Today is a sad for international cricket – although it is also definitely cause to celebrate. The King of cricket, Jacques Kallis, has just announced his retirement from international cricket.

Kallis announced that he is retiring from all forms of international cricket – although that doesn’t mean that we won’t see the master on the cricking stage, for at least a few more years.

In a statement released by Cricket South Africa, Kallis said that on the Proteas recent tour in Sri Lanka that he finally realized that his international cricketing days were over, even though he wanted to push for just one more World Cup.

But fans of the cricketing genius can breathe a sigh of relief as he still has a two-year contract with Sydney Thunder which will no doubt see him perform to the very best of his abilities.  (more…)

It seems that this year’s Commonwealth Games have gotten off to a good start for the South African team and if things continue to carry one this way then our athletes will be returning home with bags full of medals.

On Sunday, our Blitz Bokke defied all expectations as they beat New Zealand in the final of the Sevens tournament. Taking first place also meant winning the gold medal and we can’t be any prouder.

Now, when it comes to swimming, we all know that our South African swimmers are among the best in the world. The 2012 London Olympics brought forth two new South African champions – in the form of Chad Le Clos and Cameron Van der Burgh. And there performance at the Commonwealth Games have only further cemented their gold status (excuse the pun).  (more…)

With the Commonwealth Games in full swing in Scotland, last night proved to be one of South Africa’s finer performances at the Games as our beloved Blitz Bokke annihilated New Zealand in the final of the Sevens Rugby tournament.

However, while the Blitz Bokke may have had a wonderful performance and equally wonderful result, things didn’t start off the way they ended, and at one point, it looked as though the South Africans were doomed to give the gold medal to the Kiwis once more.

New Zealand scored early on in the game, which already was a blow to (a very determined) South African squad. And although they played with an intense passion and determination, things seemed to go from bad to worse after their captain, Kyle Brown, has to leave the field.  (more…)

Last night, the opening ceremony in Glasgow, Scotland, signaled the start of the 20th Commonwealth Games – and while it was a celebration at its core, recent tragedies also cast somewhat of a cloud over the proceedings.

The 2014 Commonwealth Games got of to great start with an exciting and emotional opening ceremony. The ceremony was held at Celtic Park in Glasgow with thousands of fans cheering on roughly 6500 athletes from 71 contingents.

Her majesty, Queen Elizabeth II also attended the ceremony (as is tradition) and delivered a speech – officially opening the games.

The athletes and audience were entertained by the likes of Rod Stewart and Susan Boyle, both delivering beautiful and exciting performances.

Another exciting part of the evening was the arrival of the Queen’s Baton. The Queen’s Baton Relay is 190 000km journey around the commonwealth that ends at the place of the opening ceremony. However, this year’s baton handing ceremony caused a bit of a laugh as Prince Tunku Imran of Malaysia who is the President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, struggled to open the baton.

He had to open the baton because, awkwardly, it contained the Queen’s speech. So there he was, struggling and laughing, with the Queen giving him some serious side-eye. Awkward indeed.  (more…)

Who can ever forget the name James Rodriguez? Especially after the amazing performance this young Colombian had at the World Cup!

And now, the spotlight will be thrust even further on young James after he signed with one of the world’s best and most famous football clubs, Real Madrid.

Rodriguez has signed a six season contract with the Spanish club and, if some reports are to be believed, his signing cost the club a whole lot of money. SOme Spanish sources are claiming that Real Madrid signed the 23-year old for a whopping 80 million Euros. If this is true, he will join the ranks of some of the world’s most expensive transfers, some of which include the likes of Gareth Bale and new team mate, Cristiano Ronaldo.

And just as the Spanish do, the unveiled (or rather introduced) James Rodriquez to the fans at an event yesterday. Rodriguez greeted the crowd of nearly 40 000 as he cemented his new number 10 position at Real Madrid.  (more…)

Germany are still relishing in their impressive World Cup victory and the country is so pleased and impressed with the national squad’s coach, that they have decided to make him an honourary citizen.

Joachim Loew – a name that has been on everybody’s lips as of late – will be made an honourary citizen in his hometown of Schoenau im Schwarzwald in south west Germany.

The town’s mayor made the announcement today after a city council meeting unanimously determined that the manager of the World Cup champions will be made a special honourary citizen. However, that’s not the only honour that will be bestowed on the famed manager. (more…)

The British Open has a new champion and besides taking the title on Sunday, Rory McIlroy has also secured himself a better position in the World Golfing ranks.

McIlroy, who has quickly become one of the world’s most prolific golfers, won the prestigious British Open at the Royal Liverpool club on Sunday. And while we are pretty sure he is ecstatic about claiming the title (and that very shiny trophy), he might be even more pleased with his world ranking number.

Since winning the British Open, McIlroy has moved up to second position on the world rankings.

Before his wonderful win in England, he was sitting at number 8 – so moving up 6 places is quite a feat, and one that McIlroy will be very proud of indeed.  (more…)