Zinedine Zidane Steps Down as Real Madrid Coach

As director of Laurence Martin Developments, a residential property development company based in Johannesburg, Laurence Grigorov is involved in all aspects of the development process, including land acquisition, rezoning applications, architectural design as well as the finance and legal components of these complex projects.

Zinedine Zidane has announced his resignation as manager of Real Madrid just days after guiding the Spanish club to a third straight Uefa Champions League title.

Laurence Grigorov, who follows Spain’s La Liga championship closely, was surprised to see the successful coach leave so suddenly.

As reported by Steve Luckings at The National, the Frenchman announced he was stepping down after two-and-a-half years in charge of the first team, during which he won nine trophies including an unprecedented three consecutive European Cups, at an impromptu press conference held at the club’s Valdebebas training ground.

“I have taken the decision to not continue next year as Real Madrid coach. After three years I need another discourse, another method of working,” he told the hastily convened press conference. “I love this club and the president who gave me the chance to play for this club and manage the club of my dreams. “But everything changes and that’s why I’ve taken the decision to leave.”

Madrid’s 3-1 triumph over Liverpool in Kiev extended the Spanish club’s record to 13 European Cups, but has proved to be Zidane’s last in charge.

“There are really beautiful moments, ending in a spectacular moment winning the third Champions League, but there are hard moments too,” Zidane said. “I think it’s the right time. I think the players need a change but I should thank them because at the end of the day it’s them that fight out there and this is a club of very high expectations.”

Club president Florentino Perez, who was sat alongside Zidane, said: “This was a totally unexpected decision and today is a sad day for me and for everyone who works for this club. “When he says he’s taken a decision though, we have to accept it. “I tried to convince him but I know how it is. He knows he has all our love and support.

Siya Kolisi to Captain the Springboks

Laurence Grigorov is director and team leader at Laurence Martin Developments, a residential property development company based in Johannesburg, South Africa that specialises in high-end luxury residential developments. Laurence Grigorov enjoys watching sport as a way to relax and unwind form the stresses of running the successful property development firm.

New Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has made it clear that he may be the first black captain of the national team, but he is here to inspire every person in South Africa. Kolisi spoke to the media for the first time since being appointed and while he admits that the reality of the situation hasn’t sunk in quite yet, he was adamant that the appointment wasn’t in any way political or to appease a certain group of people.

The soft-spoken Kolisi, who is a popular figure among his teammates, used the moment of a politically charged question to remind everyone that the Springboks play for the entire country and not just one group of people. He rejected the premise that Rassie Erasmus had appointed him for political expediency as well.

“It’s genuine for me from him (Rassie). He is not that type of person,” Kolisi said. “I’ve known him since I was 18 years old and he is straightforward with me. He has had a sit down with me and spoke to me, and that is how it is like with all the players. You always know where you stand with him. The most important thing is to make sure we win and perform on Saturday.

“Obviously if I have questions I will go to him and he will answer me in a straightforward manner. I don’t have any questions or any hesitation, he has told me exactly why he has appointed me and I am happy with that. Coach Rassie is not a politician, I am also not a politician. I am a rugby player and all I want to do is do well, and play well.

“I want to inspire, not only black people in South Africa. I am not only representing the one group. He showed us a picture on Saturday when we were playing, and showed us a picture from the back and what you see in front of you is every single race. That is who we are representing so I can’t stand here and say I’m representing the whole of South Africa. That’s why we have the South African flag on our chest and our jersey.”

“He has only asked one thing of me and that is to make sure I perform. So that is what I want to do and focus on the positive. I can’t control what everybody thinks of me, I can only control what I can do on the field. That my main focus.”

Kolisi said the gravitas of the situation was only likely to hit him when he leads the team onto the field at Ellis Park.

“To be honest when I play my first game it will really hit me that I’m a Springbok captain. You know me, I am just proud to be a captain. “It means a lot to me and it is a huge privilege and an honour. I think I will realise it when I’m playing. But for not I am just working and doing what I can do to help the guys going to play Wales. We’ve been training with the Wales team, so we haven’t really focused on England. “The coach hasn’t put a lot of pressure on me, all he wants is for me to play well and be the person who I am. He knows me well, and knows I am not a person of many words.

Laurence Grigorov is looking forward to the upcoming Springbok Test Series against the old foe England.

Words courtesy of http://www.supersport.com

Enhanced Marine Safety with NSRI’s RSA SafeTrx Application

 

RSA SafeTrx
Image: nsri.org.za

Laurence Grigorov serves as the director of Laurence Martin Developments, a residential property development and construction company based in Johannesburg, South Africa. A dedicated philanthropist, Laurence Grigorov supports several charities, including the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI).

NSRI offers a free app called RSA SafeTrx that helps keep small marine vessels safe during ocean travels. The app promotes safety awareness by permitting users to create and review a customized checklist of items before their journey. The app also provides additional features that enable help to be dispatched quickly in the event of an emergency at sea.

The RSA SafeTrx app includes an emergency call button that allows users to place a distress call that automatically notifies the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre of their location. Should boaters fail to return on time, the app will also alert emergency contacts.

RSA SafeTrx even has a mobile logbook that retains up to 20 treks on the phone. Tracked trips can be accessed conveniently through the video playback mode and replayed at any time.

Three Popular Design Trends in Luxury Residential Properties

 

Laurence Martin Developments
Image: laurencemartin.co.za

Laurence Grigorov is the director of Laurence Martin Developments, a property development and construction company that has been in successful operation for more than 14 years in Johannesburg. Under the leadership of Laurence Grigorov, Laurence Martin Developments provides full turn-key services for South Africa’s residential property industry and specializes in developing high-end luxury residences.

These three design concepts are included in many luxury home properties this year:

1. Smart home technology. Luxury homes are increasingly automated with technologies such as integrated security systems that allow users to control them at home or away, and enhanced entertainment systems such as The Wall by Samsung, which features a 146-inch modular screen.

2. Combined indoor-outdoor living. Merging indoor spaces with outdoor amenities enables homeowners to enjoy more time outdoors. The outdoor amenities include fireplaces, personal spas and showers, and alfresco cooking and dining options.

3. Art Galleries and wine cellars. Expansive private art and wine collections with elegant surroundings such as glass floors, marble walls, and sophisticated detailing are increasingly popular elements in luxury homes built in 2018.