Sports News 12:30

BULLETIN SPORTS NEWS 21 February 12:30 pm

Good day, let’s look at the latest sports news and scores:

# We start with boxing: Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, ordered an investigation into Boxing South Africa’s finances after the revelation the sport’s benevolent fund had been plundered by millions of rand. The fund was set up over four decades ago with the aim to assist financially struggling former boxers. A small percentage of local fighters’ purse was deducted since then and paid over to the fund, which is now used to help injured boxers. McKenzie wants the probe to start immediately, saying the perpetrators must go to jail.

# Golf: France’s Lucie Malchirand opened with an eight-under-64 to lead the Ladies Open at the Durbanville Golf Club in Cape Town by four strokes. The 22-year-old is chasing a maiden Sunshine Ladies Tour victory. Malchirand’s closest challenger is Switzerland’s Nobuhle Dlamini who opened with a round of five-under-67, followed by South Africa’s Cara Ford on four-under. Defending champion Gabrielle Venter of South Africa scored 73.

# Soccer: There will be no South African derby in the CAF Champions League quarterfinals in April. Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns avoided each other in the draw, conducted in Qatar. Pirates, who finished top of Group B, will face Mouloudia Alger from Algeria, while Sundowns will take on Tunisia’s Esperance in a repeat of last year’s semifinal. Defending champions Al Ahly of Egypt will face Al Hilal from neighbouring Sudan, and Egypt’s Pyramids have been pitted against the Royal Armed Forces of Morocco.

Meanwhile, Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, says nothing is eternal. He reacted after his team was eliminated from the Champions League after being beaten 6-3 on aggregate by Real Madrid, marking the first time during his tenure they couldn’t reach the last 16. City could only end in 22nd place in the league phase. Guardiola admits they had been outplayed for much of the season, but aims to lead his team into a new era after the January signing of six new players.

# And finally, rugby: Gareth Anscombe was picked at flyhalf as interim Welsh coach Matt Sherratt rang the changes for tomorrow’s Six Nations Test against Ireland. Max Llewellyn, who like Anscombe was called up to the squad this week, starts at centre. Ellis Mee makes his international debut on the wing and captain Jac Morgan moves to blindside flanker. In the front row Nicky Smith will make his first start of the year, as does Elliot Dee who is at hooker. WillGriff John will make his Six Nations debut at tighthead.

Stay tuned for more news………….