Winning start for Baby Pearls at Youth World Cup – FBC News
The Fiji national U-21 netball team, the Baby Pearls, have started their Netball World Youth Cup campaign on a high note, securing their first win against Trinidad & Tobago in Gibraltar with a score of 53-40. The Baby Pearls led from the start, finishing the first quarter with a score of 14-8. They maintained their lead throughout the game, heading into halftime with a 26-19 advantage and extending it to 42-29 by the end of the third quarter. Article continues after advertisement The team’s next match will be against Barbados at 3 am tomorrow morning. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Premier League predictions: Chris Sutton v The Coral, Starsailor, Picture Parlour & AI
Forget Liverpool against Everton or Arsenal taking on Manchester City, the big fixture this weekend is Chris Sutton versus AI chatbot Copilot. Sutton claimed on this week’s Monday Night Club that he is “more intelligent than AI” and the stats do support him, at least when it comes to football scores anyway. He is top of the BBC predictions league table (see bottom of page) so far, with three wins in the first four weeks – and he has beaten AI every time. “I am 4-0 up on AI – I don’t know if it feels pressure, but it should,” Sutton said. “Also, why is it not going to the best source? That’s me. if it wants to do better, maybe it should start copying me?” AI, however, does not agree that Sutton has superior intelligence, and seems to suggest that it is a bit early for him to be celebrating. When asked ‘are you worried that Chris Sutton is cleverer than you?’ Copilot replied “not in the slightest”. And when asked ‘is Chris Sutton better at football predictions than you?’, it also responded confidently. “Over time, AI tends to improve as it absorbs more data and refines its models,” Copilot said. It added: “Short term: Sutton’s instincts and experience can give him an edge, especially in unpredictable fixtures. “Long term: AI may outperform with consistency and breadth, especially across hundreds of matches.” We will find out who is best, humans or machine, over the course of this season because Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games in 2025-26, taking on BBC Sport readers and a variety of guests as well as AI. For week five, he takes on some famous fans of Liverpool and Everton, before the 247th Merseyside derby at Anfield on Saturday.
Former Liverpool women’s team manager Matt Beard dies aged 47
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 Former Liverpool Women manager Matt Beard has died aged 47. Beard had two spells as manager of the Reds and most recently left the Women’s Super League club in February this year. A statement on the Liverpool website said: “Liverpool is deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of former LFC Women manager Matt Beard. “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Matt’s family and friends at this devastating time. “Matt was not only an extremely committed and successful manager, he was also a person of real integrity and warmth, who will always be remembered with genuine fondness by everyone he worked with at the club.” After three years with Chelsea, Beard won back-to-back WSL titles with Liverpool in 2013 and 2014 in his first spell in charge and led the side to their maiden Champions League campaign. He rejoined the Reds in 2021 following spells with Boston Breakers in the United States, West Ham and Bristol City. Beard guided Liverpool to promotion back to the WSL in his first season back at the helm and remained in charge until February. He was appointed Burnley boss in June but resigned in August. Burnley said in a statement on the club website: “It is with sadness that Burnley can confirm Matt Beard has passed away, at the age of 47. “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with Matt’s family and friends.” Beard managed Chelsea, the current six-time defending WSL champions, between 2009 and 2012 and the club said he laid “much of the foundations prior to Emma Hayes’ arrival”. The Blues said in a statement: “Players and staff alike speak of a man who wasn’t just your manager, he was your friend. He was a caring and loving person who always made time for people. “Matt was integral to the growth of the women’s game in this country and is a man who will be sadly missed by everyone in the footballing community.” Chelsea and England defender Millie Bright posted a photo of Beard on her Instagram Stories, with the caption: “Absolutely heartbroken”, accompanied with two red broken hearts and a sad face emojis. Fellow WSL side Manchester United described Beard as a “giant” of the women’s game, posting on X: “Matt was a fierce opponent of ours; a giant of women’s football. He will be greatly missed, and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.” A statement on the Women’s Super League X account said: “Everyone at WSL Football extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and loved ones of Matt Beard following news of his passing. “Matt played an instrumental role in the growth of women’s football and will be missed by everyone associated with the game.” The Football Association also paid tribute to a “key figure” in women’s football. “We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Matt Beard,” a post on the official FA X account said. “Matt was a key figure in growing the women’s game and will be missed by all. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.” Broadcaster Jacqui Oatley described Beard as a “lovely man” who “never changed from being the kind, warm, likeable soul he always was”. She wrote on X: “Matt saw the England job pass him by multiple times. Never received the credit he deserved, in my humble opinion, as he didn’t work with big budgets.” Beard took charge of West Ham in 2018 and led them to the Women’s FA Cup final the following year. “West Ham is deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of former manager Matt Beard,” the club said on X. “The thoughts and condolences of everyone at the club are with Matt’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time.” Another of his former clubs, Millwall, with whom he started his managerial career, also paid tribute, as did Charlton, where Beard had a coaching spell. PA
Football gossip: Marc Guehi eyeing up a move to Real Madrid
Marc Guehi tempted by Real Madrid move, Barcelona keep tabs on Erling Haaland and Liverpool interested in Carlos Baleba. Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, 25, has informed his advisors he would prefer to join Real Madrid after his summer move to Liverpool collapsed. (Mirror), external Barcelona have identified Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, 25, as a long-term replacement for forward Robert Lewandowski. (Football Insider), external Premier League champions Liverpool are monitoring Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba. The 21-year-old Cameroon international also remains a target for Manchester United. (Teamtalk), external Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are among a number of Premier League sides keeping tabs on Athletic Club and Spain midfielder Oihan Sancet, 25. (Fichajes – in Spanish), external Manchester United are ready to offer England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, 20, plus cash in order to sign Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde. However, Real see the Uruguayan midfielder, 27, as not for sale. (Goal), external Bayern Munich and Manchester United are interested in signing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, 28, with the Netherlands international’s contract set to expire next summer. (Fichajes – in Spanish), external Marcus Rashford’s hopes of a transfer to Barcelona have been dented by La Liga’s wage constraints. The Manchester United and England forward, 27, is currently on loan at the Spanish club but financial rules could impact any permanent deal. (Daily Mail), external Senne Lammens turned down a move to Aston Villa in the summer in favour of joining Manchester United. The 23-year-old Belgian goalkeeper was identified as a potential replacement for Emiliano Martinez if he had left the club. (Birmingham Live), external The agent of Spurs midfielder Xavi Simons says the 22-year-old Dutch international has “no regrets” following the collapse of his move to Chelsea over the summer. (Metro), external
Bryne satisfied with Flying Fijians’ on-field discipline – FBC News
The Flying Fijians are set to defend their Pacific Nations Cup title this afternoon as they take on the Brave Blossoms in Utah. Head coach Mick Byrne is satisfied with his team’s on-field discipline, acknowledging that while the team has received cards, their overall discipline has shown improvement over the past year. “Obviously, people look at two yellow cards and will challenge me on that, but I look at the game and overall, how have we been in our discipline in getting out of the ruck, rolling away, and getting onside and those types of areas, and that’s improved dramatically.” He states that the team has worked hard to reduce the number of penalties given away for offside and other common infringements. He sees this as a great improvement in their ability to get behind the line and avoid “lazy penalties”. The team’s performance has been strong throughout the tournament, and they will be relying on their improved discipline and tactical execution to secure a victory against Japan. Fiji will face Japan today at 1.35 pm. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Former Liverpool women’s team manager Matt Beard dies aged 47
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 Former Liverpool women’s team manager Matt Beard has died aged 47, the club have announced. Beard had two spells as manager of the Reds and most recently left the Women’s Super League club in February this year. A statement on the Liverpool website said: “Liverpool is deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of former LFC Women manager Matt Beard. “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Matt’s family and friends at this devastating time. “Matt was not only an extremely committed and successful manager, he was also a person of real integrity and warmth, who will always be remembered with genuine fondness by everyone he worked with at the club.” After three years with Chelsea, Beard won back-to-back WSL titles with Liverpool in 2013 and 2014 in his first spell in charge and led the side to their maiden Champions League campaign. He rejoined the Reds in 2021 following spells with Boston Breakers in the United States, West Ham and Bristol City. Beard guided Liverpool to promotion back to the WSL in his first season back at the helm and remained in charge until February. He was appointed Burnley boss in June but resigned in August. Burnley said in a statement on the club website: “It is with sadness that Burnley can confirm Matt Beard has passed away, at the age of 47. “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with Matt’s family and friends.” Beard managed Chelsea, the current six-time defending WSL champions, between 2009 and 2012 and the club said he laid “much of the foundations prior to Emma Hayes’ arrival”. The Blues said in a statement: “Players and staff alike speak of a man who wasn’t just your manager, he was your friend. He was a caring and loving person who always made time for people. “Matt was integral to the growth of the women’s game in this country and is a man who will be sadly missed by everyone in the footballing community.” Chelsea and England defender Millie Bright posted a photo of Beard on her Instagram Stories, with the caption: “Absolutely heartbroken”, accompanied with two red broken hearts and a sad face emojis. Fellow WSL side Manchester United described Beard as a “giant” of the women’s game, posting on X: “Matt was a fierce opponent of ours; a giant of women’s football. He will be greatly missed, and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.” A statement on the Women’s Super League X account said: “Everyone at WSL Football extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and loved ones of Matt Beard following news of his passing. “Matt played an instrumental role in the growth of women’s football and will be missed by everyone associated with the game.” The Football Association also paid tribute to a “key figure” in women’s football. “We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Matt Beard,” a post on the official FA X account said. “Matt was a key figure in growing the women’s game and will be missed by all. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.” Broadcaster Jacqui Oatley described Beard as a “lovely man” who “never changed from being the kind, warm, likeable soul he always was”. She wrote on X: “Matt saw the England job pass him by multiple times. Never received the credit he deserved, in my humble opinion, as he didn’t work with big budgets.” Beard took charge of West Ham in 2018 and led them to the Women’s FA Cup final the following year. “West Ham is deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of former manager Matt Beard,” the club said on X. “The thoughts and condolences of everyone at the club are with Matt’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time.” Another of his former clubs, Millwall, with whom he started his managerial career, also paid tribute, as did Charlton, where Beard had a coaching spell.
Nasreddine Nabi-less Kaizer Chiefs floored in Angola
Kaizer Chiefs’ return to continental competition ended in disappointment as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Angolan side Kabuscorp SCP in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round on Saturday. A 61st-minute header from substitute Julio Matondo separated the two sides in a tightly contested affair at Estádio dos Coqueiros, handing the hosts a slender lead heading into next weekend’s return leg at the FNB Stadium. Cloud of uncertainty Kaizer Chiefs, still reeling from the absence of their head coach Nasreddine Nabi, entered the fixture under a cloud of uncertainty. The loss compounds a difficult week for Amakhosi, who also suffered a 3-1 defeat to Sekhukhune United in midweek, ending their six-match unbeaten run in the Betway Premiership. Despite the turmoil, the visitors started brightly. Mduduzi Shabalala and Glody Lilepo combined well early on to force a save from Kabuscorp goalkeeper Anselmo Mbala, with Pule Mmodi nearly capitalising on the rebound. However, chances remained few and far between in a cagey first half. Kabuscorp grew into the game as the match progressed, buoyed by a lively home crowd. Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, a standout performer this season, produced a crucial fingertip save just before half-time to deny Beni Papel and keep the score level at the break. Tactical masterstroke The breakthrough came just after the hour mark. In a tactical masterstroke by Kabuscorp coach Roberto Luiz, Matondo was introduced and made an immediate impact. The forward rose highest to meet a well-delivered cross from Afonso Mafuta, powering a header past Petersen for what proved to be the winning goal. Kaizer Chiefs had a numerical advantage late on after Kabuscorp were reduced to 10 men, but they failed to capitalise. Despite their urgency, they struggled to break down a compact and disciplined Angolan defence, leaving them with a challenging task in the second leg. The caretaker duo of Cedric Kaze and Khali Ben Youseff, standing in for the absent Nabi, will now need to rally the squad ahead of the decisive home fixture next Saturday. Match Summary CAF Confederation Cup – Preliminary Round (First Leg)Venue: Estádio dos Coqueiros, LuandaScore: Kabuscorp 1-0 Kaizer ChiefsGoal: Julio Matondo (61’)Red card: Kabuscorp (Jorge) Next Fixture 📍 Second Leg: Kaizer Chiefs vs Kabuscorp📆 Date: Saturday, 27 September 2025 – 15:00🏟️ Venue: FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
Paradise 7s brings top teams to Lautoka – FBC News
[Photo Credit: London International 7s Tournament Series] Fiji hosted the Paradise 7s, a two-day tournament at Churchill Park in Lautoka that brought together top women’s rugby teams from Fiji, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. The international teams are using the tournament as part of their pre-season preparations ahead of the World Series. The event, an initiative developed in 2023, is focused on empowering female rugby players and creating a platform where international teams can connect with and inspire up-and-coming local talent. Article continues after advertisement The tournament also showcased local rugby talent from Jasper Williams High School and Lautoka Maroons Kajiana, giving them a chance to compete against some of the world’s best. The tournament started yesterday and concluded today. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Manchester United hold on for overdue win as Chelsea rue Robert Sanchez red card
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 Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United ended an eventful encounter with a much-needed 2-1 victory over Chelsea as Robert Sanchez’s early red card proved more costly than goal-scorer Casemiro’s sending-off. Pressure has been mounting on the Red Devils boss after the club’s worst top-flight season in 51 years was compounded by a sluggish start to the new campaign. Under-fire Amorim got the response he needed to United’s meek Manchester derby defeat, with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro scoring in a chaotic first half bookended by red cards before the hosts saw off a late Chelsea charge sparked by Trevoh Chalobah’s header. It was an action-packed match played in challenging conditions at Old Trafford, where the hosts capitalised on Chelsea goalkeeper Sanchez’s mistimed tackle five minutes into the game. Fernandes marked his 200th Premier League appearance with his 100th goal for United and Casemiro nodded Amorim’s men further ahead before needlessly picking up a second yellow card in first-half stoppage time. United fans goaded Chelsea substitute Alejandro Garnacho on his return to Old Trafford, with Chalobah’s header making for a nervy ending but failing to inspire a Chelsea comeback. The relief was palpable at the end of a match that started with the visitors shooting themselves in the foot. Sanchez had denied an early Bryan Mbeumo effort and his next attempt to stop the lively summer signing led to an early bath. Benjamin Sesko’s brilliant flick-on put Mbeumo in behind Chelsea’s backline, with the keeper rashly bringing down the forward with a high tackle as last man. Referee Peter Bankes had no choice but to brandish a red card. Enzo Maresca brought on goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen for Estevao and, before play resumed, decided to move to a back five by introducing Tosin Adarabioyo. Pedro Neto was sacrificed and screamed in frustration. The match became an attack-versus-defence exercise, but patient United found a way through in the 14th minute. Noussair Mazraoui did well to get over a first-time cross from the right and Patrick Dorgu headed the ball back across goal for Fernandes to prod past Jorgensen. The goal was awarded after a lengthy VAR check for offside. Mbeumo bent a shot narrowly wide from the edge of the box as United sought a quickfire second and Maresca reacted by taking off star man Cole Palmer in the 20th minute to the delight of the Old Trafford faithful. Casemiro saw a goal ruled out after Amad Diallo failed to keep the ball in play before crossing, but the Brazil midfielder would not be denied for long. Chelsea failed to deal with danger and Luke Shaw bravely attacked a high ball, with the ball going off Harry Maguire and on to Casemiro to nod past Jorgensen in the 37th minute. Maresca’s visitors looked rattled as United showed the aggression Amorim had called for in the build-up, albeit Casemiro took it too far five minutes into first-half added time. The veteran had already been booked and his overzealous challenge on Andrey Santos led referee Bankes to show him a second yellow. Amorim walked away shaking his head. Manuel Ugarte replaced Sesko for a second half that began with pools of surface water making play difficult. Garnacho received an earful from the Stretford End as he warmed up in front of them, but he would not step on to the field as Maresca looked to other players after Wesley Fofana saw a goal from a corner ruled out for offside. United made changes of their own as the sought to keep Chelsea at bay, but Amorim’s men rarely do things the easy way. The tired-looking hosts were caught cold from a quickly-taken corner as Reece James swung in a fantastic cross for an unmarshalled Chalobah to head past Altay Bayindir in the 80th minute. Fernandes saw a shot well saved and Bayindir survived a late scare after pushing a James cross back into the danger zone, with the final whistle bringing United’s second win of the season.
Phil Parkinson cites Wrexham’s journey amid ‘outside talk’
Harvey labelled the speculation surrounding Parkinson’s position at the Stok Cae Ras [Racecourse ground] “an absolute disgrace”, adding the manager has the full support of everybody at the north Wales club. Parkinson says his longevity in the game has ensured he has been able to swat aside the outside noise surrounding his position. “First of all, I don’t listen to any outside talk,” he said. “I don’t know where that [speculation] came from but I’ve had nothing but unbelievable support from everybody. “It’s not just about me. We’ve had periods in all my time at Wrexham where people have doubted us and we’ve got stronger as a group – not just the players, the staff and the owners, and we’ve come through the other side of it. “This is a good result. We’ve got work to do, we know that. “But I’ve managed over 1,000 games so if people really think I listen to what people say on social media, then I don’t think I’d be stood here because if you do get involved in that, it’s very difficult to continue to be a manager. “So I block everything out, concentrate on the people that I trust and the people that have given me great support at the football club – and this is a good day for us.”