Gatti Sports Reports SA

WILL LORCH FIGHT FOR HIS PLACE IN MIGUEL CARDOSO'S SQUAD? BackpagePix After having a few minutes in the Carling Black Label Cup Exhibition match with the Carling All Stars team 2 weeks back, Thembinkosi Lorch still struggled to impress new Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso. The 31 year old midfielder hasn't even made the travelling match day squad as he is always in the stands. Midfielders Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, Lebohang Maboe, Siphelele Mkhulise and Marcelo Allende have been the players preferred ahead of him. Since the 2024/25 season started, Lorch has only played 6 games, scoring 1 goal and providing 1 assist across all competitions. Will Lorch fight for his position or will he seek a new team in this transfer window or the following one?

EVA NGA STANCE AT CHIPPA? BackpagePix In just under a year since returning from a poor stint at Orlando Pirates, Cameroonian striker Bienvenu Eva Nga is rumoured to be close to leaving Betway Premier League club Chippa United. Eva Nga has played a little bit of over 12 games with 2 goals being chipped in by him. Former Chippa United coach Kwanele Kopo who was announced by the club to have departed after his contract expiry was the one who was responsible for bringing in Eva Nga but now leaves the Cameroonian in the hands of newly appointed head coach Thabo September and new assistant coach Mabhuti Khanyeza. With the transfer window being opened today Eva Nga might secured a deal elsewhere or he might be in the plans of the new technical team.

CASEMIRO LEAVING MANCHESTER UNITED SOON? IMAGO Manchester United midfielder Carlos Casemiro is rumoured to be on his way out of the English Premier League giants in this current transfer window for a new challenge elsewhere or better financial gains. Casemiro together with Marcus Rashford are the top 2 highest paid players at United with the former Real Madrid player cashing in £350k while Rashford cash in £300k per week. The English Premier League club is looking to offload both player as their plans are reducing the wage bill. Rashford has attracted the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus while Casemiro has attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League.

ERIC TINKLER SACKED BY CAPE TOWN CITY! A photo Cape Town City FC Cape Town City FC became the second team in the Betway Premier League league today to announce the departure of a head coach after Chippa United announced the departure of coach Kwanele Kopo earlier today in the morning. After not producing the desired results, Cape Town City have sacked head coach Eric Tinkler. The former Maritzburg United and Orlando Pirates leave the team after  spending 3 season with the Cape side. Here is a short statement released by the Cape Town City FC on their social media platforms earlier on today earlier on today: "Cape Town City and head coach Eric Tinkler have mutually agreed to part ways. The club expresses gratitude towards Eric for the last three seasons where he presided over 2nd, 4th and 5th place finishes. We wish Eric the very best for the future." "The club will announce a new interim coach as we build up to an exciting new project for the 25/26 season and beyond....

SUNDOWNS SET TO TERMINATE MIDFIELDER'S CONTRACT! A photo by Mamelodi Sundowns FC With the high competition in the Mamelodi Sundowns midfield position, Erwin Saavedra is set to be put on the sword as the club is looking to offload him in the upcoming January transfer. The South American player has had a stiff competition in the midfield as the champions have high profile players like Themba Zwane, Teboho Mokoena, Siphelele Mkhulise, Marcelo Allende, Lebohang Maboe, Bathusi Aubaas, Thembinkosi Lorch and Neo Maema all competing for a starting place. Saavedra's loan move at Bolivar La Paz expires today and he seem to no longer be in the plans of Downs as they preparing to let him go. He has only played 13 games without scoring or providing an assist since he joined Bafana ba style in February 2022.

KWANELE KOPO LEAVES WHILE MABHUTI KHANYEZA JOINS THE CHILLI BOYS! A photo Chippa United FC Chippa United have announced the departure of head coach Kwanele Kopo at the club as his contract comes to an end today after he signed a 1 year deal when he joined the Chilli boys. The Eastern Cape side mentioned that Kopo declined an option to renew his contract until the end of the current season and stated that he wants to return to Johannesburg. Thabo September who served as the club's assistant coach will now lead as the head coach while assisted by former Lamontville Golden Arrows coach Mabhuti Khanyeza. Khanyeza departed Arrows a few weeks ago where he was reported to have not reported for duty at the Lamontville club for several weeks. Below is a statement released by the Chippa United on their social media platforms earlier on today:

CHIEFS R4M BID FOR MIDFIELDER REJECTED BY STELLIES! A photo Stellenbosch FC Kaizer Chiefs' bid for Stellenbosch FC defensive midfielder Sihle Nduli has been rumoured to have been rejected. A figure of around R4M was submitted by Chiefs for the services of Nduli but however Stellies are reported to have asked for R7M. The former TS Galaxy man is entering the last six months of his Stellenbosch contract and the Western Cape side now runs a risk of loosing him on a free transfer as he is allowed to sign a pre-contract in the upcoming January transfer window with any team of his choice. In the past 3 to 4 seasons, Stellenbosch and Chiefs have been conducting a very fruitful relationship in terms of players transfers. The likes of Ashley Du Preez, Zitha Kwinika, Kgaogelo Sekgota, Phathutshedzo Nange and recently Sibongiseni Mthethwa have successfully completed moves from Stellies to Amakhosi. Will Chiefs and Stellies agree on a figure for Nduli or Will Nduli leave for free?

BONGANI ZUNGU AND SANDILE MTHETHWA CLOSE TO USUTHU DEBUTS! A photo Amazulu FC Still waiting to make their official Amazulu debut after being signed 2 weeks ago, Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Bongani Zungu and former Orlando Pirates defender Sandile Mthethwa might debut for the Durban based side this coming Saturday in the Kwa Zulu-Natal derby against Lamontville Golden Arrows. Zungu and Mthethwa missed Usuthu's 2 previous Betway Premier League encounters where the club registered a win against Cape Town City and a loss against Mamelodi Sundowns. Co-coach Vusimuzi Vilakazi has cleared the duo for the weekend fixture after they've been deemed fit to play the encounter.

WILLIAN AND OLYMPIACOS PART WAYS! A photo by Olympiacos FC Greek Super Lig side Olympiacos FC has confirmed the departure of former Chelsea and Fulham winger Willian Borges da Silva. The 36 year old winger leaves the club in less than 5 months after he had signed a season deal which was scheduled to expire next year June but both parties decided to part ways early on mutual agreement. Below is short statement released by the Greek side on their social media platforms yesterday: "Olympiacos FC wishes Willian all the best for the rest of his great career. He will always have a family in Piraeus. Olympiacos FC wishes all the best to Willian in the next steps of his massive career. He will always have a family in Piraeus."

IPSWICH DENT CHELSEA'S TITLE HOPES WHILE MAN UNITED REGISTER ANOTHER HOME LOSS! A photo by Chelsea FC The last batch of English Premier League fixtures of the year took place last night with a few upsets and disappointments taking place. English Premier League bottom 3 side Ipswich Town dented the title hopes of Chelsea as they managed to get a 2-0 win over them at the Portman Road stadium. Problems for Ruben Amorim continued as Manchester United were defeated at Old Trafford with a 2-0 scoreline by Newcastle United.  At Villa Park, Aston Villa and Brighton and Hove Albion played to a 2-2 draw.

MARCUS RASHFORD ARRIVES AT OLD TRAFFORD WITH MAN UNITED AHEAD OF NEWCASTLE CLASH! A photo by Manchester United TV Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has travelled with the Ruben Amorim squad ahead of the English Premier League encounter against Newcastle United later on today which will be played at Old Trafford. The 27 year old missed United's 2-0 loss against Wolverhampton Wanderers last week Thursday at Molinuex stadium and the other previous 3 encounters. Rashford has been reported to have fallen out of favour with new coach Ruben Amorim and is also on the brink of an exit from the Manchester club. In other Premier League matches, Aston Villa are set to host Brighton and hove Albion at Villa Park and Ipswich Town host Chelsea at Portman Road later on today.

ODG UNVEILED BY MAGESI! A photo by Magesi FC As we had previously reported that former Highlands Park, Orlando Pirates and TS Galaxy head coach Owen Da Gama was on the verge of concluding a deal with Betway Premier League outfit Magesi FC, The Limpopo based club have now unveiled Da Gama as their new head coach. Magesi were led by Papi Zothwane and Jacky Ledwaba for over a week after Clinton Larsen dumped them in more than a week ago live on national television. The length of Da Gama's contract at Magesi was not disclosed but speculations are that he signed 1 and a half season contract. The Limpopo based club is currently last on the Betway Premier League log and the task will be tough for Da Gama as he must save the status of the club.

HOW BAD DOES MAUPAY HATE EVERTON? IMAGO Everton FC striker Neal Maupay who is currently on loan at French Ligue 1 side Olympique Marseille was on the spotlight last night after he made a surprising comment on X/Twitter after his parent club lost 2-0 to Nottingham Forest. Taking to X/Twitter, Maupay wrote the following: "Whenever I'm having a bad day I just check the Everton score and just smile" Maupay had a fallout with Everton head coach Sean Dyche which resulted in him completing a season long loan move to Marseille. The previous season which is the 2023/24 season he was also loaned out to Brenford. As things are, The 28 year old might not return to Everton as Marseille have an option to make the loan move permanent. His stats for Marseille currently stands at 12 matches, 2 goals and 4 assists across all competitions.

ARNE SLOT ON THE POSSIBILITY OF TRIO EXTENDING CONTRACTS AT LIVERPOOL! GETTY Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has given his view on the contract situations regarding his best 3 players Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil Van Dijk. All the players might leave the club when the season ends as their contracts are also ending with the season. Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer and has no desire of extending his stay at Liverpool. Salah and Van Dijk have expressed their desires to stay at the club but Liverpool haven't engaged with the players for new deals due to their rumoured high salary demands. Should Salah not be given a new deal at Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Barcelona and Al-Ahli are rumoured suitors for the 32 year old's signature. Van Dijk on the other hand hasn't been reported to have attracted any team. Below is what coach Arne Slot had to say as reported Sky Sports : "I don't think it's negative at a...

AN EMBARRASSING RECORD JACK GREALISH DOESN'T REALLY WANT! IMAGO Fomer Aston Villa striker Jack Grealish set an unwanted record for himself yesterday as Manchester City defeated Leicester City 2-0 at the King Power stadium. The 29 year old has ended the year without scoring even a single goal for the Citizens. 45 games it the record he went without a goal for Manchester City and he will surely be willing to push himself to start scoring in the upcoming year. Since completing a move from Aston Villa to Manchester City in August 2021, Grealish has scored 14 goals and provided 20 assists in 143 appearances across all competitions.

MARIO BALOTELLI TO LEAVE GENOA! IMAGO Having joined the Serie-A side in October this season after parting ways Turkish Ligue 1 side Adana Demirspor this past July, Mario Balotelli is rumoured to be on his way out of the club. The now 34 year old played just 6 league matches and hasn't scored or provided an assist. Balotelli hasn't been the preferred striker for the Patrick Vieira side as he is a third backup striker in the team. The well traveled player might be let go in the upcoming January transfer window and the question is where will he go next?

NEW MAGESI HEAD COACH SPOTTED IN THE STANDS YESTERDAY AGAINST PIRATES! A photo Magesi FC  Rumoured new head coach of Magesi FC Owen Da Gama was spotted yesterday in the stands where Magesi faced Orlando Pirates at the Old Peter Mokaba stadium but lost the match 1-0. Da Gama is set to be the replacement of former Bloemfontein Celtic and Lamontville Golden Arrows coach Clinton Larsen who resigned in more than a week ago. Da Gama was the head coach of ABC Motsepe League club Vondwe Bullets XI where he was appointed at the start of the current season.

CHIEFS BACK TO WINNING WAYS! A photo Kaizer Chiefs FC Kaizer Chiefs got back to winning ways and closed the year on a good note as they won 1-0 against Chippa United at the Moses Mabhida stadium earlier on today. A beautiful solo run from 20 year old Mduduzi Shabalala resulted in him scoring the only goal of the match to hand Amakhosi all the important 3 points. Chiefs have now collected 8 points out of a possible 15 and will be hoping that they will be able to win more games come next year. The Glamour boys moved from 9th to 7th with 15 points after 10 league matches. Chippa dropped to 9th from 8th and coach Kwanele Kopo will go to the drawing board and hope to turn the fortunes around come next year.

A WIN SEE NOTTINGHAM FOREST CLAIM SECOND SPOT IN PREMIER LEAGUE! A photo Nottingham Forest FC Nottingham Forest FC continued their win streak as they defeated Everton FC 2-0 at Goodison Park earlier today to claim the second spot in the English Premier League. Chris Wood and Morgan Gibbs-White made sure the visitors leave with all the 3 points as they were the scorers of the day. The Nuno Espirito Santo side have now won each of their last five Premier League matches, Today marked their longest winning run in the competition since a run of five between March and April 1995 – a run that also included a win against Everton.

PIRATES, TS GALAXY AND AMAZULU WIN THEIR LEAGUE ENCOUNTERS! A photo Orlando Pirates FC Orlando Pirates, TS Galaxy and Amazulu closed off their year with wins in the Betway Premier League. Pirates avenged themselves from the Carling Knockout Cup disappointment as they defeated Magesi FC with a single goal from Relebohile Mofokeng at the Old Peter Mokaba stadium earlier on today. TS Galaxy hammered Royal AM 3-1 at the Harry Gwala stadium with Victor Letsoalo, Sphiwe Mahlangu and Dzenan Zajmovič being the scorers for the Rockets while Sedwyn George gave Thwihli Thwahla their consolation goal. At the DHL stadium, Amuzulu stole the points against Cape Town City FC courtesy of Hendrick Ekstein's only goal. Up next it will be Kaizer Chiefs vs Chippa United at the Moses Mabhida stadium. Who will walk away with all the points?

JUNIOR KHANYE BASHING SUNDOWNS PLAYERS AFTER RICHARDS BAY WIN! A photo Mamelodi Sundowns FC Known for his controversial comments on players, Clubs and coaches, Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Junior Khanye once again bashed the performance of one of Mamelodi Sundowns midfielders after their 2-0 win over Richards Bay FC yesterday. The midfielder who was placed on the spotlight was none other than former TS Galaxy midfielder Bathusi Aubaas. Khanye highlighted that midfielder Siphelele Mkhulise is better than Aubaas. R60Million signing Arthur Sales wasn't spared as he also came under the spotlight again. Aubaas has been playing quite a fair amount of games since the season started and he has slotted well in the absence of Marcelo Allende who is out on injury.

BOTH CHIEFS AND CHIPPA LOOKING TO CLOSE THE YEAR IN STYLE! BackpagePix Kaizer Chiefs and Chippa United will be heading in today's Betway Premier League match with heads up high looking to close off the year in style with a winning mentality on their minds. Coach Nasredine Nabi's side will host the Kwanele Kopo coached side at Chiefs' alternative venue which is the Moses Mabhida stadium for both sides' final match of the year 2024. Nasredine Nabi hasn't been able to live up to the expectations of the club's fans and supporters. Chiefs are deemed to have fallen out of the league title chase as they find themselves in 9th position with 12 points after 9 league matches. They trail league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns with a massive 18 points and 12 points adrift from their arch-rivals Orlando Pirates who are in second place. Chippa United are in 8th place with 14 points after 10 league matches. A win for both Chiefs and Chippa can make massive changes on the log with Ch...

PIRATES VS MAGESI TALKING POINTS! BackpagePix Orlando Pirates will be heading in today's Betway Premier League encounter infuriated looking to avenge themselves from the October Carling Knockout Cup embarrassment they suffered in the hands of Magesi FC. Magesi opened their major trophy embankment with a heavy upset as they defeated Pirates 3-2 at the Orlando stadium to book a spot in the Carling Knockout Cup quarterfinal. They made their way to the final which they also won as they pulled another upset defeating Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 to lift the trophy. Today Pirates will be hosted at the Old Peter Mokaba stadium by Magesi who has a new technical team after coach Clinton Larsen resigned a few days ago. Former Uthongathi head coach Papi Zothwane has been promoted from being the first assistant coach to head coach while Jackie Ledwaba was also made the first assistant coach. The red hot Pirates will be without the revitalized Tshegofatso Mabasa who netted a hat-trick in the Tuesday...

VENDA FC MAKE TECHNICAL TEAM CHANGES? A photo Venda FC Motsepe Foundation Championship side Venda Football Club has been reported by Farpost to have parted ways with head coach Vladislav Heric and striker coach Collins Mbesuma. Heric took over from the now interim coach of Marumo Gallants Duncan Lechesa in September this year and in the games he has been incharge of, He managed to land the club in danger of being relegated to the ABC Motsepe League as they are in the last position of the Motsepe Foundation Championship log with only 9 points from 14 league matches. Venda FC haven't yet released any statement regarding the axing of the coaching duo.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS PLAYERS WHO ARE ON THE INJURY LIST! A photo Tottenham Hotspurs It seems week in week out Tottenham Hotspurs are being hit with another injury blow. The Ange Postecoglu coached side has lost a quite number of key players which resulted in them slipping in the English Premier League title chase. Most of the players who played in past month until now haven't been playing in their natural position as they are forced by the situation to cover the positions of the injured players. Below is a lift of the injured Tottenham Hotspurs players: *Richarlison *Wilson Odobert *Mikey Moore *Ben Davies *Micky Van De Ven *Cristian Romero *Guglielmo Vicario *Radu Dragusin Spurs face Wolverhampton Wanderers later on today at the Tottenham Hotspurs stadium for an English Premier League encounter.

BETWAY PREMIER LEAGUE WRAP! A photo by Stellenbosch FC  The Betway Premier League fixtures of the day were opened by Mamelodi Sundowns vs Richards Bay FC where Downs won by 2-0 at the Goodwill King Zwelithini stadium and Lamontville Golden Arrows vs Polokwane City where the match ended with a 0-0 draw at the Mpumalanga stadium. Sundowns increased their lead at the top of the table with 6 points having accumulated 30 points after 11 leagues matches. Richards Bay remained 15th with 8 points after 12 league matches.  Sekhukhune United followed suit with a narrow 1-0 win against Marumo Gallants at the Old Peter Mokaba stadium with Keletso Makgalwa scoring the only goal of the match. Bahlabane ba ntwa moved from 8th to 4th with 16 points now in 9 league matches. Abafana Bes'thende dropped from 6th to 7th with their 14 points after 10 league matches. The final match of the day which was between Supersport United vs Stellenbosch FC at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe stadium ended with ...

SUNDOWNS SECURE A WIN WHILE ARROWS AND CITY DRAW! A photo Mamelodi Sundowns FC The first two Betway Premier League matches of the day took place where Mamelodi Sundowns were up against Richards Bay FC at the Goodwill King Zwelithini stadium while Lamontville Golden Arrows were up against Polokwane City at the Mpumalanga stadium. The Goodwill King Zwelithini stadium fixture saw the defending league champions Sundowns walking away with all 3 points winning 2-0 after Arthur Sales and Lucas Ribeiro Costa netted. The Mpumalanga stadium fixture saw Arrows and City sharing the spoils after a 0-0 draw. The other two remaining fixtures of the day will see Sekhukhune United playing Marumo Gallants at the Old Peter Mokaba stadium at 17h45 later on and Supersport United host Stellenbosch FC at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe stadium kickoff being at 20h00. 

STOKE CITY PART WAYS WITH HEAD COACH! A photo Stoke City FC EFL Championship side Stoke City FC have announced the departure of head coach Narcís Pèlach after being incharge of 19 Championship games. Pélach took over in September this year from Steven Schumacher who was also shown the exit door by the club. The decision to sack Pèlach comes after he went 9 matches without a win which saw the club dropping further down to 19th position. His last game in charge was this previous Thursday where he recorded a 2-0 home loss against Leeds United. Below is a statement released Stoke City on their website yesterday and it's written as follows: "Stoke City have parted company with Head Coach Narcís Pèlach." "The Club has opted to make a change following a run of disappointing results on the field." "Sporting Director Jon Walters said: “Narcís is a talented coach with huge potential, he works relentlessly hard and I have no doubt that he will go on to achieve success...

SUNDOWNS PLAYER GO OUT ON LOAN! A photo Mamelodi Sundowns FC Having being given a slight opportunity to play by the previous Mamelodi Sundowns first team coaches (Rhulani Mokwena and Manqoba Mngqithi) Zuko Mdunyelwa is finding it hard to earn a solid starting place in the Miguel Cardoso's squad. Mdunyelwa had a few chances to play when there was still coach Rhulani Mokwena who is now the coach of Wydad Casablanca and Manqoba Mngqithi who has now departed the club after he was let by the Pretoria club. Bafana Bafana internationals Thapelo Morena and Khuliso Mudau have being vastly used in the right back position and their pace has added another layer of advantage which makes Mdunyelwa falls back in line. Rumours have now emerged that Sundowns are planning to send the 25 year old defender on loan in the upcoming transfer window.

OWEN DA GAMA TO RETURN TO SA TOP FLIGHT! A photo TS Galaxy FC Former Orlando Pirates and Highlands Park head coach Owen Da Gama is rumoured to be close to joining this season's Carling Knockout Cup champions Magesi FC. Magesi FC were forced to look for a new head coach after Clinton Larsen dumped them this previous weekend after loosing 3-0 against Carling All Star team in the Carling Knockout Cup Exhibition match. Currently Magesi have ropped in Papi Zothwane as the interim coach from being an assistant coach. Should Da Gama join the Limpopo club he won't have to travel a lot of kilometers as he is currently coaching a Limpopo based ABC Motsepe League club Vondwe Bullets XI.

ALL GLOBE SOCCER AWARD WINNERS! A photo by Globe Soccer Sports women and man around the world attended the last award ceremony of the year as the Globe Soccer Awards were held last night in Dubai. The biggest sports stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Vinicius JR, Jude Bellingham, Lamine Yamal were amongst the winners of the night. Here is the full list of all the Globe Soccer Award winners: *Cristiano Ronaldo: Best middle east player & Top goal scorer of all time. *Vinicius JR: Best Men's Player & Best forward. *Jude Bellingham: Maradona Award & Best midfielder  *Lamine Yamal: Emerging player award. *Neymar JR: Player career award *Thibaut Courtois: Player career award. *Rio Ferdinand: Player career award.  *Carlo Ancelotti: Best coach *Jorge Jesus: Best Middle East coach *Piero Ausulio: Best sporting director *Jorge Mendez: Best agent *Alessandro Del Piero: Special career award *Florentino Perez: Special career award *Olympiacos: Club revelation award *Al Ain FC: Best ...

ARSENAL CAPITALIZE ON THE CHELSEA SLIP! A photo by Arsenal FC Arsenal have capitalize on the 2-1 loss Chelsea suffered against Fulham on Wednesday at Stamford Bridge where they played an English Premier League match. 'The Gunners' won with a narrow 1-0 scoreline last night where they had hosted the struggling Ipswich Town at the Emirates stadium in match day 18 of the English Premier League. Former Chelsea striker Kai Havertz secured the points with his 23rd minute strike. Arsenal leapfrogged both in form Nottingham Forest and Chelsea to take the second position on the log from fourth. Six points now separates Arsenal and first place Liverpool as the Mikel Arteta side is on 36 points while the Arne Slot side is on 42 points. Liverpool still have another advantage as they have a game in hand.

ZINEDINE ZIDANE ONLY WANTS TO COACH 2 TEAMS! GETTY Former Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has been long rumoured to be in talks with several teams since he left 'Los Blancos' in 2021. Since he resigned from his head coach position at Madrid, Multiple big teams have been reported to have sought his services with no luck. French Ligue giants Paris Saint-Germain, Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and English Premier League giants Manchester United were some of the big teams whom were looking for Zidane's services. The 52 year old has come out to specify the teams he would like to coach which is the French national team and maybe a third stint at Real Madrid.

NKUNKU BEING OFFERED TO LALIGA GIANTS! IMAGO Since not being in coach Enzo Maresca's solid plans, Former Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig striker Christopher Nkunku finds himself being used mostly as a back up striker for the Chelsea team. The French international has chipped in a few goals this season which saw him scoring 12, Assisting 4 in 25 appearances across all competitions. Rumours have now emerged that Barcelona are preparing an offer for Nkunku in the upcoming January transfer window as they are planning on parting ways with Lewandoski maybe come the end of the season. Chelsea forked out €60m last year July to land the services of the 27 year old. Nkunku still has more than 4 seasons left on his Chelsea contract and anyone looking to sway him away from the English Premier League club will have to pay a hefty amount of money.

ANOTHER EFL CLUB APPOINTS NEW HEAD COACH! A photo by Fleetwood Town FC  EFL League Two side side Fleetwood Town FC joined the likes of League One side Northampton Town FC who welcomed a new head coach a few days ago.  Fleetwood Town FC took to social media yesterday to announce the appointment of Pete Wild as the clubs new head coach. Below is part of the statement released by Fleetwood Town FC yesterday on their website: "Fleetwood Town are delighted to confirm the appointment of Pete Wild as the Club’s First-Team Head Coach." "The 40-year-old moves to Highbury Stadium following successful stints as manager at Oldham Athletic, Halifax Town and Barrow." "Joining the new Head Coach will be Assistant Coach Adam Temple who will work alongside current First Team Coach Matt Lawlor and goalkeeping coach Owain Fon Williams." "Wild will be in attendance for Town’s clash with Chesterfield on Boxing Day before formally taking charge on 27th December." ...

PIRATES SCORE 8 GOALS WHILE DOWNS WIN BY 1-0! A photo by Orlando Pirates FC The Betway Premier League catchup game for the 2024/25 season has now intensified as Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns kept on winning their league games. Sundowns won with a solitary goal as they edged Amazulu 1-0 earlier on today at the Loftus Versfield stadium. Downs former player Bongani Zungu and former Orlando Pirates defender Sandile Mthethwa were not in the match day squad having joined the Durban based side last week on free transfers. The Soweto giants Pirates won with a surprising 8-1 scoreline against leagues returnees Marumo Gallants FC at the Orlando stadium.

PAPI ZOTHWANE APPOINTED MAGESI HEAD COACH! A photo by Magesi FC Magesi FC have announce Papi Zothwane as the club's new head coach following the departure of former head coach Clinton Larsen. Clinton Larsen announced his resignation on live television last week Saturday after Magesi were beaten 3-0 by the Carling All Stars team in the Carling Black Label. Zothwane has now moved from being an assistant coach to fully steering the ship on interim basis. He will now be assisted by Jack Ledwaba who now moves from being the second assistant coach to first assistant coach. The new coaching staff will be under alot of pressure as they have to save the status of the Limpopo side.

VALENCIA SACK HEAD COACH! A photo by Valencia CF Spanish LaLiga side Valencia CF announced the departure of head coach Ruben Baraja at the club. Baraja Led Valencia from last year February and in his first season he finished 9th in the Spanish LaLiga with 49 points from 38 leagues matches. Currently, Valencia are in the second last position of the Spanish LaLiga having accumulated a mere 12 points from 17 leagues fixtures. According to multiple sources, The Spanish side is set to appoint Westbromwich Albion head coach Carlos Corberan as his £4m released clause has been triggered. Below is a statement released Valencia yesterday following the sacking of Baraja: "Valencia CF have decided to bring to an end Rubén Baraja's time as first team coach." "The club would like to publicly thank Baraja for the passion, dedication and commitment that he has shown from the first to the last day of his tenure in charge." "Baraja is one of the greatest legends in th...

PIRATES AND SUNDOWNS TO SECURE VICTORIES TODAY? A photo by the Premier Soccer League  Betway Premier League challengers Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will be looking to secure maximum points today when they play league strugglers Marumo Gallants and Amazulu respectively. Coming from a 1-0 Betway defeat against Stellenbosch FC a few weeks back, Pirates will welcome Marumo Gallants at the Orlando stadium today. Mamelodi Sundowns who recently claimed the top of the Betway Premier League standing will be away to Amazulu at the Moses Mabhida stadium today. Amazulu are boosted by the marquee signings they made last week where they secured the signature of former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Bongani Zungu and former Orlando Pirates defender Sandile Mthethwa. Both Betway Premier League matches are scheduled to kickoff at 15h00.

MDU SHABALALA SET FOR A NEW BUMPER CONTRACT! BackpagePix After having a good two and half seasons in the Kaizer Chiefs senior team, 20 year old Mduduzi Shabalala is reported to be on a verge of a new improved contract extension at Naturena as his current deal expire next year June. Mduduzi Shabalala has been part of the shining youngsters for Chiefs this season as fellow development and DSTV Diski Challenge graduates Mfundo Vilakazi, Samkelo Zwane and Wandile Duba are also shining. 'Mdu or die' as he is famously nicknamed, Has now played over 50 games for the senior side while contributing to over 10 goals. It has been rumoured that Chiefs are planning to give the starlet 3 more years beyond his current deal's expiry.

BARCELONA PLAN TO SHIP OUT AGEING PLAYER! A photo by FC Barcelona Age is turning out to now be the enemy of Barcelona striker Robert Lewandoski. Having recently turned 36 year this past August, Lewandoski will be turning 37 come the beginning of next season. Rumor has it that Barcelona are planning to let go of Lewandoski come the end of the season and not allow him to see his contract finish in June 2026. Even with the Polish striker netting 23 goals in 24 appearances this season, Barcelona are reported to be in search of young strikers to replace Lewa. With the transfer window opening in a few days time, Barcelona even consider bringing in their striking targets as early as in next month but only time will tell.

MAGESI'S NEW DECISION FOLLOWING LARSEN'S RESIGNATION? Gallo Images Following the resignation of highly experienced head coach Clinton Larsen on Saturday evening live on national television, Magesi FC are rumoured to have appointed Papi Zothwane and Jacky Ledwaba as the club's new co-coaches. Zothwane and Ledwaba served as Larsen's assistant coaches with Zothwane being the first while Ledwaba was the second. The former Bloemfontein Celtic coach Larsen dropped a bombshell this past Saturday after his side were brushed off 3-0 by the Carling All Stars team in the Carling Black Label Cup Exhibition match. Magesi are rock bottom in the Betway Premier League standing having only collected 6 points from 9 leagues matches. Their next encounter will be played at home against the in form Orlando Pirates this coming Sunday.

RICHARDS BAY TERMINATE DUO'S CONTRACTS? A photo by Richards Bay FC News have emerged that Richards Bay FC have released striker Thabang Sibanyoni and might also let midfielder Siyethemba Sithebe go. The struggling KZN based club has had a poor start to the season even after making a number of signing with Sibanyoni and Sithebe being among this season's signings. Sibanyoni's release comes after he was not able to live up to the expectations of the club having not even scored a single goal in his 9 appearances while Sithebe has played 8 games and also didn't chip in any goal or assist. The R100 million Phakwe Gas sponsorship seem to also be heading down the drain for Richards Bay FC as they still find themselves flirting in the relegation zone occupying 15th spot with 8 points from 11 leagues matches.

DAVID LUIZ WITHOUT A JOB AS FLAMENGO ANNOUCED END OF RELATIONSHIP! IMAGO Just like Sevilla midfielder Jesus Navas who played his last match for the LaLiga club yesterday, Brazilian club Flamengo took their social media platforms to announce that former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder David Luiz will leave the club as as his contract will not be renewed.  The 37 year old also played for heavyweight clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, Benfica and EC Vitoria. Below is a statement released Flamengo yesterday on their social media platforms regarding the departure of David Luiz: "The Flamengo Regatta Club informs that it has decided not to renew the contract of defender David Luiz, which was announced this Sunday (22). We immensely thank the athlete for his dedication, professionalism and titles with our Sacred Cloak. We wish you luck and much success in the new steps of your career." "Thank you, @davidluiz23! You are part of Mengão's history!"

ANTONIO VAN WYK'S AUSTRALIAN TEAM MAKE BOARDROOM CHANGES! A photo by Stellenbosch FC Former Stellenbosch FC midfielder Antonio Van Wyk's new Australian team SV Reid have announced the resignation of Mag Robert Tremel from his position at the club as a board member. Below is a statement released Reid earlier on today on theirwebsite regarding Tremel's resignation. "Mag. Robert Tremel is resigning from his position as a board member of SV Guntamatic Ried with immediate effect for personal and professional reasons. SVR President Thomas Gahleitner thanks Mag. Robert Tremel for his many years of commitment and his significant contribution to the association's legal matters: “Mag. Robert Tremel has always supported our association in legal matters with a high level of professionalism. We would like to thank him for his commitment and the good cooperation over the past few years.” "Mag. Robert Tremel and the entire board of SV Guntamatic Ried are parting ways on good...

ENZO MARESCA BLAMES EVERTON DRAW TO NOT BEING ABLE TO FINISH CHANCES! GETTY Chelsea were not able to get maximum points and close the gap between them and leaders Liverpool after they were held to a 0-0 draw at Goodison Park yesterday by Everton. A win yesterday for Chelsea would have seen the London club momentarily move to first place in the English Premier League log for less than 3 hours as they would have gotten 37 points if they had won while waiting for the Tottenham and Liverpool results. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca blamed the yesterday draw on his players not being able to finish the chances they've created. This what coach Enzo Maresca in his post match interviews as reported by Sky Sports: "We knew it was a tough game in terms of creating chances," Maresca said after the game.  "If you see them in the last game against Arsenal [and] in general, you always struggle to create chances against them.  "For sure, we could attack better but there was not...

TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS MENTOR'S WORDS AFTER THE 6-3 HUMILIATION! A photo by @thefrederikkejensen Tottenham Hotspurs head coach Ange Postecoglu came out guns blazing and raised his frustration following his side's 6-3 humiliating loss they suffered in the hands of Liverpool yesterday. The Spurs coach stood his ground and mentioned that he won't change his tactics and his approach to the game as most fans and supporters questioned his coaching skills. Spurs have been hit with injury crisis as most of their key players are sidelined due to injuries and inexperienced players had to step in while others play in unfamiliar positions. Below is what coach Postecoglu had to say as reported by SkySports: "I've been really patient the last 18 months, answering the same questions over and over again.If people want me to change my approach, it's not going to change.We're doing it for a reason, we're doing it because we think it'll help us be successful." "...