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The Liberia senior national team have revealed that they will arrive in Nigeria on Tuesday ahead of their 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifier against the Super Eagles.

The Lone Star are hoping to qualify for the global football showpiece for the first time in their history, but they must negotiate their way past Gernot Rohr’s men, Cape Verde, and Central African Republic in Group C.

According to a post on the Facebook page of the Liberia Football Association, Peter Butler’s men will jet in at Murtala Muhammed International Airport on August 31.

Meanwhile, Sweden-based Justin Salmon, Paeek’s Abrahim Mohammed Soumaoro and NAC Breda’s U21 star Ayouba Kosiah have landed in Monrovia for the crunch encounter.

The trio are amongst the five players who could be handed their international debuts against the three-time African kings.

Three days after slugging it out against Nigeria, they welcome the Central African Republic to the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, Monrovia.

Coach Butler is bullish of the Lone Star’s chances against Rohr’s side at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

‘’I am going to compete, be organised and be attacked-minded,” the Englishman told media.

‘’Firstly, I don’t use social media and a lot of those young lads who were listed, I didn’t select them and whoever did that is false to start with.

‘’It’s going to be a tough group and favourites Nigeria have got qualities and are heavily funded as compared to us, but I’m going to back myself against any coach in this group.

‘’They have Wilfred [Ndidi], Kelechi [Iheanacho], Alex [Iwobi] I could name more…but we’re going to be competitive and I believe we’re going to offset a few teams on the road.”
 

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Ashley Williams (RB Linense, Spain), Tommy Sango (LISCR, Liberia), Morlik Keita (Mighty Barrolle, Liberia).

Defenders: Prince Balde (KF Drita, Kosovo), Jeremy Saygbe (RB Linense, Spain), Alvin Maccornel (Watanga, Liberia), Sampson Dweh (LPRC Oilers, Liberia), Daniel Paye (Bea Mountain, Liberia), Teah Dennis (Monrovia Club Breweries, Liberia), Carlos Williams (Watanga, Liberia).

Midfielders: Abrahim Mohamed Soumaoro (Paeek FC, Cyprus), Murphy Dorley (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic), Marcus Macauley (Sahab FC, Jordan), Terrence Tisdell (Kocaelispor, Turkey), Justin Salmon (Degerfor IF, Sweden), David Tweh (Rukh Brest, Belarus), Allen Njie (FC Aarau, Switzerland), Abu Kamara (FC Makedonijagjp, North Macedonia).

Forwards: Ayouba Kosiah (NAC Breda II, Netherlands), Kpah Sherman (Kedah Darul Aman FC, Malaysia), Mohammed Kamara (Hatayspor, Turkey), and Van-Dave Harmon (unattached).

Tottenham are set to sign Barcelona full-back Emerson Royal in deal that could be worth up to £26m ($35m),  Goal understands.

The north London club will pay an initial £21m for the 22-year-old, with £4-6m due in add-ons and bonuses.

The Brazil international, who has spent last two-and-a-half seasons on loan at Real Betis, will sign a five-year contract with the Premier League side.

Emerson convinced by Spurs

Emerson initially wanted to stay at Camp Nou this summer, but was convinced by Spurs’ offer to move to the Premier League.

The full-back joined Barca from Atletico Mineiro in January 2019 in a joint deal with Betis that saw the player move to Andalucia on loan.

Barca exercised their option to bring Emerson to the club permanently earlier this summer and he finally made his debut for the club at the start of the 2021-22 season. Now, however, he is set to depart having made just three first-team appearances.

Emerson will bolster Tottenham’s defensive options at right-back, with new boss Nuno Espirito Santo having started Japhet Tanganga in all three Premier League games so far, with Matt Doherty on the bench and Serge Aurier out of favour.

Nuno’s side have made a fine start to the season, winning all three matches without conceding a goal to top the early Premier League table going into the international break.

Further reading

VfB Stuttgart have confirmed the signing of Egypt youth international Omar Marmoush from Wolfsburg on loan on Monday.

He represented St Pauli in the second tier during the 2020-21 campaign. There, he scored seven times in 21 league outings.

In a bid to get regular playing time, he has been shipped again to the Mercedes-Benz Arena – where he is expected to get regular first-team action under manager Pellegrino Matarazzo.

“VfB Stuttgart have been strengthened with Omar Marmoush on a one-year loan from Wolfsburg, subject to sports medical examination,” a statement from the Reds’ website read.

“Omar Marmoush began his career at Egyptian club Wadi Degla FC. In 2017, the all-rounder moved to the Bundesliga to VfL Wolfsburg and made his debut after three games for VfL's U19 in the Regionalliga Nord, in which he scored eleven goals in 36 games.

“For the first team of Wolfsburg, Marmoush played eight games in the Bundesliga, two games in the DFB Cup and was used twice in the Uefa Europa League qualification.

“Last season, the attacking player was on loan to FC St. Pauli from January 2021 and scored seven goals in 21 matches.”

Reacting to this transfer, Stuttgart’s sporting director Sven Mislintat claimed the forward is a good addition to his team while lauding the qualities that make him special.

 "Omar Marmoush can be used flexibly in the offensive area and is a valuable reinforcement for our squad with his qualities and abilities,” said Mislintat.

“He has proven his qualities in the last second division season at FC St. Pauli and also in the current season in his appearances for VfL Wolfsburg.

“We were able to reach an agreement with VfL Wolfsburg quickly and in partnership on the appropriate framework conditions and warmly welcome Omar to VfB.”

With this move, Marmoush becomes the third African in the Reds’ squad after Silas Katompa Mvumpa (Congo), and Momo Cisse (Guinea).

After the international window, he is expected to join the rest of the team in the continuation of the 2021-22 season.

He could make his debut when Matarazzo's men travel to the Deutsche Bank Park on September 12 for a date with Eintracht Frankfurt.

Despite a strong start to the ongoing season where they hammered Greuther Furth 5-1, Stuttgart have slumped to defeats against RB Leipzig and Freiburg to occupy the 13th position on the log.

The Nigeria national team camp is beginning to bubble ahead of September’s 2022 Fifa World Cup qualification matches against Liberia and Cape Verde.

The Super Eagles commence their journey for a ticket to Qatar versus the Lone Stars on September 3 before trying the Blues Sharks for size four days later in Mindelo.

Everton’s Alex Iwobi as well as Leicester City’s duo of Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi are among the early birds at the plush Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island - where the three-time African champions are camped.

Others include Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi, Kingsley Michael, Francis Uzoho, Henry Onyekuru, Peter Etebo as well as CSKA Moscow’s Chidera Ejuke.

After sweating out in gym sessions ahead of Tuesday’s first training session, the players took part in footie volley this evening as other players are expected in camp.

Meanwhile, team administrator Dayo Enebi disclosed that 17 other players, including Ahmed Musa, defenders William Troost Ekong, Leon Balogun, Olu Aina, Abdullahi Shehu, Tyronne Ebuehi and Chidozie Awaziem will touch base before the close of Monday.

Whereas Rangers’ Joe Aribo and Genk’s Paul Onuachu are expected on Tuesday.

Nigeria’s encounter against Peter Butler’s Liberia would be the third meeting between the two countries in Fifa World Cup qualifiers.

En route to earning a ticket to the 2002 World Cup staged in South Korea and Japan, the Super Eagles squared up against the Liberians over two legs.

Christopher Wreh’s brace earned the Lone Stars 2-1 a win over Nigeria, at Monrovia’s National Complex, with Nwankwo Kanu scoring the goal for the visitors in the first leg.

Kanu and Victor Agali were on target for the 1994 African kings as they subdued a side which boasted of George Weah 2-0 at the Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt in the second leg.
 

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (APOEL Nicosia, Cyprus); Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Sparta Rotterdam, The Netherlands)

Defenders: Chidozie Awaziem (FC Boavista, Portugal); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Leon Balogun (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); William Troost-Ekong (Watford FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Jamilu Collins (SC Paderborn 07, Germany); Abdullahi Shehu (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Kevin Akpoguma (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany)

Midfielders: Oghenekaro Etebo (Watford FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Fatih Karagumruk, Turkey); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Samuel Kalu (FC Bordeaux, France); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Paul Onuachu (KRC Genk, Belgium).

Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe will not join Real Madrid this summer after the latter pulled out of negotiations to sign the young striker, Goal has learned.

Having originally been confident that a deal could be reached, the Spanish side would not concede to PSG's demands for a fee of €200 million (£175m/$235m).

As things stand, Mbappe will now see out the remainder of his contract - which expires at the end of the season - in Paris, where he will line up alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar.

Real ready to wait for Mbappe

Los Blancos have already had two bids rejected by PSG for Mbappe, the latter worth €170 million (£146m/$200m), plus €10m (£9m/$12m) in add-ons.

The Spanish giants had been confident that the second bid would be enough to land the 22-year-old superstar, who has made it clear he wants to move to Madrid.

However, with PSG standing firm it now seems unlikely a deal can be agreed before Tuesday's transfer deadline, meaning Mbappe will remain at Parc des Princes - for now.

The former Monaco striker has turned down no fewer than six contract renewal offers from PSG - and with his current deal expiring at the end of the season, the French club run the risk of losing him for nothing.

Real Madrid only have to wait until January to open negotiations with Mbappe, who can then sign a pre-contract agreement to join them on a free transfer next summer.

Despite the transfer speculation, Mbappe started for PSG against Reims in Ligue 1 on Sunday and scored both goals in the 2-0 win.

After the game, coach Mauricio Pochettino praised Mbappe for his contribution, saying it was a "gift" to have the player in his squad.

Several of his team-mates also expressed their hope that the striker would remain at the club, and it looks like they have got their wish.

Further reading

Former Kaizer Chiefs forward Mark Williams thinks having more players plying their trade in Europe gives Ghana and Zimbabwe an edge over Bafana Bafana.

South Africa are set to visit Harare for Friday’s 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe, before welcoming Ghana at FNB Stadium on Monday.

In coach Hugo Broos' squad for the two games, only four players, Siyanda Xulu, Thibang Phete, Gift Links and Luther Singh, are coming in from Europe.

Star player Percy Tau recently joined Al Ahly from Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion. 

“It will be difficult. I always believe that when you play against players that are playing abroad, they get all the experience and they bring from wherever they are playing in England, France, into their national team, which Ghana and Zimbabwe have got, so they already have the upper hand,” Williams told Sowetan Live.

Ghana and Zimbabwe have players in the Premier League although they are unlikely to be available for the matches due to Covid-19 travel restrictions. 

South Africa coach Broos is on a rebuilding phase where he has considered more younger players while dropping experienced ones like Themba Zwane, Keagan Dolly, Bongani Zungu, Thulani Serero and Lebogang Phiri.

Williams, however, believes the current Bafana set-up is an opportunity for other players to build their international careers.

“The one thing that I have been saying is that, because we have been trying all these experienced players as you can see, in the past we haven’t got the results,” added Williams.

“But sometimes, it’s nice for the players when they know there’s an opportunity for them to fight for position. Unlike before, when certain players knew they were going to play, and then you invite these young players and they are sitting on the bench, they don’t get a taste of the action. 

“So here is an opportunity for these young players also now to say, ‘listen, I can get my jersey now’, and fight for it.”

South Africa will also be hosting Ghana, whom they welcomed in March for an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier which ended 1-1.

It is now eight years since Bafana and Zimbabwe last met with the Warriors edging their neighbours 2-1 in an international friendly match in September 2013 at Orlando Stadium.

Celebrated Kenya international Michael Olunga has joined the Harambee Stars squad on Monday ahead of Thursday's clash against Uganda in Group E of the Fifa World Cup qualifiers.

The Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee led-charges have also been pooled with Mali and Rwanda, with the top team making it to the final qualification phase, and the Football Kenya Federation has communicated on the latest development in camp.

Foreign-based players in camp

"Michael Olunga, Ian Otieno, Eric Ouma, Richard Odada, Masud Juma, and Kenneth Muguna are among the foreign-based players who took part in the fifth day of residential training on Monday, August 30, 2021, at the MISC Kasarani," the Federation confirmed on their official portal.

"KAA Gent’s defender Joseph Okumu and Sweden-based midfielder Eric Johanna Omondi are expected to report to camp [on Monday night]. The team will hold their final training session on September 1, 2021, as they prepare themselves to face Uganda Cranes on Thursday, September 2, 2021."

Who has been dropped?

Mulee also reduced the number of players in the squad by releasing eight back to their clubs.

Nahashon Alembi and Baraka Badi of KCB, Benson Omala, Clifton Miheso, and Samuel Onyango of Gor Mahia as well as Wazito FC's top scorer for last season, Kevin Kimani were released.

Kariobangi Sharks goalkeeper Brandon Obiero and former AFC Leopards defender and Tusker transfer target Clyde Senaji completed the list of players who are out.

After Uganda, Kenya will play Rwanda on September 5.

Provisional Kenya Squad

Goalkeepers: Ian Otieno (Zesco United, Zambia), James Saruni (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya), Joseph Okoth (KCB, Kenya), Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya).

Defenders: Joseph Okumu (KAA Gent, Belgium), Eric Ouma (AIK, Sweden), Eugene Asike (Tusker, Kenya), Harun Shakava (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Andrew Juma (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Siraj Mohammed (Bandari, Kenya), Frank Odhiambo (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Bolton Omwenga (Nairobi City Stars, Kenya), Daniel Sakari (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya).

Midfielders: Richard Odada (Red Star Belgrade, Serbia), Duke Abuya (Nkana, Zambia), Duncan Otieno (Lusaka Warriors, Zambia), Lawrence Juma (Sofapaka, Kenya), Kenneth Muguna (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Patillah Omoto (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Enock Momanyi (FC Talanta, Kenya), Jackson Macharia (Tusker, Kenya), Eric Johanna (Jonkopings Sondra IF, Sweden) Boniface Muchiri (Tusker, Kenya), Abdalla Hassan (Bandari, Kenya)

Forwards: Michael Olunga (Al-Duhail, Qatar), Masud Juma (Difaâ Hassani El Jadidi, Morocco), Erick Kapaito (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Henry Meja (Tusker).

Kenya international Faruk Shikhalo has reportedly completed his move to Tanzania Mainland League side KMC after being released by the 27-time champions Yanga SC.

The former Bandari FC custodian had completed his two-year stay at Timu ya Wananchi who opted not to extend his deal. KMC have now taken full advantage of the situation to strengthen the goalkeeping department.

It is a one-year deal for Shikhalo

"The deal has been discussed and agreed, he will be a KMC player in the next couple of days," a source close to the player told Goal on Monday.

"Everything has been agreed, he has signed and after finalising some nitty-gritty, he will be joining the team in Morogoro for pre-season preparations.

"He is a quality goalkeeper and I believe he will have a better season. All parties agreed on an initial one-year deal with an option to extend."

It will be interesting to see whether he will dislodge veteran custodian Juma Kaseja who has been the first choice in the team after the 36-year-old has also been in and out of the Tanzania national team.

Why did Shikhalo leave Yanga?

The custodian was signed by Wananchi in 2019 after being part of the Harambee Stars squad that featured in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations held in Egypt.

He was signed to compete with Taifa Star Metacha Mnata, who had been inconsistent.

After his two-year contract expired, the 25-year-old was let go and he has explained why. 

"We have been working well together with coach [Nasreddine] Nabi since joining the team," Shikhalo told Mwanaspoti.

"But after my contract ended the management told me I am not part of the coach's plans, that my name is not in the list of players he wants to work with, in the new season. 

"I respect [Nabi's] decision but Yanga is my team. I appreciate the way the fans have been supporting me and will always remember them. In the future, they will be the ones who will make me return, that is if I get that opportunity."

Diarra Djigui and Erick Johola took Shikhalo and Mnata's places at Yanga.

RB Leipzig have agreed a deal to sign Barcelona midfielder Ilaix Moriba, Goal understands.

The deal for the 18-year-old is worth an initial €16 million (£13m/$19m), but could rise to €22m (£19m/$26m) with bonuses.

The teenager has been given permission to travel to Germany to have a medical and put pen to paper on a four-year deal, with the option of an extra year.

Ilaix allowed to leave after contract dispute

Ilaix is regarded as one of the most talented youngsters to graduate from the La Masia academy in recent years, having made 18 senior appearances during a breakout campaign last time out.

Therefore, to lose him so early in his fledging career will be a significant blow after what has already been a difficult summer for Barca. However, they will feel they had little choice but to cash in now because of his continued reluctance to sign a new contract.

The Guinea-born midfielder’s current deal expires next year and Barca failed to reach an agreement over fresh terms, despite extensive negotiations.

The Blaugrana felt his agents were demanding too high a salary, despite having previously signed a three-year deal worth €1m a year in 2019 - the highest salary awarded to a talent in their youth ranks.

As a result of the dispute, Ilaix was frozen out of pre-season action for both the first team and Barca B, making an exit almost inevitable.

Manchester City, Chelsea and even great rivals Real Madrid were linked with a move for the talented youngster.

In the end it was Leipzig who showed concrete interest, though their initial bid of €8m (£7m/$9m) was immediately rejected.

Leipzig have since sold midfielder Marcel Sabitzter to Bayern Munich, so that is likely to have freed up extra funds that allowed them to reach an agreement with Barca.

Further reading

Nigeria begin their race for the 2022 Fifa World Cup with a clash against Liberia this week.

The Super Eagles – who have participated in the global football showpiece on six occasions – are hoping to earn a berth to Qatar 2022

However, they must negotiate their way past the Lone Star, Cape Verde and the Central African Republic in Group C of the qualifiers.

For Peter Butler’s men, they would be eyeing an upset against Gernot Rohr’s side in a bid to fuel their ambitions of reaching the World Cup for the first time ever.

Their closest attempt at qualifying for the quadrennial football fiesta was in 2001, losing out on the ticket for South Korea and Japan 2002 to Nigeria by just one point in the qualifiers.

WHEN IS THE GAME?

The World Cup qualifier has been scheduled for 16:00 (West African Time) on Friday, September 3.

WHAT CHANNELS CAN I WATCH THE GAME ON TV?

WHERE IS THE CLASH OF THE TITANS?

Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos

HOW CAN FANS GET INVOLVED?

Goal will be providing comprehensive coverage, news, interviews and features of the showdown.

AC Milan have re-signed midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko on a two-year loan from Chelsea.

The deal includes an obligation to make the move permanent for around €15 million (£13m/$18m).

The 27-year-old returns to Milan for a second loan spell, having made 42 appearances for the club during the 2018-19 campaign.

Details of the Bakayoko move

In a statement confirming the deal, Milan said "AC Milan is delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko from Chelsea FC on a two-year loan, which could turn into an obligation if certain conditions are met."

As previously reported by Goal, Chelsea will also extend Bakayoko’s contract to June 2024 in order to avoid losing him on a free at the end of his current deal, which was due to expire next season.

The bigger picture

The move will bring to an end a frustrating stay in west London for Bakayoko, who cost around £40 million ($55m) when he moved from Monaco in 2017 – then Chelsea’s second most expensive signing.

Despite making 43 appearances in all competitions and helping the Blues win the FA Cup, the France international was shipped out to Milan the following summer.

Further loan spells at Monaco and Napoli have followed, as it became increasingly clear he had no long-term future at Stamford Bridge.

He becomes the third Chelsea player to move to AC Milan this window, after Fikayo Tomori and Olivier Giroud completed permanent transfers earlier this summer.

Further reading

Former Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi says Thulani Hlatshwayo “hasn’t been himself” since he arrived at the Soweto giants and needs some players to look up to at the club.

Hlatshwayo was signed by Pirates from Bidvest Wits in September 2020 with a glowing profile as then Bafana Bafana captain.

But the centre-back struggled to recreate the form which saw him become a household name in South African football.  

Criticism towards him has continued this season in which he has featured in all Pirates games across all competitions.

While Lekgwathi talks of Pirates’ senior players needing to guide the 31-year-old, the likes of captain Happy Jele, Wayne Sandilands, Siyabonga Mpontshane, Abel Mabaso could Ntsikelelo Nyauza could be regarded as experienced enough to lead Hlatshwayo.

“You know when you join a big team there are lots of things that you need to adapt to, it doesn’t matter whether you are a star or not,” said Lekgwathi as per Phakaaathi.

“Things are done differently at big clubs and you need to always be a step ahead. He hasn’t been himself since he joined Pirates and I think he needs to be guided well so that he can be the player that we all know.

“The senior players like Happy Jele have to guide him, they have to help me get back to his best because we haven’t seen him at his best since he got to Pirates.

"We know that he is one of the best defenders in the country, we saw it at Wits and even at Bafana Bafana.”

Hlatshwayo’s difficult patch of form has seen him losing the Bafana Bafana armband to SuperSport United goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. 

At Bucs, Hlatshwayo is currently wearing the captain’s armband in the absence of Jele and Lekgwathi feels that responsibility comes with some huge pressure.

“But, now I think joining Pirates and being given the armband really put him under a lot of pressure,” added Lekgwathi.

“He is always trying very hard to make sure that he doesn’t make mistakes and wants to do everything to perfection, but it hasn’t worked out.

“He needs to share responsibilities and like I said, learn from the guys who have been at the team for many years. If he starts doing that I believe we will start seeing progress in his game.”

The arrival of central defenders Kwanda Mngonyama and Nigeria international Olisah Ndah has widened selection options at the heart of the defence.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles has hit out at Arsenal amid reports that the club have rejected a loan bid for the defender from Everton.

Maitland-Niles returned to Emirates Stadium earlier this summer after a six-month spell at West Brom with a view to forcing his way back into Mikel Arteta's first-team plans.

The 23-year-old has continued to find regular minutes at Arsenal hard to come by with his only two appearances so far this term coming from the bench, leading to speculation over his future.

What has been said?

It has been reported that Everton have offered Maitland-Niles a way out, submitting a loan proposal that included an option to buy.

However, Arsenal have supposedly turned down the Toffees' advances and the English full-back has taken to social media to vent his frustration over the situation.

"All I want to do is go where I'm wanted and where I'm going to play," Maitland-Niles wrote on his Instagram story.

Maitland-Niles' previous digs at Arsenal

Maitland-Niles also aimed a dig at Arsenal shortly after joining West Brom on a temporary contract at the start of the year, claiming he accepted the move because it was a better alternative to "sitting on the bench for the rest of the season and rotting away".

The England international made headlines once again in June as he called for "clarity" from the people in charge at Arsenal during an interview with The Telegraph.

“I want a decision, and then hopefully I can get to work with whoever I need to get to work with," he said.

"Whether that is finding a new club or whether that is carrying on with my training. I would like some kind of indication of what is happening. Where they (Arsenal) see me. If it works out it works out, if it doesn’t then kiss Arsenal goodbye. It’s been a long journey but a proud one at that."

Further reading

South Africa coach Hugo Broos has appointed SuperSport United's Ronwen Williams as his new captain, replacing Orlando Pirates defender Thulani Hlatshwayo. 

Williams will be deputised by new Al Ahly signing Percy Tau and the new on field leadership will be charged with leading the squad ahead of the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers.

Bafana Bafana travel to Zimbabwe for Friday’s 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifier before hosting Ghana three days later.

“I decided on Ronwen as our new captain and Percy as second,” said Broos as per iDiski Times.  

“Ronwen is a personality, he has experience and can communicate which is very important. Percy is a bit more quiet but has experience in several European teams. I think he has the respect of all the group.”

Williams was already Bafana skipper on an interim basis when they played Uganda in an international friendly match in June.

Broos now prepares to sit on the Bafana bench for the first time since being appointed coach in May after his assistant Helman Mkhalele took charge of the Uganda match as well as Cosafa Cup matches.

With Zimbabwe and Ghana looming, the Belgian appears to be trying to keep the lid of fans' expectations ahead of the qualifiers.

“I don’t like to predict that we will win or that the score will be 2-1 or whatever but the only thing I want, and hope is that we have a good result in Zimbabwe,” Broos was quoted as saying by IOL.

“A draw in Zimbabwe will be a good result. It will give us confidence for the next game [against Ghana]. Losing, especially with a heavy score, will not do the players’ confidence any good.

“I hope we will draw, and we will take it from there. We will try to win. I am not saying we are going for a draw. I think by the time we go to Zimbabwe, we should be ready. 

"Look, our group is a group with three teams that have qualified for the Afcon [Ethiopia, Ghana and Zimbabwe] and playing six games in three months will not be easy, but we must be professionals and be ready.’’
 
Broos will be hoping that injuries or medical issues will not hit his team ahead of the crucial games.

Already, Bafana Bafana have lost Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Mothobi Mvala due to injury. 

Mavala did not make Sundowns’ trip to Golden Arrows for last weekend’s MTN8 semi-final clash. 

Bayern Munich have completed the long-awaited transfer of Marcel Sabitzer, signing the Austrian international midfielder from Bundesliga rivals RB Leipzig.

Sabitzer is the third person to cross from Leipzig to Munich this summer - after manager Julian Nagelsmann joined the Bundesliga champions, followed by central defender Dayot Upamecano.

The central midfielder has signed a four-year contract until 2025 and will wear No 18. It is widely reported that the transfer fee is €16 million (£13.7m/$18.9m).

What has been said?

Sabitzer told his new club's website: "I'm very happy to be able to play for FC Bayern. Even as a child, my Bayern jersey was my great pride, and every year at Christmas I got a new one. I will give everything for this club, want to win as many games as possible and of course win many titles."

Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn said: "Sabitzer brings everything to the table a player needs to play for FC Bayern. He will also not need a long acclimatization period because he is already very familiar with the philosophy of our coach Nagelsmann."

Hasan Salihamidzic, sporting director of the Bundesliga champions, added: "We are very happy that we could win over Sabitzer for FC Bayern.

"Marcel is a very good footballer, he has a great mentality, is very ambitious and, as captain of RB, has carried responsibility on and off the pitch. After all, our coach knows him very well, also as a leadership player. We are looking forward to him."

Nagelsmann gets his man

Sabitzer was considered the dream player for the new Bayern boss, and gives his side a versatile option for midfield, as he can play both centrally and on the wing. Bayern had been looking for reinforcements in both positions.

After initially signing from Rapid Vienna in 2014 and then being loaned out to sister club Red Bull Salzburg for a season, Sabitzer became a key figure as Leipzig established themselves as a Bundesliga force and a real title rival to perennial champions Bayern.

For last season's German runners-up, Sabitzer played 229 competitive games in which he scored 52 goals and provided 42 assists.

Bayern had questioned whether to make a bid for some time, as they already have several central midfielders on their books such as Mickael Cuisance and Corentin Tolisso, who they have tried to sell this summer without success.

However Nagelsmann's close relationship with Sabitzer, and the player's desire to leave Leipzig for Bayern, saw the deal pushed over the line.

Further Reading

Hoffenheim have ruled Kevin Akpoguma out of Nigeria’s 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifying matches against Liberia and Cape Verde after he tested positive for coronavirus.

The 26-year-old is among the 30 players summoned by Gernot Rohr for Friday's match at the Teslim Balogun Stadium and next week's trip to Cape Verde.

Akpoguma’s club in Germany announced that the defender, even though he is fully vaccinated, he will immediately go into quarantine which rules him out of the trip to the West African country for the crucial World Cup qualifiers.

On Friday, Akpoguma provided an assist for Hoffenheim's second goal in their 3-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund on Friday, however, all of Sebastian Hoeneb's side underwent their medical tests but only the Nigeria international returned a positive result.

“Kevin Akpoguma tested positive for Corona despite being fully vaccinated. He will not make the trip to the Nigerian national team and instead went into quarantine at home,” read the statement on the club’s website.

“Kevin Akpoguma is symptom free and is fine. In addition, all present players and members of the coaching and functional team were tested. All test results were negative.”

Born to a German mother and a Nigerian father in Germany, the 26-year-old played for Germany youth teams across all levels before he made his Super Eagles debut in October 2020.

Akpoguma was introduced as a 67th minute substitute for Tyronne Ebuehi in Nigeria's 1-0 loss to Algeria and he followed up the debut outing by playing the entire duration in Nigeria's 1-1 draw against Tunisia, both friendly games in the same month.

Meanwhile, Everton's Alex Iwobi, Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi, Leicester City duo Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi and Nantes winger Moses Simon have arrived in the Super Eagles' camp in Lagos to commence preparations for their upcoming matches against Liberia and Cape Verde.

Juventus have decided against offering Barcelona midfielder Miralem Pjanic a potential return to Turin as they close in on the signing of PSV starlet Mohamed Ihattaren, Goal can confirm.

Pjanic moved to Barca from Juve in an exchange deal involving Arthur last summer, committing to a four-year contract at Camp Nou.

The Bosnian midfielder has since struggled to live up to expectations with the Blaugrana, and Goal has reported he is one of several first-team players the club are trying to offload before the August 31 transfer deadline.

What is the situation?

Juve had been discussing the possibility of bringing Pjanic back to the club with his representatives over the last few days, but have now decided not to submit an official loan offer to Barca.

Massimiliano Allegri, who previously worked with the 31-year-old at Allianz Stadium between 2016 and 2019, had given the green light to the deal but the club have chosen not to pursue the transfer.

Goal understands Barca would have been open to a loan agreement and Pjanic was eager for the move to go through to reignite his career after a frustrating year in Spain.

Juve are lacking strength in depth in the middle of the park as evidenced in their 1-0 loss at Empoli on Saturday - but they will be looking at other targets before Tuesday's deadline.

Juve close in on Ihattaren

One man who definitely will be joining the Bianconeri's ranks in the coming hours is PSV teenager Ihattaren, who is on the verge of leaving Philips Stadion in a €6 million deal.

Goal can confirm the 19-year-old, who made the 2021 NxGN top 50 list of the best wonderkids in world football, will sign a permanent contract at Juventus before heading to Sampdoria on loan for the rest of the season.

The Italian giants have won the race for Ihattaren ahead of a whole host of top clubs, with the playmaker's future at PSV having been up in the air ever since falling out with head coach Roger Schmidt back in March.

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