South African sporting weekend: Time to line-up some chores as we scrape the barrel
South Africa's Brad Binder will be hoping for a better for performance at the Italian MotoGP Grand Prix.
Image: Lluis Gene / AFP
This weekend could be the ideal opportunity to catch up on those chores that you have been ignoring since the start of the year.
A bit of gardening, a bit of DIY around the house. Spend some time with the in-laws. It's the weekend to get your tax return in order and the ideal dust off that old gym card and do a bit of cardio.
This is not the weekend you're going to spend on the couch and channel hop while watching your favourite sports teams in action. It's rather slim pickings, I'm afraid.
Friday night is decent, with our first glimpse of the British and Irish Lions ahead of their tour of Australia, while the Proteas Women start their T20 series against West Indies.
But Saturday and Sunday is looking rather dire, with only Brad Binder in the MotoGP, Mamelodi Sundowns in the Club World Cup and the second T20 between the Proteas and the Windies of national importance for - as sports minister Gayton McKenzie puts it - 'the best sports nation in the world'.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
There's not a lot of rugby on Saturday and Sunday, as the Springboks' international season only kicks off next Saturday with a clash against the Barbarians in Cape Town. Rassie Erasmus' men will then play a two-Test series against Italy before concluding the winter window with a match against Georgia.
The only Test match this weekend is the British and Irish Lions' match against Argentina on Friday night (9pm). That match is essentially a warm-up for their tour Down Under, which starts next Saturday with a game against the Western Force.
The Super Rugby final between the Crusaders and the Chiefs could be a good watch to see how New Zealand rugby is going ahead of their Test series against France and Rugby Championship, which will see them host the Springboks in Auckland and Wellington later this year.
After last week's gripping World Test Championship final, the Proteas men will enjoy a two-week break before getting back into action in a two-Test series against Zimbabwe away.
England vs India should make for some good viewing for lovers of Test cricket, but it's not going to conjure up the same emotions we experienced last weekend.
However, the Proteas Women are in action on Friday night and Sunday afternoon in the shortest format after they beat the Windies in the ODI series. The team will be involved in the Women's ODI World Cup in October and will definitely be worth the watch to see the next generation of Proteas greats.
Sundowns' match against German giants Borussia Dortmund is probably the highlight of the weekend. It will be a fascinating watch to see how the Betway Premiership giants go against one of the best club sides in the world.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Empowering Young Filmmakers and Tourism Entrepreneurs
Sibusiso Gumbi, the acting Chief Executive of the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority. Image: Supplied MUCH is being done to empower the next generation of filmmakers and tourism entrepreneurs by KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTFA), as well as by the industries themselves. Later this month, and again in August 2025, TV audiences will be able to see the work of emerging young local filmmakers who got their latest break thanks to KZNTFA's support. We funded two KZN-born filmmakers, Sthobile Hlophe and Nqanawe Shangase, to take part in the 2023-2024 National Film and Video Foundation's (NFVF) Youth Filmmaker Project. This is an annual, year-long discovery, training, and mentorship incubator by Sisanda Henna Films, a boutique film company, for the brightest film writing and directing talent in the country. As the film company explains, this is a transformative programme dedicated to previously disadvantaged youth with a mission to build, strengthen and nurture writer-directors, hone their skills at a practical level, produce quality films and go through an incubated career and skills-propelling programme. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ KwaZulu-Natal filmmaker Sthobile Hlophe production will air on national TV through an initiative driven by KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority. Image: Supplied Fresh young KZN talent Now, this fresh young local talent will be showcased when two new films by Hlophe and Shangase will premiere on SABC2 today and on August 3. 'The Moment In Between' written by Hlophe and Raihaanah Sayed who also directed it, will air first, while 'Quantum', written and directed by Shangase, will be screened in August. Both films are part of 'Little Africa', a groundbreaking drama series developed by executive producer Sisanda Henna. The stories of resilience and redemption told in the series are expected to eventually be screened to audiences worldwide. Film Fund KZNTFA also has a dedicated Film Fund, 30% of which is allocated to youth development initiatives. The Film Fund has a two-year youth-focused, KZN-only development and production project for up to 10 filmmakers a year. These young filmmakers are paired with industry experts to develop and produce a 60-minute film to be broadcast on a local platform. In addition to that, we also have a film bursary programme, which is strongly youth-focused (94%) and is spread over three years, with women making up 62% of the recipients. And there is an active district development project where brand-new filmmakers from outside the metros are provided with funding for the development of their projects. These have been carried out in iLembe, Mpophomeni and there is a project currently underway in uMzinyathi. KwaZulu-Natal filmmaker Nqanawe Shangase's production will air on national TV through an initiative driven by KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority. Image: Supplied Inspiring It is encouraging to note that the film industry experts say that young people in KZN are inspiring audiences and reshaping the future of the film and television industry. These individuals are agents of change, pushing beyond conventional methods and forcing traditional media to adapt. They are driving innovation and their fluency in digital trends and audience engagement strategies positions them as the industry's future leaders. Indeed, much of the talent that has been cultivated by Stained Glass itself has already risen to leadership positions across South Africa's film and television landscape. With some now working as directors, producers and writers, this is indeed proof that investment in youth development yields tangible, industry-shaping results. Enthusiastic The youth, of course, are passionate about creative storytelling and highly enthusiastic and eager to break into the industry, as Bonnie Sithebe of Durban Motion Pictures explains. 'They bring fresh energy, a willingness to learn and innovative perspectives,' she explains, while Nilesh Singh, spokesman for the internationally renowned Videovision Entertainment agrees, says young people introduce fresh ideas and innovation. This influence is evident in the content, direction and aesthetics of local productions. The biggest hurdle in the retention of young talent 'is the slow adaptation of traditional media structures to new creative waves''. Many young professional streamers, influencers and digital designers operate outside conventional frameworks and the industry needs to evolve and integrate these roles, says David Mukhwebo, the series creative director at Stained Glass TV. While AI and digital tools offer incredible efficiencies, they cannot replace the essence of human storytelling – and traditional craftsmanship like scriptwriting, cinematography, performance, remains the heart of storytelling. A dream Videovision Entertainment has hosted several apprentices over the years. The company works with NFVF to host learnerships and work experience opportunities through the Get On Set Mentorship Programme. The next step is tertiary studies with opportunities starting at intern level, then progressing to engagement on contract on a per project basis. Apprenticeship programmes The tourism industry itself has long played a vital role in providing opportunities for youth. Southern Sun hotels in Durban have an apprenticeship programme for students leaving school who are technically-minded and interested in a career in facilities management (maintenance). Samantha Croft, Operations Director for Southern Sun's KZN region explains: 'We have partnered with the George Campbell School of Technology and take on 7-10 students every year and rotate them among our hotels. 'During their 12-month internship, they are able to apply for any vacant position within the company.' One of the first students had grown within the organisation and now holds a management position. Two others hold supervisory positions and others are permanently employed. The five-star Oyster Box Hotel in uMhlanga, has three main initiatives for youth development: The Professional Cookery Learnership: The YES – Youth Employment Services – Programme: and CATHSSETA (Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality & Sport). The hotel took on 20 unemployed youth in 2024 for the 12-month Professional Cookery Learnership programme. On completion, 15 students walked away with a National Certificate (NQF Level 4) and five were permanently employed by the hotel: four as Commis Chefs with the other graduate being put on the Red Carnation Hotels management programme. The government-funded YES programme gives graduates a one-year internship within the company and the hotel currently has an HR and IT intern. It is currently recruiting for more chefs. Since 2023, the hotel has hosted 46 students to do their internship/work experience. Sixteen have been permanently employed by the Oyster Box and the rest have moved on to other positions both locally and internationally. These are interesting and innovative times and while there may be challenges, there are also some fascinating opportunities as the youth continue to remain top of our minds. Gumbi is the interim Chief Executive of KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority. His views don't necessarily reflect those of the Sunday Tribune or Independent Media SUNDAY TRIBUNE
IOL News
5 hours ago
- IOL News
Proteas confidence validated after World Test Championship final win, says Marco Jansen
Proteas paceman Marco Jansen feels that he can grow a lot more in his bowling. Photo: AFP Image: AFP Proteas fast bowler Marco Jansen believes that winning the World Test Championship will give them the confidence that they need to take on the tours that lie ahead. South Africa have tours to Pakistan and India later this year, two countries where they have not won a Test series in a long time. In fact, apart from their series victory in Bangladesh last year, their first on the sub-continent in a decade, the Proteas have struggled in that region. To make matters worse, having won the World Test Championship, there will be more pressure on the team now as all eyes will be on them to witness how they begin their defence of the trophy in the upcoming 2025-2027 WTC cycle. However, Jansen emphasised that they have added confidence following their heroics at Lord's last week. It is warranted confidence, as they beat Australia to become the world Test champions, a team that are almost unbeatable in the finals of ICC events. 'Winning against them in the final with that bowling line-up, with that batting line-up definitely gives us a lot of confidence going forward,' Jansen said this week. 'We already had confidence, but it's sort of like just confirmation that, okay, cool, we actually can go and we can put the performances in when it's needed. So, yeah, definitely a good feeling.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Our ICC World Test Champions, the Proteas men, were welcomed in an exclusive fashion at the @SuperSportTV offices at the World of Champions. 🔥🏆#WTCFinal #WozaNawe #ProteasWTCFinal — Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 19, 2025 Jansen missed out on the tour to Bangladesh as he was placed on a strength and conditioning block, and will thus have his first taste of Test cricket on the Asian sub-continent later this year. It is a good thing that the youngster is still looking to grow as a cricketer, as the sub-continent will most certainly serve him a few lessons. 'Personally, I feel I can grow a lot more. For me, it's just all about trying to get better and trying to get ways or find ways to help the team win. I like to say to make the team win. I don't just want to help, I want to make us win, because for me, it's two different things," said Jansen. 'But just also the other guys as well, KG (Rabada) also has been growing that's why he's kept on putting in match-winning performances, the batters, the guys off the field, the management, all of us. 'Everyone has grown in whatever facet. To see that happening over a two-year period is pretty cool to see. 'I think for all of us, you can work as hard as you can for as long as you can, but unfortunately, we're in the business of winning. 'If you don't win, it doesn't really matter what you do or how hard you work. 'For us, it's all about winning, because then that's when all the hard work pays off.' Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs will miss the upcoming two-match series against Zimbabwe as they are rested. Captain Temba Bavuma has been ruled out due to a hamstring strain, while Lungi Ngidi will only be available for the second Test in Bulawayo.
IOL News
6 hours ago
- IOL News
Four F1 world titles later, Max Verstappen is still a ‘purist' racer
Max Verstappen's unhappiness at Red Bull has not been a secret. Photo: AFP Image: AFP Comment by Jehran Naidoo Say what you want about Max Verstappen – cocky, arrogant and sometimes overly aggressive, but you cannot deny that the four-time world champion has a hunger unparalleled to most of his competitors. It's mid-season and the paddock took a bit of a break to help the mothership market its new movie 'F1', starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris. There was a fancy display of the grid in New York and most of the drivers showed up wearing their Sunday best. Hamilton won the best dressed award, as usual… Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ But Verstappen opted to head home to spend some time with Lily and test out a GT3 spec Aston Martin at one of motorsports greatest tracks – Spa. He was not the only one to sit the premier out, as Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli had to head back to Italy to write his exams – clearly another hungry driver – just hungry for his education at this point. Oscar Piastri, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll also sat out the premier due to their own personal reasons while Verstappen laid down some times in the Aston Martin. Going under the alias 'Franz Hermann' when he's out racing GT3 cars, Verstappen could either just be training to become a better F1 driver or getting ready to make a pivot into a new career path. His unhappiness at Red Bull has not been a secret, amid car development challenges and key staff members, like designer Adrian Newey, leaving the Milton Keynes outfit. The Dutch-Belgian driver has also devoted a bit more time to his family since the birth of his new daughter, and could also explain his absence from the premier. But he did not miss the opportunity to prepare for the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix. The 2025 season, which marks a decade in F1 for Verstappen, has had its ups and downs – but most of it was spent chasing the tail end of papaya lightning. His win in Japan showed a level of driving that even shocked his own team, who knew the RB21 stood no chance against both McLarens. Then again at Imola, Verstappen pulled off not only a win, but a sizable lead ahead of Oscar Piastri in the McLaren, a bit of a flex to show off the new money Red Bull had dumped into the RB21's development post Newey. The paddock will pack up in New York and unload at the Red Bull ring in Austria next weekend, and Verstappen will have a chance to claim another victory in his home turf and add some much needed points toward his fifth title shot. Equalling Schumacher's record of five straight world titles is a feat still very much possible at this stage, especially with McLaren losing a bit of concentration in recent weeks. But he will have to deal with a determined George Russell and another hungry future champion in Antonelli. The Italian teenager has given Mercedes a fighting chance for the Constructors title this year, enough to rival the prowess of McLaren. Red Bull, on the other hand, can only put all their eggs in Verstappen's basket at this point – as the 'cursed' second seat bears no fruit for Christian Horner, who does not remember what a Constructors title tastes like. But many have speculated that Verstappen will call it quits after this season, and cannot invest his career into Red Bull's hopes and dreams in F1. He has stated that his interest in GT3 racing is real, and is also known to be a sim-racing expert – competing in 24-hour events online as well.
