Gatti Sports Reports SA

RUI PATRICIO LEAVES ATALANTA FOR A CLUB WORLD CUP TEAM! Former Wolverhampton Wanderers, AS Roma and Sporting CP goalkeeper Rui Patricio has left Italian Serie-A side Atalanta BC for United Arab Emirates Pro League's Al-Ain FC.  Rui Patricio departs Atalanta after his contract expired having penned a one year contract last August. The 37-year old keeper played just 6 games across all competitions for Atalanta which may have prompted the Italian side not to extend his stay which paved the way for Al-Ain. Al-Ain are set to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup this month and they are in the same group as Manchester City, Wydad Athletic Club and Juventus.  Will Patricio get the game time he is looking for under the colours of the United Arab Emirates side? Photo provided by IMAGO .

ZIYECH A FREE AGENT AS HE IS LET GO BY AL-DOHAIL! Former Ajax Amsterdam and Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech is officially a free agent as he was released from him contract by Qatar Stars League club Al-Duhail yesterday.  Ziyech was supposed to be with the club for two and half years after he initially signed a deal that was supposed to run until June 2027. He joined the side in January on a free transfer after parting ways with Galatasaray.  The 32-year old only played 13 matches scoring 1 goal and provided 1 assist for the Qatari side.  "Al-Dohail thanks the player Hakim Ziyash." Al-Dohail wrote. "The management of Al-Duhail Athletic Club would like to express its gratitude and appreciation to the Moroccan star Hakim Ziyash for his efforts and dedication during the period he spent in the ranks of the team, wishing him continued success and success in his future career." Al-Dohail ended. Photo provided by Galatasaray .

ANTONY RETURNS TO MANCHESTER UNITED! Brazilian international Antony dos Santos is headed back to his parent  club Manchester United from Real Betis Balompie since his loan deal expires this month. The 24-year old winger completed a six-month loan move in January from United to Betis where he had a good spell.  Antony was key for Betis helping them reach the UEFA Europa Conference League final which they unfortunately lost 4-1 to Chelsea this past Wednesday. In the Spanish LaLiga, Betis finished sixth making a cut for the Conference League once again. By the look of things Antony is now in the plans of coach Ruben Amorim ahead of the new season. His goals and assists at the Spanish side wasn't something the Manchester United coach could just ignore.  Will things work this time around between United and Antony? Photo provided by IMAGO .

MARUMO GALLANTS HEAD COACH RESIGNS! Marumo Gallants head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou dropped a bombshell announcing his resignation from the Betway Premier League club. The Moroccan coach released a statement just after he came from a radio interview he had with Robert Marawa on 947 yesterday.  Ouaddou was appointed head coach of Gallants in February this year taking over from the now head coach of Baroka FC Daniel Malesela.  The statement Ouaddou released regarding his resignation is tendered as follows: “I would like to announce with this press release the end of the adventure with the Marumo Gallants club, It has been great pleasure to have collaborated with all the resources of the club. I would like to thank first of all my players, my President, as well as all the stakeholders of the club who participated from near or far in this mission to save the club without forgetting our magnificent supporters. “The people of Bloemfontein will remain in my heart forever. I wish the best...

WYDAD LOSE SECOND FRIENDLY MATCH AGAINST EUROPEAN GIANTS! Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club who tried testing themselves against two of Europe's best teams was put to the sword in the friendly matches they had this week.  Wydad lost their second friendly match yesterday against Portuguese giants Porto with a 1-0 scoreline at the Stade Mohammed V. The loss is the second one under the same scoreline. They suffered a 1-0 loss against Spanish side Sevilla also at the same venue a few days ago.  Wydad will now gear up for the FIFA Club World Cup which will kick-off on the 14 of this month at the United States of America. They are in the same group as Manchester City, Al-Ain FC and Juventus. But before the Morocco club can travel to the USA, They have to make a decision if they are retaining the services of South African duo Cassius Mailula (From Toronto FC) and Thembinkosi Lorch (From Mamelodi Sundowns) who are currently at the club on loan.  Photo provided by Wydad Athletic...

PSG WIN THEIR FIRST EVER CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TITLE! History was made today at the Allianz Arena in German where French Ligue side Paris Saint-Germain were crowned this season's UEFA Champions League winners beating Italian Serie-A side Inter Milan with a statement scoreline of 5-0.  Desire Doue scored a brace while Achraf Hakimi , Senny Mayulu and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored one goal each. The French Ligue side won their first ever Champions League title after failing on multiple attempts. Inter have won the Champions League on the three occasions and today wasn't their night to add the fourth one.   PSG have now completed a treble this season adding the Champions League title to the French Ligue 1 and Coupe de France they've secured. Photo provided by Paris Saint-Germain.

SCHALKE 04 APPOINTS A NEW HEAD COACH FROM PLYMOUTH! Miron Muslic has made a switch from Plymouth Argyle who were relegated to the EFL League One and got appointed by Bundesliga 2 side FC Schalke 04. Muslic had taken over from Wayne Rooney who was sacked a few months ago but he also couldn't produce the result that were supposed to save the club from relegation. Schalke announced that they have appointed Muslic as their new head coach for the next two season having signed a deal that will run until June 2027. "Miron Muslic has been appointed as the new S04 head coach." Schalke wrote. "The 42-year-old joins from Plymouth Argyle on a contract until 30th June 2027 Welcome auf Schalke, Miron! Schalke closed off their mini statement. Photo provided by FC Schalke 04.

TOTTENHAM CONFIRMS THE DEPARTURE OF FOUR PLAYERS! Tottenham Hotspur has started their squad overhaul after they announced that they parted ways with defender Sergio Reguilón, striker Timo Werner, and goalkeepers Fraser Forster and Alfie Whiteman. Werner returns to his parent club RB Salzburg with his loan deal expiring, while the other three players will have their contracts not renewed when they expire next month. The aforementioned players were involved in the club's UEFA Europa League triumph a week ago, helping the Ange Postecoglou side end their 17-year trophy drought. "We can confirm the departures of Fraser Forster, Sergio Reguilón, and Alfie Whiteman following the conclusion of their contracts, while Timo Werner departs following the conclusion of his loan spell," Tottenham wrote on their social media platforms today. "Thank you for your service and all the best for the future, lads," Tottenham concluded.

BOLOGNA COACH GET OFFERED A NEW CONTRACT AFTER DELIVERING SILVERWARE IN 51 YEARS! Italian Serie-A club Bologna FC has rewarded their head Vincenzo Italian who managed to end their 51 year trophy drought with a new contract extension. The club won the 2024/25 season Copa Italia trophy defeating giants AC Milan 1-0 a few weeks ago to lift the silverware. Bologna has given the coach a contract that will see him being at the club for the next two season which will potentially see him being at the club for three years after being appointed before the 2024/25 season commenced. Apart from winning the Copa Italia, The club finished in 9th place with 62 points which was 3 points short of securing UEFA Europa Conference League football. Photo provided by Getty Images .

MANDLA QHOGI LANDS A COACHING JOB IN SWAZILAND! Former Orlando Pirates coach Mandla Qhogi has landed a new job as the head coach of Eswatini Premier League club Nsingizini Hotspurs. Nsingizini Hotspurs is one of the heavyweight teams in the Eswatini first tier. The club participated in the 2024/25 CAF Confederations Cup where they were unfortunately thrashed and eliminated by Betway Premier League side Stellenbosch FC in the group stages. They were recently crowned the MTN Premier League champions a few days ago. Qhogi had been without a club since he was fired by Motsepe Foundation Championship side Milford FC in the middle of the 2024/25 season. Below is the full statement published by Nsingizini Hotspurs: Photo provided by Nsingizini Hotspurs Football Club .

JEREMIE FRIMPONG ARRIVES AT LIVERPOOL! Just like we as Gatti Sports Report SA had reported in over a week ago that Liverpool were wrapping up the signing of right-back Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen as Trent Alexander-Arnold's replacement, The English Premier League champions have officially unveiled Frimpong as their first signing of the 2025/26 season. This comes hours after Liverpool had announced the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid who signed a six-year deal with the Spanish club. Frimpong is the second player to leave Bayer Leverkusen with Jonathan Tah having joined Bayern Munich on a free transfer also. Liverpool might have another Bayer Leverkusen player in their camp as they are still in the race to sign Florian Wirtz. Part of the statement released on the Liverpool website after the unveiling of Frimpong is written as follows: "Liverpool FC have agreed the signing of Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen." "The Netherlands ...

TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD CONFIRMED BY REAL MADRID! Real Madrid have officially unveiled the signing of former Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of the new season. Alexander-Arnold became the second signing Real Madrid has scooped in the special transfer window opened for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. The Spanish side made their first signing last week with Dean Huijsen joining from AFC Bournemouth. Alexander-Arnold has signed a six-year deal which will keep him at Madrid until June 2031. Below is the full statement published by Real Madrid earlier today unveiling Alexander-Arnold: "Real Madrid C. F. and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold for the next six seasons, from 1 June 2025 to 30 June 2031." "The 26-year-old England international joins the club after winning nine trophies with Liverpool: Champions League (1), Club World Cup (1), Uefa Super Cup (1), Premier League (2), FA Cup (1), League Cup (2), and Commu...

CHELSEA TO KEEP SANCHO, DELAP ALSO JOINING! Chelsea are set to fork out £55M on the two transfers of midfielder Jadon Sancho and striker Delap. Sancho will complete a permanent transfer from Manchester United, as he spent the rest of the season on loan at Chelsea. The Blues will pay United £25M for the services of Sancho. The former Borussia Dortmund player was instrumental in Chelsea's UEFA Europa Conference League triumph and also helped the side finish fourth with 69 points, securing Champions League football. Following the relegation of Ipswich Town from the English Premier League last month, the side is forced to sell one of their best players, Delap, whom they have priced at £30M. Chelsea agreed to pay the £30M release clause in Delap's Ipswich contract. Chelsea will now discuss personal terms with Delap's representatives, with discussions expected to be a formality ahead of an eventual medical. Photo provided by IMAGO .

LEIPZIG PRIZE BENJAMIN ŠEŠKO AT £92M FOLLOWING INTEREST FROM ENGLAND! With two English Premier League teams, Arsenal and Manchester United, interested in the services of RB Leipzig star Benjamin Šeško, the Bundesliga side has set a reported price tag of £92M on the Slovenian international. Both Arsenal and United's strikers haven't been able to deliver the goals they projected for themselves. Arsenal has been finishing in second place for the past three seasons and secured Champions League football for next season by finishing with 74 points. They'll need reinforcements in the striking department to get them goals in order to really challenge for silverware. United had a really bad season, losing the Europa League to Tottenham Hotspur last week and also finishing in 15th place with 42 points, which was their worst season in the club's history. The 22-year-old, who netted 21 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions in the previous season, still has four years left...

SAUDIS LURING MANCHESTER UNITED STAR WITH A £65M DEAL! Manchester United may be tempted to sell one of their key players with a team from the Saudi Pro League showing interest. Al-Hilal are rumored to be looking to lure United's club captain Bruno Fernandes with a £65M annual salary excluding bonuses should he join. The Portuguese international also revealed that he will depart the club if they (United) get a chance to cash in on him, and this might be the right time as the Red Devils have priced Fernandes' head at £100M. That would be the club's record sale should it come to light, beating the 2009 transfer of £80M set by Cristiano Ronaldo when he moved to Real Madrid. Apparently, Fernandes' team has also traveled to Saudi Arabia to try and strike a deal with one of the clubs in the league.

REAL MADRID IN THE MIX FOR THE SERVICES OF WIRTZ! Spanish LaLiga giants Real Madrid have joined English Premier League sides Liverpool, Manchester City, and Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz ahead of the new season. Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, who coached Bayer Leverkusen for the past three seasons, is looking to reunite with Wirtz at Madrid, but the stumbling block might be the €150M Leverkusen are rumored to be seeking. Wirtz's former teammate Jonathan Tah completed a move to Bayer Leverkusen's crosstown rivals Bayern Munich yesterday on a free transfer. Tah signed a four-year deal with the reigning Bundesliga champions. Madrid have already made their first signing, with Dean Huijsen joining AFC Bournemouth. Photo provided by IMAGO .

AC MILAN PARTS WAYS WITH HEAD COACH! Having failed to secure UEFA Champions League football for next season and also losing the Coppa Italia to Bologna, who won their first trophy in 51 years, AC Milan took to their social media platforms a few hours ago to announce the departure of head coach Sérgio Conceição and his technical team. Conceição leaves the Italian Serie A giants after being head coach for the past six months but couldn't manage to yield the desired results. Milan finished in 8th place on the Italian Serie A table with 63 points after 38 matches and couldn't even qualify for the UEFA Europa League or the Conference League. "We would like to thank Sérgio Conceição and his staff for their commitment, professionalism, and dedication shown during their time leading the First Team over the past few months," Milan wrote on their social media platforms. Now that the head coach position is vacant, who will fill the void? According to Calciomercato, Former Juve ...

SABELO RADEBE LEAVES KAIZER CHIEFS! Kaizer Chiefs became the second Betway Premier League team to part ways with a player today after their arch-rivals Orlando Pirates also parted ways with two players this morning. Pirates parted ways with midfielder Miguel Timm and defender Innocent Maela as their contracts are expiring next month. Amakhosi on the other made a bit of space in the midfield parting ways with Sabelo Radebe whose deal is also expiring next month. The statement released by Kaizer Chiefs earlier on today on their website announcing the departure of Sabelo Radebe is written as follows: "Kaizer Chiefs have officially parted ways with attacking midfielder, Sabelo “Bibo” Radebe." "Radebe, now 25, joined Amakhosi as a teenager and progressed through the junior ranks in the Kaizer Chiefs Youth Development Academy before moving up to the reserve team in the 2017/18 season." "He signed after earning a spot in the senior team in the 2020/21 season,...

BAYERN MUNICH SIGNS JONATHAN TAH ON A FREE TRANSFER! Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich have made their first signing of the 2025/26 season snatching defender Jonathan Tah on a free transfer after he parted ways with Bayer Leverkusen. The 29-year old defender signed a four-year deal with the German giants and has been allocated the number 4 jersey. Tah's tenure at Bayer Leverkusen saw him playing 402 games and got involved in 31 goals across all competitions in 10 seasons. He won the last 3 major trophies Leverkusen delivered under the now head coach of Real Madrid Xabi Alonso. Below is part of the statement released by Bayern Munich on their website today announcing the arrival of Jonathan Tah: "FC Bayern have completed the signing of Jonathan Tah. The German international, 29, moves to Munich on a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen and has been given a contract until 30 June 2029. The centre-back will wear the number 4 shirt for the German champions." "Hamb...

SUPERSPORT SAFE FROM RELEGATION, CITY GOING TO THE PLAY-OFFS! Supersport United avoided going to the relegation/promotional play-offs after their resumed fixture against Lamontville Golden Arrows at the Lucas Masterpiece Moripe Stadium ended in a 1-1 draw, with all the goals being carried over from the initially abandoned match. Matsatsantsa moved to 14th place, with Cape Town City dropping to 15th via goal difference. City and Supersport both ended the season on 27 points after matchday 28. Arrows will move up one place to 12th, removing Magesi FC. The KZN-based club finished the season on 31 points. Cape Town City will now play in the first-ever relegation/promotional play-offs since the team was formed in 2016. The Western Cape side will play against current Motsepe Foundation Championship sides Orbit College FC and Casric Stars FC in the play-offs. Photo provided by Supersport United Football Club.

FINAL BAFANA SQUAD FOR FRIENDLIES ANNOUNCED: PIRATES WITH 9 PLAYERS! Photo provided by BackpagePix Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has announced his final 23-man squad for the upcoming International friendly matches against Tanzania & Mozambique next month! Kaizer Chiefs trio which consisted of Bruce Bvuma, Yusuf Maart and Mduduzi Shabalala who made the preliminary squad last week got axed for the final squad.  Orlando Pirates dominate the Bafana squad with Sipho Chaine, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Deano Van Rooyen, Thalente Mbatha, Simphiwe Selepe, Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota and Patrick Maswanganyi making the final squad. There isn't a single Mamelodi Sundowns player in the squad as they will be playing the FIFA Club World Cup next month in the United States of America. Below is the full Bafana Bafana squad as compiled by the South African Football Association:

MARTIN ZUBIMENDI DEAL TO ARSENAL AS GOOD AS DONE! Arsenal have apparently won the race to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, as both clubs have agreed on a £51M transfer fee for the 26-year-old Spanish midfielder. Zubimendi has been a target for the English Premier League side since the start of the 2024/25 season but could not be signed in either of the transfer windows of that season. Teams across Europe, including giants like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain, were all reported to be looking to sign Zubimendi. Coach Mikel Arteta will be trying by all means to win the English Premier League title or his first major silverware since taking over as head coach a few seasons ago. Photo provided by IMAGO .

RICHARDS BAY INTERESTED IN FORMER SWALLOWS PLAYERS! Richards Bay FC are reported to be moving towards making their first marquee signings of the 2025/26 season, with them rumored to be closing in on former Moroka Swallows duo Gabadinho Mhango and Lindokuhle Mtshali. The players are out of contract next month, with Mhango leaving Marumo Gallants while Mtshali departs Sekhukhune United. Malawian international Gabadinho Mhango leaves Gallants on a bad note, as it's also reported that he and the Bloemfontein-based club are in a legal battle over owed image rights monies amounting to over R800k. Mtshali and Mhango joined their respective sides (Gallants and Sekhukhune) at the start of the 2024/25 season after Swallows were sold to Gallants but signed one-year contracts each. Richards Bay have already tightened their squad, offering Yanela Mbuthuma, Ntlonelo Bomelo, Thulani Gumede, Wandile Ngema, and Lindokuhle Zikhali contracts that will run until June 2030.

JORDAN HENDERSON JOINING SUNDERLAND IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE! Following their promotion to the English Premier League after spending eight seasons in the EFL Championship, Sunderland AFC are closing in on the signing of their former player Jordan Henderson, who will leave Eredivisie side Ajax Amsterdam, where he just spent six months. Henderson returned to Europe after spending the 2023/24 season and half of the 2024/25 season with Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq, joining on a €14M transfer from Liverpool. The 34-year-old midfielder is a youth product of Sunderland, having been in their ranks from 1998 to 2008, where he broke into the senior team. He spent three seasons as a Sunderland first-team player before Liverpool snatched him on an €18M transfer in 2011. Henderson's three-season tenure at Sunderland's first team saw him make 79 appearances across all competitions, and he could potentially add more stats should he join for a second spell. Photo provided by IMAGO .

PIRATES CONFIRM FIRST TWO DEPARTURES! Orlando Pirates has announced their first two departures before the 2025/26 season commence, just as we at Gatti Sports Report SA reported a few weeks ago that there will be departures. The Buccaneers have announced the departure of club captain Innocent Maela and midfielder Miguel Timm. Maela played his final game last night at the Orlando Stadium, where Pirates were held to a 1-1 draw by Magesi FC in their final Betway Premier League encounter. Rumors suggest that Maela will be offered a new job within the club's structures, but the Soweto giants remain mum regarding Maela's apparent position. Considering Maela's age of 32, he can still complete a move in the Betway Premier League and continue playing. Timm has been rumored to be on the radar of Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants, who could sign him on a free transfer. Photo provided by Orlando Pirates Football Club.

YAMAL EXTENDS HIS BARCA CONTRACT! Barcelona has offered their star winger Lamine Yamal an improved bumper contract extension, which will see him with the Spanish giants until June 2031. The 17-year-old moves from earning €50k per week to now earning €307k per week, making him the club's third highest-earning player. Yamal joined winger Raphinha and his coach Hansi Flick, who were offered contract extensions last week. Flick signed a deal until June 2027, while Raphinha signed a deal until June 2028. Barcelona sees the future with Yamal and has already rejected a €250M bid from French Ligue side Paris Saint-Germain in the recently concluded season. A big season lies ahead for Barca and Yamal as they look to win the UEFA Champions League after being knocked out in the semifinals. Apart from being eliminated from the Champions League, Barca had a great season, winning a treble (Spanish LaLiga, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup). Photo provided by FC Barcelona .

PIRATES AND MAGESI CLOSE OFF THE SEASON WITH A STALEMATE! Orlando Pirates and Magesi FC finished their Betway Premier League season with a stalemate after their match day 28 registered a 1-1 scoreline earlier today at the Orlando Stadium. Former Supersport United midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi scored for Pirates, while former Kaizer Chiefs striker Edmore Chirambandare scored for Magesi. Pirates will end the season in second place with 61 points after match day 28, while Magesi ends the season in 12th place with 31 points after match day 28. The last match of the Betway Premier League season will be tomorrow, with Supersport United hosting Lamontville Golden Arrows at the Lucas Masterpiece Moripe Stadium at 12:00 PM to resume their fixture that was abandoned a few months ago. The results of tomorrow's encounter will determine who will go to the relegation/promotional play-offs between Supersport and Cape Town City. Photo provided by Orlando Pirates Football Club.

ANSU FATI MOVING TO LIGUE 1! Ansu Fati will be given another shot at reviving his career, with French Ligue side AS Monaco looking to sign him on loan next season. The loan deal will include an option to make the transfer a permanent one should a €20M fee be paid by Monaco at the end of next season. The 22-year-old has fallen back in the pecking order as the right wing is now owned by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, whose performance cannot be overlooked. The iconic number 10 jersey that was passed on from Lionel Messi to Fati might also be handed to the club's current star player, Yamal, according to rumors. Fati spent the 2023/24 season in the English Premier League with Brighton and Hove Albion, where he had a less productive season, playing 27 games, scoring 4 goals, and providing 1 assist.

MONACO WANTS DE GEA, BUT FIORENTINA WANTS TO OFFER HIM A NEW DEAL! Former Spanish international goalkeeper David de Gea was deemed a blacklisted goalkeeper after spending the whole of the 2023/24 season without a club, with Manchester United deciding against renewing his contract. De Gea spent 12 years at United, who bought him from Atletico Madrid. He represented United in 545 games, keeping 190 clean sheets across all competitions. Italian Serie A club ACF Fiorentina gave the 34-year-old de Gea a second chance, offering him a 1-year contract with another 1-year option when the 2024/25 season commenced. The Spaniard has gone on to make 42 appearances across all competitions, reached the semifinals of the UEFA Europa Conference League, and finished 6th in Serie A, making the cut for the Conference League again. French Ligue 1 side AS Monaco has now shown interest in De Gea, looking to sign him next season. Fiorentina, on the other hand, is looking to offer De Gea a new, longer contra...

PAUL MITCHELL DEPARTS NEWCASTLE UNITED! Newcastle United have made boardroom changes parting ways with their Sporting Director Paul Mitchell. Mitchell joined the club at the start of the 2024/25 season and saw the club win a major trophy in 70 years and secure Champions League football for next season. A statement released by Newcastle United regarding the departure of Mitchell reads as follows: "Newcastle United can announce that Sporting Director, Paul Mitchell, will leave the club by mutual consent at the end of June 2025." "During Paul's tenure as Sporting Director, the club won its first major domestic trophy in 70 years by lifting the Carabao Cup in March 2025." "Paul leaves with the club's best wishes and the Board would like to express its sincere thanks to him for his professionalism and diligent service." Photo provided by Chronicle Live .

AFCON U-20 WINNER OFFERED FIRST TEAM CONTRACT BY STELLIES! Stellenbosch FC have promoted striker Faiz Abrahams from the club's DSTV Diski Challenge side to the first team following his stellar season in the reserve league and the AFCON under-20 tournament triumph this month. Stellies also gave another player in midfielder Vuyolwethu Andrias a promotion from the DSTV Diski Challenge side to the first team. Both players who are just 20 years old and will have a chance to play with the best players in the Betway Premier League starting from next season. Stellenbosch FC's statement regarding the promotion of Abrahams is as follows: "Stellenbosch Football Club is pleased to announce that South Africa U-20 international Faiz Abrahams has graduated from the club’s Diski programme to sign a professional contract." "The 20-year-old attacker, hailing from Valhalla Park, Cape Town, made his senior debut for Stellies against Kaizer Chiefs in February and was one of the...

GEORGE MATLOU SHOWN THE DOOR BY CHIEFS! Kaizer Chiefs will allow former Moroka Swallows midfielder George Matlou to leave as his deal expiring next month won't be renewed, IDiskiTimes reported. The 26-year-old midfielder struggled to make an impact since joining Chiefs from Moroka Swallows in 2022, with injuries also playing a role in his tenure at Amakhosi. Despite helping the Soweto giants end their trophy drought by beating their arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final this month, Matlou will be let go by Chiefs. In three full seasons, Matlou played 40 games with just 3 assists across all competitions for Amakhosi. Photo provided by BackpagePix .

RICHARDS BAY FC OFFER FIVE PLAYERS NEW CONTRACTS! Richards Bay FC has made bold moves ahead of the new season securing their most valued players with improved long-term contract.  The KZN based side has offered Yanela Mbuthuma, Ntlonelo Bomelo, Thulani Gumede, Wandile Ngema and Lindokuhle Zikhali with contracts that will run until June 2030.  Having saved the club from relegation, The Natal Rich Boys also managed to sneak into the top 8 for the MTN8 tournament next season. Below is the statement released by Richards Bay FC today announcing the players contract extensions:

SUNDOWNS BAGS CARLING BLACK LABEL AS  THEIR CLUB WORLD CUP SPONSOR! Mamelodi Sundowns has bagged Carling Black Label as their new sponsor ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup which will commence next month in the United States of America. The Black Label sponsor became the fourth sponsorship Sundowns secured this season having already partnered with Huawei, Biogen and Cherry. Taking the news to their social media platforms earlier on today, Masandawana released a statement and it's written as follows: "Carling Black Label, Africa’s Champion Beer, has officially been named the South African beer sponsor of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. As the only club from Southern Africa to qualify for this newly expanded 32-team global tournament, Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club will carry the hopes of millions — backed by a beer brand that has long stood for football excellence and national pride. In true Carling fashion, the brand is now inviting fans to join the journey through its much-a...

MANCHESTER UNITED REVERSE THEIR DECISION OF SACKING GOALKEEPER! Manchester United are set to reverse the decision of parting ways with goalkeeper Tom Heaton with his contract ending next month. According to Fabrizio Romano, Heaton will be offered a 1 year contract extension. Heaton rejoined United in 2021 on a free transfer after parting was with Aston Villa. The shot stopper was first with the Red Devils from 2004 completing loan moves to Swindon Town in 2005, Royal Antwerp in 2006, Cardiff City in 2008, Queens Park Rangers and Rochdale in 2009, Wycombe Wanderers in 2010 before returning to Cardiff City on a permanent transfer before the 2010/11 season commenced. He completed a move to Bristol City in 2012 on a free transfer then another free transfer to Burnley in 2013 before his €8.8M transfer to Aston Villa in 2019. Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof have already waved goodbyes to the club's supporters on Sunday at Old Trafford where they won 2-0 against Aston Villa. Un...

AMAJITA KEEPER SIGNS NEW CONTRACT IN PORTUGAL! Estoril Praia Futebol SAD has rewarded South African under-20 Africa Cup of Nations tournament winner Fletcher Lowe with a new contract. Lowe kept four clean sheets in the recently concluded under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, where he also scooped the goalkeeper of the tournament award. Given that the 18-year-old goalkeeper has attracted interest from teams across the world, Fletcher Lowe was offered a three-season contract unt June 2028 by Estoril. Several teams, including the mighty Kaizer Chiefs, are among those in the Betway Premier League due to their shaky goalkeeping department. Since the season started, Chiefs have used Fiacre Ntwari, Bruce Bvuma, and Brandon Peterson, with none being consistent. Photo provided by Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations .

LINDOKUHLE MBATHA LEAVING TS GALAXY! TS Galaxy are set to part ways with their veteran midfielder Lindokuhle Mbatha as his contract is expiring next month, according to iDiskiTimes . The 39-year-old player is one of the athletes who transitioned from Highlands Park to Galaxy when Tim Sukazi forked out R60M to purchase the top-flight status in 2020. Mbatha played 116 matches, scoring 6 goals and providing 11 assists across all competitions for Galaxy since making his debut. His overall stats for all the clubs he played for, including Highlands Park, Platinum Stars, Mpumalanga Black Aces, and Mamelodi Sundowns, show him standing at 309 appearances, 16 goals, and 34 assists across all competitions. Will Mbatha hang up his boots after leaving Galaxy, or will he still want to continue playing? Photo provided by TS Galaxy .

ARROWS AND MATSATSANTSA RESUME FIXTURE ALLOCATED A NEW DATE! Lamontville Golden Arrows and Supersport United have been allocated a new date by the Premier Soccer League to resume their fixture that was abandoned in the previous months. The fixture will be resumed this coming Thursday at the Lucas Masterpiece Moripe Stadium with the same 1-1 scoreline and the time that remained from the abandoned fixture set to also be resumed. The kick-off time will be at 12h00 pm. Arrows are hoping to thrash United by 5 goals or more to qualify for the top 8, while the Pretoria-based club is hoping to avoid going to the relegation/promotional play-off. Supersport United are currently in 15th position with 26 points going into the last match, and a point less than 14th place Cape Town City. Arrows are in 12th place with 30 points after match day 27. Will Supersport avoid the relegation/promotional play-offs, or will they have their pre-season delayed? Will Arrows qualify for the MTN8 or not? Photo prov...

ANOTHER SUNDOWNS KEY PLAYER SET FOR CONTRACT EXTENSION! Following the contract extension of one of their longest-serving players, Themba Zwane, Mamelodi Sundowns are looking to offer former Lamontville Golden Arrows defender Devine Lunga a new deal, with his contract ending next month. The Zimbabwean international will be rewarded with a one-year extension after his stellar season, as his agent, Mike Makaab, stated that the record-breaking league champions will be exercising the option on his contract. Lunga hasn't played a lot of games for Sundowns, but the 16 games he has played in the 2024/25 season have deemed him a valuable asset for the Tshwane giants as they gear up for the second leg of the CAF Champions League final against Pyramids FC this week and the FIFA Club World Cup next month. Bafana ba style travel to Egypt for the second leg of the CAF Champions League against Pyramids FC which will be played this coming Sunday at the 30 June stadium. The first leg the past Satu...

RUMOURED FIVE SIGNINGS MADE SO FAR BY ORLANDO PIRATES! Orlando Pirates seem to be the busiest club in terms of transfers, according to multiple publications. The Soweto giants are rumoured to be close to parting ways with players like Goodman Mosele, Innocent Maela, Miguel Timm, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, and Siphelo Baloni. With the aforementioned players set to leave the club, there will be a few voids left to fill. It has been rumoured that the club has completed the signing of Masindi Nemtanjela from Marumo Gallants, Nkosikhona Ndaba from Richards Bay FC, Sihle Nduli on a free transfer from Stellenbosch FC, and Baroka FC duo Tshepo Mashiloane and Kabelo Kgositsile. The Buccaneers are also in search of a new head coach since Jose Reveiro left the club a week ago for a coaching gig at Egyptian Premier League side Al-Ahly. Names such as Rhulani Mokwena, Mangqoba Mnqithi, Pitso Mosimane, Benni McCarthy, and Fadlu Davids have all been thrown into the mix as potential replacements for Jose...

THABO SEPTEMBER PACKING HIS BAGS AT CHIPPA UNITED! Chippa United will have to shop around for a new coach as it has been reported by iDiskiTimes that the Eastern Cape side's head coach Thabo September will leave the club as his contract is expiring next month. September was going to be demoted to the club's DSTV Diski Challenge side after failing to qualify for the MTN8, but the former Supersport United captain declined the offer. The Chilli Boys finished 11th with 31 points after match day 28. September had taken the reins since December last year while being assisted by former Amazulu and Lamontville Golden Arrows coach Mabhuti Khanyeza. Morgan Mammila returned earlier this year as the club's first technical director. iDiskiTimes suggests that Khanyeza might take the reins as the club's new head coach in the upcoming season, with Mammila being his assistant. Photo provided by Kick-Off

NAPOLI TABLES AN OFFER FOR KDB! Newly crowned Italian Serie-A champions Napoli have tabled an offer for Kevin De Bruyne, who played his final game for English Premier League side Manchester City yesterday, where they won 2-0 against Fulham to seal Champions League football. The reported offer submitted by Napoli is set at €6M per season for the first two seasons, then €5M in the final season, as the Italian Serie-A side is offering a three-year deal. A €10M signing-on fee is also in the mix. That will be a huge pay cut from his Manchester City package, where they offered him £16.8M per season. Napoli aren't the only side looking to sign the Belgian national team captain; Como 1907, Juventus, Chicago Fire, and Al-Nassr are some of the clubs interested in De Bruyne. De Bruyne leaves the Citizens after spending ten seasons winning six English Premier League titles, five Carabao Cup titles, three FA Community Shield titles, two FA Cup titles, one Champions League title, and one FIFA Cl...

ERIK TEN HAG SET TO BE UNVEILED AS NEW HEAD COACH OF BUNDESLIGA CLUB! It seems former Manchester United coach Erik Ten Hag won't be going back to Ajax Amsterdam, with Bayer Leverkusen reported to have won the race to have him as their new gaffer. Leverkusen are without a head coach as Xabi Alonso moved to Real Madrid, replacing Carlo Ancelotti. Ajax also find themselves without a coach, as their coach Francesco Farioli resigned last Monday after losing the Eredivisie title in the final match of the season to PSV Eindhoven. Ten Hag has been without a club since October last year, when Manchester United showed him the exit due to poor results. Ruud van Nistelrooy, who took over from him on an interim basis, also departed United, making way for Ruben Amorim, who faced tough challenges, finishing in 16th place in the Premier League. It's only a matter of time until Leverkusen unveil Ten Hag, with the deal wrapped up, according to Fabrizio Romano. Photo provided by Motociciismo .