WEDNESDAY, 1.30PM:
M-NET on Tuesday announced the acquisition of exclusive television rights of all international rugby matches played in England including the Five Nations tournament and the World Cup in Wales. But SABC viewers are not likely to be left in the cold as negotiations with M-Net are at an advanced stage.
“In fact, we are already in negotiations with M-Net. We have been working well together and believe we can complement each other quite nicely on this matter,” said SABC Topsport general manager Edward Griffiths. He said it is likely that the two stations will co-operate as they have done so with the African Nations Cup soccer tournament in Burkina Faso next year.
He said the owners of decoders will be able to see the entire World Cup tournament: “But when games of specific interest to South Africa are played, we expect to be able to acquire the broadcast rights for screening on our own SABC channels,” added Griffiths.
SPORT BRIEFS
MARKGRAAF COME BACK SPORT Director-General Mthobi Tyamzashe said former Springbok coach Andre Markgraaff could be welcomed back to the game if the racist remarks which led to his resignation are sorted out. Sarfu vice-chairman Mluleki George said he has forgiven him for the tapes, “but it’s up to the people of South Africa to pardon him”. Markgraaff has also expressed his desire to come back to the game. He said: “I miss the game and would love to play a part again.”
FERREIRA FALLS SOUTH AFRICA’S Wayne Ferreira is ranked number 55 in the latest world tennis rankings released by the ATP Tour this week, the first time he has fallen from the top 50 in two years. He also lost his position as number one player from Africa to Moroccans Hiram Arazi, ranked 36, and countryman Karim Alami, ranked 54.
ELANA LEADS SA SQUAD ELANA MEYER will lead the South African team at this year’s world half marathon championships in Kosice, Slovakia on September 4.
GALE HALTS LIPTON CUP The third day of the Lipton Cup Challenge yacht race in False Bay was abondoned due to the 50-60 knot gale-force winds.
BANK DONATES GEAR STANDARD Bank Cricket Development Trust has donated R2-million worth of cricket gear for distribution to disadvantaged communities. United Cricket Board national development director Khaya Majola said about 560 teams will get a share of the equipment. The donation is a joint venture between the Development Trust and the United Cricket Board of South Africa.
NITCH SQUASHES COMPATRIOT SOUTH AFRICA’S Claire Nitch beat fellow South African Carla Venter 9-2 9-7 9-1 in the first round of the Malaysian Squash Open on Tuesday. She will play against world number one Sarah Fitzgerald in the second round.