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News24.com | 5 Proteas stars who could trouble England

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Kagiso Rabada in action in a T20 international against Australia at Newlands on 26 February 2020 (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)

Kagiso Rabada in action in a T20 international against Australia at Newlands on 26 February 2020 (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)

Ashley Vlotman

The Proteas are set to play their first international in eight months as they take on reigning World Cup champions England.

International cricket’s return to South Africa consists of three T20s and three ODIs at Newlands and Boland Park.

A 24-man squad is currently in a strict bio-bubble in Cape Town ahead of the first T20 at Newlands on Friday (18:00 SA time).

READ | 5 England stars who could trouble Proteas in SA

The Proteas have played 18 T20s against England to date, winning 9 and losing 8 with one no result.

Sport24 takes a look at five Proteas stars that England may need to be wary of heading into the opening T20:

Kagiso Rabada

Kagiso Rabada (Supplied)

Rabada has proved time and time again why he is one of the best fast bowlers this country has ever produced.

His latest exploits came at the Indian Premier League (IPL) where he was the leading wicket-taker, winning the purple cap by claiming 30 wickets in 17 matches.

Rabada has only played 24 T20s since his debut in 2014 as his craft was more focused on the longer formats of the game – Test and one-day cricket.

There’s no denying that Rabada is raring to go in making his first appearance in the green and gold since February.

Rabada is hoping to replicate his IPL form and all eyes will be the 25-year-old to wreak havoc on the England top order.

Rassie van der Dussen

Rassie van der Dussen

Van der Dussen has made 40 appearances for the Proteas and his calmness and skilful displays with the bat make him a definite threat to the England bowling attack.

Despite not being in much action since the coronavirus pandemic, Van der Dussen is valuable in the Proteas top-order, averaging a decent 31.23 in 15 T20 appearances.

Van der Dussen has had some cricket under his belt thanks to his 4-Day Franchise Series starts. The 31-year-old didn’t make much impact with the willow as the Lions have yet to secure a win in their opening two games.

The Proteas batsman has worked hard on his game during the lockdown period and is ready to produce some standout performances against England.

Janneman Malan

Janneman Malan

Despite only playing 2 T20s, Malan’s attacking approach is exactly what the Proteas need to tame the fearsome Jofra Archer and Mark Wood.

Earlier this year, Malan smashed an unbeaten 124* in just his second ODI against Australia. It was the start of Malan’s journey to cementing his spot alongside Proteas skipper Quinton de Kock.

And with Aiden Markram not included in the limited-overs series, Malan is poised to make the opening spot his own against England.

However, the 25-year-old will also have ODI opener Reeza Hendricks in the mix.

Malan, who played in the opening two 4-Day Franchise rounds, will have some comfort when playing the world champions on his home turfs – Newlands and Boland Park.

Anrich Nortje

Anrich Nortje

Since bursting onto the international scene in 2019, Nortje has been on a whirlwind journey and his performances at the IPL had cricket fans speechless.

Playing alongside Rabada at the Delhi Capitals, Nortje claimed 22 wickets in 16 games in his IPL debut season.

The 30-year-old bowled with unbelievable pace throughout the tournament, consistently clocking over 150 kph and even bowling the fastest ball in the tournament’s history at 156 kph.

Nortje’s new-found partnership with Rabada will add more firepower to the Proteas’ strong bowling arsenal against the likes of Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler.

Quinton de Kock

Quinton de Kock

Earlier this month, De Kock starred in the IPL when the Mumbai Indians opener helped his side to their record fifth title. 

De Kock was his team’s top run-scorer – and top South African – in this season’s tournament, scoring 503 runs in his 16 matches, which included four half-centuries.

The Proteas skipper has been consistent in the middle all through the 2019/20 season as he looks to maintain his form in Cape Town.

De Kock has a lot on his shoulders with everything surrounding Cricket South Africa. His performances with bat, gloves and captaincy armband are vital to what will be a busy summer for the Proteas.

All images: AFP/Gallo Images

News24.com | Covid-hit Sharks to field depleted side against Pumas

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Sharks coach Sean Everitt. (Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images)

Sharks coach Sean Everitt. (Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images)

As a result of the recent Covid-19 outbreak within the team, the Sharks will be missing a lot of first-choice players when they host the Pumas in the Currie Cup this weekend.

The Sharks are missing as many as 10 players who have been sidelined with Covid-19, or are in isolation because of contact with infected players, ahead of their Currie Cup opener in Durban on Friday night.

They did at least receive some good news this week after Springbok prop Thomas du Toit was declared fit again, but Sharks CEO Eduard Coetzee knows they will still be up against this weekend.

“We were able to get the squad tested on Sunday and while we have no new cases, we are still without the 10 players from last week,” Coetzee said. “Sometimes you can take all possible precautions but nothing is full proof.

“You will see when the team is announced that we are heavily hit in the front row and at loose forward, but we will have to make a plan and carry on. We must play. We can’t afford to lose more points on the log.”

Due to the Covid-19 outbreak amongst the Sharks players, last weekend’s clash with the Stormers was called off and both teams received two points instead. It not only allowed the Bulls to beat the Pumas on Saturday and clinch the Super Rugby Unlocked crown, but it also allowed Jake White’s side to stretch their lead at the top of the table, as Super Rugby log points are carried forward into the Currie Cup competition.

Weakened side or now, Coetzee said the show must go on for the Sharks.

“We have no reason not to play,” he said. “Our side will be re-jigged and that means opportunities for the guys who have been on the fringes.”

Kick-off at Kings Park is at 19:00 on Friday.

– TEAMtalk media

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News24.com | Jake White will make sure Bulls appreciate their final game at Newlands

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  • Bulls mentor Jake White will ensure that his charges realise the “privilege” of potentially playing at Newlands for the last time this weekend.
  • He hopes that his younger players in particular will be enriched by the experience of running out at the second-oldest rugby stadium in the world.
  • White also reminisced on his successes at the stadium as Springbok coach.

Despite the evolution he’s shown as the Bulls’ director of rugby, Jake White still considers himself a traditionalist.

That’s why he won’t let his charges go down to Newlands this weekend with a win-at-all-costs mentality without an appreciation that their Currie Cup opener against Western Province will be the last ever North-South derby played at the hallowed ground.

Province will call the Cape Town Stadium its new home at the conclusion of the tournament in late January.

“It’s obviously going to be a very emotional outing,” White said after his team clinched the Super Rugby Unlocked title this past weekend.

“I would never have thought, a couple of months ago, that I’m going to be at Newlands for a last time.”

It’s not that the former Springbok coach is denying Province’s ability to perform well enough to still claim a potential home semi-final and final in about eight weeks’ time, but if 2020 has taught local rugby anything it’s that nothing’s cast in stone.

“Obviously, taking nothing away from the fact that we might still play in a playoff against them, but that is not in our hands. The reality is what we know it could be the last time we play there,” said White.

“The players must appreciate the fact that it’s an unbelievable opportunity and privilege for them to actually play their last game at Newlands.

“I’ll put a premium on that, because it’s like playing at Lansdowne Road, it’s the oldest ground. You play at Newlands, the second oldest ground. It’s a wonderful thing for a young player.”

While White’s history with the Bulls at Newlands will be a short one, he’s had his fair share of memorable moments at the foot of Table Mountain in the Green-and-Gold.

“I’ve always enjoyed Newlands,” he said.

“I think about it a lot. I was a young coach when I coached the Boks against the All Blacks there in 2005 and beat them (22-16). We also played a strong Ireland there in 2004 and beat them (to win the series 2-0).

“We also played Australia in 2007, when Frans Steyn kicked those two drop-goals, and we beat them.”

News24.com | ‘The answer is no’ – Pumas pour cold water on Lions’ rescheduling plans

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Jimmy Stonehouse (Gallo Images)

Jimmy Stonehouse (Gallo Images)

  • Pumas mentor Jimmy Stonehouse has quashed any Lions hopes of rescheduling their Super Rugby Unlocked fixture, which was affected by Covid-19.
  • The Lions are understood to have suggested a Tuesday kick-off, but the Lowvelders have suggested the timing might be disingenuous as the Johannesburgers had a bye this week. 
  • Lions chief Rudolf Straeuli insists it’s not a major issue, but firmly believes the match can be accommodated.

Jimmy Stonehouse, the Pumas’ director of rugby, has poured cold water on the Lions’ suggestion to fulfil their postponed Super Rugby Unlocked fixture next week.

The initial meeting at Ellis Park last weekend was badly disrupted by three positive Covid-19 tests among the Lowvelders’ playing group, which necessitated the quarantining of seven players in total.

Saturday’s match against the Bulls at Loftus, won 21-5 by the home side, was merely completed after SA Rugby rescheduled the game a day later.

With the Pumas’ stocks replenished to a large extent, the Lions are understood to have mooted a Tuesday kick-off.

“We can’t fulfil (the Lions) fixture,” said Stonehouse in the aftermath of their worthy appearance in Pretoria.

“It can’t be expected of a team like us to play three matches in eight days, it’s impossible. People should get me wrong, we want to play and say thanks to our fans and sponsors. But we need to be realistic.

“The Lions sent correspondence asking if we’d be willing to play on Tuesday. But one must remember that they had a bye this week. Must we also wait for a bye week and then ask for a postponed game to be played? How will they then feel about having to play three games in essentially a week?

“The answer will surely be ‘no’.”

Lions chief Rudolf Straeuli confirmed to Sport24 that he’d “fulfilled all the formal requirements” for requesting the re-playing of both their matches against the Cheetahs and Pumas, even though SA Rugby has already ruled the Cheetahs fixture a draw.

“I don’t think we should make too much of a fuss about this issue, but we are of the opinion that we can still find a way to play those matches,” he said.

“These are extraordinary times and we can help each other. We’ve seen big events like The Masters postponed and then still completed. What’s preventing us, other than player welfare? If there’s a possibility to find some balance to the respective logs, especially when some teams have played more than others, can’t be at least try? 

“Naturally we can’t force any of our opponents to fulfil a postponed fixture.”

Stonehouse believes SA Rugby perhaps erred in declaring disrupted fixtures as draws and favours the system adopted by other countries in awarding outright victories.

“If you asked me, the Lions should’ve been awarded five log points and us nothing. The Lions should’ve conceded the match points to the Cheetahs in that fixture,” he said.

“With our preparations disrupted by eight players being unavailable before the Bulls game, can we play three days later? No. Rather give the log points. Nonetheless, SA Rugby has set a precedent with the two-points-each system. That’s how it will have to be applied going forward.”

News24.com | England’s Chris Jordan respects Proteas’ decision not to take a knee

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England fast bowler Chris Jordan respects South Africa’s decision not to take a knee in the upcoming limited-overs series but believes the action does have an impact in the fight against racial inequality.

Proteas head coach Mark Boucher revealed on Thursday that his team do not intend to perform the act of solidarity ahead of the three T20 matches and three one-day internationals.

Barbados-born Jordan says racial inequality remains a pressing matter among England’s diverse squad and he is “open minded” about finding ways to tackle the issue.

“This situation is very individual. I think that a lot of real honest work going on around the matter will be done in private,” said Jordan, who has taken 63 wickets in 52 T20 appearances for England.

“If that’s what they (South Africa) as an organisation believe in then I don’t think it should be judged from any point of view. It’s their personal decision.”

The Proteas, whose players may wear black armbands to show support in the fight against gender-based violence and in memory of coronavirus victims, took a knee at the 3TC Solidarity Cup charity exhibition match in July.

Boucher said taking a knee was “not something that we have to continue to show” but stressed that his team must embody inclusive values.

Asked if the protest gesture, in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, still has an influence, Jordan replied: “Yeah, 100 per cent. But I am quite opened minded around the topic in terms of the different types of work that can be done.

“Obviously the taking the knee is something very visual that people see especially when they turn on sport.

“But, personally, I am big believer in a lot of the real conservations that are happening behind the scenes, especially amongst our group as an England team. We come from so many different backgrounds and the matter is at the forefront of everyone’s mind.

“The type of questions that are being provoked and the type of real conversations behind the scenes is where a lot of the real change will come about.”

Jordan, who played in the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) for Kings XI Punjab, has been selected for the T20 portion of the tour, which begins on on 27 November in Cape Town.

He is well placed to break England’s record for T20 wickets during the series as he currently sits two behind Stuart Broad’s total of 65.

Despite having been integral to his country’s plans in the format, the 32-year-old insists he is more focused on cementing his starting spot ahead of next year’s World Cup in India than chasing a place in the history books.

Asked about potentially surpassing Broad, he replied: “To get to this point, it’s not anything I’ve thought about. It’s actually crept up on me a little bit.

“It’s not totally at the forefront of my mind. I just try to stay in the moment as much as possible and play like it’s my first game every time to get that type of intensity to stay on my toes.

“In general, the squad has great depth now and we continue to push each other, which can only be good for the team.

“I just want to view it as continuing my journey and continuing trying to nail down my spot in the team.”

– TEAMtalk media

News24.com | Boucher: T20 World Cup spots still up for grabs

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Proteas head coach Mark Boucher

Proteas head coach Mark Boucher

Gallo Images

Proteas coach Mark Boucher admitted that he is still tinkering with his options for next year’s T20 World Cup when South Africa take on England next week.

The first of three T20s is scheduled to get underway at Newlands on Friday, 27 November.

This will be the Proteas’ first international match in eight months since the coronavirus pandemic halted the cricketing calendar across the globe.

Back-to-back T20 World Cup’s are expected in the next two years with India hosting in October 2021 and the rescheduled Australia World Cup now set to be staged in 2022.

READ | Proteas coach Boucher opens up on Black Lives Matter, Covid-19, CSA issues

The Proteas will be looking to redeem themselves at next year’s T20 World Cup after finishing in seventh-place at last year’s 50-Over tournament in England.

Boucher admitted that prior to the lockdown, he had a 15-man squad in mind but since the coronavirus hiatus, he reckons there’s a few spots up for grabs.

“We haven’t played cricket in some time. With regards to form and ageing of players, I actually haven’t gotten the 15 at the moment,” Boucher told reporters on Thursday.

“Let’s start with playing and I’ll work out certain positions that are solidified and maybe some that are open. Since there’s been no white-ball cricket being played in our country, I’d like to give everyone an open shot at trying to put their hands up.”

Boucher admitted that there is some clarity in certain positions but that there’s a lot of room for new talent to make their mark.

“Generally when you’re picking a World Cup squad, 80% sort of selects itself, it’s that 20% where there’s going to be tough decisions made,” said Boucher.

“We’ll select players for different conditions, we’ve got the opportunity now to look at different individuals.

“Some of the guys played a lot of cricket in the IPL and we’ve got to manage their workload. It’s quite an exciting time and it’s an opportunity to try some new faces with the process knowing that we need to win.”

Proteas squad for England T20 and ODI series:

Quinton de Kock (captain, Titans), Temba Bavuma (Lions), Junior Dala (Titans), Faf du Plessis (Titans), Bjorn Fortuin (Lions), Beuran Hendricks (Lions), Reeza Hendricks (Lions), Heinrich Klaasen (Titans), George Linde (Cape Cobras), Keshav Maharaj (Dolphins), Janneman Malan (Cape Cobras), David Miller (Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Titans), Anrich Nortje (Warriors), Andile Phehlukwayo (Dolphins), Dwaine Pretorius (Lions), Kagiso Rabada (Lions), Tabraiz Shamsi (Titans), Lutho Sipamla (Lions), Jon-Jon Smuts (Warriors), Glenton Stuurman (Warriors), Pite van Biljon (Knights), Rassie van der Dussen (Lions), Kyle Verreynne (Cape Cobras). 

England men’s tour to South Africa: 

Friday, 27 November at 18:00

1st T20I: South Africa v England, Newlands, Cape Town  

Sunday, 29 November at 14:30

2nd T20I: South Africa v England, Boland Park, Paarl  

Tuesday, 01 December at 18:003

rd T20I: South Africa v England, Newlands, Cape Town   

Friday, 4 December at 13:00

1st ODI: South Africa v England, Newlands, Cape Town  

Sunday, 6 December at 10:00

2nd ODI: South Africa v England, Boland Park, Paarl  

Wednesday, 09 December at 13:00

3rd ODI: South Africa v England, Newlands, Cape Town

– Compiled by Sport24 staff

News24.com | Faf de Klerk opens up on Covid experience: ‘I was probably one of the worst cases at the club’

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Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk has revealed that he was one of the 27 Sale Sharks players who tested positive for coronavirus last season.

In an interview with British publication The Telegraph, the World Cup winner opened up on his experience of having Covid-19.

The Sale Sharks squad was hit by an outbreak towards the end of last season which cost them a place in the Premiership playoffs in October as their final-round match against the Worcester Warriors was called off.

The 2020-21 Premiership campaign starts this weekend and De Klerk confirmed he was now fully recovered.

“I was pretty bad. I had severe body aches and a fever for the first few days. After that, I was a bit tired. I was probably one of the worst cases at the club but I’m all good now and feeling great,” De Klerk said.

“I think I have had worse cases of flu, but the problem with it is that people get different symptoms, so you are just seeing what is going to happen.

“I felt pretty bad for the first few days and a lot of family were maybe a bit scared of me being on my own and having it. But, in terms of not infecting anyone else, that was a good thing.”

De Klerk is one of 10 South Africans currently on Sale’s books.

Jono Ross, Akker van der Merwe, Coenie Oosthuizen, Lood de Jager, Cobus Wiese, Rohan Janse van Rensburg and the Du Preez brothers Dan, Jean-Luc and Robert all ply their trade at the Manchester-based outfit, while another South African, lock JP du Preez, is also set to join from the Cheetahs.

– Compiled by Sport24 staff

News24.com | England star Buttler: SA’s boardroom dramas have ‘nothing to do with us’

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Jos Buttler (Getty Images)

Jos Buttler (Getty Images)

England star Jos Buttler says the players have been given a re-assurance by director of cricket Ashley Giles that their limited over series against South Africa will go ahead. 

England are set to arrive in the country on Tuesday where they will play three T20s and three ODIs against the Proteas from 27 November to 9 December, all between Newlands and Boland Park. 

There have been concerns, though, that the tour would be in doubt given the administrative crisis currently engulfing CSA. 

Sports minister Nathi Mthethwa has demanded that CSA’s members’ council step down and hand over power to an interim board, but the members’ council has been defiant up until now. 

If Mthethwa’s hand is forced, it is understood that he could place CSA under administration which would have left the tour in jeopardy. 

England, though, are on board.

“We’ve heard about what happened with the board in South Africa a few weeks and months ago expecting that it was all going to get sorted out in time for our tour,” Buttler said. 

“Ashley Giles got in touch with the players to say he was confident that the tour would go ahead and I think everyone is grateful … especially so close to the departure date.

“As players, that’s nothing to do with us.

“As players, we’re just looking forward to the cricket. The boards can take care of those kinds of things.”

– Compiled by Sport24 staff

News24.com | Dustin Johnson romps to maiden Masters title, SA’s Frittelli fourth

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Top-ranked Dustin Johnson shook off an early stumble to win the Masters in record-breaking fashion on Sunday, capturing his second major title with the lowest total score in the tournament’s history.

As it happened | The Masters

The 36-year-old American, who grew up only an hour’s drive north of Augusta National, became the first reigning world number one to grab the green jacket since Tiger Woods in 2002.

Johnson, whose other major victory came at the 2016 US Open, fired a closing four-under-par 68 to finish on a 72-hole Masters record 20-under-par for a five-stroke triumph over South Korean Im Sung-jae and Australian Cameron Smith.

Johnson smashed the old 72-hole Masters mark of 18-under 270 set by Woods in 1997 and matched by Jordan Spieth in 2015.

Third-ranked American Justin Thomas was fourth on 276, one stroke ahead of fifth-ranked Rory McIlroy and South Africa’s Dylan Frittelli.

Johnson, who began with a four-shot edge, had never converted a 54-hole major lead into a title, stumbling at the 2010, 2015 and 2018 US Opens and in August’s PGA Championship, where he settled for a runner-up spot.

That hex ended on Sunday, but not without some early drama as Johnson, runner-up in three of the past six majors including the 2019 Masters, saw his lead trimmed to one.

After curling in a 12-foot birdie putt at the par-4 third, Johnson made back-to-back bogeys at the fifth and par-3 sixth, ending a run of 33 bogey-free holes.

Im birdied the second and third to stand only one adrift on 14-under, but he faded with bogeys at the par-3 sixth and par-4 seventh.

‘Amazing ability’

Johnson responded with six-foot birdie putts at the sixth and par-5 eighth to reach 17-under, stretching his gap to three on Smith, four on Im.

Johnson was unflappable from there with deadly accuracy and consistency.

He sank a 12-footer for birdie at the par-5 13th and a six-footer to birdie the 14th to reach 19-under, seizing a five-shot edge with four holes remaining.

“DJ has just an amazing ability to stay calm in tough moments,” Woods said. There’s no one more suited to that, I think, than DJ.”

Johnson sank a five-foot birdie putt at the par-3 16th and parred in for his 24th career PGA title, his four bogeys on the week the fewest of any Masters champion.

Im was trying to become the first Masters debut winner since 1979 and only the second male Asian major winner after compatriot Yang Yong-eun captured the 2009 PGA Championship.

Smith, a 27-year-old from Brisbane chasing his first major crown, closed on 69 and settled for becoming the first player in Masters history to shoot all four rounds in the 60s.

Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy, needing a green jacket to complete a career Grand Slam, went three-under on the front nine but made bogey on 10 and never threatened Johnson.

Woods horror show

McIlroy, unable to recover from a first-round 75, took some solace after a sixth failed attempt to complete the career Slam.

“I didn’t have a great start but over the last 54 holes, only two bogeys, a lot of great golf in there,” McIlroy said. “Not overthinking it as much could be the key for me.”

Defending champion Woods found Rae’s Creek three times on his way to a septuple-bogey 10 at the par-3 12th, his worst score ever on a major hole. He responded with birdies on five of the last six holes to close on 76 and finish on 287.

“Hit a few too many shots than I wanted,” Woods said. “Had a lot more experiences there in Rae’s Creek.”

The 15-time major winner, a five-time Masters champion, matched his best Augusta start with a 68 but back pain doomed his bid for a sixth green jacket.

Germany’s Bernhard Langer, a two-time Masters champion and at 63 the oldest player to make any Masters cut, fired a 71 to finish on 285.

That was one stroke better than US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau, who closed on 73, never coming close to overpowering Augusta National as some feared. He struggled with dizziness, testing negative Friday for Covid-19.

“I had some weird things happen to me I just couldn’t forsee,” DeChambeau said. “I’ve got to fix this dizziness or whatever is going on. I’ve got to get healthy first and foremost.”

American Andy Ogletree closed on 72 to finish as low amateur on 286.

There were no spectators to provide trademark Masters roars due to the Covid-19 pandemic that postponed the event from its usual April slot.

Final scores on Sunday at the 84th Masters at par-72 Augusta National Golf Club (a-denotes amateur; USA unless noted):

268 – Dustin Johnson 65-70-65-68

273 – Im Sung-jae (KOR) 66-70-68-69, Cameron Smith (AUS) 67-68-69-69

276 – Justin Thomas 66-69-71-70

277 – Dylan Frittelli (RSA) 65-73-67-72, Rory McIlroy (NIR) 75-66-67-69

278 – C.T. Pan (TPE) 70-66-74-68, Jon Rahm (ESP) 69-66-72-71, Brooks Koepka 70-69-69-70

279 – Webb Simpson 67-73-71-68, Corey Conners (CAN) 74-65-71-69, Patrick Reed 68-68-71-72

280 – Marc Leishman (AUS) 70-72-70-68, Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) 68-68-72-72, Kevin Na 73-68-69-70, Abraham Ancer (MEX) 68-67-69-76

281 – Xander Schauffele 67-73-71-70, Patrick Cantlay 70-66-73-72

282 – Scottie Scheffler 71-68-72-71, Cameron Champ 68-74-68-72, Sebastian Munoz (COL) 70-68-69-75, Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) 71-66-71-74

283 – Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) 68-70-75-70, Justin Rose (ENG) 67-70-76-70

284 – Danny Willett (ENG) 71-66-74-73, Charl Schwartzel (RSA) 73-71-69-71, Shane Lowry (IRL) 74-69-68-73, Ian Poulter (ENG) 72-71-71-70

285 – Nick Taylor (CAN) 72-72-69-72, Bernhard Langer (GER) 68-73-73-71, Sung Kang (KOR) 75-69-71-70, Rickie Fowler 70-70-75-70, Chez Reavie 71-72-72-70

286 – Adam Scott (AUS) 70-72-71-73, Bryson DeChambeau 70-74-69-73, Kim Si-woo (KOR) 70-71-73-72, Andy Ogletree 73-70-71-72

287 – Lee Westwood (ENG) 68-74-71-74, Billy Horschel 70-70-72-75, Tiger Woods 68-71-72-76, Paul Casey (ENG) 65-74-71-77, Tony Finau 69-75-71-72, Christiaan Bezuidenhout (RSA) 69-73-74-71

288 – Shugo Imahira (JPN) 72-70-72-74, Collin Morikawa 70-74-70-74

289 – Matt Wallace (ENG) 69-73-70-77, Charles Howell III 71-70-74-74, Jordan Spieth 74-70-73-72, Victor Perez (FRA) 70-71-76-72, Matthew Fitzpatrick (ENG) 74-70-73-72

290 – Mike Weir (CAN) 71-72-71-76, Jazz Janewattananond (THA) 69-71-75-75, Rafael Cabrera Bello (ESP) 73-71-74-72, Zach Johnson 73-71-73-73

291 – John Augenstein-a 69-72-75-75, Phil Mickelson 69-70-79-73

292 – Bubba Watson 74-69-71-78

294 – Bernd Wiesberger (AUT) 71-72-78-73

295 – Brandt Snedeker 71-71-79-74

296 – Jimmy Walker 71-73-76-76

News24.com | ‘Undefeated’ Banyana hold nerve to retain COSAFA Women’s Championship title

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Sibulele Holweni (Photo by Molly Darlington - AMA/Getty Images)

Sibulele Holweni (Photo by Molly Darlington – AMA/Getty Images)

Bayana Banyana have won a their seventh COSAFA Women’s Championship title as they beat Bostwana in their final at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday.

South Africa won 2-1 after leading 1-0 at half-time.

Desiree Ellis’ charges got off to firing start in the second minute when Bostwana’s keeper Lesedilame Bosija was unable to handle a ball coming off the post, which was tapped in by Sibulele Holweni.

Holweni’s goal saw her end as the leading goal-scorer in the tournament with eight.

In the second half, Gabriela Salgado sealed the victory with a 66th-minute goal finding the back of the net.

In the final 10 minutes of the encounter, Banyana keeper Andile Dlamini slipped up as Thanda Mokgabo slotted for the visitors.

South Africa have won their fourth consecutive COSAFA Women’s Championship title.

“This trophy is for the whole of South Africa and women’s football. It’s for everyone out there,” Ellis said following the match 

Botswana made history as they appeared in their first-ever COSAFA Women’s Championship final.

Banyana’s path at the 2020 COSAFA Women’s Championship:

Group A: beat Angola 2-0

Group A: beat Swaziland 5-0

Group A: beat Comoros 7-0

Semi-final: beat Malawi 6-2

Final: beat Botswana 1-0

– Compiled by Sport24 staff