Sports Briefs

Djokovic serves

THE world's top tennis player, Novak Djokovic, has joined the United Nations agency for children's rights Unicef as its ambassador for Serbia.

"I am very honoured to partner with Unicef to help increase awareness for the importance of early childhood education," Djokovic said. - Sapa-dpa

Qatar job for Dunga

FOOTBALL great Dunga, sacked as Brazil coach after they lost in the quarterfinals of the last year's World Cup,, is to coach Qatari side Al Rayyan.

The 47-year-old - who captained Brazil to the 1994 World Cup trophy - replaces compatriot Paulo Autuori, who is to coach the Qatari under-23 side. - Sapa-AFP

Big deal for Vick

MICHAEL Vick, who was jailed for almost two years on dog-fighting charges, has reached a six-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, making him one of the NFL's highest-paid players.

ESPN reported the $100-million deal includes about $40-million in guaranteed money to Vick. - Sapa-AFP

City boss may visit

BIRMINGHAM City owner Carson Yeung will be allowed to leave Hong Kong to visit his club in September after a judge altered bail conditions yesterday relating to money-laundering charges.

Yeung is required to remain in the Chinese territory, but a judge granted him a one-time exception to let him travel to Britain from September 15 -19. - Sapa-AP

Messi is 'awesome'

CESC Fabregas described playing with Lionel Messi as "awesome" after the Argentine World Player of the Year set him up to score for Barcelona in the 5-0 thrashing of Villarreal on his home debut in La Liga on Monday.

The former Arsenal captain, who returned to his boyhood club this month after eight years with the Gunners, raced on to Messi's pass just before halftime, rounded goalkeeper Diego Lopez and slotted into the empty net. - Reuters

Simba not so crisp

SOUTH African heavyweight Flo Simba knocked out grossly overweight Zimbabwean Thamsanqa Dube in round three at Emperors Palace on Monday night.

Simba's comeback fight, after his knock-out at the hands of 42-year-old former IBF champion Fransie Botha earlier this year, did little to enhance his reputation. - Sapa

Summer sorted

CRICKET SA on Monday released the domestic fixture list for the 2011-12 season for all three competitions.

The season will start with the four-day Supersport Series towards the end of September before taking a break in November to fit in a restructured, 50-over one day competition. The Twenty20 domestic series will take place in January with the title sponsors for both the 50- and 20-over formats set to be named next month. - Sapa