​Bryan Habana has urged SA Rugby to appoint outgoing Bok coach Rassie Erasmus’s replacement as soon as possible so that the new mentor can start planning for next season.

Bryan Habana has urged SA Rugby to appoint outgoing Bok coach Rassie Erasmus’s replacement as soon as possible so that the new mentor can start planning for next season.

Erasmus announced a few weeks ago that he would step down as head coach to focus on his role as director of rugby at SA Rugby. Given that SA play Scotland

and Georgia in home Tests in July 2020, to be followed by the Rugby Championships‚ Habana said preparations have to start as soon as possible.

​South Africa salvaged some pride with a convincing 54-48 win over England in the third and final match of the Spar Challenge International Netball Series at the Bellville Velodrome in Cape Town yesterday.

The Proteas went into this match in danger of suffering the embarrassment of being whitewashed at home‚ but they recovered in style from two successive defeats to England to end the series on a high note.

The England Roses will return home as 2-1 series winners, but SA coach Dorette Badenhorst will take positives going into their next assignment in the Netball Nations Cup against Jamaica‚ New Zealand and hosts England next month in Birmingham.

Badenhorst said they did not keep possession and lacked cohesion in the two defeats‚ but she was happy that inexperienced Lefebre Rademan and Monique Reyneke got opportunities against strong opposition.

Making the victory even more rewarding was the fact that the South Africans received three yellow cards in the match, which saw them play with 14 men for 30 of the 80 minutes

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, December 2, 2019/ -- Junior Springbok coach Chean Roux expressed his satisfaction as the SA U19s ground out a morale-boosting 28-21 victory in a hard-fought and physical encounter against Georgia at the Shevardeni Rugby Stadium in Tbilisi on Monday, in what marked the first of two matches between the teams in the country’s capital.

Making the victory even more rewarding was the fact that the South Africans received three yellow cards in the match, which saw them play with 14 men for 30 of the 80 minutes.

The first half was hard-fought as both teams threw everything at one another on attack and stood firm on defence, but Georgia’s two penalty goals and two tries – one of which was converted – to only two converted tries by the SA U19s, allowed the home side to sneak into an 18-14 lead shortly before halftime.

Mighty Warriors from the small coastal town of Havedzi in the Volta region are the undisputed Kings of club beach soccer in Ghana.
They achieved this feat with a ruthless and clinical demonstration of beach soccer artistry and ten unanswered goals that blew away their final opponents Marine Stars from the Central region.
There was no doubt that Cape Coast would provide the perfect setting for a thrilling climax to the maiden edition of the CalBank Super League.
The regional tour which kicked off six weeks ago in the Western region, witnessed record crowds week after week, especially the vibrant youth of Cape Coast on the final day.
Pre tournament favourites and recently crowned African Club Champions Sunset Sports beat Accra based Layoca Beach Soccer Club 5-2 o claim bronze.

The Ghana Football Association has organized a workshop on Club Licensing for Premier & Division League Clubs. 
Ahead of the start of domestic football across the country next month, Clubs are expected to meet the minimum Club Licensing requirements and submit the necessary documentation to the GFA.
Friday's very successful workshop discussed the Sporting, Infrastructure, Personnel & Administrative, Legal and Financial requirements that Clubs must meet before being granted licenses for GFA and CAF Club competitions.
Chairman of the Club Licensing Board Dr. Kwame Baah-Nuakoh stated that the Board’s approach to implementing the Club Licensing regulations will include regular seminars and engagements with clubs on how to fulfill the requirements.

Israeli Ligat HaAl  side Ashdod FC have officially written to Ghana Premier League side Hearts of Oak for the service of their forward Joseph Esso.
Esso has few months left with his contract and has been reluctant to renew his contract with the club despite several attempts from the club.
The forward has been the key man for Kim Grant side and the Phobians would like to keep him for the 2019/2020 season.
The Israelian club would like to add Esso to the three Ghanaians already at the club.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDD) has since 1992 been annually observed on 3rd December around the world. The theme for this year's IDD celebration in Ghana is "Disability inclusion in the Sustainable Development Goals; renewing commitments and mobilising support from stakeholders"
In view of this I wish all persons with Disability and all stakeholders in Ghana, Africa and the world at large a very successful 2019 IDD Celebration .

… 1,800 athletes From 30 Schools To Battle On The TracksThe Cape Coast Sports Stadium in the Central region has been chosen for the first ever Senior High Schools (SHS) Festival of Ralay Race which comes off on Wednesday, December 4, 2019.
The event being put up by Dreamland SportsPlus is dubbed ‘Make or Break’, and under the theme ‘The Power of the Baton – To make or unmake, no dull moment’ is sponsored by Parle Biscuits, Bebe, Dolait Yoghurt, Ice Joy Ice Cream and Hurray Crackers.
Emmanuel Olla Williams CEO of Dreamland SportsPlus said all the Senior High Schools in the Central Region have been invited as the programme has been sanctioned by the Central Regional Sports Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES).

Accra Hearts of Oak have set up a technical committe to compliment the efforts of head coach Kim Grant.
Up until now, the 47 year old manager has shouldered both the burden of first team duties and the responsibilities of the technical director role.
However the formation of this new committee will see him get the much needed support in terms of player recruitments and overseeing the growth of youngsters in the club’s youth system.

NEW YORK CITY & MEXICO CITY (Monday, December 2, 2019) – The Mexican National Team will once again tour the United States in 2020, entertaining its millions of devoted fans from coast to coast.  Now in its 18th year, the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol (FMF) and Soccer United Marketing (SUM) today announced the 2020 #MexTour will kick-off on Thursday, March 26, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC – presented by Allstate, followed by the previously announced game at the 5G-enabled AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX on Sunday, March 29 – presented by AT&T. The teams are expected to bring their top rosters as the games will be played during the March FIFA dates. 

Opponents, kickoff times, as well as additional matches for the 2020 Mexican National Team U.S. Tour, will be also announced at a later date.  ​

The Women Sports Associations of Ghana (WOSPAG) is organising a workshop for women in sports leadership at the  Media Center, Accra Sports Stadium on Wednesday, December 5, 2019.
According to Mrs. Joyce Mahama, the workshop is to encourage more female participation in sports management and administration.
She said the programme which is supported by the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) and the National Sports Authority (NSA) as well as Women In Sports Association (WISA) will attract representatives from the various sports federations and media.

New boxing sensation, Alfred Lamptey aka ‘The New Sweet Pea’ recorded his third straight victory in style over the weekend at James Town in Accra.
Preparing for the ‘Bliss On The Hill’ show, Lamptey took on David Kotey who he stopped in the 3rd round at the Old Kingsway Ussher Fort, off the High Street in Accra.
Lamptey who is managed by Round 10 Boxing based in Dubai as well as Box Office Promotions in Ghana was the toast of the night as he punished his more experienced opponent before stopping him to the admiration of boxing fans.
According to Alex Ntiamoah Boakye, CEO of Box Office, they are building him to become one of the youngest champions, and very soon he would be taking on international fights.

Ghana’s Robert Quaye (17-0,14 KOs) aka “The Stopper” will launch his first professional career bout outside the shores of Ghana against his Canadian opponent Custio Clayton (17-0,11 KOs) slated for the 16th January, 2020 in Canada.
Quaye is the former interim World Boxing Organisation Africa Super Lightweight Titlist and but for his disciplinary issues, the Jamestown native could have gone a notch ahead of his peers, a situation that his very experienced manager, Michael Nii Yarboi Annan of the Dons Promotions is trying to remedy and so far so good.
Robert ‘the Stopper’ Quaye must now prepare to face a fellow unbeaten boxer in Montreal, Quebec, Canada born Custio Clayton. The 32 year old orthodox boxer is the current  NABA Welter Titlist and the World Boxing Organisation International Welter Champion after a win over 26 year old Johan Perez (24-7-2, 16 KOs) of Venezuela in June of this year 2019.

Sage will return to the Vodacom Bulls and Vodacom Super Rugby duties early next year with renewed respect for his Springbok Sevens team mates

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, December 2, 2019/ -- Vodacom Super Rugby and the Currie Cup refreshed and improved Dylan Sage as a rugby player, but the Blitzbok forward admitted it was still tough to get back in the green and gold and start playing sevens again.

“In a way, it was a new start for me playing sevens again, not that I minded, but the dynamics are different and challenging. My body has been sore for a couple of weeks, but I really enjoyed being back,” said Sage, who last played for South Africa in June 2018, when the Blitzboks nailed their second HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series win by beating England in the final in France.

Ghana’s WBO Africa super middleweight champion, Emmanuel Martey aka Mayweather suffered his first defeat in 16 fights in Maykop, Russia against an experienced home favourite, Maksim Vlasov(45- 3-26KOs).
The cold weather in Europe was one of the factors that caused the defeat of one of Ghana’s fine boxers who said he has put the defeat behind him and moving on with his boxing life.

Ghana based Nigerian boxer, Felix Williams was declared loser on points in the UK when he failed to defend his title against Josh Wale.
The officials scored the majority decision of 95-95, 97-93 and 99-91 in favour of Josh Wale in Sheffield in the United Kingdom on Friday. 
His manager, Mike Annan of Don’s Promotions who was not enthused with the results said he will protest the results as he felt his boxer did very well to retain his title.

Interworld Products, suppliers and distributors of Binatone electrical appliances on Saturday organized a mini raffle during the finals of the MTN Skate Soccer League
With only Two Ghana Cedis, the fans, including sports journalists won prizes like ovens, fans, blenders and pressing irons.
Nii Maale Adjei of Mamedia Ventures who took home an oven expressed his joy that he never expected, but just gave the raffle a try and he won. 
He commended Binatone for joining MTN to support the physically challenged sportsmen and putting some smiles and joy on their faces.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Coordination Commission will be making their third official visit to Birmingham this week to discuss preparations for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
 
The Coordination Commission (CoCom) is responsible for delivery oversight of the Commonwealth Games and is tasked with monitoring Games delivery to scope, schedule and budget.
 
The visit to the West Midlands will take place from 3-5 December with CGF Vice President Bruce Robertson having been appointed as the new CoCom Chair, replacing fellow Vice President Chris Jenkins in the role.

​he Madagascar Makis won at home to earn a place in the group stage of the Rugby Africa Cup 2020
ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar, December 2, 2019/ -- Madagascar's national rugby team, the Makis XV, defeated Nigeria's Black Stallions at Mahamasina Municipal Stadium yesterday.

The host team thoroughly dominated their opponents during the game. After 80 minutes of play, the final score was 63-3.

This victory means Madagascar will be one of the 12 best African teams that will compete in the group stage of the Rugby Africa Cup 2020. Madagascar will take its place in Group A alongside Namibia and Zambia.

A winner has been selected in the World Athletics contest for the best photograph of the year taken by a fan photographer.
Held alongside the Photograph of the Year award for professional photographers, fan photographers were invited to submit their own entries via social media. The three finalists in the contest for professional photographers formed the panel to determine the winner of the contest for fan photographers.

Naa Dromo Adzekwei,  founder of Ideal ladies says it is her conviction that the families of the players will continue to trust the management of Ideal Ladies FC to serve as a moral booster for their players to aim at higher heights in the future with the ever growing game both locally and internationally. 
She emphasized that the sky is the limit for the team as they aspire to be the best in future.
Ideal Ladies FC was founded on November 18, 2004 and affiliated to the Ghana Football Association and the Greater Accra Regional Football Association on June 20, 2005.
The club participates in the Greater Accra Women’s Football League and the FA (Knock Out) Cup to date.

St Kitts & Nevis Patriots 149/7 (Brooks 53, Thomas 20, Allen 20, Gurney 2/23, Walsh Jr 2/37) beat Barbados Tridents 148 (Shakib 38, Reifer 34, Cottrell 3/27, Brathwaite 3/30, Cottrell 3/27, Emrit 2/24) by 1 run
 
St Kitts & Nevis Patriots secured their 2019 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) playoff spot in dramatic style as Dominic Drakes bowled Harry Gurney with the final ball of the night to seal a thrilling one-run victory over Barbados Tridents, who now face a winner-takes-all clash with St Lucia Zouks on Sunday after a dramatic batting collapse when victory appeared in their grasp.


Superb bowling from Carlos Brathwaite, Sheldon Cottrell and Rayad Emrit on the back of what would prove a crucial 33-ball 53 from Shamarh Brooks all helped set up the dramatic finale and ultimately what had looked for most of the night an unlikely victory. The two points move the Patriots up to second in the table for now but more importantly certain of at least fourth no matter what happens over the next few days.


Tonight’s result means Trinbago Knight Riders are also sure of a top-four finish despite their recent struggles, while the Tridents are condemned to what amounts to an eliminator before the Eliminator against the Zouks to determine the final top-four spot.

MIES (Switzerland) – FIBA announced today that Argentina and Canada will host the two FIBA Women's Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournaments 2019 for the Americas region. 
 
The newly developed Olympic pre-qualification tournaments will tip-off in November 2019 to qualify teams to the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournaments 2020, and ultimately the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Africa will host one tournament, with the Americas and Asia-Oceania hosting two tournaments each. Hosts for Africa and Asia-Oceania will be announced next week. 
 
Argentina and Canada will be the hosts of the FIBA Women's Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournaments 2019 for the Americas. The teams competing in the two pre-qualifying tournaments will be Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and USA. ​

Sporting rainbow-coloured hair, two-time Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce found a pot of gold at the end of the track, winning her fourth 100m title at the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha tonight.
A decade after she won her first title, and 13 months after giving birth to her son, 32-year-old Fraser-Pryce returned to the pinnacle of her sport, gapping the field to win in 10.71.
The event began with a dramatic sound and light show to introduce the world’s best sprinters, but Fraser-Pryce outshone all the special effects.
The double Olympic champion made her characteristic bullet-like start and had already established a clear advantage on the seven-strong field by 30 metres. The Jamaican superstar then simply ran away from the opposition to stop the clock in 10.71 – exactly the same time she ran to win her second world title in Moscow in 2013, and within 0.01 seconds of her lifetime best.

The United States broke the world record for the second time in as many days in the mixed 4x400m relay as Michael Cherry anchored the squad to a new benchmark of 3:09.34*, taking almost three seconds off the first round performance and delivering a 12th world gold to their second leg runner, Allyson Felix.
The US had swapped their entire quartet of world record breakers from the previous day, bringing in four runners who had missed individual places but were selected for the men’s and women’s relay squads. The effort earned the team a US$100,000 world record bonus.
Silver in an event that will make its Olympic debut in Tokyo next year went to Jamaica in a national record of 3:11.78, and Bahrain, fielding 2017 women’s 400m silver medallist Salwa Eid Naser, took bronze in an Asian record of 3:11.82.