South African footballer Luke Fleurs shot dead

Published

2 months ago

April 4, 2024

The South African football fraternity has been thrown into mourning following the death of Kaiser Chiefs defender, Luke Fleurs, who was shot dead during a carjacking incident.

The police, in a statement on Thursday, said the shooting took place at a petrol station on Wednesday night in the Johannesburg suburb of Florida.

The statement stated that the 24-year-old Fleurs was waiting in line to be attended to when he was approached by unknown gunmen who ordered him to get out of the vehicle.

“One of the suspects is reported to have fled the scene with Fleurs’ car after the shooting,” the police said.

“The victim, 24, who played for South African Premier Division side Kaizer Chiefs, was taken to hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries,” the police added.

His club also released a statement on Thursday confirming the incident.

“It is with a great deal of sadness that we announce that Kaizer Chiefs player, Luke Fleurs, tragically lost his life last night during a hijacking incident in Johannesburg.

“We are profoundly shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic and untimely passing of one of our players, Luke Fleurs.

“The club’s management, players, and the technical team are all profoundly upset by this devastating turn of events.

“We convey our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this extremely difficult time. The club will make further announcements at a later stage.”

South Africa’s Minister for sport, Zizi Kodwa, who expressed his sadness at the death of the promising player, said in a statement released by his office:

“I am saddened by the passing of Kaizer Chiefs defender and former junior international Luke Fleurs.

“I am saddened that yet another life has been cut short due to violent crime. My thoughts are with the Fleurs and Amakhosi family, and the entire South African football fraternity.”

Fleurs, a former South African junior international, played for the U-23 at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 where he made three appearances for his country.

He was called up to the senior national team in 2021 but never made a senior international appearance.

He joined Kaizer Chiefs in October 2023 after spells at Ubuntu FC and SuperSport United.

Click to comment

Moroccan steeplechase star El Bakkali aims for gold at Paris Olympics

Published

10 hours ago

May 20, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

Morocco’s steeplechase champion, Soufiane El Bakkali, says he is aiming for the gold medal at the upcoming Paris Olympics after clinching victory in the 3000m at the 15th Mohammed VI International Athletics Meeting on Sunday with a season’s best time of 8:09.40.

At the meeting which was part of the Diamond League series, El Bakkali narrowly edged out his fiercest rival, Ethiopian Wale Getnet, who clocked a time of 8:09.78, and Kenyan Amos Serem, who completed the race in 8:10.82.

“Despite my long absence due to injury, I always kept hope. I trained intensely to win this victory, which was not easy,” El Bakkali stated after the race.

He added that he adopted a different race strategy for this event as anticipation builds for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris.

El Bakkali who said he is acutely aware of the high expectations from Moroccan supporters, called on fans to continue their support as he aims to secure the gold medal.

The fourth stage of the Diamond League brings together athletes from all over the world, including Olympic champions and world champions.

El Bakkali’s victory in Marrakech marks a significant milestone in his preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he aims to defend his Olympic title in the steeplechase.

The Mohammed VI Meeting in Marrakech is one of Africa’s premier track and field events, attracting many of the world’s top athletes and El Bakkali’s victory was a testament to his strong form as he gears up for the Olympics where he will face formidable competition from athletes like Getnet and Serem, who pushed him hard in Marrakech.

With the Olympics just under 67 days away, the Moroccan said the victory boosts his confidence, confirming that his training is on track.

Sports

South African Akani Simbine beats Omanyala to pick 100m gold at Atlanta City Games

Published

1 day ago

May 19, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

South African sprint sensation, Akani Simbine, on Saturday at the Atlanta City Games further put a dent on Kenyan 100m African record holder Ferdinand Omanyala’s claims of being the continent’s king of sprint by pipping him to the second spot.

The defeat by Simbine meant that Omanyala was handed his second 100m defeat in less than a week.

Omanyala who is Africa’s fastest man at the moment and Commonwealth Games champion has however, insisted that the two successive defeats he has suffered does not take anything away from his position as Africa’s sprint king as he is taking a different approach to his season and has noted that he will only peak when the time is necessary with the main focus being the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

After the heats, Omanyala noted that they shall be keen to take a day at a time and improve on the weak areas

“We are taking it a race at a time and it’s a long season where the main target is the Olympic Games so we are not going to peak too early this time and we are handling each race as it comes and improving on the important areas,” Omanyala said.

At the Atlanta City Games proper, Omanyala had a great start off the blocks and seemed to be in great shape to take the win Simbine had the better chance as his finishing was top notch.

Athletics World reports that
Simbine crossed the finish line in a world leading time of 9.90 while Omanyala came in second in 10.10.

“After the race, Simbine was over the moon and noted how it was important to represent his country with pride and place their name on the world map,” the report said.

“You know I’m representing South Africa and I’m happy with the win and I’m so happy to be out here. I’ve always been part of the conversation. I’ve never left so we’ll see.”