Sports
S’Africa drafts 40,000 Police Officers For Security
South African authorities have dedicated more than 40,000 police officers to provide security preparatory to the World Cup, Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa has said.
“It will be folly for any country to grandstand and proclaim that it is free from terror attacks,” Mthethwa told foreign correspondents in Johannesburg early in the week.
Tidesports source quotes the minister as saying that there were various categories of security teams to nip in the bud any possible targets by terrorists.
“Our preparations have been both proactively and reactively undertaken to overcome any such potential threats because we are to host 31 other nations.
“Any type of deviant behaviour, be it criminality or terrorism, will be dealt with swiftly and with no mercy,” he said.
Mthethwa said that since 2004, South Africa had worked closely with international agencies to overcome any potential terror threat.
The minister also said the country was partnering with British security agencies to prevent hooligans from coming to the soccer tournament.
He said security arrangements were in top shape to keep all teams safe but urged owners of the five-star Velmore Grande Hotel, where the German team will stay, to put their house in order.
“The hotel has been engrossed in some issues over some required permits required by South African authorities,” he said.
Mthethwa said the police would not guard any hotel which ran foul of the law.
He said the police were taking steps to ensure that xenophobic attacks would not recur.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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