For some, it is an indication that the North is deploying “sports diplomacy” to ease strained bilateral ties.
The rare visit comes as North Korea has framed the South as its “primary foe and invariable principal enemy” in a recently rewritten constitution that removes notions of reunifying the peninsula, which has been divided since the 1950-1953 Korean War.
Victor Cha, Korea chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, argued in an article published on the CSIS website on May 4 that, “sports diplomacy has always been an important tool of inter-Korean diplomacy.”
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Pyongyang allowing the athletes to travel to the South “is significant, given North Korea’s shutdown of all dialogue with South Korea and its assertion of the enemy-state declaration vis-a-vis Seoul,” Cha said.
“In this regard, the football match could demonstrate the potential to separate cultural exchanges from politics,” he added.
The 27-strong North Korean team had been training in Beijing but arrived at Incheon airport on Sunday before travelling on to Suwon, some 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) south of Seoul, ahead of the semi-final of the Asian Football Confederation’s Women’s Champions League.
Signs of improving North-South ties?
While analysts broadly agree that a North Korean team visiting the South is a positive development, they caution against reading too much into Pyongyang’s decision.
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“The likelihood of this football match becoming an immediate ‘breakthrough’ in inter-Korean relations is limited,” said Hyobin Lee, a professor at Sogang University in Seoul.
“But I also do not think it is meaningless, and I partially agree with Victor Cha’s analysis,” she told DW.
The first visit by a North Korean women’s football team since the 2014 Incheon Asian Games is “symbolically significant,” Lee noted.
She pointed out that some South Korean politicians have described it as “a possible opportunity to ease tensions in frozen inter-Korean relations.”
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The limits of sports diplomacy
South Korean media reported that Unification Minister Chung Dong-young is also considering attending the match.
“There is understandable optimism that a soccer tournament could become a positive case of inter-Korean, people-to-people exchange after an extended suspension,” Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, told DW.
The rare visit by a North Korean women’s football team has been approved under the inter-Korean exchange law. All 7,087 tickets made available to the general public sold out within a day.
While Easley thinks it would be premature to call the event “successful sports diplomacy,” North Korea’s participation “could suggest a softening in Pyongyang’s portrayal of Seoul as a hostile enemy.”
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Erwin Tan, a professor of international politics at Hankuk University, is more skeptical of the soccer match.
“Inter-Korean sports and cultural events have occurred quite frequently in the past, yet have not led to any diplomatic breakthrough, so I see no reason to see this development as signaling anything new,” Tan told DW.
2018’s missed opportunity
The last time North Korean athletes were in the South was when five table tennis players competed in Incheon, west of Seoul, in December 2018.
Competitors from both countries took part in the opening ceremony under the Korean unification flag, and Kim Yo-jong, Kim Jong Un’s sister, headed a high-level delegation from Pyongyang.
And while the games appeared to herald a brighter diplomatic outlook, the cross-border relationship soon soured.
However, Pyongyang agreeing to send the team south allows the country “to project an image to the international community that it is not completely isolated or closed off,” she added.
How North Korea uses Christianity to protect Kim dynasty
What else could have prompted Pyongyang to send its athletes?
Lee believes Pyongyang has a number of reasons beyond attempting to encourage a diplomatic thaw for agreeing to send the team south.
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She notes that since sports exchanges are politically less risky than formal diplomatic negotiations, these kinds of events are “useful for testing limited engagement.”
“There is likely a propaganda dimension as well,” she said. “North Korea has long used international sports participation as a way to promote national prestige and regime legitimacy domestically.”
It is also possible that Pyongyang wants to preserve “selective channels of communication with the South rather than completely severing all forms of contact,” Lee told DW.
“In that sense, the match may signal that North Korea is leaving a small diplomatic door open, even while maintaining its broader hardline stance,” she added.
In what could be considered a historic first for Indian cricket, the opening match of the upcoming season of Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) could be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, multiple reports claimed on Monday night. According to these reports, a five-member delegation of Cricket Australia officials was in Chennai on Monday to recce the Stadium and also watched the Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Chennai Super Kings’ clash with Sunrisers Hyderabad at Chepauk, held a final discussion on the matter with officials of Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA).
TNCA sources also claimed that the opening match of the 16th edition of the Big Bash League (BBL 2026-27) is all set to be held at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Sources said that the move is likely to get approval from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
A CA representative declined to confirm that anything has been decided but acknowledged that the matter was discussed. “We are not able to confirm anything. We are exploring the potential of Chennai in partnership with the Australian Government to deepen the India-Australia relationship. Nothing confirmed as yet, and we are working closely with our friends in BCCI,” the representative said.
If it gets approved by the BCCI, this will be the first time that the BCCI will allow any direct competition to its flagship IPL to be played in India. The BCCI does not allow Indian players, even those retired from international cricket, to participate in T20 franchise leagues abroad. Only those who have quit all forms of cricket in India are allowed to participate in T20 leagues abroad.
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If the BBL gets the final nod from the BCCI, it will also have to consider the fact that the BBL has players from Pakistan, while the Indian government does not allow Pakistani sportspersons to play in India unless they are part of a multinational event approved by the International Federation.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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Nigeria’s sports betting industry could be entering one of its most challenging periods yet following major regulatory and tax changes introduced in 2026.
The discussion around Nigeria’s changing betting market structure gained attention after sports-integrity and iGaming compliance consultant Kristof Szucs shared a LinkedIn analysis highlighting the growing pressure of taxation and multi-state licensing costs on operators across the country.
The country remains Africa’s largest betting market by scale and user activity, but new compliance costs, federal taxation adjustments, and state-level licensing structures are beginning to raise questions about long-term operating sustainability for betting companies across the country.
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The discussion gained attention after sports-integrity and iGaming compliance consultant Kristof Szucs shared an analysis on LinkedIn warning that the economics of Nigeria’s betting industry may be changing rapidly.
According to Szucs, Nigeria’s new National Tax Act removed gaming’s previous special tax status, meaning operators could now face standard corporate taxation rates reaching as high as 30%.
At the same time, operators are also dealing with a federated licensing structure managed across 28 Nigerian states.
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Why The Changes Matter
Nigeria’s betting industry has become deeply connected to the country’s wider sports economy.
Betting companies sponsor:
football clubs
media broadcasts
prediction platforms
fan engagement campaigns
influencer marketing
sports content ecosystems
Higher operational costs could eventually impact:
marketing budgets
sponsorship spending
customer acquisition
expansion plans
local sports partnerships
The combination of federal tax pressure and multiple state-level compliance requirements may now force operators to rethink how aggressively they invest in the Nigerian market.
Nigeria Remains Africa’s Biggest Betting Market
Despite the growing concerns, Nigeria still represents one of the most valuable sports betting markets on the continent due to:
football popularity
mobile penetration
young demographics
strong engagement across EPL, Champions League, NBA, and local football
However, analysts increasingly believe profitability may become more difficult if compliance costs continue rising across multiple regulatory layers.
Szucs noted in his LinkedIn analysis that:
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“The market hasn’t shrunk. The business case has.”
That line summarizes the concern many industry observers now have about balancing Nigeria’s massive scale with increasing operational costs.
Sports Sponsorships Could Eventually Feel the Pressure
Sports betting brands have become deeply integrated into Africa’s modern sports economy through football sponsorships, media partnerships, fan engagement campaigns, prediction platforms, and influencer marketing.
If operational costs continue rising, analysts believe some operators could eventually reduce marketing and sponsorship spending across sports properties.
That could impact:
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• Football club sponsorships • Sports media advertising • Betting partnerships around EPL and Champions League coverage • Influencer campaigns tied to sports audiences • Local football activations and fan experiences
Nigeria remains one of Africa’s most valuable sports betting audiences, but the economics of operating in the market may now be changing.
For now, Nigeria remains Africa’s biggest betting market and one of the continent’s most important sports-business ecosystems.
But as taxation, compliance, and licensing costs continue rising, 2026 could become a defining year in determining how sustainable that growth model remains.
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The market itself may still be growing — but the cost of participating in it is becoming a completely different calculation.
NEW DELHI: Rohit Sharma may be enduring a stop-start IPL 2026 campaign, but the former Mumbai Indians skipper ensured there was no shortage of laughter at Eden Gardens on match eve.Ahead of Mumbai Indians’ league game against Kolkata Knight Riders, MI shared a fun training-ground video featuring Rohit mimicking KKR coach Abhishek Nayar — one of his closest friends in Indian cricket. In the clip, Rohit copied Nayar’s bowling action during nets, running in theatrically before delivering to an empty set of stumps. To everyone’s surprise, the ball crashed into the middle stump, leaving players around him in stitches.Rohit, unable to contain his excitement, was heard shouting: “Kya middle stump udaya bey.” Even Nayar, watching from the KKR camp nearby, burst into laughter at the scene.WATCH:KKR’s season on the edgeWhile Rohit’s antics lightened the mood, Wednesday’s contest carries far greater weight for KKR. The side led by Ajinkya Rahane must beat Mumbai Indians to stay alive in the race for the final playoff berth.A defeat would officially end KKR’s campaign, while even a victory may still leave them dependent on other results. Punjab Kings’ clash against Lucknow Super Giants later this week could ultimately decide Kolkata’s fate.KKR have staged a late revival after a disastrous start, winning five of their last six matches. Yet that surge may have come too late after their six-match winless stretch at the beginning of the season.MI seek one final statementMumbai Indians, already out of contention, now have the chance to spoil KKR’s push. The five-time champions have endured a forgettable campaign, with injuries and inconsistent form hurting their season.Rohit has shown flashes of touch despite fitness concerns, while skipper Hardik Pandya is expected to return after injury.
Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir’s move to Besiktas this summer hinges on one key factor, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Unsafe Pair of Hands
Bayindir, 28, arrived at Old Trafford from Fenerbahçe for £4.3 million in the summer of 2023.
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The Türkiye international was signed to be the No. 2 to Andre Onana, signed in the same window from Inter Milan for £47.2m to replace long-term stalwart David De Gea.
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Despite the 6’6 shot-stopper described as “top class” by Bruno Fernandes, and Onana forging a reputation as one of Europe’s best goalkeepers in Italy, neither has proved to be a successful signing. Both have committed a series of costly mistakes when starting, often destabilising the defence they are designed to protect.
This led to the decision last summer to sign Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, even with the 23-year-old Belgian having only one season of first-team experience under his belt.
Lammens’ capture led to Onana joining Trabzonspor on loan as then-head coach Ruben Amorim preferred Bayindir. The Turkish side are hoping to strike a permanent deal for the Cameroon international this summer.
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But Bayindir’s performance in Onana’s stead were as shaky, with Lammens quickly assuming the starting berth and proving transformative between the sticks. The Zottegem native is already one of United’s best signings in years.
Bayindir to Besiktas?
Both the player and club are open to Bayindir’s departure this summer, with a return to Türkiye the most likely destination. Interestingly, Trabzonspor have been linked with a move, though Super Lig giant Besiktas are understood to be the strongest suitor.
A report relayed by The Peoples Person revealed the Black Eagles have agreed personal terms with Bayindir, despite his previous allegiance with bitter rivals Fenerbahçe.
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However, Besiktas have parted ways with their manager, Sergen Yalçın, by mutual agreement after a disappointing campaign at the Tüpraş Stadium.
Italian transfer expert Romano claims this will affect the pursuit of Bayindir as the new manager will need to approve the 6’6 United star as a target.
Tweet: “Altay Bayindir can leave Manchester United in the summer. Besiktas remain interested but deal depends on new manager after recent change of coach.”
Final Thoughts
Romano confirms Besiktas “remain interested” in Bayindir, which offers hope a deal will still be pursued once their new chief is in place. With United’s summer war chest set to be directed primarily towards the midfield, there will be little left over for a new goalkeeper.
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Bayindir’s sale will fund his replacement – and while a new No. 2 is not the type of signing that gets fans’ heart rates going, the frightening prospect of the Turkish ‘keeper starting for United again should.
The old jockey proverb of having a saddle means you’ll travel doesn’t resonate with South Australia’s Garret Lynch, whose creed is ‘have horse float, will travel’.
Lynch notches thousands of kilometres each year roaming South Australia from Murray Bridge and commands the trainers’ ladder with 65 successes, leading Phillip Stokes by 21.
His wins span metropolitan city tracks, 35 provincials and 27 at outback locales including Ceduna, Roxby Downs, Quorn, Penong, Lock and Pooncarie.
“I place them where they can win and if that means if it’s 10 or 11 hours away, I’ll head off,” Lynch said.
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This Saturday marks new territory for Lynch at Flemington in the Listed Andrew Ramsden (2800m) with Alainge, his premier runner, seeking a Melbourne Cup (3200m) berth in November.
Flemington’s last Lynch runner was Callmedan, seventh in the 2014 Bagot Handicap.
Alainge handed Lynch his top triumph over 15 training years via the Listed Port Adelaide Cup victory at Morphettville on May 2.
Thoughts of Saturday emerged after Alainge’s fifth in the March Adelaide Cup (3200m) at Morphettville.
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“She ran a really good race in the Adelaide Cup and was just way too far back and finished off really strongly,” Lynch said.
“After getting the two miles for the first time, I thought we’d head down this direction and try and qualify for the Melbourne Cup.
“Ask any trainer, and their aim is to win the Melbourne Cup, and I’m no different.”
Lynch has had only two Flemington runners previously, deeming Alainge his best shot ‘by far’.
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“My early training career, I was only 23 or 24 when I had my other Flemington runners,” Lynch said.
“My last runner was seventh in the Bagot.
“Back then I was based at Murray Bridge but every summer I would base myself at Cranbourne for three or four months and I did that for about four years then.”
Aboard Alainge Saturday is Harry Grace, ex-apprentice to late Robbie Laing, Lynch’s Melbourne host.
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Lynch convinced Grace, who steered Alainge in the Port Adelaide Cup, to base in South Australia.
“I’m the one that convinced him to come over, so I’ll stay loyal to him,” Lynch said.
“He’ll ride her over there on Saturday and then we’ll head to the Sandown Cup after the Ramsden, and he’ll ride her there as well.
“He hasn’t got a base yet, but he’ll float around between Murray Bridge and Morphettville and try an establish himself over here.”
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For the Andrew Ramsden Stakes, punters can find competitive racing odds at top betting sites.
May 18, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer (4) hits a single against the New York Yankees during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Jazz Chisholm Jr. hit a tiebreaking two-run homer with two outs in the seventh inning and David Bednar retired Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with two on in the ninth to secure the save as the host New York Yankees rallied and hung on for a 7-6 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.
Chisholm produced his fourth straight multi-hit game and snapped a 5-5 tie by poking a 2-1 splitter from Yariel Rodriguez off the middle of the left field foul pole.
Chisholm’s 339-foot opposite field drive occurred after Cody Bellinger hit a tying two-run homer off the top of the right-center-field fence that landed into the Yankees’ bullpen two batters earlier.
The homers by Chisholm and Bellinger helped the Yankees win for the third time in 10 games on a night when they faced a pair of two-run deficits.
The four-run seventh preceded a wobbly ninth by Bednar, who allowed a tying three-run homer to Tyrone Taylor in the Yankees’ Sunday loss to the Mets. Bednar allowed an RBI double to Jesus Sanchez but struck out George Springer after falling behind 3-0 and got Guerrero to ground out on a full count for his 11th save in 13 chances.
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New York’s Paul Goldschmidt hit a leadoff home run and added a tying double in the fourth. J.C. Escarra lifted a sacrifice fly, and Aaron Judge singled ahead of Bellinger’s homer.
Ernie Clement and Springer homered off Ryan Weathers for the Blue Jays, who lost for the ninth time in 14 games and were unable to produce their third three-game winning streak of the season.
Clement gave the Blue Jays a 3-1 lead when he reached for Weathers’ 0-2 pitch that hovered over the plate in the fourth. Springer snapped a 3-3 tie in the fourth by lifting a 2-1 fastball into the visiting bullpen in left field.
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Weathers allowed five runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. The left-hander struck out seven, walked none and was one strike away from getting out of the fourth before Clement connected.
Paul Blackburn (2-1) followed with 1 2/3 scoreless innings. New York’s Fernando Cruz struck out Daulton Varsho with a runner on in the eighth before Bednar’s escape act.
Toronto’s Patrick Corbin allowed three runs on six hits in four innings. He fanned three and walked three.
Chelsea target Valentín Barco (21) has announced that his time at RC Strasbourg Alsace has come to an end in a post on Instagram.
Barco joined Strasbourg, initially on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion during the winter transfer window of 2025, before then making the move to the Meinau permanent the following summer in a deal worth a reported €10m.
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In his only full season with Le Racing, Barco has become a key part of the club’s midfield, featuring 43 times in all competitions, scoring three and assisting a further nine goals. His form at club level has seen him return to the Argentina national team ahead of this summer’s FIFA World Cup.
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Upon the conclusion of that tournament – should he play a part – Barco will not return to Strasbourg. In a post on social media, he announced his impending exit. “Today, I announce my exit from a club that I joined with a lot of hope. In one-and-a-half years, I have had many magnificent moments, notably the most beautiful: the birth of my daughter […] I will continue to follow the club from afar. We will come back as a family as soon as possible. Strasbourg will remain a special place for us,” he said.
Barco’s contract with Le Racing runs until 2029, but he is now set to join Chelsea, with whom an agreement is close, L’Équipe understands.
Holland Christian vs Holland and Fennville vs Saugatuck girl’s soccer
The Fennville girl’s soccer team hosts Saugatuck on Monday, April 27.
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Holland Christian vs Holland and Fennville vs Saugatuck girl’s soccer
The Fennville girl’s soccer team hosts Saugatuck on Monday, April 27.
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Holland Christian vs Holland and Fennville vs Saugatuck girl’s soccer
Holland Christian’s Kylie Reed looks up field while tracking down the ball on Monday, April 27.
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Holland Christian vs Holland and Fennville vs Saugatuck girl’s soccer
The Fennville girl’s soccer team hosts Saugatuck on Monday, April 27.
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Holland Christian vs Holland and Fennville vs Saugatuck girl’s soccer
The Fennville girl’s soccer team hosts Saugatuck on Monday, April 27.
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Holland Christian vs Holland and Fennville vs Saugatuck girl’s soccer
The Holland Christian girl’s soccer team hosts Holland on Monday, April 27.
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Holland Christian vs Holland and Fennville vs Saugatuck girl’s soccer
The Fennville girl’s soccer team hosts Saugatuck on Monday, April 27.
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Holland Christian vs Holland and Fennville vs Saugatuck girl’s soccer
Holland’s Tabby Brown and Holland Christian’s Amelia Hanczuk fight over the ball on Monday, April 27.
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Holland Christian vs Holland and Fennville vs Saugatuck girl’s soccer
The Fennville girl’s soccer team hosts Saugatuck on Monday, April 27.
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Holland’s Bella Campos looks up field for an open teammate against Holland Christian on Monday, April 27.
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Holland Christian vs Holland and Fennville vs Saugatuck girl’s soccer
The Fennville girl’s soccer team hosts Saugatuck on Monday, April 27.
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Holland’s Myla Martinez prepares to throw the ball into play against Holland Christian on Monday, April 27.
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Holland Christian vs Holland and Fennville vs Saugatuck girl’s soccer
The Fennville girl’s soccer team hosts Saugatuck on Monday, April 27.
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Holland Christian vs Holland and Fennville vs Saugatuck girl’s soccer
The Fennville girl’s soccer team hosts Saugatuck on Monday, April 27.
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Holland Christian vs Holland and Fennville vs Saugatuck girl’s soccer
Holland Christian’s Cora Boerman passes the ball to a teammate on Monday, April 27.
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Holland Christian vs Holland and Fennville vs Saugatuck girl’s soccer
Holland’s Leila TenCate prepares to kick the ball from the Holland Christian opponent on Monday, April 27.
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Holland Christian vs Holland and Fennville vs Saugatuck girl’s soccer
The Holland Christian girl’s soccer team hosts Holland on Monday, April 27.
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Holland Christian vs Holland and Fennville vs Saugatuck girl’s soccer
The Holland Christian girl’s soccer team hosts Holland on Monday, April 27.
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Holland Christian vs Holland and Fennville vs Saugatuck girl’s soccer
The Fennville girl’s soccer team hosts Saugatuck on Monday, April 27.
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Holland Christian vs Holland and Fennville vs Saugatuck girl’s soccer
The Fennville girl’s soccer team hosts Saugatuck on Monday, April 27.
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Holland Christian vs Holland and Fennville vs Saugatuck girl’s soccer
The Holland Christian girl’s soccer team hosts Holland on Monday, April 27.
SAUGATUCK – Neave Rewa sets a record nearly every time she steps on the pitch.
The Saugatuck soccer senior broke the school record for career goals last year and it grows every time the ball hits the back of the net.
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“The biggest thing is she is so determined to achieve what she wants to achieve. When she loses a ball, her whole body changes and you know she is going to get it back,” Saugatuck coach Neal Phillips said. “This had to be tough on her to switch coaches and systems as a senior and she is still thriving.”
Rewa said part of that stems from learning from older players in the program that has become one of the best small-school programs in West Michigan.
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“I have always had a lot of strong people to look up to. Seeing that has helped me step into that role that I have observed for so long. We have come from separate players to coming together, and with a new coach, too,” she said.
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Rewa, also a skiing state champion, has 15 goals this season in the new system as opposing teams surround her with three defenders at times. She scored 58 goals through her first three seasons and sits at 73 – a stunning 31 goals ahead of the next on Saugatuck’s all-time list.
Saugatuck’s Neave Rewa continues her record-breaking career on the soccer field.
That experience will help her at the next step when she joins Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
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“When I was searching for schools, I wanted to stay in the Midwest but get a little distance from home. It stuck out because they have won a lot of team ethic awards,” Rewa said. “The school has a pretty good science program and I loved all the coaches and players and it felt like the right next step.”
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It is a step Rewa has been dreaming of for years.
“It is pretty incredible,” she said. “I have played for almost my entire life. To have that comet together for four more years is really exciting.”
Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Jalen Redmond (61) fell on a loose ball Aug 24, 2024, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, recovering a fumble against the Eagles during first-quarter action at Lincoln Financial Field. The defensive play gave Minnesota an early turnover in the preseason matchup, as Redmond’s alert reaction halted Philadelphia’s drive and provided the Vikings with an opportunity to shift momentum. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports.
Last season was disappointing, as most Vikings players struggled to meet their expectations. The result was a 9-8 record and a season that virtually ended around Thanksgiving.
One guy, meanwhile, stood out, or exploded onto the scene, one could argue. Jalen Redmond was the discovery of Minnesota’s 2025 campaign, but he’s still flying under the radar, it seems.
Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report nominated the best-kept secret of every roster entering the summer and he actually landed on Redmond for the Vikings, although his breakout season is already in the rearview mirror.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is brought down by Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Jalen Redmond (61) during first-half action at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Redmond applied pressure and finished the play with a tackle during the contest played on Dec 14, 2025, as the Vikings defense worked to contain Dallas. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images.
“Jalen Redmond’s story alone deserves attention after being an undrafted free agent, needing the United Football League as a pathway to the NFL and growing into an underappreciated defensive lineman,” he wrote.
Redmond’s story has been fantastic. After missing time in college due to blood clots and later opting out of the COVID season for the reason, Redmond went undrafted in 2023. The Panthers signed him, but he failed to stick around for the regular season. Ultimately, Redmond joined the UFL.
Four games were enough to catch Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s eye, who eventually signed him to a contract in the 2024 offseason. A solid rotational season in 2024 was followed by a true breakout campaign in 2025.
Sobleski continued, “There’s a standard to his play. It’s shown up every single week, and it goes back a lot before everybody started to notice it,” Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters in November. ‘For us, just felt like he was a guy that we wanted to make sure was on the field as much as possible. He’s a really good player. I think he’s developed throughout his time here and really is starting to understand how he fits within the defense.’”
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Dec 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Jalen Redmond (61) reacts with linebacker Eric Wilson (55) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Appearing in all 17 games with 15 starts, Redmond logged 6 sacks and 62 tackles on Minnesota’s defensive line, slowly carving into the reps from former Pro Bowlers Allen and Hargrave. He ended up as the top defensive lineman on the roster.
While Allen and Hargrave were exed in March, Redmond was re-signed. The Vikings had the exclusive rights and handed him a fresh one-year minimum deal. He’ll be a restricted free agent next year, unless the Vikings sign him to an extension.
PFF analyst Zach Tantillo recently wrote about the two-year Viking, “Redmond emerged as one of the Vikings’ most reliable interior defenders in 2025. He earned a 73.5 PFF overall grade, ranking third among Minnesota defenders. He was especially dominant against the run, where his 30 run stops, 1.46-yard average depth of tackle, and 19.4% positively graded play rate all ranked second-best on the defense.”
Minnesota Vikings defensive linemen Jalen Redmond (61) and Alex Williams (99) participate in a training camp drill at the team’s facility in Eagan. The pair has been active in position battles as the preseason approaches. Jul 29, 2025. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
In the upcoming season, Redmond will be joined by a couple of rookies, including first-rounder Caleb Banks.
Sobleski finally concluded, “The Vikings employ an attacking defensive front. Redmond fits in nicely, with six sacks and numerous pressures last season. Minnesota wanted a disruptive interior presence, hence the selection of Caleb Banks in this year’s first round. He will join Redmond and give the unit an explosive, upfield duo.”
Redmond and Banks are both penetrating linemen who could benefit from the other rookie, Domonique Orange, whose two-gapping presence can open up lanes for his more explosive counterparts. In base defense, those three project to be the starting trio, unless another depth player, primarily Levi Drake Rodriguez, can surprise this summer.
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Vikings fans have already seen Redmond explode, but the national media is a little behind. Another good season should do the trick and give him the attention he deserves.
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