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Français (Afrique)Osame Sahraoui: Lille midfielder nears full recovery
Morocco international Osame Sahraoui is making a steady recovery from a longterm injury and will soon hit the ground the running for Ligue 1 club Lille.
After many months of absence and a particularly difficult period physically, the Atlas Lion, the midfielder is finally entering the final stretch of his recovery.
On a suivi Osame Sahraoui pendant sa rééducation après son opération suite à une pubalgie
Il était de retour hier à l’entraînement collectif, après un long travail avec le staff pour revenir au meilleur niveau
Quel plaisir de te revoir sur le terrain @OsameSahraoui
pic.twitter.com/0pMcDHe9tB
— LOSC (@losclive) April 3, 2026
The Moroccan winger for LOSC Lille resumed training this Thursday, an important step that marks a turning point in his comeback process.
Osame Sahraoui suffered pubalgia injury
For over a year, Sahraoui had been hampered by persistent pubalgia, an injury as complex as it is frustrating for attacking players.
Faced with the ineffectiveness of conservative treatments, surgery became the obvious option.
Operated on January 29, the Moroccan player then began a rigorous rehabilitation phase, aiming for a return within six to twelve weeks.
This timeframe was ultimately met, as his return to training comes just eight weeks after his surgery, a sign of a successful recovery.
While this return is excellent news, there’s still a long way to go before he can return to competition.
The LOSC medical staff is prioritizing a cautious approach to avoid any relapse, which is particularly common with this type of injury.
Absent since the start of the season, Sahraoui has already missed 17 matches, leaving his teammates to battle for the top of the table.
Currently fifth in Ligue 1, Lille remains under pressure, with direct competition from clubs like AS Monaco and Rennes.
Sahraoui’s return represents challenge
In the short term, an immediate return to competition seems unlikely. The clash against RC Lens this weekend probably comes too soon for the Moroccan international, who is still in the recovery phase.
The objective is now clear: to gradually regain his form, string together training sessions, and get closer to an official return to the pitch in the best possible condition.
Beyond the medical aspect, Sahraoui’s return represents a real sporting challenge for LOSC.
Possessing technical skills and an ability to make the difference in one-on-one situations, he could provide a valuable attacking option in the final stretch of the season.
Having been relatively quiet statistically this season, he will also be eager to reignite his momentum and improve his statistics upon his return to competition.
Door open for Bok icon contract extension
Frans Malherbe will still have a future at the Stormers if he gets the all-clear to return to rugby later this month.
Coach John Dobson told Rapport that the Stormers would have no hesitation in extending the veteran prop’s contract, which is set to expire in June, by another year.
“If he keeps playing and wants to stay at the Stormers, we will obviously accommodate him in the interests of himself and the national team,” Dobson said.
ALSO: Dobbo fumes over ‘frustrating’ ref calls
The 35-year-old tighthead has been sidelined with a serious back injury, with his last appearance coming in April 2025. His recovery has not been without setbacks, including hip issues that disrupted his rehabilitation earlier this year.
But Dobson made it clear the door remains open for one of South African rugby’s most respected figures.
“He’s a legend, an icon of the game and a one-club man,” Dobson said.
Should Malherbe be cleared to play, he would form part of a formidable tighthead group at the Stormers next season, alongside Neethling Fouché, Wilco Louw and Zachary Porthen.
Despite his lengthy injury layoff, Malherbe remains firmly in the Springbok picture. He attended the first alignment camp of 2026 in Cape Town, having been persuaded by Bok coach Rassie Erasmus not to retire last year.
RASSIE: Frans nearly walked away
A double World Cup winner, Malherbe has not featured in a Test since September 2024 and has missed the Springboks’ last 17 matches through injury.
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
The post Door open for Bok icon contract extension appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Gor Mahia coach Akonnor impressed with point despite reducing lead
Kenyan Premier League giants Gor Mahia head coach admitted his side did not play according to instruction during their 0-0 FKF Premier League draw against Kariobangi Sharks at Kasarani Stadium on Saturday.
The record league champions went into the fixture knowing a win will take them nine points clear ahead of second-placed and rivals AFC Leopards, who have amassed 52 points from 26 matches.
| HIGHLIGHTS
Watch how it went down at Kasarani Stadium today and what coach Akonnor had to say. #Sirkal | #SportPesaNaGor pic.twitter.com/sZGjsj5Mec
— GOR MAHIA FC (@OfficialGMFC) April 4, 2026
The draw now means AFC Leopards will be able to reduce Gor Mahia’s lead at the top to only two points, with only eight matches remaining to conclude the season, if they manage to beat Murang’a Seal in another league fixture on Sunday.
Gor Mahia have to take result in good faith
“The game could go either way. They (Sharks) had chances to score, and any side could have lost the game. So, the result is a fair outcome,” the Ghanaian legend told the media after the game.
“The opponent is a team that knows their game. They disturbed us and never let us settle, to their credit. The first half was not that good, and we wanted to come up for the final half more assertively, but it was not to be.”
Akonnor added: “One point is okay; a fair result. But for us, we didn’t play the way we have been playing; I personally was not satisfied with our performance. The positive thing to take from the game is that we did not lose.
“We have to take the result in good faith. We take the one point and now shift our preparation for the coming matches.”
Ahead of the clash, Akonnor hasd emphasised focus and preparation. “We are fully aware of Sharks’ style of play. We have a plan and we believe it will work in our favour,” he said.
Following the draw, Gor Mahia remained top with 57 points garnered from 17 wins, six draws, and three defeats. In another fixture, Kakamaga Homeboyz moved above defending champions Kenya Police FC to third position after defeating Mathare United 3-0 at Bukhungu Stadium.
FKF Premier League fixtures;
Sofapaka 0-0 Bandari FC
Kenya Police FC 1-0 Tusker FC
Saturday;
Ulinzi Stars 0-1 APS Bomet
Kakamega Homeboyz 3-0 Mathare United
Gor Mahia 0-0 Kariobangi Sharks
Sunday;
Murang’a Seal vs AFC Leopards
Bidco United vs KCB
Nairobi United vs Shabana
Monday;
Mara Sugar vs Posta Rangers
Jet-setter Mbokazi earns praise after Chicago Fire win
Bafana Bafana star Mbekezeli Mbokazi was praised by Chicago Fire FC head coach Gregg Berhalter, after he returned from international duty to slot straight back into his club side’s starting line-up in their 1-0 Major Leaguer Soccer (MLSO) win over Nashville on Saturday evening.
Mbokazi’s Bafana rocket
Mbokazi only got back to the US on Friday, having scored his first Bafana goal, an absolute rocket in the 2-1 international friendly loss to Panama at the Cape Town Stadium on Tuesday.
MBOOOOO WHAT A STRIKE
– Chicago Fire FC (@ChicagoFire) March 31, 2026#cf97 pic.twitter.com/lYvfiQiHFP
But he was picked at centre back against Nashville, and earned plenty of plaudits as he helped his side keep a clean sheet in what was their third MLS win of the season.
This is a brilliant pass from Corcoran and even better defending from Mbokazi.pic.twitter.com/tXNSkmNLtq
– Ben Wright (@benwright) April 5, 2026
“Absolutely incredible. We saw Mbokazi at 5 PM last night (getting home from South Africa),” Berhalter told journalists after Saturday’s game.
More praise
Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady also picked the former Orlando Pirates captain out for special praise.
“I want to give props to Mbokazi because he just got off a long ass flight,” said Brady.
Michael Olunga out for lengthy period after undergoing surgery
Kenya national team striker Michal Olunga is set to be out for a long spell after undergoing surgery, according to his Saudi Arabia club Al-Arabi.
The former Gor Mahia striker, who captains Harambee Stars, was not involved as Kenya battled Estonia, and Grenada in the just concluded 2026 FIFA Series as part of the FIFA International break.
| تقرير طبي بشأن لاعبنا مايكـل أولونغا.#العربي pic.twitter.com/YchpjNxUfN
— Al Arabi SC | النادي العربي (@alarabi_club) April 2, 2026
The reason he missed the two friendly matches was because he had sustained an injury during Al-Arabi’s Qatar Stars League fixture before the FIFA break.
Al-Arabi have now confirmed Olunga, who joined them from Al-Duhail SC suffered a pelvic injury during the game and has subsequently undergone surgery.
Olunga will be out for eight weeks
“Our player, Michael Olunga, suffered a pelvic injury. He underwent successful surgery this morning in Paris, France,” said Al Arabi via a social media post.
The statement added: “The player is expected to be sidelined for eight weeks, during which time he will undergo a rehabilitation program under the supervision of the club’s medical staff.”
Olunga had managed six goals prior to injury
Olunga will therefore, not play again for Al Arabi this season, with the season slated to conclude on April 28th.
Olunga has left Al Arabi sitting fifth on the 12-team league table with 31 points from 19 matches. Al Arabi have won nine matches, drawn four, and lost six. In the current campaign, Olunga has only managed six league goals for his club.
He started the season in strong form, including scoring a brace against Qatar SC in late November 2025. Olunga had joined Al Arabi after a successful stint with Al Duhail SC in the same league.