Orlando Pirates back in the hunt after rivals stumble
Orlando Pirates were the big winners after a full round of midweek matches in the 2025/26 Betway Premiership. The Buccaneers picked up a crucial 1-0 away win over Siwelele FC in Tuesday’s lone match, thanks to an 80th-minute goal by Oswin Appollis. Free Spins, Flights, and Bets on Betway The Soweto giants then sat back and watched as their nearest challengers for this season’s title stumbled one after the other in Wednesday’s Heritage Day fixtures. Shock defeat First up, defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a shock 1-0 defeat against Golden Arrows in Durban, their first defeat of their campaign. Next, Kaizer Chiefs were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Marumo Gallants, after the latter fought back from a 1-0 deficit to equalise in the 75th-minute. Lastly, log leaders Sekhukhune United were also held to a 1-1 stalemate at home by next-from-bottom Chippa United. When all was said and done, Orlando Pirates saw themselves rise to fifth place in the standings, eight points behind Sekhukhune United, but having played two fewer matches. Crucially, the Buccaneers are just six points adrift of second-place side Masandawana, but have three matches in hand. They are also just two points behind bitter Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs – and have played one fewer game. R10 million richer Throw in the fact that Orlando Pirates are already R10 million richer thanks to their fourth-consecutive MTN8 title, and it’s been a vastly improved last couple of weeks for the Buccaneers after what was a shaky start to the season where they lost their opening two Betway Premiership fixtures. Next up for Orlando Pirates will be a CAF Champions League first preliminary round second leg tie against Lesotho’s Lioli FC. The Buccaneers hold a handy 3-0 lead after the first leg. The second leg will take place at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday, 27 September at 15:00. Betway Premiership midweek fixtures and results Siwelele FC 0-1 Orlando Pirates Golden Arrows 1-0 Mamelodi Sundowns Kaizer Chiefs 1-1 Marumo Gallants Orbit College 1-0 Polokwane City Richards Bay 1-0 Magesi FC Sekhukhune United 1-1 Chippa United Stellenbosch FC 0-0 Durban City TS Galaxy 3-1 AmaZulu Updated Betway Premiership standings
Nalumisa urges Fiji U18 side to make the nation proud – FBC News
Minister for Housing Maciu Nalumisa has encouraged the Fiji Under-18 schoolboy’s team to unite as one team as they prepare to meet the Australia schoolboy’s team as part of their international tour. Nalumisa said the young players now carry the hopes of their families, schools and the entire country. “You’re now moving on to something greater, so work together to achieve the ultimate goal. Yes you may all come from different schools but you’re now representing our country, your families and your people. Go and make Fiji proud.” Article continues after advertisement The minister added that the tour is more than just two matches it’s an opportunity to showcase Fiji’s depth of talent at the youth level and to build a pathway to future national honours. The team is set to play the Australian Schoolboys Under-18 next Monday and again on the 4th of next month, hoping to repeat last year’s back-to-back wins on home soil. The competition will be held at Viking Park, Canberra in Australia. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Mike McMeeken keen to lose ‘nearly-man’ tag and win something with Wakefield
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Mike McMeeken could have been forgiven for giving up on his career-long quest for silverware when he committed the rest of his career to newly-promoted Wakefield at the start of the 2025 campaign. The England second-rower has earned a reputation as one of Super League’s nearly-men having featured in three Grand Finals – once for Castleford then twice with Catalans Dragons in 2021 and 2023 – and finished up on the losing side each time. Tipped by many to do battle in the lower reaches in their first season back in the top flight, Trinity, inspired by experienced head coach Daryl Powell, confounded the odds by securing the sixth and last play-off slot last week, meaning McMeeken’s latest and most unlikely shot at a trophy will kick off with an eliminator at Leigh on Friday. “I always said I wasn’t coming to Wakefield just to get through the next four years,” McMeeken told the PA news agency. “I want to win something, and I know Daryl does too. He’s not here to go through the motions either. “You play this game to win silverware and if you don’t aspire to that there’s something missing. I’ve played at Old Trafford three times and I know how special it is. We’ve got a group of young, hungry players here and we want to experience that kind of excitement.” Trinity’s rise to a play-off place is in many ways a replica of Leigh’s charge through their first top-flight campaign in 2023, and Friday’s clash at Leigh Sports Village brings together two clubs whose on-field progress has been mirrored by the development of long-term infrastructure off it. McMeeken, who signed a four-year deal at the DIY Kitchens Stadium, added: “Leigh are a good blueprint, what they’ve achieved over the last few years from being down in the Championship has been plain to see. “We’re the same. We’re not just chasing silverware in the short term. It’s about developing so that Wakefield become one of those teams, like Wigan, who is in contention for it every season. That’s why it’s such an exciting project to be a part of.” Wakefield put 40 points past Leigh on their last visit in March, but their chances of repeating the feat have been hit by the loss of Max Jowitt, who failed a head injury assessment early in last Friday’s final game of the regular season at Salford. Leigh shrugged off the loss of a number of key players at the start of the campaign to clinch third place, and they possess all of the momentum as they look to clinch a win that would earn them a blockbuster semi-final at neighbours Wigan the following week. “We’re on a mission to try and do things we’ve never done before, so we’ve got to go out there and perform like we’ve never done before,” said head coach Adrian Lam. “This year has been an unbelievable achievement but we haven’t stopped yet and we’ve got to keep working hard and striving for more success.”
Who are England and Canada’s top performers?
BBC Sport looks at England and Canada’s top performers before the Rugby World Cup final at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday.
Ryder Cup 2025 live: Friday pairings to be announced as Rory McIlroy responds to Bryson DeChambeau
Rory McIlroy booed by USA fans at Ryder Cup Europe’s top star Rory McIlroy was showered with boos as he walked the course during his practise round on Wednesday, a small taste of what’s to come once the Ryder Cup gets underway on Friday. Jamie Braidwood25 September 2025 09:28 Inside Bethpage Black, aka The Beast About a year ago, Luke Donald flew into New York with his right-hand man, Edoardo Molinari, to suss out the next Ryder Cup course. Word quickly got out that the European captain was in town, so by the time the pair walked to the first tee the next day for their reconnaissance of Bethpage Black, a pack of around two dozen grinning locals were waiting to greet them. “On the first tee, from England!” shouted one, to much laughter. New Yorkers tend not to need microphones. “The former world No 1, captain of Team Europe, LUUUUUKE DONALD!” It was the gentlest taste of what is to come: as if Donald needed reminding, the home fans won’t be shy when the Ryder Cup begins on Friday, on a golf course 45 minutes outside Manhattan. Jamie Braidwood25 September 2025 09:09 Scottie Scheffler ‘excited to unleash’ Bryson DeChambeau at Ryder Cup this week Scottie Scheffler says the United States team are ready to “unleash” under-fire Bryson DeChambeau as they chase Ryder Cup glory this week. DeChambeau is part of the US team trying to regain the trophy from Europe following their heavy loss in Rome two years ago. The two-time US Open champion, who plays on the LIV Tour and rarely sees his team-mates, has come under criticism from outspoken Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee, who says DeChambeau will be a “captain’s nightmare” and is more interested in pleasing his 2.3million YouTube subscribers. Jamie Braidwood25 September 2025 08:50 Rasmus Hojgaard ready to make Ryder Cup name despite confusion with twin Nicolai Rasmus Hojgaard is the only fresh face in Europe’s Ryder Cup team but even that is proving confusing for his team-mates. Hojgaard was an automatic qualifier for Luke Donald’s team and he ended up replacing his twin brother Nicolai, who is the only absentee from 2023. Jack Rathborn25 September 2025 08:31 Ian Poulter stokes Ryder Cup fire with rant at ‘stupidity’ of American fans The hostile welcome the European side are likely to encounter as they defend the trophy against the United States has been one of the major talking points in the build-up to the event in New York. Poulter has spent a significant amount of his career playing in the US and four of his seven Ryder Cup appearances between 2004 and 2021 came in the country. The 49-year-old told SPORTbible: “I don’t even know where to start. I mean, f****** ‘mashed potatoes’ and all that f****** b******* that you hear is madness. ‘In the hole, get in the hole! It’s a 600-yard par five, you f****** idiot’. Jack Rathborn25 September 2025 08:12 Tommy Fleetwood says Europe must embrace ‘extreme’ Ryder Cup atmosphere Tommy Fleetwood has urged his European team-mates to embrace “the most extreme atmosphere” in golf at the Ryder Cup this week. Much has been made of the hostile reception the visiting side are likely to encounter as they take on the United States in front of a partisan and boisterous New York crowd at Bethpage Black. Yet as one of the most experienced members of the team, with a significant American victory at last month’s Tour Championship under his belt, Fleetwood is not too concerned about what lies in store. Jamie Braidwood25 September 2025 08:01 Justin Rose open to Donald Trump presenting trophy if Europe retain Ryder Cup Justin Rose says he would be happy for Donald Trump to present Europe with the Ryder Cup on Sunday evening. The golf-loving president is attending the opening day of action at Bethpage Black on Friday afternoon as the United States try to regain the trophy they lost in Rome two years ago. While Trump is not currently due to be in attendance on Sunday night, he is not one to shirk the limelight and presented Chelsea with the Club World Cup in July and also attended the Super Bowl and the men’s US Open tennis final. Rose said it would be a “great opportunity” if he did make an unscheduled visit to the trophy ceremony on Sunday. Jamie Braidwood25 September 2025 07:46 Luke Donald aims fresh dig at USA over being paid at Ryder Cup Luke Donald has aimed another shot at Team USA over their decision to be paid at the Ryder Cup 2025 by emphasising how Team Europe are “fuelled by something money cannot buy”. The United States players will be compensated for the first time ever in the biennial contest at Bethpage Black in New York. But after Europe’s players snubbed the chance to be paid too, Donald opted to take a swipe at their rivals during the opening ceremony. “The Ryder Cup means so much to each and everyone of us,” said European captain Donald in his speech at Wednesday’s opening ceremony. “It is unlike anything else in our sport. Jack Rathborn25 September 2025 07:21 Collin Morikawa’s passionate Ryder Cup plea hands Europe ominous reminder of test ahead Sam Burns reached over the fence at the Bethpage driving range and handed over a Callaway nine iron to a young fan. His generous act, bettering teammate Xander Schauffele’s signed glove moments before, underlined the mood days out from the 2025 Ryder Cup. Team USA has been on a charm offensive, soaking in the adulation from kids on the property, signing hundreds of autographs and giving back, that despite the controversy surrounding a new $200,000 stipend per player, in a first for the event with players compensated for their play. But forgotten in this gentle and jovial build-up is the inevitable storm brewing, not just the inclement weather forcing the opening ceremony to take place on Wednesday evening, instead of the traditional slot on the eve of day one, either. Jack
Kauyaca ready to let fists do the talking – FBC News
Fiji’s light heavyweight boxer Alifereti Kauyaca says he is primed and ready to step into the ring against Savenaca Naliva in tomorrow night’s Bluewater Boxing Promotion at Prince Charles Park in Nadi. Kauyaca, who has spent the past few months in camp, is treating the clash with full seriousness as he chases the national light heavyweight title. “Training has been good, and since it’s a title fight, I’m ready to go tomorrow. Naliva is a champion, so I’m not taking anything lightly. We’ll do our talking inside the ring.” Article continues after advertisement While cautious about predicting an early finish, Kauyaca says he is prepared for any outcome. “If it comes early, that’s good. If it goes the distance, that’s fine too. We’ll see tomorrow.” Kauyaca also called on fans to turn up in numbers and back the event. The FMF Bluewater Boxing Promotions will take place tomorrow at Prince Charles Park in Nadi. The event will be streamed live on Viti Plus. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Kaizer Chiefs go three matches without a win
The pressure is up at Kaizer Chiefs after a frustrating night at the FNB Stadium against Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership. Khanyisa Mayo’s debut strike gave Amakhosi early hope, but Jasien Clifford’s equaliser denied them a much-needed victory. The result marked the third straight game without a win for Amakhosi, who had started the season unbeaten in their first five. KAIZER CHIEFS WINLESS RUN CONTINUES Following a sparkling start to the season that included five games without defeat, the Phefeni Glamour Boys have dropped valuable points in the Betway Premiership while also jeopardising progress in the CAF Confederation Cup. Starting the season in August, the Soweto giants defeated last season’s high-flyers, Stellenbosch FC, 2-0 in Cape Town. This was followed by two 1-0 victories over Polokwane City and Richards Bay in Soweto, which placed them at the top of the division. Coach Nasreddine Nabi returned from compassionate leave for the 1-1 draw against champions Mamelodi Sundowns, before Kaizer Chiefs bounced back to winning ways with a 1-0 win over Golden Arrows in Durban. What followed has been three winless outings. Amakhosi fell 3-1 to Sekhukhune United, lost 1-0 to Kabuscorp in the CAF Confederation Cup (CCC), and drew 1-1 against Gallants on Wednesday, which has now shifted the mood around the club. The result has seen Kaizer Chiefs drop to third place with 14 points from seven games. Above Amakhosi are Mamelodi Sundowns with 18 points and two games in hand, while Sekhukhune sit at the summit with 20 points and a game in hand. Coming up next is the CCC second leg qualifier against Angola’s Kabuscorp at the FNB Stadium on Saturday at 15:00. Having lost 1-0 in Luanda last weekend, Kaizer Chiefs will need a 2-0 result, while a 1-0 win will take the tie to penalties. Success will place Amakhosi in the second preliminary round qualifier against the winner between Djabal FC from Comoros and Simba from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Cruiserweight, middleweight: The five weight divisions badly in need of a revival
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Terence Crawford became boxing’s latest undisputed champion when he beat Canelo Alvarez earlier this month to sweep up all the super middleweight titles. He has now completely unified three separate divisions, and chasing undisputed status has become a common trend in boxing in recent years. The likes of Canelo, Oleksandr Usyk and Naoya Inoue have all achieved this goal by testing themselves against the best on a consistent basis. But there are some weight classes where big fights simply are not being made, and the division is stagnating as a result. Here, we pick out five divisions that are in desperate need of a shake-up after being left in limbo. Subscribe to DAZN now to watch over 185 fights a year open image in gallery (Getty Images for Netflix) Cruiserweight Oleksandr Usyk became the undisputed champion at 200lbs back in 2018 when he won the World Boxing Super Series. The Ukrainian great beat Marco Huck, Mairis Briedis and Murat Gassiev on his way to lifting the trophy before seeing off Tony Bellew ahead of his move up to heavyweight. In the seven years since, the division has become somewhat of a mess. Australia’s Jai Opetaia is the IBF and Ring champion, and is widely regarded as the best fighter in his weight category right now. But he has failed to secure a unification fight and has instead had to settle for uncompetitive title defences on home turf in recent times. Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime. Buy Now ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime. Buy Now ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez holds the WBO and WBA belts but has only fought once this year and is now recovering from shoulder surgery. A meeting with Opetaia looks further away than ever. Finally, there is Badou Jack with his WBC strap. Jack, who will be 42 next month, won his title in March 2023 and has only defended it once when he fought to a draw with Noel Mikaelian in May. A lack of activity and champions not fighting each other has made the cruiserweight division increasingly infuriating to follow. Opetaia has teased a move up to heavyweight which could free up a belt, while the likes of Chris Billam-Smith and WBC interim champion Michal Cieslak are waiting in the wings for a title shot. Something needs to happen sooner rather than later to get this division going before fans completely lose interest with what is happening at 200lbs. Middleweight When was the middleweight division last thriving? That would be around 2018 as well. In September of that year, Gennady Golovkin and Canelo went to war over 12 rounds. It was the Mexican who controversially got the nod on the scorecards, and although some may have disagreed with the result, there was no doubting that fans had been treated to elite level boxing. Canelo subsequently moved up to super middleweight, while Golovkin edged closer to his 40s and never looked the same again. New champions emerged but it was always going to be difficult to follow in the footsteps of Canelo and Golovkin. Golovkin’s fellow countryman, Janibek Alimkhanuly, is currently in possession of the IBF and WBO titles. The Kazakh puncher is unbeaten and outspoken when it comes to calling out his rivals. But he is yet to get his hands on WBC champion Carlos Adames amid reports that talks over a unification fight have stalled. The 42-year-old Erislandy Lara is the other titlist in the division, but he has only stepped into the ring twice since 2022 and is yet to make an appearance in 2025. Once again, it is a sorry state of affairs. Boxing badly needs Janibek and Adames to agree to face each other to kickstart things at 160lbs. Right now, the once-proud middleweight division feels insignificant and that needs to change. open image in gallery Hamzah Sheeraz (right) in action against Carlos Adames (REUTERS) Welterweight Some of the best fighters in the 21st century have enjoyed their greatest success in the welterweight division. Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao and Terence Crawford all ruled the world at 147lbs in a division that often displays the perfect blend between skill and power. But, right now, the welterweight division is the weakest it has been in some time. There are four different champions – Rolando Romero, Mario Barrios, Brian Norman Jr and Lewis Crocker – with no unification clashes lined up. A 46-year-old Pacquiao returned from a four-year layoff in June to draw with Barrios, highlighting how the level has dropped at welterweight. Romero is also a champion now but was involved in
Fiji Withdraws from Youth Baseball5 World Cup – FBC News
file photo Fiji will not feature at the WBSC Youth Baseball5 World Cup in Nayarit, Mexico, after visa and financial difficulties forced the national side to withdraw. The tournament, scheduled from yesterday to 27th of this month, was set to mark a milestone for Fiji Baseball as its youth team prepared to compete on the global stage. But the Fiji Islands Baseball & Softball Association confirmed yesterday that despite months of hard work from players and coaches, participation had become “unfeasible” due to challenges with visa processing and limited resources. Article continues after advertisement Association officials admitted it was a heartbreaking decision, with players eager to showcase their talent and fly the Fijian flag in Mexico. “This was a very difficult decision. While we are deeply disappointed by these circumstances, Fiji Baseball remains committed to developing Baseball5 at the grassroots and national level. We will use this setback as motivation to prepare better and stronger for the future.” The sport’s governing body also thanked athletes, families, supporters and stakeholders for their continued backing, adding its gratitude to the World Baseball Softball Confederation for their understanding. Despite the setback, Fiji Baseball says it is determined to bounce back and proudly represent the nation in upcoming regional and global events. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Rodgers’ ‘realism’ hints at Celtic’s new normal in Europa League
Brendan Rodgers said fans need to have realism after Celtic’s 1-1 draw in Belgrade to open their Europa League campaign.