Didier Drogba and Ayew brothers the big movers

Published on: 02 August 2015
Didier Drogba and Ayew brothers the big movers
Jordan Ayew

While clubs across the world are frantically adding to their squad before the transfer window closes in September, one African league has closed shop completely.

Algeria will no longer allow any new foreign signings. However, there was still some activity for the rest of the continent's players, with a South African's protracted transfer saga coming to an end and some high profile signings in and out of Europe.

On the field, two African leagues wrapped up and both crowned a new champion.

Here's this week's news round-up ...

No foreigners in Algeria

"It's not you, it's us," was the message from the Algerian Football Federation who have banned overseas signings because of a financial crisis.

The country's export revenues have plunged due to lower oil prices and football bosses can no longer legally obtain the funds they need from the central bank to pay foreign players.

Those who are already on the books of clubs -- and there are around 30 -- will be allowed to continue until their contracts end. The development will come as bad news to the continent's many hopefuls because Algerian football is on the up.

Their national team is the top-ranked side in Africa and their clubs are performing well on the continental stage. This year, three Algerian clubs qualified for the group stage of the CAF Champions League.

Khune returns home

Former South Africa goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune's contract with Kaizer Chiefs came to an end in June and the club confirmed they would be letting him go. Kaizer Motaung, the club's chairman, accused Khune of being disrespectful and hinted the goalkeeper's salary demands had become excessive.

Over the next six weeks, Khune was linked to big-spending Mamelodi Sundowns, the team owned by mining magnate Patrice Motsepe, and various clubs Europe including one in Denmark which he reportedly turned down. But after all that, he ended up exactly where he started.

Chiefs issued a statement on Thursday confirming they had reached an agreement with Khune "in principle," and would finalise details in the coming days.

Despite the announcement coming in time for the season's curtain raiser -- the Carling Cup, which is played between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates -- Khune has not been named in the Chiefs' team but is expected to play their first league game.

Big moves for Ayew, Drogba and Zakora

Ghana's Jordan Ayew may have secured the most high-profile move by an African footballer over this transfer window, at least when it comes to finding a club in Europe. Ayew joined Aston Villa on a five-year deal from French Ligue 1 club Lorient. Both Ayew brothers will now ply their trade in England after Andre signed for Swansea in June.

Elsewhere, leagues outside Europe continue to attract major African names, with Didier Drogba signing for Montreal Impact. Another retired Ivorian player, Didier Zakora, headed east. Zakora announced on Twitter that he will be joining Indian Super League side FC Pune City, who will become the eighth club he will represent.

Zamalek end 11-year drought

With their Cairo rivals Al-Ahly at their heels throughout the season, Zamalek wrapped up the title with a match to spare after a thrilling 3-2 over El-Geish on Wednesday. Their victory coupled with Al-Ahly's 1-1 draw with Smouha a day earlier gave Zamalek an unassailable eight-point lead at the top of the table and their first title since 2004.

Zamalek's run this season has included 26 victories and just three losses and eight draws. They found the back of the net 69 times, with their leading goalscorer Basem Morsi netting 18 of them. They conceded just 21 times on their way to a 12th league title.

Both Zamalek and Al-Ahly, who are assured of second spot, will compete in the 2016 CAF Champions League after neither made it through to main draw this year. Currently, they both top their CAF Confederation Cup, which could set them up for a meeting in the tournament final.

A new champion, a failed champion

Senegal's 2014-15 league campaign was decided on the final day with AS Douanes and Niary Tally in competition for the title.

Niary Tally were held to a draw at Port de Dakar while AS Douanes beat ASC Linguere 2-1 to win their sixth title and qualify for the CAF Champions League.

They could go on to seal the double if they win the Coupe de Le Ligue cup next month. Meanwhile, last season's champions AS Pikine had a dismal title defence and were relegated after finishing second from bottom.

By Firdose Monda ESPN

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