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Union Berlin striker Anthony Ujah is still fond of his former club FC Cologne, claiming the North Rhine-Westphalia outfit to be "important".

Die Eisernen will be up against the Billy Goats in this weekend's Bundesliga round of fixtures and the Nigerian clearly relishes the opportunity.

Ujah played 102 times for Cologne, scoring 36 goals and providing 10 assists.

He joined Union Berlin from Mainz in the summer of 2019 and has made 20 appearances, although only eight of them have been starts.

The 29-year-old has scored two goals, which came in a 2-1 home defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt on September 27, 2019 and a 2-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach on November 23.

"Always", Ujah told Kicker when asked if a tie against Cologne is special to him.

"In Cologne, I had my best time in football so far. The city is very important to me. I see my future there."

Ujah also likes the German capital asserting "Berlin is a great city".

Though he has clocked just 789 minutes of Bundesliga action this season, Ujah says he is "satisfied" and calls his move from Mainz to Union Berlin "the right decision".

Ujah also weighed in on protests taking place across the world on racial injustice and discrimination which emanated from the death of George Floyd in the United States.

Bundesliga matches last weekend saw players kneel as a mark of solidarity and Ujah thinks it is a "right step".

"There is a lot more to do. The action is great, but it is important that the message goes deep into the world because we can have a good life together if everyone accepts," he continued.

"We're on the right track. I'm sure the future will be better."

Ujah has also been on the books of another German club in Werder Bremen where he scored 14 goals and provided five assists in 37 competitive outings.

He also had a stint with Norwegian side Lillestrom and Liaoning FC in China, netting a combined 37 goals.

Ujah's career began in Nigeria with Abuja FC and Warri Wolves.

He has been capped seven times for Nigeria, last appearing in a goalless draw with Tanzania on September 5, 2015, during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Cameroon international Michaela Abam has explained the reasons Ghana and the Democratic Republic of Congo could challenge for the African ticket for the 2023 Women's World Cup.

South Africa's debut outing in France last year saw African nations to participate at the global showpiece swell to six after Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire and Equatorial Guinea.

Cameroon were held to a 1-1 draw by Ghana at the Africa Women's Cup of Nations in 2018 before they edged the Democratic Republic of Congo 3-2 in the Olympic Qualifiers last October. 

The Real Betis forward believes the Leopards and Black Queens, who have missed out since 2007, have the potential of upsetting the powerhouses to compete at future tournaments.

"It will have to be Ghana (to qualify for the World Cup) for sure," Abam told Goal with LaLiga. 

"Even during the Africa Women's Cup of Nations, we were playing against them and I was watching them. They were a team that has a lot of strength. 

"I feel like it’s a team that is continuing to grow and not getting the notice they should be getting but I believe at the right time it will definitely come.

"I think the Democratic Republic of Congo too. They are a very strong team.

"It is those teams that you have not really watched or had any background sense of how they play, how they are but when you get to the field with them, it is like a whole out there. 

"The tactics behind everything with each team and mental strength as well is not something that is hard for us to grow as Africans in general. 

"That will come naturally but them just getting that experience and appearances on a different level is going to be mind-blowing for those we’ve not seen yet."

Born and raised in the United States of America, Abam was eligible to play for the Central Africans, having being born to Cameroonian parents and made her debut against Zambia in November 2018.

She made the Cameroon squad for the 2018 African Women's Cup of Nations in Ghana and later was part the team for the 2019 Women's World Cup in France, where the team reached the Round of 16.

And US-born Cameroon star believes Africa's potential in women's football is underutilised while calling on national federations to focus on creating and growing their football style and cultures.

"It's something we can do as a whole to grow better," she continued. 

"I feel we’ve come to a far to an extent, though it’s just three years I’ve been in the process with the Cameroon team, coming from a US background going to an environment with so much potential and advantages that haven’t been utilized to its highest extent. 

"I feel there could be the whole difference for the whole continent in general, there are so many talents that people look over too much. 

"I think in the years to come when there is a coaching strategy by the Federations to set out their own style of play, that can be grown from, I think that will set the difference apart from other countries."

Despite missing out of the Olympic Qualifiers, she will aim to return to the Cameroon fold ahead of this year's continental showpiece.

Former Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Zlatan Alomerovic has praised the motivational prowess of Jurgen Klopp, the Liverpool manager who was in charge of BVB as the shot-stopper threatened to make inroads in the first team.

Alomerovic signed on with BVB as a teenager in 2006 and spent nine years at the club, and although he would never featured for the first team, he was a regular with the reserves and spent time among the substitutes for the Bundesliga side.

Now 28 years old and on the books of Lechia Gdansk in Poland’s top flight, the Serbian-German has recalled what an inspiration Klopp, who was in charge at Signal Iduna Park from 2008 until 2015, was on his career.

“He is an exceptional trainer and person who can give you incredible self-confidence,” he told Goal and Spox. “From time to time, he would shout and could reprimand you. He is extremely good at saying the right things at the right time - and with that he grabs the players. 

“I can still remember my first friendly game in a training camp. I came on at half-time. He didn't tell me to do this or that, just: 'You are so good, you have a lot of strengths. Go out and show them to people. ' 

“Then I went to the box and thought: ‘I'm the coolest!’”

While the plan was to develop into Dortmund’s second-choice goalkeeper as he signed fresh terms committing him to the club until 2016, he revealed that he was not rated by Thomas Tuchel, the man who replaced Klopp, nearly so highly.

“He immediately made it absolutely clear that he wanted a new goalkeeper,” he recalled. “That was Roman Burki, so it was obvious that two goalkeepers would be leaving. Roman Weidenfeller, Mitch Langerak and I still had a contract. 

“That's why sports director Michael Zorc came up to me and said: ‘We respect your contract, but if an inquiry should come, we would not put any obstacles in your way.’ 

“At that time, I was one of the best goalkeepers in the 3rd league, so the move to Kaiserslautern was actually logical.”

The move to the second tier did not work out and after a year out of the game, Alomerovic found his way to Poland, where he is currently second choice with Lechia Gdansk.

Kinondoni Municipal Council FC goalkeeper Juma Kaseja has denied claims he has engaged in acts of match-fixing before.

Kaseja is one of the longest-serving Tanzanian goalkeepers having also played for Moro United, Yanga SC, Mbeya City and Kagera Sugar.

The goalkeeper states had he been engaging in match-fixing acts, then it would have been difficult to turn out for so many clubs.

“People have questioned my ability to play football for a longer period. Some say I am a witch and some have claimed I have been giving matches away but the reality is I am still playing up to now,” Kaseja told Mwanaspoti.

“When I left Simba for Yanga and again joined Simba from Yanga, I think no one would have signed me if they thought I was giving away matches.

“So, for me, such rumours only exist in the village and you cannot prevent people from talking. But what I know is that if I had such a habit, I would not be playing football at the moment.

“I have played for many clubs and officials in those clubs have remained my friends.”

The Tanzanian also spoke about the differences between mainland giants Simba and Yanga.

“The only difference between Simba and Yanga are the colours of their jerseys and their traditions. Although I spent a long time with Simba, I can tell there is no difference between them,” explained Kaseja. 

His move from Simba in 2014 to Yanga caught many by surprise and he has said it was one of the most difficult decisions he has ever made.

“It was one of the toughest decisions because many people did not expect it at all but at the end of the day it is life,” he added.

“Yanga's offer was better and Simba could not pay me as much as Yanga promised but, in the end, I got the blessing from Simba but some people were hurt but this is life after all.”

Kaseja fell down the pecking order under coach Marcio Maximo and Ivo Mwapunda was always preferred for Tanzania's engagement. Kaseja reveals how he related to the Brazilian coach then.

“At that time, I was enjoying some good form but he [Maximo] kept giving [Ivo] Mwapunda playtime who I had stiff competition with,” said the 35-year old star.

“Many people wanted to see me play and it is this pressure from outside that led to our break up. But we never quarrelled or got involved in any physical fight at all.”

Kaseja, who launched his career in 2001 for Taifa Stars, tells the upcoming goalkeepers to take advice from every person who dares guide them. 

“The young goalkeepers should work hard and listen to what their teachers tell them to do,” he concluded.

“Let them not choose which people will advise them and who cannot. Even people who are not involved in football can tell them something because everyone can see a thing or two about them.”

Manchester City will likely learn the fate of their appeal against their Champions League ban in early July, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has announced.

The Premier League champions are seeking to overturn UEFA's decision to ban the club from European competition for the next two seasons and fine them €30 million (£27m/$34m) after finding them guilty of Financial Fair Play regulations.

City's hearing at CAS began on Monday and concluded on Wednesday afternoon, with proceedings having been conducted by video call. The arbitration panel will now start deliberations before confirming a decision.

In a statement, CAS said: "The decision is expected to be issued during the first half of July 2020. The exact date will be communicated in advance."

City were punished in February after they were found to have committed "serious breaches" of UEFA's club licensing and financial fair play (FFP) regulations.

UEFA's independent Adjudicatory Chamber of its Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) also fined City €30m after finding they had overstated sponsorship revenues in accounts submitted to European football's governing body between 2012 and 2016.

City have persistently denied wrongdoing in relation to the matter, which stemmed from a series of articles published by Der Spiegel in November 2018, drawing on information purportedly obtained by the whistleblower Football Leaks.

"The club has always anticipated the ultimate need to seek out an independent body and process to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence in support of its position," read a statement at the time from City, who UEFA said had "failed to cooperate" with the investigation.

Manager Pep Guardiola is out of contract in June 2021, although the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss reiterated his commitment in the wake of UEFA's sanctions.

"Unless they sack me, which can happen, I will not leave," he said. "Why should I? I love this club, I like to be here, and after we have seen the sentence [appeal] we will focus on what we have to do.

"I want to stay to continue to help the club and maintain this level as long as possible. That's not just because I have a contract, we want to fight to the end for the people who support this club."

In an interview with HLN, star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne suggested he might be happy to stay at City in the event of a reduction to a one-year ban, although a two-year Champions League absence would force him to consider his options.

"I'm just waiting," he said. "The club told us they are going to appeal, and they are almost 100 per cent sure they are right. That's why I'm waiting to see what will happen. I trust my team.

"Once the decision is made, I will review everything. Two years would be long, but in the case of one year I might see."

SuperSport United have confirmed they are looking to re-sign outgoing Mamelodi Sundowns striker Jeremy Brockie.

This comes after Sundowns decided against extending the New Zealand international's contract which is set to expire at the end of this month.

Brockie had an unsuccessful stint with the Brazilians and he was loaned out to Maritzburg United for the current season which has been suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic since last March.

SuperSport chief executive officer Stanley Matthews confirmed they are in talks with the player’s management company, ProSport International, about the possible return of Brockie.

“I think if you have a player who is your second-highest goalscorer in your history, he is available, free, and he is not classified as a foreigner anymore, that’s something worth considering," Matthews told IOL.

"We are in discussions with Jeremy’s agent [Mike Makaab, the chief executive officer of ProSport]."

Abram Raselemane holds the record of the highest number of goals at SuperSport with 57, while Brockie netted 54 times for the Tshwane giants between 2015 and 2018.

The 32-year-old was one of the best strikers in the country during his time with Matsatsantsa and he was signed by Sundowns midway through the 2017/18 season.

“Jeremy had our blessings when he left. He was open to a move because he wanted more money and we could not match what he wanted," Matthews said.

“At the end of the day, we had to make a business decision on him.”

SuperSport reportedly received R10 million when they sold Brockie to Sundowns having signed him from New Zealand side Wellington Phoenix in January 2015.

“We sold him for a [club] record fee and if we can bring him back two years down the line for free to come and finish his mission of being the No 1 goalscorer in the history of the club, it would make sense,” Matthews said.

“If we can agree terms, it is something that I will be prepared to take to my board for consideration."

Brockie enjoyed a lot of success at SuperSport as he helped the team clinch two Nedbank Cups and one MTN8 trophy during his three-year spell with the club.

Shrewsbury Town chief executive Brian Caldwell has hit out at Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool, accusing the Reds of breaching FA Cup rules while costing the League One club money in the process.

Liverpool and Shrewsbury faced off in the FA Cup in January, with the lower-league side coming from behind to erase a 2-0 deficit to secure a draw and, more importantly, a replay at Anfield.

However, with Liverpool's focus elsewhere, Klopp immediately announced that he and his senior players would not take part in that replay , with under-23 coach Neil Critchley taking charge of a youth-filled squad instead.

Klopp said that he would instead use that time to give his team a proper winter break, with the Premier League having agreed to give clubs a brief respite for the first time.

Critchley's young Reds ended up sealing a 1-0 win in that replay, although Klopp's first team went on to fall to Chelsea in the next round.

Caldwell, though, says that the Reds' decision to play without first-team players cost Shrewsbury dearly, ruining the occasion while impacting the financial gain the club received for sealing that reply.

"You will recall our incredible come back in the FA Cup Fourth Round tie live on BBC with Liverpool to draw 2-2 back in January," Caldwell said. 

"Immediately following the match, the Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp ruined what should have been a wonderful moment for our Club by making public statements that he and all of his first-team would not attend the replay at Anfield, effectively ruining what should have been not just financially but for the players and fans a wonderful achievement and a very special occasion.

"We struggled to believe that his statements had no effect on the replay being televised and we are convinced that LFC broke the FA Cup rules by not ‘fielding their strongest team’ in the return fixture.

"This had a knock-on effect of STFC not getting anywhere near the financial rewards that were to be expected from an FA Cup Fourth Round replay including a potential live TV fee against the World and European Champions and Premier League Champions (elect).

"In February we put a complaint in to the FA about the alleged rule breach but unfortunately and quite unexpectedly we were informed that this was dismissed last week (four months on).

"This without doubt resulted in a much lesser occasion for our players and fans as well as the financial reward that would have been expected from LFC playing their strongest team and abiding by the FA Cup rules."

It is not the only time Klopp and Liverpool have opted to field a weakened side this season, as the Reds' U-23s were also tossed into action in the Carabao Cup as the senior team claimed the Club World Cup in December. That match was much less successful for Liverpool, who were beaten 5-0 by Aston Villa.

Bidvest Wits head coach Gavin Hunt says it's embarrassing to be linked to Ernst Middendorp's job at Kaizer Chiefs.

With speculation rife about the Students being in the process of being sold, Hunt has been rumoured to be on the radar of Amakhosi ahead of next season. 

However, Hunt admits there's nothing in the reports, adding he is still contracted to the Clever Boys.    

"Listen, it's quite embarrassing for me [to be linked with Chiefs] because somebody's got a job‚ and my name's being thrown about here," Hunt told Sowetan LIVE.

"I mean I've got a contract with the club for another year here at Wits. So, it is what it is." 

What disappoints Hunt more is the fact Chiefs have a coach, and the 55-year-old mentor revealed he wouldn't like it if anyone was to suggest another coach would be replacing him at any club. 

"It’s not nice. I wouldn’t want someone to be rumoured about my job all the time. I mean‚ there’s a coach there.

"There is nothing to it. There’s nothing to talk about," he said. 

Hunt further stated the suspension of football in the country may be the reason people are creating stories, adding it's unprofessional because Chiefs have done well under Middendorp this season.   

"I've got another year at Wits‚ so that’s it. People in lockdown are just trying to make stories.

"It’s very unprofessional. They [Chiefs] have got somebody in place. They’re top of the league but it’s not nice from my perspective because there’s nothing in it," added Hunt. 

The former SuperSport United tactician has been with the Clever Boys for seven years. 

And during those years, he won them three major trophies - the league, MTN8 and the Telkom Knockout Cup titles.   

Furthermore, he recently guided the Braamfontein-based outfit to the group stages of the 2019/20 Caf Confederation Cup; a first in the history of the club. 

Hunt revealed not so long ago he once had a meeting with one chairman from one of the PSL 'Big Three' and while he was interested in taking the coaching job presented to him at the time, nothing came out of it because he couldn't be given guarantees that he would be in charge of that particular team without the interference from certain individuals in management. 

Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana has described coach Pitso Mosimane as being "obsessed with the game" while likening him to former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

It is now eight seasons for Kekana playing under Mosimane at Sundowns in a spell laden with major trophies.

Together they have won the Caf Champions League, Caf Super Cup, four Premier Soccer League (PSL) titles and a Nedbank Cup in a period Mosimane has cemented his status as one of the best coaches in South Africa.

This has seen Kekana likening Mosimane to Ferguson who racked 13 league titles and two Champions League crowns with Manchester United.

“As footballers, we are driven on by our coaches. You look at Sir Alex Ferguson and Coach Pitso, their will to win and desire to fight until the last minute is the same," Kekana told Far Post.

"They emphasise on playing as a unit and fighting for each other. Coach Pitso is passionate, Sir Alex was also passionate about the game – they both hate losing. I see the drive he has. He always wants to improve, he watches lots of matches, he analyses opponents thoroughly – he tells you about all opponents – all the way up to East Africa and West Africa. That shows the amount of work he puts into his coaching career.”

Kekana says it is "refreshing" to play under Mosimane who he also describes as a father figure.

“For me to be working with someone who is obsessed with the game is very refreshing. I always thought I was the crazy one but when I saw Coach Pitso I saw a man who really loves the game," said Kekana.

"I’m not surprised by the number of trophies he has won. It’s humbling to see he keeps going and keeps wanting to achieve a lot more. I’m hoping we continue the winning mentality. I don’t see us stopping. We still have opportunities to win trophies and we need to use them to our full ability.

“We are like father and son. He believes in my abilities. He knows the kind of person I am. He knows my beliefs. Sometimes he will be like ‘no Keke, you pass too much. You must score my boy’. He has taught me a lot.”

With Sundowns in the league title race, Kekana could win a third PSL crown as captain if football resumes and it would be their fifth league triumph together with Mosimane.

Reece James "can compete" with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Aaron Wan-Bissaka for the coveted right-back spot in Gareth Southgate's England squad, according to Mario Melchiot.

James returned to Chelsea last summer following a successful loan spell at Wigan Athletic, and was quickly promoted into a senior role following Frank Lampard's appointment as head coach.

The 20-year-old made his first-team debut in September, and has since racked up 28 appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals.

The young defender has been tipped to earn a call-up to the England squad if he continues on his current trajectory, having already represented his country at U21 level.

Southgate is already spoilt for choice when it comes to right-backs, with Liverpool's Alexander-Arnold and Manchester United star Wan Bissaka considered to be masters of their craft. Atletico Madrid's Kieran Trippier is another good option for the England boss, but Melchiot thinks James is already capable of breaking into the team ahead of the trio.

The ex-Chelsea defender told Talksport: “When you talk about Alexander-Arnold I’m excited about him and the way he plays.

“He switches the play really comfortably. Wan-Bissaka is more defensive, but Reece James has the ability, he has the strength, he has the speed to keep up with people, and he knows how to work it.

“There are still a couple of things he needs to add to his game, but if he can become a regular with Chelsea he can compete with those two guys and why wouldn’t he want to do that? That’s why we play football – to compete with the best.”

James' progress at Chelsea was interrupted by the coronavirus outbreak in March, which called a temporary halt to the football calendar across all of Europe's major leagues. However, the Premier League has been cleared to resume from June 17 following a three-month hiatus, and the Blues are now back in full contact training ahead of a meeting with Aston Villa on June 21.

All remaining fixtures will be played behind closed doors due to the continued threat of Covid-19, with Chelsea set to welcome Manchester City to an empty Stamford Bridge four days after their clash with Villa.

Call of Duty: Warzone has continued to grow since its launch in March, with more than 60 million players heading to Verdansk to fight it out in the Gulag.

The game was built with battle royale fans in mind, but the game’s Battle Royale mode is only half of the equation. Players can also see how they fare in Warzone’s much more unique Plunder mode where the key to victory lies in becoming a skilled hoarder.

Warzone supports solo, duo, trio, and quad playlists for its mainline battle royale mode, as well as a quad playlist for Plunder on the side.

Download Call Of Duty: Warzone

The game features two main factions of the Operators: the Coalition and the Allegiance. Both factions include a variety of Operators to choose from. The Coalition is a multinational alliance that consists of operators from SAS, Warcom and Demon Dogs, while the Allegiance is made up of the remnants of the Russian Forces in Urzikstan, foreign mercenaries and rogue NATO soldiers.

And while the Operators are getting famous among the gamers, Goal.com has teamed up with Call of Duty to make the "Coalition vs Allegiance" ultimate team. The concept consists on choosing 11 characters from both the Coalition and Allegiance who are featuring in Warzone.

We'll then analyze the specific traits of each character and potential Footballers who fit the mould and resemble well with the character. The audience will be involved by voting for their favorite Operator-Footballer combo to make it feature in the Ultimate team.

For our new poll, we are going to be looking at Talon from the Coalition faction and Bale from the Allegiance one.

Talon - Mahrez : Mahrez is a quick, skilful and smart player. He is a fantastic technician with an abundance of tricks and skills with which he can beat his man and drive into the penalty area. Talon, like Mahrez, is not afraid to take on his man and tends to take the direct route. He is intelligent and his shooting skills are among the best in Call of Duty.

Bale - Dybala : Dybala is not the strongest from a physical point of view but makes up for this with his agility, explosiveness and pace over short to medium distances. He uses his low centre of gravity to elude opponents and dribble his way out of congested areas. Bale, like Paulo Dybala, is a technical operator. All his moves are well-drilled and he is a great long-range shooter, much like Dybala, who is precise from free-kicks.

Who should feature is the Coalition vs Allegiance utlimate team? vote below

Chelsea have donated the winnings from their Women's Super League triumph to the charity Refuge.

The WSL was suspended in March amid the coronavirus pandemic and on Friday Chelsea were confirmed as champions on a points-per-game basis.

The team received a £100,000 prize fund, all of which has been given to a charity that provides support services to people suffering from domestic abuse.

Manager Emma Hayes expressed her pride at the gesture, which was supported by Chelsea football club.

"It's a charity that's close to the hearts and minds of the Women's team, and is very important to our owner Mr [Roman] Abramovich and everyone at the club," Hayes told Chelsea's official website. "It makes me proud our club is supporting those less fortunate in times of need.

"Up until now our involvement was about supporting the campaign publicly with a call to action but we all wanted to do more than that and if donating our prize money can ease some of the concerns and worries people have then it's the least we can do.

"It's an important message. It's a campaign that's really dear to us and the best way we can demonstrate our support further is by committing our prize money towards it and helping those in need."

Refuge are the United Kingdom’s largest single provider of domestic abuse services, providing specialist and confidential support to women experiencing violence at home. Reports have indicated an increase in such incidents during the coronavirus lockdown.

Sandra Horley, chief executive of Refuge, said: "We are incredibly grateful to Chelsea Women. Refuge has seen a huge increase in demand to its services during Covid-19 which has shone a light on the thousands of women who need our support across the country right now.

"We are incredibly grateful to Chelsea Women for not only shining a light on domestic abuse, but also supporting us with a significant financial commitment - this is an incredible gesture. Every penny we raise helps Refuge to provide lifesaving and life-changing specialist services.

"The Covid-19 crisis has placed a huge financial strain on domestic abuse services and the generous support of Chelsea Women will help Refuge to ensure that no woman or child is turned away from safety."

Adrian has insisted he is happy at Liverpool and "wouldn't change anything" about his current situation, despite rumours of a potential return to La Liga swirling ahead of the summer transfer window.

Liverpool brought Adrian in to serve as a back-up goalkeeper behind Alisson as previous number two Simon Mignolet made his way to Club Brugge back in August.

The 33-year-old, who enjoyed a previous stint in the Premier League with West Ham between 2013 and 2019, was initially expected to play a bit-part role in the Reds' latest campaign, but has benefitted from Alisson's struggles with a series of niggling injuries.

Adrian has stepped in for the Brazilian in 18 games across all competitions for the Reds this season, helping them rise to the top of the table while also starring in a UEFA Super Cup final win over Chelsea.

The experienced shot-stopper is contracted to remain at Anfield until 2021 and has the option to extend his stay by an extra year, but he has been linked with a move away from the club when the transfer market reopens.

A number of La Liga clubs have been credited with an interest in Adrian, including his former employers Real Betis, who are reportedly eager to lure the keeper back to Benito Villamarin Stadium for a second spell.

However, the Spaniard is content in his current surroundings on Merseyside, as he told Radio Sevilla: “I see myself in Liverpool at the moment.

“I still have many years of football left, and we will see. I have one more year and another optional one. Right now I wouldn’t change anything to be here in Liverpool and enjoy this beautiful moment.

"After this moment I honestly don’t know, football is a lot of fun. In the summer, being a free agent, I saw the possibility of returning to Betis was there, but it vanished.

“You have to live in the present, and we’ll see what happens next. Having to leave home was complicated but looking at it now with perspective it’s clear that I’ve grown as a professional and as a person.”

Adrian went on to reveal how close he came to re-joining Betis last summer, before insisting his mindset has changed after a "fantastic" year at Liverpool.

"To tell you the truth, now I see it being a little more difficult (to return to the Betis)," he added.

“After six seasons at West Ham and being free this past summer, it is true that I saw myself closer to returning home or to Spain and continuing my career there.

“Here I signed two seasons plus an optional one and this has been my first year, which has been fantastic.

“We hope to finish the season if possible, with total security, on the pitch, but then we don’t know anymore.

“The future is very uncertain; we can’t plan much more about tomorrow and what we have now. If the opportunity is given in the future, God will say.”

KMC coach Harerimana Haruna has come out to claim Simba SC did not deserve to beat his side in a friendly played on Monday.

Simba defeated their fellow league side 3-1 in a build-up match staged at Mo Simba in Bunju, Dar es Salaam with captain John Bocco notching a brace while Ibrahim Ajibu grabbed the third.

Charles Ilanfya scored a consolation for KMC, who went into the match having beaten Young Africans (Yanga SC) 3-0 in another friendly the previous day.

Haruna has since claimed the game should have ended in a 1-1 draw since Taifa Stars striker Bocco scored his two goals from an offside position.

“We only conceded one goal against Simba, the other two [scored by Bocco] came from an offside position,” Haruna is quoted by Sokaletu.

“If you ask me, the match should have ended 1-1, that is the correct scoreline for the friendly, but I don’t know what the referee was thinking allowing the two goals to stand whereas Bocco scored from an offside position.”

Haruna has, however, said despite losing in the friendly, his players gave a good account of themselves and managed to push the Mainland Premier League champions to the limit.

“We played well, especially in the first half when we managed to get the first goal, Simba were forced to chase for an equaliser and had the goal been disallowed, then they could have not managed to pick themselves up," he added.

“I am happy with my boys because prior to playing Simba we had beaten Yanga and that shows we are ready to compete in the league when it resumes on Saturday.”

Prior to the KMC friendly, Simba had also beaten lower league side Transit Camp 4-2 at the same venue.

Simba will face Ruvu Shooting at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam in their first league on Sunday as they seek to win a third straight league title.

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi enjoy a good lead at the top and head coach Sven Vandenbroeck has urged them to ensure they bag the first 12 points to win the title in earnest.

Simba are likely to miss the services of midfielder Jonas Mkude against Ruvu Shooting after he picked up a nasty injury against KMC.

Thulani Hlatshwayo's advisor Mike Ntombela has responded to reports that the Bidvest Wits skipper is heading either to Mamelodi Sundowns or Orlando Pirates. 

While Ntombela didn't confirm any of the rumours linking the defender to a move to the two domestic giants, he also didn't deny the fact that there's a possibility the Soweto-born player could move. 

Reports suggest Pirates lead the race to sign Hlatshwayo, who previously admitted that he grew up supporting the Buccaneers. 

Ntombela, however, reiterated that Hlatshwayo still belongs to the Students as he's contracted to them for the next two seasons. 

He made it clear that whoever wants to sign the Bafana Bafana captain should first speak to his current employers. 

"The fact of the matter is that he belongs to Wits. He renewed his contract and has two years to run still‚" Ntombela told Sowetan.

"For anything to happen‚ Wits must give the go-ahead."

Ntombela further revealed that his job is to advise Hlatshwayo more than to decide for what's best for his football career. 

The former Sundowns captain is confident Hlatshwayo can go to any team, including both Sundowns and Pirates, and play. 

"He decides for himself. I can only advise here and there but ultimately‚ he decides. He can play at any team‚ including Sundowns and Pirates," added Ntombela. 

Pirates have been in the market for a quality centre-back since last season when Brazilian defender Marcelo Caio left the club. 

And Hlatshwayo is regarded as the perfect partner for Happy Jele in the heart of the Sea Robbers defence by the majority of the club fans. 

'Tyson' has been with Wits for six years and has played 171 matches across all competitions to date. 

Despite being a defender, the 30-year-old has scored 20 goals and provided seven assists for his Wits teammates since 2014.

The continued speculation around Hlatshwayo's future was fueled by reports that Wits are in the process of selling their PSL status to TTM owner Masala Maluadzi ahead of next season. 

Nonetheless, the Students have vehemently denied putting their PSL status on sale while the players have been banned from talking to the media about the matter.  

Southampton head coach Ralph Hasenhuttl has backed Timo Werner to be a big hit in the Premier League as he hailed the natural goalscoring abilities of the RB Leipzig striker.

Germany international Werner is all set to join Chelsea in a £54 million (€60m/$68m) deal, with the Blues having agreed to activate the forward's release clause after it initially appeared that the 24-year-old would be heading to Liverpool.

The Reds decided to end their interest for financial reasons, however, and Werner is now being tipped to be a big hit for Frank Lampard's side in the 2020-21 season.

One man who knows all about Werner's qualities is Southampton boss Hasenhuttl, with the Austrian having been in charge at RB Leipzig between 2016 and 2018.

He told Sport Bild: "Football is very intense and fast [in England]. That, in turn, suits Timo: with his speed he's a brutal weapon in the right team.

"He sometimes needs a shoulder to lean on, or a little more encouragement but what I've always liked about him is that he scores goals that nobody else scores. Give him a bit of space and it's hard to stop him. He has so many qualities that will always put him above others."

The Express reports that Chelsea could make a public announcement over Werner's signing by the end of the week amid suggestions his release clause expires on June 15, while the Blues have also been linked with a move for Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havertz.

Saints boss Hasenhuttl, meanwhile, signed a new four-year contract to remain at St Mary's on June 2 and, ahead of his side's first Premier League fixture after the coronavirus-enforced break against Norwich, he insisted staying put was an easy decision.

He told the club's official website: "This, for me, was a simple decision. Simple because of the relationship that I have built with the club, the players and the fans, and also because of the relationship they have built with me too

"I said when I arrived at the club that we were at the beginning of a long journey, and also a journey that would bring emotion and hopefully enjoyment. We have already had some moments where we could celebrate together, and some that have been emotional and also challenging.

"The way we have handled this together as a group of people has been incredible for me, and I believe we now have strong foundations here that can allow us to take the next steps in our progress as a team.

"For me, this is an important step in the journey. My players, our staff, and of course the supporters must understand my commitment to this club and to what we are trying to build together. We value the same philosophies, and this is a big part of why I want to stay here, and I hope we can share in some very successful moments moving forward."

Former South Africa midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala says it took some strong words from then Bafana Bafana assistant coach Pitso Mosimane for him to regain his "A game" following an unconvincing patch of form in the run-up to the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

Tshabalala got the World Cup going with a superb goal in the opening match of the tournament although South Africa drew 1-1 with Mexico at FNB Stadium on June 11.

But the season before he muscled his way into Carlos Alberto Parreira's final squad for the tournament, the coaches went hard on the midfielder who had six Premier Soccer League (PSL) goals for Kaizer Chiefs and provided two assists in 26 matches.

“Six months before the World Cup we played Japan in PE and I didn’t have a good game‚ and coach Parreira publicly criticised me – and it really hit me‚” said Tshabalala as per Sowetan Live.

“In January‚ on the first day of our camp in Brazil, I had a long one-on-one with Pitso. He was very harsh and his usual self‚ expressing how he felt with regards to my performance.

“I listened to him‚ even though it hurt me and I went to bed very disappointed. But I took it positively. And from that moment I worked very hard on and off the ball‚ and at training.

"And out of the six games we played [at a training camp] in Brazil I think I scored in five. And from there I never looked back – we went to Germany and I did the same.”

Then 25-years-old, Tshabalala became the toast of the World Cup with the goal against Mexico although South Africa went on to become the first-ever hosts to be eliminated in the first round.

The draw with Mexico was followed by a 3-0 thumping by Uruguay before Bafana salvaged a bit of respect with a 2-1 victory over France in their final group game.

“June 11 I was nervous‚ like any other game. If you were to play a friendly game you would still get nervous. But I was really touched by the crowd and the support‚” Tshabalala said.

“I still remember the moment when I sang the national anthem. I sang it with pride and teary eyes as well. And I was very positive. I knew that I was going to do well.

"Because I visualise all the time. I dream‚ I plan‚ I execute my plan‚ I dominate and then I repeat again. So it was no different from that.

“Obviously it was a big stage – the whole world was watching‚ and one had to bring his ‘A’ game.”

It was the only World Cup Tshabalala participated in and also the last global quadrennial tournament South Africa featured in.

Joseph Yobo paid tribute to former Nigeria coach Shuaibu Amodu, who passed away on this day four years ago, with a moving post on social media.

Amodu passed away in his sleep having complained of chest pains the previous night at the age of 58 – three days after the demise of Stephen Keshi, who was his assistant at the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations in Mali.

The seasoned tactician first handled the Super Eagles in 1994 and his first game was a 1-0 defeat to England in an international friendly at Wembley.

Yobo made his international bow against Zambia on March 2001 under Amodu, before getting to captain the three-time African champions in his third cap against Namibia.

Even after retirement, both shared a bond and the deceased was instrumental in the former Olympique Marseille, Everton and Fenerbahce defender’s star-studded testimonial in 2016.

Wednesday marks the anniversary of Amodu’s passing and the Super Eagles’ assistant coach took to social media to pen an emotional message to his former international coach.

“Rest on coach Shuaibu Amodu. We lost this great man barely three days after coach [Stephen] Keshi,” Yobo wrote on Instagram.

“This was very tough to take; I was devastated because he was more than just a coach to me.

“Coach Amodu was a father-figure; he was my go-to anytime I was in doubt and needed clarity or support. You're greatly missed Coachee, continue to rest in peace.

The six-time Nigeria boss won the Federation Cup titles with Gboko’s BBC Lions and El Kanemi Warriors before a short spell with South Africa's Orlando Pirates.

With Jo Bonfrere getting axed in the thick of the country’s 2002 World Cup qualification campaign, Amodu was called upon and he qualified the Super Eagles for the global football showpiece in South Korea and Japan.

Nevertheless, he was kicked out after leading the country to a third-place finish at the 2002 Afcon in Mali.

On April 10, 2008, he was recalled to handle the African powerhouse alongside Daniel Amokachi, Alloy Agu and Fatai Amoo with the task of qualifying the country for the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa.

Again, he delivered but was fired after the Super Eagles settled for bronze at the 2010 Afcon in Angola.

In May 2013, he was appointed as technical director of Nigeria’s national teams.

Ghana Football Association Premier League (GPL) Management Committee chairman Alhaji Lepowura MND Jawula has disclosed plans to continue with the 2019-20 championship despite calls for its cancellation.

The elite domestic competition has been on hold since a national ban on public gatherings, including sporting and religious events, came into effect as part of measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

There is currently a divided front on the ideal way forward. There have been calls for complete annulment of the 2019-20 season in favour of an all-new one in August/September and there have been calls for the continuation of the current term when safe to do so.

“We want to continue the league to avoid legal tussles but that will be contingent on what comes out from our engagement with government [of Ghana] and Caf for financial assistance,” Jawula told Opemsuo Radio.

The Government of Ghana has placed a ban on all contact sports, including football, until at least July 31.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has, meanwhile, set a June 30 deadline to make a final decision on the future of football in the country.

"I think the 2019-20 season is over, taking into the consideration the extension of the ban on social gatherings," Aduana Stars striker Yahaya Mohammed, second top scorer of the league, told Shaft FM in Obuasi.

"It will be appropriate if the season is terminated for us to start preparing for the next season. Staying at home for more than four months will even have a toll on us if the season is resumed.

"I am second-highest scorer in the league and also Aduana Stars are leading the table so I wouldn't wish the season is cancelled but the situation we find ourselves in doesn't permit us to do our wishes."

The GFA, through the Ghana Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS), made a proposal to the national government for a possible prompt return of football under conditions such as playing of matches behind closed doors.

The request was, however, turned down.

The championship was at the match week 15 stage when the competition was brought to a halt.