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L i f t i n g the cup once more

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L i f t i n g the cup once moreL i f t i n g the cup once moreMcLeod sets Jamaican 110m hurdle record Orlando Pirates suffered a humiliating defeat against SuperSport United. A brace by Bradley Grobler and goals from Jeremy Brockie and Kingston Nkhatha ensured SuperSport United lifted the Nedbank Cup trophy when they beat Orlando Pirates 4-1 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday night.

Although Pirates skipper, Oupa Manyisa netted for Pirates through a penalty, the goal was not enough as they finished their 2016/17 Premier Soccer League season empty handed.

The Soweto giants started like a house on fire as they probed for an early goal, but Thabo Matlaba's shot went wide in the tenth minute.

Eight minutes later, Amtsantsantsa A Pitori nearly claimed the lead as Grobler missed the target after attacking a cross from Thabo Mnyamane down the left wing.

In the 32nd minute Grobler did give Stuart Baxter's men the lead when he easily finished a cross from Grant Kekana on the right wing, 1-0.

With the Soweto giants pushing for an equaliser in the 39th minute, Williams was called to action and produced a million dollar save to deny Wome from a close range.

It was 1-0 at halftime for the Tshwane side.

Upon their return, the defending champions continued with the same energy and were awarded a penalty when Happy Jele fouled Thuso Phala in the box in the 53rd minute.

Mpontshane, though, was in a fine form to deny Brockie from the spot-kick to ensure his side remained in the game.

Despite his disappointing penalty, Brockie made amends when he made it 2-0 in the 61st minute as he headed home a cross from the right wing.

Three minutes later, United made it 3-0 when Grobler completed his brace when he converted a brilliant pass from Phala on the edge of the box to beat Mpontshane.

Just after the 70th minute, Thamsanqa Gabuza nearly pulled one back for the Ghost when his effort from a header went inches over the cross bar.

United, though, were not done as substitute Nkhatha made it 4-0 after clinically converting a Phala cross from the left.

Pirates did manage to find a consolation goal when they were awarded a penalty after Aubrey Modiba fouled Luvuyo Memela in the box. Oupa Manyisa scored the penalty for the Soweto giants, 4-1.

SuperSport

On to the next one

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On to the next oneOn to the next oneBoks get series whitewash South Africa beat France for the first time to complete a 3-0 Test series whitewash. The Springboks delivered a resounding 3-0 whitewash in the series with a workmanlike 35-12 victory over France at a packed Emirates Airline Park on Saturday night.

After the fireworks of the opening two tests, the Springboks buckled down to win an arm-wrestle against a feisty tourists who were intent not only on trying to spoil the Bok attack but also keep the score line down.

The Boks were disrupted hours before kickoff when inspirational captain Warren Whiteley was forced to withdraw with a groin injury, which elevated Jaco Kriel into the starting line-up and moved Jean-Luc Du Preez to Number 8, with Eben Etzebeth taking over the captaincy.

While Etzebeth led from the front and had a dominant game, the Boks may well have missed an opportunity not to make Siya Kolisi captain for the test, especially after his dominant display in Durban.

The Boks may well have their reason for this, and it's hard to argue with a 3-0 whitewash but they will also be wary after watching the All Blacks earlier in the day that there are bigger and tougher challenges awaiting them in the Rugby Championship.

But in front of a crowd of more than 55 000, the win was still the utmost importance and sometimes it helps a team's character to grow when things don't go easy and they still manage to record an impressive victory.

Looking at the score line, and considering they didn't let the French get near to their try line, the win was once again built on defensive character and a willingness to strike when necessary and should be seen in that light. While it was scrappy and not the fireworks expected for the final test, the Boks still did more than enough to dominate the breakdown and outscored their opposition four tries to none.

And that is perhaps a good thing for this side, as while the basis has been laid for the Rugby Championships and the whitewash seems to have energised the Bok faithful, there will be a lot of work needed before they will feel comfortable to match the All Blacks in a few months' time.

Without the fluidity of Pretoria and Durban's second halves, the Boks still did more than enough to win comfortably, and several players enhanced their reputations once again, with flyhalf Elton Jantjies scoring 15 pointswith the boot in the game.

There were also good cameos for Pieter-Steph du Toit and Steven Kitshoff from the bench, with Jan Serfontein, both Kriels – Jaco and Jesse - Siya Kolisi and Jean-Luc du Preez all put in hard work throughout the match.

Jantjies opened the scoring with a penalty early on, and the Boks pressure game saw the first try three minutes later as Virimi Vakatawa was caught going backwards in his 22 metre area and debutant Ruan Dreyer ripped the ball from him before sending Jesse Kriel away to score the opening try.

Jantjies' conversion saw the French surge back into the game with two penalties from flyhalf Jules Plisson to make the score line 10-6. Jantjies extended the lead with two more penalties before halftime, while Plisson made it a seven point game on the whistle to send the sides in 16-9.

But the second half saw the Boks gain more ascendancy, as a clever lineout move saw them take the game by the scruff of the neck, and they never looked back.

Using midfielder Jan Serfontein in the lineout, the Boks shifted the drive right with the ball going to Etzebeth, with the lock driving his way over the line to score a well-worked try.

Plisson took the French into double figures just before the hour mark, but the Boks then took control in the last 20 as they dominated and took the score line away from the visitors.

With the Boks on attack, Kriel went close, stopped just before the line, but local hero Malcolm Marx picked up and dived over to score.

Six minutes before the end, the Boks sealed the series in style, with a lineout drive releasing Bongi Mbonambi off the back of the maul to take out the first defender, and Rudy Paige darted inside to score the fourth and final try.

The celebration after Paige's try underlined the fact that while they may not be the finished article yet, this Bok team culture is a healthy thing right now, and with that in play, they can move forward towards bigger and tougher challenges.



SuperSport

Ronaldo delight as Portugal reach Confed semis

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Ronaldo delight as Portugal reach Confed semisRonaldo delight as Portugal reach Confed semis Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his delight at firing Portugal into the Confederations Cup semi-finals after netting his 75th international goal in Saturday's 4-0 thrashing of New Zealand.

“I'm very happy to be in the semi-finals. We're confident and want to win,” said Ronaldo, who picked up his third straight man-of-the-match award in Russia.

The 32-year-old has a court date in Madrid next month, accused by Spanish authorities of tax evasion, and the fallout has resulted in Ronaldo threatening to leave Real Madrid.

Despite the off-field turmoil and constant speculation about his future, the Portugal captain has dazzled on the pitch in Russia and scored two goals in three matches.

Ronaldo converted a 33rd-minute penalty to fire the Euro 2016 winners in front in Saint Petersburg before Bernardo Silva turned in a second goal four minutes later.

Andre Silva added a third on 80 minutes before Nani completed the rout in stoppage time to ensure Portugal finished above Mexico on goal difference.

“I thought we played well in many parts of the game; in others, not so well. Overall though, it was a fair victory,” said Portugal coach Fernando Santos.

Ronaldo's latest goal sent him level with Hungary great Sandor Kocsis and to within nine of the legendary Ferenc Puskas' European record of 84 at international level.

After demolishing New Zealand, Portugal progressed as Group A winners and will face the runners-up in Group B – likely Germany or Chile on Wednesday in Kazan for a place in the July 2 final.

In other games Mexico eliminated hosts Russia with a 2-1 win to join Portugal on seven points, with the Gold Cup winners to meet the second-placed side from Group B in the last four.



SuperSport

Pumas in quarters

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Pumas in quartersPumas in quartersSneak in as one of the best third-placed teams The Pumas booked their place in the quarterfinal after beating Valke on Saturday. The Steval Pumas booked their place in the quarterfinal of the SuperSport Rugby Challenge when they beat the Hino Valke 47-33 (halftime 28-14) at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Saturday.

The Pumas, who ran in six tries along with a penalty try, will contest the quarterfinals as one of the best third-placed teams after the round-robin stages were completed.

Despite the Valke's Christian Rust running in two tries and slotting four conversions for a personal tally of 18 points, the visitors were outplayed and ended fourth in the North Section, nine points clear of the bottom placed Windhoek Draught Welwitchias.

The visitors began strongly and opened the scoring with their first try through scrumhalf Anrich Richter, which was converted by Rust after nine minutes. But the home side took control and ran in three converted tries to take a 14-point lead after 33 minutes.

The homes side scored through flanker Francois Kleinhans, outside centre Hennie Skorbinski and scrumhalf Emile Temperman with flyhalf Sias Ebersohn converting all three tries. But then Rust produced some magic to score the first of his two tries and converting to reduce the deficit to just seven points shortly before halftime.

But with the Pumas on the attack just before the whistle, and the Valke trying desperately to keep them at bay, prop Andries Schutte was shown a yellow card as the Valke were warned after numerous infringements. Referee Cwengile Jadezveni had no option but to award a penalty try which Ebersohn converted to give the home side a 14-point halftime advantage.

Despite being a man down, the Valke started the second stanza strongly as they did the first half and scored first through flanker Dwight Pansegrou and the deficit was reduced to seven points as Rust slotted the conversion.

But the hosts burst out of sight as hooker Frankie Herne and then centre Ryan Nell scored with replacement flyhalf Justin van Staden only able to convert Nell's effort. With the Pumas leading by 19 points midway through the second half, Rust burst through to score in the corner but was unable to convert his second try to leave the visitors trailing by 14 points.

The Pumas extended their lead back out 19 points when left wing Ruwellyn Isbell darted down the touchline to score, which Van Staden converted but the Valke had the last word when their left wing, Etienne Taljaard scored on the stroke of fulltime.

The victory moved the Pumas to 29 points, level on points with the Vodacom Blue Bulls but with an inferior points difference and will wait to see who they are drawn against the in last eight.



SUPERSPORT

Federer demolishes Zverev to win ninth Halle title

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Federer demolishes Zverev to win ninth Halle titleFederer demolishes Zverev to win ninth Halle title World No 5 Roger Federer clinched a record ninth Halle Open title on Sunday, crushing last year's finalist Alexander Zverev 6-1 6-3 to lay down a marker in the lead-up to Wimbledon.

The 18-times grand slam champion, who skipped the claycourt season after winning the Australian Open and titles in Indian Wells and Miami, to prepare for the grass, is in ominous form and won in Halle without dropping a single set all week.

The 35-year-old, defeated in his first comeback match in Stuttgart last week, was aggressive from the start, breaking in the first game to take control.

Federer kept world number 12 Zverev on his toes and earned a second break point with some deft volleying, which he pounced on to race through the first set in 24 minutes.

Zverev, who beat the Swiss in last year's semi-final, had a chance to break at the start of the second set.

Federer, however, was a class above even as his opponent attempted to mix up his game by forcing the Swiss to come to the net more often.

A dropshot put Federer 5-2 ahead and he sealed victory two games later on his first match point with a crosscourt volley.

SuperSport

England Lions take comprehensive victory

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England Lions take comprehensive victoryEngland Lions take comprehensive victory South Africa ‘A’ ended their tour of the United Kingdom with disappointment on Saturday after slumping to a heavy, 257-run loss to the England Lions early on the final day of their one-off, four-day encounter in Canterbury.

The tourists lasted just 36 over’s on day four, slipping from their overnight 29/4 to 154 all out at The Spitfire Ground.

Jamie Porter was the chief destroyer for the hosts taking three for 47, which added to the three wicket by Jamie Overton (3/36) that destroyed the top-order late on day three. There were also two wickets for Sam Curran (2/21).

Heinrich Klaasen was the only batsman to cross the 40 mark with his 43 the best effort for the visitors, before he became one of the victims of seamer Porter.

Standard Bank Proteas batsman Temba Bavuma managed 33 and Dane Piedt struck 31. But the early damage done by Overton proved too much as the South Africans ended their month-long trip with a 1-0 series loss to the Lions.

They were also beaten by their English counterparts 2-0 in the three-match one-day series.

SuperSport

England Lions take comprehensive

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England Lions take comprehensiveEngland Lions take comprehensive South Africa 'A' ended their tour of the United Kingdom with disappointment on Saturday after slumping to a heavy, 257-run loss to the England Lions early on the final day of their one-off, four-day encounter in Canterbury.

The tourists lasted just 36 over's on day four, slipping from their overnight 29/4 to 154 all out at The Spitfire Ground.

Jamie Porter was the chief destroyer for the hosts taking three for 47, which added to the three wicket by Jamie Overton (3/36) that destroyed the top-order late on day three. There were also two wickets for Sam Curran (2/21).

Heinrich Klaasen was the only batsman to cross the 40 mark with his 43 the best effort for the visitors, before he became one of the victims of seamer Porter.

Standard Bank Proteas batsman Temba Bavuma managed 33 and Dane Piedt struck 31. But the early damage done by Overton proved too much as the South Africans ended their month-long trip with a 1-0 series loss to the Lions.

They were also beaten by their English counterparts 2-0 in the three-match one-day series.



SuperSport

Pumas in quarters

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Pumas in quartersPumas in quartersSneak in as one of the best third-placed teams The Pumas booked their place in the quarterfinal after beating Valke on Saturday. The Steval Pumas booked their place in the quarterfinal of the SuperSport Rugby Challenge when they beat the Hino Valke 47-33 (halftime 28-14) at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Saturday.

The Pumas, who ran in six tries along with a penalty try, will contest the quarterfinals as one of the best third-placed teams after the round-robin stages were completed.

Despite the Valke's Christian Rust running in two tries and slotting four conversions for a personal tally of 18 points, the visitors were outplayed and ended fourth in the North Section, nine points clear of the bottom placed Windhoek Draught Welwitchias.

The visitors began strongly and opened the scoring with their first try through scrumhalf Anrich Richter, which was converted by Rust after nine minutes.

But the home side took control and ran in three converted tries to take a 14-point lead after 33 minutes.

The homes side scored through flanker Francois Kleinhans, outside centre Hennie Skorbinski and scrumhalf Emile Temperman with flyhalf Sias Ebersohn converting all three tries. But then Rust produced some magic to score the first of his two tries and converting to reduce the deficit to just seven points shortly before halftime. But with the Pumas on the attack just before the whistle, and the Valke trying desperately to keep them at bay, prop Andries Schutte was shown a yellow card as the Valke were warned after numerous infringements. Referee Cwengile Jadezveni had no option but to award a penalty try which Ebersohn converted to give the home side a 14-point halftime advantage.

Despite being a man down, the Valke started the second stanza strongly as they did the first half and scored first through flanker Dwight Pansegrou and the deficit was reduced to seven points as Rust slotted the conversion.

But the hosts burst out of sight as hooker Frankie Herne and then centre Ryan Nell scored with replacement flyhalf Justin van Staden only able to convert Nell's effort.

With the Pumas leading by 19 points midway through the second half, Rust burst through to score in the corner but was unable to convert his second try to leave the visitors trailing by 14 points.

The Pumas extended their lead back out 19 points when left wing Ruwellyn Isbell darted down the touchline to score, which Van Staden converted but the Valke had the last word when their left wing, Etienne Taljaard scored on the stroke of fulltime. The victory moved the Pumas to 29 points, level on points with the Vodacom Blue Bulls but with an inferior points difference and will wait to see who they are drawn against the in last eight.





SUPERSPORT

Federer demolishes Zverev to win ninth Halle title

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Federer demolishes Zverev to win ninth Halle titleFederer demolishes Zverev to win ninth Halle title World No 5 Roger Federer clinched a record ninth Halle Open title on Sunday, crushing last year's finalist Alexander Zverev 6-1 6-3 to lay down a marker in the lead-up to Wimbledon.

The 18-times grand slam champion, who skipped the claycourt season after winning the Australian Open and titles in Indian Wells and Miami, to prepare for the grass, is in ominous form and won in Halle without dropping a single set all week.

The 35-year-old, defeated in his first comeback match in Stuttgart last week, was aggressive from the start, breaking in the first game to take control.

Federer kept world number 12 Zverev on his toes and earned a second break point with some deft volleying, which he pounced on to race through the first set in 24 minutes.

Zverev, who beat the Swiss in last year's semi-final, had a chance to break at the start of the second set.

Federer, however, was a class above even as his opponent attempted to mix up his game by forcing the Swiss to come to the net more often.

A dropshot put Federer 5-2 ahead and he sealed victory two games later on his first match point with a crosscourt volley.



SuperSport

Paralympians need support

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Paralympians need supportParalympians need supportAthletes set to miss out on London championship The para-athletes are unable to represent the country abroad due to financial constraints. Namibia’s para-athletes who have been training hard to defend their titles at next month’s Para Athletics World Championship in London, received disappointing news that they will not be travelling due to budget cuts.

The athletes who were supposed to travel Europe include Ananias Shikongo, Johannes Nambala, and Lahja Ishitile.

Shikongo said he is very disappointed by the news after all the hard work they have put in.

“Last year we won medals just to be told this year that we cannot travel to an event which will most probably put bread on our table. There are many corporate companies in Namibia I really wish they could come on board to help us financially,” he pleaded.

The athletes were looking forward to participate at the London championship in order to defend their titles and records.

The participation is also vital for their qualification for future international events such as the next Commonwealth Games, All Africa Games and the Paralympic Games in Tokyo 2020.

Manager of the team Paul Gschwender said the news is terrible to the athletes.

“Due to budget cuts our athletes, will not be unable to participate in the championship. This especially calls more than ever to initiate corporate partnerships,” he said.

He further emphasised that they are not trying to be critical or negative towards the government.

“We would only like to point out what critical effects the crisis also has on our world class athletes. For the athletes and us it is a major budget cut, and thus the need for corporate partnerships even more vital,” he stressed.

Three guides and a physiotherapist usually accompany the team when they travel and they too need finance.



The total budget amounts to N$600 000, according to Gschwender.

“If you consider support, please cover the entire team or select one candidate who participates with your exclusive support.”



Limb Mupetami

Injured body boarder flown to SA

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Injured body boarder flown to SAInjured body boarder flown to SA The body boarder who was hospitalised after he sustained injuries at Donkey’s Bay has been flown to South Africa.

The manager of Welwitschia private hospital Garreth Smith confirmed that an injured Stefan Dreyer was stabilised , released and flown to Cape Town on Thursday.

Smith said Dreyer – a South African - was in a stable condition and that the injury aspect concerning the patient was confidential and he could not disclose its nature.

According to a report by STAB Magazine a South African photographer, Alan van Gysen witnessed how Dreyer was injured while body boarding, nearly drowned and was amongst those who rushed to his rescue.

Surfers were apparently preparing to get the waves of their life when all of a sudden whistles and shouts for help started echoing.

Van Gysen recounted how a Hawaiian surfer Eli Olsen who had seen the body boarder got injured paddled frantically to his assistance.

According to Van Gysen, Olsen quickly paddled to the injured Dreyer.

When he got to him, Olsen rolled Dreyer over and discovered that he was conscious but paralysed.

He swung around behind him, moved him into a C-spine position and supported Dryer’s head and neck with his hands and arms through his shoulders.

His friends and a few other surfers struggled to bring the injured Dreyer to the shore because of a strong current.

A surfer and Dr Callum Swift were on the scene moments after Eli managed to stabilise the injured body boarder on the beach.

He determined through a basic trauma check that Dryer suffered a head injury and a possible neck injury.

Within 30-mins of the accident and assistance provided by Shaun Loubser, the E-Med Rescue 24 medical response team arrived.

They wrapped Dreyer in a space blanket and safely transferred him to the emergency vehicle on a stretcher.

According to Lettani Garner a colleague of Dryer, his friend dreamed about surfing Donkey Bay and his wife and two daughters was anxiously waiting for him in South Africa.

OTIS FINCK

Tigers demolish Afrocat

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Tigers demolish AfrocatTigers demolish Afrocat Tigers netball side proved too strong for Afrocat over the weekend at the Nampol Courts.

In a Khomas Second Division League encounter, Tigers thrashed Afrocat 44 – 14 on Saturday.

Tigers walked onto field with a lot of confidence and completely outplayed their opponents with their amazing skills.

The match was played in hot conditions but the players defied the heat and showed great character as a unit.

Players from Afrocat showed determination throughout the match but the Tigers netballers, backed by experience, showed them a thing or two on the court.

The premier league games for the weekend were all cancelled due to the fact that most players travelled to South Africa to take part in the Netball African games.

Netball lovers can look forward to exciting action on the courts again next weekend as teams return once more to continue to fight for the top spot.

In the coming weekend, Tura Magic will face Real Latinos, while United will take on Gomonate.

United will play Nampol with the games taking place at the Khomasdal Stadium. Kickoff is at 13:30.

Limba Mupetami

Paralympians need support

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0
Paralympians need supportParalympians need supportAthletes set to miss out on London championship The para-athletes are unable to represent the country abroad due to financial constraints. Namibia's para-athletes who have been training hard to defend their titles at next month's Para Athletics World Championship in London, received disappointing news that they will not be travelling due to budget cuts.

The athletes who were supposed to travel Europe include Ananias Shikongo, Johannes Nambala, and Lahja Ishitile.

Shikongo said he is very disappointed by the news after all the hard work they have put in.

“Last year we won medals just to be told this year that we cannot travel to an event which will most probably put bread on our table. There are many corporate companies in Namibia I really wish they could come on board to help us financially,” he pleaded.

The athletes were looking forward to participate at the London championship in order to defend their titles and records.

The participation is also vital for their qualification for future international events such as the next Commonwealth Games, All Africa Games and the Paralympic Games in Tokyo 2020.

Manager of the team Paul Gschwender said the news is terrible to the athletes.

“Due to budget cuts our athletes, will not be unable to participate in the championship. This especially calls more than ever to initiate corporate partnerships,” he said.

He further emphasised that they are not trying to be critical or negative towards the government.

“We would only like to point out what critical effects the crisis also has on our world class athletes. For the athletes and us it is a major budget cut, and thus the need for corporate partnerships even more vital,” he stressed.

Three guides and a physiotherapist usually accompany the team when they travel and they too need finance.

The total budget amounts to N$600 000, according to Gschwender.

“If you consider support, please cover the entire team or select one candidate who participates with your exclusive support.”





Limb Mupetami

Injured body boarder flown to SA

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0
Injured body boarder flown to SAInjured body boarder flown to SA The body boarder who was hospitalised after he sustained injuries at Donkey's Bay has been flown to South Africa.

The manager of Welwitschia private hospital Garreth Smith confirmed that an injured Stefan Dreyer was stabilised , released and flown to Cape Town on Thursday.

Smith said Dreyer – a South African - was in a stable condition and that the injury aspect concerning the patient was confidential and he could not disclose its nature.

According to a report by STAB Magazine a South African photographer, Alan van Gysen witnessed how Dreyer was injured while body boarding, nearly drowned and was amongst those who rushed to his rescue.

Surfers were apparently preparing to get the waves of their life when all of a sudden whistles and shouts for help started echoing.

Van Gysen recounted how a Hawaiian surfer Eli Olsen who had seen the body boarder got injured paddled frantically to his assistance.

According to Van Gysen, Olsen quickly paddled to the injured Dreyer.

When he got to him, Olsen rolled Dreyer over and discovered that he was conscious but paralysed.

He swung around behind him, moved him into a C-spine position and supported Dryer's head and neck with his hands and arms through his shoulders.

His friends and a few other surfers struggled to bring the injured Dreyer to the shore because of a strong

A surfer and Dr Callum Swift were on the scene moments after Eli managed to stabilise the injured body boarder on the beach.

He determined through a basic trauma check that Dryer suffered a head injury and a possible neck injury.

Within 30-mins of the accident and assistance provided by Shaun Loubser, the E-Med Rescue 24 medical response team arrived.

They wrapped Dreyer in a space blanket and safely transferred him to the emergency vehicle on a stretcher.

According to Lettani Garner a colleague of Dryer, his friend dreamed about surfing Donkey Bay and his wife and two daughters was anxiously waiting for him in South Africa.



OTIS FINCK

Tigers demolish Afrocat

0
0
Tigers demolish AfrocatTigers demolish Afrocat Tigers netball side proved too strong for Afrocat over the weekend at the Nampol Courts.

In a Khomas Second Division League encounter, Tigers thrashed Afrocat 44 – 14 on Saturday.

Tigers walked onto field with a lot of confidence and completely outplayed their opponents with their amazing skills.

The match was played in hot conditions but the players defied the heat and showed great character as a unit. Players from Afrocat showed determination throughout the match but the Tigers netballers, backed by experience, showed them a thing or two on the court.

The premier league games for the weekend were all cancelled due to the fact that most players travelled to South Africa to take part in the Netball African games.

Netball lovers can look forward to exciting action on the courts again next weekend as teams return once more to continue to fight for the top spot. In the coming weekend, Tura Magic will face Real Latinos, while United will take on Gomonate.

United will play Nampol with the games taking place at the Khomasdal Stadium. Kickoff is at 13:30.



Limba Mupetami

Unam extend their lead

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Unam extend their leadUnam extend their leadUnbeaten in 24 matches The students stretched their lead at the top with a fantastic display against Trustco United at the weekend. Unam rugby side thrashed Trustco United on Friday evening to extend their lead at the top of the Namibian Rugby Premier league.

In a one-sided affair played at the University of Namibia, the students comfortably defeated their rivals 38-9.

The stadium was half filled due to the chilly weather but avid supporters from both sides braced the cold to watch the game. United tried to keep up a good fight, but the Unam outfit tormented their defence from the word go much to the delight of the home crowd.

Individual brilliance from the players showed throughout the match with the likes of Lorenzo Louis who scored two tries displaying great athleticism.

Reinhardt Carelse, Cameron Klassen, TC Kiesing, Silvano Beukes, Chesbour Lawrence and Bradley Klazen scored tries for Unam, while there were conversions by Kiesing and Denver Merurua.

In total the home team ran in six tries and successfully converted from the spot on four occasions to extend their lead at the top of the log to 25 points.

Having dominated the league this season with 11 wins since the 2017 rugby season started earlier this year, Unam are now unbeaten in their last 24 matches in the league and are already assured of finishing top of the log.

Unam coach Johan Diergaardt who has engineered a feared and respected outfit sat and watched the game calmly and a week ago acknowledged that the points gap between them and the rest of the teams is so wide that they will only have themselves to blame if any other team closes the gap.

There are only two rounds remaining before the knockout stages begin in the premier league and the six teams competing are now hungry for second and third place.

Games were also played over the weekend at the coast.

The Walvis Bay Rugby Club (WBRC) defeated Rehoboth 50-19 in a premier league match and with 52-17 in a first division match at the Walvis Bay Private High School sports grounds.

Flank James Marx scored two tries for WBRC.

The rest of the try scores were by Joe Herman, leftwing Bjorn Block, fullback Lloyd Jacobs, rightwing Jeroen van Dam, hooker Chris Klazen and centre Cedric Haraseb. Van Dam added four conversions and flyhalf Charlton Brussel converted one try.

Flyhalf Nazume Swartz, flank Fagan Bussel and centre Julian Afrikaner scored tries for the visitors from Rehoboth.

Flyhalf Nazume Swartz added two conversions.

Left wing Nikin Cloete was on fire for WBRC and topped off a solid performance with three tries in Narraville.

WBRC rushed into a 13 points lead (26-13) at halftime.

Centre Allister Muller opened the scoring and fly half Justin Nel converted.

Left wing Nikin Cloete visited the try line twice and right wing Collins Omalau added a try in the first half.

Fly half Ulratio Lawrence converted a penalty and scored a try for KRC.

Left wing Elton de Smit also visited the try line for KRC in the first half.

KRC had WBRC on the back foot for the first quarter of the second half but superb defensive play and accurate kicking by Nel drove them back on numerous occasions.

Three tries by lock James Kisting, scrum-half JC Winkler and Cloete scored in quick succession in the final ten minutes and one conversion by Nel ensured that the visitors from Windhoek stretched the gap to twenty points (43-13)at the end of the match.

In the second match Suburbs defeated Kudu Rugby Club 43-13 in the premier league match and with 31-7 in the first division match at Narraville.

The five matches played at the harbour town produced 38 tries and the favourable results obtained by WBRC strengthened their chance of advancing to the quarterfinals of the premier league competition.

In the Second Division League, Erongo Rugby Academy (ERA) defeated WBRC III 10-7 in the second league match.

Prop Lee Jean Fredericks and centre Lionel Coetzee scored two tries for ERA.

Hooker Lee-Roy Victor crashed over and flyhalf Wilfred Maasdorp added the conversion for WBRC III.





Limba Mupetami and Otis Finck

Unam extend their lead

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Unam extend their leadUnam extend their leadUnbeaten in 24 matches The students stretched their lead at the top with a fantastic display against Trustco United at the weekend. Unam rugby side thrashed Trustco United on Friday evening to extend their lead at the top of the Namibian Rugby Premier league.

In a one-sided affair played at the University of Namibia, the students comfortably defeated their rivals 38-9.

The stadium was half filled due to the chilly weather but avid supporters from both sides braced the cold to watch the game. United tried to keep up a good fight, but the Unam outfit tormented their defence from the word go much to the delight of the home crowd.

Individual brilliance from the players showed throughout the match with the likes of Lorenzo Louis who scored two tries displaying great athleticism.

Reinhardt Carelse, Cameron Klassen, TC Kiesing, Silvano Beukes, Chesbour Lawrence and Bradley Klazen scored tries for Unam, while there were conversions by Kiesing and Denver Merurua.

In total the home team ran in six tries and successfully converted from the spot on four occasions to extend their lead at the top of the log to 25 points.

Having dominated the league this season with 11 wins since the 2017 rugby season started earlier this year, Unam are now unbeaten in their last 24 matches in the league and are already assured of finishing top of the log.

Unam coach Johan Diergaardt who has engineered a feared and respected outfit sat and watched the game calmly and a week ago acknowledged that the points gap between them and the rest of the teams is so wide that they will only have themselves to blame if any other team closes the gap.

There are only two rounds remaining before the knockout stages begin in the premier league and the six teams competing are now hungry for second and third place.

Games were also played over the weekend at the coast.

The Walvis Bay Rugby Club (WBRC) defeated Rehoboth 50-19 in a premier league match and with 52-17 in a first division match at the Walvis Bay Private High School sports grounds.

Flank James Marx scored two tries for WBRC.

The rest of the try scores were by Joe Herman, leftwing Bjorn Block, fullback Lloyd Jacobs, rightwing Jeroen van Dam, hooker Chris Klazen and centre Cedric Haraseb. Van Dam added four conversions and flyhalf Charlton Brussel converted one try.

Flyhalf Nazume Swartz, flank Fagan Bussel and centre Julian Afrikaner scored tries for the visitors from Rehoboth.

Flyhalf Nazume Swartz added two conversions.

Left wing Nikin Cloete was on fire for WBRC and topped off a solid performance with three tries in Narraville.

WBRC rushed into a 13 points lead (26-13) at halftime.

Centre Allister Muller opened the scoring and fly half Justin Nel converted.

Left wing Nikin Cloete visited the try line twice and right wing Collins Omalau added a try in the first half.

Fly half Ulratio Lawrence converted a penalty and scored a try for KRC.

Left wing Elton de Smit also visited the try line for KRC in the first half.

KRC had WBRC on the back foot for the first quarter of the second half but superb defensive play and accurate kicking by Nel drove them back on numerous occasions.

Three tries by lock James Kisting, scrum-half JC Winkler and Cloete scored in quick succession in the final ten minutes and one conversion by Nel ensured that the visitors from Windhoek stretched the gap to twenty points (43-13)at the end of the match.

In the second match Suburbs defeated Kudu Rugby Club 43-13 in the premier league match and with 31-7 in the first division match at Narraville.

The five matches played at the harbour town produced 38 tries and the favourable results obtained by WBRC strengthened their chance of advancing to the quarterfinals of the premier league competition.

In the Second Division League, Erongo Rugby Academy (ERA) defeated WBRC III 10-7 in the second league match.

Prop Lee Jean Fredericks and centre Lionel Coetzee scored two tries for ERA.

Hooker Lee-Roy Victor crashed over and flyhalf Wilfred Maasdorp added the conversion for WBRC III.

Limba Mupetami and Otis Finck

Simfukwe reigns supreme

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Simfukwe reigns supremeSimfukwe reigns supremeWins Windhoek Lager Africa Jacket title Aaron Simfukwe won the Windhoek Lager Africa Jacket golf tournament for the second time. Zambian golfer Aaron Simfukwe on Saturday won his second title of the Men's A Division Windhoek Lager Africa Jacket golf tournament.

Simfukwe became the first player to win the trophy back to back since its inception in 2013.

The young Zambian golfer first won the competition in 2016.

The Windhoek Lager Africa Jacket saw top amateur golfers from 11 African nations competing in the finals in Windhoek, after winning national competitions in their respective countries.

After the competition, Simfukwe said the competition was not a walk in the park but he was happy to have put his name on the trophy once again.

He added that he will now turn professional and hope to give his seniors a run for their money.

“I did not want to make it look easy when I returned the trophy but hard work, dedication and discipline made me feel at ease throughout the two days of the competition.

“I will now be turning professional next week and winning this competition was a good motivation for me ahead of the upcoming championships as a professional golfer,” he said.

The Windhoek Lager Africa Jacket has grown in leaps and bounds since its inception.

Only five countries competed in 2013: Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Since 2016, players from Swaziland, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Seychelles and Mauritius are also competing in the event.

Each country had four qualifying tournaments and the winners then qualified for the finals in Windhoek.

Another tournament that was played alongside the Windhoek Lager Africa Jacket was the Windhoek Lager International Pair South Africa, with the top two pairs qualifying to compete in the World International Pairs in Portugal later this year.

Dewald Niemandt and Herman Rheeder won that category, while Johan Steyl and Dawel le Roux finished the event as runner ups.



NAMPA

Nedbank Desert Dash tickets sold out

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Nedbank Desert Dash tickets sold outNedbank Desert Dash tickets sold out The 2017 Nedbank Desert Dash four-person per team category sold out in 21 seconds; a record high in the history of this prestigious race.

The 13th edition of Namibia's gruelling cycling competition will be held on 8 December and is the country's biggest cycling event since 2004.

It covers 369 kilometres of mainly gravel road between Windhoek and Swakopmund, and must be completed within 24 hours.

In a statement Nedbank Namibia said entries to the competition officially opened this month and registration works exactly the same as last year.

The statement quotes race organiser, Leander Borg, saying the format for 2017 remains the same as last year since they changed the two-person team format from a normal relay system to one rider doing one half of the race and the other the second half.

“The only real change as far as rules are concerned is that we now require a minimum of two woman riders in a four-person team to qualify for mixed team status as in previous years one woman rider was the minimum requirement.”

Borg said the Desert Dash has certainly grown from strength to strength in terms of race entries and to ensure that a high calibre event is provided: “Race entries will be capped to accommodate a total of 1 000 riders.”

He further added that no changes have been made to the race route, with the start at the Grove Mall in Windhoek and finish line at Tiger Reef in Swakopmund.

Hennie Fourie, finance executive of at Today also said that 170 solo entries have been received; 85 teams of two persons and 60 four-person teams.

“Despite selling out the four-person team, there are still spots available for both the solo and two-person teams,” Fourie added.



STAFF REPORTER

Why are soccer stars allergic to paying tax?

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Why are soccer stars allergic to paying tax?Why are soccer stars allergic to paying tax? Europe has best soccer stars who are lured with lucrative transfer deals all around the world.

The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar all ply their trade in the La Liga league.

Money means nothing to these football stars because they are paid extremely well. Ronaldo goes home with millions a year. He has endorsements from Nike, plus a number of other deals and businesses which generates more money for him. He can walk into any shop in the world and walk out with whatever tickles his fancy.

However, these high income earners are often purged by the taxmen for alleged non-payment of income tax. One is not sure whether they are evading or avoiding paying tax.

Because of this, Spain's tax agency has intensified its control over soccer players and their companies, checking to see if they are mere fronts or whether they are indeed earning income from other economic projects.

Recently, the 32-year-old Ronaldo was caught in the nets of the taxman and charged with four counts of tax fraud and other financial crimes by the Spanish courts.

But how does a wealthy soccer player forget to appoint accountants to make sure his money is managed well? Or are there barriers in communication? But before I get there, let's look at other players like Messi.

Messi was last year convicted of defrauding the Spanish state of close to N$6 million in unpaid taxes on his image rights.

Messi pleaded ignorance and argued that his father was the only person who knew how his money was being managed and he knew nothing.

Is his father an accountant?

Next: Neymar – also denied any wrongdoing and told the court investigating his case that his father and associates dealt with off-field business matters. Again – do these stars earn so much that they have no time to check if their finances and tax remittance is in order?

Don't they receive correspondence about outstanding bills and income tax that needs to be settled?

Perhaps they trust their family members so much with their money and forget to ask to see the paperwork.

The question one needs to ask now is if these players will face jail time. According to Spain's unwritten two-year-sentence rule, even if they are found guilty, Messi and Neymar will be spared from serving prison terms.

But it's a different case with Ronaldo. Three of the four tax fraud charges are considered by prosecutors to be 'aggravated', so they carry a minimum sentence of two years each. Four guilty verdicts and he could face as much as seven years in jail.

A Spanish investigator says the company owned by Ronaldo, is a smoke “screen” and that he has no economic activity apart from having bought and then ceded the player's image rights to a firm based in Ireland that “genuinely manages” his image sales.

Prosecutors also claim that money earned from image rights was incorrectly described as capital gains, to benefit from a lower tax rate.

Now back to my question as to how players evade paying tax. I am sure whoever manages their accounts does so according to the stars instructions. But, how come he knows nothing when things turn sour?

The player is now in trouble because of what I believe are sinister dealings. However, an investigating judge needs to ratify the prosecutors' accusations against him, and that could take many months or even years.

This gives him time to plead, pay taxes and fines in advance and reduce any eventual jail term by half or quarter of the statutory minimum. That way he would slip under the standard two-year bar for first offenders and therefore his sentence suspended.

I know Namibian soccer players do not worry about paying tax, but for those playing in the South African premier league, I urge you to read the books, know how your money is managed, ask questions and don't evade paying tax. The law surely has long arms and those arms will fish you whether you are Ronaldo, or not.



limba@namibiansun.com
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