Latest news with #Wanderers
The Star
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Alviro Petersen warns Proteas: Australia a different kettle of fish in Lord's World Test Championship final
Ryan Rickelton Proteas openers Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram must prepare accordingly for the Duke ball at Lord's. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix ONE of the biggest questions that the South African batters will need to have answers for in the World Test Championship final is the slope at Lord's. Can the Proteas batters see out the Australian quicks with the slope at the famous London ground? Former Proteas Test opener Alviro Petersen, having played at Lord's, feels that Ryan Rickelton, who will open the batting with Aiden Markram, should have no problems with the slope, given that he plays at the Wanderers, where there is one as well. Petersen highlighted the importance of playing straight in England as an opening batter due to the conditions. 'I think Rickleton will be okay in terms of the slope because he plays at the Wanderers, where there's a slope. That will help him, or at least it will give him some sort of confidence to play on the slope,' Petersen told Independent Media. 'From a technical point of view, it's important, especially in England, that you look to play in the V early on. 'Now, remember if the dismissals are not caught behind, like in South Africa, where guys generally bowl slightly wide outside off-stump because of the bounce and trying to get you to play through the covers and then nick off. 'In England, they're going to bowl quite straighter lines. 'So, you know, that's the reality. Australia are not going to give you a lot of bad deliveries. 'You have to almost hit good deliveries of boundaries or see out good spells. So, that's the reality that they're up against. 'Australia would have done their homework already. 'If Rickleton plays square of the wicket, guys, we're not going to give him anything. 'We're going to protect the square, but also, we're going to protect the straight (boundaries). We're going to ask him to do different things now.' While the whole world critiqued South Africa's journey to the final at Lord's for not facing Australia and England in the cycle, Petersen believes that the Proteas deserve all the credit. However, the former Test opener warned that the Australian bowling attack will be a lot more difficult to contend with. 'We have to give them credit... they've played off the back foot. They came back and won games. Those are important things. You can take that confidence into the World Test Championship final,' said Petersen. 'However, Australia will be a different kettle of fish. Australia play differently. They might not give you a lot of opportunities like other teams would. 'But that's the reality, that South Africa have won those games. 'Whether you play against minor teams or teams that people think are minor, it's still Test cricket, and they've won those games. 'So, I think they can use that confidence and take it into the World Test Championship final. But it's not going to be easy.'
Cosmopolitan
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
Love and Deepspace Review 2025: Am I Falling for Xavier?
Late last year, I saw an ad on TikTok for a story-based romance video game called Love and Deepspace, a dating simulation otome game, a Japanese term that translates to 'maiden game.' It's targeted to women and follows a female main character who has lived dozens of lifetimes in a futuristic reality full of monsters called Wanderers. The twist? As you try to figure out the truth of the main character's many lives, you encounter five men she's had romantic connections with in her past. You go on dinner dates that turn into steamy encounters, you flirt over text, and at one point, you even fight battles in an alternate world. Thanks to aggressive marketing on TikTok and some sexy billboards in hot spots like Times Square, Love and Deepspace has become one of the biggest titles around the world. According to Sensor Tower, the game made $65.6 million in April 2025 alone. Love and Deepspace creator Infold Games revealed that 50 million players have joined the game in its first year. This was my first proper otome game and from the moment I downloaded it, I was hooked. It was so…simple. The relationships were established. The main character and her five boyfriends were soulmates. And even when the boyfriends end up in cages because they've been affected by a disease that makes them sexually feral, their history and loving characteristics were always still there. There were no hassles around dating and figuring out where we stand. The hard part of falling in love was gone. This could not be further from my actual dating experience. No matter how many times I reactivate my dating app profiles or attempt to talk to someone at a bar, I just never can seem to take dating seriously. It takes so much time and effort to find someone special. I don't have a long list of must-haves or wants. I'm simply looking for someone to put me first, take a genuine interest in me, and make a decision or two instead of saying, 'It's up to you.' While I'm known as the romance queen with my love for the genre in books (I'm an editor for Cosmo Reads, our romance imprint), TV, and movies, I've never actually felt wanted or desired by anyone before. So I figure if it's never happened, why chase it? And yet, here I was 'talking' to five different guys. The love interests in the game (Xavier, Zayne, Rafayel, Sylus, and Caleb) all have their distinct personalities, jobs, and storylines. The main character is not exactly dating them all at the same time, but rather the user is going through five different storylines. This means that each time I open the game, there's something different. Want to play with a virtual claw machine to win some plushies? One of the guys will use their special powers to help you. Need to study or work out? They'll be right by your side, motivating you along the way. Some memories feature romantic moments like the first time you spent the night together. You can even listen to recorded audio that includes spicy double entendres. One of my favorite moments in the game isn't a date at all. In one of Sylus's storylines, the main character comes to one of his houses (yes, he has multiple homes for his own safety because he runs a black-market organization) after getting injured on a mission. He not only bandages her up, he also helps get rid of the enemies who are following her. Maybe it's because, as an eldest daughter, I'm usually the one taking care of everything and holding it all together. But seeing her getting protected, feeling safe, and fully trusting someone else? To me, there's nothing hotter. While I know these guys aren't real and that they're not actually interacting with me, the game does fill a void. Dating in New York City often consists of little more than one-night stands and basic conversations. It can feel impossible to get to know a person. The boys of Love and Deepspace, on the other hand, actually listen to the main character's problems and yearn for her. Chatting with them feels similar to the moment when my favorite 'ship gets together in a TV show or the enemies-to-lovers are forced to share a bed in the book I'm reading. Only this time, it feels tailor-made for me. That's because the main character, who I named Tammy (my nickname), looks like me. While fiction created a safe haven for me to experience romantic feelings through the eyes of different characters, as a 5-feet tall, size 12 Latina, there is almost no representation of women like me in these stories. In Love and Deepspace, however, I am the sexy, desired love interest. I am also a feisty fighter, unafraid to stand on my own and never deterred by monsters or even a bad day at work. Besides a confusing backstory about reincarnation, the character is a blank slate, which means almost anyone can place themselves in her shoes. You know that you're not actually her, but when a sexy doctor is confessing his love, well, you start to get some feelings. That's not to say that I'm actually falling in love with these guys nor do I feel like they could ever replace an actual dating life, but the game give me something my romantic side has always longed for. It's also a lot easier to stay in bed, log onto my account, and replay one of their scenes than find an actual person on a dating app to go on a very likely disappointing date with. I am definitely not the only person who feels this way. High spenders in the game get special VIP perks including a gift box with 'handwritten notes' from the love interests and many women have said they'd rather spend their money on the guys in the game than go on actual dates. In China, where the game originates, players have the option to talk to the guys via their microphone and get AI-generated responses. It's another example of AI as an open, nonjudgmental ear for our problems. Some players say the game has helped them realize what they were missing in their own real-life relationships. According to one redditor, the game helped them learn what it 'means to be loved and treasured.' Some players are lobbying for the game to be rated 17+ so they can get even more explicit (it's currently rated 12+ in the Apple Game Store). While, for me, the game won't be an actual replacement for dating, it did help me realize that when it comes to relationships I want more of that yearning. I want a supportive partner who will be with me in both the good and the bad. I want someone who truly loves me for me. Who is excited for my wins and can comfort me during my losses. It even showed me that while I love dark, broody characters in fiction, I might actually be interested in shy, sunny personalities IRL. It also showed me that I deserve someone who desires me and it gave me hope that someone might be out there. It took the main character several lifetimes to be able to find the loves of her life again, so I can definitely be patient. In the meantime, I'll be playing with my five fictional boyfriends. So if you happen to be a hot cardiac surgeon named Zayne, well, I've been waiting for you.
Express Tribune
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Namibia to play South Africa for first time
Namibia will host South Africa for a historic first meeting between the two sides to mark the official opening of their new ground in Windhoek. The one-off T20I will take place on October 11. Importantly, it will commemorate the opening of Cricket Namibia's first official stadium - previously internationals took place at the Wanderers, also in Windhoek, which is a club ground. The new ground will host the matches during the 2026 Under-19 Men's World Cup and the 2027 Men's ODI World Cup. Namibia is the co-host for the Under-19 World Cup with Zimbabwe and for the ODI World Cup with Zimbabwe and South Africa. The ground has been under construction since 2021 and will have a capacity of 7000. It is also the home of Namibia's high-performance centre. "This truly is a memorable occasion," Johann Muller, Cricket Namibia CEO, said in a statement. "The new ground has been a dream for the last four years and has finally materialised. A match against our neighbours, and one of the top cricketing countries in the world, is the perfect way to open this world-class facility." Despite being neighbours, South Africa have never played an international against Namibia, at bilateral or tournament level, and the trip across the western border indicates the growth in relations in cricket on the continent. South Africa and Zimbabwe are both playing a significant role at the African Cricket Association and there are talks of increased fixtures, such as this one, to grow the game. South Africa will also travel to Zimbabwe for the first time in 11 years later this year to play two Tests and a T20I tri-series. "We are honoured to be part of this historic occasion," Pholesti Moseki, CSA CEO, said. "Namibia are a competitive side, and this fixture reflects the growing strength of cricket on the continent. As a fellow African cricketing nation and the host of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027, we are proud to support the official opening of this new cricket ground, which will be one of the host venues of the tournament." By the time the match takes place, Namibia will have also competed in the Africa T20 World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, where there are two spots available for next year's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Namibia have played in the last three T20 World Cups, and their highest profile win was over Sri Lanka in Geelong in 2022.
The Advertiser
28-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Milanovic rolls dice on club move for World Cup glory
Former Western Sydney star Nicolas Milanovic is well aware a move overseas is a gamble that might not pay off. But the newly-minted Johnny Warren Medallist likes his chances. With the FIFA World Cup slated for June next year, Aberdeen-bound Milanovic has already taken steps to impress Socceroos boss Tony Popovic. The winger earned his first call-up to a national team training camp off the back of a stand-out A-League Men season that yielded 12 goals and six assists for the Wanderers. A move overseas has often stymied the rise of domestic stars and their hopes for a Socceroos spot, but Milanovic is confident he won't be another cautionary tale. The 23-year-old believes he's ready to test his mettle against some of Europe's best after resisting the urge to move prematurely last year. "I wanted to be the best in the league before I went," Milanovic said on Wednesday from the Socceroos training camp in Abu Dhabi. "Playing two consecutive full seasons, it's given me a lot of match experience to move on to Aberdeen and hopefully get a spot there as well as playing every week. "I've got a very, very close relationship with my father and last year he told me, 'go overseas' because it's both of our goals. "I want to be at the World Cup. That's a major goal of mine. That's the number one long-term goal that I've had for a few years now and I'm chipping away at it. "(To) be the Johnny Warren winner - that solidified in my mind that I could go overseas and try. "And as soon as I was on the roll and I was confident this season, I said to my family, to my agent and to my friends, like, 'Now's the time to go. I'm ready to go'. "I had a bit of doubt last year ... But this Aberdeen move, there wasn't one hint of doubt. "It's a big risk. Obviously, there's no right or wrong answer." Milanovic will first have to convince Popovic to name him in his next squad on Sunday. The Socceroos will play Group C leaders Japan (20 points) on June 5 in Perth, before heading to Jeddah to take on Saudi Arabia on June 11. Australia sit second (13) in the race for automatic qualification, ahead of the Saudis (10). Milanovic says his transition into the Socceroos camp has been made easier with a few familiar faces in former Wanderers teammates Brandon Borrello, Alex Bonetig and Alex Gersbach. He has also worked with Socceroos assistant coach Hayden Fox previously at Western United. "Obviously, the squad hasn't been chosen yet ... it's just trusting yourself and backing your own ability," Milanovic said. "I've done that all season and had my doubters and try to prove people wrong. "I'm now with kind of the big boys of Australia. I'm with some great players here and I want to put my best foot forward and show that I'm good enough to be here." Fringe Socceroos defender Alessandro Circati has joined the training camp after completing his first full 90 minutes for Serie A side Parma after returning from an ACL injury. But Dundee United full-back Ryan Strain has returned to Scotland after sustaining an injury. Former Western Sydney star Nicolas Milanovic is well aware a move overseas is a gamble that might not pay off. But the newly-minted Johnny Warren Medallist likes his chances. With the FIFA World Cup slated for June next year, Aberdeen-bound Milanovic has already taken steps to impress Socceroos boss Tony Popovic. The winger earned his first call-up to a national team training camp off the back of a stand-out A-League Men season that yielded 12 goals and six assists for the Wanderers. A move overseas has often stymied the rise of domestic stars and their hopes for a Socceroos spot, but Milanovic is confident he won't be another cautionary tale. The 23-year-old believes he's ready to test his mettle against some of Europe's best after resisting the urge to move prematurely last year. "I wanted to be the best in the league before I went," Milanovic said on Wednesday from the Socceroos training camp in Abu Dhabi. "Playing two consecutive full seasons, it's given me a lot of match experience to move on to Aberdeen and hopefully get a spot there as well as playing every week. "I've got a very, very close relationship with my father and last year he told me, 'go overseas' because it's both of our goals. "I want to be at the World Cup. That's a major goal of mine. That's the number one long-term goal that I've had for a few years now and I'm chipping away at it. "(To) be the Johnny Warren winner - that solidified in my mind that I could go overseas and try. "And as soon as I was on the roll and I was confident this season, I said to my family, to my agent and to my friends, like, 'Now's the time to go. I'm ready to go'. "I had a bit of doubt last year ... But this Aberdeen move, there wasn't one hint of doubt. "It's a big risk. Obviously, there's no right or wrong answer." Milanovic will first have to convince Popovic to name him in his next squad on Sunday. The Socceroos will play Group C leaders Japan (20 points) on June 5 in Perth, before heading to Jeddah to take on Saudi Arabia on June 11. Australia sit second (13) in the race for automatic qualification, ahead of the Saudis (10). Milanovic says his transition into the Socceroos camp has been made easier with a few familiar faces in former Wanderers teammates Brandon Borrello, Alex Bonetig and Alex Gersbach. He has also worked with Socceroos assistant coach Hayden Fox previously at Western United. "Obviously, the squad hasn't been chosen yet ... it's just trusting yourself and backing your own ability," Milanovic said. "I've done that all season and had my doubters and try to prove people wrong. "I'm now with kind of the big boys of Australia. I'm with some great players here and I want to put my best foot forward and show that I'm good enough to be here." Fringe Socceroos defender Alessandro Circati has joined the training camp after completing his first full 90 minutes for Serie A side Parma after returning from an ACL injury. But Dundee United full-back Ryan Strain has returned to Scotland after sustaining an injury. Former Western Sydney star Nicolas Milanovic is well aware a move overseas is a gamble that might not pay off. But the newly-minted Johnny Warren Medallist likes his chances. With the FIFA World Cup slated for June next year, Aberdeen-bound Milanovic has already taken steps to impress Socceroos boss Tony Popovic. The winger earned his first call-up to a national team training camp off the back of a stand-out A-League Men season that yielded 12 goals and six assists for the Wanderers. A move overseas has often stymied the rise of domestic stars and their hopes for a Socceroos spot, but Milanovic is confident he won't be another cautionary tale. The 23-year-old believes he's ready to test his mettle against some of Europe's best after resisting the urge to move prematurely last year. "I wanted to be the best in the league before I went," Milanovic said on Wednesday from the Socceroos training camp in Abu Dhabi. "Playing two consecutive full seasons, it's given me a lot of match experience to move on to Aberdeen and hopefully get a spot there as well as playing every week. "I've got a very, very close relationship with my father and last year he told me, 'go overseas' because it's both of our goals. "I want to be at the World Cup. That's a major goal of mine. That's the number one long-term goal that I've had for a few years now and I'm chipping away at it. "(To) be the Johnny Warren winner - that solidified in my mind that I could go overseas and try. "And as soon as I was on the roll and I was confident this season, I said to my family, to my agent and to my friends, like, 'Now's the time to go. I'm ready to go'. "I had a bit of doubt last year ... But this Aberdeen move, there wasn't one hint of doubt. "It's a big risk. Obviously, there's no right or wrong answer." Milanovic will first have to convince Popovic to name him in his next squad on Sunday. The Socceroos will play Group C leaders Japan (20 points) on June 5 in Perth, before heading to Jeddah to take on Saudi Arabia on June 11. Australia sit second (13) in the race for automatic qualification, ahead of the Saudis (10). Milanovic says his transition into the Socceroos camp has been made easier with a few familiar faces in former Wanderers teammates Brandon Borrello, Alex Bonetig and Alex Gersbach. He has also worked with Socceroos assistant coach Hayden Fox previously at Western United. "Obviously, the squad hasn't been chosen yet ... it's just trusting yourself and backing your own ability," Milanovic said. "I've done that all season and had my doubters and try to prove people wrong. "I'm now with kind of the big boys of Australia. I'm with some great players here and I want to put my best foot forward and show that I'm good enough to be here." Fringe Socceroos defender Alessandro Circati has joined the training camp after completing his first full 90 minutes for Serie A side Parma after returning from an ACL injury. But Dundee United full-back Ryan Strain has returned to Scotland after sustaining an injury.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Incoming Aberdeen winger wins historic A-League prize
Incoming Aberdeen winger Nicolas Milanovic has won A-League player of the year following an impressive season with Western Sydney Wanderers. The 23-year-old, who scored 12 goals and provided six assists, became the first Wanderers player to win the award, known as the the Johnny Warren Medal. Milanovic will join the Scottish Cup winners on a three-year deal, with a club option for a fourth year, when the summer transfer window opens. Wanderers chief executive Scott Hudson accepted the prize on the forward's behalf and heaped praise on the Australian. "We're so proud of what he's achieved in the past couple of years," Hudson said. "We're really glad we could play a part in his career, and we wish him all the best overseas."
