Latest news with #Cheetahs
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Rassie's surprise pick Makhaza gets a chance to impress against Georgia
The former Varsity Cup star will feature for the Cheetahs in the tourists' only warm-up match in SA before taking on the Springboks. Ntokozo Makhaza during a Springbok training session in Joburg on 12 June, ahead of the start of the international season. Picture: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus might be the most interested viewer of Friday night's friendly match between the Cheetahs and international touring team, Georgia, in Bloemfontein. Not only will Erasmus be keen to see how the Georgians perform in their only warm-up match in South Africa ahead of next Saturday's Test against the Springboks in Mbombela, but he'll probably also like to see how Cheetahs winger Ntokozo Makhaza goes out wide for his new team. Remember, Makhaza was invited by Erasmus to one of the Boks' alignment camps earlier this season, following his stellar performances for the University of Cape Town's Ikeys side in the Varsity Cup. He was also part of the initial training squad ahead of the season-opener against the Barbarians. Not only does the 23-year-old Makhaza possess strength and speed out wide, he also kicks at goal. While Erasmus later released the promising backline player from his squad, the World Cup-winning coach said he would revisit his possible inclusion in the Bok group at a later stage. He said the player has a bright future. 'Measure myself against the best' Having joined the Cheetahs ahead of the Currie Cup competition, Makhaza gets a chance on Friday night to show South African rugby fans who haven't yet seen him in action what he is all about. He told OFM Sport he was looking forward to the game after getting a run against Griquas last week. 'Yeah, it was quite a step up from Varsity Cup, but I think I adjusted well as the game went on,' he said about the hit out in Bultfontein. 'Heading into the Georgia game, the big focus is going to be on physicality, but mentally I feel up for the challenge.' He added: 'I'm very excited. Like you said, they've got an electric back three, so I want to measure myself against some of the best in the world. For me, it's always about giving my best and seeing where I stand in comparison. So yeah, I'm really excited … super excited!' Georgia were beaten 34-5 by a severely weakened Ireland team missing their British and Irish Lions stars in Tbilisi last Saturday. Erasmus and the rest of the Boks squad will no doubt be quite keen to see how they go on Friday night. Kick-off in Bloemfontein is at 7pm.
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
URC: Dragons sign tighthead prop Robert Hunt from Cheetahs
The Rodney Parade club have finally confirmed the arrival of the 28-year-old after receiving the final piece of paperwork. Hunt has already been training with his new teammates after joining from the Cheetahs and is ready to battle for the 3 jersey when the United Rugby Championship starts at Ulster on September 26. The Dragons have also signed Wales international Dillon Lewis to join Chris Coleman, who is poised for a first cap against Japan on Saturday morning. More depth comes from Luke Yendle and Wales Under-20s international Owain James. Forwards coach Sam Hobbs, himself a former prop, believes Hunt has the attributes to be a big figure in Newport. 'We're delighted to bring Rob into our pack this summer,' he said. 'Having come through the system in South Africa, Rob has experience of some of the toughest scrum and set piece environments about. 'He has URC experience having previously played with the Bulls and has performed strongly, particularly at set piece, with the Cheetahs in the EPCR Challenge Cup and Currie Cup the last couple of seasons. 'In the prime of his career, Rob will add quality and depth to our senior tighthead position, further strengthening an exciting competition with Dillon Lewis and Chris Coleman for the starting three jersey.' Hunt, 6ft 1ins and weighing over 19 stone, started his career with the Leopards and played for the Bulls in the URC. He arrives to boost a front row that was badly hit by the retirements of tightheads Lloyd Fairbrother and Leon Brown last year, plus Dmitri Arhip's injury struggles. Hunt said: 'Dragons are evidently working on something big to swing the momentum of the club around and that's something I eagerly want to part of. 'I'm excited to get into pre-season with the boys, graft and build that excitement heading into next season. 'I look forward most to the set-piece. There's some great experience in the pack, and I believe we have the firepower to do some positive things together.' The Dragons have had a big recruitment drive this summer with Hunt the 13th confirmed signing. Head coach Filo Tiatia has so far added utility back David Richards, wing Fine Inisi, centre Fetuli Paea, fly-halves Tinus de Beer and Jac Lloyd, loosehead Wyn Jones, tighthead Dillon Lewis, locks Levi Douglas and Seb Davies, flankers Thomas Young and Harry Beddall and number eight Mackenzie Martin. The club have also secured a deal with a 14th player – a scrum-half to join Rhodri Williams, Che Hope and Morgan Lloyd as an option. They get the URC under way in Belfast with four of the six fixtures at Rodney Parade in a pivotal first block.
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Welsh side announce signing of giant South African star
Welsh side announce signing of giant South African star The Dragons have moved to strengthen their front row Robert Hunt while playing for the Bulls (Image: Getty Images ) The Dragons have confirmed the signing of South African tighthead Robert Hunt from the Cheetahs. Hunt – who stands 6ft 1in and weighs over 19 stone – moves to Rodney Parade this summer to add his scrummaging prowess to Dragons' squad. Despite interest from other clubs, the former Bulls, and Cheetahs prop - who hails from Hermanus in the Western Cape - has chosen to make Gwent his home, joining Dillon Lewis and Wyn Jones as new front rowers this coming season. The 28-year-old started his career with Leopards and made his BKT United Rugby Championship debut on Welsh soil against Cardiff Rugby in October 2021. He becomes the 13th new recruit ahead of next season. 'We're pleased to be able to officially confirm Rob Hunt's signing and to add him to our squad ahead of the new season," said Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. 'He's impressed since day one of pre-season, working hard along with the rest of the squad. Article continues below "I'm excited to now work with him as we continue to build towards a new campaign for Dragons.' The Dragons are rebuilding after a bitterly disappointing 2024/25 season where they only won twice all season. But the club have recruited strongly ahead of the new campaign while a plethora of players have also left Rodney Parade. Former Wales props Wyn Jones and Dillon Lewis are among the new recruits, along with Seb Davies, MacKenzie Martin and Thomas Young. Wales U20s captain Harry Beddall has also signing, while Tongan internationals Fetuli Paea (centre) and Fine Inisi (wing) are also coming on board, along with Welsh-qualified lock Levi Douglas from Biarritz. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free 'Dragons are evidently working on something big to swing the momentum of the club around and that's something I eagerly want to part of," said Hunt. Article continues below 'I'm excited to get into pre-season with the boys, graft and build that excitement heading into next season. 'I look forward most to the set-piece. "There's some great experience in the pack, and I believe we have the firepower to do some positive things together.' Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here.
India Gazette
4 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
'Cheetahs are happy, have adapted well to new home': PM Modi thanks Namibia for help in Cheetah reintroduction in India
Windhoek [Namibia], July 9 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the Parliament of Namibia, thanked the country for its gift of Cheetahs, which have helped in the reintroduction of Cheetahs in India. PM Modi made the remarks on Wednesday while addressing the Joint session of the Namibian Parliament. He said. 'India and Namibia have a powerful story of cooperation, conservation and compassion, when you helped us in reintroducing Cheetahs in our country. We are deeply grateful for your gift. I had the privilege of releasing them in the Kuno National Park. They have sent a message for you: inimaa aaishe oyilii naavaa Everything is fine.' PM Modi highlighted that the Cheetahs are happy and have adapted well in their new home. 'They are happy and have adapted well in their new home. They have grown in numbers as well. Clearly, they are enjoying their time in India,' said PM Modi. The Cheetah Project Steering Committee was set up in May 2023 by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to review, monitor, and advise on the cheetah reintroduction program. Project Cheetah began in 2022 with the translocation of 8 cheetahs from Namibia and 12 from South Africa to Kuno National Park. As of now, there are 26 cheetahs at Kuno, of which 17 are in the wild and 9 are still inside large enclosures. Cheetahs are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. They are protected under Schedule II of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. They are also included in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), offering the highest level of protection from international trade. From the echelons of the Namibian Parliament, PM Modi said, 'I pay tribute to the first President and founding father of Namibia, President Sam Nujoma who passed away earlier this year. He once said, and I quote-- 'Our achievement of independence imposes upon us a heavy responsibility, not only to defend our hard-won liberty, but also, to set ourselves higher standards of equality, justice and opportunity for all, without regard to race, creed or colour.' Highlighting President Sam Nujoma's vision of a just and free nation, PM Modi also mentioned the heroes of the Namibian freedom struggle - Hosea Kutako, Hendrik Witbooi, and Mandume Ya Ndemufayo. 'The people of India stood proudly with Namibia during your liberation struggle. Even before our own Independence, India raised the issue of South West Africa at the United Nations', he said. PM Modi further added, 'We supported SWAPO in your quest for freedom. In fact, New Delhi hosted its first-ever diplomatic office abroad. And, it was an Indian, Lieutenant General Diwan Prem Chand, who led the UN peacekeeping force in Namibia.' PM said that India is proud to have stood with Namibia, not just in words but in actions too. Highlighting how both countries share strings of similarities, PM Modi said, 'We both fought colonial rule. We both value dignity and freedom. Our Constitutions guide us to uphold equality, liberty, and justice. We are part of the Global South, and our people share the same hopes and dreams.' He expressed gratitude upon receiving Namibia's highest civilian award as a symbol of the friendship between the peoples of our countries. PM said, 'Like the tough, and elegant plants of Namibia, our friendship has stood the test of time. It quietly thrives in even the driest seasons. And, just like your national plant Welwitschia Mirabilis, it only grows stronger with age and time. On behalf of 1.4 billion people of India, I once again thank the President, the Government and the people of Namibia for this honour.' PM Modi received a resounding standing ovation for his remarks to the Namibian parliament. PM Modi had arrived in Namibia after concluding his two-day State visit to Brazil, where he attended the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro and held bilateral talks with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Brasilia. Namibia was the final stop in the Prime Minister's five-nation tour, which also included visits to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, and Brazil. (ANI)
Hans India
4 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
Namibian President hails PM Modi's 'historic' State Visit
Windhoek: The President of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Wednesday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit as a "historic" one, highlighting that it is the first State Visit being hosted by her after taking over as the President of the African nation, earlier this year. "To me personally it's very historic in the sense that since I took over as President of the republic of Namibia, on the 21st March this year, this is the first State Visit I am hosting and I don't take it very lightly," Nandi-Ndaitwah said in her remarks during the delegation-level talks with PM Modi. Focusing on the opportunity to increase bilateral cooperation, Ndaitwah mentioned the growing trade and investment ties, technical cooperation, political as well as people-to-people relations between the two countries. "The frequent high-level visit engagement and structured bilateral mechanism such as our Joint Commission of Cooperation and Joint Trade Committee have enabled us to deepen our relationship across many fields," she said. The relations, she mentioned, have been diversified in areas of ICT, human resources development, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, as well as defence and biodiversity conservation. Ndaitwah also mentioned the "successful" translocation of Cheetahs from Namibia to India. "It is not just an act of ecological restoration, it's a global symbol of innovative South-South cooperation and sustainable partnership," she added. The Namibian President welcomed India's proposal under the pharmacy of the world initiative to establish a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Windhoek, which would significantly enhance regional health security and align with Namibia's goal of strengthening domestic production capability in the health sector. Expansion of trade and investment along with potential for scaling up cooperation in areas like green hydrogen and clean hydrogen, mining and value addition, oil and gas, infrastructure development, agriculture and food security, as well as tourism development was also discussed in detail during the one-on-one discussions between the two leaders and also the delegation-level talks. Ndaitwah also suggested putting up a united front and maintaining regular consultation on vital issues such as the need for the reform of the UN Security Council and other multilateral institutions. "We share the same conviction of a fairer equitable representation and democratic UNSC, reflecting the current geopolitical reality, and therefore should unite in order to ensure that the desired reforms take place sooner rather than later," she said. The Namibian President also expressed strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestation, reaffirming the African nation's support for the right to self-determination of people living under foreign occupation and colonial domination.
