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Zambia’s female footballer Racheal Kundananji breaks women’s transfer record

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Zambian female football star, Racheal Kundananji, has made history as the first female footballer to break the women’s world transfer record after she signed for US’s National Women’s Soccer League expansion side, Bay FC, for $860,000 (£685,000).

The world record transfer fee makes Kundananji the most expensive player in women’s football history, as well as being the first African— male or female— to break a transfer fee record.

The 23-year-old Zambian forward is joining the California-based side from Madrid CFF where she scored 33 goals in 43 Liga F games, in a four-year contract with the option of a further year.

Kundananji’s transfer fee breaks the previous record held by England midfielder, Keira Walsh, who transferred from Manchester City to Barcelona for £400,000 in 2022.

The deal also exceeds the £384,000 that Chelsea paid for Colombian striker Mayra Ramirez from Levante, with add-ons potentially bringing the total to £426,600.

Kundananji who spoke to journalist after sealing the deal, said:

“People in Zambia will be surprised but they will be so happy. I want to give the Bay FC fans what they want – to enjoy the games, to enjoy seeing me playing and scoring.”

Bay FC which would be making its debut in the National Women’s Soccer League, has already signed Nigeria striker Asisat Oshoala and former Arsenal defender Jen Beattie, making them a force to be reckoned with in the women’s football scene.

Kundananji began her career with Zambian side Indeni Roses, before moving to BIIK Kazygurt in Kazakhstan in 2019.

She later joined Spanish top-flight side Eibar and later Madrid CFF.

She has also represented Zambia at the international level, scoring 10 goals in 18 matches.

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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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