Month: July 2024

Mamelodi Sundowns and coach Rhulani Mokwena part ways
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mamelodi Sundowns and coach Rhulani Mokwena part ways

Mamelodi Sundowns and Rhulani Mokwena have mutually agreed to conclude their working relationship, marking the end of Rhulani Mokwena’s role as Head Coach.

Mokwena won four league trophies with Sundowns, two as co-coach. Last season, he guided Sundowns to the first-ever African Football League but they couldn’t win the CAF Champions League, their main goal.

Sundowns express its sincere appreciation to Rhulani Mokwena for his invaluable contributions to the club’s successes and achievements during his tenure as Head Coach.

Mokwena will always be considered a part of the Mamelodi Sundowns Family, and the club wishes him the utmost success in his future endeavours.

The decision was made by the Board, taking into consideration the club’s objectives and expectations and was not influenced by any individual associated with the club.

“Sundowns is deeply committed to the development and growth of South African coaches and players. Coach Manqoba Mngqithi and the Technical Team will continue to lead and oversee the training and preparation of the players for the upcoming season,” Sundowns noted.

Mamelodi Sundowns is diligently preparing to compete in all upcoming competitions and is honoured to be one of the four Football Clubs representing the African Continent in the historic FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

The 18-year-old defensive midfielder, Boubakar Dembaga, expressed his delight after joining AS Monaco from Paris FC.
by FSL News

AS Monaco move excites Malian Boubakar Dembaga

The 18-year-old defensive midfielder, Boubakar Dembaga, expressed his delight after joining AS Monaco from Paris FC.

Originally from Aulnay-sous-Bois (Seine-Saint-Denis), Boubakar Dembaga, who recently celebrated his 18th birthday on June 7, has joined AS Monaco from Paris FC, where he trained.

Dembaga played with the Ile-de-France club in the U17 and U19 categories after starting his career at CSL Aulnay and then at Espérance Aulnaysienne, alongside playing futsal.

The youngster is thrilled to sign his first professional contract with AS Monaco. He sees this as an important step and is eager to start this new adventure.

He looks forward to continuing to progress and reach his best level. Boubakar Dembaga had a successful 2023-2024 season with Paris FC, playing more than twenty matches as a starter and scoring 5 goals. He will play with Djimi Traoré’s Elite Group at AS Monaco.

Equatorial Guinea'S Dacosta Gonzalez pens long-term deal with AFC Bournemouth
by FSL News

Equatorial Guinea’s Dacosta Gonzalez pens long-term deal

Michael Dacosta Gonzalez has signed a new long-term contract with AFC Bournemouth, keeping him at the club until at least the end of the 2026/27 season.

The forward, eligible to represent Spain, Ecuador, and Equatorial Guinea, expressed his excitement and commitment to the club, emphasizing his gratitude towards his family for their support.

Dacosta Gonzalez, whose younger brother Malcolm recently signed a two-year scholarship with the Cherries, said on afcb.co.uk: “It’s an honour and a privilege to sign a contract at this club. I’ve been here since I was 11 and the club is on the rise.

I’m pleased and, hopefully, I can go all the way. I’m happy for myself, but I’m mostly happy for my mom because I couldn’t have done it without her. Me, my mom, and everyone are really happy.

I’m extremely excited and I’ve got a lot of emotions running through me because I really want to do well for this club.”

Gambian international Sheriff Sinyan is leaving Slavia a year later as both parties mutually agreed not to activate the further year option.
by FSL News

Gambian international ​Sheriff Sinyan departs Slavia Prague

Gambian international Sheriff Sinyan is leaving Slavia a year later as both parties mutually agreed not to activate the further year option.

One contributing factor to this decision is Sinyan’s requirement for enhanced playing time following his injury, which Slavia cannot assure.

Sinyan,27, expressed his gratitude, stating, “I wish to extend my thanks to my teammates, the coaching staff, the management, and all those who supported and cared for me during my injury. The shared moments will be cherished, and I extend my best wishes to Slavia for the future.”

Upon arriving as a free agent in July 2023, Sinyan signed a one-year deal with a two-year option and underwent medical treatment and rehabilitation. Hailing from Oslo and representing Gambia, Sinyan made his A-team debut on October 29th against Bohemians.

He also played in the MOL Cup in Hradec Králové and sustained a muscle injury during the January training camp in the Algarve while playing against Sönderjyske and AIK Stockholm.

Nigeria's forward Muhamed Tijani Joins Plymouth Argyle 
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria’s forward Muhamed Tijani Joins Plymouth Argyle 

English Championship side Plymouth Argyle has signed Muhamed Tijani on loan from Slavia Prague. The deal is subject to EFL approval and international clearance.

The Nigerian forward, 23, scored 13 goals in 33 games for Taborsko in the 2021/22 season. He also played in the Europa League for Slavia Prague, scoring two goals.

At the international level, Tijani was part of the Nigeria under-20 squad that competed in the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

He played his first international match on 24 May 2019 against the Qatar under-20 side. He scored his first international goal on 30 May through a penalty kick against the Ukraine under-20 team.

Argyle’s Head Coach, Wayne Rooney, is excited about Tijani joining the team and is looking forward to working with him.

Argyle can buy the player at the end of his loan spell. Tijani, from Nigeria, moved to the Czech Republic at 18 to join Banik Ostrava’s youth system.

In the summer of 2023, he moved to Slavia Prague for approximately £1m and played 19 times, scoring four goals. Two goals came in the UEFA Europa League, including a last-ditch winner away to FC Sheriff.

Wayne Rooney, Head Coach of Argyle, said, “Muhamed’s arrival enhances our forward line with his size, athleticism, and scoring ability. He’s experienced in the Europa League and is eager to improve.”

Neil Dewsnip, Director of Football, added, “We’re thrilled to have Muhamed on board. He brings a different profile to our forward line and has immense growth potential. We’re excited to have him on board before pre-season begins.”

Anderlecht eye Portsmouth winger Abu Kamara
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Anderlecht eye Portsmouth’s winger Abu Kamara

After a successful loan spell with Portsmouth, Norwich City winger Abu Kamara is a summer target for Belgian top-tier side Anderlecht, Football Sierra Leone understands.

Kamara’s impressive performance at League One champions Portsmouth has attracted interest, but Norwich plans to include him in their first-team under manager Johannes Hoff Thorup.

Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke reports that Anderlecht, managed by former Norwich youth coach Brian Riemer, are keen on signing Kamara and wants to bring him to Belgium this summer.

A source from Norwich has confirmed that they plan to include Kamara in their first-team set-up this summer while their new head coach, Thorup, assesses the squad.

Kamara was an important player in Portsmouth’s championship-winning season last year. He scored ten goals and provided eleven assists in 52 games.

This summer, he made his debut for England’s U20 team. The 20-year-old, who came through City’s academy, has one year left on his contract at Carrow Road, and Norwich has a one-year option.

Al-Merrikh unveil Nigerian keeper Olorunleke Oluwasegun Ojo
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Al-Merrikh unveil Nigerian keeper Olorunleke Oluwasegun Ojo

Al-Merrikh SC has unveiled their new signing, Nigerian goalkeeper Olorunleke Oluwasegun Ojo, who previously played for Enyimba FC.

The club made the announcement on its official Facebook page, but no terms of the contract were mentioned.

Ojo began his senior career with Giwa FC in 2013 and later moved to Kano Pillars in 2014.

In 2021, he joined Enyimba and eventually became the team captain in 2023. Ojo has represented Nigeria at various levels and was part of the Nigeria U20s team that won the 2015 African U-20 Championship.

He received his first call-up to the senior Nigeria national team in 2022 and was included in the squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, making him the only player selected from the Nigeria Professional Football League.

FC Basel has extended the contract of Adriano Onyegbule, a German-Nigerian attacking midfielder, until the end of the 2026-2027 season.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Midfielder Adriano Onyegbule extends FC Basel contract

FC Basel has extended the contract of Adriano Onyegbule, a German-Nigerian attacking midfielder, until the end of the 2026-2027 season.

Onyegbule, 18, joined Basel in 2022 and made his senior debut in May 2023. He has been promoted to Basel’s first team for the upcoming season.

Onyegbule has represented Germany’s youth teams in six matches and remains eligible to play for the Flying Eagles.

The midfielder moved from RB Leipzig’s youth department to Rotblau around two years ago and, has so far, made four competitive appearances for the first team.

Most recently, the German-Nigerian dual citizen has mainly played in the U21s, where he has made 39 appearances (3 goals).

Roma sign young prospect Buba Sangaré from FC Levante
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Roma sign young prospect Buba Sangaré from FC Levante

Buba Sangaré, a 16-year-old right winger, has signed a three-year contract with AS Roma after being transferred from FC Levante for 1.5 million euros.

“AS Roma is delighted to confirm the signing of Buba Sangaré from Levante on a permanent deal. Sangaré, 16, is a right-back born in Elche, Spain,” The Italian giants confirmed.

With just three appearances for Levante’s first team last season, the Spanish-Malian prodigy is set to begin a new chapter in Italy with a contract extending until June 2027.

The young defender has already made appearances in La Liga and Copa del Rey with Levante, as well as representing Spain at the European Under-17 Championship.

Official: Jonathan Morsay departs AEL Limassol
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Official: Jonathan Morsay departs AEL Limassol

Sierra Leonean attacker Jonathan Morsay has officially left the Cypriot sports club AEL Limassol by mutual consent.

He joined AEL Limassol FC on a free transfer on 7 July 2023. Morsay scored his first goal for the team in the first game of the Cypriot First Division on 21 August 2023 against Doxa Katokopias FC, contributing to the team’s victory.

“Special thanks to Jonathan Morsay who, despite being under contract for next year, agreed to leave our team without any financial demands and receiving only the current season’s accruals,” the club announced.

The Swedish-born player participated in 22 games for the Cypriot side and scored three goals as they finished ninth.

They finished ninth in the Cypriot First Division last season and recently replaced former Cyprus international Alexandros Garpozis as the manager.

Morsay, born to a Sierra Leonean father and a Swedish mother, was a youth international for Sweden. He is now a free agent.

He made his debut for the Sierra Leone national team in a friendly, a 3–0 loss to Togo on 24 March 2022, and has been a regular since then.