FOOTBALL - The African Mirror

Oct

29

2024

Paradise Lost: Manchester United’s dream of revival crumbles once again

FOOTBALL

IN the shadow of Sir Alex Ferguson's towering legacy, Manchester United's latest attempt to recapture their lost glory has ended in familiar disappointment. Erik ten Hag once hailed as the architect who would restore the fallen giants to their rightful place in football's hierarchy, was dismissed on Monday, becoming the fifth manager to fail where Ferguson had succeeded for over two decades. The Dutch tactician's departure from Old Trafford marks another dark chapter in United's post-Ferguson era, with the club languishing in an almost unthinkable 14th position in the Premier League – a far cry from the days when the…

Oct

23

2024

By The African Mirror

Exclusive: Arthur Zwane on AmaZulu Role

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ANY avid fan of South African football will tell you that Arthur “10111” Zwane’s identity is nothing outside of Kaizer Chiefs, where he played professionally for a period of 10 years. But just last week, the legendary former player was named head coach of AmaZulu football club alongside Vusimuzi Vilakazi. In an exclusive interview, Zwane opens up about how he feels about the new career change and how he aims to turn things around alongside “Kanu”. Kaizer Chiefs opens the door to top-flight coaching Zwane was the head coach of the Soweto Giants’ senior team from May 2022 until June…

Oct

19

2024

By The African Mirror

Exclusive: Aaron Mokoena on South Africa’s Themba Zwane

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FORMER Bafana Bafana captain, Aaron Mokoena, praised midfield maestro Themba ‘Mshishi’ Zwane for his creativity during the Congo fixture in Port Elizabeth. THE BRILLIANCE OF THEMBA ‘MSHISHI’ ZWANE Having hammered Congo 5-0 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth last week, many have rightfully praised forward Teboho Mokoena for his brace in the first half and have done the same with Bathusi Aubaas, Lyle Forster and Iqraam Rayners for their solitary goals in the encounter. However, there is a midfield mastermind who deserves just as much credit for his vision and creativity. That is the 35-year-old Themba Zwane, the…

Oct

19

2024

By The African Mirror

Former Kaizer Chiefs captain Willard Katsande makes interesting bold claim about AmaKhosi

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FORMER Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Willard Katsande has given his thoughts on how far he thinks the club will go in the Betway Premiership. The Soweto giants appointed Tunisian mentor Nasreddine Nabi as their new head coach at the start of the 2024/25 season. The 59-year-old tactician is tasked to change the club's fortunes after almost a decade without winning any silverware under different experienced coaches. Moreover, Amakhosi have also bolstered their squad significantly as they seek to challenge for trophies this season. Players like former Mamelodi Sundowns star Gaston Sirino, ex-Petro de Luanda defender Inacio Miguel, and Bafana Bafana international…

Oct

18

2024

By The African Mirror

Jürgen Klopp unveiled as the new Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull

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JÜRGEN Klopp, the 57-year-old German will assume the role of Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull starting January 1, 2025. In this position, he will oversee the company's international network of soccer clubs. Klopp, one of the most sought-after figures in world football, concluded his memorable nine-year tenure as Liverpool's manager after the 2023-24 season. Under his leadership, Liverpool secured all major football honours, including the Champions League (2018-19), Premier League (2019-20), FA Cup (2021-22), two EFL Cups, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup. They also finished as runners-up twice in the Champions League and…

Oct

15

2024

By The African Mirror

Nigerian team returns home: AFCON qualifier in limbo as CAF deliberates

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IN a dramatic turn of events, Nigeria's national football team, the Super Eagles, have returned home without playing their scheduled Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya, following a contentious incident that left the team stranded for hours at a Libyan airport. According to the latest reports, building upon the initial Reuters coverage, the Nigerian team boarded their plane and flew back to Nigeria without kicking a ball, leaving the fate of the crucial qualifier hanging in the balance. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is now expected to announce its decision on the fixture. Sources close to the…

Oct

15

2024

By The African Mirror

Exclusive: Lucky Lekgwathi on Orlando Pirates MTN8 Win

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FOLLOWING Orlando Pirates’ third consecutive MTN8 trophy, former captain Lucky Lekgwathi says the success boils down to the signings made by the coach and club chairman. A TEAM FILLED WITH LEADERS In two years, Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has added five trophies in the Orlando Pirates cabinet following their 3-1 victory over Stellenbosch FC in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban this past weekend. With the five trophies, coach Riveiro, a Spaniard mastermind, has rejuvenated the souls of the millions that support Orlando Pirates in the township of Soweto. Along with the fans, former club captain…

Jul

18

2024

By OWN CORRESPONDENT

From African roots to European glory: Nico Williams’ inspirational journey

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IN a testament to perseverance and the power of dreams, Nico Williams, the son of Ghanaian immigrants, has become a European champion with the Spanish national football team. This remarkable achievement highlights the continuing impact of African-born players in European football. Approximately 30 years ago, Maria Arthur, pregnant with her first child, embarked on a perilous journey from Ghana to Europe. Traversing Burkina Faso, Mali, and Algeria, she braved the scorching Sahara Desert on foot. Her determination led her to scale the fences of the Melilla border between Morocco and Spain, eventually crossing the Iberian Peninsula to reach Bilbao. Today,…

Jul

13

2024

By Mpho Rantao

Stellenbosch United to play in English Next Gen Cup

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STELLENBOSCH Football Club, based in South Africa’s Western Cape Province, have a golden ticket to participate in England’s Next Generation Cup, alongside seven invited clubs from England and India. This will be the second time the South African club has participated in the tournament; they lost 5-4 in penalties to England’s Wolverhampton Wolves in the 2023 final of the cup when it was hosted in India. Stellenbosch United’s side will represent as the 2023/24 DStv Diski Challenge Champions, which is a youth reserve team league for the top South African football teams in the Premier Soccer League, in the fifth…

Jul

06

2024

By The African Mirror

Spanish delight, German heartbreak in Stuttgart!

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IN a night of high drama that will be etched in European football history, Spain delivered a knockout blow to Germany's Euro 2024 hopes, sending shockwaves through the Stuttgart Arena and beyond. The pulsating quarter-final clash, which seemed destined for penalties, was dramatically decided in the dying embers of extra time, leaving the host nation in unprecedented despair. As the clock ticked past the 119th minute, substitute Mikel Merino rose like a phoenix from the ashes of a gruelling battle, meeting Dani Olmo's pinpoint cross with a thunderous header that silenced the partisan crowd. The late Spanish surge not only…