NEWS
A selection of FirstTouch's best football writing, brought to you by emerging journalists, collaborators, and fans.
Are we witnessing the resurgence of the Italian Serie A?
Familiar with the Premier League’s “Big 6?” Well, Italy actually have a “Big 8”and you would be surprised what they have been up to and how much damage they can do on the biggest European football stage, the UEFA Champions League. Could glory really make its way back to Italy?
Why a Hazard move to Real Madrid makes sense this summer
The Garden of Eden in West London’s Stamford Bridge could very soon have to let go of the talisman. Belgium’s captain who recently wore his 100th cap for the country is tipped to join record Champions League winners, Real Madrid. The move just makes sense.
Aubameyang vs Koulibaly: The fate of the furious
Napoli vs Arsenal in the UEFA Europa League quarter-final will be treated as a final by both sides. Even more interesting will be the Wakanda battle between Aubameyang and Koulibaly. Check out who we think will emerge victorious?
Emmanuel Frimpong: The end of a chapter
For a long-time, the former Arsenal midfielder has had to play through the pain. Now, at the tender age of 27, the former Ghanaian international has decided to hang up his boots. Lest we forget, he has left us with solid memories created across his experience in the Premier League, Russian Premier League, UEFA Champions League, English Championship etc
Why Obi Mikel & Chukwueze were left out of the Nigerian squad for the upcoming AFCON Qualifier
Nigeria have already qualified for the 2019 AFCON finals to be held in Egypt later this year. In this piece, we provide an analysis as to why the Super Eagles have more to gain by leaving out former Chelsea midfielder, Obi Mikel and the highly rated Spanish La Liga youngster, Samuel Chukwueze.
The rebirth of Ghana’s Jeffrey Schlupp
Upon becoming the Premier League champions in the 2015/16 season, Leicester City released the Ghanaian fullback to Crystal Palace. After months of playing second fiddle to many players, Schlupp has cemented his place in Palace’s midfield, courtesy of Roy Hodgson’s faith in the 26-year-old.
Callum Hudson-Odoi: Demanding a seat at the table
Most of Chelsea’s veteran forwards are way past their prime and with increasing speculation that Eden Hazard could be snapped by the UEFA Champions League holders, Real Madrid, the Blues also have work to do if they are to keep the 18-year-old in the Premier League. Whom they need to.
Eto’o visits South Africa to grace the second edition of Castle Lager's tourney
The Castle Lager Nations tourney is the newest football competition making strides on the continent and Cameroonian Legend, Samuel Eto’o, had the unique opportunity of being one of the pioneers of the movement.
South Africa's Lerato Chabangu: A bittersweet story
Lerato’s story opens up a key aspect of some African football professionals that require attention and empathetic consideration.
Zambian Mwape Musonda making a point in the ABSA Premiership
He might be playing for none of the 2018/19 ABSA Premiership title contenders but Musonda is outscoring them all. After less impressive spells at Orlando Pirates and Golden Arrows, the Zambian has found a new home at Lidoda Duvha. As their name suggests, the “day has really come” for Mwape.”
U-20 AFCON: Amajita secure an elusive world cup spot
The U-20 African Cup of Nations is almost drawing to a close and South Africans will be delighted to learn that their side has sealed a place at the world cup finals. Nigeria, Senegal and Mali complete the list of Africa’s representatives in the May finals.
Africans on the move and what they bring to their respective clubs
The 2019 January transfer window is now history. African players were once again on the move, from the Premier League, Turkish Super League, La Liga only to mention a few. In this piece you will find three of them as well as what their impact could be at their new clubs.
Celebrating the people's champion, Thembi Kgatlana
Grand, glorious, and just getting started, we took some time to look at the 2018 African Woman Player of The Year’s career so far. The 2018 CAF Goal of The Year winner may be a household name for years to come.
Banyana Banyana striker makes big move to Spain
The wheels keep spinning for the 2018 Africa Cup Of Nations finalists, Banyana Banyana. One of their own will be joining Malaga, actually pioneering the move to Spain for future generations of South African women footballers.
The pursuit of justice for racial abuse on Kalidou Koulibaly continues
Arguably the best center back in the world currently, Koulibaly has more than just his career development to focus on. As a subject of racial abuse in the Italian Serie A, he faces no easy task in dealing with the emotions that come with all that. But alas, he is not alone. Friends and fans from the Premier League and Africa are all behind the Senegalese international.
2019 CAF Champions League Match Day 2: Big wins and giant killings by some debutants
Africa’s premier club competition, the CAF Champions League is back with a bang. We have already witnessed upsets, dominant wins and off the pitch drama by fans only 2 fixtures into the competition. Worry not, we have laid down the Matchday 2 summary here for you.
Kevin Prince Boateng’s shocking move to Barcelona explained
After completing a shock January transfer switch to Barcelona, there is no questioning what the Ghanaian international can actually bring to the La Liga. After featuring for over 10 of Europe’s top clubs, playing in all sorts of positions - versatility and experience is what he is all about.
We argue Real Madrid could be fixed in two Senegalese signatures
Adding strength and dynamism to Real Madrid may not be rocket science after all. In Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly, Senegal might just be the answer to the 3-peat UEFA Champions League winners’ ills. Los Blancos are struggling to keep up with La Liga bitter rivals, Barcelona.