By John K WaDisho

Mabushe, 25 June — Beneath the intense Florida sun, Mamelodi Sundowns reached a pivotal moment in their quest for the FIFA Club World Cup qualifier. The atmosphere at the Hard Rock Stadium buzzed with excitement, as supporters donned in the club’s iconic yellow hues came together to rally behind their cherished team. However, the dream of clinching a spot in the Club World Cup slipped away as Sundowns faced off against Fluminense, resulting in a tense goalless draw.

From the outset, Sundowns demonstrated their attacking prowess, aiming to secure a win that would propel them into the next round of the competition. The enthusiastic crowd erupted early on when Tashreeq Matthews unleashed a powerful strike in the 12th minute, leaving Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio on high alert. With a remarkable one-handed save, Fabio prevented what could have been a game-changing goal, setting the tone for a fierce contest.

Though the match ended without goals, Sundowns showcased their signature playing style known as “shoeshine and piano,” which reflects their flair, creativity, and determination on the pitch. This style has become synonymous with the team’s identity, showcasing not just their skill, but also their unwavering spirit.

As the final whistle blew, it was evident that Sundowns may not have secured their passage to the world stage, but they left an indelible mark on the Hearts of their fans. The faithful supporters, who traveled across oceans to witness this moment, rewarded their team with a standing ovation. This appreciation highlighted the deep connection between the players and their dedicated fans, who understood that every match is a chapter in the larger story of their club.

While Sundowns’ World Cup aspirations may have come to an end for now, their tenacity and unique style ensured that they would be remembered fondly by all who witnessed the match. As they regroup and look ahead, the Sundowns remain a formidable force in African football, demonstrating that every setback can lead to greater triumphs in the future. Football, after all, is a journey filled with twists and turns, and for Mamelodi Sundowns, this chapter may just be the beginning of something extraordinary.

KAMPALA, June 25– The Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) has announced that five nations will take part in the inaugural Pearl of Africa T20 Cricket Series.

The tournament slated for July 16-28 will take place at the Entebbe Cricket Oval in Entebbe, a town 35 kilometers from the capital Kampala.

“We are glad to be hosting this tournament which is a precursor for the T20 Cricket World Cup qualifiers to take place in Uganda in September this year,” said Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) Chairman, Jackson Kavuma when speaking to the press Wednesday in Kampala.

Besides hosts Uganda, the participating countries also include Kenya, Namibia (A), United Arab Emirates and Kuwait.

Adonia Waibale, the chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, said that the tournament features a single round-robin format, followed by playoff matches and the final.

“This tournament will be the start of an annual event to attract top teams from the region and beyond,” added Waibal. All matches, except those involving Namibia (A), will carry official T20 International (T20) status, offering valuable points and experience to participating nations.

The Uganda Cricket Association chairman Kavuma also welcomed Kuwait’s involvement, noting that its rise in T20 Cricket is because of the continuous efforts it keeps putting in.

The campaign will start on July 18th with host Uganda facing Kenya, while Namibia A takes on the UAE in the second match on the same day. (Xinhua)

WINDHOEK, June 26– Namibia‘s Rugby Union (NRU) has announced a 26-man squad set to face Italy in an international test match, scheduled to take place in the capital, Windhoek, on Friday.

The upcoming test match follows the recent coaching change within the Namibian national team. The squad selection marks a significant step as the team prepares for this international encounter.

The first 15 will be captained by Prince Gaoseb and supported by 11 other players on the bench. Namibia last played Italy in the 2023 Rugby World Cup held in France, in which Namibia lost 52-8.

On Tuesday, NRU President Petrie Theron, in a statement, said despite the coaching changes, “all operational and performance plans remain on track, and the union is committed to fielding a competitive and well-prepared national team.” (Xinhua)