Match

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk insisted Xavi Simons did not intend to hurt him in a challenge which led to the Spurs midfielder being sent off in Saturday’s Premier League clash between the two teams. The defender revealed he spoke to his Netherlands team-mate following the tackle which led to his first-half dismissal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

In recent months, Orlando Pirates have sold two of their gems, and another has been tipped to follow in their footsteps soon. Despite the fact he is one of the most promising South African stars, Mofokeng is yet to seal a big move. It started with Nkota before Mbokazi followed suit, but what is holding back President Yama 2000 has been explained.

The subject of whether the Bafana Bafana defender should have waited to play in AFCON first before choosing his next club has been quite a hot topic. Broos was the first one to publicly question the move to the Major Soccer League. According to the experienced tactician, Mbokazi should have at least waited to play in the AFCON and World Cup finals before considering a move.

Alejandro Garnacho was fortunate not to receive a red card for a “really nasty” tackle in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle United, according to the Magpies’ former goalkeeper Shay Given. The Argentina winger avoided receiving his marching orders in a game full of contentious moments, with Toon boss Eddie Howe criticising the match officials after the full-time whistle.

As the experienced striker faces an uncertain future with the Soweto giants, his club rival has been described as one of the best strikers. Mabasa has fallen down the pecking order under Abdeslam Ouaddou, as either Evidence Makgopa, Boitumelo Radiopane, or Yanela Mbuthuma has been preferred to him in most cases. Now, he has been told to consider a move to Amakhosi, but is the new sensation in town his replacement?

Kylian Mbappe sent a heartfelt message to “idol” Cristiano Ronaldo after copying the Portugal superstar’s iconic celebration following his landmark goal in Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Sevilla. The France forward had a birthday to remember as he found the back of the net to help Xabi Alonso’s men move to within a point of La Liga leaders Barcelona on Saturday.

Matt Doherty says he and his Wolverhampton Wanderers team-mates run the risk of being called “cowards” if they do not show more accountability as the club’s woeful Premier League season plunged to new depths. The Molineux club equalled an unwanted record as they suffered their 15th top-flight defeat of the campaign in a 2-0 reverse against Brentford on Saturday afternoon.

Alexander Isak limped out of Liverpool's clash with Tottenham just seconds after scoring the opening goal of the game, after appearing to injure his ankle. The Sweden international came off the bench at half-time but was withdrawn shortly after a lunge from Micky van de Ven left him writhing in agony on the turf.

The Glamour Boys have started the season quite well, having managed to stay in touch with the Premier Soccer League favourites, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. Despite their impressive run in the South African top-flight football, Amakhosi have been accused of not showing the needed hunger that will push them to titles.

South Africa are set for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations starting on Sunday with the hosts Morocco tackling Comoros. However, the 1996 winners will have to wait until Monday before playing Angola in Group B game that will be staged in Marrakesh. Hugo Broos' men have been placed in the pool alongside Egypt and Zimbabwe as well.

Under the Belgian tactician, South Africa have reclaimed their rightful place in continental football, where they are set to not only battle for the title in the biennial competition but also be part of the nine nations that acquired an automatic ticket to represent Africa in the FIFA World Cup that will be held next year.

Mikel Arteta has revealed what he tells his Arsenal players about his long-term future at the club. Saturday's trip to Everton marks six years in the job for Arteta but in that time, the Gunners have only won the FA Cup. The Spaniard's contract expires in the summer of 2027 but if he is to stay on, he suggested he needs to "earn the right" at the north London team.

Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Matvey Safonov fractured his hand during the Intercontinental Cup final penalty shootout but played through the pain to guide his side to victory. After ending extra-time with the game at 1-1, the French giants emerged victorious with a 2-1 shootout win as Safonov saved a remarkable four spot-kicks. Days on from that result, it appears he pulled off his heroics despite being injured.

How can I watch the Super League match between Eyüpspor and Fenerbahçe? Plus team news

Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo made a last-gasp howler as Swansea City came from behind to earn a dramatic 2-1 Championship victory over Wrexham in the Welsh derby on Friday evening. Second-half strikes from Zan Vipotnik and Adam Idah helped Vitor Matos' side secure the bragging rights after Phil Parkinson's visitors had taken the lead thanks to an own goal from defender Cameron Burgess.

Everton boss David Moyes shared a hilarious insight into what it was like to manage “moaner” Mikel Arteta ahead of their reunion on the touchline this weekend. The Scot has opened up about coaching the Spaniard during his playing days, while jokingly criticising how the now-Arsenal gaffer conducts his transfer business, having lost Declan Rice to his protege while he was in charge of West Ham United.

The Glamour Boys have been rebuilding since last season after going for a decade without any major silverware across all competitions. In the ongoing campaign, the Soweto giants have been doing quite well despite having young players in their squad who are still learning to deliver in top-flight football domestically and abroad.

The Sea Robbers produced nine players for Hugo Broos' arsenal set to compete for the continental crown starting this weekend in the North African nation. It was a massive reward for Abdeslam Ouaddou's men, who have been excellent in domestic assignments where they have won two competitive trophies and one that is unofficial.

The 57-year-old, who played for Wits University Football Club and SuperSport United, has been coaching in South Africa since 2008, but will now be plying trade outside Mzansi after accepting an offer from African heavyweights. It is a massive blow for Stellies, who have been struggling to push for top positions in the country's top-flight football.

Ruben Amorim has said he will not punish Kobbie Mainoo for his brother's provocative t-shirt, insisting it will have no impact on whether or not the homegrown midfielder will start Manchester United's next game against Aston Villa. The coach also accused the club's young players including Chido Obi and Harry Amass of being entitled after they appeared to respond to previous comments he made.

U.S. international Christian Pulisic and AC Milan saw their Supercoppa Italiana title defense end with a 2-0 semifinal loss to Napoli in Saudi Arabia. Milan entered the match as defending champions after lifting the trophy earlier this year with wins over Juventus and Inter Milan, marking Pulisic’s first - and so far only - silverware with the club.

The Premier Soccer League title race is taking shape, and there is an indication that, just like the previous three seasons, it will be a battle between the Soweto giants and the Pretoria heavyweights. Past the halfway mark, Pirates sit at the top with two more points than Downs, meaning it is easy to predict a neck-to-neck title showdown once again.

The coach can now breathe a sigh of relief over an injury case that should have probably given him sleepless nights days before the continental finals begin. The Orlando Pirates star was involved against Ghana in South Africa's last friendly game and suffered a kick on his leg, which forced him to seek treatment. The former Polokwane City star has been a key player for Broos, and his absence would have dealt the coach a huge blow.

The Soweto giants, Bucs, have been doing well domestically, where they have already won three trophies across all competitions in the last couple of months. It explains why they produced a large number of players for the national team ahead of the biennial competition in Morocco. While the Sea Robbers' tactician is happy with his stars in national colours, he has shared his concern too.

South Africa head into the Morocco finals buoyant after winning their last two friendly games against Zambia and Ghana. The 1996 champions are also among the continent's World Cup representatives next year, which means they have an extra reason to believe they are among the best teams. However, their AFCON preparations have been affected by off-pitch issues, mainly Hugo Broos' comments on Mbekezeli Mbokazi, although the coach apologised later.

South Africa did well to finish third in the 2023 edition despite coming into the competition against the odds owing to their initial struggles. However, things are seemingly working in their favour ahead of the 2025 campaign to be staged in North Africa, where Hugo Broos' men have been tipped to have a say on the title race.

The Amakhosi youngster has been previously compared to Premier Soccer League legend Themba Zwane as well as Thembinkosi Lorch. Although he is tipped to become a key player for the Soweto giants, being played out of his natural position has been cited as impeding his development. Despite competition from more experienced rivals, he has been able to become a regular starter.

In the absence of Mamelodi Sundowns' legendary midfielder Themba Zwane, questions have been asked about who among the two Orlando Pirates players can effectively play in the creative role behind the strikers. While a section feels Master Chef is suited for the job, others feel the 21-year-old versatile attacker should be given the opportunity.

Fresh off an MLS Cup title, Inter Miami are already making moves with a repeat championship in mind. According to The Athletic, the club is nearing an agreement to sign Minnesota United and Canada international goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. The reigning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year is out of contract following the 2025 season and would arrive to address one of the Herons’ key weaknesses.