‘He’s not Messi, or Ronaldo but…’: Broos defends Pirates star
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has defended his decision to call up striker Evidence Makgopa to the national team. The 25-year-old Orlando Pirates striker replaced Mamelodi Sundowns forward Iqraam Rayners on Tuesday. Despite Makgopa scoring just once this season, the Belgian-coach explained why “Ngwana Sesi” got the selection. Makgopa has been part of the Bafana Bafana team for two years and was impressive during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. “I don’t think I have to make a big explanation of what he can [do] and not,” Broos said. “When we went two years ago to Afcon, everybody was asking ‘what is Makgopa doing in there’. And you saw which role he played in Afcon.” Broos hails Makgopa Makgopa did not get selected during last month’s World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Lesotho. Rayners and Lyle Foster were the main strikers but with the former out due to medical reasons, it has opened doors for the lanky Pirates striker. “There are many people who underestimate Makgopa – he’s not Messi, he’s not Ronaldo. But he’s a guy who can be very helpful for a team. He showed it two years ago in AFCON. “When Iqraam had to leave the camp, I didn’t doubt to call Evidence. Because I know if I will need him tomorrow, he will help us enormously,” Broos said. Makgopa is likely to start from the bench against Zimbabwe as Bafana look to qualify for their first World Cup in 15 years. Broos knows nothing but a win on Friday will put his side in a perfect position. Can Makgopa deliver?
Football fans with dementia walk out with players for England-Wales match
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 and Wales players walked out with football fans living with dementia ahead of their Wembley friendly. The match has been designated as the Alzheimer’s Society International, the fourth edition since the partnership between the charity and the Football Association began in 2021. The 22 adults were nominated from across England and Wales to represent the different types of dementia – an umbrella term for a number of illnesses associated with an ongoing decline in brain function – and they replaced the traditional child mascots. One of them, 66-year-old Andy Paul, said: “I didn’t think at my age I’d ever do something like this and I was absolutely overwhelmed when I heard the news. “I’m going to cherish this opportunity – to have my family there watching and to share the moment with them will be incredibly special. “I also hope it will show people that dementia isn’t necessarily what you might expect and that being diagnosed doesn’t mean you suddenly stop doing the things you love.” The 22 people also stood beside the players during the national anthems and received a warm reception from the sold-out Wembley crowd. In keeping with previous Alzheimer’s Society Internationals, the players wore shirts without names on the back during the second half to highlight memory loss, a key symptom of dementia. England boss Thomas Tuchel is glad the spotlight will be shone on a subject which affects so many people. “We’re so happy that we can raise a subject like this and bring it into the spotlight,” he said before the game. “I think this is only a positive thing that we can do as a national team and I know that the players are happy to contribute to such actions. “It makes you aware how lucky we are and how privileged we are and makes us just very, very grateful. “So, the best wishes and full support goes out to everyone who is affected, to all the families who are affected and stay strong, please.”
These 3 African countries have qualified for FIFA World Cup 2026
African qualification for FIFA World Cup 2026 is nearing its completion with a host of countries vying for a coveted spot at next year’s tournament. Free Spins, Flights, and Bets on Betway A total of nine spots in the tournament and one inter-confederation playoff slot are reserved for CAF teams. That’s double the five spots at previous World Cups. New qualification format Due to nine CAF teams now directly qualifying instead of five, the CAF Executive Committee announced a new qualification format. Teams were drawn into nine groups of six teams. The winner of each group will directly qualify to the World Cup, while the four best group runners-up will participate in playoffs to determine which team will advance to the inter-confederation playoffs. Each team will play 10 matches. At the time of publishing, some groups have played eight matches, while others have played nine. While several groups will only be decided on the final day of qualifiers next week, three group winners have already been decided. In Group A, Egypt are assured of topping the group as the Pharaohs lie five points ahead of Burkina Faso with just one match remaining. Thanks to Liverpool star Mo Salah, Egypt will return to the World Cup for the first time since Russia in 2018. Prior to that, their last appearance was in 1990 in Italy. Meanwhile, in Group E, Morocco are a yawning nine points clear of second-place Niger with just one match to play and also assured of a place at FIFA World Cup 2026. Morocco memorably finished fourth at the most recent World Cup in Qatar in 2022 and will co-host the 2030 tournament with Portugal and Spain. Finally, in Group H, Tunisia are seven points ahead of Namibia in second place with two matches remaining. Tunisia qualified for both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, having missed out of the two prior to that in 2010 and 2014. That leaves seven places still to be filled. South Africa hopes alive South Africa are one of those nations hoping to book their first appearance at a World Cup since ‘qualifying’ automatically as hosts of the 2010 edition. Bafana Bafana will take on Zimbabwe on Friday, 10 October at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban and Rwanda on Tuesday, 14 October at the Mbombela Stadium in Mbombela in their final two Group C encounters. Both matches will kick off at 18:00. As things currently stand, South Africa are second on goal difference behind Benin. However, Benin face a far tougher remaining schedule with away matches against both Rwanda and Nigeria. FIFA World Cup 2026 will held in the United States, Canada and Mexico between 11 June and 19 July and will comprise 48 countries in the biggest tournament to date. Matches are scheduled to take place in 16 host cities.
Maya earns final Bati cut – FBC News
Source: FNRL [file photo] Promising rugby league player Keresi Maya has been named in the Vodafone Fiji Bati squad for the upcoming Pacific Championships, making him the only local based player in the 20-member team. The 24-year-old currently plays for the Navy Albatross, and first made his mark in the domestic competition with the Nabua Broncos, where he debuted in 2020. Originally from Vidawa Village in Bouma, Taveuni, Maya also has maternal links to Naselesele Village on the island. Bati head coach Wise Kativerata says the squad reflected a good mix of youth and experience. “It’s a very young squad with less experience, but regular names are also returning. Our local boy Keresi Maya will be making his debut this year, alongside regular first-grade players who make up the core of the team.” Maya’s inclusion is seen as a reward for his consistent performances at the domestic level and his commitment to the game. He joins several seasoned internationals as Fiji prepares to make a strong showing at the Pacific Championships. Fiji Bati will meet Cook Islands Aitu on the 18th of this month at the Santos National Football Stadium in Papua New Guinea. The two teams last met at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva last year, where the Bati thrashed the Aitu 56-6. On the 1st of next month they meet the Papua New Guinea Kumuls. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Scotland v Greece live: Crunch World Cup 2026 qualifier as Scots look to end 38-year absence
Predicted line-ups Scotland XI: Gunn, Ralston, Souttar, McKenna, Robertson, McGinn, Gilmour, Ferguson, McTominay, Doak, Adams Greece XI: Tzolakis, Vagiannidis, Mavropanos, Koulierakis, Tsimikas, Zafeiris, Kourbelis, Karetsas, Bakasetas, Tzolis, Pavlidis Chris Wilson9 October 2025 17:50 Team news Greece will miss Olympiacos defender Panagiotis Retsos due to a groin injury, while Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis will lead the line and hope to transfer some of his league form into international results, having scored give goals in eight games for the Portuguese side. Chris Wilson9 October 2025 17:41 Team news Clarke has a selection dilemma between the sticks, with Craig Gordon out of action since May but coming into the squad in place of Hearts teammate Zander Clark. Angus Gunn, who kept clean sheets against Denmark and Belarus, is likely to retain his place in goal. Celtic’s Anthony Ralston is back to fitness and replaces Derby county’s Max Johnston, but there is no place in the squad for Lawrence Shankland despite his seven-goal start to the season for Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts. Chris Wilson9 October 2025 17:37 Scotland vs Greece live Scotland bid to continue their unbeaten start to World Cup qualifying today as they take on Greece at Hampden Park. Steve Clarke’s men picked up four points from their opening two matches, a gritty goalless draw with Denmark and a routine 2-0 win over Belarus. They sit joint-top of the group alongside the Danes to put them in a strong position to qualify for a first World Cup since 1988, with Greece right behind them on three points. But they will need to erase their most recent memory of playing Greece after losing 3-1 on aggregate to today’s visitors in the Nations League in March, including a damning 3-0 loss at Hampden Park. Chris Wilson9 October 2025 17:33 Good evening Hello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s World Cup qualifying match between Scotland and Greece at Hampden Park. The hosts face perhaps their toughest home game of the campaign as the battle for the top spot in Group C heats up, with Steve Clarke’s side starting the day in second. We’ll have all the latest team news and updates here. Chris Wilson9 October 2025 17:28
Springbok Women break broadcast records
The Springbok Women’s historic first appearance in a Rugby World Cup quarterfinal proved a box office television event, as records were smashed on SuperSport, according to data from Nielsen Sports SA. The growth of interest in women’s rugby rocketed on SuperSport’s dedicated RWC channel as part of its Here for Her campaign, according to data just released. The Springboks defeated Brazil and Italy in pool play to set up a first play-off appearance at a Rugby World Cup. The team was level at halftime with six-time world champions, New Zealand, before the Black Ferns stretched away in the second half to win 46-17 – but not before Swys de Bruin’s players had delivered a statement performance. ALSO READ: Five burning questions answered after the 2025 Rugby Championship SPRINGBOK WOMEN CAPTURED GREATEST AUDIENCE The four World Cup matches became the four most-watched Springbok Women’s games ever. In total, more than 1.27 million unique viewers have engaged with the team’s matches in 2025. That figure reflected a 334% growth from 2024, while total consumption numbers were up a staggering 673%, a clear signal of rising interest and investment in the women’s game. And a new record was set for a single match audience with nearly half a million viewers (484,265) tuning in live to watch the quarter-final clash against the Black Ferns, marking a 135% increase on last year’s top match audience for the Springbok Women. “This audience data is a reflection of the booming interest in women’s rugby as well as testimony to the improvement the Springboks have shown in the past year,” said Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby. “There is the potential for exponential growth in the sport among women and girls over the next few years as these numbers prove.” ALSO READ: Six Springboks whose stocks have declined SOUTH AFRICA ON THE RISE The Springbok Women played 12 matches in 2025 – including two-match series against World Cup finalists Canada and New Zealand’s Black Ferns XV – while they also retained the Africa Cup title in Madagascar. “This is an incredibly exciting time for women’s rugby in South Africa,” said Oberholzer. “The first national women’s club championship is taking place right now, thanks to the support of Betway, and, at the same time, the national under-20 provincial championship is underway to grow the next generation of Springboks.” He said planning was also underway for an elite, professionalised competition to kick off next year. “New rugby heroes have emerged from our Springbok women’s squad to inspire young girls and women to take up the game for the first time to increase our participation base as well as fans of the sport. “The Springbok Women will bring home the Rugby World Cup one day – it is only a matter of when.” ALSO READ: Five Springboks whose stocks have skyrocketed WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SPRINGBOK WOMEN MOMENT SO FAR THIS SEASON? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Rewa play Suva, Ba meets Labasa – FBC News
Stratum Construction Rewa is the winner of group B at the FMF Inter District Championship and they’ll play Power Volt Suva in the second semifinal at 4:30pm on Saturday at 4R Stadium, Govind Park in Ba. In the first semifinal, Extra Supermarket Labasa will meet RC Manubhai Ba 2pm. The semifinal fixtures were confirmed after hosts Ba drew 2-all with Rewa in a thrilling contest in front of 7027 fans. Article continues after advertisement Local hero Nabil Begg struck first for the home team when he calmly placed the into the back of the net from a smart Penaia Nagatalevu cross. The match was played at a fast pace with both sides having some goal scoring chances. It was a see-saw battle before Faazil Faizul Ali scored a goal that many didn’t expect. Ali took a shot from outside the box which Rewa goalkeeper, Jolame Domonikibau, caught but the ball rolled out of his hands and into the goal.Patrick Joseph brought the Delta Tigers back into the from the penalty in the second half Gabiriele Matanisiga was brought down by goalkeeper Alzaar Alam. The Delta Tigers turned up in the second spell hungry for goals and they equalized through veteran Tevita Waranivalu who followed through on a powerful Matanisiga cross. In other results, Vantex Solutions Navua defeated Partlink Automotive/Star Pools/Manasa Export/Equipment Express Nadroga 5-2 and AAAK & Esy Kool Air Conditioning Nadi drew 4-all with 4R Electric Ba. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Novak Djokovic underlines ‘brutal’ challenge of Shanghai Masters after record-extending win
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 Novak Djokovic admitted he is “trying to stay alive” at the Shanghai Masters as the 38-year-old overcame the “brutal” conditions and more physical issues to reach the semi-finals. Djokovic advanced to a record-extending 80th semi-final at ATP 1000 level as he defeated the Belgian Zizou Bergs 6-3 7-5, but was left gasping for air after the longer rallies as well as holding his left ankle in between points. The 24-time grand slam champion had collapsed during his previous win over Jaume Munar due to the extreme heat and humidity and admitted he is giving “everything” as he seeks to win a fifth Shanghai title, with the opportunity opening up after Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the tournament and Jannik Sinner retired in the third round. open image in gallery Djokovic has an opportunity to win a 41st Masters title with Alcaraz and Sinner sidelined (REUTERS) “Just trying stay alive on the court,” said Djokovic, who extended another record by becoming the oldest ever Masters semi-finalist at 38 years and four months, having also reached the Miami Open final earlier this season. “First encounter with Bergs, great guy, a lot of firepower. I was trying to get an extra ball into play and make him miss, that’s what happened. “It’s very challenging conditions for all players this week. I’m just trying to stay alive and I’m glad to overcome this hurdle.” Djokovic came through some testing moments in the first set, including a nine-minute service hold in the seventh game of the match that left the Serbian doubling over and gulping air. open image in gallery Djokovic was left gasping for air as he battled the World No 44 Zizou Bergs (AP) He saved two break points to stay ahead but limped back to his chair and removed his shirt while dabbing his body with an ice-mit at the changeover. After some spirited resistance from Bergs, Djokovic converted his sixth set point. Both players were dominant on serve at the start of the second set until a loose game from Bergs gave Djokovic the opportunity to serve for the match at 5-4. Djokovic could not close it out, but then broke Bergs with an extraordinary defensive point that saw the 38-year-old retrieve a series of overhead smashes from behind the baseline. Bergs folded as he eventually missed on the forehand, with Djokovic pointing to his ear. And the reason for Bergs crumbling under the pressure was quickly revealed. After Djokovic served out the win at the second attempt, as the 26-year-old Bergs yelled out, “Man, I gotta stop idolising you” while shaking hands with Djokovic at the net. There will be an even greater disparity in terms of experience when Djokovic plays his semi-final on Saturday, after the qualifier Valentin Vacherot stunned Holger Rune to become the lowest-ranked player to advance to the semi-finals of an ATP 1000 event in 26 years. World No 204 Vacherot is the first player representing Monaco to reach an ATP Tour semi-final, and could yet be joined in the semi-finals by his cousin, the French player Arthur Rinderkneck, who will look to back up his win over Alexander Zverev when he takes on Felix Auger-Aliassime on Friday. “It’s great for Monegasque tennis!” Djokovic said. “We have one of our biggest tournaments in Monaco and I’m very glad for him and his coach Benjamin Balleret, his coach I’ve known for many years, trained with him while being based in Monaco over the last 15 years. open image in gallery Valentin Vacherot is the second-lowest ranked semi-finalist in ATP 1000 history (Getty Images) “Amazing story for him. This tournament has taken out many top players – I don’t know how many – but it’s very impressive what he’s doing.” After already beating Alexander Bublik, Tomas Machac and Tallon Griekspoor this week, Vacherot has now defeated four top-32 players to become the first qualifier to reach the Shanghai semi-finals in tournament history. He will play Djokovic for the first time. “I didn’t come as a qualifier, I came as an alternate. I wasn’t even sure I was going to play qualifying,” Vacherot said in his on-court interview. “This is just unbelievable. The last win meant already so much to me. This one means even more. “It was tough not to think about it on match point, also breaking the top 100. I know this is just a step, but I tried not to look at the rankings for this whole tournament. “I had read that if I won, I would break the top 100, but this is just unbelievable for me. I cannot wait for [the semi-final]. I’m just so happy and living the dream.” Djokovic is bidding to win his record-extending fifth Shanghai title and is the highest-ranked player remaining in the draw after World No 1 Alcaraz withdrew before the start of the tournament and defending champion Sinner succumbed to the conditions as he retired from his third-round match on Sunday.
FMF IDC 2025: Semifinal Battles Set for Govind Park
The FMF Inter District Championship 2025 is heading into its decisive stage, with two mouth-watering semifinal clashes scheduled for Saturday at 4R Stadium, Govind Park in Ba. Fans can expect high drama, fierce rivalries, and standout performances as Fiji’s top football teams battle for a place in the grand final. The day kicks off with the Senior Division semifinals. At 10:00 AM, Lami FC will face Bua FC at Govind Park, while at the same time, Rakiraki FC will clash with Dreketi FC at the Fiji FA Academy Ground in Ba. Adding a nostalgic flavor to the schedule, the Rewa Legends will take on the Ba Legends at 12:30 PM, rekindling memories of past rivalries between the two giants of Fijian football. The opening Super Premier semifinal at 2pm brings together Extra Supermarket Labasa FC and hosts RC Manubhai Ba FC in a Northern–Western blockbuster. Labasa have looked sharp all tournament, blending defensive resilience with attacking creativity. Their swift transitions and ability to grind out results have made them one of the favorites. But Ba remain a formidable force on home turf. The “Men in Black” held Rewa to a thrilling 2-2 draw in their final group match before 7,027 passionate fans. Local hero Nabil Begg opened the scoring, while Faazil Ali doubled the advantage with a spectacular strike. With the home crowd behind them, Ba will look to unsettle Labasa with their pace on the wings and physical dominance in attack. The second semifinal promises fireworks as Stratum Construction Rewa FC take on Power Volt Suva FC at 4,30pm Rewa finished on top of Group B after showing tremendous resilience to come from two goals down and draw with Ba. Goals from Patrick Joseph (penalty) and veteran Tevita Waranivalu highlighted the Delta Tigers’ never-say-die spirit. Midfield dynamo Gabiriele Matanisiga will again be central to their chances of unlocking Suva’s defense. Suva, meanwhile, brings discipline, structure, and clinical finishing to the contest. With a solid backline and pacey forwards, the Capital City side will aim to frustrate Rewa while striking decisively on the counter. Both semifinals are rich with history, pride, and passion. With packed stands expected at Govind Park, the FMF IDC 2025 semifinals are set to deliver goals, drama, and unforgettable moments. The winners will advance to the grand final, where the new IDC champion will be crowned on Sunday at 3:00 PM.
Graham Lee: Jockey on life after Newcastle fall which left him paralysed
Even when he won the National, Lee was soon thinking about racing the next day. He wishes he had “lived in the moment” and says the accident has given him fresh perspective. “I can’t reach my ear. I can’t reach my forehead. I can’t give my wife a cuddle. When Rob plays a football match, I can’t put my arm round him and say ‘well done kidda’ or watch Amy perform in her musical theatre and give her a hug and say ‘that was class,’” he says. “I’m not moaning, it’s just made me realise that when I was riding it was the be-all and end-all and I did it to the best of my ability. There’s more to life, isn’t there?” Irishman Lee, who is based in North Yorkshire, is grateful for the support he has received from family, friends, colleagues and the Injured Jockeys’ Fund (IJF). “It’s been really tough but the help we’ve had has been incredible,” Becky tells the documentary. “Anyone would do it for their partner, the father of their children. The IJF have been here anytime, night and day.” Lee receives physiotherapy and other help at the Matt Hampson Foundation Get Busy Living Centre in Leicestershire. It was set up by former rugby player Hampson, who was also paralysed after an accident. “Graham is just one of the nicest people in the world and he doesn’t understand why people care about him,” says Tilly Cumming – the foundation’s clinical lead. “I think it must be something that is very difficult to get your head round, when you are very driven and your job involves a lot of physicality – to have a high-level spinal injury that means all of that is taken away.” Despite being told by a spinal-cord consultant that he will never walk again, Lee remains adamant it could be a possibility. “Although he could be right, I’m not willing to accept that,” he says. “Hopefully science somewhere, some day, sooner rather than later – something will happen.” The irony of being injured on the Flat, when there is a greater risk in jump races, is not lost on the former jockey. “It’s mad. There’s no rules, when you think of the falls I took, which every jump jockey gets, and I had a lot of bad injuries,” he adds. “Bones heal, some bad head injuries which all healed, and then you get a fall on the Flat, not even in a race, in the stalls, and I’ve hit the deck from five feet, and this doesn’t heal. And this is what is a complete mind warp. “It’s so difficult for me to get my head around what has happened. I never sat still. But the only good thing to come of my injury is I’ve met some incredible people, that I’ve never met before. “We keep going, we keep hoping something will happen somewhere because if you don’t have hope, you’ve got nothing.”