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CSK vs DC, IPL 2026: ‘Criticism is fair when you’re not doing well,’ says Chennai Super Kings coach Fleming Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming acknowledged that the criticism directed towards him following the side’s dismal start to the IPL 2026 season was ‘fair’.CSK has been winless in its last three encounters and is currently rooted to the bottom of the table, the same position where the side finished last term. It is not a situation fans of the five-time champion have been familiar with. A section of them have questioned if the Kiwi coach, who has been in charge since 2009, deserves to continue in the hot seat.The coach, however, was quick to respond to suggestions that he hadn’t been up to speed with the exponential changes in the shortest format over the last half-decade.“Criticism is fair when you’re not doing well; that’s part of the position, and the results dictate that. I’m coaching through the year in two other competitions, so it’s not that I just turn off and then come to the IPL without an idea of where the game is going. I have probably not spent more time studying T20 cricket and players around the world [as much as now],” the head coach said on the eve of the encounter against the Delhi Capitals.“Yes, we were off the pace last year. [Mine will be] the first hand up. We pivoted quickly. Now, we’ve got some younger players, and I’m very confident about this group. We haven’t shown that as yet [this season]. One of the challenges is the number of players we have changed [from last year]. That means there is a bit of a settling-in process which we are trying to accelerate,” he added.MATCH PREVIEW | Wounded Delhi Capitals faces floundering Chennai Super Kings in search of momentumFleming cheekily attributed his long-term association with the team, an aspect that has been dwindling across both franchise and national teams in this era, to the five IPL and two Champions League titles won under his reign.“It is unusual, and I’m very grateful. But we have been able to operate at a consistent level that I guess has allowed the franchise to put faith in the coaching group. We’re proud of what we achieved, but not satisfied. There is a desire to keep adding,” the 53-year-old said.The head coach swayed away from the suggestion that he has not been given his due credit despite winning countless championships. “It’s purely the players for me. The coaching off the field is important, but it’s the performances that win titles and eventually what coaches are judged by. I’ve worked with one of the greatest captains of all time, and I’ve been incredibly lucky to do that as a coach,” he said, paying an ode to former skipper M.S. Dhoni, who continues to miss out on action through a calf injury.Fleming added that Dhoni was ‘working hard to get back’ from a calf strain without giving a timeline for his return.Published on Apr 10, 2026 #CSK #IPL #Criticism #fair #youre #Chennai #Super #Kings #coach #Fleming

CSK vs DC, IPL 2026: ‘Criticism is fair when you’re not doing well,’ says Chennai Super Kings coach Fleming

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming acknowledged that the criticism directed towards him following the side’s dismal start to the IPL 2026 season was ‘fair’.

CSK has been winless in its last three encounters and is currently rooted to the bottom of the table, the same position where the side finished last term. It is not a situation fans of the five-time champion have been familiar with. A section of them have questioned if the Kiwi coach, who has been in charge since 2009, deserves to continue in the hot seat.

The coach, however, was quick to respond to suggestions that he hadn’t been up to speed with the exponential changes in the shortest format over the last half-decade.

“Criticism is fair when you’re not doing well; that’s part of the position, and the results dictate that. I’m coaching through the year in two other competitions, so it’s not that I just turn off and then come to the IPL without an idea of where the game is going. I have probably not spent more time studying T20 cricket and players around the world [as much as now],” the head coach said on the eve of the encounter against the Delhi Capitals.

“Yes, we were off the pace last year. [Mine will be] the first hand up. We pivoted quickly. Now, we’ve got some younger players, and I’m very confident about this group. We haven’t shown that as yet [this season]. One of the challenges is the number of players we have changed [from last year]. That means there is a bit of a settling-in process which we are trying to accelerate,” he added.

MATCH PREVIEW | Wounded Delhi Capitals faces floundering Chennai Super Kings in search of momentum

Fleming cheekily attributed his long-term association with the team, an aspect that has been dwindling across both franchise and national teams in this era, to the five IPL and two Champions League titles won under his reign.

“It is unusual, and I’m very grateful. But we have been able to operate at a consistent level that I guess has allowed the franchise to put faith in the coaching group. We’re proud of what we achieved, but not satisfied. There is a desire to keep adding,” the 53-year-old said.

The head coach swayed away from the suggestion that he has not been given his due credit despite winning countless championships. “It’s purely the players for me. The coaching off the field is important, but it’s the performances that win titles and eventually what coaches are judged by. I’ve worked with one of the greatest captains of all time, and I’ve been incredibly lucky to do that as a coach,” he said, paying an ode to former skipper M.S. Dhoni, who continues to miss out on action through a calf injury.

Fleming added that Dhoni was ‘working hard to get back’ from a calf strain without giving a timeline for his return.

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#CSK #IPL #Criticism #fair #youre #Chennai #Super #Kings #coach #Fleming

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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming acknowledged that the criticism directed towards him following the side’s dismal start to the IPL 2026 season was ‘fair’.

CSK has been winless in its last three encounters and is currently rooted to the bottom of the table, the same position where the side finished last term. It is not a situation fans of the five-time champion have been familiar with. A section of them have questioned if the Kiwi coach, who has been in charge since 2009, deserves to continue in the hot seat.

The coach, however, was quick to respond to suggestions that he hadn’t been up to speed with the exponential changes in the shortest format over the last half-decade.

“Criticism is fair when you’re not doing well; that’s part of the position, and the results dictate that. I’m coaching through the year in two other competitions, so it’s not that I just turn off and then come to the IPL without an idea of where the game is going. I have probably not spent more time studying T20 cricket and players around the world [as much as now],” the head coach said on the eve of the encounter against the Delhi Capitals.

“Yes, we were off the pace last year. [Mine will be] the first hand up. We pivoted quickly. Now, we’ve got some younger players, and I’m very confident about this group. We haven’t shown that as yet [this season]. One of the challenges is the number of players we have changed [from last year]. That means there is a bit of a settling-in process which we are trying to accelerate,” he added.

MATCH PREVIEW | Wounded Delhi Capitals faces floundering Chennai Super Kings in search of momentum

Fleming cheekily attributed his long-term association with the team, an aspect that has been dwindling across both franchise and national teams in this era, to the five IPL and two Champions League titles won under his reign.

“It is unusual, and I’m very grateful. But we have been able to operate at a consistent level that I guess has allowed the franchise to put faith in the coaching group. We’re proud of what we achieved, but not satisfied. There is a desire to keep adding,” the 53-year-old said.

The head coach swayed away from the suggestion that he has not been given his due credit despite winning countless championships. “It’s purely the players for me. The coaching off the field is important, but it’s the performances that win titles and eventually what coaches are judged by. I’ve worked with one of the greatest captains of all time, and I’ve been incredibly lucky to do that as a coach,” he said, paying an ode to former skipper M.S. Dhoni, who continues to miss out on action through a calf injury.

Fleming added that Dhoni was ‘working hard to get back’ from a calf strain without giving a timeline for his return.

Published on Apr 10, 2026

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Why the Tar Heels Made a $50M Gamble on Michael Malone | Deadspin.com <div id="section-1"> <p>The biggest reason why Michael Malone is the new head coach at North Carolina is that he knew he wasn’t getting the type of NBA coaching job he’d want this offseason.</p><p>The other big reason is that guys named Tommy Lloyd (Arizona) and Dusty May (Michigan) feel they have better jobs than the one in Chapel Hill, N.C.</p><p>So the big Malone experiment is a full-go at North Carolina. And, oh yeah, that other huge reason is<a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48422336/sources-unc-michael-malone-highest-paid-coaches" target="_blank"> the six-year, $50-million contract plus incentives</a> he’s getting without even one day of college head-coaching experience.</p><p>You can look it up, only legendary Bill Self ($8.8M) has a higher average salary than Malone ($8.3M). Even John Calipari ($8.0M) earns less.</p><p>That’s quite a financial commitment for North Carolina’s first outside-the-program hire since 1952.</p><p>Malone, 54, was fired by the Denver Nuggets with three games left in the 2024-25 regular season despite leading the franchise to the NBA title just two campaigns earlier.</p><p>There was reportedly a lot of tension in the organization, particularly between Malone and then-general manager Calvin Booth, who was fired at the same time.</p><p>Malone’s meticulous nature apparently rubbed some players the wrong way. And you could see why it became an issue.</p><p>It’s easy to accept hard coaching methods when you’re trying to win a title. After everyone gets a ring, they want to relax a little.</p><h2 id="malone-isnt-much-for-relaxing" class=" uppercase break-words">Malone isn’t much for relaxing.</h2><p>So he wasn’t on an NBA bench this season and perhaps he needed a break. Good for him. He deserved a little time away from coaching basketball.</p><p>Malone was surely sizing up <a href="https://deadspin.com/nba-coaching-carousel-shaken-up-by-michael-malones-surprise-unc-move/" target="_blank">what jobs would come open</a> after this season. And he could see there were no winners to be had.</p><p>No reason to take a bad job in which you might lose 50 or 60 games. And, well, the Sacramento Kings aren’t a possibility since that franchise infamously fired Malone after just 106 games in 2014.</p><p>No matter how you slice it, coaching the Tar Heels is superior to coaching the Kings.</p><p>So Malone takes his 11-plus seasons as an NBA head coach and 12 as an NBA assistant back to college. He last was on a college staff at Manhattan in 2001 and the landscape is entirely different.</p><p>Just picture all those trees all around Chapel Hill disappearing overnight – that’s how much different.</p><p>The coaching part ought to be the easiest segment of the job for Malone. The egos will be largely reduced and a guy with 510 wins on the resume and an NBA title ring on his finger ought to be able to get teenagers and 20-year-olds to listen.</p><p>The NIL equation — the compensation is being upgraded by North Carolina — shouldn’t be a problem. Malone is used to being around players who are getting paid. Plus, college basketball is often an entire-staff effort so others can handle the things Malone isn’t initially up to speed on.</p><p>He surely knows the talent is a drop-off from having guys like <a href="https://deadspin.com/nikola-jokic-doesnt-deserve-to-be-a-victim-of-mvp-voter-fatigue/" target="_blank">three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic</a> or sharpshooter Jamal Murray. But North Carolina is supposed to be in the hunt for all the blue-chippers.</p><p>Perhaps former coach Hubert Davis wasn’t landing as many as Duke the past few years. So part of Malone’s success rate may rely on beefing up those scores against the Blue Devils and other national powers.</p><p>Malone will come under early season scrutiny – as he should – but I suspect by January that everything will be about game-planning and competing hard and winning games.</p><p>The hard thing to analyze is just how long will Malone want to hang out on the campus not far from bustling Franklin Street? Is this something he wants to do the rest of his career?</p><p>Obviously, he wants to restore North Carolina back among the top programs in the nation, but will he see an NBA opening three or four years down the road and want to take another spin? There are no academic advisors and other college red-tape annoyances in the NBA.</p><p>One thing we do now –<a href="https://deadspin.com/north-carolina-tar-heels-football-already-trying-to-find-a-way-to-fire-bill-belichick/" target="_blank"> this is not a Bill Belichick hire</a>. Malone is not about to retire on the job, no matter how many Brink’s trucks are needed to drop off his money.</p> </div> #Tar #Heels #50M #Gamble #Michael #Malone #Deadspin.com

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Deadspin | White Sox break long losing streak in K.C., pursue repeat win vs. Royals <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28695372.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28695372.jpg" alt="MLB: Chicago White Sox at Kansas City Royals" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 9, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) slides headfirst to score a run in the fourth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>It’s been nearly four years since the Chicago White Sox won back-to-back games in Kansas City. </p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>After ending their lengthy road skid to the Royals on Thursday, the White Sox will get the chance to accomplish that feat again on Friday night. </p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Chicago entered Thursday’s opener of a four-game set with the Royals as a loser of 22 of the previous 24 games at Kansas City, where the White Sox were mired in a 14-game losing streak that dated to a victory there on Sept. 6, 2023. </p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>However, Anthony Kay threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings and Colson Montgomery delivered an RBI double during a 2-0 White Sox victory Thursday. </p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>The last time Chicago won consecutive games at Kansas City was May 16-17, 2022. And White Sox players appear to have heard it from Kansas City’s lineup in the opener. </p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>“(The Royals) like to chirp a little bit, it seems like. I don’t think we’re going to take that anymore,” Kay told the White Sox’s official website. “We are going to go right at them.” </p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Montgomery is just 9-for-45 on the young season but is tied for the team lead with seven RBIs. </p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Friday’s scheduled Chicago starter, Davis Martin (2-0, 2.45 ERA), has a 2.67 ERA while going 1-2 in five career starts against the Royals. In his most recent start at Kauffman Stadium on Aug. 17 of last season, the right-hander allowed one hit and three walks over six scoreless innings, but the White Sox bullpen couldn’t hold a 2-0 lead in a 6-2 defeat. </p> </section><br/><section id="section-9"> <p>Martin yielded four hits and two walks Sunday against Toronto over six solid innings of Chicago’s 3-0 victory. </p> </section> <section id="section-10"> <p>“Just relaxing,” Martin said. “Just always me to go out there and compete to the best of my ability.” </p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Martin will face a Kansas City club that’s totaled only three runs and gone 0-for-21 with runners in scoring position during a three-game losing streak. The Royals managed just five hits and stranded 11 runners on Thursday. </p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Kansas City star Bobby Witt Jr. had two hits Thursday and is batting .472 during a 22-game hitting streak against the White Sox. However, he struck out with a man on base for the final out of the game in the series opener. </p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Fellow All-Star Maikel Garcia also had two hits Thursday and is batting .320 for the Royals, but he, too, struck in the ninth against closer Seranthony Dominguez. </p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>Scheduled Kansas City starter Kris Bubic (1-1, 4.09 ERA) is 1-4 with a 2.30 ERA in 11 career games (eight starts) vs. the White Sox. During Kansas City’s 10-0 victory over them on May 8 last season, the left-hander yielded six hits and a walk while striking out seven over seven innings. </p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>Bubic opened this season by yielding a solo homer and one other hit over six innings in a 3-1 win over Minnesota on March 30. However, he was charged with four runs while walking three in his five innings of an 8-5 loss to Milwaukee on Sunday. </p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>“It wasn’t necessarily a loss of focus, it was just a lack of execution getting ahead in the count, because the stuff felt normal (against the Brewers),” he said. </p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #White #Sox #break #long #losing #streak #K.C #pursue #repeat #win #Royals

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Deadspin | Heat waive Terry Rozier, months after federal indictment Mar 31, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) drives to the basket against Washington Wizards guard AJ Johnson (5) during the first quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images Heat guard Terry Rozier was waived on Friday, months after he was indicted for an alleged role in an illegal gambling ring. Rozier, 32, pleaded not guilty in December to conspiracy charges involving wire fraud and money laundering. His contract was set to expire and he has not played in a game for the Heat this season. The move was necessary for Miami to add a player to its postseason roster. His .6 million salary was the subject of arbitration facilitated by the NBA Players Association. He was placed on administrative leave and began depositing his paychecks into an interest-bearing escrow account shortly after his Oct. 23 arrest. But Rozier fought for his paycheck successfully and has since been paid his full salary. The union filed for arbitration on behalf of Rozier, arguing that he was due his salary. The arbitrator agreed with the union. Rozier is accused of alerting gamblers that he would leave a game early while playing for the Charlotte Hornets in March 2023. The gamblers then bet large sums on the “under” figures for Rozier’s stats in that contest. Rozier averaged 10.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 64 games (23 starts) for the Heat last season. His career averages through 10 NBA seasons for the Boston Celtics, Charlotte and Miami are 13.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Heat #waive #Terry #Rozier #months #federal #indictmentMar 31, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) drives to the basket against Washington Wizards guard AJ Johnson (5) during the first quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

Heat guard Terry Rozier was waived on Friday, months after he was indicted for an alleged role in an illegal gambling ring.

Rozier, 32, pleaded not guilty in December to conspiracy charges involving wire fraud and money laundering. His contract was set to expire and he has not played in a game for the Heat this season.

The move was necessary for Miami to add a player to its postseason roster.

His $26.6 million salary was the subject of arbitration facilitated by the NBA Players Association. He was placed on administrative leave and began depositing his paychecks into an interest-bearing escrow account shortly after his Oct. 23 arrest.


But Rozier fought for his paycheck successfully and has since been paid his full salary.

The union filed for arbitration on behalf of Rozier, arguing that he was due his salary. The arbitrator agreed with the union.

Rozier is accused of alerting gamblers that he would leave a game early while playing for the Charlotte Hornets in March 2023. The gamblers then bet large sums on the “under” figures for Rozier’s stats in that contest.

Rozier averaged 10.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 64 games (23 starts) for the Heat last season. His career averages through 10 NBA seasons for the Boston Celtics, Charlotte and Miami are 13.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Heat #waive #Terry #Rozier #months #federal #indictment">Deadspin | Heat waive Terry Rozier, months after federal indictment Mar 31, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) drives to the basket against Washington Wizards guard AJ Johnson (5) during the first quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images Heat guard Terry Rozier was waived on Friday, months after he was indicted for an alleged role in an illegal gambling ring. Rozier, 32, pleaded not guilty in December to conspiracy charges involving wire fraud and money laundering. His contract was set to expire and he has not played in a game for the Heat this season. The move was necessary for Miami to add a player to its postseason roster. His .6 million salary was the subject of arbitration facilitated by the NBA Players Association. He was placed on administrative leave and began depositing his paychecks into an interest-bearing escrow account shortly after his Oct. 23 arrest. But Rozier fought for his paycheck successfully and has since been paid his full salary. The union filed for arbitration on behalf of Rozier, arguing that he was due his salary. The arbitrator agreed with the union. Rozier is accused of alerting gamblers that he would leave a game early while playing for the Charlotte Hornets in March 2023. The gamblers then bet large sums on the “under” figures for Rozier’s stats in that contest. Rozier averaged 10.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 64 games (23 starts) for the Heat last season. His career averages through 10 NBA seasons for the Boston Celtics, Charlotte and Miami are 13.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Heat #waive #Terry #Rozier #months #federal #indictment

Two quickfire strikes in the second half from Everbrightson Sana and Ephraim Lalremtluanga ensured Shillong Lajong FC go past Namdhari FC 2-0 in the Indian Football League 2025-26 at the Namdhari Football Stadium in Ludhiana on Friday.

With this win, Shillong Lajong has confirmed its place in the top half of the table with 14 points from eight matches, while Namdhari FC remains in eighth place with seven points from eight matches.

After a scrappy start to the first half, Shillong Lajong settled into the game and began to show greater promise in attack. Phrangki Buam, along with right-back Kitboklang Khyriem, was particularly lively down the right flank, keeping the Namdhari defence on its toes. Everbrightson Sana’s glancing header was well saved before Buam had a couple of attempts on goal, both of which were well saved by goalkeeper Niraj Kumar.

At the other end, Namdhari relied on long balls and set pieces to create openings, using its physicality, but the Lajong defence stood firm to thwart any meaningful attempts, ensuring its goalkeeper was not tested with a clear-cut chance in the first half. The defences of both sides were solid as they went into the break goalless.

ALSO READ | New managers take centrestage in Bengaluru-Blasters clash

The visitor made a brilliant start to the second half, taking the lead just eight minutes after the restart with a perfectly executed counter-attack from a Namdhari set piece. Phrangki Buam was released into space and switched play superbly to the left for Ephraim Lalremtluanga, who cushioned the ball into the path of Everbrightson Sana. The striker fired a superb first time right-footed volley past the goalkeeper to find the back of the net.

Everbrightson turned provider this time as Shillong Lajong doubled its advantage four minutes later. The striker sent in a looping cross into the box that found Ephraim, who timed his run perfectly between two defenders and guided a header into the net for his side’s second goal of the match.

The home side nearly pulled one back immediately after the restart, but Manvir Singh failed to direct his effort on target after being picked out by a cross from the right. At the other end, Buam had a couple of opportunities to add a third for Shillong Lajong, but instead of going for goal himself, he looked to pick out teammates in the box, with the Namdhari defence managing to clear the danger.

Shillong controlled the latter stages of the match, maintaining possession in key areas of the pitch. Namdhari attempted to trouble the defence with long balls and their physical presence, but was unable to create anything meaningful in the final third.

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#Indian #Football #League #Shillong #Lajong #secures #comfortable #victory #Namdhari">Indian Football League 2025-26: Shillong Lajong secures comfortable victory against Namdhari Two quickfire strikes in the second half from Everbrightson Sana and Ephraim Lalremtluanga ensured Shillong Lajong FC go past Namdhari FC 2-0 in the Indian Football League 2025-26 at the Namdhari Football Stadium in Ludhiana on Friday.With this win, Shillong Lajong has confirmed its place in the top half of the table with 14 points from eight matches, while Namdhari FC remains in eighth place with seven points from eight matches.After a scrappy start to the first half, Shillong Lajong settled into the game and began to show greater promise in attack. Phrangki Buam, along with right-back Kitboklang Khyriem, was particularly lively down the right flank, keeping the Namdhari defence on its toes. Everbrightson Sana’s glancing header was well saved before Buam had a couple of attempts on goal, both of which were well saved by goalkeeper Niraj Kumar.At the other end, Namdhari relied on long balls and set pieces to create openings, using its physicality, but the Lajong defence stood firm to thwart any meaningful attempts, ensuring its goalkeeper was not tested with a clear-cut chance in the first half. The defences of both sides were solid as they went into the break goalless.ALSO READ | New managers take centrestage in Bengaluru-Blasters clashThe visitor made a brilliant start to the second half, taking the lead just eight minutes after the restart with a perfectly executed counter-attack from a Namdhari set piece. Phrangki Buam was released into space and switched play superbly to the left for Ephraim Lalremtluanga, who cushioned the ball into the path of Everbrightson Sana. The striker fired a superb first time right-footed volley past the goalkeeper to find the back of the net.Everbrightson turned provider this time as Shillong Lajong doubled its advantage four minutes later. The striker sent in a looping cross into the box that found Ephraim, who timed his run perfectly between two defenders and guided a header into the net for his side’s second goal of the match.The home side nearly pulled one back immediately after the restart, but Manvir Singh failed to direct his effort on target after being picked out by a cross from the right. At the other end, Buam had a couple of opportunities to add a third for Shillong Lajong, but instead of going for goal himself, he looked to pick out teammates in the box, with the Namdhari defence managing to clear the danger.Shillong controlled the latter stages of the match, maintaining possession in key areas of the pitch. Namdhari attempted to trouble the defence with long balls and their physical presence, but was unable to create anything meaningful in the final third.Published on Apr 10, 2026 #Indian #Football #League #Shillong #Lajong #secures #comfortable #victory #Namdhari

New managers take centrestage in Bengaluru-Blasters clash

The visitor made a brilliant start to the second half, taking the lead just eight minutes after the restart with a perfectly executed counter-attack from a Namdhari set piece. Phrangki Buam was released into space and switched play superbly to the left for Ephraim Lalremtluanga, who cushioned the ball into the path of Everbrightson Sana. The striker fired a superb first time right-footed volley past the goalkeeper to find the back of the net.

Everbrightson turned provider this time as Shillong Lajong doubled its advantage four minutes later. The striker sent in a looping cross into the box that found Ephraim, who timed his run perfectly between two defenders and guided a header into the net for his side’s second goal of the match.

The home side nearly pulled one back immediately after the restart, but Manvir Singh failed to direct his effort on target after being picked out by a cross from the right. At the other end, Buam had a couple of opportunities to add a third for Shillong Lajong, but instead of going for goal himself, he looked to pick out teammates in the box, with the Namdhari defence managing to clear the danger.

Shillong controlled the latter stages of the match, maintaining possession in key areas of the pitch. Namdhari attempted to trouble the defence with long balls and their physical presence, but was unable to create anything meaningful in the final third.

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#Indian #Football #League #Shillong #Lajong #secures #comfortable #victory #Namdhari">Indian Football League 2025-26: Shillong Lajong secures comfortable victory against Namdhari

Two quickfire strikes in the second half from Everbrightson Sana and Ephraim Lalremtluanga ensured Shillong Lajong FC go past Namdhari FC 2-0 in the Indian Football League 2025-26 at the Namdhari Football Stadium in Ludhiana on Friday.

With this win, Shillong Lajong has confirmed its place in the top half of the table with 14 points from eight matches, while Namdhari FC remains in eighth place with seven points from eight matches.

After a scrappy start to the first half, Shillong Lajong settled into the game and began to show greater promise in attack. Phrangki Buam, along with right-back Kitboklang Khyriem, was particularly lively down the right flank, keeping the Namdhari defence on its toes. Everbrightson Sana’s glancing header was well saved before Buam had a couple of attempts on goal, both of which were well saved by goalkeeper Niraj Kumar.

At the other end, Namdhari relied on long balls and set pieces to create openings, using its physicality, but the Lajong defence stood firm to thwart any meaningful attempts, ensuring its goalkeeper was not tested with a clear-cut chance in the first half. The defences of both sides were solid as they went into the break goalless.

ALSO READ | New managers take centrestage in Bengaluru-Blasters clash

The visitor made a brilliant start to the second half, taking the lead just eight minutes after the restart with a perfectly executed counter-attack from a Namdhari set piece. Phrangki Buam was released into space and switched play superbly to the left for Ephraim Lalremtluanga, who cushioned the ball into the path of Everbrightson Sana. The striker fired a superb first time right-footed volley past the goalkeeper to find the back of the net.

Everbrightson turned provider this time as Shillong Lajong doubled its advantage four minutes later. The striker sent in a looping cross into the box that found Ephraim, who timed his run perfectly between two defenders and guided a header into the net for his side’s second goal of the match.

The home side nearly pulled one back immediately after the restart, but Manvir Singh failed to direct his effort on target after being picked out by a cross from the right. At the other end, Buam had a couple of opportunities to add a third for Shillong Lajong, but instead of going for goal himself, he looked to pick out teammates in the box, with the Namdhari defence managing to clear the danger.

Shillong controlled the latter stages of the match, maintaining possession in key areas of the pitch. Namdhari attempted to trouble the defence with long balls and their physical presence, but was unable to create anything meaningful in the final third.

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#Indian #Football #League #Shillong #Lajong #secures #comfortable #victory #Namdhari
Deadspin | Report: Aces finalizing 3-year deal with G Jewell Loyd Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) grabs a rebound over Phoenix Mercury forward Kathryn Westbeld (24) during Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025. Three-time WNBA champion and six-time All-Star guard Jewell Loyd is close to signing a three-year contract with the Las Vegas Aces, ESPN reported on Friday. Financial terms were not disclosed in the report. Loyd, 32, played in a career-best 44 games in 2025 during her first season with Las Vegas, averaging 11.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists. She is averaging 16.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 371 career games (335 starts) with the Seattle Storm and Aces. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #Aces #finalizing #3year #deal #Jewell #LoydLas Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) grabs a rebound over Phoenix Mercury forward Kathryn Westbeld (24) during Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.

Three-time WNBA champion and six-time All-Star guard Jewell Loyd is close to signing a three-year contract with the Las Vegas Aces, ESPN reported on Friday.

Financial terms were not disclosed in the report.


Loyd, 32, played in a career-best 44 games in 2025 during her first season with Las Vegas, averaging 11.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists.

She is averaging 16.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 371 career games (335 starts) with the Seattle Storm and Aces.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Report #Aces #finalizing #3year #deal #Jewell #Loyd">Deadspin | Report: Aces finalizing 3-year deal with G Jewell Loyd Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) grabs a rebound over Phoenix Mercury forward Kathryn Westbeld (24) during Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025. Three-time WNBA champion and six-time All-Star guard Jewell Loyd is close to signing a three-year contract with the Las Vegas Aces, ESPN reported on Friday. Financial terms were not disclosed in the report. Loyd, 32, played in a career-best 44 games in 2025 during her first season with Las Vegas, averaging 11.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists. She is averaging 16.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 371 career games (335 starts) with the Seattle Storm and Aces. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #Aces #finalizing #3year #deal #Jewell #Loyd

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