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Two Moroccan cyclists kidnapped in Burkina Faso released after six weeks

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Two Moroccan cyclists who were kidnapped in Burkina Faso by gunmen on April 1 have been released after spending more than six weeks in captivity.

The Moroccan Foreign Affairs Ministry, in a statement on Monday, said the two cyclists who were on a cross-country tour, were abducted at the Niger-Burkina Faso border in the strife-torn West African country which has been battling with insurgents.

The Ministry said the release of the cyclists was achieved as a result of cooperation between Moroccan security services and their Nigerien counterparts.

“The cooperation allowed the detection of the two Moroccans’ location and their release. The two citizens are safe and sound. The citizens are currently undergoing medical examinations to ensure their health status, prior to their repatriation to Morocco,” the Ministry said.

The case of the two cyclists had raised serious oncerns among Moroccans and had pitched the two countries on a diplomatic row, which led to the Burkinese government pledging to do everything possible to secure the release of the captives.

The Moroccan Touring Bike Association, Souss Massa, had, in a statement in April, mandated the country to go the whole mile to free the cyclists.

“We ask the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates to send a research note to Burkina Faso.”

The Moroccan Embassy in Ouagadougou had also promised that it was mobilizing all of its resources and working in coordination with relevant authorities to solve the case of two Moroccan cyclists.

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Ghanaian winger Fatawu out for season with ACL injury

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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.

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SA football legend Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe passes away

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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.”

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