Latest news with #Al-Ettifaq
Al-Ahram Weekly
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Ahmed 'Kouka' Hassan joins Saudi side Al-Ettifaq - Talents Abroad
Egyptian towering striker Ahmed "Kouka" Hassan has joined Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq on a free transfer, the club announced on Thursday. Although the deal's details were not disclosed, reports suggested that the 32-year-old forward signed a one-year contract. The move could potentially mark the end of his long European journey, following a brief stint with French Ligue 1 side Le Havre, where he made 16 appearances, scoring three goals and registering one assist. Kouka began his European career in 2011, joining Rio Ave's U-19 team from Egyptian giants Ahly, where he broke into the senior squad in 2012. In the summer of 2015, he left Rio Ave to sign for Portuguese side SC Braga. He then embarked on a temporary spell with Greek side Olympiacos, which became permanent in the 2020 season. The nomadic striker moved to Turkey in 2021 on loan to Konyaspor, before playing for Alanyaspor in 2022. He then joined Pendikspor on a free transfer in September 2023. In February 2024, Kouka returned to Alanyaspor after becoming a free agent. His stay was short-lived, as he rejoined Rio Ave in August 2024 on a one-year deal. However, he made another switch in January 2025, signing for Le Havre in a Bosman deal until the end of the season. Al-Ettifaq finished seventh in the 2024/25 Saudi Pro League season. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
The South African
a day ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates name their new captain, not always in the starting XI!
Orlando Pirates have a new skipper after the departure of Innocent Maela. They've also named two vice-captains. Commanding central defender Nkosinathi Sibisi takes the armband for 2025-2026. Meanwhile, fellow centre-halves Thapelo Xoki and Mbekezeli Mbokazi will act as vice-captains. Orlando Pirates get R31 million EFT, but it comes at a HUGE cost! 29-year-old Nkosinathi Sibisi has been given the captain's armband at Pirates. He was a key figure last season alongside breakout star Mbekezeli Mbokazi in the heart of defence after Thabiso Sesane was struck down with a long-term injury. What happens when Sesane returns will be fascinating, as he might even dislodge the new captain. That's a nice problem for new boss Ouaddao to have, though. Sibisi made 42 appearances last season across all competitions, including 25 in the league. According to KickOff , an agreement between Pirates and Saudi outfit Al-Ettifaq over the transfer of Rele Mofokeng has been reached. The fee is in the region of €1.5 million (R31 million). Can Mofokeng be replaced with that money, though? In many ways, he's already a priceless piece of the Pirates puzzle. 'Relebohele Mofokeng, the South African Orlando Pirates player, is set to move to Al-Ettifaq after the two clubs agreed on terms,' the publication, citing Saudi Arabian sources, stated. 'The sustainability committee's approval is pending before the official announcement. The transfer is valued at €1.5 million.' Orlando Pirates' best XI WITHOUT Mofokeng and Nkota revealed? Pirates sign Mokoena to a three-year deal Saleng paints a grim picture of his Orlando Pirates future Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates get R31 million EFT, but it comes at a HUGE cost!
Orlando Pirates are considering another big sale. However, is the money on the table enough to justify letting go of Relebohile Mofokeng? Pirates have already sold Mohau Nkota, and Rele Mofokeng is next. When will a deal go down? Saleng paints a grim picture of his Orlando Pirates future According to KickOff , an agreement between Pirates and Saudi outfit Al-Ettifaq over the transfer of Rele Mofokeng has been reached. The fee is in the region of €1.5 million (R31 million). Can Mofokeng be replaced with that money, though? In many ways, he's already a priceless piece of the Pirates puzzle. 'Relebohele Mofokeng, the South African Orlando Pirates player, is set to move to Al-Ettifaq after the two clubs agreed on terms,' the publication, citing Saudi Arabian sources, stated. 'The sustainability committee's approval is pending before the official announcement. The transfer is valued at €1.5 million.' Orlando Pirates' best XI WITHOUT Mofokeng and Nkota revealed? It hasn't taken Mohau Nkota long to brush shoulders with a Champions League winner and share a few laughs in the process. Gini Wijnaldum, now 34, became a cult favourite at Liverpool for his knack of scoring goals in big games. The Dutchman won the Premier League, Champions League, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup with the Reds, and he's also vastly experienced on the international stage with 96 caps and 28 goals for the Netherlands. There's also former PSG, Fulham, Lyon and Atlético Madrid attacker Moussa Dembélé. A South African 'X' user likes to think that Nkota and Wijnaldum were chatting in Afrikaans. Could have been! Pirates sign Mokoena to a three-year deal Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Relebohile Mofokeng move to Al-Ettifaq may be blocked for now
Orlando Pirates starlet Relebohile Mofokeng has once again been linked with a switch to Saudi Arabia, as per fresh reports from the Middle East. Sources point to Al-Ettifaq as the club showing serious intent in acquiring the 20-year-old sensation. According to Al-Midan Sports, the Saudi outfit is pushing for a deal and believes a move is imminent. However, there's a major snag standing in the way. The Saudi Pro League's foreign player regulations could derail the deal entirely. Clubs may only register two foreign players under the age of 21, and Al-Ettifaq already have both slots filled. Mohau Nkota (20), joined earlier this year from South Africa. Joao Costa (20), a Portuguese forward, currently sidelined with an ACL injury, expected to return in October. This complication overlaps with a key detail. Mofokeng turns 21 in October. If Al-Ettifaq proceed with the transfer before then, they would either need to deregister an existing U21 player or wait until Mofokeng becomes eligible outside the age-specific quota. Despite growing attention, Orlando Pirates have already rejected offers from clubs in Israel and the Netherlands, standing firm on keeping Mofokeng for now. He remains part of the Buccaneers' plans, named in their 34-man squad for the 2025/2026 season. The winger's blistering 2024/2025 campaign, featuring 12 goals and 15 assists, has positioned him as one of South Africa's brightest prospects. With the regulatory issue and rising interest from Europe and the Middle East, Al-Ettifaq must act fast or risk losing out entirely. Whether they opt to reshuffle their squad or delay the signing until Mofokeng's 21st birthday remains uncertain. As it stands, the situation hangs in the balance. But the buzz around Mofokeng only intensifies. Will the Bucs keep their rising star Relebohile Mofokeng, or will Saudi millions lure him away? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Orlando Pirates reach agreement to sell Rele Mofokeng to Saudi club
Saudi bound? Orlando Pirates have reportedly agreed on a fee to sell starlet Relebohile Mofokeng to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq. Photo: Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix Orlando Pirates and Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq have reportedly reached an agreement over the sale of starlet Relebohile Mofokeng. According to KickOff, the deal for Mofokeng to move to the Middle Eastern club is close to being finalised after the two sides agreed on a €1.5 million (around R31 million) fee. "Relebohile Mofokeng, the South African Orlando Pirates player, is set to move to Al-Ettifaq after the two clubs agreed on terms," KickOff reported. "The Sustainability Committee's approval is pending before the official announcement. The transfer is valued at €1.5 million."
