Latest news with #U-17WorldCup
The South African
a day ago
- Sport
- The South African
PSL transfer news: Witbooi wanted in London; Saleng latest
There's plenty of business happening in the PSL ahead of the upcoming winter window. A flurry of stars is expected to jump ships, including Orlando Pirates winger Monnapule Saleng, who hasn't featured for nearly six months amid a hiatus over salary demands. The 27-year-old's future in Soweto seems all but voided. Still, no external clubs have yet to show interest, presumably waiting on the off chance that the two parties agree to terminate the contract, meaning he would become a free agent. Meanwhile, 16-year-old phenom Emile Witbooi has piqued Chelsea's attention. The London outfit has reportedly invited the youngster for a second assessment, insinuating Enzo Maresca's side to be very interested in the Cape Town City star. Witbooi earned his professional debut for the Mother City side in the second half of this season. He now has three PSL appearances to his name. 'Chelsea have made enquiries if he can go back for further training and assessment,' an inside source revealed. 'It's believed that they are looking at integrating him into their Under-18 team so that he can move through the ranks as he grows. It's believed that they were impressed when he was last there and they have been keeping tabs on his progress and that's why they still need him.' However, an additional source doesn't see a move happening before the Novemeber's U-17 World Cup in Qatar. 'I don't think even if Cape Town City want him to go it could be now or soon as they are still monitoring other interest from Europe as well. They are believed to want to see what will happen at the Under-17 FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this year. Though at the moment Chelsea are in the forefront,' the second insider revealed. 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.
Ya Biladi
3 days ago
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan U-17 women's team secures 1-0 victory over South Korea in World Cup prep
The Moroccan women's under-17 team secured a 1-0 victory over their South Korean counterparts in a friendly match held this Friday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex. The winning goal was scored by Kawtar Azraf in the 79th minute of the second half. This friendly is part of the national team's preparations for the U-17 World Cup, which Morocco will host from October 17 to November 8, 2025.
The South African
3 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
BREAKING: Bafana starlet wanted by London giants Chelsea!
Bafana and Cape Town City youngster Emile Witbooi has piqued the interest of Premier League giants Chelsea, who have invited the 16-year-old phenom for a second assessment. 'Chelsea have made enquiries if he can go back for further training and assessment,' an inside source revealed. 'It's believed that they are looking at integrating him into their Under-18 team so that he can move through the ranks as he grows. It's believed that they were impressed when he was last there and they have been keeping tabs on his progress and that's why they still need him.' However, another source believes Chelsea's verdict on the Bafana prospect will come after the upcoming U-17 World Cup in Qatar, scheduled from November 3 to 27. 'I don't think even if Cape Town City want him to go it could be now or soon as they are still monitoring other interest from Europe as well. They are believed to want to see what will happen at the Under-17 FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this year. Though at the moment Chelsea are in the forefront,' the second insider revealed. Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana's senior team is gearing up for next weeks international friendlies against Tanzania and Mozambique. Bafana broos named his squad for the upcoming fixtures, which features no Kaizer Chiefs players: Goalkeepers: Renaldo Leaner, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine Defenders: Sydney Mobbie, Samukelo Kabini, Thabo Moloisane, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khulumani Ndamane, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Deano van Rooyen, Fawaaz Basadien Midfielders: Luke le Roux, Thalente Mbatha, Ndamlulelo Maphangule, Simphiwe Selepe Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Patrick Maswanganyi, Ashley Cupido, Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshepang Moremi, Yanela Mbuthuma, Mohau Nkota, Sinoxolo Kwayiba 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.
CAF
4 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Côte d'Ivoire braced for tough U-17 World Cup test, says Diabate
Published: Thursday, 29 May 2025 Côte d'Ivoire U-17 head coach Bassiriki Diabate has admitted his side faces a daunting challenge at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 after being drawn into what he described as a 'difficult group.' The Elephants will compete in Group F alongside Mexico, Korea Republic, and Switzerland — a trio of teams representing three different continents and styles of play. 'This draw placed us in a rather difficult group,' said Diabate following the draw in Doha on 25 May. 'We have Mexico from the Americas, Switzerland from Europe, and Korea Republic from Asia. It's quite a diverse group with some very strong teams, which will make this competition quite challenging for us.' The 2025 tournament will mark Côte d'Ivoire's return to the global U-17 stage, with the expanded 48-team format offering a bigger platform for African youth talent. But for Diabate and his technical team, the blend of football cultures in their group means preparation must be precise. 'Our players must be ready to face different football philosophies in a very short space of time,' Diabate added. 'It's a big learning opportunity, but also a massive test of tactical adaptability and mental strength.' The Elephants qualified for the global finals through a strong performance at the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year. They are now tasked with making their mark against some of the game's best youth sides in Qatar. Mexico are traditionally strong at youth level, having won the U-17 World Cup twice (2005, 2011), while Korea Republic bring technical discipline and intensity. Switzerland, known for producing highly organized and physically robust sides, round off the group. Despite the challenges ahead, Diabate remains optimistic that Côte d'Ivoire can rise to the occasion. 'Our objective is to compete, grow, and show that Ivorian football has a bright future,' he said. 'We are not just going to participate — we aim to compete at the highest level.' The Elephants will open their campaign in Group F when the tournament begins on 3 November in Qatar. All eyes will be on how this young Ivorian side navigates one of the most intriguing groups in the expanded global showpiece.
CAF
4 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
'No small teams anymore' – Morocco boss wary of tricky U-17 World Cup group
Published: Thursday, 29 May 2025 Morocco U-17 coach Nabil Baha has described his side's FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 group as 'balanced' but warned that there will be no easy matches when the tournament kicks off in November. The draw, held in Doha on 25 May, placed the North African champions in Group B alongside Japan, Portugal, and New Caledonia. The Atlas Cubs, who lifted the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, now turn their focus to the global stage where expectations have grown. 'We landed in a balanced group. Portugal is a very big football nation, and Japan plays very well,' said Baha. 'New Caledonia, we don't know much about, but nowadays, as they say, there are no small teams in the world.' The 2025 edition of the U-17 World Cup is the biggest in the competition's history, with 48 teams drawn into 12 groups of four. Morocco will kick off their campaign against Asian giants Japan before facing Oceania representatives New Caledonia, and closing their group play against European heavyweights Portugal. For Baha, the ambition is clear — go further than Morocco's quarter-final finish in the last edition held in Indonesia. 'Our goal will be to do better than we did in Indonesia in 2023,' he stated. 'We know it will be very tough, but we have the ability to go very far in this competition, given that we have very good players and won the U-17 Africa Cup.' The Moroccan coach praised his squad's potential and insisted that their continental success should serve as a foundation, not a finish line. 'We showed on our continent that we have a great generation, and now we'll have to work hard and prepare as best we can for this World Cup in order to aim to go as far as possible,' he added. With a blend of tactical discipline, individual talent, and continental pedigree, Morocco's U-17s enter Qatar 2025 with belief. As African champions, the Atlas Cubs will carry the hopes of the region — and their coach is determined to make it count.
