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TACTICAL ANALYSIS: How new Shabana goalkeeper will shift the club’s game model

Shabana FC have signaled their ambitious intentions for the FKF Premier League season by securing the headline signing of Congolese goalkeeper Pavelh Ndzila from Tusker FC.The move represents a major transfer jolt as the Gusii-based side sought an immediate, high-caliber replacement for Stephen Ochieng ‘TJM’. Ochieng, who claimed the 2025/26 Golden Glove with 16 clean sheets, left a significant void in the Tore Bobe backline after recently moving to Tanzanian side Pamba Jiji. Download Our MozzartSport App For More NewsTo bridge this divide, Shabana targeted a custodian capable of matching Ochieng’s output while introducing elite composure. In Ndzila, they acquire a seasoned international whose journey began as an attacking midfielder before converting into a top goalkeeper, eventually representing Congo at the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Mexico and rising to first-choice for the Red Devils at CHAN 2020.Following spells at AS Étoile du Congo, AS Otôho, and Rwanda’s APR FC, Ndzila comple..

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How could Trabzonspor afford Salah?

Let’s not kid ourselves: Mohamed Salah left for the money. He could have earned even more in Saudi Arabia, but financially he has still done phenomenally well at Trabzon. At the same time, he has remained in European football. On top of that, he is in a Muslim country. Even when the Saudis were prepared to move heaven and earth to sign the best Arab player to ever kick a football, Salah was guided by footballing considerations and went on to make history at Liverpool. Let’s also be honest about this: a 34-year-old Salah would be the best player at a club like Juventus, Milan or Inter if he had accepted a salary three times lower than the one he will receive at Trabzon. We are talking about a player who finished fourth in the voting for the world’s best player last season. Had he stayed at Liverpool, he would probably have continued producing at least double figures in both goals and assists. He chose Turkey, a destination that is selected far less frequently. What is an even bigger sur..

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Experienced stars return as Chipu begin Barthés Cup campaign against Zimbabwe

The Kenya Under-20 national rugby team, Chipu, will begin their quest to reclaim the Rugby Africa U20 Barthés Trophy when they face Zimbabwe in the opening match of the 2026 tournament on Friday, August 7, at Wankulukuku Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.The clash marks the opening semi-final in the newly introduced Performance Division, with the winner advancing to the final to face either defending champions Namibia or Tunisia.##NAJAVA_MECA_9883243##Kenya heads into the tournament determined to reclaim the title after finishing runners-up to Namibia in the 2025 edition in Harare. Chipu won their third Barthés Trophy crown in 2024, ending Zimbabwe’s two-year dominance after lifting the trophy on Zimbabwean soil.Head coach Simon Jawichre has retained several members of last year’s squad, including Jackson Siketi, Michael Olukusi, Rayvon Ambale and Faran Juma, hoping their experience at both club level and the National Sevens Circuit will inspire another title challenge.“They played last year ..

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A look at 13 Kenya U20 Barthés Trophy graduates who became rugby stars

As the 2026 Barthés Trophy gets underway in Uganda on Friday, 7 August, Kenya’s Under-20 side, Chipu, will once again carry the hopes of a nation eager to see the next generation of rugby stars emerge.Chipu open their campaign against Zimbabwe, seeking to reclaim continental glory while continuing a tradition that has become one of Kenya Rugby Union’s (KRU) most successful talent pipelines.##NAJAVA_MECA_9883847##Over the years, the Barthés Trophy has proven to be far more than just an age-grade tournament.It has served as the launching pad for many of Kenya’s finest players, with graduates going on to represent the Kenya Simbas, Shujaa, Morans and some even securing professional contracts abroad.The importance of the competition was evident during Kenya Simbas’ 2022 Rugby World Cup qualifying campaign.Seven members of the 31-man squad had previously featured for Chipu in the Barthés Trophy.From the celebrated “Class of 2019” to the more recent champions of 2023 and 2024, several player..

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Arsenal links were just smokescreen: Vini Jr extends deal with Madrid

The bond between Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid has proven impossible to break! In fact, it’s stronger than ever.Despite intense speculation linking him with Arsenal in recent weeks, the Brazilian and Los Blancos finally found common ground and agreed on a contract extension, which ties the forward to the club until 2032.⏳ Eight years of @ViniJr… and more to come! pic.twitter.com/kwyTG7dQ99— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) August 6, 2026 The two sides have been in talks on and off for about a year and a half. The player was seeking parity with Kylian Mbappe’s wages, which would underline his importance in the team, but Madrid hesitated to meet his requirements.In the end, the two sides met halfway, with Vinicius softening his €30 million salary demands while Madrid improved its initial €22 million offer.##NAJAVA_MECA_9883879##Given that the 26-year-old’s previous contract was set to expire next June, Madrid needed to act quickly, either by agreeing a contract extension or cash..

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BETTING GUIDE: Middlesbrough vs Wrexham, Match Preview, Team News and Prediction

Middlesbrough are looking to bounce back after suffering heartbreak in last season’s Championship playoff final, while Wrexham continue their remarkable rise after narrowly missing out on the expanded playoff places. With both league meetings ending in draws last season, another closely contested encounter is expected.Download Our MozzartSport App For More NewsKick-off: 10:00 PM (Kenyan Time), Friday 07 AugustVenue: Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough##NAJAVA_MECA_9878698##Group: Carabao Cup First RoundCurrent standings: Both teams compete in the EFL Championship (2026-27 season yet to begin).Qualification implications: The winner progresses to the Second Round of the Carabao Cup. If level after 90 minutes, the tie will be decided by penalties.Form GuideMiddlesbrough➖ Draw vs Espanyol❌ Loss vs Huddersfield➖ Draw vs Celtic❌ Loss vs Hull City❌ Loss vs SouthamptonWrexham❌ Loss vs Sunderland❌ Loss vs Liverpool✅ Win vs Leeds United✅ Win vs Manchester United➖ Draw vs Wisla Krakow##NAJAVA_MECA_9..

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The most expensive British goalkeeper…again

Three interesting years have passed for James Trafford. Manchester City sold him to Burnley in 2023 for 17.3 million euros, where he was outstanding. Since City had a €40 million buy-back clause, the Citizens decided to bring him back, although they first negotiated the price down. They eventually paid around 32 million, making him the most expensive British goalkeeper in history. The expectation was that Trafford would become City’s first-choice goalkeeper following Ederson’s departure, and that was indeed the original plan. However, he ended up becoming a victim of Manchester City and Pep Guardiola after a much better option emerged. Gianluigi Donnarumma arrived from Paris Saint-Germain, where he had been unhappy, and that effectively ended the Englishman’s chances before his second spell at the Etihad had even begun.📱 (1) New message from James pic.twitter.com/NbnEPaG3xO— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 6, 2026 Trafford had to sit on the bench behind Italy’s first-choice goalkeeper. Giv..

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Why exciting Kabras RFC quartet will miss a leg of the circuit

Kabras Sugar RFC head coach Carlos Katywa has revealed why the club’s exciting young stars Mike Lukusi, Rayvon Ambale, Jackson Siketi, and Adrian Khwesa will not feature in one leg of the ongoing 2026 National 7s Circuit despite their impressive performances.The quartet has been among the standout performers during the opening two legs of the circuit, earning widespread praise for their fearless attacking rugby and helping Kabras emerge as one of the competition’s most entertaining sides.##NAJAVA_MECA_9878407##Lukusi, Ambale, and Siketi are currently away on national duty with Kenya Under-20 in Uganda for the Rugby Africa U20 Barthés Trophy, where Chipu begin their campaign on Friday, 7 August. Khwesa was also in contention but missed the trip after failing to secure a passport in time.Speaking on the management of the youngsters, Katywa disclosed that the three returning internationals will rejoin the team for the Kabeberi 7s, scheduled for Saturday, 15 to Sunday, 16 August at the RFU..

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Chipu out to avenge Namibia defeat in 2026 Barthés Trophy opener

The Kenya Under-20 national rugby team, Chipu, will be out to settle old scores when they face defending champions Namibia in the opening match of the 2026 Rugby Africa U20 Barthés Trophy on Friday, 7 August at Wankulukuku Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.The fixture renews one of the continent’s fiercest junior rivalries, with the two sides having shared memorable battles over the last two editions of the tournament.##NAJAVA_MECA_9878407##Namibia denied Kenya the chance to defend their title after claiming a 32-22 victory in Harare during the 2025 edition, a defeat that saw Chipu surrender the continental crown.However, Kenya will draw confidence from the 2024 championship in Zimbabwe, where they stunned the Junior Welwitschias 34-28 with a dramatic last-minute victory en route to lifting their third Barthés Trophy title.Head coach Simon Jawichre has retained several players from last year’s squad, banking on continuity and experience as Kenya seeks to reclaim the African title.Among the re..

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Kapchebar sets massive target after Mozzart Bet’s timely grassroots football boost

Kapchebar FC’s preparations for the fourth edition of the Governor wa Raia Cup received a significant boost after leading gaming firm ,Mozzart Bet, visited the team with a bag full of sporting equipment.Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsThe Evans Kipchumba-coached side is determined to make a stronger impression in this year’s tournament after their debut campaign ended at the Tambach Ward stage last year.##NAJAVA_MECA_9878688##Organisers of the tournament, that seeks to unite the youth of Elgeyo Marakwet County through football, are expected to kick off the fourth edition either in late August or early September.With the countdown to the tournament underway, Kapchebar have set their sights on reaching at least the semi-finals of the countywide competition, which attracts teams from every corner of the expansive county which is better known for producing renowned athletes.Their ambitions received a timely lift after Mozzart Bet donated 23 full playing kits and two footballs u..

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