Looking for Soccer News?

Gor Mahia assistant coach Sammy Omollo insists Sydney Ochieng is not an automatic heir to Kenneth Muguna in the club's midfield.

The latter left financially crippled K'Ogalo for the Tanzania Mainland League outfit recently. Many believe it is an opportunity for the former Tusker FC man to show his ability by pulling strings from that department. On Wednesday, he scored a beautiful curler from a free-kick to hand his team a 1-0 win over Kakamega Homeboyz in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League.

However, the ex-Harambee Star has explained why the creative midfielder is not guaranteed a start in the team.

'Ochieng has to earn' his place 

"I have to admit he is a good player who is talented and everyone was impressed with the way he played on Wednesday against Homeboyz," Omollo told Goal on Thursday.

"But remember in the same position we have Karim [Nikiema] and [John] Macharia. Just like other players, Ochieng has to earn a starting berth in the team. It will be a battle and whoever wins, will definitely get that chance.

"Even the coach [Mark Harrison] was impressed with the way Ochieng played, but it does not mean it is a direct ticket to inherit Muguna's role."

After Homeboyz win, what next for Gor Mahia?

The win for Gor Mahia was welcome considering the team had gone seven league matches without a win. Their next assignment will be against leaders KCB who are aiming at winning their maiden league title.

"The win against Homeboyz, to be honest, was a confidence booster to us," Omollo continued.

"We are now preparing to play KCB in our next match, they have been doing well and they are leading. But the motivation is there, we have the psych and I believe we have what it takes to win that match.

"The main thing is to ensure we finish the season on high as we prepare for the new one."

Gor Mahia are currently on 40 points and are targeting at least a top-five finish.

Brazil will be looking to defend their Olympic gold medal when they take on Spain in Saturday’s final at the Nissan Stadium.

The Brazilians won the Rio 2016 Olympics and will be looking to be only the fifth team ever to win back-to-back Olympic golds. However, Spain will be looking to win their second Olympic gold, having won it first at Barcelona 1992.

Having started the Olympics after a high scoring win over Germany, Andre Jardine’s Brazil have only found the net four times in their last four matches coming into this clash.

Meanwhile, La Furia Roja have scored only one goal or fewer in four of their five matches at these games, with the 5-2 extra-time victory over the Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals a notable exception.

Here's how to watch Brazil vs Spain in India.

Contents

What time does Olympic final between Brazil and Spain start?

Spain booked their spot in the Olympic football final at the International Yokohama Stadium after Marco Asensio scored the only goal of the game in extra-time against Japan, ending in a 1-0 victory.

Brazil, meanwhile, secured their place through penalties in a 4-1 shootout victory over Mexico after the game ended 0-0 after extra-time.

Return to top

How to watch Brazil vs Spain on TV & live stream in India

In India, the Olympics will be broadcast on the Sony Pictures Sports Network (SPSN). Online streaming will be available on the SonyLIV and JioTV apps.

Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

Return to top

Brazil vs Spain: Team news

Matheus Cunha will face a late fitness test after missing the semi-final against Egypt due to injury, with Paulinho ready to take his place once again should he fail to recover.

Marcos Asensio will be pushing to start after coming off the bench to score the extra-time winner over Japan in the last round.

Return to top
 

Further reading: 

Monterrey head coach Javier Aguirre is concerned about the test that Mazatlan could bring on Friday in Liga MX action given the Gunners' back-to-back wins to start the Apertura.

The manager branded Mazatlan as the season's "revelation" so far, with Rayados' looming opponent having beaten Cruz Azul and Pachuca in impressive fashion.

Aguirre could again be without Rogelio Funes Mori and Jesus Gallardo for the game because of post-Gold Cup fatigue, though he said it's possible the forwards would still feature.

What has been said?

"We lack forcefulness," Aguirre said via TUDN. "If there is a revelation team, it is Mazatlan, getting six points, beating Cruz Azul, the champion in Azteca and then going back to Pachuca, it is not easy.

"They are the best in the tournament right now and we will try to be more forceful. The team is with absence, but tomorrow is a good test for us. Hopefully we are in tune in front of the rival goal and we are organized. They are a serious team.

"[Funes Mori and Gallardo] both want to play, I didn't expect less from them. But I have not made the decision yet.

"I will make the decision [at the last moment] because there is an important game on Wednesday, but first the A, and the A is Mazatlan."

Moreno out with hamstring injury

Adding to Aguirre's worries, center back Hector Moreno has been ruled out for at least two weeks with a Grade 1 hamstring strain.

Moreno sustained the muscle problem in the Gold Cup final.

Further reading

U.S. men's national team midfielder Gianluca Busio has officially signed with Venezia, Sporting KC confirmed on Thursday.

Busio departs Sporting KC for Serie A after shining in MLS and at the Gold Cup, where he helped the U.S. to a trophy this summer.

The 19-year-old midfielder, who becomes the second young American to join Venezia after former FC Dallas youngster Tanner Tessman, will move on in a deal worth an initial $6 million, which could rise to $11m with future incentives and clauses.

What was said?

“This is a very proud moment for me and my family,” Busio said. “I’d like to thank everyone who has made it possible, especially all the people at Sporting KC who have helped me become the player and person I am today.

"Sporting will always have a special place in my heart and I’m grateful to have started my career at such an amazing club. The people, the fans, the city - everything about Kansas City was perfect and it will always feel like home. This is the next step in my career and I’m really excited to join Venezia.”

“Gianluca has embodied all of the core values we look for in a player,” Sporting Kansas City Manager and Sporting Director Peter Vermes added. “He has consistently put the team first while demonstrating tremendous professionalism and an unwavering commitment to improving his game and helping the club win. Gianluca is a special talent with outstanding character, and we wish him nothing but the best at Venezia.”

Busio's road to Venezia

Busio, who was recently compared to Andrea Pirlo by Vermes in an interview with Goal, amassed eight goals and nine assists in 70 first-team appearances during his time with Sporting KC

He originally joined the club at age 15, earning his debut one year later while becoming the second-youngest player in MLS history to provide an assist and score a goal.

Busio's recent rise as a defensive midfielder at SKC led to him joining the USMNT for this summer's Gold Cup, where he featured in all six games, starting four.

Venezia, who were promoted to Serie A after the 2020-21 season, will begin play in Serie A  by visiting Napoli on August 22.

Further reading

Juventus have apologised for posting a racist image on Twitter.

The Juventus Women's team shared an image of defender Cecilia Salvai wearing a cone as a hat and slanting her eyes with her fingers, which follows harmful, long-standing caricatures of people from Asia.

The only caption that accompanied the picture was of a face between two hands to replicate Salvai's expression.

What has been said?

The tweet was condemned as racist and eventually deleted before the Bianconeri account posted an apology.

It read: "We sincerely apologise that our tweet, which was not meant to cause controversy or have any racial undertones, may have offended anyone.

"Juventus has always been against racism and discrimination."

What else was said?

The Italian club did not make any further comment regarding the image.

However, the club's apology did not satisfy many of their followers, as several accounts took issue with the insistence that Salvai's pose was not meant to "have any racial undertones".

Meanwhile, Salvai's latest Instagram post has been flooded with comments calling her out for the gesture.

Further reading

Alvaro Fidalgo admits "it took too long" for him to find his first Liga MX goal at Club America but is relieved to have finally opened his account last weekend with the winning header in a 2-1 result against Necaxa.

It was his 12th domestic appearance with the team, and while he assisted twice in 2020-21, he had been eager to put one of his own shots into the net.

As the Spaniard sets his sights on a CONCACAF Champions League title - America play the Philadelphia Union in the semifinal next Thursday - he will hope to keep up his goal contributions.

What has been said?

"It took too long [to score]," he told TUDN. "Another player left the field and they asked me 'why aren't you [more] happy?'

"Sometimes, the forwards know it very well, it seems that one never enters and suddenly one enters and maybe two enter, you never know, this is so, it's football, and the important thing, beyond this, is to help the team, give the best version of myself possible and then the goals, if they come, fine.

"I feel good, but as I always said, I've felt good since I arrived, from the first weeks I have been very happy, wanting to be here, always trying to do things well and wanting to continue like this.

"I dream of winning the CONCACAF Champions League. It would be incredible [to play a Club World Cup]."

Bigger picture

The 24-year-old moved from Castellon in the middle of last season and now appears to have settled into Liga MX.

America are undefeated through their first two Apertura matches, picking up four points, and will play Puebla on Saturday before their crucial Champions League contest.

Further reading

Sweden and Canada will square off with a gold medal on the line when they meet in the final of the women's tournament at Tokyo 2020, at the International Stadium in Yokohama.

Watch Sweden vs Canada on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)

The Blue and Yellow are looking to go one step further than the silver they scored at Rio 2016 five years ago while Les Rouges have reached the gold-medal game for the first time.

Ahead of the game, Goal has the details of how to watch on TV, stream online, team news and more.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

In the United States (US), this year's Olympic soccer games can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV (watch with a 7-day free trial).

New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser.

Team news & rosters

Having fallen at the final hurdle to Germany five years ago, the Blue and Yellow will be determined to make amends for their heartbreak, particularly after a nervy, narrow victory over Australia - a side they had already beaten in Group G - booked their spot in the final.

After an injury looked to have dashed her chances in the early stages of the tournament, Stina Blackstenius has recovered to lead the line, while matchwinner Fridolina Rolfo and captain Caroline Seger are among those who are also set to start.

Predicted Sweden starting XI: Lindahl; Glas, Ilestedt, Bjorn, Eriksson; Angeldal, Seger; Jakobsson; Asllani, Rolfo; Blackstenius.

Back-to-back bronze medal victories at London 2012 and Rio 2016 have made it a case of so close and so far for Les Rouges - but after defeating World Cup holders the USWNT, they sit on the cusp of history.

Midfielder Quinn is certain to be the Olympics' first openly transgender medalist either way, and seems a sure bet to start after starring against the Stars and Stripes - while captain Christine Sinclair could win a first major international honour since the 2011 Pan American Games.

Predicted Canada starting XI:  Labbe; Lawrence, Gilles, Buchanan, Chapman; Scott; Fleming, Quinn; Sinclair; Beckie, Prince.

Recent results & head-to-head

Last five results

Head-to-head

Manchester City's new signing Jack Grealish has hailed Kevin De Bruyne as the best player in the world behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

The Premier League champions announced the £100 million ($139m) signing of the England international from Aston Villa on Thursday, breaking the British transfer record.

Grealish says he is excited to start competing alongside one of his favourite players, admitting that he has modelled part of his game on that of Belgium star De Bruyne. 

What has been said?

“I have spoken about him a good few times. I have always said that apart from Ronaldo and Messi I think he is the best in the world," Grealish said in his first interview as a City player.

"I think he has got absolutely everything. He is another one where I don’t think people give him credit for how fast he is.

"He normally knocks the ball by defenders, his final ball is obviously unbelievable. That is something that, in the season before I got six assists and I sat down with the manager and I was watching clips of Kevin De Bruyne at Villa. I said that this is what I want to do, I want my end ball to be like his and that is something I practiced on.

"Then, last season I ended up getting 10 assists in 25 or 26 games which is a good return. That is what I based it off, the way he plays and the way he always finds that perfect final ball.

"I have never played alongside him, I have played against him a few times, got his shirt, but he is one that I cannot wait to play alongside.”

Grealish eager to play with Foden

The midfielder's move to City also unites him with England team-mate Phil Foden and he had high praise for the 21-year-old.

"He is unbelievable. I don’t think anyone needs to be told that," Grealish said.

"Everyone knows how good he is. He has got the best first touch I have ever seen, whether the ball is coming out of the sky or whether it is coming back into him, he is just so smooth the way he dribbles with the ball. He is actually much quicker than people give him credit for.

"When we are away with England I get on so well with him. He makes me laugh, he is like my little brother! We get on so well at England and I just can’t wait to play with him regularly, week in, week out.

"I feel like sometimes, when you have a connection with someone off the pitch, you can transfer that onto the pitch as well. That is what me and Phil used to do in training when we were with England and I can’t wait to do that here."

Grealish not worried about competition in the squad

The 25-year-old says he is ready to fight for his spot in Pep Guardiola's starting XI despite the talent around him and is confident his style of play will make him a good fit.

“That is what you need. It is something that I thrive off and I think everyone needs to be kept on their toes for competition for places," he said.

"There is so much talent here and I just cannot wait to get in and amongst it and speak with these guys.

"I still think I am young, I am only 25, so I can still learn from all these people. I can’t wait to do that, to play and train with them and just be in and around them. You can learn from these people and I cannot wait to get started and to get playing."

He said of Guardiola: "When I came here this morning I had a long chat with [Pep] about positions and stuff like that, all football. It was such a positive chat and shows why I want to play under him.

"I have heard nothing but good words about him from the lads at England. I just can’t wait to get started really.

"There was quite a few factors as to why I wanted to come like we just mentioned, competing for trophies. Playing in the Champions League was a massive thing for me, I haven’t done that yet.

"When I am sitting there on a Tuesday or Wednesday night last year it was just what I wanted to do. To be able to do it with this club is going to be a dream."

Further reading

Mexico has one last chance of winning a medal at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo when it takes on Japan in the bronze medal game at Saitama Stadium.

Watch Mexico vs Japan on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)

El Tri has not won a medal since 2012 when it beat Brazil in the final to win gold, but lost in the semi-finals against the same opponents this time around.

Ahead of the game, Goal has the details of how to watch the men's Olympics soccer tournament on TV, how to stream online, team news and more.

TV channel, live stream and how to watch

In the United States, this year's Olympics soccer games can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV.

New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser.

Team news and rosters

Mexico will be hoping to put a disappointing summer of soccer behind them by taking home a medal at the Olympics.

Its senior squad ultimately fell short at the Gold Cup, losing in the final to the USMNT, so the country's hopes rest on Jaime Lozano's side beating Japan.

Captain Guillermo Ochoa was impressive against Brazil in the semi-final, keeping a clean sheet over 120 minutes, but could not stop any penalties in the shootout.

Predicted Mexico starting XI: Ochoa; Lorona, Montes, Angulo, Sanchez; Romo, Esquivel, Cordova; Antuna, Martin, Vega.

Japan has not won an Olympic medal in men's football since 1968, having finished fourth at the 2012 Olympics in London.

It will be hoping to improve this time out, with a lot expected of Real Madrid's Takefusa Kubo.

Veteran defender and captain Maya Yoshida is appearing at his third Olympic Games and is hoping for his first medal in the tournament.

Predicted Japan starting XI: Tani; Sakai, Itakura, Yoshida, Hatate; Endo, Tanaka; Doan, Kubo, Mitoma; Ueda.

Recent results

Real Madrid have expressed their opposition to a €2.7 billion (£2.3bn/$3.2bn) investment deal La Liga struck with private quity firm CVC.

CVC Capital Partners has purchased a 10 per cent stake in the Spanish top-flight, it was announced on Wednesday.

Madrid say they were not informed of the deal and claim that some of the terms are against the law.

What has been said?

A statement published on the club's website read: "This agreement was reached without the involvement or knowledge of Real Madrid and today, for the first time, LaLiga has given us limited access to the terms of the agreement.

"The clubs have signed over their audiovisual rights exclusively for their sale on a competitive basis for a period of three years. This agreement, by way of a misleading structure, expropriates 10.95% of the clubs' audiovisual rights for the next 50 years, in breach of the law.

"The negotiation was carried out without competitive proceedings and the financial conditions agreed with CVC Capital Partners give them annual returns of over 20%. This opportunistic fund is the same which tried and failed to reach similar agreements with the Italian and German leagues.

"Real Madrid cannot support a venture which hands the future of 42 Primera and Segunda División clubs over to a group of investors, not to mention the futures of those clubs who qualify over the next 50 years.

"Real Madrid will convene the Assembly of Representative Members to debate the agreement and discuss the significant loss of equity, unprecedented in our 119-year history."

What is the deal between La Liga and CVC?

La Liga says that 90 per cent of the cash injection from CVC will go to clubs throughout the country, with €100 million going to the women's game.

As the top-performing teams in the Spanish top-flight, Barcelona and Real Madrid would get the biggest share of the funds.

But only 15 per cent of the money will be permitted to be used in transfers and players' wages, according to reports, with the rest being devoted to infrastructure.

"There are challenges in the short term that must be faced urgently and that require a significant financial investment ," La Liga president Javier Tebas said.

"The strategic agreement with CVC will revolutionise the management model of football clubs and will make the competition much more attractive and exciting.

"There will be better facilities, better players and a better fan experience in everything related to clubs.

"And all this supported by a competition model that will be more digital, more focused on the generation and analysis of data and more international.

"We are laying the foundations to make La Liga the most attractive football competition in the world."

Further reading

Ghana U23 defender Robin Polley has left relegated Dutch side ADO Den Haag for Heracles Almelo, the Eredivisie outfit has announced.

According to a statement on Heraclieden’s official website, the 22-year-old’s services have been secured in a three-year deal, with an option to renew for a further one year.

It hands him an opportunity to play elite division football following ADO’s demotion from the top-tier at the end of last season.

“Robin Polley makes a transfer from ADO Den Haag to Heracles Almelo,” Heracles have announced.

“The 22-year-old born Rotterdammer signs a three-year contract with Heracles Almelo, which includes an option for another season.”

Last season, Polley spent his time out on loan at lower division side Dordrecht, where he made 16 league appearances involving 15 starts.

It was his second term with the Eerste Division fold, having first joined the club for the 2019-20 term for a half-season spell.

“When I first came here, I had a good conversation with [club manager] Frank [Wormuth] and [technical director] Tim [Gilissen]. I have a plan that I feel good about,” Polley remarked.

“I liked their way of working and their way of playing.

“In addition, I have a great ambition for myself to eventually play Eredivisie matches here on a structural basis.”

Polley made his professional debut two years ago, featuring for ADO Den in a 3-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven in Eredivisie.

Although predominantly a right-back, his versatility has seen him occasionally deployed in a more attacking position on the right-hand side.

“Robin suits our way of playing and our vision,” Gilissen said.

“We got him with an eye on the future.

“We believe he has interesting conditions to grow with us and to take the next step in his career.”

Still chasing his senior Ghana debut, Polley will be looking to make the most of his time with Heracles to convince Black Stars boss CK Akonnor for a first call-up.

Born to former Ghana striker Prince Opoku Polley in the Dutch city of Rotterdam, the fullback qualifies to represent either nation at international level.

In 2019, he pledged his allegiance to Ghana, joining the side for the Africa U23 Cup of Nations where he represented the country of his parents for the first time.

Ahead of the 2020 Olympics football final, Goal present the second part in our series remembering Africa - and Nigeria's - finest hour at the tournament, with the people who were there to tell the tale.

In 1996, in Atlanta, Nigeria became the first African team to win Olympic gold in the football competition—and indeed, there has never been a side from the continent before or since who have surpassed this triumph in a major men’s competition.

The Eagles’ performance in the United States will live forever in the memories of those who experienced it, not least because of those vibrant triumphs against Brazil and Argentina in the semi-final and final.

Names like Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu and Celestine Babayaro will forever be remembered among Nigeria’s all-time greats, and their exploits will indelibly be emblazoned in the minds of those who witnessed their feats.

This week on Goal, we are delighted to speak with another one of the legends of that side—defender Kingsley Obiekwu—as he sits down with Shina Oludare to discuss his memories of that remarkable triumph in Atlanta.

In part one of this series, the great Garba Lawal shared his memories of that glorious summer in the United States and now, Obiekwu gives his take on Nigeria's finest hour.

The defender had already made the jump to European football, and was playing with Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles at the time of the Olympics.

He'd begun his career with Udoji United in his homeland, but never again represented a European club after leaving Eagles in 1998.

Obiekwu would go on to represent Al Ahli in Dubai and Egyptian side Al Masry, sandwiched between stints with Enugu Rangers.

He hung up his boots in 2006, having received the last of his eight Nigeria caps in 1999.

The Olympics represented the highlight of Obiekwu's brief international career, and he failed to represent the West African giants at a major tournament after being part of the legendary team that conquered the world at the '96 Games.

None of Africa's representatives in Japan at the ongoing event came close to matching Nigeria's feat.

While Ivory Coast and Egypt reached the knockout stages only to fall short against Spain and Brazil respectively, South Africa and Zambia's women's team were eliminated in the group stage.

It has actually happened. Lionel Messi has left Barcelona.

The club confirmed that the Argentina star will not sign a new contract to ensure he returns to Ronald Koeman's squad because they cannot afford to register him.

The 34-year-old was had agreed to sign a five-year deal with the Camp Nou outfit and take a 50 per cent pay cut, but the two parties have no choice but to go their separate ways after holding talks on Thursday.

What has been said?

The revelation has rocked social media, with many excited to see where the 34-year-old will continue his career.

At the same time there are some who are sceptical about the veracity of Barcelona's statement, suggesting it is all a ploy to force La Liga to bend the rules and let them register the icon.

Where could Messi go?

Messi is ready to listen to offers from other clubs after losing hope of remaining at Camp Nou.

Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are said to be eager to get him and are among the few clubs that can afford to match his salary demands.

But the Copa America winner has previously said he would like to finish his career at his boyhood club, Newell's Old Boys.

Further reading

Manchester City have broken the British transfer record by completing the signing of Jack Grealish for £100m ($139m) from Aston Villa.

The England international has signed a six-year contract after turning down the offer of a new deal at Villa Park.

Grealish, 25, who has been handed the number 10 shirt vacated by Sergio Aguero, is set to make his debut in the Community Shield clash with Leicester City at Wembley.

What's been said?

“I am incredibly happy to have joined Manchester City, City are the best team in the country with a manager considered to be the best in the world – it’s a dream come true to be part of this club," Grealishsaid.

“Over the past 10 seasons, they have won major trophies consistently. Pep coming here has taken them to the next level and the football this team plays is the most exciting in Europe.

"To play for Pep and learn from him is going to be special and it’s something any top footballer would want. “he facilities are amazing, and I honestly can’t wait to get started, meet everyone and get playing.”

Why City wanted Grealish

Along with Tottenham striker Harry Kane, Grealish was identified as a top target for Pep Guardiola as he aims to defend the Premier League title and go one better in the Champions League after losing last season’s final to Chelsea.

City have smashed their own transfer record set last summer when they paid £62m ($79m) for defender Ruben Dias from Benfica, as well as surpassing the £89m ($116m) deal that saw Paul Pogba move from Juventus to Manchester United in 2016. 

Grealish will add even more threat to the Premier League champions and can play as either a winger or as an attacking midfielder.

Why has Grealish left Villa?

Grealish, who joined Villa as six-year-old, signed a new contract at Villa in September which would keep him at the club until 2025 and was offered an improved deal to remain at Villa Park.

Villa’s owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens have ambitious plans for the club and have invested in the squad, with the likes of Emi Buendia, Leon Bailey and Danny Ings having all been brought in.

But the opportunity to play in the Champions League and compete for silverware was too much for Grealish to turn down, while the chance to work under Guardiola will undoubtedly have appealed to the 25-year-old.

Further reading:

Ghana's sports fans were celebrating Asamoah Gyan on social media while watching the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. 

This was after Ghana beat the United States to fifth position in the 4x100 meters relay in Heat 2 in Japan.

In a race that also featured China (ultimate winners), Germany, Canada, Denmark and Turkey in the early hours of Thursday, Ghana ran a new national record of 38.08 seconds to finish fifth.

Ghana's achievement saw them book a place in the final on Friday, while the Americans missed out in sixth spot.

Disappointed by the outcome, the American media criticised their team for losing to Ghana. 

Ghana, who hold superiority over the USA in football, having won two out of three World Cup matches between the two sides, including a famous Gyan-inspired quarter-final win in 2010, have fans who wasted no time in pointing this out.

Other supporters have taken the opportunity to celebrate the former Sunderland and Udinese striker, who is the Black Stars' all-time top scorer.

Below are the best reactions:

Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi says he was always aware the Buccaneers are a huge football institution but what greeted him at the club was beyond his expectations. 

The ex-Golden Arrows coach was appointed as understudy to Josef Zinnbauer in June and he will also work with Fadlu Davids in assisting the German.

Having discovered Pirates have more resources than he initially thought, Ncikazi has expressed his “fears” of “bigger expectations” on them to deliver on the pitch.

“I’ve never been in a scenario where the brand is this big. At Pirates, I always hear people saying it is a big club and I’ve always assumed but now I’ve got a real feel,” Ncikazi said on Metro FM as per iDiski Times.

“Big club, great preparations, big setup, professionalism. My fear [is] when people give resources the way Pirates have done, the biggest input, the bigger the resources they are provided with, the bigger the expectations and we have to try to perform better. 

“We have to give more than what we have given previously. This club deserves more than what we have achieved.”

The Pirates job is the first time for Ncikazi to work outside his home province of KwaZulu-Natal.

This was after assistant coach roles at Maritzburg United and Golden Arrows before being thrust into the hot seat of Abafana Bes’thende last season to replace Steve Komphela who had joined Mamelodi Sundowns.

After guiding Arrows to a respectable fourth spot finish on the Premier Soccer League table, Pirates then came calling.

“The reasons for leaving Arrows for Pirates… When I left, I had a good discussion with our chair lady at Arrows that maybe we should keep it private,” said Ncikazi.

“But I had a good time at Arrows, no regrets. I’ve grown in the club and I really appreciate the opportunity that they gave me. Unfortunately in the nature of football, without divulging too much, sometimes we have to move on and move to other territories [to see] whether we can still contribute in the same way. I’m happy to be at Pirates. I’ll try and give my contribution as much as I can to the best of my abilities.”

For the past two seasons, Pirates have finished third on the PSL standings and they now continue bidding for a first league title in a decade. 

Lionel Messi will not sign a new contract at Barcelona, the club has confirmed.

The Argentine star's latest deal expired this summer but he was expected to commit to a new contract ahead of the new season.

Messi held talks with the club on Thursday and although both parties hoped to reach an agreement that would see Messi remain at Camp Nou, Goal understands there were discrepancies that put the deal at risk of collapsing.

What has been said?

A statement on the club's website read: "Despite FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi having reached an agreement and the clear intention of both parties to sign a new contract today, this cannot happen because of financial and structural obstacles (Spanish Liga regulations).

"As a result of this situation, Messi shall not be staying on at FC Barcelona. Both parties deeply regret that the wishes of the player and the club will ultimately not be fulfilled.

"FC Barcelona wholeheartedly expresses its gratitude to the player for his contribution to the aggrandisement of the club and wishes him all the very best for the future in his personal and professional life."

What agreement did Messi and Barca have?

Messi had agreed to sign a new five-year contract with the Spanish giants.

The 34-year-old was set to accept a deal that would see his weekly wage reduced by 50 per cent.

But the club's financial situation made it impossible for them to register him for the new season without drastically reducing their wage bill. 

Where could Messi go?

The attacker will have his pick of teams to join ahead of the new season, but it remains to be seen which contenders can afford to land him.

Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are said to be eager to lure him and are regarded as two of the few teams who could match his salary demands.

Messi has also expressed a desire to move back to his boyhood club Newell's Old Boys to finish his career.

What has Messi achieved at Barcelona?

Messi moved to Camp Nou at the age of 13 and progressed through the youth system to make his debut in 2003 when he was just 16.

He has blossomed into arguably the greatest to ever play the game, claiming 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns among a plethora of other trophies.

Messi recently won a major trophy with Argentina for the first time, helping them to Copa America success this year.

Further reading