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Union Berlin star Max Kruse had a day to remember on Sunday.

Not only did he help Germany to a 3-2 win in the Olympics over Saudi Arabia, in the aftermath of the game, he asked his girlfriend to marry him live on TV.

It has subsequently been confirmed that she agreed to take his hand in marriage.

What happened?

Germany overcame Saudi Arabia to keep their hopes of qualification in the tournament alive.

Having been swept aside 4-2 by Brazil in their opening match, goals from Nadiem Amiri and Ragnar Ache twice had them in the lead only for Sami Al-Najei to twice respond. However, a goal from Felix Uduokhai 15 minutes from time helped Germany to the three points.

In the aftermath of the game, Kruse proposed to his girlfriend live on television. He took off his jersey to display a T-shirt that displayed a message, got on his knee and asked if she wanted to be his wife.

“I actually wanted to wait until I scored a goal – but who knows if I can do it,” Kruse joked on Sportschau.

It was only subsequently confirmed that his girlfriend had accepted the offer.

The 33-year-old forward is one of three overage players permitted in the Germany squad for the tournament, with Kruse having played 14 times for the senior national side previously.

During these matches he found the net four times, including against the USA in friendly action, twice against Gibraltar in Euro 2016 qualifying and once against Georgia in the same tournament.

Further Reading

Coach Shawky Gharib is upbeat about Egypt’s chances of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Tokyo 2020 men’s Olympics in football despite losing to Argentina on Sunday.

In their first game in the tournament, the reigning African champions put up a solid defensive performance to hold Spain to a 0-0 draw.

Against the Argentines who made a stuttering start against Australia, the North Africans bowed 1-0 with Facundo Medina’s 52nd-minute effort settling the tough encounter at the Sapporo Dome.

Although the South Americans dominated ball possession, nevertheless, Egypt squandered a host of opportunities in the first half. That continued in the last 45 minutes and ultimately, they ended up on the losing side.

Victory over Olyroos in their final Group C game on Wednesday at the Miyagi Stadium, Rifu may see them through and Gharib is remaining optimistic.

“When an Egyptian player loses focus, it becomes a problem. Argentina scored their only dangerous chance of the game,” Gharib told beIN Sport TV per Kingfut.

“This is football, you have to take your chances. We are still working, and we have a chance to qualify, we haven’t lost hope.”

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah and Arsenal's Mohamed Elneny did not make the Games as their English top-flight sides declined to release them.

Another notable star who did not make the final shortlist was Zamalek loanee Mostafa Mohamed who has been impressive in the Turkish Super Lig with Galatasaray.

“I have Ahmed Yasser Rayan, the top scorer of the league, and I have Taher Mohamed, Ramadan Sobhi and Salah Mohsen,” said the coach, who refused to make excuses due to the unavailability of star players.

“Mostafa Mohamed is a big star, and the team’s top scorer and he would have made us stronger. But I will not use his absence as an excuse.”

Since making their debut at Antwerp 1920, Egypt have featured in the men’s football event on 12 occasions.

Their best outings remain fourth-place finishes at Amsterdam 1928 and Tokyo 1964. 

The 2021 Gold Cup quarter-finals continue on Sunday as Costa Rica faces Canada and the U.S. men's national team takes on Jamaica.

Watch Gold Cup on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)

The winners of Costa Rica vs Canada will take on Mexico in the semi-finals, while Qatar awaits the USMNT or Jamaica on July 29.

Ahead of the games, 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), the 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.

Costa Rica vs Canada team news

Costa Rica's main absentee is Leonel Moreira, with the goalkeeper seeing red in his last game with Jamaica.

Esteban Alvarado will start in goal instead, while defender Francisco Calvo is back in contention following his one-game suspension.

Predicted Costa Rica starting XI: Alvarado; Lopez, Gonzalez, Duarte, Fuller; Cruz, Borges, Venegas; Brenes, Campbell, Lassiter.

Ayo Akinola is out for Canada after tearing his ACL against the USMNT.

Cyle Larin is also definitely out and is set to miss the remainder of Canada's games, should it progress past Costa Rica.

Predicted Canada starting XI: Crepeau; Miller, Vitoria, Johnston; Buchanan, Kaye, Fraser, Osorio, Hoilett; Larin, Cavallini.

USMNT vs Jamaica team news

USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter will have choices to make over his starting XI after using his roster depth against Canada.

Paul Arriola was given a rest in that game after picking up a knock while Daryl Dike has also been dealing with an injury, but both may return to the team to face Jamaica

Predicted USMNT starting XI: T.

Like the USMNT, Jamaica decided to use some of its reserves in its final group game, having already qualified for the knockout stage.

Goalkeeper Andre Blake is likely to return to the starting XI, while Theodore Whitmore may decide to bring back more of the regulars who featured in the first two matches.

Predicted Jamaica starting XI: Blake; Lawrence, Powell, Lowe, Fisher; Bailey, Flemmings, Turgott, Williams, Magee; Burke.

Recent results

South Africa head coach David Notoane has stated his side will play for pride when they face Mexico in the Tokyo Olympic Games on July 28.

South Africa lost their second group game to France, with a 3-4 margin where the former scored through Kobamelo Kodisang, Evidence Makgopa and Teboho Mokoena while a hat-trick by Andre-Pierre Gignac and a goal from Teji Savanier inspired the latter to a slim win.
 
"We have to go to the last game and play for our pride and try our best to get to the next round," Notoane told reporters.
 
"We will go and display the kind of football that South Africa is capable of. It is a chance for the players to market themselves and we should take the last game as our prize and an opportunity to go home with our heads held high.
 
"It was a difficult, exciting, emotional [France] game because we went for it and they also came for it and, in the end, it was a game of margin of errors. We made more mistakes in our defensive areas than France.
 
"I am proud of the boys for their effort, commitment and quality of play. Sad as it is, but that is what football is, what more can we say?

The tactician also explained why he adopted a more defensive approach against Japan and praised the changes he made against France on Sunday.
 
"The approach was primarily to manage our energy levels and hopefully to take a draw, which unfortunately did not happen. In the next two games, we hoped to give a kind of performance like today," stated Notoane. 
 
"The challenge before us ahead of the Japan game was that we had three days to prepare and we had almost seven days without training, so we decided to go with an approach against Japan that would allow us to have the kind of performance in terms of energy today.
 
"The changes for the France game were very effective even though we did not have the depth from the bench. We took a chance on two players and they surprised us even after going without training, apart from the physical work they have been doing in their rooms during the isolation period. 

Nasarawa United’s Silas Nwankwo believes he plays like Cristiano Ronaldo and reveals Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba are the players he would most like to line up with in future.

Born on December 12, 2003, the red-hot attacking sensation currently leads the goalscoring chart of the Nigerian Professional Football League having accrued 16 goals so far.

Still in the nascent stages of his career, the prolific striker has plenty of years left in his career and he discloses that sharing a locker room with the England and France internationals would be a welcome addition to his footballing bucket list.

In addition, Nwankwo is a genuine Manchester United supporter and he states he attempts to copy the characteristics of a Red Devils legend who has won the Ballon d'Or on five occasions.

“I like Cristiano Ronaldo so much and if you see some of my goals, runs and other things, you can see that they are almost like his,” the 18-year-old told Goal.

“I try as much as possible to emulate him. When you read his stories about how he attained greatness, you would agree with me that they are inspiring enough to motivate any footballer who aspires to achieve great things.

“He (Ronaldo) is also one of the reasons I love, and still support Manchester United, and God willing, I hope to represent the Red Devils someday.

“Moreover, my biggest ambition is to play alongside [Marcus] Rashford and [Paul] Pogba at Old Trafford.”

As it stands, Bala Nikyu’s men are currently second in the Nigerian elite division log and they have a realistic chance to emerge as champions should closest challengers Akwa United and Kano Pillars falter in their remaining games.

Nasarawa United are also on course to win the Aiteo Cup having reached the semi-finals thanks to Nwankwo’s winner against Gombe United.

They square up against Sunshine Stars in the last four and the youngster has set his sights on punishing his former team for not believing him.

“It’s going to be a difficult match, but I will show them [Sunshine Stars] what they are missing in a young talent,” he continued.

“Most clubs in Nigeria don’t believe in young talents. But this season, the coaches are already seeing what the young ones can do.

“By God’s grace, I am one of those who are sounding this message clear and I promise to give it my all against my former team.”  

AFC Leopards needed a late goal from second-half substitute Dan Sunguti to salvage a 2-2 draw against Nzoia Sugar in an FKF Premier League match on Sunday.

Ingwe, who have given up on the title race, took the lead through Elvis Rupia in the 5th minute but two quick goals in the second half courtesy of Masha Gaetan in the 57th minute and Hillary Simiyu in the 60th minute put the Sugar Millers 2-1 up before Sunguti scored late for the draw.

With injuries to key players, Ingwe coach Patrick Aussems made three changes to the starting XI with Ugandan goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan replacing John Oyemba, who dropped to the bench while Said Tsuma was also given a starting role.

The Belgian tactician handed a first start ever to defender Omar Somobwana, who joined the team in January 2020 on a four-year contract from St. Peters High School, in Mumias.

It was Ingwe who looked dangerous from the first whistle and should have taken the lead in the 3rd minute when Eugune Mukangula released Bienvenue Shaka from the right-wing, but the former’s effort was parried for a fruitless corner by Humphrey Katasi.

In the 5th minute, Ingwe took a deserved lead, as midfielder Peter Thiong’o delivered the ball from a free-kick and lead striker Elvis Rupia rose highest to head it past Katasi.

The Sugar Millers then almost equalised immediately as Kevin Wafula and Hillary Simiyu combined well from a counter-attack in the 8th minute, but Felicien Okanda could not beat keeper Ochan as his left-footed effort kissed the bar.

AFC almost doubled their lead in the 34th minute as Rupia missed an open chance after being set up by Caleb Olilo.

On resumption, the game remained a balanced affair until the 57th minute when the Sugar Millers leveled matters courtesy of Gaetan and in the 60th minute, they were 2-1 up this time, Simiyu converting from the penalty spot after Okanda had been fouled inside the box.

Sensing danger, AFC coach Aussems opted for a triple change, Harrison Mwendwa, Dan Sunguti, and Hansel Ochieng coming in for Olilo, Shaka, and Mukangula while Moses Mwala came in for Nzoia, replacing Dennis Wanjala.

With Nzoia headed to pick their second win against AFC in the history of the top-flight, Sunguti leveled matters for Ingwe as he powered home a header after a cross delivered by Rupia at the stroke of full time.

Nzoia Sugar: Humphrey Katasi (GK), Ian Karani, Dennis Wanjala, Gabriel Wandera, Ronack Elvis, Juma Kevin, Kapchanga Titus, Kevin Wafula, Hillary Simiyu, Gaetan Masha, and Felicien Okanda.

Subs: Benson Mangala (GK), Moses Mwale, Gin Pelei, Daniel Wafula, Joseph Mwangi, Leonard Kasembeli, Ian Simiyu, and Elisha Wekesa.

AFC Leopards: Benjamin Ochan, Omar Somobwana, Washington Munene, Collins Shivachi, Isaac Kipyegon, Eugene Mukangula, Bienvenue Shaka, Peter Thiong’o, Caleb Olilo, and Elis Rupia.

Subs: John Oyemba (GK), Yusuf Mainge, Said Tsuma, Harrison Mwendwa, Dan Sunguti, and Hansel Ochieng.

Cristiano Ronaldo has arrived back in Turin ahead of his return to training with Juventus.

Ronaldo has been on holiday since Portugal's round of 16 Euro 2020 exit at the hands of Belgium on June 27, but is due to report to Juve's training ground in Continassa on Monday.

The 36-year-old has entered the final year of his contract with the Bianconeri, and speculation over his future continues to swirl as the club look ahead to their latest campaign under returning head coach Massimiliano Allegri.

Ronaldo lands back in Italy

Ronaldo, who has reportedly spent the last few weeks in Mallorca with his family, touched down back in Turin on Sunday in a private plane.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is now set to undergo medical examinations at Juve on Monday before being cleared to link up with the rest of the squad as preparations for the 2021-22 campaign continue.

Juve's stance on Ronaldo's future

It has been suggested that Juve could cash in on Ronaldo this summer in order to avoid losing him on a free transfer in 2022.

A number of top clubs have been linked with the Portugal captain, including Paris Saint-Germain, but Bianconeri vice-president Pavel Nedved has made it clear that a prized asset will be staying put.

"Ronaldo has been called up for July 26, he'll be back on Monday and will stay with us," Nedved said after Juve opened their latest pre-season schedule with a 3-1 win against Cesena on Saturday.

The bigger picture

Ronaldo has enhanced his reputation as one of the best players in history since joining Juve from Real Madrid in 2018, scoring 101 goals in his first 133 games for the club.

He has picked up five domestic trophies in Turin, including two Serie A titles, but has been unable to inspire the Bianconeri to their first Champions League crown since 1995-96.

Juve suffered an early exit in that competition last term, while also surrendering their top-flight crown to Inter, leading to question marks over Ronaldo's role in the team.

Italy star Federico Chiesa has been tipped to replace the Portuguese as the club's main man next season, but few would bet against him coming back and proving his doubters wrong after winning the Golden Boot at the European Championship.

Further reading

Luther Singh missed a penalty for South Africa who went on to surrender their lead three times to fall 4-3 against France in the Olympic Games at Saitama Stadium on Sunday.

Fifa World Cup winner Andre-Pierre Gignac’s treble inspired the French to victory. The experienced striker hit back each time as Kobamelo Kodisang (53th-minute), Evidence Makgopa (73rd), and Teboho Mokoena (82nd) scored for South Africa before Teji Savanier’s stoppage-time goal handed France their first victory in the competition.

South Africa lost 1-0 against hosts Japan in their first game in Group A earlier in the week.

Fans and supporters have taken to their social media accounts where they have shared their reactions to the match. 

Goal can confirm that Juventus have scheduled fresh talks with Sassuolo in a bid to agree a deal for Manuel Locatelli.

Locatelli emerged as Juve's number one transfer target after an impressive 2020-21 campaign at Sassuolo, which he followed up by helping Italy win their sixth major title at this summer's European Championship.

The 23-year-old has also been strongly linked with Arsenal, but would prefer to move to the Bianconeri and play in the Champions League, with Juve set to reopen negotiations with his current club.

What's the situation?

Juventus have already seen a two-year loan offer with the option to buy Locatelli outright for €30 million (£26m/$35m) rejected by Sassuolo.

Goal has learned that the club will only consider a permanent agreement and want at least €40m (£34m/$47m) for the midfielder, who is under contract at the Mapei Stadium until 2023.

Bianconeri officials will meet with Sassuolo's again on either Wednesday or Thursday to try and thrash out terms, with both parties eager to reach a compromise as their respective preparations for the 2021-22 campaign continue.

Could a player-plus-cash deal be on the cards?

It has been reported that Juve will only be able to meet Sassuolo's asking price by including a senior player in the deal, with Radu Dragusin and Nicolo Fagioli being mooted as potential makeweights.

However, Fagioli's agent Andrea D'Amico has ruled out the possibility of his client heading to Sassuolo, while also claiming that Arsenal have already bid €40m for Locatelli.

"Juventus would like to sign Locatelli and Arsenal have already offered €40m," D'Amico said last week. "But I can ensure you that, as of today, Fagioli has not been included in the deal."

Locatelli's career numbers

Locatelli broke into Sassuolo's senior squad in 2019, and has since made 99 appearances for the club, scoring seven goals.

The Italy international has also recorded 11 assists, with his stellar performances in 2020-21 helping the team secure an eighth-place finish in Serie A.

Locatelli has also won 15 caps for his country, with five of those outings coming at Euro 2020, where he also scored two goals to take his overall tally at international level to three.

Further reading

Australia and Sunrisers Hyderabad batsman David Warner chose Premier League giants Liverpool as his favourite football team during a Q&A session on Instagram.

The 34-year-old Cricketer conducted a Q&A session with his fans on Instagram where he was asked about his favourite football team to which he responded by picking the Reds.

This is not the first time Warner revealed his love for the Premier League giants. On several occasions in the past, the cricketer has been vocal about backing Liverpool.

Who is David Warner and what is he up to now?

David Warner plays for Indian Premier League (IPL) side Sunrisers Hyderabad and was a former captain of the franchise. He is the fifth-highest runscorer of all time in the league's history (5447) and is the highest runscorer among the foreign players. 

Warner was the captain of the Sunrisers Hyderabad side the last time the franchise won the IPL title back in 2016. He has also won the Orange Cap, the highest runscorer in an edition of the IPL three times (2015, 2017 and 2019).

The southpaw has been donning the Australian shirt for the past 12 years, having made his One Day International debut (ODI) in 2009. He has scored 5455 runs in 128 ODIs and has 7311 Test runs 86 appearances. In T20Is he has scored 2265 runs in 81 matches.

Australia is currently touring West Indies for an ODI and a T20 series, but David Warner and several key senior players like Glenn Maxwell and Steve Smith have pulled out of the series.

When is Liverpool playing next?

The former Premier League champions Liverpool begin their 2021-22 campaign on August 14 against Norwich City. 

Egypt recorded their first loss in the Olympic Games in Group C after going down 1-0 against Argentina on Sunday.

The lone goal for the South Americans came in the second half courtesy of Facundo Medina.

Having drawn with Spain in their opening game, the Africans came into the match hoping to get a positive result over their opponent.

The South Americans had fallen to Australia in their opening game and needed to bounce back to stand a chance of going all the way to get a medal.

Argentina started the match on a high and almost took a fifth-minute lead when Adolfo Gaich received the ball in a good area and controlled it well, but his shot was deflected out by the woodwork.

In the 22nd minute, Egypt could have grabbed a goal when Karim El Eraki found space inside the box, but with the goalkeeper stranded, he failed to direct the ball on target.

Argentina dominated possession in the first half, but they had no goal to show for it. However, things changed in the second half.

A short corner was taken in the 52nd minute and the goalkeeper parried the ball. It went as far as Medina and he gleefully rifled the ball low inside of the left post to hand his team an advantage.

It happened to be the winning goal for Argentina who are now on three points from two matches.

In another match played, 10-man Brazil retained their position on top of Group D after playing out a goalless draw with Ivory Coast, who also played the last 10 minutes or so with 10 men.

Both teams started the game well and the first major decision had to be made in the 13th minute when Douglas Luiz, who was the last man, fouled Youssouf Dao, who had beaten him to the ball, and after consulting the VAR, the defender was sent off.

The Elephants had a good chance to score after a half-an-hour when Amad Diallo received a good pass inside the 18-yard area. But his weak effort was easily saved.

Richarlison thought he had won a penalty in the 50th minute for the Samba Boys, but the referee waved play on amid protests from the South Americans.

Eboue Kouassi was sent off in the 80th minute after a second bookable offence, ensuring the teams each finished the game with a man less.

Both teams are now on four points from two matches.

Robert Lewandowski has been named Germany's Footballer of the Year for a second successive season ahead of Thomas Muller and Erling Haaland.

Lewandowski picked up the award for the first time in 2019-20 after inspiring Bayern's run to the treble, and the 32-year-old was able to keep up the same high standards in his latest campaign at Allianz Arena.

His outstanding contribution ensured that Bayern won the Bundesliga crown for a ninth successive year, and he also managed to break Gerd Muller's 49-year-old scoring record in the competition.

What's been said?

Lewandowski finished 315 votes ahead of second-placed team-mate Muller and 318 ahead of Borussia Dortmund talisman Haaland to land the top individual prize in Germany this year, and expressed his delight after the announcement was made on Sunday.

"I know how big this honour is," he said. "For me, it is a reason for great pride and joy, because you rarely win the title of 'Footballer of the Year' twice in a row in Germany."

Lewandowski's record in 2020-21

Lewandowski scored 48 goals in 48 games across all competitions for Bayern last term, including 41 in the Bundesliga.

The Poland international even managed to come back from a ligament injury to score six goals in the club's final four games of the season as they beat RB Leipzig to the finishing post by 13 points.

"Of course I am happy that I scored 41 goals in 29 Bundesliga games," he added. "This number of goals fills me with great pride and is certainly a spectacular performance in view of my injury."

Who won Coach of the Year?

The award for Germany's 2020-21 Coach of the Year was also given out this weekend, with Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel scooping the accolade ahead of Hansi Flick and Edin Terzic.

The former Dortmund boss guided the Blues to Champions League glory after replacing Frank Lampard in the Stamford Bridge hot seat in January.

"I accept the award very gratefully as a great honour for the entire team because I see myself as a team player," Tuchel said after receiving the prize.

Further reading

Gianluigi Buffon has admitted to being surprised by Federico Chiesa's meteoric rise to prominence, while describing the Juventus and Italy star as "really special".

Chiesa followed up an encouraging debut season at Juve by inspiring Italy's run to glory at Euro 2020.

The 23-year-old's standout display came in the Azzurri's final win over England at Wembley, which left Buffon in awe of his talents once again after initially doubting his abilities in Turin.

What's been said?

The former Juve goalkeeper, who returned to Parma for a second spell last month, has confessed that he wasn't convinced by Chiesa upon his initial arrival at the Allianz Stadium from Fiorentina in October 2020. 

Buffon now holds him in much higher esteem, though, as he told Gazzetta dello Sport: “When he arrived at Juve I didn't think he was so good. I am honest. In the European Championship he was unbelievable, in the final match with England, it was impossible to stop him.

"After a season at Juve with Federico it is no longer a surprise for me, but it was not obvious that he would be able to play at such a high level in a tournament like the European Championship.

"If you do those things at such a high level, then it means that you are really special."

Chiesa's journey to the top

Chiesa began his career at Fiorentina in 2016, and went on to score 34 goals in 153 games for the club while earning a regular place in Italy's set-up at international level.

The mercurial winger attracted attention from a number of top clubs towards the end of his time with La Viola, but Juve ultimately won the race for his signature after successfully negotiating a €60 million (£51m/$71m) deal.

Chiesa quickly established himself as a key player for the Bianconeri in 2020-21, and finished the season with nine goals and nine assists to his name from 33 appearances, while also picking up Coppa Italia and Suppercoppa Italiana honours.

He successfully transferred that form to the European Championship, featuring in all seven games for Italy as they clinched the sixth major title in their history under Roberto Mancini.

What else did Buffon say?

Buffon also played a part in Juve's domestic success last term alongside Chiesa, but decided to undertake a new challenge in Serie B with Parma instead of signing fresh terms at the Allianz Stadium.

The 43-year-old insists that he has no plans to set a retirement date at the moment, but won't hesitate to hang up his gloves when the physical demands of top-level football become too much for him.

"Now I continue because I have a dream," he said. "But it will have to be supported by the results. As soon as I notice a sign of decline, a minute later I will stop.

"Also because I am perfectly happy at home with my wife and children, with friends. Quitting will never be a problem."

Pressed on whether he could earn a recall to the Italy national team in time for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Buffon added: "It’s almost certain Mancini won’t give me a call-up, he has his men and his group, but I need to know there will be a World Cup to keep dreaming.”

Further reading 

Former Richards Bay FC head coach Simo Dladla believes new Kaizer Chiefs signing Austin Dube is ready for a starting berth at the PSL giants.

Dube is among the new signings that have been announced by the Soweto giants who are on a mission to strengthen the side, after their two-window transfer ban came to an end.

Brendon Petersen, Njabulo Ngcobo, Sibusiso Mabiliso, Phathusedzo Nange, and Kgaogelo Sekgota are the other new players who have been confirmed at Amakhosi.

"Chiefs must just put him straight into the starting line-up," Dladla told KickOff.com.

"Remember we played against Chiefs and scored and kept [Samir] Nurkovic quiet throughout the whole game. Surely, that is where the interest began. But besides that, remember he also played for TS Galaxy against Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup.

"He's very technical and he reads the game very well, plus he's one of those rare centre-backs with a left foot. And he's someone who uses his brain more than his body.

"He's got height and has eyes for goals. This past season alone, he scored five goals in 30 games at Richards Bay."

Dladla also likened the Bafana Bafana star to Tefu Mashamaite.

"He's exactly like Mashamaite because he can score, Mashamaite used to score a lot of goals through set-pieces," he added.

"Dube can score, he is a clever player, I'm sure you saw him playing for Bafana he did not concede in the Cosafa the whole tournament and he was always there. He will make it.

"He is someone who is passionate about defending, and he has mastered the art of defending. He is not clumsy.

"He's someone that can easily give you 30 games because he is not exposed to tackles and cautions you see, and suspensions and things like that."

Dube was under Dladla's tutelage at the GladAfrica champions last season.

Zambia international Fashion Sakala earned his debut for Rangers as they battled to a 0-0 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.

The 24-year-old signed a pre-contract to join the Scottish giants in May but he was not able to make it to pre-season training due to Covid-19 and passport related issues.

On Saturday, he was drafted into his first matchday squad as the Gers took on the Premier League side, with manager Steven Gerrard naming a strong starting XI which featured Jon McLaughlin, Nathan Patterson, Jack Simpson, Leon Balogun, Calvin Bassey, Glen Kamara, Stephen Kelly, Scott Arfield, Jordan Jones, Scott Wright, and Cedric Itten.

Sakala was forced to wait until the 70th minute when he came on alongside Borna Barisic and Jermain Defoe as Itten, Bassey, Wright were pulled out.

The Chipolopolo forward’s best chance of the game came in the 78th minute after Ianis Hagi and James Tavernier combined well to put him through on goal.

However, Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele came out quickly to deny him an opportunity to shoot at goal.

Rangers had the ball in the net with 10 minutes remaining to the final whistle after Sakala’s cross found Hagi, who shot from the edge of the box, but referee Don Robertson ruled it out, as he awarded Brighton a freekick following a foul from Hagi in winning the ball, before finding the back of the net.

Sakala will hope to earn his first start for the team when they take on 13-time European champions Real Madrid at Ibrox on Monday.

On being unveiled by Rangers, Sakala named Ibrox Stadium as the only place he wanted to be after he left Belgian club KV Oostende at the end of his contract.

"I’m very happy and excited. I was looking forward to start this beautiful journey when I signed. The only thing I wanted was to be here,” Sakala said.

"I’m very happy and excited, I’m looking forward to continuing a beautiful and exciting journey.

"I can’t wait to start. I’ve been on vacation for some days and then I came here and I was in quarantine for 10 days so it was quite difficult but I was positive about it.

"I’m still looking to get back to full fitness and I believe that I’ve started a lot because I was doing individual training. I’m looking forward to starting with the group and I believe something good will come out of it."

Wayne Rooney has vowed not to quit as Derby boss, but the former Manchester United star has also called for new signings ahead of the 2021-22 campaign.

Derby were placed under a transfer embargo after being found guilty of breaching financial fair play rules last month, but the English Football League (EFL) has since softened its stance due to a significant shortage of registered senior players at Pride Park.

The Rams are now free to sign up to five players on free transfers or on loan, and Rooney has urged the club to get moving in the transfer market as he continues to try and populate his threadbare squad with academy graduates and trialists.

What's been said?

Rooney expressed his frustration after including eight free agents in his squad for a 2-1 friendly defeat to Salford City on Saturday, including his ex-Manchester United team-mate Ravel Morrison.

Asked if he will still be in charge at Derby when the new Championship season kicks off next month, Roney told Sky Sports: "It's other people which I can't control who need to make bigger decisions than I do.

"All I can do is try to bring some dignity and pride back to this club. It is clear that has gone in the last few years and it is my job to bring that back. I need other people to do their job.

"It's not ideal, it has been very difficult not knowing what my squad will be in two weeks' time when the league starts. However we can, we need to get that sorted.

"If I am being honest, it would be easy for a manager in my situation to walk away. It's a challenge for me, I'm a fighter. I am grateful to Derby for giving me this opportunity and I will do everything I can to get the club through this.

"If we can't bring players in over the next two weeks I do not know how we field a team to start the season.

"I haven't got one centre-back signed to the club, there are two very young players in the U23s and U18s. It would be impossible for me to field a team."

The bigger picture 

Derby currently only have nine players registered at senior level, including two goalkeepers, having seen four players leave upon the expiration of their contracts in June and another six return to their parent clubs after loan spells.

In addition to Morrison, Tom Carroll, Phil Jagielka, Sone Aluko, Andre Wisdom, Ryan Allsop, Richard Stearman and Sam Baldock have also been on trial with the Rams, who must now decide which members of the free-agency pool to sign up for the new season.

Rooney managed to keep Derby in the Championship after a dramatic final day in 2020-21, but may struggle to repeat the trick in his first full season at the helm as he continues to try and push his squad back up to 23 players in time for their opening fixture against Huddersfield Town on August 7.

Further reading 

Kenya have been drawn to face Burundi in the Cecafa U23 Championship semi-final, while Tanzania will entertain South Sudan in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.

Stanley Okumbi's Emerging Stars finished top of Group C with six points ahead of Djibouti and South Sudan, and will face Group B winners Burundi, who finished ahead of Ethiopia and Eritrea in their pool.

"It was a very tough game and Ethiopia kept us under a lot of pressure. But I am glad we managed to get the draw and progress to the semi-final, " Jimmy Ndayizeye, Burundi's coach, said after sealing the knockout slot.

Meanwhile, South Sudan progressed to the semis after a 2-0 win against Djibouti on Saturday. 

They scored two second-half goals through Mabior Akeck Aluk and a penalty converted by Dominic Angelo Kornelio. South Sudan finished as the second-best team in Group B and qualified for semis as the best runners-up among all three pools. 

Finally, Tanzania booked their semi-final place as the best country in Group A with four points despite drawing 1-1 against Uganda in the final group game.

Ethiopia, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Eritrea will play classification matches as Djibouti heads home.

"I am delighted that we are through to the semi-final after a very tough game against Uganda," said Tanzania’s head coach Kim Poulsen.

The first semi-final game pitting Tanzania against South Sudan will be played on Tuesday morning before Kenya and Burundi meet later in the day.

The semis are an opportunity for Kenya's Reagan Otieno to continue fighting for the Golden Boot since he is at the top of the scorer's chart with three goals.

Ali Ibrahim of Eritrea - with three goals too - also still has a chance to win the award as he will take part in the classification matches.

Abubeker Nasir Ahmed of Ethiopia and Kenya's Benson Omalla have scored two goals each. William Solomon Tesfaye of Ethiopia, Burundi's Ismael Nsihimirimana, Abdourahmani Rukundo, and Issa Hakizimana, as well as Tanzania's Reliant Lusajo, have each scored a goal.

The conclusion of the U23 games will pave the way for the Cecafa Kagame Club Cup tournament that will be held in Dar es Salaam in August.