FOOTBALL - The African Mirror

Jul

02

2023

Senegal forward Jackson joins Chelsea from Villarreal

FOOTBALL

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…

Jun

26

2023

By The African Mirror

United States to host expanded Club World Cup in 2025

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THE first edition of FIFA's new 32-team Club World Cup will be held in the United States in 2025, world soccer's governing body said. FIFA confirmed in March that the revamped Club World Cup will be played every four years from June 2025. The FIFA Council unanimously appointed the United States as the competition's host for the first edition of the expanded format. The United States will also host the 2024 Copa America while they are also co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup along with Mexico and Canada. "The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will be the pinnacle of elite professional…

Jun

27

2023

By The African Mirror

Saudi’s Al-Hilal sign Senegal defender Koulibaly from Chelsea

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SENEGAL defender Kalidou Koulibaly has joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal from Premier League side Chelsea, the two clubs announced on Sunday. "We'll continue to make history together," Al-Hilal wrote on Twitter, alongside a short video featuring Koulibaly. The four-times Asian Champions League winners said Koulibaly's contract would run until 2026 without giving any financial details. British media reported that the Saudi club would pay around 17 million pounds ($21.61 million) for the centre-back. "I'm here with those who make the glory in the present and the future," the Africa Cup of Nations winner said. Koulibaly scored two goals in 32…

Jun

17

2023

By The African Mirror

Villarreal CF’s Samuel Chukwueze is the 2022/2023 LaLiga Santander African MVP Award winner

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NIGERIAN forward Samuel Chukwueze has been named the winner of the 2022/2023 LaLiga Santander African MVP Award, with the Villarreal CF star coming out tops after thousands of fans and some of Africa’s top football journalists voted for LaLiga’s standout African star this season. The dynamic Super Eagle had a fantastic season for the Yellow Submarine, scoring 13 goals and providing 11 assists in all competitions and playing in 37 of the 38 LaLiga Santander matches for the club, as his electric performances propelled Villarreal CF to a spot in European competition next season. “I feel so happy to win…

Jun

15

2023

By MARK GLEESON

Egypt qualify for Africa Cup of nations finals

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EGYPT came from behind to beat Guinea 2-1 and secure a record-extending 26th appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations finals as they made sure of top spot in their qualifying group with one match to play in the preliminary competition. Egypt is the eighth country to qualify for the 24-team finals, to be hosted in the Ivory Coast next year. Captain Mohamed Salah missed two gilt-edged chances, but Mahmoud Trezeguet and Mostafa Mohamed scored to ensure Egypt would finish top of Group D and return for another tilt at the African crown, which they have won a record seven…