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U-17 Women’s World Cup (Q): Serengeti Girls step up preparations for …

U-17 Women’s World Cup (Q): Serengeti Girls step up preparations for South Africa

The Tanzania U-17 women’s national team, Serengeti Girls, has intensified preparations for their crucial FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying clash against South Africa with training sessions at the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) Technical Centre in Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam. milkshake.it.com

The highly anticipated encounter is scheduled to take place on May 23, 2026, at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar, as Tanzania continue their journey in the qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup set to be hosted in Morocco.

Tanzania booked their place in the second round after an impressive performance against Botswana, winning 6-2 on aggregate. The Serengeti Girls first secured a hard-fought 3-2 away victory before completing the job with a dominant 3-0 win at home.

South Africa, meanwhile, progressed automatically to the second round following the withdrawal of the Central African Republic.

The upcoming fixture carries huge importance for both sides, as the winners will move a step closer to securing one of Africa’s five qualification spots for the expanded FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals. The final qualification round is expected to be played in July.

The Serengeti Girls head into the qualifiers inspired by the recent success of Tanzania’s U-20 women’s national team, who made history by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland. The Tanzanian youngsters achieved the feat after defeating Cameroon 2-0 and advancing with a 3-3 aggregate result.

With confidence growing inside the camp, the Serengeti Girls will be hoping to emulate their U-20 counterparts by writing another memorable chapter in Tanzanian women’s football history when they face South Africa later this month.

Cardoso claims PSL has ‘rolled out the red carpet’ for Orlando Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns boss Miguel Cardoso feels PSL organisers have helped Orlando Pirates to potentially dethrone his side.

Cardoso claims the PSL has rolled the red carpet out for Orlando Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has lamented his side’s congested fixture schedule. The Portuguese boss feels as though this will contribute to the Sea Robbers sealing their first league crown in 14 years.

“I know people say excuses, excuses, but I invite anyone to really look at the calendar that these boys [Sundowns players] have been involved in in the last 21 days. We were not beaten by whoever, but by the calendar.” Cardoso said after his side lost 3-2 at TS Galaxy on Wednesday evening.

Listen to the rest of Cardoso’s words via Sowetan.

Orlando Pirates can end the drought with four more points

After Sundowns fell to a 3-2 defeat at TS Galaxy on Wednesday, Orlando Pirates can smell their first Betway Premiership title in 14 years. The Brazilians finish the campaign on 68 points, while Pirates sit on 65 points with two games to play. Four more points from their remaining fixtures would guarantee a first league crown since 2012. Even three points might be enough, provided Pirates don’t lose by more than seven goals in the other fixture. They currently sit on a goal difference of +44, while Sundowns’ is +36. The Buccaneers won’t be entertaining the idea of a heavy defeat; their three league losses this term have all come by a single goal. Next up for the Sea Robbers is a home clash with Durban City.

When can Orlando Pirates officially be crowned champions?

Orlando Pirates fans can smell the Betway Premiership title. However, they might need to wait a little longer for it to be confirmed.

Pirates are almost there

After Sundowns’ 3-2 defeat at TS Galaxy on Wednesday, Pirates need just four points from their two remaining fixtures to mathematically guarantee the title. Even three points could do it, but four would make it a sure thing. The Brazilians finish the campaign on 68 points, while Pirates sit on 65 points with two games to play. Four more points from their remaining fixtures would guarantee a first league crown since 2012, and even three points might be enough, provided Pirates don’t lose by more than seven goals in the other fixture. They currently sit on a goal difference of +44, while Sundowns’ is +36. The Buccaneers won’t be entertaining the idea of a heavy defeat; their three league losses this term have all come by a single goal.

Sea Robbers fans must wait until the 23rd of May for the title to be officially wrapped up. Next up is a home clash with Durban City on Saturday, 16 May.

These are their remaining fixtures:

  • Saturday, 16 May vs Durban City, Orlando Stadium – 15:00
  • Saturday, 23 May vs Orbit College, Royal Bafokeng Stadium – 15:00

Cardoso claims PSL has helped Orlando Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has lamented his side’s congested fixture schedule. The Portuguese boss feels as though this will contribute to the Sea Robbers sealing their first league crown in 14 years.

Confederation of African Athletics announces the passing of Hamad Kalkaba Malboum

African athletics has been plunged into mourning following the death of Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, one of the continent’s most respected and influential sports administrators.

The Confederation of African Athletics officially confirmed that Hamad Kalkaba Malboum passed away on 13 May 2026, at the age of 75. Born on 11 November 1950, the veteran Cameroonian sports leader dedicated decades of his life to the growth and transformation of athletics across Africa.

Kalkaba Malboum served as President of the Cameroon Olympic Committee from 2001 and later rose to become President of the Confederation of African Athletics in 2003. He succeeded Lamine Diack after Diack was elected President of the International Association of Athletics Federations, now known as World Athletics.

Throughout his long tenure, Kalkaba Malboum became a towering figure in African sport, guiding the continent’s athletics development with vision, discipline, and unwavering commitment. Under his leadership, African athletics expanded its influence globally, while countless athletes benefited from increased opportunities to compete and excel on the international stage.

His leadership style earned admiration across sporting circles, with many praising his calm diplomacy, administrative strength, and passion for nurturing African talent. He played a key role in elevating the profile of athletics championships within Africa and strengthening the continent’s voice in global sports governance.

The late president had been absent from the recent CAA Council meeting in Accra ahead of the ongoing African Championships due to health complications, raising concern among members of the athletics community.

News of his passing has triggered an outpouring of grief and tributes from athletes, federations, coaches, and sports leaders from across the world, all honoring a man whose impact on African athletics will remain unforgettable.

At the time of his death, Hamad Kalkaba Malboum stood among the most powerful and respected figures in international sports administration. In addition to serving as a World Athletics Council Member and President of the Confederation of African Athletics, he also led the Cameroon National Olympic and Sports Committee while holding several prestigious global positions, including membership in the IOC Sport and Environment Commission, a seat on the Board of the IOC Olympic Truce Foundation, and the role of Senior Vice President of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation. His extensive leadership roles reflected the enormous respect and influence he commanded across the world of sport.

His death marks the end of a remarkable era in African sport — a legacy built on service, leadership, and dedication to the advancement of athletics throughout the continent.

SOURCE: MY BEST RUNS

The post Confederation of African Athletics announces the passing of Hamad Kalkaba Malboum appeared first on SportsAfrica - Sports news | Live scores | Match highlights | Betting tips.

Kaizer Chiefs join Orlando Pirates in race for PSL midfielder

Kaizer Chiefs, as often witnessed in every pre-season transfer window, are set to battle Orlando Pirates for a standout Betway Premiership player.

This time it is Arrows’ dynamic 25-year-old midfielder Ayabule Maxwele, as reported by iDiski Times’ Sinethemba Makonco.

AYABULELA MAXWELE TARGETED BY KAIZER CHIEFS

Arrows are currently positioned in eighth place with 10 wins in 28 games, thanks to players like Maxwele who played 23 times.

Also read: Reports: Orlando Pirates push to sign Bafana Bafana player

The midfielder joined Abafana Bes’thende as a free agent from Royal AM upon their expulsion from the Premier Soccer League in 2025.

“With the June transfer window fast approaching, both Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are understandably monitoring Ayabulela Maxwele after his impressive performances for Lamontville Golden Arrows this season,” Makonco reported.

Also read: Orlando Pirates: Plans to sign three new signings

WHO IS HE?

Born in Mthatha, Eastern Cape on 28 June 2000, “Aya” first emerged as a junior player at Mamelodi Sundowns. Maxwele later played for Maritzburg United (later renamed Durban City), Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila and Royal AM.

He has been noted as a unique player. Maxwele operates as a specialist half central midfielder and half inverted winger. He plays with high intensity that involves relentless running and a high number of won duels.

Maxwele is a committed presser and when he has the ball at his feet, easily drives past defenders at speed.

Beyond his 23 league appearances, Maxwelele played six cup games in the Carling Knockout and Nedbank Cup. Scoring three goals and making one assist.

DO YOU SEE KAIZER CHIEFS OR ORLANDO PIRATES WINNING THE RACE FOR HIS SIGNATURE?

Share your thoughts by clicking on the red comments block below.

In brief

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