WeeklySA_AdminSA RUGBY EQUITY PLAN STALLED
SA Rugby have announced the postponement of the Special General Meeting (SGM) to consider a proposal to conclude a private equity investment. This comes after a request from the South African government, more specifically the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie. The meeting was scheduled for members to decide whether to approve the investment tabled by Ackerley Sports Group (ASG). It is believed that the $75m (around R1.3bn) deal would be for a 20 per cent stake in the governing body’s commercial rights SA Rugby confirmed on Wednesday that the meeting was scheduled to take place in Cape Town on Thursday but will now be rescheduled at the Minister’s request to more fully brief government on the proposal.
EXCITING DRAW FOR BOKS WOMEN
The Springbok Women were drawn with two teams ranked in the top 10 for the 2025 World Cup when the draw for next year’s showpiece was made in London. Currently ranked 12th in the world, the Bok Women will face two teams ranked in the top 10 – France (fourth) and Italy eighth – as well as Brazil , who are ranked 42nd. The Springbok Women played France in the opening game of the last Rugby World Cup, at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand and Italy last weekend in the final match of WXV 2, but are yet to face Brazil in a Test match. Springbok Women performance coach Swys de Bruin said the draw was yet another step closer to the actual tournament to be played across eight cities from 22 August to 27 September 2025, and brings another rush of energy to the group, already boosted by some commendable performances in the recent WXV 2 tournament in Cape Town.
MANQOBA DRAWS LINE
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi addressed Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos’ recent comments about Khuliso Mudau and Teboho Mokoena. While again bemoaning the ongoing wait for a meeting with his PSL counterparts ahead of the recent AFCON qualifiers against Congo Republic, Broos explained how this would aid his understanding of Mngqithi’s recent omissions of Mudau and Mokwena at Sundowns. However, The Brazilians mentor did not take kindly to the Belgian trying to meddle in his club’s affairs, as he launched a scathing attack. “He must manage his house and allow me to manage my house because nobody tells him who to play in his team, and I cannot be expected to be told by another coach who to play in my team,” responded Mngqithi.
BAFANA STILL IN IT
Bafana Bafana were held to a 1-1 draw against Congo in Brazzaville but are still in prime position to qualify for the 2025 African Cup of Nations in Morocco. Hugo Broos’ charges now sit second in Group K, two points behind leaders Uganda but four ahead of third-placed Congo with two matches still remaining. The top two teams qualify directly into 2025 continental tournament and Bafana just need one victory from their remaining qualifiers to ensure their flight is booked. The visitors made a good start to the contest at the Alphonse Massemba-Debat Stadium and took the lead just after the half hour mark when Elias Mokwana bundled in a rebound after his initial effort was saved.
KAZE FOR CHIEFS
Kaizer Chiefs have appointed Cedric Kaze as the new assistant coach. This strategic addition to coach Nasreddine Nabi’s technical team aims to bolster the Club’s performance and aspirations for the season. Burundi-born Kaze brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the set-up, having previously worked alongside Nabi at Young Africans, where they achieved significant success together, winning six trophies in two seasons. His tactical expertise and experience in various coaching roles makes him a perfect fit to complement Nabi’s vision for the team. The 45-year-old has an impressive CV, which includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Science, CAF A licence, as well as a German Football Federation A licence. He was named coach of the year for East and Central Africa in 2012. Kaze worked with the national teams in Burundi, where he started as an assistant coach for the U17 team in 2007, and became an assistant coach to the senior team, then coach for the U20s and U23s until he left for Canada in 2015.
