Author: Prudence Makoge

KYIV, Ukraine — Russian forces launched a significant overnight missile and drone assault on Ukraine’s energy and gas infrastructure, marking the first major attack since the United States suspended intelligence sharing with Kyiv. The strikes targeted multiple regions, causing substantial damage and casualties.​Ukraine’s state-run oil and gas company, Naftogaz, reported that natural gas production facilities were damaged in the attack. Energy Minister German Galushchenko confirmed that the missile and drone strikes affected various regions, and efforts are underway to stabilize power and gas supplies.In the western region of Ternopil, the governor warned of potential gas supply limitations after an industrial…

Deon Davids has his fingers crossed the Springboks can avoid a lock crisis this season, as Mzwandile Stick warns that the world champions cannot afford to “be comfortable”, reports DEVIN HERMANUS. Speaking at a Bok conference ahead of the first national alignment camp in Cape Town next week, assistant coach Davids acknowledged last year’s struggles in the second row and is hopeful for a smoother campaign. “We had challenges at lock and hooker last year,” he said. “A lot of the injured guys are on track now, but I’m sitting here with my fingers crossed. “Lood [de Jager] and Franco…

South Africa’s two triathletes in the women’s elite race at the 2025 World Triathlon Championship Series in Abu Dhabi suffered mixed fortunes when Shanae Williams completed the course in 36th position, while Bridget Theunissen had to withdraw after suffering a puncture to her bike. Meanwhile, Mhlengi Gwala produced a fine performance to pick up the bronze medal in the PTS4 race in the Para Cup event. Silver was taken by Spain’s Bartomeu Caldentey, with Russia’s Andrey Tolstikov taking the gold medal. Gwala had climbed out of the one-lap 750m swim in second place in 11:49, only seven seconds behind Tolstikov.…

CEO of Tennis Australia and director of the Australian Open, South Africa-born Craig Tiley, discusses what his future holds. For the latest tennis news, bookmark The South African website’s dedicated section for free-to-read content Tiley sat down with The South African website’s tennis correspondent Dave Marshall for an exclusive interview during this year’s grand slam in Melbourne. In Part 6, Tiley discusses what the future holds for him. How long do you think you will stay in the role? “I never look that far into the future but focus more on what is right in front of you. “I love what I’m…

Their abilities on attack and sheer-mindedness on defence will stand the Springbok Women’s Sevens team in good stead at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Friday, when the second World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger 2025 tournament kicks off. That is the belief of Nadine Roos, the leading points scorer, who feels that a strong performance could secure a top of the log finish at the end of the second of two tournaments. The first one, where the Bok Women Sevens placed third, was held last weekend at the same venue. This time around, the hosts take on Samoa and Poland…

Felix Jones’ return to the Springboks has sparked debate, with former players Shane Horgan and Benjamin Kayser hailing his unsung impact for the world champions. Jones, a key figure in South Africa’s 2019 and 2023 World Cup triumphs, left to join England after the last edition of the global tournament but has now returned to the Republic.  Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast, Horgan and Kayser praised the former Ireland international’s tactical acumen and suggested his stint with England has made him even more valuable to Rassie Erasmus and the Boks. “I don’t believe it was…

More than a week after South Africa’s men’s Proteas had made history by becoming the first team from the country to win a medal on the global stage, a bronze at the FIH Indoor World Cup, player of the tournament Mustapha Cassiem was still allowing himself to absorb the enormity of the achievement, writes MARK LEMKE. “It really has not sunk in yet, but it does feel amazing. It is definitely one of the highlights of my life. We had set ourselves a goal of winning a medal and I am very proud of how the team came together,” Mustapha,…

Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy navigated tricky conditions to put themselves in contention after the first round of Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in Florida.Ireland’s Lowry carded a three-under par 69 to sit in a tie for second alongside Keegan Bradley, Corey Conners and Christiaan Bezuidenhout.World number two McIlroy, finished with a 70, three shots adrift of American leader Wyndham Clark, who knocked in three birdies in the final six holes to sign for a five-under 67.However, Lowry and Northern Ireland’s McIlroy, both dropped a shot on the 18th on a day when high winds restricted scoring and only…

In the bustling world of sports media, where passion meets professionalism, a new voice is making waves. Mihlali Gqoqgoyeka, a dynamic media practitioner, has steadily built her reputation through hard work, talent, and an unyielding love for storytelling.  Working as a Youth TV Presenter on Cape Town TV and a Media Officer for the UWC Women’s Football Team, she is not only thriving in her current roles but is also poised to become a powerful force in sports broadcasting. For her, the dream of being on television started at a young age. “I’ve always been passionate about TV and broadcasting,”…

Rassie Erasmus believes that 38-year-old Deon Fourie is the ideal insurance policy if those wrestling Bongi Mbonambi for the Springbok No 2 jersey fail to “shoot the lights out”, reports DEVIN HERMANUS. Erasmus will have plenty to consider at hooker in 2025, with a mix of seasoned campaigners and rising talents named in the first Bok alignment camp of the year next week. Mbonambi, who will be 36 by the 2027 World Cup, was the preferred starter in eight of his nine Tests last year. Fellow two-time World Cup winner Marx, now 30, made 12 Test appearances in 2024 –…