New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Clubs football
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Updated coaching rules for clubs and competitions with national teams

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reiterated the coaching requirements established during its Executive Committee meeting on December 16, 2024, as part of efforts to improve African football standards.

These new coaching standards apply to all CAF competitions, including National Teams and the Women’s Champions League.

Key points include:

  • Coaches without the required certification must comply immediately.
  • Existing coaches without the necessary licenses have until the end of the 2026/2027 season to meet the requirements.
  • Clubs hiring new coaches must ensure they meet the new qualifications; newly hired coaches are not eligible for the grace period.
  • At least one coach in women’s competitions must be a woman.
  • Coaches failing to meet these requirements will face restrictions at stadiums during CAF matches and may be subject to additional sanctions.
New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Clubs football
Augustus Kargbo features for Blackburn Rovers U21 side as part of recovery process
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Augustus Kargbo features for Rovers U21 side as part of recovery process

Sierra Leonean international Augustus Kargbo featured in Blackburn Rovers U21's recent match as they suffered a 3-2 defeat to West Bromwich Albion at Damson Park.

Kargbo, age 26, last appeared for the first team in October of the previous year, during which he was substituted.

In a positive development, Kargbo started and played for 45 minutes, marking his return following a hamstring injury. Additionally, Lorenze Mullarkey-Matthews also returned to action during the first half.

West Brom took the lead early in the match, with captain Muhamed Diomande scoring a header from an Alfie Maughan corner just 11 minutes in. Blackburn responded quickly, with Joe Boggan equalising through a long-range effort that struck the post before finding the net.

This goal was a result of strong Rovers’ pressure, highlighted by Aodhan Doherty hitting the post and Kargbo narrowly missing moments before the equaliser.

Just after the half-hour mark, Doherty curled a shot into the top corner from the edge of the box, granting Rovers a halftime lead.

The second half was relatively uneventful until Hindolo Mustapha levelled the score with 17 minutes remaining.

The situation deteriorated for Rovers shortly thereafter, as Harry Whitwell scored from close range, ultimately securing the victory for West Brom and leaving Blackburn Rovers with a disappointing result.

Morocco captain Romain Saïss retires from international football
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco captain Romain Saïss retires from international football

The captain of Morocco's national football team, Romain Saïss has announced his retirement at 35, ending over a decade-long career that boosted Morocco’s reputation in international football.

In an Instagram post, Saïss called his time with the Atlas Lions “the most beautiful chapter” of his life. He led the team during its historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, making Morocco the first African team to achieve this, and earned 86 caps for his country.

Saïss thanked his teammates, coaches, and, especially, the fans, whose support helped the team surpass its expectations. He noted the important improvements in Moroccan football, saying wearing the national jersey has always filled him with pride.

As he retires, Saïss leaves the team in the hands of younger players while expressing that he will always carry the spirit of the Atlas Lions.

Sierra Leone's Alie Conteh joins Veikkausliiga side on loan
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Alie Conteh joins Veikkausliiga side on loan

Finish club FC Inter Turku and Norwegian club Strømsgodset have finalized a one-year loan agreement for 21-year-old Alie Conteh, who will be heading to Turku with an option to purchase the Sierra Leone international striker.

Conteh made the move to Mjøndalen after a standout season in 2024, showcasing his talents in the second tier of Norwegian football.

Over a season and a half, he netted 12 goals in 41 league appearances, which garnered attention and led to his transfer to Strømsgodset, a team competing in Norway’s top league, in the summer of 2025.

During the latter half of last year, Conteh played in 16 top-flight matches, finding the back of the net twice.

At just 21 years old, Conteh has already earned eight caps for the Sierra Leone A national team, scoring two goals. He was also part of the squad for Sierra Leone’s recent World Cup qualifiers against Burkina Faso and Djibouti last autumn.

The FC Inter’s head of player scouting, Viki Savonen, highlighted Conteh’s potential, stating, “Alie brings a fresh option to our attack and enhances our presence inside the penalty area. His style of play is unpredictable, allowing him to pose a diverse threat to defenders.

While he may not be the tallest player on the field, he is physically strong and serves as an effective focal point in the attack. Though he has primarily played as a target striker in Norway, I believe we can harness his skills more dynamically, maximising his contributions to the team.

Nigeria's Alex Iwobi nets as Fulham defeat Sunderland
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi nets as Fulham defeat Sunderland

Nigerian International Alex Iwobi played a pivotal role as his London side defeated Sunderland in their Premier League encounter on Sunday.

Fulham secured a 3-1 victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, with Raúl Jiménez scoring two goals, including a penalty, and Alex Iwobi sealing the win.

After a goalless first half, Fulham took control when Raúl scored the opener from a corner. A penalty awarded to Sunderland allowed them to pull one back, but Iwobi’s counterattack goal ensured Fulham’s victory.

Kevin started in place of the injured Samuel Chukwueze, and Marco Silva’s team managed the game well in the final stages.

Alex Iwobi capped off the victory, snapping a three-game losing run in the Premier League for Marco Silva’s team at the Stadium of Light.

SAFC XI: Roefs; Mukiele (Geertruida 11’), Ballard, Alderete, Hume ©; Sadiki, Le Fée, Diarra (Xhaka 70’); Ta Bi (Mundle 37’), Angulo (Mayenda 70’), Brobbey (Isidor 70’)

Subs: Ellborg, O’Nien, Rigg, Talbi

Fulham XI: Leno; Tete (Castagne 88’), Bassey, Andersen, Sessesgnon; Iwobi (Cuneca 88’), Berge; Wilson, Smith-Rowe (Cairney, 88’), Kevin (Bobb 45’); Jimenez (Muniz 65’)

Subs: Lecomte, Reed, King, Diop