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Scotsman
2 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Hearts favourites leaves coaching role as ex Jambo replaces him at Scottish club
He played with Hearts, Wolves and Scotland in his playing career and is on the move. Sign up to our Hearts newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A Hearts and Wolves favourite has left his current coaching job - and been replaced by a former Tynecastle star. Colin Cameron made himself a hero amongst the Gorgie support by scoring the opening goal in the 1998 Scottish Cup final victory over Rangers. He stayed at Hearts for five years between 1996-2001 before a five year stretch at Wolves, where fans grew fond of the star capped by Scotland on several occasions during time at both clubs. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The former midfielder is also a Raith Rovers legend and since hanging up his boots, has managed Cowdenbeath and Berwick Rangers, turning a coach at Stark's Park since 2022. Now as the new season rolls into view under boss Barry Robson, Cameron has moved on. Colin Cameron leaves Raith Rovers A statement reads: 'Raith Rovers can confirm that Colin Cameron has left the Club. A Rovers legend both on and off the pitch, Micky returned to Stark's Park in October 2022 to join the backroom team as Assistant Manager. Micky's legacy at Raith Rovers is a proud one. After progressing through the youth ranks between 1988 and 1990, he made 168 first-team appearances and scored 42 goals during a six-year spell that saw him become a firm fan favourite. 'His unforgettable hat-trick against Kilmarnock in the run to the Coca-Cola Cup triumph of 1994 remains one of the Club's most iconic moments. Following his time in Kirkcaldy, Micky enjoyed a successful career with Hearts and Wolverhampton Wanderers, earning 28 Scotland caps, before spells at a number of clubs and a move into management with Cowdenbeath, Berwick Rangers, and Airdrieonians. 'Micky is a proud inductee of the RRFC Hall of Fame, and everyone at the club thanks him for his efforts over the past three years and wishes him all the very best in the next chapter of his coaching career.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Former Hearts star turns ex Jambo and Wolves man's replacement In his place comes Andy Kirk, who has recently left St Johnstone's coaching circle. Kirk was at Hearts as a striker between 1999-2004 then in multiple roles behind the scenes post-retirement, a coach and First Team Manager and Girls' Academy Manager of Hearts Women. A statement reads: 'Raith Rovers Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Andy Kirk as the Club's new Assistant Manager. As Barry Robson continues to build his squad, Andy was identified as a key figure he wanted to add to his backroom staff. The 45-year-old Northern Irishman arrives at Stark's Park with a wealth of experience both on the pitch and in the dugout. 'Most recently, Andy was part of the coaching team at St Johnstone, where he served as assistant to Craig Levein and briefly took charge as caretaker manager. As a player, Andy enjoyed a prolific career as a forward, with over 500 senior appearances and 171 goals to his name. He began at Glentoran, where he won the Irish League title and several cup honours, before a standout spell at Heart of Midlothian, scoring consistently in the Scottish top flight and earning 11 caps for Northern Ireland. 'He also had successful stints with Boston United, Northampton Town, Yeovil Town, Dunfermline Athletic and Alloa Athletic. Transitioning into coaching, Andy developed his skills within the youth systems at Rangers and Hearts, before moving into senior management with Hearts Women and later Brechin City, leading the latter to a Highland League title. Since then, his reputation for tactical knowledge, leadership, and player development has continued to grow. Everyone at Raith Rovers wishes Andy a warm welcome to Stark's Park and looks forward to seeing him in the dugout alongside Barry.'
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Henry Olonga: From Sachin Tendulkar's rival to struggling singer, how one armband derailed the life of Zimbabwe's fast bowler
In 1998, during the Coca-Cola Cup final in Sharjah, Indian cricket fans saw a memorable match where Sachin Tendulkar scored an unbeaten 124 off 92 balls. He led India to a 10-wicket win over Zimbabwe. On the other end was young fast bowler Henry Olonga , who gave away 50 runs in just six overs. That game made Olonga a familiar name in Indian cricket memories. A protest that changed his life Five years later, Olonga's life changed completely. In the 2003 World Cup, he and teammate Andy Flower wore black armbands during a match. They were protesting what they called the "death of democracy" in Zimbabwe under Robert Mugabe. Their peaceful protest triggered serious consequences. Olonga received death threats and had to flee Zimbabwe. He settled in Australia. Music career and exile According to The Telegraph , Olonga turned to music after leaving cricket. He even appeared on The Voice in 2019. While some may not view his music career as successful, he continues to perform. He now releases songs on YouTube and performs wherever he can. He recently sang on cruise ships. Olonga said, 'It's not necessarily the peak of music performance being on a cruise ship. In fact, some people think that singers go to die on cruise ships. It's like where you go when you haven't made it anywhere else. But I don't mind that. I don't have an ego about my music. I sing in little retirement villages, I've sung to school kids, and I've sung in little bars in front of three people. I just love singing. I love performing.' Reflections and reality of life abroad He still sings a song he recorded in the early 2000s during his cricketing days. Sharing the lyrics with the newspaper, he said, 'One of the lines goes: 'Though I may go to distant borders, my soul will yearn for this, my home, for time and space may separate us, and yet she holds my heart alone.' And then another is, 'As we all stand to build our nation, this is our land, our Zimbabwe.'' Olonga paused and added, 'Literally some of the words in that song... they speak of where my life is now, but when I listen to the song again, it's somewhat triggering.' Live Events He has not returned to Zimbabwe. He has not seen his father, now in his mid-80s and still living in Bulawayo, for over two decades. After Mugabe was removed from power in 2017 and died in 2019, Olonga considered going back. But the return never happened. 'It's in the too-hard basket. I've started a new life. I think like a Westerner now. I live in Adelaide, where things just work,' he said. A quiet but honest life Olonga continues to do other work to make a living. 'I've done all sorts of jobs. I've cleaned people's boats. I've done public speaking, as in motivational talks and after-dinner talks. I won't say I'm having the time of my life, because I just live a sort of drab, very predictable, boring life in some people's eyes, but at least it's honest, and I'm staying out of trouble,' he told The Telegraph . Several cricketers have faced significant challenges after retiring from the sport. Notably, New Zealand's Chris Cairns and Sri Lanka's Suresh Perera have encountered difficulties in their post-cricket lives. Chris Cairns: Legal battles and health issues Chris Cairns, once a prominent all-rounder for New Zealand, faced a series of setbacks after his retirement in 2006. In 2010, he was accused of match-fixing by former Indian Premier League chairman Lalit Modi, leading to a high-profile libel case. Although Cairns won the case in 2012, the legal expenses and subsequent perjury charges in 2014 strained his finances. He was acquitted in 2015 but described the ordeal as "five years of hell" and acknowledged that his reputation was "completely scorched" . Financial difficulties led him to take up manual jobs, including cleaning bus shelters, to support his family . In addition to these challenges, Cairns suffered a life-threatening heart infection in 2021, requiring multiple surgeries . Suresh Perera: Transitioning to a new life in Australia Suresh Perera, a former Sri Lankan all-rounder, played international cricket between 1998 and 2001. After retiring, he relocated to Perth, Western Australia, with his wife. In his new environment, Perera undertook various jobs, including working as a waiter and forklift driver, before establishing his own sporting goods business. He also continued his involvement in cricket by captaining the Bassendean Cricket Club in a local Perth competition . These cases highlight the diverse challenges that professional athletes may face upon retiring from sports, emphasizing the importance of planning and adaptability in their post-sporting careers.
NDTV
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
From Sachin Tendulkar's Rival To Boat Cleaner: How Henry Olonga's Life Took A Dramatic Turn
For Indian cricket fans, especially those who grew up in the 1990s, the name Henry Olonga evokes a vivid memory of a fierce on-field rivalry. In the 1998 Coca-Cola Cup final in Sharjah, Olonga, a young Zimbabwean fast bowler, faced the wrath of Sachin Tendulkar, who scored an unbeaten 124 off 92 balls, leading India to a 10-wicket victory. Olonga conceded 50 runs in just six overs during that match. Beyond this memorable encounter, Henry Olonga's life took a dramatic turn. In 2003, he and teammate Andy Flower wore black armbands during a World Cup match to protest against the "death of democracy" in Zimbabwe under Robert Mugabe's regime. This act of defiance led to death threats and forced Olonga into exile. He settled in Australia, where he pursued a career in music, even participating in "The Voice" in 2019. Olonga's journey from cricket to music has not been very pleasing as many expect, and his life has taken a massive turn for him over the past decade, according to The Telegraph. In a conversation with the newspaper, Henry Olonga recites the lyrics of a song he recorded when he was a Zimbabwean cricketer at the height of his career in the early 2000s and before he was exiled from his country. 'One of the lines goes: "Though I may go to distant borders, my soul will yearn for this, my home, for time and space may separate us, and yet she holds my heart alone.' And then another is, 'As we all stand to build our nation, this is our land, our Zimbabwe.'" Olonga pauses. "Literally some of the words in that song... they speak of where my life is now, but when I listen to the song again, it's somewhat triggering." As per the newspaper, he has never been back to Zimbabwe. He has not seen his father, who is now in his mid-80s and still lives in Bulawayo, for more than 20 years. He now releases music on his YouTube channel and picks up gigs where he can. Recently he was singing on cruise ships. "It's not necessarily the peak of music performance being on a cruise ship. In fact, some people think that singers go to die on cruise ships. It's like where you go when you haven't made it anywhere else. "But I don't mind that. I don't have an ego about my music. I sing in little retirement villages, I've sung to school kids, and I've sung in little bars in front of three people. I just love singing. I love performing. "I've done all sorts of jobs. I've cleaned people's boats. I've done public speaking, as in motivational talks and after-dinner talks. I won't say I'm having the time of my life, because I just live a sort of drab, very predictable, boring life in some people's eyes, but at least it's honest, and I'm staying out of trouble." Olonga was close to returning when Mugabe, who died in 2019, was overthrown in 2017, but there was no homecoming; he remained in Australia. "It's in the too-hard basket. I've started a new life. I think like a Westerner now. I live in Adelaide, where things just work.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Where Eagles dare
THE FINAL FOUR With all due respect to the Full Members Cup and the Specsavers Surrey Senior Cup (current holders: South Park Reigate) Crystal Palace have never won a major trophy. While it's a state of affairs some trophy-obsessed fans of more elite clubs would argue renders Palace's 164-year existence a complete exercise in futility, the team from Selhurst Park have contested two FA Cup finals, only to come up short against Manchester United on both occasions. The most recent was nine years ago in a Wembley showpiece largely remembered for the losing manager's touchline body-popping and the winning one being handed his P45 before his captain was presented with the trophy. And to think some people say the famous old competition has lost its magic, eh? Advertisement After their team's 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates in Wednesday night's snappily titled Don't Get Knacked Because We All Have Bigger Fish To Fry derby, Palace fans are now free to start bricking themselves about the FA Cup semi against Aston Villa, a team whose most recent taste of major trophy success came 29 years ago in the Coca-Cola Cup. Before a match that both teams will consider eminently winnable, the atmosphere at Wembley come kick-off time on Saturday afternoon ought to be buoyant but will in truth be fraught by nerves, crippling anxiety and downright terror throughout the stands. 'We're very excited,' purred Palace manager Oliver Glasner after seeing his side use up two of their best goals of the season in an inconsequential draw. 'I think everyone who is connected with Palace is very excited, but I think on the other side, it's also important to stay calm.' To which the only obvious rejoinder is: 'Good luck with that, Oliver.' Following Saturday's semi-final, Wembley Way will be rebranded in the colours of Nottingham Forest and Manchester City, two clubs whose major trophy droughts date back 35 years and 11 months, respectively. Following an unexpectedly disastrous Premier League campaign in which they currently sit one point ahead of a Forest side who are having an unexpectedly brilliant one, City will go into their seventh semi-final under Pep Guardiola as the bookies' favourites, with most football romantics aside from their own fans (and those of Derby County, Leicester City and Notts County) fervently hoping they lose. QUOTE OF THE DAY 'He had to lock himself in the changing room, fearing for his life. We've had a referee threatened to be stabbed by a parent; he said if he gave another foul against his son he would stab him in the car park' – Ian Coates, general manager of the Northumberland Football League, on the threats facing officials in the UK grassroots game, featured in this long read that's worth your time. FOOTBALL DAILY LETTERS If we're talking best leagues in the world (yesterday's Football Daily), allow me to nominate the North West Counties League Premier Division in the ninth tier. Ramsbottom United amassed 97 points and only finished third; eventual winners and my club Bury finished with a whopping 109. And we still needed a result on the final day to see off Merseyside outfit Lower Breck, with 8,700 people turning up at Gigg Lane to witness it, breaking the league's attendance record by almost 3,000. Among that crowd was myself and my five-year-old son, who was born two weeks after we were expelled from the Football League. Unfortunately he now thinks pitch invasions are a regular occurrence. Come to think of it, having nominated it for best league in the world, I hope we never darken its door again' – Adrian Foster. Your mention of the 'El Pastyco' derby between Truro and Torquay (yesterday's Football Daily) had me reeling in horror – surely only Cornwall produces authentic pasties? Imagine my surprise when, after consulting the local source of all tasty pastry wisdom, the Coast and Country Cottages blog, it turns out Devon has its very own: 'One easy way to detect [it] is that the Devon pasty has a top-crimp and is oval in shape, whereas the Cornish pasty is semi-circular and side-crimped along the curve.' I just hope none of the teams are sponsored by Greggs' – Steve Malone. Given its similarity to the National League South promotion final trophy, maybe the FA Cup could be brought out of storage on Saturday to save the helicopter some mileage?' – Jim Hearson. Advertisement Send letters to Today's letter o' the day winner is … Adrian Foster, who wins a copy of The Scouting Game, by Chris Robinson and courtesy of Pitch Publishing. Visit their bookshop here. Terms and conditions for our competitions can be viewed here. RECOMMENDED LISTENING Get your ears around the latest edition of Football Weekly Extra. THE PARTY'S OVER After 13 years, 198 goals, two promotions, two relegations, an FA Cup and the most incredible league title of all time, Jamie Vardy has called time on his Leicester City career in typically straightforward fashion. Blue hoodie, blue curtain, Premier League trophy, let's get on with it. 'I have been here so long that I truly thought it would never end,' Vardy cooed. 'Leicester City has been my second home, my extended family, my life for 13 years.' Look, we all know the story. Former part-time non-league player, signed for £1m from Fleetwood (then a Conference side); dug Leicester out of near-certain relegation, became the poster boy for their underdog title success, and had a big old party in his kitchen. Not to mention a curtailed England career, Wagatha Christie, copious cans of energy drink, some regrettable off-field moments and a gift for winding up opposition fans. Vardy signs off after what he has called 'a sh1tshow' of a season, having earned a place in the Premier League's top 15 all-time scorers. It's worth remembering just how good a footballer Vardy was at his peak – a deadly mixture of lightning pace, clinical finishing and unshakeable self-belief. His unsurpassed 11-game scoring run in the title season, the golden boot in 2019-20, and a frankly ridiculous collection of goals that bloodied the nose of the so-called 'big six'. Vardy isn't retiring, and might fancy a couple of seasons in the sun – but Leicester are the only Football League club he's played for, and their fates still seem intertwined. What price for Vardy to pop back up in the Foxes dugout one day, crack open a Carabao and resume the festivities? NEWS, BITS AND BOBS Northern Irish club Glentoran are investigating footage that is said to show one of their players attending a dissident republican rally in Derry. The images allegedly show defender Patrick McClean among a crowd at an Easter Monday parade which has been linked to the New IRA. Advertisement Chelsea are one step closer to retaining their WSL title, swatting aside Crystal Palace 4-0 to go six points clear with three games left. 'Everything is possible. I will only relax when it is mathematically done,' declared boss Sonia Bompastor. Eddie Howe is back at the Newcastle coal face after his spell in hospital with pneumonia. They host Ipswich on Saturday. Transfer news: West Ham may cash in on Muhammed Kudus, while Chelsea look to be heading the race for Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen. Aston Villa are planning to expand the capacity of their famous old ground to more than 50,000 within two years. 'A bigger, better North Stand will not only allow many more Villans to see their team in person, improving matchday experience, but will also dramatically improve the club's ability to invest and compete in the long term,' roared chairman Nassef Sawiris. Advertisement Newport County boss Nelson Jardim has done one with two games to go. 'His main goal was to keep the club in League Two during a season of transition so that we can start building for the future,' tooted chair Huw Jenkins. 'It took us longer than we probably wanted, but he feels that with the job completed then it was time for him to look for a new challenge.' The new World Sevens Football event has got Manchester United's name all over it. And former USA USA USA men's manager Bruce Arena is less than impressed by the hire of Mauricio Pochettino. 'If you look at every national team in the world, the coach is usually a domestic coach,' he parped as Thomas Tuchel and co raised an eyebrow in the Ancelotti style. 'And I think when you have coaches that don't know our culture, our players, our environment, it's hard.' 'TRY THE VEAL' 'I have been trying to improve my sleep but it doesn't happen overnight' – Brighton boss and accidental standup wannabe Fabian Hürzeler delivers a zinger in this chinwag with GQ. MOVING THE GOALPOSTS How do you scout for scouts? Tom Garry talks to Southampton Women's recruitment manager about their groundbreaking scheme to find the next generation in the latest extract from our sister newsletter. STILL WANT MORE? Gary Lineker's critics have got it wrong: it's reasonable to talk about more than sport, writes Max Rushden. Advertisement 'European results tell only part of a much bleaker story, which can be summed up in four words: French football is broke.' Philippe Auclair explains why. Bah gawd, King Schiavone, that's Tony Khan's music. Leander Schaerlaeckens on why Kevin De Bruyne would be great for MLS. And Steven Pye turns the clock back to 1985 for a look back at Everton v Bayern Munich: 40 years since the greatest night at Goodison. MEMORY LANE It's the London Marathon on Sunday, so here's a look back to the 2004 edition, when the former England manager Graham Taylor completed the race on a damp day in the capital. Small Talk caught up with him before the run to discuss carol singing with Elton John, his favourite biscuit and more. AIM HIGHER
Mint
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Mint
52 Not Out: Revisiting Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkars fabled Desert Strom heroics
New Delhi [India], April 24 (ANI): Sachin Tendulkar, a wizard with the bat and an artist of stroke play, turned 52 on Thursday. During his illustrious career, fondly remembered by avid cricket lovers, the 'Master Blaster' delivered numerous memorable innings, but one arguably stood above them all. On April 22, 1998, more than 26 years ago, the Indian 'God of Cricket' Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, put on a 143-run show that truly defined the art of batting. It is hard to remember the last time a defeat for India instilled a feeling of warmth and gleeful memories. The moment, the setting, the consequence, and the challenge still send chills down the spines of those who witnessed it firsthand and those who try to relive the adrenaline rush through highlights. The infamous 'Desert Storm' encounter took place during the Coca-Cola Cup, a triangular series between India, Australia, and New Zealand. In the context of the scoreboard, Mark Waugh and Michael Bevan propelled Australia to 284/7. India's attempts to orchestrate a successful chase went awry as they lost by 26 runs. However, it was the minor details that made the entire affair such noteworthy. Sachin, highly regarded for his technical superiority during an era that arguably boasted the legendary era of batters, wove a dream that hardly anybody could have imagined. In pursuit of a 285-run target, Sachin danced around the track and pulled the ball away for a towering maximum, adding to Michael Kasprowicz's frustrations and offering India a much-needed impetus to the innings. The entire contest wouldn't have been discussed after 26 years if he hadn't survived that early scare. In the eighth over, a top edge swirled to the third man, but to Sachin's luck, the ball safely dropped between the three fielders. As India's innings progressed, with Tendulkar flawlessly charging at the bowlers and putting his impeccable back foot in use, the match was halted for 25 minutes when a dust storm, which eventually became a part of the folklore, halted the game, which led to India chasing a revised target of 277. The delirious crowd in Sharjah saw it all as a young Sachin took on the tall Australian speedsters. He shuffled wide of the stumps to dispatch Damien Fleming's slower delivery straight among the dancing crowd, forcing commentator Tony Greig to bare the depths of his soul and scream into the mike, "Oh it's high, it's high, it's all the way, way over the top, into the crowds again, Sachin Tendulkar wants to win this match."
