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Category: Sports

  • Spurs 1st friendly ends in defeat

    Spurs 1st friendly ends in defeat

    [Photo courtesy of Spurs official]

    Angel Postecoglou watched on as Spurs were narrowly beaten by their London rivals in a closely contested match at the Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia. The match was Spurs’ first outing of pre-season.

    The Australian was in charge of his first friendly match since taking over at spurs going with a strong lineup spearheaded by want away striker Harry Kane. New signing James Madison featured in the match as well alongside Kulusevski and Solomon Manor in attack.

    Gianluca Scamacca, Danny Ings and Divin Mubamba were all on target for David Moyes’ side, as they cruised to a third-successive pre-season victory. The Hammers have been on a roll in pre-season and this latest result further cemented that.

    Spurs, meanwhile, nearly rescued a draw through second-half strikes from Giovanni Lo Celso and Destiny Udogie but it was too little, too late for the north London side. The North Londoners will fancy their chance at a first win in pre-season when they take on Leicester on July 23.

    There’ll still be plenty of positives for Spurs fans to look back on, after getting a glimpse of their new attacking-style in action for the first time. They’ll be hoping to keep hold of their starman and English striker Harry Jane who is rumored to want a transfer to Bayern.

  • Kylian Mbappe’s Contract Saga

    Kylian Mbappe’s Contract Saga

    [Photo courtesy of PSG]

    By Eugene Oyier

    Kylian Mbappe, the French football sensation, returns to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for preseason training amidst ongoing debates about his future. After enjoying a summer break, Mbappe’s focus is now on his day job, although discussions surrounding his contract extension have reached a critical point. PSG has set a deadline of July 31 to resolve the stand-off, as they aim to avoid losing their star player for free.

    Last summer, Mbappe signed a highly lucrative contract with PSG, making him the highest-paid footballer in Europe. However, this contract was for two years with the option of one more, and the decision to extend was in Mbappe’s hands. Reports suggest that the contract, if extended, is worth €630 million before tax. This summer, rumors sparked when Mbappe informed PSG that he did not intend to trigger the contract extension. Despite this, he publicly stated that he does not want to leave the club this summer, potentially departing for free in 2024.

    PSG is determined not to let Mbappe leave without receiving a fee. They are focused on reaching a resolution by July 31, favoring his departure next summer after leading the club for one more year. Losing him for free is seen as an unacceptable outcome for the club. However, if Mbappe does not renew his contract, it may create financial challenges for PSG. Potential investors view the large contract as a liability, impacting the club’s financial fair play compliance and causing a £150 million shortfall.

    Mbappe has consistently expressed his desire to play for PSG in the upcoming season. He has denied reports of wanting to leave this summer, emphasizing his commitment to the club. His contract does not expire until July 31, and he has chosen not to trigger the extension. This sets up the possibility of a free departure next summer, with Real Madrid considered a likely destination.

    New PSG coach Luis Enrique is aware of the contract situation and has chosen to keep discussions private. He aims to build a strong squad and believes in establishing a level of trust with players to help them perform at their best. Luis Enrique’s approach to handling Mbappe within the team will be crucial.

    While rumors have caused frustrations among some PSG teammates, Mbappe’s talent remains highly valued. The departure of Lionel Messi, the arrival of a new coach, and changes within the team dynamics present new opportunities for Mbappe and the squad.

    As the contract saga continues, Real Madrid maintains a quiet presence, having kept in touch with Mbappe’s camp since his decision to stay at PSG last summer. The outcome of this high stakes game of poker remains uncertain, with the future of one of the world’s best footballers hanging in the balance.

  • Glazers it is Time for a Divorce

    Glazers it is Time for a Divorce

    By Samuel Migele

    On November 21st 2022, the Glazer Family, the majority shareholders of Manchester United, announced that they have initiated a process to explore strategic alternatives for Manchester United and potentially bringing to an end their 17-years-long tenure. This earthquake announcement came as a big relief to the United fan-base around the globe, because this was an opportunity to finally part ways with the American based owners.

    Typical of the glazers, always dragging out key conversations, it is now eight months since the club was put up for sale and no preferred bidder has been identified with four weeks remaining until the season opener. Majority expected the sale to go through by the beginning of the season, but that was over-ambitious, with the character and modus operandi of the glazer siblings obvious.

    The two leading bidders, Qatar Sheikh Jassim Al Thani of Nine Two Foundation and British billionare Sir Jim Ratchcliffe of Ineos have had to make five and two bids respectively to tempt the glazers to cash in to no avail. The  glazers have opted to drag the process because they are looking at a ridiculous world record fee of six billion euros to give up the control of the club despite the club being valued at approximately four billion euros. The sale process, without employing any euphemism, has been a disgrace and an absolute joke!

    Erik Ten Hag arrived at this club and found the streets of Carrington stinking mediocrity from top to bottom. United had just come out of one of our worst seasons in the history of this club. Straight from institutional success at Ajax, Ten Hag arrived early with Mitchel Van De Gag, on a mission to get back this United team to where it belongs, the top. In his first season, despite having a mediocre transfer window, dealing with the Ronaldo issue decisively, and suffering a thin squad due to injuries, Ten Hag has had a successful first season watch winning the Carabao Cup, finishing third on the domestic league log and securing champions league football and leading United to the FA cup final. Not only that but Ten Hag has set the standards for a Man United player and building a strong foundation for future success.

    The best that this gaffer needs, to build on the success of the just concluded season, is new owners and subsequently new board and fresh faces down the hierarchy. United have had one of the most incompetent boards in English and European football that cannot offer any success to Ten Hag moving forward. They offered Phil Jones a new contract and they want the fanbase to take them seriously. New owners have got to come in immediately and hand Ten Hag the necessary tools to challenge for titles. The Qataris is the only bidder that can come in and offer immediate success. In spite of a crazy attempt by the glazers to stay around through Sir Jim Ratcliffe Majority stake offer, this fanbase must not lose sight that we have a mongrel ahead of us to skin to surrender for the prosperity of the club. Good people, the Qatari Ownership is the truth.

    Through the Nine Two Foundation, Sheikh Jassim Al Thani has made a statement of intent to improve the squad, club’s infrastructure and paying the club’s accrued loans borrowed and milked by the glazers. There is no way as a fan base we are shredding Sheikh’s offer of wiping out the glazers from our vicinity as the Qataris are determined to get 100% full ownership of United. The glazers would have done a favor to the United fanbase for once in seventeen years of absolute pain if they cashed in to the Qataris and bounce because for us, it has been an abusive relationship that is crying for a gentlemen’s ending.

    The American cricket lovers cannot continue to force this relationship. It is not gonna work and it has never worked Anyway. This fan base has turned wild to these owners who have been money mongering on the club’s coffers for years. We don’t have the energy of another season with the glazers. Finality is needed right now. Erik Ten hag is frustrated by the joke of process, the fans have had enough and the contempt by the Glazers in this sale process is infuriating, but the glazers don’t give a hoot until they squeeze the last drop out of this club. I’m sorry, they have no business here; they have to style up, divorce, cash in to the Qataris and consider having some good holiday.

  • Mexico Claims Record Ninth CONCACAF Gold Cup Title In Dramatic Fashion

    Mexico Claims Record Ninth CONCACAF Gold Cup Title In Dramatic Fashion

    By Eugene Oyier

    Mexico’s national football team celebrated a stunning triumph as they clinched the CONCACAF Gold Cup with a 1-0 victory over Panama. The victory marked a rapid turnaround for El Tri, who had suffered a disappointing early exit from the World Cup eight months prior. Santiago Giménez, a late substitute, became the hero of the match with a dramatic 88th-minute goal.

    Giménez’s winning goal came after an electrifying sprint from the center circle, where he outpaced Panama’s Harold Cummings and Fidel Escobar before scuffing a left-footed shot over goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera. The Feyenoord forward’s goal secured Mexico’s record ninth Gold Cup title and his second of the tournament.

    Under the guidance of interim coach Jaime Lozano, who took over just a month before the tournament, Mexico showcased an impressive resurgence. After a disappointing Nations League loss to the U.S., Lozano led the team to a triumphant Gold Cup campaign. The victory brought immense joy to the passionate Mexican fans in attendance at SoFi Stadium, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a World Cup match.

    Mexico’s defensive solidity throughout the tournament was a key factor in their success, with the team conceding only two goals. With this win, Mexico now has more Gold Cup titles than all other nations combined. The U.S. has seven titles, while Canada has secured one.

    Panama, despite putting up a strong fight, could not convert their solid scoring chances against veteran Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. This marked their third appearance in a Gold Cup final, having previously finished as runners-up in 2005 and 2013, both times losing to the U.S.

    Mexico’s dominant performance in the first half, with 14 shots on goal, was met with resolute defending from Panama. The match saw Henry Martín’s close-range goal disallowed after a video review confirmed he was offside.

    With this victory, Mexico’s football program has reinvigorated its ambitions for future success. Although Lozano’s contract was solely for the Gold Cup, he dreams of leading the national team in the upcoming World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Mexico, the U.S., and Canada.

    The Gold Cup final, held in Southern California’s SoFi Stadium, saw an overwhelming presence of Mexican fans, demonstrating the passionate support the team receives in this region. Despite the absence of the U.S. national team, the sellout crowd created an electrifying atmosphere, showcasing the profound love for football in Southern California.

     

  • Declan Rice Joins Arsenal in Record Breaking Transfer

    Declan Rice Joins Arsenal in Record Breaking Transfer

    [Photo courtesy of AFC]

    English midfielder, Declan Rice, has made a groundbreaking move by joining Arsenal Football Club. The record-breaking £105 million transfer sent shockwaves through the football world, as fans and pundits speculated on the potential impact this signing could have on both Rice’s career and Arsenal’s fortunes.

    Rice, who has spent his entire professional career at West Ham United, has established himself as one of the brightest midfield prospects in the country.

    The English man caught the attention of several top clubs including Bayern and Manchester City. However, it was Arsenal who secured his signature, much to the delight of their passionate fanbase.

    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been a key factor in luring Rice to the Gunners. The Spaniard has been an admirer of the former West Ham Captain as he made him his top summer target.

    As the new Premier League season approached, excitement grew among Arsenal supporters.

  • Daystar City Come Out On Top In a 13 Goals Thriller

    Daystar City Come Out On Top In a 13 Goals Thriller

    Daystar City FC battled it out with Golf Course FC in remarkable fashion. Engaging in a pre-league friendly match, the team showcased their prowess and brought immense joy to the institution. The game turned out to be an exhilarating goal-fest, highlighted by the exceptional performance of their star striker, William, who astoundingly scored two hat-tricks in a single half.

    The action-packed match kicked off at 5:30 p.m., taking place at their training facility, All Saints Cathedral Primary. City’s opponents, Golf Course FC, demonstrated impressive technical skills and a keen eye for scoring, but their efforts were thwarted by the well-coordinated teamwork of Daystar City.

    Despite facing the challenge of missing key players due to injuries, the club showed great resilience and managed to win the game 7-6 in front of their enthusiastic home fans.

    Friendlies like these serve as valuable opportunities for the team to implement and refine the strategies and techniques they have been honing during their training sessions. As they look ahead, it is crucial for Daystar City FC to ensure they are thoroughly prepared in order to make a strong start to the upcoming season and maintain their positive momentum.

  • Arsenal Sign Jurien Timber

    Arsenal Sign Jurien Timber

    [Photo courtesy of AFC]

    Premier League club Arsenal have officially announced the signing of highly-rated Dutch defender Jurien Timber. The 22-year-old center-back joins the Gunners from Eredivisie side Ajax Amsterdam, marking a significant addition to Arsenal’s defensive line.

    Jurien Timber has emerged as one of the most promising talents in European football, and his signing represents a statement of intent from Arsenal in their pursuit of young, talented players. The transfer fee for Timber is reported to be €40 million and €5 million in add ons

    The signing of Jurien Timber is part of Arsenal’s ongoing rebuilding process, as the club aims to regain their status as genuine title contenders.

    Timber’s arrival is expected to bolster Arsenal’s backline, providing competition for established defenders such as Gabriel Magalhães, Ben White, and Rob Holding.

    His signing reflects the club’s commitment to a long-term vision, with an emphasis on developing young talents and building a sustainable team for the future.

  • Daystar City Set To Take on Golf Course FC

    Daystar City Set To Take on Golf Course FC

    By Joe Aura

    As the top teams in the country prepare for the opening league games through friendly fixtures, Daystar City will take on Golf Course in a friendly this Friday.

    City will be looking to bounce back after a narrow one-nil defeat against Syokimau FC in their last match out on Sunday, at Sabaki Grounds.

    Club captain Bradley Kakazi has expressed optimism ahead of the friendly as the team looks to gain momentum ahead of preparation for other competitions.

    Speaking to the involvement, the captain addressed the need to maintain fitness and build chemistry.

    We are using such friendly fixtures to asses how we are doing as a team and sometimes individually and to figure out how we will reach where we want to be and it’s also to maintain fitness and build that chemistry we need to win games week in week out and the up coming league.

  • Arsenal Held To a Draw

    Arsenal Held To a Draw

    [Photo courtesy of AFC]

    Premier League side Arsenal was held to a one-all by German side FC Nürnberg in a pre-season friendly. The Gunners broke the deadlock early on in the 7th minute when England international Benjamin White found fellow teammate Bukayo Saka with a lobbed through ball.

    The 21-year-old cut in from the right to unleash a powerful shot past the goalkeeper, Christian Mathenia. The German side equalized in the second half when a misplaced pass by goalkeeper Karl Hein found Kanji Okunuki who threaded it home.

    The Londoners came close to equalizing in the 90th minute when Folarin Balogun was through on goal but hit the side net.

    They were without last season’s top scorer, Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian international is still out with an ankle injury sustained in May against Brighton.

    New boy Kai Havertz featured in the second half to a warm reception. The German international joins Arsenal from Premier League rivals Chelsea in a €70 million deal

    Arsenal are now set to fly out to the US for the rest of their pre-season tour where they’ll take on the MLS all-stars before taking on fellow Premier League rivals Manchester United

  • Everton Midfielder Dele Ali Opens Up On Dealing with Addiction

    Everton Midfielder Dele Ali Opens Up On Dealing with Addiction

    [Photo courtesy of Sky Sports]

    The Everton midfielder has regressed in his footballing career since his time with London club Tottenham. From a mercurial teenage talent, Ali’s career has stagnated.

    Speaking with Gary Neville in an interview on the overlap, The 27-year-old disclosed that he had an addiction to sleeping pill tablets. He further revealed that he had spent six weeks of summer in rehab in the US.

    The news comes as a surprise to his critics who had called him out on his career trajectory and performance in recent years at his former club Tottenham and national team England.

    The football community has shown their love and support to the out-of-favor England international.