WeeklySA_AdminHAMLTON SATISFIED WTH MERC PERFORMANCE
Following the recent practice sessions at Monaco, Lewis Hamilton expressed significant satisfaction with the performance of his Mercedes, indicating a noticeable improvement from the past two years.
With favorable results and a sense of increased traction, the 7-time champion and his team are optimistic about their progress.
At the famed Monaco Grand Prix, the driver showcased a potent display of confidence and performance, hinting at a pivotal improvement for the Brackley team.
Hamilton’s remarks followed an impressive practice session where the seven-time world champion logged the second-fastest lap time, trailing only behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
OX BELL0WS
Springbok and Sharks prop Ox Nche has expressed his unhappiness over World Rugby’s decision to amend the scrum law from July 1.
Earlier this month, the global game’s governing body announced that teams will no longer be able to opt for a scrum when they receive a free-kick in one of three law changes they argue are designed to make the game more entertaining.
By removing the scrum as an option World Rugby is hoping that it will encourage more open play with free-kicks having to be either tapped or kicked.
Critics like former referee Nigel Owens, meanwhile, have argued that it will lead to more gamesmanship from teams that have weaker scrums and won’t actually achieve what it is designed to do.
ROONEY FOR PLYMOUTH
Wayne Rooney is expected to be confirmed as the head coach of Championship side Plymouth Argyle on Saturday after holding talks about the vacancy.
Rooney, 38, is keen to re-establish his reputation after a disastrous spell at Birmingham last season, when he lost nine games out of 15.
Argyle are looking for a new boss after the dismissal of Ian Foster towards the end of last season.
Director of football Neil Dewsnip and coach Kevin Nancekivell took over for the remainder of the campaign and guided Plymouth to safety, ironically at Birmingham’s expense.
DJOKOVIC OUT OF SORTS
Novak Djokovic suffered a setback before the French Open by losing to Tomas Machac in Geneva. Machac captured the biggest win of his career as a 6-4 0-6 6-1 victory saw him reach his first final at the Geneva Open.
The world number one appeared out of sorts and received a medical timeout at the end of the first set, which he had led 4-1 before fading.
The Serb now heads to Paris where he faces France’s Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the first round.
SUCCESS FOR MALEBANE
The Katlego Malebane-led South African team has reached the CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals. This comes after the COSAFA-based side registered a 1-0 victory over hosts Tanzania in Wednesday’s semi-final match-up.
They will face Morocco in the final after the North African side also registered a 1-0 win over Uganda.
South Africa began the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Uganda, followed by a 1-0 win over Gambia in their second game, and a 0-0 draw against Togo on Matchday 3.
In the boys’ competition, Guinea will face hosts Tanzania in Thursday’s final. Guinea advanced by winning 4-3 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in regulation time, while Tanzania secured their spot with a 2-0 victory over Benin Republic
BAYERN IN GOOD KOMPANY
Burnley manager Vincent Kompany has agreed a deal in principle to become the new Bayern Munich coach. The German club moved for Kompany after a series of rejections in their search for a successor to Thomas Tuchel.
It is understood Kompany has agreed a deal until 2027, with Bayern set to pay Burnley £10.2m in compensation.
Craig Bellamy, Kompany’s assistant at Burnley, will not accompany the Belgian to the Allianz Arena but Floribert Ngalula and Bram Geers will form part of his backroom staff..
