SA star Gift Links was on target on Sunday, continuing to shine in the Danish Superliga, having helped AGF Aarhus win the league title, and is now among the Player of the Season nominees.
Links scored AGF Aarhus’ third goal as they annihilated Viborg 6-2 on Sunday at Ceres Park Vejlby. Deservedly, he was the outstanding Mzansi Footballer abroad this weekend, for the second week running.
This was their last match of the 2025/26 Danish Superliga, which Links capped in style. According to Transfermarkt, the Rustenburg-born star made 38 appearances in the just-ended season, during which he registered six goals and seven assists.
GOOD STRIDES FOR GIFT LINKS
The talented winger, Links, was a key pillar for AGF Aarhus, as they clinched a surprise title win to end their 40-year wait, bringing glory back to the Danish football giant, who had not won the league title since 1986.
What makes this special is that Links has been so good and is in line to win the 2025/26 Player of the Season award. Links has joined legends Sibusiso Zuma and Siyabonga Nomvethe, who also clinched the Danish Superliga title with FC Copenhagen and Aalborg Boldspilklub, respectively.
His performances continue to justify why he deserves a place in Hugo Broos’ squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Bafana Bafana mentor Broos is expected to name his squad this week.
HEARTBREAK FOR DEFENDER IME OKON
Meanwhile, it was a heartbreaking weekend for Bafana Bafana star Ime Okon‘s Hannover 96, who once again failed to qualify for the Bundesliga. Hannover 96 drew 3-3 with FC Nürnberg at the HDI-Arena on Sunday, a match they were supposed to win to stand a chance of being promoted.
Elversberg joined Schalke in the Bundesliga, while Paderborn will now face VfL Wolfsburg in the playoff for the last spot.
Okon played 58 minutes as Hannover 96 failed to secure promotion to the German Bundesliga after finishing fourth in the Bundesliga 2 standings. The defender has two goals under his belt in the 26 matches he has played this season.
In addition, on Saturday, Mbekezeli Mbokazi put in a solid shift for Chicago Fire FC, helping them achieve a clean sheet as they beat Montréal 2-0 in a Major League Soccer [MLS] tie at Saputo Stadium.
Furthermore, Sphephelo Sithole’s team CD Tondela was relegated from Liga Portugal following a 3-1 defeat on the last day of the season to Arouca at the Estádio Municipal de Arouca. They ended the season in 17th position in an 18-team league, with 28 points from 34 matches.
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