Mexican footballer Javier Hernandez, known as Chicharito, has joined Atletico Dallas, a club participating in the USL Championship league in the USA. The former Manchester United forward announced this via social media, and the club also made a corresponding statement through its press service.
Chicharito stated his mission: 'In my opinion, Dallas should have a club that matches its passion for football, diversity, and potential. I want to help build a culture of winning, inspire young footballers in North Texas, and represent a team that will support fans from day one. I came here not to finish my career, but to develop the future of Dallas football.'
It was previously reported that Chicharito's transfer was the first in the history of Atletico Dallas. This club is a new franchise in the USL Championship and plans to debut in the leagues in 2028. According to available information, the Mexican player will start playing for the team in 2027, and before that, actively participate in the club's development process.
It is worth noting that Chicharito is the top scorer in the history of the Mexican national team (52 goals). He played in Europe from 2010 to 2020 for clubs such as Manchester United, Real, West Ham, Bayer, and Sevilla. Furthermore, the forward represented Mexico, as well as the US clubs LA Galaxy and Tapatio Chivas from Mexico.
For reference, the USL Championship is considered the second division in the USA after MLS, although there is no promotion or relegation system between these two competitions.
AmaZulu head coach Arthur Zwane stated that experienced defender Siyabonga Ngezana will bring immense benefit both on and off the field.
Arthur Zwane believes that signing the experienced defender Siyabonga Ngezana could be a decisive step for the Usuthu club in its development. Ngezana possesses significant experience at both the club and international levels, having established himself as one of South Africa's most reliable defenders.
In Zwane's opinion, these qualities will help strengthen the team on the pitch, as well as positively influence the atmosphere in the dressing room. Zwane noted: 'It is very important to have someone of this level. He is very experienced.' He added that Ngezana will bring much value, as he recently returned after participating in AFCON, and can share knowledge with players, in addition to having extensive experience in club competitions.
The AmaZulu mentor emphasized that the arrival of the defender reflects the club's determination to continue developing based on the successes achieved over the last two seasons. 'Having him in the squad, I think, is a plus for us as a club. I welcome him, and we know he will bring huge benefits.'
The Usuthu team starts a new season with increased confidence after defending the KZN Premier's Cup title and demonstrating consistent improvement in the league. Although two seasons ago they almost missed out on a higher position due to goal difference, last season AmaZulu rose to fourth place, demonstrating the club's upward trajectory under Zwane's leadership.
The coach believes that these improvements are the result of the collective dedication shown by the entire club. He expressed pride in the players and the technical staff, as well as the president, board of directors, general manager, and everyone who supported the club during difficult times. 'I think they have done well so far, and we are moving on a path of growth.'
Strengthening the squad with Ngezana allows AmaZulu to hope to turn its steady growth into trophy wins. With the support of a cohesive technical team, dedicated management, and the constant backing of club president and general manager Sandile Zungu, Usuthu believes it is well-prepared to challenge the country's biggest clubs again this season.
Brazil emerged as the main favorite in the eFootball 2026 World Championship, which took place as part of the eFootball World Festival in Bangkok, Thailand. Brazilian players FUTEASY_10 and Rentao won in the console and mobile categories, respectively, securing an unprecedented double success for the country at Konami's main game tournament.
The competition gathered 32 participants, who were evenly distributed between the console and mobile categories. After the group stage and playoffs, Brazil finished first in both competitions.
In the console tournament final, FUTEASY_10 defeated the Italian player Ettorito to claim the world title. The player expressed his joy, noting that reaching the final and winning were long-held dreams, and he always strived to play at his maximum potential in competitions. He also thanked his friends in Brazil and fans from other countries for their support, emphasizing that this encouraging factor is very important to him, and he will continue to put forth maximum effort in the future.
In the mobile category, Rentao once again won the world title by defeating the Moroccan player Yassine. Commenting on the victory, the player stated that he was very pleased with the result because he had worked hard to reach this level, and he was grateful for the opportunity to realize all the training conducted before the tournament. According to him, this success is a reward for the prior preparation.
In addition to hosting the world championship finals, Konami used the eFootball World Festival to present new features that will be added to the game in the coming months. Among the announced updates are the addition of Sergio Agüero to the Legends list, the return of Wayne Rooney with new skills, and the launch of a new Personalized Tournament mode, the Overload gameplay style, as well as new offensive and defensive formations.
During the presentation, Junichi Tay, general producer of the eFootball series, stated that Konami will continue to invest in developing new content and improving the gaming experience for the community. He noted that the company will continue to provide diverse initiatives and opportunities so that more football fans in Thailand can enjoy eFootball.
JP Pietersen expresses support for the new attack coach, Scott Matty, believing he can unlock the huge potential in the Sharks' defensive line before the United Rugby Championship (URC) season begins.
Pietersen believes that Scott Matty is the right specialist to implement a 'bold and exciting' style in the Sharks' defensive line, which is rich in young talent. Matty joined the Sharks from Edinburgh Rugby, but he previously achieved success in coaching in the USA. While working with Griquas from 2019 to 2020, he earned the nickname 'The Giant Killer' due to victories over Super Rugby teams.
Pietersen also positively evaluates Matty's international experience as a dynamic midfielder. Before joining the Sharks and Bulls, Matty played for Sale Sharks and Leeds Carnegie. Pietersen noted that Matty has adapted well, saying that 'it feels like he has been here for two or three years.' He added that Matty seems to have 'come home,' recalling how they played together in the Currie Cup in 2006 under Dick Muir's leadership.
Pietersen reported that Matty took over as attack coach after Dave Williams moved to the role of general manager, and that he integrated easily into the team. According to Pietersen, the players like him because he possesses the energy and aura that all attack coaches have.
Pietersen emphasized that Matty's international experience, both as a player and a coach, made him an attractive candidate. He stated the team's desire to think unconventionally in attack, noting that they struggled to win matches in Europe last season. Matty understands how to improve play in such conditions, knowing how European teams operate and how they cope with bad weather.
In Pietersen's opinion, Edinburgh has a good set of skills, being bold and innovative in attack. Matty brought this philosophy to the Sharks, insisting that the team must hold onto the ball longer and challenge the defense. The goal is to be bold and exciting by utilizing the attacking talent of players such as Jurenzo Julius, Zekhethelo Siyaya, Vusi Moyo, and Jaco Williams, encouraging them to move the ball.
Meanwhile, the Sharks XV team announced its squad for the match against Stormers XXIII in the Currie Cup, which will take place on Saturday at 19:00. The starting lineup for Sharks XV includes Luan Gilliomee, Christie Grobbelaar, Marnus Potgieter, Janco Purchase, Lyle Matthews, Tim Swiel, Ross Braude (with captain Thomas Dyer), Danio Botha, Luaan Olivier, Deon Slabbert, Johan Momsen, Simphiwe Ngobese, Bryce Calvert, and Cameron Dawson. Reserves include Liam van Wyk, Phiwayinkosi Kubheka, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Hanu Pieterse, Jean-Henri Smit, Juan Loots, Albie Bester, and Khuthi Rasivhaga.
