Khulekani Nxumalo: KwaZulu-Natal talent earns Manchester City trial after Touré referral

The distance between Inchanga in KwaZulu-Natal township and the elite corridors of Manchester City is vast, but for Khulekani “Sdah” Nxumalo, that gap has narrowed significantly after he secured a two-week trial with the former English champions.

Nxumalo, developed at the British Football Academy in Pinetown, Durban, has been invited to train with City’s Under-21 side in what represents the most significant opportunity of his young career.  The trial follows internal recommendations after former City midfielder Yaya Touré viewed footage of the South African and was sufficiently impressed to flag his talent.

Touré then relayed his assessment to his brother Kolo Touré, who is an assistant of ‘super manager’ Pep Guardiola, prompting Manchester City’s international recruitment department to initiate contact and formalise the trial.

By Smiso Msomi

Full story at IOL

Mighty Park looks mighty exciting to Mullins

While Willie Mullins ponders running plans for his crack team of novice hurdlers at the Cheltenham Festival, Mighty Park has drawn comparison to the mighty Faugheen.

Owned by JP McManus, the impressive Fairyhouse scorer – who is closely related to the mercurial Might Bite – holds entries for both the Supreme and Turners Novices’ Hurdles and wowed the master of Closutton when making all on his stable bow in January.

“When Mark (Walsh) got off Mighty Park he said he had a look round at the second-last and couldn’t believe how far in front he was,” said Mullins.

By Ashley Iveson

Full story at Yahoo News

NBA 2026 Slam Dunk contest participants

San Antonio Spurs forward Carter Bryant (11) looks up
in the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at Frost Bank Center.
Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

The 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing showcases of athleticism during NBA All-Star Saturday Night, set for Saturday, February 14 at 5 p.m. ET at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. This event, part of the league’s midseason celebration that runs Feb. 13–15, brings together an exciting mix of explosive young talent and dynamic leapers eager to light up the stage. With broadcast coverage on NBC and Peacock, fans across the country will tune in to see who can deliver the most jaw-dropping jams and claim Dunk Contest glory.

Carter Bryant – San Antonio Spurs

Carter Bryant is one of the youthful faces in this year’s dunk lineup, drafted 14th overall in 2025. While his regular-season numbers might not jump off the page yet, his athleticism and collegiate dunk highlights have made him an intriguing pick for the contest. Fans will be watching to see if he can bring creativity and flair that transcends his box score.

By Angel Atienza-Romero

Full story at Yahoo News

Paul Onuachu beats Super Eagles teammate Osimhen to Baller of the Week award

The Turkish Super Lig witnessed a Nigerian goal-fest this weekend, but it was the towering Paul Onuachu who edged out Victor Osimhen for top honours.

Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu has been named Baller of the Week, narrowly defeating fellow Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen after standout performances in the Turkish Super Lig this weekend.

The 6'7" Nigerian powered Trabzonspor to a 3-0 win over Samsunspor on Saturday, scoring a brace in the 23rd and 81st minutes.

By Izuchukwu Akawor

Full story at Pulse NG

Blitzboks turn up the heat against Australia to book Perth final spot against Fiji

In temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius, the Blitzboks proved too strong for hosts Australia to clinch a spot in the final of the Perth SVNS tournament on Sunday.

Four converted tries, built on excellent team play and flashes of individual brilliance, secured a 28-12 victory over the hosts.

Now a revenge match against Fiji awaits on Sunday (11.04am kick-off), and the Springbok Sevens will have to improve on their semi-final performance — especially in tackling and discipline — if they want to lift the title. They lost to the Fijians in a tight pool-stage encounter on Saturday.

Full story at IOL

By Leighton Koopman

Ademola Lookman pens heartfelt goodbye message to Atalanta

Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman took to social media to thank Atalanta after completing his move to Atletico Madrid.

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has penned a heartfelt message to Atalanta after he officially completed his swap to Atletico Madrid in LALIGA.

As Pulse Sports reported, the former Leipzig star has joined Los Rojiblancos and could make his debut as early as Thursday against Real Betis in the Copa del Rey. After putting pen to paper with this new club, he went on to thank his old one for the best period of his career.

By Faruq Ibrahim

Full story at Pulse NG.

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