THURSDAY, 11.00AM:
ATHLETICS South Africa (ASA) on Wednesday announced that a massive R3,5-million has been put aside for incentives and preparation for the 1998 season. This is set to be the most profitable year for athletes as this money is double the amount allocated in 1997.
ASA secretary general Banele Sindani said top athletes can now look forward to more realistic appearance money. ”We can’t give exact figures on that because appearance fees are very much between meeting promoters and athletes,” added ASA chief executive Bernard Rose.
Most of the financial incentives in 1998 will be on offer at the Engen Grand Prix Series (R400_000). ASA development squads will also get R500_000 in incentives and assistance.
”ASA has harnessed the resources of the Department of Sport and Recreation, Nocsa, The SA Commonwealth Games Association and the private sector,” explained Sindani.
SPORT BRIEFS
AMANDA TO THIRD ROUND SOUTH Africa’s Amanda Coetzer — the world women’s tennis third seed — beat Chanda Rubin 6-4 7-6 in the second round of the WTA tournament in Philadelphia on Wednesday.
EASTERNS VICTORIOUS EASTERNS won their Standard Bank League cricket match against Border by three wickets on Wednesday night in East London. Border’s Brad White scored an unbeaten 100 in 112 balls.
HOFF HEADS RELAY TEAM SHADRACK HOFF will lead the strong South African team to defend their title at this year’s 42km International Chiba Ekiden Relay in Japan on November 23. They will compete against 30 other countries including long-distance specialists Ethopia and Kenya.
The Team is: Makhosonke Fika, Hoff , Aaron Gabonewe, John Morapedi, Laban Nkete, Richard Mavuso.