Broos' calm confidence key ahead of decisive qualifiers

BAFANA Bafana coach Hugo Broos will do well to transfer his nonchalant and calm demeanour onto his players. Ahead of South Africa's last two World Cup qualifying matches, there can be no denying that cool heads will be needed if the country's senior national men's team are to make it to the global football showpiece.

- MATSHELANE MAMABOLO

THE Proteas Tazmin Brits was the star of the show on Monday, as South Africa bounced back from their previous Guwahati disappointment against England in the Women's Cricket World Cup, with a commanding six-wicket win over New Zealand in Indore. Brits' masterclass 101 off 89 balls - featuring 15 fours and a six - was her fourth century in just five ODI innings, anchoring the Proteas' 232-run chase with composure and authority. The ton also ensured that Brits became the first women batter to score five ODI centuries in a calendar year. Even the early loss of captain Laura Wolvaardt failed to rattle the 34-year-old, as she punished loose deliveries and drove the ball with vintage timing down the ground. Brits' 159-run partnership with Sune Luus (83*) not only put the match beyond reach but also helped restore South Africa's confidence and net run-rate in the tournament. | IANS

(IANS)

Tied on 14 points with Benin, Bafana are in second position due to an inferior goal difference. To qualify for the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the US, Ronwen Williams and Co have to beat Zimbabwe in Durban on Friday and Rwanda in Mbombela next Tuesday.