Sports
Coach Praises Team Over 24-0 Scoreline Record
Dutch coach Johan Neeskens had nothing but praise for his Mamelodi Sundowns side after they recorded the largest win in South African history on Sunday.
Sundowns beat fourth-tier side Powerlines FC 24-0 in a cup match, having led by ten goals at half-time.
The result bettered two 16-0 victories by Durban club AmaZulu in 1976 and 1986, both of which came in the cup.
“I want to compliment my players for entertaining the public and going about their job seriously,” said Neeskens.
“There was no ‘gallery’ football because they know I will not tolerate that.”
Neeskens, a midfielder in the Netherlands teams who lost the 1974 and 1978 World Cup finals, backed his decision to brutally expose Powerlines during a cup tie televised live throughout Africa.
“My instructions were to score as many goals as possible,” said the former Barcelona assistant coach, who joined Sundowns in the middle of last year.
“This result is good for our confidence and what I really admired was the way the team kept it simple even when dominant.”
Played in swelteringly-hot conditions in Kimberley, midfielder Hlompho Kekana finished the game with seven goals, Zimbabwe’s Nyasha Mushekwi notched six while fellow striker Richard Henyekane bagged five.
It could have been even more embarrassing for the home side as Sundowns had two goals disallowed and rattled the crossbar once as they cruised into the last 16 of the annual competition.
Powerlines goalkeeper Thabang Louw wore a surprisingly broad smile after the game, telling reporters he was determined to learn from “a very tough experience” against Sundowns.
The record margin of victory in African football is the 149-0 defeat by Malagasy club AS Adema over Stade Olympique Emyrne, with the latter deliberately scoring endless own goals to protest a refereeing decision.
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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