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Dodoma Jiji have completed the signing of former Gor Mahia winger Dickson Ambundo.

The team was promoted to the Tanzania Mainland League and are keen on ensuring they do not struggle at the top. They have made some decent signings so far and one of them is the former K'Ogalo attacker.

"Tanzania international winger Dickson Ambundo has officially joined Dodoma Jiji FC after helping Gor Mahia of Kenya to win [the Kenyan Premier League]," the club confirmed on their social media channel. 

Ambundo joined K'Ogalo at the start of last season from former Tanzania top-tier side Alliance FC.

However, he returned to Tanzania following the cancellation of the KPL owing to the Covid-19 outbreak. He could not join his former side after relegation, and Dodoma managed to convince him to join the team.

He is the second Tanzanian to leave Gor Mahia after goalkeeper David Mapigano who parted ways with the Kenyan side on mutual consent. The custodian joined 2014 champions Azam and went on to explain his best moment while in Kenya. 

"My best moment at Gor Mahia was when I scored a goal from a goal kick [in the 3-0 win against Bandari]," Mapigano revealed after signing for Azam.

"It was my happiest moment in life because it has never happened in my entire playing career; and my role model Tim Howard also did [in the 2-1 loss against Bolton Wanderers when his wind-assisted clearance beat Adam Bogdan in goal during the 2011/12 English Premier League season].

"I have achieved a lot with Gor Mahia which I am proud of and I felt it is high time for me to leave. 

"It is my desire to replicate my achievement with Gor Mahia here at Azam."

The 23-year-old is optimistic about helping the Chamazi-based side get to the top of the table in order to play in the continental assignments.

"I am just from playing in the continental assignments with Gor Mahia and I need to give my best at Azam to help the team get to the top," Mapigano added.

"I promise to give my best and try to push the team and ensure we achieve great things together, in that when I leave my mark will remain forever.

"Azam is a big team and many players know it; in short, I did my extensive homework before joining the team."

Uganda Premier League (UPL) champions Vipers SC have confirmed their fourth new signing.

David Bagoole from Busoga United is the latest player to sign for the Venoms who are strengthening ahead of the next season which will see them engage in the Caf Champions League.

Vipers have set a target of reaching the lucrative group stage of the continental competition.

“There is a new man at St Mary’s Stadium in Kitende,” Vipers announced.

“And he is not just your ordinary player as he swaggers into the reigning champions’ home with pomp and flair. 

“And unlike many other players, the 22-year-old maintains a calm demeanour despite being well-travelled football artist.”

Bagoole has signed a three-year deal with the Fred Kajoba’s side.

“I am very happy and proud to be the latest member of this special Vipers family,” he said after switching Premier League clubs.

“I believe this is the best club in the country and I promise to give my all.

“My job will be simple. I want to help the club defend the StarTimes Ugandan Premier League (SUPL) title as well as reaching the Caf Champions League group stages.”

Bagoole will start training with his new teammates when the ban on public social gathering is lifted by the government.

The former Sofapaka star started his career at Busembatia Town Council before joining SC Villa in 2014.

After he left the Kenyan Premier League (KPL), the Ugandan signed for La Passe of Seychelles in July 2016 where he remained until February 2017.

He returned to the country after the 2017 season and joined the Jinja-based outfit BUL FC. Bagoole had short stints at UPL side Police FC as well as at Baza Holdings FC.

He, later on, moved to OC Bukavu Dawa of the Democratic Republic of Congo before his immediate former club Busoga United acquired his services.

In his maiden season with Busoga United, he scored two goals and recorded 13 assists in 29 matches. He was also awarded Man of the Match awards on six occasions.

Vipers’ head coach Fred Kajoba revealed happiness after sealing the fourth transfer deal for the club.

“There is no doubt we have signed one of the best midfielders in the business,” said Kajoba.

“I am convinced he will deliver. He has proven his abilities over time and there is no doubt about him.”

The Ugandan is expected to help sharpen the attacking midfield department.

Hearts of Oak public relations officer Kwame Opare Addo has blamed player representatives for the club's troubles in extending expiring contracts.

The Phobians' management has come under fire following the exit of five first-team players last week.

According to a club publication, the quintet refused contract extensions.

“In fact, football agents are not helping the game at all. Everyone knows there is something good abroad for players but playing in Ghana," Addo told Atinka FM.

“Agents influence players not to extend their deals with the club which Hearts of Oak is a victim. This is affecting so many clubs.

"Sometimes it can be the decision of the player but I think that some people that parade around as agents are not helping the future of some of these players.

"And it is not only Hearts of Oak players, I’m referring to players on the African continent. Those agents are seriously causing problems for clubs."

The departure of striker Joseph Esso has evoked the most backlash, having exited together with Benjamin Agyare, Christopher Bonney, Bernard Arthur and Burkinabe forward Abubakar Troare.

In a related development, former Hearts chairman Harry Zakkour believes the club's long trophy drought is a result of their lack of quality players.

The Phobians have endured a series of disappointments since last winning the Ghana Premier League (GPL) title in 2009.

“The problem [trophy drought] is lack of quality players,” Zakkour told Asempa FM.

“Things have changed. The players we used to have are not the same today.

“We need to do more to help the club succeed because all is not lost and I believe when we get the right players, the club will start winning trophies as the club used to win trophies in the past."

Zakkour also pleaded for the Government of Ghana's intervention for clubs amid the Covid-19 challenges.

“We have all felt the impact of the coronavirus pandemic,” he said.

“It was unexpected and I believe that when football fully returns, the government and the ministry of sports should come together and help the clubs.

“Supporters will not be allowed to go to the various stadiums so there would be no revenue for the clubs so they will need the support of the government.

“We all hope for the best but the clubs at the moment cannot do it alone."

Ghana's football season has been cancelled since March because of the coronavirus concerns. 

Udinese forward Seko Fofana has admitted that he has his mind made up and would like to join newly-promoted Ligue 1 side Lens.

They are making a return to the French top-flight for the first time since 2015 after they finished second in the abruptly-ended Ligue 2 season because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Fofana also revealed he has reached out to the Lens hierarchy about a potential deal and it is understood Udinese are ready to part with the Ivory Coast international, but will not settle for anything less than €20 million.

“I am very interested in this opportunity, spoke to the Lens directors and also several players, such as Yannick [Jean-Louis] Leca and [Yannick] Cahuzac,” Fofana told L’Equipe as reported by Football Italia.

“They convinced me straight away. I received many offers, but my choice was immediate. I asked myself what I really wanted and that was a return to France.

“I watched a few Lens games and want to bring my experience to this club. I can only thank Udinese, as I had four great years there and we were able to secure Serie A safety.

“I hope the two clubs can reach an agreement soon. My choice has been made and I choose Lens.”

Fofana joined Udinese from Manchester City in 2016 and has played 119 times in all competitions for the Little Zebras, scoring 13 goals and providing 12 assists.

The 2019-20 season was his most productive as he had a hand in 10 goals in Serie A (three goals, seven assists) with Udinese finishing in 13th position, 10 points clear of the relegation zone.

During Fofana’s time at City, he was loaned out to Fulham and Bastia making a combined total of 68 appearances, scoring two goals and providing another two assists.

He was born in the French capital of Paris but decided to represent the country of his parents, the Ivory Coast.

Fofana made his international debut in a 2-0 defeat by Morocco on November 11, 2017, and has earned four caps for the Elephants, scoring one goal which came in a 2-1 win over Tunisia on September 10, 2019.

Orlando Pirates midfielder Fortune Makaringe says they are not focusing on Bidvest Wits, whom they face in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) on Saturday evening, but on doing the job for the team.

The Buccaneers attacker admits, though, that coach Gavin Hunt’s troops have an advantage as they have already played two matches since the restart of the season, and that they are a formidable side.

Pirates are still looking for their first win since resuming their 2019/20 campaign this week, but the former Maritzburg United star insists their mission is to bag a victory.

“It’s quite fair to mention that they [Wits] are a formidable side and we respect them for the good that they have actually been doing,” Makaringe told the media.

“But I think it’s more about ourselves…we always focus on ourselves without being complacent with anything.

"We just need to go and make sure that we do the job for the team.”

With the Clever Boys fresh from a 3-2 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup and a draw against Kaizer Chiefs in the league, the 27-year-old is not fazed by their disadvantage in terms of mileage so far.

“Yes, they have played a game more than us, which gives them the advantage because they have gotten used to the situation,” he added.

“But we just have to go there and do the best that we can to make sure that we win for the team. That’s the most important thing.”

Coach Josef Zinnbauer’s troops are also looking to avenge the 4-3 defeat they suffered at Moses Mabhida Stadium in the first round as well as their loss in the Ke Yona competition.

The clash is set to be staged at Ellis Park Stadium as the Soweto giants target the full three points and move closer to the PSL title-chasing pack.

Pirates are third on the log with 41 points from 24 games while the visitors occupy the fifth spot with 39 points from 22 games so far.

Meanwhile, Pirates will miss key players such as Thembinkosi Lorch and Justin Shonga who remain suspended by the club after they were excluded from the squad just before their clash against Masandawana on Tuesday night.

Rio Ferdinand has paid tribute to Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski, saying the Polish striker is the closest thing he's seen to Marco van Basten.

Lewandowski has scored 53 goals in all competitions so far this season for Bayern, with 13 of those coming in the Champions League. That tally marks a career-best return for the 31-year-old, who continues to improve with age. 

The striker's form led Gary Lineker to say on BT Sport prior to Friday's Champions League quarter-final between Bayern and Barcelona: "Bayern probably have the best player in the world right now."

The ex-Manchester United defender concurred before comparing Lewandowski to the legendary Dutch forward.

"Yeah, Lewandowski, in terms of what he's done this year in terms of just goals alone, let alone his performances," Ferdinand said. 

"He had a hand in every goal in the last round against Chelsea. He's not just an out-and-out goalscorer. He scores the goals as you'd expect from a No. 9, he can come over the back post, he scores the little deft touches, brings other people into the game. As a No. 9, he's probably the closest I've seen to Marco van Basten."

Van Basten won the Ballon d'Or on three occasions: in 1988, 1989 and again in 1992. Lewandowski would have been one of the favourites for the 2020 award, but France Football announced last month that they wouldn't be handing out the award this year due to the “lack of sufficient fair conditions” as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. 

That led Ferdinand to joke that Lewandowski should start up a petition to ensure the award is given out this season. 

"If I’m Lewandowski and they have cancelled the Ballon d’Or, I’m starting up a petition to get it back on," Ferdinand told TEAMtalk. 

"Aside from the year when Luka Modric won it, Messi and Ronaldo have dominated that award for the last 12 years and Lewandowski has taken himself to the next level this season.

"I can’t believe they have cancelled it. It’s cruel, that is a good word to describe it. Lewandowski deserves to win that award for what he has done this season and if he leads Bayern Munich to the Champions League and they still decide they won’t give it out to him, it’s not right."

Rennes have announced the arrival of Nayef Aguerd from Dijon on a four-year contract.

The Red and Blacks have been looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2020-21 season after finishing third during the previous campaign which booked them a spot in the Champions League for the first time in their history.

Rennes president Nicolas Holveck had already stated previously the club were interested in signing two centre-backs and a forward and sporting director Florian Maurice was pleased with getting the deal done and dusted.

"We are very satisfied with the signing of Nayef. It is a profile that we identified quite quickly with [head coach] Julien Stephan for this position of left central defender,” Maurice said on the club website.

“It is a great opportunity for us to have this player that we will continue to develop, and which will be operational right away.”

Aguerd himself speaking on the Rennes website admits he was seduced by the progress of the club and can’t wait to have Champions League action under his belt.

"I am very happy to join Stade Rennais FC It is the club I needed to take a step forward,” he said.

“I was able to discuss with Julien Stephan before my arrival, I was seduced through the sports project. I can't wait to meet the group, to be able to train with my teammates and of course to discover the Champions League."

Aguerd began his career in his native country with Moroccan capital outfit FUS Rabat, playing 69 times between 2014 and 2018, finding the back of the net on six occasions. He joined Dijon in the summer of 2018 and made 29 appearances in his two seasons, scoring four goals.

He has earned five caps for the Morocco national team and lifted the 2018 Africa Nations Championship on home soil, seeing off Nigeria 4-0 in the final.

Friday's Champions League showdown between Bayern Munich and Barcelona started with a bang, as both teams scored inside the first seven minutes. 

After Thomas Muller opened the scoring four minutes in, Barcelona found an equaliser three minutes later from an unlikely source: Bayern defender David Alaba. 

The Austrian, normally so reliable, could only swipe at a cross from Jordi Alba, sending the ball looping over Manuel Neuer to level the quarter-final at 1-1. 

The left-footed Alaba used his right foot in his attempted clearance, partially explaining its unintended outcome as the favoured German side were pegged back. 

Alaba is usually a reliable performer for the Bundesliga champions, who are "cautiously optimistic" they will be able to tie the defender down to a new contract.

Just 14 minutes after Alaba's own goal, Bayern went back in front after Ivan Perisic struck to give his side the lead again. And in the 27th minute the lead was doubled as Serge Gnabry struck for Bayern, before Muller scored again to make it 4-1 in the 31st minute.

After a lightning-fast start to the match, there was plenty of reaction to Alaba's own goal. 

David de Gea is in for some disappointing news after learning Yeovil Town are not interested in signing the troubled Manchester United goalkeeper.

The Spain international has been the subject of a lot of criticism in recent weeks because of his underwhelming performances for the Red Devils.

There is growing speculation about De Gea's future at Old Trafford, with reports claiming United could replace him this summer, with Dean Henderson set to return from his loan at Sheffield United.

If the 29-year-old is thinking about cutting his losses and heading for the exit door ahead of the 2020-21 campaign, he may be in for a difficult time when it comes to finding a new club, as even National League side Yeovil have warned him they would not offer him a place at Huish Park.

The shots-topper posted a cryptic tweet on Thursday night consisting of a white and green circle.

Before he clarified on Friday that it was a nod to Elche ahead of their Segunda Division play-off match, Yeovil took it as a hint that he wants to make the switch to the fifth-tier team in the near future, but they joked that he has no chance of taking a place between the sticks there.

The club quoted the goalkeeper's tweet and replied: "Nah not interested, sorry David."

He may be under a lot of pressure due to some disappointing displays for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team of late, but his time at the club is not over yet.

Coach Solskjaer gave him his full support as he faced questions over De Gea's form last month.

"David has proven it over the years. Form might be temporary, but class is permanent. He's an absolutely top keeper," the United boss said.

Club legend and former goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel believes Solskjaer is right to stick by his man , saying last month that De Gea is one of the best in his position in the Premier League.

"I see David de Gea as the goalkeeper for Manchester United for many years to come and I think he has been treated unfairly in all honesty," he added.

But ex-United stars Gary Neville and Roy Keane are concerned about De Gea's ability to get back to his best.

"I’ve never been a big fan of his. He makes far too many mistakes, big mistakes that cost United big points," Keane told  Sky Sports .

"We talk about recruitment, it’s a difficult part of the game. That’s just my opinion. If Manchester United want to challenge for league titles, they need a better goalkeeper."

Neville added : “I was nervous about him in his first year or two at Manchester United but then he did prove to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world for four or five years. In the last 18 months he's been riddled with mistakes and only Solskjaer can make that decision over the goalkeeper.

“What I would say about that decision is that Solskjaer has to be decisive and ruthless with that decision, he's got to think about himself and the club. If he thinks De Gea is going to return to the level he was at before, stick with him."

It’s never straightforward picking out a best goal from an array of options. This is, in part, due to its subjective nature, with observers selecting in line with their preferences.

Ask observers of the game what constitutes a ‘perfect goal’ and there’s bound to be difference of opinion.

While some will opt for long-range belters, others may favour a well-worked team effort or moments of individual brilliance that leave the mouth agape in wonder.

Fans of this last option may well opt for Jay-Jay Okocha’s boldness in Eintracht Frankfurt’s 3-1 victory over Karlsruher SC in August 1993. Late in the game, with the away side trailing 2-1, Frankfurt launched a quick counter-attack, which seemed ready to end when Okocha received the ball with Oliver Kahn eyeball-to-eyeball.

A simple finish past the German will have sufficed, but the Nigerian seldom did the simple thing, did he?

Instead, he took the ball this way and that, briefly sending the blonde shot-stopper sprawling at thin air, thereafter teasing the Karlsruher defenders with even more feints, before unleashing a left-footed shot past the already bamboozled Kahn.

The iconic goalie wasn’t a household name at the time, but that effort has been replayed time and again over the years, with Okocha’s magical moment still eliciting rave reviews.

Kahn stayed helpless on the turf while the virtuoso trickster danced in celebration. In 2016, 23 years later, the eight-time Bundesliga winner joked that he was still 'dizzy' from being on the receiving end of the Nigerian’s brilliance decades before .

Witnessed by 32,000 supporters at the Waldstadion, the wonderstrike was voted Goal of the Year by viewers of the Sportschau .

The national award for best goal scored for or in Germany was claimed by Nigeria’s most-talented player of all-time in 1993, but where does it rank among a plethora of memorable strikes by Africans in history?

In fairness, such a call is extremely subjective and represents something of an impossible task, although there's no doubt that African players have been responsible for some truly breathtaking goals.

It’s impossible to forget Michael Essien’s piledriver from 30 yards against Arsenal in 2006/07 or his left-footed volley in 2009’s Champions League semi-final second-leg against Barcelona at Stamford Bridge that went in off the underside of the bar.

Both ferociously struck efforts will probably be no match for Papiss Cisse’s strikes against the Blues on the same ground in 11/12. The Senegalese’s second in particular, in which he cut across the ball with his right foot to send a swerving effort from the inside-left channel past Petr Cech, also gets a mention.

Didier Drogba, a scorer of remarkable goals himself, seemed to applaud his opponent’s effort, which was telling.

The Ivory Coast icon scored several ferocious strikes too, with his half-volley on the turn against Liverpool in 06/07 particularly noteworthy. That season also featured great goals against Barcelona on home turf and Everton at Goodison Park, then there was that stunning free-kick at Arsenal in 09/10...the Blues legend scored the lot! 

In addition, Togo star Emmanuel Adebayor left an indelible mark on the North London Derby with a crashing self-made volley for Arsenal at White Hart Lane in September 2007.

Acrobatic efforts aren’t left out either: Who can forget Kevin-Prince Boateng’s scissor kick for Las Palmas in October 2016, which came about from Tana’s back-heeled assist or Masuluke Oscarine’s last-gasp overhead kick to salvage a draw for Baroka FC against Orlando Pirates in late 2016?

Demba Ba also netted two spectacular FA Cup goals against Manchester United and Manchester City in 2013, the first at the Bridge and the latter at Wembley.

Indeed, it’s a tough choice to make given the glut of brilliant strikes over the years.

George Weah’s amazing solo effort for AC Milan against Hellas Verona in September 1996 closely rivals Okocha’s from three years earlier.

The striker’s effort was different to the Nigerian ace in that, while the playmaker’s magic all happened in the box, the 1995 Ballon d’Or winner ran the length of the field; and beat three Verona players en route , to score in a 4-1 win for the Rossoneri .

Manchester City icon Yaya Toure netted several unforgettable strikes for the Citizens in his Premier League stint, but none probably outdo his solo effort against Aston Villa in 13/14.

City’s box-to-box midfielder received the ball inside his half, sprinted at full tilt past two Villa players, leaving another three in his wake to finish past Brad Guzan.

Occasionally, skill and individual brilliance are secondary to magnitude, as seen at the 1998 and 2010 World Cups.

Having had an Okocha throw-in cleared by Fernando Hierro, Sunday Oliseh smashed in a thunderous attempt from about 30 yards to complete Nigeria’s 3-2 comeback against the fancied La Furia Roja .

It was an unforgettable hit from the midfielder who reminisced over the importance of the goal in 2014.

“People always talk about it back home,” Oliseh recalled in 2014 . “The fact that this goal propelled us to winning the group, eliminating a great team like Spain, and the fact that it cemented my family’s name in the history of world football, it couldn’t be better.”

12 years later, Siphiwe Tshabalala finished off a brilliant team move to put South Africa ahead against Mexico at the opening game of the 2010 World Cup. A packed Soccer City, and likely the entire continent, erupted after the wideman’s thunderbolt sent Bafana Bafana 1-0 up.

While the match finished 1-1, that strike is forever etched in every African’s memory.

Honourable mentions go to Sikiru Olatunbosun’s volley for MFM FC against Rangers in 2017, Hlompho Kekana’s strike for South Africa in 2016 away at Cameroon from inside his half, or Tshabalala’s 40-yard volley for Kaizer Chiefs against old side Free State Stars in 2015, at the same scene of his World Cup opener in 2010.

From Okocha’s wizardry and effrontery, to Weah’s brilliance or Oliseh’s scorcher, Africans have always scored memorable goals from time immemorial, but which is your favourite?

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has revealed Leon Balogun will not be available for their Scottish Premiership game against Livingston on Sunday.  

The 32-year-old centre-back was forced off in their victory over St. Johnstone on Wednesday after he suffered an injury.

The Nigeria international was subsequently replaced by Filip Helander in the encounter as the Gers secured their third consecutive league triumph.

Gerrard, who has been impressed with the performances of the defender since joining the side, explained the Super Eagles star will not feature against Callum Davidson’s men.

“Leon Balogun won't be available for the weekend, he has a small quad problem and we are waiting on results from a scan,” Gerrard said in a pre-match press conference.

Balogun has been delivering solid defensive displays since joining Rangers as a free agent after parting ways with Wigan Athletic following the expiration of his contract. 

The defender was named in the Premiership Team of the Week following his performances in his debut against Aberdeen.

Balogun’s effort has helped Rangers keep clean sheets in their opening three games against the Dons, St. Mirren and St. Johnstone.

The experienced centre-back featured for Hannover 96, Werder Bremen, Fortuna Düsseldorf, Darmstadt 98 and Mainz 05 before moving to England in 2018 to team up with Brighton and Hove Albion.

Balogun spent two years with the Premier League side and then joined Championship club Wigan, initially on loan before the deal was made permanent.

The defender has been a key member of the Nigeria national team since he made his debut for the three-time African champions against Mexico in 2014.

Balogun, who has 32 caps for the West Africans, was part of Gernot Rohr’s side that finished third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

The centre-back will hope to make a return to Rangers squad when they face Kilmarnock on August 22.

Fresh from a 1-1 draw against Bidvest Wits on Wednesday night, former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Sergio Dos Santos is confident coach Ernst Middendorp can claim maximum points against Polokwane City on Saturday afternoon.

The former Amakhosi mentor also weighed in on Itumeleng Khune’s absence in the clash against the Clever Boys, saying there is nothing wrong with the Nigerian goalkeeper, but laments a lack of concentration for conceding a late goal at Orlando Stadium.

On the other hand, the 70-year-old believes Middendorp cannot afford to make changes to the team as yet, explaining that it is Mamelodi Sundowns that have the luxury of doing that because of the depth they have.

“Look, we’ve discussed this before. The present goalkeeper has done a very good job for Chiefs and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't,” Dos Santos told Goal .

“Since the start of the season, I don’t see any problems with Akpeyi but they were just unlucky against Wits to only get a draw. Although I thought Wits had better chances to win it, Chiefs were leading 1-0 and they were not really in control of the game.

“There were injuries and the replacements came in but they were sleeping a little bit and they gave Wits too much space in the box. They were eventually punished and you can’t really blame the goalkeeper for that.

“I don’t think they really miss Khune because the present goalkeeper has done a very good job for Amakhosi.”

On what the German manager can do to get the desired results at Loftus Versfeld Stadium against Clinton Larsen’s troops, the Cape Town-based coach warns against making changes as yet.

“It will be difficult for Chiefs to make many changes because they have just started the games after the break and it will take a little while for the boys to start playing as a team again,” he added.

“I think Mamelodi Sundowns have got a better, settled team because they got a bigger squad. So, it’s easier to make changes because the players have been playing together for a very long time. You saw against Wits, Chiefs got two injuries and it was not easy to replace them.

“That is the difference, of course, what happens with Polokwane City. They have to win because Sundowns is going to be right up the trail there but they are also going to have a tough game against Highlands Park tonight [on Friday], make no mistake about that - it’s going to be tough."

"The run is going to be tight from now until the end of the season and the team that slips up is the one that’s going to get punished for sure.”

Coming to the PSL log leaders’ chances of ensuring their first win since the games returned after they were suspended in March because of the coronavirus pandemic, Dos Santos offers a piece of advice.

“Of course [Chiefs have a chance against Polokwane] because some players will feel the pressure and as you know after playing one game, the boys are going to be a little bit tired,” he continued.

"So, the important thing is to keep possession, that’s very important. Don’t be in a hurry to go and score and don’t run too much, slow the game down and let Polokwane come.

“Then you have to try and steal the ball. Catch them on a counter and get that goal which Chiefs do very well, and I’m sure they will the game,” he concluded. 

Ernst Middendorp has defended his decision to fill the void left by George Maluleka with Nkosingiphile Ngcobo in Kaizer Chiefs' midweek draw against Bidvest Wits. 

Maluleka's six-year relationship with Amakhosi came to an end in June after signing a pre-contract with Mamelodi Sundowns at the start of the year. 

And there were concerns as to who will replace him in Middendorp's starting line-up until the German mentor released his team for the Wits game with Ngcobo partnering Willard Katsande.   

"It was a good move. Let’s talk chess... from an opponent inside the league to provide a certain direction but okay‚ it happens. We had to find the solution," Middendorp told the media.  

"What I have seen and we have seen‚ in the training sessions in the last three‚ four weeks‚ after we could work as a team‚ is a lot of good moments contributing in attacking, in particular," Middendorp of Ngcobo.

"And so far he has done well. Here and there we have to expect that it will not go from game to game but we made a decision to put him in and he had some good passes."

Middendorp admits that while Ngcobo has done well considering he's only 20 years old, he doesn't believe in raving about the younger players in his squad.  

He feels anyone, irrespective of their age, should be considered for selection if they are doing well. 

"I’m not really riding the wave of ‘young players’‚ and ‘Diski [reserve] team players’. I believe that if somebody is part of the squad‚ it doesn’t matter if they are 34‚ or 19 or 20 – if he is part of the squad then he deserves to be there," continued Middendorp. 

"Then he has done a lot of good stuff already in his development work‚ prepared here in our case by [Chiefs assistant and development coach] Arthur Zwane.

"And then let’s not talk [about age]. If someone is 19 or 34‚ I look at what is happening on the training ground‚ and if we get the impression that this is the right one.

"If someone is in the squad of Kaizer Chiefs‚ then he should perform‚ then he should be available for selection.”

FC Dallas have strongly condemned "repulsive and unacceptable" racist comments and death threats Reggie Cannon has been subjected to this week. 

Dallas defender Cannon criticised supporters who booed players for kneeling during the national anthem before his side returned to MLS action against Nashville on Wednesday.  

Some fans were allowed into the game, which started after the teams showed their support of the Black Lives Matter movement. 

Sportsmen and women have taken a knee worldwide since NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick became the first to do so in the 2016 season, protesting against police brutality and racial inequality. 

But jeers were heard among supporters as Dallas, Nashville and the officials took a knee, with a water bottle also appearing to be thrown on the field in response. 

Dallas chairman Clark Hunt and president Dan Hunt says the abuse United States international Cannon has come in for will not be tolerated. 

"We want to be clear: We love and support Reggie Cannon. The racist comments and death threats he has received are repulsive and unacceptable," a statement from the duo said. 

"There is no place in our sport, or in our country for that matter, for the kind of horrific vitriol Reggie has had to endure today. Hateful or violent threats are never warranted – especially when they are directed toward a member of our FC Dallas family. 

"We will continue to work together – with our players, our coaches and our fans – against racism and in the cause of equality for all." 

Full-back Cannon said after a 1-0 defeat for Dallas: "I think it was disgusting. I think it was absolutely disgusting.

"You've got fans booing you for people taking a stand for what they believe in, and millions of other people support this cause.

"We discussed with every other team and the league what we were going to do, and we've got fans booing us in our own stadium. How disgraceful is that?

"For a lack of a better word, it pissed me off."

Cannon said the players had asked for the anthem not to be played before the match but "they ignored our wishes".

"We were going to kneel regardless if the anthem was played or not," he explained. "Unfortunately, it was played during the time when we asked for the anthem not to be played."

What a story! The Atalanta fairytale had swayed observers to the point that RB Leipzig’s equally impressive Champions League run had largely gone unnoticed.

In only their second-ever participation in Europe’s most prestigious competition, the German side, established barely a decade ago, are now two games away from winning Old Big Ears. Defeating a floundering Tottenham Hotspur without Harry Kane and Son Heung-min in the first knockout round was one thing, getting the better of Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid was an entirely more daunting obstacle.

After all, Los Colchoneros had left egg on the face of Liverpool in the previous round, silencing an Anfield crowd that many thought would give Jurgen Klopp’s side the advantage in the return leg on Merseyside. After Paris-Saint Germain knocked out Atalanta on Wednesday night, the expectation was for another favourite to make it through to the semis.

However, the revamped nature of this year’s shortened Champions League has shown that over 90 minutes, at a neutral venue, anything is indeed possible.

Die Roten Bullen deserved their 2-1 win over Atletico on Thursday, make no mistake. Julian Nagelsmann’s troops played without fear, impressed with their combination play in the Spanish side’s half (even though their final third passes frustratingly went awry at times) and were alive to the two-time finalists’ threat on the counter.

Their defensive showing was a collective effort, although the highly-rated Dayot Upamecano epitomised the Bundesliga side keeping Simeone’s team at bay whenever they came forward. Not everyone has the ability nay nerve to truly bully Diego Costa, despite the striker visibly no longer at the peak of his powers.

However, the 21-year-old centre-back of Bissau-Guinean descent deserves immense credit for neutralising him with minimal fuss.

The pair’s mini-battle began in the fourth minute when the young defender committed his only foul of the game on the former Chelsea forward. This set the tone for the duo duelling, and the centre-back came out on top in the contest. Winning nine of 11 total duels, unsurprisingly the highest in the RBL side, underscored Upamecano’s dominance in Lisbon.

The sight of Costa hacking down the Leipzig man in the second-half after losing yet another tussle with the youngster and the glare that followed underlined the forward’s frustrations. Minutes later, he was replaced after a joyless evening at Estadio Jose Alvalade.

Upamecano’s display wasn’t just about what he did out of possession, however, even though a strong tackle on left-back Renan Lodi in the 39th minute showed his uncompromising nature. A timely intervention prevented a through ball from reaching Costa who would have been eyeball to eyeball with Peter Gulacsi in goal...which was one of three interceptions for the French Youth international.

With the ball at his feet, Upamecano’s composure and ball carrying bellied his relative inexperience, and his importance to the Red Bulls’ build-up was intermittently noteworthy during the encounter.

One moment just before the interval highlighted the defender’s calmness in possession: upon receiving a pass just inside his half, the 21-year-old spotted the space between Marcos Llorente and Yannick Carrasco to run into, beat the subsequent press from Saul Niguez before picking out right wing-back Konrad Laimer in an advanced position.

The wideman’s poor cross didn’t take advantage of his teammate’s fine work, but it showed the possibilities that can open up when the centre-back drives forward with the ball or has it at his feet.

Upamecano, who had the joint-highest touches (99) on either side, completed all three attempted dribbles and was largely positive in his play. The youngster successfully found a teammate with 75 of 81 attempted passes, a 91 percent completion rate. 10 of 15 long passes reached its intended target, showing the central defender wasn’t only playing easy five-yard balls but took risks from time to time in possession.

Fbref statistics show that the centre-back has not only carried the ball the farthest in any direction but has equally been the most effective ball-carrier toward the opponent’s goal in the Leipzig team. Also, the 21-year-old played the highest volume of passes longer than 25 yards for the side in the Bundesliga, completing 86.6 percent of a staggering 732 attempts, while he led the way for passes into the final third as well.

The second-half vs Atletico tested him more defensively, as the Madrid outfit came out of their shell, and the wonderkid seldom put a foot wrong. He had the presence of mind to pull out of a tackle with Lodi on the hour when others would have left a foot dangling to concede a penalty. Instead, Polish referee Szymon Marciniak rightly booked the full-back for simulation.

Upamecano’s pace and anticipation were evident on two occasions late on, as he nullified passes sent to Alvaro Morata and Carrasco into the channels in the final 15 minutes. Moments after the latter, a wicked deflection saw a tame Tyler Adams shot beat Jan Oblak with two minutes of normal time to play, taking the Germans through.

In truth, the growing defender will face a sterner test in their final four battle with Ligue 1 side Paris-Saint Germain, who possess arguably twice the talent of Atleti in Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and even Angel Di Maria. Still, you get the feeling one of the best young defenders will relish the challenge against one of the most dangerous attacks in Europe.

Thursday night saw Nagelsmann navigate a tricky quarter-final encounter without the team’s best player Timo Werner, who left for Chelsea last month despite the temptation to complete their Champions League journey.

Leipzig are only two games from success, and with Upamecano in this sort of form, maybe it isn’t so preposterous to dream with European glory within touching distance.

Antoine Griezmann knows exactly what he’ll be listening to as he gets ‘in the zone’ for Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League showdown with Bayern Munich on Friday.

French rapper Nekfeu has been the soundtrack to the Barca forward’s life in lockdown.

And the World Cup winner kept himself entertained by returning to one of his favourite pastimes – Football Manager.

“Ousmane Dembele plays Fortnite a lot, Sergi Roberto too. I think everyone has their own things to think about something other than football. For me, I love playing Football Manager,” Griezmann told Goal.

“I have been playing Football Manager with Marseille. I really enjoy playing the game - I try to learn things as a coach, how to lead a group, and it is very close to real life.”

This week life gets very real as Griezmann seeks to steer Barcelona past Bayern Munich in Lisbon.

The two clubs have both reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League for the 18th time, more than any other team, and are among the favourites to claim club football’s most coveted title.

And Griezmann can’t wait to get back into action, though he will miss the presence of the fans at the Estadio da Luz.

“It is very different in an empty stadium. I think the best feeling is to be able to celebrate with your people, with your fans, and hopefully we can do it as soon as possible.”

The PUMA ULTRA 1.1 launches in the Chasing Adrenaline colour combination of shocking orange, black and white and is available on pre-sale from August 12th at PUMA.com and key football accounts, with global release on August 24th at PUMA.com, PUMA stores and at leading football retailers worldwide.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidential aspirants led by experienced administrator Sam Nyamweya, Omondi Aduda, Nicholas Musonye, Alex Magelo among others, have filed a petition with the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) to bar the Federation and the Electoral Board from engaging in organizing the elections.

On Tuesday, August 11, the Board went on to release a roadmap to the elections, something which the aspirants were against, arguing the current regime has no legal mandate to oversee the elections. In the March 17 SDT ruling, the National Executive Council (Nec), which is a body mandated to make vital decisions including the elections-related, was sent home after the expiry of their term.

As a result, the FKF could not come up with the Body to oversee the exercise. The Tribunal, further, stated the exercise should have started afresh meaning even the existing voters' register was null and void.

"The petitioners pray... the court to issue prohibitive orders against the [Electoral Board] and the [FKF} from proceeding with the illegal election process as indicated in their road map ... until they comply with the court orders issued on the 17th March 2020," read part of the Petition to the SDT and obtained by Goal.

"A declaration that FKF cannot hold its elections until it fully complies with the ruling."

The candidates have further asked for a roundtable meeting to come up with a fair procedure to be used in the elections and without the same, the current regime cannot hold the elections.

"The petitioners pray for a declaration that FKF cannot hold its elections until a clear eligibility criterion that is all-inclusive and fair for candidates and voters is set and applied in accordance with the Constitution of Kenya, the Sports Act, and the FKF Constitution.

"A declaration that the FKF Electoral Board has no authority or power to issue any regulations on FKF elections as their mandate is limited to overseeing national and county elections and can also appoint an individual or institution to oversee sub-county elections."

The FKF elections have been canceled twice owing to failure to comply to set regulations and rules by the government. 

Bidvest Wits goalkeeper Ricardo Goss is expecting an entertaining match when they take on Orlando Pirates in a PSL match on Saturday.

Wits secured a 4-3 victory over Pirates in an enthralling PSL encounter which was played at Moses Mabhida Stadium in September last year.

The two former PSL champions then played to a 3-3 draw in the Nedbank Cup match at Orlando Stadium in January and Wits went on to win on penalties. 

Goss returned to action for the Clever Boys against Kaizer Chiefs in midweek after serving a four-match ban and he is now expected to face Bucs at Ellis Park Stadium. 

“I think it will be entertaining, there have been a lot of goals [between the sides],” Goss told the South African Football Journalists Association (Safja).

“It was 4-3 at the Moses Mabhida and 3-3 in the Nedbank Cup so it is usually very entertaining. I think it is 50/50 and the team that defends better will win.”

The former South Africa under-23 international played the entire league encounter which ended in a 1-1 against Chiefs at Orlando Stadium.

Goss had been suspended by the PSL after pushing match referee Mxolisi Bambiso during Wits’ 2-0 defeat to Cape Town City in a league match in January.

The 26-year-old explained that his emotions got the better of him and he added that he has learned a lesson. 

“We knew it was an important game to win and my emotions got the better of me,” he said.

“It is something I am not proud of and something that will never happen again. I have apologised to the referee and to my teammates for the way I reacted.

"I think I have learnt my lesson, I was out for six months and I do not want to go through that … again.”

Goss, who is competing with Brandon Peterson and Brighton Mhlongo in the Wits goalkeeping department, has made 13 appearances across all competitions for the Clever Boys this season. 

The former Lamontville Golden Arrows keeper is set to join Mamelodi Sundowns at the end of the current campaign.

Tanzania Mainland Premier League champions Simba SC have completed the signing of Kenya international Joash Onyango from Gor Mahia.

Wekundu wa Msimbazi have not, however, confirmed the length of the 27-year old’s contract as they get busy in the transfer window each passing day.

Onyango, who earned his maiden Harambee Stars call-up under coach Sebastien Migne, made his debut against Ghana at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani during an African Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers.

He was part of the 2019 Afcon squad in Egypt that was eliminated in the group stages after losing two matches and winning against Taifa Stars of Tanzania in Group C’s last encounter.

Onyango, nicknamed 'Berlin Wall' due to his defensive performances, had established himself as one of the outstanding defenders in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) while serving the Green Army.

He never looked back since he became a regular first-team member for Gor Mahia when Musa Mohamed left for KF Tirana of Albania in 2018.

His outstanding partnership with Harun Shakava and later on Charles Momanyi at the back, saw him consequently appointed the K’Ogalo’s assistant captain.

“We have placed on our shoulders great targets of going far in the Caf Champions League as well as good performances in the domestic competitions,” Simba, who have so far signed Bernard Morrison from arch-rivals Yanga SC, said as they confirmed Onyango’s signing.

“For that reason, the club must sign good and dependable defenders and ones who are experienced in featuring in big games.

“Therefore Kenya international [Joash] Onyango has landed at Msimbazi.”

Onyango is expected to be part of Wekundu wa Msimbazi contingent that will represent Tanzania in the Caf Champions League next season. The former Western Stima and Mumias Sugar FC star has prominently featured for Gor Mahia in both the Champions League and the Caf Confederation Cup in the last three seasons.

His arrival is seen as Simba’s plan to survive when Serge Pascal Wawa, 33, will eventually leave the club. Onyango is expected to fight for places with the Ivorian as well as Kennedy Juma and Erasto Nyoni.

Simba lost the battle to sign centre-back Bakari Mwamnyeto from Coastal Union as the Tanzanian preferred a move to Yanga.

Onyango’s move from Gor Mahia to the Tanzanian giants is the latest setback suffered by the KPL giants against their regional rivals.

In 2018, prolific striker Meddie Kagere left K’Ogalo for Simba before Francis Kahata did the same last year.

Kagere and Kahata were key for Simba during the 2019/20 season where they lifted the Community Shield, the FA Cup and defended the league title with six matches to spare.

In 2015, Ugandan international Dan Sserunkuma left Gor Mahia for Simba too but he did not instantly settle before he left after one year.