Sports

South Africa thrash Ireland by eight wickets in first T20 meeting

Published

2 months ago

September 28, 2024

South Africa men national cricket team, The Proteas, on Friday, thrashed Ireland by eight-wickets in the first of their two-match T20 series played at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

The Proteas who reached the T20 World Cup final in June, came into the matches against Ireland on the back of an ODI series defeat by Afghanistan in Sharjah.

Ryan Rickelton and Reeze Hendricks struck half-centuries as South Africa romped to a victory with Rickelton making 76 off 48 balls and Hendricks adding 51 off 33 deliveries as South Africa’s opening pair put on 136 for the first wicket in reply to Ireland’s total of 171-8.

Earlier in the game, South Africa captain Aiden Markam called correctly and put Ireland into bat at the toss, with Ireland skipper Paul Stirling joined in the middle by Ross Adair, playing his ninth T20I in the absence of Lorcan Tucker.

Curtis Campher top-scored with the bat for Ireland, accumulating 49 as his team made 171-8 off their 20 overs but The Proteas responded with a dominant Rickelton and Hendricks putting on an opening partnership of 136 as the Proteas reached 174-2 to reach their target with 14 balls to spare.

South African-born Curtis Campher top-scored for Ireland with 49 and received support from wicketkeeper Neil Rock, who contributed 37 before Ireland lost their way late in the innings after being asked to bat first, while all-rounder Patrick Kruger finished with a triple-wicket maiden, snaring George Dockrell, Fionn Hand and Adair in the final over to end with figures of 4-27.

The second T20 match between the sides will be played at the same venue on Sunday when Ireland will aim to secure their first ever T20 victory over their opponents at the seventh attempt.

Click to comment

Sports

Ghanaian winger Fatawu out for season with ACL injury

Published

17 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana and Leicester City winger, Abdul Fatawu, has been ruled out of the rest of the EPL season after suffering an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury during Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Angola in a 2025 AFCON match during the international break.

Leicester coach, Steve Cooper, who announced the news on Thursday, said the 20-year-old enterprising player suffered a “serious” knee injury which will see him out for the rest of the season.

“It’s not good, it’s a serious injury,” Cooper said ahead of his side’s home tie against Chelsea on Saturday.

“He’s had an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury that is going to rule him out for the rest of the season. It’s a real blow, first and foremost for him, being a young player and having an injury as serious as what an ACL is.

“Albeit, it can be quite common in sport and in particular football, but it’s still a serious injury. For it to happen at a young age is a blow for him and a blow for us as well.

“He’s obviously a big talent and a young player, as exciting as he can be at his age, with lots to learn.

“It’s only a pause and we will make sure, as difficult as it is at the moment for him, that he comes back being a stronger player and person, which with the mentality and character that he has, I think will be the case,” the gaffer said.

Fatawu has been a key player for the Foxes, helping them gain promotion last season and has played 11 times for them in the league during the present campaign, scoring two goals.

Sports

SA football legend Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe passes away

Published

2 days ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

South African football legend, Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe, has passed away at the age of 71 after a long battle with illness.

According to South African media, Moripe lit up the country’s football fields in the 1970s and became a rallying point for football in the country, especially in the apartheid era.

“Moripe, who mesmerised opponents and spectators alike during an injury ravaged career, spent his last years confined to a wheelchair after suffering a stroke, and died at his home on Tuesday at the age of 71,” one media report said.

“Moripe, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players the country has produced by those who saw him play, was called “the god of football”’ by adoring fans during the early 1970s in a nod to his natural talents.

“He was feared by defenders and goalkeepers and his style of play was synonymous with flair, finesse and the golden era of South African football.

“In recent years Moripe was confined to a wheelchair after suffering a mild stroke that was worsened by the effects of a long-term knee injury that stopped his playing career in the late 1980s.

“Throughout his career, Moripe played for the Orlando Pirates and the Pretoria Callies, winning the respect of both teammates and supporters.

“In 2010, the Atteridgeville Super Stadium was renamed the Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in honor of his noteworthy achievements to South African football. Major football games are still held at this stadium, which now stands as a tribute to his legacy.

“Moripe’s career highlights include leading Pretoria Callies to victory against top clubs and earning the 1973 NPSL Player of the Year and Sportsman of the Year titles.

“He also played internationally for Caroline Hill in Hong Kong and briefly for Orlando Pirates. Persistent knee injuries ended his playing career in the late 1980s.”