Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-04-07 i Star

Stock markets around the world got a bloody nose for a second day on Friday, and the JSE All Share Index slumped 5.26% as investors fretted about a global recession arising out of Donald Trump’s import tariffs and an expanding global trade war. Adding fuel to the fire in South Africa are deepening political risks. There was talk in the US of a review of ties with South Africa given its links with Russia, Iran, and China. Locally, the future of the Government of National Unity also hangs in the balance. The JSE Resources Index slumped 9.77%, the JSE Precious Metals and Mining Index was down 10.37%, chemical companies fell an average 8.88%, companies making in industrial materials index fell 10.03%, while the JSE Healthcare Index fell 6.06%. Even the…

Government plan to mitigate emissions without dismantling the current coal-dependent energy structure Electricity and Energy Minister, Kgosientso Ramokgopa, has announced that the government was actively engaging with technological leaders in China and Japan to embrace low-temperature coal-burning techniques paired with ammonia, aiming to mitigate emissions without dismantling the current coal-dependent energy structure. This initiative is seen as a necessary step towards repurposing aging coal-fired power stations such as Komati and Rietvlei, while ensuring that South Africa’s energy demands are met sustainably. During a recent session in the House of Assembly’s plenary session, Ramokgopa responded to questions from various Members of Parliament, including IFP’s Nompumelelo Mhlongo, People’s Assembly Wayne Thring, MK Party’s Adil Nchabaleng, and DA’s Kevin Mileham. Ramokgopa emphasised that the core issue lied not with coal itself, but with…

With a stroke of his fat koki pen, US President Donald Trump has done more to harm the dollar's reserve status than anything Xi, Putin or anyone else could do. Although its reserve status was an outcome of agreements struck at Bretton-Woods, the dollar has retained that status because it works really well. That is changing. The "exorbitant privilege” of having the world's reserve currency, described by French economist Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, is essential to America's economy. The dollar’s role allows the US to borrow cheaply by issuing debt instruments like Treasury securities, which are widely held globally. Commodities such as oil, gold and even sugar are priced in dollars, further cementing its centrality in global trade. But these are all fictions, maintaining their ephemeral existence only because of the…

The US president’s “liberation day” tariff policies, announced on Wednesday, have resulted in sweeping border taxes of between 10% and 50% imposed on almost every nation, wiping more than $2.5 trillion (£1.9 trillion) off Wall Street stocks and share prices in other financial centres across the globe on Thursday. At the close on Friday, the S&P 500 had lost 10.52% over the two days. Over the week, the index is down 8.4% and from the beginning of the year, 14.3%. This is one of the worst performances of the index since the COVID-19 virus outbreak. Households, despite worries about rising inflation due to the tariff war, are becoming increasingly nervous about possible higher unemployment in the months to come. This is the opposite of what President Trump has in mind…

The Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, has announced the gazetting of a second invitation for applications to the highly acclaimed Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS). This follows an unprecedented response since the first processing of tourist visa applications from China and India through this initiative in February, which has inspired calls for expansion from tour operators eager to streamline the visa process and attract more visitors to South Africa. The Department of Home Affairs has expressed its enthusiasm over the overwhelming demand, highlighting the transformative potential these visa reforms can have in generating employment opportunities by welcoming more international tourists. Recognising this momentum, Minister Schreiber has launched a new application window for tour operators to partake in the programme, underpinned by recent upgrades to the online platform that facilitates…

Netflix’s The Residence ushers the Shondaland empire back to the White House with a broad, escapist twist. Whereas Scandal was a drama about a fixer, this limited series, created by Scandal writer and producer Paul William Davies, is a hammy whodunit starring Uzo Aduba as Cordelia Cupp, the world’s greatest detective (and an inveterate birder). The show’s world is implausible, well-rendered and surprisingly specific. This is an alternate universe where the president (Paul Fitzgerald) is gay, married and trying to save the United States’ shaky relationship with Australia – and his fledgling administration – with a fancy state dinner. It’s not a home run. The seating chart’s a mess, the White House calligrapher is off his game and the food is as meagre as it is bewildering. But things really…

What was initially believed to be a brazen hijacking of a bread delivery truck has taken a dramatic turn. Police have uncovered that the alleged victims were, in fact, the masterminds behind the staged crime. Limpopo police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng revealed that on April 3, the bakery truck crew was delivering bread to tuckshops in Sekgopo village when armed assailants ambushed them. The attackers fired a shot, forcing the driver to stop the vehicle, before robbing them at gunpoint. “The suspects robbed them of their cellphones and money, and took them to the bushes where they were held hostage. They tampered with the safe, and an undisclosed amount of money was taken.” He added that upon receiving the information, police in Modjadjiskloof responded, identifying the vehicle as it…

Ivory Tree Game Lodge is perfectly positioned in the north-eastern region of the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park, nestled in an ancient amphitheatre shaped by riverine woodlands. This exclusive 5-star lodge offers a luxurious escape in the heart of Big Five territory. The lodge’s central area features a swimming pool, bar, dining room, boma, conference venue, reception, and a charming curio shop — providing all the comforts you need in the middle of the wild. Each of the 67 elegantly appointed rooms is styled in earthy, natural tones and includes a private outdoor seating area to soak in the peace and beauty of the surrounding bushveld. Dining at Ivory Tree is a treat for the senses, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner served in beautiful settings. For a truly memorable experience, guests…

Forward-looking, self-respecting nations are moving with purpose and energy to make new global alliances, recognising that the world economic order has shifted - in the way tectonic plates shift before tsunamis Trump golfs. Not so the UK Labour government. Trump is golfing - for the 9th weekend out of 10 - this time at the Saudi golf tournament in Florida while financial markets crash to the discordant tune of his spiteful tariffs, and Starmer is hoping it will all just go away. Just as Labour has swept the disaster of Brexit under the ever-lumpier political carpet, so it is now trying to do the same with Trump's tariffs. Maybe Starmer believes that his grovelling to Trump in the WH is why the UK 'only' faces 10% tariffs. Lucky us. It's…

WILLIAM KAPTEIN waved to the crowd as he stepped onto the grass inside the UCT Rugby Fields, confident that the title was within his grasp. However, his showmanship almost cost him a historic victory in the half marathon of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, as he only beat the runner-up by two seconds. In the end, he won, and that was all that mattered. Kaptein made history by becoming only the second Capetonian to win the 21.1km race since Makhosonke Fika won the inaugural event back in 1998. Speaking during the post-race media conference, the TymeBank Langa Athletic Club athlete said that he knew the night before the race that he was destined for victory. “To be honest with you, on Saturday night when I switched off my phone, I…

McLaren boss Andrea Stella reiterated that team interests would trump those of individual drivers this season, after Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finished second and third behind Max Verstappen at the Japanese Grand Prix yesterday. Stella faced questions over the team’s strategy after McLaren missed the top step of the podium for the first time in three Formula One races this year. However, the Italian was quick to remind reporters that it is a 24-race championship. “We are here, first of all, to beat the other teams and put McLaren in a very strong position,” Stella told reporters. “When McLaren are in a strong position, then that’s the best position for the two drivers to pursue their aspirations. This is very clear to the team, very clear to the drivers.”…

Banyana Banyana sealed a 3-0 victory over Malawi in an international friendly on Saturday afternoon, a match that also marked the final appearance of veteran defender Noko Matlou in national team colours. Played in wet conditions at the UJ Soweto Campus, the fixture formed part of Banyana’s preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title defence and the Fifa Women’s World Cup qualifiers. More significantly, it was the closing chapter of Matlou’s 17-year international career. Matlou, who started her career with Banyana as a striker before moving into defence, captained the team one last time. She was substituted late in the second half, making way for Shakira O’Malley to a warm ovation from teammates, opponents, and fans who had gathered despite persistent rain. “I’m very happy at this…

Kaizer Chiefs’ coach, Nasreddine Nabi, says their poor form has been due to bad luck, which has prevented them from performing at their best. Chiefs’ struggles continued on Saturday night with a 1-1 draw against TS Galaxy in the Betway Premiership in Polokwane, leaving them in eighth place with 30 points – just one ahead of ninth-placed Chippa United, who have two games in hand. This puts Chiefs in a precarious position, potentially finishing outside the Top 8 for a second consecutive season, which would be a blow for the team after appointing Nabi to rebuild and deliver results. Nabi, frustrated with the team's poor finishing, has suggested that bad luck is behind their inability to consolidate leads. “We are going to take it game-by-game. The players did everything they…

Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has revealed that her department was finalising the long-overdue Township and Rural Economic Development and Revitalization Policy to support township enterprise hubs, zones, and clusters. In 2023, the government commissioned a study on mapping and identification of opportunities in 20 townships focusing on local production and import substitution, infrastructure support, and investment in industrial parks. The study also looked into various aspects such as the economic linkages with other townships and the broader economy, extent of industrialisation, critical challenges affecting economic development, funding and financial instruments. South Africa’s townships still experience poor investment, overpopulation, poor infrastructure, high levels of unemployment, deepening poverty and isolation from mainstream economic centres. Speaking at the 60th anniversary celebration of the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and…

South Africa stares down a ticking time bomb: over 45% youth unemployment threatens to detonate our future. Our young people—our greatest asset—rot on the sidelines while industries like energy and construction beg for skilled hands. The nation’s growth hinges on a vital, overlooked connection: empowering youth to fuel industrial transformation. This is not a pipe dream; it is a necessity. Breaking the cycle of stagnation demands dismantling structural barriers, embracing technology, and forging a united front across sectors. The stakes are high, but the rewards—a thriving, inclusive economy—are higher. South Africa boasts frameworks like the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Act, the National Youth Policy (2020–2030), and the Integrated Youth Development Strategy, all designed to skill and employ our youth. Yet, they falter. Research from the Human Sciences Research Council…

The announcement of Grindrod's acquisition of the remaining 35% shareholding in Terminal de Carvão da Matola (TCM) at Maputo port stands as a significant strategic milestone for the company, as outlined by Chairman Cheryl Carolus in the integrated report released on Friday. This decision solidifies Grindrod's established presence at the port and aligns with the group's larger strategy to enhance logistics and export capabilities across Africa and beyond. Despite facing challenging trading conditions throughout 2024, including logistics constraints and cost pressures in Mozambique, Carolus remains optimistic about Grindrod's future, highlighting achievements in critical areas directly related to their operational strategy. "The group achieved notable milestones," she stated, underscoring that the acquisition is expected to facilitate further growth in integrated logistics solutions tailored to customer needs. The report also disclosed that…

Brad Pitt is set to return as laid-back stuntman Cliff Booth in a new project connected to Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Online reports say that Tarantino has written the script for this new venture, but has chosen to pass on directing duties to the acclaimed filmmaker David Fincher, who previously collaborated with Pitt in classics like Fight Club and Seven. While the plot remains under wraps, industry insiders suggest that this new project will not be a traditional sequel but rather a “derivative” of the original. This development comes on the heels of Tarantino’s 2021 “novelisation” of the film, which provided fans with deeper insight into Booth’s backstory, enriching the narrative established in the film. Originally, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood captivated audiences with its…

ANC deputy president Paul Mashatile commemorated the life and legacy of Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu with a memorial lecture on Sunday in Khayelitsha, while other ANC leaders also undertook other activities in Mahlangu’s memory in Gauteng. Mahlangu was a young uMkhonto we Sizwe combatant and liberation hero who was executed by the apartheid regime at the age of 22. Mashatile used the lecture not only to remember Mahlangu but also as a way to bolster the ANC’s presence and reconnection with the community as the work began for the 2026 local government elections. Mashatile said that he was honoured and pleased to have the opportunity to deliver the lecture. “In the year 2025, South Africa celebrates 31 years of democracy, this being a remarkable milestone obtained through the unwavering determination…

Sandile Mkhize exemplifies unwavering resilience, boundless determination, and an infectious zest for life. While a spinal cord injury may have changed his trajectory, it did not determine his future. Instead, he innovatively pushed boundaries, challenged perceptions, and championed inclusivity. By participating in the Wings for Life World Run and excelling in the drone industry, he persistently breaks barriers, demonstrating that challenges can be overcome with the right mindset and support. We caught up with Sandile to get more insight into his journey. Q: Your journey is incredibly inspiring — can you take us back to the moment your life changed and how you found strength in the face of adversity? A: I truly believe I wouldn't be the person I am today without the unwavering support of my friends and…

The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has declined an application by the Road Accident Fund (RAF) to hear an appeal regarding the accounting standards to be used in its audit process. The Deputy Minister of Transport, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, has welcomed the SCA judgment and said the matter has unnecessarily dragged on for too long. The RAF was recently asked during a meeting of the Standing Committee (Scopa) how long it was prepared to continue getting negative audits while pursuing the matter legally. The SCA judgment comes amid a longstanding dispute between the RAF and the Auditor-General of South Africa (A-G) over the appropriate accounting standards for auditing the entity. Hlengwa, meanwhile, said the A-G has rightly adhered to the Generally Recognized Accounting Practice (GRAP) standard, whereas the RAF insisted on…

A Zulu royal family side that is challenging King Misuzulu’s ascendency to the throne is beaming with confidence that Prince Simakade will eventually become the Zulu monarch. In a media briefing on Saturday, the side’s spokesperson, prince Thokozani Zulu said their side was very much confident the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein will uphold Pretoria High Court’s judge Norman Davis ruling. The matter will be heard on the 28th and 29th of next month. On December 11, 2023, Judge Davis set aside the recognition on the basis that President Cyril Ramaphosa was supposed to appoint an investigative committee to look at whether the king was appointed in terms of Zulu customs, however, the president appealed the decision. Zulu said his side felt it should update the Zulu nation and…

Coach Jose Riveiro described his side’s hard-fought 1–0 Premiership victory as an “extraordinary result” due to Polokwane’s fierce resistance and the poor condition of the pitch, which made the game an “uncomfortable” challenge for Orlando Pirates. After the match, Riveiro said: “I think it is an extraordinary result. "This is the fourth time we are playing at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, so we know very well what it means to try to play football here. I think it’s always ugly when you play at the Old Peter Mokaba. |The state of the pitch is terrible — slow, bumpy — and this is not a football ground. You have to find a way not to concede, be patient, and wait for opportunities.” Pirates faced an uphill battle against a Polokwane…

Proteas Women’s batting coach Baakier Abrahams believes the upcoming tri-series against hosts Sri Lanka and India is the ideal preparation for the ICC Women’s World Cup later this year on the subcontinent. The Proteas have been exposed to subcontinent conditions regularly over the last 12 months with tours to India and Pakistan along with the T20 World Cup in Dubai, where Laura Wolvaardt’s team finished runners-up for the second consecutive year. “Yeah, I think the series against India and Sri Lanka, in Sri Lanka, is coming at the right time for the team,” Abrahams said. “It'll give us a good gauge in terms of the progress the batting unit has made in the last 12 months. I think we've been really clear in terms of our mindset and how we…

The limping Lions make their way home from their European tour, with their EPCR Challenge Cup hopes in tatters after the 24-12 mauling by Edinburgh Rugby, and their United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign perilously close to disaster. Coach Ivan van Rooyen spoke of the “open wounds, cuts and grazes from the three consecutive games on the artificial pitches”. However, it has often been the self-inflicted wounds that have done the most damage in a season that has threatened to roar into life, but is likely to end with a whimper. While the Johannesburg outfit were certainly better than in their 42-0 drubbing against Glasgow last week – a low bar – their defence let them down again against Edinburgh. They lost the breakdown battle and slipped off tackles in an…

Gerda Steyn remained nonchalantly calm, that famous smile of hers telling the story of an athlete unfazed – even as yet another ‘adversary’ threw jabs her way. Steyn had just obliterated the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon field, running the third-fastest time – 3:29:20 – ever recorded by a woman in the world-renowned 56km ultra, to claim her sixth consecutive title. All three of the fastest times on the course now belong to her. Yet the woman seated to her right at the post-race press conference at UCT Rugby Fields was describing the queen of the Two Oceans as “lucky”. Shelmet Muriuki, who finished runner-up on Saturday morning – a distant eight minutes and 40 seconds behind Steyn – echoed the sentiments of her Entsika Athletic Club teammate, Nobuhle Tshuma, who…

South Africa is preparing for significant diplomatic engagements with the United States following the hefty 31% reciprocal tariffs announced by President Donald Trump, which have effectively nullified the African Growth and Oppotunity Act (Agoa) benefits. This engagement is crucial as the South African government seeks to understand the implications of the new trade policies and formulate an appropriate response. Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, on Friday said the initial delays in the visit to the US were strategic, intended to coincide with expected announcements concerning global trade and tariffs. “We thought it was important that when the announcement is made, we assimilate the information and respond accordingly,” Tau said. “Our approach has always been to engage with the US, to find solutions and resolve problems rather than…

Markets on Monday are expected to crash. It is not exactly rocket science. The world hates uncertainty and what is happening right now is uncharted economic waters that no one has sailed before - all thanks to US President Donald Trump and co. This after Trump’s latest tariff bombshell has flipped the global economic script, leaving markets reeling and wiping out more than a trillion dollars in value, and world leaders scrambling for answers. The US, burdened with $36.2 trillion in debt - $9.2trl (R165.6trl) of which needs refinancing this year - has rolled out a bold new play: a 10% universal tariff on all imports, effective April 5, plus tailored “reciprocal tariffs” for specific nations. The White House frames it as a shield for national and economic security,…

Now that Parliament has adopted the Budget, it must honour its promise to scrap the value-added tax (VAT) and personal income tax (PIT) hikes. Whilst none will doubt the Budget’s passing was less than elegant, we should not miss the important gains painstakingly won by Cosatu and other progressive voices, including inside the ANC-led government and Parliament. Government has heeded opposition from the Federation and others that the proposed 2% VAT hike presented a burden that millions of working and middle-class families could not afford when they are already battling to cope with the rising costs of living. Whilst Cosatu has opposed any VAT hike or not adjusting PIT brackets for inflation given workers’ already meagre wages, we are pleased Treasury has shifted from its historical default of blue-ticking criticism…

Agricultural associations have remained concerned about the possible impact of tariff increases announced by US President Donald Trump, which could possibly reach as high as 31% for South Africa. The Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) said on Friday that the full scope of the tariff increase was unclear at the moment. Dewald Olivier, the CEO at RMIS, said that South Africa’s preferential trade access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) was naturally a cause for concern across the agricultural sector, including red meat. “However, it is important to note that South Africa does not currently export significant volumes of red meat to the United States, due in large part to existing technical trade barriers, including sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulations,” he said. Olivier added that the greater concern…

The Department of Employment and Labour has committed to collaborate with the hospitality industry in a bid to strengthen occupational health and safety compliance This comes after the department late last year launched a multi-agency operation in response to growing reports of worker exploitation in the hospitality sector as part of ongoing efforts to tackle cheap labour and employee abuse. During a blitz that was conducted last year on hospitality sector for compliance, a number of restaurants were closed because of non-compliance. The department held a breakfast session on Friday with the Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa) to strengthen the relationship between hospitality industry and the department in terms of compliance. Fedhasa deputy national chairperson, Monwabisi Thethe, said that Fedhasa felt like a problem child in terms…

Legendary musician Elton John recently interviewed South African singer Moonchild Sanelly on his renowned radio show, Rocket Hour. The conversation unfolded while Sanelly was in Manchester last month, promoting her new album, Full Moon. Sanelly released her latest offering, which is her third studio album, in January. According to the singer, the album is more than just a collection of songs but rather her fully embracing her essence. The album features 12 hits that showcase her unique approach to music, a mix of unapologetic self-love and empowerment. John, who has openly declared his admiration for Sanelly’s work, expressed how much he enjoys her album, saying he “constantly” plays it. He particularly highlighted his affection for the song Falling, describing it as “one of my favourite videos of all time.” “You…

Zimbabwe’s president said Saturday he would suspend all tariffs on goods imported from the United States, days after US President Donald Trump levied 18 percent tariffs against the southern African nation. The mineral-rich country's main trading partners are the United Arab Emirates, South Africa and China, and its limited exports to the US comprise mainly of tobacco and sugar. “I will direct the Zimbabwean government to implement a suspension of all tariffs levied on goods originating from the United States,” President Emmerson Mnangagwa said in a post on X. This announcement was “intended to facilitate the expansion of American imports within the Zimbabwean market, while simultaneously promoting the growth of Zimbabwean exports destined for the United States,” he said. The total goods trade between the two countries amounted to $111.6…

A 43-year-old South African man, Marcell Meyer, who is living in the United States of America, has been charged with distributing child pornography in a federal court in New York. The charges were confirmed in a statement by US Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Sarcone III said Meyer allegedly used a social networking app on his phone to share explicit content with other users, including someone he believed to be a 13-year-old girl. Reports indicate Meyer was arrested while working on a farm in Jefferson County, Alabama. “In one such instance, Meyer distributed child pornography to an undercover HSI agent who Meyer believed to be a 13-year-old female child,” Sarcone III said. However,…

The City of Tshwane's new economic revitalisation strategy aims to boost the local economy by attracting between R17 billion and R26bn in investments by 2029, with a projected growth rate of 3.9%. Executive Mayor of Tshwane, Nasiphi Moya, expressed optimism about the efforts to increase economic growth through the new economic strategy approved during a special council sitting on Thursday. She said: “Tshwane’s strategy is our roadmap to revitalising our economy by enhancing resilient, inclusive and sustainable economic growth through the provision of economic infrastructure, economic diversification, creation of more job opportunities and increasing the ease of doing business in our city.” Moya highlighted the city's economic decline, from a 6% growth rate in 2011 to a mere 0.3% in 2023, adding that the strategy will go a long way…

Emperors Palace is rolling out the red carpet this April with their Easter at the Palace long weekend celebrations. From 18 – 21 April and 25 – 28 April 2025, Emperors Palace transforms into an Easter wonderland filled with egg-citing activities and entertainment for the whole family. Easter is a time for joy, laughter, and creating unforgettable memories with loved ones. This April, Emperors Palace invites one and all to experience the magic of Easter at the Palace, where the holiday spirit comes to life in a spectacular celebration packed with family-friendly activities, entertainment, and relaxation. Whether you’re looking for fun-filled adventures for the little ones or a relaxing getaway, Emperors Palace has something special for everyone. The Emperors Palace Entertainment Emporium takes centre stage with The Easter Activity Garden,…

Leading this incredibly evil charge, of course, was none other than then-foreign affairs Minister Naledi Pandor. All of a sudden, everything makes sense now. Why did Pandor have so many visits with Iran and Hamas before these horrific attacks? Why was the ANC getting so cozy with the IRGC? It is unbelievably satisfying to know that President Trump and Washington are considering targeted sanctions against ANC individuals found to have been involved in serious human rights violations, not only towards minority white groups but also in the way that it knew about the planned October 7th massacre of the Jews by Hamas. BBBEE, NHI, Farm murders, BELA and several other race based laws have raised serious concerns amongst Western powers and the US, and rightfully so! The time of reckoning…

It’s not often that a rugby coach dishes out compliments to a referee, but that’s exactly what Bulls boss Jake White did following their 32-22 Challenge Cup last-16 victory over Bayonne in France on Saturday. The Bulls scored four tries at the Stade Jean Dauger to advance to Saturday’s quarter-final against Edinburgh – who beat the Lions 24-12 – in Scotland (1.30pm SA time start). And while 31-year-old English referee Christophe Ridley handed out a yellow card to Bulls hooker Akker van der Merwe for a high tackle on Bayonne wing Xan Mousques – which looked a bit worse than it was – White had no complaints. “Referees get criticised so much, but I tell you what I really enjoyed today: that referee reffed like a Test referee,” the former…

Manchester United and Manchester City played out an anticlimactic 0-0 English Premier League draw on Sunday in a low-key derby that dealt a blow to City's bid for Uefa Champions League qualification. Pep Guardiola's team are fifth in the table on 52 points, one behind Chelsea, and United are languishing in 13th place on 38. With both sides struggling through difficult campaigns, neither created many clearcut chances, particularly in a drab first half at a sun-drenched Old Trafford. The game picked up after the interval and City striker Omar Marmoush unleashed a blistering shot from 25 yards that forced United goalkeeper Andre Onana into a terrific save. Joshua Zirkzee had United's best opportunity midway through the second half when he turned and struck a half-volley that forced City keeper Ederson…

Glenrose Xaba once again confirmed her versatility as a middle-distance star at the weekend, following up her recent Spar Women’s Challenge win on the streets of Cape Town with the defence of her national 10 000m title on the track in the same city. Xaba dominated from start to finish at the ASA 10 000m Championships that were incorporated into the Cape Milers Club ASA Grand Prix meeting at Green Point Stadium in Cape Town on Friday. The Athletics Gauteng North (AGN) ace lapped every other athlete in the field on her way to victory. She completed the 25-lap race in a time of 31:40.13, securing her eighth national senior title over the 10 000m distance. Cacisile Sosibo took second place in the colours of Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) in…