Symcox quits the commentary box

Pat Symcox, the former South Africa offspinner, has announced he will quit as a TV commentator after the South Africa-India series at the end of the year.

Symcox told The Wisden Cricketer (South Africa) that pay and the inability to be allowed to speak his mind were the major reasons for his decision.

"I spent 138 days being involved in cricket last year," he explained. "And if you're doing that, you really can't do justice to anything else. And if you're going to spend that amount of time working, then you've got to be paid accordingly ... and unfortunately SuperSport don't. And coupled to that, there are issues which need to be talked about in South African cricket, and you've got to be prepared sometimes to call a spade a shovel - and again SuperSport don't fit into that category at the moment. So it was time for me to move on."

Symcox will devote his time to his own estate agency which sells property along the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, and his collection of over 2000 cricket books.

And will he miss the game? "My family is one of 10 South African families who've played first-class cricket over three generations," he said. "So cricket runs deep with us ... but like I say, it's time to move on now.

"I've left SuperSport. I will be working for ESPN on India's tour of South Africa later this year, but viewers in South Africa won't hear me, unfortunately. And after that, I won't be involved in cricket any more. That's it from me."

BAFANA BAFANA TO TAKE ON THE PHAROAHS IN THE NELSON MANDELA CHALLENGE

The South African Football Association today announced that an International Friendly Charity match between the Senior National Teams of South Africa and Egypt will take place at Griffin Park, Brentford in London. The game is scheduled for Wednesday 15th November 2006, at 20h00. This match is to honour His Excellency, Nelson Mandela, in support of the “Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund”.

Egypt, the current African Champions are expected to provide tough opposition for South Africa, hosts of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ - the first African country to do so. Having met seven times since South Africa’s re-admission in 1992, South Africa leads the winning stakes 4 - 3. Bafana Bafana’s wins were: 2–0 in 1995; 2-1 in 1998; 1-0 in 2001; 2-1 in 2006. Egypt has won the following matches: 1-0 in 1996 (the only country to defeat South Africa during the Africa Cup of Nations that was eventually won by Bafana Bafana); 2-0 in 1998; 2-1 in 2003. All these matches have been tightly contested affairs and the expectation is for the same to happen in the forthcoming match.

Co-Coaches Khabo Zondo and Pitso Mosimane announced a Team that includes top international players like the captain, Aaron Mokoena of Blackburn Rovers in England; Siyabonga Nomvete, based in Aalborg, Denmark; Sibusiso Zuma and Steven Pienaar play in Germany for Arminia Bielefeld and Borussia Dortmund respectively, etc. These players have been mixed with local-based players like: Rowen Fernandez of Kaizer Chiefs; Siphiwe Tshabalala of Free State Stars; Ricardo Katza of Supersport United; Mlungisi Gumbi of Golden Arrows, etc. A new call-up for Matthew Pattison who plays for Newcastle United in England has been made.

Egypt is expected to also bring an equally formidable squad capable of maintaining their mantle as Champions of Africa.

Proceeds from this match will be donated to the worthy cause of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund as it has been done in the past.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, Sibongile Mkhabela, “The staging of the annual Nelson Mandela Challenge match represents our proud association with the South African Football Association (SAFA) in bringing awareness to the work we do on behalf of children and youth, both in the sporting fraternity and the general public locally and internationally.

As the standing beneficiary of the Tournament, National Teams that have featured against our National Team, Bafana Bafana, have not only brought cheer to soccer-loving spectators but also assisted to use the good game as a tool to spread the message of goodwill in as far as children’s well being and youth development is concerned.

The acceptance by the Pharaohs of Egypt to pit their skills against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana fits well within the spirit of renaissance that is sweeping the continent. And staging the tournament in London, featuring two teams from the continent, helps to extend this message of goodwill as well as raise global awareness of the organisation’s development objectives.

Better than Pietersen

"I've got a very good mate who is a better player than me. He's called Grant Rowley" - Kevin Pietersen, October 2006.

That is the start of a shocking article from the BBC about just how the denied quota system in South African cricket is changing the game. I am not saying that it is making it any better or worse, but the fact that South Africa are not the 2nd best team in the world anymore might just be a result.

Read the article on a player and probably plenty more, who are better than Kevin and still din't get regular starts...

Le Tour Route 2007

Tour de France organisers hope they have a thriller on their hands after unveiling the route map for next year's cycling showpiece event on Thursday.

Tour director Christian Prudhomme, who takes over from the departing Jean-Marie Leblanc, has designed his first Tour de France route, the only legacy from Leblanc being the departure from London on July 7 at the start of a 3,500-km race.

"For the first time in 20 years, the last mountain stage will finish at the summit," he told reporters.

"And the stage comes after a rest day, when riders never know how they will feel. The yellow jersey holder better not be in a bad day at that point of the race.

"After the Alps, nothing will be done. We will have the answer later as the difficulties will crescendo in the Pyrenees with the summit finish at the Col de l'Aubisque," said Prudhomme.

"It is going to be the toughest stage of the Tour."

Prudhomme denied the 2007 Tour de France would be tougher than last year's, even though it features six mountain stages instead of five.

"There are more moutain stages but no more first or second category passes. Actually, there will be 21 of them to last year's 22," he said.

Prudhomme said he hoped doping would not rear its head next year but admitted that it was a problem whenever money and medals were on offer.

American Floyd Landis tested positive for an excessive amount of the male hormone testosterone on his way to victory after an incredible comeback last year.

Landis, who remains determined to prove his innocence at an American Arbitration Association hearing early next year, will be stripped of his title and banned for two years if his appeal fails.

One notable change from previous tours was the scrapping of the traditional transfer day taking the riders closer to the mountains at the end of the first week.

The first individual time trial will be staged at the end of the second week in Albi, and there will be no team time trial like last year.

The opening 8-km prologue in London will start on Whitehall, near Trafalgar Square, and finish on The Mall.

A day later, the riders will travel out of London through the city's financial district to Kent and finish the stage in the historic cathedral city of Canterbury.

After leaving England, the 2007 Tour will pay Belgium a brief visit before heading to Burgundy and then the Alps, where the first rest day will be taken in Tignes.

The riders will then head for the Pyrenees with fhe final and potentially decisive time trial will be held on July 28, the penultimate day of the Tour, over 55 km between Cognac and Angouleme.

The traditional run in to the Champs Elysees will start outside Paris in Marcoussis, home of the national rugby team's training camp, in recognition of the 2007 World Cup being held in France later in the year.

We Spending How Much????

The South African government plans to spend 15 billion rands (C$2.2 billion) on new stadiums and related infrastructure for the 2010 World Cup.

Finance Minister Trevor Manuel told parliament Wednesday that preparations for the tournament - the first to be held in Africa - were one of the country's top spending priorities for the next three years.

"The hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup provides South Africa and the region with a one-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase our land and our hospitality in a sporting festival that knows no bounds," Manuel said while presenting his medium term budget to 2009-10.

"Hosting this event will require the effort of all South Africans," Manuel told parliament, with a delegation from FIFA in the gallery.

Hoping to ease fears by foreign tourists about the rampant rate of violent crime and theft, Manuel promised to boost spending on the criminal justice system and recruit an additional 10,000 police officers by 2010 to increase their physical presence on the streets.




The government hopes the World Cup will leave a lasting legacy for South Africa by pumping billions into the economy and create hundreds of thousands of desperately needed new jobs, and in particular jump start its struggling transport system.

The transport ministry has started upgrading the nation's airports _ including construction of a new one in the coastal city of Durban _ to cope with the anticipated 450,000 foreign tourists expected to flood into the country.

It is spending 5 billion rands (C$745 million) to improve the railway network and nearly 8 billion rands (C$1.2 billion) to modernize the fleet of aging and often dangerous minibus taxis which form the backbone of the transport system.

Manuel said of the additional 15 billion rand spending on the World Cup, 8.4 billion rands (C$1.3 billion) was to build or upgrade 10 stadiums and the rest for infrastructure around the stadiums.

The budget announcement coincided with a two-day seminar organized by FIFA for local organizers, business representatives and corporate sponsors.

"This is a good day for South Africa and a good day for the 2010 World Cup," FIFA spokesman Markus Siegler said.

Danny Jordaan, the head of the organizing committee, said the 8.4 billion rands pledged for stadiums exceeded budget estimates of 8.3 billion rands.

"All of the funding has been secured," Jordaan said.

Manuel's announcement on additional spending had been eagerly awaited by cities hosting matches. Cape Town, in particular, has been reluctant to press ahead with the new 68,000-seat stadium before getting central government commitment on funding.

In his budget announcement, Manuel did not break down the allocation between cities.

Johannesburg representative Sibongile Mazibuko said that cities would start stadium construction as planned in January.

Johannesburg is set to host the opening match and the final, while Cape Town and Durban are due to host semifinal matches. The other venues are Port Elizabeth, Pretoria, Nelspruit, Bloemfontein, Polokwane and Rustenberg.

Jordaan dismissed concerns that South Africa was behind schedule and wouldn't be ready on time.

He said that South Africa, which was kicked out of FIFA in 1976 because of its apartheid policies and its separate soccer associations for different races, had met FIFA demands for readmission in 1992 by scrapping racial segregation laws and ending decades of injustice.

That, he said, was a far tougher task than organizing the World Cup.

"If we can liberate our country, why can't we build our stadiums?" Jordaan said.

Hunter goes to Barloworld

South African-sponsored professional continental cycling team, Team Barloworld, today confirmed that Robert Hunter, South Africa’s most talented export to the European cycling circuit, will join the team from 2007.

The 29-year old Robbie Hunter is rated as one of the world’s top sprinters and will bring more than just his seven years experience into the team. Hunters’ impressive 29 victories are testament to his superb achievements, while his most notable achievements include having competed in the world’s most prestigious races with five appearances in the Tour de France, once in the Giro d’Italia and three times in the Tour of Spain where he won two stages and both the points and sprints jerseys.

“A combination of team work and individual excellence defines what Team Barloworld and Barloworld are all about. This is the team and company’s brand philosophy and a rider like Robbie Hunter obviously fits this philosophy perfectly because he can contribute on both fronts. We are thrilled to have this world class rider joining our team. We need experienced riders in our team if we are to continue to take on the best in the cycling world, said Chris Fisher, Head of Corporate Marketing, Barloworld.

Says Robbie Hunter, “I’ve always wanted to ride for a South African-sponsored team and Team Barloworld have certainly proven to their critics that they are a competitive team who are entrenching themselves in the international cycling circuit.”

“I’m looking forward to joining the team and taking direction from the highly respected Claudio Corti and his management team.”

The Godfather of SA Soccer speaks out over 2010

The mounting doubts regarding South Africa's ability to stage a successful World Cup in 2010 were based on inherent world-wide suspicions regarding Africa's ability to "do things right."

This was the view expressed on Wednesday by Local Organising Committee (LOC) chairman Irvin Khoza at a media briefing in Johannesburg, prior to a workshop with Fifa officials later in the week and the release of the escalating tournament budget in excess of R12 billion that is due to be announced by Minister of Finance Trevor Manuel in parliament next week.

"It is our paramount challenge to prove the sceptics and detractors wrong," added Khoza, who with LOC CEO Danny Jordaan proclaimed everything was on track for the world's greatest individual sports event.

Answering concerns expressed by Fifa president Sepp Blatter recently that while all the plans, organising and financing of the World Cup seemed to be in order, he was a little perturbed that "no picks and shovels were yet operating on the ground", Jordaan said the planning phase was an enormous project in itself.

"But everything is running as planned," said Khoza. "Work on the five new World Cup stadiums is scheduled to start at the beginning of next year and the time tables for completion are well within the time periods required by Fifa."

Regarding the festering issue of rampant crime affecting the World Cup, Jordaan said this was "not a soccer problem, but a problem for every South African.

"And," he added, "it is something that has to be tackled now, not in 2010. At the same time, South Africa has staged 11 major international events in the past decade or so and there have been no serious incidents."

Khoza revealed that the LOC had recommended the 2010 World Cup be staged during the June-July period, but a final decision on dates had still to be taken by Fifa -- and weather factors, particularly in regard to areas like Cape Town, could be a consideration.

Khoza, who is also chairman of South Africa's internal professional organisation, The Premier Soccer League, said the problem of ground availability for domestic and international competition in South Africa prior to the World Cup has been examined.

"Five of the World Cup stadiums are new constructions and will therefore not affect the present situation," he added, "and we believe we will be able to cope without the use of FNB Stadium, Ellis Park, Bloemfontein Stadium, Loftus and the Royal Bafokeng Palace for a limited period."

Powerade Ozzie Gladwin Canoe Marathon

In the ‘50s and ‘60s communication during the annual Hansa Powerade Dusi was a problem until Ozzie Gladwin, a Natal Canoe Club member, rigged a radio from the second world war into the back of his Chevy.

Families, friends and supporters of paddlers in the Dusi were kept up-to-date through Ozzie’s hourly reports from the Valley of a Thousand Hills.

To mark the contribution that Ozzie made to the Hansa Powerade Dusi, a race held in late October at Albert Falls is named after him.

Natal Canoe Club are restructuring the races that they hold each year and the good news is that the Powerade Ozzie Gladwin will have some added attraction come race day on Sunday October 29.

“We are thrilled to get TV for the first time ever” said Paul Firman chairman of the organising club.

“We have secured a 15 cumecs of clean water released, courtesy of Umgeni Water, for the race and we already have had calls from paddlers up country expressing their delight.

“Our plan is to revamp a few of the races we have and we are starting with the Ozzie Gladwin. We have contracted the services of Dusi promoter, Ray de Vries, to take the race to the next level. We will make a statement soon regarding the Lance Park memorial race that the club puts on.

“The Natal Canoe Club is the home of the Hansa Powerade Dusi which is now the worlds’ largest canoe marathon and every activity that we have will be geared around the Dusi and it’s sponsors” said Firman.

The Powerade Ozzie Gladwin takes place at Bon Accord at Albert Falls on 29 October at 09h00.

Entries are available at the usual venues, leading canoe shops and online at www.kncu.co.za

Pakistan pair fail doping tests

Pakistan have withdrawn fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif from the Champions Trophy in India after positive drugs tests.

The tests were carried out by the Pakistan Cricket Board three weeks ago and showed positive results for performance-enhancing drugs.

Pakistan are due to begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Sri Lanka in Jaipur on Tuesday.

The PCB said it would make a statement later on Monday.

The Pakistan team cancelled their scheduled morning training session following the news.

The International Cricket Council is also conducting random doping tests during the eight-nation Champions Trophy, ranked second only to the World Cup among the sport's limited-overs events.

But chief executive Malcolm Speed said it would be the PCB who would deal with the matter as they had carried out the testing before the tournament began.

He confirmed the players had tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs.

Speed told BBC Five Live: "We (the ICC) take a zero tolerance approach to doping in cricket. We are a signatory to the World Anti Doping Agency code.

"It is very disappointing this has happened, it is very disappointing for these players but we will get to the bottom of it in the next day or so."

Shoaib and Asif have both recently returned to action after spending most of the summer injured.

Shoaib, 31, underwent a double knee operation in February and 23-year-old Asif has been struggling with an elbow injury.

Drugs in sport have become a huge issue but Speed said cricket did not have a worrying problem with performance-enhancing or recreational drugs.

He added: "Generally cricket has been considered a low-risk sport. The risk for cricket has always been a player who is injured taking a substance inadvisedly to come back quickly from injury."

Australia spinner Shane Warne was banned from cricket for a year in 2003 for testing positive for two separate diuretics, hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride.

The latest incident comes after a torrid six weeks for Pakistan Cricket.

In August, Pakistan forfeited The Oval Test in a row over alleged ball-tampering and this led to captain Inzamam-ul-Haq being banned for four games for bringing the game into disrepute.

Tour manager Zaheer Abbas was relieved of his duties. Inzamam's replacement for the Champions Trophy, Younis Khan, initially refused to lead the side, saying he did not want to be a "dummy" captain.

Former PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan then quit the next day because of his decision and his replacement Nasim Ashraf reinstated Younis as skipper.

Malcolm Lange in great shape

The Pick ‘n Pay Amashovashova National Classic is all set for a showdown come October 22 in the elite men’s race. The news that Robbie Hunter is back from Europe to ride in the Amashova has thrown down the gauntlet to other pro riders.

“Robbie isn’t back in SA as a tourist, he is here to go for the win. I know he is in great shape and I think that he will be tough to beat on the day” said hot favourite, Malcolm Lange from Johannesburg yesterday.

Still holding pride of place on the cycling star’s wall at home is a photo of when he first won the Pick 'n Pay Amashovashova National Classic back in 1991. Now, 15 years on, Lange is still one of the hot favourites in the race which takes place between Pietermaritzburg and Durban on Sunday. The 33-year-old, who has won the race five times, is ready to race.

"Sentimentally, this race is one of my favourites," admitted Lange. "We all really look forward to going to KZN. It's a hilly race, but without any major climbs. We enjoy the route and the weather," he said. "I still have a photo of my first win in 1991 up on my wall at home. That year I was 17, and I managed to beat Andrew McLean and Willie Engelbrecht, and it is still a very special memory.

Lange, with the help of his dedicated Microsoft teamates, is tipped as one of the favourites for the race.

“I don’t think it is going to be a bunch sprint, I am hoping that we can open the race up – it would be good if we could split the group up early as we can then race. This would get us a good result I think” said Lange.

“I have won my last four races and I am feeling really good for next week. In fact I am probably in the best shape of my life right now. I have always done well at the Amashova and with probably one more season left in me, I would love to take this one” said a confident Lange.

With the road closed to vehicular traffic for the whole race, it is down to racing for the pro riders.

The elite men and u23 start times have been moved forward to 06h15 to accommodate live TV. The elite ladies will start at 06h25.

The ladies race is expected to be fought out between Ronel van Wyk and Anriette Schoeman. Both riders are previous winners of the race and are shown to be in good form.

The stage is set for a thrilling spectacle as more than 8000 riders ride the Road of Champions and enjoy the special attractions and hospitality of KwaZulu-Natal - and the event entrenches the Zulu Kingdom's reputation as the sporting capital of South Africa.

The race will be televised live on SABC 2 from 06h00 to 10h00 on race day for the first time and organisers are confident that this will be a huge boost for the marketing of the event and the region as a whole.

Spectators are encouraged to support the thousands of cyclists on the route.

Late entries will be accepted subject to a late entry fee on October 19, 20 and 21 at the Expo at the Suncoast Casino.

For further information please go to www.shova.co.za

FOUR NEW CAPS FOR BOKS WITH SENIOR PLAYERS RESTED

Springbok coach Jake White named four new call-ups to his 28 men squad while giving a few senior players resting time for their end of year tour to the United Kingdom.

Free State Cheetahs fullback Bevan Fortuin, Blue Bulls flanker Hilton Lobberts, Lions centre Jaco Pretorius and Sharks flyhalf Francois Steyn are the four new members in WhiteÆs squad.

Fortuin's call-up has not been surprising as the thick haired former SWD Eagles player has been a vital cog in the transformation of the Currie Cup champions.

SA Under-21 flanker Lobbert's, too, has had a sterling season after coming into Bulls team on the back of injuries to Tim Dlulane and Johan Wasserman.

Pretorius, the SA Sevens captain, played a major role in the revitalization of the Lions who narrowly missed out on playing in the semifinal of the Currie Cup after forging a late eight match unbeaten run.

It is the selection of Steyn that will raise an eyebrow or two as the SA under-21 player has only played in a handful of Currie Cup matches for the Sharks this season.

"He played fullback, flyhalf and centre for the SA under-19 team as well. I phoned his school, Grey College and they gave me all the facts and figures of him as an athlete. He could probably have played anywhere. He is 105kg, and kicks for posts and he is one of those players we can look at going forward." White said.

Os du Rand, Victor Matfield, Fourie du Preez, Bryan Habana, Percy Montgomery and Breyton Paulse have been rested.

White has also recalled veteran lock Johan Ackermann to the team after a five year absence from international rugby by the 36-year-old Sharks player.

White said that injuries were one of the factors for the changes, but he also wanted to see how some of his squad members react without the senior experienced members of the squad.

ôIt is an opportunity for guys like Albert van den Berg and Johan Muller to take charge of the lineouts. When you have Victor there it is all calm and Victor runs the lineouts. For us as a coaching staff it is nice to give some other guys the head role in the set-pieces. It is not just a case of resting players, a lot of players have niggling injuries and there is a bigger picture of playing players in the World Cup. "We saw the impact we had of losing top players this year,ö White said referring to the loss of Schalk Burger, Bakkies Botha, Ashwin Willemse and Gurthro Steenkamp.

"We have taken the decision to make sure that this doesn't happen again next year.'

The convenor of selectors, Peter Jooste, also announced that five players would join the Boks for their final game against the World XV in Leceister.

Winger Jonghikaya Nokwe, scrumhalf Bolla Conradie, centre De Wet Barry, lock Selborne Boome and flank Wikus van Heerden will make the trip as White looks to rest some of his players at the end of the tour.

Springbok squad: Johan Ackermann, BJ Botha, Gary Botha, Jacques Cronje, Deon Carstens, Jean de Villiers, Jaque Fourie, Bevan Fortuin, Butch James, Ricky Januarie, Hilton Lobberts, Johann Muller, Akona Ndungane, Wynand Olivier, Ruan Pienaar, JP Pietersen, Jaco Pretorius, Andre Pretorius, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Danie Rossouw, Lawrence Sephaka, John Smit, Juan Smith, Pierre Spies, Albert van den Berg, CJ van der Linde, Pedrie Wannenburg, Francois Steyn.

Blues host Crusaders in Super 14 opener

New Zealand's Auckland Blues will host last year's winners the Canterbury Crusaders in the opening Vodacom Super 14 match when the 2007 competition begins in February, organisers SANZAR said on Friday.

The competition will start a week earlier next year to allow for the Rugby World Cup in France.

The Blues will play the Crusaders at Eden Park on February 2. The Auckland side has contested the first match for the past two years.

New Zealand and South Africa both have five sides in the competition, while Australia have four.

The identity of South Africa's fifth team has yet to be confirmed after SA Rugby reviewed an earlier plan to relegate the lowest-placed franchise.

New Zealand sides have won nine of the 11 Super 12 or Super 14 competitions, with six taken by the Canterbury Crusaders and three by the Blues. Australia's Canberra-based Brumbies are the only other side to have won a title, on two occasions.

Other opening-round fixtures have the Perth-based Western Force at home to New Zealand's Otago Highlanders, the Waikato Chiefs playing Australia's Brumbies in Hamilton, and the Queensland Reds at home in Brisbane to the Wellington Hurricanes.

South African side the Cheetahs host the Stormers in Bloemfontein, while the Sharks play the Bulls in Durban. The fifth South African side will be at home to Australia's Waratahs.

The semifinals of the Super 14 will be held on May 11-12 with the final a week later on May 19.

On Wednesday, SANZAR said the 2007 Tri-Nations series between Australia, New Zealand and South Africa would be reduced to a six-test competition to give the teams extra time to prepare for the World Cup in France, which kicks off on September 7.

CRICKET BACK IN THE FRAME WHEN CHAMPIONS TROPHY ACTION STARTS

Cricket administrators are hoping the on-field action will overshadow the controversy, raging disputes and lopsided qualifying matches when the limited-overs Champions Trophy begins Sunday.

With the final two pool spots yet to be finalized, the attention has so far been on South African player Herschelle Gibbs' return to India six years after being implicated in a match-fixing case by New Delhi's police and a rift between host India and the ICC over commercial considerations.

The ongoing qualifying competition has resulted in several lopsided games in which Bangladesh and Zimbabwe have failed to provide a contest for defending champion West Indies and Sri Lanka.

The West Indies and Sri Lanka have already secured passage into the main tournament from the four-nation qualifying series, but the groupings will be decided after they meet in the final qualifier here Saturday.

The winner of that match - which brings international cricket back to Mumbai's Cricket Club of India - will join Pakistan, South Africa and New Zealand in Group B, while the loser will contest Group A with World Cup champion Australia, England and India.

"It's a very, very important game, we'd love to continue the momentum, and so will Sri Lanka," said West Indies captain Brian Lara, who views the qualifying competition as useful match practice for his players.

The Cricket Club of India, which will also host the Nov. 5 Champions Trophy final, was India's first-choice test venue before the Mumbai Cricket Association built its own Wankhede Stadium in the 1970s.

The West Indies was forced to qualify for this year's tournament after its ranking slipped below the top-six, making it ineligible for direct entry under the new format.

The ICC has frequently changed the format of this event, which began as a knockout competition in 1998. Subsequent tournaments divided the teams into separate pools for a preliminary round followed by a knockout event, but several one-sided matches forced the world governing body to introduce a qualifying competition this time.

Lara said it would be a big boost if his team went into the Champions Trophy with three successive victories in the qualifiers.

"No team wants to pick itself up from a loss going into the important stage," Lara said.

Building its team after being outplayed 6-1 in a limited-overs tour of India last year, Sri Lanka entered this event on the back of a 5-0 whitewash of England.

Sri Lanka coach Tom Moody says his team is capable of making the final, while keeping an eye on next year's World Cup.

As many as five nations have won the Champions Trophy, which was earlier known as the Mini World Cup. No team has won the title twice.

Australia, a three-time winner of the World Cup, is missing from the list of Champions Trophy titlists which includes South Africa (1998), New Zealand (2000), India and Sri Lanka (jointly in 2002) and the West Indies (2004).

England needs to overcome the negative effects of its home defeat to Sri Lanka in the buildup for the Ashes tour of Australia.

South Africa, meanwhile, is trying to ignore the media glare that has following its key opener Gibbs after his interrogation by the New Delhi police, during which he named three former teammates as being involved with the 2000 match-fixing scandal.

Gibbs joined the South African team for a practice match Friday in Mumbai, turning his focus back to cricket.

India hopes homeground advantage will help it after a 4-1 thrashing on its summer tour of the West Indies, and failing to make the final of a recent tri-series in Malaysia that featured Australia and the West Indies.

Claiming that it revels in adverse situations, Pakistan enters the Champions Trophy without skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq, who is serving a four-match suspension. New Zealand is exuding confidence with the return of several injured players.

Just days to Amashova

Just 10 days to the biggest cycling event in KZN! The Pick 'n Pay Amashovashova National Classic has once again attracted a massive field of riders from across South Africa and beyond, and the region will be brimming with cyclists and their families over the next week or so.

Conservative estimates indicate that the race brings in R30 million into the greater KZN economy, as thousands of riders and their families book into accommodation and spend liberally on the many attractions that KZN in early summer has to offer. The race is hugely popular among the cycling fraternity with around 60% of the competitors coming from Gauteng to enjoy the point-to-point course, and the unique history of the road that also hosts the Comrades marathon every year.

Critical to the safety and enjoyment of the event is the total closure of the roads, which has been unconditionally granted and fully supported by the Road Traffic Inspectorate.

The race organisers have, however, gone to great lengths to make changes that have greatly reduced the possibility of inconvenience to local residents and businesses on race day. The race has been moved forward one week so that it does not interfere with month end. Following on from the decision two years ago not to route the main race through central Hillcrest, the race bypasses central Pinetown as well, and instead of using Old Main Road through Pinetown and Cowies Hill, it will stay on the M13.

The east-bound (or Durban bound) lanes of the M13 from the Kassier Road turnoff at Shongweni will be used for the race, and this will be closed to traffic.

The re-opening of the roads will be done as quickly as possible, once the various cut-off times have been enforced. All road closure detail is available at www.shova.co.za

The stage is set for a thrilling spectacle as more than 7 500 riders ride the Road of Champions and enjoy the special attractions and hospitality of KwaZulu-Natal - and the event entrenches the Zulu Kingdom's reputation as the sporting capital of South Africa.

The race will be televised live on SABC 2 from 06h00 to 11h00 on race day for the first time and organisers are confident that this will be a huge boost for the marketing of the event and the region as a whole.

Spectators are encouraged to support the thousands of cyclists on the route.

“As eventors we have a big responsibility on the road to 2010” said Annie Batchelder, chairman of the organising committee.

“Millions of eyes will be on the event this year which celebrates it’s 20th anniversary – we are confident that we will have the best Amashova ever!” she said.

The 5km Pick ‘n Pay Mini Shova for kids between the ages of 6 and 11 takes place on Saturday 21 October and the 1km event for kids between 3 and 6 will start at 09h30. The 106km race starts at 06h20 on October 22 and the 40km event from the Pick ‘n Pay in Hillcrest to Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World starts at 06h30.

Late entries will be accepted subject to a late entry fee on October 19, 20 and 21 at the Expo at the Suncoast Casino.

For further information please go to www.shova.co.za

Blue Bulls Team for the Absa Currie Cup final on Saturday.

15: Johan Roets
14: Akona Ndungane
13: JP Nel
12: Wynand Olivier
11: Marius Delport
10: Derick Hougaard
9: Heini Adams
8: Pierre Spies
7: Derick Kuun
6: Pedrie Wannenburg
5: Francois van Schouwenburg
4: Danie Rossouw
3: Rayno Gerber
2: Gary Botha (C)
1: Jaco Engels

Nedbank Golf Challenge 2006

The Nedbank Golf Challenge have announced the 12 players that will be playing in this year's tournament at Sun City on the Gary Player Country Club. The dates for the tournament is from the 30th of October to the 3rd of November.

Now for anyone that has been at the Golf Challenge, you will know that it is a major piss-up and a GREAT time to perv and enjoy the sponsors' brew, but for you real golf followers, below is the list of 12 who will grace the Country Club for those 4 days plus practice rounds.

• Jim Furyk
• Ernie Els
• Retief Goosen
• Sergio Garcia
• Henrik Stenson
• Padraig Harrington
• Trevor Immelman
• David Howell
• Chris DiMarco
• Colin Montgomerie
• Jose Maria Olazabal
• Charl Schwartzel

I will be there the whole week, bringing you all the news as it happens, so make sure to stop by then again.

Still no Springbok Manager

The Springbok rugby team will soon have a new manager. SA Rugby says the process of appointing a successor to Arthob Petersen is nearing it's conclusion and an announcement will be made soon. A spokesperson confirmed that the sifting process has been narrowed down to two candidates, but refused to name them. However, indications are that the former SA Rugby Managing Director, Songezo Nayo, is a front runner for the post. He is believed to be the choice of Springbok coach Jake White, who's turbulent relationship with the previous manager led to Petersen being asked to step down at the beginning of the current international season. Nayo is expected to be opposed by former SA Rugby Association captain, Liston Ntshongwana, who led the SARA team on their tour to Italy in 1986. Some board members are in favour of Ntshongwana because of his history in SARA rugby on and off the field.

Piggs Peak Casino launches first 24/7 Poker Channel in Africa

I am not sure if it's a sport or just some lame guys playing poker, but it's worth watching when Temptation SA is on.....

Piggs Peak Casino is proud to announce the launch of the first and only 24/7 poker channel in Africa – All Africa Pokerzone, exclusively on DSTV Channel 121.

All Africa Pokerzone features a host of poker programmes from around the globe. Viewers are able to watch international poker programmes twenty-four hours a day, such as the World of Poker, Aussie Millions and the Monte Carlo Millions, amongst others. Most significantly, local poker content will be broadcast with series such as the All Africa Poker Tournament and the All Africa Poker Celebrity Charity Challenge.

Piggs Peak Casino Group Marketing Manager, Wendy Graaf says, “We are very excited to be able to sponsor this revolutionary poker channel. With poker popularity reaching unprecedented heights, we hope to satisfy the keen player’s thirst for poker programming, and pique the interest of potential enthusiasts, by showcasing the latest local and international events in poker”.

Television coverage of poker events has been the catalyst to the growth of poker worldwide, and is now being recognized as a spectator sport with an enthusiastic following.
Watch All Africa Pokerzone on DSTV Channel 121 today for all the poker action in Africa

Golfers and Prima donnas

Next month, the Nedbank Golf Challenge hits South Africa and SUn City with a bang. The "Million Dollar" is no longer about golf. It's a massive marketing event, for Nedbank and other sponsors. A couple of years ago, Miller's launched thier Draught there with some hot little girls, last year, Pilsner Urquell did thier thing.

What about the golfer? Surely that is why everyone goes there? Have you tried to talk to one of them when you were there? Those twelve men are kept so far away from the people who are paying that they might as well not even be there. Let's do an experiment. Take the gofers away for a day and see how many people actually notice. Put twelve regular Joes in thier place and see if you see a difference in the Nedbank tent.

As long as people have thier brew, lunch and bus home, does it really matter?

Alistair M of the BBC wrote that Tiger was pulled out if press conference in London. Alistair is lucky. Most of the golfers at the "Million Dollar" don't even go to the press area. They might pop into the TV studio if they are FORCED to, but radio and newspapers always suck the hind tit.

Ernie walked right past out broadcast area last year and we asked if he would come chat, he just lifted his nose and eased on past. Gary Player was more than willing. Gary is the Legend, will Ernie be?

This year also sees a couple of the new South African upstarts in the field of twelve. Charl is a great guy and Tim Clark is really cool. THEY will be interviewed. Or will they? Stay close and I will let you know.

Cycling to Raise Cash

On 18 October, an active group of Joburg dads will once again embark on a spirited cycle challenge to Durban to raise funds for charity.

Spearheaded by cycling enthusiast Rob Jackson, the Dad’s Charity Cycle Challenge was initiated last year where R25 000 was raised for charity. “Following the success of the 2005 project we have decided to give it another go and we aim to raise our target this year,” says Jackson.

The Dad’s Charity Cycle Challenge will take place over 5 days. The team will cover 140km down to Standerton on the first day, followed by a further 133km to Newcastle on day two. The third day will comprise of a lengthy 165km cycle down to Estcourt and day four will see the team arrive in Pietermaritzburg after 95km.

The final leg will mark the culmination of the cycle challenge when the team will compete in the 105km ‘Pick ‘n Pay Amashovashova Race’ from Pietermaritzburg to Durban on 22 October 2005. The Amashovashova is the oldest ‘classic’ cycle race in the country, which follows the same route as the world famous Comrades Marathon. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the event.

According to Jackson, the 30-strong team includes dads and friends along with a support team including 4 professional riders and a masseuse to make sure that each pair of legs is kept strong throughout the gruelling 640km long cycle.

“None of our core team are professional cyclists and all the participants will be paying their own expenses down to Durban,” says Jackson.

A number of sponsors have already come forward to pledge their support for the riders including Sasol, QAD, Maxim Pet Products, Planet Fitness, Vita-Thion, Pick ‘n Pay, MTN and Dischem. Nissan has also kindly donated three vehicles for the support team, which will drive behind and in front of the group ensuring their safety. Barloworld have pledged their Professional Cycling Team’s support vehicle to assist as well.

“To date we have managed to raise R70 000, which means we’re more tha half way to achieving our set target of R100 000 which will be divided between our three chosen charities - the Sunflower Foundation, Fulton School for the deaf and the Gauteng Down Syndrome Association (DSA). “

The Sunflower Foundation (Friends of the South African Bone Marrow Registry) is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation based in Cape Town which operates a national toll-free call centre to advise and recruit donors from all over South Africa. The Fund raises money to support the South African Bone Marrow Registry.

The Fulton School for the Deaf is one of the very few schools catering for children with hearing disabilities in the Province of Kwa Zulu-Natal. Due to the lack of funding and government curtailment, the school finds itself having to lean heavily on outside assistance.

The Gauteng Down Syndrome Association, established in 1980, is run by parents of Down Syndrome children on a voluntary basis. The DSA explores ways of improving the lives of those with Down Syndrome and runs numerous outreach programmes for young families with Down Syndrome children.

Anyone interested in joining the team or providing some form of sponsorship should please contact Kandice Buys on 082 330 2704 or e-mail her on kandice@leveragecorporation.co.za

Cannabis ban defended

The World Anti Doping Agency has defended the continued inclusion of cannabis on its prohibited list of substances following criticism that the ban is placing unnecessary strain on sporting federations.

IAAF council member and Spanish athletics federation president Jose Maria Odriozola raised concern about the cannabis ban on Sunday during a round table discussion on "borderline issues" at an international anti-doping symposium organised by the world athletics governing body.

According to Odriozola, federations are "wasting considerable time and money, dealing with what is essentially a recreational non-performance-enhancing drug."

Odriozola's comments were firmly rejected by WADA's director of science, Olivier Rabin.

"We have three criteria for including something on our list of prohibited substances and methods, at least two of which have to be met -- performance enhancement, possible health dangers and a contravention of the spirit of sport," Rabin told Reuters.

"We know full well that cannabis can alleviate feelings of fear which can help performance in some sports.

"It is also risky for athletes and others around them as it can cause a distortion of perception and we also believe it violates the spirit of sport even though we understand it is mainly a social drug."

PASSIVE SMOKING

In a high-profile case concerning cannabis, Canadian snowboarder Ross Rebagliati was temporarily deprived of his 1998 Olympic giant slalom gold medal after traces of marijuana were found in his body.

Rebagliati claimed he had inhaled the drug 'passively' but his medal was only returned to him after it was pointed out that cannabis was not actually banned at the time.

"We think it is now clear to athletes that cannabis is prohibited," Rabin said.

"We can very clearly distinguish between active and passive smoking and with our current thresholds we are clearly targeting the active users of cannabis and cannabinoids.

"If we detect levels above these thresholds then we are telling athletes that will be considered an adverse analytical finding with potential sanctions.

"Because cannabis is listed as a specified (banned in competition) substance there is still the possibility that an athlete may first face a reprimand rather than a sanction."

Cannabis has been included on WADA's list of banned substances and methods since the list's creation in 2004.

It remains on the new version of the annually-revised list which was approved by WADA's executive committee last month and comes into force on January 1.