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Ouaddou: We’ve Tried To Bring More Competitiveness
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says his side will strive to maintain their competitive nature until the end of the season. freshyourfeel.org
The Buccaneers will look to make it two wins in a row when they take on Magesi FC at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
Pirates come into this match after claiming a 2-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium on Tuesday.
The Soweto giants currently sit in second place in the Betway Premiership standings with 62 points from 27 matches, three points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
“This season we’ve tried to bring more competitiveness. I think the boys really did well,” Ouaddou said.
“Let’s see what the result will be at the end of this season. But the most important thing is to be competitive until the end. So for us, the dream is still here.
“The players are going to fight, and it’s possible, like I said at the beginning of the season, to fight until the last game and maybe the people will know the champion only after the last game.”
The post Ouaddou: We’ve Tried To Bring More Competitiveness appeared first on SportsClub.
BATTLE AT THE COAST: Ferreira and Simwaka Ready for IBO World Title War at Wild Coast Sun
PORT EDWARD — Tonight, under the bright lights of the Wild Coast Sun, the landscape of African women’s boxing is set for a seismic shift. Undefeated South African standout Bernice “The Badger” Ferreira steps into the ring against seasoned Malawian veteran Ellen “The Tigress” Simwaka for the vacant IBO World Junior Lightweight title.
Promoted by Fighters Club Promotions and billed as the “Battle at the Coast,” the main event carries the weight of history, intense stable rivalries, and the undeniable allure of a world championship. In exclusive interviews conducted by SA BOXING TALK, both fighters laid bare their preparations and the mental toll of a high-stakes championship camp.
A Late Switch and Elevated Stakes
The road to tonight’s clash has been anything but smooth. Ferreira was originally slated to face Adija Mimu, but a late withdrawal saw Mimu’s stablemate, Ellen Simwaka, step into the spotlight. The shift forced a two-week postponement, a gruelling mental and physical hurdle for any fighter tasked with maintaining championship weight.
For Ferreira, speaking to SA BOXING TALK, the delay was just another test of her resolve.
“Getting to weight is easy but maintaining it for such a long time, that’s the difficult part,” Ferreira noted. “I was a bit bummed at first, but when I heard that Ellen was taking the fight, it just lit a new spark… I’ve been wanting to challenge myself to see where I’m at on the world stage.”
Simwaka, returning from a holiday in Malawi following a February bout, didn’t hesitate to take the call. “We plan, but God decides,” Simwaka explained. “I’m always fit. I don’t play when I jump in the ring… my focus is on winning.”
The Weight Dynamics and Sparring History
The bout presents a fascinating clash of trajectories. Ferreira is fighting in her natural weight class, looking to validate her undefeated record. Simwaka, traditionally a Bantamweight, is stepping up in weight for the opportunity.
However, there are no secrets between these two. Simwaka and Mimu previously served as Ferreira’s sparring partners. Simwaka told SA BOXING TALK that she is unfazed by the size difference, citing her international experience against Olympic champions.
“I’m not underrating Bernice,” Simwaka stated. “She’s a strong fighter… but this is the second chance for me fighting for the IBO world title. This one is not going to slip.”
Simwaka has made it clear that if she captures the belt tonight, she intends to drop back down to her natural weight to chase unification bouts against the likes of Dina Thorslund.
Ambitions Beyond the Coast
Both fighters recognize that an IBO World Title is a golden ticket to the international stage. Under the guidance of a revamped coaching setup, Ferreira believes she is ready for the global elite, even targeting unified champion Alycia Baumgardner.
“As long as I keep winning, they can’t deny me,” Ferreira confidently declared. “I’m 100% sure the title is mine.”
Simwaka, however, offered a veteran’s reality check. “I think she has a long way to go. Baumgardner is a big puncher… you have to be able to take body punches and give it back to get there.” For Simwaka, the motivation is patriotic: she aims to be the first female world champion from Malawi.
A New Era for Women's Boxing
With Ferreira predicting a tactical victory and Simwaka explicitly hunting for a stoppage, the “Battle at the Coast” is primed to deliver fireworks. As Ferreira put it directly to her opponent ahead of the opening bell: “Bring your A-game, champ. Let’s make it a good fight.”
Watch the Full Interviews & Coverage via SA BOXING TALK:
- Bernice Ferreira Interview: Watch here
- Ellen Simwaka Interview: Watch here
- Official Weigh-In & Press Conference: Watch here
For More South African Sports News: Sport South Africa Home Page
The post BATTLE AT THE COAST: Ferreira and Simwaka Ready for IBO World Title War at Wild Coast Sun appeared first on South Africa Sports News and Blog Site | South Africa Sport.
Premier League (J36) : Les compositions officielles de Liverpool – Chelsea
Le choc de Premier League entre Liverpool et Chelsea, ce samedi à 11h30 GMT, à Anfield, a livré ses compositions officielles, avec plusieurs choix forts des deux entraîneurs pour ce duel très attendu du championnat anglais. McFarlane bouleverse son onze de départ Le coach Calum McFarlane a procédé à cinq changements dans son équipe de Chelsea, marquant notamment le retour en titulaire de Levi Colwill. Aligné en défense centrale aux côtés de Wesley Fofana, Colwill retrouve une place de titulaire après son entrée en jeu face à Nottingham Forest. Dans les buts, Filip Jörgensen remplace le blessé Robert Sánchez. Le onze de départ comprend également les titularisations de Jorrel Hato et Andrey Santos, tandis que Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah, Romeo Lavia et Jesse Derry sortent du onze par rapport au dernier match. Trois changements opérés par Arne Slot En face, Liverpool effectue trois ajustements dans son onze de départ. Giorgi Mamardashvili fait son retour dans les cages après blessure, tandis que Milos Kerkez et Rio Ngumoha débutent également la rencontre. Le groupe dirigé par Arne Slot s’appuie notamment sur Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister et Gakpo pour encadrer cette équipe remaniée. Alexander Isak effectue son retour dans le groupe et débute sur le banc. Voici les compositions officielles : Liverpool : Mamardashvili, Van Dijk, Konaté, Kerkez, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Jones, Gakpo, Frimpong, Gravenberch, Ngumoha. Chelsea : Jörgensen, Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella, Hato, Caicedo, Andrey Santos, Enzo Fernández, Palmer, João Pedro.
L’article Premier League (J36) : Les compositions officielles de Liverpool – Chelsea est apparu en premier sur AfricaFootUnited.
Liverpool et Chelsea dos à dos à la mi-temps (1-1)
C’est la pause à Anfield entre Liverpool et Chelsea . Les deux équipes regagnent les vestiaires sur un score de parité (1-1) au terme d’une première période rythmée et riche en occasions. Les Reds avaient pourtant parfaitement lancé leur rencontre grâce à Ryan Gravenberch. Le milieu néerlandais a ouvert le score d’une superbe frappe enroulée depuis l’extérieur de la surface, laissant le gardien londonien sans réaction. Après cette entame idéale, Liverpool a progressivement perdu le contrôle du match. Moins agressifs dans le pressing et plus brouillons techniquement, les hommes de Slot ont laissé Chelsea prendre confiance au fil des minutes. Les Blues ont fini par être récompensés grâce à Enzo Fernández. Sur un coup franc dangereux envoyé dans la surface, personne ne parvient à toucher le ballon, qui termine sa course dans le but après avoir heurté le poteau. Relancé par cette égalisation, Chelsea a même terminé cette première période avec de meilleures intentions offensives, se procurant plusieurs situations intéressantes face à une défense de Liverpool plus fébrile. Tout reste ouvert avant le second acte à Anfield.
L’article Liverpool et Chelsea dos à dos à la mi-temps (1-1) est apparu en premier sur AfricaFootUnited.