”The stability of any government is measured by the freedom it gives to the press. If the government is clean in its dealings, then I see no reason why it should be worried about the press,” says Kenyan media activist Mitch Odero. Recent statements by authorities indicate that they have a less sanguine view of the country’s journalists, however.
Stormers Super 12 rugby players continue to have the support of their coach Gert Smal after allegations that a racial slur provoked Crusaders number eight Mose Tuiali’i into lashing out when they last met at Jade Stadium. Tuiali’i was sent off for headbutting Stormers centre Marius Joubert in the round-robin Super 12 match on May 1.
Australian cricket players’ advocate Tim May has reportedly flown to Dubai in an attempt to convince the International Cricket Council to intervene in the Zimbabwe team crisis. Australia’s world Test and one-day international champions leave on Thursday for Africa to play what is likely to be an outclassed Zimbabwe team.
World number one Roger Federer overcame a scare to survive a formidable first hurdle in the fifth Tennis Masters Series tournament of the year in Hamburg on Tuesday. Federer found himself 3-4 down in the final set against Gaston Gaudio before squeezing through 6-1, 5-7, 6-4.
Muttiah Muralitharan’s controversial ”doosra” delivery was deemed illegal after the International Cricket Council said in London on Tuesday it supports the decision by Sri Lanka cricket to tell the off-spinner not to bowl the delivery. Last week Murali set a new world record of 521 Test wickets against Zimbabwe in Harare.
Greece announced on Tuesday that 70 000 security personnel will watch over the summer Olympics in Athens — outnumbering athletes by almost seven to one — amid worldwide concerns of possible terror attacks at the world’s biggest sporting event. The Games’ security bill is swelling along with the number of guards involved.
Former Chelsea favourite Gianfranco Zola has played down speculation of a return to the London club while he concentrates on trying to win promotion to Italy’s Serie A with his current side, Cagliari. The 37-year-old striker has been linked with a coaching role at Chelsea.
South Africa’s 2010 Soccer World Cup bid squad was completing its preparations on Wednesday for its final presentation to the Fifa executive on Friday. The 24-member executive, after hearing the final presentations of the other bidders, will decide who will host the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
World champions England were once again paired with South Africa when the draw for the 2007 World Cup finals was made in Dublin on Wednesday. The two sides enjoyed a bruising pool encounter at last year’s finals in Perth, Australia, which Clive Woodward’s men won 25-6 before going on to beat Australia in the final.
Click on image for full-size view.