Sports
Police Disperse Protesting Durban Workers 2010 W/Cup
Armed South African police fired stun grenades to disperse protesting workers in the early hours of Monday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
The workers, staff of a private security firm hired for match day work, were demanding both parity, and increased pay.
Hundreds of protesting workers converged at the stadioum parking lot, and threatened to turn violent before police fired stun grenades.
At least one person was said to have suffered minor injuries after stumbling in the mad scramble to get away.
Tens of journalists at the media centre were also caught in the cross fire, but none was injured.
Mthlokozisi Hlongwa, one of the protesting security workers told Tidesports source that the workers wanted both parity and increased wages.
“Right now, some people are paid R195 and others are paid R205. The money is too small. The workers want to be paid at least R1500 but FIFA say no.”
Hlongwa also spoke about being caught in the middle.
“I heard the explosion. I don’t know whether it was shooting or bomb, but I saw somebody fall down and then he was carried and everybody was running.”
Officials declined statement, with one police captain, who refused to give his name, only saying that negotiations were going on and an official statement would be made when agreement was reached.
Rich Mkhondo, Chief Communications Officer of the 2010 Fifa World Cup Organising Committee South Africa issued a brief statement later on Monday morning via email
“Two hours after the end of the first match at the Durban Stadium last night, there was an internal pay dispute between the principal security company employed by the Organising Committee and some of the static security stewards employed by the company at the match.
“Police were called on to disperse the protesting stewards. This happened, however, long after all spectators had left the stadium after the match and the incident had no impact whatsoever on the match day security operations.
“The OC will engage with its stadium security provider to avoid a repeat of the situation during the course of the tournament.”
Officials at the stadium told KickOffNigeria.com that negotiations were ongoing.
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.