Latest news with #Johannesburg-born
The South African
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
RANKED: Top 5 best Proteas openers of all time
The Proteas have produced some of the best opening batsmen in the world over the past 30 years across different formats. In modern cricket, an opening batsman is expected to be aggressive, with a strike rate of over 100 to be considered effective. An opener with a strike rate of 140 and an average of 35 or 40 in One Day Internationals (ODIs) is regarded as exceptional, especially compared to one with an average of 45 and a strike rate under 100. While runs are crucial for any batter, an opener's primary responsibility is to provide a solid start for the team, allowing the middle order to bat without pressure. gibbs Over the past three decades, the Proteas have showcased outstanding openers. Some were big hitters, while others built innings and accumulated significant scores. Players like Temba Bavuma and Boeta Dippenaar have averaged over 40 in ODIs, but they are not necessarily considered big hitters or great opening batsmen. Their ODI careers have perhaps been underrated due to their lower strike rates. Quinton de Kock If the 32-year-old wicketkeeper had not retired from international cricket, he would likely be closing in on 10,000 ODI runs by now. De Kock is an explosive opener who often dismantled any bowling attack to help South Africa gain a commanding position. Whether chasing a target or batting first, the Johannesburg-born cricketer was unstoppable when in form. Herschelle Gibbs Many fans remember Gibbs for being the first player to hit six sixes in an over in 2007. As an opener, this talented batsman scored over 20 centuries during his 15-year international career. His remarkable 175 against Australia remains one of the most memorable innings by a South African batsman in ODI history. Gary Kirsten Although not the flashiest of batsmen, Kirsten is regarded as one of the finest openers in world cricket, having played almost 300 international matches in this role. His 188 against the United Arab Emirates is still the highest score for a South African batsman in ODI cricket. Hashim Amla The 'Mighty Hash' formed a formidable opening partnership with Quinton de Kock from 2013 to 2019, contributing significantly to the Proteas' success. In that period, Amla scored 27 centuries and maintained an average of 49. He is undoubtedly one of the most underrated openers the Proteas have had. Graeme Smith Smith was an exceptional captain for South Africa across all formats; however, his ODI career was not as impressive as his Test career. In nearly 200 ODIs, the former skipper crossed double figures only 10 times. While his strike rate and average of 38 did not capture the spotlight, he still remains one of the best openers the Proteas have produced. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Daily Maverick
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Banyana Banyana eye consolatory bronze medal after double Wafcon heartbreak
Banyana Banyana's Women's Africa Cup of Nations title defence ended in double heartbreak after their elimination by Nigeria in the semifinals was overshadowed by the injury suffered by Gabriela Salgado. Banyan Banyana will be the first to be honest with themselves about their performances up to and including their semifinal defeat by Nigeria at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon). The South Africans went down 2-1 to their old foes on Tuesday, 22 July 2025, in Casablanca. The result came after another spirited display from Desiree Ellis's charges. Spirit, efficiency and camaraderie have been the key themes in this Wafcon run — which ended in heartache and denied Banyana Banyana's bid to defend their title. One key element that has been largely missing in the team's campaign is the type of silky and skilful soccer that they deployed on the way to clinching their maiden Wafcon title in 2022. More often than not, Banyana Banyana's displays in Morocco this year were tenacious and gutsy. The missing ingredient That Banyana style mainly consisted of the team quickly moving the ball around to dazzle their opponents, then pouncing with the precision of a ravenous cheetah. Only in one match did they show glimpses of this — in their final group game against Mali. They crushed the Malians 4-0. Speaking prior to Banyana Banyana's quarterfinal clash against Senegal (which South Africa won 4-1 on penalties), utility player Gabriela Salgado acknowledged that Banyana Banyana had had to dig deep in the majority of their matches. Nonetheless, the winger/fullback/forward was elated to be part of the team fighting for South Africa's honour in Morocco. A regular in the Banyana Banyana team for years, Salgado missed out on the team's successful Wafcon campaign three years ago. The left-footer was forced to pull out of the squad on the eve of the tournament after suffering a collarbone injury. As such, the 27-year-old was extremely pleased about being part of the title defence. 'I'm grateful to be here, it's an honour. As you all know the last Wafcon I missed out due to injury. So, I'm really enjoying being here and taking every moment in. It hasn't been an easy tournament; every team has come to try to beat us. But we've stood together,' Salgado said. Salgado's heartbreak But the Wafcon has once again shattered Salgado's heart. Not only are Banyana Banyana out of the reckoning after their semifinal defeat in Morocco, but Salgado was a casualty of the battle between South Africa and Nigeria. The versatile Johannesburg-born player suffered a serious leg injury with the scores level at 1-1 and Banyana Banyana in control of the contest. There were just seven minutes remaining when Salgado went down in agony in the South African box, as the two teams jostled for possession of the ball. Salgado's teammates were visibly devastated, with midfielder Noxolo Cesane appearing to be the most shaken as she burst into tears at seeing her comrade in anguish. 'From the reaction of the players, it was a bad injury. We had to calm them down to make sure that they stayed focused. Which was very difficult after that moment,' Ellis said after the match. Momentum killer Ellis said the injury shook up her team, suggesting they did not quite recover from the incident and that this affected their ability to remain focused. Michelle Alozie's searching cross from the right wing on 94 minutes somehow evaded everyone in the Banyana box, including charging South Africa goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, as it trickled into the goal. Nonetheless, Ellis said she was proud of the team's effort against their continental rivals, especially after their marathon quarterfinal against Senegal. 'After that injury it took us a while to get going again, that's probably the reason we conceded when we conceded. But big up to Nigeria, they kept going, and good luck to them [in the final],' Ellis stated. 'We did not look like a team that had gone 120 minutes [in the previous match]. We gave it as good as they gave it… Then we conceded a freakish goal, because everybody missed it. Even our goalkeeper… If you look at our overall performance, we did not deserve to lose. But one team has to lose,' the Banyana coach added. The fight continues Following this defeat, it's back to the drawing board for South Africa's senior women's soccer side. Coupled with their two successive failures to qualify for the Olympic Games, it will raise some questions, and particularly on the future of long-time Banyana Banyana coach Ellis, who has been at the helm since 2016. But first there is a consolatory bronze medal to fight for. South Africa will remain in Casablanca to conclude the tournament with a third-place play-off against Ghana on Friday, 25 July. The Black Queens lost 4-2 on penalties to host nation Morocco in the other semifinal. The South African Football Association (Safa) said the true extent of Salgado's injury was still being assessed after she was rushed to hospital. Safa president Danny Jordaan wished Salgado well, while also praising Banyana's valiant campaign. 'First of all, we would like to wish a speedy recovery to Gabriela Salgado. We are all waiting to hear what the doctors have to say,' Jordaan stated. 'Banyana Banyana fought very well, and it was a brave performance from the defending Wafcon champions. You have established yourselves as one of the best teams on the continent. You fought bravely and we are proud of your performance,' said the Safa president. Of course, over and above fighting bravely on the field, Banyana Banyana once again found themselves having to fight Safa over remuneration. The players downed tools just days after arriving in Morocco last month, over money Safa owed them from previous matches. It was the same scenario before the 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup. It's these administrative issues that need to be phased out if Banyana Banyana are to one day topple Nigeria's Super Falcons as the biggest team in Africa. DM
The South African
23-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Bafana midfield maestro says 'come get me' to Kaizer Chiefs
Kaizer Chiefs have made contact with experienced Bafana midfielder Lebogang Phiri. 30-year-old Lebogang Phiri has had two stints with French side Guingamp, first signing for them in 2017 and rejoining them in 2024. Guingamp dropped out of Ligue 1 at the end of the 2018-2019 season after a six-year stay in the French top flight. Pitso Mosimane's son leaves Kaizer Chiefs for Italy Deep-lying playmaker Lebogang Phiri is a veteran of the European scene after stints in Denmark, France and Turkey. He's confirmed that giants Kaizer Chiefs are in touch. 'We had small talks with them, but I think it was the time they were going for a pre-season training camp abroad [in the Netherlands],' said Phiri via Soccer Beat . 'So, those [the negotiations] were stalled a bit. Hopefully, in the upcoming days, we will come up with something; if not, we will respect everybody who shows interest in me, whether it is locally or abroad,' the Johannesburg-born star concluded. Finally, some good news for Kaizer Chiefs fans Kaizer Motaung Jr has plenty to ponder as the 2025-2026 season rolls closer. Image: © Sydney Mahlangu Meanwhile, Chiefs believed that targets Luke Baartman and Asanele Velebayi were no longer contractually tied to the Mother City outfit Cape Town Spurs. This, after Spurs' relegation from the Motsepe Foundation Championship to the amateur ABC Motsepe League. Spurs are contesting Chiefs' claims in court. 22-year-old winger Velebayi made 23 appearances in the 2023-2024 Betway Premiership season. Striker Baartman, still just 19, made nine league appearances in the same season, scoring twice. Click for the story Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
22-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
French-based star waiting for Kaizer Chiefs bosses
Kaizer Chiefs could very well add depth and quality to coach Nasreddine Nabi's 2025/26 Betway Premiership squad. ADVERTISEMENT Phiri, who previously played for clubs in France, Denmark, and Turkey, is one of several high-profile names being linked to Amakhosi. His technical ability and experience in Europe make him an appealing target for a Kaizer Chiefs side that has already made several key additions. While nothing has been finalised, Phiri has confirmed that discussions had taken place with Amakhosi before the club's pre-season tour. Amakhosi update: More new signings Kaizer Chiefs target Lebogang Phiri in action for EA Guingamp in France's Ligue 1. Image: lebophiri_6/Instagram With Thabo Cele, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, and Samkelo Zwane as the available options in the number six role, the 30-year-old Phiri would add unquestionable value. ADVERTISEMENT Kaizer Chiefs news: Flavio Antonio da Silva 'We had small talks with them, but I think it was the time they were going for a pre-season training camp abroad [in the Netherlands],' said Phiri via Soccer Beat. 'So, those [the negotiations] were stalled a bit. Hopefully, in the upcoming days, we will come up with something; if not, we will respect everybody who shows interest in me, whether it is locally or abroad,' the Johannesburg-born star concluded. Lebogang Phiri's Previous Clubs: ADVERTISEMENT Bidvest Wits Juniors Brondby U19s (Denmark) Brondby (Denmark) Guingamp (France) Rizespor (Turkey) Paris FC (France) Guingamp (France). In the meantime, Phiri's contract with Guingamp expired last month and no new deal has been tabled. SHOULD AMAKHOSI SIGN LEBOGANG PHIRI? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
14-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
WATCH: SA's top 6 footballers playing abroad – and what they're earning
These South African footballers are not just flying the national flag high, they're cashing international cheques while doing it. They've swapped taxi ranks for training grounds in Europe and stadium roars from Soweto to Minnesota. From Premier League pitches to MLS goals, here's who's making the big moves, scoring both goals and bank, and how their salaries stack up. 1. Lyle Foster: The millionaire striker Lyle Foster. Picture via Richard Huggard/Gallo Images Club: Burnley FC (England) Position: Forward Estimated Salary: R28 million per year (£1.2 million) Burnley may struggle in the English Premier League, but Lyle Foster is still Mzansi's MVP when it comes to salary. The Johannesburg-born striker became the most expensive South African player ever after his transfer from Belgian side KVC Westerlo. Now earning a cool R2.3 million a month, Foster is not only a poster boy for SA football abroad but also serious bankability. He's young, he's fast, and his bank notifications probably need a bodyguard. Salary rank: 1st Tau: The lion of Al Ahly Percy Tau. Picture: Philip Maeta/Gallo Images Club: Al Ahly (Egypt) Position: Forward Estimated Salary: R22 million per year Affectionately nicknamed The Lion of Judah, Percy Tau has roared his way from Mamelodi Sundowns to English club Brighton, and now reigns in Egyptian football royalty, Al Ahly. Despite missing out on some Premier League minutes, Tau has found his groove (and a lucrative deal) in Cairo. With CAF titles under his belt and R1.8 million hitting his account every month, Tau's not just chasing trophies, he's chasing commas. Salary rank: 2nd ALSO READ: Andile Jali joins elite 10% black farmers: Midfielder farms cattle in Gqeberha 3. Bongokuhle Hlongwane: The MLS marvel Bongokuhle Hlongwane. Picture: Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images Club: Minnesota United FC (USA) Position: Forward Estimated Salary: R13.5 million per year ($750 000) Bongokuhle Hlongwane is one of the most exciting exports to Major League Soccer, where he's quickly become a fan favourite for his pace and flair. Known affectionately as 'Bongi', he's doing big things in the land of Super Bowl Sundays and oversized stadium snacks. Raking in more than R1.1 million a month, Bongi proves that you don't need Europe to live the footballer dream, you need American dollars – and a good winter jacket. Salary rank: 3rd 4. Dean Furman: The midfield mentor Dean Furman Picture via Steve Haag/Gallo Images Club: Non-league/Retired (last club: Altrincham FC, England) Position: Midfielder Estimated Salary: Previously R6 million per year Dean Furman, once Bafana Bafana's midfield general, had a solid career in the English lower leagues and PSL. While he's moved into semi-retirement, we still salute his grind, especially during his SuperSport United captaincy years. His earning power peaked back in the day, with PSL salaries of around R500 000 per month. Now, he's more about passing on wisdom than passing the ball. Salary rank: 4th (historically) 5. Olwethu Makhanya: Rising star in the MLS Olwethu Makhanya. Picture: Instagram Club: Philadelphia Union II (USA) Position: Defender Estimated Salary: R3 million per year ($160 000) Former Stellenbosch FC prodigy Olwethu Makhanya is cutting his teeth in the United States with Philadelphia Union II. Though he's not making Hollywood blockbuster cash (yet), his trajectory is promising, and he's in a league where salaries grow faster than your grandma's aloe vera plant. At around R250 000 a month, it's not bad for a 20-year-old who's just getting started. Salary rank: 5th (with star potential) 6. Shandre Campbell: The wunderkind-in-waiting Shandre Campbell. Picture: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images Club: Potential European move (linked with clubs in Belgium and the Netherlands) Position: Winger Estimated Salary: TBD (rumoured R2–R3 million deal incoming) Matsatsantsa's teen sensation, Shandre Campbell, has Europe on speed dial. Rumoured to be fielding offers from Belgian and Dutch clubs, the left-footed dynamo is poised for his big international payday. While he's still technically local, this 18-year-old is already being valued like vintage vinyl, rare, exciting, and highly collectable. Salary rank: 6th (but watch this space!) South Africa may not have a Messi or Mbappé (yet), but our boys are holding their own in some of the world's top leagues. Whether it's Premier League pounds, Egyptian pounds, or American dollars, they're proving that South African talent travels and earns well.
