Postecoglou sacked by Spurs after Europa League win
Ange Postecoglou has been sacked as Tottenham manager 16 days after leading them to victory in the Europa League final. A 1-0 win over Manchester United in Bilbaobrought Spurs a first major trophy for 17 years. However, it came towards the end of their worst Premier League season, with the London club finishing 17th after losing 22 of their 38 matches. The Australian told fans “season three is better than season two” as they gathered at a victory parade to mark European success in his second campaign. But the 59-year-old’s time in north London has ended two years to the day after Spurs announced he would join them from Celtic on a four-year contract. Brentford boss Thomas Frank has been tipped as a leading contender to replace Postecoglou. Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Fulham’s Marco Silva, Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino – now managing the United States – are among the other candidates to have been considered. Spurs said in a statement Postecoglou would be remembered for delivering “one of the club’s greatest moments” in becoming only the third manager to win them a European trophy. But they added they could not base their decision on “emotions aligned to this triumph” and felt a change was necessary after a “review of performances”. Tottenham finished fifth in Postecoglou’s first season in charge before he kept his promise to provide silverware in his second year. “The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime,” he said in a statement. “That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream. “There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.” Of managers with 100 or more games in charge of the club, Postecoglou ranks with a 46.5% win percentage from 101 matches in all competitions (47 wins, 15 draws and 39 losses). Postecoglou pays price for slide in form Tottenham’s decision to sack the man who guided them to a first trophy since 2008 will divide opinion across their fanbase. He becomes the fourth Spurs manager – after Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte – to lose his job since Pochettino was sacked in November 2019, less than four months after taking them to the Champions League final. Former Australia boss Postecoglou’s reign began in spectacular fashion, despite the exit of the club’s all-time leading scorer Harry Kane to Bayern Munich. Spurs set the pace in the early stages of the 2023-24 Premier League season by taking 26 points from their first 10 games, with Postecoglou winning three consecutive manager of the month awards. But five defeats in their final seven matches cost them a spot in the Champions League 12 months ago, and things continued to unravel in 2024-25 after a slow start to the season. Postecoglou, who was initially praised for the attacking style he implemented, was forced to defend himself from criticism for sticking to his principles and had to contend with a catalogue of injuries to key players. Aside from their run to the Carabao Cup semi-finals, where they were thrashed 4-0 by Liverpool after taking a slender one-goal lead to Anfield, they have struggled in domestic competition. Since 6 November 2023, Spurs have collected 78 points from 66 top-flight games – the 16th best record in the Premier League over that time. While Tottenham scored 64 goals in the season just gone – as many as fourth-placed Chelsea and more than Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest in sixth and seventh – they conceded 65 with only Wolves and the relegated trio of Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton conceding more. What did Postecoglou say? Postecoglou’s unwavering belief in himself and his forthright – sometimes blunt – approach has been a feature of his spell at Tottenham. He accused a reporter of discounting the impact of injuries on his side’s results after a 6-3 home defeat by Liverpool, and repeatedly insisted he would not alter his style. Postecoglou also publicly described Timo Werner’s performance as “not acceptable” after replacing him at half-time during a 1-1 Europa League draw at Rangers. There were elements of that abrasiveness in the statement his representatives released after his sacking, which read: “When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur my overriding emotion is one of pride. “The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime. “Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget. “That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream. There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible. “We have also laid foundations that mean this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success. I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them. “I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters. I know there were some difficult times but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on. “It’s important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis. “And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years. A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special. “We are forever connected. Audere est Facere. Ange.” What did Tottenham say? Tottenham’s statement read: “Following a review of performances and
Former Zambian President Lungu dies aged 68
Zambia’s former President Edgar Lungu has died at the age of 68, his party has said in a statement. He had “been receiving specialized treatment in South Africa” for an undisclosed illness, the Patriotic Front (PF) added. Lungu led Zambia for six years from 2015, losing the 2021 election to the current President Hakainde Hichilema by a large margin. After that defeat he stepped back from politics but later returned to the fray. He had ambitions to vie for the presidency again but at the end of last year the Constitutional Court barred him from running, ruling that he had already served the maximum two terms allowed by law. In a short video, Lungu’s daughter Tasila said that the former head of state, who had been “under medical supervision in recent weeks”, died at a clinic in South Africa’s capital, Pretoria, at 06:00 (04:00 GMT) on Thursday. “In this moment of grief, we invoke the spirit of ‘One Zambia, One Nation’ – the timeless creed that guided President Lungu’s service to our country,” she added in an emotional statement. Lungu first became president in January 2015 after winning a special presidential election triggered by the death of Michael Sata. After completing Sata’s term, he won a further five years in power in 2016 taking just over 50% of the vote. But after six years at the helm, Lungu was blamed for a struggling economy and high unemployment. He lost in 2021 by close to a million votes with Hichilema tapping into widespread dissatisfaction among the electorate. He said he was retiring in the aftermath of the vote, but returned to frontline politics in 2023 as his successor’s popularity waned. “I am ready to fight from the front, not from the rear, in defence of democracy. Those who are ready for this fight, please come along with me, I am ready for anything,” Mr Lungu told supporters at the time. Lungu was a lawyer by training but enjoyed a meteoric rise in politics after winning a seat in parliament as a PF MP in 2011. He entered government as deputy minister in the vice-president’s office in that year and rose to become minister of home affairs in just over 12 months. He later became minister of defence and then justice. A close friend described Lungu as a “good foot-soldier, lawyer and politician, father, husband and grandparent”. Born on 11 November 1956, Lungu graduated with a law degree from the University of Zambia in 1981. He also underwent military training at the then Miltez army college in Kabwe. He later worked at Andre Masiye and Company Advocates, Barclays Bank, and Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines.
Tanzania has begun restricting total access to the social media platform “X” due to concerns over pornographic material
Speaking to Citizen TV, Information Minister Jerry Silaa said the decision was based on the platform’s failure to comply with Tanzania’s laws, cultural values, and online ethics guidelines. He specifically cited the sharing of sexually explicit content, including same-sex pornography, as a key reason for the restriction. “The content being shared on X is contrary to our laws, culture, customs, and traditions. X has permitted explicit sexual material, including same-sex pornographic content, which breaches our online ethics guidelines.” Minister Jerry Silaa Tanzanian users had reported restricted access to the platform over the past two weeks, although a full nationwide shutdown had not been confirmed until now. The move follows a period of political tension in the country, during which a government police account on X was reportedly hacked. Silaa also referenced a policy change made by X last year, in which the company announced it would allow the sharing of “consensually produced and distributed” adult content. This shift, according to the minister, prompted concern within the government and ultimately contributed to the current restrictions. The minister added that the Tanzanian government is applying similar measures across other platforms as part of a wider effort to regulate online content.
Donald Trump has signed a ban on travel to the US from 12 countries citing national security risks, according to the White House.
There are also seven additional countries whose nationals will face a partial travel restrictions. The US president said the list could be revised if “material improvements” were made and additional countries could be added as “threats emerge around the world”. This is the second time he has ordered a ban on travel from certain countries. He signed a similar order in 2017, during his first term in office. Which countries are affected? Trump has signed a proclamation banning travel to the US from nationals of 12 countries: Nationals from these countries will not be allowed to enter the US unless they qualify for an exception. There are an additional seven countries whose nationals face partial travel restrictions: Countries hit by the partial restrictions will not be able to travel to the US with certain visas. The ban takes effect on Monday at 12:01 (05:01 BST), a cushion that avoids the chaos that unfolded at airports nationwide when a similar measure took effect with virtually no notice eight years ago. No end date has been provided; the order calls for periodic review. Why has a ban been announced? The White House said these “common sense restrictions” would “protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors”. In a video posted to his Truth Social website, Trump said the recent alleged terror attack in Boulder, Colorado “underscored the extreme dangers” posed by foreign nationals who had not been “properly vetted”. Twelve people were injured in Colorado on Sunday when a man attacked a group gathering in support of Israeli hostages, throwing two incendiary devices and using a makeshift flamethrower. The man accused of carrying out the attack has been identified as an Egyptian national, but Egypt is not included on the list of banned countries. Trump has close ties with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who has in the past been described by the US president as his “favourite dictator”. Only two of the 19 countries are on the US government’s State Sponsors of Terrorism list – Iran, which has a full ban, and Cuba, which has partial travel restrictions. But national security is given as a partial reason for his choice of countries. In the proclamation, Trump said many of these countries listed have a “historic failure to accept back their removable nationals” for the US, as well as having “taken advantage” of the US by exploiting its visa system. He added that nationals from certain countries also “pose significant risks” of overstaying their visas. What exemptions are there? There are a number of people from affected countries who may still be able to enter the US due to a number of exceptions. The order does not apply to: In addition, the Secretary of State may grant exemptions to individuals on a “case-by-case” basis, if “the individual would serve a United States national interest”. What has been the reaction to the ban? Trump’s latest order, which is expected to face legal challenges, drew a swift response, at home and abroad. Somalia promised to work with the United States to address any security issues. In a statement, Somali ambassador to the US, Dahir Hassan Abdi, said his country “values its longstanding relationship” with America. Venezuela’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello warned that “being in the United States is a great risk for anyone, not just for Venezuelans”. The African Union, which represents all 55 countries on the African continent, called on the US to “engage in constructive dialogue with the countries concerned”. It appealed to the US to exercise its sovereign right to protect its borders and its citizens’ security “in a manner that is balanced, evidence-based, and reflective of the long-standing partnership between the United States and Africa”. The union said it remains concerned about the “potential negative impact of such measures”. Democrats were quick to condemn the move. “This ban, expanded from Trump’s Muslim ban in his first term, will only further isolate us on the world stage,” Pramila Jayapal, a Democrat congresswoman from Washington, says in a social media post. Another Democrat, congressman Don Beyer, says Trump “betrayed” the ideals of the US’ founders. Human rights groups have also criticised the ban. Amnesty International USA described it as “discriminatory, racist, and downright cruel”, while the US-based Human Rights First, called it “yet another anti-immigrant and punitive action taken” by the president. What happened last time? Trump ordered his original travel ban during his first term in the White House in 2017. It featured some of the same countries as his latest order, including Iran, Libya and Somalia. Critics called it a “Muslim ban” as the seven countries initially listed were Muslim majority, and it was immediately challenged in courts across the US. The White House revised the policy, ultimately adding two non-Muslim majority countries, North Korea and Venezuela. It was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. President Joe Biden, who succeeded Trump, repealed the ban in 2021, calling it “a stain on our national conscience.”
Legendary deejay Michael Benjamin Owor, DJ Bush Baby, passes away
On the morning of 5th June 2025, news of DJ Bush Baby’s demise made rounds on different social media platforms. Close friends reveal that the 50-year-old was found dead at a studio in Entebbe. He leaves a longstanding legacy as one of the pioneer celebrity deejays in East Africa, and his career has mentored several other superstar disk jockeys. The cause of his death is yet to be revealed. We shall keep you posted!
Middlesbrough has sacked head coach Michael Carrick after two-and-a-half years in charge.
The former England midfielder, 43, took over at the Championship side in October 2022 for his first role in management. He guided the team to a play-off finish in 2022-23 but they have missed out on the top six in the past two campaigns. Carrick’s assistants Jonathan Woodgate and his brother Graeme Carrick have also left the club. Boro spent much of the 2024-25 season challenging for a play-off spot but one win in their final six matches proved to be costly. They stayed in the hunt for a top-six place until the final game of the season but defeat at Coventry saw them finish 10th. His departure means that 17 of last season’s 24 Championship teams have changed manager since August last year. Ends
Uganda Cranes Squad Complete in Marrakech Ahead of Cameroon and Gambia Friendly’s
The Uganda Cranes have assembled a full squad in Marrakech, Morocco, after the arrival of Bobosi Byaruhanga, Elio Capradossi, Jordan Obita, Allan Oyirwoth, Isaac Muleme, and Elvis Bwomono. The new arrivals bring the total number of players in camp to 27. However, the team will be without striker Steven Mukwala, who withdrew after sustaining a minor injury while on duty with Tanzanian club Simba SC. Wigan Athletic defender Toby Sibbick was the first of the initially expected eight foreign-based players to report to camp yesterday before Mukwala’s unfortunate withdrawal reduced that number to seven. The Cranes will hold their second training session in Marrakech this evening, with the full squad expected to participate. Uganda is in Morocco as part of preparations for two high-profile international friendly matches—against Cameroon on Friday, June 6, and Gambia on Monday, June 9 as the team builds momentum ahead of upcoming competitive fixtures. Full Uganda Cranes Squad in Marrakech: Goalkeepers: Isima Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa)Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia)Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC, Uganda)Hannington Sebwalunyo (NEC FC, Uganda) Defenders: Elvis Bwomono (St Mirren FC, Scotland)Nico Wadada (Vipers SC, Uganda)Elio Capradossi (AS Cittadella, Italy)Arnold Odong (SC Villa, Uganda)Toby Sibbick (Wigan Athletic FC, England)Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC, Uganda)Jordan Obita (Hibernian FC, Scotland)Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Žižkov, Czech Republic) Midfielders: Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots SC, USA)Kenneth Semakula (Club Africain, Tunisia)Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution, USA)Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC, Uganda)Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC, Uganda)Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda)Travis Mutyaba (Bordeaux, France) Forwards: Dennis Omedi (APR FC, Rwanda)Hakim Kiwanuka (APR FC, Rwanda)Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC, Uganda)Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, North Macedonia)Usama Arafat (KCCA FC, Uganda)Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa, Uganda)Ivan Ahimbisibwe (URA FC, Uganda)Mohammad Shaban (Al Anwar, Libya) Ends
Matia Kasaija, 81; Moses Ali, 86; Seek another Term in Parliament
The Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Matia Kasaija who doubles as Member of Parliament for Buyanja county in Kibaale district is seeking re-election as MP, saying that the next term will be his last in Parliament. Kasaija who is 81 years old is one of the longest serving lawmakers and members of cabinet. He, on Wednesday picked nomination forms from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) electoral commission offices in Kampala tocontest for the party flag ahead of the 2026 general elections. Speaking to reporters shortly after picking nomination papers, Kasaija was asked why he does not consider leaving the race for young people. In response, the finance minister challenged young people to stand against, and he beat them “hands down.” “Let the youth contest against me and I beat them hands down. Next term, I will leave it for them. This is my last term,” he says. Kasaija added that he is the strongest of all the contenders in the race. “When I look at all my opponents, I don’t see anyone who can defeat me.” Other officials who picked the nomination form to contest for the NRM include Enos Asiimwe, Aine Sodo Kaguta, Hanifa Kawooya, Henry Musasizi, Government Chief Whip, Hamson Obua. Obua said that the NRM walks the talk in promoting democratic principles in Uganda. Second Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Moses Ali, 86, also picked nomination forms to show his interest in representing East Moyo County in Parliament for another term. Ali, who served in Idi Amin’s reign as Finance Minister, has served as the area MP since 2011. The NRM party primaries for all MP aspirants are scheduled to take place on July 16, 2025 Ends
Buddu Ssaza Lights Up Lukaya Trophy, Talent, and Togetherness
The heart of Lukaya town beat louder than ever yesterday as Buddu Ssaza, the reigning kings of the Masaza Cup 2024, rolled into town for an unforgettable celebration, anticipation, and unity. The town was electric as hundreds gathered at the Bulakati grounds to welcome the champions. The crowd erupted as the 2024 Masaza Cup Trophy was carried into the Bulakati Stadium by team captain Joseph Kayondo, flanked by teammates and coaches. The event marked not only a proud moment of remembrance but also the official unveiling of Buddu Ssaza’s 2025 squad. Coach Eric Kisuze said “We don’t just want to win again,” “We want to build a legacy, starting with the community.” Buddu Ssaza launched an ambitious 2025 fundraising drive and the campaign aims to raise essential funds for player’s welfare, training camps, equipment, and community outreach programs ahead of the new Masaza season 2025. Zziwa Steven, the team manager of the Buddu Ssaza team, emphasized the importance of community involvement: “Last year, we lifted the trophy. This year, we want to lift our entire region. We need every fan, every well-wisher, and every proud son and daughter of Buddu to stand with us so that we can defend the trophy back.” The chief fundraiser Yusuf Nkeletanyi Kiruuta also yearning for the Mp seat of Kalungu East Constituency called upon all well wishers of Buddu Ssaza to come and join the team to defend the Trophy. Over 3 millions were raised to see that Buddu excel. Ends
Former Vipers FC defender Rashid Toha has confirmed his departure from Kenyan side Police FC
The defender used his official social media platforms to bid farewell to the Kenyan side where he joined two years back, “This might not be the right time to put this out there but I believe it’s the right thing to do and for that the game against Shabana FC and Gor Mahia will be my last time putting on the famous red and the blue jerseys of Police FC” I want to thank the club management, Board members, The club Chairman, CEO, Team managers, Technical staffs and the players” “I have had two seasons full of ups and downs but in the end am so grateful for everything and Police fc will always have a special place in my heart and hopefully one day our paths cross again InshAllah ” “Now before I sign out, let’s get the win and celebrate this with the league cup InshAllah ” Toha has previously played for FUFA Big League sides Onduparaka FC and Arua Hill SC plus UPL reigning champions Vipers SC