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Blitzboks ready to tick the right boxes in Madrid

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The belief in their turnaround of fortunes is real and come the HSBC SVNS Grand Finale in Madrid this weekend, the Springbok Sevens team will be ready to deliver.

That is the view of Blitzbok captain Selvyn Davids as the squad fine-tuned their preparations for the final showpiece of the 2024 season in Spain, with South Africa taking on Ireland, New Zealand and Fiji in their pool this weekend.

The gifted Blitzbok playmaker doesn’t like to make promises, but Davids believes that a vote of confidence by their supporters will be justified given the improvements shown by the squad in the last two tournaments, in Hong Kong and Singapore.

“It is so close, I can feel it,” said Davids of the ultimate performance by the squad, last seen in the series opener in Dubai in December.

“We have really turned it around and now just need the finishing touches to justify the hard work that went into changing our season.

“We were so close in Singapore, where one poor decision cost us a top four position. We have trained well and there is massive confidence in what we want to get out of this tournament and the importance of leaving here with good momentum going into the Olympic repechage in Monaco after this.”

Davids’ optimism is shared by Siviwe Soyizwapi, who made a welcome return from injury in Singapore.

“It was a tough season, and we did not represent our supporters the way we did in the past,” said Soyizwapi.

“Yet, they stuck with us, and we are grateful for that. This squad is capable enough to make sure their belief in us is rewarded.

“We have more than a tournament to play here. We need to get back to winning ways and the turnaround is not far off.

“The ways the guys prepared and the talent we have in the squad make me excited about this weekend. Yes, the format is tough and we need to show up match after match, but there is something special coming, I believe.”

Blitzbok pool fixtures:
Friday, 31 May:

14h37: Ireland

Saturday 1 June:
12h44: New Zealand
​15h49: Fiji

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Rugby.

Note to editors: Audio clips of Selvyn Davids and Siviwe Soyizwapi can be downloaded here (https://apo-opa.co/4bAHE1l)

For further information, please contact:
Andy Colquhoun
GM: Communications and Commercial
+27 (0) 21 928 7010
+27 (0) 82 926 0789
andyc@sarugby.co.za

De Jongh Borchardt
Communications Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7021
+27 (0) 82 999 9979
dejonghb@sarugby.co.za

Rayaan Adriaanse
Junior Rugby Media Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7013
+27 (0) 82 999 0022
rayaan@sarugby.co.za

Sindiswa Ximba
Media Operations Coordinator
+27 (0) 21 928 7011
+27 (0) 60 504 1069
sindiswa.ximba@sarugby.co.za

Zeena Isaacs
Springbok Media Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7020
+27 (0) 82 357 3112
ZeenaI@sarugby.co.za

JJ Harmse
Sevens and Women’s Rugby Media Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7014
+27 (0) 71 480 4570
jjharmse@sarugby.co.za

CORRECTION: Fincra to launch EUR Virtual Account solutions at GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2024

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Fincra, a pan-African payment technology company, is set to unveil its latest Banking as a Service (BaaS) product, the EUR Virtual Account, at GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2024 (www.GITEXAfrica.com). This innovative solution will enable businesses across North and Francophone Africa to collect foreign currency payments easily.

Fincra has built the EUR Virtual Account to simplify the process of businesses receiving Euro payments, which can be done effortlessly through simple bank transfers. This capability will benefit a wide range of industries, from traditional retail and e-commerce to hospitality, tourism, and professional services, enabling them to serve their European clientele better.

As part of the launch, Fincra will be at Booth 19C-30, Hall 19 of the GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2024, exhibiting its EUR Virtual Account and their other payment solutions for businesses. 

With this launch, Fincra is expanding its comprehensive suite of payment solutions, which already includes various tools to facilitate seamless transactions. 

These tools, part of the Pay-In product line, allow businesses to accept payments through multiple methods, such as checkout systems and payment links. 

Fincra’s Pay-In solutions support payments via cards, bank transfers, and mobile money, providing businesses with versatile options to cater to their customers.

Fincra currently offers virtual accounts in various currencies, including the Nigerian Naira (NGN), Kenyan Shilling (KES), Ghanaian Cedi (GHS), and Ugandan Shilling (UGX). The introduction of the EUR Virtual Account marks the company’s first foray into offering a currency solution outside Africa, aiming to meet the specific needs of businesses in North and Francophone Africa.

Selling to European customers

Imagine a bustling marketplace in Marrakech where a local artisan can sell handcrafted goods to a customer in Paris as easily as a local transaction. Similarly, a hotel or restaurant in Egypt can now accept Euro payments from European tourists through straightforward bank transfers to a virtual account. In Tunisia, tech startups can issue virtual accounts to their diaspora, allowing seamless Euro transactions back home thanks to Fincra’s robust infrastructure.

“Businesses in Africa are increasingly seeking reliable and cost-effective solutions to manage their international payments, especially in Euros,” said Wole Ayodele, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Fincra. 

“Our EUR Virtual Account offers a cheaper alternative to card funding, simplifies Euro payment collections, and enables platforms to issue named Euro accounts to their customers. This makes it an ideal choice for businesses aiming to streamline their payment processes.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Africa.

About Fincra:
Fincra is a leading payment technology company that delivers innovative payment solutions to businesses across Africa. Its suite of products includes Banking as a Service (BaaS), offering virtual accounts in several currencies, including EUR and local currencies across Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana. Fincra also provides fast and secure payment gateways, enabling businesses to collect online payments through various methods such as cards, bank transfers, and mobile money.

About GITEX AFRICA Morocco 2024:
GITEX AFRICA is Africa’s largest tech and startup event, curating innovation from markets across fast-growing sectors like fintechs, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, telecoms, etc. The event in Morocco from May 29-31, 2024, will bring together innovative businesses, entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and networking professionals, providing an unparalleled platform for innovation, collaboration, and business growth.

Simbas 2024 Squad Confirmed

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The Kenya Rugby Union (www.KRU.co.ke) has confirmed the Simbas squad for 2024. 

There are maiden call ups for 14 players, majority of whom were active during the just concluded Rugby Super Series,  namely Francis Atiti, Felix Ojow, Amos Obae, Felix Okoth, William Mwanji, Griffin Chao, Obat Kuke, Tyson Maina, Richel Wangila, Matthias Osimbo, Dennis Abukuse, Abutwalib Wesonga and Quinto Ongo.

Former Kenya Sevens international Johnstone Olindi, now playing his club rugby in Canada also gets a call up to the squad.

The foreign based trio of Andrew Siminyu, Malcolm Onsando,Thomas Okeyo as well as Edward Mwaura, Clinton Juma, Samson Onsomu, Beldad Ogeta and Emmanuel Silungi who were also in action during the Rugby Super Series return to the squad after missing out on last year’s internationals. Timothy Okwemba, last capped in 2019 also makes a return.

Seasoned Simbas campaigners John Okoth, Vincent Onyala, Brian Tanga, Samuel Asati and Lamech Ambetsa are away with the national sevens team, Shujaa as they prepare to compete at the Olympic games Jone Kubu is recovering from an ankle injury and going through return to play protocols following successful surgery. 

The Simbas will begin their 2024 season with the Rugby Africa Cup between 20-28 July in Kampala, Uganda. 

SIMBAS 2024 SQUAD

LOOSEHEAD PROPS:  Francis Atiti (Menengai Oilers), Edward Mwaura (Kabras Sugar), Andrew Siminyu (University of Johannesburg, South Africa)

HOOKERS: Eugene Sifuna (Kabras Sugar), Teddy Akala (Kabras Sugar), Griffin Musila (KCB)

TIGHTHEAD PROPS: Wilhite Mususi (KCB), Ephraim Oduor (Kabras Sugar), Hillary Mwanjilwa (Kabras Sugar)

LOCKS: Brian Juma (Kabras Sugar), Hibrahim Ayoo (Menengai Oilers), Felix Okoth (Nakuru), Clinton Juma (Menengai Oilers), Hillary Odhiambo (Kabras Sugar), Malcolm Onsando ( SCM Rugby Timisoara, Romania), Emmanuel Silungi (KCB)

BLINDSIDE FLANKERS: George Nyambua (Kabras Sugar), Felix Ojow (KCB), Amos Obae (Nakuru)

OPENSIDE FLANKERS: Brian Ndirangu (Westshore RFC, Canada), Thomas Okeyo (NovaVit Griffons, South Africa), Elvis Olukusi (KCB), William Mwanji (Kabras Sugar)

NUMBER EIGHTS: Jeanson Musoga (Kabras Sugar), Elkeans Musonye (Menengai Oilers), Obat Kuke (Blak Blad)

SCRUM HALVES: Michael Wanjala (KCB), Samson Onsomu (Menengai Oilers), Brian Wahinya (KCB)

FLY HALVES: Ntabeni Dukisa (Kabras Sugar), Barry Young (Kabras Sugar), Johnstone Olindi (Westshore RFC, Canada)

LEFT WING: Beldad Ogeta (Menengai Oilers), Griffin Chao (Kabras Sugar), Derrick Ashiundu (Kabras Sugar)

INSIDE CENTERS: Walter Okoth (Kabras Sugar), Tyson Maina (Menengai Oilers), Paul Mutsami (Kenya Harlequin)

OUTSIDE CENTERS: Richel Wangila (Kenya Harlequin), Bryceson Adaka (Kabras Sugar), Mathias Osimbo (Kabras Sugar), Dennis Abukuse (Menengai Oilers)

RIGHT WING: Joel Inzuga (Mwamba), Timothy Omela (Menengai Oilers), Alfred Orege (Kabras Sugar)

FULLBACKS: Abutwalib Wesonga (Menengai Oilers), Quinto Ongo (Impala)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kenya Rugby Union (KRU).

KRU Media&Communications:
Tel: +254 724 256 179
Email: media@kru.co.ke

VIVATECH 2024: PEUGEOT designs the future of driving pleasure with Hypersquare

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PEUGEOT (www.PEUGEOT.com), a major player in technological innovation, electrifies VivaTech with its bold concept car INCEPTION, ushering in a new era of electric mobility. On its stand, PEUGEOT presents its vision of the future embodied by the revolutionary Hypersquare steering control– the innovation that redefines the driving experience of tomorrow.

ALLURE: The French public can discover the INCEPTION concept car for the first time.

EMOTION: The Hypersquare steering control radically transforms the driving experience and pleasure.

EXCELLENCE: PEUGEOT is a leader in technological innovation in Europe.

Building on over 200 years of innovation experience, PEUGEOT aims to reinvent the sustainable mobility of tomorrow by placing pleasure and emotion at the heart of the customer experience.

VivaTech 2024, will see PEUGEOT representatives present the brand’s innovation strategy. Sessions will take place four times, daily on the PEUGEOT stand, at 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:30 PM, and 4:00 PM.

Wednesday, May 22: Phil York, Marketing and Communication Director.
Thursday, May 23: Jérôme Micheron, Product Director.
Friday, May 24: Matthias Hossann, Design Director.

Register for one of the sessions offered via the link: http://apo-opa.co/3VimKy2

PEUGEOT innovation is about technological creativity connected to reality, meeting the real needs of customers and enhancing the joy of driving. At VivaTech 2024, PEUGEOT presents its vision of the car of tomorrow with the INCEPTION concept car and its revolutionary Hypersquare steering control that aims to reinvent the driving experience.

PEUGEOT INCEPTION CONCEPT: THE ELECTRIC MOBILITY OF TOMORROW

The PEUGEOT INCEPTION CONCEPT is the expression of PEUGEOT’s optimistic vision for the sustainable mobility of tomorrow. Unveiled at CES in Las Vegas, it will be presented to the French public for the first time at VivaTech 2024.

Featuring a new design language that exalts its feline and attractive attitude, its revolutionary interior design, and its promise of unprecedented driving sensations, the PEUGEOT INCEPTION CONCEPT opens a new era and heralds the future electric vehicles of the brand.

The PEUGEOT INCEPTION CONCEPT reinterprets the brand’s genes, entering a new era of design. It is simpler and purer, with finishes and textures worthy of the digital world. This new design oscillates between sensual lines and athletic curves, more geometric and sharp.

The 100% electric PEUGEOT INCEPTION CONCEPT is equipped with 800 V technology. Its 100 kWh battery allows it to travel 800 km on a single charge.

The INCEPTION Concept’s interior showcases an array of new techniques that PEUGEOT will deploy to deliver on the STELLANTIS commitment to reduce its carbon footprint by more than 50% by 2030 compared to 2021, becoming fully Carbon Net Zero by 2038:

Forged textiles: 100% polyester fabric offcuts from the design centre’s prototyping workshops or suppliers are reused and thermo-compressed under vacuum, with the injection of a binder in the form of a resourced resin. This extremely hard and durable material can be transformed into structural or trim pieces.
The fusion of velvet and 3D printing: The upholstery of the seats and floor is made with a very special 100% recycled polyester velvet, which extends onto the floor, printed with 3D patterns to serve as a floor mat.
Air Quilting® padding: The comfort of the seats is enhanced by the presence of real adjustable mattresses at the shoulder level. This electro- welded, single-material upholstery, which is easy to recycle, is made from inflatable pockets recovered from conventional seats.

THE ICONIC PEUGEOT i-COCKPIT® REINVENTED WITH HYPERSQUARE

With over 12 million models equipped in the past 12 years, the PEUGEOT i- Cockpit® is emblematic of PEUGEOT’s innovation in customer service and driving pleasure, as evidenced by the spectacular latest generation of the Panoramic i-Cockpit® introduced in the new PEUGEOT E-3008 and E-5008.

The PEUGEOT INCEPTION Concept heralds the next generation of i- Cockpit®, with a completely rethought architecture that replaces the traditional steering wheel and stalks with the Hypersquare steering control, inspired by both digital and video game worlds.

The Hypersquare creates a new natural gesture, simpler and more intuitive. With either a simple click or touch of the fingertips, without removing their hands from the steering control, the driver can manage all the vehicle’s parameters. The Hypersquare is brought to live thanks to steer-by-wire technology making driving more instinctive and simpler.

The Hypersquare steering control is combined with a flexible display that broadcasts driving or infotainment information around 360 degrees. This HALO CLUSTER, with its circular screen, provides information to the driver and passengers as they approach the car. This external communication reinforces the concept of sharing and a new vision for the automobile.

The Hypersquare with digital electric controls consists of a screen featuring circular cells at each of its four corners, which have multiple functions:

The entirely natural and universal grip of the steering control.
The comfort of fingertip driving.
The activation of vehicle controls by simple thumb impulses.The driver discovers a gesture similar to that of daily smartphone use. This intuitive aspect leads to a higher level of safety.

The centre of the Hypersquare consists of a tablet like screen dedicated to displaying control information. The various functionalities (air conditioning, radio volume, driving aids, etc.) are displayed on the two side parts to facilitate access to the chosen command. This command is located inside the circular cells and is accessible by moving only the thumb without releasing the steering

control. For even greater driving comfort, the surround of the Hypersquare is made using 3D printing, while at the centre, the digital glass screen gives a high-tech and upscale appearance.

PEUGEOT Hypersquare and the next generation of i-Cockpit®, set to revolutionise the emotion and pleasure of driving, is set to be featured in the brand’s upcoming vehicles, by 2026.

DATA AND CONNECTED SERVICES WITH MOBILISIGHTS

At its stand at VivaTech 2024, PEUGEOT welcomes Mobilisights. The Stellantis Business Unit, specialising in Data as a Service (DaaS), provides access to telemetry data from connected PEUGEOT vehicles and other brands of the group.

The data collected by Mobilisights enables the personalisation of the driver’s experience through innovative services and applications from a third- party partner ecosystem, with the aim of improving the daily life of drivers, always and only with their consent.

For instance, Mobilisights data can be used to develop intuitive applications for electric vehicle owners that simplify charging, allow precise tracking of its cost, while enhancing the user experience.

“REMOTE DRIVING” WITH VAY

PEUGEOT also welcomes its partner, the scale-up Vay to its stand at VivaTech 2024, where PEUGEOT is exploring the potential applications of “remote driving.”

“Remote driving” refers to the remote control and operation of a vehicle. This technology allows for the efficient management of multiple vehicles with just one driver located remotely, using cellular connectivity and sensors such as cameras integrated into the vehicles.

At VivaTech 2024, PEUGEOT presents a “telestation” at its stand that enables Vay’s highly qualified and certified “teledrivers” to drive remotely by operating the steering, braking, and acceleration of the vehicle. The telestation provides a real-time view of the vehicle’s surroundings, ensuring a fully immersive and responsive control.

This technology enables increased efficiency of delivery operations, ‘click- a-button, get-a- car’ services for carsharing and car rental, and enables private cars owners to have their vehicle moved remotely when and where needed.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Peugeot.

PRESS CONTACTS: 
presse@peugeot.com

LINKS: 
PEUGEOT Press Site:
 https://apo-opa.co/3Kn1CAv
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4aGP0yI
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/3wSskhp
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4aBleeY
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3VltNGi

ABOUT PEUGEOT:
PEUGEOT offers the widest EV line-up of any European mainstream brand, covering all needs from urban cars to commercial vehicles. The Allure (attractive design), Emotion (driving pleasure), and Excellence (uncompromising French quality and cutting-edge technology) constitute the brand values of PEUGEOT. Established in over 130 countries, PEUGEOT sold more than 1.124 million vehicles worldwide in 2023. PEUGEOT continues to expand its range with three electric models: the SUVs PEUGEOT E-3008 and E-5008, as well as the sedan with an unexpected design, the PEUGEOT E-408. The brand offers total peace of mind to its customers with its “Allure Care” program, and coverage of 8 years / 160,000KM for its entire range of electric passenger vehicles (E-Rifter and E-Traveler excluded). PEUGEOT incorporates the latest technologies, including ChatGPT. Furthermore, PEUGEOT’s passion for performance and innovation is showcased through the hypercar PEUGEOT 9X8, which competes in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, symbolizing the brand’s technological excellence in the world of motorsport.