THURSDAY, 12.30PM:
WHEN Bafana Bafana take on France in a friendly match in Lens on October 11, Ajax Amsterdam’s striker Benedict “Cellular” McCarthy is likely to spearhead the national soccer team’s attack.
National coach Clive Barker said he will be pinning his hopes on the youngster to score the winning goals. “He is brilliant and I’m watching his every step closely,” said Barker. “If he keeps up the terrific form he should know that he has booked himself a ticket to the World Cup.”
McCarthy scored two goals as Ajax sank RKC Waalwijk 3-0 in a League match on Tuesday night.
Meanwhile, Barker has indicated that he will invite the three coaches, Peter Nyama, Budgie Byrne and Mike Makaab, who helped him to win the African Cup of Nations last year, to help him with the World Cup. He said one coach will be based in each of the eight centres “spying” for Bafana Bafana in the finals next June.
Shakes Mashaba, Gordon Igesund and Mich D’Avray will also join the national team’s technical staff, which includes Horst Kriete (director of coaching), Phil Setshedi (assistant coach), Augosto Palacios physical (fitness trainer), Victor Ramathesele (team doctor), Dave Becker (physiotherapist) and Glyn Binkin (administrative manager).
SPORT BRIEFS
ONDRUSKA TO THIRD SOUTH AFRICA’S Marcos Ondruska advanced to the third round of the Bourmemouth clay court tennis tournament after beating Miles Madagan of Britain 6-1 3-6 7-5 on Wednesday.
CELTIC FINED THE Premier Soccer League disciplinary Committee on Wednesday fined Bloemfontein Celtic R15 000 for failing to control their suporters during the first leg Rothmans Cup match against Kaizer Chiefs, which they drew 2-2 at Free State Stadium last month.
NADINE SKIS TO NO 1 SOUTH AFRICA’S Nadine de Velliers was crowned as the new junior world waterskiing champion, after winning three gold medals and a silver to win the overall junior girls championships in Lamede in France from August 27 to 31.
PENNY’S BACK OLYMPIC double gold medallist Penny Heyns will make her first competitive appearance since the Atlanta Olympics at Durban’s Kings Park Stadium when she competes in the short-course swimming gala on September 19-21.
PRICE FOR HALL OF FAME NICK PRICE has been included in this year’s PGA Tour Hall of Fame ballot. To be eligible, a player must at least be 40 years old, a Tour member for 10 years and have at least 10 victories or at least two wins among the the majors and Players Championships.
MCMILLAN THE MAN The three-day practice match between South Africa’s A and B cricket teams ended in a draw in Bloemfontein on Wednesday. Brian McMillan grabbed the wickets of Mark Boucher on the last ball of one over, foloowed by Boeta Dipenaar and Chrisjan Vorster with the first two balls in the next over as the B side finished the day on 264/8 chasing 336 for victory. McMillan was best of the bowling with 3/31 off nine overs.