It’s been a thrilling weekend of derbies across the footballing world coupled with new managers and a threesome of derbies. But our Play of the week reminds us of the power of inclusion and transformation. 

Congratulations to boxer Canelo Alvarez who beat Caleb Plant to become the first ever undisputed super-middleweight champion! 

There’s talk that the formula one race could finally add South Africa as one of their destinations in 2022. The Mexican leg of the competition took place this weekend and Mexican driver Sergio Perez was on the podium for Red Bull Racing finishing behind leader and teammate Max Verstappen who was tailed by Lewis Hamilton. 

Red Bull were not the only drink to toast this weekend, with late basketball legend Kobe Bryant making news from the grave this weekend as his investments into the beverage brand BodyAmour got sold to Coca Cola meant his $6 million investment has become $400 million into his estate. He’s not the only sporting name that invested into the brand as the list includes his mentee, tennis ace Naomi Osaka. Speaking of the tennis ace, she’s been off the radar for a while recuperating and will make a return to the courts at the Australian Open, a tournament she enjoys. 

Speaking of investments; Barcelona’s legendary number 6, Xavi Hernandez who left the club 6 years ago to join the Qatari side Al Saad has returned to the Nou Camp, this time as new manager to replace another club legend, Ronald Koeman. Another managerial acquisition happened at Tottenham hotspur where Antonio Conte made a return to the EPL after his successful stint in Serie A with Inter Milan, who were involved in the Milan derby as well that ended in a 1-all stalemate. 

What didn’t end with a stalemate, for a change was the mighty Soweto Derby, which coincided with the Manchester derby in the EPL. Pep Guardiola and Man City got the bragging rights with their 2-nil defeat of the Red Devils at Old Trafford. Still on Man Utd, their former manager David Moyes rejected an offer from Newcastle United billionaires to take over the team as manager and celebrated that commitment to West Ham by beating Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool by 3 goals to 2. 

Kaizer Chiefs and their new talisman, Keagan Dolly ran over their arch-rivals Orlando Pirates with 2 goals to 1. If there’s one thing manager Stuart Baxter knows how to do, it is to win the derby. Sundowns overcame their hoodoo trophy and beat Cape Town City to lift the inaugural MTN cup after penalties.

But the #PlayOfTheWeek goes to Amabokoboko! 

The world Champions, South Africa, ended a run of four successive away defeats against Wales by claiming a dramatic 23-18 victory at the Principality Stadium. This was the Springboks first win in Cardiff since 2013. Handre Pollard kicked four penalties with Frans Steyn kicking one to secure the comeback win. 

Captain Siya Kolisi continues to lead the springboks and write his own history as he proves transformation with merit goes a long way, something the Proteas could pick up as an example after the controversial kneeling by Quinton de Kock that was followed by an explanation and a change of heart. 

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