AFRICA’S MEDAL HOPEFULS AT THE 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES.



Africa will be striving to come back from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with precious metals in their pocket in the form of gold, silver and bronze. The Games will be staged from July 26 to August 11 and among the 10,500 athletes taking part, there are many from the African continent who will be genuine medal contenders. We select 10 who could be on the podium in Paris.



JOSHUA CHEPTEGEI • UGANDA


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The 27-year-old took gold in the 5,000 meters and silver in the 10,000 meters at the Tokyo Games three years ago and has maintained that form since, espe- cially at the longer distance where he remains ranked at number one in the world. He won the gold at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest last year, always a strong indicator for Olympic form. He holds the world record over both distances.



PIETER COETZE • SOUTH AFRICA


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Coetze recently turned 20 and is the rising star of South African swimming after claiming fivegold medals at the national swimming championships in April. He has qualified for the 100-meters and 200-meters back- stroke in Paris having claimed gold (100 meters), silver (50 meters) and bronze (200 meters) at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and secured another bronzein the 200 meters at this year’s World Aquatic Championships in Doha. He will hope for a podium place at the Olympics.



SOUFIANE EL BAKKALI • MOROCCO


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The Moroccan is the 3,000-meter steeplechase Olympic champion, having claimed gold in Tokyo and with wins in the World Championships in 2022 and 2023, will be the overwhelming favourite to repeat that feat. He also competed in the 1,500 meters in Tokyo but did not finish the race and is unlikely to attempt that experiment again, concentrating only on his pre- ferred event. His biggest rival is the Ethiopian Lamecha Girma, who set a new world record time of 7:52.11 in 2023.



VICTOR KIPLANGAT • UGANDA


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The 24-year-old won gold in the marathon at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and at the World Championships in Budapest last year, so is the form runner in the men’s event. His win at the Common- wealth Games came despite him taking a wrong turn near the end of the race. The tragic death of world record holder Kelvin Kiptum in a car accident in February this year makes his training partner Kiplan- gat a favorite in Paris, though there is no shortage of competition in this event.



FAITH KIPYEGON • KENYA


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Kipyegon is a double Olympic 1,500-me- ters champion having won gold in 2016 and 2020, and showed she is as fast as ever ater seting a new world re- cord of 3:49.11 in 2023. She also claimed 5,000-meters gold at the World Champi- onships last year and at the age of 30, is in the form of her life. There is no word on whether she will tackle the 5,000 meters in Paris, but broke the world record over that distance in the French capital last year, though her mark has since been lowered by Ethiopian Gudaf Tsegay.



TATJANA SMITH • SOUTH AFRICA


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The South African 100-meters and 200-meters breaststroke queen has a new surname these days following her marriage to Joel Smith, the brother of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi’s wife Rachel. The 26-year-old has had a tough 2024 with injury but has booked her place in Paris and will look to add to her Olympic medals tally ater gold in the 200 meters and silver in the 100 meters in Tokyo. She remains one of South Africa’s best medal hopes in Paris.



LETSILE TEBOGO • BOTSWANA


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The 20-year-old sprinter claimed the silver medal in the 100 meters at the World Championships last year in a rapid time of 9.88 seconds, and also took bronze in the 200 meters. He is in a hugely competi- tive ield, but is seen as one of the best up-and-coming sprinters in the world. Could these Games come too soon for him? Perhaps, but he will certainly be one to watch in the glamor event at the Olympics.



GUDAF TSEGAY • ETHIOPIA


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Tsegay took bronze in the 5,000 meters in Tokyo, but will be looking for much more than that this time round having set a new world record just last year. She also claimed the gold medal in the 10,000 meters at the World Champion- ships in Budapest and was 2023 Diamond League champion for over 5,000. Just to show her all-round capabilities, she is also record holder indoors for the 1,500 meters. She will likely race over 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters in Paris.



EMMANUEL WANYONYI• KENYA


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At just 19 years of age, Wanyonyi is a relatively new name on the circuit, but he has been making waves and claimed a silver medal at last year’s World Championships to go with gold as 2023 Diamond League champion. Canadian Marco Arop is his big rival and it is likely they will take the top two places on the podium, though in what order we don’t know.



HUGUES FABRICE ZANGO• BURKINA FASO


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Zango won bronze in Tokyo, but his form in the triple jump has improved immea- surably since then and he is perhaps a favorite for gold in Paris. He won irst prize at the World Championships and was rated number one in 2023, having also taken gold at the World Indoor Championships, seting himself up as the man to beat.

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The List: African Sports Stars Likely To Take The Top Places On The Olympics Podium

Jasmine Paolini, the first Italian player in the Open Era to reach the Round of 16 in each of the first three Women’s Singles Grand Slam events of a season, is of Ghanaian heritage.



This year, the 28-year-old tennis star made history by advancing to the fourth round at Wimbledon, a tournament with a 147-year legacy.



Her journey at the tournament ended with a loss to Barbora Krejcikova. However, Paolini has joined the ranks of Steffi Graf, Justine Henin, Serena Williams, and Venus Williams as one of the few women this century to reach the singles finals at both Roland-Garros and Wimbledon in the same year.



Paolini&#8217;s multicultural background adds to her unique charm. In a press conference following her loss to Iga Swiatek in the French Open final last month, she said, &#8220;I’m proud to have different bloods in my body. I’m Italian, born in Italy, but my mom is Polish, and my grandfather is from Ghana. I think I’m fast because of Ghana&#8230; I can speak Polish, and I think it&#8217;s something more to have in your person, it&#8217;s a plus.&#8221;


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Earlier this year, Paolini had also shared her thoughts on her heritage with BNPParibasOpen.com, noting, &#8220;Maybe I feel like I’m fast on court because of my Ghanaian heritage. From Poland, I have determination, and of course, I also have the Italian energy. It’s a mix, and I’m really proud of it.&#8221;



She reached the fourth round at the Australian Open, won her biggest title in Dubai, and finished as runner-up at Roland-Garros. These successes have propelled her from outside the world&#8217;s top 30 to her current career-high ranking of world No. 7. She is the first woman since Serena Williams in 2016 to reach two consecutive Grand Slam finals.



Paolini had never won a tour-level match on grass before this year. Her breakthrough came with a run to her first Wimbledon final, including a victory over Croatian Donna Vekic in the longest women&#8217;s semi-final in Wimbledon history on July 11.



After her final match, Paolini expressed her gratitude on social media, stating, &#8220;When I was little, I watched this fantastic tournament on TV. Playing in the final here is a lifetime memory. I didn’t win, but it’s still a good day. Thanks to everyone cheering for me — family, team, and sponsors.&#8221;

Day Eleven: The Championships – Wimbledon 2024

Of Ghanaian Heritage, Jasmine Paolini Reaches Back-To-Back Grand Slam Finals, First Since Serena Williams

Lagos-based designers and artisans handcrafted and dyed over 200 outfits for the opening ceremony.



Actively Black, a Black-owned athletic apparel company, is the official outfitter for the Nigerian delegation at this year&#8217;s Olympics, set to take place from July 26 to August 11 in France.



This partnership follows their 2022 collaboration with the Bobsled and Skeleton Federation of Nigeria, where they provided outfits for the Nigerian teams at the Winter Olympics in Beijing.



&#8220;As a former professional athlete, I understand how uniforms and sportswear in general should feel and move to support high-level athletic performance. Together with Actively Black co-founder, Bianca Winslow, we designed Nigeria’s track and field uniforms to enhance performance and reinforce a felt-sense of greatness that will carry Nigeria across the finish line and push them to win,&#8221; explains Lanny Smith, Actively Black co-founder and also former NBA player, to FORBES AFRICA.



This initiative also aims to promote careers in sports and fashion among young Nigerians. Smith highlights the historical significance of a Black-owned label representing a country at the Olympics. “It’s important to us as a brand to use this opportunity not only to drive legitimacy and visibility for Actively Black but also to platform Black and Nigerian creatives and share it with the larger Black community,” he says.



For the opening and closing ceremony kits, Actively Black&#8217;s design team used the concept of &#8216;the market,&#8217; a traditional central meeting place and hub of communication for various ethnic groups in Nigeria.



&#8220;By evoking the market concept, the collection showcases the diversity and cultural nuance of Nigerian identity.&#8221;



The kit itself celebrates both traditional elements of Nigerian culture and modern advancements that have positioned the country as an emerging economic power. For the opening ceremony, women will wear classic buba (blouse) dresses, and men will wear traditional Nigerian senator suits, all handcrafted in Lagos from Funtua cotton, featuring a classic block print in the green and white of the Nigerian flag.



In contrast, the track and field uniforms and podium outfits take a modern approach. The uniforms are made from a signature performance material in white and green to echo the Nigerian flag and are designed to support high-level performance. Podium looks feature classic Actively Black athleisure styles in white, with the Nigerian eagle symbolizing the country’s strength.



Each outfit will be accessorized with gele (traditional headgear) for women and fila (hats) for men.

Sports couture for the Olympics; image by Sammy Oguejiofor1

‘Collection Showcases The Diversity And Cultural Nuance Of Nigerian Identity’: Former NBA Player’s Company Will Dress Team Nigeria At The Olympics

Finally, since their first semifinal in 1992 and after 32 years of disappointment, South Africa have got over the line.  



Seven semifinal heartbreaks later and South Africa have finally made it to the decider of a World Cup as they demolished Afghanistan by nine wickets on Thursday to set up a meeting with either India or England in the final of the T20 global showpiece event.



Asked to bowl first at the Brian Lara Stadium in Barbados, the Proteas skittled their opponents for a paltry 56, an innings where Extras was the top-scorer with 13 and only Azmatullah Omarzai (10) made it to double figures among the batters.



<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="679" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GettyImages-2159436001.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62265 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GettyImages-2159436001.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GettyImages-2159436001-300x199.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GettyImages-2159436001-768x509.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
Marco Jansen of South Africa celebrates with teammates after dismissing Nangyal Kharoti of Afghanistan (not pictured) during the ICC Men&#8217;s T20 Cricket World Cup West Indies &amp; USA 2024 Semi-Final match between South Africa and Afghanistan at Brian Lara Cricket Academy on June 26, 2024 in Tarouba, Trinidad And Tobago. (Photo by Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
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Wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi (3-6) cleaned up the tail, but the damage was done up front by fast bowlers Marco Jansen (3-16), Kagiso Rabada (2-14) and Anrich Nortje (2-7).



It was never a total that was going to worry the South Africans and they reached their target for the loss of one wicket in 8.5 overs.&nbsp;&nbsp;



One more victory in Saturday’s final and South Africa will become the first ever side to go through a T20 World Cup unbeaten and lift a trophy that has proven frustratingly elusive in the past.



“It feels good, it was a massive squad effort,” Proteas captain Aiden Markram said at the post-match presentation. “I’m really chuffed for us to have one more crack at lifting the trophy.



“We were fortunate to have lost that toss, we also would&#8217;ve batted. The bowlers got it in the right areas and kept it really simple in these conditions. It&#8217;s quite tough for batters but we knew it was a matter of building a partnership (in the chase).”



South Africa had been to five semifinals in the 50-over World Cup, the most recent last year in India, and to two in the T20 version, and fallen short on each occasion through a mixture of weather woes, poor decisions, bad luck and being outplayed.



Finally, since their first semifinal in 1992 and after 32 years of disappointment, they have got over the line.&nbsp;&nbsp;



“There are a lot of people waking up (in South Africa) with a little bit more grey hair, but this win will be comforting for them. We&#8217;ve never been to the final before, but there&#8217;s a lot of belief,” Markram said.

South Africa v Afghanistan: Semi-Final – ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup West Indies & USA 2024

‘A Massive Squad Effort’: South Africa’s Historic Path To Elusive T20 World Cup Final

Ronwen Williams was recently crowned the best goalkeeper in the southern African region by COSAFA, but in truth he is among the leading glovemen across all the continent following a superb 12 months for both club and country.



The 32-year-old was rewarded for his form with a new contract at Mamelodi Sundowns, perhaps suggesting that a move to Europe is now unlikely, and as national team captain has reset his focus on taking Bafana Bafana to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.



Having made his professional debut in South Africa’s topflight as a 19-year-old at SuperSport United, a rarity to have a teenage keeper play in the elite level, in the subsequent 13 years he has reached legend status in the local game and is arguably at the peak of his powers.



But what is also true is that he is expected to meet incredibly high standards at Sundowns, who again will vie for six trophies in the coming 2024/25 season where they will be expected to do well in all, and lift more than the two pieces of silverware they managed in the last campaign.



“It&#8217;s tough, really tough, because you have the board supported by the chairman (Tlhopie Motsepe) that do so much for us,” Williams tells FORBES AFRICA. “They go out of their way to make sure things are smooth, are good, we are well prepared and therefore they are very demanding.



<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:56% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="682" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Ronwen-Williams-Image-credit-COSAFA-2-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62230 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Ronwen-Williams-Image-credit-COSAFA-2-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Ronwen-Williams-Image-credit-COSAFA-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Ronwen-Williams-Image-credit-COSAFA-2-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Ronwen-Williams-Image-credit-COSAFA-2-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Ronwen-Williams-Image-credit-COSAFA-2-2048x1363.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
Ronwen Williams receives COSAFA Men&#8217;s Goalkeeper of the Year award during the 2024 COSAFA Awards at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on the 9th of May 2024 (©Nokwanda Zondi/BackpagePix)
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“The nice thing about pressure is you can feel it. You just need to show up to your job, win games, win as many trophies as possible. And enjoy it. I would rather be in this situation than any other situation, because there&#8217;s lots to play for, there&#8217;s lots of success, there&#8217;s a lot of trophies, there&#8217;s a lot of (financial) incentives as well.



“The coach (Rulani Mokwena) protects us from it, he shields us away from the pressure. So, we enjoy it and we want to be successful and we want to rewrite history.”



What that success has brought is a place at the top table in global club football when Sundowns take part in next year’s inaugural FIFA Club World Cup along with the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid.



“That we are going to be part of this tournament, with so many (top) teams, speaks volumes for the club and the direction we want to go,” Williams says. “We were part of the first African Football League too. So, it just shows you know the level that we are at and what we want to achieve as a club.”



Williams has been a key figure in the recent upturn in fortunes for Bafana, not just as a shot-stopper, but also the captain of the side. Many have been surprised by the rapid improvement in the national team, but he always felt it was around the corner.



It culminated in a third place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Ivory Coast, where Williams won the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award.



“In many interviews I&#8217;ve done over the last year I told journalists that I can see Bafana Bafana doing well at Afcon and no one believed me,” he said. “But we knew what we were building, we knew the brotherhood we had and the talent that I&#8217;ve seen.



“Now, if you have the brotherhood and the team spirit is tops, there&#8217;s nothing that can stand in your way. The unity can carry you when you don&#8217;t maybe have the best players and when things are not going well.



“That&#8217;s when you count on each other and that showed at Afcon when things were tough, and guys were injured. When guys were tired, when you start missing your family, that&#8217;s when the brother comes through for you.”

South Africa v DR Congo – TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations

‘We Want To Rewrite History’: Place At The Top Table In Global Club Football For South African Star

Jerry Jones paid $150 million for the Dallas Cowboys in 1989. Just the team’s brand is now worth $1.73 billion, the most in sports. 



The Dallas Cowboys were a dying brand when Jerry Jones paid $150 million for the NFL team and the operating rights to its stadium in 1989. Three Super Bowls—1992, 1993, 1995—a new stadium, a ton of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/cowboys/news/jerry-jones-dallas-peter-king-rumors-ccontroversy-bad-news-publicity-billion" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">publicity</a>&nbsp;over the course of 35 years and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.samford.edu/sports-analytics/fans/2022/Die-Hard-or-Fair-Weather-Fans-Ranking-All-32-NFL-Fan-Bases" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">largest fan base</a>&nbsp;in the NFL has the Cowboys valued at $9 billion and the name of the team alone worth $1.73 billion—the most in team sports. It’s been a long time since the Cowboys played for the Lombardi Trophy, but Jones&nbsp;<a href="https://www.managingip.com/article/2a5ch91g842powa8owiyo/jerry-jones-dallas-cowboys-the-business-of-branding" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">created the template</a>&nbsp;for branding in sports.



Can you quantify the value of a sports team brand? We think our proprietary model gets pretty close, or at least provides a reasonable way to measure brands on in an equal, mathematical way. Our team brand values measure the portion of the team’s enterprise value not attributable to the size or demographics of the team’s market, the venue or league-shared revenue. In essence, Forbes’ proprietary formula of team brand values quantifies how much of its worth is over-and-above what the typical team in the same league and similar market is worth (as derived from a multiple of revenue).



Take stadium sponsorships and advertising, for example. The Cowboys rake in over $260 million from these sources during 2022 at AT&amp;T Stadium versus an average of about $65 million for other big market teams that control their stadiums like the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans. Our brand calculation counts roughly $130 million of the Cowboys sponsorship and advertising revenue towards the value of its brand.



In basketball, the Los Angeles Lakers brand take the top spot with a brand value of $1 billion. The Lakers generated over $160 million from their local media rights during the 2022-23 season, some $20 million more than the New York Knicks and more than double what the Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls earned. The Lakers local media rights are worth $20 million in brand value.



Winning Champions League trophies is what Real Madrid is<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCWX_C66Udo" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">&nbsp;all about</a>, and a big reason the Spanish side, which recently&nbsp;<a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/kylian-mbappe-real-madrid-shirt-number-b2555695.html" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">signed</a>&nbsp;superstar Kylian Mbappe, are the world’s most valuable brand among soccer teams. One big payoff for the team’s brand is having the most valuable kit and front-of-jersey deals in soccer, worth a combined average of $207 million per season. Of that $207 million, our formula applies $52 million to Real Madrid’s brand value.



To get the most valuable sports team brands we culled our data base of MLB, NHL, NFL, NBA and soccer teams based on our most recent team valuations for each league. The ten most valuable brands, listed in the table below, is dominated by soccer, which comprises four teams. That is not hard to understand given soccer is the most global team sport in the world. No NHL or MLS teams made our top 10 list because their revenue, and thus by extension brand values, are too low.

Jamal Murray Attends Melbourne NBA Store Opening

The World’s Most Valuable Sports Team Brands

Zimbabwean physiotherapist Dr Nonhlanhla Mkumbuzi is working to understand how injuries can affect female African players particularly, and how this might differ to those of athletes overseas.



Football may be played to the same rules the world over, but the game differs wildly from continent to continent in style and substance, and most certainly when it comes to the types of injuries sustained by players.



Understanding this is important, because it not only points to the treatment of injuries, but perhaps more crucially, how clubs and national teams can prevent them occurring in the first place.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="alignleft size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HEADSHOT-A-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62080" style="width:341px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HEADSHOT-A-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HEADSHOT-A-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HEADSHOT-A-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HEADSHOT-A-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HEADSHOT-A-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HEADSHOT-A-scaled.jpg 1706w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dr Nonhlanhla Mkumbuzi (photo supplied)</figcaption></figure></div>


Zimbabwean Dr Nonhlanhla Mkumbuzi is a sports physiotherapist and has a Ph.D. in Exercise Science, and is striving to understand how female African players, in particular, are affected by injuries, and how this might differ from a player in England or the United States (U.S.).



Mkumbuzi has an impressive CV, she is a lecturer in the Department of Sports, Exercise and Rehabilitation at Northumbria University in the United Kingdom and is editor of the British Journal of Sports Medicine. She is also a research associate at the Department of Human Movement Science at the Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha, South Africa.



So, there is no better person to tackle this subject.



“We have been conducting research on female African football players since 2020 because there is simply not a lot of information out there,” Mkumbuzi tells FORBES AFRICA. “In fact, there is not a lot of research on female athletes worldwide in general.



“The decisions we are therefore making for our female football players is largely based on data from the men’s game. You could ask why it matters, football is football, but men and women are inherently different.



“To go further, women in Zimbabwe are different from women in New Zealand or Panama, so we can’t just cut and paste data from one group of people to another and hope for the best. That does not lead to very good outcomes.



“We want to develop rich data that comes from African women football players that can be used to help other female African players, assisting with things like training, injury prevention, the menstrual cycle and so on.”



The very high prevalence of crippling ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries in Europe and the U.S. is not seemingly replicated in Africa on the same scale. On this continent, it is the ankles that suffer. “Generally, the trends show female athletes in general are at increased risk of getting ACL injuries versus males,” Mkumbuzi says. “Some studies suggest females are eight times more likely to pick up these types of injuries. But that is not so much the case in Africa.



“There could be many reasons, including under-reporting, or the fact that players don’t 



have the money to get an MRI scan to diagnose the injury, and we just call it a general knee injury.



“The fixture list is also not as congested in Africa as it is in the developed world, so our players are not playing every three or so days like they do in Europe and the U.S.



“The data we have collected in the last three years shows we have had more ankle injuries, so it would make sense for us to create injury prevention strategies for those instead.”



The research covers several other subjects, all with an aim of providing information to clubs and member associations on where to invest in ensuring the comfort and safety of female players on the continent, providing African solutions to African problems.



Mkumbuzi admits that funding for the research is “ad hoc and tenuous at best” but intends to continue as long as she can, having recently provided recommendations based on player interviews on how to best manage the sensitive topic of the menstrual cycle.



A total of 281 footballers from 11 countries were interviewed to understand the shortcomings in current policy and facilities available to players, with the hope that it can effect change. For Mkumbuzi, it is the continuation of a life-long passion to marry sports and science.



“I decided I was going to be a sports physiotherapist in 2002. I was watching the (men’s) World Cup in South Korea and Japan. I think Brazil was playing someone, and I just decided I was going to be that person who runs onto the field when people are injured. The word physiotherapist was not even in my vocabulary back then.



“I have spent most of my adult like on a sports field in one capacity or other, and hope that through this research we can shine a spotlight on the issues facing African female footballers specifically and develop plans to help them. “This is not just research for players, but for national associations too so that when they are putting together budgets for their women’s teams, they can provide adequate support in all these areas.”

Football – 2023 Hollywoodlbets COSAFA Womens Championship – Namibia v Botswana – Lucas Moripe Stadium – Pretoria

Data-Driven: The Zimbabwean Physiotherapist Helping Female African Footballers

Villarreal v Real Madrid CF – La Liga EA Sports

The World’s Most Valuable Soccer Teams 2024

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



Saudi Arabia is set to sponsor the Women&#8217;s Tennis Association&#8217;s rankings for the next five years in the third major tennis deal to be struck in the Kingdom this year, as the country continues its high-dollar push into the world of sports that has so far included a partnership with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/anafaguy/2023/06/06/pga-tour-and-saudi-backed-liv-golf-agree-to-merge/#:~:text=PGA%20Tour%20and%20LIV%20Golf%20signed%20an%20agreement%20to%20combine,%2C%E2%80%9D%20according%20to%20the%20announcement.">PGA</a>, hosting a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbesmiddleeast.com/lifestyle/sports/saudi-arabia-to-make-its-formula-one-grand-prix-debut-in-2021" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Formula One Grand Prix</a>&nbsp;and signing the world&#8217;s highest-paid&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/profile/cristiano-ronaldo/">soccer player</a>, among other moves.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h2>



Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the national sovereign wealth fund of the country, became the naming-rights partner for the WTA on Monday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-arabia-wta-rankings-tennis-42fc2c995beac7915eefc367e73f5275" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">multiple</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2024/05/20/wta-pif-partnership" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">outlets</a>&nbsp;reported.



The deal comes one month after the association&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wtatennis.com/news/3952623/riyadh-selected-as-the-host-of-wta-finals-from-2024-2026" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">announced</a>&nbsp;its championship series would be held in Riyadh for the next three years and that its prize money would be bumped to a record-breaking $15.25 million, up 70% from 2023.



The decision to host the finals tournament in the Kingdom was a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/hrw/status/1778518445727916207" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">controversial</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/minkyworden/2024/04/05/saudi-arabia-hasnt-earned-womens-tennis-championships/?sh=26375d6b5585">move</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/may/05/saudi-topspin-tennis-fans-overlook-brutal-repression-of-women-catherine-bennett" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">criticized</a>&nbsp;by fans and groups who saw the partnership as a blow to women considering Saudi Arabia’s history of human rights abuses and female oppression.



In February, it was announced Saudi Arabia would also sponsor the ATP men&#8217;s rankings for the next five years and the ATP tour moved its leading tournament for 21-and-under players, set for November, to Jedda.



At the start of the year, top player Rafael Nadal was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/39317652/rafael-nadal-named-ambassador-saudi-tennis-federation" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">announced</a>&nbsp;as an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation, an organization aimed at growing the sport in the region.



Iga Świątek, the No. 1 ranked female tennis player in the world, has remained relatively neutral on the WTA’s partnerships with Saudi Arabia but did&nbsp;<a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/wta-tennis-news-dont-have-any-decision-making-power-iga-swiateks-hopeless-revelation-about-saudi-deal-and-wtas-negotiations-with-coco-gauff-herself-and-top-stars/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">say</a>&nbsp;she thought players &#8220;do not have any decision-making power&#8221; when it comes to the WTA&#8217;s deals.



American player Coco Gauff, currently world No. 3,&nbsp;<a href="https://deadspin.com/wta-tennis-finals-saudi-arabia-gauff-king-evert-1851220631/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">has said</a>&nbsp;while she doesn&#8217;t support the treatment of women in Saudi Arabia, &#8220;I hope that we’re able to make change and improve the quality and engage in the local communities and make a difference.”



Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts:&nbsp;We’re launching text message alerts so you&#8217;ll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to&nbsp;<a href="https://tel:2013350739/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">(201) 335-0739</a>&nbsp;or sign up&nbsp;<a href="https://joinsubtext.com/forbes" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">here</a>:&nbsp;<a href="https://joinsubtext.com/forbes" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">joinsubtext.com/forbes.</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



Saudi Arabia has made a series of sudden and expensive moves in the sports world over the last five years, trading massive sums of money for influence and participation on the world stage. Since 2020, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pif.gov.sa/en/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Public Investment Fund</a>, which claims to have $925 billion under management, made investments that established a new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbesmiddleeast.com/lifestyle/sports/saudi-arabia-to-make-its-formula-one-grand-prix-debut-in-2021" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Formula One Grand Prix</a>&nbsp;in Jeddah, launched a new golf tour called LIV that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeozanian/2023/09/28/pga-wants-us-money-as-insurance-for-opposition-of-saudi-takeover/?sh=3785347a3a81">later merged</a>&nbsp;with the PGA, took control of four domestic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65813662" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">football clubs</a>&nbsp;(including Cristiano Ronaldo&#8217;s Al Nassr), sponsored the 2023 Women’s World Cup and hosted a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/tyson-fury-oleksandr-usyk-live-updates-fight-card-ring-walks-time/xt7fyW7OZW3d/#:~:text=Oleksandr%20Usyk%20defeats%20Tyson%20Fury%20via%20split%20decision&amp;text=The%20Briton%20survived%20a%20standing,as%20114%2D113%20against%20him." rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">boxing match</a>&nbsp;between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. Saudi Arabia also made an unsuccessful joint bid with Greece and Egypt to host the 2030 Men’s World Cup. Critics have accused the moves of being an attempt to &#8220;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/minkyworden/2023/02/10/saudi-arabias-newest-sportswashing-strategy-sponsorship-of-womens-world-cup/">sportswash</a>&#8221; the country&#8217;s human rights abuse history while trying to enhance its reputation as a world player. The World Economic Forum ranks Saudi Arabia 131st out of 146 countries in its 2023&nbsp;<a href="https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_GGGR_2023.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Global Gender Gap Report</a>, four places lower than it ranked in 2022. A so-called &#8220;<a href="https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/03/saudi-arabia-personal-status-law-codifies-discrimination-against-women/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Personal Status Law</a>&#8221; implemented in 2022, codified a number of rules that require women to have a male guardian&#8217;s permission to marry or divorce. The country also does not recognize LGBTQ rights and homosexuality is still punishable by imprisonment, death and beating. Saudi Arabia has made recent strides towards a more equitable gender treatment—a decades-old ban on female drivers was lifted in 2018 and child marriages were banned in 2019—but still lags far behind other nations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-number">BIG NUMBER</h2>



$6.3 billion. Saudi Arabia has spent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/26/revealed-saudi-arabia-6bn-spend-on-sportswashing" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">at least</a>&nbsp;that much on sports deals since 2021.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chief-critic">CHIEF CRITIC</h2>



A number of current and former tennis players have spoken against the partnerships struck by Saudi Arabia in the world of tennis, particularly women&#8217;s tennis. Martina Navratilova, a legendary player who won 59 major titles in the 1970s and 80s, and her greatest rival Chrissie Evert together&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/01/24/evert-navratilova-wta-saudi-arabia/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">wrote an op-ed</a>&nbsp;for the Washington Post titled, “We did not help build women’s tennis for it to be exploited by Saudi Arabia.” Minky Worden, director of global initiatives for Human Rights Watch, wrote “the idea that women’s tennis would go to repressive Saudi Arabia, where the male guardianship system denies women basic human rights, is an offense to the pioneers who made women’s tennis popular. Given the poor state of women’s rights in Saudi Arabia, women’s tennis should not contribute to covering up repression in the country.&#8221; Others who did not support the partnerships with Saudi Arabia include&nbsp;<a href="https://www.outsports.com/2024/4/4/24090783/wta-finals-riyadh-saudi-arabia-lgbtq-gay-human-rights-daria-kasatkina/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Daria Kasatkina</a>, an openly gay player who regularly vlogs her travels with her girlfriend.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contra">CONTRA</h2>



Billie Jean King, a pioneering tennis player who threatened to boycott the U.S. Open in 1973 if it didn&#8217;t pay its male and female winners equally for their victories,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbssports.com/tennis/news/billie-jean-king-says-partnership-between-wta-saudi-arabia-would-be-beneficial-for-both-sides/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">last summer said</a>&nbsp;she supported talks between the women&#8217;s tour and Saudi Arabia. She said hosting WTA events in the country could help further its women&#8217;s rights movement. In October, when it appeared a deal between the tour and Kingdom was likely,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/sports/tennis/king-believes-wta-will-go-saudi-arabia-2023-10-19/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">she added</a>, &#8220;The thing I&#8217;m concerned about is the women, I want change if we go. But I&#8217;m big on engagement and inclusion so it&#8217;s a tough one.&#8221;



Forbes Daily: Join over 1 million Forbes Daily subscribers and get our best stories, exclusive reporting and essential analysis of the day’s news in your inbox every weekday.Get the latest news on special offers, product updates and content suggestions from Forbes and its affiliates.Sign Up

Internazionali BNL D’Italia 2024 – Day Four

Saudi Arabia To Sponsor Women’s Tennis Rankings—In Third Major Deal This Year

Collin Benjamin was an unknown when he left his native Namibia in the 1990s, becoming one of the best African imports into the German league. Back in Windhoek, he wants to improve the professional football club landscape with the virtues learned from his Germany stint. 



There have been thousands of African footballers who have left the continent to seek fame and fortune on the football fields of Europe, where the earnings can be eye- wateringly plentiful and international glory beckons.



The likes of Samuel Eto’o, Abedi Pele, Didier Drogba, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah have been turned into worldwide icons by their exploits and remain massive role models.



But the cycle of moving overseas to play and then returning home to share the knowledge and expertise gained has been largely limited, making it always heartening when this is competed.



One such example is Collin Benjamin, who was an unknown when he left his native Namibia in the 1990s to try his luck in Germany.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="alignleft size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="809" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Collin-Benjamin-image-supplied-809x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-61913" style="width:421px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Collin-Benjamin-image-supplied-809x1024.jpg 809w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Collin-Benjamin-image-supplied-237x300.jpg 237w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Collin-Benjamin-image-supplied-768x972.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Collin-Benjamin-image-supplied-1214x1536.jpg 1214w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Collin-Benjamin-image-supplied-1618x2048.jpg 1618w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Collin-Benjamin-image-supplied-scaled.jpg 2023w" sizes="(max-width: 809px) 100vw, 809px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Collin Benjamin, coach of Namibia ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix</figcaption></figure></div>


There have always been close footballing contacts between the southern African country and its former colonizer and the contacts helped Benjamin find a club in the semi-professional ranks. There is little glamor there but players head in that direction in the hope it proves a springboard.



This is what happened to Benjamin, who went on to spend a decade playing in the Bundesliga and became one of the best African imports into the German league.



After his career at Hamburger SV and 1860 Munich, he worked as a junior coach in Germany before deciding to go home to Windhoek.



Since then, he has worked his way through the coaching ranks with Namibia’s junior teams and on to the senior side, when he qualified for this year’s Africa Cup of Nations.



It was only the fourth time Namibia reached the finals, and in the Ivory Coast, they set new standards, winning for a first time and also qualifying for the knockout phase – something they had not done before.



Benjamin felt the urge to return home, knowing his experience could be a force for good.



“Namibia is my country that gave me the chance to become a footballer. I returned to Windhoek in 2016 because I wanted to give something back to the country with my academy after my almost 20 years in Germany,” he explains to FORBES AFRICA.



“The fact that we were now able to give something back with the achievements at the Cup of Nations finals and that I can do this job makes me very happy and grateful.” Benjamin has had to deal with limited facilities, much changed from his time in Germany with their abundant resources.



Namibia’s small population also means a restricted pool of talent to choose from plus the country’s administrators have been reportedly fighting each other over the last decade, leaving the professional club landscape in tatters.



Benjamin says, however, that there was a fire burning within all his players, just as there was with him when he was starting out.



“You know, less talent, more work, and just the hunger. They all want to get out of Namibia and have an opportunity to play outside in another country.”



That spurred Namibia to a successful tournament in the Ivory Coast, including an upset win over Tunisia, who were at the last World Cup finals in Qatar.



“Basically, it was that hunger, wanting to succeed, knowing that clubs elsewhere cannot see them at home. The only platform they have to make a name for themselves is the national team.”



Benjamin has looked to harness that as best he can. “My approach is basically to look at what you have talentwise but also your personality. I’m of the opinion that I was not the best player, but I could make it and go and play in Germany just because of basic hunger and work ethic. I believe that you have to work if you want to achieve. I felt I had to get the team centered and create an ambition in them. They had to know that they should work towards something, and only through work you can achieve those goals. We had to become a lot fitter and play with more aggression and just learn to make things difficult for your opponent. So, it was basically just those principles. Those are kind of like my life principles that I’m just trying to instil in them.”



Moving from Germany has not proven easy because Namibia is hampered not only by a small pool of players but also a lack of facilities. Their two stadiums in Windhoek have both been ruled unfit for international matches by Confederation of African Football inspectors. Namibia have had to host their ‘home’ matches in South Africa.



“It’s not something that I’m going to hide, I do get frustrated. The whole parliament have been congratulating us, influential people, politicians, but we don’t need that. We want them to use their influence to at least have a stadium where we can play our matches, so that these players actually have something to dream about and people to cheer for them. If you want to compete on this continental stage, you need to win your home games and for us that’s not possible as long



as our stadiums are banned because they need to be upgraded.” But his job is still a thrill. “I don’t want hero status. For me it’s about something completely different. In Germany, with my easy nature, I was certainly seen by everyone as an African, and many of the boys in the team probably thought of me as ‘He’s not African, he’s European’. I am of course African. But I have internalized German virtues such as discipline, I try to mix and bring together the best of both cultures. So far, the combination has worked very well. I didn’t have a career plan before. My only goal was to further develop football in Namibia. And we’re not done yet,” warns Benjamin.

Football – 2022 Hollywood bets Cosafa Cup – Namibia Training – Princess Magogo Stadium

The Sportsman Kick-Starting Change From Germany To Namibia

National Basketball Association (NBA) Africa recently unveiled an initiative to support the sports and creative industries on the continent through mentorship and capital infusion.



Clare Akamanzi, CEO of NBA Africa, said in a statement, about the launch of the Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator: &#8220;This groundbreaking new initiative reflects our commitment to expanding the African sports ecosystem, and these incredible companies will be at the forefront of shaping the future of sport on the continent.&#8221;



Operating under the guidance of ALX Ventures, a technology incubator, the accelerator program is open to early-stage startups across Africa, focusing on event management, ticketing, youth development, AI, and digital marketing within the sports and creative sectors.



Startups have until May 31 to apply, with the top 10 submissions advancing to the next stage.



Selected startups will receive mentorship from NBA Africa, ALX leadership, and other corporate stakeholders to refine their products and develop business strategies. The journey culminates in a Demo Day in New York City during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September, where finalists will pitch their innovations to a panel of industry leaders.



The impact of this initiative extends beyond business growth.



Beninese sports enthusiast Evrard Odjrado shares with FORBES AFRICA, &#8220;The program will help African startups to upgrade their skills and develop new fundraising strategies. Also, it will have a big impact on the African economy and transform definitively the sports industries.&#8221;



For Nigerian analyst Dayo Mustapha, the development is important for the education and investment in youth development towards expansion of Africa&#8217;s sporting and creative sectors.



&#8220;With ALX Ventures&#8217; track record in nurturing young techpreneurs, coupled with robust funding and mentorship, this initiative will catalyze significant advancements in the sports industry through digital technology,&#8221; says Mustapha.

NBA Academy Africa v U23 Rwanda

Global Sports Body’s Startup Accelerator To Support Africa’s Tech Ecosystem

SA20 Commissioner and former South African cricketer Graeme Smith on the ambition to create the biggest league outside of India, and why putting on a show off the pitch is as important to attract a new audience.



South Africa has the potential to create the biggest Twenty20 domestic competition outside of the Indian Premier League (IPL), says a confident SA20 Commissioner Graeme Smith, who also has an eye on shaking up the local entertainment industry.



Former South Africa opening batter Smith, the most successful captain in Test history, is leading what he believes will be a cricket revolution in the country to attract a new generation of fans to the game.



He helped to launch the six-team SA20 (a Twenty20 franchise cricket tournament in South Africa) in 2023 having had only three months to pull together the competition, and while there were some grumbles around the scheduling, the cricket itself was top draw and spectators responded by packing out venues.



The six franchises share owners – and in some instances players – with the teams in the IPL, and this has opened up the massive, lucrative Indian market, which has a seemingly insatiable appetite for the game.



A 10-year deal with Indian broadcaster Viacom18 worth $10 million (R190 million) a season is in place, and including other sponsors, there is already $400 million (R7.5 billion) in committed income over the next decade. That is likely to grow substantially too.



“Closing our broadcasters was important. If we have ambitions to be the biggest league outside of India, to have the SA20 beamed into homes all around the world is crucial to that,” Smith tells FORBES AFRICA.



“Last year we built this product in three months, it was a mad rush. So since then, we have focussed on



where we can improve the fan experience and making sure we are consistent and delivering at the same level. “When I look at the teams, I think we have delivered across the board. They look stronger and the balance is better with incredible international talent and good rookie players. Making sure the cricket gets better and better will always be the core.”



The Mumbai Indians Cape Town, Durban Super Giants and Sunrisers Eastern Cape may seem like odd names to many for a South African domestic league, but Smith admits that tapping into the expertise of IPL franchises has been crucial to the fast development of SA20.



“It’s very difficult to compete with the IPL, I don’t think it’s even possible. But certainly, outside India, we have the opportunity to put this competition on the map with players and fans around the world in the months of January and February,” Smith says.



“Traveling overseas and talking to people, the two things that came out (from year one) were the quality of the cricket in SA20, but also the vibrancy of the people in the stadiums and how that looked on TV.”



Smith concedes that in this day and age, putting on a show off the pitch is as important as what fans see on it.



“Our other big ambition is to be the number one sports entertainment brand in South Africa. We invest heavily in music (at the venues), the look and feel of the stadiums, the activations at games and through the big screens.



“We want something for everyone and for people to come to the stadium for a number of reasons (not just the cricket).&#8221;



Figures supplied by SA20 suggest the inaugural year contributed R4.1 billion ($216.5 million) to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product and was played in front of 380,000 spectators, but the impact on the game of cricket in the country, which has perhaps stagnated in recent years, is potentially equally huge.



“We’ve been open about our ambition to revive the cricket fan in South Africa. It’s been a tough few years,” Smith says. “I think we managed to do that last year, but we also want to attract a new audience to the game and introduce cricket to them at a level where they can come and love the opportunity to be a part of something big.”



Smith says there is an aspirational element to the league. Getting youngsters to play the game is proving ever more challenging around the world and South Africa is no different. Leagues like the SA20 provide a lucrative career opportunity beyond the love of the game.



“It is important for youngsters to see that there is not only the dream of playing for the national team one day, but that there is a domestic competition of serious value, and a career can be built on it,” he says.



“There were a number of players that were picked up from season one (of SA20) and got IPL contracts as well. There is a proper career for youngsters coming through.”



More kids playing the game and a better standard of competition should also have a positive influence on the potential of the national team to compete in World Cups.



“We saw the IPL benefit Indian cricket hugely, the amount of talent they now have at their disposal is enormous,” Smith says.



“We want to be exposing South Africa’s top 70 or 75 players every season to the pressure of playing in front of huge crowds with an international broadcast, playing against the best players in the world and being exposed to some of the best coaches.”



The cricket world has changed dramatically since the introduction of T20 cricket in the early 2000s, the shorter, action-packed format more appealing for fans and broadcasters.



So where does that leave the purest form of the game, Test cricket, once very much the elite level for players, but now an after-thought for many fans?



“I still believe Test cricket has a place and will be strong,” Smith says. “It’s never going to be a 20-nation format, it’s going to be maybe your top six or seven nations in the world competing against each other.<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="15" height="14" src="">“But T20 cricket offers so much growth from an entertainment perspective and to bring new audiences into the game. That is why it is so important

South Africa v Afghanistan – ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020

South African Graeme Smith On Creating The Biggest T20 Domestic Competition Outside Of The IPL

<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“Rassie sets the tone around the culture of the group. I am close with Felix Jones, and he just said to me the pleasure when you are with the Springboks is working with the players.”
</blockquote>



South Africa have bolstered their attack and defence coaching as they go in search of a ‘three-peat’ and a hattrick of Rugby World Cup titles in Australia in 2027.



Former head coach Jacques Nienaber, who was primarily tasked with working on the defence, has left for Irish side Leinster, while Felix Jones, who had a big part to play in their attacking patterns, has linked up with the English national team.



With Rassie Erasmus back in the fold as head coach to replace Nienaber, he scoured the rugby world for replacements he feels can take the Springboks to the next level.



Former New Zealand flyhalf Tony Brown will become the first ex-All Black to be part of a Springbok technical team, something that might have seemed impossible in the past.



But he did previously play the Durban-based Sharks and Stormers from Cape Town, so has links to the game in the country.



“The Springboks have a proud history and for me to come in and be a part of that is a huge honor. The way the Springboks play the game is admired around the world,” Brown says. 



“I believe I can make a massive difference in helping the team on attack. If we add a few things to the attacking side, to go with the impressive defence, we can be really dominant.



“We will never change the Springboks identity; I will just find ways to add to how they play the game.”



Brown says he had no hesitation in accepting the job when it was offered to him, despite his All Black allegiances. 



“As soon as Rassie rang, I said ‘yes’. I did not have to consult anyone. The challenge is massive and I can’t wait to get into it.”



Former Ireland international hooker Jerry Flannery is the new defence coach, having previously worked with Erasmus at Irish side Munster.



He too has earned praise for his work ethic and understanding of how to get the best out of players and form roles for them that suit their attributes.



“It is pretty evident when you talk to the players and South African people, the team is so important for the country,” Flannery says. “The players feel a bigger sense of purpose when playing for this team. The pride is there, and it is a really special thing. I will bring my very best and look to add to that.



“There is a massive willingness to learn. You watch the players, their eyes are laser-focused on what the coach is delivering to them. The players want to get better. That makes the coach’s job really easy.



“Rassie sets the tone around the culture of the group. I am close with Felix Jones, and he just said to me the pleasure when you are with the Springboks is working with the players.”



South Africa begin their 2024 season with a game against Wales in London on June 22, before they welcome Ireland for a two-Test tour the following month which pits the number one and two teams in the world against one another.



“The Irish test will be pretty personal for me,” Flannery says. “Ireland are playing some fantastic rugby. It will be a fantastic test for us.”

Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus at a media conference to introduce the new technical team and preview the forthcoming season

‘Laser-Focused’: What South Africa’s New-Look Springboks Technical Team Will Bring In Their Various Roles

Chess unveils a boundless realm of imagination and possibility — a canvas where each match paints a unique tale of conflict and conquest, where kingdoms clash in a dance of uncertainty until the final, decisive moment. FORBES AFRICA takes a look at an NGO championing the game on the continent.



In the heart of the continent beats a timeless rhythm, a symphony of intellect and strategy that has resonated throughout the ages. In one West African nation, chess, a masterpiece of human ingenuity, transcends mere gameplay to become a captivating dialogue between minds, where moves speak volumes and every piece carries the weight of strategy.



And this Nigerian group is keeping the game alive. Chess In Slums Africa, a non-profit organization based in Lagos, uses an impact model to empower their champions, through several programs.



Regarding STEM education, robotics and digital skills, Tunde Onakoya, founder of the chess group, says, “This program aims to provide children with an immersive, hands-on learning experience in slum communities. It focuses on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education, particularly robotics, computer programming, coding, website design, graphic design, and animation.”



“Project C.A.S.T.L.E is a program that uses the game of chess to engage children from marginalized communities. It&#8217;s a game and a strategic tool that teaches critical thinking, patience, and problem-solving. The program is structured to take children from the basics to advanced levels, fostering intellectual growth and strategic planning,” Onakoya adds.



Beyond the confines of the chessboard, the initiative extends its reach to encompass the cultivation of essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Its overarching objective is to establish an educational haven, using chess as a vehicle for personal growth and empowerment. Through Project C.A.S.T.L.E, the aspiration is clear: to revolutionize lives, one strategic move at a time.



“LIFELINE is a dedicated initiative to promote long term personal and professional growth for children from underprivileged backgrounds. The program offers comprehensive support by providing educational scholarships and practical vocational training,” says Onakoya.



“It helps bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world skills. By empowering participants with mentorship, civic education, and financial literacy training, LIFELINE ensures well-rounded development and enables them to pursue their aspirations confidently. The program aims to nurture future leaders and innovators who drive positive change in their communities.”



When it comes to the academic, educational, and critical thinking skills cultivated by Chess in Slums Africa, Onakoya underscores the tailored approach of their program to address the unique challenges faced by the children they serve.



“Our program aims to address challenges stemming from limited access to quality education and resources by focusing on skills that are academically enriching, practical, and relevant to their daily lives,” he says.



Additionally, Onakoya highlights the ‘mental maths’ component, which enhances arithmetic skills and fosters quick thinking and mental agility.



“Through mental maths, children can rapidly perform complex calculations, strengthening their mathematical proficiency, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking abilities.”



The incorporation of tech programs also introduce essential digital literacy skills such as computer proficiency and coding fundamentals. This, he states, prepares the children for success in an increasingly technology-driven world, opening doors to future educational and career opportunities in STEM fields.



The program equips children with academically beneficial, culturally relevant and empowering skills, enabling them to overcome obstacles, pursue aspirations, and succeed not only in chess but also in life&#8217;s challenges.



Central to Chess in Slums Africa’s methodology is community engagement, actively involving local stakeholders to ensure programs are contextually relevant and responsive. Moreover, the importance of innovation and creativity, advocating for approaches that transcend traditional classroom settings to foster independent thought.



Onakoya highlights sustainability, emphasizing the need to address both immediate needs and ensure long-term impact through sustainable partnerships and by empowering children as agents of change.



Emerging from an initial disinterest in the Chess in Slums Africa program in the Majidun community, Jamiu Ninalowo surpassed expectations, becoming a leading player who outperformed his earlier-starting peers. Under the nurturing umbrella of the Chess in Slums Africa Scholarship and child development unit, Ninalowo blossomed. Completing his secondary school education, he begins a new chapter at Nexford University as a freshman, pursuing a Business Administration degree, specializing in Product Management. He is simultaneously taking courses in cybersecurity, and his chess prowess is improving by the day.



Another player – Miriam Kayang, born in the local government area of Obanliku, is the eldest of six children and a local footballer in her community. Kayang was encountered during a project in the country’s Cross River State in November 2022, among over 50 girls to whom the game of chess was taught. She was placed under a scholarship program to complete her secondary school education in 2023, and is currently a linguistics (French) student at the University of Calabar.



Overcoming initial dismissal from the Chess in Slums Africa training sessions in 2019, Fethina Maumo, a child with cerebral palsy, was born into the bustling Makoko informal settlement. Unyielding, Maumo’s determination won him a place in the sessions. His first step in English was memorizing the chess pieces and his triumph as the junior category winner forever shifted his narrative. Now, under the full sponsorship of Chess in Slums Africa, he is enrolled in school, competes in tournaments, and has received widespread recognition.



Chess, in all honesty, is like any other game at first glance. However, the beauty of it is its ability to build a mental toughness in its players akin to no other, much like the game’s own stand against the test of time.

Close-up Businessman playing chess .

How This Board Game Is Making A Difference In Lagos

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



French soccer star Kylian Mbappé has reportedly decided to join Real Madrid this summer after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires, ending months of speculation that the Spanish club could land the 25-year-old superstar.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h2>



French newspaper Le Parisien first reported the news, with ESPN further&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/39451576/kylian-mbappe-join-real-madrid-psg-summer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">confirming</a>&nbsp;Saturday, citing unnamed sources.



Sources told ESPN Mbappé has not informed PSG or Real Madrid, but his decision has been made and a decision could be announced next week.



Mbappé has been with PSG since 2017, when he first joined the club on loan from Monaco—PSG fully assumed his contract rights the next year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



Mbappé is widely considered one of the best players of his generation. He won a World Cup with France at age 19 in 2018 and was named the best young player of the tournament. At the 2022 World Cup, he was top scorer with eight goals as France made another run to the final, ultimately falling to Lionel Messi-led Argentina in penalty kicks. At the club level, he has been the top or co-lead scorer in France’s Ligue 1 for the past five seasons. He is again top scorer for this season so far with 20 goals—twice as many as the next-leading scorer. Mbappé’s tenure with PSG has long been accompanied by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/antoniopequenoiv/2023/06/12/mbapp-reportedly-leaving-paris-saint-germain-by-next-summer-after-earning-120-million-over-last-year/?sh=64edb7f4e232">rumors</a>&nbsp;of potential departures—and Real Madrid has been the top rumored landing place. In 2022, Real Madrid made a big-ticket offer to lure Mbappé away, but PSG was able to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/21/sports/soccer/mbappe-psg-real-madrid.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">secure him</a>&nbsp;to another two-year contract, which expires this August.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forbes-valuation">FORBES VALUATION</h2>



Mbappé is the third-highest paid athlete in the world, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/lists/athletes/?sh=4a3e794e5b7e">according</a> to Forbes’ latest World’s Highest Paid Athletes list, with total earnings of $120 million. Mbappé trails only Lionel Messi, who left PSG last year for Inter Miami, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who played for Real Madrid from 2009 to 2018. Real Madrid is the most valuable soccer team in the world, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/lists/soccer-valuations/?sh=6ba96cf198bb">Forbes estimates</a>, worth just over $6 billion.

Sweden v France – UEFA Nations League

Kylian Mbappé Reportedly Joining Real Madrid This Summer

A school in South Africa is giving children from disadvantaged backgrounds the chance to excel – in football and in the professional workspace.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote has-text-align-center is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“We&#8217;re the only place in southern Africa that&#8217;s giving an elite kid an opportunity to be holistically invested.”
</blockquote>



The Ubuntu Football Academy School in Cape Town, South Africa, recently won continental acclaim when they qualified their country for the finals of the CAF African Schools Football Championship.



The school, playing under the South African flag, defeated what was essentially the Malawi national side in the southern African Under-15 qualifiers that were staged in Harare in December.



It is a great achievement, but this school is about so much more than football, as Executive Director Casey Prince explains.



He moved with his young family from his native United States (US) to South Africa 14 years ago with the aim of starting a program that gave children from disadvantaged backgrounds the best possible chance to excel – in football or in the professional workspace.



A total of 22 graduates have gone on to receive academic scholarships in the US to add to the 25 players that have signed for professional clubs in South Africa and overseas.



In all, 28 players have received junior nation team call-ups, with SuperSport United’s Jesse Donn, Kaizer Chiefs’ Luke Fleurs and Stellenbosch FC’s Antonio Van Wyk having received senior call-ups for South Africa too.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="970" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/B23LPSM0239-1024x970.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-60917" style="width:604px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/B23LPSM0239-1024x970.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/B23LPSM0239-300x284.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/B23LPSM0239-768x728.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/B23LPSM0239-1536x1455.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/B23LPSM0239.jpg 1976w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


Image Above: Okestar Kanyenda of Malawi challenged by Joshua Langeveldt of South Africa during the 2023 CAF African Schools Football Championship COSAFA Day 3 at Gateway High School in Harare on the 16 December 2023 © Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix



Munashe Garananga has played for the senior national team of Zimbabwe and this season featured in the UEFA Europa League with Romanian side Sheriff Tiraspol.



“We recognize that in communities, the talent is evenly distributed, but opportunity isn&#8217;t,” Prince tells FORBES AFRICA. “And so we feel like we&#8217;re the only place in southern Africa that&#8217;s giving an elite kid an opportunity to be holistically invested.



“That means his education, his character, leadership and obviously his football. If you are a graduate and you&#8217;re playing professionally or in the national team, but you&#8217;re a horrible person, then we failed.



&#8220;We want every kid to get to Matric and have multiple options, so he can make the choice that excites him.&#8221;



The Academy has made strides in a short space of time, but Prince believes there is still much to do in the future, with an exciting new addition in 2024.



“We would love to see players from our academy playing in the (UEFA) Champions League and representing the full national team, we&#8217;ve had a few but we want the day when there&#8217;s five or six in every Bafana Bafana squad that came from Ubuntu,” he says.



“But we also want to see guys who are just going to do significant things with their lives, become teachers, policemen or other professionals. We had our first wedding this year, we are having the first children born. It&#8217;s those exciting things, to see them become great Dads.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="577" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/B23LPSM0498-1024x577.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-60918" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/B23LPSM0498-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/B23LPSM0498-300x169.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/B23LPSM0498-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/B23LPSM0498-1536x865.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/B23LPSM0498-2048x1153.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


South Africa Celebrates being Crowned Champions during the 2023 CAF African Schools Football Championship COSAFA Day 3 at Gateway High School in Harare on the 16 December 2023 © Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix



“I guess the new big development in 2024 is that we&#8217;re actually adding ladies to the program, which is exceptionally exciting for us.



“We&#8217;re having our first four or five girls in the school, along with an Under-12 team, and then from 2025 onwards we&#8217;ll start bringing in six or seven girls in every grade to the school. That&#8217;s our hope, that we&#8217;ll be fully integrated and balanced.”

Football – 2023 CAF African Schools Football Championship COSAFA – Boys – South Africa v Angola – Gateway High School – Day 1 – Harare

The Cape Town School Scoring With Good Football And The Ubuntu Spirit

Without the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology to automate and improve football decision-making, Africa faces being left behind while the world plays a different game.



Africa faces being left behind the rest of the world if the slow implementation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) continues at the same slow pace, which will be bad news not only for the integrity of football, but also the continent’s match officials. That is the view of Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Referees Manager Felix Tangawarima after the organization recently introduced VAR for their Women’s Championship and held a workshop for referees in how to most effectively use the system.



Tangawarima is well-placed to comment; he is a Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA Instructor and very much at the forefront of modern trends in officiating.



He says VAR is becoming the norm at FIFA events at all levels – male and female – and if the continent’s top officials want to be selected for these assignments, they will need to have the necessary training and experience, something that is currently lacking.



“VAR is there within the laws of the game and it is not going anywhere, so it is important for us to embrace it,” Tangawarima tells FORBES AFRICA. “In the future, if you want to go to a World Cup (as a match official), you will have to have practiced with VAR.



“FIFA will come any day and say every game will be VAR, so we urge our member associations at COSAFA to get ready for that. FIFA are looking for licensed officials and we don’t want our referees to be left out.”



The reason why the uptake of VAR has been so slow in Africa is well-documented. It is hugely expensive to buy the equipment and it has to be fixed at stadiums and cannot be easily moved around.



That is a problem for so many clubs on the continent who do not own their own stadiums, but rent from municipalities.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="703" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/VAR-tech-for-football-image-supplied-703x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-60832" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/VAR-tech-for-football-image-supplied-703x1024.jpg 703w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/VAR-tech-for-football-image-supplied-206x300.jpg 206w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/VAR-tech-for-football-image-supplied-768x1118.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/VAR-tech-for-football-image-supplied-1055x1536.jpg 1055w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/VAR-tech-for-football-image-supplied-1407x2048.jpg 1407w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/VAR-tech-for-football-image-supplied.jpg 1673w" sizes="(max-width: 703px) 100vw, 703px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Referee Maria Rivet checking VAR during the 2023 Hollywoodlbets COSAFA Womens 3rd/4th Playoff match between Zimbabwe and Mozambique at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria on 15 October 2023 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix</figcaption></figure></div>


Who is therefore responsible for the safe-keeping of this expensive equipment?



In terms of the South African Premier Soccer League, all the equipment is already in the country and waiting to be used, but the league has reportedly balked at the reported R40-million ($2.18 million) per season it will cost to run.



But a solution will have to be found or Africa faces being left in the dark ages in football terms, while the rest of the world plays a different game.



COSAFA hope their recent successful pilot project will show their own 14 member associations across southern Africa the way forward, and also the rest of the continent too.



“Our objective is to have as many referees registered and ready as possible,” Tangawarima says. “In the future we want to have VAR used in every game from the group stages of our tournaments. But the first step is to help the referees get licensed, so we must intensify the teaching they need and train as many as we can. The support we have had, which includes from FIFA and CAF, to help us, has been fantastic.



“COSAFA will be one of the first regions to implement VAR for its tournaments, though there are only some North African countries who have it already. So this is very exciting for us and the referees.”



COSAFA implemented the system fully from the semifinals onwards at the Women’s Championship in October, though behind-the-scenes, referees used the system as a training session.



They operated it as if it was live as part of their certification.



“For a referee to be licensed, they must have had 25 hours of training,” Tangawarima says. “We have done a five-day preparatory course, simply because a number of the referees were encountering VAR for the first time. The course includes theory, and of course practical.



“We tasked the project leader from FIFA (Mike van der Roest) with taking the referees through the theory part of it. We split the referees into two groups, the one on the field, the other in the booth using the VAR.



“Everyone is rallying behind this project, which will change the face of COSAFA.”

Football – 2023 Hollywoodbets COSAFA Womens Championship – COSAFA Referees VAR Workshop – Southern Sun Hotel

On A VAR Footing: Catching Up With The Game In Africa

SOUTH AFRICA’S UNPRECEDENTED RECORD FOURTH RUGBY WORLD CUP WIN GOES FAR BEYOND SPORTING EXCELLENCE – IT WAS A STUDY IN FUTURE PLANNING, ORGANIZATION, LEADERSHIP AND MENTALITY.



South Africa’s record fourth World Cup title was a seminal moment for the game in the country and highlighted the huge strides forward rugby has made in igniting a passion for the game among supporters of all races.



In a country struggling with an electricity crisis, economic downturn, high unemployment, crime and corruption, the Springboks’ 12-11 World Cup final win over New Zealand provided a rare chance to celebrate.



But the win goes far beyond sporting excellence and those who spearheaded it hope it can be a blueprint for success in all walks of South African life.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="681" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GettyImages-1763424326.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-60650" style="width:797px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GettyImages-1763424326.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GettyImages-1763424326-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GettyImages-1763424326-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA &#8211; NOVEMBER 04: Fans during the South Africa men&#8217;s national rugby team trophy tour on November 04, 2023 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images)</figcaption></figure></div>


The sight of thousands of adoring supporters lining the streets to see the team on their trophy tour in Soweto, South Africa’s largest township, was particularly striking given how rugby was once perceived to be the sport of the white Afrikaner during apartheid.



Those scenes were replicated across the country and showcase not only the love and admiration supporters have for the side, but also the deep respect for an unprecedented achievement.



The Springboks became the first team to lift the World Cup trophy on four occasions and the win was achieved with much more than skill and physical prowess alone, it was a study in future planning, organization, leadership and mentality. No team has had a harder path to victory, with South Africa meeting each of the other top six sides in the world rankings on their road to the trophy.



One point wins over hosts France, a dogged England and old foes New Zealand in the knockout stages was a test of their character as well as skillset.



Former Springbok flyhalf Joel Stransky kicked the winning drop-goal in extra-time when the side lifted their first World Cup title in front of a beaming Nelson Mandela in 1995.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="699" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GettyImages-1761533936.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-60649" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GettyImages-1761533936.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GettyImages-1761533936-300x205.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GettyImages-1761533936-768x524.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA &#8211; NOVEMBER 03: Siya Kolisi during the South Africa men&#8217;s national rugby team trophy tour on November 03, 2023 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)</figcaption></figure></div>


He was in France in a broadcast role and got to see the side operate at close quarters. He explains to FORBES AFRICA in an exclusive interview the secret to their success.



“That tough mentality is born from a few things,” Stransky says. “It comes from the huge effort that goes into what they do, a team spirit and genuine love for each other, and a burning desire to succeed. This team has a wonderful culture. “They work their socks off for each other and leave no stone unturned in preparation for every match. They also have that South African never-say-die attitude where they find a way to win games that other teams cannot. They are an exceptional bunch.”



Eloquent captain Siya Kolisi is a hugely-respected figure in the game around the world and in the aftermath of their victory spoke at length about the unity within the side and the fact that their diversity, with players coming from such different backgrounds, is what binds them together.



“We are a diverse and beautiful team from all walks of life. This trophy is for those who come from tough, disadvantaged areas,” Kolisi said.



“For the kid who needs to know that while things are tough for you, and you can’t afford school fees, you have no shoes to walk to school and no food at home, you can make something out of your life. Even when the situation does not look hopeful.



“We come from those backgrounds, this team represents everybody. We want people to say, ‘who can I look to that has made it from this situation’, and that is us. You can look at this team.”



It was a sentiment echoed by scrumhalf Cobus Reinach, whose upbringing could not have been more different than Kolisi’s, but whose mentality is the same.



“It feels very uniting,” he said. “It is not our trophy, it is everyone in South Africa’s trophy. We might be 33 players (in the World Cup squad), but our driving force is the people of South Africa and we couldn’t have done it without them.”



Kolisi is the undisputed captain of the side but as Stransky points out, successful teams are made up of leadership groups, whose own perspectives and experiences are valued and listened to too.



“In every team you have lots of leadership, especially in the national set-up because there are lots of guys who captain other (club) sides and are natural leaders.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="682" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GettyImages-1762113459.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-60050" style="width:836px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GettyImages-1762113459.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GettyImages-1762113459-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GettyImages-1762113459-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">PARIS, FRANCE &#8211; OCTOBER 28: Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, lifts the The Webb Ellis Cup following the Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France on October 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure></div>


“But at the top of the leadership group you are still a proper, genuine captain who is respected and loved by everyone and Siya is that guy.



“As a human being he is just the most amazing guy. He is obviously thorough in his preparation and training, but as a human being he is sensational, and that is why they will follow him to the ends of the earth.”



The world may love Kolisi, but the Springboks are not universally admired despite their success and drew criticism during the tournament for what was viewed as a dour style of rugby and a controversial use of a 7-1 split between forwards and backs on the bench.



The criticism leveled at them is that they are all power and no finesse, and that does not make for an entertaining product for fans.



“Well done to South Africa, the best at not playing rugby,” screamed a headline in New Zealand Herald, while pundits shouted loudly about the bench being against the spirit of the game, and the need to depower scrums, a major weapon of the Springboks.



“When we look back at it in 20 years’ time, no one is going to say, ‘what was the style of play that day’,” Stransky says. “Where our coaching team has been exceptional is that they have looked at the laws of the game and the areas where the referees are focussing on.



“They have said, ‘these are our strengths, so how can we be at our best inside the parameters of the laws’. They have picked horses for courses and played a different game-plan against different opposition when required.”



Director of rugby Rassie Erasmus and departing head coach Jacques Nienaber had to think out of the box after losing key hooker Malcolm Marx early in the tournament, making the inspired decision to bring in flyhalf Handré Pollard as his replacement. He had missed out in the original squad due to a calf injury.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="724" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GettyImages-1762435141.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-60047" style="width:680px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GettyImages-1762435141.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GettyImages-1762435141-300x212.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GettyImages-1762435141-768x543.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">PARIS, FRANCE &#8211; OCTOBER 28: Kurt-Lee Arendse (L) and Damian Willemse of South Africa celebrate their win in the changing rooms following dthe Rugby World Cup France 2023 Gold Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France on October 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Julian Finney &#8211; World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure></div>


There were question marks over the kicking accuracy of Manie Libbok and given that Pollard was successful with all 13 of his kicks at goal, including difficult shots in the knockout rounds, it was perhaps the key decision from the coaching team that led to the win.



But it meant flanker Deon Fourie had to cover at hooker, a position he had not played in five years and never at test level.



His is a remarkable story, having been the oldest Springbok debutant in history at the age of 35 in July 2022. He played 77 minutes of the final in the front row of the scrum after an early injury for starter Bongi Mbonambi and ended up as captain of the side with Kolisi off the field at the final whistle.



“If you had told me two years ago that I would be standing here with a World Cup winner’s medal, I would’ve laughed and said you are smoking some weird stuff,” Fourie says.



“That emotion you saw after the whistle was relief. The last three weeks (of the tournament), winning by one point, it was stressful. Grafting it out at the end.



“There was relief, then happiness, and finally disbelief that I was on the field and winning a World Cup.”



Players like Fourie will inevitably step aside, some immediately and others in a year or two as the team builds towards the next tournament in Australia in 2027. It is the inevitable nature of a World Cup cycle and key for the Springboks will be maintaining their edge through this process.



“I see huge change coming,” Stransky says. “It will be a huge rebuilding process. In that starting line-up (in the final against New Zealand), I counted maybe five or six players who will be at the next World Cup.



“There are others in the squad who will slot in but there are also a lot of empty spaces where we will need to bring in youngsters and build a new team around some of the older hands. It will be a period of transition.”



What the Springboks have achieved is difficult to illustrate fully. Only four teams have won the World Cup in history, and no-one else has done it four times.



But aside from their on-field excellence, it is also their relatability that sets them apart. This is a team without egos, who show that hard work and unifying behind a common goal can bring the ultimate rewards.



“As a team, we want to be a reference point for our people, to show them how we can do it, and hopefully they’ll get hope from this team,” Kolisi said.



“This was not about us as players. This victory was for every South African, and we showed what is possible with this diverse team. “I hope that going forward in business, in everyday life, that we understand that the team only won because we decided to put our different cultures and differences aside and focus on the country. I think that’s the most important thing.”

New Zealand v South Africa: Final – Rugby World Cup France 2023

ROAD TO THE TROPHY: ‘This was not about us as players. This victory was for every South African’

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



The International Olympic Committee on Friday confirmed that Russian and Belarusian citizens will be able to compete in the 2024 Olympics in Paris as individual neutral athletes, prohibited from sporting the flag or colors of their countries or backing the war in Ukraine—after some IOC officials suggested the Ukraine invasion could lead to an all-out ban.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h2>



The Russian and Belarusian teams remain prohibited, and state officials will not be invited to the Games,&nbsp;<a href="https://olympics.com/ioc/news/strict-eligibility-conditions-in-place-as-ioc-eb-approves-individual-neutral-athletes-ains-for-the-olympic-games-paris-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the IOC confirmed on Friday</a>.



In addition to a ban on Russian and Belarusian flags, anthems and colors, the IOC also said that athletes or support personnel who actively support the war in Ukraine will be prohibited.



In its press release, the committee says it took into account “the view of the overwhelming majority of athletes not to punish fellow athletes for the actions of their government.”



Like all Olympic athletes, the “Individual Neutral Athletes” will have to sign the “Conditions of Participation” ahead of the 2024 games in Paris, which commits them to respect “the peace mission of the Olympic Movement.”



“Only a very limited number of athletes” will ultimately be eligible to participate under the “strict eligibility” conditions the IOC has laid out, the international organization claims.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Olympics officials hinted at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/russia-belarus-athletes-may-face-paris-2024-ban-iocs-reedie-2022-07-12/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">an all-out ban</a>&nbsp;from the 2024 Olympics for both Russia and its ally Belarus. In March, however, the IOC first laid the groundwork for Friday’s decision, recommending that international sports federations allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to return to competition and announcing its intention to explore a pathway for them to compete in the 2024 games. At the time, the organization&nbsp;<a href="https://olympics.com/ioc/news/ioc-issues-recommendations-for-international-federations-and-international-sports-event-organisers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a>&nbsp;that it “feels deeply for the Ukrainian people” but it “cannot prevent wars and conflicts” nor “address all the political and social challenges in our world.” Despite Friday’s announcement, Russian and Belarusian athletes will still likely be barred from competing in the 2024 Games’ biggest sport area, track and field. World Athletics, the international governing body for track and field, has maintained an all-out ban on Russia and Belarus since the war began, and has previously signaled its<a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/olympics/news/russia-track-and-field-ban-suspension-olympics-2024-paris" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;“unlikely”</a>&nbsp;to reverse that ban.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tangent">TANGENT</h2>



Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the subsequent debate over its future in the Olympics, came just months before the country’s two-year ban from international sports due to its state-sponsored doping ring at the Sochi Olympics was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/2022/11/29/russia-doping-ban-wada/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">set to expire.</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-watch-for">WHAT TO WATCH FOR</h2>



How Ukraine responds. After the board’s March announcement that it was working on a pathway for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete, Ukrainian officials threatened to&nbsp;<a href="https://olympics.com/ioc/news/ioc-issues-recommendations-for-international-federations-and-international-sports-event-organisers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">boycott the Games.</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chief-critics">CHIEF CRITICS</h2>



On X, Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/DmytroKuleba/status/1733165492762804381" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condemned the IOC’s decision</a>, claiming that the organization “essentially gave Russia the green light to weaponize the Olympics.” He argued that Russia “will use every Russian and Belarusian athlete as a weapon in its propaganda warfare.” Meanwhile, Russian sports minister Oleg Matytsin called the Olympics’ continued restrictive policies on Russian athletes “discriminatory.” “They are damaging the Olympic Games themselves, and not Russian sport,” he said in comments reported by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.barrons.com/news/russia-says-ioc-rules-for-russian-athletes-discriminatory-c4c65786" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Agence France Presse</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-number">BIG NUMBER</h2>



11. That’s how many Individual Neutral Athletes have qualified for the games so far. That includes eight Russians and three Belarusians, the IOC said. So far, more than 60 Ukrainians have qualified.

Landscape Projects For Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics Upgraded

Russians Can Compete In 2024 Olympics Despite Ukraine War—But Only As Neutral Athletes

The African Cup of Nations (AFCON), the continent’s most important international men’s association football competition, is less than two months away. FORBES AFRICA offers some insight into what one can expect in the build-up to this much-anticipated exhibition.



Few times, if ever, has the favorite going into an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament emerged after a month of intense action hoisting aloft the trophy.



But two years ago, at the last edition in Cameroon, Senegal were certainly a sentimental favorite because they had come so close on several previous occasions but never won, and so when they emerged as victors, it was to many neutrals’ delight.



As reigning African champions, that will make them among the fancied sides this time round, which if historic precedence is followed, will not be welcome.



No team since Egypt in 2008 has been able to hold on to the African crown and Ghana and Cameroon are the only other countries able to retain their title.



The 34th edition Cup of Nations will kick off on January 13 and is being hosted in the Côte d&#8217;Ivoire – a second time for the West African country after the 1984 finals.



Then it was an eight-team tournament, completed in the space of 14 days, but Africa’s continental championship is much evolved. This time round, the Ivorians host 24 teams at six different stadia, four of them newly built for the tournament, which will have a bevy of top stars on display, with the ever-increasing number of African players now featuring in the top leagues in Europe.



Their clubs are not happy they will be absent for up to a month but FIFA rules dictate national teams enjoy preference on the players’ service over clubs when a continental championship, like AFCON, is hosted. Ideally, the players should not have to suffer the tug of club versus country.



But this tournament was moved back six months because of concerns over the rainy season in the region and is now being hosted slap bang in the middle of the league season to the chagrin of the clubs who now lose the services of their best African players.



The concerns over the weather should have been raised when the Ivorians first bid to host the finals but are genuine and have already caused much consternation long before a ball has even been kicked.



The newly-built showpiece Stade Olympique d&#8217;Ebimpé in Abidjan, where the final is due to be played on February 11, turned into a paddling pool in September when the Ivory Coast played Mali in a friendly and the heavens opened. There was no proper drainage and eventually the game had to be called off to the embarrassment of the Ivorians.



There were pitch problem at the last Cup of Nations in Cameroon too, to the consternation of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and they can ill afford a repeat this time, seeking to assure that the playing surfaces are of a quality that ensures a good footballing spectacle. French experts have been called in to make sure all the pitches are ready for carpet football once the event gets underway.



If all conditions do turn out to be top class, it is tournament that has the potential to be a top quality event, given the strength and depth of the protagonists.



Of the 24 participating nations, half have won the tournament previously. This time there are no newcomers but some tricky minnows with a proven pedigree for creating carnage. Equatorial Guinea and the Gambia, for example, were giant killers at the last finals and return again with the ability to upset the established pecking order.



Hosts Côte d&#8217;Ivoire, who have won twice before in 1992 and 2015, have a talented squad but are a little short of tournament temperament. They will look to the former England international Wilfred Zaha to lead their hopes and he certainly has the x-factor to lead them to the winners’ podium.



Morocco, on the back of their heroic exploits at the 2022 World Cup, will be the most fancied side but teams from Arabic-speaking North Africa have a long history of struggling when AFCON is hosted south of the Sahara.



Egypt did win in Burkina Faso in 1998 and again in Ghana 10 years thereafter, but Morocco have pointedly failed time and again in the continental championship, particularly when they have been hailed as pre-competition favorites.



Perhaps this will be their time given the confidence they collected in Qatar, where the 2022 World Cup took place, when they became the first African, and Arab, nation to reach the semi-final.



Algeria will have a heavyweight selection of French-born players from the massive Diaspora that they have across the Mediterranean, while Egypt are ever dangerous, particularly if Mohamed Salah is on song. Egypt lost narrowly in the last Cup of Nations finals to Senegal on post-match penalties.



It has been a decade since Nigeria last won the competition but this could be their opportunity again with a squad brimful of attacking talent. It is led by the striker Victor Osimhen, who finished top scorer in Italy last season where he helped Napoli to win the league.



Often times, however, the players’ ambition is let down by the foibles of their administrators, whose incompetence might make things tough for Nigeria to realize its massive potential.



The tournament is being played in Abidjan (two stadiums), Bouake, Korhogo, San Pedro and Yamoussoukro with all but two of the venues built specifically for the tournament.

South Africa v Morocco – Africa Cup of Nations

The Pride Of African Football: A Look Ahead

In a gripping encounter that had cricket fans worldwide at the edge of their seats, South Africa&#8217;s spirited performance wasn&#8217;t enough to secure victory over a determined Australian side in the World Cup clash.



Kolkata&#8217;s iconic Eden Gardens played host to an enthralling battle of cricketing titans as South Africa squared off against Australia in a contest that promised high drama and delivered in spades. Despite a gallant effort from the Proteas, it was Australia who emerged victorious in this World Cup thriller, marking yet another chapter in South Africa&#8217;s history of heart-wrenching near-misses on the global stage.



As the sun set over Kolkata, casting long shadows across the pitch, the air was thick with anticipation. The Proteas, known for their resilience, faced an Australian team brimming with confidence and tactical acumen. The match unfolded as a narrative of twists and turns, echoing the unpredictability of the sport itself.



South Africa, batting first under the commanding presence of captain Temba Bavuma, started cautiously. The early overs were a testament to Australia&#8217;s bowling prowess, with Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood exploiting the conditions masterfully. The Proteas&#8217; top order wobbled under the relentless pressure, losing crucial wickets in quick succession. The specter of past collapses loomed large as murmurs of &#8216;chokers&#8217; began to surface among the crowd.



However, the tide turned with the arrival of David Miller at the crease. In a display of sheer will and skill, Miller anchored the innings with a magnificent century, resurrecting South Africa&#8217;s hopes. His 101 off 116 deliveries, punctuated with powerful strokes and calculated risks, became the backbone of the Proteas&#8217; fightback. The Eden Gardens crowd, always appreciative of cricketing brilliance, rallied behind his effort, creating an electrifying atmosphere.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="675" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/GettyImages-1796971064.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-60256" style="width:818px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/GettyImages-1796971064.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/GettyImages-1796971064-300x198.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/GettyImages-1796971064-768x506.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"> Temba Bavuma of South Africa looks dejected while walking on the field following defeat in the ICC Men&#8217;s Cricket World Cup India 2023 Semi Final match between South Africa and Australia at Eden Gardens on November 16, 2023 in Kolkata, India. (Photo by Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure></div>


Australia&#8217;s chase, in response, was a rollercoaster ride. The Proteas&#8217; bowlers, fueled by Miller&#8217;s heroics, struck with purpose. Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj bowled with heart, keeping the Australians in check. The match teetered on a knife-edge as each team vied for dominance.



Travis Head and David Warner provided the initial impetus for Australia, forging a partnership that threatened to take the game away. But just when the momentum seemed to be shifting, South Africa&#8217;s bowlers struck back, reining in the Australian charge. The match ebbed and flowed, with each over adding a new layer of intrigue.



In the end, Australia&#8217;s depth and experience shone through. Despite a valiant effort in the field, South Africa couldn&#8217;t hold back the Australian tide. The match concluded with Australia securing victory, leaving the Proteas to reflect on what could have been.



As the players shook hands and the crowds began to disperse, the Proteas&#8217; journey in this World Cup came to an end, not with a whimper, but with a display of cricketing tenacity that will be remembered by fans and players alike. For Australia, the road to glory continues, their eyes set firmly on the prize. In the aftermath of the clash, both teams can hold their heads high. Australia, for their unwavering pursuit of victory, and South Africa, for a performance that, despite the outcome, spoke volumes of their character and skill.

South Africa v Australia: Semi Final – ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup India 2023

South Africa’s Valiant Effort Falls Short Against Resilient Australia In Thrilling World Cup Showdown

Young African football stars are embracing the opportunity presented by Major League Soccer in North America as a stepping stone to the best clubs in Europe. FORBES AFRICA was in St Louis in Missouri in the United States for these exclusive interviews, and the numbers are big.



The recent arrival of Lionel Messi has distorted the image somewhat but the reality of Major League Soccer (MLS) in North America is it’s a league of rapidly growing potential, with increasingly promising talent and a stepping stone to the top leagues of Europe.



Football is finding increasing traction in a market where it used to be considered a minor sport and the MLS is changing its image from a league that was seen as the parking lot for fading superstars coming to the end of their careers and looking for a final pay day, to one where the dreams of young players can be realized.



As a result, many young Africans are embracing the opportunity.



“To be honest, I had doubts in my mind because I thought the style of football was not anything like we do back home,” Njabulo Blom, the 23-year-old South African international midfielder who was sold by Kaizer Chiefs to St Louis City at the start of the season, tells FORBES AFRICA.



“I know that the MLS is not rated among the best leagues in the world but the standard of football is very good. It’s not what people think outside,” Blom adds from St Louis, the Midwestern city in the United States (US) where the local club have just joined the MLS and are making waves.



The numbers back him up. As per Forbes, the values of MLS franchises have jumped, since 2019, by 85% on average, with defending champions Los Angeles FC now valued at around $1 billion, breaking into the top 20 in the world. Another example is the value of Seattle Sounders has increased from $405 million to $850 million in just four years, with the team recently becoming the first American side to participate at the Club World Cup.



Revenues have reportedly grown continuously, by 16.6% on average per year between 2007 and 2018 but the spectacular progress is reflected in the price of what new franchises are paying to join the league.



The 10 original clubs invested $10 million each when the league kicked off in 1996 but Portland and Vancouver paid $35 million in 2011. For Charlotte FC, who arrived in 2022, the bill amounted to $325 million.



Average attendances are around 22,000 spectators, a figure similar to France. The record for a single game is the 82,110 that turned out in July at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena to watch the Los Angeles derby, dubbed ‘El Trafico’.



This year’s expansion side St Louis City are setting new standards with their sell-out stadium, a brand-new venue and a state-of-the-art training facility next door.



They are coached by Johannesburg- born Bradley Carnell, who played for South Africa at the 2002 World Cup and had a successful career in the German Bundesliga after starting out as a 16-year- old professional at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa.



He later earned his coaching stripes as an assistant at Free State Stars and Orlando Pirates.



“They said the expansion job is one of the most difficult in any American sport, so good luck. I was like, ‘Ok’,” Carnell says.



“Then I met the ownership group and spoke to them about vision, passion and what we stand for. There was just too many similarities and synergy there for I think either party. Looking in hindsight, everything just panned out,” he adds.



St Louis are the first new team in MLS history to win their opening five matches and are well-placed for the end of season playoffs.



But Carnell, in a long interview with FORBES AFRICA, insists on patience.



“Short-term, it’s about getting infrastructure, academy, style of play— check those boxes. Mid-term, be competitive — we’re checking that box as well. Now, long-term, can we be really successful? The goal is to be compared, one day, to those great teams in the league already.”



In his playing days, Carnell had a chance to move overseas after being spotted as a teenager when he was competing for South Africa at the under-20 level at a tournament in France.



He thinks MLS offers the same chance to African players, especially those in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League, which MLS clubs are now showing much more interest in. “We just have to lead by example,” he says of the growing South African numbers in the league.



“If we can now, you know, just be key ambassadors for our product back home, and to put other guys on the map because now there is slowly more chatter; there’s a couple of players that are on the radar.”



Last year Minnesota United bought Bongokuhle Hlongwane from Maritzburg United and in recent months the teenager Olwethu Makhanya has moved to Philadelphia Union, while the exciting Mamelodi Sundowns striker Cassius Mailula is now at Toronto FC. 



The attraction of these players is their age. MLS rules allow clubs to take on more foreign players, as long as they are aged under-23, and it is here where Africans are in demand. Other top signings in recent months include Richard Odada (Kenya) and Prince Owusu, a German of



Ghanaian descent, and all can expect to be in contention to move onto a club in Europe in a few years, if they perform.



All can be assured they are on a stage that offers a chance to move on to bigger and better vistas in Europe.



According to the league, in 2022, MLS paid $175 million in transfer/acquisition fees, and for the fourth consecutive year it set a new high for fees paid, double the amount of five years ago. Revenue generated for outgoing players in 2022 was around $100 million. This does not include sell- on fees for the likes of Leeds United’s Brenden Aaronson or Crystal Palace’s Chris Richards.



The figures for 2023 will be higher, especially the sales of players to clubs in Europe.



Blom’s advice to compatriots offered the chance to play in the MLS is: “Come play, because it’s really a great stepping stone to grow. It’s like an introduction to a high level of football.”



Mailula, for one, heeded the advice even though he had become a regular with Mamelodi Sundowns and could have a comfortable time at home, where he had become an almost overnight star after just one season with the Pretoria club. “It was not an easy decision to take, but I feel like I need to get out of my comfort zone, to explore, to get closer to Europe,” he explains. “This is the right decision for my career, for my family also.”



With each excellent performance, of which there have been many this season, the South African players shine a further spotlight on the domestic league and will have more scouts looking at Africa as a fertile ground for young talent.



Hlongwane hit the headlines with his rush of goals in the Leagues Cup for Minnesota, appearing alongside Messi when they were joint top scorers in the competition.



How many South African players in the past have had such a platform? Very few, and certainly none in the last two decades.



The US has a reputation as a land of opportunity, with rags-to-riches tales possible. Football is the new platform for that and with the South African players earning upwards of R500,000 ($26,150) a month at their young age, they are living that dream.

saas

‘Come Play’: Where African Stars Are In Demand

In an electrifying match that had the world on the edge of its seat, South Africa&#8217;s Springboks made history by clinching their fourth Rugby World Cup title. Defeating the formidable New Zealand All Blacks 12-11, the Springboks claimed the Web Ellis Cup for the fourth time.



On October 28, 2023, the Springboks etched their names into the annals of rugby history. For the first time ever, a team hoisted the coveted Webb Ellis Cup four times. The moment was profound, and its ripple effect was felt far beyond the walls of Paris&#8217;s Stade de France. South Africa defeated New Zealand 12-11 in a nail-biting battle for rugby supremacy, marking their fourth win in the history of the Rugby World Cup.


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="700" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GettyImages-1762438181.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-60048" style="aspect-ratio:1.4628571428571429;width:654px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GettyImages-1762438181.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GettyImages-1762438181-300x205.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GettyImages-1762438181-768x525.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo by Julian Finney &#8211; World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure></div>


In 80 tense minutes that could have gone either way, South Africa displayed a level of intensity that was palpable from the get-go. Leading 6-0 just 13 minutes into the game thanks to two penalty goals from flyhalf Handre Pollard, the Springboks signaled their intent early. The All Blacks notched their own penalty goal in the 17th minute, but Pollard&#8217;s third penalty four minutes later kept South Africa ahead; by halftime, the Boks led 12-6.



The New Zealand All Blacks left no room for complacency. Despite being a man down for much of the game due to red cards and injuries, they nearly clinched it. Their first try was disallowed due to a clear knock-on, but when Beauden Barrett scored the first valid try of the match, the tension was almost unbearable.



However, South Africa managed to hold their lead during the All Blacks&#8217; sensational second-half performance, driving the Springboks constantly back toward the try-line but never quite managing to cross it again. By the final bell, South Africa had clinched the victory by a single point.



South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa was on the sidelines of the match itself and joined the team to hoist the Webb Ellis Cup. His office congratulated the team in a statement: &#8220;Stronger Together is a belief that came to life for Springbok supporters all around our country, continent, and the world. Sport has the power to transform lives and lift the spirits of entire nations.&#8221; The President also extended his congratulations to New Zealand for a hard-fought campaign, calling them &#8220;deserving finalists.&#8221;



In South Africa, fans swarmed public venues like the Durban International Conference Centre and Montecasino, many of which reached full capacity hours before kickoff. &#8220;Tonight, Siya Kolisi and the 2023 World Cup champions have gifted us an extraordinary, inspired, and inspiring national achievement that lifts our hearts and hoists our flag even higher,&#8221; President Ramaphosa added.


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="682" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GettyImages-1762113459.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-60050" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GettyImages-1762113459.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GettyImages-1762113459-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GettyImages-1762113459-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, with Springboks. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure></div>


This win has lifted the gloom of a nation plagued by corruption, power outages, and social strife, allowing South Africans, for a moment, to dare to dream again. &#8220;We found a way,&#8221; said Springbok Captain Kolisi in the post-match interview, still breathless from the game. &#8220;Honestly, I don’t think people not from South Africa understand what this means for our country… Our country goes through a lot, and we are that glimmer of hope that they have.&#8221;


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<figure class="alignleft size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="724" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GettyImages-1762435141.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-60047" style="aspect-ratio:1.4143646408839778;width:462px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GettyImages-1762435141.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GettyImages-1762435141-300x212.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GettyImages-1762435141-768x543.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">(Photo by Julian Finney &#8211; World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure></div>


As the dust settles on this monumental victory, one thing is abundantly clear: the Springboks have done more than win a tournament; they&#8217;ve won the hearts of a nation desperate for unity and triumph. And that, perhaps, is the greatest victory of all.

South Africa’s Springboks Make History with Fourth Rugby World Cup Win: A Nation Rejoices

In a dramatic Rugby World Cup semi-final, the Springboks edged out England 16-15. Fueled by unity and last-minute heroics from Handré Pollard, the South African team are now gearing up for a highly-anticipated final against their arch-rivals, the New Zealand All Blacks.



In a stunning display of resilience, skill, and unity, the South African national rugby team, the Springboks, clinched a nail-biting victory over England in the Rugby World Cup semi-final on October 21, 2023. Thanks to a last-minute penalty kick from Handré Pollard, the Springboks demonstrated that their journey to the final was far from a fluke. Their 16-15 win over England was a nerve-wracking affair, with Pollard&#8217;s kick ensuring the Springboks&#8217; entry into the final.



&#8220;In a tournament that began back in September, the dedication and unity of the Springboks have been nothing short of extraordinary. The path you’ve walked is not a sprint but a steady and relentless race. You have faced the world’s best with unparalleled speed, tenacity, and power,&#8221; said Herbert Mensah, the newly-elected President of Rugby Africa, in a message addressed to Mark Alexander, President of the South Africa Rugby Union (SARU).


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GettyImages-1749831086.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-59974" style="aspect-ratio:1.499267935578331;width:634px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GettyImages-1749831086.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GettyImages-1749831086-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GettyImages-1749831086-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"> (Photo by Michael Steele &#8211; World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure></div>


The Springboks had an arduous journey to the semi-finals, squaring off against some of the world&#8217;s top teams. Their performance was &#8220;extraordinary,&#8221; Mensah noted, emphasizing how the team &#8220;moves as one, whether on the field with seven, fifteen, or twenty-three players, or behind the scenes with the dedicated staff and medics.&#8221; This unity was not just apparent in their play, but also in how the players perceived their collective achievement.



Springbok Captain Siya Kolisi, discussing the match, reiterated that everyone involved in the team contributed to the victory. &#8220;In this team, we remind each other that if we are successful, we will say that South Africa won, not just the 23 who played,&#8221; he said in a post-match interview.



A key part of the Springboks&#8217; strategy was rotating their forwards and introducing crucial substitutes early into the second half. Ox Nche, Vincent Koch, and Bongi Mbonambi were standout performers, tipping the balance in favor of South Africa, particularly during scrums. These tactical adjustments allowed South Africa to mount a comeback after trailing England early on.



The final moments of the match were fraught with tension. With both teams performing at their peak, it was a touch kick that set the stage for RG Snyman&#8217;s 69th-minute try, leveling the playing field for the Springboks. This pivotal moment allowed Handré Pollard to make history with his match-winning penalty kick, reprising his heroics from the 2019 World Cup.



As the Springboks gear up for the final showdown against their old rivals, the New Zealand All Blacks, Herbert Mensah&#8217;s words resonate more than ever: &#8220;From the very beginning to the end, it is the enduring spirit of positivity that will see us through.&#8221;



The Springboks are set to face New Zealand’s All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup final on October 28th.

England v South Africa: Semi-Final – Rugby World Cup France 2023

Springboks’ Last-Minute Triumph Sends Them to Rugby World Cup Final

A long way to go before captain Siya Kolisi can hold the World Cup trophy aloft in Paris.



South Africa’s nerve-jangling 29-28 quarterfinal victory over hosts France has reignited belief the side can win back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles, but there is a long way to go before captain Siya Kolisi can hold the trophy aloft in Paris.



The Springboks were immense in the cauldron of the Stade de France and while there will be plenty of sore bodies, they must immediately turn their attention to semifinal opponents England, who they meet at the same venue on Saturday.



On paper, the Boks will be favorites with England having come into the tournament on the back of five defeats in six games, and had a gentle ride through the pool stages before almost coming unstuck against Fiji at the weekend.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="840" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GettyImages-1726782550.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-59915" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GettyImages-1726782550.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GettyImages-1726782550-300x246.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GettyImages-1726782550-768x630.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">South Africa celebrate victory at full-time. (Photo by Christian Liewig &#8211; Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



But South Africa’s Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus believes it will be another huge test for his side.



&#8220;If we think England is bad because people from outside say they are not doing well &#8230; our reality is the truth, not the reality that people create outside our camp,” he said.



&#8220;We know from the (English) Premiership, a lot of our players play against them and we know Steve Borthwick is an excellent coach, which he showed at Leicester, and as a captain and a player for England.



&#8220;It will be a very tough test against a team that hasn&#8217;t lost a game (in France) and more or less conceded the same amount of tries and racked up the same amount of points (as South Africa).”



The Boks have shown their ability to switch between two styles, the attacking, ball-in-hand rugby they displayed in the first half against France, and then when they needed to close out the game, the more conservative use of the boot, for which they have been criticized as ‘dull’ in the past.



&#8220;As a team, we don&#8217;t want to be this wonderful rugby side that the whole world loves (because of their expansive style), but we do want to score tries,&#8221; Erasmus said.



“We had to adapt to try and score tries through more open, fluent, running rugby. And you could see in our try-scoring tally, there&#8217;s a lot scored by our backs, more than our forwards.”



The first World Cup semifinal will be played in Paris on Friday night between New Zealand and Argentina.

France v South Africa: Quarter Final – Rugby World Cup France 2023

‘A Very Tough Test’ Awaiting South Africa’s Springboks

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



The degenerative brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy, commonly known as CTE, was found in more than 40% of athletes who died before 30, a study out Monday showed, illustrating the growing effects of a disease that has become synonymous with contact sports in recent years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">KEY FACTS</h2>



The study,&nbsp;<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/2808952" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">published</a>&nbsp;in the&nbsp;JAMA Neurology&nbsp;journal, examined 152 donated brains of athletes who were exposed to repetitive head impacts from contact sports and died before 30.



Almost all of the brains examined by researchers at Boston University’s CTE Center showed the earliest stages of CTE, the study&nbsp;<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/2808952" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">found</a>.



While suicide was the most common cause of death among those studied, researchers could not connect the clinical symptoms of depression with the athletes’ CTE, as nearly 70% of the athletes studied reported depression and apathy and 59% of them did not have CTE, researchers&nbsp;<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/2808952" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a>.



Of the 152 donors, all of whom died between 2008 and 2022, 63 were diagnosed with CTE at the time of their death.



Most of the brains studied were those of football players, though researchers also examined ice hockey and soccer players’ brains who played at the youth, high school and college levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SURPRISING FACT</h2>



Researchers discovered the first American woman soccer player, a 28-year-old, to be diagnosed with CTE, in Monday’s study. The finding comes a month after Heather Anderson, a former Australian rules football player, became the first known woman in professional sports to be <a href="https://www.espn.com/afl/story/_/id/37956773/aflw-player-heather-anderson-first-woman-diagnosed-cte" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diagnosed</a> with CTE.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



CTE is a head injury common in contact sports. It is known to cause memory loss, confusion, depression and dementia,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4255271/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to</a>&nbsp;the National Institutes of Health’s National Library of Medicine. Boston University’s CTE Center&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bu.edu/alzresearch/ctecenter/chronic-traumatic-encephalopathy-faqs/#getCTE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">noted</a>&nbsp;that “this trauma includes both concussions that cause symptoms and subconcussive hits to the head that cause no symptoms.” For the past 30 years researchers have been looking into the effects of the repeated blows to the head that come with contact sports. And while the disease has been known to affect boxers as far back as the 1920s, it rose to the mainstream in the 2000s, when cases among professional athletes were confirmed. In 2007, the&nbsp;New York Times&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/18/sports/football/18waters.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a>&nbsp;that former football player Andre Waters sustained brain damage from his days as a professional athlete, which led to his depression and ultimately his death by suicide. In 2017, researchers&nbsp;<a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2017/11/16/health/cte-confirmed-in-first-living-person-bn/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">revealed</a>&nbsp;they discovered the first living person to be accurately diagnosed with CTE—Fred McNeill, a former NFL linebacker who played professional football for 12 seasons before retiring in the 1980s and who died in 2015 at age 63. Before McNeill, CTE was only identifiable through a postmortem brain examination.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BIG NUMBER</h2>



6.2 million. That’s how many children in the U.S. suffered traumatic brain injuries from sports equipment from 2000 to 2019,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2022/07/14/62-million-us-children-suffered-traumatic-brain-injuries-from-sports-equipment-from-2000-to-2019-with-a-higher-increase-among-girls-study-finds/?sh=6840eca22d11">according to</a>&nbsp;a study that came out last year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FURTHER READING</h2>



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2022/07/14/62-million-us-children-suffered-traumatic-brain-injuries-from-sports-equipment-from-2000-to-2019-with-a-higher-increase-among-girls-study-finds/?sh=6840eca22d11">6.2 Million U.S. Children Suffered Traumatic Brain Injuries From Sports Equipment From 2000 To 2019, With A Higher Increase Among Girls, Study Finds</a>&nbsp;(Forbes)

Brain damage and sports injury concept

Researchers Found CTE In 40% Of Athletes Who Died Before Age 30

With Roger Federer following Williams into retirement and Rafael Nadal winding down his career, opportunities abound for young players—on and off the court.



When Holger Rune&nbsp;started watching Rafael Nadal, he was about 7, maybe 8, growing up in Denmark and worshiping the Spanish tennis legend for what Rune calls his “fighting spirit.” Then he started looking up to Roger Federer, for his elegance and his transition game coming to the net.



“If I was going to idolize them, I was trying to idolize them all the way. So I wore the same clothes; I played with the same racket,” Rune tells&nbsp;Forbes, confirming that the mimicry extended to wearing Federer’s signature bandana. “I even tried the one-handed backhand, but luckily my coach told me to stick to your own tennis.”



Rune’s tennis has taken him pretty far—onto practice courts with both Nadal and Federer and into competitive matches against another player he has long admired, world No. 2 Novak Djokovic, whom Rune has actually beaten in two of their three meetings. His game has also sent the 20-year-old skyrocketing to No. 4 in the world rankings, from outside the top 100 at the start of 2022.



And he is not tennis’ only precocious player. A fellow 20-year-old, Carlos Alcaraz of Spain, sits atop the ATP Tour’s rankings while 22-year-old Jannik Sinner of Italy and 24-year-old Casper Ruud from Norway are seen as real contenders to win a Grand Slam, whether at this year’s U.S. Open or going forward.



On the women’s side, Polish phenom Iga Swiatek is No. 1 and owns four major titles at age 22, and American Coco Gauff is a 19-year-old rising star who reached the French Open final last year and won the two biggest tournaments of her career this month.



To be sure, no one—whether tournament organizers or broadcast executives or sponsors—is racing to chase Federer, who retired last year, or Nadal, who has said 2024 will likely be his final season, out of the sport. And while Djokovic is 36 and less than a year younger than Nadal, he continues to play at the highest level, winning titles at this year’s Australian Open and French Open and losing to Alcaraz in a thrilling five-set final at Wimbledon. Still, there is a recognition that tennis tends to go through cycles of talent—just as Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi ruled the era before the Big Three—and there is a growing belief that a new generation is ready to fill the void, on and off the court.



“For sure, it’s not the worst time to be in tennis,” Rune says with a smile.



He and his fellow prodigies have quite the tennis shoes to fill. Djokovic has won a record 23 major singles titles, followed by Nadal with 22 and Federer with 20—no other man has won more than 14 (Sampras). Add it all up, and the Big Three have captured 65 of a possible 80 Slams dating to Federer’s first title at Wimbledon in 2003. Their dominance has been so absolute for so long that tennis pundits speak of a “lost generation,” and the numbers back that up: Players younger than Djokovic have won a combined six Grand Slam titles since Federer exploded on the scene, with four of them coming in the last three years (Dominic Thiem in 2020, Daniil Medvedev in 2021 and Alcaraz in 2022 and 2023).



And while she did not have as much company at the top of the sport, Serena Williams, who like Federer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/brettknight/2022/08/09/serena-williams-tennis-retirement-net-worth-earnings/">announced her retirement</a>&nbsp;last year before backtracking somewhat in subsequent interviews, herself piled up 23 major singles titles, a women’s record for tennis’ Open Era.



The four tennis legends have an equally imposing legacy off the court. A mainstay near the top of&nbsp;Forbes’&nbsp;annual list of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/lists/athletes/">world’s highest-paid athletes</a>, the 42-year-old Federer is one of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattcraig/2022/06/12/billion-dollar-ballers-these-athletes-tiger-woods-lebron-james-federer-messi-ronaldo-mayweather-have-earned-more-than-1-billion-apiece/">just seven athletes</a>&nbsp;with career pre-tax earnings over $1 billion, having cultivated a sponsor portfolio filled nearly top to bottom with premium brands, including Rolex, LVMH and NetJets. “Novak, he tried to be ahead in technology, and Nadal, he just tried to be a little bit different,” Lisa Delpy Neirotti, associate professor of sports management at George Washington University, notes of two players who have crossed $500 million in career earnings. Meanwhile, Williams, who made an estimated $440 million across her career, was a trailblazer among athletes as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2019/06/03/inside-serena-williams-plan-to-ace-venture-investing/">venture investor</a>&nbsp;and a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/kerryadolan/2022/12/08/serena-williams-feels-your-pain/">startup founder</a>, and transcended the sport into mainstream pop culture, appearing in two Super Bowl commercials in 2023 alone.



Alessandro Barel Di Sant Albano, who represents Gauff at Team8 and has worked with Federer, says Williams and the Big Three “have been the GOATs that have taken the traditional TV-watching fan into thinking about athletes as brands. They’re the pioneers that have taken us to a new way of looking at tennis as more of an entertainment platform, and more than just a sport.”



And all of that is setting aside the societal changes of the last 20 years, starting with the rise of social media. The upshot: The players coming of age today are entering a dramatically different, and increasingly global, sponsorship market, with more brands looking to spend more money on tennis than ever before.



The players have already started to take advantage of sponsorship opportunities, with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/brettknight/2023/08/25/the-worlds-highest-paid-tennis-players-2023/">eight of the sport’s ten highest-paid</a>&nbsp;now under 30. Shoe and apparel companies typically come calling first—often by age 13, Delpy Neirotti notes—but other brands have also seen “a unique opportunity to align themselves with someone who can carry the torch,” says Marijn Bal, Ruud’s agent at IMG. “They know that if they get in early, they can get a lot of bang for their buck.”



So what will it take for a young player to reach the heights that Federer did? It starts with winning, which brings more attention from marketers and can also come with a direct payoff because endorsement deals often carry bonuses—sometimes in the seven figures—for climbing up the rankings or winning Grand Slams. For instance, Emma Raducanu raked in $18 million from endorsements and appearances in 2022, after winning the 2021 U.S. Open as a virtual unknown, and Naomi Osaka’s four major titles helped her eclipse Williams’ earnings record for a female athlete with at least $50 million off the court in both 2021 and 2022.



But “you need continued dominance—you can’t be dominant for just a few months, or a couple of years,” adds John Tobias, an agent at GSE Worldwide. “And it’s also about staying healthy in a really physically demanding sport—basically an 11-month-a-year sport that requires an insane amount of travel, an insane amount of dealing with time zones. Then you have to have the right personality and the right, we say,&nbsp;passport—or you come from the right country—and the ability to communicate with people on a global scale.”



Authenticity remains another important factor, which Bal says starts with “don’t endorse Coca-Cola when you’re drinking Pepsi” but extends to aligning with brands that fit the image you’re trying to cultivate for yourself—the way that Federer made himself synonymous with luxury and Nadal cast himself as a rebel.



In addition, “social responsibility and cause marketing are more important now than they ever were before,” says Joe Favorito, a veteran marketing consultant and former executive with the WTA Tour and the U.S. Tennis Association. While the great Arthur Ashe was once questioned for talking about social issues, Osaka’s support for the Black Lives Matter movement and her statements about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/brettknight/2021/06/02/naomi-osaka-is-the-highest-paid-female-athlete-ever-and-her-french-open-exit-may-actually-help-her/">mental health</a>&nbsp;have made her even more valuable for brands, Favorito says.



Even with all of those boxes checked, there is no guarantee anyone will follow Federer to $1 billion in earnings. Players have to be willing to commit to their off-court endeavors, even amid the grind of the tennis schedule—and the teenaged Gauff, for instance, is taking a slow and steady approach as she develops as a player and a person. The 25-year-old Osaka, meanwhile, was once pegged as a perennial champion but has taken an unexpected detour over the last couple of years because of injuries and a recent pregnancy. “The story arc is never that simple because that’s real life,” says Stuart Duguid, who represents Osaka at Evolve, the talent agency they cofounded. “Life happens.”



Still, the number of talented players hitting their primes at once means exciting times ahead for the sport—and, presumably, for their wealth advisors.



“They all push each other, and they’re all friendly with each other,” Bal says. “[Ruud] got to Toronto early—he practiced with Medvedev, with Rune and with Sinner three consecutive days. So these guys are not shy, they’re playing with each other, they’re pushing each other, and it’s great for the sport.”

Western & Southern Open – Day 8

Tennis’ Big 3 And Serena Won 88 Majors And Made $2.5 Billion. A New Generation Is Ready For Their Shot.

The new domestic soccer season gets underway in August and the Mamelodi Sundowns dynasty lives on. Can anyone break their stranglehold on the South African domestic league title? We speak to some of the top coaches.



Mamelodi Sundowns won an unprecedented sixth South African DStv Premiership title in a row in the 2022/23 season as their dominance of the domestic league continues in relentless fashion.



It is not just the fact they have lifted the trophy, but the manner of the victories has been so emphatic that the last three seasons in particular have been a one-horse race from the off.



They finished 13 points clear in 2020/21, and 16 points in front of second place in each of the last two seasons. The remainder of the league simply could not keep up with them.



Looking to the new campaign that starts in August, the question 



now is whether anyone can rise from the chasing pace and dethrone The Brazilians.



The most likely pretenders to the throne are Orlando Pirates, a giant of the local game who last lifted the league trophy in 2011/12 but went toe-to-toe with Sundowns in the second half of last season after a sticky start.



Pirates picked up 35 points in their final 15 games and Sundowns 33, as The Buccaneers’ Spanish coach José Riveiro got to grips with the DStv Premiership and the players at his disposal in his first year in charge.



If they can keep up that level through the 30 games of this coming season, they will have an excellent chance of being crowned champions.



“We have a fantastic group [of players] and resources,” Riveiro tells FORBES AFRICA.



“Emotionally, it’s been a tough fi rst season. It is not easy to do what you love in a different country. For me to be here, the learning process was dificult and things were not easy from the start.



“If we do the same things [next season], we are going to get less [success], so we have to do different things to improve.”



One factor that may hold the Pirates back in the coming campaign is that they will have the considerable distraction of the CAF Champions League.



The same is true for Sundowns, but at this stage the latter perhaps have a squad with more depth that makes them better equipped to juggle domestic and continental matters. Riveiro is confident his side can make an impact in both though.



“We are going into Africa to dream that we have the potential to go all the way. I’m a very optimistic person, so I have the intention to win it.



“We know we will fi nd dificult trips, difficult opponents and dificulties from the referees, but Mamelodi Sundowns did a fantastic job in the competition [last season] and showed that it’s possible for South African teams to compete.”



It will mean bolstering his squad, and just who they manage to sign will be key.



“There’s going to be players coming and going like every season. I hope not too many because it is important to have continuity to build on the things we have done already.”



As for who else could rival Sundowns, the pickings are slim. Kaizer Chiefs continue to falter and went backward in the last campaign, while SuperSport United overachieved but are in a constant cycle of having to sell their best players to balance the books. This transfer window looks no different.



“They’ve set the bar so high, I don’t think anybody is going to catch them in the next few years,” SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt says, adding other teams simply cannot match Sundowns in the transfer market. 



“Give us the fi ve to six players from Sundowns and we will show you where we can go,” he says ruefully. “We have a salary cap here, that is how we operate. That’s unfortunate, but we will have to find new players, try to build a team that is competitive and try to close the gap.”



Former Chiefs head coach Arthur Zwane, who has since been replaced in the hotseat by Molefi Ntseki but remains an assistant with the team, also doesn’t see Sundowns dropping their level anytime soon, so it is up to the rest of the league to find a way to close that gap. 



“I think it is a challenge for everyone to take our game to another level. For us, we are a work in progress and we are getting better and better,” Zwane said. “It boils down to a lot of things: chemistry, preparation and having a long-term plan. We still have a long way to go. I wouldn’t talk about other teams because I don’t know what their plan is.



But as for us, we are on that journey of trying to revive the glory days.”



For anyone else hoping to win the DStv Premiership this coming season, the only thing that will get them over the line is consistency in performance, because relying on Sundowns to falter looks a pipe dream.

sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns’ Dominance Of The South African Domestic League Title

The BK Arena in Rwanda’s capital city Kigali was the stage for some electrifying performances as global artists enthralled basketball fans and excited locals at the grand opening of the first-ever week-long Giants of Africa festival on August 13.



The event, graced by Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame and Masai Ujiri, the co-founder of Giants of Africa and president of Toronto Raptors, saw the two leaders rallying the youth to be fully immersed in sports as this is an untapped frontier.



“Everyone in this arena is a giant. It is time we don’t keep being reminded. We should know it and continue being the giants that we are and should be. We have got to decide and make that choice. Knowing every one of us in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America, everyone has the possibility of being a giant and should be,” Kagame told the audience.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Image-credit-Giants-of-Africa-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-59223" style="width:536px;height:358px" width="536" height="358" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Image-credit-Giants-of-Africa-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Image-credit-Giants-of-Africa-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Image-credit-Giants-of-Africa-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Image-credit-Giants-of-Africa-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Image-credit-Giants-of-Africa-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 536px) 100vw, 536px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image credit Giants of Africa</figcaption></figure></div>


Rwanda is currently hosting Giants of Africa with 250 youth from 16 African countries taking part in activities centered around sports, entertainment, culture as well as national dialogue. The event is part of the country’s strategy to grow sports and make Rwanda a sporting hub.



“President Kagame came for an All-Star Game in 2016 to America. He asked me what it would take to build such an arena and get things done. His studious leadership saw that in just about 12 months, we had the BK Arena here in Kigali,” said Ujiri.



For the last two decades since its inception, Giants Of Africa has been able to play a catalytic role in mainstreaming sports as a tool for economic development and cultural diversity.



“Masai, I thank you for creating this great idea of identifying young people and bringing them here. These young people are being reminded that we are as good as anyone anywhere else. Through the sixteen teams representing sixteen countries, we should grow and work with each other to fulfil this dream for our continent,” added Kagame.



As part of the partnership between Giants of Africa and Rwanda, achievements include the construction of several basketball courts in the country, as well as equipping youngsters with skills for the game. The dazzling lights and thrilling performances at the arena also saw the President urging African youth to be united in growing the continent with their abundant talent.



“I am you; you are me. The best way to bring that out is through talented sportsmen. These young men and women will be giants in basketball and in everything else.”



Ujiri, who gave an emotional account of his encounters from Africa, affirmed that Giants of Africa will continue scaling up investments to make basketball a formidable game for Africans.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="alignleft size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Opening-night-image-credit-Giants-of-Africa-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-59222" style="width:510px;height:340px" width="510" height="340" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Opening-night-image-credit-Giants-of-Africa-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Opening-night-image-credit-Giants-of-Africa-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Opening-night-image-credit-Giants-of-Africa-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Opening-night-image-credit-Giants-of-Africa-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Opening-night-image-credit-Giants-of-Africa-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Opening night; image credit Giants of Africa</figcaption></figure></div>


“I am overwhelmed and many years ago I had the opportunity to come here. That’s where this journey began for me. We believe in Africa. Every day, we dream, we preach and believe in Africa,” he said to rousing applause from a charged crowd at BK Arena.



Rwanda is also betting big on fusing sports and entertainment to diversify revenue lines. This year’s festival was headlined by Tanzanian artist Diamond Platnumz.



The closing ceremony slated for August 19 will be star-studded. Celebrated Rwandan artist Bruce Melodie, Nigerian singer Davido and Tiwa Savage are also expected to perform.

Star-studded event; Image credit Giants of Africa

Giant Festival In Kigali To Uplift Africa’s Youth Through Sport And Culture

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



The U.S. women’s national team game against the Netherlands was last week’s most-watched show on television as it broke records for the highest-ever English language viewership of a group stage match in women’s FIFA World Cup history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h2>



The match, which saw the two teams draw 1-1, was watched by 6.4 million people last Wednesday, Nielsen data shows, and is the second U.S. game from this year’s World Cup to score record viewership.



The Netherlands match was the most-watched ever in a group stage and the July 21 game, a 3-1 win over Vietnam, was watched by 5.3 million people, making it the third most-viewed group stage game in Women&#8217;s World Cup history behind the 2019 U.S. game against Chile in second place.



The game against the Netherlands was the most-watched broadcast show last week by almost 1 million viewers—CBS&#8217;s&nbsp;60 Minutes&nbsp;saw 5.6 million viewers in second place, followed by Tuesday&#8217;s episode of&nbsp;America&#8217;s Got Talent&nbsp;with 5.8 million watchers and&nbsp;Celebrity Family Feud, which drew 3.6 million.



Viewership numbers for the final group-stage match for the U.S., a game played against Portugal Monday, have not been released but likely won’t hold up to the others because of timing—the Portugal game aired at 3 a.m. ET as opposed to 11 p.m. and 9 p.m. for the Vietnamese and Netherlands matchups, respectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-watch-for">WHAT TO WATCH FOR</h2>



The next game. The 0-0 tie against Portugal allowed the U.S. team to finish second in Group E and narrowly advance. The team will play its first World Cup knockout stage game at 5 a.m. Sunday against Sweden. The World Cup is now down to its last 16 teams.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



The U.S. team has won the FIFA Women&#8217;s World Cup four times—more than any other country. The Americans are the current champions after winning the 2019 tournament in France and they also won the title in 2015 in a game that became the second most-watched soccer game in American history with 26.9 million viewers,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inquirer.com/philly/blogs/thegoalkeeper/most-watched-soccer-games-united-states-world-cup-copa-america.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to</a>&nbsp;the&nbsp;Philadelphia Inquirer.&nbsp;No country has ever won three consecutive men&#8217;s or women&#8217;s World Cups and the feat is rare at the professional level in any sport. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2022/06/15/major-sports-teams-three-peat-last-50-years/7635754001/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">last American team</a>&nbsp;to do it was the Los Angeles Lakers, which won the NBA Championships in 2000, 2001 and 2002. Other teams include the Chicago Bulls from 1996 to 1998, New York Yankees from 1998 to 2000 and the WNBA&#8217;s Houston Comets, which won four championships from 1997 to 2000.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tangent">TANGENT</h2>



Fox News continued its domination in the cable sphere last week, Nielsen data shows, with nine of the 10 most-watched cable shows. All five episodes of the round-table talk show&nbsp;The Five&nbsp;were in the top 10, with Wednesday&#8217;s airing the most watched at 3.1 million viewers. MSNBC&#8217;s&nbsp;Rachel Maddow Show&nbsp;was the only non-Fox show to break in—2.5 million people watched the Monday episode, ranking it ninth place. Fox News saw a 26% jump in ratings&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2023/07/26/fox-news-ratings-surge-26-amid-post-tucker-carlson-shakeup-and-trump-interview/?sh=4e84af1d180e">two weeks ago</a>&nbsp;when it premiered its reshuffled lineup with Jesse Watters in the 8 p.m. spot once held by Tucker Carlson, and last week’s numbers show viewership has climbed even higher. Fox News averaged 1.84 million primetime viewers for the week of July 24, up from 1.81 million in the previous week.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-reading">FURTHER READING</h2>



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2023/07/27/womens-world-cup-hits-record-tv-viewership-for-group-stage/?sh=6a248029358e">Women’s World Cup Hits Record TV Viewership For Group Stage</a>&nbsp;(Forbes)



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2023/07/26/fox-news-ratings-surge-26-amid-post-tucker-carlson-shakeup-and-trump-interview/?sh=1033bef0180e">Fox News Ratings Surge 26% Amid Post-Tucker Carlson Shakeup—And Trump Interview</a>&nbsp;(Forbes)



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/brettknight/2023/07/21/womens-world-cup-highest-paid-alex-morgan-megan-rapinoe/?sh=ceabde45acdd">The Highest-Paid Players At The 2023 Women’s World Cup</a>&nbsp;(Forbes)



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2023/07/21/money-equity-and-taxes-make-news-early-at-the-2023-womens-world-cup/?sh=54fbd7196386">Money, Equity And Taxes Make News Early At The 2023 Women’s World Cup&nbsp;</a>(Forbes)



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/manasipathak-1/2023/07/18/netflix-will-follow-united-states-at-womens-world-cup/?sh=c4b66c12524c">Netflix Will Follow United States At Women’s World Cup</a> (Forbes)

Category: Sport