Patrick Viera is the new OGC Nice Manager

France legend Patrick Viera has left the MLS league to return to his home country to manage Ligue 1 side OGC Nice.

The former Arsenal star takes over the reigns from Lucien Favre who left the club for Borussia Dortmund in May. The 1998 world cup winner leaves New York FC after two-and-a-half years with the club after he joined from partner club Manchester City.

Having been one of the many potential coaches tipped to succeed Arsene Wenger at Arsenal before Unai Emery’s appointment, the 41-year old Viera seems to have made up his mind on his next coaching destination with City’s website confirming the news. Interestingly, this will be Viera’s first role as a manager in Europe.

In his statement, the ex-Gunners’ star thanked Manchester City football group and the club’s chairman as well as New York FC for offering him the opportunity to lead the club. "Leaving New York is an incredibly difficult decision for me and my family and one that has not been taken lightly," he said.

Joining Viera at his new home is most of his New York FC technical team including Assistant coach Christian Lattanzio, performance coach Kristian Wilson as well as physical performance coach Matt Cook.

Ghana FA President banned by FIFA

Kwesi Nyantakyi, President of the Ghanaian football association has been banned by the world football governing body, FIFA.

Nyantakyi has been handed a 90-day ban from all football-related activities pending investigations. Ironically, the Ghanaian also happens to be a member of the FIFA council. The ban comes at the back of recent corruption and bribery scandals regarding the Ghana Football Association and other high profile football stakeholders including Nyantakyi. The news was uncovered by an investigation team spearheaded by well known local journalist Anas Aremayaw Anas. Nyantakyi was pictured receiving a $65 000 bribe from an undercover news reporter.

It is said the reporter pretended to be a businessman from one company in the Middle East with the intention of investing in Ghanaian football. Reports allude to the fact that Nyantakyi went on to both negotiate and write up the sponsorship deal on behalf of the GFA, which could have allowed a cut to go to a company he owned. Should the controversial deal have gone ahead, it is understood that he could potentially earn $4.5 million.

Having been at the helm at the GFA since 2005, the second most powerful man in African football had made anti-corruption one of his main objectives since taking the post at the GFA until he was met by these recent events that have shaken Ghanaian football to the core.

When asked for comment, Information Minister Mustapha Abdul-Hamid said "Having regard to the widespread nature of the apparent corruption involving top GFA officials, NSA (National Sports Authority) officials, match commissioners, football administrators and referees, Government has decided to take immediate steps to have the GFA dissolved," as reported by BBC. In light of this, Information Minister Mustapha Abdul-Hamid has been quick to assert to the country that the Football Association will be dissolved.

The Ghanaian Football Association has also confirmed that Nyantakyi has stepped down from his position as President at the Association. The recent bribery scandals have raised questions regarding the future of African football which is still much engulfed by corruption.

Zimbabwe beats Zambia in COSAFA Cup

The fight between Zimbabwe and Zambia about who really owns the Victoria Falls was taken to the pitch when they played each other in the COSAFA Championship which took place at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa. This championship is a tournament for teams in Southern Africa which is organised by the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA). Zimbabwe came out victorious with a 4-2 score over its neighbour, Zambia.

Zimbabwe was on the front foot early on as a Swedish-based striker, Tinotenda Kadewere found the back of the net in the 3rd minute after pouncing on a loose back pass from the Zambian defender. Zambia came back into the game just four minutes later with Kambole finishing past George Chigova to make it 1-1. Right after the break, Kambole’s speed proved too much for the Zimbabwean defense as he raced through the left flank and finished past the helpless keeer who had tried to close him down. Ronald Kampamba failed to net the killer blow in the 92nd minute for Zambia as he hit the upright. Zimbabwe did not waste time with only 2 minutes left to play as they kicked the ball over the top and straight to Khama Billiat who shared some nice interplay with Kadewere before the young striker scored his second of the night.

After 90 minutes, none of the teams were conceding to a loss as both of them were in a 2-2 draw. The odds were really not in Zambia’s favor now after spurring an opportunity to seal the match and take the trophy home. They were made to regret that later on as Khama Billiat scored the 3rd for Zimbabwe from the penalty spot. He also scored the title-snatching goal at the 101st minute after a brilliant through ball from the 22-year old, Kadewere.

It’s not the first time the Zimbabwean national team has put smiles on their countrymen, because they have won the COSAFA Cup 6 times which is more than any other country down south. I guess it is settled. Zimbabwe is the true kings of Southern Africa, and Zambia fails to win the battle of the Victoria Falls.  

FT Best African XI: LM - Sadio Mane

The 2017/18 season was as entertaining as any. Our African players took the European leagues by storm once more as they were taught by the legends who left a mark in these leagues as early as the 1970s. Most definitely, Mo Salah has been the talk of the town for his remarkable contribution to his club, Liverpool both in the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. In this piece, we are looking for the best African players to have played this season by each position and see who deserves to rub shoulders with the Egyptian King in the Starting XI. Here are our FT 2017/18 African Players of the Year lined up in a 3-5-2 formation.

LM - Sadio Mane [Liverpool & Senegal]

Another Senegalese player in the FT African Players of the Season 2017/18. The left winger has enjoyed a great campaign again at Liverpool ever since his move to the club in 2016. He scored 20 goals this season as well as providing 8 assists in 44 matches for both Liverpool and the Senegal national team. Mane is part of the famous, lethal attacking trio of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, which has scored many important goals this season. The 26-year old will be representing Senegal in Russia and will look to lead his country out of the group stage. He will be out to beat the odds and potentially make it to the final just like his club Liverpool did in the UEFA Champions League. Who is ready for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and rooting for these African nations to challenge for the title?

Andile Jali Joins Mamelodi Sundowns

Former Orlando Pirates dynamite midfielder, Andile Jali, has returned to the Absa Premiership, only this time he’s joining newly crowned champions, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Jali has penned a five-year contract with Bafana ba style, which stretches to 2023, and will be reuniting with some of his former teammates including Oupa Manyisa, whom he formed a formidable partnership with while they were both still at Pirates. This move comes at the back of Jali’s stint with Belgian side KV Oostende, where he played for four seasons. The 28-year old midfielder became a free agent at the start of the year after his team agreed to terminate his contract.

Jali had been linked with a return to Orlando Pirates, where is glittering career began. Arch rivals Kaizer Chiefs were also in the running for the midfielder’s signature in their bid to beef up their midfield contingent. However, “Mhlekazi” as he’s affectionately known in the South African football streets,  seems to have settled the speculation with the announcement that he has joined the shoe shine and piano boys for the next five seasons.

Perhaps what will be more interesting is how coach Pitso Mosimane tries to accommodate Jali in Sundown’s already star-studded midfield comprising the likes of Hlompho Kekana, Themba Zwane, and Tiyani Mabunda. Will Jali break into Sundowns starting eleven? Will he improve Bafana ba style? Only time will tell.

In his own words speaking to Sundowns’ official website, Jali alluded, “I feel good to have signed for Mamelodi Sundowns. At last this deal is done. It’s been dragging for a long time. Now I can relax before the season starts. I have recovered from the injury, I am good to go. I passed the medicals. Now I am ready for Sundowns to tell me when to come to training.”

FT Best African XI: CM - Naby Keita

The 2017/18 season was as entertaining as any. Our African players took the European leagues by storm once more as they were taught by the legends who left a mark in these leagues as early as the 1970s. Most definitely, Mo Salah has been the talk of the town for his remarkable contribution to his club, Liverpool both in the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. In this piece, we are looking at the best African players to have played this season by each position and see who deserves to rub shoulders with the Egyptian King in the Starting XI. Here are our FT 2017/18 African Players of the Year lined up in a 3-5-2 formation.

CM - Naby Keita [RB Leipzig & Guinea]

RB Leipzig’s Naby Keita is another midfielder who had a great individual season. The Guinea international is known for his creative prowess. The player scored 10 goals and provided 7 assists in the German Bundesliga this season but this was not enough to secure his team a European spot for next season. His pending move to Liverpool is set to be completed on the 1st of June when the transfer window officially opens. The player has drawn comparisons from players like Iniesta and Xavi of Spain who is considered to be Legends of the game. He is just 23 years of age and is ready to test himself in the most competitive league in the world. His national team, however, is miles away from being a competitive team and he has so much responsibility if he is to one day lead them to a qualification to the FIFA World Cup. For now, he will have to watch the aforementioned players this year in Russia.

Croatia Teaches Senegal a Lesson in Final World Cup Friendly

After losing to Brazil in their previous game, Croatia redeemed herself by beating Senegal 2-1 in a friendly game that took place on the 8th of June.

I really understand the need for friendly matches. I know that they are the best way to prepare teams before a major tournament like the World Cup. My concern is what are the implications of a friendly game on the losing team? For a team like Senegal that has qualified for the World Cup, the taste of loss has not been very present in its mouth, hence, losing in a friendly match just before the main tournament can be a shock. It might make a team question its potential. Most importantly, it might discourage the fans that have enjoyed the pleasure of screaming after every game.  At the end of the day, a friendly match can be the reason why a team takes a dented team spirit and suffocating confidence to the main game.

However, soccer is not just about kicking the ball, but it is a character engineering mechanism. It teaches some good character traits such as resilience. It is such friendly matches that remind us that, as Africans, we believe that nothing beats a growth mindset and we African fans are rallying behind Senegal in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. Senegal are grateful to Croatia for helping us identify our mistakes. Sadio Mane and his squad will work on them and we will be ready for the tournament!

Yaya Toure says Pep Guardiola 'often has problems with Africans'

Ivorian born midfielder, Yaya Toure says the Man City boss, Pep Guardiola, looks beyond a player’s ability and technique in kicking the ball but is also particular about the color of the skin. A player’s color of the skin then determines the respect that he affords a specific player. What a bold claim!

Toure said, “Guardiola often has problems with Africans." This is a statement that reflects the kind of negative attitude that African players receive under his coaching. Initially, Toure thought that the treatment he was receiving was because of ‘jealousy’ since he has been more influential than the Spanish born manager during his playing career. But later, the possibility of this being due to the color of his skin then struck him upon further reflection on how he had managed other players from the African continent in the past. These claims have unsurprisingly been met by silence from Man City because Toure’s claims are far too bold for any club to comment on unless they have more information. The club is at crossroads because they want to maintain their relationship with Guardiola who successfully guided Manchester City to the EPL crown this May as well as supporting their club legend, Toure.

Toure believes that the inequality that can easily be accredited to Pep's origin at City has gone on for far too long that he wants to be the one to break it off. It is surprising that such discussions about inequality due to one’s origin in soccer still exist after so much progress has been made. It is easy to assume that the progression of society in one sphere of life can be seen in another sphere, such as football, but such stories have proven otherwise.

FT In Our Corner: The World's Game

My interest in soccer is not really in the individual skills of a player. From what I have seen, all soccer players are skilled because running and kicking at the same time is not an easy task. It requires someone with a great head-to-leg coordination to master the art of playing the sport. My greatest interest has always been how it has evolved beyond being a game to a unifying mechanism. One of the greatest stories that I came across was a story of a BBC Outlook Inspiration nominee, Fatuma Abdulkadir Adan who has used soccer to fight tribal tensions in the area that she grew up in. When in the game, people look beyond their origins and look at the collaborative nature of the game.
 

In multi-tribal countries like Nigeria, one of the great times when the country would stand united is when they stand behind its national team as Nigerians. At that point, the victory of the team is glory to everyone, and not to certain tribal fragments. On a much grander scale, the whole world is anticipating the 2018 World Cup more than ever. If you ask a 5th grader about where the last UN Summit was, they will most probably scratch their head, but if you ask them about where the World Cup is, they will not forget that the whole world will be united in Russia in a few days. Again, soccer is uniting us.
 

FT 2017/18 Best African XI: CDM - Thomas Partey

The 2017/18 season was as entertaining as any. Our African players took the European leagues by storm once more as they were taught by the legends who left a mark in these leagues as early as the 1970s. Most definitely, Mo Salah has been the talk of the town for his remarkable contribution to his club, Liverpool both in the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. In this piece, we are looking at the best African players to have played this season by each position and see who deserves to rub shoulders with the Egyptian King in the Starting XI. Here are our FT 2017/18 African Players of the Year lined up in a 3-5-2 formation.

CDM - Thomas Partey [Atletico Madrid & Ghana]

Atletico Madrid defensive midfielder Thomas Teye Partey had a great season playing for the Spanish club. The Ghanaian has grown to become an important player in the starting lineup of the Madrid club where he contributed both defensively as well as instigating attacks to the opposition. Thomas predominantly plays as a DM but his versatility allows him to cover up in the right-back or even centre-back positions when his teammates are injured or need to be rested. He played 53 games across all competitions this season where his performances helped his team to a UEFA Europa League trophy as well as a second placed finish in the La Liga ahead of Real Madrid. Partey’s closest competitor in this position is Wilfred Ndidi of Nigeria who had an amazing season with Leicester as well but just fell short when comparing him to the outstanding Ghanian. None of these players will be at the grandest football tournament in June so the summer will probably be filled with transfer speculations because they really are good players being sought after by bigger clubs.

FT World Cup News: Racism Concerns Come to the Fore

“In the fight against racism, I am with you all the way,” Duke of Edinburgh promises England.

As the World Cup draws closer, Prince William has allayed English players’ racism concerns. He promised the team that even though he will not be there in person to support them, should they face any racism concerns, he will be ready to support them. This reassuring statement was given at West Riding County Football in Leeds before their friendly game against Costa Rica. He was quoted as saying that he “will come down on it like a ton of bricks”. Now we know that the players will not only be carrying their soccer boots to Russia on Tuesday but they will also be carrying the Prince’s support in their hearts too.

What happens to countries that do not have a Prince behind them? FIFA is making strides in protecting all players against racism in football by enacting policies that make the game inclusive for players of any skin color. For example, the 2013 FIFA Congress gave birth to a tripartite system that aims to eradicate racism through educating, preventing and sanctioning. This is one of the anti-racism approaches that we believe will continue to triumph. As the world’s eyeballs turn towards the world’s biggest nation for the World Cup, we, like the Prince, wish for no racial incidents.

FT 2017/18 Best African XI: RM - Wilfred Zaha

The 2017/18 season was as entertaining as any. Our African players took the European leagues by storm once more as they were taught by the legends who left a mark in these leagues as early as the 1970s. Most definitely, Mo Salah has been the talk of the town for his remarkable contribution to his club, Liverpool both in the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. In this piece, we are looking at the best African players to have played this season by each position and see who deserves to rub shoulders with the Egyptian King in the Starting XI. Here are our FT 2017/18 African Players of the Year lined up in a 3-5-2 formation.

RM - Wilfred Zaha [Crystal Palace & Ivory Coast]

The Crystal Palace winger has once again proved that he is the top player in English Premier League this season. Crystal Palace were in the relegation zone this season until the Ivory Coast player returned from injury and guided his team to safety. He scored 9 goals and assisted 3 in the process but these numbers do not do justice to his importance in the team. Sometimes the player is used to distract and subtract three to four players at one go and get his teammates some free space to score goals. Keita Balde of Senegal had a great season at Monaco this season but was just edged out by the 25-year old’s contribution in just 29 English Premier League games. Zaha seems to have matured ever since he returned to Crystal Palace from his short stint at Manchester United. Many rumors are suggesting that he could once again make a big move but this time to Tottenham who are looking for quality players to compete for trophies.

FT Top 10 World Cup Snub: Honorary Mention - Leroy Sane

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest individual sports tournament in the whole world. Russia successfully submitted a bid and are going to be hosting this year’s World Cup. Many players have given their all during the 2017/18 season in a bid to get a sit on the plane to Russia to represent their national teams. Since the decisions lie on the managers and their team, it was bound that many players would be shockingly dropped in teams especially with a lot of competition for places. Here, we look at the 10 players who failed to make the cut on the final squad list.

Leroy Sane - Germany

Most arguably the biggest omission of them all. Leroy Sane, one of the best players in Manchester City’s title-winning squad, has been left out of the German team to compete at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. No one could have predicted that he would not make it having scored 14 goals and contributing 17 assists in the most competitive league in the world, the English Premier League. He also won PFA Young Player of the Year. Surely, Joachim Low has made a big decision that could backfire against him. He prefers Brandt and Draxler who have a combined 16 goals and 9 assists in the 2017/18 season. Clearly, these two are not on the 22-year old’s level which leaves us wondering. Why is it that he has been dropped out of that German squad? We need answers!

FT 2017/18 Best African XI: LCB – Medhi Benatia

The 2017/18 season was as entertaining as any. Our African players took the European leagues by storm once more as they were taught by the legends who left a mark in these leagues as early as the 1970s. Most definitely, Mo Salah has been the talk of the town for his remarkable contribution to his club, Liverpool both in the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. In this piece, we are looking at the best African players to have played this season by each position and see who deserves to rub shoulders with the Egyptian King in the Starting XI. Here are our FT 2017/18 African Players of the Year lined up in a 3-5-2 formation.

LCB – Medhi Benatia [Juventus & Morrocco]

Another defensive rock in Benatia, he plies his trade in the Italian Serie A. This league is known for being the most tactical with disciplined sides who are hard to score against. In such a league, another African stands out in being one of the best defenders in the 2017/18 season. Benatia of Juventus played 34 games for both club and country this season. He played a part in their club’s UEFA Champions League run that was ended by Real Madrid in the quarterfinals. The Moroccan defender will be leading his team from the back at the FIFA World Cup tournament hosted by Russia next month. He will be under a lot of pressure to shut out all the attacks by the opponents. Will his team make it all the way to the final and win it?

FT 2017/18 Best African XI: CB – Kalidou Koulibaly

The 2017/18 season was as entertaining as any. Our African players took the European leagues by storm once more as they were taught by the legends who left a mark in these leagues as early as the 1970s. Most definitely, Mo Salah has been the talk of the town for his remarkable contribution to his club, Liverpool both in the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. In this piece, we are looking at the best African players to have played this season by each position and see who deserves to rub shoulders with the Egyptian King in the Starting XI. Here are our FT 2017/18 African Players of the Year lined up in a 3-5-2 formation

CB – Kalidou Koulibaly [Napoli & Senegal]

The centre-back has been at his best in recent years and had another wonderful season with his club Napoli who gave Juventus a run for their money in the Italian Serie A. Koulibaly was at the heart of the defense in a season where they came close to winning the league to end the 7-year reign of the Old Ladies. The 26-year-old Senegalese midfielder is once again a transfer target for the biggest clubs in Europe to prove how much of a great talent he is. It would not be surprising to see him joining Arsenal, Manchester United or even Real Madrid this summer after playing 45 times across all competitions. He scored 5 times and provided an assist on top of his defensive duties which makes him a great threat and asset on both ends of the pitch. Kalidou is going to the FIFA World Cup as well this year. Will he have a great tournament with a team that looks strong on paper?

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FT 2017/18 Best African XI: RCB - Hamdi Nagguez

The 2017/18 season was as entertaining as any. Our African players took the European leagues by storm once more as they were taught by the legends who left a mark in these leagues as early as the 1970s. Most definitely, Mo Salah has been the talk of the town for his remarkable contribution to his club, Liverpool both in the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. In this piece, we are looking at the best African players to have played this season by each position and see who deserves to rub shoulders with the Egyptian King in the Starting XI. Here are our FT 2017/18 African Players of the Year lined up in a 3-5-2 formation.

RCB - Hamdi Nagguez [Tunisia & Zamalek SC]

A disappointing season from the ever-present Serge Aurier meant that the right-back spot would be up for grabs. Victor Moses who was predominantly used in the right wing-back position last season by Antonio Conte lost his place in the Chelsea lineup as the manager was trying new tactics. He later returned to the team but it was already too late. Hamdi Nagguez of Tunisia who plays for Zamalek in Africa had already done enough to deserve a place among the best African Players of the 2017/18 season. The 25-year old was solid in the position for the greater part of the season and also contributed 6 assists to his teammates. Thumbs up to the Tunisian who is going to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. It would be a great opportunity for him to test himself against the world’s best.

FT 2017/18 Best African XI: GK - Itumeleng Khune

The 2017/18 season was as entertaining as any. Our African players took the European leagues by storm once more as they were taught by the legends who left a mark in these leagues as early as the 1970s. Most definitely, Mo Salah has been the talk of the town for his remarkable contribution to his club, Liverpool both in the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. In this piece, we are looking at the best African players to have played this season by each position and see who deserves to rub shoulders with the Egyptian King in the Starting XI. Here are our FT 2017/18 African Players of the Year lined up in a 3-5-2 formation.

GK - Itumeleng Khune [South Africa & Kaizer Chiefs]

First up, we have the South African goalkeeper as our No. 1. Quite surprising to see that the Amakhosi goalkeeper is just 30 years old having represented Kaizer Chiefs for the longest time. If you do not know him then it is important to mention he is one of the best distributors of the ball in the whole world. Khune is also one of the Legends in the making to join the list that includes Vincent Enyeama and El-Hadary. In the 2017/18 season, the experienced Khune had 20 shutouts (clean sheets) in 4 competitions. This is thanks to his reflexes, shot stopping abilities as well as his defensive organization at the back. He has the voice to command the backline and deserves a place in FT 2017/18 African XI. By far, the best African goalkeeper this season.

FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: LW - Percy Tau [Mamelodi Sundowns]

Many African players have light up the European leagues ever since the days of George Weah. These include Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, Yaya Toure, Okocha, etc. who have performed at an extraordinary level in the past decades. Mo Salah of Liverpool and Egypt has been the fan favorite this year for his record-breaking goals and guiding his club to the UEFA Champions League final. But this is not all the continent has to offer. There are other young players who are showing early promises of reaching these levels or even better them. Therefore, FirstTouch reflects on the next transcendent U23 players in each position.

LW - Percy Tau

The only player to make it on our list of the next transcendent players while playing in the continent of Africa is Percy Tau. The 23-year old has been the star of the show in the South African Premier Soccer League in recent years. The South African player has been likened to Premier League stars such as Sadio Mane with former football legends like El Hadji Diouf claiming that he is better than the Senegalese forward who plays for Liverpool. If you want to know more about this player, you can read an article we shared about his heroic performances for Mamelodi Sundowns who recently played against Barcelona on Wednesday, 15 May 2018.