Roger Federer turned 40 on Sunday with his storied career, which has yielded 20 Grand Slams, a multi-million-dollar fortune and an army of fans who treat the Swiss star with saintly reverence, at a crossroads. Photo by RODGER BOSCH / AFP
The five best sports moments from the past weekend β 10 February [video]
Enjoy reliving five of the best sports moments from the past weekend, including the Match in Africa, Super Rugby and Nedbank Cup.
Roger Federer turned 40 on Sunday with his storied career, which has yielded 20 Grand Slams, a multi-million-dollar fortune and an army of fans who treat the Swiss star with saintly reverence, at a crossroads. Photo by RODGER BOSCH / AFP
The early start to Super Rugby means that February has been jam-packed with sporting action and this weekend was no exception — picking the five best sports moments was no easy task.
The big three sports of cricket, rugby and football all set out their stall to entertain with the Pink ODI, Super Rugby and Nedbank Cup all on the go.
Five best sports moments
Here we look at five sporting highlights from the weekend that was:
The Match in Africa
On Friday night in Cape Town, tennis fans were given a rare treat as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal entertained in a thrilling exhibition match.
Cape Town Stadium set a record for attendance at a tennis match with more than 51 000 spectators passing through the gates.
Federer and Nadal teamed up with Bill Gates and Trevor Noah for a celebrity doubles one-set warm-up match. Gates was solid while Noah brought a fair amount of comedy alongside a hitting a few winners.
The grip provided by the unusual surface of the temporary court, coupled with the wind, made for an unusual yet entertaining game that Federer won in the end.
Mapimpi magic and a weekend special
Earlier on Friday, the Sharks began their four-week Super Rugby tour Down Under with an emphatic 42-20 win over the Highlanders.
Sikhumbuzo Notshe has quickly endeared himself to Sharks fans amid a gaggle of exciting players at the franchise and he would combine with Madosh Tambwe and Makazole Mapimpi to create the try of round 2 of Super Rugby.
Because you’ve had to suffer through another bout of load shedding, we will give you a weekend special courtesy of SuperSport’s Xhosa commentary team.
Come for “weekend special boetie” stay for “banana for you!”
Senatla speed trap
The Stormers beat the Bulls 13-0 in Cape Town and while the match didn’t lack for intensity, there wasn’t too much for either side to cheer.
The Cape Town crowd were on their feet for Seabelo Senatla though as the Bulls afforded the former Blitzbok too much space and got stung.
Manyama has the ball on a string
Kaizer Chiefs advanced in the Nedbank Cup but didn’t have it all their own way and needed a bit of magic from Lebogang Manyama.
Royal Eagles proved tough to break down and held out for over an hour before Manyama produced a sublime piece of skill to send Amakhosi through to the round of 16.
Pirates and Wits produce a classic
Orlando Pirates came back from two goals down to force extra-time and then took the lead, but would be denied by a Gift Motupa goal.
Wits went on to win the match on penalties and advance despite being reduced to 10 men in extra time.
