Category: Sport News

Zimbabwe's Warriors Rally Troops for South Africa & Lesotho
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zimbabwe’s listed Troops for South Africa & Lesotho

The Warriors of Zimbabwe are gearing up for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with the 2026 African qualifiers set to resume next week.

Looking ahead to the upcoming fixtures, Head Coach Jairos Tapera has named a strong squad of 23 players, including several European-based players such as Marshal Munetsi, Tawanda Chiwera, Marvelous Nakamba, Brendan Galloway, and 20-year-old left-back Shane Maroodza.

The Warriors will first face Lesotho in Johannesburg on Friday, 07 June, followed by a match against South Africa on Tuesday, 11 June – in Bloemfontein.

Drawn in Group C alongside Nigeria, Rwanda, and Benin, the Zimbabwean team has made a decent start to their campaign, securing a goalless draw against Rwanda and holding Nigeria to a 1-1 draw.

The team has a strong history in the CAF AFCON with five appearances but is yet to make it to the FIFA World Cup. The tournament has now been expanded to 48 nations, with nine places guaranteed for Africa and a play-off position.

The Warriors Squad for Matches against Lesotho and South Africa

Goalkeepers: Godfrey Chitsumba (Manica Diamonds), Bernard Donovan (Chicken Inn), Martin Mapisa (Dynamos)

Defenders: Andrew Mbeba (Highlanders), Brendan Galloway (Plymouth Argyle, England), Munashe Garananga (KV Mechelen, Belgium), Teenage Hadebe (Konyaspor, Turkey), Devine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Shane Maroodza (Huddersfield Town, England), Godknows Murwira (CAPS United), Gerald Takwara (Ohod, Saudi Arabia)

Midfielders: Tawanda Maswanhise (Leicester City, England), Daniel Msendami (Jwaneng Galaxy, Botswana), Marshall Munetsi (Stade Reims, France), Joey Phuthi (Sheffield Wednesday, England), Andy Rinomhota (Rotherham United, England), Tivonge Rushesha (Reading, England), Jordan Zemura (Udinese, Italy)

Strikers: Tawanda Chirewa (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England), Tinotenda Kadewere (Nantes, France), Tymon Machope (Simba Bhora), Douglas Mapfumo (Polokwane City, South Africa), Walter Musona (Simba Bhora).

Antonio Rudiger flies Sierra Leone flag high as Madrid seal Trophy
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Antonio Rudiger flies Sierra Leone flag high as Madrid seal Trophy

Defender Antonio Rüdiger celebrated Real Madrid’s victory at Wembley on Saturday by parading around the stadium with the Sierra Leone flag after Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr goals.

Rüdiger, born to a Sierra Leonean mother, has been involved in charitable initiatives to address poverty in the nation.

Real Madrid claimed their 15th Champions League title with a victory over Dortmund. Despite a torrid first half and missed opportunities from Dortmund, Real emerged victorious with goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr.

It was a disappointing night for Jadon Sancho, who is on loan to Dortmund from Manchester United, but a glorious one for England’s Jude Bellingham in his first season at Real.

Rüdiger began his career at VfB Stuttgart, then played for Roma and Chelsea, where he achieved success and won multiple titles. In 2022, he made a significant move by signing with Real Madrid.

 

Gambian players must be active to be eligible - Mckinstry
by FSL News

Gambian players must be active to be eligible – Mckinstry

The newly appointed head coach of The Gambia senior national team, Johnathan McKinstry, has outlined the criteria for player selection, emphasizing the importance of players being actively involved with their clubs before naming his squad.

The Northern Irishman has announced his squad for important games against Seychelles and Gabon this month. The Scorpions are fifth in Group F after defeats to Burundi and the Ivory Coast in their first two matches.

He underlined the significance of fitness and regular game time for the players as the Scorpions are getting ready for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier matches against Seychelles and Gabon on the horizon.

He expressed his vision of progressing the team and enhancing their performance in upcoming matches, highlighting his willingness to integrate young players and expecting them to deliver their best on the field.

He arrived in Gambia on May 25, just one week after securing Gor Mahia the Kenyan Premier League title with three league games remaining. In his two years in charge of Gor Mahia, he won both KPL League titles and the 2023-24 FKF Charity Shield.

The Scorpions are fifth in Group F after defeats to Burundi and the Ivory Coast in their first two matches.
The Scorpions are fifth in Group F after defeats to Burundi and the Ivory Coast in their first two matches.
Manchester United target Sierra Leone-born Trevoh Chalobah
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Manchester United target Sierra Leone-born Trevoh Chalobah

Manchester United are discussing Trevoh Chalobah as an option but may not meet Chelsea’s £25 million valuation of the centre-back.

The young player from Chelsea is expected to be sold in the upcoming off-season. Chalobah secured a regular spot in the team towards the end of the season under manager Mauricio Pochettino.

As a homegrown talent, the London club sees him as a potential asset to raise funds for other player acquisitions.

Chelsea aims to spark a bidding war to maximize the profit from his sale.

It’s worth noting that United and Chelsea completed a deal for Mason Mount last summer, although Mount had limited playing time in the past season.

The centre-back joined Chelsea as an under-9 player and advanced through the Academy to eventually join the men’s first team, following the path of his older brother Nathaniel.

Amadou Bakayoko is on the radar of several English clubs
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Amadou Bakayoko is on radar of several English clubs

Stockport, Salford City, Charlton Athletic, and Tranmere Rovers are all set to make offers for Forest Green Rovers striker Amadou Bakayoko, who recently completed a successful loan spell at Dundee, Football Sierra Leone understands.

Bakayoko joined Dundee on loan from Forest Green Rovers last season and played a crucial role in helping the Dark Blues secure a top-six finish in the Cinch Premiership with six goals contribution.

He mentioned that he would appreciate the chance to rejoin Tony Docherty’s side. However, the latest development could see me go either way next season.

The 28-year-old is still under contract at Forest Green for next season but hopes to discuss his options with his parent club before the new campaign.

Meanwhile, the Sierra Leone International is set to travel for World Cup qualifying matches against Djibouti and Burkina Faso on 5 & 10 June, respectively.