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South Africa international Luther Singh has been snapped up by Portuguese club Pacos de Ferreira.

The 23-year-old marksman has joined the Beavers from fellow Primeira Liga side Sporting Braga on a season-long loan ahead of the 2020/21 season.

Pacos de Ferreira made the announcement on their official website on Tuesday afternoon.

A club statement read: "Luther Singh will represent FC Paços de Ferreira in the 2020/2021 season."

"The Beavers and SC Braga agreed to the athlete's loan, which is, thus, the fourth confirmed reinforcement of the Capital do Movel team."

This is Singh's third successive loan deal from Braga, who signed him from Swedish club GAIS midway through the 2016/17 campaign.

The Soweto-born player spent the recent 2019/20 season with Primeira Liga side Moreirense where he netted three goals and registered two assists from 21 appearances.

His exploits helped Moreirense retain their status in the elite league after finishing eighth. 

Prior to that, Singh was with then-Primeira Liga outfit Chaves and he found the back of the net twice in 17 matches. 

However, Chaves were relegated to the second tier of Portuguese football, LigaPro and Singh returned to his parent club, Braga.

Singh's new club, Pacos de Ferreira is one of the historic teams in Portuguese football having won four Segunda Liga titles (now LigaPro),

The Beavers qualified for the UEFA Cup (now known as the Europa League) for the first time in 2017.

They also qualified for the 2013/14 Champions League play-offs for the first time in their history after finishing third in Primeira Liga during the 2012/13 season.

Singh, who was part of the Bafana Bafana squad at the 2019 Cosafa Cup in Durban, will be keen to help Pacos de Ferreira qualify for a Uefa competition in the new campaign.

The former South Africa under-20 international will be hoping to impress Bafana head coach Molefi Ntseki during his loan spell with Pacos de Ferreira.

Bafana are expected to take part in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) and 2020 Fifa World Cup qualifiers when international football resumes.

Singh is also a South Africa under-23 international and he will be eager to make the final squad for the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

Christian Pulisic boasts the potential to be “one of the most important players” at Chelsea for the next 10 years, says former Blues winger Pat Nevin.

The United States international saw his debut campaign in English football end on a low note as he was forced off through injury in an FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal.

He had, however, enjoyed a productive run up until that point, with 11 goals and 10 assists recorded through 34 appearances in all competitions.

That productivity had drawn inevitable comparisons to former Blues star Eden Hazard, with Frank Lampard considered to have found a suitable successor to a departed Belgian star.

Nevin can see why Pulisic is generating such talk, but believes the talented 21-year-old will become a Stamford Bridge legend in his own right if he sticks around long enough.

A former fan favourite told Chelsea’s official website: “There were moments when Christian Pulisic looked like he might run away with the Player of the Year trophy.

“At times he was looking like our most potent scorer as well as creator.

“Chelsea fans will soon tire of comparing him with Eden Hazard, which is unfair on him, but they also know that for raw talent, match intelligence and searing pace as well as an eye for goal, at 21 years old he could be one of the most important players for this club over the next five to 10 years.”

Pulisic is far from being the only exciting young talent on Chelsea’s books, with Lampard having shown considerable faith in home-grown talent since taking the managerial reins.

Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Timori and Billy Gilmour are among those to have made important contributions to a senior cause, while big things are expected of Mason Mount and Reece James.

Nevin sees that pair going from strength to strength, with a creative playmaker and buccaneering right-back being tipped to challenge for Player of the Year awards over many seasons to come.

“Mason Mount looked like another who could skip off with the award early on and maybe still will,” Nevin added on stars of the present who boast bags of potential for the future.

“One thing is very likely, if he doesn’t win it this season, it will not be long before he does. He is such a top player, so versatile and so loved by the Chelsea fans.

“Reece James joins him on the list of future winners I reckon even if this season might be a tad early for our rampaging right-back.”

Luka Modric has revealed that he held transfer talks with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich back in 2011, with the Croatian discussing a possible move from Tottenham with the “mysterious” Russian.

The talented playmaker was wanted at Stamford Bridge after starring across the English capital in north London.

Abramovich was splashing the cash at that stage and was prepared to dig deep in a bid to coax Spurs chairman Daniel Levy into parting with a prized asset.

Modric was aware of the interest being shown in him and went as far as meeting with his suitors on a yacht in the French Riviera.

“It was all very exciting,” he wrote in Luka Modric: My Autobiography, which is being serialised by The Guardian.

“Twenty or so people, who seemed part of the security detail, met us at the boat. It was quick and well organised; just as we made ourselves comfortable on one of the luxury decks, Abramovich showed up. 

“During our meeting on the Côte d’Azur, he left an impression of a relaxed, somewhat mysterious person. He wasn’t beating around the bush and said: ‘We know you are a quality player. I’d like you to sign for Chelsea’.”

Modric added: “My feeling was that it was time for a move – I wanted to fight for trophies and win titles, and I felt this wouldn’t happen if I stayed at Tottenham. I wanted to move to a more ambitious club.

“‘Do you think Tottenham will resist your transfer? Are they going to put up a fight?’ Abramovich asked. ‘I think the negotiations are going to be tough’, I replied, because I knew the clubs were not on good terms.”

Spurs refused to bow to Chelsea’s demands, forcing Modric to stay put.

He said: “I arrived in London before pre-season training and went to talk to the chairman. There were no harsh words or insults as the media said, but the conversation was tense. 

“He reprimanded me for publicly announcing I wanted to leave and repeated that Tottenham had no intention of selling at any price.”

Tottenham finally accepted the inevitable in 2012, with Modric – who would go on to land the 2018 Ballon d’Or – eventually linking up with La Liga giants Real Madrid.

“I didn’t know if and when Levy would agree to sell me,” the 34-year-old said of landing that move.

“But I was convinced it was time to move on, to a new and bigger challenge. After four wonderful years, during which we felt at home in England, [my wife] Vanja and I knew this life had come to an end.”

Barcelona have announced the termination of technical manager Eric Abidal's contract as the club's backroom purge continues.

The Catalan club announced the sacking of head coach Quique Setien on Monday following a dreadful end to the 2019-20 season, Barca having conceded the Liga title to eternal rivals Real Madrid and crashing out of the Champions League in dramatic style.

An 8-2 thrashing at the hands of Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals was the final straw for Setien, who had been brought in to bring back an exciting brand of football that disappeared under the more pragmatic Ernesto Valverde.

Abidal's final act as technical manager was showing Setien the exit door at Camp Nou.

The French former full-back had found himself in the bad books of club captain Lionel Messi after publicly criticising players for “not doing much work” following the sacking of Valverde at the turn of the year.

Messi publicly called for Abidal to “name names” in relation to the players he deemed as underperforming, adding that his former team-mate's statement would tar the entire squad – the Argentine included – if he didn't go into specifics.

Now, the skipper will no longer have to concern himself with the opinion of Abidal, who was let go by the club on Tuesday.

A statement on Barca's official website reads: “FC Barcelona and Eric Abidal have reached an agreement for the termination of the contract binding both parties.

“The club publicly expresses its gratitude to Eric Abidal for the professionalism, commitment, dedication and positive and close treatment towards all the areas that make up the Barca family, and wishes him luck and success in the future.”

While Abidal's departure may go some way to pleasing Messi, there are many who believe a full backroom restructuring is required – starting with president Josep Maria Bartomeu, whose time in charge has been fraught with negative headlines.

A slew of disastrous transfers have fans calling for the supremo's head, but the man himself has indicated that he will not stand down before the presidential elections in March of 2021.

Agent of Jeremie Boga revealed the Sassuolo forward is delighted with reports linking him to Serie A giants Napoli.

The Ivory Coast international has been in fine form since joining the Black and Greens from Premier League side Chelsea in 2018.

The winger bagged 11 goals and provided four assists in 34 league appearances in the 2019-20 season, amid other dazzling displays to help Roberto De Zerbi’s men finish eighth in the Serie A.

His performances have generated interest from the Parthenopeans and his brother Daniel Boga, who represents him, revealed the forward is impressed with the attention.

“We are aware of the admiration and praise from [Napoli coach Gennaro] Gattuso and director [Cristiano] Giuntoli,” Daniel Boga told Radio Kiss Kiss.

“Jeremie is happy, it’s always pleasant to receive confirmation of esteem, especially when they come from world-famous professionals like Rino Gattuso or from a big club like Napoli.

“He doesn’t know much about Naples yet, to tell the truth. But for what he heard about the people, what they told him, he thinks it could be like Marseille, the city where he was born and where we come from.

“There are several points in common between the two cities. Jeremie knows well that we are dealing with a top team, a great club.

“The fans are really passionate and very close to their colours. In short, they have all the ingredients to have fun when you play in Naples.”

Boga’s deal will end in June 2022 and his representative confirmed he will hold a meeting with Sassuolo to discuss the future of the winger.

“Jeremie's contract with Sassuolo will expire in 2022, I will meet with the club in the next few days, but I exclude that we will talk about a renewal.”

Boga was a former France youth international before pledging his future to the Ivory Coast national team in 2017.

The forward made his debut for the West Africans against Guinea in an African Cup of Nations qualifier and will hope to continue his impressive performances at club level to boost his chances of featuring consistently for the Elephants. 

David Silva's father has hit back at Lazio director Igli Tare for criticising the former Manchester City star after his transfer to Real Sociedad.

The 34-year-old signed a two-year contract with Sociedad on Monday, having left City as a free agent at the end of the 2019-20 season.

The news provoked an angry response from Tare, as Stadio Olimpico had initially been touted as the most likely next destination for Silva following his Etihad Stadium exit.

"I have great respect for the player, but not for the man," the Lazio chief said of Silva's perceived snub.

The Spaniard's father has now come out to defend his son, insisting that the midfielder had not spoken to the Italian club directly and that a final deal had never been agreed.

Fernando Silva told Radio Marca: “Everyone can say what they want, Lazio spoke with their representative, not with David, so I don't understand why they name him as a person.

"He did not have a closed commitment with Lazio and there are other teams like Real that have also spoken with him.”

City announced plans to erect a statue of Silva outside of the Etihad after bidding farewell to the most successful player in the club's history.

The diminutive playmaker won 14 trophies during his 10-year spell in Manchester, including four Premier League titles, and recorded 77 goals and 140 assists for the Blues in 436 appearances across all competitions.

Silva, who began his career at Valencia before moving to England in 2010, will be plying his trade in La Liga once again next season with a Sociedad side which managed a sixth-place finish last term.

The former Spain international said his final goodbyes to City supporters via social media, writing on Twitter: "Manchester City and I have grown together. In 10 years, I have developed personally and professionally.

"I have celebrated many victories and titles and lived through epic moments.

"I am going to support the team from a distance. I am so happy I have shared these unforgettable moments with the City family - you will always be in my heart.

"I want to send every Cityzen a huge hug."

Anthony Martial is like Thierry Henry and Cristiano Ronaldo, but still "needs to learn his trade", according to Dwight Yorke, who says the Manchester United star needs more time to adjust to the number nine role at Old Trafford.

Martial finished the 2019-20 season as United's top scorer across all competitions with 23 goals to his name, having been one of the most prolific strikers in the Premier League since returning from lockdown in June.

The 24-year-old's contribution in the final third helped Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men to a third-place finish in the top flight and three semi-finals, but he has still been regularly criticised for his chance conversion rate.

The Frenchman was guilty of wasting a number of clear openings during the Red Devils' 2-1 defeat to Sevilla in a last-four Europa League tie on Sunday, and it has been suggested that Solskjaer will need to bring in a natural centre-forward to bring a frustrating trophy drought to a close.

Yorke sympathises with Martial after seeing him shifted into the "hardest position you can play", and still thinks he is capable of following in the footsteps of Premier League legends if he is afforded enough patience.

“A number nine is a very unique position. It’s a very rare breed, and it seems like it’s gone out of the game a bit," the former United frontman told talkSPORT.

“I never considered myself as a number nine. I developed my skills playing from the left wing to the right wing and then found myself pretty much playing in that number nine position, but not really as a number nine.

“It’s a specialist position and probably the hardest position you can play, with your back to goal and having to hold off defenders and make runs; you can only get better in that position if you play week-in, week-out.

“Look at the top goalscorers in the Premier League: Robbie Fowler, Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Andy Cole – those players only played just in that position.

“Anthony Martial is like myself, Thierry Henry, maybe Wayne Rooney and even Cristiano Ronaldo – starting on the wing, developing and improving their skills and then get to that number nine position. That’s what Martial is doing now."

Yorke added: “I think Martial will get better, but he needs to play in that position a lot more, He needs to learn his trade.

“These guys are in their early 20s, I didn’t play as a centre-forward until I was around 24 and if you look at Henry and those guys, they all get to that position around the same age. So it’s a work in progress.

“I understand Man United are there to challenge and they need to bring in players, of course, but the players they have are excellent, and it’ll be interesting to see how Ole will develop those players and use them.

"Ole was a frontman himself, so he should know how to improve these players. And look at how many goals Martial has scored this year – he can only get better!”

Casey Stoney admitted it has been a difficult transfer window for Manchester United as the global pandemic has affected the normal recruitment process.

Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward has warned about the financial impact the pandemic has had on the club but despite some uncertainty earlier in lockdown, Stoney has been given the funds she needed to bring in three new players.

Ivana Fuso, Ona Batlle and Lucy Staniforth have all signed, and other additions haven’t been ruled out before the window closes next month. And while Stoney is very happy with the business they have concluded, she said it has been more challenging then usual.

“We obviously set out with a list of targets that we really keep a close eye on throughout the year - to say we got all of them would be lying, we haven’t, but that’s not due to finance that’s down to player preference,” Stoney said. 

“They might not want to move countries for example, so it depends on who you’ve gone after. The three we’ve gone after, we definitely really wanted, and they were a key part of our recruitment process.

“It’s been difficult in terms of not being able to have the players over. We couldn’t meet them and bring them around the club, it’s not been easy. Budgets as well were uncertain for a while right in the middle of Covid, but I think we went out and got what we wanted.”

The three new recruits have settled into the squad well and have impressed the manager as they prepare for their opening game of the new WSL season against Chelsea in two weeks’ time. 

It’s another tough opener for United, having kicked off last season against reigning champions Manchester City, and Stoney outlined exactly what she is looking for from her squad.

“To move into top three we need to be more consistent,” she explained. “We dropped points against teams we shouldn’t have dropped points against if we want to get in there. We need to win more and get more clean sheets. We need a higher win ratio, more clean sheets and to do that we have got to develop our players and develop our team.”

While last season’s opener was played in front of record crowds, this fixture - being held at Leigh Sports Village - will be behind closed doors due to government-enforced pandemic restrictions. 

The growth in the women’s game over the past 10 years has been emphatic, but with no games for fans to attend there is a concern that it could drop off again.

While gate receipts aren’t a large stream of income, unlike in the men’s game, the issue is that the visibility of the game may diminish and Stoney has called on the FA to do more to continue to raise the profile of the game.

“We have to raise our visibility in other ways, we have to get it on platforms. We’ve got MUTV, so let us use it more, we have to have more games on BT and maybe get the BBC involved,” Stoney said. 

“Visibility is absolutely massive for the women’s game, if we don’t get that the women’s game could go in the background, and that’s not what we want.”

Newly promoted Ligue 1 side Len have announced the signing of Seko Fofana from Serie A side Udinese.

The Ivory Coast international put pen to paper on a four-year deal after successful medical examinations with the Blood and Gold.  

The 25-year-old midfielder joined Udinese permanently from Premier League side Manchester City in 2016 and has made 112 appearances for the Italian club, scoring 13 goals.

Fofana is delighted with the opportunity afforded him to return to France, having previously featured for Bastia on loan.

“I am from Paris and I started football at Paris FC. I then joined Lorient, where I was at the same time in the French youth team. Afterwards, I went to Manchester City which loaned me to Bastia and Fulham,”  Fofana told the club website.

“Finally, I joined Udinese four years ago. These experiences allowed me to discover three different countries, to see how it went. It's a pleasure because today I speak three languages. "

“I've wanted to play at Lens for a very long time. When I was still young I saw players like Wylan Cyprien sign here. I was impressed because La Gillette was one of the best training centres. I have known Lens since that time.

“I also have friends who have been there like Thierry Ambrose. He told me that he was very happy there. So that allowed me to judge how the atmosphere was.

“A few weeks ago, RC Lens contacted my agents. When Lens calls you, tells you about her plans, you don't hesitate.

“The discussions were done, nobody expected me to come here. I had other requests but I asked myself the right questions.

“It's a great day that I've been waiting for a very long time. In addition, I wanted to come back to France."

Lens manager Franck Haise is pleased with the addition of the Ivory Coast international and hopes he will be a good option for his side.

“There is great potential that has already been expressed for a few years. Over the last five seasons, Seko has played in Bastia and Udinese. I think he will bring us a lot in the midfield,” Haise said.

“Seko became our priority a few weeks ago. He is the most complete player that we could hope to recruit from the tracks we had. Seko showed a great desire to join us.

On the pitch, he is able to stay organized to adjust the team's balance. At the same time, he has a great ability to create and to be decisive on the last pass.

“He is also capable of scoring a few goals in a season. Regarding the defensive aspect, he knows how to impose a strong impact. It is, therefore, a very nice signing.”

Seko has six caps for Ivory Coast since he made his debut in a World Cup qualifier against Morocco in November 2017.

Simba SC have confirmed they will take on Vital’O FC in a friendly to celebrate the annual Simba Day.

Simba Day is an annual day for the Wekundu wa Msimbazi to celebrate the club’s success after concluding the season and is also used to unveil their new signings to the fans before the new season kicks off.

The club have now confirmed to culminate the exercise which will be staged at the newly named Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, the club will play an international friendly against the visitors from Burundi starting at 17:00.

“We will face Vital’O from Burundi on the final day,” the club confirmed on their social media pages.

Last week, Simba information officer Haji Manara revealed that due to the changes of fixtures last season, owing to the coronavirus pandemic, they had opted to push forward the Simba Day event from August 8 to 22.

“We have visualised that this time around, using Benjamin Mkapa Stadium alone will not be enough that is why the day will be hosted by two venues including Uhuru Stadium where big screens will be installed for people to follow the entire occasion,” Manara told reporters.

Two days ago, Simba held the Champions Week with three events, showing off the new logo of the club, introducing the new team kit they will use next season plus parading the new players to be featured in the 2020/21 league season.

“Initially, we used to show our new kits when playing the Community Shield game but this time around, we have made some changes," Manara added.

"The new logo we want to introduce will be specific to go along with the demands of modern football and this is usually done by other big clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, and others.”

Apart from taking on Vital’O, the team will also visit various tourism attraction areas in the city.

“We want to supplement the government's effort of promoting domestic tourism that is why we have set aside the two days to accomplish that mission," Manara concluded.

Simba won a treble last season – the Community Shield, the league title and FA Cup – and will now represent the country in the Caf Champions League.

Fabinho believes he can take his game to even greater heights during a third year on Liverpool’s books, with the Brazil international aware that he needs to offer more of a goal threat.

The versatile South American has shown that he can be a useful asset to Jurgen Klopp.

Many have billed him as the finest holding midfielder in the Premier League, with his varied qualities having helped to deliver more major silverware at Anfield.

Fabinho has also showcased his shooting prowess from distance, with spectacular strikes recorded in meetings with Manchester City and Crystal Palace.

The 26-year-old is, however, prepared to acknowledge that he should be contributing more in the goalscoring department.

He told the Reds’ official website of Klopp’s demands: “He always talks about that I have to shoot more because I have this quality. I will try.

“I know I can do this, I have to try more in the games. Sometimes I have the chance to shoot more from long distance and I didn't do this because I prefer to pass.

“But I scored two nice goals last season and I just have to train on this and try a bit more in the games.”

Fabinho took in another 39 appearances for Liverpool across the 2019-20 campaign and is now up to 80 in all competitions through two seasons on Merseyside.

He is happy with how things are going – having collected Champions League, Club World Cup and Premier League crowns – but feels there is even more to come from him.

A man fondly known as ‘Flaco’ - the skinny one – by his Anfield team-mates added on his future ambition: “I am always an optimist with this. I try always to be better, to learn, to keep working. 

“My first two seasons were good. Collectively it was very good and individually I think it was good as well. I will try to be better in the next few seasons.

“The club is very special. Since I came here the guys helped me a lot, the staff helped me a lot. I feel really like I'm at home now and I have a nickname!

“It's a very nice club and my relationship with my team-mates is very good as well.”

Ghana is set to take delivery of 100 footballs from Caf as part of the continental football's governing body's support to member associations.

The gesture is fueled by the Fifa Forward Development Programme.

First adopted in May 2016, the Fifa programme is a special initiative to support all member associations and confederations with resources in three key areas of more investment, more impact, and more oversight - all aimed at sharing the success of the Fifa World Cup with member associations.

"The Confederation of African Football (Caf), has decided to support member Associations with one hundred (100) footballs for use by Associations as match balls," the GFA announced on its official website.

"As a result, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) will be a beneficiary of this gesture as the continental football governing body, work to support member Associations via the Fifa Forward programme. This was communicated to the GFA on Thursday, August 13, 2020 in a letter by Caf.

"The 100 match balls are part of the Fifa Forward Program and the distribution is scheduled over two batches (end of August and end of September).

"The 100 footballs from Caf will be used by the national teams of the Association."

The Caf support will be Ghana's third football provision intervention since July.

Last month, the GFA signed a deal with Koreens Galaka Enterprise who will provide 5000 Macron-branded footballs for the nation's top two football leagues and FA Cup competition for the next three seasons.

Last week, the national football's governing body announced its Executive Council has decided to support grassroots development with 6000 footballs.

"It would be recalled that the GFA announced plans to support grassroots football with 6,000 balls through its Fifa Forward 1.0 programme," the GFA announcement continued.

"The GFA also announced a 5,000-football sponsorship deal for the male competitions, the Ghana Premier League, Division One League and the FA Cup for the next three seasons."

Ghana is one of 54 African football associations and federations to benefit from the Fifa Forward Development Programme.

“In light with Caf efforts to support its National Associations, Caf has the pleasure to inform you that it has been decided to provide 100 match balls to each Member Association," a Caf letter notifying Ghana of the incoming support read.

Gonzalo Higuain has admitted he "could play in MLS" one day, but still plans to see out his final year at Juventus, and is expecting a "different dynamic" at the club under new head coach Andrea Pirlo.

Higuain returned to the Allianz Stadium last summer after a six-month loan spell at Chelsea, and featured in 44 games across all competitions for Juve in 2019-20.

However, the 32-year-old only found the net on 11 occasions, and Goal has reported that the Bianconeri are ready to offload the striker in the summer transfer window.

A potential return to River Plate has been mooted for Higuain, but his current contract is not due to expire until 2021, and he is currently earning a reported €7.5 million (£7m/$9m) per year in wages in Turin.

Although a man who has also taken in spells at Real Madrid, Napoli and AC Milan is quite content to stay put for now, he is open to undertaking a new challenge in the United States at some point.

Higuain thinks Pirlo's arrival could see his role in the Juve squad change ahead of the new season, as he told Fox Sports when addressing speculation over his future: "Later on I could play in the MLS, many players will go and it would be good.

"But now I'm in Juventus, I still have a year left. We will see what happens.

"In five days we will return to training and see how it will be. With the new coach, there will surely be a different dynamic."

Asked if seeing out his career in Argentina holds any appeal, Higuain responded: "I don't miss it, but I like watching it.

"I started young and many players hesitate to come back, especially for the future of their families. The USA, China or Saudi Arabia are preferred."

The former Napoli star went on to defend his controversial move from Stadio San Paolo to the Allianz Stadium in 2016, adding: "Me, a traitor? I do not regret having signed for Juventus.

"How many players went from River to Boca, from Inter to Milan?

"They said the same about Ronaldo, Pirlo and many others. It is part of football."

Higuain also weighed in on Lionel Messi's current situation at Barcelona, with reports linking the six-time Ballon d'Or winner with a move away from Camp Nou widespread in the wake of the club's shocking Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.

The Argentina international said of his compatriot: "I don't know if he will leave Barcelona. It is a difficult and dramatic situation.

"Only he can know what to do. I hope the best happens and that he can be happy."

Gwambina FC have unveiled 12 new players as they prepare for life in the Mainland Premier League.

According to the club’s secretary general Daniel Kirahi who spoke to Daily News, the Mwanza-based club has signed goalkeepers Mohamed Makaka from Ruvu Shooting and Stali Nyambe from Buildcon FC of Zambia while defenders include Aron Lulambo from KMC, Moric Mahela from Stand United­ and Baraka Mtui 'Popa' from Ruvu Shooting FC.

Other are are Novartus Lufunga who served Lipuli, Said Mkange from Sahare FC while strikers include Paul Nonga from Lipuli, Lameck Daniel from Biashara United, Japhet Makalai from Kagera Sugar and Miraji Saleh who formerly served Stand United.

The club has also received a huge boost with key players renewing their contracts among them Mohamed Hussein, Isihaka Ibrahim, Revocatus Richard, Salum Kipaga, Hamad Nassor, Anthony Matogolo, Yusuph Kagoma,Yusuph Lwenge, Salim Sheshe, Rajab Athuman, Jacob Massawe, Meshack Abraham, Jimmyson Steven, and Kapama Kibadeni.

Just a week ago, Gwambina appointed Mwinyi Zahera as their new technical director ahead of the new season which kicks off on September 6.

The Congolese tactician returned to handle a team in the top-flight after his stint with Young Africans (Yanga SC) in the 2018-19 season ended when he was fired for poor results, with Belgian Luc Eymael taking over.

“We have reached an agreement with Zahera to coach our side in the coming season, he arrives with experience having coached Yanga previously and we wish him well as he takes up the challenge of making sure that we remain in the league,” the club said in a statement seen by Goal while unveiling Zahera.

On his part, Zahera promised to do his best and help the club achieve its targets.

“I know what it means handling a promoted side in the top-tier, the expectations are very high because their main target is to make sure they keep their status first and then start building from there.”

Gwambina were promoted to the Tanzanian Mainland Premier League from the First Division League (FDL) after they beat Pamba FC 1-0 in their final match of the season.

The club, which was only founded a year ago, earned promotion with two matches to spare as they had accumulated 44 points from 20 matches.

Gwambina won 13 games, drew in five and lost in two other matches. 

Gwambina were promoted alongside Ihefu and Dodoma Jiji while Mbao FC were relegated alongside Alliance FC, Lipuli FC, Ndanda FC, and Singida United. 

Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer has jumped to defend misfiring striker Gabadinho Mhango ahead of the Baroka FC clash on Tuesday. 

The Malawi international last scored in Pirates' 2-1 win over Chippa United at the start of February when he netted a brace. 

He hasn't scored in his last five competitive matches where the Sea Robbers won once, lost once and drew the other three. 

And Zinnbauer believes the 27-year-old needs self-confidence and the trust from him more than anything during this period. 

"You know as a striker you need the self-confidence and you need the trust from the coach and it's not so easy too that we have a good striker or two on the bench," Zinnbauer told the media. 

"Mhango scored a lot of goals in the first round. He had one of the best chances [against Bidvest Wits]." 

Despite his decline in form in recent matches, Zinnbauer is still pleased with the work put in by Mhango both in the attacking and defensive halves.

"A striker‚ when he doesn't think about anything‚ will score and maybe at the moment, he's thinking a little bit too much but he's doing a good job. He runs‚ he works for the team‚ he does defensive and offensive work. He tries and tries.

"But that's how it is as a striker. You have moments where you can do what you want and you still won't score," he added. 

"And now it's the decision we have to make. Normally we will give him the trust and he will meet the trust." 

The 50-year-old mentor is undecided on whether to give Mhango a break so that he can recharge his batteries or continue playing him until he rediscovers his form. 

"But I don't know what's in the next games. Maybe he needs a break‚ or maybe he needs to play," continued Zinnbauer. 

Should Zinnbauer opt to drop Mhango, he would have to choose between Tshegofatso Mabasa and Augustine Mulenga as his preferred strikers.

The suspension of Thembinkosi Lorch and Justin Shonga has also left Pirates thin in the attacking third and it is unclear as to when the duo will be allowed to return to the camp with the rest of their teammates.   

If Lionel Messi were to leave Barcelona then “we’ll have to change the name of the club”, says Samuel Eto’o, with the Argentine superstar having become synonymous with the Liga giants.

An all-time great has spent his entire professional career to date on the books at Camp Nou.

Barca bought into Messi’s potential at a young age and carefully nurtured him through the famed La Masia academy system and into their senior ranks.

Eto’o formed part of the Blaugrana’s squad as an exciting talent broke through and always expected the Argentine to reach the very top.

Messi now has six Ballons d’Or and countless major titles to his name, with the history books having been rewritten on a regular basis as a result of his unworldly exploits.

It could be that somebody else gets to benefit from those talents before the time comes to hang up his boots, with the struggles being endured in Catalunya at present seeing unwelcome exit talk sparked.

Barca have been unable to tie their talismanic captain to terms beyond the summer of 2021, but Eto’o still considers a parting of ways to be unthinkable.

The former Blaugrana frontman told TyC Sports: “I love Messi like he was my own son, I want the best for him.

“Barcelona is Messi and I think if Messi decides to leave, we'll have to change the name of the club.

“We are lucky in that at Barcelona, we have the best player in the world and of all-time, we have to do everything possible to ensure he finishes his career at Barcelona.”

Barca’s inability to claim La Liga or Copa del Rey honours in 2019-20, along with their humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, is said to have Messi mulling over his options.

Eto’o can understand the frustration of those at Camp Nou, but is looking for everyone connected with the club to dust themselves down and bounce back stronger next season.

The iconic Cameroonian striker added: “I really suffered myself with that defeat [to Bayern], not just for Leo, but for all of the lads.

“Someone who has never played the game will find it hard to understand, but these things exist in football - and in life too. 

“Anyone can suffer a fall but you have to get up again and that is the most difficult part.

“The players, the bosses, the fans, I hope that we can lift ourselves up from this and begin to dream again for next season.”

Barcelona will be under new management for 2020-21, with Quique Setien having been relieved of his duties as reports suggest that Ronald Koeman will be appointed as his successor.

Wazito FC boss Ricardo Badoer is excited about the arrival of Boniface Omondi.

The winger has been a target for the 2018/19 National Super League champions who struggled for consistency in the top-tier but has now officially been confirmed at the club ahead of the new season.

"We are pleased to announce the signing of the speedy Boniface Omondi from Gor Mahia," Wazito confirmed on their website.

"He also boasts Caf Champions League and Caf Confederation Cup experience having represented Gor Mahia in the two competitions."

Badoer, who is well remembered to have launched an astonishing Twitter rant at the 11 players who were sacked by the club two months ago, has now taken to his social media pages to welcome Omondi to the club.

“Speed and heart of a Lion with winning hunger, Boniface Omondi,” Badoer wrote on his Twitter handle. “I salute you and welcome you to the Wazito.”

Badoer had attacked the 11 players labelling them 'hyenas' and went further to explain why he axed the players, accusing the departed eleven of 'eating his money'.

"Today the Wazito FC cleaning continues," he wrote on his @Donrico77 handle. "Kicking out no good f**king hyena players that were recruited without my approval,” Badoer had stated back then.

"All they did was to eat my money and lose games. I wish them the best on the f**king streets where they belong. They lacked self-respect and love for the game."

The 25-year-old Omondi was also delighted with the move and said he was keen on having a positive impact for his new side.

"I want to thank God for the opportunity to join Wazito FC," Omondi said after signing.

"I know that it is a good side because I have faced them in the league. The goal is to help the team lift titles and I know that it is possible.  

"To the fans, I urge them to keep rallying behind the team and everything will be alright."

Wazito coach Fred Ambani also welcomed the player stating his experience will be helpful to the team.

Turkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce have announced the signing of Mame Thiam from rival club Kasimpasa.   

The forward signed a three-year deal with the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium outfit following his successful medicals with the side.    

The Yellow Canaries confirmed the acquisition of the Senegalese on Tuesday and will link up with Morocco's Nabil Dira and Cape Verde international Garry Rodrigues at the club.  

“Our club has signed Mame Thiam, who played in Kasımpasa, one of the Super League teams, as a result of the negotiations with the club and him,” read a statement from the club website.

“Our club has agreed a three-year deal with the Senegalese forward. We welcome 27-year-old Thiam to our family, who will fight with our striped jersey. We wish him success with the unlimited love and support of our fans.”

Thiam played for the youth teams of Real San Marco, Treviso, Sassuolo and Inter Milan before joining Avellino, where he made his professional debut after failing to break into the Black and Blues’ first team.

The centre-forward also played for South Tyrol on loan before he permanently left the San Siro outfit to team up with Serie A giants Juventus.

The striker also struggled for first-team action with the Old Lady and made do with loan spells at Lanciano, Zulte Waregem, PAOK and Empoli.

Thiam cancelled his contract with Juventus in a mutual agreement in September 2017 and then joined Iranian side Esteghlal.

In the summer of 2018, the defender signed for UAE team Ajman and featured in 26 league games for the club, scoring 13 goals before he moved to Turkey to join Kasımpasa.

The forward scored 12 goals and provided five assists in 28 appearances across all competitions for the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Stadium outfit in the 2019-20 season before his departure.

Thiam will hope to establish himself at Fenerbahce to boost his chances of playing for the Senegal national team.

Per Mertesacker has described Dayot Upamecano "one of the most exciting central defenders the world has to offer" amid talk of Arsenal's interest in the RB Leipzig star.

Upamecano is currently enjoying the best season of his career to date, having played a key role in Leipzig's run to a third-place Bundesliga finish and the semi-finals of the Champions League.

His latest performance helped Julian Nagelsmann's men upset Atletico Madrid in the last eight of Europe's elite competition, as he kept the likes of Diego Costa, Marcos Llorente and Yannick Carrasco quiet during a stunning 2-1 win in Lisbon.

The 21-year-old recently committed his future to Leipzig through to 2023, but a number of top clubs are still reported to be weighing up a summer swoop for his services, including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

Arsenal have also been strongly linked with Upamecano, and Mertesacker is excited to see how the defender's career progresses in the coming years.

The Gunners' academy manager sees similarities between the Frenchman and former Brazil international Lucio, and expects him to keep attracting interest from the elite if he continues on his current trajectory.

"I was very excited about the Atletico game," Mertesacker told  Goal  and  DAZN.

"He showed so much and did it right: the courage of a Lucio who just goes forward, but also my solid game of simply finding the right man or withdrawing.

"If he continues like this, works on himself and remains consistent, he will generate more interest. He's definitely one of the most exciting central defenders the world has to offer right now.

"RB certainly made the contract extension very tasty for him. It's exciting to see where his path is going."

Nagelsmann has also been tipped to take the next step in his career after an impressive first year at Leipzig, with Mertesacker of the opinion that one of Europe's youngest managers is already among the best in the business.

"I see him as a very ambitious coach who doesn't shy away from big names," said the ex-Arsenal centre-half. "He is still very young and capable of development, at the moment we can only congratulate him. He tries to implement his tactical ideas.

"He goes along with the RB way, but refines it according to his ideas and does not allow any concept to be imposed on him.

"Comparing him to a single coach is very difficult, but when you beat the top coaches it's inevitable. I already see him in the top 10 in Europe. In his young, dynamic, tactically clever way he is unique."

Mertesacker added on the possibility of Nagelsmann making a move to the Premier League: "Such successes keep the Bundesliga coming into focus.

"The more experience he gains, the more naturally he brings himself into the conversation. I am curious to see whether it will be possible to install young English coaches, also from the youth set-up.

"If Julian continues like this, he will automatically be a candidate in England too."