Tottenham Hotspur have spoken to a Premier League club as Daniel Levy and co weigh up an “ambitious” late signing, according to a former Spurs employee.
Thomas Frank was gifted a major boost with the signing of playmaker Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig, who joins Spurs in a deal worth £52 million after putting pen to paper on a potential seven-year contract.
An agreement with Leipzig was reached “overnight” (Fabrizio Romano), with a medical taking place on Thursday as the north Londoners dished out a hijack of their own on Chelsea – just over a week after Eberechi Eze was stolen from them by Arsenal.
Simons’ arrival does wonders to combat the losses of James Maddison, who’ll miss most of 25/26 after rupturing his ACL, and Dejan Kulusevski, who remains out for some time with a knee problem.
While Simons is over the line, reports have suggested that Tottenham may not be done in the attacker market just yet, as they’ve been after a winger too.
Spurs’ talks for Savinho, despite Levy’s best efforts, ended up going nowhere – with the Brazilian very likely to stay at Man City barring a dramatic late twist as the Lilywhites turn their attentions to alternative targets.
Son Heung-min’s departure to LAFC earlier this month has left Tottenham short out wide, and one man who could fill the void left by his exit is Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers.
Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers
While the England international, valued at £80 million by Villa, is naturally a CAM, he can be deployed on both the left and right-hand side – featuring a lot in those areas under Unai Emery last term.
Rogers bagged 14 goals and 16 assists in all competitions across 24/25, and signing the 23-year-old with Simons would be a major statement of intent.
Tottenham have spoken to Aston Villa about signing Morgan Rogers
According to Tottenham’s former scout, Mick Brown, the north Londoners have spoken to Villa about signing Rogers, in what would be an “ambitious” move from the club.
Some credible reports have stated that Frank would even ideally like two new playmakers rather than one (Gary Jacobs), and Rogers would certainly fit this bill too, but the odds of a deal are growing slimmer by the minute with deadline day on Monday.
Chelsea are now expected to make an official offer for an “elite” player imminently, and they believe a €50m (£43m) bid will be enough to get a deal over the line, according to a report.
Blues set sights on new defender after Colwill blow
After winning the Club World Cup, things were looking up for the Blues heading into the new Premier League campaign, but they have now been dealt a major blow just one week before their opening match against Crystal Palace.
Indeed, it has been revealed that Levi Colwill is set to spend the vast majority of the 2025-25 campaign on the sidelines as a result of an ACL injury.
The news will be particularly tough to take for Colwill, considering he has now established himself as a first-team regular for Enzo Maresca’s side, starting five games en-route to Club World Cup glory.
However, it is clear the Blues are now eager to bring in a replacement for the 22-year-old, and they are looking to move swiftly, with a report from Spain revealing they are expected to make an offer for Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo imminently.
Chelsea believe that a €50m (£43m) bid would be enough to tempt the La Liga champions into a sale, and an official proposal is now in the works, but there could be competition from some rival Premier League clubs.
£70m player tells Chelsea he wants to leave, agents have made it clear
He’s eyeing a summer exit from Stamford Bridge.
ByEmilio Galantini Aug 9, 2025
Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Manchester United are also named as potential suitors, with Spurs viewing Araujo as a key target, given that they value his leadership qualities and versatility.
"Elite" Araujo could be ideal Colwill replacement
Losing Colwill one week before the Premier League season is set to begin is far from ideal, but it is a good sign that Chelsea are being proactive in the transfer market to find a replacement, and the Barcelona defender could be ideal.
Chelsea defender Levi Colwill
Lauded as “elite” by journalist Raj Chohan, the Uruguayan has proven himself at the top level over a sustained period, making 175 appearances for Barcelona, and the centre-back has continued to impress over the past year.
The Uruguay international ranks in the top 2% for aerials won per 90 over the past year, when compared to other centre-backs, and his passing ability could make him the perfect fit in a Maresca system.
Statistic
Average per 90
Passes attempted
77.74% (93rd percentile)
Pass completion %
91.8% (88th percentile)
The only concern over the signing of the 26-year-old will be the fact he has struggled injury-wise over the past few campaigns, missing large parts of the 2024-25 campaign.
Season
Games missed due to injury
2022-23
23
2023-24
8
2024-25
31
That said, Araujo is a proven centre-back at the top level, so it could be a risk worth taking for Chelsea, who urgently need to sign a centre-back.
Leeds United have now “rejected” a loan offer for an “excellent” player, according to an update from reliable journalist Beren Cross.
Leeds closing on Paixao and eyeing more signings
It looks as though Igor Paixao is increasingly likely to be the Whites’ latest signing this summer, with a move for the Feyenoord attacker now “fully approved” by the club.
The Brazilian has the ability to be a big hit at Elland Road, providing Leeds with the additional firepower that is badly needed back in the Premier League, having bagged 16 goals and 10 assists in the Eredivisie last season.
Paixao hopefully won’t be the Whites’ only addition between now and the end of the summer transfer window, however, and Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell has emerged as an ambitious target who would bring a huge amount of experience and quality to Daniel Farke’s team.
Meanwhile, Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz is also said to be a target for Leeds, with the Brazilian keen on securing a move to Elland Road after an impressive 2024/25 campaign with the Cottagers.
Leeds reject offer for "excellent" attacker
Writing on X on Friday, The Athletic‘s Cross claimed that Leeds and 49ers Enterprises have now “rejected” a loan bid with an option to buy for forward Mateo Joseph from La Liga side Real Betis.
“Leeds United asked Getafe about Christantus Uche a few weeks ago. €25m release clause. Not advanced, but one they have checked on. Betis loan offer, with option, for Mateo Joseph has been rejected. Leeds insist he’s not for sale.”
This is good news from a Leeds perspective, with Joseph a young player with lots of potential – one who Farke has spoken of fondly in the recent past.
“I’m happy with what Mateo’s delivering. As a striker you’re only 100 per cent if you score game after game, but I don’t rate him in output of just goals. His link-up play is excellent and how he holds defenders. For example the third goal [vs Coventry], Joel Piroe, everyone is speaking about Ao Tanaka and the really good assist of Willy [Gnonto]. But I praise Mateo, under pressure keeps the ball against aggressive forward defending to keep possession and bring the midfielders into a good position.”
Granted, Joseph may struggle for regular football in the Premier League, having only started 11 Championship matches last season, so it is understandable why a fresh challenge may appeal to him.
The next Ampadu: Leeds accelerating move to sign £100k-p/w "creative force"
Leeds are still on the hunt for signings this summer
ByJoe Nuttall Jul 18, 2025
He still has so much to offer, though, and should only develop as a footballer over the next five or six years, so Leeds selling him would be a risk.
Dubai, 6pm local timeAustralia squad: Alyssa Healy (capt & wk), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Heather Graham, Tayla Vlaeminck (ruled out)South Africa squad: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe TryonTournament form guide: Australia are unbeaten in this T20 World Cup, winning all four of their games so far. In their last group match, they beat India in a high-octane clash by nine runs. South Africa have a 3-1 record having lost their second match of the tournament to England.News brief: Australia were without captain Alyssa Healy for their match against India. She arrived at the game in Sharjah on crutches having sustained a foot injury while batting on 37 against Pakistan on Friday. Tahlia McGrath led the side in her absence, with Ellyse Perry deputising and Beth Mooney keeping wicket.”As it stands, it’s the same thing for Midgie [Healy],” Perry said on the eve of the semi-final. “The medical staff and the team are going to give her every opportunity and possibility of playing tomorrow night but I don’t think anything’s changed in that respect. We’ll just have to see in the next 24 hours.”Alyssa Healy watched Australia’s win against India from the sidelines•ICC/Getty Images
Fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck, who hurt her shoulder on her T20 World Cup return against Pakistan, was ruled out of the tournament with Heather Graham named her replacement. Grace Harris and Darcie Brown came into the playing XI as replacements for the India game.South Africa do not have injury concerns and are unlikely to make changes to their winning combination. Their record against Australia is not great, having won just one out of the 10 T20Is they’ve played each other. Their first-ever win came in Canberra in January this year in a bilateral series. South Africa have not won a single World Cup game against Australia in either format. Thursday will be a rematch of the 2023 T20 World Cup final, in which South Africa suffered a heartbreaking loss in front of their home crowd in Cape Town.South Africa have played three matches in Dubai this tournament while Australia have played just one match – against Pakistan – at the venue. The average first-innings score is 126, with India posting the highest total of 172 against Sri Lanka last Wednesday.Player to watch: Experienced pacer Megan Schutt’s miserly spells have been crucial to all four of Australia’s wins. She started the tournament with 3 for 12 against Sri Lanka on a spin-friendly track, finished with stunning figures of 3 for 3 against New Zealand and followed it up with 1 for 7 in her three overs against Pakistan in Dubai. Against India, she gave away 24 runs in her first three overs but returned to turn the game on its head in the 17th over by conceding just one run, leaving India with 40 to get off 18 balls.Tazmin Brits’ solid starts have been among the biggest positives for South Africa. After a 57 not out to start the competition, she crossed the 40-run mark in each of her last two matches. Against Bangladesh, on a slow track, she played a patient innings of 42 off 41 balls to help South Africa to a comfortable win. She also played an important hand in South Africa’s first and only T20I win against Australia earlier this year, scoring a fiery 41 off 28 with eight fours in a chase of 143.
Head coach pays price for poor season, as assistants take over for remainder of campaign
ESPNcricinfo staff06-Sep-2024
John Sadler became Northants’ head coach in September 2021•Getty Images
Northamptonshire have sacked head coach John Sadler, the day after their quarter-final defeat to Somerset in the T20 Blast effectively ended their season.Northants are winless in Division Two of the County Championship and finished eighth out of nine teams in their Metro Bank One-Day Cup group, winning two games out of eight. The Blast had been the one bright spark in an otherwise miserable season, but Thursday night’s defeat knocked them out of the competition.Sadler took over from David Ripley in September 2021 and oversaw a sixth-placed finish in Division One of the Championship in his first full season in charge. But results have tailed off, with only two Championship wins last year – culminating in relegation – and a winless 2024 campaign in the second tier.Adam Rossington and Josh Cobb both left the club during Sadler’s tenure after strained relationships with him, while Emilio Gay did not feature in the squad for Thursday’s quarter-final after agreeing a move to Durham at the end of the season. Tom Taylor also rejected a new contract with the club to join Worcestershire during Sadler’s time in charge.Northants confirmed on Friday that they have “parted company” with Sadler. “Throughout his tenure at Wantage Road, [he] has led the club with professionalism, dedication and a strong work ethic… and has been a much valued member of the Northamptonshire team,” a club statement said. “Everyone at the club wishes him well in his future career.”The club’s assistant coaches – Rory Kleinveldt, Greg Smith and Graeme White – will take charge for Northants’ three remaining Championship fixtures. “The process for recruitment of a replacement for the position is underway,” Northants added.
After a snail-pace start to the summer transfer window, things are starting to move apace for Arsenal, whose first-team squad is shaping up ahead of pre-season.
Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta are working hard to identify and sign a new centre-forward, but there are variables at play, and we must wait for concrete advancements over the coming weeks.
Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko, who has emerged as a top talent at RB Leipzig, appear to be the biggest priorities, having been earmarked and tracked for several months now.
The Gunners have a longer-standing interest in Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, but Isak is the cream of the striker crop, and he’s been priced at an exorbitant £200m.
Berta may yet turn to a left-field option. Indeed, interest in Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins has been revisited.
The latest on Ollie Watkins to Arsenal
Watkins is a long-time target at the Emirates, with a £40m bid even being tabled for the Aston Villa striker back in January, but for Unai Emery’s side to emphatically reject it.
Arsenal fans might want a striker with a bit more panache and fanfare surrounding their name, but the England international, 29, is proven in the Premier League and dynamic in his performances, both prolific and creative.
How Arsenal's striker targets compare in 2024/25.
Furthermore, he’s been the focus of extensive profiling by the Gunners data analysts, also hailed by podcaster Rohan Jivan as “one of the best CFs in Europe”.
What, then, is Arteta to do? Watkins is valued at £60m, which puts him in a similar bracket to Gyokeres; Sesko would cost more, and Isak is indeed more expensive still.
Having scored 35 goals and supplied 23 assists across the past two Premier League seasons, it’s clear that Arsenal would bag themselves an upgrade in number nine with this man.
However, for all Watkins’ quality, and the shrewdness that his signing would be laced with, Arsenal are also targeting another forward who would represent a far more exciting deal, even though he’s not really a number nine.
Arsenal ready to pay for superstar
According to Spanish publication AS, Arsenal are ready to pay a significant figure to sign Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, who has started the Xabi Alonso era on the backbenches.
The Spanish giants would be open to cashing in on the 24-year-old this summer, and AS claim that Arsenal could secure his signature with a bid worth €90m (£77m).
With contacts between Arsenal and the player’s entourage having taken place since the end of the 2024/25 season, there’s a real feeling that developments could soon take place, should Rodrygo continue to drift on the periphery with Los Blancos.
Why Arsenal want Rodrygo
Hailed as a “world-class superstar” by Luka Modric, Rodrygo is one of the most talented players in the world but has been routinely ferried over to the right flank to accommodate the likes of Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe.
At Arsenal, he would have no such issues. Bukayo Saka holds down the fort quite well in that area, and with Gabriel Martinelli’s future up in the air, Rodrygo could prove a stunning upgrade.
Rodrygo – Real Madrid Stats by Position (24/25)
Position
Apps
Goals
Assists
Right winger
31
8
5
Left winger
12
6
6
Centre-forward
9
0
0
Stats via Transfermarkt
Remarkably, the Brazil international far outstrips his performances on the right when fielded as a left winger. The issue, of course, is that his opportunities in his favoured position have been few and far between.
His fascinating blend of creative quality, link-up play, and indeed a natural eye for goal, make the £207k-per-week winger the perfect player to slot in alongside Saka, with such remarkable talent sure to leave fans more excited than a deal for Watkins, as crucial as bringing such a striker in may be.
Indeed, while Rodrygo only scored six times in La Liga last season, he missed just one big chance, as per Sofascore. It was hardly a year which demonstrated the full scope of his skill set, but it did succeed in showing a deep-rooted aptitude in the final third.
Arsenal need this. They need goals across the park, not just from a centre-forward such as Watkins. Moreover, they need a player like Rodrygo who can balance his contribution. And as per FBref, the South American star ranked among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues in 2024/25 for pass completion, the top 14% for progressive carries and the top 20% for successful take-ons per 90.
Thus, we have a forward who could dynamise Arteta’s frontline, promoting possession-focused control and driving play forward himself.
If Arsenal are to raise their level next season and bring home some silverware, they need not just the goalscoring quality that someone like Watkins would bring but also the big-game ability of a serial winner such as Rodrygo.
His Champions League record speaks for itself, more still his rise at perhaps football’s most gargantuan outfit in Real Madrid.
Watkins, as discussed earlier, is more than just a goalscorer. Mobile and rounded, he ranked among the top 3% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues last term for assists per 90. Given Rodrygo’s prevailing clinical edge, you can only imagine the kind of partnership which could be struck.
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins celebrates scoring their first goal withLeonBailey
But such a duo would be charged by Rodrygo’s skills, his passion and capacity to become one of the best wingers in the Premier League.
Sure, Watkins is talented, and has big-game experience of his own, but could anyone honestly say he matches Rodrygo, a true ‘superstar’ indeed who would lead Arsenal to heights previously unimaginable.
And that, naturally, is without even imagining how Saka’s world-class talents could elevate both players, and vice versa.
Arsenal are on the verge of making a flurry of brilliant signings which truly could bring Arteta’s project into a new sphere, one geared for an abundance of silverware that is befitting his elite-class unit.
Watkins would provide the Londoners with the focal presence they crave, but in Rodrygo, Arsenal would land a player capable of laying down the gauntlet against any of the finest players across the globe.
Arsenal's next Auba: Berta opens talks for "one of the best CFs in Europe"
Arsenal are interested in signing a new centre-forward this summer.
The transfer window hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Newcastle United in recent times, with the Magpies notably enduring a protracted saga involving Marc Guehi last summer, prior to also seeing a bid rejected for Anthony Elanga on Deadline Day.
Fast forward almost 12 months, and little has changed in that regard, with a fresh bid for that man Elanga having been swiftly knocked back by Nottingham Forest, with moves for Burnley’s James Trafford and Brighton’s Joao Pedro also proving difficult to get over the line.
With a return to Champions League football looming, Eddie Howe and co can ill-afford another messy summer, having thus far only secured the capture of Spanish teenager Antonito Cordero on a free transfer from Malaga.
Keeping hold of the likes of Alexander Isak, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes may be viewed as almost as key as any potential incoming, but the Tynesiders are in need of a squad capable of challenging, not just a starting XI.
With that in mind, there may be reason for encouragement amid the news that Newcastle are in the mix for an exciting Premier League talent.
Latest on Newcastle's transfer search
For all the frustration over the Magpies’ lack of business thus far, it is to their credit that the club are seeking to pursue proven, ready-made Premier League talents, in the form of Pedro and Elanga.
Whether that duo to eventually arrive at St James’ Park remains to be seen, although they would provide Howe with the ability to make an instant impact in the top-flight, without the need for any period of adaptation.
The same could also be said of Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, with journalist Graeme Bailey reporting that Newcastle are among a raft of Premier League clubs to have made a move for the 22-year-old.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Indeed, the suggestion is that contact has been made after an initial enquiry was lodged, with the Carabao Cup winners said to be watching developments closely, amid the prospect of the England U21 star sealing a departure from Anfield.
Not only would Newcastle have to fend off rival English suitors for his signature, but they may also need to contend with the looming presence of Jurgen Klopp, with the German keen to take Elliott to RB Leipzig.
Harvey Elliott celebrates for Liverpool
For whoever does ultimately nudge ahead in that race, the suggestion is that the playmaker would command a fee of more than £40m, with two years left on his existing deal.
Why Elliott would be a good signing for Newcastle
That potential £40m fee may have a few eyebrows raised, should any suitor cough up to meet the asking price, not least with Elliott having started just two league games last term under Arne Slot.
With that being said, Newcastle have previously reaped the rewards of a similar investment, having forked out what at the time looked to be an eye-watering £45m sum for Elliott’s former England youth colleague, Anthony Gordon.
Indeed, the promising forward had scored just seven times in 78 games at Everton, prior to making the switch in January 2023, with the Magpies gambling on his potential, rather than his record at the time.
Anthony Gordon
Despite enduring a trickier 2024/25 campaign, which yielded just nine goals and seven assists in all competitions, the 24-year-old was an electric force the previous season, notching 28 goals and assists in total.
That had come after an initially quiet first six months at St James’, with Gordon appearing to be revived by his performances at the U21 European Championship in the summer of 2023, having scored twice en route to England’s glory.
Elliott, currently something of a bit-part player at club level, has also taken on a talismanic presence for the Young Lions this time around, with the versatile left-footer having scored five goals amid the surge to the final.
That return included a stunning, solo effort against the Netherlands in the semi-final, with the one-time Fulham starlet only rubberstamping why he is a simply “special” talent, in the words of former Reds striker, Neil Mellor.
Games (starts)
6 (6)
Goals
5
Assists
0
Big chances created
0
Key passes*
1.7
Pass accuracy*
82%
Tackles & interceptions*
1.2
Balls recovered*
4.0
Successful dribbles*
0.7
In a similar manner to Gordon on the Blue half of Merseyside, Elliott hasn’t exactly pulled up any trees at Anfield to date, with 35 goals and assists in 147 games, although he has shown more than a flicker of his quality.
Ranking in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90, as per FBref, Elliott has illustrated what he can do when given a rare outing, with a new home perhaps what is needed for his brilliance to be truly unlocked.
Liverpool's HarveyElliottcelebrates
Gordon, once released by Liverpool as a teenager, has dazzled in his new home on Tyneside. Why can’t his compatriot do the same?
Pedro & Elanga upgrade: Newcastle showing huge interest in £40m "machine"
Newcastle are hoping to sign several new forwards in the transfer market this summer.
With INEOS looking to send a statement this summer, Manchester United are now reportedly ready to table a shock offer worth as much as £85m to sign a Premier League rival.
Man Utd must get summer incomings right
In what feels like an Old Trafford groundhog day, Manchester United cannot afford to get their incomings wrong this summer. Like in 2014 under David Moyes and then under the likes of Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunner Solskjaer, the Red Devils are in no position to make mistakes in the transfer market as they look to hand their latest manager the keys to unlock a place among Europe’s elite again at long last.
Same agent as Dorgu: Man Utd now offered chance to sign "incredible" winger
He’s a serial winner.
ByTom Cunningham May 10, 2025
What does seem to be different about Ruben Amorim compared to Moyes, Van Gaal, Solskjaer and in some ways even Mourinho is just how honest he’s been about the extent of the task in front of him.
Even in the build-up to Manchester United’s 7-1 aggregate mauling of Athletic Bilbao to reach the Europa League final, Amorim assured reporters that silverware would not take away from what has been a disastrous season.
The former Sporting Club boss told reporters: “For me, in that moment and you look at Premier League, we are the worst team since I arrived in terms of results. That is my idea. In the end of the season, we can be the worst team in Premier League history with a European title.
Manchester United manager RubenAmorimbefore the match
“So we will not change anything. We know that this season was disappointing. Nothing is going to change, in that moment, I have to think a bit more but I felt that. I still feel that this season was the worst in the last 50 years.”
Whether the Red Devils have what it takes to overcome Tottenham Hotspur in the final is another question, but if they do manage to win the competition then their transfer plans could become all the more interesting.
Man Utd readying shock Tonali offer
According to Corriere dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, INEOS and Manchester United are now ready to table a stunning €100m (£85m) offer to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United this summer. In an ambitious move, the Red Devils have set their sights on the Italian, who has enjoyed an excellent season at St James’ Park.
Starts
25
21
Goals
3
1
Progressive Carries
33
16
Ball Recoveries
163
117
Manchester United’s interest, whether a deal is feasible or not, should come as no surprise. As the numbers show, Tonali would be an instant upgrade on Manuel Ugarte and perhaps the difference between taking Amorim’s side into Europe and a place in mid-table once again next season.
Eddie Howe will likely be keen to keep hold of his midfielder, however. Full of praise, the Newcastle boss told reporters earlier this season: “We’ve seen that in recent games from a defensive viewpoint now more than an attacking viewpoint, where he’s sprinting to put out fires for us, nicking balls, intercepting balls, using his athleticism to track runners. He’s been excellent in that respect and think that’s really helped the team.”
In the last few years, we have gone from “if” to “when” for South Africa’s women, and while Sunday might seem like India’s date with destiny, don’t be certain they won’t miss it
Firdose Moonda01-Nov-20251:36
WWC final – ‘The pressure is less on South Africa’
Remember the artistic hunter? If not, let South Africa’s director of national teams and high performance, Enoch Nkwe, remind you: “It’s an attacking brand of cricket that finds a way to win games even on the back foot,” he had told ESPNcricinfo at the 2023 World Cup two years after debuting those words.At the time, South Africa’s senior cricket teams had collectively reached just one global ICC final, at the women’s T20 World Cup earlier in the year. Now, just under two years on, they have reached four and won one. Hunters? We can understand that by the way they have gone after trophies. But artistic? On the evidence of this Women’s World Cup, hell, yes!Sandwiched between two of their lowest World Cup scores, South Africa reeled off five wins that showed off their full range. They bounced back strongly against New Zealand, handled pressure spectacularly against India and Bangladesh and showed how they could dominate against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. To top it off with a semi-final performance of utter heroism against England was Frida Kahlo-esque in that it underpinned South Africa’s “artistic hunter” cricketing identity. Laura Wolvaardt was artistic; Marizanne Kapp was the hunter. But don’t forget everyone else. There’s no masterpiece without depth and South Africa have plenty.Related
Laura Wolvaardt reckons home World Cup final will turn up the heat on India
Harmanpreet: 'There is nothing bigger than this in our life as a cricketer'
Wolvaardt and Kapp sing South Africa's song of ice and fire
Women's cricket prepares to crown a new world champion
Tazmin Brits has been more slightly miss than hit but her three hits were crucial, and the most crucial wasn’t even the biggest one. Her 45 in support of Wolvaardt in the semi-final was arguably more important than her century against New Zealand and both those knocks were left in the shade by Nadine de Klerk.This has been a coming-of-age tournament for de Klerk, who has grown into her role as a finisher and struts around with an aura of belief that is starting to encircle others too. Left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba has slipped down the wicket-takers’ list but had statement performances against New Zealand and Sri Lanka. And Chloe Tryon, the veteran, made contributions of 49 and 62 in successful chases against India and Bangladesh and 33* in the semi-final and has shown an appetite for the big occasion.In Tryon and Kapp is the story of the evolution of this South Africa team. They are two of the original group of six players who were contracted by Cricket South Africa when it first issued deals for women in 2013. In the 12 years since, South Africa have played in two 50-over and one T20 World Cup semi-final and two T20 World Cup finals. If ever anyone needed proof that professionalisation brings results, this is it.That’s the win, and South Africa are in the final•AFP/Getty ImagesBut professionalisation also demands consistent evolution and South Africa have not always kept up.A similar group of players carried South Africa through tournament after tournament. They achieved some incredible things – the 2017 ODI World Cup and 2020 T20 World Cup semi-finals – but their crowning moment came when, against the odds, they got to the 2023 T20 World Cup final, at home, amidst turmoil. Destructive opening batter Lizelle Lee had retired over disagreements with the team management, and inspirational captain Dane van Niekerk was left out of the squad for failing a fitness test. Still, South Africa rode a wave and reached the final.The next 18 months were fraught. Sune Luus was removed as interim captain and Wolvaardt, by far the most talented batter in the squad, installed in her place. Long-serving head coach Hilton Moreeng was replaced by an interim, Dillon du Preez. And Shabnim Ismail, the OG of fast and fierce in the women’s game, retired. Somehow, South Africa still got to another T20 World Cup final in October 2024, and should have won after beating Australia in the semi-final. They played their best game too early and the heartbreak of losing a match they were favourites to win left many shaken. Would it ever get that good again?2:42
WWC final: Can South Africa make room for Klaas?
The Mandla of South African cricket
In the aftermath of that, and almost out of nowhere, Mandla Mashimbyi, a stalwart of the men’s domestic game, was named national women’s coach in December last year. “We liked his approach, of a people-first culture, and his understanding of our cricket system,” Nkwe said. “He aligned with our philosophy.”That is significant because what Mashimbyi found in the women’s camp was a problem he knew exactly how to solve. “When I came into the job, the one thing that I picked up was probably the division that was within the team, not necessarily in a malicious way, but I just thought maybe we could be better in making sure that we are more of a united front as a team,” he said in his pre-final press conference. “And also certain skills with certain players that I felt needed to improve for us to actually come here and become a force.”What’s important for me was just to give them love, always give them the care and the energy, and be consistent in doing that. That builds trust. It was most important to make sure that we get the environment right. The talent we’ve always had, that’s why we’ve been in finals before. It was just about making the environment stronger.”Speak to the men’s players Mashimbyi has coached and they say the best thing about playing under him was how he made them feel. “The biggest difference is that he doesn’t make the team environment tense,” Tabraiz Shamsi told ESPNcricinfo. “He laughs and jokes with players rather than having a situation where the coach is the boss and everyone must call him coach or the environment is tense and you can’t joke with him and tease him.” Lizaad Williams called him “loveable” as a coach: “Almost like a big teddy that you cuddle.”Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp – the artist and the hunter•ICC via Getty ImagesGiven the state of the women’s team and the behind-the-scenes issues of uncertainty they were dealing with, having a coach who chose the soft life and would nurture them seemed the right fit.But before you box Mashimbyi, who has the stature of a friendly giant, as just a nice guy, stop.He also came with a track record of massive success in the men’s game. Mashimbyi won nine trophies as assistant coach and two as head coach at Titans and was involved in the union’s decision to sign a 17-year-old Dewald Brevis and, more recently, Lhuan-dre Pretorius. “He backed them both from the get-go. Their talent is now for all to see now but he is the guy who identified that talent. He said about Dewald, ‘let’s sign him now, he is going to be the real deal’, and we weren’t that sure. The same with Lhuan-dre, he backed him to play a whole season when he was still at school. Mandla has got a proper track record of success,” Jacques Faul Mashimbyi’s former boss at Titans, told ESPNcricinfo.And he also knows how to handle players when things are not going according to plan. “He has got the unique ability to back players and put an arm around them when it’s not going so well,” Faul said. “He’s a bit of a philosopher in his own right and he really knows the game. He is a deep thinker of life, not just of cricket.”2:43
WWC final: Harmanpreet and Tryon will be key players
That might explain why South Africa’s tournament did not implode after they were blasted out for 69 by England, and also why they could come back to beat them so soundly in the semi-final. Not only did South Africa pay no heed to the bilateral history in which they had only beaten England once in eight meetings dating back to 2022, but also to a massive financial disparity in their capacity to develop. One insider suggests England spends more on the women’s game than South Africa spends on the entire game, which is plausible given the economic disparities of the two countries. South Africa’s main currency, though, is hope. And for the last 34 years, since readmission, while rugby and football have enjoyed continental and global success, the promise of it is what cricket has traded on.In the last two-and-half years, the “if” South African cricket could win something has turned to “when” and it now even has a date: June 14. When Temba Bavuma and his Test team lifted the mace, they also stripped off the veil that blurred their vision of the final hurdle. But the path to reaching finals was cleared by the women’s team first as they became the first senior side to reach a World Cup final, and they did it at home.If people thought it was fluke or the fortunes of fate that got them there in 2023, they could not argue with the stunning semi-final win over Australia that booked them a spot at the T20 World Cup final in 2024 and now the history-defying feat over England that has put them in their first 50-over World Cup final.In India against India, who may believe this is their date with destiny, South Africa will know they are entering not just as underdogs but with an expectation that they are only the supporting cast. But it’s not South African to turn up at someone else’s party and not enjoy yourself. So whatever happens, South Africa will give India something to remember.
The Netherlands batter talks about living alone since he was 16, and how a call out of the blue changed the trajectory of his life
Shashank Kishore26-Sep-2023The smell of tomato (a type of dal) elicits a child-like excitement in Teja Nidamanuru. He has had a long day of training in Bengaluru, surprisingly hot for late August, and is craving spicy Indian food for dinner. It’s a giveaway to where in India his roots are.Nidamanuru, 29, comes from Vijayawada in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, known for the heat of its cuisine, and is currently in the country to represent Netherlands at the World Cup. When he takes the field in their tournament opener against Pakistan in Hyderabad on October 6, his family will be watching him play for the first time.His maternal grandmother, who he says has promised to make him loads of , will be among those in attendance. It will herald a new chapter in an eventful journey that has taken him to Auckland, Amsterdam and Harare.On a hot June afternoon in the Zimbabwean capital at the World Cup Qualifiers earlier this year, he unleashed carnage on West Indies’ bowlers, scoring a 76-ball 111 from No. 5 – the fastest ODI hundred for Netherlands – to help his side force a tie in their steep chase of 375, before Logan van Beek’s heroics in the Super Over sealed a sensational win to all but confirm their World Cup ticket.Related
'I was trying to study Kuldeep, even on the bus in' – Teja Nidamanuru and Netherlands' learnings never stop
Teja Nidamanuru hopes World Cup success paves way for more bilaterals and Euro T20 league
Netherlands keep their SOUL intact despite World Cup reality check
Netherlands have the spunk, but do they have the steel?
Orange is the new pack: Netherlands add a bit of joy to pre-World Cup camp
“It’s surreal to even just be sitting here and talking of playing in a World Cup,” Nidamanuru says as he sips piping hot . In part that might be because moving to Netherlands wasn’t part of his plan when he first arrived in the country in the summer of 2019 to play club cricket.Nidamanuru had been living in Auckland, a city he moved to as an six-year-old when his mother took up a job there as a dialysis technician. After school he completed a double major in sports management and marketing, while also playing cricket.He made his List A debut for Auckland in 2018, having played age-group cricket alongside current New Zealand internationals Mark Chapman, Colin Munro, Lockie Ferguson and Glenn Phillips. But when Nidamanuru couldn’t break into the ranks of New Zealand’s domestically contracted players, he looked for opportunities elsewhere. That was when an agent helped him sign with the Kampong Cricket Club in Utrecht.”I’d finished my six-month stint in Utrecht and was in India on a short visit to see family en route to Auckland when I received a call that changed my life,” Nidamanuru says.”It was from someone I’d met through a common connection. I later found out he was an amateur club cricketer who I’d played against in Amsterdam. He happened to be the CEO of a company called StrateX. During a casual conversation after one of our games, I’d told him of my education background and where I come from. He’d asked for my CV and I’d sent it over to him out of courtesy.”So here he was now on the phone, and he’s like, ‘Are you happy to work in Netherlands?’ I had been exploring different avenues since I wasn’t a contracted domestic cricketer in New Zealand, so I said yes, ditched my onward journey to New Zealand and booked a flight back to Amsterdam once my work papers came through.”Nidamanuru’s innings against West Indies in the World Cup Qualifiers was the fastest ODI hundred by a Netherlands batter•Johan Rynners/ICC/Getty ImagesIt’s a strange quirk of fate in a way that a skilled worker visa, and not a sports visa, has helped Nidamanuru fuel his cricket dream in the Netherlands. Work, he says, was an outlet to give himself a safety net and secure himself financially before he went back to cricket.”Now I’ve gained valuable experience in a start-up environment, having worn multiple hats,” he says. “It’s given me life experience.”It’s nothing related to sports marketing, but it is only because of my educational degree that I’ve made my way into the Dutch team. Once I got a taste of it, I thought, ‘Maybe I can play international cricket.’ The road to it has been hard but today, it feels worth it.”Nidamanuru gets teary reminiscing about the sacrifices his mother made for the family. “My mum’s had a tough life. She brought me up as a single mother, but because of her own challenges, she returned to India. I’ve been living in New Zealand on my own from the age of 16.”I had to mature at a very young age. I was sharing a flat with someone at the age of 16, paying my own bills, I had a part-time job. I had to find a way to survive. Fortunately, I had friends who were like family. Had they not insisted I study, I wouldn’t be here.”Nidamanuru qualified for Netherlands selection in May last year, and he struck an impressive half-century on debut in an ODI against West Indies. In the period between settling in the country and trying to fulfil qualification criteria, he made his way up to the premier division, where a hundred against a team coached by former Netherlands captain Pieter Seelaar turned heads.An emotional Nidamanuru celebrates Netherlands’ Super Over win against West Indies•ICC via Getty Images”After that game, I spoke to Pieter of a desire to play for Netherlands if an opportunity came up,” Nidamanuru says. “He spoke to Ryan Campbell [head coach at the time] and got me involved with the group. He invited me for winter training in 2021, where I played alongside Bas de Leede, Scott Edwards, Max O’Dowd, who I knew from New Zealand as he’d also migrated there with his family when he was young. In a way, I knew most of the guys before my senior team debut, so that helped.”As his cricket took off, Nidamanuru found himself having to juggle work, which invariably led to long days, sometimes lasting 16 or 17 hours. He says a laptop is his companion at all times. It’s even present on our table during the interview.Two months ago the Netherlands Cricket Board (KNCB) offered him an opportunity to work in administration for them. That has allowed him “better balance”, he says, for the board understands the effort that goes into training to play international cricket. He currently has two contracts: a playing retainer, and another for his administrative job, which enables him to live in Netherlands.”In Netherlands currently, there are just three of them who make a living out of the game,” he says. “I’m on a summer contract as far as my cricket goes, which offers a retainer for five months. It covers fuel expenses, travel and a few meals, but isn’t enough to make a living. That’s why a lot of Dutch guys go to England to play county cricket. Paul van Meekeren, Roelof van der Merwe, Colin Ackermann, de Leede – they all have contracts.”Cricket in Netherlands needs a boost, the structures need to grow. I’ve now come on board to lead their cricket performance, look at things from a strategic aspect and develop strategies to grow the sport, develop pathways and work alongside the high-performance manager and CEOs. Being a player gives me an overview of everything – it allows me to contribute in different ways.””It is only because of my educational degree that I’ve made my way into the Dutch team. Once I got a taste of it, I thought, ‘Maybe I can play international cricket'”•Albert Perez/ICC/Getty ImagesOn the field, Nidamanuru swears by a philosophy called S.O.U.L, which he believes is slowly becoming the team’s World Cup buzzword. “It stands for: Selflessness, Ownership, Unity, Learning. All of us are as passionate about the game, as you guys are in India or anywhere else.”You may call it Associate cricket, [but] for us, it’s as important a game as we’ll ever play. In Associate cricket, something is always on the line when we play, whether it’s a qualifier or a bilateral. That’s the type of culture we’ve tried to create over the past year, from the T20 World Cup campaign in Australia. We’re very proud of how everyone works with the little resources we have. We’ve been able to achieve significant results despite that, and we want to do it more consistently now.”Nidamanuru’s immediate goal is the World Cup, for which he’s been “training like mad”. Indulgences, like gorging on rich Indian food, as he is when we speak, are rare. He draws inspiration from the physical regimen of players like Virat Kohli. “That kind of commitment is the difference between good and great, I guess,” he says.”I’m ready to do anything in my capacity to help Netherlands win. I definitely want to go out and have a World Cup to remember. I hope it’s the start of something big in Netherlands. We’ve also made it through to the T20 World Cup in West Indies and USA next year. It just shows how much one can achieve with commitment.”As we wind up our chat, Nidamanuru is offered a tempting assortment of desserts by the restaurant staff. “Nah, I’m good, thanks,” he says.”Discipline, discipline! I’m staying back in India after the World Cup to visit family back in Vijayawada. I’ll gorge on them then. For now, I can’t wait to get started.”