Innholdsfortegnelse for 2024-04-04 i Star

CHOOSING stocks based on social media tips might generate big returns in the short term, but not in the longer run, and the influence of such tips raises concerns over investor protection and keeping markets orderly, the EU’s securities watchdog said yesterday. The power of social media in hyping up trading was seen in January 2021 when “meme stock” GameStop surged as much as 1 600% on Wall Street as amateur investors piled into the video game retailer’s shares. EU Finance Ministers are keen to attract more retail investors to help deepen the bloc’s capital market, but do not want market vola- tility such as that involved in speculative trading in GameStop to tarnish investing. The European Securities and Markets Authority (Esma) said in its first risk analysis on…

THE INTERNATIONAL Monetary Fund (IMF) has cautioned that the economic scarring of the Covid-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and the tightening of financial conditions have hit low-income countries, mainly in Africa, the hardest in recent years. The IMF defines low-income countries as the 69 countries eligible for the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust facilities. IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva said yesterday that though the outlook for low-income countries was gradually improving, they were still facing persistent macroeconomic vulnerabilities, including liquidity challenges due to high debt service. Speaking during a joint high-level event with the World Bank, Georgieva said there was significant heterogeneity among low-income countries. She said the poorest and most fragile countries had faced deep scarring from the pandemic, while those with diversified economies and frontier markets were faring better.…

OIL PRICES extended gains yesterday, as investors mulled supply risks stemming from Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries and the potential for escalation in the Middle East conflict, while Opec+ Ministers made no changes to current output cuts in a meeting. Brent crude futures for June rose 75 cents, or 0.84%, to $89.67 (R1 690) per barrel at 1.30pm, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures for May gained 73c, or 0.86%, to $85.88 a barrel. Opec+ Ministers made no fresh policy recommendations in a meeting yesterday, after the group last month decided to extend production cuts until June. Oil futures compounded Tuesday’s gains, when Brent and WTI climbed 1.7% to their highest since October. Prices jumped higher on Tuesday after a fresh round of Ukrainian drone attacks on…

TRINA Solar, an international PV and energy storage solutions company, has partnered with China Energy International Group and China Gezhouba Group to power the Mooi Plaats 283MW ground photovoltaic power plant project in the Northern Cape, which will become South Africa’s biggest solar project. The project is financed by EDF Renewables, in conjunction with South Africa’s local financial institutions, a statement from Trina said yesterday. Solar power projects are growing fast in South Africa – in February over 1 000MW of renewable energy projects, mostly solar, were registered with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa, a figure almost two-thirds of the 1 664MW of renewable energy that registered in the whole of 2022. According to News24, the second- biggest solar project is a 149.3MW solar plant in…

As a child, Rego Moeketsi preferred to spend her free time in her grandmother’s kitchen, watching and helping her cook and bake. “I loved paging through magazines, finding recipes that appealed to me and copying them into my own home-made cookbook. I loved playing with flour and making my own little cakes and biscuits,” she told Business Report. As she grew older and became more proficient at making her own baked products, she started selling her home-made scones, cookies and muffins to colleagues and friends. “All I wanted to do was to hone my craft at a culinary school, but I just could not afford the fees,” she said. Moeketsi put her dreams on hold and took a job as a secretary at a military psychological institute, and while there,…

SPEAR Reit, the only regional-focused Reit on the JSE, said yesterday its port- folio of properties in the Western Cape had, for the most part, traded consistently through the year to February 28, 2024, in line with management’s expectations. The company said in an operational update that its lease renewal strategy had been successfully executed as renewals were concluded timeously and, in some instances, well ahead of expiry dates. Portfolio occupancy rates remained within the mid-90 percentile. More than 153 383 square metres of gross lettable area (GLA) was either renewed or relet, versus the 142 770 square metres that was classified as GLA that would either reach expiry or become vacant during the 2024 financial year. Spear’s balance sheet and income statement remained healthy and the fixed…

Southern Palladium said yesterday that it was well funded to complete pre-feasibility studies at its Bengwenyama platinum group of metals (PGM) project in South Africa’s Bushveld Complex as it is sitting on cash reserves from its cash position of $8.34 million (R158m) as at the end of December 2023. After recently completing scoping studies for the project, Southern Palladium is of the view that there is a well-established downstream smelting and refining process for PGM concentrates within South Africa. And with most smelters processing the concentrate from the Eastern and Western Limbs of the Bushveld Complex situated in Rustenburg, the company believes its PGM concentrates from the project would be suitable for these facilities and it is now able to initiate discussions with potential off-take parties. Southern Palladium has…

In less than three years since being elected as Speaker by the National Assembly in August 2021, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula submitted her resignation letter to acting Speaker Lechesa Tsenoli yesterday under a cloud of controversy. Mapisa-Nqakula resigned with immediate effect amid pressure from opposition parties to do so. However, her resignation does not take her out of the woods yet as it still remains to be seen whether she will hand herself over to the police for arrest. It was expected that the former Speaker would hand herself over to the police to be processed before appearing in court on corruption and money laundering charges. Mapisa-Nqakula is accused of receiving millions of rand in cash as bribes from a military contractor when she was defence minister between 2012 and 2021. She…

TROUBLE is brewing in the higher education sector as students decry the resumption of irregularly appointed financial service providers, for direct payment of students’ allowances. Universities are still in recess, but complaints from National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) beneficiaries have started cropping up over the delayed payments since the scheme once more began using the four service providers. Commenting on a viral video by suspended Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) SRC president Keamogetswe Masike, many students complained that they were now struggling to get access to their allowances. Many said they tried to transfer money from their Ezaga accounts to their personal accounts to no avail, while some University of the Free State students said they too had yet to see a cent. Others accused the Norraco service providers…

In an innovative move, Cresta Shopping Centre, one of Johannesburg’s premier shopping destinations in Northcliff, is set to welcome the Department of Home Affairs to its family from this month. This strategic partnership introduces a new level of convenience and luxury to essential civic services, so necessary errands are no longer just another task, but a part of a lifestyle experience, says a centre spokesperson. “Cresta Shopping Centre, known for its luxurious landscape and diverse retail offering, is pioneering this initiative to integrate essential government services within a retail environment, making it one of the first in the region to do so.” Why Cresta? Why Now? For parents on the go, the new Home Affairs facility offers the opportunity to manage essential tasks while promising a rewarding experience for the…

The City of Tshwane is vying to clinch an unqualified audit report for the current financial year as part of addressing challenges raised by the auditor-general (AG) in the previous audit reports. This was expressed by the mayor, Cilliers Brink, who reflected on the work done under his leadership since he assumed office in March last year. Under his predecessor, Randall Williams, the municipality received its first-ever adverse audit report since its establishment. The municipality registered an improvement in the 2022/23 financial year when it received a qualified audit report. Brink said: “The 2023 audit report from the AG shows an improvement from 2022’s adverse finding to this year’s qualified audit report. We acknowledge that more work must be done to ensure that we secure an unqualified opinion in this…

Johann Rupert has retained his position as South Africa’s richest man with a net worth of R188 billion, according to the latest Hurun Report’s global rich list for 2024. According to the report, which ranks 3 279 billionaires across the world, Rupert is one of five South Africans who made the illustrious list of the ‘who’s who’, despite him seeing a $1bn (R18.7bn) decline in his wealth and dropping some 30 places globally. He is followed by Nicky Oppenheimer, whose wealth is sitting at $8.5bn Thanks to a $200 million increase in this, and despite dropping four places globally, he has retained his spot as South Africa’s second richest billionaire. The biggest comeback, however, is for businessman and footballer administrator Patrice Motsepe who has regained the third position. According to…

The sleek new Mercedes-Benz CLE has officially gone on sale in South Africa. The line-up is rather simple and straight forward, with only two flavours of the sporty-looking Coupé on offer at market launch. The two-model line-up will be spearheaded by the CLE 200 Coupé which is priced from R1 355 350. This model will employ a mild- hybrid 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged motor, producing 150kW and 320Nm of torque, with assistance from an integrated starter generator and 48V electrical system for added efficiency and low-down performance. Power in this model will be sent only to the rear wheels. Sitting at the top of the CLE Coupé range will be the CLE 300 4MATIC which will see a starting price of R1 430 650. Like the CLE 200, this model employs…

Cavin Johnson says his bosses at Kaizer Chiefs – and not him – will decide whether he’s done enough to land the coaching job on a permanent basis. The Amakhosi’s catastrophic stint under Johnson continued on Tuesday night as they lost 1-0 to Stellenbosch FC in the DStv Premiership at their FNB Stadium home. The loss didn’t only subject Chiefs to the potential of missing out on a top-three finish, but to being booted out of the top eight as well. Chiefs are seventh on the log with 30 points, four behind the third-place Sekhukhune United and two ahead of Polokwane City in 10th. To make things worse, both Sekhukhune and Polokwane have a game in hand on Chiefs, who have played 22 league games. So, with the Glamour Boys…

GLOBAL logistics giant DP World is acquiring key assets of bp Southern Africa’s (bpSA) secondary transport operations, marking a significant expansion of its business in South Africa. International energy group bp has operated in Africa for more than 100 years – with operations from explor- ation to refining and fuel product distri- bution. In South Africa, it is one of few major industry players still running its own transport operations. The value of the transaction was not disclosed, a DP World spokesperson said yesterday. UAE-based global logistics group DP World, which has staff in 74 countries on six continents, acquired South Africa-based Imperial Logistics, effective in 2022. In the year to December 31, 2023, DP World lifted revenue 6.6% to $18.25 billion (R344bn) and adjusted earnings before interest, tax,…

WITHIN a six-year period, February 2018 to February 2024, diesel and petrol prices experienced significant increases of 69.9% and 64.6%, respectively, according to the Input Cost Monitoring (ICM) report. The report published this week by the National Agricultural Marketing Council (Namc) notes that diesel has risen from R12.57 a litre to R21.36 a litre, while petrol has risen from R14.12 a litre to R23.24 a litre during this period. Meanwhile, the crude oil price has increased by 25% from $65.65 (R1 237) a barrel to $82.03 a barrel, and in terms of rand value, crude oil prices rose by 100.7% from R775.33 a barrel to R1 556.11 a barrel. Looking at the price difference of diesel and petrol over a year, between February 2023 and February 2023, petrol…

The NATIONAL Development Plan (NDP) places the responsibility of creating 90% of all jobs in South Africa on small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs). Currently in South Africa, it is estimated that SMMEs create about 60% of all jobs, which means that we are still a bit behind most regions in the world. In most nations, SMMEs account for the most jobs in their economy. According to the EuroFund, SMMEs constitute more than 99% of European companies and account for about two-thirds of private sector employment and job growth. To achieve the NDP target, the white paper published by 22 On Sloane in January 2024 estimates that South Africa will need to create 3.2 million new SMMEs in the next seven years in order to achieve the NDP target.…

TRANSACTION Capital said yesterday that all the unbundling conditions relating to the listing of WeBuyCars (WBC) had been fulfilled and that the unbundling had become unconditional. In addition, the Takeover Regulation Panel (TRP) had issued a compliance certificate. The group announced in February that to unlock value for shareholders, it would unbundle WBC and list it separately on the Main Board of the JSE via a WBC share issue of R760 million, a private placement of WBC shares of R500m, and a pre-listing capital raise of up to R750m. WBC shares were expected to start trading on April 11 this year on the JSE. As a result of the capital-raising initiatives, Transaction Capital’s shareholding in WBC on listing would be 61.44%. The distribution ratio as set out in the…

SOUTH African liquor retailer Norman Goodfellows (NGF) has acquired a substantial interest in Port2Port.wine in a deal that will create the largest online wine and spirit retail platform. Jason McEvoy, the CEO of Norman Goodfellows, said yesterday in a statement the acquisition for an undisclosed price promised to bring together the expertise and reach of two industry powerhouses, which would enhance the liquor-buying experience for consumers across South Africa. Port2Port.wine would continue to operate as an independent brand, under its current management team, headed by Nicolò Pudel. Founded in 2015 and with the backing of entrepreneur Michael Jordaan and Distell, Port2Port.wine has become a premier online destination for wine enthusiasts. Port2Port.wine offers more than 2 500 wine and spirits products from 500 producers in more than 15 countries. Its…

Award-winning actress Lorcia Cooper Kumalo has had viewers on the edge of their seats in the nail-biting local crime drama, Red Ink. In the Showmax Original series, adapted from Angela Makholwa- Moabelo’s best-selling 2007 debut novel of the same name, she plays the tenacious Detective Morapedi. The series centres on Lucy Khambule (Nqobile Nunu Khumalo), a formidable journalist-turned-PR spin doctor, who is asked to tell the life story of Napoleon Dingiswayo (Bonko Khoza), an imprisoned serial killer. During the eight-part thriller, Cooper Kumalo’s character encounters Napoleon, aka “The Butcher”. Having won a Safta in 2019 for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Tyson in the series Lockdown, the actress is now earning widespread praise for her portrayal of the feisty and courageous detective. Showmax’s Zibuyile…

Zimbabwean-born DJ Charisse C is ready to make her debut as a recording artist with the release of her first EP. After gracing various stages, including Boiler Room Ibiza and Afro Nation Portugal, with her fluid amapiano-rooted sets and working with the likes of award-winning artists the Scorpion Kings, Musa Key and Major League DJz, Charisse C will soon claim her place in the African-born genre. Over the past few years, the DJ has worked hard to create a powerful presence in dance music with her record label, Abantu, running events, podcasts, and cultural happenings such as her NTS radio show. Now with the release of Evergreen, the DJ adds another feather to her cap. Evergreen, which consists of four tracks, is a rich body of work with the heavy-hitting…

The eight-year-old girl from Botswana, the sole survivor of the bus crash where 45 Botswana nationals died in Limpopo, has been discharged from hospital. Yesterday morning, the Standard 4 learner, Lorraine Atlang Siako, was escorted by several medical care workers, government officials and members of the media as she arrived at Polokwane International Airport to catch an hour-long connecting flight to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. From Johannesburg, Lorraine and her mother were scheduled to catch a flight to Botswana where they are based. IOL previously reported tragedy struck near Mmamatlakala in Limpopo last Thursday when a bus ferrying Botswana nationals careened out of control, killing 45 people and injuring the only survivor – Lorraine. The ill-fated bus was transporting Botswana citizens from the capital, Gaborone, to the popular…

THE cities of Johannesburg, Tshwane and Cape Town have, according to a report, collectively accounted for 71% of graft incidents out of the five municipalities with the highest number of corruption reports. The 12th annual Corruption Watch (CW) report, titled “Changing the landscape”, released yesterday, paints a worrying trajectory for the country as it marks 30 years of democracy, particularly issues that threaten the fulfilment of the state’s electoral and constitutional mandate. According to Corruption Watch, in 2023 alone the organisation received 2 110 reports, similar to the previous year, largely focused on wrongdoing and malfeasance in the mining sector, at 38%. The second highest number of complaints, accounting for 23% of complaints received, were in the policing sector, followed by 16% for business, basic education at 12%, and state-owned…

The MK Party and the lawyers representing former president Jacob Zuma in the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) matter have argued that Zuma’s 15-month prison sentence inposed after he refused to return to the state capture commission does not hold water as a reason to bar him from contesting the May 29 elections. On Tuesday, Zuma, through his lawyers, filed court papers appealing last week’s IEC ruling. Last week, the IEC upheld an objection against Zuma, who in 2021 was given a 15-month prison sentence for contempt of court after he refused to return to the state capture commission. In the papers filed with the Electoral Court, the lawyers argue that Zuma was not convicted of a crime but for contempt of court. That, they said, equated to…

Each generation has its own interests. Gen Z and Millennials are the technological generations, while generations that came before find joy in the real world. However, the MarketWatch Generational Car Care Survey for 2023 revealed that more than half of each generation shares a bond in DIY car maintenance with other generations. “The generational gap is closing in an unexpected area: DIY car maintenance,” said Dominic Wyatt, a motoring expert from the International Drivers Association. Wyatt noted that all generations shared similar traits of DIY car maintenance. Baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, stand at 59.3% because they have been instrumental in the development of the automotive industry. A passion for cars is part of their identity, with DIY car work playing a central role. Gen X, born between…

IF YOU like fast hatchbacks with a fantastic exhaust sound, grab one while you still can before electric vehicles replace it and we’re reduced to piped cabin engine sounds. There are only 55 destined for South Africa, but the Renault Megane R.S. 300 Trophy is definitely one you should look out for. In fact, this will be the Megane R.S. Trophy’s local swansong, with the Renault Sport brand set to follow suit globally as the carmaker shifts towards said EVs. The whole package from its RS livery, centre dual sound valve system exhaust, rear diffuser, low stance on 19-inch Jerez Diamond Cut alloys with red inserts and sporty interior shouts that it’s a car that appears like it’s fun to drive, means business and wants to be driven like it…

Volvo has built some very decent diesel cars over the years but now it’s marking the end of an era. The Swedish carmaker announced this week that its very last diesel-powered Volvo car, a V60 estate, had crossed the production line in Ghent, Belgium. This came just days after the very last XC90 diesel SUV was produced at the firm’s Torslanda plant in Sweden. This is very much a sign of the times for markets such as Europe, where sales of electric cars overtook diesels last year for the first time in history, with EV sales having grown by 37% year-on-year. Diesels have been in the firing line ever since Volkswagen’s so-called ‘Dieselgate’ scandal highlighted flaws in the emissions testing of these engines, which have been found to produce more…

After slumping to their eighth Premiership defeat of the season, Kaizer Chiefs continue to pay a heavy price for appointing a coach who “does his best”. The Chiefs hierarchy have not opted for a coach who produces results and who has proved his worth at the helm of a high-profile team. Despite Chiefs’ storied history, there are no signs that the club’s prolonged trophy drought will end any time soon. Another season of failures could see the once-mighty Amakhosi go without silverware for a decade. On Tuesday night, Chiefs tasted defeat yet again in their Soccer City backyard, where visiting Stellenbosch ran out 1-0 winners. According to Chiefs' interim coach Cavin Johnson, his team were felled by a “sucker punch goal – it happens in football”. Chiefs’ glut of defeats…

Part of TNPA’s multi-billion rand expenditure on critical infrastructure upgrades TRANSNET National Ports Authority (TNPA) has awarded a R60 million contract to a local joint venture to construct and operate the first-ever solar-powered, seawater desalination plant at the Port of East London. This is part of TNPA’s multi-billion rand expenditure on critical infrastructure upgrades over the next few years, which include a desalination plant project to enable the ports operator to minimise dependency on external parties to provide water to the port system. The move comes at a time when South Africa faces a deteriorating water infrastructure, which has led to parts of the country being water-shedded. TNPA yesterday appointed a joint venture – Norland Civil Engineers & Contractors and Impact Water Solutions, trading as Sun Water East London…

AS THE GLOBAL stage prepares to witness the inaugural BRICS Simulation Conference, set against the backdrop of Cape Town, anticipation is rife among the 200-strong international delegation. Scheduled to unfold over five transformative days beginning on April 18, 2024, this conference promises to be a watershed moment in the realm of multinational collaboration and economic strategy. At the heart of this gathering lies a pivotal theme: “BRICS Unleashed – the Impact of BRICS on Industries and Shaping Monetary Policy”. This topic aims to provide entrepreneurs with a roadmap to success in international business and innovation while leveraging the industrial strengths and supply capabilities of BRICS. Reflecting on the genesis of BRICS, in 2021, economist Jim O’Neill prophetically envisioned that this trade unit would dominate the global eco- nomy by 2050.…

LAST MONTH, South Africa’s Cabinet, the most senior level of the executive branch of the government, approved the country’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2023. Formally issued by Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe, the original intention was for the plan, that lays out how South Africa will seek to ensure security of electricity supply, to be updated every two years. However, only two versions of the IRP exist to date, which include the original 2010 plan and the amended version enacted in 2019. Nonetheless, the 2019 IRP provided for the installation of more than 25GW of renewable energy capacity and 3GW of energy storage by 2030, procured through regular auctions. Steps have been toward achieving this. In October 2021, the government awarded power purchasing agreements (PPAs) for 2.6GW…

Amid MARKET fluctuations, inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty, a global capital shortage has emerged, impacting start-ups across the world. Recent data reveals a significant decline in the volume and value of funding deals in Africa, with many South African start-ups securing funding in 2023 plummeting to the lowest level in six years. Notably, 99% of South African start-ups are self-funded, reflecting the challenges faced in accessing external capital. The trend can be attributed to the highly competitive nature of the capi- tal-raising market. Every year, hundreds, if not thousands, of entrepreneurs vie for funding from a limited pool of investors who mus weigh up the relative risks and rewards of the businesses and the broader economic context in which they operate. In South Africa, factors such as currency fluctuations and…

MC MINING’s independent board commit- tee (IDC) said yesterday that Goldway Capital Investment has continued to criti- cise the IDC and attempt to dismiss the findings of the Independent Expert, in an effort to justify Goldway’s A$0.16 (R1.96) offer price. The IDC had earlier found that the Goldway offer “significantly under-values,” MCM, and the IDC had advised MCM shareholders not to accept the offer, a recommendation that was reconfirmed yesterday, a statement from MC Mining said. BDO had assessed the value of an MCM share prior to the offer, at between A$0.214 and A$0.356, with a preferred value of A$0.285 per MCM share. The Independent Expert's Report, prepared by BDO Corporate Finance, had concluded the offer was neither fair nor reasonable to shareholders. In Goldway’s Fourth Sup- plementary Bidder's Statement…

THE SOUTH African property market demand and supply balances are expected to improve in the second half of this year in line with expectations of lowering interest rates and falling inflation rates, key factors that are expected to provide impetus to investors. John Loos, a property strategist for FNB commercial property finance, said yesterday that there were high expectations that South Africa’s economic performance would start to improve in the second half of 2024. Other analysts and economists said elections slated for May 29 were casting uncertainty on South African markets and the economy. “We do expect an improvement in investor market demand-supply balances in the second half of 2024,” Loos said, as FNB released its Commercial Property Finance Insights for the 2024 first-quarter period. “The reason for this expectation…

Local musician Jesse Clegg is set to perform at the legendary Carnegie Hall in New York City later this year. This is a monumental musical accolade for the singer, songwriter and guitarist as the iconic venue is considered to be the pinnacle of live music performance halls in the US. Since its opening in 1891, Carnegie Hall has become synonymous with both classical and popular musical achievements. This is where the likes of The Beatles, Judy Garland, Frank Zappa, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, Miles Davis and composers like Mahler and Tchaikovsky have owned the stage. The Let It Burn hitmaker is thrilled about performing at the venue during his upcoming US tour on October 29. “This opportunity is a culmination of dreams, dedication and a significant milestone in my career,”…

Africa’s tourism hot spots will be the focus of the popular local show, Top Travel. Season four of the hit SABC3 series premiered in late March and its 13-episode offering is set to take viewers on a journey through the continent. From the verdant valleys of the Eastern Cape to the azure waters of the Kenyan coast and the arid expanse of the Namibian deserts, this season seeks to redefine the essence of travel on the continent. Hosts Fez Mkhize and Anesu Mbizvo guide viewers through Africa’s breathtaking landscapes, thrilling adventures and intimate cultural encounters. This season will feature Namibia’s Sossusvlei desert, an unforgettable stay in a luxurious floating river villa in the Okavango Delta as well as a special episode dedicated to Mkhize’s Port Shepstone hometown. “We’re beyond…

It is not your imagination. Essential food items have increased and many families are finding it increasingly difficult to decide what to prioritise in their monthly shopping trolley. According to the Household Affordability Index by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group, which tracks food price data from 47 supermarkets and 32 butcheries in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Pietermaritzburg, Mtubatuba and Springbok, the price of a number of household core food staples or foods prioritised by households found in a household food basket has increased. Core foods are purchased first by households and these foods ensure that families do not go hungry, ensuring that meals can be cooked. Out of the 17 core foods, 11 increased in cost between February 2024 and March 2024. Here is a look at…

Max Verstappen is hot favourite for this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix after failing to finish in Australia, but Ferrari are primed to exploit any slip-ups. Triple world champion Verstappen retired from a race for the first time in two years after a brake issue in Melbourne caused smoke to billow from his Red Bull. Carlos Sainz took the chequered flag and teammate Charles Leclerc followed to claim a one-two finish for Ferrari a fortnight ago. Verstappen had started the season in typically dominant form, winning emphatically in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia while Ferrari toiled behind. The tables turned in Australia but the Dutchman has won in Japan for the past two years and Suzuka is one of his favourite circuits. The sweeping bends and dramatic elevation changes allow Verstappen to…

Banyana Banyana will have one less problem to worry about when they face arch-rivals Nigeria at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja tomorrow night (6pm kick-off, SA time). Banyana have been in Abuja for the last five days, gearing up for the first leg of the final Olympic qualifier against the west Africans. So, thanks to their early departure – which was made possible by Safa and sponsors Sasol – Banyana have been adapting to the scorching Nigerian heat. Pretoria, where Banyana held a preparation camp last week, has been averaging 25ºC, while Abuja has been peaking at 35 degrees this week. And with 17 players from coach Desiree Ellis’ 24-member squad all playing their club football in South Africa, it was important that they leave for Nigeria earlier.…

South Africa’s two-time Rugby World Cup-winning skipper Siya Kolisi said yesterday that he accepts he will lose the Springbok captaincy because he is based abroad. Bok head coach Rassie Erasmus said last month he preferred his captain to be playing in South Africa, with their next Test in June. Flank Kolisi, 32, joined French club Racing 92 on a contract until 2026, after October’s second consecutive World Cup triumph. “That’s normal. I knew that before making the decision to come here,” Kolisi told reporters. “He (Erasmus) speaks and he says this is the situation. “It is what it is, there’s nothing I can do about that,” he added. Kolisi will return from a thumb injury he suffered on March 2 for Sunday’s last-16 Champions Cup trip to five-time winners Toulouse.…

MAMELODI Sundowns need to beat Tanzania’s Young Africans in the second leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final at Loftus Versfeld tomorrow (8pm kick-off) to make it to the semi-final and keep alive their hopes of winning the continent’s premier club knockout competition for the second time. Held goalless in the first leg in Dar es Salaam last weekend, the South African champions are under pressure to not concede a goal, lest they suffer a similar blow to last season, when they were knocked out on away goals. We look at four factors that could influence the match ... Themba Zwane is back As much as football is a team sport, there are some individuals who always rise above the others to make their sides tick. In a star-studded Sundowns…