Silver Ferns and Australian Diamonds pay tribute to late Netball Fiji icon – FBC News
Members of the Australian and New Zealand Netball Women’s Team wore black armbands during their second Constellation Cup match, paying tribute to the late Unaisi Rokoura [Source: AAP] Members of the Australian and New Zealand Netball Women’s Team wore black armbands during their second Constellation Cup match last Friday, paying tribute to the late Unaisi Rokoura, former Fiji Netball captain and coach. Rokoura was reported missing on Saturday after she and a 34-year-old woman were swept away by strong currents while collecting kai (freshwater mussels) in the Rewa River. Her body was discovered three days later by police near the Waila dredging plant. Article continues after advertisement Fondly known as Una, Rokoura was one of Fiji’s most accomplished and respected athletes. She first represented the Fiji Pearls at just 17 years old and went on to enjoy a distinguished international career. She represented Fiji in six Pacific Games, two Commonwealth Games, and two Netball World Championships, serving as captain of the Pearls from 1997 to 2006. Beyond netball, Rokoura’s athleticism transcended the sport. She excelled in hockey, rugby 15s, basketball, and beach volleyball. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Why are the top strikers scoring more goals in modern football?
Champions League pundit Guillem Balague believes with more teams playing man-to-man marking strikers in modern football are awarded more space to score goals and are also being given “individualised coaching” about how to exploit those spaces.
Champions League round-up: Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham among the goals
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 England captain Harry Kane scored his 23rd goal in 15 games for club and country this season as Bayern Munich cruised to a 4-0 Champions League victory over Club Brugge. Seventeen-year-old Lennart Karl became the youngest Bayern player to find the back of the net in the Champions League when he opened the scoring with a stylish long-range strike. Kane then registered for the eighth successive game in club football for the first time in his career before Luis Diaz and substitute Nicolas Jackson wrapped up a comprehensive win. Jude Bellingham’s first goal of the season extended Real Madrid’s 100 per cent start to their Champions League campaign as Juventus were beaten 1-0 at the Bernabeu Stadium. Bellingham’s 57th-minute strike was enough to clinch victory for the 15-times winners and leave the Igor Tudor’s men with just two points from their opening three games. Hugo Ekitike scored on his return to Eintracht Frankfurt as Liverpool ended their four-match losing streak with a confident 5-1 victory in Germany. The France international struck after 35 minutes against his former club to cancel out Rasmus Kristensen’s opener, and further goals from Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate restored order by the break. Alexander Isak’s departure at half-time after another lacklustre display did little to blunt his side with Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai completing the rout. Premier League rivals Chelsea were similarly dominant as Brazilian teenager Estevao provided further evidence of his scintillating talent in a 5-1 demolition of Ajax at Stamford Bridge. The visitors were up against it from the 17th minute when captain Kenneth Taylor was sent off for serious foul play. And goals from Marc Guiu and Moises Caicedo either side of Wout Weghorst’s penalty and successful spot-kicks from Enzo Fernandez and Estevao had the Blues 4-1 ahead at the break before Tyrique George added a fifth. Gorka Guruzeta scored twice as Athletic Bilbao bounced back to beat Qarabag 3-1 and belatedly open their account. Leandro Andrade had given the visitors a first-minute lead, but Guruzeta levelled before the break and, after substitute Robert Navarro had given the hosts the lead, he cemented victory with his second two minutes from time. Victor Osimhen helped himself to a double to help ease Galatasaray to a 3-1 home win over Bodo/Glimt while second-half goals from substitutes Geny Catamo and Alisson Santos handed Sporting Lisbon a 2-1 comeback win over Marseille, who had Emerson sent off. Injury-hit Tottenham needed a string of fine saves by keeper Guglielmo Vicario to claim a 0-0 draw at Monaco, while Czech champions Slavia Prague collected their second point of the campaign after a goalless draw at Serie A Atalanta.
Pirates grab 6th win to put pressure on Sundowns
Orlando Pirates have responded after a bitter 3-0 CAF Champions League defeat to St. Eloi Lupopo. The Soweto giants returned to domestic action with a 1-0 win over Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium, marking their sixth consecutive Betway Premiership victory. BETWAY PREMIERSHIP: ORLANDO PIRATES 1-0 POLOKWANE CITY The decisive moment came early. Tshepang Moremi pounced on a loose ball just five minutes in, turning a scrambled cross past Brian Bwire to give the Buccaneers the lead. From there, the Buccaneers controlled the game, though Polokwane offered a few scares, notably a Sibusiso Tshabalala header that flew just wide. Patrick Maswanganyi came close twice, first with a curling effort after some slick footwork and later from point-blank range, only to be denied by Bwire. Sihle Nduli also had a header saved following a corner, but the home side held firm. With the victory, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men move to 18 points from eight matches, just three behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have two games in hand. HOW THEY LINED-UP Sipho Chaine, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Lebone Seema, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Sihle Nduli, Masindi Nemtajela, Patrick Maswanganyi, Oswin Appollis, Evidence Makgopa, Tshepang Moremi. Substitutes: Siyabonga Dladla, Camren Dansin, Siyabonga Ndlozi, Abdoulaye Mariko, Kabelo Dlamini, Thalente Mbatha, Yanela Mbuthuma, Deon Hotto, Nkosinathi Sibisi. Also read: Former Orlando Pirates coach: ‘A good Chiefs is vital for SA football’
Rabuka opens new FLIPS gym, calls for a healthier civil service – FBC News
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has officially opened a new gymnasium at the Fiji Learning Institute for Public Service (FLIPS), calling it a symbol of Fiji’s commitment to building a stronger, healthier, and more resilient civil service. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Rabuka said the facility represents more than just a place for physical fitness, it reflects a shift toward prioritizing health and wellness as part of national development. “It’s always a good day when we can step away from our desks, stretch a little, and remind ourselves that our health is not just a personal commitment, but a national responsibility.” Article continues after advertisement Rabuka highlighted that the initiative aligns with the Government’s Strategic Framework for Civil Service Reform, which places workforce wellbeing at its core. He said programmes such as Wellness Wednesday and the new gym are tangible examples of turning wellness policies into daily practice. The Prime Minister encouraged civil servants of all fitness levels to make use of the new gym, noting that even small lifestyle changes can have a big impact on productivity and wellbeing. Rabuka also reminded public servants that wellness extends beyond exercise, emphasizing balanced nutrition, proper rest, and emotional wellbeing. He urged ministries to integrate health-focused initiatives such as walking meetings, healthy food options, and inter-ministry sporting events to build collaboration and morale. Rabuka commended the Fiji Learning Institute for Public Service for spearheading the initiative, describing it as “a cultural shift in how we view health within the Civil Service.” The Prime Minister concluded by challenging civil servants to make wellness a daily commitment, not just an occasional activity. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Frankfurt vs Liverpool live: Latest score and goal updates in Champions League clash
Eintracht Frankfurt 0-0 Liverpool 1 min: Frankfurt look to start quickly as they move down the right and win a corner. Liverpool’s defending of set pieces has had something to be desired as of late – but they deal with this one. Will Castle22 October 2025 20:03 KICK-OFF! Eintracht Frankfurt 0-0 Liverpool We are underway in Frankfurt! It’s absolutely buzzing inside the stadium. Will Castle22 October 2025 20:00 Here come the teams! Virgil van Dijk leads out Liverpool, Robin Koch leads out Frankfurt. Deutsche Bank Park is ready. This has the capacity for goals, goals, goals. Will Castle22 October 2025 19:57 Closing in on kick-off We’re T-minus 10 minutes until kick off at Deutsche Bank Park! With Liverpool on the verge of a low that hasn’t been reached in over 70 years, can Arne Slot’s side stop the rut? Or will Frankfurt be the fifth side to serve the Premier League champions defeat? We’ll have all the action, up next. Don’t go anywhere! Will Castle22 October 2025 19:50 Pre-match preparations (REUTERS) (Getty Images) (REUTERS) Will Castle22 October 2025 19:45 Dominik Szoboszlai’s rallying cry Liverpool’s vulnerable position is uncharted territory for Dominik Szoboszlai, who said the players had discussions among themselves about how to turn around a season which began with seven successive wins. “We have to stick together. We had a lot of meetings, we spoke with each other and the most important thing is we stay together when it is a hard time,” said the Hungary captain. “This will turn. If you work hard and keep going the luck will go on your side. “We have to take the three points for sure but most important we have to show the character we have, what Liverpool can do and what we are able to do.” (PA) Will Castle22 October 2025 19:40 Arne Slot speaks on his Ekitike-Isak decision “They can play together, they showed it against Manchester United – although that was in the second half,” he said. “It just means our midfield will be structured a little differently. “What we need to try again today is create as much chances as we did the last few weeks. Then it is very helpful that we have two players in the team who can score a goal.” Will Castle22 October 2025 19:38 Liverpool’s bid to avoid making history Liverpool are currently on a four-game losing streak: Crystal Palace 2-1 Liverpool Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United Defeat tonight would be the first time they have lost five on the trot since 1953. An unenviable record and a new low may just await Arne Slot’s side… Will Castle22 October 2025 19:30 Jamie Carragher sounds warning over Florian Wirtz form Jamie Carragher has issued a warning to Florian Wirtz after the German’s inauspicious start to life in the Premier League by claiming that great players ‘hit the ground running’ when they arrive in England. “How long do you give foreign players when they first come to the league? You don’t write the first year off but you say the second year they’ll improve and get better,” Carragher explained on Sky Sports following Liverpool’s loss to Man United. “But, if I’m being honest, if I think of the great foreign signings – Sami Hyppia, Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, Luis Suarez, Didi Hamann – they all hit the ground running. “I can’t think of many, who had an average, poor start – I’m not talking seven games by the way but if you’re getting to Christmas and January and being like ‘oh’. History doesn’t tell me that foreign signings coming into England take a year.” Will Castle22 October 2025 19:20 Why is Ryan Gravenberch not in the squad? Ryan Gravenberch was not included in the travelling squad for tonight’s Liverpool game due to an ankle injury. “Yeah, I had to take him off during the weekend because he limped a little bit, as we could all see. So, unfortunately, he’s not ready to play,” Arne Slot confirmed. “Ryan is not available for the Frankfurt game, hopefully he will be available at the weekend. But it’s an ankle injury, we have to wait and see, give him a bit of time and see where he is when we come back from Frankfurt.” (AFP via Getty Images) Will Castle22 October 2025 19:10
Orlando Pirates line-up vs Polokwane
Orlando Pirates are back at Orlando Stadium tonight, looking to shake off their continental nightmare with a statement performance in the Betway Premiership. After that shocking 3-0 defeat to Saint-Eloi Lupopo in the CAF Champions League, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has made four changes. ORLANDO PIRATES HOST POLOKWANE CITY IN THE BETWAY PREMIERSHIP The Sea Robbers have already tasted victory against Rise and Shine this season, winning 2-0 in the MTN8 quarterfinals at the same venue thanks to goals from Oswin Appollis and Patrick Maswanganyi. Following the Lupopo game, Lebone Seema, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Oswin Appollis all return to the starting line-up, while Thabiso Lebitso, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Deon Hotto, and Sipho Mbule drop to the bench. FULL LINE-UP Sipho Chaine, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Lebone Seema, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Sihle Nduli, Masindi Nemtajela, Patrick Maswanganyi, Oswin Appollis, Evidence Makgopa, Tshepang Moremi. Substitutes: Siyabonga Dladla, Camren Dansin, Siyabonga Ndlozi, Abdoulaye Mariko, Kabelo Dlamini, Thalente Mbatha, Yanela Mbuthuma, Deon Hotto, Nkosinathi Sibisi. Also read: Chiefs make 7 changes as Nigerian striker starts vs Siwelele FC
IOC bars Indonesia from hosting Olympic events over ban on Israeli athletes
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 The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has urged sports federations to avoid hosting events in Indonesia and halted 2036 Olympic bid talks, after the nation banned Israeli gymnasts from a world championship. The IOC will only resume discussions if Indonesia’s government assures that all athletes, irrespective of nationality, will be eligible to compete in future events. Indonesia has repeatedly expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics, but Wednesday’s IOC decision has effectively ended the country’s hopes of securing the Games. Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, denied visas to Israeli gymnasts earlier this month amid an outcry over Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, meaning they could not take part in the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships that began last week in Jakarta. open image in gallery Indonesia denied visas to Israeli gymnasts earlier this month amid an outcry over Israel’s military offensive in Gaza (AFP via Getty Images) Commenting on the decision at the time, senior legal affairs minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra cited objections to Israel’s participation from the government in Jakarta and from groups such as a council of Islamic clerics. The Israel Gymnastics Federation called Indonesia’s decision shocking and heartbreaking. The IOC also said in its statement on Wednesday that it would change qualification principles to include guarantees for access of all athletes, irrespective of nationality, for any qualification event for an Olympic Games. It also ordered the Indonesian Olympic Committee and the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) to attend a meeting at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne to discuss the matter. It did not provide a date for the meeting. Indonesia has no formal diplomatic ties with Israel, and has strongly criticized Israel over the Gaza war, even after this month’s ceasefire took effect.
Woodman-Wickliffe makes history at 2026 Coral Coast 7s – FBC News
[Source: Coral Coast Fiji 7s/Facebook] Rugby legend Portia Woodman-Wickliffe has been announced as the 2026 McDonald’s Coral Coast 7s Tournament Ambassador, becoming the first female to hold the role. She will also be the first woman inducted into the prestigious RugbyTown Walk of Fame. Woodman-Wickliffe joins a legendary lineup that includes the late Jonah Lomu, Waisale Serevi, David Campese, Bryan Habana, George Gregan, and 2026 ambassadors Jerry Tuwai and Rosko Specman. Article continues after advertisement A trailblazer in women’s rugby, the New Zealand star is a World Cup winner in both 15s and 7s, a double Olympic gold medalist, and one of the sport’s all-time leading try scorers. Tournament Director Jay Whyte said the milestone recognition honours her immense impact on the sport. In addition, the tournament will introduce the Portia Woodman-Wickliffe Medal, awarded to the Women’s Top Try Scorer in the Shangri-La Yanuca Island Fiji Women’s Division. This joins the FWCC Rusila Nagasau Medal for the Women’s Player of the Tournament, recognising both overall performance and finishing excellence. The 2026 McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s will run from January 15–17 at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Proteas sniff series-levelling win after Pakistan collapse
Simon Harmer grabbed three early wickets to boost South Africa’s chances of securing a series-levelling victory over a faltering Pakistan in the second Test in Rawalpindi on Wednesday. Harmer took 3-26 as Pakistan ended the third day on a precarious 94/4 – just 23 runs ahead with six wickets and two days remaining on a spin-spiced Rawalpindi stadium pitch. Free Spins, Flights, and Bets on Betway Pakistan’s last hopes rest on Babar Azam, unbeaten on 49, and Mohammad Rizwan, 16 not out, as they strive to win the two-match series, having won the first Test by 93 runs in Lahore. Crucial lead The Proteas piled up 404 runs after Senuran Muthusamy scored a career-best 89 not out and Kagiso Rabada posted his highest Test score of 71, giving the visitors a crucial 71-run lead. “It was a fantastic partnership, one that we will remember and hopefully put us into a really strong position tomorrow to win the game,” said Muthusamy. The home team scored 333 in their first innings. With their backs to the wall, Pakistan’s second innings started disastrously as opener Imam-ul-Haq (nine) and skipper Shan Masood (nought) fell to Harmer with the score at 16. It became 16-3 when Rabada had Abdullah Shafique caught in the slips for six. Harmer returned for his second spell to dismiss Saud Shakeel, who was caught in the slips for 11 to end a resolute 44-run third wicket stand. Oldest debutant Earlier, Asif Afridi became the oldest debutant to take a five or more wicket haul in Tests with figures of 6-79. His effort had South Africa struggling on 221-7 as Pakistan looked set for a lead, but home skipper Masood’s decision to take the second new ball proved a big mistake, although Asif defended it. “Captain Shan Masood consulted us before taking the second new ball and we thought that it will help but it didn’t,” said Asif, although he added that “any target around 200-210 will give us victory.” Muthusamy played an anchor role in helping to add 169 for the last two wickets before Asif ended the innings on the stroke of tea. The South African all-rounder defied the Pakistan spinners, hitting eight fours to improve on his previous highest score of 68 not out against Bangladesh at Chattogram last year. Muthusamy added an invaluable 71 runs for the ninth wicket with Keshav Maharaj (30) and then increased the lead with a last-wicket stand worth 98. Rabada smashed four sixes and as many fours, improving on the 47 he made against New Zealand at Christchurch in 2022. Asif beats Marriott’s record The morning belonged to Asif, who at 38 years and 301 days overtook England’s Charles Marriott as the oldest debutant to take five wickets. Marriott did so against the West Indies at The Oval in 1933 aged 37 years and 332 days. Like fellow left-armer Maharaj – who took seven wickets for the visitors in Pakistan’s 333 all out – Asif used the dry conditions to maximum effect. With the turn on the Rawalpindi stadium pitch increasing considerably, Asif dismissed Kyle Verreynne caught behind by wicketkeeper Rizwan for 10 with the fourth ball of the day. Tristan Stubbs defied Pakistan’s spinners for 256 minutes before a fastish delivery from Asif trapped him leg-before for 76. His knock was studded with six fours and a six. Asif completed his five-wicket haul by trapping Harmer leg-before for two while Noman Ali dismissed Marco Jansen in the same manner for 12. By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse