FOOTBALL - The African Mirror

Jul

05

2023

Africa have more teams but not increased hopes at World Cup

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MORE African teams at an expanded Women’s World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand this year might mean more chance of improved results for the vast continent, but realistically they may be lucky to do much more than get past the first round. There will be four African countries in the 32-team field, up from three in the last two editions. But Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia are not expected to make anything like the impact that Morocco did at the men’s tournament in Qatar last year when they became the first African side to reach the semi-finals.…

Jul

06

2023

By LORI EWING

Drogba teams up with FIFPRO, ILO to educate African players about fake agents

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FORMER Chelsea striker Didier Drogba says soccer players in Africa too often fall prey to fake agents peddling promises of fame and fortune. Through his foundation, Drogba has teamed up with the global soccer players union FIFPRO and the International Labour Organisation to raise awareness about the risks. "Please, I need you to hear this," former Ivory Coast international Drogba says in an animated campaign video to players. "Be very careful who you trust. Never trust the person who wants your money." FIFPRO recently surveyed 263 players from seven African countries and found that more than 70% were contacted unsolicited…

Jul

04

2023

By The African Mirror

Women’s World Cup 2023: start date, schedule, teams, venues and final

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Here's what you need to know about the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, which is being held in Australia and New Zealand: WHEN DOES THE WOMEN'S WORLD CUP 2023 START? * This year's Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand will be held from July 20-August 20. * The tournament will begin with a Group A match between hosts New Zealand and Norway on July 20. WHICH TEAMS ARE TAKING PART? The World Cup will feature 32 teams and begin with a group stage, with teams divided into eight groups of four. * Group A: New Zealand (hosts), Norway,…

Jul

04

2023

By The African Mirror

South Africa squad in dispute with FA ahead of World Cup

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SOUTH Africa's Women's World Cup preparations were plunged into chaos when a shadow national team including a 13-year-old took on Botswana in a friendly as the squad selected for the finals were locked in a dispute with the national association. The match was supposed to be a send-off for the squad going to the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand before they continue their preparations outside the country. But a dispute with the South Africa Football Association (SAFA) over bonus payments and their contracts for the tournament meant the World Cup-bound squad did not play. Instead, a hastily put…

Jul

02

2023

By The African Mirror

Senegal forward Jackson joins Chelsea from Villarreal

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SENEGAL striker Nicolas Jackson has joined Chelsea from Villarreal on an eight-year contract, the Premier League club announced. The 22-year-old played a vital role for Villarreal last season, scoring nine goals in the final eight matches and winning the LaLiga Player of the Month award for May. Jackson scored 12 goals in 26 league matches last term. He also made his debut for Senegal at the World Cup in Qatar, playing for 16 minutes in the 2-0 defeat by the Netherlands. Chelsea did not give any financial details but British media said they will pay 37 million euros ($40.38 million)…

Jun

30

2023

By BONFACE ORUCHO, BIRD STORY AGENCY

Ball, Dream, New Life: How soccer freestyling revolutionized a life

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IN the dark alleys of Greyville and the rough neighbourhoods of Eldorado Park, Newclare, and Westbury, Patel Zain’s early life was ensnared in a web of violence, drug abuse, and crime. As he explained in an interview with bird story agency, his rough childhood experiences had a strong influence on the choices that led to his involvement in drug trafficking and crime. But a drug-related conviction in 2009 threatened to define his future. “The conviction was my lowest but being a strong-willed person, I knew I had a chance of turning my life around,” he explained. After serving his prison…

Jun

30

2023

By The African Mirror

Mendy joins Saudi’s Al-Ahli from Chelsea

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SENEGAL goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has left Chelsea to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli, the two clubs announced. "The Lion of Teranga protects our goal," Al-Ahli said in a Twitter post. Al-Ahli, who are making their return to the top-flight Pro League next season after a year in the second division, said Mendy's contract would run until 2026, without giving any financial details. British media reported that the Saudi club would pay around 16 million pounds ($20.24 million) for the goalkeeper. Mendy joined Premier League Chelsea from Stade Rennais in 2020 and the 31-year-old played a pivotal role as the London…

Jun

30

2023

By The African Mirror

Arsenal sign Germany forward Havertz from Chelsea

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ARSENAL have signed Germany forward Kai Havertz from Chelsea on a long-term contract, the Premier League club said. The transfer fee has not been disclosed but British media reported Arsenal will pay Chelsea 65 million pounds ($82.63 million) with an additional 5 million pounds in add-ons. "It's super exciting for me to be joining this amazing club and to be part of the Arsenal family. This club has such a big history, and I hope we can achieve lots of things," the 24-year-old told the club website. Havertz joined Chelsea in September 2020 from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, where he…

Jun

26

2023

By The African Mirror

Van Wyk out, Kgatlana in for South Africa at World Cup

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SOUTH Africa's experienced defender Janine van Wyk has had to be left out of their 23-player squad for the women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, but coach Desiree Ellis has been able to recall pacy forward Thembi Kgatlana. Van Wyk, a stalwart of the side since her debut in 2005 and record caps holder for the country with 183, has not recovered in time from injury. "She won't be part of the World Cup, but definitely still remains in the picture (for the future)," Ellis said as she unveiled the squad on Friday. Kgatlana ruptured her Achilles when…

Jun

26

2023

By The African Mirror

Messi says he struggled to adapt after PSG move, some fans treated him differently

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LIONEL Messi said he and his family had trouble adapting after his move to Paris St Germain in 2021, and he said the boos and jeers directed at him towards the end of his stint was something teammates Kylian Mbappe and Neymar also endured. The Argentine great did not renew his contract with PSG this month after two years and he announced on June 7 that he will join MLS side Inter Miami, leaving some fans disappointed with his performance. While Messi recorded 32 goals and 35 assists in his two seasons with the French champions, a rift with the…