/ 8 December 2009

”The successful draw declared death to doubt.”

”The confidence is good, but we know that we aren’t going to take our foot off the gas,” — Kevin Pietersen on England’s approach to the coming Test series against South Africa.

”I mean, Ricky Ponting gets abused by crowds in England, Graeme Smith gets abused by English crowds. I really don’t mind it, just as long as people respect good cricket both teams play.” — KP insists he doesn’t mind the boo boys.

”I’m not going to lie to you; they were probably some of the easiest tries I’ve scored in a while.” — Springbok winger Bryan Habana after his hat-trick for the Barbarians against New Zealand.

”But this is definitely not a response to India taking over the number one spot on the Test rankings — all this was agreed to long before that.” — Cricket South Africa’s Gerald Majola claims the decision to cancel the Test series against India was not a result of sour grapes.

”I can safely take the risk of telling the world that South Africa is ready for the 2010 World Cup. And the message I want to send to the world is: ‘Come and see for yourself’.” — Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke gives the 2010 World Cup his stamp of approval.

”The successful draw declared death to doubt.” — local organising committee chairperson Danny Jordaan is right behind him.

”For us to go to the second round, that is the expectation of the people. I think we can get out of the group. — Steven Pienaar is confident Bafana Bafana will progress beyond their group at the showpiece.

”This will ensure that Britain will remain on the Formula One calendar for many years to come, which is something I have personally always wanted to see happen,” — Formula One overlord Bernie Ecclestone after an agreement was reached on Monday to keep the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

”You have to be sure to enjoy these moments when they happen because you don’t know when the next victory will come.” — Rafael Nadal after he ended his injury-hit year on a high by winning the Davis Cup with Spain.