Abram Makhubo: Hollywood Star of the Week

WINNING FORM-sponsored workrider ABRAM MAKHUBO watched many of the big races on television and soon realized that he wanted to be part of our sport of kings. He then joined the Eugene Cox yard as a groom and after showing promise was sent to James Maree’s grooms school of riding where he became an accomplished workrider. After having his greatest season ever with 17 winners, he recently won the workriders’ championship for a record fifth time and wants to continue riding many more winners.

Community Shield Preview

Chelsea vs Manchester City | 12 August | Villa Park | 14:25

The Community Shield ordinarily represents the awkward first stage of wrestling for superiority.   Nothing is supposed to really matter.  But this year’s game seems to be imbued with a sense of predestination that one cannot help but be sucked into. The era of Mansoor, at the peak of it's powers, lined up against Roman Abramovich’s European champions. 

German Super Cup Preview

Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmund  |12 August | Allianz Arena, Munich | 20:00
 

With the Bundelsiga set to kick-off next weekend, the German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund will clash in the Super Cup this weekend. Two-time defending league champions Dortmund won the double last season by beating Bayern in the final of the DFB Pokal. With Dortmund winning both competitions, which decide who participates in the Super Cup, the losing finalist of that tournament, Bayern, will be the side to face the double holders on Sunday. Bayern were unlucky last season as they again failed to put their hands on any of the three trophies they were contesting. The Bavarians ended as runners-up in all competitions, including the UEFA Champions League, where they lost on penalties to Chelsea at the Allianz Arena.

The PGA Championship Preview

The PGA Championship | 9 August- 12 August |  Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Ocean Course

As the final Major of the year rolls around, the world’s best once again take the stage to compete for a share of the $8 million prize fund. The Ocean Course at Kiawah is a most brutal course, one of the most these players are going to face and playing at almost 7,700 yards in length, immediately focus has to turn to players who hit it long. This will be especially true if forecasts come to fruition and the course is hit by strong winds in the afternoon. Fortunately, the fairways are wide and the rough is short so accuracy off the tee isn’t key. Unfortunately the same can’t be said for the greens, which demand accurate iron play. Over-par scores are going to be the order of the day and I reckon experience will be key in navigating the difficult layout. This is going to be a tough one to call, but let’s see what we can do.   

Sri Lanka vs India – T20 Preview

Sri Lanka vs India | 7 August | Pallekele, Kandy | 15:15

We may be seeing a resurgence in Indian cricket, following their dramatic dip in form after winning the World Cup in 2011. The excuses offered by coach Duncan Fletcher range from lack of game time at home to a lack of intensity for all sides following a successful run in the game. Nevertheless, it's silly to dwell in such recent past when you have a perfectly good series that has just culminated to draw from a semblance of form. India have just beaten Sri Lanka 4-1, away from home. Not an easy task at all.