Jurgen Klopp nears agreement to become Germany coach
via The Namibian4 min read
The German Football Federation DFB announced on Saturday that it is close to an agreement with Jurgen Klopp to appoint him as the new Germany coach. DFB president Bernd Neuendorf and vice-president Hans-Joachim Watzke held discussions with Klopp in New York, reaching an understanding on key contract points. However, the appointment is contingent on securing approval from Klopp's current employer, the Red Bull Group. Klopp, 59, stepped away from management after leaving Liverpool in 2024 and has since been the head of global football for Red Bull, overseeing a multi-club network. He is considered the DFB's preferred candidate to succeed Julian Nagelsmann, who resigned after Germany's round-of-32 World Cup exit. Discussions are set to continue next week, with both parties confident of a successful conclusion to negotiations.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Jesse Kriel scored a try in the 78th minute to secure a 42-28 victory for South Africa over Scotland in a Nations Championship match held in Pretoria. South Africa initially built a 14-point lead, but Scotland managed to tie the game by halftime. The Springboks then extended their lead to 21 points after the break, though Scotland fought back with two tries, earning a four-try bonus point. South African try scorers included Embrose Papier, Evan Roos, Elrigh Louw, Damian Willemse, Zach Porthen, and Kriel. Handre Pollard converted five tries, and Quan Horn added one conversion. For Scotland, Matt Fagerson, Kyle Rowe, Josh Bayliss, and Ben White scored tries, with Finn Russell converting all four. This win keeps South Africa at the top of the southern hemisphere standings, ahead of New Zealand on points difference. Springboks captain Pieter-Steph du Toit praised Scotland's performance but expressed pride in his team's adherence to their systems. Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu expressed disappointment but also pride in his team's positive rugby, acknowledging that they failed to capitalize on possession in South Africa's 22 after halftime.
Tour de France organizers have shortened a stage for the first time in the race's history due to an intense heatwave. The decision was made after Meteo France issued a red alert for the central Correze region. Organizers cut 30km from the 185.5km ninth stage from Malemort to Ussel, removing a hilly section. This change aims to ensure the race can proceed under conditions compatible with the red heatwave alert. Belgian sprint king Tim Merlier secured his second victory in the eighth stage, a 180km run from Perigueux to Bergerac. Merlier praised the organizers' decision to shorten the stage, noting the challenging conditions with temperatures consistently above 35 degrees Celsius. Reigning champion Tadej Pogacar, the current race leader, acknowledged the expected high temperatures and emphasized the team's readiness to cope. Merlier's win, his fifth stage victory in his third Tour appearance, brings him closer to Mads Pedersen in the sprinters' green jersey competition. The eighth stage, which was expected to end in a bunch sprint, saw Liam Slock caught 1.3km from the finish after a long breakaway.
Must ReadSouth African midfielder Jayden Adams, who represented his country at the ongoing World Cup, died on Saturday at the age of 25, according to Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie. McKenzie expressed profound shock at Adams' passing, stating that South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents. The minister did not disclose the cause of death. The Confederation of African Football also paid tribute to Adams. Police have opened an investigation after the body of a 25-year-old man was found at a house in Schotschekloof, Cape Town, on Saturday morning. Western Cape police spokesperson FC van Wyk confirmed that circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation. Adams played in all three of South Africa’s group-stage matches at the World Cup, helping Bafana Bafana reach the Round of 32. He was also part of the squad that finished third at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations. Born in Cape Town, Adams was a youth graduate of Stellenbosch FC, making 139 appearances for the club before joining Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025. At Sundowns, he won a Premiership title and a CAF Champions League. His death occurred less than a month after the passing of his grandmother.