Banyana Banyana staged a remarkable comeback from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Ivory Coast, keeping their hopes alive in the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

When bullying becomes a legal matter

Defending champions Griquas handed the Cheetahs their first loss of the Currie Cup campaign in a tightly contested clash in Kimberley on Friday night. Pieter Bergh’s men ran in four tries for a 24-21 bonus-point win – their second of the tournament. Both teams started the central derby at a high tempo, with plenty of direct running and heavy defence. But it was the visitors who struck first when lock Simon Miller powered over from close range after sustained pressure. Griquas responded in impressive fashion, running in three tries in a devastating 15-minute spell. Hooker Tiaan Lange got the hosts on the board before loose forward Carl Els and scrumhalf Bobby Alexander also crossed the whitewash. Veteran flyhalf George Whitehead endured an uncharacteristic night from the kicking tee, converting just one of Griquas’ three first-half tries. Roared on by a passionate home crowd, Griquas took a deserved 17-7 lead into the break. The Cheetahs came out firing after half-time. Replacement hooker Marko Janse van Rensburg crashed over from a rolling maul, with winger Cohen Jasper adding the extras. After weathering a brief resurgence from the Cheetahs, Griquas extended their lead through another maul try of which Lange was the beneficiary. Frans Steyn’s men never gave up the fight. Winger Prince Nkabinde showed great pace, footwork and strength for the Cheetahs’ third try, with Jasper’s conversion reducing the deficit to just three points. It was a nerve-wracking last five minutes as the Cheetahs camped out near the Griquas tryline, but a wayward lineout with the clock in the red secured victory for Griquas. The defending champions welcome the Lions to Kimberley next Saturday, while the Cheetahs travel to Cape Town to take on the Stormers XXIII. GRIQUAS – Tries: Tiaan Lange (2), Carl Els, Bobby Alexander. Conversions: George Whitehead (2).CHEETAHS – Tries: Simon Miller, Marko Janse van Rensburg, Prince Nkabinde. Conversions: Cohen Jasper (3). This story first appeared on sarugbymag.co.za. It is republished here with permission.

A 39-year-old man has been sentenced to seven years’ direct imprisonment for fraud and money laundering involving value-added tax (VAT) refunds amounting to more than R1.8 million. The Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Gauteng convicted Lufuno Matodzi on six counts – three of fraud and three of money laundering. Matodzi was handed down seven years for the fraud counts and seven for money laundering, but the court ordered that they be served concurrently, resulting in an effective seven-year sentence. Man claims VAT refunds after hijacking registration details of a company National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said Matodzi’s conviction came after he unlawfully hijacked the registration details of a company called Coco Pure Manufacturing CC. This after the business owner, identified as Mr Hassan, asked him for help with submitting the company’s tax returns. “Instead of providing the requested assistance, Matodzi fraudulently amended the company’s records with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission, making himself the sole member of the close corporation,” Mohlatlole said on Friday, 31 July. Mohlatlole said Matodzi further used the South African Revenue Service‘s eFiling system to unlawfully change the company’s public officer and banking details. He then submitted fraudulent VAT refund claims for the February, April and June 2019 tax periods. “Through this scheme, he fraudulently claimed and received VAT refunds totalling more than R1.8 million, which he subsequently transferred to various bank accounts to conceal the proceeds of crime,” the NPA spokesperson said. NPA secures conviction In court, senior state advocate Phumlani Ntshangase argued that Matodzi deliberately hijacked the company’s records to fraudulently claim VAT refunds and launder the proceeds. Ntshangase further argued that the “serious, sophisticated and premeditated” nature of the offences warranted direct imprisonment. “The NPA welcomes the conviction and sentence, which underscore that tax fraud and money laundering are serious economic crimes that undermine the country’s revenue collection system and prejudice the public fiscus,” Mohlatlole said. “The NPA remains committed to working closely with its law enforcement partners to ensure that those who defraud the fiscus are prosecuted successfully and held accountable.”

The dramatic result at Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, kept Banyana Banyana’s hopes of reaching the quarter-finals alive. The defending African champions were under pressure after losing 2-1 to Tanzania in their opening match. A defeat against Ivory Coast would have left South Africa on the brink of elimination. DESIREE ELLIS RINGS THE CHANGES Head coach Desiree Ellis made changes to her starting lineup. Kaylin Swart replaced Andile Dlamini in goal as South Africa looked for a stronger defensive display. However, Ivory Coast made the brighter start. Grace Sery opened the scoring in the 18th minute after receiving a pass from Nsira Ouedraogo. The teenage forward struck again in the 36th minute. Her second goal gave Ivory Coast a deserved 2-0 lead before halftime. Banyana Banyana responded after the break with far greater urgency. Their pressure finally paid off in the 71st minute. Thembi Kgatlana reduced the deficit after being set up by captain Refiloe Jane. The goal gave South Africa renewed belief heading into the closing stages. HILDAH MAGAIA SAVES BANYANA BANYANA Ellis’ side continued to push for an equaliser as time ran out. Their persistence was rewarded deep into stoppage time. Hildah Magaia scored in the ninth minute of added time after an assist from Ronnel Donnelly. The late strike secured a valuable point for South Africa. The result leaves Ivory Coast top of Group B with four points. South Africa moved onto their first point of the tournament. South Africa will now face Burkina Faso on Tuesday in a must-win match. Victory would keep Banyana Banyana’s hopes of reaching the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals alive.

Kaizer Chiefs are expected to hand several new signings their competitive debuts when they face Kruger United in their opening Betway Premiership match of the season on Saturday evening. The clash at Mbombela Stadium marks Fernando Da Cruz’s first league game in charge, and Amakhosi will be eager to begin their campaign with a convincing victory. With new arrivals strengthening several areas of the squad, here’s how Chiefs could line up. Goalkeeper Brandon Petersen is expected to retain his place as Kaizer Chiefs’ first-choice goalkeeper after an impressive campaign last season. The experienced shot-stopper remains one of the most reliable figures in the squad and should start between the posts. Defence Thabo Monyane looks set to get the nod at right-back ahead of Reeve Frosler and Dillan Solomons. In central defence, new signing Thabo Moloisane is expected to partner Miguel Inácio after the duo impressed during pre-season. Bradley Cross picked up an injury against Scotland FC and could miss the opener, which may see Zitha Kwinika shift across to left-back despite it not being his natural position. Midfield One of Chiefs’ biggest additions this season, Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko, is expected to make his official debut in midfield. The Tanzanian international’s defensive discipline and ability to dictate the tempo should complement the experience of Lebohang Maboe. Together, they can provide the platform for the more attack-minded Mfundo Vilakazi to operate in an advanced midfield role, where his creativity could unlock Kruger United’s defence. Kaizer Chiefs lacks in attack Attack Although Kaizer Chiefs continue their search for a prolific striker before the transfer window closes, Flávio Silva is expected to lead the attack on Saturday. He should be supported by Wandile Duba and exciting new signing Asanele Velebayi on the flanks, giving Chiefs plenty of pace and directness in the final third. Predicted Kaizer Chiefs starting XI: Brandon Petersen; Thabo Monyane, Thabo Moloisane, Miguel Inácio, Zitha Kwinika; Lebohang Maboe, Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko; Mfundo Vilakazi; Wandile Duba, Asanele Velebayi, Flávio Silva. Give us your lineup

Eskom recorded a daily energy availability factor of 80.24% on 20 July, its best single day since 20 September 2017.

The transmission operator will own the assets outright, reversing a plan approved by the energy minister in December.