Latest news with #TotalEnergiesCAFChampionsLeague
The Citizen
13-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Pirates winger joins Saudi Pro League side Ettifaq
The move is subject to the 20-year-old agreeing to personal terms and passing a medical. Orlando Pirates have confirmed that Mohau Nkota will be securing a move to the Saudi Pro League. In a statement released by the club on Sunday, Pirates stated that the move is subject to the 20-year-old agreeing to personal terms and passing a medical. ALSO READ: Mofokeng scores as Orlando Pirates hold Pafos to a draw The full Pirates statement: Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm that an agreement has been reached for the permanent transfer of Mohau Nkota to Ettifaq Club in the Saudi Pro League. The move is subject to the 20-year-old agreeing to personal terms and passing a medical. Nkota's departure comes after a standout debut season in the Buccaneers' senior squad, where he featured in 39 official matches and registered 12 goal contributions. Promoted to the first team at the start of the 2024/25 campaign following a stellar showing with the Club's DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) side, the Kimberley-born attacker quickly made his mark. He made his senior debut on October 19, 2024, in the Carling Black Label Cup clash against Magesi FC, coming off the bench at halftime to replace Monnapule Saleng. From that moment on, Nkota never looked back, earning a regular place under then-head coach Jose Riveiro. Among the many highlights of his breakthrough season were his two braces; one against AmaZulu in domestic competition, and the other on the continental stage against Algerian giants CR Belouizdad in the CAF Champions League. His goal against Belouizdad was widely celebrated as one of the best strikes of the 2024/25 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League campaign.
The South African
13-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
BREAKING: Orlando Pirates SELL Mohau Nkota
Orlando Pirates have sold Mohau Nkota to Saudi Pro League outfit Ettifaq Club for an undisclosed fee. The club confirmed on Sunday that Nkota agreed on personal terms and passed a medical. 'Orlando Pirates confirm that an agreement has been reached for the permanent transfer of Mohau Nkota to Ettifaq Club in the Saudi Pro League,' the Buccaneers said. 'The move is subject to the 20-year-old agreeing to personal terms and passing a medical. Nkota's departure comes after a standout debut season in the Buccaneers' senior squad, where he featured in 39 official matches and registered 12 goal contributions. 'Promoted to the first team at the start of the 2024/25 campaign following a stellar showing with the Club's DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) side, the Kimberley-born attacker quickly made his mark. He made his senior debut on October 19, 2024, in the Carling Black Label Cup clash against Magesi FC, coming off the bench at halftime to replace Monnapule Saleng. From that moment on, Nkota never looked back, earning a regular place under then-head coach Jose Riveiro.' Among the many highlights of his breakthrough season were his two braces; one against AmaZulu in domestic competition, and the other on the continental stage against Algerian giants CR Belouizdad in the CAF Champions League. His goal against Belouizdad was widely celebrated as one of the best strikes of the 2024/25 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League campaign. Everyone at Orlando Pirates wishes Mohau Nkota the very best as he begins this exciting new chapter in his career. May he continue to soar and carry the Buccaneers' spirit with pride – because remember: Once and Always!' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
CAF
13-06-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Moroccan grit meets European might: Wydad's Club World Cup Showdown
· Group of death: Tough draw pits Wydad against global heavyweights · Tactical discipline the key to causing upsets · Star players must shine on the global stage Wydad Casablanca are back on the global stage, looking to channel the fire that propelled them to TotalEnergies CAF Champions League glory in 2021/22. But the Moroccan titans face a monumental task at this year's FIFA Club World Cup, having landed in what many are calling the 'Group of Death.' Awaiting them are former English champions Manchester City, Italian giants Juventus, and UAE powerhouse Al Ain — a daunting trio by any measure. Wydad's domestic form hasn't been quite as inspiring, finishing third in the Moroccan Botola Pro 1 this season. Despite a strong continental pedigree, their recent inconsistencies have raised questions about their readiness for such elite competition. Still, in tournament football, the unpredictable often becomes reality — and head coach Mohamed Amine Benhachem is counting on that very unpredictability. Much will depend on individual brilliance. Mohamed Rayhi, Wydad's top scorer with 11 goals this season, will be their primary threat from the left wing. Up front, Cassius Mailula's sharp finishing — despite just five goals so far — offers another potential spark. In the engine room, midfielders Oussama Zemraoui and Ismail Moutaraji will need to dictate tempo, win duels, and transition play swiftly under pressure. Defensively, Wydad must be near perfect. One lapse could spell disaster against teams of such calibre. But history has shown that organization, belief, and timely goals can carry underdogs far — and Wydad will be hoping to write a chapter of their own. While few expect them to advance past this brutal group, Wydad Casablanca are no strangers to adversity. If they can frustrate their opponents, capitalize on limited opportunities, and draw strength from their passionate supporters, a shock result or two is not out of the question. This Club World Cup will test Wydad like never before. But with grit and discipline, Morocco's finest could yet turn the tide against European heavyweights. Wydad AC FIFA Club World Cup Fixtures: Wednesday, 18 June: Manchester City vs Wydad AC | 16h00 GMT Sunday, 22 June: Juventus FC vs Wydad AC | 16h00 GMT Thursday, 26 June: Wydad AC vs Al Ain | 19h00 GMT
CAF
12-06-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Esperance de Tunis: Africa's silent threat in the FIFA Club World Cup
· A group of giants - but evident gaps to exploit · Maher Kanzani's tactical blueprint paying off · Belaili to play a key figure for the Blood and Gold Four-time African champions Esperance Sportive de Tunis are no strangers to the global stage. Though they arrive at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup without the label of reigning TotalEnergies CAF Champions League winners, their sustained excellence over the past four seasons has earned them a deserved place among the world's elite. Finalists in last season's TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and falling just short to Al Ahly SC, the Tunisian giants are now poised to test themselves in one of the most competitive groups of the expanded 32-team global tournament. Drawn alongside European heavyweights Chelsea, Mexican side Club León, and South American powerhouses Flamengo, the task is formidable—but not insurmountable. While Chelsea, recent winners of the UEFA Europa Conference League, enter the group as favourites, Esperance have proven they can hold their own against technically superior opposition. Brazilian outfit Flamengo, despite their rich history, have struggled for domestic consistency, and León have shown defensive vulnerabilities. These cracks are precisely where Esperance's discipline and tactical nous may shine. Under the guidance of head coach Maher Kanzani, the Tunisian giants have maintained a structured and pragmatic 4-3-3 system. The midfield operates with intelligence and patience, anchored by a deep-lying playmaker, while the wings offer explosive transitions and width. It's a formula that has brought both local and continental success. Youcef Belaili continues to be the heartbeat of the side, his nine goals and six assists this season reflecting both creativity and cutting edge. But Esperance's strength lies in its emerging core. Brazilian playmaker Yan Sasse has netted 10 goals in all competitions, while Houssem Tika's seven assists speak to his growing influence. At left-back, Mohamed Amine Ben Yamida's overlapping runs and delivery from wide areas have added a new dimension to their build-up play. With fixtures against quality opposition, Esperance's path to the knockout rounds won't be easy—but it is possible. If they can stifle Chelsea's rhythm, expose León's midfield gaps, and disrupt Flamengo's tempo, a place in the Round of 16 is within reach. In a tournament built for surprises, the Blood and Gold could well be writing the most unexpected chapter. ES Tunis FIFA Club World Cup Fixtures: Tuesday, 17 June: Flamengo vs ES Tunis | 01h00 GMT Saturday, 21 June: Leon vs ES Tunis | 22h00 GMT Wednesday, 25 June: ES Tunis vs Chelsea | 01h00 GMT
CAF
03-06-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Moïne Chaâbani reflects on TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup success
RS Berkane's head coach, Moïne Chaâbani, has expressed his pride in guiding the Moroccan club to victory in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup following their recent triumph over Tanzania's Simba SC. The Tunisian manager emphasised that this continental title was one of the club's primary objectives this season, particularly after the disappointment of losing last year's final to Egypt's Zamalek, which denied Berkane a third title. Speaking exclusively to CAFOnline, Chaâbani reflected on the key factors that led to RS Berkane's third TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup title. Congratulations on winning the CAF Confederation Cup TotalEnergies. How does it feel to lift a continental trophy with RS Berkane? Firstly, thank you very much for the kind words. Of course, it's an incredible feeling of pride and honour. This trophy was one of our main targets this season, especially after the disappointment of last year's final loss. This is your second title of the season with RS Berkane, having also secured the Moroccan league title the first in the club's history. What are your thoughts on achieving the double? This title adds to what was already a significant achievement winning the Moroccan Botola Pro, which was very tough. But thanks to the collective efforts of everyone at the club, we were able to win it deservedly. I'm especially proud to have claimed my first trophy with this dear club. You've now joined the elite list of coaches to have won both the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League twice with Espérance Tunis and the CAF Confederation Cup now with Berkane. What does that mean to you? Winning the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League twice before made this new continental title even more special. Thank God, the dream came true. I'd like to thank everyone who played a part in this success, whether directly or indirectly. You lost the TotalEnergies Confederation Cup final last season to Zamalek. Was that a strong motivation for this season's success? Yes, continuing the work we started last season was one of the key reasons behind this year's success. That defeat fuelled our determination to come back stronger. Looking back, what do you think was the key factor behind RS Berkane's success and the double this season? We had an intense and demanding pre-season. I want to thank all the players for the sacrifices and the huge effort they put in throughout the campaign. After winning the Moroccan league, RS Berkane will now compete in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League next season. What are your expectations, and do you believe the team is ready to win it after three CAF Confederation Cup titles? As we head into next season's CAF Champions League, I believe RS Berkane has now gained enough experience on the African stage. Of course, the competition will be tougher than the Confederation Cup, but I genuinely believe this team can go all the way and win the CAF Champions League, God willing. Finally, a message to the RS Berkane fans who supported the team throughout the season. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to all the RS Berkane fans for their incredible support this season.
