The Australian government says it would be surprised if Zimbabwe accepted an offer to play Australia at a neutral venue after the ”humiliation” of being boycotted. The Australian government ordered the national team to cancel their scheduled three-match tour of Zimbabwe in September to protest against President Robert Mugabe’s regime.
A 42-year-old Guguletu man was shot dead in his car in central Cape Town on Monday during an argument with another motorist, apparently over a parking spot. The shooting took place at the corner of Adderley and Strand streets in the city centre shortly after midday.
SuperSport United and Bloemfontein Celtic earned a point each after they drew 2-2 in their Castle Premier Soccer League clash at the Loftus Versfeld on Sunday. The result means SuperSport jump to fifth while Celtic remain in eighth place. Kaizer Chiefs, who beat Maritzburg United 3-0, stay in ninth with 42 points.
Paul Jewell resigned as manager of Wigan Athletic, the club said on Monday, less than 24 hours after steering them to Premier League survival. Millionaire chairperson Dave Whelan was due to hold a news conference later on Monday when a replacement for the 42-year-old Jewell was expected to be announced.
Lazio and AC Milan secured places in the Champions League qualifying round after Empoli’s defeat in Serie A on Sunday. Hernan Crespo scored a hat-trick to help champions Inter Milan to a 4-3 win over Lazio while Milan could manage only a 1-1 draw with Catania.
Phil Mickelson had little to complain about as he turned his thoughts to next month’s US Open after winning the Players Championship by two shots on Sunday. The three-time Major champion produced one of his best performances from tee to green in claiming his 31st PGA Tour title and putting was his only weak link in the final round.
Mark Hughes has vowed to resist any attempt to lure Benni McCarthy away from Blackburn this summer after the South African rounded off his outstanding first season in the Premiership with another goal. McCarthy’s opener in the 3-3 draw with Reading on Sunday ensured he finished the campaign with 18 league goals.
Manchester United faces were wreathed in smiles as they finished the Premier League season at Old Trafford just as they had hoped — as champions. Crowned the previous weekend and treated to a guard of honour by deposed champions Chelsea in midweek, United could afford to lose 1-0 to West Ham United on Sunday.
South Africa’s convener of selectors Peter Jooste said on Sunday he was dismayed at the political interference which placed Luke Watson in the Springbok squad. A 45-man squad was expected to be announced on Saturday, but Jooste said Watson, captain of the Stormers, was a late addition through an executive decision.
Prime Minister John Howard on Monday said it was ludicrous to suggest Australia was racist for banning its cricketers from touring Zimbabwe, as he faced questions at home about mixing sport with politics. Howard on Sunday ordered Australian cricketers not to tour the impoverished African nation.