Sports

Voice of the people: Sadio Mane claims he will do what Senegalese people want on his transfer from Liverpool

Published

2 years ago

June 5, 2022

Senegal national team captain, Sadio Mane has left his departure from Liverpool in the hands of his countrymen amid speculations that he is set to leave the English club for perennial German champions, Bayern Munich.

Before the Champions League final against Real Madrid, Mane had stirred the hornet’s nest when he promised to announce his decision after the final, but Liverpool’s defeat to the Spanish side delayed the 30-year-old confirming his intentions and has since remained silent over his next move.

The Senegal international who established himself alongside fellow African, Mohammed Salah, as one of the most important players in Liverpool in his six years spell at the club, is however, reported to be unhappy with his low pay of just £100,000 a week despite his contributions to the club’s success over the years.

And after six highly successful and trophy laden years at Anfield, Mane appears to be on the move with Bayern rumoured to be courting him to replace the want away Robert Lewandowski.

Quizzed on his Liverpool situation shortly before Senegal thumped Benin Republic 3-0 in Afcon qualifiers in Dakar on Saturday, the star striker who bagged a hat trick in the match said his fate would be influenced by the wishes of his countrymen and women.

“Like everyone else, I’m on social media and I see the comments. Isn’t it between 60 to 70% of Senegalese want me to leave Liverpool? I will do what they want.

‘We will see soon! Don’t be in a hurry because we will see this together. The future will tell us.’

After the match, another journalist asked Mane to clarify his earlier statement on his leaving the five times European champions and the former Southampton striker who is now Senegal’s leading goalscorer of all-time, said:

“I spoke yesterday while joking with a bit of humour and it was everywhere. I think we’ll stop there. Liverpool is a club I respect a lot. The fans adopted me since day one. Regarding the future, we’ll see.

Click to comment

Sports

Ghanaian winger Fatawu out for season with ACL injury

Published

9 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana and Leicester City winger, Abdul Fatawu, has been ruled out of the rest of the EPL season after suffering an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury during Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Angola in a 2025 AFCON match during the international break.

Leicester coach, Steve Cooper, who announced the news on Thursday, said the 20-year-old enterprising player suffered a “serious” knee injury which will see him out for the rest of the season.

“It’s not good, it’s a serious injury,” Cooper said ahead of his side’s home tie against Chelsea on Saturday.

“He’s had an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury that is going to rule him out for the rest of the season. It’s a real blow, first and foremost for him, being a young player and having an injury as serious as what an ACL is.

“Albeit, it can be quite common in sport and in particular football, but it’s still a serious injury. For it to happen at a young age is a blow for him and a blow for us as well.

“He’s obviously a big talent and a young player, as exciting as he can be at his age, with lots to learn.

“It’s only a pause and we will make sure, as difficult as it is at the moment for him, that he comes back being a stronger player and person, which with the mentality and character that he has, I think will be the case,” the gaffer said.

Fatawu has been a key player for the Foxes, helping them gain promotion last season and has played 11 times for them in the league during the present campaign, scoring two goals.

Sports

SA football legend Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe passes away

Published

1 day ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

South African football legend, Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe, has passed away at the age of 71 after a long battle with illness.

According to South African media, Moripe lit up the country’s football fields in the 1970s and became a rallying point for football in the country, especially in the apartheid era.

“Moripe, who mesmerised opponents and spectators alike during an injury ravaged career, spent his last years confined to a wheelchair after suffering a stroke, and died at his home on Tuesday at the age of 71,” one media report said.

“Moripe, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players the country has produced by those who saw him play, was called “the god of football”’ by adoring fans during the early 1970s in a nod to his natural talents.

“He was feared by defenders and goalkeepers and his style of play was synonymous with flair, finesse and the golden era of South African football.

“In recent years Moripe was confined to a wheelchair after suffering a mild stroke that was worsened by the effects of a long-term knee injury that stopped his playing career in the late 1980s.

“Throughout his career, Moripe played for the Orlando Pirates and the Pretoria Callies, winning the respect of both teammates and supporters.

“In 2010, the Atteridgeville Super Stadium was renamed the Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in honor of his noteworthy achievements to South African football. Major football games are still held at this stadium, which now stands as a tribute to his legacy.

“Moripe’s career highlights include leading Pretoria Callies to victory against top clubs and earning the 1973 NPSL Player of the Year and Sportsman of the Year titles.

“He also played internationally for Caroline Hill in Hong Kong and briefly for Orlando Pirates. Persistent knee injuries ended his playing career in the late 1980s.”