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Cricket South Africa (CSA) and Eastern Province Cricket (EPC) said on Thursday that they were “deeply saddened” to learn of the passing of Geoff Dakin, a distinguished administrator and passionate advocate for the development of cricket.

He was 90.

Key leadership roles

Dakin’s association with EPC began at an early age as a player, before moving to key leadership roles, including Chairman of Old Grey Cricket Club and later the EPC Board, contributing significantly to the growth and governance of the sport at provincial level until the 2000s.

In 1991, Dakin was elected as the first Chairman of the United Cricket Board (UCB) following the unification of South African cricket.

CSA President, Rihan Richards, said: “Geoff Dakin was a visionary leader whose contribution to the unification and transformation of South African cricket will never be forgotten.

“His courage, integrity, and commitment to building a non-racial, inclusive game helped lay the foundation for the progress we see today.

“On behalf of Cricket South Africa, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Enduring passion for cricket

Eastern Province Cricket President Donovan May added: “Eastern Province Cricket and the broader cricket community were fortunate to have had Geoff spearhead the way for a non-racial, unified game, which ultimately led to South Africa becoming a force on the international stage.”

His family fondly recalls his enduring passion for cricket, as well as the unique experiences the game afforded him, including meeting figures such as John Major and Mother Teresa.

CSA and EPC extended their deepest condolences to the Dakin family, friends, and the wider cricketing community.

May his soul Rest in Peace.

Kevin Foote has backed continuity ahead of Saturday’s U20 Rugby Championship decider against New Zealand in Gqeberha.

The Junior Boks coach has made just one change to the match 23 that powered past Australia last weekend, with loose forward Risima Khosa returning to the bench in place of Gert Kemp.

The hosts head into the clash at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium knowing a single log point will be enough to secure the U20 Rugby Championship title for the first time.

MORE: Junior Boks geed up for ‘greatest’ test

But despite New Zealand’s recent defeat to Argentina, Foote insists there will be no complacency from his side.

“For us in rugby, it doesn’t get better than South Africa versus New Zealand,” he said.

“They are our greatest rivals and the opportunity to play them in front of the Gqeberha crowd at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is a privilege for everyone involved with the Junior Boks.

“We have huge respect for the New Zealanders and, like us, they will be highly motivated to end the tournament on a high.

“Our objective on Saturday is about more than just the trophy – it’s about our growth and continuing the journey we’ve started with this group.

“These two teams have a history of producing memorable encounters when they meet, and it’s every South African rugby player’s dream to stand facing the haka and take on New Zealand.”

WATCH: Sharks next gen strike for Junior Boks

The Junior Bok coach added that preparations for the crunch clash have gone smoothly.

“The players are excited for this massive challenge, and the staff have done a tremendous job in keeping the group close-knit and in a very positive space.

“Gqeberha is a wonderful venue to host an international tournament such as the U20 Rugby Championship, and the people of the Eastern Cape have been outstanding hosts. We hope to repay that support with a quality performance against our greatest rivals on Saturday.”

JUNIOR BOKS – 15 Akahluwa Boqwana, 14 Jack Benade, 13 Samuel Badenhorst, 12 Ethan Adams, 11 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Hendré Schoeman, 8 Kebotile Maake, 7 Wasi Vyambwera, 6 Luke Canon, 5 Riley Norton (c), 4 Heinrich Theron, 3 Danie Kruger, 2 Liam van Wyk, 1 Rambo Kubheka.
Bench: 16 Mahle Sithole, 17 Oliver Reid, 18 Luan van der Berg, 19 JD Hattingh, 20 Risima Khosa, 21 Jayden Brits, 22 Vusi Moyo, 23 Jade Muller.

Weekend teams

Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images

The post Junior Boks change one for title showdown appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Petro de Luanda have secured their 2026-2027 CAF Champions League return for the fifth straight season after their latest exploits in Angola’s Girabola league.

The Luanda-based side wrapped up the 2025-26 Girabola championship after beating Desportivo da Luanda-Sul 3-0 at Estádio 11 de Novembro on Wednesday, 6 May 2026.

𝗟𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗼 𝗱𝗲 𝗟𝘂𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝗲 𝗹𝗮 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗮 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗹 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗹𝗮 𝗽𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗮 𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗲̀𝗺𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲́𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 ! 𝗦𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝗲̀𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘂 𝘁𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗹 ! #𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗹𝗮 pic.twitter.com/CRTru6OQfE

— Palancas Negras (@_PalancasNegras) May 6, 2026

Evanilson and Toro scored in the first half before Pedro Aparício wrapped up the title with four Girabola games to go.

How Petro de Luanda confirmed their crown

Petro de Luanda have now won the league crown in five consecutive seasons, taking their tally to 20 overall, more than any team in Angola.

“With four rounds to go before the end of the championship, the Tricolors mathematically confirmed the achievement and thus secured the fifth championship, repeating a historic feat in their trajectory,” reads the club’s statement.

Angola football legend Flávio Amado has now guided the petroleum men to back-to-back league titles, on both occasions after having taken over the mantle following the departure of a head coach in the middle of a campaign.

Flavio inks Girabola history

In the middle of the 2025-2027 season, club president Tomás Faria named the Angola football legend as the new coach, replacing Franc Artiga, who resigned in January 2026.

The Tricolores have taken their tally to 63 points from 25 matches with four games to go and will now shift focus to the Champions League.

The furthest the club has gone in the continental league is in the semi-final, and it will certainly want to build on that.

Prominent South African football administrator Shauwn Mkhize has officially set the record straight regarding her ongoing tenure as president of Mbabane Highlanders AM FC in neighbouring Eswatini.

The former Royal AM owner has moved to address mounting concerns within the kingdom nation that she was on the verge of abandoning the MTN Premier League giants, affectionately known as Ezimnyama Ngenkani (The Black Bull).

Mkhize released a pre-recorded video on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, while seemingly back at her base in South Africa. In the address, she offered firm assurances that her physical absence from the Eswatini-based club should not be misconstrued as a precursor to a permanent exit.

Shauwn Mkhize Addressing friction at Highlanders AM FC

“I have been receiving messages—as I am away—that you guys are worried that I am going to leave you,” she stated in the video, appearing visibly relaxed. “Let me assure you—I am not going anywhere. I am currently focused on restoring unity within this club, and I am working to ensure that you have a formidable squad capable of competing at the highest level next year.”

The former Premier Soccer League (PSL) club owner hinted at underlying friction within the “Black Bull” family, emphasising the urgent need for solidarity among the club’s supporters. A major point of contention has been the club’s visual identity, specifically the departure from their traditional black and white jerseys. Following Mkhize’s takeover, the club transitioned to the black and gold palette synonymous with her defunct PSL outfit, Royal AM.

Addressing the kit controversy, she noted: “I just want you to stay together, unite and come out in numbers… it is not always about how you start, but how you finish. Let us support each other. I know certain factions were worried; they wanted a return to the black and white jersey. I am considering reintroducing a black and white kit at the beginning of the season as an alternative strip. My goal is to ensure the happiness of the supporters so that we can operate as one united family under my leadership.”

The rebranding of Mbabane Highlanders AM FC

Mkhize was unveiled as the president of the Mbabane-based giants in July 2025. This appointment coincided with a significant rebranding effort that saw the club transition from its original name to Mbabane Highlanders AM FC.

An official statement released at the time of the takeover explained the shift: “The club will now be known as Mbabane Highlanders AM FC, incorporating the AM insignia into our proud name. Our traditional black and white colours will officially transition to a more prestigious and modern combination of black and gold.”

Mkhize’s foray into Eswatini football marked her return to the sport months after South Africa’s league governing body expelled Royal AM from the flagship Betway Premiership. That expulsion followed severe financial hurdles that eventually saw court-appointed curators take control of the Durban-based club’s affairs.

Current standing in the MTN Premier League

On the pitch, Highlanders suffered a setback on Wednesday, enduring their first defeat in eight matches since South African tactician Selaotse Mosala took the helm. The club fell to a narrow 1-0 away loss against Tabankulu FC.

Despite the result, the former Sekhukhune United assistant coach has maintained a respectable record, having posted five victories and two draws alongside this recent loss. This latest defeat—the club’s seventh in 27 league outings—leaves Mkhize’s side in fifth position on the log. They currently trail the league leaders and defending champions, Nsingizini Hotspurs FC, by a significant 18-point margin.