Maharaj shines for Proteas

KESHAV Maharaj became only the second South African player in Test history to take a hat-trick as the Proteas recorded a 158-run victory in their second Test against the West Indies, clean-sweeping the hosts 2-0.

Despite the Proteas’ wins, fans must not get too excited just yet. The West Indies tend to struggle in Tests and usually only have their best possible XI available when it is time for the T20 World Cup where they are record two time winners.

New stars are born in the Euros One of the best things about major football tournaments such as the European Championships is that new stars are always born at these events. In the current edition of the Euros, we have already seen some youngsters take advantage of the opportunities given to them. While Spain will not be a favourite to win the Euros, 18-year-old Pedri is their lone bright spark. The youngster looks like he will be the future heartbeat of the Spanish team in a similar way to how Andres Iniesta was for the best part of their major successes of recent times.

Sweden’s Alexander Isak has shown that he can potentially be the next Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Another star that has been born is Netherlands rightback Denzel Dumfries. He is not only a goal-scoring defender but is confident on the ball and has a good ability to orchestrate attacks from the back.

Kaizer Chiefs’ erratic season continues

This season has been one of highs and lows for Kaizer Chiefs. They appointed Gavin Hunt and sacked him, were eliminated from the Nedbank Cup by Richards Bay FC and finished eighth in the DStv Premiership. Somehow Chiefs seem to be on steroids in the CAF Champions League. They put one foot in the final of Africa’s premier club competition by recording an impressive 1-0 win over Morocco’s Wydad AC away from home in their semi-final first leg last weekend.

Should Chiefs manage to upset the bookies and win the Champions League, it could jeopardise Durban club AmaZulu’s entry into the competition. South Africa is allowed two entries into the competition, and those spots are occupied by league winners Mamelodi Sundowns and runners-up AmaZulu.

If Chiefs win the competition, they will have automatic entry for next season, in place of AmaZulu.

Could the F1 title be set to change hands?

For the first time since 2016, it appears that the Formula 1 title race may not be one-sided. Sir Lewis Hamilton faces his toughest test in years as Red Bull driver Max Verstappen extended his lead over the Brit atop the World Drivers Standings to 12 points after winning the French Grand Prix. Red Bull outdid Mercedes on race strategy as Verstappen was followed by Hamilton and Sergio Perez in third.

Hamilton’s teammate Valtteri Bottas also needs to come to the party this season. With Verstappen’s teammate Perez performing well, Mercedes could potentially also lose the Constructors Championship to Red Bull, judging by the way things are going.