Sports
“I Don’t Like People Comparing Me to Mahrez,” Says Man City’s Savinho
As Manchester City prepares for a crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium, new signing Savinho shares his journey from a small Brazilian town to one of the biggest clubs in world football. The young winger discusses his childhood, career trajectory, and life in Manchester in this exclusive interview with Showmax.Credit: Showmax Premier League and Premier League productionsA Dream Come TrueWhat has the experience been like since arriving in Manchester? Was it always your dream to play in the Premier League?It’s been incredible. Even though we’ve had some ups and downs, playing for Manchester City is a dream come true. I was chosen to be here, to play in the Premier League, and I couldn’t be happier. My focus is on adapting well and contributing to the team as much as I can.A Rapid RiseDid you ever imagine reaching this level so quickly?Not at all. Everything has happened so fast for me. I started playing professionally at 16, moved to Europe at 18, and now, two years later, I’m at Manchester City. I can only thank God for how quickly things have fallen into place.Roots in São MateusTell us about your childhood in São Mateus.I’m very proud of where I come from. I miss my family a lot, and whenever I visit, I look forward to reliving those childhood moments.What was a typical day like for you growing up?I did a bit of everything. I helped my grandparents, played football every day at 5 PM, rode horses, and even helped my uncle milk cows in the morning. It was a simple but happy childhood, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.Did you have a proper football field, or did you improvise?We built a little field with bamboo goalposts. Over time, we improved it, but we always played until dark. Those moments shaped me as a player.The Journey to Professional FootballHow did your career begin?People always said I had talent. I often played with older kids and stood out. That’s when my family and I decided to move to Vitória to pursue my dream. It was tough leaving home, but it was necessary.At what age did you leave São Mateus for Vitória?I was around six or seven. When we arrived, I immediately joined a beach football session. The coach liked me, and I ended up playing both beach football and 11-a-side.When did you realize you could make a career out of football?When I started playing 11-a-side, my coach waived my fees because he saw my potential. That was when I knew I had something special.Joining Atlético MineiroHow did you end up at Atlético Mineiro?I was playing for Santa Cruz when we had matches against Cruzeiro and Atlético. I was a little kid playing against much older opponents, but Atlético liked what they saw and invited me to return.How was your time there?It was great. I joined at 10 and stayed until I was 18. I debuted for the senior team at 16, which is rare. Though I didn’t get as many chances as I wanted, I have nothing but fond memories of the club.Do you remember your professional debut?Absolutely. It was an away game against Atlético Goianiense. I played only 15 minutes, but it was the most exhausting 15 minutes of my life. The excitement, the nerves—I could feel it in my legs!Adapting to EuropeHow was the transition to European football?It was tough. PSV was my first European club, and I had to adapt to the cold, a new language, and a different style of play. But I don’t regret anything—PSV helped me grow. Then Girona came calling, and that move changed everything.How did Girona influence your career?Girona gave me confidence and helped me develop into the player I am today. Without them, I wouldn’t be at Manchester City now.The Manchester City MoveWhen did you first hear about City’s interest?I was at Copa América when my agent told me Guardiola wanted to call me. When he did, he gave me confidence and told me he wanted me at City. At first, I hesitated—I even told my family I wanted to stay at Girona for another season! But after speaking to senior Brazilian players like Danilo and Marquinhos, I realized I couldn’t turn down this opportunity.What convinced you to finally make the move?Hearing Guardiola’s vision for me and getting advice from my teammates. My wife also played a big role in my decision. She supported me every step of the way.Defining His Own PathYou’ve drawn comparisons to Riyad Mahrez. How do you feel about that?I don’t like people comparing me to Mahrez. He’s a fantastic player, but I want to be known as Savinho, not the next Mahrez. I respect him a lot, but I have my own path to carve out.Looking AheadAs Savinho settles into life at Manchester City, fans will be eager to see how he develops under Guardiola’s guidance. With a bright future ahead, the young Brazilian is ready to make his mark in the Premier League.Stream the Liverpool vs. Manchester City match live on Showmax Premier League mobile this Sunday, 23 February, at 5:30pm.
Newcastle United’s rise has become one of the Premier League’s most intriguing stories. From relegation, promotion, mid-table obscurity to serious contenders, the Magpies are now the most in-form side in the league, with six consecutive wins, including wins over top teams.
Their turnaround can be traced back to the appointment of Eddie Howe and the 2021 takeover by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). Backed by a financial powerhouse with long-term ambition, the club has steadily built a competitive squad, a smart recruitment system, and a solid management structure. Similar to Manchester City’s transformation under Sheikh Mansour, Newcastle’s growth has been driven by strategic investments rather than short-term spending.
That progress has already delivered silverware. Newcastle lifted the Carabao Cup in March 2025, beating Liverpool at Wembley to secure their first major title in 70 years. It was a defining moment and a statement of their new era.
Crucial to this rise has been a potent squad, spearheaded by the electric Aleksander Isak and the relentless Anthony Gordon. Their attacking chemistry, supported by a midfield engine room of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton, has turned Newcastle into a well-balanced, high-intensity side capable of dominating possession or punishing on the counter.
This weekend, they face a major test against Aston Villa on Saturday on GOtv, another club punching above its weight. Villa are only six points behind Newcastle with six matches left in the season. They recently reached the Champions League quarter-finals and were just one goal away from the semi-finals. Their January signings, including Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio, have added quality and depth to an already strong squad.
Newcastle won the reverse fixture earlier this season, but Villa’s current form makes this a high-stakes battle. A win could help Newcastle secure a top-three finish and build serious momentum heading into next season. A loss, however, could open the door for Villa to close the gap and reshape the top-four race.
With investment, form, and belief on their side, Newcastle are no longer outsiders. If they finish this season strong and reinforce wisely in the summer, they could be genuine title challengers next season.
Sports
UEL & UECL Quarter-finals on GOtv: Man United, Tottenham and Chelsea Battle for Glory & Survival
The UEFA Europa League and Conference League quarter-finals resume Thursday with decisive second-leg matches, as teams battle for a place in the semi-finals.
Manchester United return to Old Trafford to face Olympique Lyonnais after a 2–2 draw in France. With Champions League qualification looking unlikely through Premier League placement, Erik ten Hag’s side will be desperate to make home advantage count. The match airs live on Channel 66 (SS Action).
Tottenham Hotspur are also in a tight spot, heading to Germany to face Eintracht Frankfurt following a 1–1 draw in the first leg. With their domestic form faltering, the Europa League remains a crucial path back to Europe’s top competition. Catch this fixture on Channel 62 (SS LaLiga).
Elsewhere, Athletic Club host Rangers in Bilbao after a goalless first leg, while Lazio will hope to overturn a 0–2 deficit when they take on Bodø/Glimt at home.
In the UEFA Conference League, Chelsea welcome Polish side Legia Warszawa to Stamford Bridge, holding a healthy 3–0 lead from the first leg. The Blues, unbeaten in Europe this season, will look to seal their place in the semi-finals. Watch live on Channel 63 (SS Africa).
All matches kick off at 8:00 PM and are available live on GOtv.
Nigeria’s teenage boxing sensation and University of Lagos Law undergraduate, Raheem “Badoo” Animashaun, is set to return to action at GOtv Boxing Night 33 on April 26th, where he will face Gbodja Jean Coffi of the Benin Republic. The bout is one of the seven scheduled for the event, which will take place at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
Badoo, who has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most promising boxing talents, comes into the fight with an unblemished record of 14 wins from 14 fights, including eight knockouts. He was named Best Boxer at the last two editions of the event and left a strong impression at GOtv Boxing Night 32, where he dispatched the experienced Hammed “Ese” Ganiyu via technical knockout.
The teenager will now go up against another experienced opponent in Coffi, a veteran from the Benin Republic. Coffi, nicknamed “Lit the Fire,” has recorded two wins in his last three outings. His most recent fight was against Congo’s Chadrack Kalala Mbenga.
Speaking ahead of the bout, Bamidele Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of Flykite Productions, said the encounter exemplifies the competition and growth that GOtv Boxing Night aims to deliver. He described Badoo as one of the most exciting young boxers in Nigeria and said the clash with Coffi would be a significant test of his ability to adapt against a seasoned opponent.
Also on the card is an international lightweight contest between Ghana’s Emmanuel Otoo and Nigeria’s Tosin “Sojar Boy” Osaigbovo. Other notable pairings include William “Kaki” Amosu against Emmanuel “Ability Famous” Abimbola in the light welterweight category, and national contests involving Segun Gbobaniyi, Sodiq Oyakojo, Tobiloba Ijomoni, and Sodiq Adeleke.
GOtv Boxing Night 33 is organised by Flykite Productions and sponsored by GOtv Nigeria.
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