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SA gears up for epic weekend of sport
SA gears up for epic weekend of sport

The Citizen

time2 days ago

  • Sport
  • The Citizen

SA gears up for epic weekend of sport

Springboks, Proteas, and the Durban July headline a weekend of world-class sport and entertainment. Last year Oriental Charm became the second straight Durban July winner to have been prepared by James Crawford at Randjesfontein. Picture: Gerhard Duraan/Gallo Images If you are a sports fan, then there is probably no better time than the first weekend of July. Our national rugby team host Italy at Loftus Versfeld tomorrow in the first of two Tests, while our Proteas men's cricket team – the world Test champions – are up against Zimbabwe in the second Test in Bulawayo from Sunday, having won by 382 runs with a young, new-look team at the same venue in the first Test this week. Both teams are led by new captains, the Springboks by Jesse Kriel in the absence of the injured Siya Kolisi and the Proteas by Wiaan Mulder, who covers for the injured duo of Temba Bavuma and Keshav Maharaj. The Springbok rugby women are also in action in Pretoria against Canada. ALSO READ: Inside the must-attend marquees at the 2025 Durban July It's also time for Africa's premier horse race, the Durban July, which not only attracts racing fanatics, but also fashionistas at Greyville racecourse. Abroad, there's the start of the Tour de France cycling race from Lille tomorrow, tennis' third Grand Slam of the year finishes the first week of play on the hallowed grass of Wimbledon, the British and Irish Lions are on tour Down Under and there's several incoming rugby Test series between New Zealand and France, Japan and Wales, Argentina and England and Georgia and Ireland. Phew, we are definitely spoilt for choice.

Ncikazi says Pirates youngsters ‘not at fault' for club failures
Ncikazi says Pirates youngsters ‘not at fault' for club failures

The Citizen

time26-05-2025

  • Sport
  • The Citizen

Ncikazi says Pirates youngsters ‘not at fault' for club failures

"It's a courageous decision from our club, and I don't see any fault in it,' said Ncikazi. Orlando Pirates players observe the moment of silence during the Betway Premiership 2024/25 match against AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday. Photo: Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix Orlando Pirates' interim coach Mandla Ncikazi has defended the club's young players following the Buccaneers' recent poor performances since Jose Riveiro's departure. The Buccaneers have only won one match in three games since the Spaniard left the club a few games before the end of the season. ALSO READ: Ncikazi proud of Pirates contribution amid uncertain future Ncikazi began his tenure as the interim coach with a 1-1 draw against TS Galaxy in Orlando before edging SuperSport United 1-0 away in Polokwane. Pirates then drew 1-1 with AmaZulu in Durban this past weekend. Speaking after the game against Usuthu, Ncikazi refused to blame the Pirates youngsters for the recent poor results. 'Regarding the number of games, we might consider easing the load, but when it comes to experience, I don't think that's necessary,' said Ncikazi. 'Fielding [Mohau] Nkota in Egypt and [Simphiwe] Selepe in a Soweto Derby will provide valuable experience. 'The team is developing, and I believe the direction we're taking is the right one for the growth not only of our team, but of South African football as a whole,' added Ncikazi before urging other Premier Soccer League clubs to follow suit by giving young players a chance to shine. 'It's a significant step for our club to be bold enough to embrace this process, and perhaps other teams should follow suit. It's a courageous decision from our club, and I don't see any fault in it.' Pirates will 'improve' next season Meanwhile, Ncikazi said that despite Pirates' failure to topple Mamelodi Sundowns this season, the Buccaneers could still be proud of what they achieved. The Buccaneers not only closed the gap between them and Sundowns, but they also broke their record for the number of wins in a single league season. 'The growth that has been mentioned, the narrowing of the gap, the broken records [most wins, 19, so far in a single league season]. The introduced youngsters are positive. 'Yes, we fell short on some objectives that we wanted, and one can only learn from that and improve going into the next season,' concluded Ncikazi. ALSO READ: Nabi drops hint over Chiefs future Pirates next face Magesi FC at the Orlando Pirates in what could be Ncikazi's last game in charge of the team. The Buccaneers will announce a new coach before the start of the new season.

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