Latest news with #Bushiri
Daily Record
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Rocky Bushiri named among Premiership elite as insider warns Hibs that free agent has 'a lot of interest'
The defender has a big decision to make on his future after the end of Easter Road deal Nick Montgomery reckons Hibs star Rocky Bushiri has established himself as one of the top defenders in the Scottish Premiership. The big DR Congo international is now out-of-contact and European-bound Hibs and several other clubs in England and across Europe are fighting for his signature. Bushiri came in from the cold and scored a stoppage time leveller against Aberdeen to take the pressure off David Gray. From there, Hibs and the player went from strength to strength. His former manager said: 'This season, I have watched him closely. At the start, he wasn't really getting selected or involved. 'Hibs had a really difficult first part of the season but that changed when Rocky came into the team. To see him score that goal against Aberdeen, which changed Hibs' season and to see him and the club just grow and grow was amazing. 'I am really proud of Rocky for the way he has pushed on. He has really kicked on and has become one of the top defenders in the Scottish Premiership. He won the players' player of the year and there is no higher reward. 'It just shows Rocky's character with the fact he got so little game time at the start of the season. 'For him to step on the way he did has been brilliant. He was big in terms of Hibs finishing third. 'I wasn't surprised because I knew how good he was and I always believed in him.' Bushiri will make a decision on his future after his international commitments. Montgomery added: "If Hibs could re-sign him it would be fantastic but if he goes on somewhere else then he would be a top signing on a free transfer. 'I know Rocky has a lot of interest. I am not surprised because he has had such a good season. I am not privy to where he is going but I am pleased that he has put himself in such a strong position because as a player and person he deserves the very best.' Montgomery quickly saw the potential to get Bushiri going at Hibs. He was one of his main players and during that time Hibs turned down a big-money offer from French side Troyes. The Tottenham assistant coach admitted: 'I really believed in him when I took over. I was the first manager to play him regularly because I saw his potential was massive. 'That is why as a manager, along with the club, we turned down an offer from a French club for him. I was really keen on re-signing him but that never materialised.' It was all very bizarre because Bushiri had been up on loan from Norwich City and Hibs were going to send him back but an administrative blunder meant they missed the deadline and they had to sign him permanently and he failed to nail down a regular top team spot under Shaun Maloney or Lee Johnson Montgomery admitted: 'I was aware of the situation. When I came in I just saw he was a fantastic person, a good human being and he wanted to learn. 'He had all the raw potential and it was a case of somebody putting an arm around him. I did that from the moment I went in. 'We worked a lot on his attributes. I only have good things to say about him.' Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football and listen to Record Sport's newest podcast, Game On, every Friday for your sporting fix, all in bitesize chunks.
The Citizen
a day ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Bushiris file application to set aside ruling ordering extradition to SA
The couple fled to Malawi in November 2020. Self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court during their bail application on 4 November 2020. Picture: Jacques Nelles Self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary Bushiri, have filed a review application to set aside the judgment ordering their extradition to South Africa. The Bushiris filed their application before the High Court of Malawi in Lilongwe on Wednesday. They claim they weren't given a chance to be heard, violating natural justice principles. Hearing In papers before the high court in Malawi, the controversial couple claim they weren't given a chance to be heard, violating natural justice principles They argued the chief magistrate erred in law by breaching the fundamental principles of natural justice. 'The applicants humbly but firmly pray for the quashing of the findings that the requesting State made out a case for extradition… setting aside of the order of committal.' In March, Malawi's Chief Resident Magistrate's Court ordered that the Bushiris be extradited following a request by South Africa. ALSO READ: Bushiri celebrates reduced charges, but can they be reinstated? Malawi's attorney general explains Charges They face at least six charges including rape, violating bail conditions, contraventions of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, Banking Act, Civil Aviation Act and Immigration Act. The couple fled to Malawi in November 2020, after being granted bail of R200 000 each under strict conditions in the Pretoria Central Magistrate's Court. ALSO READ: Cops detained Bushiri's lawyers for corruption, intimidation say Hawks 'Safety and security' At the time, Bushiri cited 'safety and security issues' for their actions. 'There have been clear and evident attempts to have myself, my wife and my family killed. Despite our several attempts to report to authorities, there has never been state protection,' he said. 'We have come to a painful conclusion that what my wife and I have faced in the Republic of South Africa since 2015 is purely persecution, not prosecution. 'What is shocking is that it was me who, in 2018, opened cases of extortion and intimidation against the officers who are, today, investigating, arresting and prosecuting me and my wife of these several allegations. Obviously, there can never be independence and impartiality. It's purely acts of open vengeance,' Bushiri said. The Malawian couple run a church known as Enlightened Christian Gathering with branches in various African countries. ALSO READ: Malawi court grants South Africa's request to extradite Shepherd Bushiri and wife
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
MK party could alienate voters over Shivambu's ties to Bushiri, expert warns
Despite condemnation from the South African government, Shivambu recently defended his association with fugitive Bushiri. A political analyst has warned that the 'puzzling' relationship between uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu and Shepherd Bushiri may come back to hurt the party. Shivambu visited Malawi in April, meeting with politicians and Bushiri. During the trip, Shivambu was introduced at the controversial pastor's church as a South African politician, to loud cheers. Bushiri was arrested in South Africa in 2020 but fled the country soon after. He faces charges of alleged rape, contravention of bail conditions, and forgery. The self-proclaimed prophet and his wife, Mary, also face fraud charges. Despite condemnation from the South African government, Shivambu defended his association with fugitive Bushiri again last week. A stance that may hurt the party at the polls 'Shivambu's visit to Bushiri is rather puzzling given the controversy that surrounds him,' Sanet Solomon from the University of the Free State told The Citizen. 'By associating with Bushiri, Shivambu and his party, by association, could be alienating voters. 'South Africans are facing many challenges related to femicide, rape, corruption and fraud that voters would want to distance themselves from this.' Despite Bushiri being an influential figure and businessman in Malawi, Solomon said the 'MK party would certainly not benefit from any association with the rogue 'pastor'.' Shivambu heads to the 'house of the Lord' Meanwhile, Shivambu said he will not apologise for accepting an offer to go to the 'house of the Lord'. 'One thing I will never apologise for is when I went to see Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, and he said, 'Let's go to church'. I said, 'I will go to church'. 'I am like those who say I am glad when they say, 'Let us go unto the house of the Lord'.' The MK party distanced itself from the visit at the time, claiming Shivambu had travelled in his personal capacity. ALSO READ: Malawi court grants South Africa's request to extradite Shepherd Bushiri and wife Zuma knew about visit However, the politician said this week that even party president Jacob Zuma was aware of the trip. 'There is nothing that I do without informing the president. There is no political programme that I engage in without making the president aware. 'There is no decision that I communicate to the membership of MK and externally without the president knowing,' he said. NOW READ: 'He's talking rubbish,' Malema responds to Shivambu's comments on EFF
Scotsman
30-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Will Hibs favourite Porteous get Easter Road return? Transfer market guide
Sunderland dealings, Bushiri decision and a thousand other factors make summer window a moveable feast Sign up to our Hibs football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... It shouldn't be as busy as last summer, when Hibs made just the even dozen signings in a frantic transfer window. The plan for this year, as David Gray prepares for his second season in management, is to add quality over quantity, with a focus on players capable of elevating the group and bringing something different to the squad. Expecting the coming weeks and months to be entirely orderly and ordered would, however, be a rookie error. In a business with so many moving parts, getting business done can feel like trying to nail jelly to a wall. With a nail made of frozen yoghurt and an ice cream hammer. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The same rules apply to fans trying to follow every twist and turn in the market. A no at 10 am on a Friday can be a maybe by lunchtime, a yes later that evening … before it all falls apart in the wee small hours of the following morning. Only for the whole deal to be resurrected when some oligarch owner of a club you've never heard of is forced into a fire sale, creating a domino effect that involves Malky Mackay's phone ringing with a new and interesting possibility. All that said, of course, we can be certain on some elements of Hibernian's priorities in not one but two transfer windows (blame the FIFA Club World Cup for the unnecessary confusion) running from June 1 – 10 and then June 16 – September 1. You don't need eyes on the wall-mounted depth chart behind Gray's desk at East Mains to know where Hibs are in most need. Based on conversations and insight gained over hours spent in and around Hibernian Training Centre, what do you need to know, for starters? Let's take a look. The return of the king? There are reasons why Ryan Porteous returning to Hibs refuses to go away, as a story. Starting with the fact that so many Hibs fans desperately want it to happen. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad No-one at the club has been willing to kill the idea stone dead. That's not just a case of Hibs being unwilling to pour cold water on their supporters' hopes and dreams. The guy is a Scotland international defender. Sure, he wasn't getting game time at Watford, which is why he went to Preston on loan in January. But he's definitely a quality footballer. Taking all emotion out of it, Hibs were interested in a loan deal in January, but Porteous ended up at Preston. If they had a chance of getting the 26-year-old, who has two years on his contract with Watford remaining following his £450,000 move from Easter Road in January of 2023, they'd definitely be on the keen side of eager. Sunderland star's Easter Road love affair ... it's complicated Getting Nectar Triantis back in a Hibs jersey is THE priority this summer, given the 22-year-old Australian's performances in central midfield in his second loan stint at Easter Road. But it's not straightforward. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The established logic holds that Sunderland winning promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs was good for Hibs. Ready to throw themselves into the world's richest league, the thinking goes, they won't risk a raw talent – so would be wise just to farm him out for more experience. That might be just a bit of wishful thinking, to be honest. He'll be in demand. And will have options. Hibs are exploring all options, including a permanent transfer. If it doesn't pan out, well, the midfield isn't exactly undermanned. But every manager would like just one more … especially if it's the right one. Adding firepower to international front pairing A front pairing of new Scotland call-up Kieron Bowie and Socceroos star Martin Boyle, when both are fully fit and firing, will take some beating. There's your dream partnership right there, without adding another body. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With Elie Youan's fitness still an issue, Dwight Gayle retiring and Mykola Kuharevich back with parent club Swansea, however, Hibs will definitely be chasing a striker. Along with every other team in the planet, right? There's also the matter of who plays in behind the front two, assuming no change of formation. Josh Campbell is first choice at the moment, with Junior Hoilett yet to commit. Maybe another playmaker, then. You know how easy those are to find … Keeping clean sheets and breaking strikers' hearts Jordan Smith established himself as the undisputed No. 1 almost from the moment when he replaced Josef Bursik between the sticks in November. He'll start as first choice keeper. But Bursik is returning to Belgium and Max Boruc has been released, leaving only young Freddie Owens – assuming he signs a new deal – to provide back-up to the experienced former Nottingham Forest goalie. Hibs need someone to provide competition. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Alex Paulsen, winner of not one but two individual A-League awards for Black Knight side Auckland FC, is the obvious answer. It's a deal that makes too much sense not to happen, in many ways. Look at us, applying common sense to football … Hold what you have in Bushiri and Hoilett All of the above is contingent on what happens in continued contract talks with Rocky Bushiri and Junior Hoilett. Sign both of those on for another season, at least, and the need to strengthen isn't quite so pressing. Hibs are building from a position of strength, having proven themselves the third best team in Scotland via the league table. But they'll have to replace some departing contributors – and will definitely need more bodies to cope with European competition, depending on how far they go. There are few certainties over how the window will end for gaffer Gray and sporting director Mackay. But at least we know they're starting with a plan. And an understanding that, in this business, the impossible can move to possible and then probable with just a couple of phone calls.
Scotsman
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Hibs give significant Rocky Bushiri contract update as another player's future remains up in air
Talks continue with key defender and also experienced forward Hoilett Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Hibs remain in discussions with defender Rocky Bushiri and forward Junior Hoilett over new contracts after the club released their retained list for the 2025/26 campaign. Bushiri's and Hoilett's deals expire at the end of this month and Hibs are locked in talks with both players and their representatives over prolonging their stays at Easter Road. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Centre-half Bushiri, 25, emerged as one Hibs' key players as they claimed third place in the Premiership this season, while the experienced Hoilett also played a big part in a successful campaign. Rocky Bushiri is out of contract at Hibs. | SNS Group Bushiri is set to join up with the DR Congo squad this weekend for friendlies next week against Mali and Madagascar. The former Norwich City player has other options on the table, but The Scotsman understands that Hibs have made a strong pitch to him to commit his long-term future to the club. Hoilett, 34, has been left out of the Canada squad for upcoming friendlies against Ukraine and Ivory Coast. The former Blackburn and QPR man has made no secret of his desire to be involved in the international set-up for next summer's World Cup, which is being held in his homeland. Hibs are keen to keep Hoilett's versatility and experience within the Easter Road set-up. In terms of departures, Hibs have confirmed that striker Dwight Gayle - who is retiring from football - plus goalkeeper Max Boruc and midfielder Nohan Kenneh will leave at the end of the month, while loanees Josef Bursik, Hyeokkyu Kwon, Mykola Kuharevich and Nectar Triantis have all returned to their parent clubs. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Talks with young keeper Discussions continue with youth goalkeeper Freddie Owens over new contract, but four academy players are leaving: Reuben McAllister, Murray Aiken, Kyle McClelland and Malik Zaid.
