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Friendlies news

Bafana Bafana, August 2025

Bafana's predicted XI to face Zambia: Will Broos start on-song Pirates star Moremi?

South Africa are intensifying preparations for the 2025 AFCON finals with an international friendly match against Chipolopolo at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday. The 1996 African champions' coach is using the match to fine-tune his squad as he edges closer to finalising the group he will take to the continental tournament. With competition for AFCON places still open, the game against the Copper Bullets is expected to bring out fierce performances from players eager to impress the coach. This could also be the last chance for some players to convince the Belgian tactician that they deserve a seat on the plane to Morocco.

Argentina v Venezuela - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Messi runs the show! Veteran guides Argentina to Angola win

Lionel Messi bagged a goal and an assist as Argentina earned a hard-fought 2-0 victory away to Angola. The 2022 World Cup winner is coming towards the end of his illustrious career but the veteran's quality was plain to see as he played an instrumental role in this friendly win on Friday. Both he and Lautaro Martinez scored and turned provider as the Albiceleste marched on once more.

Bafana Bafana, August 2025

Bafana's predicted XI to face Zambia: Will Broos start on-song Pirates star Moremi?

South Africa are intensifying preparations for the 2025 AFCON finals with an international friendly match against Chipolopolo at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday. The 1996 African champions' coach is using the match to fine-tune his squad as he edges closer to finalising the group he will take to the continental tournament. With competition for AFCON places still open, the game against the Copper Bullets is expected to bring out fierce performances from players eager to impress the coach. This could also be the last chance for some players to convince the Belgian tactician that they deserve a seat on the plane to Morocco.

Brandon Petersen, Dillan Solomon and Zitha Kwinika, Kaizer Chiefs

Khumalo questions Broos for snubbing Chiefs star - 'You select a player based on performances at the club'

Broos yet again found himself on the receiving end of intense criticism after he named his final squad to take on Chipolopolo in an international friendly game. The Belgian failed to include a single player from Naturena, even though some Amakhosi players have been doing well in the current season. Khumalo, a Bafana legend, has named a star he believes deserved a call-up because he says the player has been outstanding.

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Bafana Bafana, South Africa

Bafana defender vows they will go 'all guns blazing' against Zambia

The 30-year-old defender has stressed that the team is determined to follow Hugo Broos’ directives to the letter in their upcoming friendly against Zambia. Sibisi emphasised that every player understands the importance of the fixture, despite it being labeled a friendly, and that there is no room for complacency. The South African senior men’s team is focused on building momentum, sharpening their tactics, and taking decisive steps forward as they prepare for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

FBL-ARG-TRAINING-FRIENDLY

Messi blown away as 20,000 fans pack stands to watch him train

Lionel Messi was stunned to find 20,000 fans pack the Elche stands to watch him train with Argentina. It was meant to be a simple training session ahead of the Albiceleste's friendly against Angola, but it turned into a football festival unlike anything the Spanish city had ever seen. The Inter Miami star was also handed a special Elche shirt with his name and number on the back to commemorate the occasion.

Mduduzi Shabalala, Kaizer Chiefs, October 2025

Agent confirms 'interest from several European clubs' in Chiefs duo

Amakhosi have been under pressure to produce young players capable of making a real impact on the South African football scene. In recent years, their rivals, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, have set the bar high by churning out prospects like Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Malibongwe Khoza. However, two Amakhosi youngsters appear to be nearing making big moves and play overseas.

Tshegofatso Mabasa, Orlando Pirates, September 2025

Bucs star reacts to 'painful' Bafana exclusion

The 29-year-old forward has once again been left out of coach Hugo Broos’ final squad for the clash against Zambia on Saturday afternoon at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Despite consistently making his presence felt whenever he dons the Soweto giants’ jersey, the Belgian coach appears reluctant to place his trust in him. The repeated snubs have understandably left the striker frustrated, as he openly expresses the pain of being overlooked.

America v Pachuca - Torneo Apertura 2025 Liga MX

Aguirre confirms plans to call up Fidalgo for Mexico

Álvaro Fidalgo’s chances of representing Mexico appear closer than ever, as Javier Aguirre confirmed he intends to call up the América midfielder once he becomes eligible in March 2026. The Spanish-born playmaker, who has spent nearly five years in Liga MX, is on track to join Mexico’s growing group of naturalized players.

FBL-JPN-BRA-FRIENDLY

Cunha opens up on 'very painful' Brazil experience

Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha has discussed how he's grown as a player and a person since being overlooked for Brazil's squad for the 2022 World Cup. The likes of Antony, Gabriel Jesus and Pedro were selected ahead of the 26-year-old by then-Selecao manager Tite, although Cunha is back in favour under Carlo Ancelotti and has a strong chance of making the cut this time around. Click the play button above to hear what the former Wolves attacker had to say about dealing with the "very painful" experience of being snubbed three years ago ⬆️

Gift Links, Aarhus, September 2025

Links 'flabbergasted' as agent accuses Broos of being 'disrespectful' after Bafana snub

The former Cape Town City midfielder continues to be overlooked for national team selection despite his consistent performances in Denmark. The 27-year-old last featured for South Africa during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, early in the Belgian's tenure as coach of the 1996 African champions. Several new faces have been introduced in the national side, while his absence has fanned some debate.

FBL-WC-2026-AFRICA-QUALIFIER-LES-NGA

Nigeria players boycott training TWO days before crunch WC play-off

Nigeria players have boycotted training just two days before a crucial World Cup qualifying play-off against Gabon. The squad have downed tools due to issues with outstanding payments and have demanded a resolution before their next game. The Super Eagles must beat Gabon in their play-off semi-final to have any chance of securing a place at the 2026 World Cup after missing out on automatic qualification in the group phase.

Frequently asked questions

Manchester United and Liverpool both have 20 top-flight league titles to their name, and are the most successful sides in English history for league wins. With Liverpool securing their second Premier League in the 2024-25 season, they've won two in the Premier League era and 18 prior to its creation. By contrast, Manchester United have won 13 Premier League titles and seven before the league's inception, last winning a Premier League title at the end of the 2012-13 campaign.

The Premier League in its current format has 20 teams. The first-ever season of the Premier League era in 1992-93 featured 22 teams, which was then reduced to 20 teams ahead of the 1995-96 season.

Garath Barry leads the way with 653 appearances for four different clubs: Aston Villa, Manchester City, Everton and West Bromwich Albion. James Milner is second with 637, winning PL titles with both Manchester City and Liverpool. He is still playing with Brighton, so could surpass Barry if he carries on. Third is Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs, with 632 appearances.

Jimmy Greaves, widely regarded as the most prolific English goalscorer ever, but Alan Shearer is the Premier League's top scorer of all time, with 260 goals across a famed career for both Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United.

Manchester United icon Ryan Giggs holds the record for the most assists in Premier League history. Giggs spent his entire career at Old Trafford, making 672 appearances and registering 162 assists between 1991 and 2014.

Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri is the youngest player to ever play in the Premier League. Nwaneri was just 15 days and 181 days old when he made his debut for the Gunners against Brentford in the 2022-23 season.

Stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, David Beckham, Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney, Eric Cantona, Steven Gerrard, Dennis Bergkamp, Didier Drogba and Mohamed Salah (still playing) have all featured in the Premier League era.

Jose Mourinho, Sir Alex Ferguson, Carlo Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola, Thomas Tuchel, Jurgen Klopp, and Arsene Wenger are among the most famous managers to have taken charge of a Premier League club.

Manchester United's Old Trafford is the biggest stadium in the league with a capacity of 74,310.