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Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) are determined to make the best out of the AFC U19 Championship that will be played in Uzbekistan in September as they look to qualify for the FIFA U20 World Cup for the first time ever.

To realise that lofty ambitions, plans are already in place to ensure that the Malaysia U19 head coach Brad Maloney will get the best resources available for selection and that includes Luqman Hakim and Wan Kuzri Wan Kamal.

Speaking to the media, the team manager of the U19 squad Datuk Kamrul Ariffin assured fans that the preparations for the tournament has been going well and fans can expect Malaysia to field the best youth players that country has.

"Wan Kuzri is in the list of 35 players that will be called up and we are in the final stage of his documentation work. We are working hard to fly him back here from United States to join up with the training that will begin this month.

"He's a player we see that can improve the team and he has also stated his interest, so there's no conflict when it comes to the nationality because youth players have until the age of 21 to choose," said Kamarul.

The team is expected to convene on 6 July for the first centralised training after the easing of lockdown restrictions by the Malaysian government.

That being said, FAM are still working towards creating the right Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to ensure the safety of all squad.

At the same time, Kamarul was also pleased to see that Luqman will put on hold his plans to move abroad until the completion of the tournament that sees Malaysia in Group D competing against Qatar, Tajikistan and Yemen.

"I've followed closely the stories surrounding Luqman because he is a key player for us and it is great that he has decided to stay here until the end of the U19 tournament.

"While football is a team sport, Luqman has shown in previous tournaments what he could and is vital to our cause," Kamarul added.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson says he will be forever thankful to Jurgen Klopp for offering him the chance to “become a legend” at Anfield and to continue chasing down major silverware.

A Brazil international is already a fan favourite on Merseyside, with his arrival in 2018 helping to put the Reds on a path which has led to the very top.

Eyebrows were raised when a £65 million ($80m) deal was put in place with Roma, but Alisson has repaid that show of faith by becoming a model of consistency for a Champions League and Premier League title-winning side.

Many consider his value to have soared across two productive seasons in England, with potential for the 27-year-old custodian to get even better.

Alisson intends to continue raising his game under the guidance of Klopp. Asked for his opinion of an enigmatic German coach, he told the Reds’ official website: “The maximum respect I can have for a person, I have for him.

“There’s not many words that I could describe, maybe in Portuguese I can do that better! But yeah, he means, I think, everything for this club, for the squad. He brought us together here, he gave me the opportunity to come to Liverpool, he makes me feel special inside.

“My team-mates make me feel special inside and the supporters also, everybody, but the boss has a special place in everything I think for everybody – for the club and also for the supporters because he gave his life to achieve those things that we are achieving.

“I will always respect him, have big respect for him, and also be thankful to him for bringing me here and giving me the opportunity to become a legend here for Liverpool.”

Klopp has guided Liverpool to domestic, continental and global crowns over the course of the last 12 months, with a 30-year wait for English top-flight title glory ended in style this season, but Alisson insists nobody at Anfield will be resting on their laurels.

He added on ambition for the future: “We did already something special for this club, but you can see from what every player says inside the dressing room that we want to do more.

“This is our desire, we want to win more, win more titles for this club, win more individual awards. We want to be the best team and to be the best we can, the best version of ourselves.

“The sky is the limit so we need to keep pushing, we look forward also for the next challenge. Now the next challenge is the next game, but in a long perspective we have the next season and we will do everything to win that again.”

Simba SC coach Sven Vandenbroeck has explained the reason his players easily cruised to another Mainland Premier League title on Sunday.

The Wekundu wa Mzimbazi were crowned champions for the third straight season despite securing a 0-0 draw against Tanzania Prisons at Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya City.

Simba were in need of a draw to win the title after the then second-placed Azam FC dropped points against Biashara United in a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

Vandenbroeck, who clinched his first league diadem since joining the giants at the start of the season, has now revealed most of his players are dedicated to the course and always use their brains when playing in matches hence the reason they emerged winners again.

“I think I have the best team in Tanzania because in my squad, all the players want to score goals and also defend and it has pushed us to the title,” Vandenbroeck told Goal.

“All my players play as a unit, they push for one agenda and it has always become very easy to win matches, for example, if you look at my captain [John Bocco], he is a striker but sometimes you will find him defending when we are under attack.

“My players use brain football, and it is difficult to counter such players, they play as a unit and at the same time playing using the brain, and they always work together, if one player moves from his position, there is always another player to cover for him.”

Vandenbroeck also took his time to thank the club fans for always rallying behind the team in difficult and good times.

“The fans have also played a huge role to give us the title, they have never given up, they have never disappointed us, they follow us whenever we go to support us and that is why we also push ourselves to do well for them,” Vandenbroeck continued.

Vandenbroeck will be expected to perform better than his predecessor Patrick Aussems who got knocked out from the preliminary stage by UD Songo of Mozambique in Dar es Salaam.

The league victory underlines Simba and Yanga's dominance in the Tanzanian competition in the last decade since the two arch-rivals and Azam FC in one attempt, have bagged the title alone.

Simba's three successful consecutive campaigns, in the 2017/18, 2018/19 and in the 2019/20 seasons has matched Yanga's record achieved in the 2014/15, 2015/16 and 2016/17 seasons.

It is the second time Simba have been champions in three straight campaigns as the same fete was achieved from 1993 to 1995 and apart from Yanga and Simba, no other Tanzanian club has managed to win the league gong and defend it in three or more consecutive seasons.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer expects Angel Gomes to leave Manchester United on June 30 after failing to agree a new contract with the midfielder.

The teenager was offered a new deal, but Gomes and his representatives have failed to come to an agreement and the 19-year-old is set to leave the club on a free transfer.

Solskjaer had said just last week he was hopeful terms could be agreed to keep the midfielder at the club, but the United manager had changed his tune ahead of the team’s trip to Brighton in the Premier League.

Asked if Gomes would be staying at the club Solskjaer replied: “I’ve got no news, nothing, so it doesn't look like it.”

Pushed further on whether the player would be leaving Solskjaer added: “I've not heard from them last night or this morning, it seems like they haven't managed to agree so the answer is probably short and yes, then.”

Gomes was handed his debut by Jose Mourinho in the final game of the 2016-17 season off the bench against Crystal Palace and has remained part of the first-team set-up since.

However, as contract negotiations stalled he has struggled for game time this season, making just three appearances in the Europa League and he has not been part of the three match-day squads since the Premier League restart.

It is understood United had offered Gomes, who has been training at the club since the age of six, a deal worth around £30,000 a week but he had concerns over playing time and there has been interest from other clubs.

United travel to Brighton on Tuesday night for their third league game since the restart, and despite Graham Potter’s side still being at risk of relegation, Solskjaer is expecting a tough test but thinks having no fans could benefit United.

“They’re a good footballing side, play football and make it hard for you, not been down there myself and fans, of course, they (the fans) matter and have an impact on games and football,” Solskjaer said.

“To get out of this lockdown period is going to be fantastic but at the moment we have to deal with the situation as it is, and as an away team sometimes it helps you but then again when you're at the bottom, the pressure of fans can get to you and give an extra edge.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold has praised the work ethic and attitude of fellow Liverpool academy graduate Neco Williams.

While Alexander-Arnold is a long-established presence in the Reds starting XI, featuring 127 times for the top team since debuting in 2016 in the EFL Cup, Williams made his Premier League bow last Wednesday against Crystal Palace.

The Wales Under-19 right-back, who must vie for a spot in the team with his England international colleague, played the last 16 minutes of the champions’ 4-0 victory.

Alexander-Arnold is full of praise for the youngster, highlighting the player’s “eagerness to learn and improve every single day” in an interview with the club’s official website.

He said: “You can see him improving and picking up little things every day - likewise with all the young lads - and I think there’s no better place for young players to be than at Liverpool, to be given the chances like they got [against Palace]. 

“To be given the opportunity to train with world-class players is only going to make you better and prepare you for days like this so I was over the moon with the way he’s performed and likewise with Harvey [Elliott] when he came on. 

“They’ve shown the quality and shown that when the gaffer is ready then they will be given the chance - and they deserve the chance as well.”

With the league title now locked down for the first time in 30 years, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp could offer more opportunities to the club’s academy stars to shine in the first team, although the former Borussia Dortmund boss may also have one eye on breaking Manchester City’s record for points in a single campaign.

After 31 matches of the season, the Anfield side have picked up 86 points, drawing two games and losing only one. As such, the 100-point total amassed by Pep Guardiola’s side in 2017-18 is now well in sight, with the Reds still capable of reaching 107.

Next up for Klopp’s men is a meeting with City on Thursday at the Etihad Stadium, where they are set to be given a guard of honour by the team they have replaced as champions.

Cote d’Ivoire international Jeremie Boga has recorded his first double for club and country after striking twice in Sassuolo’s 3-3 draw over Hellas Verona in Sunday’s Serie A outing.

The midfielder’s second-half efforts proved handy for the Black Greens as they ensured the game ended on a no winner, no vanquished note.

Sassuolo went into the encounter on the back of their 3-3 draw against Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan on Wednesday, as they aimed to silence the visiting Mastiffs.

Nevertheless, they were shell shocked in the empty Mapei Stadium-Citta del Tricolore as the visitors took a 51st-minute lead through Darko Lazovic who unleashed an unstoppable missile past goalkeeper Andrea Consigli at the edge of the box.

However, it was the second-half substitute who levelled matters for the hosts two minutes later. The 25-year-old capitalised on disorganised defending from Verona to fire past Marco Silvestri.

In the 57th minute, the visitors restored their lead through Mariusz Stepinski. The Polish forward chested into an empty net after Lazovic had chipped a cross to him in the penalty area after displacing defender Mert Muldur.

The game looked over for Sassuolo who conceded a third goal courtesy of Matteo Pessina’s solo effort, but the hosts who are chasing a place in Europe next season never gave up.

First, Boga completed his double in the 77th minute after firing into the top corner after receiving a pass from Francesco Caputo in the opponent’s goal area before Rogerio evened the scores with his 90th-minute strike.

Since he began his professional career in 2015, it was the first time the ex-Chelsea man would find the net at least twice to take his goal tally in the Italian top-flight to 10 after 27 matches.

His compatriot Hamed Traore who is on-loan from Empoli was brought in for Gregoire Defrel in the 72nd minute, while Equatorial Guinea international Pedro Obiang replaced Morocco’s Mehdi Bourabia 10 minutes later.

For Hellas, Ghana’s Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu came in for Miguel Veloso after 67 minutes, while Morocco star Sofyan Amrabat was on parade from start to finish.

Ranked 12th in the log having accrued 34 points from 28 outings, Sassuolo are guests of Fiorentina on Wednesday.

South African Football Association’s (Safa) head of referees Tenda Masikhwa says their officials are ready to hit the ground running as far as the restart of the 2019/20 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season is concerned.

He says their officials were given training programmes since the country’s Level 5 of the lockdown with the help of Fifa’s Mademba Mbacke who heads Africa’s fitness team, they have been working hard behind the scenes.

With media reports suggesting the PSL season could be completed in one province, Masikhwa says he is confident the referees are ready to get back to the field but insists protocols will still need to be followed.

“The departments of health and sport have set strict criteria before they can sanction any sporting event. The checks and balances need to be in place to safeguard everyone, and this includes the match officials,” Masikhwa told City Press.

“The [Safa and PSL] task team has been working hard to ensure that the protocols for match officials – referees, assistant referees, and match commissioners – are in place.

“Specific protocols speak to specific functions to make the event a success, so it is certainly not a case of one size fits all. Referees have different roles to play and, therefore, the protocols need to be different too.

“Given that the rounding up of the 2019/20 season may be in tournament format, we are more than ready to meet the demands that may be placed on match officials.

“The match officials and match commissioners have been working hard – in confinement – during the months since the national state of the disaster was declared by President Cyril Ramaphosa [in March].

“Our fitness coaches, led by [Safa referees fitness instructor] Derek Hanson, has given the match officials training programmes to follow since lockdown Level 5.”

With Sports minister Nathi Mthethwa having announced that PSL clubs can return to training last week, the league’s governing body is yet to indicate on when they can go-ahead as well as the dates and venues for the remaining games.

“The Fifa fitness team in Africa, led by Mademba Mbacke, has given guidelines for our fitness coaches and, indeed, all leagues returning to competition, to follow to ensure that match officials are competition-ready and pose no risk of injuries or even worse, death,” he added.

“Each match official has had to upload their training data and training logbook to a central database.

"The data was analyzed and the fitness coaches then gave each match official assigned to them specific feedback to improve their level of fitness. We are therefore confident that match officials are close to competition readiness.

“We also know that a match official does not only need to be fitness-ready but also match-ready. We are therefore looking at how we can meet this target, just like players need actual game time and friendlies to sharpen their skills.”

After the matches were forcefully halted in March because of the coronavirus pandemic, Kaizer Chiefs lead the table with 48 points followed by Mamelodi Sundowns who have 44.

Sharing third spot is Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United who are both tied on 40 points so far.

Arjen Robben always had belief in the skills which would make him one of the most successful wingers in European football, according to former team-mate Johan Vonlanthen - who revealed the Dutchman was also a dab hand on the PlayStation.

Robben and Vonlanthen played together in the Eredivisie for PSV in the 2003-04 season - although they did not win a trophy that season, coming second in the league, the Dutch winger showed enough ability to earn a move to Chelsea in the summer.

He went on to enjoy a stellar career, winning titles in England with the Blues, in Spain with Real Madrid and in Germany with Bayern Munich, including the Champions League.

Robben retired in 2019, but last week announced he will come out of retirement for the 2020-21 season with Groningen in the Netherlands, his first ever club.

Former Switzerland international Vonlanthen revealed his admiration for Robben, saying that even as a young player he was fully focused on making the most of his talents and having a successful career - although he did find time to occasionally defeat his team-mate in football's video game equivalent.

Speaking exclusively to Goal and SPOX, Vonlanthen said: "Arjen's apartment was just around the corner, at most a hundred metres from mine. I was with him very often and got to know his girlfriend and parents. His life, unlike mine, was very well organised, nothing was left to chance regarding Arjen's future.

"However, we often found the time to play PlayStation. You couldn't beat him in Pro Evolution Soccer. The way he played on the football pitch, he also gambled on the PlayStation. It was absolutely amazing what this boy was able to do on the games console."

On the real pitch, however, was where Robben truly shone with total confidence in his skill - even if it rubbed team-mates up the wrong way on occasions.

Vonlanthen said: "Arjen didn't care whether he got the ball on the wings or in the middle - he grabbed the ball, went with it alone and tried to finish. Many team-mates were upset that he kept dribbling. Then he said, 'Okay, that's fine. Next time I'll give you the ball'. A few seconds later he started to go alone with the ball again.

"Even then, he had outstanding qualities. I met him when he was 18 years old. I admired how focused and mentally stable he was despite his age. He knew exactly what he could do.

"Usually, young players struggle with fluctuations in performance, this is completely normal. In Arjen I could never see such fluctuations, he just didn't make any mistakes. Instead, he was the deciding man in almost every game I've played with him."

Wazito FC have reportedly turned down a huge transfer offer to sell key defender Johnstone Omurwa to Petro Atletico.

According to the player, the Angolan giants have shown a keen interest to go for his services and have been calling him on many occasions to help finalise the move.

“Petro Atletico officials first approached me last month, but I never knew they were serious,” Omurwa is quoted by Standard Sports. “So, I jokingly referred them to the club because I still have a running contract.

“They [Petro] told me they were ready to give Wazito about Sh10 million for my release. But coach Stewart Hall called me and told me he still needs me in his team and promised to engage the club to review my contractual terms. 

“Interestingly, that has not stopped Petro officials from calling me. It seems they have not given up on me. But I have told them to be patient as I engage my club.”

However, Wazito CEO Dennis Gicheru says they have not been contacted by any club seeking the services of the player and went further to state even if they got offers for the player, they are not ready to sell.

“Nobody has approached us about Omurwa and we are not aware of Petro Atletico’s interest. If they reach out to us, the board of directors will make a decision. But Omurwa is one of our key players and basically, he is not up for sale,” Gicheru is quoted by Standard Sports.

Petro are not new in Kenya having raided champions Gor Mahia for their lead striker Jacques Tuyisenge last season.

Omurwa, who also featured for national team Harambee Stars, is a key player for Wazito, who earned promotion to the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) and managed to survive relegation when the league was ended prematurely owing to the effects caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Angolan clubs also signed Kenyan striker Allan Wanga in 2007, before the striker returned to Kenya. Wanga currently features for Kakamega Homeboyz in the top-flight.

BUL FC defender Musa Walangalira has revealed the secrets of his career's longevity.

Born on December 25, 1980, Walangalira has been in football since he launched his career during his Secondary School days. 

“Self-discipline, for instance, foregoing women, alcohol, and avoiding wrong and misleading peer groups,” Walangalira told Fufa's official website.

“Of course, I am one of those most disciplined players any coach would want to work with. But discipline alone is not enough to see you prosper to any level of playing football if you don’t work hard.

“I give coaches the utmost respect they deserve. I don’t pretend but I was brought up like that. Meanwhile, my on-pitch strength is to balance the defence, clearing aerial balls and game reading.

“Otherwise, I am hard but not rough like many say and that is why I rarely get yellow cards.”

He had the taste of the Ugandan Premier League first at Police FC under coach Sam Timbe.

“I could study in the morning and train in the afternoon with my club Police FC. However, I concurrently played for my village team Budondo United too during holidays while at home,” added the experienced defender.

Walangalira has played against KCCA FC's Mike Mutyaba, Allan Okello and Tito Okello and accepts the fact they are the best he has encountered.

“These players are brave and rarely receive the ball close to the opponent. So, you must be so intelligent to stop them anyway,” revealed the Ugandan.

For his experience, Walangalira has a special message to young players.

“Each player should always have a target wherever given the chance to play. It helps one to perform better,” says the defender.

“They should play knowing there is life after active football.”

Although time might not be on his side, Walangalira hopes to lead the Cranes in international assignments.

“Winning trophies and representing the country on the continent,” he stated when asked of what he would want to achieve.

“I feel I have one season from now. I will then concentrate on personal business immediately when I retire. I have a retail electronic shop business in Jinja Central market,” Walangalira said on his future desires.

The star is also confident the change in Uganda's soccer is coming.

“Gone are the days when football was built only at the top. I mean super league levels but now the reverse is true,” he explained.

“Structures are put in place and you will see everyone realize his/her potential in the beautiful game.”

Walangalira's football idols are Ibrahim Ssekajja a former Uganda captain and ex-Manchester United defender and captain Rio Ferdinard.

He has won a number of accolades including the UPL Best Defender in 2016 and also guided JMC Hippos FC to gain promotion in the 2015/16 season.

He started playing at Naggalama Islamic SS in 2000 and also had stints at Budondo United and Buwenda FC before joining Old Timers for a poor season in 2003.

Jurgen Klopp has urged Liverpool supporters to celebrate the club’s Premier League title win responsibly, as he condemned the mass gatherings seen in the city last Friday. 

In an open letter to the Liverpool ECHO newspaper, the Reds boss insisted it was vital that fans “stay at home as much as possible”, promising that they will be able to “paint the city red” when the time is right and the threat of coronavirus has subsided. 

Klopp said he was dismayed by the sight of thousands of Liverpudlians gathering after their first league championship since 1990 was confirmed by Manchester City’s defeat at Chelsea on Thursday night.

Fans congregated outside Anfield in the immediate aftermath, but it was Friday night’s scenes at the Pier Head in the city centre which Klopp referenced specifically. 

He wrote: “I love your passion, your songs, your refusal to accept defeat, your commitment, your understanding of the game and your faith in what we are doing. 

“Even though you cannot be at our games at the moment I love that you still made sure that you were with us by making the Kop look like the Kop even if it cannot sound like it. I cannot begin to tell you how much the players and myself appreciated that and I have no doubt that it was one of the reasons why our performance against Crystal Palace was so good.

“What I did not love – and I have to say this – was the scenes that took place at the Pier Head on Friday. I am a human being and your passion is also my passion but right now the most important thing is that we do not have these kind of public gatherings. 

“We owe it to the most vulnerable in our community, to the health workers who have given so much and whom we have applauded and to the police and local authorities who help us as a club not to do this. 

“Please - celebrate - but celebrate in a safe way and in private settings, whereby we do not risk spreading this awful disease further in our community.”

The Pier Head gathering has been condemned by council officials and Merseyside Police, who confirmed that two men had been arrested, one on suspicion of assault and another on suspicion of arson after a firework struck the city’s iconic Royal Liver Buildings, causing at least £10,000 worth of damage.

Klopp added: “If things were different I would love nothing more than to celebrate together, to have a parade that would be even bigger than the one after we won the Champions League last year, so that we could all share this special moment but it just is not possible.

“We have all done so much to fight Covid-19 and this effort cannot go to waste. We owe it to ourselves and each other to do what is right and at this moment that means being together and being there for one another by being apart.

“When the time is right we will celebrate. We will enjoy this moment and we will paint the city red. But for now, please stay at home as much as possible. This is not the time to be in the city centre in big numbers or to go near football grounds. 

“At the start of this crisis I said that we did not want to play in an empty stadium but if it meant that it helped just one person stay healthy we would do it no questions asked and nothing has changed to make me alter this view.

“I already knew and liked the German word solidarität before I came to Liverpool and now I have learned that the English word is solidarity because I have heard it used by our supporters during the last few months. 

“For me, it is the word more than any other that captures what Liverpool people are about. It is why they have come together to make PPE, it is why they have delivered food parcels and medicines to people when they have needed it most and it is why they come together in so many different ways during such a difficult time.

“If we can keep on coming together by being separate we will hopefully play a big part in the fight against this disease. I know that we can do this because I have experienced what a difference can be made and the players and myself have benefited from it. 

“Hopefully in a few months from now, or longer if necessary, I can write another letter to the Liverpool Echo to thank you for putting the health of our people ahead of everything else. Nothing would make me prouder.”

Lille star Victor Osimhen has been announced as the winner of 2020 Marc-Vivien Foe prize.

The Nigeria international saw off competition from compatriot Moses Simon (Nantes), Saint-Etienne’s Denis Bouanga, Montpellier’s Andy Delort, Monaco’s Islam Slimani plus Rennes’ trio of Mbaye Niang, Hamari Traore and Edouard Mendy.

Thanks to his awe-impressive form in his maiden season in France, the youngster had the votes of the jury made up of African sports journalists.

Osimhen joined the Mastiffs from Belgian First Division A club Sporting Charleroi as a direct replacement for Cote d’Ivoire star Nicolas Pepe who joined Premier League outfit, Arsenal.

He became an instant hit at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, delivering admirable performances that endeared him to the club’s fans.

With French football cancelled in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the Super Eagles star ended up with 18 goals and six assists in 38 appearances across all competitions – a feat that earned him Lille’s player of the season accolade ahead of Benjamin Andre and Renato Sanchez.

Thanks to this achievement, he succeeds last year’s winner Pepe as well become the second Nigerian after Vincent Enyeama (2014) to claim the individual prize since inception in 2009.

Osimhen burst into the football scene at the 2015 U17 Fifa World in Chile, where he bagged the topscorer’s award, Silver Ball as well as helped Emmanuel Amuneke’s Golden Eaglets to the world title.

The same year, he was named as Africa’s Youth Player of the Year by the Confederation of African Football.

After a failed stint at Wolfsburg, he joined Charleroi on loan where he scored 20 goals in 36 outings across all competitions for the Zebras.

The Ultimate Strikers Academy product also caught the attention of senior national team selectors and earned his Eagles’ debut against Togo in 2017.

He played a part in Gernot Rohr’s team third-place finish at the 2019Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Although Osimhen is expected to remain at Lille until 2024, his French outfit has received several offers for the Nigerian with owner Gerard Lopez recently disclosing to that there are a number of suitors from three different leagues in Europe.

Paul Pogba "can get Manchester United competing for titles" if he adds consistency to his game, says Roy Keane.

Pogba was tipped for stardom after rising through the youth ranks at Old Trafford, but ultimately decided Juventus was the best place for him to continue his development in 2012.

The World Cup winner emerged as one of the finest midfielders of his generation in Turin, while getting his hands on four Serie A titles.

United forked out £89 million ($110m) to lure the 27-year-old back to Old Trafford in 2016, as he declared he still had unfinished business in Manchester.

Pogba has since contributed 31 goals and 32 assists in 150 appearances for the Red Devils, while adding the Europa League and Carabao Cup to his trophy collection.

However, the France international has often been criticised for his perceived lack of commitment, amid persistent links with Spanish giants Real Madrid. Speculation over Pogba's future was raging before the coronavirus-enforced break in the current campaign, which has proved a frustrating one for the playmaker due to a persistent ankle injury.

However, the ex-Juve star regained full fitness while in lockdown, and has forced his way back into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plans since the Premier League restart earlier this month.

Keane is now hoping to see Pogba fulfil his full potential at Old Trafford, and prove his doubters wrong in the process.

“Obviously Pogba has had his critics because he is so talented,” The United legend told the Irish Independent. “If you are not performing week in, week out people are going to get on your back. I always say there is a compliment in that.

“People know he’s an outstanding talent but for some reason, it hasn’t gelled. He obviously had the injury problem this season.

“Just because a player is having a difficult time doesn’t mean they aren’t giving their all. Sometimes a player might be carrying a few knocks. Players lose a little bit of confidence.

“Everyone is quick to criticise Pogba for his off-the-field stuff, but let me tell you if Pogba was winning week in and week out for United people would tolerate his off-the-field activity, his social media activity.

“The key for Pogba, if he wants to become a really important player for Man United, is consistency. It’s no good turning up every two or three weeks and producing your piece of magic.

“I think he is more than capable of doing it, he has done it before. But do it week in and week out and get Man United competing for titles. I have a lot of time for him. I think he’s a talented boy.”

Young Africans (Yanga SC) coach Luc Eymael has revealed why Simba SC were crowned Mainland Premier League champions on Sunday.

The Wekundu wa Mzimbazi needed just a point to ensure they kept the league title and their performance at Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya against Tanzania Prisons gave them just that even though the hosts gave an equally brave fight to keep the champions at bay.

The Belgian coach has now congratulated Simba for winning the title and said they achieved the fete because they were the most consistent side in the top-flight in this campaign.

“I want to congratulate them for winning the league, I am a guy who loves fair play and I think I have to congratulate them for the latest fete,” Eymael told Goal on Monday.

“The difference between Simba and Yanga on the league table was already too big when I arrived, I think Yanga was number six when I arrived to take over but already moving from number six to two is not bad but Simba also deserved to win the crown because they were the most consistent side in the league.”

Asked on whether he will plan to give Simba a proper challenge in the new season, Eymael said: “I am not talking about that, for now, I am thinking first of all to finish the league as high as possible and we must make sure we keep second position to the end and also on Tuesday we have a domestic Cup fixture and our target is to reach the semi-final.

“One game at a time is the solution, each game as its own story and it is very important to tackle the matches a game at a time, we don’t want to start thinking about next season when we still have matches to play.”

It is the first league title for Belgian coach Sven Vandenbroeck who arrived in December 2019 to take charge of the second most successful Tanzanian club. The successful outing will also mean Simba have maintained their slot in the Caf Champions League competition.

The league victory underlines Simba and Yanga's dominance in the Tanzanian competition in the last decade. 

Timu ya Wananchi have won the league five times while Wekundu wa Msimbazi had clinched it four times in the last 10 seasons.

Simba's three successful consecutive campaigns, in the 2017/18, 2018/19 and 2019/20 seasons have matched Yanga's record achieved in the 2014/15, 2015/16 and 2016/17 seasons.

Coach Asaph Mwebaze has pointed out some reasons that make Ugandan players fail to make it, especially in foreign leagues.

The former Onduparaka FC coach reveals lateness is one of the weakest areas Ugandan players must work to confront and improve if they have to realise the best in their careers.

“Arriving somewhere that is either an hour away or just five minutes, always being punctual — that’s called planning,” Mwebaze told Sports Nation.

“It’s a skill that many of our players think isn’t part of the game, yet the game is played on time parameters. Players arrive at any time and will always have good stories that catch the sympathy of the listener.”

According to Mwebaze, who has been in the coaching scene for more than two decades, Uganda's work ethics are questionable and has contributed to their failures at times.

“It’s about endurance, comparison and drive. Footballers in Uganda lack the work ethic, that requires the individual to treat the job with respect it deserves,” added the tactician.

“I often challenged them with musicians and their perfectionism. Players don’t realize that they play for an audience or spectators who have paid money from their jobs for this entertainment.

“This would push them to perform with respect to the fan who is parting with hard-earned money. But with little or no hard work they fall by the wayside.”

Mwebaze also questioned the footballers' effort in regard to what they do.

“Honestly, this is basically the same thing as work ethic. Most of the players put very little effort into the game,” explained the coach.

“At Maroons FC and Onduparaka where there were facilities and equipment, very few or none would put in an extra effort before or after the coaching instructions. None would try to perfect a skill which they would always try to do during a game.

"Skills like the penalty kick, free kick, corner kick or any of the standard situations. At one club a player candidly told me classes were a waste of their time.”

Body language, according to Mwebaze, is another aspect Ugandan stars must work to improve on.

“I have realized that this element also lets Uganda players down at times. To be successful you need this kind of confidence that strikes a person in the first interaction,” he concluded.

“Most players won’t look at you straight in the eyes or offer their hand in greeting. A player would enter an office and lean on the wall or sit on a chair in a sleeping position.

“This in most places would easily end the player's career instantly. Football is much about body language and expression, for without it most is lost.”

East Bengal, who have been on a signing spree in the off-season, have bit of a 'contractual situation' on hand with their new recruits. The new signings have all been handed contracts set to be executed between themselves and 'East Bengal Club'.

However, it has to be noted that 'East Bengal Club' do not have sporting rights to compete in the I-League, or for that matter, any recognised football tournament. The sporting rights is currently with Quess East Bengal - the Joint Venture between the club and their investors Quess Corp who have reportedly decided to end the venture.

Talks are on between the club and Quess in order to negotiate the transfer of sporting rights.

The club are also looking for potential investors and are seeking help from the West Bengal Government to participate in the Indian Super League (ISL) for the 2020-21 season.

As such, the players have been promised that their contracts will be executed again, on existing terms, under the new entity that will enjoy the sporting rights once the sporting rights are eventually transferred back to the club.

For formality sake, the players will have sign a contract again, under the new entity's name.

As of now, the players will not be able to play football next season as 'East Bengal Club' with whom they have signed does not have any sporting rights. The club has, however, promised the players that their contracts will be changed accordingly as and when the new entity is decided and they get the rights to play.

It is not a new development with respect to the club but just an explanation of what happened a while back. East Bengal communicated this to the players when they returned the contracts to the players recently.

It could be 'East Bengal Club Private Limited', a firm registered in 2019 with Pronab Dasgupta and Debabrata Sarkar as its directors.

There has been a lot of noise surrounding the future of East Bengal ever since arch-rivals Mohun Bagan merged with ISL outfit ATK. East Bengal went on a signing spree after the end of the season, recruiting a fair few number of players.

The players the Red and Golds have signed this summer are Milan Singh, Mohammed Rafique, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Rino Anto, CK Vineeth, Vikas Saini, Pritam Singh, Anil Chavan, Girik Khosla, Sankar Roy, Keegan Pereira, Mohammed Irshad, Bikash Jairu, Cavin Lobo, Sehnaj Singh, Loken Meitei, Rafique Ali Sardar, Angousana Luwang, Gurtej Singh, Novin Gurung, Lalram Chullova and Balwant Singh. They have also retained the services of goalkeeper Mirshad Michu.

Paolo Maldini believes Gianluigi Donnarumma is the best goalkeeper in the world as AC Milan try to keep the Italy star.

Donnarumma has established himself as the undisputed number one keeper at boyhood club AC Milan since debuting as a 16-year-old in 2015, however, his future is often a topic of discussion.

The likes of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea have been linked to Italy international Donnarumma, who is out of contract in 2021 as AC Milan look to discuss a new deal.

And Milan technical director Maldini heaped praise on Donnarumma prior to Sunday's 2-0 Serie A victory over Roma at San Siro.

"It is certainly Milan's duty to try and keep hold of an important player like Gigio, for what he represents as a symbol, a player who came up through our youth academy and, in my humble opinion, because he is the best goalkeeper in the world," Maldini told DAZN.

Speaking in March when questions of his future at AC Milan started to emerge, Donnarumma made it clear he had a special connection with the club.

"The Rossoneri colours mean a lot to me, because I grew up here," the 21-year-old said in a Q&A via the club's official channels.

"I have always been a Milan fan and I can't help but give my best for this shirt.

"The first goal is the one I share with the club and the one we have set ourselves at the beginning of the season.

"The personal goal is to always give my best and try to concede as few goals as possible."

The future of Zlatan Ibrahimovic is also making headlines after joining AC Milan on a free transfer from LA Galaxy in January.

Ibrahimovic has scored four goals in 10 games across all competitions since returning to Milan for a second spell.

The 38-year-old's contract expires at the end of the current campaign and Maldini added: "As for Ibrahimovic, these are two different situations. Gigio's contract is not running down, whereas Ibra's is."

AC Milan are currently sitting in seventh position on the Serie A table - a mammoth 27 points adrift of leaders Juventus with 10 matches to play.

They are also 15 points adrift of fourth-placed Atalanta in the final Champions League qualifying position.

Xavi has revealed his staff are preparing "a lot" to coach Barcelona as the Camp Nou great eyes a return.

The current Al-Sadd boss was linked with the Barca vacancy earlier this year when the La Liga champions sacked Ernesto Valverde, before they turned to Quique Setien in January.

Barca have struggled to convince this season – the titleholders now two points behind bitter rivals Real Madrid in the race for La Liga glory with six matches remaining.

While outlining his future plans for Barca, the 40-year-old insisted he will not come back unless he has the control to make decisions.

"The biggest hope I have now is to be Barca coach and get Barca back to winning ways," Xavi, who has led Al-Sadd to Qatari Super Cup and Qatar Cup silverware, said via Sport.

"Not me but these players and Barca triumphing. And as a consequence, our technical staff, who are preparing for it a lot and it makes us really excited."

Xavi, who won 25 trophies during his playing career with Barca, added: "I'm a club man. I would like to return at the right moment to start a project from zero.

"I've said it a lot of times but I want to take footballing decisions at Barcelona.

"It's clear that after the elections the stage would be set, of course. I'm not ruling anything out.

"They came for me in January, we were speaking. I told them the circumstances and timing weren't right."

Barcelona's next presidential election will take place in the summer of 2021 - usually a date in June - with current leader Josep Maria Bartomeu not seeking re-election.

Xavi's former team-mate Juan Antonio Pizzi believes the club legend is the 'future of Barcelona' and he is destined to return to his roots at manager when the right opportunity presents itself.

"I think he evaluated the situation very well – there is the fact that he would be coaching former team-mates – but also the fact that he would be going home perhaps without the experience of having managed in La Liga," Pizzi said. 

"I think that led him to take the decision that he eventually took, to say: ‘Give me some time. I want to coach Barcelona and I think I’m prepared to do it but I think I have to develop myself a little bit more’.

"I am absolute convinced that the future of Xavi and the future of Barcelona will come together at one point, I don’t know if in two years or five years or eight years but Xavi is going to be Barcelona coach, there is no doubt about that."