Rugby World Cup Organizing Committee Welcomes Rugby Africa President to Paris
Copyright-free video B-roll, video and audio interviews in English and French, images, and audio files are available for the media to download and can be freely used without requiring authorization: https://apo-opa.info/3E76AhD
At the forefront of Africa's participation in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, stand South Africa and Namibia, proudly representing the continent. The presence of these nations exemplifies the continent's growing influence on the global rugby stage. Notably, South Africa's current global champion status and its third-time world champion title are a testament to Africa's exceptional skill, determination, and commitment to rugby.
Africa's population is anticipated to double, reaching a staggering 2.5 billion by 2050, and according to the United Nations, the African youth will constitute 42% of the world's population by 2030. This demographic shift carries tremendous potential for the Rugby World Cup viewership growth, as a larger population naturally translates into a larger potential audience.
To seize this extraordinary potential, it is imperative for World Rugby, the governing body of the rugby and the owner of the Rugby World Cup, to invest significantly in Africa, much like other prominent sports organizations such as FIFA for football, NBA for basketball, and even NFL for American football. By strategically tapping into the growing interest and population of Africa, World Rugby can not only boost the viewership of the Rugby World Cup but also foster a lasting passion for rugby within the continent, contributing to the sport's global expansion and long-term success.
“We are very glad to welcome here in Paris, the new President of Rugby Africa. We think that the next Rugby World Cup in France would be a very great opportunity for promoting rugby everywhere in the world, and particularly in Africa,” said the General Manager of the 2023 Rugby World Cup Organizing Committee, Julien Collette.
“A diverse range of African stakeholders, including our community members, esteemed dignitaries, and strategic investment partners, are eager to enhance their involvement in future editions of the Rugby World Cup. This collective enthusiasm is rooted in the understanding that sports, rugby included, offer substantial economic prospects. Recognizing the significant financial potential within the sports industry, there exists a shared ambition to not only participate in upcoming Rugby World Cup events but also to explore opportunities for business expansion and mutual benefits,” stated the recently elected President of Rugby Africa, Herbert Mensah.
The 2023 Rugby World Cup will be the tenth men's Rugby World Cup, the quadrennial world championship for rugby union national teams. It is scheduled to take place in France from 8 September to 28 October 2023 in nine venues across the country.
The Rugby World Cup 2023 Fixtures is available at: https://apo-opa.info/3qxNy0Y
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.
Media contact:
Nicole Vervelde
Communications Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa
rugby@apo-opa.com
About Rugby Africa:
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women's rugby. Rugby Africa organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 39 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent.
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Minister to establish panel to professionalise women sports
Minister to establish panel to professionalise women sports
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa has committed to set up a panel of experts to lead the establishment of a blueprint to professionalise netball and football.
This follows Banyana Banyana making history as the first senior South African national women or men’s football team to progress beyond the group stages of the FIFA World Cup.
In addition, the SPAR Proteas fought gallantly as the host nation in the first ever Netball World Cup to take place on African soil.
Addressing the ministerial breakfast in Johannesburg, Kodwa expressed his disappointment that there are still discussions on the need for women to be paid equally with men in sport.
“Women’s rights are human rights. Women must at least be paid equally in sport. If we must, we will make laws to enforce equal pay. Women athletes made the 2023 Women’s Month a memorable one.
“I am so elated about these achievements. We owe it to them to do all in our power to afford them the recognition and support they deserve and more. May today’s celebrations be the catalyst for the continued honouring of our elite sports women,” he said on Thursday.
Prior to Banyana Banyana leaving for the FIFA World Cup, which took place in Australia and New Zealand, the team was embroiled in a pay dispute with the South Africa Football Association (SAFA).
According to media reports, the dispute with SAFA was over bonus payments and contracts.
In an effort to honour women in sport, Kodwa hosted a breakfast for Banyana Banyana and the SPAR Proteas, South Africa’s national women’s football and netball teams, respectively, to celebrate them for raising South Africa’s flag high.
“While government has supported efforts to boost women and youth sports development in the country, it cannot do it alone. All stakeholders must play a role in realising the aim to professionalise women’s football and netball.
“I challenge corporate SA to join the department in ensuring the as a country, we recognise, cultivate and celebrate excellence across sporting codes,” the Minister said.
South African netball team Captain Bongi Msomi spoke of the challenges experienced by women in sport due to the lack of support and recognition.
“A couple of our players have had the opportunity to play oversees based on their hard work. We take way less than what we deserve as women in sport. It is a shame that we have to go on the court constantly and compete against professional athletes.
“There will always be a gap. It does not matter how much effort we put in. Professionalising women sports is a step we have to take and it has to come with speed,” Msomi said.
Due to Banyana Banyana playing for university teams, Vice-Captain Thembi Kgatlana said their competitors at the World Cup undermined them.
“They couldn’t believe that we didn’t have a professional league. They called us students because the majority of us play in the Hollywoodbets and universities. They undermined us but we had a fighting spirit, which led us to qualify for the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup,” she said.
Reflecting on the past year, which has been challenging for her due to an injury and losing family members during the World cup, she emphasised that it was important for her to represent her country in the tournament.
“It was very difficult. I had not been with Banyana Banyana for a year because of my torn Achilles tendon that I got in July last year at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations. The first day I got to camp for the World Cup, I got a call to say my father’s aunt passed away.
“While I wanted to go home, I couldn’t because I was part of the team that was trying to sort out the issues that we had before the World Cup. The next morning, my great grandmother passed away.
“They gave me some time to be at home. Afterwards, I left for New Zealand and three days before the World Cup started, my aunt passed away because of womb cancer,” Kgatlana said.
While she was struggling with the news of her family members, Kgatlana ultimately decided to play in the tournament.
“Two days before the match with Italy, I missed training because I had a breakdown. It was very difficult but when I saw my teammates go to training and come back with smiles, I understood what was at stake, qualifying for the last 16. I got strength from my team. They prayed for me and supported me,” she said.
The Minister announced that his department’s infrastructure team will be hard at work at Cala Senior Secondary School and Mchawula High School in Cala, Eastern Cape, building netball courts.
“What set South Africa’s bid apart to host the 2023 Netball World Cup from the rest was its potential to build a legacy in the country. Government has contributed to this legacy by constructing up to 10 multipurpose sports courts in schools,” the Minister said.
These include schools in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal, as well as some in the Northern Cape and Gauteng. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
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SA’s sportswomen praised for reaching recent heights
SA's sportswomen praised for reaching new heights
President Cyril Ramaphosa has lauded female athletes for reaching new heights and achieving remarkable accomplishments across a number of sporting codes.
In his weekly newsletter on Monday, the President said this has been a great year for women’s sport in South Africa and the nation is exhilarated by the successes of sportswomen on the field, track and pitch.
“Our female athletes have reached new heights across a number of sporting codes, and we have hosted several women’s international sports tournaments.
“Our nation’s sportswomen have proven themselves, time and again. It is up to us, as a society, to provide the necessary environment that will enable a new generation of women and girls to thrive and excel in sport,” the President said.
SA’s women’s national football team, Banyana Banyana, who are the reigning Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions, has delivered some stunning performances in the FIFA Women’s World Cup taking place in Australia and New Zealand.
The women’s netball team, the Proteas, also put in a strong showing at the Netball World Cup that ended in Cape Town on Sunday.
In February, the country hosted the first ICC Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup to take place on African soil. Our national team made history as the first South African team to reach the final.
The President said that many of these fine sportswomen have excelled despite humble beginnings, overcoming adversity and achieving success despite the odds.
“As we prepare to celebrate Women’s Day later this week, these many achievements are a reminder of how far we have come in building a South Africa where women are full and equal participants in society. They are also a reminder of how much further we still need to go,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said that the increased participation of women and girls in sport supports women’s empowerment and advances gender equality.
He highlighted that earlier this year, UN Women launched the Sports for Generation Equality Initiative. It noted that sport holds enormous capacity to propel women and girls’ empowerment. Female athletes are inspiring role models and can make the most of their status “to raise awareness around gender issues and to demand change”.
The President added that competing in sports fosters a sense of empowerment among women, helping them build confidence in their abilities and break gender stereotypes. Through sports, he said, women can challenge societal norms, experiencing personal growth and achievement.
He said that all of these can enable women and girls to be more assertive and confident in society, and can support the fight against discrimination and gender-based violence.
“As government, we want to increase the representation of women in sport and to promote the development of women’s sports both through mass participation and at an elite level.
“There are a number of government programmes to develop mass participation in women’s sports. There are also initiatives supported by the private sector and international development partners," he said.
When it comes to elite athletes, the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee’s ‘Operation Excellence’ programme provides preparatory support to Olympians and Paralympians.
The President pointed out that funding and sponsorship predominantly flow towards male-dominated team sports such as football, cricket, and rugby. He said these sports have well-established professional leagues, unlike women's football, cricket, and rugby.
The President highlighted that this situation adds to the significant difference in pay between female athletes and their male counterparts.
“Equal pay for work of equal value is one of most fundamental tenets of gender equality. The sporting fraternity is neither exceptional nor is it exempt.
“That female athletes should still earn less than their male counterparts is an affront to our nation’s sportswomen, more so at a time when the achievements of some of our women’s sports teams surpass those of our men’s teams,” the President said.
He called on sponsors and sporting bodies to direct greater resources to women’s sports.
President Ramaphosa said it is only through greater sponsorship and support that women’s sport will be able to grow and attract larger audiences. As they attract a greater following, he said, women’s sports events will provide greater value to sponsors.
The President added that the success of the major women’s sports tournaments that have been hosted in South Africa will no doubt bolster our bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027.
“Working together as government, business and the sporting fraternity we can level the playing field for women’s sports in our country. And by so doing, we will take another step towards a more equal society,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 08/07/2023 - 10:25
Congratulations Banyana Banyana
Dear Editor The DA congratulates Banyana Banyana on their impressive performance and journey in the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Their dedication, passion, and skill have showcased their abilities on the world stage of women’s football. Their journey in this prestigious tournament has been truly inspiring, capturing the hearts of many. Their determination, teamwork, and commitment …
World Football Summit appoints APO Group as Official Public Relations Agency in Africa
APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, has been appointed as the Official Public Relations Agency for the World Football Summit (WFS) (www.WorldFootballSummit.com) in Africa.
The signing ceremony, which took place today in Madrid, Spain, was led by Jan Alessie, Co-Founder and Director of World Football Summit, Marian Otamendi, Director of World Football Summit, and Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Founder and Chairman of APO Group. Both organizations committed to an enduring partnership aimed at utilizing football to promote positive change in African society, fostering networking and business prospects, and ultimately cultivating economic growth in African economies.
The multi-year agreement will see APO Group coordinate all media activity for WFS in Africa, including the distribution of press releases for WFS events, online press conferences, interviews, and placements in some of the most prominent African media.
World Football Summit is the biggest platform dedicated to the football industry. Since its inception in 2016, WFS has successfully attracted over 22,000 attendees across 17 events and has built a global community of 90,000+ sports industry executives throughout its platforms. Top names in the industry, including Gianni Infantino, Fatma Samoura, Ronaldo Nazario, Peter Moore, and Cindy Cone have participated, showcasing the event's significance in the global football landscape.
WFS Africa (https://Africa.WorldFootballSummit.com) is the flagship event in the African football industry calendar. The event features high-calibre industry leaders from Africa and overseas who will discuss and debate key topics such as the legacy of the FIFA World Cup and the opportunities of hosting the 2027 Women's World Cup in South Africa, digital adaptation, talent development, new competition models, smart investment, the rise of OTT, and sponsorship activation.
During its first edition on the African continent, held in Durban, South Africa, more than 700 on-site attendees enjoyed the possibility to network and make thousands of connections, helping accelerate opportunities that would normally take years to materialise. For its next edition, which is still pending an official date, expectations are for it to reach over 1,000 attendees from all over the world.
As the Official Public Relations Agency for WFS in Africa, APO Group will work with the global WFS organization to help build its profile in Africa – one of the biggest growth markets for the football industry. APO Group will also manage all Public Relations activity for the WFS Africa event.
APO Group will also leverage its vast client network of 300+ multinational companies, African governments, and international institutions to explore potential partnerships for future WFS Africa events.
APO Group operates at the very heart of sport and business in Africa. It has extremely strong credentials in the football industry as the pan-African Public Relations agency of FIFA, and the Official Partner of French football club Olympique de Marseille's African programme, OM Africa.
It is also the Official Public Relations Partner of Rugby Africa; Strategic Partner of the Olympic Movement in Africa (ANOCA); the pan-African Public Relations Agency of the NBA and the Basketball Africa League; and the Official Partner of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS).
“APO Group is perfectly positioned to help us connect the worlds of football and business in Africa,” said Jan Alessie, Co-Founder and Director of World Football Summit. “Their vast media network will carry our news to every corner of the continent, and their relationships with key government, multinational companies, and public institutions will help us drive new conversations about the African football industry. Together, APO Group and the World Football Summit aim to foster collaboration and drive the business of sport to new heights across the continent.”
“The football industry holds a global economic value of well over US$200 billion, with a significant portion of this revenue concentrated in Europe. By increasing the visibility of the World Football Summit in Africa, APO Group aims to actively contribute to the growth and development of the business of sport across the continent,” said APO Group Founder and Chairman, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com). “We are completely aligned in our vision for raising the profile of the game in Africa, creating new networking and business opportunities, and ultimately driving growth in African economies.”
This is a joint press release by the World Football Summit (WFS) and APO Group.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.
Media contact:
For APO Group
marie@apo-opa.com
For World Football Summit:
press@worldfootballsummit.com
About World Football Summit:
World Football Summit is the premier platform connecting the football industry worldwide. Through conferences, events, and digital platforms, WFS provides opportunities for stakeholders to network, discuss trends, and collaborate to shape the future of football. Since its first event was held in 2016, WFS has brought together more than 90,000 stakeholders, 557 football clubs, and 3,000+ companies.
About APO Group:
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. We assist private and public organisations in sharpening their reputation and increasing their brand equity in target countries across Africa. Our role as a trusted partner is to leverage the power of media and build bespoke strategies that enable organisations to produce a real, measurable impact in Africa and beyond. The trust and recognition granted to APO Group by global and multinational companies, governments, and NGOs inspires us to continuously enhance our value proposition within Africa to better cater to our clients' needs. We have prestigious clients and are honoured to represent such entrenched brands: Facebook, Dangote Group, Nestlé, GE, FIFA, Canon, Coca-Cola, DHL, Marriott Group, Ecobank, Siemens, Standard Chartered, Orange, Jack Ma Foundation, African Development Bank, World Health Organization, Islamic Development Bank, Liquid Telecom, Rotary International, Kaspersky, Greenpeace, and more.
Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland | Offices in Senegal, Dubai and Hong Kong
For further information, please visit our website: https://www.APO-opa.com
BETSiE Says SA has a 0.15% Chance of Winning
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Edinburgh to host Manchester United and Lyon
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Glorious FIFA U-20 World Cup Argentina 2023™ Official Song released
Match tickets available as of 13 May; 24 teams competing in four venues across Argentina; Tournament kicks off on 20 May, Final on 11 June.
Football's Future Legends will take centre stage as the FIFA U-20 World Cup Argentina 2023™ kicks off.
Category 1 tickets for the FIFA U-20 World Cup are now on sale.
Click here to access the ticket sales portal (https://apo-opa.info/3I4Fqdx)
Click here to view the match schedule (https://apo-opa.info/41y01hy)
The U-20 World Cup will feature 52 matches taking place across four host cities: La Plata, Mendoza, San Juan, and Santiago del Estero. It will be the first time this tournament will be held in South America since Colombia 2011.
The tournament will open on 20 May with four matches on the opening day in San Juan and Santiago del Estero, including hosts Argentina taking on Uzbekistan in Santiago del Estero Stadium.
Both cities will also play host to the quarter-final round, while La Plata Stadium will host the semi-finals, 3rd place match, and Final.
Official song “Glorious” released
Ahead of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Argentina 2023™, FIFA has also launched the Official Song of the tournament. The song, titled "Glorious" (https://apo-opa.info/3M2bArw), was written by Indonesian electronic trio Weird Genius, and performed together with young Indonesian superstars Lyodra, Tiara Andini, and Ziva Magnolya. The song will serve as the anthemic backdrop to the drama, thrills, and excitements of the tournament.
The song is available on streaming services:
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FIFA.
Contact for African media:
AfricanMedia@fifa.org
#WeAre26 launched
Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ (www.FIFA.com) Brand to be launched in Los Angeles, USA, on 17 May 2023; #WeAre26 campaign launched, revealing the faces and places of the 16 Host Cities and inviting fans to get involved; 16 bespoke Host City brands developed by FIFA in an unprecedented initiative to unite fans across the continent.
On Wednesday, 17 May 2023, the Official Brand of the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup™ will be unveiled to fans around the world, with FIFA and host countries Canada, Mexico and the USA celebrating a major milestone on the road to the biggest sporting event ever. The unveiling will take place at 19:30 local time (04:30 CEST on 18 May) in Los Angeles, USA, one of the tournament's 16 Host Cities, at a star-studded show with special guest performances live-streamed to the whole world on FIFA+ (https://apo-opa.info/3BkOp6O).
Projections, events and digital amplifications across the other Host Cities in Canada, Mexico and the USA will also take place on 17 May, giving fans another opportunity to get involved in the Official Brand launch and start counting down the days until kick-off.
Anticipation has already started building as FIFA, the 2026 host countries and the event's commercial partners launched #WeAre26, a campaign that will empower people, places and communities to play an integral role in introducing the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Official Brand. The campaign will capture portraits of faces and places that tell their own unique FIFA World Cup stories, featuring individuals and experiences that await fans in 2026 and inviting everyone to be a part of #WeAre26.
“The Official Brand introduces fans to the tournament's new emblem, typeface and striking colour palette, three exciting elements that will bring this tournament to life in the coming months and years. But it also goes beyond that, as we open countless opportunities to local communities and our partners to integrate their own story. A local football fan, a global superstar or a famous location, the brand will spotlight distinctive aspects and highlight the inclusive and diverse aspect of the first FIFA World Cup featuring 48 teams,” said FIFA's Chief Business Officer, Romy Gai.
The Official Brand will be accompanied by 16 bespoke Host City brands developed by FIFA in an unprecedented initiative to integrate local fans and cultures across Canada, Mexico and the USA. Each Host City brand embodies its own world‑renowned culture and heritage, in which millions of international fans will immerse themselves when kick-off comes in 2026. The public in all 16 Host Cities will be treated to a range of activations on 18 May, when the artworks will be presented by the hosts themselves. Everyone taking part is encouraged to use the hashtags #FIFAWorldCup and #WeAre26 and join the celebration.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the biggest single-sport event ever. Three host countries, 16 Host Cities, 48 teams and 104 matches will unite an entire continent and showcase a momentous new tournament to ensure the ultimate football show. The much-loved four-team group stage phase remains ahead of an expanded knockout phase that will see the 32 world's best teams fight it out for the game's ultimate prize.
With more countries, cities, teams and matches, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the most inclusive and diverse sporting event ever, uniting the entire world on a vast stage and engaging millions of fans across 16 stadiums and billions worldwide.
Fans and members of the media worldwide are invited to tune in to the event via FIFA+ (https://apo-opa.info/3BkOp6O).
For general FIFA media enquiries, please contact the FIFA Media Team on media@fifa.org. The FIFA Media Team can also assist with specific Host City media team contacts if required.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FIFA.
Contact for African media:
AfricanMedia@fifa.org
Nigeria gaining ground and winning hearts
Artificial pitch built in Kebbi, a state in northwestern Nigeria; another being installed further south in Ugborodo, in Delta State; projects supported by the FIFA Forward Programme (https://www.FIFA.com).
“Before it became a career, I just played football for fun. Farming was my main job. I had to finish work on the farm before I could go and play football. The only goal I had in life was to have my own farm.”
Reported in the Nigerian press, those words belong to Porto and Nigeria full-back Zaidu Sanusi, who hails from the state of Kebbi. They could, however, belong to any number of young people who live in this northwestern corner of Nigeria, which is home to 4.4 million people and lies on the borders with Niger and Benin. It is a part of the world where football is secondary in importance to other matters, but where talented players like Sanusi are not in short supply.
It is no surprise, then, that Birnin Kebbi, the capital of Kebbi, was chosen back in 2020 as the site for the construction of an artificial football pitch that is now available for young boys and girls to use. Meanwhile, a second pitch is under construction in Ugborodo, situated further to the south. Undertaken by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), these two ambitious projects have received around USD 2 million in funding from FIFA through its Forward Programme.
The main goal of the programme, which is now into its third cycle, is the growth of football around the world. Forward 3.0 (https://apo-opa.info/3VWIiPy) is giving the game's global governing body the chance to redouble its efforts and lay down ever more solid foundations for promoting this growth, with the construction of facilities an important lever in supporting the whole process.
“The aim is simply to develop football in the region,” said Alhadji Abubakar Ladan, NFF representative for the state of Kebbi. “Of the seven states in the northwestern region [Nigeria has 36 states in all], Kebbi has the largest number of amateur teams. Even so, there is no question that it also has fewer football facilities than the rest. The NFF is aware of the efforts being made to develop football here, but these efforts are being held back by the lack of facilities. This artificial pitch is a boost and a push in the right direction.”
It has certainly proved a source of motivation and delight for local young footballers, who have made it their second home as they work on the skills they hope will one day make them Super Falcons and Super Eagles. A unique pitch flanked by a stand that is regularly filled with enthusiastic supporters, it is now the scene of friendlies, competitive matches and training sessions.
“Football used to be just a street sport for us, so we're delighted to be able to play on this wonderful pitch,” said Zeynup Dauda, a teenager from Birnin Kebbi. “This sport means a lot to me. I tend to get a bit bored at home, but when I'm on the pitch, it's magical. I forget everything. My ultimate dream would be to play for a big team in a big stadium and on a big pitch. I want to play all over the world. I want to play for the whole nation.”
Zaidu Sanusi has shown the way for his home region and has proved that nothing is impossible, that there are pathways running from the street to the football pitch, between farms and the world's greatest stadiums, and between dreams and reality.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FIFA.
Contact for African media:
AfricanMedia@fifa.org
FC Porto Host SA Teams Training Camp
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