Latest news with #FairPlayAward

IOL News
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Banyana Banyana win WAFCON Fair Play Award after falling short of title defence
Refiloe Jane Banyana Banyana captain Refiloe Jane (left) says the players are disappointed with their final results at WAFCON 2024, where they finished in fourth place. Pic: Backpagepix Image: BACKPAGEPIX South Africa's Banyana Banyana returned from the 13th TCAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco with mixed emotions. They failed to defend their title, finishing fourth after a semi-final loss against Nigeria. However, they were recognised with the prestigious Fair Play Award for their commendable sportsmanship throughout the tournament. The Fair Play Award, determined by CAF's Technical Study Group based on a multitude of criteria encompassing on-field behaviour, respect for opponents and officials, and overall commitment to the spirit of the game, saw South Africa accumulate an impressive total of 510 points. Final whistle. Pure chaos. 😮💨 Energy of the Day belongs to the Super Falcons! 🇳🇬#TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 | @Football2gether — CAF Women's Football (@CAFwomen) July 27, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Banyana's discipline on the pitch shone through in their minimal fouls and lack of excessive protests during matches, reflecting a deep respect for both their opponents and the authority of the game. Even amidst the pressures of high-stakes matches, such as the quarter-final clash against Senegal and the semi-final against Nigeria, skipper Refiloe Jane and her teammates maintained their composure. Their exemplary conduct resonated well beyond the pitch as their deep-rooted ethos of sportsmanship and commitment to fair play shone through. Coach Desiree Ellis, a three-time winner of the Best African Women's Coach Award, has cultivated a culture within the Banyana that prioritises collective effort, respect, and solidarity. This indeed sets an example for other teams and reiterates the positive reputation of South African women's football. However, despite these accolades, the disappointment of not finishing on the podium was palpable among players. Jane candidly expressed their frustration at being unable to retain the championship title. 'We are disappointed to be going home empty-handed," she remarked. "It wasn't an easy one for the players, and there were a lot of challenges on and off the pitch. But we tried to put in a great performance and aimed to keep the trophy as the main objective." This was the first time in three editions of the tournament that Banyana Banyana did not finish in the top three, having previously claimed silver in 2018 and gold in 2022. 'There's a lot of work still to be done, and we hope that in the next WAFCON, which is very important as it serves as a World Cup qualifying tournament, we can do well,' Jane added, hinting at the potential changes and adjustments within the team. "Given the situation within the camp and the players we had, we're hoping that a lot of positives can be taken from this tournament and build on that.'


CAF
5 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
WAFCON: South Africa, the Fairest of them all
Published: Saturday, 26 July 2025 While Banyana Banyana failed to retain their continental title, they leave the 13th TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations with a highly symbolic distinction: the Fair Play Award. With a total of 510 points awarded by the Technical Study Group based on rigorous criteria; on-field behaviour, respect for opponents and officials, and positive commitment - South Africa once again set an example. An Exemplary Team On and Off the Pitch This award recognizes the discipline, sportsmanship, and spirit of Desiree Ellis's players, key figures in African Women's Football for over a decade. Both on and off the pitch, the South Africans distinguished themselves with their impeccable behaviour. There were few fouls, no excessive protests, and a consistent respect for the game and its rules. Even in the most tense moments of their journey - such as the quarterfinal against Senegal or the semifinal against Nigeria - Refiloe Jane's teammates maintained their composure. This attitude undoubtedly contributed to the awarding of this prize, which honours teams that have placed sporting ethics at the heart of their approach. A performance worthy of the greats On the sporting front, South Africa once again lived up to their reputation. Placed in Group C, Banyana Banyana began their tournament with a controlled victory against Ghana 2-0, before being held to a 1-1 draw by Tanzania. But the South Africans were able to bounce back, winning against Mali 4-0, thus securing their place in the quarterfinals. The next stage was marked by a close match against Senegal (0-0; 4-1 on penalties), where the team's tactical intelligence and composure made the difference. Facing Nigeria, the South Africans lost 2-1 in a heated atmosphere at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca. Despite the disappointment, they were able to acknowledge Nigeria's victory with dignity, once again demonstrating their exemplary nature. A culture of respect rooted in their DNA This is not the first time South Africa have been recognized for its behaviour. Under the leadership of Dr Desiree Ellis, the former captain turned coach and three-time winner of the Best African Women's Coach Award, the Banyana Banyana have forged a culture of collective effort, respect, and solidarity.


Ya Biladi
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
Morocco sweeps all 10 gold medals at African Military Boxing Championship
Morocco claimed all 10 gold medals at the sixth edition of the African Military Boxing Championship, which concluded with the finals held on Thursday and Friday at the Royal Armed Forces Sports Center in Salé. The Moroccan team proudly carried the national colors in this continental competition, with victories from Issam Bensayar (49 kg), Reda Essamai (56 kg), Zouhair Fadel (60 kg), Aziz Ben Dalli (81 kg), Mehdi Bourous (91 kg), Younes Bouhdid (+91 kg), Othman Chadghour (52 kg), Nadir Abdelhak (64 kg), Zine Elabidine Amroug (69 kg), and Yassine Elouarz (75 kg). Aziz Ben Dalli's final against Tanzanian boxer Yusuf Changarawe was one of the most hard-fought bouts of the championship. He credited his victory to rigorous training and praised the dedication of the technical staff, who ensured optimal preparation. Ben Dalli also expressed his ambition to shine in future continental and international competitions. National military boxing team coach Youssef Sorour emphasized that Morocco's performance was no coincidence. He highlighted the intense months-long preparation leading up to the event, noting that the championship served as excellent training ahead of the upcoming World Military Boxing Championship. At the end of the tournament, Morocco topped the medal table with 10 gold medals. Nigeria followed with 2 silver and 4 bronze, while Tanzania earned 2 silver and 3 bronze. Tunisia secured 2 silver and 2 bronze; Zambia 2 silver and 1 bronze; Burkina Faso 1 silver and 1 bronze. Cabo Verde and Guinea each won 3 bronze medals, while Mozambique and Libya each claimed 1 bronze. The Fair Play Award was jointly awarded to Tanzania and Cabo Verde. Over five days, around 70 boxers from 12 African countries competed across various weight categories. Participating nations included Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Libya, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, Tunisia, Zambia, and host country Morocco.


Morocco World
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Morocco Wins All 10 Gold Medals at African Military Boxing Championship
Rabat – Morocco won all 10 gold medals at the 6th African Military Boxing Championship, held at the Royal Armed Forces Sports Center in Sale on Thursday and Friday. The Moroccan military boxing team dominated the finals, securing gold in every weight category. The winners include Issam Bensayar (49 kg), Reda Essamai (56 kg), Othman Chadghour (52 kg), Zouhair Fadel (60 kg), Nadir Abdelhak (64 kg), Zine Elabidine Amroug (69 kg), Yassine Elouarz (75 kg), Aziz Ben Dalli (81 kg), Mehdi Bourous (91 kg), and Younes Bouhdid (+91 kg). Speaking to the media, Mehdi Bourous said the competition was very tough. 'My opponent had great technique, but thanks to our preparation, I was able to win the gold in a very intense fight,' he said. Aziz Ben Dalli also said his final against Tanzania's Yusuf Changarawe was difficult. He said his victory was the result of serious training and commended the technical team for their support. Head coach Youssef Sorour said Morocco's performance was no accident, as it comes after months of preparation. It's a great sign for the next World Military Championship, he noted. Sorour also said that the Moroccan boxers have shown they can compete at a high level and expressed his pride in their achievements. International boxing supervisor Abdelilah Oudghiri noted the quality of the tournament, saying they used modern scoring systems and had top-level international referees. The head coach of Burkina Faso's team, Saidou Bande, commended the event's organization, adding that the tournament was a great opportunity for African boxers to test themselves and grow. Morocco finished first in the overall medal standings, followed by Nigeria, which earned 2 silver and 4 bronze medals. Tanzania and Tunisia also won 2 silver medals each, along with a few bronze. Zambia, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Guinea, Mozambique, and Libya each won bronze medals. The Fair Play Award was shared by Tanzania and


Qatar Tribune
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Nadeemathna Wakra wins ‘Eid-Kicks 25' football trophy
Tribune News Network Doha As part of its Eid Al-Adha celebrations, Students India Qatar (SIQ) organised an inter-zone football tournament titled 'Eid-Kicks 25'. The event brought together 14 teams from five different zones, delivering an exciting and memorable experience for both players and spectators. The tournament took place at Barwa Village in Al Wakra. The team Nadeemathna Wakra emerged as champions, clinching the winner's trophy. Meshafiya Wakra secured the first runner-up position, while MK Strikers Madinat Khalifa claimed third place. Individual honours were also awarded: Arman from Nadeemathna Wakra was named Player of the Tournament, while Ishan from Meshafiya Wakra was recognised as the Best Goalkeeper. The MK Strikers Madinat Khalifa team received the Fair Play Award, and Fahad from the Rayyan zone was selected as the Best Team Manager. The closing ceremony featured special guests including Munshir Thrissur, head coach of athletics at Al Shamal Club, and Bilal Harippad, general secretary of CIC. The event was coordinated under the leadership of Ismail Vengassery, Zakariya Kariyath, Ihjas Aslam, Abdushukoor, Ashraf Meeran, Midlaj Rahman, and Babeena Basheer. Trophies were distributed by Students India Qatar President Ameen Sabak, along with CIC Central Committee members Naufal Paleri, Shanavas Khalid, and Shajahan Kareem.