WeeklySA_AdminJELE TO SERVE MORE TIME AT PIRATES
Orlando Pirates captain Happy Jele has signed a new contract that could keep him with the club until 2023, the club confirmed Wednesday. Having arrived at Pirates in 2005, Jele is approaching 400 appearances for the side.
Pirates have also confirmed that they have parted ways with Gladwin Shitolo, who was on loan at Lamontville Arrows They also revealed that Justice Chabalala, who they initially said would be joining Chippa United on loan, will now be heading to Sekhukhune United.
VAN DIJK TAKING IT EASY
Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk is taking a cautious approach as he prepares for the next step in his return from injury. The Netherlands centre-back raptured his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in challenge with Everton keeper Jordan Pickford in October 2020.
Speaking to the Liverpool website Van Dijk said:” I’m doing well. I’ts obviously been a tough pre-season, coming back from such a long time (out) to be playing and training with the boys again is a big thing”.
Van Dijk had made a brief appearance in the Bologna friendly in addition to the 20 minutes he played against Hertha berlin last week, Liverpool’s Premier League season starts at Norwich on August 14.
SINCKLER IN A BITING STINKER
British and Irish Lions prop Kyle Sinckler has deniied biting a South African opponent in Saturday’s second test but was still waiting a decision after being cited for the alleged incident. Sinckler was cited “for an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.12 (biting) during the 64th minute of the second test against South Africa in Cape Town on July 31, 2021”, a statement from World Rugby said on Sunday.
If found guilty, the England front-row forward could face a sanction of anything between three months and two years on the sidelines.Media reported the prop was alleged to have bitten South Africa front-row France Mostert’s arm during a ruck during South Africa’s 27-9 victory.
His coach Warren Gatland has named Sinckler among the replacements again for Saturday’s decisive third test, subject to the outcome of the hearing.
VETTEL LOSES SECOND SPOT
Sebastian Vettel lost his second-place finish in Sunday’s Hungarian Formula One Grand Prix after being disqualified by stewards for a fuel irregularity, a stewards’ statement said.
The German, who crossed the line 1.8 seconds behind first-time race winner Esteban Ocon, did not have enough fuel in his Aston Martin to provide a sample after the race as required by the rules. The decision moved Lewis Hamilton up to second, handing the Mercedes driver an eight-point lead over title rival Max Verstappen, who moved up to ninth.
DID YOU KNOW?
• In February 2021, Portuguese soccer wizard Christiano Ronaldo became the first person in the world to reach 500 million followers across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
• In March 2021, he passed Brazilian legend Pele’s goal tally; a hat trick against Serie A foe Cagliari pushed him up to 770 goals in all competitions.
• His four-year contract with Juventus is worth an average of $64 million a year and expires in 2022.
• Ronaldo, a five-time FIFA player of the year, in 2020 became the first active team-sport athlete to surpass $1 billion in career earnings.
• In addition to a lifetime deal with Nike, Ronaldo makes money off the pitch with his CR7-branded clothing, accessories, hotels and gyms.
