Sports News 12:30
BULLETIN SPORTS NEWS 11 June 12:30 pm
Good day, let’s look at the latest sports news and scores:
# We start off with cricket: Proteas coach Shukri Conrad realises there will be nerves in the final of the World Test Championship in London, but doesn’t expect his players to choke as had happened to a South African team too often in the past. Seven of the team members have played at the hallowed field of Lord’s in the past. Conrad says the new ball will be critical, and he selected pace bowler Lungi Ngidi over Dane Paterson to make the most of that issue. Australia is batting first after Temba Bavuma won the toss.
# Soccer: Bafana Bafana easily defeated Mozambique 2-0 in an international friendly at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Limpopo. Second-half goals from Sinoxolo Kwayiba and substitute Ashley Cupido secured the victory. South Africa will return to competitive action in September’s international window when they face Lesotho and Nigeria in key World Cup qualifiers. Coach Hugo Broos says they performed better than their goalless draw against Tanzania last Friday:
More soccer news: Officials of American host cities for next year’s World Cup have given the assurance overseas spectators won’t have to worry over visas, border control or social unrest. The tournament, co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico, starts in a year’s time. The US organisers say president Donald Trump’s administration remains extremely supportive of the event, despite his border crackdown since his return to the White House, leading to civil unrest in California. World Cup games will be hosted in 11 US cities.
# Rugby: Riley Norton will lead a strong Junior Springbok Under-20 squad for the World Rugby Championship, which will be staged in Italy from June 29th to July 19th. The squad includes Phiwayinkosi Kubheka and Ian van der Merwe, who have not previously played for the SA Under-20s, while Jaco Grobbelaar, Stephanus Linde, and Jaco Williams are returning to the squad. Coach Kevin Foote says they have selected 30 players who are determined to do the country proud with their performances on the field of play and their conduct off-field.
# And golf: Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau has been grouped with Xander Schauffele and José Luis Ballester for the opening two rounds of the US Open, which tees off tomorrow. World number one Scottie Scheffler, who is bidding for back-to-back major titles, partners with Collin Morikawa and Viktor Hovland. Rory McIlroy, who has been grouped alongside Ryder Cup teammates Shane Lowry and Justin Rose, says he is having difficulty finding motivation again after winning the Masters:
Stay tuned for more news………….