Football

The national U-17 women’s team, Junior Starlets, wasted no time settling into Pretoria,and held their first training session on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final qualifying round first-leg clash against South Africa.Head coach Mildred Cheche believes her side has what it takes to secure a positive result away from home as they bid to qualify for a second consecutive FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after making history with their debut appearance in the Dominican Republic in 2024.##NAJAVA_MECA_9830384##“Away matches are always tough for any team, but mental strength is everything. The girls are ready to go out and get a positive result here in South Africa,” said Cheche.The Junior Starlets became the first Kenyan football team to qualify for a FIFA World Cup two years ago and are determined to return to the global stage in Morocco later this year after missing out on the previous edition.Kenya reached the final qualifying round by edging Uganda on the away goals..

The opening goalless draw against Cabo Verde was a shock for Spain. However, things seem to have fallen into place.La Roja eventually topped their group and tonight easily overcame the first obstacle in the knockout phase at the 2026 World Cup, defeating Austria 3-0.One goal in the first and two in the second half – scored by Mikel Oyarzabal (brace) and Pedro Porro – were enough for Luis de la Fuente’s team’s comfortable win, though the rivals significantly helped them with their lackluster performance.TACTICAL ANALYSIS: How Ivory Coast’s tactical discipline collapsed against NorwaySpanish defence seemed rock-solid – mainly because of Austria’s toothless offensive display – while their attack did what it does best: weave the web around the rivals’ box until they find a way through.Oyarzabal was terrific, while Lamine Yamal dribbled a lot – some would say too much – and caused trouble to the opposing defenders, though he didn’t make any concrete impact and was selfish on several occasio..

Former Kisumu All Stars interim coach Geoffrey Omondi has officially parted ways with the National Super League (NSL) club, bringing to an end his time with the Blue Eagles after serving in both assistant and interim coaching roles.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsOmondi confirmed his departure through a heartfelt farewell message in which he thanked the club’s management, supporters and everyone associated with Kisumu All Stars for their support during his stay.Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy suffers setback in pursuit of dream job”To the management, fans and friends of Kisumu All Stars,”I want to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this great institution. Your unwavering support has been the foundation of every success we shared.##NAJAVA_MECA_9826989##”As I say goodbye, I carry with me lessons, friendships and memories I will cherish forever. I wish the club, the players and the fans continued growth and success in the coming season ahead.”Om..

Butere Boys have been barred from representing Kakamega County at the 2026 Western Region Secondary School Games after investigations established that the school fielded two ineligible players during the County Games.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsIn a letter dated Thursday, 2 July 2026, Kakamega County Director of Education Stephen Arbere confirmed that an investigation launched following a complaint by Kakamega School found that Moses Mwawara Mwaruwa (Admission No. 10753) and Collins Luvisia (Admission No. 10250) were ineligible to participate in the competition.Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy suffers setback in pursuit of dream jobThe investigation was conducted under Article 14(f) of the KSSSA Constitution and Section 66(3)(a) and (c) of the Basic Education Act, 2013. According to the County Director, Butere Boys were accorded an opportunity to defend themselves before a determination was made.”We regret to inform you that two of your students, namely Moses Mwawara..

Confidence is brewing in the Harambee Starlets camp, ahead of their participation at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) later this month.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsOn Thursday, 2 July, the Kenyan duo of Vivian Nasaka and Marion Serenge expressed as much optimism about the team’s ambitions and capabilities, heading into the tournament set for Sunday, 26 July to Sunday, 16 August in Morocco.##NAJAVA_MECA_9827032##“The mood in the camp is good, everyone here is focused and trying to push as best as they can,” defender Nasaka said on the sidelines of the team’s training session at Kasarani Annex on Thursday. “We are now in Day Four of the camp, and we hope by the time WAFCON begins, everyone will be ready for it.”In Beldine Odemba’s provisional 29-player squad, Nasaka stands as one of the experienced members in the team, which has, over the last year or so, seen the integration of new, younger players.Harambee Starlets release 29-player provisional squad for 2026 W..

The premium sky boxes, a key feature of the Talanta Stadium (set to be officially renamed to Raila Odinga International Stadium), are on the cusp of completion, with photos depicting the luxury waiting fans.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsTalanta Stadium is a multi-billion, flagship project by the Kenyan government to construct a brand new, ultramodern sporting facility in the country that is set to improve the sporting ecosystem and, in the short term, be used as the main venue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).The construction comes after Kenya, alongside neighbours Uganda and Tanzania, won the bid to host the 2027 AFCON in a joint bid dubbed PAMOJA. Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy suffers setback in pursuit of dream jobThe joint bid also included hosting the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which was held in August 2025.While the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani and the Nyayo National Stadium were adequate for Kenya to host CHAN, AFCON nece..

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy’s dream of taking charge of his native South Africa has suffered a major setback after the country’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, publicly endorsed Pitso Mosimane as the only candidate to succeed current Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsMcCarthy, who took charge of Kenya in March 2025, has never hidden his ambition of leading the South African national team, describing it as a role he would gladly accept.##NAJAVA_MECA_9826977##Speaking to Kick Off Magazine earlier this year, the former Manchester United forwards coach said:”I think a lot of people will be interested in the job coaching Bafana. But if I’m asked, of course I would. It’s my country. It’s the national team.”He also believes the current South African squad has the quality to achieve major success.”It’s a very good time to achieve things with this group of players, with the calibre and quality that they have.”Victor Wanyama reveals Europe..

Tottenham Hotspur are on the verge of completing one of the most ambitious transfer splurges in the club’s history, with Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes both set to arrive in deals worth a combined £185 million.The north London club have already agreed a club-record move for Tonali from Newcastle United, with the transfer expected to reach £100 million (£92.5m guaranteed plus £7.5m in performance-related bonuses). The Italy international is due in London on Thursday to undergo his medical before signing a six-year contract that will keep him at Spurs until 2032.However, Tonali’s record may not last long.Give this man a ball and enjoy: reinvented Tonali is a pleasure to watchTottenham have also struck an agreement with West Ham United to sign highly rated midfielder Mateus Fernandes for a guaranteed £85m, with the final order of the announcements determining which player officially becomes the club’s record signing.Manchester City had also pushed to sign Tonali, but Spurs ultimately ..

FKF Premier League side Mara Sugar FC have officially parted ways with five players as the club begins reshaping its squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe Kilgoris-based side confirmed the departures in an official statement, thanking the players for their commitment and contribution during their time at the club.##NAJAVA_MECA_9826977##Among those released are former Kisumu All Stars defender Billy Byron Owuor, ex-KCB defender Lameck Luhangala, and Kelvin Longbert Raphael, who joined the club from Zanzibar outfit JKU SC.Goalkeeper Samuel Guto Mogaka and Mohamed Mwalango Makame have also been shown the exit door.”We bid farewell to the players who have been part of our journey and proudly represented our badge. Thank you for wearing our colours with pride and giving your all in every match. We are grateful for your contribution and wish you nothing but success, good health and greater achievements in the next chapter of your football careers..

You know the saying: trick me once, shame on you; trick me twice, shame on me. But what lesson do we learn when it happens a third time? Do we have to recognise a deeper problem, or is there a lesson waiting for us in these repeated defeats?In just three days, African teams endured three heartbreaking World Cup losses to European opponents – each loss nearly identical and equally devastating.Ivory Coast, DR Congo, and Senegal exited in the Round of 32, each narrowly missing a heroic win. To make matters even more dramatic, the notorious 86th minute struck in all three games.These African teams all ultimately lost to European teams after conceding at the 86th minute 🤔Unlucky timing for the Ivory Coast, DR Congo and Senegal 😔 pic.twitter.com/9PPmv1sLaS— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 2, 2026 Haaland’s late goal sealed Norway’s win over Ivory Coast. Harry Kane broke DR Congo hearts with a second for England, and Romelu Lukaku sparked Belgium’s dramatic comeback. How did all three African sides le..