Foote names strong lineup for Junior Boks’ World Champs semi-final clash

Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote has picked a formidable side for the team’s Junior World Championship semi-final against England in Tbilisi on Monday evening, with kick-off t 6.30pm.

In all, there are four changes to the side that last ran out in the tournament earlier this week.

There are two changes in the backline and two in the forwards from the side that defeated Wales in their final Pool A encounter. musojam.blog

Foote has also opted for six forwards and two backs on the replacements bench, underlining the physical challenge expected from England.

In the forwards, Kebotile Maake will start at openside flanker, with Luke Cannon named on the blindside and Gert Kemp at No 8. They replace Risima Khosa, who is on the bench, and Vujo Gwiji in the loose forwards.

The backline changes see Markus Muller back at outside centre in place of Samuel Badenhorst, while Luan Giliomee returns to the starting line-up at fullback after successfully completing his head injury assessment protocols. Giliomee takes over from Alzeadon Felix, who provides backline cover from the bench.

Foote said the extra recovery day between the pool phase and semi-finals provided an opportunity to freshen up the squad ahead of a demanding encounter.

“We’ve made some rotational changes to the squad, mindful that we had an extra day for recovery, which came at the right time after three pool matches in a relatively short period,” said Foote.

“We have selected what we believe is an exciting team and a combination best suited to our game model against a very good England side.”

England advanced to the semi-finals after winning all three of their pool matches and arrive unbeaten, just like the Junior Boks.

“England have shown their quality by winning all three of their pool games,” said Foote.

“They have a strong and successful history in this competition and will be highly motivated for this match. We have prepared well, and now it’s about executing our plan.”

Junior Boks:

Luan Giliomee, Cheswill Jooste, Markus Muller, Ethan Adams, Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, Yaqeen Ahmed, Hendré Schoeman, Gert Kemp, Luke Cannon, Kebotile Maake, JD Hattingh, Heinrich Theron, Danie Kruger, Siphosethu Mnebelele (capt), Oliver Reid. Bench: Liam van Wyk, Rambo Kubheka, Luan van der Berg, Jaythen Orange, Thomas Beling, Risima Khosa, Jayden Brits, Alzeadon Felix

Manchester City tient sa nouvelle pépite. Le club anglais a officialisé ce samedi l’arrivée de Jeremy Monga, jeune ailier de 17 ans en provenance de Leicester City. L’international anglais des moins de 21 ans s’est engagé pour cinq saisons, jusqu’en juin 2031, et rejoint la City Football Academy avec l’étiquette de l’un des plus grands espoirs du football anglais.

Un prodige formé à Leicester

Jeremy Monga a effectué toute sa formation à Leicester City, qu’il a intégré dès la catégorie des moins de 9 ans. Doté d’une vitesse impressionnante, d’excellentes qualités de dribble, de puissance et d’un réel sens du but, il a rapidement gravi les échelons au sein du club.

À seulement 15 ans, il évoluait déjà avec l’équipe des moins de 21 ans des Foxes. En novembre 2024, à l’âge de 15 ans, trois mois et 22 jours, il est devenu le plus jeune buteur de l’histoire de la Premier League 2 en trouvant le chemin des filets face à Aston Villa.

Des records précoces chez les Foxes

Malgré son très jeune âge, Monga a rapidement découvert la Premier League. Il a effectué ses débuts dans l’élite anglaise en avril 2025 en entrant en jeu lors de la défaite de Leicester face à Newcastle United (3-0). Cette apparition a fait de lui le deuxième plus jeune joueur de l’histoire à disputer un match de Premier League. Il a ensuite cumulé sept apparitions en championnat au cours de la saison 2024-2025.

La saison suivante, le jeune ailier a poursuivi sa progression. Titularisé pour la première fois avec Leicester lors d’un match de Carabao Cup contre Huddersfield Town en août 2025, il est devenu le plus jeune joueur à débuter une rencontre officielle avec les Foxes.

Quelques jours plus tard, il s’est offert un nouveau record en inscrivant un but face à Preston. À 16 ans et 37 jours, il est devenu le plus jeune buteur de l’histoire du Championship, effaçant des tablettes une marque jusque-là détenue par Jude Bellingham.

« Un rêve devenu réalité »

Jeremy Monga ne cache pas son enthousiasme à l’idée de poursuivre son développement sous les couleurs de Manchester City.

« Quand j’ai appris que Manchester City s’intéressait à moi, j’ai immédiatement compris que c’était le bon choix. Rejoindre un club de ce niveau est un rêve devenu réalité pour n’importe quel jeune joueur. Manchester City est la référence en Angleterre depuis une dizaine d’années et il offre également de vraies opportunités aux joueurs issus de son centre de formation, comme Phil Foden ou Nico O’Reilly. Cela prouve qu’il existe un véritable parcours vers l’équipe première », a déclaré le jeune Anglais.

Le directeur sportif des Citizens, Hugo Viana, s’est également réjoui de cette signature.

« Jeremy est un joueur extrêmement prometteur qui a déjà énormément progressé malgré son jeune âge. À seulement 17 ans, nous sommes convaincus qu’il possède un fort potentiel et que Manchester City représente l’environnement idéal pour poursuivre son développement », a-t-il affirmé.

Manchester City a enfin souhaité la bienvenue à sa nouvelle recrue, en espérant le voir poursuivre son ascension sous les couleurs des Skyblues.

The post Transfert : Jeremy Monga rejoint Manchester City appeared first on AfricaFootUnited.

Béziers tighthead prop Luqobo “Bibo” Makwedini has died at the age of 20.

Makwedini reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest during a training session with the French Pro D2 club at the Stade de la Gayonne on Friday. He was rushed to hospital and died a few hours later.

Makwedini, who attended Wynberg Boys’ High and represented SA U18, had joined Béziers’ academy ahead of the 2025-26 season. Regarded as one of the club’s brightest young prospects, he was expected to push for a place in the senior squad during the upcoming campaign.

Club president and former Springbok captain Bob Skinstad led the tributes.

“It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the tragic passing of our young player, Luqobo (Bibo) Makwedini, at the age of 20,” Skinstad said in a statement.

BlogCalendrier du cricket: prévenir les blessures de surmenage grâce à une meilleure organisationLes réalités du calendrier actuel Le cricket d’aujourd’hui ne ressemble plus à celui que nos grands‑parents connaissaient. Les saisons s’enchaînent sans répit,Ouvrir →

“Luqobo joined our training centre during the off-season and quickly became a valued member of the Red and Blue family. His commitment, kindness, and personal qualities deeply impressed everyone at the club.

“Today, the entire Red and Blue family is united in mourning and deeply shaken by this heartbreaking loss.

“We extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to his family, loved ones, teammates, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Skinstad added that the club would support Makwedini’s family and teammates as they came to terms with the tragedy.

“During this time of immense sorrow, AS Béziers Hérault stands with his loved ones and offers them its full support.

“We respectfully request that the club, our players, and Bibo’s loved ones be given the time and privacy they need to grieve during this extremely difficult period. As a club, we are deeply saddened by his passing.”

This story was published on sarugbymag.co.za. It is republished here with permission.

Kaizer Chiefs have arrived in Spain to begin an intensive 10-day pre-season training camp as head coach Fernando Da Cruz continues preparations for the 2026/27 campaign.

Fresh from unveiling their new kit for the upcoming season, Amakhosi will be based in the coastal city of Alicante, where they will combine high-intensity training sessions with three challenging friendlies against international opposition.

The camp is expected to play a key role in shaping Da Cruz’s squad ahead of a season in which Kaizer Chiefs will be looking to challenge for honours.

Three tough friendlies await

Kaizer Chiefs will face three clubs from different footballing nations during their stay in Spain, giving the coaching staff an opportunity to assess the squad against a variety of playing styles.

The first match comes against Scottish giants Rangers FC on 12 July in a behind-closed-doors encounter.

Amakhosi will then take on Saudi Pro League side Al Kholood on 15 July, before rounding off the tour against Spanish La Liga outfit Elche CF on 18 July.

Both of those fixtures will be open to supporters.

The matches are expected to provide valuable minutes for both established stars and new signings as Da Cruz continues to implement his ideas.

Building towards the new season

Training in Alicante’s warm Mediterranean climate and using top-class facilities will allow Kaizer Chiefs to focus on fitness, tactical organisation and team chemistry before returning home.

Following the Spanish tour, Amakhosi will shift their attention to the Toyota Cup, where they will face Zimbabwean club Scottland FC in Rustenburg on 26 July.

The friendly will serve as Kaizer Chiefs’ final major test before the start of the Betway Premiership season.

League campaign begins against newcomers

Kaizer Chiefs will open their 2026/27 league campaign away to newly promoted Kruger United on Saturday, 1 August, before hosting Sekhukhune United and Mamelodi Sundowns in successive home fixtures.

With a demanding fixture list awaiting, the Spanish training camp offers Da Cruz the ideal opportunity to fine-tune his squad as Kaizer Chiefs look to mount a serious challenge in the Betway Premiership and CAF Confederation Cup.

Scotland have suffered a late injury setback ahead of Saturday’s clash against the Springboks at Loftus Versfeld.

Replacement lock Alex Samuel has been ruled out with a knee injury, with Max Williamson replacing him.

The Scots are looking for their first win against the Boks in South Africa at the eighth attempt.

ALSO: Boks’ No 1 ranking on the line at Loftus

SCOTLAND – 15 Kyle Rowe, 14 Kyle Steyn, 13 Rory Hutchinson, 12 Sione Tuipulotu (c), 11 Jamie Dobie, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Ben White, 8 Jack Dempsey, 7 Rory Darge, 6 Matt Fagerson, 5 Scott Cummings, 4 Gregor Brown, 3 Zander Fagerson, 2 Ewan Ashman, 1 Pierre Schoeman.
Bench: 16 Gregor Hiddleston, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 Will Hurd, 19 Max Williamson, 20 Josh Bayliss, 21 Magnus Bradbury, 22 Tom Jordan, 23 Stafford McDowall.

Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images

The post Scotland lose lock for Loftus showdown appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.