parade themselves as nations that are bastions of democracy, human rights, and economic advancement. Why is the US government uncompromisingly hunting Julian Assange for having published disclosed documents that included possible war crimes committed by the US military? Is this not a full-scale assault on his right to freedom of speech? Furthermore, imagine shouting “fire” in a crowded soccer stadium. Is it acceptable…

The 2024 national elections are only nine months away, with all political parties focused on finding ways to convince voters to vote for their party. This is arguably the most important elections as we hope to change from ANC government that has not lived up to the expectations of the populace after they gained the mandate to govern this country since 1994. No one expected any perfection from them during the early years of their governance. We all presumed that, given time, their government would mature and give us the results we all hoped for. Instead, they ruined everything that was good for the country as they stumbled from one major crisis to another. As we prepare ourselves, we are aware that there is too much at stake this…

CITIZENS around the world will come together today to honour the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, rolling up their sleeves and giving back to those in need. July 18 marks the former statesman and Noble Peace Prize winner’s birthday. South Africans are called to reflect on Mandela’s values and principles, and to make a positive impact in their own communities. The call to action celebrates the idea that everyone has the power to transform the world and the ability to make a difference. Yes, our country faces many challenges. It is easier to shrug and bemoan the inertia to change than reform a corrupt government. State capture has blown a hole through the government's coffers and put a spotlight on kleptocracy. High crime continues unabated, with women and children…

Global temperatures headed towards alarming highs and extreme weather proliferated as the world’s two biggest polluters, China and the US, sought yesterday to reignite climate talks. With scientists saying the target of keeping global warming within 1.5°C of pre-industrial levels is moving beyond reach, evidence of the crisis was everywhere. A remote town in China’s arid north-west, Sanbao, registered a national record of 52.2°C. Wildfires in Europe raged ahead of a second heat wave in two weeks that was set to send temperatures as high as 48°C. In the US, a quarter of the population fell under extreme heat advisories, partly due to a heat dome that has settled over western states. “In many parts of the world, today is predicted to be the hottest day on record,”…

YAOUNDE: Gunmen killed 10 people and injured another two at a busy junction in the city of Bamenda in Cameroon’s troubled north-west yesterday. A witness said the attackers arrived in vehicles and ordered people on to the floor, accusing them of failing to back local separatists, and opened fire. North West region governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique said a manhunt had been launched for the “terrorists” behind the massacre. More than 6 000 people have been killed in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions since conflict erupted in 2017. | Reuters…

Bafana Bafana’s coach for the Cosafa Cup, Morena Ramoreboli has reacted to his team’s third-placed finish in the southern African competition. South Africa overcame Malawi on penalties after the match ended 0-0 and claimed the bronze medal for just the second time in their history. Ramoreboli, who won the competition with Bafana in 2021, could not repeat that feat this time around after bowing out in the semi-finals to eventual champions Zambia. The experienced coach expressed that although he was proud of his players for overcoming numerous challenges, he still felt their final positioning could have been better. “Credit to the team, the association and the technical team, we did our best despite all the challenges we had during our preparation,” Ramoreboli said. ”I’m happy with what we did today…

Khanyisa Chawane believes the Proteas’ fearlessness and togetherness will drive them at the World Cup. The World Cup is set to get underway in Cape Town next Friday when former champions Trinidad and Tobago play the opening match against New Zealand, before hosts South Africa face off against Wales. Wing-defence Chawane has the benefit of having previously reached a World Cup semi-final with the Proteas in 2019. But this being a home World Cup will provide the team with different challenges. “There are so many expectations … but what we need to do is stick together and be fearless stepping on court for us to reach our goal,” shee said. “I tell myself that what I do now counts for what lies ahead! So not focusing on the future, but…

The first 32-team Women’s World Cup kicks off in Australia and New Zealand on Thursday with the USA favourites to claim an unprecedented third consecutive title in a landmark month for women’s football. It has been a rapid expansion for a tournament that started in 1991 and featured only 16 teams as recently as 2011, then 24 in France four years ago when the US retained the trophy. That reflects a dramatic rise in interest in women’s football over the last decade beyond its traditional heartland of the US and a swarm of European sides will be aiming to snatch their title. Australia, led by prolific Chelsea forward Sam Kerr, will hope to make the most of home advantage and go all the way to the final in Sydney on…

Ineos rider Tom Pidcock said yesterday he fancies Tadej Pogacar’s chances in a titanic Tour de France title struggle he predicts could go down to the wire in Paris in an “all-out war”. Jumbo-Visma’s defending champion Jonas Vingegaard is currently atop the overall standings, with Team UAE’s Pogacar trailing by just 10 seconds in second place, with the Tour set to reach its climax on the Champs-Elysees on Sunday. “I think Tadej,” Pidcock said when asked for his favourite to claim victory. “Jumbo seem a little bit anxious, worried, desperate; they are working too hard to make things happen,” the Olympic mountain bike champion said at his team hotel at the foot of Mont Blanc. “I’m afraid that wasn’t too diplomatic of me ... Last year it just came together…