Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca commented on the rumors regarding midfielder Rodri's potential move to the Madrid club Real Madrid.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca commented on the rumors regarding midfielder Rodri's potential move to the Madrid club Real Madrid.
Maresca stated that all these reports are currently just rumors. He specified that Rodri underwent surgery in Madrid last Monday, and the procedure was successful. The player is currently resting and will return to the squad after his vacation ends.
The coach noted that any coach in the world would want to see Rodri in their team, as he considers him a player of the highest level.
Previously, the media reported that Rodri had agreed to the terms of a personal contract with Real. It was also claimed that Manchester City values the 30-year-old footballer at 75 million euros, and negotiations between the clubs are ongoing.
Last season, Rodri played in 33 matches in all competitions, scoring 2 goals. His current contract with Manchester City is valid until the summer of 2027. According to Transfermarkt, the player's market value is 50 million euros.
Shukri Conrad, the coach of the Proteas team, stated that the official start of the ICC 2027 Cricket World Cup brought a tangible sense of anticipation. He emphasized his team's determination to handle the pressure of hosting the tournament and win their first 50-over title.
Speaking at the tournament launch event, Conrad acknowledged that hosting this major event in South Africa, alongside Zimbabwe and Namibia, places a special responsibility on them. Nevertheless, he insists that Proteas uses this weight as a stimulus rather than allowing the occasion to paralyze the team.
Conrad noted: 'This launch makes everything tangible—it makes it real. You start to feel the energy and realize the expectations that come with hosting a home World Cup. Along with these expectations comes the goal of winning our first ODI World Cup. We owe the country a World Cup, and we intend to deliver it.'
South Africa is preparing for an intense summer season, which includes series against Australia, Bangladesh, and England. Although Conrad stressed that the matches against Australia remain the top priority, the upcoming one-day international fixtures will serve as an important proving ground for shaping the World Cup squad.
Conrad explained: 'These ODIs will greatly help in shaping what this squad will look like. Perhaps there will be some experimental work initially, especially during the series against Bangladesh, to give players a chance, but by the time we face England in January, it will be part of our World Cup squad.'
Relying on Proteas' recent progress, including reaching the playoffs in T20 and ODI tournaments, as well as strong performances in Tests, Conrad believes that the growing maturity of the team in 50-over cricket will be crucial. He addressed the players, urging them to draw strength from past lessons and focus on strengthening collective unity, given South Africa's painful history in World Cup playoff matches, including the tragic 1999 semi-final against Australia.
Conrad admitted: '1999 is still vivid—it was traumatic. As they say, hope kills us, but for me, it is now a hope that inspires me. What we might lack in star power or experience compared to previous years, we compensate for with our bond, cohesion, and desire to play as one unit. If we are not desperate and do not let the occasion paralyze us, it will play a big role.'
The South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed that it is conducting an internal inquiry regarding comments posted on social media concerning a player from the Banyana Banyana team, after these statements drew criticism online.
The comments, allegedly made by midfielder Bambanani Mbane, were in response to fan support on social media. Mbane urged those who do not support the team to refrain from criticizing the players.
In his message, Mbane stated: 'If you don't want to support us, then don't... it doesn't mean that if you don't support us, something will change... you want us to beg you as if you are our gods... you don't even watch football, you only know highlights... damn crap.'
SAFA reported that it has taken public reaction into account and assured fans that the matter is being resolved internally. The association apologized for what it termed 'unfortunate remarks.'
Furthermore, it was emphasized that the team's primary focus remains the match at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) against Côte d'Ivoire. The organization stated: 'SAFA sincerely apologizes for the unfortunate remarks and thanks the public for their unwavering support. Since today is match day, the team's immediate focus is the WAFCON match against Côte d'Ivoire. The issue will be reviewed after the match.'
The Banyana Banyana team is participating in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations as the reigning champion after winning its first title in 2022.
FIFA is studying the possibility of increasing the number of participants in the World Cup to 64 teams. It should be recalled that the 2026 World Cup, which took place this summer, was organized with 48 national teams for the first time in history.
FIFA has begun studying the potential to increase the number of participants in the 2030 World Cup from 48 to 64 teams. This was reported by The Touchline.
Previously, FIFA President Gianni Infantino did not rule out that the number of participants in the World Cup could be increased to 64 national teams in the future.
It is worth noting that the 2026 World Cup, held this summer, was the first in history to feature 48 teams. Spain won the tournament, defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time in the final.
The 2030 World Cup will be held in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of this competition, opening ceremonies will also take place in Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina.
