Category: Sport News

Harambee Stars coaching job excites Benni McCarthy
by Football Sierra Leone

Harambee Stars coaching job excites Benni McCarthy

Famous South African footballer, Benni McCarthy, has been speaking after he was unveiled as head coach of Kenya’s national team, the Harambee Stars.

This is an important moment for Kenyan football and for the view of South African coaches in Africa. McCarthy is the first South African to coach a national team outside the COSAFA region. He is excited about bringing a winning attitude to the Harambee Stars.

“I am honored to take on this role and excited about the journey ahead with the Kenyan national team,” McCarthy said. “I have seen the talent in this country, and I believe we can compete at the highest level.”

With his coaching team, which includes Vasili Manousakis, Moeneeb Josephs, and Pilela Maposa, McCarthy wants to create a structured and competitive team. “We aim to build a strong team identity, play exciting football, and make the nation proud. I look forward to working with the players, the federation, and the passionate Kenyan fans to achieve success,” he added.

McCarthy and his team will begin as Kenya prepares for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon.

FKF President Hussein Mohammed is confident in the new technical team. He said: “We believe Benni McCarthy is the right person to lead our national team. His experience and dedication to Kenyan football match our goals. We also welcome Vasili Manousakis as Assistant Coach, Moeneeb Josephs as Goalkeepers Coach, and Pilela Maposa as Performance Analyst. This team has the expertise we need to instill discipline and a winning mindset as we prepare for upcoming competitions.”

SKD stadium to host Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau World Cup qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

SKD stadium to host Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau World Cup qualifier

Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia, is set to host Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau Fifa World Cup matchday five qualifier on March 20th due to the ongoing suspension of Sierra Leone’s home stadium.

The match is crucial to both teams in the race to Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The African Football Confederation (CAF) has designated a quartet of referees from Ghana to officiate this important encounter, which is scheduled to kick off at 16:00 local time.

This match is crucial for both teams seeking to advance in the qualifying rounds. Following this pivotal matchup, Guinea-Bissau will return to host the Burkina Faso national team at home on March 24.

This second fixture represents round six from Group A in the qualification process. Sierra Leone will travel to Cairo to battle leaders Egypt in their match day six of the qualifiers.

Guinea-Bissau is currently in second place in Group A standings, just behind Egypt.
Guinea-Bissau is currently in second place in Group A standings, just behind Egypt.
Fulham condemn racist abuse on Nigerian Calvin Bassey after FA Cup win
by Football Sierra Leone

Fulham condemn racist abuse on Nigerian Calvin Bassey after FA Cup win

Calvin Bassey netted Fulham’s sole goal during their penalty shootout triumph over Manchester United in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Fulham has denounced the racist and homophobic harassment aimed at their defender Calvin Bassey online after he scored in the FA Cup victory against Manchester United on Sunday.  

Bassey put his team ahead before the half-time break in a match that finished 1-1 at Old Trafford, with Fulham ultimately winning on penalties to advance to the quarterfinals of the FA Cup.  

“Fulham Football Club is completely horrified by the racist and homophobic abuse that Calvin Bassey received and subsequently shared on social media following yesterday’s FA Cup match against Manchester United,” Fulham stated in a press release on Monday.  

“We firmly denounce this outrageous behavior, which has no place in football or society. Such actions are completely unacceptable, and we fully support Calvin Bassey, who will continue to receive our unwavering backing.  

“We will make every effort to collaborate with the relevant authorities to identify those responsible for these despicable messages and pursue the strongest possible action against them.”  

Kyle Walker from Manchester City also experienced online racist abuse following their defeat to Juventus in the Champions League last December.  

Last month, City player Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw sat out a match for mental health reasons after enduring racist abuse following a loss to Arsenal in the Women’s Super League.  

“Fulham Football Club is devoted to maintaining a strong stance against all types of discrimination and is committed to creating an atmosphere of respect and inclusion,” Fulham added.

Fulham will face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup quarterfinals on March 29.

Kenya set to unveil Benni McCarthy as Harambee Stars coach
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kenya set to unveil Benni McCarthy as Harambee Stars coach

Benni McCarthy, the renowned South African footballer, is set to be unveiled as the head coach of Kenya’s national team, the Harambee Stars. His appointment is significant for both Kenyan football and the perception of South African coaches across Africa.

McCarthy will be the first South African to coach a non-COSAFA national team, signalling a change in the perception of South African coaches internationally. With a playing background at Ajax, FC Porto, and Manchester United, he is also the only South African to win the UEFA Champions League. His experience at Manchester United heightens expectations for his new role.

Moeneeb Josephs, his former Orlando Pirates teammate, will join him as the goalkeeping coach. The FKF chose McCarthy over other candidates, including Claude Makélélé, during a time when they faced financial and legal challenges.

McCarthy faces high expectations as he takes over a struggling team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group. He needs to improve quickly against tough opponents like Gabon and The Gambia later this month.

His long-term goal is to prepare the Harambee Stars for AFCON 2027. If he succeeds, he could change how South African coaches are perceived internationally. Mihlali Baleka remarked, “McCarthy has shown he’s not afraid of challenges and will work hard to succeed,” reflecting hopes for the revival of Kenyan football.

This appointment also inspires future South African coaches. If McCarthy achieves success, it may encourage more local coaches to pursue opportunities abroad, breaking down barriers.

Overall, McCarthy’s role as coach of the Harambee Stars could open doors for more opportunities in African football, and it is vital to recognize the lasting impact of such moments.

England to face Senegal in a friendly at the Forest Ground
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

England to face Senegal in June friendly at the Forest Ground

The England men’s senior team will play two matches later this year to finish their 2025 schedule, which mainly focuses on qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

England will take on one of Africa’s giants, Senegal, at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground on Tuesday, June 10. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:45 PM BST.

This game is part of England’s preparations for Euro 2024 and provides Senegal with a valuable opportunity to challenge themselves against top-tier competition.

Thomas Tuchel, who wants to lead the team to the World Cup next summer in Canada, Mexico, and the USA, said, “The matches against Senegal and Wales will be good tests for us against two very different teams. Playing a strong African team in a city with a great football tradition and then facing Wales in a derby match at Wembley will help us prepare for the World Cup.”

He added, “Wembley is our home, but it’s also important to bring the team to different places. Playing at a historic stadium like the City Ground is an opportunity we all look forward to.”

Bukayo Saka scored a goal against Senegal during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. England’s only previous match against Senegal was in the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup, where they won 3-0 thanks to goals from Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane, and Bukayo Saka.

The City Ground last hosted the England men’s senior team for a competitive match in March 1909, when they won 2-0 against Wales in the Home Championship.