Africa
Bet9ja’s hit by CYBER CRIMINALS, company assures customers data, funds are intact

Nigeria’s biggest betting platform Bet9ja has been hit by a criminal cyber-attacker which has left customers unable to have access to their accounts, data and funds.
The ransomware attack, which happened on April 6, is being attributed to Blackcap Group.
Even though customers are finding it difficult to access their data and funds on Bet9ja due to the attack, management of the betting site have assured customers that their data, accounts and funds are intact.
They said the company is working around the clock to get back on track once it is technically possible, adding that they are planning to reward customers with juicy offers once the site is operational again.
Below is a full statement from the CEO of Bet9ja following the attack:
“The past few days have been challenging for us as a business. In the early hours of Wednesday, 6th April, 2022 we suffered an unprovoked and unjustified sophisticated criminal cyber-attack on our platform.
Many of our customers and stakeholders have had to deal with the inconvenience of not being able to access their accounts or place bets on the bet9ja.com platform. On behalf of the management and every member of the team, I would like to apologize for this and express that we deeply regret this situation.
We can confirm that the ransomware attack came from the Blackcat Group. You can find information about the cyber criminal organisation online.
As a result of the significant attack on our platform, we have taken steps to reduce and mitigate any risk to our network systems & operations. We have deployed international cyber security and forensic experts to help us analyse and improve our network security and strengthen our operations to be more resilient and secure.
As Nigeria’s leading and foremost sports betting company, we want to assure you that we have taken these steps because we know the importance of protecting you, our customers. I want to assure you that your data is safe & your funds are intact. The security of your personal data is not compromised even with these attacks.
We are doing everything to get back up in a phased approach. The team has since been working relentlessly to achieve this objectives.
At this time, I want to particularly extend a great deal of appreciation to our agents, for sticking with us through this difficult time, they are truly the best-in-class. To our stakeholders, National and State lotteries board and most importantly our loyal customers, we see your support all over social media, we are indeed grateful. Once again, we apologise for any inconveniences caused, as a business, we will always be committed to serving you better and providing you with the highest standards of professional service.
While the work continues, I have since directed our marketing team to make compensations readily available and for the first time, I have just approved a never before seen bonus package on the Bet9ja platform that will take effect immediately the site is back up. This is our way of showing appreciation for your unwavering loyalty, patience, and understanding during such a difficult time.
Finally, as a proudly Nigerian business and market leader in our industry, we will not be intimidated, bullied or pressured into submission. At Bet9ja, we are exceptional, we do not claim to have all the answers. Instead, we come together as a community of experts to protect this business we all love as exemplified through our team of professional experts, agents, government stakeholders and loyal customers. This is our culture.
Thank you for your patience, understanding and the loyalty that you have shown through this period, once again you have our strongest assurances that we are in full control of the situation and that all accounts, data, and funds are safe and secure. Our best days still lie ahead.”
Africa
MSSA’s view of encouraging females to play esports

Esports, or electronic sports, has become a global phenomenon, with millions of people tuning in to watch competitive video game matches online or in person. As the popularity of esports continues to grow, it is becoming increasingly important to encourage diversity and inclusivity in the industry, particularly in terms of gender.
Since 2009 Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) has had an active policy to increase female representation in esports. This is important for a number of reasons. First, it is simply a matter of fairness and equality. Women should have the same opportunities to compete and succeed in esports as men. By promoting gender diversity in the industry, we can help to break down barriers and create a more inclusive environment for everyone.
However, as MSSA President, Colin Webster, stated, “There are also practical reasons why having more females play esports is important. For one, it can help to grow the industry. Women make up a significant portion of the gaming market, and by tapping into this market, esports organizations and companies can reach a wider audience and increase their revenue streams.”
Webster added, “Additionally, having more females involved in esports can help to address some of the toxic behaviors and attitudes that have plagued the industry in the past. Women have historically faced harassment and discrimination in the gaming world, but by promoting gender diversity and inclusion, we can help to create a more welcoming and supportive community.”
There are also potential benefits to individual female players. By participating in esports, women can gain valuable skills and experience in areas such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving as well as earn Regional, provincial, and National Colours that may help such females obtain bursaries in order to study further. These skills can then be applied to other areas of their lives, such as their careers or personal relationships.
However, increasing female representation in esports is not without its challenges as MSSA is painfully aware. Women are still underrepresented in the industry, and those who do participate often face a range of barriers and obstacles. Some of these include online harassment and discrimination, a lack of female role models and mentors, and limited opportunities for sponsorship and funding.
MSSA faced very stiff opposition from many gamers, some of them who even have daughters, over the years when promoting its policies of enablement and inclusion.
To address these challenges, MSSA has always taken proactive steps to promote gender diversity and inclusion. This has included initiatives of providing incentives and creating real and credible upward movement. MSSA is the only esports national federation, world-wide with 40% of its Board consisting of female Board Members.
In conclusion, increasing female representation in esports is not only a matter of fairness and equality, but also a practical way to grow the industry and create a more inclusive and supportive community. By taking proactive steps to promote gender diversity and inclusion, we can help to build a better future for esports and for everyone involved in it.
Africa
Mind Sports South Africa’s (MSSA) 2023 Gauteng Online Championships held on 11 March 2023 showed sterling results.

The championship was a last chance for many esports athletes to qualify for MSSA’s National Team Trials to be held on 25 March 2023 at which the team will be selected to officially represent South Africa at the African Qualifiers which lead up to IESF’s 15th World Esports Championships to be held in Lasi, Romania in August 2023.
All Registered Players who have finished in the top three places, or the top 20% – whichever is greater, are entitled to enter trials.
However, it must be remembered that all players must have a valid passport at the date of entry.
It was indeed exciting to watch just how much all the female teams have improved.
White Rabbit Gaming Club’s (WRG) female team astounded all with their skill and sportsmanship. The team demolished all the female opposition and narrowly lost to the male team which ultimately won the premier event.
It is expected that the selection process for the esports title will be hotly contested.
Other female teams that excelled are:
- Roedean College – League of Legends, and
- Northcliff High School – Mobile Legends: Bang, Bang
The high standard of play saw a number of Registered Players being awarded Provincial Colours. Only Limpopo and Northern Cape did not have rRegistered Players who did not earn provincial colours.
The winners are as follows:
Title | Name of player/team | Club | Provincial Colours awarded |
Clash of Clans – Premier | Christo van Zyl | Point High School | Western Cape |
Clash of Clans – Hgh School | Martin venter | Hoër Volkskool | |
Clash Royale – Premier | Jimmy Swanepoel | Point High School | Western Cape |
Clash Royale – High School | Norrice Le Roux | Point High School | |
CS:GO – Premier
|
ZAG CS | ZAG Academy | |
Josh Chapman | Western Cape | ||
Sebastian Montoya-Pelaez | Western Cape | ||
Michael de Villiers | Western Cape | ||
Josh Orelowitz | Western Cape | ||
Thomas Venables | Gauteng | ||
Ayush Singh (sub) | KwaZulu Natal | ||
CS:GO – Premier – Female
|
White Rabbit Gaming | White Rabbit Gaming | |
Karla Grewar | Gauteng | ||
Kaylee Ludick | Gauteng | ||
Rochelle Elizabeth Noortman | Free State | ||
Roelien van Dyk | Gauteng | ||
Jessica Eleez Greeff | KwaZulu Natal | ||
DotA – Premier
|
ZAG DOTA 1 | ZAG Academy | |
Suhail Khan | Gauteng | ||
Travis John Waters | Western Cape | ||
Mark Kilian Lehle | Gauteng | ||
Mohammad Dhooma | Eastern Cape | ||
Nicholas Dammert | Gauteng | ||
DotA – High School
|
CCL Knights | Crawford College Lonehill | |
Howie Chen | Gauteng High School | ||
Srivar Premjeeth | Gauteng High School | ||
Arav Harrielal | Gauteng High School | ||
Ashen Naidoo | Gauteng High School | ||
Tej Kistasamy | Gauteng High School | ||
eFootball – Premier | Ridah Hendricks | PES Society | Western Cape |
FIFA 23 – Premier | Rethabile Masangane | NWU | |
FIFA 23 – High School | Antonie Botes | Hoër Volkskool | |
HearthStone | Kyle Vorster | ZAG Academy | Gauteng |
League of Legends
|
TuksEsports | TuksEsports | |
Thomas Stephanus Swanepoel | TuksEsports | Gauteg | |
Hein van Rooy | TuksEsports | Gauteng | |
Jason Harris | TuksEsports | KwaZulu-Natal | |
Johannes Gysbert Du Preez | TuksEsports | Gauteng | |
Fabio Spazzoli | TuksEsports | Gauteng | |
League of Legends Female
|
Roedean Paladins | Roedean | |
Hannah Schreiber | Roedean | Gauteng | |
Ireoluwatomiwa Iluyemi | Roedean | Gauteng | |
Aadilah Noorbhai | Roedean | Gauteng | |
Abigail Adonis | Roedean | Gauteng | |
Caitlin Newman | Roedean | Gauteng | |
League of Legends – High School
|
Grotto | Middies | |
Lu-Zelle Kruger | Mpumalanga High School | ||
Xavier de Beer | Mpumalanga High School | ||
Patric Nel | Mpumalanga High School | ||
Dylan Putek | Mpumalanga High School | ||
Calvin Kok | Mpumalanga High School | ||
Mobile Legends Premier
|
MOMS Legends | Masters of Mind Sports | |
Leone Loftus (Captain) | Free State | ||
Joost Loftus | Free State | ||
Leonard Loftus | Free State | ||
Adriaan du Plessis | Gauteng | ||
Dewald Greyling | Gauteng | ||
Mobile Legends Female
|
Pr0NHS | Northcliff High School | |
Kennedy Cassells (captain) | Gauteng | ||
Isabella Lawrence | Gauteng | ||
Siann Richardson | Gauteng | ||
Beverly Makhafola | Gauteng | ||
Sadie Rennie | Gauteng | ||
Rocket League – Premier – 1 v 1 | Ngwazi Mathebula | Middies | Mpumalanga |
Rocket League – High School – 1 v 1 | Nathan Jacobs | Middies | |
Rocket League – Premier – 3 v 3
|
MIGHTY TEDDY BEARS | King Edward VII School | |
Liam Hughes | King Edward VII School | Gauteng | |
Emilo Dos Santos | King Edward VII School | Gauteng | |
Judah Dos Santos | King Edward VII School | Gauteng | |
Tekken 7 – Premier | Jonathan Brown | Team PlayBell | Western Cape |
Sportsmanship Award | Jessica Eleez Greeff | White Rabbit Gaming Club |
Africa
IESF has announced the slots for 15th World Championships to be held in Iasi, Romania

With South Africa’s National Team Trials, to be held on 25 March 2023, quickly approaching, excitement among Registered Players is reaching an all time high.
It is thus welcome news that International Esports Federation (IESF) has just informed Mind Sports South Africa of the number of slots for Africa for IESF’s 15th World Esports Championships (WEC 23′) to be held in August in Iasi, Romania.
The slot distribution for WEC 23′ is divided per registered country per continent, and we would like to inform you that Africa acquired a total number of 13 out of the 82 slots for the following games:
- CSGO – 3
- Dota 2 – 2
- Mobile Legends Bang Bang – 3
- PUBG Mobile – 3
- CSGO Female – 2
IESF has also advised MSSA that all African National Federations that have registered athletes for Tekken and Efootbal get a direct slot.
Thus with MSSA having so registered for both Tekken and Efootball, the Registered Player selected by MSSA at its National Team titles for these two esports titles will go straight through to lovely Iasi and not have to fight it out in an African regional Qualifier.
The last chance for athletes to qualify for National Team Trials is:
- 2023 Gauteng Online Championships to be held on 11 March 2023.
All those entering National Team Trials are again reminded to have valid passports on the date of such National Team Trials.
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