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Last week saw the definitive end to the cheap money that refuelled the United States and world economies in the dark days of the dotcom bust, September 11 and the war in Iraq. The US Federal Reserve, the world’s most powerful central bank, increased the federal funds rate to 1,25%. It is the first rate increase in four years. Now the bank’s chief needs to negotiate this rise in rates without triggering a market meltdown.
South African junior bantamweight champion Simon ”Dancing Shoes” Ramoni has dismissed weekend reports that he is avoiding Silence ”Real Deal” Mabuza. Instead the champion, who dethroned Mabuza’s stablemate Theo Modise on an 11th-round stoppage in May, has reiterated his desire to challenge the Springs-based IBO champion.
Tens of thousands of frenetic fans streamed to Athens airport and the Greek capital’s centre on Monday to welcome surprise European champions Greece home from their victorious Euro 2004 tournament in Portugal. About 35 000 people filled the Panathinaikon stadium in the centre of Athens.
Two of Soweto’s big three clubs, Kaizer Chiefs and Moroka Swallows, will enjoy home-ground advantage against Black Leopards and Ajax Cape Town when the journey to the final of the SAA Supa 8 Cup begins on August 14. The Pretoria-based Supersport United and Wits University of Gauteng also won home-ground games.
The sky could be the limit for Mamelodi Sundowns in the new season following their signing of seven new players. Goalkeeper Brian Baloyi, Josta Dladla, Neil Winstanely, Surprise Moriri, Raymond Seneo, Vuyo Mere and Thabiso Rammile all wore big smiles when they were introduced to the media at a briefing on Monday.
Mamelodi Sundowns have proven wrong the notion that Kaizer Chiefs attract more fans than any other local club. Downs have left South Africans gaping in disbelief with 35 532 votes for participation in the annual Telkom Charity Cup, which is scheduled for the FNB Stadium on July 31.
Six months after Germany’s infamous cannibal Armin Meiwes was jailed for killing and eating another man, one of the country’s most controversial film directors is to make a film of his bizarre life. Rosa von Praunheim’s film is to be entitled Your Heart in My Brain, and is expected to be shot later this year.
Floating hotels are set to help countries in the West Indies cope with the massive influx of cricket followers expected during the 2007 Cricket World Cup. West Indies will be hosting the ninth edition of the World Cup despite fears that some Caribbean countries’ hard-pressed tourist infrastructure will struggle with the event’s demands.
England sensation Wayne Rooney has been offered a five-year contract at Everton, his club announced on Tuesday. Toffees officials confirmed they have offered the 18-year-old striker the biggest contract in the Premiership club’s history and are awaiting a response from his agent, Paul Stretford.
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