Dossier

Fragilisé, Gianni Infantino est au Maroc pour une réunion avec de hau…

Fragilisé, Gianni Infantino est au Maroc pour une réunion avec de hauts responsables de la Fifa

Le président de la Fifa Gianni Infantino, assailli de critiques après un projet finalement avorté d'ouverture de l'instance mondiale aux investisseurs privés, se réunit ce mercredi 5 août au Maroc avec de hauts responsables de l'instance, a indiqué à l'AFP une source proche du dossier. Cette réunion se tient au siège pour l'Afrique de la Fifa, au sein du complexe Mohammed VI de Salé, près de Rabat, a précisé cette source sous couvert de l'anonymat. sos-zagle.org.pl

Ex-All Black hails Boks’ ‘wonderful’ attacking variety

Former All Blacks flyhalf Stephen Donald believes the Springboks have become one of the most unpredictable attacking teams in world rugby.

Analysing all nine tries South Africa scored across last year’s two Tests against New Zealand on The Aftermatch with Kirst & Beav podcast, Donald said the Boks’ attack is built on far more than just aerial pressure.

“There has been so much hysteria about the high ball,” Donald said. “Well, that was only a part of one of their tries.

“Over half the tries were scored from what you’d say were set-piece and dominance, or at least pressure, whether it was scrum or lineout.

“But then there were some amazing counter-attacks.”

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Donald highlighted Ethan Hooker’s counter-attacking run, Pieter-Steph du Toit’s role in the wide channels and RG Snyman’s athleticism as examples of how South Africa’s attack has expanded under attack coach Tony Brown.

He also warned that Cheslin Kolbe remains capable of turning a match in an instant.

Discussing Kolbe’s famous intercept try in Wellington, Donald said the All Blacks had done “very little wrong”.

“They actually created a three-on-one, but Cheslin still has that magical ability of somehow getting in the passing lane without compromising his defensive job. It wasn’t a big loopy pass. It was just great skill and great intelligence from Cheslin.”

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Despite the Springboks’ improved attacking variety, Donald believes their traditional strengths remain the foundation of their success.

“Yes, there’s been cross-kicks. Yes, there’s been wonderful attack from the Springboks,” he said.

“But don’t forget, and don’t pretend, that this isn’t coming either. It’s their bread and butter. Dare I use the most overused cliché in rugby these days? It’s the DNA of the Springboks. It is going to be them at set-piece.”

ALSO: New Springbok jersey revealed

Looking ahead to the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, Donald said the All Blacks’ forwards must first match South Africa physically before worrying about stopping their increasingly dangerous attack.

“It’s still their No 1 weapon,” he said of the Springboks’ set-piece. “You could argue they’ve won two World Cups back-to-back on set-pieces.”

Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

The post Ex-All Black hails Boks’ ‘wonderful’ attacking variety appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Vozinha granted shirt name exemption by Chile FA

SANTIAGO, Chile, August 5, 2026 – The Chilean Football Federation (ANFP) has granted an exemption to allow Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha to wear his nickname on his Colo Colo shirt.

The 40-year-old signed a six-month contract with the Chilean Liga de Primera side on Monday after garnering global acclaim for his performances at the World Cup.

Under league rules, he is required to play under his legal name Josimar Jose Evora Dias, with ANFP regulations stating “nicknames, appellations or sobriquets will not be permitted” on playing shirts.

However, Colo Colo have successfully secured permission for him to play under his famous moniker, which means ‘little granny’ in Portuguese.

“It is the name I have used my entire life,” Vozihna said in a news conference. “In Cape Verde, it holds great significance and a rich history, and now it does globally as well.

“If my grandmother were alive today, I think she would be proud. I hope to keep using it for the rest of my career as a tribute.”

Vozinha arrived in Santiago on Sunday to a lively reception from Colo Colo’s fans and joined his new team-mates in training two days later.

The veteran goalkeeper became a cult hero when Cape Verde claimed their first-ever World Cup point against Spain in the group stage and has seen his social media fame explode from 50,000 Instagram followers to nearly 30 million.

After helping his team reach the knockout stages, taking finalists Argentina to extra time in the last 32, Vozinha was named in Fifa’s team of the tournament and even had a newly discovered species of sea slug named after him.

Vozinha’s career has taken him to Slovakia, Angola, Moldova, Cyprus and, most recently, Portuguese second division side Chaves, but he has always believed himself to be a “‘big club’ player”.

Joining Colo Colo, the most successful team in the Primera Division (34 titles) and Copa Chile (14), is his career “highlight”.

“The decision was very clear. Despite playing in smaller leagues for clubs that weren’t exactly giants, deep down I always told myself I was a ‘big club’ player,” Vozinha said.

“So when Colo Colo came calling, there was no doubt. From day one, I knew where I wanted to play. I received many offers but Colo Colo was always the priority.

“The World Cup was the best thing that ever happened to me in football, but that is in the past now. Being here representing Colo Colo – a massive club with a rich history – is the highlight of my club career.”

Ugandan footballer dies after suspected attack by thugs

NAIROBI, Kenya, August 5, 2026 – Ugandan right-back David Owori has passed away after incurring injuries from an attack by suspected thugs.

In a statement, Ugandan Premier League side SC Villa revealed that Owori, who was the club captain, passed away at a clinic while receiving treatment for the injuries.

“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the untimely passing of our captain, David Owori, who had been receiving treatment at Case Clinic following an attack by suspected thugs,” the club announced.

The club further eulogised the deceased as a dedicated and valuable player whose contribution was felt across all levels of the club.

“The club commiserates with David’s family, teammates, friends, supporters, and the entire football fraternity during this painful moment. David was a valuable player, leader and servant of the game whose loss is deeply felt by both the club and the nation,” SC Villa said.

The 27-year-old began his career in youth — and senior — set-up of Ugandan champions Vipers SC before moving to Villa in 2018, where he played for three years.

Owori then moved abroad for greener pastures, turning out for Spanish side Velez CF as well as Swedish outfit Utsitkens BK.

In 2023, he rejoined SC Villa for who he has been plying his trade until his demise.

His demise comes two months after the death of another Ugandan sportsperson, rugby Sydney Gongodyo, who was falsely accused of snatching a lady’s handbag in Kampala and subsequently assaulted by a mob.

The Stanbic Bank Pirates player was rushed to Mulago District Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Yaqeen unleashed on All Blacks

Junior Boks flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed will make his Stormers debut after being named to start in Friday night’s historic clash against the All Blacks at Cape Town Stadium.

The 20-year-old has been handed the No 10 jersey for the opening match of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour, partnering scrumhalf Imad Khan in a new-look halfback pairing.

Outside centre Ruhan Nel will captain the Stormers in what will be the first time the Cape club has faced New Zealand, although Western Province met the All Blacks five times and famously won 12-11 at Newlands in 1976.

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Nel forms the midfield combination with Jonathan Roche, while Warrick Gelant starts at fullback alongside wings Seabelo Senatla and Leolin Zas.

The Stormers have opted for an experienced loose trio, with Evan Roos, Hacjivah Dayimani and Deon Fourie reunited in the same combination that started the 2021-22 Vodacom URC final triumph at Cape Town Stadium.

In the tight five, André-Hugo Venter packs down between props Vernon Matongo and Neethling Fouché, while Adré Smith and Connor Evans start in the second row.

Loose forward Ruan Ackermann is among the replacements, with Dewaldt Duvenage and Wandisile Simelane set to provide backline cover off the bench.

MORE: All Blacks brace for unknown Stormers battle

Director of rugby John Dobson said his side is determined to embrace the occasion.

“This is history in the making as the Stormers take on New Zealand for the first time, and our team is determined to make it one to remember for our fans.

“For a club side to take on an international team ranked second in the world is a massive opportunity and one that every player and management member is looking forward to.”

ALSO: New Springbok jersey revealed

STORMERS – 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel (c), 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Imad Khan, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Hacjivah Dayimani, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Connor Evans, 4 Adré Smith, 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Vernon Matongo.
Bench: 16 JJ Kotzé, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Ruan Ackermann, 20 Keke Morabe, 21 Wandile Mlaba, 22 Dewaldt Duvenage, 23 Wandisile Simelane.

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images

The post Yaqeen unleashed on All Blacks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

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