Transfers: McCarthy inspired to become one of the world’s greatest coaches

The former Bafana Bafana striker recently spent some time in England, working on his UEFA Pro License and got chance to be immersed in Manchester City’s football rhythms and culture - first hand. He would have loved to “witness Pep’s ingenuity at work” in one of the training sessions but the opportunity to attend the Under-21s session was good enough to inspire him to validate his dreams.

"How can it not inspire you because you see what you are working towards?" he added. "The end game is to be in charge of such a massive club as Man City one day, or hopefully grow [Cape Town City] to be as big." - Benni McCarthy

Benni is currently enjoying his debutant season as head coach of Cape Town City. He has already reached one cup final and is hoping that his boys will get the better of inform Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates to progress in South Africa’s Nedbank cup tournament.

At home: PSG boss fined in Egypt

Nasser Al-Khelaifi, in his capacity as President of BeIN Sports, has been fined €18 million for violating a competition act in the North African country. Reports suggest that the PSG chairman and CEO’s BeIN sports was found guilty of forcing subscribers to replace a domestic satellite operator, Nilesat with a Qatari one to continue enjoying their viewing.

The Qatari businessman has had to deal with a lot recently, as PSG works to stay afloat of UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations which came under scrutiny when they acquired Neymar’s services from Barcelona for a transfer record fee of (USD) $263 million. He is also a subject of the FIFA corruption investigation regarding the 2026 and 2030 world cup television rights.

Abroad: Inter Milan chase Ghanaian midfielder, Kwadwo Asamoah

The 29-year-old’s contract will come to a close as at the end of the season and a host of Italian football giants have not been shy to honeypot him to their clubs. Inter Milan is reported to be offering the Ghanaian international, €3 million to draw him away from the Old Lady. Galatasaray and Napoli are understood to be also vying for the veteran midfielder. Kwadwo joined the Italian side, Juventus in 2012 and has won the five Serie A titles with the club.

Abroad: The Batman, Aubameyang is in predatory mode

The Arsenal forward is hungry to play more games and score more goals for his new club. The UEFA cup-tied rule that impedes him to participate in the Gunners’ Europa League campaign because he played champions league football for Borussia Dortmund, is a cause for frustration for the Gabonese international. He is having a relatively strong start to life in London, scoring 3 goals in 5 matches for the club and more than eager to add to his tally.

"I am really frustrated because the rules are a bit... I don't know how to say in English but I am disappointed because I can't help my team," Aubameyang told British media.

Pierre will be watching from the stands on Thursday as Arsenal face AC Milan in a second leg match of the Europa League round of 16.

Transfers: Mohamed Salah’s transfer value rises to €162.8 million euros

If any club wishes to buy the Egyptian’s services from Liverpool, they will probably have to part ways with a handsome €162.8 million (£144.3m). The Merseyside club won Salah’s signature for just £34m in the summer and has seen his value skyrocket as a result of his blistering form for the Reds, scoring 33 goals in 42 appearances in all competitions. According to CIES rankings, Salah’s market value has risen the most ahead of all professional footballers in Europe’s top five leagues, who have not changed their club or extended their contracts in the last six months.

Domestic League: Egypt’s Al Ahly has become on the most successful clubs in the world

Last year’s CAF champions league finalists have wrapped a fantastic season in style by winning the Egyptian league title with six weeks to spare. The red devils have now 40 league titles since the club’s inception in 1907 and have their eyes set on bagging the Egyptian cup and reclaiming the champions league title from Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca. They may not be as wealthy as some global clubs, but this landmark win resembles a well-managed club which knows how to appease their fans. The leading club in England, the Red Devils of Manchester United, have won the EPL title 13 times which is only a third of the North African Red devils, perhaps the real red devils. Well, you just have to give credit where credit is due.

Russia 2018: Nigeria Goes For Gold

Nigeria’s head coach, Gernot Rohr has mentioned that the Super Eagles have their eyes set on winning the world cup title come June 2018 in Russia. No African team has ever won the cup nor has any team ever made it to the semi-finals in world cup history. However, when the FIFA World Cup Trophy arrived in Lagos for the tour, the German was bold to send a statement to the other 31 finalists.

“Every team going to the World Cup in Russia has a dream of winning it, but to be realistic, we believe in our dream and we are working so hard to achieve it." - Gernot Rohr

February Awards: Victor Wanyama and Jordan Ayew Star

Kenyan international, Victor Wanyama’s goal grabbed the Premier League goal of the month award while Swansea’s Jordan Ayew was named the Welsh club’s player of the month. Wanyama came off the bench, scored a stunner from 40 yards against for Tottenham Hotspur and helped the North Londoners force a draw against Liverpool at Anfield. It was also the night of great goals, in which Salah mesmerized on-lookers by getting the better of two Spurs defenders and finishing off in emphatic style.

"The ball was bouncing and I didn’t want to think too much so I just let it fly. It was a good goal and I’m happy to win Goal of the Month.” - Victor Wanyama

Though he was red-carded this weekend for a rash challenge on Huddersfield man, Jordan Ayew is enjoying glory days at Swansea. He has been phenomenal in their recent revival, raising the club’s EPL survival hopes and progressing in the English FA Cup. It’s only fair to give him such an accolade. We might actually enjoy more of the Ayew brothers as Jordan was recently united with his brother Andre at the Swans.

Internationals: Didier Drogba closing up his football career

The Ivorian footballing legend has announced that he will hang up his boots at the end of the season. Didier celebrated his 40th birthday on Sunday and has admitted that it is time out. Arizona State’s Phoenix Rising will be his last stop after an illustrious career that saw him help Chelsea to their first UEFA Champions League success and win many titles in different colors across different regions of the world in countries such as China, USA, France, Turkey, and France. Drogba is also relishing the prospect of joining hands with American businessman, Frank McCourt to take Olympique Marseille to the next level though, nothing is set in stone. Furthermore, his eldest son, Isaac joined French Ligue 1 side Guingamp in February and presents a lucrative prospect for keeping the Drogba torch alight.

Internationals: Choupo-Moting and Kameni in Cameroon’s squad for Kuwait friendly

Stoke City forward, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Fenerbahce’s goalkeeper, Carlos Kameni are among the 23 man squad of familiar faces that have been called up by caretaker coach, Alexandre Belinga. Choupo-Moting previously refused to honor the call to represent the Indomitable Lions at the AFCON finals in Gabon 2017 after announcing retirement from international football. The duo will join the likes of Porto’s Vincent Aboubakar and captain Benjamin Moukandjo for the Kuwait friendly on the 25th of  March, which is a step towards preparation for the AFCON 2019 qualifiers against Malawi, Comoros and Morocco though they have automatically qualified by the virtue of being hosts. On the other hand, Liverpool defender, Joel Matip remains defiant on rejoining Cameroon after snubbing them in last year’s finals.

At Home: Itumeleng Khune

The South African veteran goalkeeper has described his trade as similar to wine, good wine. At 30 years of age, he has already appeared 300 times for Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs and is a certainty on the Bafana Bafana team sheet. Khune has become an influential figure in the South African football, well known for his vocal abilities in goal, out of this world shot stops and seamless ball distribution. The South African nation will are definitely delighted to know that he still has a few more years of service and will just get better. This is what he had to say to the Amakhosi (Kaizer Chiefs) website:

"With age, my body strength is slowly regressing, but I am able to read situations much faster and, as a result, close down situations before they become dangerous.

Goalkeeping is like good wine, the older the better. I am still hungry for more success and want to win more trophies,"

EPL Roundup Matchday 30

Gabonese striker, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang continues to lead the charge in the revitalised Arsenal side which had been lacking confidence recently. He scored away against Brighton in the Gunners’ 2-1 loss and added to his tally yesterday in emphatic style. The Batman, quickly latched on to Mkhitaryan’s silky pass and rounded the goalkeeper before finding the back of the net, capping off with an acrobatic celebration. He later on assisted the Armenian for Arsenal’s third goal. Elsewhere, Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez did what he does best for Leicester - assist and score goals. The Manchester City transfer saga seems to be behind him now. Riyad and Nigeria’s Kelechi Iheanacho, who scored his first EPL goal for the Foxes, were both on the scoresheet as Leicester embarrassed bottom of the table West Bromwich Albion, 4-1. Serge Aurier also grabbed a goal in Tottenham’s 4-1 win over Bournemouth together fellow Ivorian, Eric Bailly who returned to Man United’s starting line up. Bailly stopped Salah from scoring a goal for the first time in eight starts for Liverpool but couldn’t help but finish off Sadio Mane’s cross into his own net.

Is China becoming a Dream Destination for African Footballers?

The Chinese Super League has become notorious for snatching big name players under the very noses of the most established clubs. What does this all mean? Are witnessing a revolution in professional football? Should we start picking our favorite teams in the CSL and wear their t-shirts? Honestly, why China? Let us see how my mind tries to answer this question in the next few lines.

A fortnight ago, Cedric Bakambu became the most expensive African player in history after completing his move to Beijing Guaon from the La Liga’s yellow submarine, Villarreal. The Chinese side forked out 65 million pounds eclipsing the 35 million pounds that Liverpool paid for Mohamed Salah or what they might pay for Naby Keita in the summer. The DRC forward is not the typical, aging player wrapping up his career in Asia, he is well in his prime at the age of 26. Even though he had attracted interest from a host of other European giants after rubbing shoulders with Lionel Messi in the scoring charts, he opted for the Chinese club. It is not only Cedric, there are many more.

In the same period, we also witnessed Cameroonian captain, Benjamin Moukandjo switching one CSL club for another and Ghanaian Richmond Boakye joining Coach Fabio Capello at Jiangsu Suning. Honestly, it is mainly because these Chinese sides have become the highest bidders in their spending spree to attract big names to boost the support for the local game. The Nigerian international, Odion Ighalo shared in an interview with Sky Sports that EPL side Watford released him to Changchun Yatai F.C because they were prepared to pay more. Even, the Belgium midfielder, Alex Witsel at 20 years of age, turned down Juventus for Tianjin Quanjian revealing that the Chinese side presented a more lucrative offer for his family.

Other African players who switched to China include Ivory Coast captain, Gervinho, Demba Ba, Asamoah Gyan, Didier Drogba, Stephane Mbia, Nigeria’s John Obi Mikel, Barcelona’s Seydou Keita, Obafemi Martins only to mention but a few. These players have also mingled with talent from other regions in the form of the Brazilian Oscar who moved from Chelsea to Shanghai SIPG, Hulk, Carlos Tevez, Ramires, Yannick Carrasco, Alexandre Pato and most recently Javier Mascherano who left Barcelona. These big money captures by Chinese clubs have undoubtedly justified the means by giving the league an image and its competitiveness will only increase.

The recent capture of Bakambu and the big money sell of Paulinho to Barcelona in the summer, who has been phenomenal for the Catalans by the way, continue to provide more evidence that the CSL can outbid any club and most importantly produce world-class players. More so because of the influence of great managers like Manuel Pellegrini, Fabio Capello and Fabio Cannavaro. The CSL may as well have become the top destination for any African player because of the prospects cash influx and career growth without being overshadowed by the likes of Messi and Ronaldo.

CSL runs from March to November every year and limits the number of foreign players to five per team, including a player from the Asian Football Confederation countries. We might all need to consider learning how to pronounce the CSL’s team names. They are here to stay.

Race For EPL Top Goalscorer

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool is on par with Harry Kane as the English Premier League top goal scorer with 24 already to his name this season. The Egyptian winger is the talk of the moment and was interviewed by former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher on Friday. The player reflected on the fact that he has managed to score against all the other top 6 teams except for Manchester United and he feels he still has some unfinished business. He recalls the missed chances in the game played at Anfield and has been studying De Gea’s weaknesses because he is planning on scoring past the goalkeeper who is in the form of his career as well. The player says he looks for a goal in each game and wants to continue with his impressive form and go on to win the golden boot ahead of the best strikers in England. Do you think the Egyptian has what it takes to outscore Harry Kane, Sergio Aguero and the rest? Drop your comments below.

Domestic Leagues: WWE star meets with Amabhakabhaka (Orlando Pirates)

It has been a great week for the Soweto giants. Apart from winning bragging rights in the derby over the weekend against bitter rivals, Kaizer Chiefs and participating in the #noexcuse campaign against gender based violence, they got to chill with Titus O’Neil in South Africa. The WWE wrestler, commonly associated with the brand name, Titus Worldwide in the WWE, got to share some lessons with the Buccaneers. The play together and pray together!

Abroad: Cameroon’s Gaetan Bong claims involved in a racial abuse case

Gaetan bong claimed that West Brom’s Jay Rodriguez racially abused him when his Brighton & Hove Albion visited the Baggies at the Hawthorns on 13 January, 2018. The English striker seemed to have pinched his nose when the two clashed and afterwards Bong approached the referee. Rodriguez still remains defiant on his stance on the allegation and had until today to respond to the Football Association, which would make a decision to hand him a five-match suspension, if he is to be found guilty. Jay has already hired top lawyers to represent his case and we are monitoring the development of the case.

Russia 2018: Former Nigerian coach believes Rohr should have included more local based players in his squad

Gernot Rohr’s decision to include two Nigerian Professional Football League players in his 28 man squad for the upcoming friendlies against Serbia and Poland did not  sit in well with former coach, Austin Eguavoen. Eguavoen believes that the Nigerian coach could have reaped more from the players who reached the final of  2018 African Nations Championship, eventually losing to hosts Morocco.

"I saw the list and it's a good one," he told Complete Sports Nigeria, "but I think there should be more players from the league in his squad."

Players who ply their trade abroad are usually preferred in terms of representing African countries in major tournaments. One of the popular arguments against such decisions, is that team chemistry and passion may be compromised.

UEFA Takes No Action Against Racism Claim

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) is the administrative body for association football in the European continent. They highlight the fight against racism and all forms of discrimination in football stadiums in all competitions. Liverpool’s young striker Rhian Brewster believes that racists will take encouragement after UEFA failed to take any action against his claims of racial abuse. The England U17 player claims that he was racially abused in the match against Spartak Moscow, a Russian team that has been involved in several alleged racist incidents in recent years. UEFA could not take any action because they could not find conclusive evidence after investigating the allegations. This is an important issue that needs to be addressed because racism is a toxic disease that should be dealt away with. All people of any race are equal and they sacrifice a lot to make the game of football better. Respect should be given to all.