Algerian champions Mouloudia Club d’Alger have roped in South African mentor Rulani Mokwena as their new head coach. The 38-year-old had been biding his time for a new job since leaving Moroccan club Wydad Casablanca a couple of months ago. While waiting for the “right project,” Mokwena reportedly turned down offers from Saudi Arabia’s second-tier club Al Jandal, as well as Al Shahaniya, who play in the Qatari Stars League. MC Alger, however, have succeeded in their pursuit of Mokwena,…

English side Chelsea has been crowned the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup champions after their emphatic 3-0 win against Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday. Chelsea came in as the underdogs at the MetLife Stadium, United States of America (USA). But there was nothing in their performance, especially in the opening half, that they weren’t the favourites. Cole Palmer scored twice in an eight-minute spell in the opening half and then played through Joao Pedro just before the break to set up…

Orlando Pirates winger Mohau Nkota is set for a big money move to the Saudi Pro League. The Buccaneers have confirmed the 20-year-old is on his way to Al Ettifaq, a club based in Dammam, a city in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Nkota, who hails from Kimberly in the Northern Cape, came through the Pirates DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) team. “Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm that an agreement has been reached for the permanent transfer of Mohau…

Mbabane Highlanders have officially introduced Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize as the club’s new leader. On Saturday, one of Eswatini’s biggest club held a media briefing in Manzini—a half-hour drive from the capital, Mbabane—and Mkhize took to the podium to share her vision for the club. “We will bring elevation; we will bring change. Understandably so, change comes with problems, ngoba (because) it’s not everybody who adapts very easily to change,” said Mkhize, whose club, Royal AM, has been expelled by South…

The Springboks scored seven spectacular tries in a 45-0 victory over Italy at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday. It is a performance that bodes well for the remainder of the season which will leave coach Rassie Erasmus much happier than last week in Pretoria, and gave Willie le Roux the perfect way to celebrate his 100th Test cap. The Boks scored four unanswered tries in the first half of their Castle Lager Incoming Series Test in Gqeberha for…

FIFA boss Gianni Infantino appeared to be responding to the critics of the Club World Cup when addressing the media ahead of Sunday’s final between Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea. The Club World Cup has had its fair share of critics, particularly that it is “extra work” for players when they would have done with a “much-needed break” after a grueling season. Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp went as far as labeling it a “pointless competition” that serves no purpose to…

The South African Football Association (SAFA) is once again putting out fires amid claims of financial mismanagement. SAFA’s latest fightback stems from a Friday report by the Mail & Guardian, detailing SAFA’s financial troubles over the years under the leadership of Danny Jordaan, who has been president of local football’s governing body since 2013. In the report, it’s stated, amongst other things, that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has withdrawn three theft charges against Jordaan and chief financial officer Grony…

Banyana Banyana delivered a disappointing performance against Tanzania on Friday night in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) clash at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco, but head coach Dr Desiree Ellis has come to the team’s defence. The defending champions, placed second in CAF rankings, were expected to brush aside 23rd-ranked Tanzania, but the East Africans were first on the scoresheet, and Banyana Banyana could only manage a 1-1 draw in the end. Center-back Bambanani Mbane came to…

Monnapule Saleng’s move from Orlando Pirates to Orbit College this week came as a surprise to football fans across the country. Considering the stark differences between the two clubs, it was certainly unexpected. Orbit College is new to the top flight of South African football, while Pirates need no introduction as one of the big three teams in the country. The reality, however, is that Saleng played just 13 games last season given there was a “matter involving significant issues…

Ghanaian footballer Mohammed Kudus has rewritten the history books with his move to Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur. Kudus, 24, arrives at White Hart Lane on the back of a two-year spell at West Ham United. He has penned a six-year deal, subject to a work permit. Officially, the attacking midfielder is now Ghana’s most expensive transfer ever. Spurs will cough up £55 million (R1.3 billion) for his services. Thomas Partey comes in second with the £50 million (R1.2 billion)…