THURSDAY, 1.00PM:
ORLANDO PIRATES have signed up Bloemfontein Celtics defender Willem Jackson. He says he left Celtic for the Buccaneers to get the recognition he deserves and to be noticed by national coach Clive Barker.
“Pirates are a big side and playing for them will obviously help me get noticed, especially by national coach Clive Barker,” he said . Jackson has had unsuccessful trials with overseas teams in the past.
He joined Bloemfontein Celtic from amateur side Bloemfontein Spurs in 1992 and has been one of the reliable defenders in the Premier Soccer League since then. Pirates coach Ronald Mkhandawire said about his new defender: “He is one of the best defenders in the league and it’s great to have a player of his calibre on board our ship.” Jackson has been impressive at training and is likely to make his debut on Saturday in the Iwisa Charity Soccer Spectacular.
SPORT BRIEFS
SANDERS OUT OF GUNSTON 500 SOUTH Africa’s highest placed finisher in last year’s Gunston 500 surfing competition, Justin Sanders, was knocked out of this year’s competition in Durban on Wednesday. Five other South Africans are still in the competition, while six have been eliminated.
HOCKEY WOMEN BEAT AUSSIES SOUTH African striker Pietie Coetzee scored both goals for the South African women’s hockey team when they beat their Australian counterparts 2-1 on Wedneday at the Morningside Country Club. This was the first of the four internationals to be played there.
CARTER WINS FRENCH TRIATHLON SOUTH Africa’s Kim Carter won the French Triathlon Grand Prix series this week. Carter beat Kiwi Jennie Rose and Sophie Delemer came third. “I had an absolute blinder of a race. It was my best race this year. My swim was unbelievable,” Carter said afterwards.
SA BEATS ENGLAND NETBALL THE South African netball team won their first Test match against England 40-38 at the Callie Human Hall on Wednesday. England’s shooter Loraine Law missed from close range to allow the South Africans to maintain their two-goal advantage. South Africa will travel to Port Elizabeth for Monday’s second test 1-0 up in the series.