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CAF congratulates Morocco for joint 2030 World Cup hosting rights

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has hailed the 2030 FIFA World Cup hosting rights granted to Morocco alongside Portugal and Spain by the world football governing body.

In a congratulatory message by CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, it said securing the hosting rights for the 2030 World Cup further highlighted the immense potential that the African continent held in terms of football which would contribute significantly to the development of African football.

“CAF believes that Morocco’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2030 will contribute significantly to the development and growth of football in Africa, particularly amongst the African youth whose population is the fastest growing youth population in the World,” Motsepe said in the message.

The CAF President expressed his confidence that Morocco would give Africa a very good representation along with Portugal and Spain, believing that the 2030 World Cup would be a great successful.

He stressed that the collaboration between the three neighbouring countries reflected the unity that existed between Africa and Europe in football, which he says will “inspire all of us to work together and make the World a better place.”

Motsepe also praised Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, as well as the government, the President of the Moroccan Royal Federation of Football, Fouzi Lekjaa, and people of the North African country for supporting the 2030 World Cup bid.

The 2030 World Cup, which will be the centenary edition of the tournament, will mark the first time that three continents host the tournament.

Asides Morocco, Portugal and Spain, which are the original hosts of the competition, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina will host one match each to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first-ever World Cup that was held in Uruguay in 1930.

Morocco will dedicate six stadiums to host matches in the 2030 World Cup, according to Lekjaa.

“To date, we have identified six locations to host the 2030 World Cup, namely Rabat, Tangier, Marrakech, Agadir, Fez, in addition to the Grand Stadium of Casablanca, which will be built soon,” Lekjaa said in an interview on Thursday.

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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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