Day: July 12, 2025

Southampton first professional contract for Sutura Kakay

Southampton’s first professional contract for Sutura Kakay

Southampton has officially announced that young midfielder Sutura Kakay has joined the club’s Academy on his first professional contract.

The 18-year-old arrived from Sheffield Wednesday and will be part of the Under-21s, with a deal that keeps him at the club until 2027.

Kakay has made impressive progress in recent seasons after joining Wednesday’s youth setup during his scholarship years, having a standout 2024/25 campaign before making the move to the South Coast.

He was a regular player at the Under-18s level and also made a mark with the Under-21s, gaining valuable experience by training with the first team at the Yorkshire club.

“Signing my first professional contract is something I’ve worked hard for all my life, and I’m eager to get started,” Kakay said after his signing.

“With the club’s strong history of nurturing young talent, I believe this is the perfect pathway for me to grow in my career.” Director of Group Talent Strategy, Andy Goldie, added, “Sutura is a fantastic addition to the Under-21s, enhancing the quality and competition in our midfield ranks.

He brings a fresh dynamic to our squad, showcasing real athleticism and vision, especially in transition. These qualities caught the attention of Mariela [Nisotaki] and her team, making him the first Under-21s signing of the summer. We’re excited to support his development over the next two seasons.”

Guinea named 23-man African Nations Championship (CHAN) squad

Guinea named 23-man African Nations Championship (CHAN) squad

Ibrahima Sory Sankhon, a seasoned midfielder, is one of the standout players in Guinea’s final 23-man squad for the forthcoming TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.

As Guinea looks to build on their 2020 tournament semi-final run, coach Souleymane Camara announced the team on Friday, confirming a well-rounded roster that includes both young talent and seasoned local players.

As part of the nation’s intense preparations for the tournament, which begins on August 2, 2025, the players are currently going through a rigorous training program in a military camp in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The Syli National is placed in Group C, which is arguably one of the competition’s most competitive pools, along with South Africa, Uganda, Niger, and Algeria.

Sankhon, who joined AS Kaloum after returning home in January, is anticipated to provide leadership and stability to the midfield. He is accompanied by Lansana Sylla (Horoya AC), Ousmane Dramé (Hafia FC), and Mohamed Madani Diarra (SAG Siguiri) in a central unit that sets the pace and directs play.

The attacking lineup for Guinea features notable players like Mohamed Lamine Youla (Renaissance FC), Bourhane Camara (RCC Kamsar), and Moussa Moïse Camara (Wakriya AC), aiming to bolster the team’s offense in the tournament.

The defensive unit, consisting of nine players including Kabinet Kouyaté (Hafia FC) and Bangaly Cissé (ASM Sangarédi), focuses on strength and unity to withstand tough competition.

Goalkeeping duties will be shared among Mamadou Yéro Diallo (Renaissance FC), Mory Keïta (Hafia FC), and Ousmane Camara (Flamme Olympique), all of whom come with solid domestic form.

Coach Camara’s team is set to head to East Africa soon for final preparations, looking to make a strong impact on the continental stage.