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Dean Du Plessis on the frightening impact of hearing loss

Live Saturday morning global sports show with reports, debate and humour.

The world’s only blind cricket commentator - Dean du Plessis - tells us he is now losing his hearing and discusses the impact it is having on his life and career. Du Plessis says not being able to hear properly is more frightening to him than the sky dive he completed in 2007 and the journey he took on the back of a motorbike that was travelling around three hundred kilometres an hour. Du Plessis is Zimbabwe’s most recognised voice in cricket but says he may need to consider moving to a country were conditions are better for blind people. However, he is staying positive and he even sings a bit of his favourite band - Def Leppard - for us.

Thalea Smidt joins us in the week her team – Mamelodi Sundowns – completed an historic treble, including them winning the first ever Women's African Champions League. The midfielder tells us becoming champions of the continent is amazing and the reality of the achievement is still sinking in. She also believes the South African sides success could open the door for more girls and women to play football in Africa and discusses how some of her team-mates overcame the doubts of their own families to become footballers.

One of the world’s best netballers Lenize Potgieter speaks to Sportshour’s Maz Farookhi about her decision to temporarily make herself unavailable for selection for the South Africa national squad, after the team’s doctor diagnosed her with a major depressive disorder. Potgieter discuss her relief at her diagnosis and why she went public with her struggles.

In Sporting Witness, we go back to 2009 and remember when Zenyatta became the first – and only – mare to win the Breeders Cup Classic, one of the most prestigious horse races in America. Zenyatta was hugely popular with the public; she was as well-known for her dance moves in the paddock as she was for coming from behind to snatch victory at the last moment.

And on a busy day of sport, we discuss the Women’s Big Bash League final with Melinda Farrell, Tim Vickery looks ahead to the Copa Libertadores final, Jonathan Overend is at the Emirates ahead of Arsenal’s game against Newcastle United in the Premier League and Jamie Broughton brings us the latest from the UK Snooker Championship.

(Image: JEKESAI NJIKIZANA/AFP via Getty Images)

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49 minutes

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  • Sat 27 Nov 2021 10:06GMT

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