Football

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has released key centreback Grant Kekana from his squad for the forthcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Zimbabwe with a hamstring injury, replacing him with Kaizer Chiefs’ Given Msimango. As Broos prepared for Bafana’s qualifiers against Nigeria in Uyo on Friday (9 pm SA time) and Zimbabwe in Bloemfontein next Tuesday (6 pm), the coach disclosed he has six injuries among his Mamelodi Sundowns contingent. However, apart from Kekana’s the rest were niggling and not expected to keep anyone out of action.

Despite Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final last night, defender Dani Carvajal, admitted that his team didn’t even merit a draw against the Bundesliga side. Carvajal, who scored the opening goal for Real Madrid in the 74th minute, was candid about the Los Blancos’ performance.  The Spain international was speaking via (MadridXtra on X) in a post-match interview. 

Kobbie Mainoo has been pencil to sign a lucrative new contract at Manchester United. Daily Star reports that the England midfielder wants to put talks on hold until after the Euros. Mainoo has enjoyed a breakout campaign with the United since he made his first start in October. The Ghana international bulldoze his way to establish himself and score in the FA Cup final, as they beat Manchester City 2-1 at Wembley. 

The Nigerian Football Federation, NFF has revealed venues and date for the quarter-final fixtures of President Federation Cup. NFF, being the organisers of the competition has fixed all the quarter-final matches to be played on Wednesday, June 5. Meanwhile, headline fixture of the round between Sunshine Stars and Kano Pillars will be played at the Area 3 Pitch, Abuja. Former champions El-Kanemi Warriors will lock horns with Inter Lagos at the Bwari Stadium, Abuja. 

Bayern Munich have appointed Vincent Kompany as their new head coach on a three-year deal after agreeing a compensation package of about £10m with Burnley. The 38-year-old replaces Thomas Tuchel after he departed at the end of the season.

Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 34. He shared this news in a letter to Real Madrid fans, expressing his gratitude for their love and support since he joined the club in 2014. Kroos also confirmed that the 2024 Euros will mark his final international appearance.