Egypt: Could Salah bankrupt Vodafone Egypt?

The man of the moment, Mohamed will possibly make the mobile telecoms giant regret riding on the Salah wave. They have recently released a memorable advert announcing that every time the Liverpool speedster scores a goal, Vodafone subscribers will get 11 extra minutes of free airtime/credit.

On a scale of 10-10, how confident are you of the EPL leading goal scorer bankrupting Vodafone?

International break: Four nations tournament in the spotlight, Nigeria-Poland friendly sold out

All eyes on Zambia’s Levy Mwanawasa stadium from 22-25 March as Zimbabwe and Angola will battle for a place in the final against Zambia or South Africa in a mini-tournament pitting the Southern African top teams. The losing teams will have to play for a third-place finish. All coaches have picked relatively strong and youthful squads for the friendly tournament as they prepare for AFCON qualifiers in September.

Elsewhere, all the 42 000 matches for the match featuring Nigerian and Wroclaw in Poland, have been sold out. The two teams will clash on Friday, 23rd of March and the fans are expected to be in full voice cheering their world cup bound heroes.

Kenya: Tough times ahead for KFF

The Harambee stars recently released their head coach, Paul Put, three months in his contract over possible challenges in meeting his salary. This came after the government’s decision to increase the tax on gaming revenues which saw SportPesa withdrawing their sponsorship of the Kenyan Football Federation (FKF) in January. Now, the country’s two CAF approved stadiums which are currently under renovations might not be ready for the FIFA World Cup and AFCON qualifiers in September as a result of extended politics, short rains, and payment delays. To add insult to injury, China-based, Ayub Timbe will likely miss the Morocco friendly after arriving late in Marrakech and Maritzburg United’s Brian Mandela is a doubt after picking an injury in PSL action in South Africa.

Perhaps the possible matchup of Tottenham’s Victor Wanyama and his returning elder brother, McDonald Mariga will be the silver lining in Kenya’s dark clouds.

Future Champions Tournament: Pirates defeated, Wits triumphant and Sundows held

The much anticipated under-17s football tournament hosted by South Africa kicked off in Soweto and has been nothing short of fireworks. Most notably, local favorites Orlando Pirates succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Russia side, FC Spartak in a breathtaking encounter while Mamelodi fought hard to earn a 1-1 draw against Netherlands’ ADO Den Haag. The Clever Boys, Bidvest Wits, recorded a comfortable 2-0 win over Spain’s RCD Espanyol to move to the top of Group D. Zambian side Nkana FC were also winners on the day, inflicting a second defeat on Jomo Cosmos.

The 12-team Future Champions Gauteng International tournament is celebrating 10 years of giving top junior players a chance to share the pitch and learn from each other. Past winners’ include Spain’s Atletico Madrid, Brazil’s Atletico Mineiro, Shandong Luneng from China amongst many others.

Legends: Returning Yaya Toure misses training and Demba Ba eyes Senegal return

Just a few hours after the announcement of Yaya Toure’s return to the ailing Elephants’ national team, the midfielder did not show up for training in France ahead of the Togo and Moldova friendlies. The football motherbody in Ivory Coast (FIF) confirmed that they were in the dark over Toure’s whereabouts. The four-time African player of the year recently came out of retirement on the backdrop of falling out of favor at Manchester City to join an Ivory Coast team who missed on going to world cup finals in Russia 2018 and failed to reach the knockout stages of last year’s AFCON finals in Gabon.

Meanwhile, the Turkish based striker, Demba Ba has revealed his hope in receiving a call to join the Senegalese camp for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. The 32-year-old has been in fine form, scoring 5 times in 7 matches for Goztepe and believes his experience can be an asset for the Lions of Teranga in June. The former Newcastle and Chelsea striker last played an international match in 2015.

Central African Republic: Coach describes football as the country’s bearer of good news

The Wild Beasts’ boss, Raoul Savoy has expressed delight over his team’s ability to bring people together in the country. CAR has been hit with religious and ethnic conflicts since 2013 claiming thousands of lives. At times, football matches had to be postponed or played in other countries because of the unrest.

““The national team are unifying the country. When the Wild Beasts play, people think of something else. If we have good results, then we bring positive news.”- Savoy told BBC”

— http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/43473972

CAR is currently going through an internationally supervised transition and the games will be played in the Capital Bangui, once again. The Wild Beasts will play a friendly with the Scorpions of Gambia on 23 March in preparation for the resumption of the 2019 AFCON qualifiers where they were pitted in the same group with Guinea, Ivory Coast and Rwanda. A group they currently lead.

Zimbabwe: Mighty Warriors put their game face on

The Southern African country’s first team has commenced preparations ahead of the Africa Women Cup of Nations in the capital, Harare. Team manager, Charity Munemo is delighted with players’ swift turn up for training. Only a handful players are still expected to join the Mighty Warriors camp, including star striker, Rutendo “Madzimai” Makore who is plying her trade at Spanish side, Sporting de Huelva.

"So far we have 27 players in camp and I can say the turnout was very good. It's quite impressive because sometimes we start camp without most of the players but this time around we had most of them on the first day.” - Charity Munemo

Coach, Sithethelelwe Sibanda otherwise known as “Kwinji15” for her heroics on the pitch has maintained the squad that won silver at last September’s COSAFA championships.

The Mighty warriors will have to overcome a tricky Namibia on April 5 and 8 in their first-round encounter to face either Tanzania or Zambia.

COSAFA Cup: Botswana steps down, South Africa steps up

Botswana has receded their right to host the 18th edition of the Council of Southern African Football Associations tournament. According to Botswana Football Association CEO, Mfolo Mfolo, South Africa who were last year’s hosts will come to the rescue.

"South Africa has provisionally agreed to step in and host the COSAFA cup and we are grateful for that," Mfolo told the media.

The COSAFA cup is for national team players based in their respective domestic leagues. Sixteen nations participant in the tournament and the Warriors of Zimbabwe is the most successful team with a record five titles, followed by Zambia with four.

CAF Club Competitions: Zamalek knocked out by debutants, Sundowns and Raja Casablanca advance

Five-time African champions, Zamalek, bowed out of the CAF confederation cup tournament in courtesy of a shock defeat by Ethiopia’s Welyta Dicha who are making their first appearance in the tournament. Both sides recorded 2-1 victories in their home countries forcing the tie to reach penalty shoot-out where Zamalek lost 4-3 in front of their Egyptian fans. Pressure is mounting on Zamalek to step up after their rivals Al Ahly won the Egyptian League title a week ago, with about six weeks to spare and are well on course to go further in the CAF Champions League.

Elsewhere, Masandawana(Mamelodi Sundowns) had to dig deep to go past a stubborn Rwandan outfit, Rayon Sports FC and reach the group stages of the CAF Champions League. Rayon Sports had held the Brazilians to a 0-0 draw in Rwanda only to lose 2-0 in South Africa this past weekend. There were no major surprises in an encounter between former champions, Raja Casablanca and Mauritania’s Nouadhibou where the former eased into the last 16 (group stages) with an aggregate win of 4-2.

CAF Champions League is the premier club competition on the continent, similar to Europe’s UEFA Champions League whilst CAF Confederation Cup is Africa’s version of the Europa League.

Abroad: Liverpool bound Naby Keita sinks Bayern Munich

Guinean ace, Naby Keita canceled out Sandro Wagner’s open and set up RB Leipzig’s second goal to snap Bayern Munich’s 18 match unbeaten run in the German League. RB Leipzig are in contention for a champions league spot currently sit sixth on the Bundesliga, two points adrift of fourth-placed Eintracht Frankfurt. They will most likely miss Naby next season who will join Klopp’s charges in a £51 million move this July. A possible African connection of Keita, Salah and Mane presents a tantalizing prospect for the Merseyside club and viewers all over the world.

Internationals: Yaya Toure is back again!

The 34-year-old midfielder has returned to international football after three years of absence. Yaya announced retirement in 2015 after captaining the Elephants to their first AFCON title since 1992. He reversed that decision in December 2017 and has now been included in Ivory Coast’s 24 man squad to face Togo and Moldova in friendlies. The midfield maestro has fallen a bit out of favor under Pep Guardiola, featuring in only 13 matches in all competitions for Manchester City, coming on as a substitute on six occasions. The West African nation will be hoping that his return will help change the nation’s fortunes after they failed to reach the knock-out stages of the 2017 Orange Africa Cup of Nations tournament or qualify for this year’s FIFA World Cup finals in Russia. The qualification for the 2019 AFCON tournament is all they have to play for now.

Transfers: Bafana Bafana talisman relishing PSL return from Belgian side, Oostende

South Africa’s acclaimed midfielder, Andile Jali, has revealed that he would be coming back to the local top flight league, ABSA Premiership after his contract with Oostende comes to a close at the end of the season. The 27-year-old midfielder has featured in Oostende’s 24 of their 30 matches this season, not shy to point out that he has enjoyed playing in front of the Belgian crowd. Jali cited the need to spend more time with his family as the major driver pulling him back to Mzansi.

“I have made up my mind, with my family, my wife. I have made up my mind that now is time to come back to my family.” - Andile Jali

He is currently back in South Africa, recovering from a knee injury and reports are suggesting that the former Orlando Pirates man could join Pitso Mosimane’s Mamelodi Sundowns on his return.

Andile Jali went, saw and conquered.

Russia 2018: Nigeria ‘poaches’ German U-21 defender

Apparently, the Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr has been trying for months to convince Hertha Berlin center back, Jordan Torunarigha to join his camp. Jordan’s agent has confirmed that they received such a request from the Nigerian Football Federation(NFF) also advising that the 20-year-old defender will listen to his heart on the matter. Torunarigha has climbed through the ranks of Hertha Berlin academy, featuring for the world champions’ youth teams since 2014. Should he accept the request, the defender will get a chance to wear Nigeria’s colors on the biggest stage of them all at a tender age and perhaps follow after his father, Ojokojo Torunarigha, who won 12 caps for the Super Eagles. Last week, Rohr announced a squad for friendlies that included only two home-based players and did receive a fair share of criticism. Could this mount up the pressure?

FIFA World Cup: Morocco is not joking about the 2026 world cup bid

The Kingdom of Morocco has set the record straight about their 2026 world cup bid, alluding that it’s not just a publicity stunt. The chief executive and his team have expressed their determination towards landing the bid.

"We are not here for a communications stunt - we are here to win," El Amrani told BBC Sport.

Morocco is setting out to be the second African country to host the FIFA World Cup tournament after South Africa 2010. They are not new to bidding processes, having already campaigned to host the tournament on four occasions. This time, they will have to outcompete a joint bid by Canada, USA and Mexico and perhaps the public backing by former FIFA boss, Sepp Blatter could help them get this one over the line. The process involves the aspiring country submitting bids which are then reviewed for legitimacy and then the decision left to FIFA’s 207 member associations through a voting process. This year’s 2026 hosts on the 13th of June 2018, in Russia. The 2022 World Cup Finals will be held in Qatar.

Zimbabwe: Hardlife Zvirekwi suffers serious injury to his hand

The Warriors international, Hardlife ‘Nairobi’ Zvirekwi got a scare on his career as a result of a car crash after failing to negotiate a curve. Hardlife popularly known as Nairobi amongst the locals was returning from a friend’s birthday celebration in Harare when the mishap fell on him. The doctors have had to amputate his hand will miss the first half of the 2018 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League competition. The CAPS United captain, led the Makepekepe, “Green Machine,” to their a league title in 2016, also winning the award for the top footballer in Zimbabwe for that year. Prayers for Zvirekwi, we hope you have a speedy recovery.

Internationals: As far as African football is concerned, Tunisia still reign

FIFA’s latest monthly rankings have reviewed that Tunisia still occupies the top spot in men’s football. The Carthage Eagles last cup triumph came in the AFCON 2004 but they have been consistent enough in their performances to keep their place amongst the elite. All of North Africa’s five countries made it to the top 10, except Libya while Southern African countries occupy spots other than the top 10. This year’s five world cup representatives featured in the top seven and Southern Africa. Here is the full list:

African rankings (global position in brackets):

1. Tunisia (23)

2. Senegal (27)

3. DR Congo (39)

4. Morocco (42)

5. Egypt (44)

6. Cameroon (51)

7. Nigeria (52)

8. Ghana (54)

9. Burkina Faso (56)

10. Algeria (60)

South Africa: Cape Town City edge Pirates to reach the Nedbank Cup quarter final

Benni McCarthy’s Blue and Gold Army has once again set the record straight that they belong among the big boys as far as South African football is concerned. Ayanda Patosi’s solitary goal was enough to see off the inform Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates and progress to the last 8. Cape Town City got re-formed in 2016 and we have already seen them win the Telkom Knockout cup, finish as runners’ up in the 2017 MTN 8 cup and now the possibility of another cup is undoubtedly wetting their appetite. Maybe the win was inspired by McCarthy’s return from Pep Guardiola’s camp or purely the ingenuity of Ayanda Patosi, who has now scored winning goals for his team in three consecutive matches. Either way, the Cape Town boys will be happy to await to learn of their opponents in Thursday’s draw featuring, First Division side Ubuntu Cape Town, Free State Stars, Baroka FC, Kaizer Chiefs, Bloemfontein Celtic, Maritzburg United and Mamelodi Sundowns for South Africa’s equivalent of the English FA cup.

Russia 2018: Egypt target Portugal scalp, Lions of Teranga face South Korea

In preparation for the 2018 FIFA World cup finals, the Pharaohs of Egypt will face up against Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal while Aliou Cisse and his lions will battle South Korea. Egypt’s head coach, Hector Cuper is confident that their recent studies on the European champions and the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has prepared them to be unrelenting in expressing themselves in the friendly clash between the two.

“We have studied Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo like we studied Uruguay and its stars Cavani and Suarez. We will see in the game how we will do.

We will try to play well at the World cup and we will try many things against Portugal and Ronaldo.” - Hector Cuper

The former Inter Milan coach also added the Egyptian Football Association is untiringly working with the team to ensure that players’ world cup preparations will not be adversely affected by Islam’s holy month of fasting in May (Ramadan).

Meanwhile, Senegal’s Lions of Teranga will face fellow world cup finalists, South Korea in a friendly match on 11th June in preparation to face another Asian opponent, Japan in their Group H alongside Poland and Colombia.