Latest news with #Malian
The South African
6 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates latest signing puts Angolan star's future in doubt
Orlando Pirates have edged closer to announcing their ninth signing ahead of the 2025/2026 campaign, and it's a name that's already turning heads. Malian midfielder Abdoulaye Mariko has touched down in Johannesburg, ready to join the squad's pre-season preparations. At just 23 years old, Mariko has already made a name for himself on the African football stage, with impressive performances for Djoliba AC in the CAF Champions League. His imminent arrival has not only excited fans but also raised eyebrows over what it means for Gilberto, the Angolan international who returned to Petro de Luanda on loan in January. According to a source, Pirates moved swiftly to fend off interest from rival clubs across the continent to land the highly rated central midfielder. 'The new guy is already in the country, and his announcement is imminent. He's expected to be part of the squad heading to Spain for pre-season,' confirmed a source. Mariko's inclusion in the travelling party heading to Spain next month. The fact that Pirates will face Bolton Wanderers, Pafos, Las Palmas, and Granada all but confirms that coach Abdeslam Ouaddou plans to include him in his setup. Gilberto joined Pirates last July but couldn't secure a regular starting spot, so the club sent him back on loan. His spot now looks increasingly under threat. 'It's not looking good for Gilberto. From what we understand, he could be one of the players placed on the release list,' revealed the source. 'He'll likely either move on permanently or go out on loan again. That's exactly why the club targeted Mariko, to potentially replace him in the available foreign slots.' The Soweto giants have already confirmed eight new arrivals this week. The likelihood of Gilberto remaining at the club appears slim. What will happen to Gilberto at Orlando Pirates? 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.
The Star
18 hours ago
- The Star
Over 128 tons of narcotics incinerated in Mali
BAMAKO, June 27 (Xinhua) -- More than 128 tons of narcotics were incinerated on Thursday in Mali as part of the observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Central Office for Narcotics Control (OCS) announced on Friday. The incinerated substances were seized across Malian territory between June 27, 2024, and June 26, 2025, and included psychotropic drugs, counterfeit medicines, hookah devices, and drug-related accessories, the OCS said in a press release. The market value of these substances is estimated in the tens of billions of CFA francs (10 billion CFA francs is approximately 17.8 million U.S. dollars), the statement added. "This incineration operation aims to show the public that these dangerous substances can only be destroyed through incineration. They are burned to protect the health of our population from the harmful effects of their consumption," OCS Director Fousseny Keita was quoted in the statement. "Mali is considered a transit country for narcotics and psychotropic substances," he noted, expressing the regret that much of this trafficking is carried out by Malians, most of whom are young people aged between 15 and 45.
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Who are Adou Thiero's parents? The new Los Angeles Lakers pick has basketball in his DNA
Image credit: Adou Thiero/Instagram Adou Thiero was selected as the 36th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and is now officially the newest addition to the Los Angeles Lakers. During the Draft, his name changed hands several times — starting with the Brooklyn Nets, then the Phoenix Suns, and the Minnesota Timberwolves — before ultimately landing with the Lakers. But where does this 6-foot-6 talent come from? This boy of Malian descent has basketball in his genes as both his parents were accomplished players during their college days. Adou Thiero: From a basketball family to Los Angeles Lakers Adou Thiero's father, Almamy Thiero, and mother, Mariam Sy, moved from Mali to the U.S. in search of a better life. Adou, now 21 years old, is the eldest sibling to three sisters: Oumou (18), Yassa (10), and Nadiya (6). He was born when his mother was just 20, at a time when both his parents were still figuring out their careers. As a result, he was raised by his paternal grandparents in Mali until 2007, when he was reunited with his parents in the U.S. at the age of three. His mother, Mariam, who stands at 6'4", played college basketball for the Oklahoma City Stars, where she averaged over 16 points and 9 rebounds per game. She was selected 33rd overall in the 2006 WNBA Draft by the Washington Mystics, but knee injuries eventually forced her to retire and focus on her family. His father, Almamy, 6'9", played college basketball under John Calipari at Memphis before transferring to Duquesne. Adou later made him proud by playing college basketball for Kentucky — also under Calipari, the same coach who once mentored his father. Almamy Thiero also dealt with significant health issues during his playing career, including a torn ACL and a fractured tibia. After retiring from basketball, he went on to establish an AAU program in Pennsylvania and currently works as a basketball coach. More about Adou Thiero Adou Thiero began his college career at Kentucky in the 2022–23 season, averaging 2.3 points and 1.9 rebounds in 20 games. He was such a devoted follower of Coach Calipari that, after the coach left Kentucky, Thiero withdrew from the 2024 NBA Draft and transferred to the Arkansas Razorbacks for the 2024–25 season to continue playing under him. There, he averaged 15.1 points per game, although he missed a significant portion of the season due to injury. Also Read: NBA trade news: Los Angeles Lakers climb from No. 55 to No. 36 pick and land Adou Thiero in deal tied to Brooklyn Nets and Minnesota Timberwolves Now with the Los Angeles Lakers, Thiero will look to find his footing in the NBA — and may even share the court with none other than LeBron James in the upcoming season. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Ya Biladi
a day ago
- Ya Biladi
Six Moroccan drivers arrested in Mali following truck accident
Following reports circulating on social media about the arrest of Moroccan drivers in Mali, an official source at the Moroccan embassy in Bamako has confirmed the incident and provided further details. On June 22, the embassy was informed through its own channels about the detention of six Moroccan drivers and their assistants, a total of 12 people, by the gendarmerie in the town of Diéma, approximately 350 kilometers from Bamako. They were traveling in six trucks. Upon receiving this information, the embassy contacted the Malian Ministry of Security, which sent an official to the site to assess the situation. At the same time, the embassy held discussions with Moroccan drivers currently in Mali to gather more information. According to the details collected, the arrests followed a serious accident in the nearby locality of Béma, 67 km from Diéma. One of the trucks was involved in the accident, which left a 5-year-old child permanently disabled. Following the embassy's intervention and preliminary investigation, five drivers were released and permitted to leave Malian territory for Mauritania. However, the sixth driver, identified as M.A., and his assistant remained in custody as the investigation continued. On June 24, 2025, the Malian prosecutor's office ordered their release, returning their passports and the truck's documents. The truck, however, was sealed as a precautionary measure. The trial is scheduled for September 30, 2025. Local authorities informed the two Moroccan nationals they were free to leave Mali, provided the vehicle remains immobilized until the hearing. The Moroccan embassy in Bamako continues to maintain close contact with the driver involved to provide all necessary assistance and is also coordinating with the truck's owner to explore legal options for resolving the case.
The South African
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates beat North African giants to sign CAF star Mariko
Orlando Pirates have pulled off a major coup by securing the signature of highly-rated Malian midfielder Abdoulaye Mariko from Djoliba AC ahead of the 2025/2026 season. The 23-year-old powerhouse will land in Johannesburg on Thursday to kickstart his Buccaneers journey during pre-season. Mariko has agreed a two-year contract with an option to extend, further bolstering Abdeslam Ouaddou's midfield options. Mariko, who featured in seven CAF Champions League matches for the 24-time Malian Première Division champions, attracted strong interest from top clubs in North Africa. But it's Pirates who emerged victorious in the transfer race. By adding Mariko to their roster, the Soweto giants continue to show intent ahead of the new campaign. 'We had offers from several clubs in North Africa but felt Pirates was the right project,' a source revealed. Mariko becomes the fourth midfield addition in the current transfer window, following the arrivals of Sipho Mbule, Sihle Nduli, and Masindi Nemtajela. The Sea Robbers have also brought in Tshepo Mashiloane, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Yanela Mbuthuma, and Tshepang Moremi. As they build depth across the park. His arrival underlines the club's clear strategy to refresh the squad and stay competitive across domestic and continental competitions. Mariko will undergo a routine medical upon his arrival, ahead of Pirates' pre-season tour to Spain next month. The club will face Bolton Wanderers, Pafos, Las Palmas, and Granada in a series of high-profile friendlies, offering the new signings an early opportunity to gel. Expect Mariko's signature to bring even more bite and balance to a Pirates midfield that's looking increasingly formidable. Will Mariko be a hit at Orlando Pirates? 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.
