分类： sports

Collen Kebinatshipi, the 21-year-old sprint sensation from Botswana, has set his sights on breaking Wayde van Niekerk’s 400m world record after his historic gold medal win at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo last month. Kebinatshipi clocked an impressive 43.53 seconds, the 10th-fastest time in history, to claim the title, becoming the first male athlete from Botswana to achieve such a feat. Van Niekerk’s world record of 43.03 seconds, set during the 2016 Rio Olympics, remains the benchmark Kebinatshipi aspires to surpass. ‘Records are meant to be broken,’ Kebinatshipi confidently stated in an interview with Newsday on the BBC World Service. ‘If I stay focused and injury-free, everything is possible.’ His victory in Tokyo was a surprise even to himself, as he had narrowly missed the Olympic final in Paris 2024. ‘My goal was just to reach the final in Tokyo,’ he admitted. ‘I didn’t expect to win a medal so soon.’ Kebinatshipi’s triumph was followed by a unique celebration—push-ups on the Tokyo track—a tribute to his compatriot Isaac Makwala, who famously performed the same act during the 2017 World Championships. Kebinatshipi’s success extended to the 4x400m relay, where he anchored Botswana to a thrilling gold medal, edging out the United States and South Africa by a mere seven hundredths of a second. The team’s victory was celebrated with a national holiday in Botswana, marking a turning point in Kebinatshipi’s career. ‘This is just the start,’ he said. ‘I have to stay focused for what’s to come in the next decade.’

When Ashleigh Plumptre received an offer from Saudi Arabia in 2023, her initial reaction was to decline. The Nigerian international defender, whose contract with Leicester City was nearing its end, sought a new challenge that would inspire her both personally and professionally. After negotiations and a visit to the Middle East, Plumptre decided to make history by becoming the first player to transition from the Women’s Super League (WSL) to the Saudi Women’s Premier League (SWPL). Two years later, she has extended her contract with Jeddah-based Al-Ittihad and is determined to challenge Western stereotypes about life for female athletes in Saudi Arabia. However, she acknowledges the loss of trust from some LGBT fans and admits that Saudi women’s football has significant room for improvement both on and off the pitch. Born in England, Plumptre switched her international allegiance to Nigeria, the homeland of her paternal grandfather. Her decision to join Al-Ittihad, facilitated by her father and agent, Tim, was driven by a sense of opportunity rather than financial gain. The SWPL, launched in 2022, features 24 teams divided into three leagues, with clubs permitted to sign up to six foreign players. While the men’s Saudi Pro League has attracted global stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, the women’s league is still in its infancy. Plumptre’s move sparked controversy, particularly among LGBT supporters, given Saudi Arabia’s strict laws against same-sex relations. Despite this, she emphasizes her commitment to the project and her belief in the potential for growth in Saudi women’s football. Plumptre’s experience in Saudi Arabia has been largely positive, with her feeling safer and more at ease in Jeddah than in the UK. She highlights the supportive environment within her gated community and the respectful treatment she receives. However, she acknowledges the challenges faced by Saudi women, including the lingering influence of the guardianship system. On the pitch, Plumptre notes the disparity in skill levels between international and local players and the lack of fan attendance at games. She remains optimistic about the league’s future, advocating for gradual progress and realistic goals rather than rushing to host major tournaments like the Women’s World Cup. Plumptre’s journey represents a bold step in the evolution of women’s football in Saudi Arabia, blending personal ambition with a commitment to fostering change in a traditionally conservative society.

In a dramatic turnaround, South Africa secured a commanding six-wicket victory against New Zealand in the ICC Women’s World Cup held in Indore. This win marked a stark contrast to their crushing 10-wicket defeat by England just days earlier. South Africa, led by Tazmin Brits’ remarkable century, showcased resilience and skill to outclass their opponents. Brits, who scored 101 runs off 89 deliveries, played a pivotal role in the victory, supported by Sune Luus’ unbeaten 81. The Proteas chased down New Zealand’s total of 231 with ease, reaching the target in just 40.5 overs. New Zealand, despite a promising start, faltered in both batting and fielding, leading to their downfall. Sophie Devine’s 85 runs were the highlight for the Kiwis, but their inability to capitalize on key moments cost them dearly. This victory positions South Africa as strong contenders in the tournament, while New Zealand faces mounting pressure to secure a spot in the top four. The match also highlighted Brits’ exceptional form, as she became the first woman to score five ODI centuries in a calendar year. South Africa now looks ahead to their next challenge against India, while New Zealand prepares to face Bangladesh.

The race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup spots in Africa is heating up as the group stage of the qualifiers approaches its climax. With seven places available, the competition is fierce, and only the nine group winners are guaranteed a spot in the expanded 48-team tournament. Morocco and Tunisia have already secured their places, while other teams are fighting tooth and nail to join them. Cape Verde is on the verge of making history with their first-ever World Cup appearance, needing just one more victory. Egypt and Algeria are also in strong positions, with three points from their next two games likely securing their spots. The four best-ranked second-placed teams will enter play-offs next month, with the winners getting another chance to qualify via an intercontinental route. Continental heavyweights like Cameroon and Nigeria are in danger of missing out, adding to the drama. Egypt has a five-point lead over Burkina Faso and is expected to secure qualification with a win against Djibouti. Burkina Faso, Senegal, and DR Congo are also in the mix, with Senegal holding a one-point lead in Group B. South Africa’s chances took a hit after FIFA ruled they fielded an ineligible player, turning a 2-0 win into a 3-0 forfeit. Cape Verde’s shock victory over Cameroon has put them in a strong position, while Morocco has already qualified with two games to spare. Ivory Coast, Gabon, Algeria, and Tunisia are also in strong positions, with Ghana leading their group. The final rounds of qualifiers promise to be thrilling, with much still to be decided.

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has announced a significant expansion of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon), increasing the number of participating teams from 12 to 16 starting from the 2026 edition. This decision marks a pivotal moment for women’s football on the continent, reflecting Caf’s commitment to fostering growth and inclusivity in the sport. The upcoming 2025 tournament in Morocco will still feature 12 teams, with the qualifying process already in its final round. However, the expansion will necessitate an additional preliminary round, where 11 nations will compete for the remaining four spots. Further details are expected to be unveiled following discussions at Caf’s executive committee meeting in Kinshasa. Since its inception in 1998, Wafcon has evolved from an eight-team competition to its current 12-team format, which resumed in 2022 after a hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Caf’s investment in women’s football has been substantial, with this year’s tournament in Morocco seeing a 45% increase in the prize pool to $3.45 million. Nigeria, the reigning champions, were awarded $1 million for securing their record-extending 10th title. Caf President Patrice Motsepe expressed optimism about the progress made in women’s football, emphasizing the importance of fair compensation and career opportunities for female athletes. ‘I am pleased with the progress we’ve made in women’s African football,’ Motsepe stated. ‘Part of my starting point is making sure [men and women] are paid well and they can make a career out of football. I can assure you women’s football will continue to improve because that is an area we are focusing on a lot.’