Sports

Morocco goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou rejects Bayern Munich, pledges future to Sevilla

Published

2 years ago

April 4, 2023

A Spanish sports outlet, Relevo reported on Monday that Moroccan international goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou has rejected a move to German Bundesliga giants, Bayern Munich, who wanted him to replace the injured Manuel Neuer, and instead pledging his future to his current Spanish club, Sevilla.

According to the outlet, following his heroics at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, the perennial German champions had approached Bounou with a view to signing him but he turned down the opportunity to commit his future to his present team.

“Germany’s Bayern Munich was among the clubs that had Bounou on their radar, but the Moroccan footballer was keen on staying with the Spanish club,” the paper wrote.

“With controversy surrounding the benching of Yassine Bounou in recent matches by Sevilla FC’s new head coach, reports have emerged that the Moroccan goalkeeper rejected several offers from big clubs following the 2022 Qatar World Cup, pledging his loyalty to his Spanish club instead,” the report said.

The Spanish outlet said that Bayern had contacted Bounou to acquire his services and “cover the loss of their starting goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, who sustained a leg injury while away on a skiing holiday in January.

“Faced with the urgent need to find a replacement for their main goalkeeper, the German club was keen on signing Bounou, who has been solid in Sevilla’s net over the past several seasons and produced spectacular saves with the Moroccan national team at the 2022 World Cup Qatar.

“With his stellar performances in Qatar, the Moroccan goalkeeper greatly contributed to the Atlas Lions’ World Cup success, helping Morocco become the first African and Arab country to reach the global tournament’s semi-finals.

“In response to Bayern Munich’s offer, Bounou reiterated his loyalty to Sevilla, especially since the club has been facing a tough campaign in La Liga, Spain’s top-tier football league.

“The response was not as expected in Germany and was even surprising for all the parties involved in the operation, except for Bono himself.

“But months later, Bounou lost his starting position in Sevilla to Serbian goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic, raising concerns among the Moroccan goalkeeper’s fans who questioned the Sevilla head coach’s decision,” Relevo said.

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Sports

Ghanaian winger Fatawu out for season with ACL injury

Published

10 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.”