Innholdsfortegnelse for 2023-09-29 i Star

Its CEO said the bank managed to grow at about two million new clients every year CAPITEC Bank, the biggest digital bank in South Africa, added one million new clients in the six months to August 31, a staggeringly big number considering the weak economic environment. When questioned about how the bank managed to gain so many new clients in such a short period, its CEO, Gerrie Fourie, said in an interview yesterday that in fact, the bank had managed to grow at about two million new clients every year, for the past five years. The bank now has some 21.1 million active clients, which is a signifi- cant proportion of South Africans. He said if you add all the clients of all the banks in the country together,…

THE GOVERNMENT began the 2023/24 financial year on the back foot as public finances deteriorated from the onset in the first quarter of the fiscal year between April and June, with the national debt rising above R4.9 trillion. This was revealed in the Quarterly Bulletin released by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) yesterday. According to the SARB, the national government recorded a cash book deficit of R47.1bn in the first quarter of fiscal 2023/24, compared to a cash book surplus of R11.5bn in the same period of the previous fiscal year. The bank said that the deficit was primarily financed in the domestic financial markets through the net issuance of long-term government bonds. “Consequently, the national government’s gross loan debt increased by 10.9% year-on-year to R4 948bn…

HEAVY machinery and industrial equipment manufacturer Barloworld, which beat difficult conditions in South Africa and Russia to post an 18% increase in operating profit for the 11-month period to August 31, is shifting from short-term bank debt to longer-term bond financing as it handles increased demand for funding for its operations. In the 11 months to end-August, Barloworld lifted operating profits by 18% to R3.2 billion compared to the same period last year. This was after the company grew revenues by 15% over the same period, it reported in a voluntary trading update yesterday. The growth in revenues and operating profits for the period has been attributed to “better trading performance” across its businesses. This had also translated to a 13% firming in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and…

MENTAL illness cases are often difficult to assess, and insurers may sometimes be too hasty in deciding on their validity. A recent determination by the Ombudsman for Long-term Insurance found that an insurer incorrectly declined a disability claim for mental illness, because it failed to take a holistic approach, and disregarded the totality of the evidence. According to the determination report, Ms A, an employee benefits consultant, suffered from migraines, anxiety, depression and cognitive problems. After making some serious mistakes in her work, her employer decided to terminate her employment in July 2022, but kept her on the payroll for a further three months, and continued to pay her group risk premiums. Ms A’s psychiatrist had her admitted for psychiatric care in August 2022, booking her off until January 2023.…

EOH HOLDING’S share price fell nearly 8% after it posted yesterday that it expected a loss in its upcoming annual results amid a high inflation environment with muted spending by the South African public sector on technology. The shares closed 9.38% down at a low of R1.45 on the JSE yesterday. They have declined by 63.22% in the past year. In its trading statement for the financial year ended July 31, 2023, the group said its headline loss per share was expected to broaden to between 72.7% and 109.1% to between 19 cents and 23c on total operations. Continuing operations would improve to 53% to 62% to 17c to 21c. Total loss per share from continu- ing and discontinued operations increased to between 12c and 14c, compared to 9c…

Cher allegedly had her troubled son kidnapped from a hotel room while he was trying to reunite with his wife on their wedding anniversary. The 77-year-old singer is said to have made the dramatic move as she was worried about 47-year-old Elijah Blue Allman’s health. Cher’s daughter-in-law, Marieangela King, made the claim in a declaration to a Los Angeles court during a hearing on her and Allman’s divorce. DailyMail.com reported singer Allman – the son of Cher and her second husband Greg Allman – is understood to be in rehab in Pasadena, California, after collapsing on the pavement leading up to the entrance of the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles on 14 September. Allman married King, 36, who goes by the name Queenie in the rock band King, in 2013.…

It is amazing how the solution to most messes in the kitchen can be found in the same room. In fact, most of the clean-up can be done using a handful of cooking ingredients. Following tips from cleaning guru Mbali Nhlapo on how to keep their homes sparkling, South Africa has been showing off their cleaning skills on social media recently. From sneaker cleaning tips and tricks to getting rid of stubborn stains on countertops, Nhlapo comes armed with answers to virtually all cleaning and care questions with an energy that actually makes one excited to do chores. If you are one of those people who feel inspired by her, here are some common ingredients in your kitchen that can help clean your home. Apart from being easy to get…

South African crime syndicates have positioned the country as a critical node in international Afghan-produced heroin smuggling rings to Europe, Africa, and Australia, the 2023 Global Organised Crime Index has revealed. And this illicit industry has ballooned into a billion rand trade that spider-webs the global black-market. According to the report, South Africa finds itself at the centre of an intricate web of the global drug trade, serving as both a significant consumer and a pivotal node in the international narcotics network. The country is grappling with the proliferation of various drugs, from heroin and cocaine to cannabis and synthetic drugs, each with its unique set of challenges and implications. The heroin trade in South Africa is a lucrative enterprise, generating billions of rand annually and positioning the country…

Africa’s premier jazz festival, Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, returns from today until tomorrow at the Sandton Convention Centre, promising an exhilarating experience for music lovers. An exciting line-up of headlining jazz stars from across the world will see the likes of Marcus Wyatt, Robert Glasper, Nduduzo Makhathini, Herbie Tsoaeli, Andrea Vollenweider, Billy Monama, and more share the stage over two fun-filled nights. The festival has also elevated the experience by including Jazzy Joburg Market, an initiative in partnership with the Joburg Tourism Company that supports local businesses. SMMEs and creatives get to showcase their work in the market. The market will be officially opened by the Department of Economic Development’s MMC, councillor Nomoya Mnisi, as well as the city manager, Floyd Brink. “We feel very excited about this year’s…

At just shy of 40 years, Dr Aobakwe Segwe is a phenomenal force of nature. She knew as a kid that she wanted to be a doctor. Hardly into her MBChB studies, she was certain she wanted to specialise in radiology – and she has excelled ever since. After her undergraduate medical degree from the University of Pretoria, Dr Segwe went on to acquire a Master’s degree in medicine from the University of the Witwatersrand and then a radiology fellowship from the College of Medicine South Africa. It is no wonder that the little child who grew up dissecting insects is now a specialist doctor who will feature at the Africa Health on October 18 at Gallagher Estate, Midrand. Africa Health is the largest expo on the continent and Dr…

The article explores the dark, secretive and mysterious psychology of revenge. Recognise that the typical reaction present for revenge is vindictive and unforgivable behaviour. Evolution may have wired our minds to believe that revenge is a rewarding experience for the brain. Rekindling fantasies triggers feelings of anxiety, remorse, regret and shame. When humans feel attacked, mistreated or socially rejected, they appear more vengeful due to power, tradition and desire for status. The bible has traditionally been the most intriguing school of thought on revenge, Exodus 21:23 instructs us to “give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot” to punish a wrongdoer. But more than 2000 years later, Martin Luther King jr responded: “The old law of ‘an eye for an eye’ leaves…

FORMER Proteas coach Gary Kirsten was not a great believer in warm-up matches. In essence, Kirsten felt they were a bit of a waste of time. The Proteas will be hoping their hit-out against Afghanistan today at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram will at least be more worthwhile, especially in terms of running off the jet lag and getting a taste of the conditions they can expect over the next two months as they zig-zag across India. They will have to do so without their captain Temba Bavuma today and in the subsequent warm-up match against New Zealand on Monday too, after he was forced to return home due to “family reasons”. Bavuma is hoping to be back for the 50-over World Cup opener against Sri Lanka in Delhi…

KAIZER Chiefs coach Molefi Ntseki expressed his happiness at his team’s progression following a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory over Sekhukhune United on Wednesday night. Amakhosi stopped a four-game winless streak as they scored two second-half goals to topple Sekhukhune at Moses Mabhida Stadium, restoring faith in the ongoing “rebuild” at the club. The Naturena club had been through a somewhat sticky patch recently, losing two of their last four matches in all competitions, including the MTN8 semi-final second leg against Mamelodi Sundowns last weekend. Chiefs had slowly begun to restore belief over recent matches in terms of performances, with their eye-catching display against Sundowns the most memorable. Speaking to the media after his team beat Sekhukhune, Ntseki expressed his joy at his side making positive strides in recent weeks and…

ORLANDO Pirates could easily be dejected by their poor run of form, but coach Jose Riveiro says it could prove to be a blessing in disguise instead. Tipped to challenge for all five trophies up for grabs this season following their heroic displays in the last campaign, the Buccaneers have been a shadow of themselves recently. They have lost three successive matches (all 1-0) across the Caf Champions League, Premiership and MTN8. But it’s in the Champions League where Pirates are skating on thin ice as they are on the backfoot heading into the second leg of the group stage qualifiers after losing 1-0 away to Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy in the first leg. However, speaking at their base yesterday ahead of Galaxy’s visit to Orlando Stadium today, Riveiro explained that…

THE GLOBAL oil price rose to its highest in a year yesterday on the back of persistent supply concerns, cementing fears of yet another significant fuel price hike in South Africa. The Brent crude oil traded above $96 (R1 837) per barrel yesterday, after rising to as high as $97.80 earlier in the day, the highest level in nearly a year as price volatility remains on changing economic expectations. Oil prices rose over this month, from $86.80 per barrel to $94.50 per barrel for Brent crude, higher on reduced supply, as sharp decline in US crude stockpiles exacerbated concerns about tight global supplies. Official data showed that US crude inventories fell by 2.2 million barrels last week, much more than market expectations for a 320 000-barrel draw.…

ATTACQ, the major development partner in Waterfall City, lifted its full year dividend 16% to 58 cents per share, a strong uplift given that South Africa-focused listed property groups have faced major headwinds this year due to load shedding and the weak economy. The JSE-listed real estate investment trust’s (Reit’s) share price reflected that strength – it gained3.04% to close at R8.47on the JSE yesterday, moving its year-to-date gain to 7.5%, in contrast to the South African Listed Property Index, which has declined 10% year-to-date. Both occupancy and collection rates traded high during the period at 92.5% and 100.7%, respectively. Distributable income per share increased 14.5% to 71.9c, with the main growth coming from Waterfall City. Distributable income growth from its Rest of South Africa operations, mainly retail centres,…

Titi Luzipo says her upcoming tribute to singer Gloria Bosman at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is a heartfelt and significant moment in her career. Bosman, a multiple award-winning South African jazz singer and composer, died from a short respiratory illness on March 14 at the age of 50. Luzipo met Bosman when she was 17 and their relationship evolved into a strong mother-daughter bond over the years. According to Luzipo, the tribute to Bosman goes beyond music, it’s a celebration of their unique relationship and the values instilled in her by her mentor and mother figure. As she prepares to pay tribute to Bosman on the same stage where they performed together last year, Luzipo says she’s excited and nervous at the same time. “I did Joy of…

Building company threatens to remove classrooms due to non-payment PUPILS and teachers at Nancefield Primary School might soon find themselves without classes after a payment dispute between construction company Thovu Construction and the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (GDID). The company, through its lawyers Weavind and Weavind Attorneys, had yesterday threatened to remove the mobile units it had obtained through an agreement with Kwikspace Modular Buildings after a series of failed meetings with the department. However, the construction company and Kwikspace had not done so following a letter to the department dated September 26. It is reported that the Department of Infrastructure owes Thovu Construction R2 million for mobile class rentals at Nancefield Primary School, one of the schools affected by the continued project abandonment by…

Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi has announced that the IEC informed them two weeks ago that their application to register as a political party has been approved. “The way is now open for RISE Mzansi to contest the national elections in every province in 2024,” Zibi said. He addressed the media on Wednesday on the state of readiness ahead of their policy convention next week. He confirmed all systems go for the People’s Convention. During the briefing, he outlined some of the six themes aimed at addressing the socio-economic crises facing the country. He stated that about 8 000 delegates attending the conference would participate in discussions on how to tackle the challenges in communities. Launched in April, Zibi said that his party would free the country from…

TRAFFIC in the Pretoria CBD came to a standstill during the EFF march staged yesterday to intensify its call for the City of Tshwane to reinstate more than 120 workers sacked for participating in an unprotected strike action. Party activists and some residents aggrieved after being evicted from land they occupied illegally in Atteridgeville joined hands to demand that the municipality must reverse decisions to fire workers and evict people. They congregated at Church Square in the morning before they departed to Tshwane House, where they chanted Struggle songs and called for mayor Cilliers Brink to receive their memorandum of demands. Protesters vowed they would not leave Tshwane House until they had positive feedback from the mayor. Members of the SAPS and Tshwane Metro Police Department were on standby…

A QUICK response by members of the SAPS Middleburg Flying Squad and their counterparts in Benoni led to the recovery of a hijacked Ford Ranger, two stolen firearms with ammunition and a stolen cellphone. During the recovery of the Ford Ranger, police arrested three suspects about 21 minutes after the vehicle was hijacked from its owner in Delmas, Mpumalanga, on Wednesday morning. The trio – two South Africans and a Mozambican – are due to appear in the Delmas Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. “According to information, the victim was from Witbank when he was attacked by two armed (men) with firearms at about 8am,” Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said. “The victim was robbed of his white double cab Ford Ranger, as well as his mobile phone.…

AS PART of Heritage Month celebrations, the Pretoria News in collaboration with the University of Pretoria (UP) Museums, treated art and history lovers to a guided tour at the institution’s museum yesterday. Couple, John and Denise Gwilliam, couldn’t hide their excitement as they took a stroll through one of the institution's oldest buildings, the Old Arts Building. Tour guide Steven Motena told the couple the UP museum’s role was “the collection of art and history”. He said it was never used to be like this, even though the collecting of art started for the institution in 1922. “The first artwork was donated in that year. Last year we were celebrating 100 years of collecting these pieces,” he said Motena added that there had not been any museum or…

Police Minister Bheki Cele has revealed that almost 200 000 people have been killed in South Africa in the last decade. The statistics showed that the murder rate was increasing every year. Cele said there were 16 000 people that were killed in 2013, but last year more than 25 000 people were killed. The police have in previous crime statistics showed a spike in murders, with firearms being one of the major weapons used, followed by knives and other sharp objects. Cele, who was replying to a written Parliamentary question from Freedom Front Plus leader, Pieter Groenewald, said murder cases have been on the increase in the last 10 years. He said in the 2012/2013 financial year, there were 16 213 people that were killed in the country. However,…

TOTTENHAM Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou will be particularly keen to end Liverpool’s winning run when the Australian’s boyhood heroes visit in the Premier League tomorrow. Postecoglou’s attacking style has won plenty of admirers since he joined Spurs in July and the clash between two of the league’s four unbeaten sides could be a lively affair. Fourth-placed Tottenham are enjoying their best start to a league season in 57 years, while Liverpool in second are chasing a sixth successive league win and eighth in all competitions. Postecoglou’s football journey was inspired by the great Liverpool sides of the past, so the clash will be a trip down memory lane and can make a big statement about his side’s future. “I was a massive Liverpool fan. I loved Bill Shankly, I loved…

The indecent haste with which Rassie Erasmus told the media that a solution was needed for the Springboks’ kicking woes after the loss to Ireland was countered 24 hours later by Jacques Nienaber telling the media not to expect “miracles” from Handre Pollard. That sums up the quandary the Boks are in as the World Cup nears the business end: Just about everything is working sweetly apart from the goal-kicking, and the pressure that Manie Libbok has been under in this regard now passes to Pollard. The potential problem is that Nienaber is right. Pollard may be a better goal-kicker than Libbok but he is by no means an ace kicker. He can also miss sitters and if we go back to the 2019 World Cup, Pollard had a chequered…

Australia and, to a lesser extent, New Zealand’s World Cup struggles are down to a lack of pressure in the domestic game, Wallabies assistant coach Pierre-Henry Broncan said yesterday. Australia are set to be knocked out of the competition in the pool stages for the first time following their thrashing by Wales and a first defeat to Fiji in 69 years. The All Blacks, for their part, lost a pool stage match for the first time in the tournament opener against hosts France and are at an all-time low of fourth in the world rankings. The game in the northern hemisphere, by contrast, is thriving, with Ireland and France holding the top two spots in the world, and England and Wales on course to win their pools. For the first…

CONSUMERS in South Africa could endure persistent higher prices for goods as manufacturers pass on the costs after producer inflation rose for the first time in August following 12 consecutive months of decline. Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) said producer price inflation (PPI) accelerated to 4.3% year-on-year in August, up from 2.7% in July. The August headline PPI print was worse than market expectations of 3.7%. StatsSA said most of the upward pressure came from the metals, machinery, equipment and computing equipment, food products, beverages and tobacco products, and paper and printed products categories. Price in the “metals, machinery, equipment and computing equipment” increased by 10.1% year-on-year, accelerating from 9% in July. The continued rise in this category was probably driven by higher demand for renewable energy equipment as companies and…

SPAR’S shares rocketed 13% higher yesterday as the market cheered the retailer’s announcement that it had finally decided to dispose of its loss-making Polish operations. Spar’s share closed11.25% higher at R113.03 on theJSE yesterday. Spar also said it estimated a loss of turnover of R1.4 billion due to the challenges of the rollout of the SAP IT system. In its trading statement for the 47 weeks to August 25, the group said: “Shareholders are again referred to the interim results wherein shareholders were advised that the board was considering various strategic business options in Poland and would announce its decision in due course. “Having evaluated and considered all options, the board believes that it is in the best interests of the group and shareholders to engage in a process…

EXCLUSIVITY, legacy, heritage, and wealth – these are just some of the hallmarks that make up the world of luxury investments. From designer luxury handbags, premium whisky, watches, art, and even sneakers – some may argue the luxury investment market has become an art in and of itself. What is clear, however, is that it is a market on the rise in South Africa – and is one that can pay off in the long-run. Nevertheless this is not a new concept, as it was accurately predicted as a burgeoning niche investment “class” in a report by multinational company, Deloitte, back in 2015. What could not have been predicted, however, would be the market’s resilience irrespective off a global pandemic, the current global economic headwinds, geopolitical strife, rising inflation and…

NETCARE Group has inked a renew- able energy (RE) supply agreement with independent clean energy solutions provider NOA Group Trading (NOA) – a significant milestone for the hospital group, according to its CEO Dr Richard Friedland. Friedland said in a statement yesterday: “Improvement of our energy efficiency initiatives remains a key focus area of this strategy. Netcare has also committed to procuring 100% of its purchased electrical energy from renewable energy sources by 2030, supporting the Race to Zero global campaign with targets that exceed the requirements of the Science Based Target initiative aimed at limiting global warming. “This transaction represents Phase 1 of achieving this aim and includes six of our facilities where RE will be wheeled through the electricity grid from a combination of wind and solar…

The 17th annual South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas) are days away and excitement is in the air for one of the biggest celebrations of entertainment. The festivities start today with the craft awards ceremony on the Saftas YouTube page, hosted by Kuhle Adams and Carl Wastie. Tomorrow, the red carpet will be rolled out for the who’s who in South Africa screen entertainment for the main show, which will be hosted by Zozibini Tunzi and actor Lawrence Maleka. Maleka has become the go-to male personality to host major South African ceremonies, from the South African Music Awards and the DStv MVC Awards. He has also hosted top shows such as Big Brother Mzansi and Big Brother Titans – the joint South African and Nigerian edition of the Big…

THE one thing long-time friends of Zoleka Mandela are comforted by following her death is knowing that she will finally be able to see her beloved daughter Zenani Zanethemba Nomasonto Mandela, who died with a part of her. Childhood friend Thatohatsi Mothibe said that though she was in pain over the death of Mandela, she was happy that she would finally be with the one person whom she knew a part of had died along with her, and that was her daughter. Zenani, 13, was killed in a car crash in 2010 on the way back from a concert at the opening of the Fifa World Cup. Mothibe was speaking at the memorial service for Mandela, attended by close friends and family, at the Madikizela-Mandela House in Orlando, Soweto. Mothibe,…

Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola is hoping to hear from authorities in the United Arab Emirates soon on the request by South Africa for information regarding the Guptas before the country can re-submit an extradition request. The government has been trying to get the Guptas back in the country to face charges over state capture, following the investigation by the Zondo Commission of Inquiry that implicated the brothers in alleged corruption. Lamola’s spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri, said yesterday that they were waiting for the UAE to give them the information they requested before re-submitting the extradition request. The UAE court refused to extradite the Guptas in April, and Lamola said he would appeal the decision. Atul and Rajesh Gupta are wanted over alleged corruption during the time of former…

Ingredients 1 tbsp vegetable oil 500 g diced skinless chicken breast 48 g sachet Knorr Dry Cook-In Sauce tomato base 300 ml water 400 g can chopped tomatoes 1 sliced courgette 100 g sultanas 2 tbsp sliced toasted almonds, (optional) 300 g couscous, cooked Method In a frying pan, heat the oil and fry the chicken until golden. Blend the contents of the Knorr Dry Cook-In Sauce tomato base sachet with the water and add to the pan along with the tomatoes, courgette, and sultanas. Bring to a boil stirring constantly, then reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Meanwhile, cook couscous according to pack instructions. Sprinkle with the toasted almonds, if desired and serve with couscous. Serves 4 Prep and cooking…

Don’t you just love the iniquity of the idiots running the Johannesburg City Council? As the once, sort of half-decent city of Johannesburg – really a big sprawling mining camp morphed into a modernish city, then re-morphed into an African City (forget the “World-Class African City”. There’s no such thing, baby), before our very eyes, we have descended into a failed city run by miscreants. By a coalition of ANC et al, and some miniscule, localised mini-party that is merely a puppet, everything is broken and/or stolen and that’s it. There are rivers of sewerage running down the streets forever. Potholes are as bad on the roads of Standerton and Lydenburg. Street lights and functional traffic lights are relics of past functional ages. Parts of the city, in the south…

WATER and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu has apologised to the residents of Tshwane for the ongoing water supply problems. His department, with the City of Tshwane and Rand Water, has been grappling with water woes for months while blaming one another. Mchunu and his two deputies, David Mahlobo and Judith Tshabalala, have been visiting numerous communities across Gauteng to address the water shortages that have hit Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and recently Johannesburg. Mchunu’s contingent descended on the capital city on Wednesday, visiting Soshanguve and Waterkloof to listen to the public’s complaints. Only a handful of residents attended the community meeting at Waterkloof’s NG Kerk on Wednesday afternoon. However, Mchunu apologised for the water challenges he was confronted with. “We know that from time to time problems do occur. But because of…

A close collaboration between members of the SAPS and SA National Defence Force (SANDF) resulted in the rescue of seven family members, including toddlers, who had been kidnapped in Mpumalanga. The seven were rescued before their vehicle could be smuggled into neighbouring Mozambique, through the Lebombo border. “According to information, an elderly woman was taking her six family members, two teenage boys, two teenage girls and two toddlers to their grandparents' place at Block C from their residence in KaMaqhekeza on Tuesday, at about 8pm,” Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala narrated. As the family was about to leave the house, four armed assailants allegedly arrived on the scene and forced the family members into their family vehicle, a Toyota Fortuner. “They were held hostage, then driven into the bushes…

Legendary thespian and actor John Kani survived 11 stab wounds and a number of death threats during the time of apartheid South Africa, but that never deterred him from pursuing a bright career. According to him, the National Party rule during the time was the worst time the country has ever had to experience and no country should ever have to go through that again – ever. Kani has played an abundance of theatre plays that challenged the terror of apartheid, most famously in the Athol Fugard play, The Train Driver. He has recently made a comeback featuring in his classic Nothing But The Truth alongside another legend, Sello Maake KaNcube. In an interview, years ago, Kani opened up about the fears of apartheid and how he sustained a stab…

ARMED with a hatful of records after their latest Premiership outing, the all-conquering Mamelodi Sundowns are set for a walk in the park in tomorrow’s clash against Burundi’s Bumamuru FC. Sundowns defeated Stellenbosch FC 3-1 at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Wednesday night and in the process set a record for the longest unbeaten run in the Premiership. The Brazilians are now unbeaten in 32 matches stretching back to September last year when they lost 2-1 to SuperSport United. The record of 31 Premiership games without defeat was set by Kaizer Chiefs between January and November 2005. The match served as a timely dress rehearsal for tomorrow’s Champions League’s second preliminary round, second leg fixture against Bumamuru, who were hammered 4-0 in the first leg. Another Premiership record behind…

TRAWL through the annals of the Ryder Cup and there are tales aplenty of rookies rising to the occasion with match-winning contributions, but Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg is already making waves before striking a ball in anger. The 23-year-old is one of eight rookies featuring in the 44th edition of the biennial match – four apiece for Europe and the United States – but by far the most hyped. Two of those eight are seasoned Americans Brian Harman and Wyndham Clark, who claimed their first Major titles this year – Harman at the Open Championship and Clark at the US Open. By contrast, Aberg is fresh out of Texas Tech, only turned professional in June and is the first player ever to feature in the Ryder Cup without ever contesting a…