Orlando Pirates wanted coach Pablo Franco Martin
Orlando Pirates supporters could have never met the great Jose Riveiro. PABLO FRANCO MARTIN CONFIRMS ORLANDO PIRATES INTEREST According to the former AmaZulu coach Martin, the Sea Robbers once tabled an offer for his services while the Spaniard was still in charge of Tanzanian giants Simba SC. “When I was at Simba I received a proposal from them [Orlando Pirates] but it was not the right time,” Martin told FARPost. “When I am involved in a project, I like to respect the club, the people I work with and the fans, so I don’t like to leave even when I receive a better offer. But as a coach, of course, I always want to train the best teams as possible. Former AmaZulu coach Pablo Franco Martin. Image via @PabloFrancoMartin on X “Orlando Pirates are such a big club, and they are right now in the place they deserve, winning trophies and being dominant on the continent. “Since I arrived in SA, I have always said that the credit is for their players and technical staff, but also for their owner and board because they believed in a project and supported them in the bad days. That is why they are collecting trophies now,” Martin concluded on Orlando Pirates. In the meantime, Martin is in charge of Al-Faisaly in Saudi Arabia. WHO SHOULD COACH THE BUCCANEERS NEXT SEASON? 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.
Man Utd v Spurs Europa League final is the worst but most intriguing showpiece match European football has ever known
YOU can label it with whichever mocking moniker you wish. Hell Clasico? The Donkey Derby? The clash of the Sh**e ’uns? 8 Manchester United and Spurs have endured a miserable season – but find themselves in the Europa finalCredit: Getty 8 Ruben Amorim is expected to remain in post next season at Old TraffordCredit: Alamy 8 But Ange Postecoglou might not be so lucky, even if he ends Spurs’ trophy droughtCredit: Getty Or, as one genius headline writer on this newspaper put it, ‘Bilbao Bobbins’. But tonight will bring us a cup final like no other. The worst, the most illogical and yet the most intriguing, showpiece match European football has ever known. Even if Ange Postecoglou wins the Europa League, he is still set to be sacked. If Ruben Amorim loses, he will probably survive. And yet when the ‘glory, glory’ boys of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur face off here in the Basque Country tonight, the stakes will be skyscraping. Champions League football for the winners, oblivion for the losers. Because, here are two of the five worst sides in the Premier League, two finalists who have FORTY-FOUR defeats between them in all competitions this season, vying for one of football’s great prizes. While the magic 40-point barrier used to be a guarantee of Premier League survival, either Spurs or United will secure a place in the European elite tonight without having even reached it. BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK But rather than try to belittle this match by claiming that the winners do not deserve Champions League qualification — as Arsene Wenger and plenty of others have done — we should be celebrating it. Unpredictability is what makes knockout football special. The best team in the land always wins the title. But underdogs can win cups. Man Utd & Spurs fans get Europa League final party started in Basque city Bilbao after mad dash on planes & 35hr ferries And even though these are two filthy-rich ‘Big Six’ underdogs, they have been playing like lowdown mongrels all season long. United wouldn’t even have qualified for the Europa League had it not been for the toenail VAR offside call which denied Coventry City a ridiculous 4-3 comeback victory in last season’s FA Cup semi-final. But so what? Cup football can be gloriously silly. That’s kind of the point. It certainly hasn’t stopped tens of thousands of fans travelling on trains, in-direct planes, automobiles and ferries — invading Bilbao by air, land and sea to be at Estadio de San Mames tonight. The logistics make getting here seem like a mix between the BBC’s Race Across the World and Hanna-Barbera’s Wacky Races. But trophies make memories. 8 Man Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clash Newcastle fans will remember this season for winning the Carabao Cup for far longer than they will recall finishing third or fourth in the league. Supporters of United, and especially those of Spurs, would cherish this night if their team wins. You can make a strong case for either side to prevail. Spurs seem to have United’s number – winning all three of their previous meetings this season. And if you believe in omens, that this is a year for drought-busting — after Crystal Palace won their first-ever major silverware and Newcastle ended a 70-year wait — then why not a first trophy in 17 years for Spurs? Yet United, for all their Muppetry in the league, boast the recent trophy-winning experience. They lifted last season’s FA Cup, as well as the Carabao Cup the previous year, under former boss Erik ten Hag — a man whose stock seems to rise after every match Amorim takes charge of. 8 Man Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clash In Bruno Fernandes, United have the final’s best player, while Spurs’ chief creative influences – James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski – miss out through injury. And if we’re going with omens again, then Jose Mourinho won his first European trophy on this day, May 21, 2003, at the age of 40 years, three months and 24 days. His fellow Portuguese, Amorim, is just one day younger. But frankly, who knows, when the form book reads like this: United two points from their last eight Premier League games; Tottenham five points from their last 11. 8 Tottenham have not even reached the magic 40-point barrier in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty For months now, both teams have been turning it on for Thursday nights and tossing it off on Sunday afternoons. United’s route to Bilbao has been tougher, their semi-final thrashing of the final’s hosts Athletic Club, was particularly impressive, while their quarter-final comeback victory over Lyon was surely the most astonishing game of football played this season. Tottenham’s defeat of 2022 champs Eintracht Frankfurt was their one genuinely remarkable scalp. It might be argued that this match is proof of the Premier League’s depth, when its 16th and 17th-placed clubs are contesting a European final. 8 But there has been no English winner of the Europa League since Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea defeated Unai Emery’s Arsenal in 2019 — when two managers enduring brief reigns in London met in Azerbaijan for another final billed as a scrap between two average teams. Yet Chelsea and Arsenal finished third and fifth respectively that season. That final had nothing on this one. The Europa League has become more logical, more pure, this season, now that clubs from the Champions League no longer parachute into its knockout phase. It has also become easier to win — under the old format, Manchester City, Juventus, Monaco and Sporting Lisbon would have plunged into this competition. But nobody will remember any of that in years to come. 8 Man Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clash This is win-or-bust, death-or-glory, with Champions League qualification swelling coffers and making
‘It’s a sad day’ – Guardiola pays tribute to De Bruyne
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola pays tribute to Kevin de Bruyne following his final game at the Etihad Stadium, a 3-1 win over Bournemouth.
Topline Warriors banned, Nabua Broncos fined – FBC News
Topline Warrior Club has been banned for two years and Nabua Broncos fined FJD $2,000 following a violent incident that forced the abandonment of their Vodafone Cup match on May 10th. The Fiji National Rugby League handed down the sanctions after reviewing the Round 8 clash, which was called off in the second half due to a brawl involving players and crowd disturbances. Topline Warriors received the heaviest punishment, a two-year suspension from all FNRL-sanctioned competitions, due to repeated violent incidents, incitement by spectators, and failure to uphold the spirit of the game. Article continues after advertisement Nabua Broncos, meanwhile, have been fined and have player No. 8 suspended for three weeks for foul play and participation in the fight. The FNRL also found that both teams used offensive and abusive language during the match, contributing to the escalation of tensions on and off the field. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Relaxed Ruben Amorim happy not to face pressure on Man Utd position
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Read more Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is relieved not to be under the same scrutiny as Tottenham counterpart Ange Postecoglou but acknowledged ahead of the Europa League final that he will not be backed forever. The Premier League strugglers go toe-to-toe at San Mames in Wednesday’s all-or-nothing encounter, with the victor somewhat salvaging a soul-destroying season by securing silverware and Champions League qualification. Postecoglou’s position at the Tottenham helm looks in jeopardy irrespective of the result in Bilbao and Tuesday’s pre-match press conference became tetchy as the topic was broached. United’s media access was far more relaxed, by contrast, and Amorim looks set to keep his job as fans continue to chant his name despite his side sitting 16th, just a point above 17th-placed Spurs. When Amorim was asked if he was surprised and grateful not be under the same kind of pressure as Postecoglou given their similar records, captain Bruno Fernandes interjected: “He is. Who told you he’s not? He is.” Head coach Amorim laughed heartily and joked the United skipper wants his job, before admitting it is hard to explain the comparative lack of pressure. “I don’t know,” he said. “I know that in this kind of club, also in Tottenham but especially Manchester United, it’s strange because you have some coaches here that lose some games and are sacked. It’s hard to explain. “I think people see what we are trying to do. I think people see that sometimes I’m thinking more in the club than myself. “People understand, especially the board, that we have a lot of issues that in the context are really hard. I don’t know how to explain how the fans like me in this moment. Get 3 months free with ExpressVPN Servers in 105 CountriesSuperior SpeedsWorks on all your devices Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Get 3 months free with ExpressVPN Servers in 105 CountriesSuperior SpeedsWorks on all your devices Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. “I will try to prove myself to the fans, to the board but I don’t have an explanation for you. “But it’s a good thing, I never worry about that. That is a part of being a coach and the most important thing is I know what I am doing, and I explained everything before. “When we started, I explained about the storm (coming), I explained all the problems that we have to the board, so I was so clear. I explained that I will not change my idea. “They cannot say one thing that I said to get job and then I changed my mind. It was the opposite. “I think the board can understand that, I think the fans can understand that, but we will reach a moment that we have to win no matter what.” United have secured just six Premier League victories since Amorim succeeded Erik ten Hag in November, but their impressive unbeaten run in the Europa League has kept their campaign alive. “Nothing is going to change our season,” he said on the impact of the glory in Spain. “Players know, everybody knows the stuff, the fans know. “But winning a European title can help us to have that feeling that can help us to build (for) the future.” United took a 26-man squad to Bilbao, which includes full-back Diogo Dalot after he overcame a calf issue that threatened to bring his campaign to a premature end and centre-back Leny Yoro following a foot complaint. But Joshua Zirkzee’s place in training and on the plane was most surprising given Amorim said just five weeks ago that the forward was out for the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury. “They recovered quite well, they pushed,” said Amorim, who will be without injured defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez. “Of course we respect the feeling of the player, but we pushed a little bit because they wanted to be part of the team and that is a very, very good sign, and it’s very good for us. “Of course they are limited in the minutes for the game, but they can help us to win the game.”
Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates to lose out on Aziz Ki
Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates now face missing out on a major target who has consistently drawn links to the Soweto giants. Over the last two seasons, teams across the continent have widely touted the Burkina Faso international as one of Africa’s top talents. His impressive performances for record Tanzanian champions Young Africans have reportedly drawn interest from a host of major clubs. This includes those in the Betway Premiership. The likes of Mamelodi Sundowns have been a destination for the Ivory Coast-born attacker. But now, he appears ready to make a move to North Africa. Aziz Ki will be joining Wydad Young Africans forward Stephane Aziz Ki is reportedly on the verge of joining Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club. Botola Pro League giants are preparing to sign Aziz Ki on a two-year deal. This publication believes that their former head coach Rulani Mokwena played a huge role in getting the Yanga forward to join the three-time CAF Champions League winners. Chiefs and Pirates also linked to Yanga star Aziz Ki was also heavily linked with Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates in the recent transfer windows. But none of those potential moves materialised. As he went on to score five goals in nine CAF Champions League appearances for Young Africans. The Burkinabe footballer reportedly earns a monthly salary of R358 460. This makes him the highest-paid player in the Tanzanian League. His annual salary is R4 301 520, which means Wydad are offering above this. Aziz Ki’s signing for Wydad is seen as part of their efforts to strengthen the squad ahead of the Club World Cup. 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.
Horse racing tips: ‘He has a lovely draw under Hollie Doyle’ – Templegate’s 5-2 NAP the one to beat
TEMPLEGATE takes on Wednesday’s racing looking for winners. Back a horse by clicking their odds below. DRAMA (8.10 Kempton, nap) He ran a career best when only just held in a competitive contest at Southwell last month. The handicapper has nudged him up a pound but that should not be a problem now back at a track he has won at twice in the past. He has a lovely draw in stall three which should allow Hollie Doyle to get him switched off early off and if he settles then he looks the one they all have to beat for in-form trainer James Ferguson. GETALEAD (5.25 Warwick, nb) Was a big eyecatcher when finishing strongly for third over shorter at Newton Abbot a week ago. A return to further will make him hard to beat. COMMANDING PRINCE (3.30 Ayr, treble) Should be hard to beat in this modest contest. First-time cheekpieces will help him focus and it would be disappointing if he does not progress through the handicap ranks. Templegate’s tips Ayr 2.00 Copper Knight2.30 Underwriter3.00 Henery Hawk3.30 Commanding Prince (treble)4.05 Hosanna Power4.42 John L Sullivan5.17 Beltane Brighton 6.00 Pop Dancer6.30 Immediate Effect7.00 Mr Ubiquitous7.30 Devasboy8.00 Versatile8.30 Mashaan Chepstow 2.22 Ammes2.52 Crackamour3.22 Shaatir3.55 Rosenpur4.25 Art Of Fox5.00 Marsh Benham5.35 Vape Kempton 5.05 Brize Norton5.40 Moderna6.10 Opening Bat6.40 Bill’s Baar7.10 Madame X7.40 Racingbreaks Ryder8.10 Drama (nap)8.40 Aikhal Warwick 2.40 Roadshow3.10 Rukaana3.40 Pride Of Paris4.15 Ukantango4.50 A Dublin Job5.25 Getalead (nb) FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
BiC Fiji FACT 2025 – FIXTURES
About FIJI FA Fiji was among the founding members of OFC along with Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. The nation of around 800,000 has traditionally been one of Oceania best performers – second only to New Zealand in the FIFA rankings for men. The Fiji Football Association (FFA) nurtures hopes of one day toppling the giants in Oceania and qualifying for a FIFA finals competition.
Who has made Troy’s Premier League team of the week?
After every round of Premier League matches this season, Troy Deeney gives us his team of the week. Do you agree with his choices?
French club offers R20 million for Pirates target?
Soweto giants Orlando Pirates might have to look elsewhere for a new left-back. Vuyo Letlapa looks to be on his way to Europe. FRENCH CLUB WIN VUYO LETLAPA RACE? “There are local teams which have shown interest and Pirates were believed to be in the forefront to sign him but apparently the French Ligue 1 side OGC Nice is the one leading now,” a source told Soccer Laduma. “They are very close to closing the deal. Remember, we spoke about European interest before,” the insider added. According to another source, the French side have offered to pay R20 million for the Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs target. “Yes, that’s what Sekhukhune United are looking at. R20m is what the price is believed to be for Vuyo (Letlapa),” the source said to the outlet. Vuyo Letlapa in action for Sekhukhune United. Image: Soccer Laduma “And just like they did with Elias Mokwana to Esperance de Tunis, they are including a 30% sell on clause to the next club agreement on the deal. So, if Nice sells Vuyo then Sekhukhune United will get 30% from that deal. That’s why they are looking at R20m for now,” he concluded. WHICH OTHER LEFT-BACK SHOULD BUCS LOOK AT? 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.