Sports

CAF returns to Morocco for 2023 awards in December

Published

1 year ago

July 25, 2023

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will return to Morocco in December for the 2023 CAF Awards ceremony in what the body say will be a celebration of the shining stars of African football following the success of the event held last year in Rabat.

The 2023 CAF Awards, according to the continent’s football organising body, will take place on December 11 and promises to be an even more exciting event compared to last year’s edition.

“After last year’s successful event hosted in the Moroccan capital of Rabat which saw Senegal inspirational forward Sadio Mane and Nigeria and Barcelona top striker Asisat Oshoala claim honours, the CAF Awards will feature some of Africa’s finest stars,” CAF said in a press release on Tuesday.

According to the press release, the prestigious award show will “pay tribute to standout performers for both club and country over the past year, with the highlight of the event being the crowning of the CAF African Player of the Year in both the men’s and women’s categories.

“The men’s category boasts a distinguished list of previous winners including Ivorian Yaya Toure, who won the award four times, Cameroonian Samuel Eto’o, and the legend Didier Drogba.

“Other notable winners include Egypt’s Mohammed Salah, Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez, Nigeria’s Nwankwo Kanu, Ghana’s Abedi Pele, as well as the iconic George Weah, who is Liberia’s current president.

“In the women’s category, Asisat Oshoala of Nigeria has dominated the award, claiming it five times in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2022.

“However, she will face fierce competition from previous winners who are still actively contributing to the sport like South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana.

“The category also includes Nigerian star, Perpetua Nkwocha, whose achievements have left a lasting mark on women’s football on the continent.”

The statement added that the award would also feature other special recognitions including the Interclub Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year, National Team of the Year, Coach of the Year, Club of the Year, and Goal of the Year.

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Sports

Ghanaian winger Fatawu out for season with ACL injury

Published

13 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

2 days 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.”