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Centrafrique: le président Touadéra à la rencontre des journalistes
En Centrafrique, le président Faustin-Archange Touadéra a échangé, vendredi 8 mai, avec les professionnels des médias publics et privés. C’était à l’occasion de la Journée mondiale de la liberté de la presse, célébrée le 3 mai. Les difficultés que traverse le secteur des médias en Centrafrique, mais aussi les tensions politiques du moment, notamment les accusations d’acharnement politique formulées par le président de l’URCA, Anicet-Georges Dologuélé, figurent parmi les questions abordées. hilogame.news
Lunga sends defiant title message to Pirates as Sundowns face ‘must-win’ clash
Mamelodi Sundowns defender Divine Lunga insists the Brazilians are not feeling the heat of the Betway Premiership title race despite a frustrating midweek stumble against Kaizer Chiefs.
Divine Lunga shares the team’s mindset ahead of last home #BetwayPrem clash
#Sundowns #AreyengMasandawana pic.twitter.com/K9eiUcWitT
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 9, 2026
The defending champions saw their lead at the summit under threat after a 1-1 draw with Amakhosi at Loftus Versfeld. While Masandawana remain three points clear, the momentum has shifted toward chasers Orlando Pirates, who hold a game in hand and a superior goal difference—leaving Sundowns with zero margin for error.
Miguel Cardoso’s side must now navigate a tricky penultimate fixture against “giant-killers” Siwelele FC at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.
‘Water under the bridge’ – Lunga on Chiefs clash
Speaking ahead of the clash, Lunga was adamant that the squad hasn’t been rocked by the dropped points.
“The boys are in a good mood,” Lunga told club media. “Even though we didn’t pick up the result we wanted against Kaizer Chiefs, the energy is there to step into this game against Siwelele.
“We aren’t putting too much pressure on ourselves; we’re just taking it one game at a time. That’s what we always do at Sundowns. We’ve been doing it for so long, and we can’t change that mentality now.”
Despite the public display of calm, Lunga admitted there was initial hurt in the dressing room after the Chiefs stalemate.
“The boys were sad after the game, but we have to gel quickly because the games are coming week in, week out. That result is water under the bridge now. We have to focus on the new challenge.”
𝙂 𝘼 𝙈 𝙀 𝘿 𝘼 𝙔
Siwelele
17H30
Lucas Moripe Stadium
SS 202#Sundowns #BetwayPrem #AreyengMasandawana pic.twitter.com/mWiCFnZdSY
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 9, 2026
The Siwelele Threat For Sundowns
The task won’t be easy. Siwelele arrive in Pretoria unbeaten in their last five outings—a run that includes a stunning 2-0 victory over the same Kaizer Chiefs side that just frustrated Sundowns.
Lunga warned that Masandawana would be showing their opponents “huge respect” as they look to avoid another slip-up that could hand the keys to the title to the Buccaneers.
“We don’t expect an easy game. The league is reaching its end, and everyone wants to finish strongly,” Lunga added. “We aren’t expecting a walkover. It’s going to be a fight, and we have to bring our A-game to collect all three points.”
With the season finale looming, Saturday’s result will likely determine whether the trophy stays in Tshwane or if the door is left wide open for a final-day heist by Orlando Pirates.
LIVE | Junior Springboks vs New Zealand Baby Blacks
Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote has opted for continuity for their Under-20 Rugby Championship decider against New Zealand on Saturday, making just one change to the matchday squad for the final encounter at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.
Kick-off is scheduled for 16:10, with the match broadcast live on SuperSport.
Tickets, from R35, are still available.
READ | Schoolboy rugby headlined by Oakdale vs Stellenberg this weekend
Top of the standings
The only adjustment to the team that defeated Australia last weekend is on the replacements bench, where loose forward Risima Khosa returns in place of Gert Kemp in an otherwise settled squad.
South Africa currently top the standings on 10 points and require just a single log point from Saturday’s clash to clinch the U20 Rugby Championship title for the first time.
Despite New Zealand’s recent stumble against Argentina, Foote believes the rivalry with the Kiwis remains the ultimate challenge for any South African rugby player, and feels the stage is set for another classic encounter between the two traditional rivals in the Friendly City.
“For us in rugby, it doesn’t get better than South Africa versus New Zealand,” said Foote.
“They are our greatest rivals and the opportunity to play them in front of the Gqeberha crowd at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is a privilege for everyone involved with the Junior Boks.
“We have huge respect for the New Zealanders and, like us, they will be highly motivated to end the tournament on a high.”
Home support
A combined total of more than 20 000 supporters attended the opening two rounds at the NMB Stadium, prompting Foote to emphasise the impact of home support.
“There is a unique energy that comes with playing in the Eastern Cape,” he said.
“We’ve felt the passion from the Gqeberha crowd since we arrived here two weeks ago and having that passionate support behind us means a great deal to the team.”
Looking ahead to the final round, Foote stressed that the team’s focus extends beyond silverware: “Our objective on Saturday is about more than just the trophy – it’s about our growth and continuing the journey we’ve started with this group.
“These two teams have a history of producing memorable encounters when they meet, and it’s every South African rugby player’s dream to stand facing the haka and take on New Zealand.”
Foote added that he was pleased with the team’s preparation for the clash: “We’ve had a good week of preparation. The players are excited for this massive challenge, and the staff have done a tremendous job in keeping the group close-knit and in a very positive space.
“Gqeberha is a wonderful venue to host an international tournament such as the U20 Rugby Championship, and the people of the Eastern Cape have been outstanding hosts. We hope to repay that support with a quality performance against our greatest rivals on Saturday,” he added.
Junior Springbok team to face New Zealand in Gqeberha:
15 Akahluwa Boqwana, 14 Jack Benade, 13 Samuel Badenhorst, 12 Ethan Adams, 11 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Hendré Schoeman, 8 Kebotile Maake, 7 Wasi Vyambwera, 6 Luke Canon, 5 Riley Norton (captain), 4 Heinrich Theron, 3 Danie Kruger, 2 Liam van Wyk, 1 Rambo Kubheka
Replacements: 16 Mahle Sithole, 17 Oliver Reid, 18 Luan van der Berg, 19 JD Hattingh, 20 Risima Khosa, 21 Jayden Brits, 22 Vusi Moyo, 23 Jade Muller
BATTLE AT THE COAST: Ferreira and Simwaka Ready for IBO World Title War at Wild Coast Sun
PORT EDWARD — Tonight, under the bright lights of the Wild Coast Sun, the landscape of African women’s boxing is set for a seismic shift. Undefeated South African standout Bernice “The Badger” Ferreira steps into the ring against seasoned Malawian veteran Ellen “The Tigress” Simwaka for the vacant IBO World Junior Lightweight title.
Promoted by Fighters Club Promotions and billed as the “Battle at the Coast,” the main event carries the weight of history, intense stable rivalries, and the undeniable allure of a world championship. In exclusive interviews conducted by SA BOXING TALK, both fighters laid bare their preparations and the mental toll of a high-stakes championship camp.
A Late Switch and Elevated Stakes
The road to tonight’s clash has been anything but smooth. Ferreira was originally slated to face Adija Mimu, but a late withdrawal saw Mimu’s stablemate, Ellen Simwaka, step into the spotlight. The shift forced a two-week postponement, a gruelling mental and physical hurdle for any fighter tasked with maintaining championship weight.
For Ferreira, speaking to SA BOXING TALK, the delay was just another test of her resolve.
“Getting to weight is easy but maintaining it for such a long time, that’s the difficult part,” Ferreira noted. “I was a bit bummed at first, but when I heard that Ellen was taking the fight, it just lit a new spark… I’ve been wanting to challenge myself to see where I’m at on the world stage.”
Simwaka, returning from a holiday in Malawi following a February bout, didn’t hesitate to take the call. “We plan, but God decides,” Simwaka explained. “I’m always fit. I don’t play when I jump in the ring… my focus is on winning.”
The Weight Dynamics and Sparring History
The bout presents a fascinating clash of trajectories. Ferreira is fighting in her natural weight class, looking to validate her undefeated record. Simwaka, traditionally a Bantamweight, is stepping up in weight for the opportunity.
However, there are no secrets between these two. Simwaka and Mimu previously served as Ferreira’s sparring partners. Simwaka told SA BOXING TALK that she is unfazed by the size difference, citing her international experience against Olympic champions.
“I’m not underrating Bernice,” Simwaka stated. “She’s a strong fighter… but this is the second chance for me fighting for the IBO world title. This one is not going to slip.”
Simwaka has made it clear that if she captures the belt tonight, she intends to drop back down to her natural weight to chase unification bouts against the likes of Dina Thorslund.
Ambitions Beyond the Coast
Both fighters recognize that an IBO World Title is a golden ticket to the international stage. Under the guidance of a revamped coaching setup, Ferreira believes she is ready for the global elite, even targeting unified champion Alycia Baumgardner.
“As long as I keep winning, they can’t deny me,” Ferreira confidently declared. “I’m 100% sure the title is mine.”
Simwaka, however, offered a veteran’s reality check. “I think she has a long way to go. Baumgardner is a big puncher… you have to be able to take body punches and give it back to get there.” For Simwaka, the motivation is patriotic: she aims to be the first female world champion from Malawi.
A New Era for Women's Boxing
With Ferreira predicting a tactical victory and Simwaka explicitly hunting for a stoppage, the “Battle at the Coast” is primed to deliver fireworks. As Ferreira put it directly to her opponent ahead of the opening bell: “Bring your A-game, champ. Let’s make it a good fight.”
Watch the Full Interviews & Coverage via SA BOXING TALK:
- Bernice Ferreira Interview: Watch here
- Ellen Simwaka Interview: Watch here
- Official Weigh-In & Press Conference: Watch here
For More South African Sports News: Sport South Africa Home Page
The post BATTLE AT THE COAST: Ferreira and Simwaka Ready for IBO World Title War at Wild Coast Sun appeared first on South Africa Sports News and Blog Site | South Africa Sport.