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 with soccer: Bafana Bafana’s coach, Hugo Broos, has assured South Africans the team will put up a good fight in tonight’s World Cup opening match against co-host Mexico at Estadio Azteca. The encounter is a rematch of the 2010 group opener, in which the two sides shared the spoils in a 1-all draw in Johannesburg. Broos says the match will be tough, especially playing in front of 85-thousand shouting and singing Mexicans:

Meanwhile, government has called on South Africans to rally behind Bafana Bafana. Officials say the team embodies the determination, discipline and fighting spirit of the nation. South Africans are encouraged to wear green and gold on Bafana Fridays as a show of support. Government says soccer has the power to unite the country and inspire national pride as Bafana takes on the world stage.

 # Roadrunning: Cape Town has been included in the World Marathon Majors – the first race in Africa to be recognised and the eighth worldwide. This year’s race on 24 May saw the event pass the final assessment stage. The Mother City joins Tokyo in Japan, Boston, Chicago and New York in the US, the British capital of London, Sydney in Australia, and the German capital of Berlin. CEO of the series, Dawna Stone, says Cape Town’s unique culture, welcoming residents and wonderful setting provide a whole new dimension.

# Rugby: Lock Salmaan Moerat’s Test future is uncertain after he was forced to withdraw from the Springboks’ training camp in Johannesburg due to injury. He was replaced by Stormers teammate Ruben van Heerden, who excelled during the United Rugby Championship season. The squad is preparing for the first Test of the season, against the Barbarians in Gqeberha next Saturday. On the same day, South Africa A will face Zimbabwe in a double-feature. Bok coach Rassie Erasmus will announce his team for the Test next week.

# And cricket: England captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have been dropped for the second Test against New Zealand, as they are being investigated for breaching team protocols. They broke the team’s midnight curfew when they were present at a nightclub during an altercation with a Saracens rugby player in the early hours of Monday morning. Fast bowler Jofra Archer and batter Jordan Cox have been included in the squad. Joe Root will take over the captaincy for the Test, which begins at the Oval on Wednesday.

Stay tuned for more news………….