As the calendar inches closer to the turn of the year, the world of cricket enthusiasts is bracing for an electrifying spectacle with the arrival of Betway SA20 Season 2, set to commence on January 10, 2024. With the promise of riveting matches, formidable players, and intense rivalries, this cricketing fiesta is all set to elevate the sport to new heights in a month-long showdown.

Clash of Titans: Season 2's Opening Week

The grand stage of Betway SA20 Season 2 opens with a fervor that matches the summer's heat. Six IPL-linked teams, infused with South Africa's cricketing prowess and international star power, will ignite the competition with their opening matches. Kicking off the frenzy, defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape will lock horns with Joburg Super Kings (JSK) at St George's Park on January 10. This battle sets the tone for a series of intense confrontations and captivating performances that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Evolution in Structure: Redesigned Playoff Format

Season 2 introduces an intriguing twist with a revised playoff structure, adding a new layer of anticipation to the proceedings. The road to the coveted championship trophy now involves a Qualifier 1, an Eliminator, and a Qualifier 2, culminating in the ultimate clash, the Final. The top two teams will engage in Qualifier 1, while the third and fourth-placed teams battle it out in the Eliminator. The drama escalates as the loser of Qualifier 1 and the victor of the Eliminator cross paths in Qualifier 2, aiming for a shot at challenging the Qualifier 1 winner in the climactic Final.

Weeknight Cricket Thrills and Weekend Spectacles

Season 2 acknowledges the passion of cricket enthusiasts by presenting mid-week matches that begin at 17h30, allowing fans to unwind with a dose of cricket magic after their workday or school commitments. The weekends, already a cricket lover's delight, promise enthralling evening viewing. This well-thought-out schedule ensures that cricket aficionados don't miss a single captivating moment.

Global Engagement and Encompassing Coverage

Betway SA20 League's appeal transcends borders, captivating audiences across seven territories. Fans spanning Sub-Saharan Africa, India, the UK, Australasia, the UAE, and beyond will experience the live action on various broadcasting platforms. Enriching the experience, the league's robust social media channels will provide real-time updates, immersing fans in the cricketing euphoria and ensuring that no significant moment goes unnoticed.

Basking in Past Glory and Awaiting the Auction

Reflecting on the success of Season 1, where it earned accolades as one of the most-watched sporting events on SuperSport Premium and garnered a colossal viewership in India, the excitement surrounding Season 2 is palpable. The upcoming auction on September 27, where the franchise teams finalize their 19-player rosters, adds a layer of intrigue, setting the stage for a dynamic and fiercely competitive season.

As the cricketing fraternity gears up for this grand showcase, Betway SA20 Season 2 promises to deliver unmatched thrills, unforgettable moments, and unparalleled entertainment, marking its place as an unmissable event on the cricketing calendar.
[Submitted by Estea Rademeyer]

South Africa's cricket landscape is abuzz with the announcement of the squad for their upcoming white-ball series against Australia, with young batting sensation Dewald Brevis capturing the spotlight. The 20-year-old prodigy, who topped the run charts at the 2022 Under-19 World Cup, has been selected to represent his nation in both the T20I and ODI formats. Having showcased his talent in various franchise leagues, including the IPL, CPL, and MLC, Brevis has earned a much-deserved international call-up.

Brevis's inclusion in the squad is aimed at providing him with exposure to international cricket, rather than as a mere audition for the impending World Cup. As confirmed by South Africa's coach Rob Walter, Brevis will slot into the middle order, deviating from his usual opening role. The coaching staff aims to create a nurturing environment for Brevis to express himself on the grand stage.

Walter commented, "We want to just broaden our base a little bit and this Australia series is an opportunity to give him a run. He [Brevis] is a fairly grounded young guy. It's just about creating an environment to express himself in."

Keshav Maharaj, the experienced spinner, is also a prominent name in the discussions. Having recovered ahead of expectations from a ruptured Achilles, Maharaj is under consideration for the World Cup. Despite the challenging nature of his injury, the management is optimistic about his match readiness. "He has done exceptionally well to this point. He is ahead of where we thought he would be, so things look positive," said Walter. Maharaj's inclusion in the squad for the second and third T20Is hinges on his match fitness. The management remains hopeful that he will participate in the ODIs leading up to the World Cup.

South Africa's World Cup squad, set to be announced on September 5, may witness further changes before the final squad submission on September 27. As the nation gears up for the cricketing spectacle, the likes of Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Bjorn Fortuin are in contention for the two spinners' spots in the final fifteen.

In an effort to optimize performance, key players including Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, and Kagiso Rabada will be rested for the T20Is to ensure they are in peak condition for the ODIs and the World Cup.

As the cricket fraternity awaits the series against Australia, all eyes are on the emerging talents and established stars as they aim to shape South Africa's trajectory in the lead-up to the much-anticipated World Cup.




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Title: Dewald Brevis Joins South Africa's Squad for White-Ball Series vs Australia

Published on [Date]

Promising Addition: South Africa's Dewald Brevis, the standout performer at the U-19 World Cup, secures a spot in the T20I and ODI squads for the Australia series. His call-up emphasizes exposure rather than auditioning for the World Cup. Coach Rob Walter confirms Brevis will bat in the middle order, offering him a nurturing platform to showcase his skills.

Maharaj's Return: Spinner Keshav Maharaj's faster-than-expected recovery from an Achilles injury positions him for the World Cup. His inclusion in the T20I squad depends on match fitness, with hopes of participating in the ODIs ahead of the tournament.

Squad Dynamics: South Africa's World Cup squad announcement on September 5 may see alterations before the final submission on September 27. Notable players like Maharaj, Shamsi, and Fortuin vie for two spinner spots in the final XV.

Strategic Rest: Key players including de Kock, Klaasen, Miller, Nortje, and Rabada will sit out the T20Is to ensure peak performance in the ODIs and World Cup.

Anticipation Builds: As South Africa gears up for the series against Australia, emerging talents and established stars hold the reins, shaping the nation's trajectory in the run-up to the World Cup.






[Submitted by Estea Rademeyer]

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has embraced a more adaptable approach to fitness standards for both male and female athletes, allowing players failing to meet certain criteria to still play at the discretion of national coaches. While CSA no longer rigidly enforces the completion of a two-kilometer run within a specified time or adherence to recommended skinfold measures, a document shared with players underlines the "strong recommendation" that those not meeting minimum fitness levels "should not take the field in an official match."

The authority to determine a player's participation rests with the respective coaches, namely Rob Walter for the men's white-ball team, Shukri Conrad for the men's red-ball team, and Hilton Moreeng for the women's team.

Enoch Nkwe, CSA's Director of Cricket, explained the change as a response to evolving needs. "We had a medical conference in June and we decided to allow the medical team to work out a better way forward," he shared with ESPNcricinfo. The move reflects CSA's recognition of the need for flexibility, placing trust in coaches' decision-making capacities due to their familiarity with the team's environment.

This policy revision follows instances from last year where key players such as former captain Dane van Niekerk, batter Lizelle Lee, and bowler Sisanda Magala were sidelined due to fitness criteria non-compliance. Acknowledging that the selectors have the discretion to assess a player's fitness on a case-by-case basis, the new approach aims to prevent the undue sidelining of players due to strict adherence to metrics.

The "fit-to-play" standards for the 2023-24 season remain unchanged for both men and women. Male players are expected to complete a two-kilometer run within 8.30 minutes and maintain skinfold measurements of 85mm or less. Women have a parallel standard, requiring completion within 9.30 minutes and skinfolds under 100mm. While male provincial players share the international standard, their female counterparts are allowed some leniency, with a time frame of 10.15 minutes and skinfolds below 120mm.

CSA's initiative extends to an "elite standard" where players accomplishing the run in under 7.45 minutes (men) and under 9.00 minutes (women) are recognized. While CSA seeks to encourage players to aim for excellence, there is no information on any accompanying incentives for achieving the elite status.

Players will undergo fitness evaluations twice a season, with one assessment prior to the September commencement and the other mid-season, spanning December to January. The prescribed test recommends a warm-up involving ten minutes of running and dynamic stretching, allowing walking breaks during the trial. The stipulation mandates outdoor completion, preferably on an athletic track, precluding indoor or treadmill running.

The overhaul in CSA's fitness standards underscores a commitment to fostering an environment of growth and performance excellence, setting a fresh precedent in player assessment protocols.
[Submitted by Estea Rademeyer]

FAME Week Africa Spotlights Music, Film, and Entertainment in Vibrant Cape Town

Get ready for the crescendo of cultural innovation as FAME Week Africa converges the dynamic spheres of Africa's creative economy, including music, film, TV, animation, and entertainment technology. From September 3 to 10, the picturesque city of Cape Town becomes the epicenter of inspiration and dialogue.

Muziki Africa Conference: Where Melodies Converge

Hosted by The Music Arena, the Muziki Africa conference takes center stage from September 4 to 6 at the CTICC 2, weaving together the intricate tapestry of the music world. A plethora of engaging sessions await, each focusing on a unique facet of the music industry.

Exploring Emerging Markets and Industry Trends

"Unveiling Opportunities" delves into emerging markets and industry trends, fostering inclusivity and innovation within the music ecosystem.

Empowering Women in Music

"Breaking Barriers and Shaping the Future: What's Next for Women in Music" champions gender equality, inspiring women to reshape the musical landscape.

The Societal Impact of Music

"Harmony of Change" engages in conversations about music's profound societal influence, addressing ethics, diversity, and vital issues.

Empowering Songwriters

"Unlock Your Songwriting Potential: A Masterclass at Muziki Africa" empowers aspiring songwriters, nurturing the next generation of musical storytellers.

Merging Artistry with Business

"Harmonizing Narratives: Unleashing the Power of Music in Storytelling and the Business of Music Synchronization" bridges the gap between artistry and commerce, catering to creators and business professionals alike.

Unity through Diversity

"Harmonizing Diversity" celebrates inclusivity by spotlighting LGBTQ+ and minority representation, fostering unity through the universal language of music.

Recognizing Excellence and Preparing for Change

"Adapting to Change" equips participants for the evolving music landscape, while "Celebrating Excellence" honors African talent's global impact through music awards.

Navigating the Spotlight and the Future of Live Music

"Navigating the Spotlight" guides musicians through artist development and management, and "Unveiling the Soundscape of Tomorrow" offers insights into the future of live music and the broader industry.

This lineup of content-rich sessions promises to captivate and educate music professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Notable Speakers

Attendees will have the privilege of hearing from a range of luminaries, including Sipho Dlamini (President of Africa & the Middle East at gamma.), Zakes Bantwini (Singer, Record Producer, Entrepreneur), Ninel Musson (Co-Founder of Vth Season), Shiro Mwendwa (Head of Creative & Licensing at Sheer Publishing), Mx Blouse (Recording Artist), Justin van Wyk (CEO of Big Concerts International and Ticketmaster), Phiona Okumu (Head of Music in Sub-Saharan Africa at Spotify), and more.

Harmonizing Voices for the Future

Muziki Africa serves as a resonating platform, where influential figures converge to discuss the present and future impact of African music on the global stage. This meeting of minds promises illuminating dialogues about the intricacies and value of African music, poised to captivate the world's attention.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber named 21 players with Rugby World Cup experience (nine of whom will be appearing at their third RWC tournament) when he revealed the defending champion’s squad of 33 players for the 2023 edition in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

Nienaber’s squad featured a strong mix of experience and some of the best up-and-coming young players in the country, while there was disappointment for three of the starting XV from the 32-12 victory over England in Japan four years ago, who were ruled out by injury and illness.

Flyhalf Handre Pollard (calf), Lukhanyo Am (knee) and Lood de Jager (chest problem) have been placed on standby with six other players. The Springbok coaches were hopeful that they may return to full training before the start of the tournament and be available for call-up in the event of injury.

Meanwhile props Frans Malherbe and Trevor Nyakane, lock Eben Etzebeth, loose forwards Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Duane Vermeulen, centres Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel and fullback Willie le Roux will feature in their third World Cup tournaments and are among a large group of players who were members of the 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning squad.

Also returning from 2019 are Steven Kitshoff and Vincent Koch (props), Bongi Mbonambi and Malcolm Marx (hookers), RG Snyman (lock), Kwagga Smith, (loose forward), Franco Mostert (utility forward), Faf de Klerk and Cobus Reinach (scrumhalves), Damian Willemse (utility back), Cheslin Kolbe and Makazole Mapimpi (wings).

Making their first appearance at a Rugby World Cup are Ox Nche (prop), Jean Kleyn and Marvin Orie (locks), Marco van Staden and Jasper Wiese (loose forwards), Deon Fourie (utility forward), Jaden Hendrikse and Grant Williams (scrumhalves), Manie Libbok (flyhalf), Andre Esterhuizen (centre), Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie (outside backs).

The squad comprises 19 forwards and 14 backline players.

“This was one of the hardest selections we have ever had to make,” said Nienaber.

“Any of the 42-man training squad would do a great job but injuries have played a part in the final selection and time unfortunately ran out for some real champions.

“However, we said from the outset that we wanted to name the best 33 players for the World Cup, and after giving 38 players a run in the last four Tests we are pleased with the make-up of the group, and we know we have proper depth in each position.

“We’ve picked a squad with a bunch of the players who can also cover alternative positions, which we’ll need in a very tough World Cup.

“We were in a great position this year to have so many players knocking on the door for selection but unfortunately, we could only select 33. Injuries have had a hand in the final selection, but they are part of the game, and we are excited about the quality of the players who can step in and perform at World Cup level – as many of the players who featured against Argentina showed last weekend.”

Nienaber also announced that nine players would be placed on standby – five of whom will travel with the team to Cardiff and London for their last two RWC warm-up matches against Wales (19 August) and New Zealand (25 August).

The nine players are Am (centre), De Jager (lock), Jean-Luc du Preez (utility forward), Thomas du Toit (prop), Joseph Dweba (hooker), Herschel Jantjies (scrumhalf), Pollard (flyhalf), Evan Roos (No 8) and Gerhard Steenekamp (prop). The five travelling to the UK on Saturday are Du Toit, Du Preez, Dweba, Pollard and Am.

Nienaber said: “Since Rassie (Erasmus – SA Rugby Director of Rugby) and I returned to South Africa in 2018 we’ve been building to the 2023 World Cup, and we are pleased with where we are, going into this World Cup.

“The coaches and players have put in a helluva lot work in the last few years, and we have the luxury of naming a squad that features a big group of players who know what it takes to win a World Cup and who will enter the tournament with vast international experience.

“The younger players have also showed in the last two seasons that they can match some of the top players in the world, so we believe we are better prepared as a team going into this tournament.

“We still have two warm-up games left and a road to travel to build player combinations and fine tune the areas of our game that we feel we need to improve on, so we are by no means the final product at this stage.”

Kolisi, who is expected to be back in action against Wales in two weeks, will captain the Springbok team for the second time at the Rugby World Cup when they take the field in France. Nche and Hendrikse – who have not appeared for the Boks in the past four matches – are also expected to return in the final two warm-up matches.

Am suffered a knee injury in the team’s 24-13 victory against Argentina in Buenos Aires and is expected to be out of action for four weeks, while De Jager is undergoing specialist evaluation for a chest problem. Pollard, meanwhile, has been on the sidelines with a calf injury since joining the team in June and will continue to work with the Bok medical team to return to full fitness.

South Africa will launch their Rugby World Cup title defence on Sunday, 10 September, against Scotland in Marseille, which will be followed by pool matches against Romania in Bordeaux (17 September), Ireland in Paris (23 September) and Tonga in Marseille (1 October).

The Rugby World Cup quarter-finals will be played on the weekend of 14/15 October, with the semi-finals on 20/21 October and the final on Saturday, 28 October.

Springbok Rugby World Cup squad:

Forwards:

Props: Steven Kitshoff (Ulster – 74 caps, 10 points), Vincent Koch (Cell C Sharks – 45 caps, 0 points), Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers – 61 caps, 5 points), Ox Nche (Cell C Sharks – 19 caps, 0 points), Trevor Nyakane (Racing 92 – 61 caps, 5 points).

Hookers: Bongi Mbonambi (Cell C Sharks – 60 caps, 60 points), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears – 61 caps, 75 points).

Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Cell C Sharks – 112 caps, 25 points), Jean Kleyn (Munster – 2 caps, 0 points), Marvin Orie (Perpignan – 14 caps, 0 points), RG Snyman (Munster – 26 caps, 5 points).

Loose Forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz – 69 caps, 30 points), Siya Kolisi (captain – Racing 92 – 75 caps, 45 points), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs – 33 caps, 25 points), Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls – 12 caps, 0 points), Duane Vermeulen (SA Rugby – 68 caps, 15 points), Jasper Wiese (Leicester – 22 caps, 5 points).

Utility Forwards: Deon Fourie (DHL Stormers – 7 caps, 0 points), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat – 65 caps, 15 points).

Backs:

Scrumhalves: Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles – 48 caps, 44 points), Jaden Hendrikse (Cell C Sharks – 12 caps, 12 points), Cobus Reinach (Montpelllier – 25 caps, 45 points), Grant Williams (Cell C Sharks – 4 caps, 0 points).

Flyhalves: Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers – 7 caps, 45 points), Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers – 31 caps, 36 points).

Centres: Damian de Allende (Panasonic Wild Knights – 72 caps, 50 points), Andre Esterhuizen (Harlequins – 13 caps, 0 points), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles – 61 caps, 60 points).

Outside Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls – 9 caps, 50 points), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath – 25 caps, 81 points), Willie le Roux (Vodacom Bulls – 86 caps, 65 points), Makazole Mapimpi (Cell C Sharks – 38 caps, 115 points), Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls – 6 caps, 10 points).

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

The Specialty Food Association will hold the three-day Summer Fancy Food Show at the Javits Center in New York between June 25-27, 2023.

The Specialty Food Association, SFA, was founded in 1952 in New York City.

It is the most important trade organization in the field, representing the $175 billion specialty food industry.

The Fancy Food Show is organized by the SFA twice a year, in the summer in New York City, in the winter on the West Coast.

The Summer Fancy Food Show is the largest specialty food show in North America, introducing thousands of the newest and best products from the domestic and global markets.

Educational seminars are also presented at the event.

Over 32,000 visitors attend from all over the world, including retailers, restaurateurs, food store buyers, and other professionals. More than 1,800 domestic and foreign specialty food manufacturers will showcase their products.

The show is open only to members of the specialty food trade.

On Sunday, June 25^th, the 2023 Lifetime Awards will be given out.

This year, Morocco is the partner country sponsor of the show.

Blind tasting will be held for the buyers to decide which specialty food products are the best.

The SOFI Awards will be given out to the winners on June 27^th.

Gia De Laurentiis, celebrated chef and Emmy Award winner television personality, will give the Keynote Address.

The Winter Fancy Food Show will take place on January 21-23, 2024 in Nevada at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Written by Katalin Pota

Keywords:      Fancy Food Show x Specialty Food Association x Javits Center x New York City x Gia De Laurentiis

Summary:        Summer Fancy Food Show organized by the Specialty Food Association at the Javits Center, NYC on June 25-27, 2023.

Media URLs:

http://www.specialtyfood.com/shows-events/summer-fancy-food-show/

Ali Campbell's unmistakable voice reverberated through the Sunbet Arena in Pretoria, captivating the hearts of thousands on Saturday night. UB40, featuring their original member Ali Campbell, graced the stage and left the adoring audience of 8000 in awe, their spirits soaring higher than ever before.

The concert was a lively affair, brimming with the band's timeless classics that have stood the test of time. As the familiar tunes of "Can't Help Falling in Love With You," "Kingston Town," and "Red Red Wine" filled the air, the atmosphere transformed into something truly magical. Each beloved hit drew the audience in deeper, leaving us wondering how we would ever move on once the night came to an end.

Before UB40 took the stage, the local band Tidal Waves warmed up the crowd, igniting a sense of excitement that was met with thunderous applause as the headliners emerged. The concert kicked off with the much-loved "Here I Am (Come and Take Me)," and the band wasted no time in letting the audience know that they were not a sit-down band. This declaration prompted half the crowd to rise to their feet, with others dancing in the aisles.

UB40 ft Ali Campbell showcased their musical prowess with flawless renditions of their greatest hits, including "Grooving," "Stick by Me," "Impossible Love," and "I'll Be There." One standout moment was their performance of the new song "Unprecedented," which serves as the title track of the band's latest album. While staying true to UB40's timeless sound, the song's poignant lyrics highlighted the anxiety stemming from the pandemic and political unrest in the UK, striking a chord with the audience.

While Ali Campbell has long been the face and voice of UB40, it is essential to acknowledge the contributions of the other talented musicians who bring the band's distinctive sound to life. Bass, drum, trumpet, and saxophone players, as well as backing vocalists, all shone at different moments throughout the night. Among them, drummer Frank Benbini stood out, captivating the crowd and keeping their energy high with an electrifying drum solo.

The band saved their most iconic songs for the grand finale, leaving us on the edge of our seats in anticipation. The atmosphere reached its peak as the familiar chords of "Red Red Wine" filled the arena, and the collective excitement was unlike anything else. But the night didn't end there. UB40 returned for an encore, delivering soul-stirring performances of "Kingston Town" and "Food for Thought." However, it was the magical moment when the chords of "Can't Help Falling in Love With You" filled the air that etched itself into our memories—a perfect fusion of tranquility and adoration emanating from the crowd, creating a core memory that will be cherished forever.

UB40 ft Ali Campbell's concert was an unforgettable experience, weaving together their timeless hits, stellar musicianship, and moments of pure magic. It was a night where time seemed to stand still, and the power of music united thousands in an unbreakable bond of shared joy and love for the music that has touched their lives for decades.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

MAYOR Aubry Hocog said in an interview on Thursday that there were no injuries, casualties, or major damage reported on Rota, despite Super Typhoon Mawar's 140 mph winds.

“We are very blessed,” she added. Based on the preliminary assessment, “We had some fallen trees and other debris that were blocking road access. We immediately cleared that to ensure that our emergency personnel would be able to transport any of our Rota residents to the hospital if need be.”

She said they have been closely working with the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. so “access to water is available now. Also, CUC is offering up to 50 gallons of water for every family to utilize but has issued a boil water notice. The power division will be mobilized once the ‘all clear’ signal has been issued to focus on restoring power to the island."

As of 4 p.m. Thursday, the mayor said they had “21 people sheltered [at the Office on Aging] who are just awaiting the ‘all clear’ signal to be issued to return home.”

She added, “We have [Department of Public Works] personnel out [there] clearing the secondary roads for residents to be able to move freely. The port of entry is our main priority…. [The Commonwealth Ports Authority] is awaiting the signal so that authorized personnel will be allowed on-site to assist with the debris removal. This way, we can anticipate the arrival of supplies and equipment needed that will be utilized towards our recovery efforts.”

Hocog said Rota is “so grateful to our Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, [CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management Special Assistant Franklin] Babauta, all the government departments, autonomous agencies, private sector and federal partners for their support and assistance in ensuring that our people will get all needed resources to be able to begin our recovery phase from this super typhoon.”

At the same time, Rota is sending “our prayers and support to our brothers and sisters on the neighboring island of Guam as they too will be recovering from Super Typhoon Mawar. There were more reports of damage and flooding on their island. We know our people will come together and share resources and support and we are very fortunate that our federal partners are ready to assist however they can.”

In a separate interview, Rota Municipal Council Chairman Jim Atalig said his house was damaged by the typhoon and some power poles were taken down by the strong winds, but he is grateful that his family and friends were fine.

“For eight hours straight the wind was blowing so hard,” he added.

For his part, American Red Cross-NMI Chapter Executive Director John Hirsh said they will send their responders to Rota hopefully today, Friday, May 26 or when the first charter flight to the island will be available.

He said the Red Cross will also ship essential supplies to help the residents of Rota. These include bottles of water, emergency medical kits, hygiene kits and cleaning kits to name a few.

[Submitted by Robert Mendiola]

Luton Town and Coventry City are just one game away from completing miracle promotion campaigns from the Championship to the riches of the English Premier League.

On Saturday the two clubs will meet at Wembley in the so-called richest game in football, the Championship Play-Off Final, aiming to join Burnley and Sheffield United at the top of the English footballing pyramid.

Coventry boss Mark Robins told reporters after his side's victory over Middlesbrough that this year's Play-off final was "one for the romantics" — and he has good reason.

Just five years ago Luton vs Coventry was a fixture you could find in England's fourth tier. Both clubs have overcome significant hurdles to get to this position, beating existence-threatening financial issues as well as more fancied — and far better backed — clubs to the play-off spots in one of the most competitive leagues in world football.

Winning the Play-offs could be worth as much as 135 million pounds over the next three seasons, according to analysis by Deloitte. If that club stays up the following year, the riches could blow out to as much as 265 million pounds over five years. hat is almost all down to TV broadcast money which goes up from around 8 million pounds per season to 100 million.

"It's wonderful for the town. If we can get promotion, we always know the town does better when the club does better, so fingers crossed," chairman David Wilkinson told the BBC. "The Premier League means everything. Financially it means we can move on quicker with all of our plans so it would be tremendous, but, [we're keeping our] feet on the ground." Luton boss Rob Edwards said it was "surreal" to be so close to the top flight. "We're one game away from the Premier League. It sounds special, it sounds surreal saying it," Edwards told the BBC after their 3-2 aggregate victory over Sunderland.
Those were sentiments echoed by Coventry boss Robins.

"We're playing Luton who have been through a fair amount themselves, but this is a special club with special fans and the fact they've got behind us so much is testament to everything we do," he told the BBC.

"The biggest achievement I think we've managed to do is reconnect with the fans — because there was a huge disconnect with the club. "They've come back together, and it's been phenomenal. It's changed beyond all recognition since I walked through the door in 2017 and hopefully, we can take the next step."

The action kicks off at 17:45 SA time and can be watched on DSTV.

MEDIA MANAGER
KEVIN RADEMEYER

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

The DHL Stormers will channel all their energy into Saturday’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship decider with the hope of winning back-to-back titles when they host Irish giants, Munster, in the Grand Final in Cape Town.

The spectacle, which will be hosted at DHL Stadium for the second season in a row, will kick off at 18h30 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

The DHL Stormers will enter the match as favourites with home ground advantage and a fantastic home win record giving them a mental edge, but they will be mindful of the fact that Munster registered confidence-boosting away wins in the quarter-final and semi-final respectively – the latter being against tournament favourites Leinster in Dublin a fortnight ago – to earn their ticket to Cape Town for the Grand Final.

The DHL Stormers won 12 of their 18 pool matches, to Munster’s 10, and while they will look to build on their superior attacking display which has seen them score 607 points to the visitors’ 500 this season, it could prove to be an epic battle as the Irish team boast a better defensive record by 60 points and they won both encounters between the sides in the competition up to now.

Munster will also draw confidence from the fact that they were the only team to defeat the DHL Stormers at home in 11 outings this season, with the Irish side edging a tense match by 26-24 just over a month ago. That defeat was one of only two home losses for the Capetonians in the last two seasons.

Bolstering the visitors’ confidence, their victory against the DHL Stormers was followed up by a 22-22 draw against the Cell C Sharks in Durban in their final league match, which means they will enter the Grand final on a four-match unbeaten run.

Fueling their motivation, Munster have only won twice in seven appearances in the competition’s Grand Final – in 2003 and 2011 – a track record they will be desperate to change, especially after bouncing back from defeats in their opening four away games to remain unbeaten on the road since.

DHL Stormers head coach John Dobson has included Springbok forwards Marvin Orie (lock) and Deon Fourie (flanker) in his starting team after both missed out on the semi-final a fortnight ago.

The backline that started in the semi-final against Connacht is unchanged, with Clayton Blommetjies on the bench in place of the injured Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

Fourie and Orie’s return means that Joseph Dweba (hooker) and Ruben van Heerden (lock) are the only starting forwards that did not feature in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship Grand Final at DHL Stadium last season.

“Both Deon and Marvin have been outstanding for us this season and they will add a lot both in terms of their ability and leadership on Saturday,” said Dobson.

“We have a lot of respect for Munster, the truth is that we have never beaten them, so while we are thrilled to be playing at home we know it will be a big challenge against a good team.

"This will be the biggest crowd for any DHL Stormers match and it should be an amazing occasion for the team, our passionate supporters and the city of Cape Town. We are so grateful for the support that we enjoy and what this team means to so many people. We will do our best to soak up the atmosphere, enjoy every moment and play the kind of rugby that got us here.”

In the event of the scores being level after 80 minutes, extra-time consisting of two periods of 10 minutes each will be played, and if the scores are still tied after extra-time, the team that has scored the most tries in the match will be deemed the winner.

Should the teams still be tied on points and tries at the end of extra-time then the winner will be determined by a place-kick competition in which each team will nominate three goal kickers who will take six place kicks between them from different positions along the 22m and 10m lines.

The team with the most successful place-kicks will be the winner. If the teams are still tied at the end of their six kicks, then sudden death will apply.

Vodacom United Rugby Championship Grand Final Teams:

DHL Stormers: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Hacjivah Dayimani, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Steven Kitshoff (captain). Replacements: 16 JJ Kotze, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Ben-Jason Dixon, 20 Willie Engelbrecht, 21 Marcel Theunissen, 22 Paul de Wet, 23 Clayton Blommetjies.

Munster: 15 Mike Haley, 14 Calvin Nash, 13 Antoine Frisch, 12 Malakai Fekitoa, 11 Shane Daly, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Gavin Coombes, 7 John Hodnett, 6 Peter O’Mahony (captain), 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Stephen Archer, 2 Diarmuid Barron, 1 Jeremy Loughman. Replacements: 16 Niall Scannell, 17 Josh Wycherley, 18 Roman Salanoa, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Alex Kendellen, 21 Craig Casey, 22 Ben Healy, 23 Keith Earls.

Match information: DHL Stormers v Munster
Date: Saturday, 27 May
Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town
SA Time: 18h30
Referee: Andrea Piardi
TV: SuperSport








[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]