Latest news with #PlayeroftheMatch-winning
The Star
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Mandla Ncikazi: Orlando Pirates still have so much to fight for
Mihlali Baleka | Published 2 hours ago The expectations that come with playing for Orlando Pirates are so high that players do not have room for complacency when they play for the team. This was the revelation of Pirates interim coach Mandla Ncikazi after his troops bounced back to winning ways on Tuesday night with a 1-0 victory over SuperSport United. Pirates secured their No 2 spot on the log with five games to spare, as Mamelodi Sundowns had wrapped up the Premiership title this season. But after Ncikazi dropped the ball in the second game of those five, having former coach Jose Riveiro win the first one in his last outing, that incensed The Ghost. They saw their chances of avoiding the gap at the top of the log to not end on double digits take a huge knock ahead of their last three games. Ncikazi and his troops heeded positively to the critics on Tuesday night in Polokwane, though, as they beat SuperSport United 1-0 to trim the gap to 14 points with two games to spare. That win didn't only mean the gap could be eight points by the end of the season, but it also saw Pirates break an 18-game winning record in the league for the first time in the PSL era. Ncikazi, speaking during the post-match duties deep in the bowels of New Peter Mokaba Stadium, was relatively pleased by that achievement. However, the 56-year-old added why it's important for the team to win with every passing game, even if there is no silverware to compete for. 'Contrary to people believing that we have nothing to play for, I feel there's still so much to play for in our team,' he said. 'The records are important for the club, and the players must be proud of the history – having done what happened. It is game number 19. 'Secondly, there's still individual awards for all these players to compete for – the Goalkeeper of the Season might come from our club (during the award ceremony). 'A defender of the season might come from us – (Nkosinathi) Sibisi and (Deon) Hotto have an opportunity. There's nothing that has been confirmed yet.' Ncikazi has continued with where Riveiro left off, integrating more youngsters into the team as goalkeeper Siyabonga Dladla made a full debut against SuperSport. It was a good day in the office for Dladla, so much so that he also kept a clean sheet as No 1 Sipho Chaine, who was rested after being injured against TS Galaxy last Saturday, watched from the bench. 'I am happy for the young players that we gave an opportunity to today – Siya, the goalkeeper, produced a good performance,' Ncikazi said. 'We are playing game number 50, so we know that physically it was going to tell towards the end. Subconsciously, I am just proud that the other players pulled through.' Another youngster, Simphiwe Selepe, who produced a Player of the Match-winning first start for Pirates against Galaxy, shone yet again on Tuesday, impressing Ncikazi. 'It's amazing how these youngsters are adapting, but again, credit must be given to the process of the club, youth coach and former coach,' Ncikazi said. 'It's just a lot of process from different people. 'It's not only Selepe, but a group of them that are waiting for the opportunity. I hope we give them an opportunity and grab it!' It is not only the youngsters who are coming to the fore for Pirates and easing the workload on the regulars who've been playing week in and week out, but seniors as well. Karim Kimvuidi crowned off another cameo with a goal contribution, assisting Mohau Nkota's lone goal. 'We have got quality, and that tells you that we have options. I am very proud that Kimvuidi has not played for a long time, but when he plays, he gives a crucial assist,' he said. 'That's why we have subs. 'I said in the change-room at the stage that we are in and having played so many games, substitutes become important. 'So, the game might be at a stalemate where we will get extra energy from the bench. And Karim did that for the team.'
Indian Express
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Preity Zinta on viral photo with Virat Kohli: ‘We were showing each other pictures of our children…'
Preity Zinta on Monday surprised fans by hosting an impromptu #PZChat on her X account. 'Seems like the perfect day for an impromptu #pzchat! Any particular topics you would like to chat on or should the chat focus on cricket since the IPL is on?' she wrote. The open invite triggered a flood of questions — from her thoughts on Punjab Kings' captaincy and their IPL form, to lighter topics like her love for cricket. But among all the chatter, one exchange stole the spotlight: a candid moment she shared with Virat Kohli after a recent match. During the chat, a user shared a photo of Preity and Kohli laughing together after the recent Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings match in Chandigarh, and asked what they were discussing. Responding to the query, she wrote, 'We were showing each other pictures of our children & talking about them! Time does fly… When I first met Virat 18 years ago, he was a spirited teenager buzzing with talent & fire – today he still has that fire & is an icon & a very sweet & doting father.' The image was reportedly taken after Virat Kohli 's Player of the Match-winning performance, where he scored an unbeaten 73. Following the match, Preity Zinta congratulated Kohli on RCB 's victory, and the two were seen sharing a lively moment on the field. A video from the stadium showed Kohli scrolling through his phone and showing something to Zinta, who appeared delighted. We were showing each other pictures of our children & talking about them ! Time does fly… When I first met Virat 18 years ago, he was a spirited teenager buzzing with talent & fire – today he still has that fire & is an icon & a very sweet & doting father ❤️ — Preity G Zinta (@realpreityzinta) April 28, 2025 Preity Zinta, who is married to Gene Goodenough, is mother to twins Jai and Gia, born via surrogacy in 2021. Virat Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma are parents to daughter Vamika, born in 2021, and recently welcomed their second child, son Akaay. Currently, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are leading the IPL points table, while Punjab Kings are placed fifth with five wins from nine matches.
India Today
24-04-2025
- Sport
- India Today
Rohit Sharma timing MI comeback perfectly: Trent Boult after batter's SRH blitz
New Zealand and Mumbai Indians pacer Trent Boult heaped praise on teammate and star opener Rohit Sharma for hitting form in perfect sync with the side's resurgence in IPL 2025 — best highlighted in their dominant win over Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 23. While Boult himself delivered a Player of the Match-winning performance in MI's victory, the pacer reflected on how Rohit returning to form after a slow start to the season is a massive boost for the 4/26 spell triggered an SRH batting collapse, restricting them to a below-par 143. Complementing Boult's brilliance, Rohit Sharma's 70 off 46 balls guided MI to an 8-wicket win. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Boult stressed that Rohit's return to form is 'great news' for Mumbai's campaign heading into the second half of the tournament.'The Mumbai squad is full of world-class players, and Rohit really needs no introduction. Everyone wants to contribute at some point, but Rohit's doing a fantastic job at the moment—he's playing well and timing his return to form perfectly. He's going to be key for us in the second half of the season," Boult said. Following up his unbeaten 76 against Chennai Super Kings, Rohit's knock against SRH added further weight to the belief that the "Hitman" knows exactly when to rise for his side. While his IPL 2025 started quietly, with struggles to convert starts into big scores, Rohit's resurgence now brings MI back into the title contention frame — riding high on four straight updated on IPL 2025 with India Today! Get match schedules, team squads, live score, and the latest IPL points table for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Plus, keep track of the top contenders for the IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap. Don't miss a moment!
STV News
22-04-2025
- Sport
- STV News
Josh McKay signs three-year contract extension at Glasgow Warriors
Josh McKay has signed a new three-year contract extension at Glasgow Warriors. The 27-year-old full-back, who initially joined in 2021, will now remain at the Scotstoun club until at least 2028. New Zealand-born McKay will be eligible to play for Scotland next year after living in the country for five straight years. He has scored 17 tries in 62 appearances for Glasgow Warriors to date, the most recent of which saw him mark his return from injury in style with a Player of the Match-winning performance in Saturday night's 14-6 victory away to Zebre Parma. His form over the last few seasons for Franco Smith's side has made him a firm favourite among the support. Last season he was voted as the McCrea Financial Services Player of the Year, collecting the award prior to playing every minute of the BKT URC play-offs in Glasgow's historic run to the title. After putting pen to paper on the new deal on Tuesday, he revealed he has his eye on winning more silverware. He said: 'It was a really easy decision to renew in the end. 'It's great to have a good bit of certainty on where I'll be for the next few years – I love it here, both playing for Glasgow but also living in the city and being able to get out and explore Scotland. To be able to do all of that for the next three years is huge, and I can't wait to make more memories with the boys. 'I don't want to look too far ahead, but at the end of the day you want to play as much rugby as you can and you want to win titles. 'I'd love to play 100 games for this club and I'd love to win more silverware with the boys. We've got a really good group here and we know that we've got a great chance to do just that over the next few years. 'There's a massive family feel amongst the club, and the supporters get behind us every chance they get. We don't have the biggest stadium, but everyone that turns up makes a real difference and we love their support. I love being part of this city, and it really feels like home. 'It's an awesome spot to be, and we're all sailing in the same direction to try to push us forward and put us in the best position possible.' Head coach Smith added: 'Josh has fully bought into what we are looking to build here at Scotstoun, and we are extremely pleased to be able to retain his services for the next couple of seasons. 'His performances are consistently of the highest level, as well as developing into a leader within our environment both on and off the field. 'He is someone whose pride in being a Warrior is evident any time he runs onto the field, and we look forward to seeing more from him in a Glasgow jersey.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Gulf Today
09-03-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
If there is one team that can beat India, it is New Zealand: Ravi Shastri
Ahead of the Champions Trophy final between India and New Zealand, former India head coach Ravi Shastri issued a word of caution for the Rohit Sharma-led side which is chasing their third title in the tournament. Despite India having an unbeaten record in the four matches so far including a group stage win against New Zealand, Shastri feels Black Caps are the only team that can beat them. The veteran player is not wrong in his assessment as New Zealand prevailed over India in the ICC knockouts in the past, having won three out of four games played between them over the years. "If there's one team that can beat India, it's New Zealand. So India start as favourites but only just,' Shastri said in The ICC Review. Shastri picked three all-rounders – Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Glenn Phillips – for the Player of the Match accolade in the summit clash. "Player of the Match, I would go for an all-rounder. I'll say Axar Patel or Ravindra Jadeja from India. From New Zealand, I think that Glenn Phillips has something up. He might just show flashes of brilliance in the field. He might come and smash a cameo of 40, 50 and probably surprise you by taking a wicket or two," he said. Shastri predicted that Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra would play pivotal roles on Sunday if their teams were to claim the title. Both Williamson and Kohli have been in stellar form, each scoring a century and a fifty in their four matches. Ravindra, too, has been exceptional, registering two centuries, including a Player of the Match-winning knock against South Africa in the semi-final. "Now (on) current form, Kohli. When these guys get hot and you let them get their first 10 runs, then they're trouble. Whether it's Williamson, whether it's Kohli,' Shastri said. "So from New Zealand, I would say Williamson. To an extent, Rachin Ravindra, he is a fabulous young player. But these guys when they smell the coffee and you let them, in a final, get to that 10-15, then they're doubly dangerous.' With the final set to take place in Dubai – a venue that has assisted spinners throughout the tournament – Shastri was asked if either team might tweak their playing XI, particularly New Zealand, who lost their group-stage clash against India at the same ground. "I won't be surprised if there might be a change for either side depending on the pitch. Because the pitch we saw against Australia was the best pitch we've seen in the tournament,' Shastri said. "So the groundsman has another five days since the last game to prepare a surface and if it's a 280-300 surface like the last one was, you might just want to think about it. But you won't tinker with the side unless necessary."
