Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria defender Gabriel Osho departs Luton for French side AJ Auxerre
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria defender Osho departs Luton for French side AJ Auxerre

Luton Town defender Gabriel Osho has moved to French club Auxerre after his contract at Kenilworth Road ended and will wear the number 3 shirt.

Osho played for Luton when they were promoted to the Premier League in 2022-23. He made a total of 85 appearances for Luton Town.

The 25-year-old will now play in France’s top league as Auxerre was promoted under manager Christophe Pelissier. Osho has signed a one-year deal with an option for an additional 12 months.

Born and trained in Reading, he has been a solid central defender in the Championship. He scored in the play-off semi-final and helped his team rise to the elite in 2022-2023.

Last season, he played 21 Premier League games, scoring 2 goals, and was called up to the Nigerian national team in March but couldn’t play due to injury.

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Rhulani Mokwena speaks after joining Morocco's Wydad Athletic Club
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Rhulani Mokwena speaks after joining Wydad Athletic Club

The 37-year-old Rhulani Mokwena has confidently taken on the role of the new head coach of Morocco’s football giants, Wydad Athletic Club, as they gear up for the 2024/25 season.

Mokwena made it clear that he has no intention of recruiting players from Mamelodi Sundowns to join Wydad Athletics Club, emphasizing the importance of respecting his former club and players as he embarks on his new journey.

Despite reports of a disagreement with Sporting Director Flemming Berg leading to his departure from PSL champions Sundowns, Mokwena is focused on maintaining a positive relationship with his former employers.

Having signed a three-year contract with Wydad Athletic Club, Mokwena is determined to implement an attractive brand of football while securing victories in as many matches as possible.

He is unwavering in his ambition to lead his new team to triumph in every game and competition, acknowledging the tough competition from local rivals Raja Casablanca and FAR Rabat.

Having signed a three-year contract with Wydad Athletic Club, Mokwena is determined to implement an attractive brand of football while securing victories in as many matches as possible.
Having signed a three-year contract with Wydad Athletic Club, Mokwena is determined to implement an attractive brand of football while securing victories in as many matches as possible.
There is a chance that forward Malachi Jones could return to play for New York City FC this season after a scary leg injury.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Malachi Jones could make a return this season after scary injury

There is a chance that forward Malachi Jones could return to play for New York City FC this season after a scary leg injury.

The youngster underwent a successful surgery to repair a broken tibia and fibula of the right leg, the club confirmed last week.

The Sierra Leone-born suffered a broken tibia and fibula in his right leg during a collision with Orlando City goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar in a match on June 28 and had surgery days later.

The team’s sporting director, David Lee, mentioned that while they don’t have a specific timeline for his return, they are hopeful that he could make a comeback before the end of the season.

Jones was seen at the team’s training facility walking without crutches for the first time, which is a positive sign for his recovery.

Jones was expected to spend the year developing with NYCFC II but instead became a regular for the first team. In 14 appearances, he has started four games, scored a goal, and recorded three assists. His first career MLS goal came on May 11 against Toronto FC.

Bo Rangers face San Pedro as EE Lions meet ASC Jaraaf
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bo Rangers face San Pedro as EE Lions meet ASC Jaraaf

Sierra Leone’s East End Lions and Bo Rangers will play West African teams in the Caf Confederation Cup and Caf Champions League in August.

Get ready for an exciting match-up as the Sierra Leone Champions Bo Rangers take on the Ivorian side San Pedro in the preliminary stages of the 2024/2025 CAF Champions League.

Mark your calendars for the matches scheduled between the 16th and 18th of August, with a thrilling trip to Ivory Coast the following weekend.

Under the guidance of Coach John Keister, the team aims to continue their winning streak and advance to the group stages of the prominent inter-club competition in Africa.

The winner between Rangers and San Pedro will face the winner between Al Hilal of Sudan and Libya 2 in the second round of the competition in September.

In the last competition’s second round, they were knocked out by Algerian team CR Belouizdad with a 6-2 aggregate score over two matches.

In the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup, East End Lions will be facing off against ASC Jaraaf from Senegal in the initial stage of the 2024/2025 Inter-club competition.

The first match will be hosted by The Killers from the 16th to the 18th of August, followed by a trip to Senegal to compete against Association Sportive et Culturelle Jaraaf the following weekend.

The victor between Union Touarga Sportif (UTS) or Racing Club d’Abidjan will confront the winner of East End Lions or ASC Jaraaf in the second-round qualifiers.

The CAF Interclub men’s competitions are gaining popularity in African club football, drawing larger global TV audiences due to the increasing quality of African football.

In the previous season, reigning champions Al Ahly SC extended their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League title to a record-extending 12, while their arch-rivals Zamalek were crowned champions of the CAF Confederation Cup for the second time.

Full CAF Champions League first and second-round draws in the preliminary stages of the 2024/2025 Interclub competition.
Full CAF Champions League first and second-round draws in the preliminary stages of the 2024/2025 Interclub competition.
Full CAF Confederation Cup Draw in the first round preliminary stages of the 2024/2025 Interclub competition.
Full CAF Confederation Cup Draw in the first round preliminary stages of the 2024/2025 Interclub competition.
Southern Province side Bo Rangers have been placed in Pot three ahead of the draw of the Preliminary Stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone Champions Rangers in Pot 3 ahead of CAF CL draw

Southern Province side Bo Rangers have been placed in Pot three ahead of the draw of the Preliminary Stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.

Having won the Sierra Leone title back-back, coach John Keister’s team will now set their sight to make the group stages of the top-tier Inter club competition in Africa.

In the last competition’s second round, they were knocked out by Algerian team CR Belouizdad with a 6-2 aggregate score over two matches. The CAF Interclub men’s competitions are highly popular in African club football, with increasing global TV audiences due to the growing standard of African football.

The CAF Champions League will feature 59 clubs from 47 African countries, and the CAF Confederation Cup will include 52 clubs from 41 countries.

The draw for the Preliminary Stages of the 2024/2025 Interclub season will take place at the CAF Headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.

Its is scheduled to be broadcast live on CAF’s official YouTube channel, CAF TV, at 15:00 local time (noon GMT). The last competition was won by Al Ahly SC of Egypt.

The CAF Champions League will feature 59 clubs from 47 African countries.
The CAF Champions League will feature 59 clubs from 47 African countries.