Latest news with #Leopards'
The Citizen
29-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Valke overpower Leopards with six tries to maintain unbeaten Currie Cup run
Valke overpower Leopards with six tries to maintain unbeaten Currie Cup run Barnard Stadium erupted with cheers and song as fans created an electric atmosphere when the Valke clashed with the Leopards on June 21 in the second round of the Currie Cup First Division. The home side delivered a commanding performance from the first whistle, securing a resounding 50–24 victory. The Valke dominated from the outset, fortifying their backline to thwart the Leopards' attempts at running tries, while creating ample scoring opportunities for their forwards. Despite their efforts, the Leopards' defence struggled to contain the relentless pressure. ALSO READ: Valke dominate Border Bulldogs with 72-28 win in SA Cup home finale Leopards coach Riaan van Straten acknowledged his team's shortcomings but took heart from their improved second-half performance. 'We're obviously disappointed. We wanted to do better. We didn't start well, but we finished strong and played much better rugby in the second half,' said Van Straten. 'It was a game of two halves. The Valke won the first half 38–7; we won the second 17–12. We'll need to replicate our second-half effort from the start next time. Discipline and ball retention are areas that need serious attention.' The Valke ran in six tries in the first half, including one by Mosolwa Mafuma, putting the visitors under immense pressure. A brief lapse allowed the Leopards to capitalise and score their first try, but the Valke still led comfortably at the break. Valke head coach JP Immelman was pleased with the result and especially proud of the team's attacking execution. ALSO READ: Valke stun Griffons with historic comeback win 'You don't just put 50 points on any team in this competition,' said Immelman. 'I'm proud of how we attacked and of the overall performance. The only downside was conceding three tries. That's something we'll work on. Still, it's great when the work you put in during the week pays off.' Immelman highlighted improvements in controlling possession and territory, as well as dominance at set pieces. These were areas the team had targeted after a previous clash with the Leopards in the SA Cup six weeks ago. 'In the second half, we gave them too much ball and struggled to transition quickly from attack to defence,' he added. The Leopards returned with renewed energy after half-time, quickly scoring a try and showing urgency in closing the gap. However, the Valke struck back with a try from Sergio Stalmeester, maintaining their lead despite conceding the second half 12–17. Leopards captain Ignatius Prinsloo expressed disappointment in the result but remained hopeful. ALSO READ: Valke earns victory after beating Sanlam Boland Cavaliers 'It's tough to lose, but sometimes an early-season defeat is a blessing in disguise. We showed what we're capable of in the second half. We're a young squad with limited experience, so setbacks like this are part of our learning curve,' said Prinsloo. With this win, combined with their opening-round victory over the NovaVit Griffons on June 14, the Valke remain unbeaten and top the First Division standings with 10 points. They are the only team yet to lose in the competition. Individual performances were also recognised. Pierre Rabie was named Forward of the Match, Waqar Solaan took Back of the Match honours, and Zingisa April received the Player of the Match award. Valke captain Andrew Volschenk praised his side's effort and composure. 'We led 38–0 at one point, gave away a try before half-time, and started the second half slowly, but we regrouped and finished strong. Winning 50–24 against the Leopards is a big achievement,' he said. 'It's always a privilege to play them. I'm a fan of theirs. This competition gives us great exposure and we're loving every minute of it.' The Valke now prepare for tough fixtures against the Border Bulldogs, Phangela SWD Eagles and Eastern Province Elephants. With two convincing wins under their belt, they have emerged as strong contenders in the First Division. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Advertiser
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Cartwright chuffed, Aussie star shines in Hull win
John Cartwright hailed a clinical display from his side as Hull ended a four-game losing run with a 26-12 Super League win at Leigh. Cartwright's side scored all their points in the first half on Thursday as they ran in tries through Cade Cust, Herman Ese'ese, Lewis Martin and Sam Eseh while an inspirational Aidan Sezer kicked five goals in his 250th career appearance. The Australian coach said: "We set it up in the first half. The first 15 minutes was an arm wrestle but we didn't panic and stuck at it. "We then got a bit of decent ball and Sezer was at his very best on his 250th. "To go out and compete like they did, and attack the way they did, it was good to see. "I know we're capable of that. It's not always possible to do every time we go out and play but tonight was nice and clinical." Leigh coach Adrian Lam held the opposite view of his side and was heavily critical of the Leopards' defence. Lam said: "I'm very disappointed. I didn't see that coming. "They were 10 times better than us but when you make decisions like we made, it can really hurt you heavily. "There were several players that played their worst rugby of the year. It was unacceptable." Tries from Edwin Ipape and Owen Trout in the final quarter added some respectability to the scoreline but the result was never in doubt. Ex-NRL star Sezer was at his creative best for Hull, spreading the play for Cust to show his strength to burrow through several challenges to touch down. Sezer then landed a 40-20 kick which led to Will Pryce driving close to the line and Ese'ese crashing over. Another followed on the stroke of half-time, Eseh finishing off more good work from Sezer under the posts. With five goals from Sezer, Hull held a commanding 26-0 advantage at the break. Ipape finally got them on the scoreboard with just over an hour gone when he wriggled under the posts after a Tesi Niu break and Ben McNamara converted. Trout cut the arrears further and Josh Charnley threatened to create another after an electric break, but Sezer got back to cut out Ipape's pass. John Cartwright hailed a clinical display from his side as Hull ended a four-game losing run with a 26-12 Super League win at Leigh. Cartwright's side scored all their points in the first half on Thursday as they ran in tries through Cade Cust, Herman Ese'ese, Lewis Martin and Sam Eseh while an inspirational Aidan Sezer kicked five goals in his 250th career appearance. The Australian coach said: "We set it up in the first half. The first 15 minutes was an arm wrestle but we didn't panic and stuck at it. "We then got a bit of decent ball and Sezer was at his very best on his 250th. "To go out and compete like they did, and attack the way they did, it was good to see. "I know we're capable of that. It's not always possible to do every time we go out and play but tonight was nice and clinical." Leigh coach Adrian Lam held the opposite view of his side and was heavily critical of the Leopards' defence. Lam said: "I'm very disappointed. I didn't see that coming. "They were 10 times better than us but when you make decisions like we made, it can really hurt you heavily. "There were several players that played their worst rugby of the year. It was unacceptable." Tries from Edwin Ipape and Owen Trout in the final quarter added some respectability to the scoreline but the result was never in doubt. Ex-NRL star Sezer was at his creative best for Hull, spreading the play for Cust to show his strength to burrow through several challenges to touch down. Sezer then landed a 40-20 kick which led to Will Pryce driving close to the line and Ese'ese crashing over. Another followed on the stroke of half-time, Eseh finishing off more good work from Sezer under the posts. With five goals from Sezer, Hull held a commanding 26-0 advantage at the break. Ipape finally got them on the scoreboard with just over an hour gone when he wriggled under the posts after a Tesi Niu break and Ben McNamara converted. Trout cut the arrears further and Josh Charnley threatened to create another after an electric break, but Sezer got back to cut out Ipape's pass. John Cartwright hailed a clinical display from his side as Hull ended a four-game losing run with a 26-12 Super League win at Leigh. Cartwright's side scored all their points in the first half on Thursday as they ran in tries through Cade Cust, Herman Ese'ese, Lewis Martin and Sam Eseh while an inspirational Aidan Sezer kicked five goals in his 250th career appearance. The Australian coach said: "We set it up in the first half. The first 15 minutes was an arm wrestle but we didn't panic and stuck at it. "We then got a bit of decent ball and Sezer was at his very best on his 250th. "To go out and compete like they did, and attack the way they did, it was good to see. "I know we're capable of that. It's not always possible to do every time we go out and play but tonight was nice and clinical." Leigh coach Adrian Lam held the opposite view of his side and was heavily critical of the Leopards' defence. Lam said: "I'm very disappointed. I didn't see that coming. "They were 10 times better than us but when you make decisions like we made, it can really hurt you heavily. "There were several players that played their worst rugby of the year. It was unacceptable." Tries from Edwin Ipape and Owen Trout in the final quarter added some respectability to the scoreline but the result was never in doubt. Ex-NRL star Sezer was at his creative best for Hull, spreading the play for Cust to show his strength to burrow through several challenges to touch down. Sezer then landed a 40-20 kick which led to Will Pryce driving close to the line and Ese'ese crashing over. Another followed on the stroke of half-time, Eseh finishing off more good work from Sezer under the posts. With five goals from Sezer, Hull held a commanding 26-0 advantage at the break. Ipape finally got them on the scoreboard with just over an hour gone when he wriggled under the posts after a Tesi Niu break and Ben McNamara converted. Trout cut the arrears further and Josh Charnley threatened to create another after an electric break, but Sezer got back to cut out Ipape's pass.
Perth Now
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Cartwright chuffed, Aussie star shines in Hull win
John Cartwright hailed a clinical display from his side as Hull ended a four-game losing run with a 26-12 Super League win at Leigh. Cartwright's side scored all their points in the first half on Thursday as they ran in tries through Cade Cust, Herman Ese'ese, Lewis Martin and Sam Eseh while an inspirational Aidan Sezer kicked five goals in his 250th career appearance. The Australian coach said: "We set it up in the first half. The first 15 minutes was an arm wrestle but we didn't panic and stuck at it. "We then got a bit of decent ball and Sezer was at his very best on his 250th. "To go out and compete like they did, and attack the way they did, it was good to see. "I know we're capable of that. It's not always possible to do every time we go out and play but tonight was nice and clinical." Leigh coach Adrian Lam held the opposite view of his side and was heavily critical of the Leopards' defence. Lam said: "I'm very disappointed. I didn't see that coming. "They were 10 times better than us but when you make decisions like we made, it can really hurt you heavily. "There were several players that played their worst rugby of the year. It was unacceptable." Tries from Edwin Ipape and Owen Trout in the final quarter added some respectability to the scoreline but the result was never in doubt. Ex-NRL star Sezer was at his creative best for Hull, spreading the play for Cust to show his strength to burrow through several challenges to touch down. Sezer then landed a 40-20 kick which led to Will Pryce driving close to the line and Ese'ese crashing over. Another followed on the stroke of half-time, Eseh finishing off more good work from Sezer under the posts. With five goals from Sezer, Hull held a commanding 26-0 advantage at the break. Ipape finally got them on the scoreboard with just over an hour gone when he wriggled under the posts after a Tesi Niu break and Ben McNamara converted. Trout cut the arrears further and Josh Charnley threatened to create another after an electric break, but Sezer got back to cut out Ipape's pass.
CAF
12-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Deadly Seven: Meet the strikers lighting up the TotalEnergies U20 AFCON
There are seven of them. Seven standout strikers who have lit up the group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025. Momoh Kamara, the Arrow from Freetown Sierra Leone came into the tournament with no pressure. What no one expected was the emergence of a bright young attacking gem. Kamara struck four times during the group stage – more than any other player. But beyond the sheer numbers, it is the manner of his goals that stands out: instinctive finishes, composure, and excellent positioning. He found the net against Egypt and Tanzania, including a blistering double against the hosts in a stunning 4-1 win. Then came the crucial late goal against Tanzania (1-0) that sent Sierra Leone into the knockout rounds for the first time in their history. Kamara's calm celebrations and fearless play have already caught the attention of scouts. Ntanda and Makanza: Congo's Dual Threat Though the Democratic Republic of Congo did not top their group, they boast two players tied for second in the goal-scoring charts. Samuel Ntanda-Lukisa and Noah Makanza each scored twice, playing key roles in the Leopards' advancement. Ntanda impressed with his direct runs and finishing – particularly in the 3-1 win over the Central African Republic. Makanza showed his power down the right wing and his knack for finding space in tight defences. The duo's partnership could be pivotal in the quarter-final against South Africa. Cheikh Tidiane Thiam: Senegal's Clinical Edge In a structured and well-organised Senegal side, Cheikh Tidiane Thiam stood out. With two goals and a striker's instinct, he fits the mold of a modern forward – hard-working, mobile, and always in motion. While less flashy than Kamara, Thiam brings consistency and sharp movement. He scored in the draw against the Central African Republic and again in the crucial 2-0 win over DR Congo. With his physical presence and composure, Thiam will be vital for Senegal in their blockbuster tie against Nigeria. Lawrence Ouma: Kenya's Creative Dynamo It took just two moments for Lawrence Ouma to leave his mark. Against Nigeria, he converted a penalty with confidence. In the next game, he stunned Morocco with a precise low strike. Two goals in three games told the story. Originally an attacking midfielder, Ouma became Kenya's creative spark in a team that, although eliminated, showed attacking intent and courage. He is a symbol of a bold, evolving generation in Kenyan football. Thabang Mahlangu: South Africa's Spontaneous Spark In South Africa's pragmatic setup, Thabang Mahlangu emerged as a free-roaming threat. He scored a stunning curled effort against Egypt and finished clinically against the Central African Republic. Mahlangu's play is all about instinct. Few touches, perfect timing. At 19, he evokes memories of 2000s-era South African strikers like Benni McCarthy and Siyabonga Nomvete. The quarter-final against DR Congo could be his breakout moment. Yassir Zabiri: Morocco's Master Finisher Yassir Zabiri does not need many opportunities. Two chances, two goals. The Moroccan striker scored against Tunisia and Kenya with ruthless precision. He remains discreet during matches, but lethal in the box. Morocco's upcoming match against Sierra Leone could hinge on his ability to turn half-chances into goals. With Zabiri, every ball in the area is a potential goal. A Wide-Open Race Kamara leads the scoring charts for now, but the knockout rounds often produce surprise heroes. Six players are hot on his heels with two goals each. As is often the case in the U20 AFCON, everything can change in a single night.
