Table of contents for Wednesday, October 28, 2020 in Post

KILLED BUT STILL NO JUSTICE … Senzo Meyiwa arrests show how ineffective police are FINALLY, there is some hope for the Meyiwa family of uMlazi. Six years after their son Senzo was shot dead, police have arrested five men in connection with his killing. However, for too many other families, the quest for justice seems hopeless. Many lost loved ones who were killed violently. Initially, there is hope that those responsible will be arrested and punished. But, as the weeks, months and years roll by, there is often little contact with the police and no progress in the investigation. The probe into the death of Meyiwa showed just how ill-prepared and ill-equipped our police are to solve crime. Meyiwa was a goalkeeper for Orlando Pirates and won seven caps for…

Exam finds husband to be ‘manipulative’ NADIA KHAN A MEDICAL officer who examined a Chatsworth man accused of killing his wife testified that the accused appeared to be “apsychotic and manipulative”. This was the evidence of Dr Reshmi Mohanlall, a medical officer in the psychiatric ward at RK Khan Hospital. She was testifying during the trial of Navin Chanderlal, 54, which is being heard in the Durban High Court. Chanderlal, who is unemployed, was arrested and charged with the murder of Vathaniagee “Jennifer” Pillay, 65, a retired nurse and community activist. The mother-of-two was found dead on the bathroom floor of her home in Silverglen on December 24, 2018. She shared the house with Chanderlal, whom she married in 2003. According to the indictment, which was presented by senior State…

Kavady festival guidelines under discussion CHANELLE LUTCHMAN HINDU organisations have started discussions on how to observe the Thai Poosam Kavady Festival in January amid the Covid-19 pandemic. On January 19, temples will hoist flags to mark the start of the fast dedicated to the Hindu god of war, Lord Murugan. Devotees will visit temples up until January 28, the main prayer day, when they will carry decorated kavadies. This action symbolises the carrying of one’s burdens to Lord Murugan, seeking his help and guidance. Devotees will walk barefoot with the kavady, banga (bamboo stick) or paal (pot). When they arrive at the temple, they will offer milk to Lord Murugan. Some devotees pierce their bodies and pull chariots to the temples. Last week, the Muruga Bhakti Foundation of South Africa…

Comedians give their US polls predictions THANDEKA MGQIBI ON TUESDAY, Americans will vote for their next president, either giving Donald Trump another four years in office or handing over the keys to the White House to Joe Biden. Democratic challenger Biden is currently leading Trump, a Republican, in the national polls. The 10-poll average indicates that just over half of Americans intend to back Biden, while Trump’s support trails by around five or six points. As the US approaches its 2020 presidential election, polling companies will try to gauge the mood of the nation by asking voters which candidates they prefer. The national polls are a good guide as to how popular a candidate is across the country, but they are not necessarily a good way to predict the election…

Shock after hijackers kill brave fiancé NADIA KHAN ON SATURDAY, the families of Salesh Premlall-Ramluckhan and his fiancée were scheduled to meet but they will instead gather at his home in Phoenix for his 10-day death ceremony. Premlall-Ramluckhan, 25, of Quintham Place in Westham, was stabbed and died after he attempted to apprehend alleged hijackers last Wednesday. It is alleged that the suspects tried to hijack a vehicle near his home but something went wrong and they ended up fleeing on foot in Quintham Place. His father, Ashwin Ramluckhan, said his son worked as a call centre agent and had returned home from working a night shift around 1am. “My wife and I were asleep when we heard several gunshots,” said Ramluckhan. “We immediately got up and heard the front…

What’s the big deal if someone refuses to shake hands? YOGIN DEVAN Supplied ABOUT 10 years ago, I was waiting with my father in the reception area of a medical specialist’s practice at a large Durban private hospital. Pinned on the door leading to the consulting room was a notice which stated: “The doctor does not shake hands with women. Please do not be offended.” I had not come across such a blatant injunction before. I suspected it had something to do with the Islamic religion – the doctor was a Muslim. The doctor was not too friendly. I accepted this – after all, he is not a pop star. He was professional in his demeanour. I recall, when he remarked that my father was doing well for a nonagenarian,…

Racial hatred poses a threat IT IS SAID that a picture is worth a thousand words. The collage for the Editor’s View (the POST, October 21 - 25), depicting the consequences of the civil war in Syria, says it all as it depicts ongoing human suffering. It seems that radical political parties in our country continue to fan racial hatred, and openly talk of civil war and indirectly promote civil disturbances. The consequences of a civil war will be horrendous, especially for some minority communities (like the Indian community). The majority have no escape route. PREM SINGH Pietermaritzburg…

Mayor’s reaction inadequate THE eThekwini mayor’s response “Mayor addresses fearful residents” (the POST, October 21-25) to the protests, by residents from the informal settlement in Clare Estate, is concerning. It’s these band-aid reactions that make the situation worse. Installing water and electricity in illegal informal settlements is not a long-term solution. It is unconscionable that people are allowed to live in such deplorable conditions. Imagine 100 people having to use one toilet. The settlement is growing daily, as more home-seekers flock on to this site. Isn’t it time that the city cordoned off the area, identified all those who live there, and began to relocate them to decent homes? I am aware that in the Bottle-brush Informal Settlement in Shall-cross, many people from other provinces are now building their shacks…

Book explores trials of true love POST REPORTER Supplied HER great-great-grandparents fled from India to settle in South Africa in 1882 because of the love they shared for each other, and the fictional novel Love Leiyah by Shan Lee, aka Lishantha Govinthu, reflects this love story, and its trials and tribulations. The article on Gopaul and Muthaki Iyer was recently published in the POST. It detailed their carefully-planned escape from the local cultural tradition of arranged marriages in Coimbatore, India, to South Africa, under indenture. Muthaki’s hand in marriage was promised to another suitor. Love Leiyah explores the complexities of true love, as was the case with her ancestors. The novel is already popular among local book clubs. Published by Author House (in the UK) on acid-free paper, Love Leiyah…

OPINION An undying love affair with 6m of cloth When women disembarked in Durban from the ships that brought indentured labourers from India since November 1860, they were all clad in saris. For decades, the sari was a de rigueur item of clothing from the teen years upwards, and 160 years later it has become more the exception than the rule I HAVE an undying love affair with the sari, which was ignited by my mother. For most of her life, my mother wore a sari from dawn to dusk, at home and on all outings. Hence, for me, the sari has epitomised my mother – and all that is loving, caring and compassionate. More than six decades later, my relationship with the 6m of cloth is as strong as…

Actress shares ‘good news’ ACTRESS Amrita Rao and her husband, Anmol, are to become parents. Rao recently posted a picture on Instagram to reveal that she was nine months’ pregnant. “For YOU it’s the 10th Month …But for US, it’s THE 9th! Surprise Surprise … Anmol and I are in our NINE’th month Already,” she wrote. The actress also apologised for not letting her friends and fans know about her pregnancy. “Too excited to share this good news with You my fans And friends (sorry had to keep it tucked in my Belly All this long) But it is true … the baby is coming soon. An exciting journey for me, @rjanmol27 and our Families.... Thank you universe. And thank you all. Keep blessing,” she added. Along with her lengthy…

Dandolo has them at the weights ANDREW HARRISON DANDOLO, who contested feature events during Champions Season, rates the horse to beat in the Greyville Convention Centre Novice Plate at Hollywoodbets Greyville today. Tony Rivalland’s runner does come off a 60-day break but had a tough draw in feature company last time out where he finished down the field. His form before that was smart and he shows plenty of ability. Biggest threat could be the filly Deep Thought. She takes on males and at face value looks held at these weights. However, she shows plenty of scope and looks capable of beating the males and the weights. Sir Pom is another that comes into the reckoning but returns after a break and may just need it but raced in feature…

getting HOOKED FANTASTIC bottom fishing has been taking place off Durban. The bulk of the catches have been geelbek and saga. These have been caught mainly at night but late afternoon has seen some good fishing on the deeper reefs. The rest of the bottoms have been a mix of reds (soldiers, slinger etc) and rockcod. The bigger fish have preferred eating a live bait with mackerel outperforming the rest of the bait. The deeper drop-offs and temperature shifts have been the most likely spot to encounter the early season dorado and sailfish, so head out to the deep blue if you are after these hard-fighting pelagics. Much like the offshore fishing, the sea has not been too kind in terms of conditions over the past week. The summer fish…

Sasha cashes in with Banks Statement move WWE’s kingmaker event of the year, Hell in a Cell, ushered in new champions this past Monday morning (in South Africa), showcased through WWE’s virtual fan viewing experience, the WWE Thunder Dome. Drew McIntyre waved goodbye to his WWE Championship title after losing it to rival Randy Orton. After an action-packed match, Orton cut open the chain that had locked the cell and tried to leave. The two superstars began to descend by climbing down the cell. Eventually Orton started to beat McIntyre, who fell from the cell through an announcer’s table. Orton managed to drag him back into the ring and after some brutal RKOs from Orton and Claymore from McIntyre, Orton hit a final RKO on the former champ and became…

Foxes on the up as Gunners fire blanks ESHLIN VEDAN ALL teams in the Premier League have now tasted defeat. This follows log leaders Everton’s 2-0 loss against Southampton. To make matters worse for the Toffees, their key defender, Lucas Digne, earned a red card. This means that they will be without Digne and attacker Richarlison (who was red-carded two weeks ago against Liverpool) ahead of their game against Newcastle this weekend. Aston Villa’s unbeaten run also ended last Friday as Leeds United defeated them 3-0. Patrick Bamford scored all three goals. Bamford is proving many sceptics wrong. He hardly had a prolific record last season for Leeds in the second tier, causing many to question his credentials to lead the line for a club in the Premier League. He…

Driver found guilty of culpable homicide Families grateful for court outcome JANINE MOODLEY A TONGAAT businessman accused of causing the deaths of three friends who were carpooling nine years ago, was last week found guilty of culpable homicide. Shalan Sewshanker, 33, drove through a red traffic light on the R102 near Ottawa on June 15, 2011, and collided with a VW Polo. The occupants in the VW Polo, Eureka Govender, 30, and Marlon Pillay, 32, died at the scene, while Duveshnee Naicker, 24, died later in hospital. Govender worked in the accounts department at a butchery in the Durban CBD. Pillay, who was driving, was an accountant and Naicker was serving her articles in a law firm. They also worked in the city. Sewshanker, who was driving a BMW, was…

Senekal normally a peaceful town ‘Outside influences’ have turned area into flashpoint CHANELLE LUTCHMAN RACIAL tension in the town of Senekal in the Free State following the death of a white farm manager is the result of outside influences, says a local businessman. Senekal is home to about 25000 people, mostly from the farming community. On October 2, Brendin Horner, 22, was beaten and his body tied to a pole on a farm. According to reports, Horner had just celebrated a year working for the Scheepers family on Bloukruin farm. He sustained injuries to his head and face. His blood-stained Toyota Hilux bakkie was found abandoned at a nearby farm. Two days later, the Free State police confirmed that Sekwetja Mahlamba, 34, and Sekola Matlaletsa, 43, were arrested for the…

Helping displaced shack dwellers CHANELLE LUTCHMAN RESIDENTS in Reservoir Hills, Durban, are still willing to help displaced informal dwellers despite being targeted during recent service delivery protests. On Sunday more than 400 shacks were destroyed in a fire and about 1 500 people displaced at the Barton Place informal settlement in Reservoir Hills. Ish Prahlad, the chairperson of the Reservoir Hills Ratepayers Association, said: “I saw the fire and it scared me. I called for help and drove to the settlement to assist however I could.” He said he returned to the area on Monday to assess the damage and he also tried to get organisations to help assist those who were displaced. “At the moment, an NGO is providing meals to the families, and the Divine Life Society and…

EDITOR’S VIEW America is in the autumn of its history NEXT Tuesday, Americans go to the polls to vote for the 46th president of the US. There is a reason the elections are held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. In the 1800s when America became a democracy, most people worked as farmers and lived a fair distance from polling stations. They would spend Sunday in church and needed Monday to travel to the voting station. Since they had to be home by Wednesday, which was market day, Tuesday emerged as the most convenient day of the week for voting. Farming also explains why voting is held in November, which is late in the American autumn. The planting season ran from spring to the early summer months…

We are still separated on the pitch SHARMIN NAIDOO Supplied IT ALMOST feels like we have been mugged. Along the way the media have drowned us with valuable yet uncomfortable racial conversations and real life stories that have plagued the game for so many generations. In my life, I felt the end of the apartheid pinch while we navigated through the social injustice created by what was then lawful racism. Along the way, we passed a few old signs that read “Net Blankes” (Whites/Europeans Only). Eventually, we were allowed to play together, but the seemingly simple word “merit” separated whites from blacks in any representative sports team. To this day this word is still used to describe any non-white athlete who has been selected for a team and it continues…

A woman should lead the judiciary THE suggestions that the next chief justice should be a woman, must be considered. A gender diverse Bench reflects a bias-free judiciary. Since democracy began, we had a woman commissioner of police, women judges of distinction, women in senior and pivotal Cabinet positions, and in the corridors of Parliament. In long-established democracies, women have made inroads as judges during the past few decades. In our rainbow nation, women judges have significantly impacted on our court’s jurisprudence. Unless the transformation routes involve women in top judicial posts, they will remain recipients of change rather than becoming agents of change. People equate a gender diverse judiciary with more representative governance. Since the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination…

New bill no solution for rooting out police corruption and brutality MARY DE HAAS THE new SAPS Amendment Bill 2020 has been welcomed as a means of dealing with police corruption, instilling discipline, and promoting greater accountability. It also sets out how municipal police units will be incorporated into the SAPS to establish a single police service. Its emphasis on greater co-ordination within the different arms of policing, and on district-based services, include community police forums and neighbourhood watch and patrol structures. Referring to reports by the Farlam Commission on Marikana and the expert policing panel, it spells out levels of force which may be used by the police during gatherings, and regulates the deployment of Public Order Policing. Its aims are praiseworthy but it is no panacea for rooting…

‘The most important meeting of my life’ Krish Naidoo, ANC legal adviser and former SABC board member, wrote Krish Struggle Lawyer. It records his life, the main political trials he conducted as a human rights lawyer, and his role in sport, culture and the legal fraternity. In the chapter The Road To Victor Verster Prison, Naidoo writes on his visit to Nelson Mandela FEBRUARY 1989 was an exceptionally stressful month for me. The leaders of the Mass Democratic Movement reached breaking point with Winnie Mandela after the public revelations about the Mandela United Football Club and the murder of Stompie Seipei, a youngster from the Free State, who lived in her home for a short while. There were calls for the Mass Democratic Movement to isolate Winnie. There were even…

SA breakfast show streams to LA CHANELLE LUTCHMAN Supplied TONGAAT resident Kovesh Nadasen is taking his breakfast show on Megazone Radio to new heights. The show, The Sundae Clique, is broadcast from the uMhlanga station every Sunday from 7am to 10am, with Nadasen’s co-host Tasneem Khan. It is also streamed live at the same time on Abee Chunes Radio, an online station based in Los Angeles, in the US. The idea of the simultaneous stream started in August after Nadasen, 32, a father of two, was introduced to Roshan Shiwcharran, the chief executive of Abee Chunes Radio. “We play a lot of Chutney and Nagara music. We also like to play international Nagara and Chutney music, and interview the artists,” said Nadasen. “Earlier this year, I interviewed Terry Gajraj, an…

Study links high birth weight, heart disorder A TEAM of researchers in Beijing has linked elevated birth weight with developing a common heart rhythm disorder – atrial fibrillation – later in life. Chinese researchers from Zhejiang University, in Hangzhou, said that the risk of atrial fibrillation in adulthood might be higher for large newborns (more than 4kg) than those with normal birth weight. “Preventing elevated birth weight could be a novel way to avoid atrial fibrillation in offspring, for example, with a balanced diet and regular checkups during pregnancy, particularly for women who are overweight, obese or have diabetes,” said study author Dr Songzan Chen at the 31st Great Wall International Congress of Cardiology. “People born with a high birth weight should adopt a healthy lifestyle to lower their likelihood…

Rahul ‘lucky’ to face Aussies CRICKETER-TURNED-COMMENTATOR Sanjay Manjrekar feels KL Rahul is “very lucky” to be recalled to the Indian Test side on the basis of his performance in white-ball cricket and Indian Premier League (IPL). Rahul, who has been in scintillating form in the ongoing IPL as he has scored 595 runs in 12 matches so far for Kings XI Punjab and holds the Orange Cap, has been named in the Test squad for the upcoming four-match Border-Gavaskar series against Australia to be played in December-January. According to Manjrekar, a bad precedent is set when a player is recalled for Tests on the basis of his IPL performance and it “massively demotivates” players playing the Ranji Trophy. “You set a bad precedent when you recall a player for Tests…

Man accuses stepdaughter of double-crossing him JANINE MOODLEY She left me sitting in Westville Prison for two yearsStepfather In court on 56 charges, including abuse “I FEEL nothing for her … I will never forgive anyone who double-crosses me,” said the Verulam man accused of repeatedly raping his stepdaughter, now 13 years old This week he took the stand in the Durban High Court to defend himself against the 56 charges levelled against him. They include rape, child abuse, sexual exploitation and the creation of child pornography. The man was arrested in June 2018 and is an awaiting trial prisoner at West-ville Prison after being denied bail. According to evidence submitted earlier in the trial the accused made the child dress in adult lingerie and smoke cannabis. He also forced…

Webinar to focus on fireworks, tolerance POST REPORTER THE South African Hindu Maha Sabha will host a webinar on Saturday at 2pm titled “Covid-19 Diwali and fireworks: tolerance, cultural rights and responsible use”. The speakers include professors Salim Abdool Karim, Karthy Govender and Nalini Moodley and as well as Pundit Lokesh Maharaj. The first theme will focus on Covid-19 compliance and celebrating responsibly. “The Sabha encourages the community to avoid family gatherings and to rather have virtual Diwali greetings and celebrations. “We also urge temples to comply with our recommended Covid-19 regulations. The Sabha supports social distancing, regular sanitising and wearing masks,” said Ashwin Trikamjee, the Sabha’s president. The second theme will focus on the use and abuse of fireworks. This includes cultural tolerance, respect and compliance with municipal by-laws.…

Birth of Prophet observed THANDEKA MGQIBI THE birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad will be observed tomorrow. Prophet Muhammad was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in the year 570 AD of the Gregorian calendar. The precise Gregorian and lunar date of his birth is unclear. However, Muslims observe his birthday on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi Al-Awwal, which is the third month of the Islamic year. This year, the month of Rabi ul Awal, also known as Eid Milad un Nabi, started last Sunday (October 18) and the day will be observed on October 29. Muslims generally spend the day connecting with God, by either fasting or reading the Qur’an. Moulana Abdullah Khan, of the Jamiatul Ulama KZN – Council of Muslim Theologians, said that activities were…

Wonderful, versatile potatoes now too expensive for many families NADIA KHAN Pixabay FOR many South African homes, potatoes form part of staple daily meals. But over the past few months, the prices have increased. André Jooste, the chief executive for Potatoes SA (PSA), an industry association, said the prices had risen steeply since June. “This is the time of the year when one of the bigger production regions, the Eastern Free State, finished the marketing of their crop, while the Limpopo production regions enter the market with their early crop,” said Jooste. “Due to the cold winter this year, there were lower yields for the early crop in Limpopo and hence there were fewer potatoes. Some other regions that normally market potatoes during the mid-year also planted less potatoes, thus…

Blaze claims sister, niece CHARLENE SOMDUTH MARGARET Francis Pillay has been dealt a double blow. Her home in Laudium, Pretoria, was gutted by a fire last Monday, killing her bedridden sister, Ella Ebrahim, and her niece, Michelle Pillay. Ebrahim, 75, died after the roof of the bedroom she was sleeping in collapsed. She also suffered smoke inhalation and burns to her body. Pillay, 52, who was unemployed, was rescued by Muhammed Momi Dockrat, a 19-year-old volunteer firefighter from Laudium Disaster Management. She sustained severe burns to her hands and face and died in hospital on Friday. Margaret Pillay said she had been dropping off her granddaughter, who also lived with her, at work when her neighbour called to tell her about the fire. “The neighbour told me that my house…

SA’s murder rate remains frighteningly high Crisis of crime is similar to a low-intensity civil war DUWAYNE ESAU IOL THE case for immediate, practical reforms in policing is clear from the high levels of serious and violent crime facing South Africans. The murder rate – which might be considered the key performance indicator of South Africa’s fight against crime – is high by international standards. At a rate of 36 per 100 000 – which equates to 58 murders a day – the scale of murder, per capita, in South Africa rivals the numbers seen in war-torn countries. Data in the 2020 edition of the Institute of Race Relations’ (IRR) South Africa Survey shows the country’s homicide rate is well over the international average of 7 per 100 000. It…

An absurd licence proposal A letter to the Deputy Minister of Telecommunications Pinky Kekana YOUR ridiculous – even incredulous – proposal to Parliament’s portfolio committee on telecommunications, that mobile users using streaming services on their mobile devices to pay a TV licence fee to the SABC, beggars belief, but inspires defiance. If I subscribe to Netflix, Showmax, or Amazon Prime, which requires a subscription, I will refuse to pay a mismanaged, crony-riddled, inept and degenerating broadcaster like the SABC anything more than a licence fee – and that begrudgingly. The SABC, in my candid opinion, has betrayed its mandate to the people by its under-par service in the first place, but, importantly, by employing some people whose credentials and control of the organisation are widely impugned and who have squandered…

Wheelchair murder is a barbaric act THE story, “Killed in her wheelchair” (the POST, October 21-25), about a defenceless woman should be classed as the most barbaric act committed. To your readers, please refrain from relating these thugs to animals. Animals are sensitive and protect their kind. These insensitive and inhuman beings can only be called savages and should be permanently removed from society. And as far as human rights are concerned, its advocates refrain from commenting as it’s not their mother, grandmother, sister or blood relative. All that matters to them is the right of the criminal, but what about the right of the innocent victim? It appears that they are brainwashed into believing that only criminals’ lives matter and they only come out of the woods when thugs…

‘We must see the potential in everything’ Carving out a living is central to the story of indenture in SA SELVAN NAIDOO KIRU NAIDOO SS Singh Collection at the 1860 Heritage Centre African News Agency (ANA) Archives SS Singh Collection at the 1860 Heritage Centre Local History Museum LAST year, Marlen Manivasagen Pillay, 40, was awarded the coveted KZN Guinea Fowl award after 20 years of experience as a third-generation farmer. Pillay’s Wellvale Farm near Dendethu, KwaDukuza, north of Durban, produces sugar cane on a small scale and vegetables on a commercial scale. In the year which commemorates 160 years of indentured labour to South Africa, Pillay’s tenacity to succeed against all odds should serve as inspiration for not just people of indentured ancestry but for all South Africans. The…

Your Stars PRISCILLA GENDRON Aries (March 21 – April 19) While you try and balance life at the moment, take time to think about what is really important to you and your family right now. Life is changing and sometimes change is good for the soul. Lucky Number: 2. Taurus (April 20 – May 20) This week is about returning to things from the past and either letting them go or putting new plans into action. Take the bull by the horns and move forward with strength and grace as you are strong and resilient. Lucky number: 4. Gemini (May 21 – June 20) Your main focus is money and making sure more comes in than goes out. Look at new ways to bring money in and maintain the abundance.…

Diwali treats Prathna Singh is the owner of Satvik Sweetmeats in Queensburgh. She is known for merging her passion for colour and design into her food. Singh shares some of her family’s favourite recipes. Follow her on Facebook: @Satvik Sweetmeats, and Instagram: Satvik_ Sweetmeats Chana Magaj 500g chana flour 1/3 cup milk 2½ cups butter ghee 500g icing sugar, sieved ½ cup Klim Milk Powder 1 tbs green elachi (cardamom) powder 1 tsp nutmeg ½ cup chopped almonds rose essence ½ cup pecan nuts (optional) Place the chana flour in a large bowl and gradually add the milk. Rub it in with your fingers until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Set aside to dry for a few hours. Using a thick-based pot, heat the butter ghee on medium temperature. Add the…

Singh sets his sights on Absa Premiership ESHLIN VEDAN UP-AND-coming footballer Liven Singh, pictured, is aiming to learn as much as possible at national First Division club Real Kings with a view to advancing to the Absa Premiership and eventually Europe. The 19 year old caught the attention of a number of Absa Premiership clubs after starring in July 2019 for Royal Eagles in the Engen Cup which was played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Royal Eagles went on to reach the final of the tournament, which they won in 2018, before succumbing to KZN football heavyweights AmaZulu. His solid displays for Eagles in defence led to him being named as the defender of the tournament. He said that he chose to play for the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium based…

Am: Sharks ready to click against Pumas Thomas du Toit out injured MIKE GREENAWAY SHARKS captain Lukhanyo Am, pictured, offers no excuses for his team’s heavy defeat to the Bulls last week and instead warns that his charges are not far off finding their groove. So far in Super Rugby Unblocked, the Sharks have been a shadow of the confident side that surged to the top of the Super Rugby standings in March, having edged the Lions in round one and then slumping to a 41-14 loss to the rampant Bulls. The World Cup winner says the Sharks are primed to click soon, hopefully this Saturday when they play the Pumas in Nelspruit. “We are not far off clicking,” he said. “What has been our undoing is errors at the…

Five experiments that surprised many BEN Stokes coming good as an opening batsman for Rajasthan Royals against Mumbai Indians on Sunday was not the only batting experiment that succeeded for a team this season. Kolkata Knight Riders got back to winning ways after pushing Sunil Narine down to middle-order against Delhi Capitals. The West Indian had been playing as an opener. Here’s a look at five notable batting experiments in the Indian Premier League so far: Ben Stokes as opener: Stokes is a power-hitter who bats in the middle-order in a power-packed England limited-overs batting line-up. The decision to push Stokes to the top by Rajasthan Royals captain Steve Smith was criticised after he aggregated just 110 in his first five games and failed to use the power-play – also…

HEIDAR MAKES HISTORY FAIZA Heidar grew up playing soccer in the streets with the boys and went on to captain Egypt’s national women’s team. Now she has become the first woman to train one of the country’s professional men’s clubs. Heidar has been signed up by the fourth division side Ideal Goldi, based in Giza. “There is usually some mockery at the beginning,” the 36-year-old told Reuters. “But then they realise that they will learn something, that they will develop their skills.” She said she was the first Egyptian coach – male or female – to gain the Premier Skills Coach Educator status, certified by England’s Premier League. Soccer remains an overwhelmingly male sport in Egypt. “I would tell her not to go. She would say: ‘No, I will go.’…