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The administrator was defeated by a 16% margin but has since stated the process was not credible

Former Gor Mahia official Sally Bolo has refused to accept the outcome of the club elections held on Saturday, August 8.

Bolo was battling incumbent Francis Wasuna for the Vice-Chairperson role, after ditching the initial treasury role. However, the latter managed to get 226 votes which translated to 58%, leaving the former with 42%, or 163 votes.

'The Electoral Board managing the Gor Mahia 2020 polls have miserably failed in this noble task and now leave this great club at the behest of the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) where a section of members and officials had filed a preemptive suit that will not only subject the club to long, winding and unnecessarily tedious battles but also bring it into disrepute," Bolo said in a signed statement obtained by Goal.

The aspirant went on to accuse the Board of not allowing agents to verify the system before the exercise began stating it was a sign that the process will not be credible.

"In our unique online polling, agents ought to have been allowed to check the system before polling opened.

"Even after the election has been done and results have been announced, the board has refused to give us the logs of all the electoral transactions and since it was real-time voting, the system should be able to automatically generate the results as per vote and the location(s) where the votes were cast [in terms of IP Addresses].  

"This is a clear indication that the elections were not free, fair, and credible."

As a result, Bolo has blatantly revealed she will not concede the result.

"This is not acceptable at all and we shall not concede defeat if this blatant fraud is left to stand. What was touted as being an open and transparent process has actually been marred by shameful rigging and vote theft. It is disgraceful and very appalling that we still have to deal with archaic behaviour such as this. 

"I will not accept this blatant disregard of vote theft and scheming. I am truly saddened by what I have witnessed. The club is greater than any individual and members' rights to choose leaders at the club should not be subverted by a few people with ulterior motives."  

Original author: Seth Willis
  289 Hits

West Ham vs Chelsea - Premier League: TV channel, team news, lineups and prediction

The teenage forward will continue his development in Germany after completing a permanent move away from Stoke City

Mohamed Sankoh has completed a switch to Stuttgart following Chelsea's decision not to sign him after a brief trial period at their Cobham training centre.

Sankoh enjoyed a fine season at Stoke City in 2019-20, as he contributed nine goals and nine assists to their cause at U-18 level to carve out a reputation as one of the most promising young players in the Championship.

Goal reported back in April that both Chelsea and Atletico Madrid had registered their interest in the 16-year-old, who has been compared to former Stamford Bridge frontman Romelu Lukaku.

The Blues granted Sankoh a trial, but after witnessing his abilities in close quarters, have ultimately passed up the chance to bring him onto their books permanently.

A man who played a key role in the Netherlands' European Under-17 Championship triumph in 2019 has instead completed a transfer to German outfit Stuttgart.

The German club's sporting director Thomas Krucken expressed his delight after tying Sankoh down to a long-term contract, while confirming that he will go straight into the club's U-19 squad.

"We are happy to be able to sign Mo, a highly gifted offensive talent, in a joint effort across the sports departments. We will aim to further encourage his high development potential in the next few years," said Krucken.

"We will carefully and purposefully introduce him to the requirements of the men's team and start his path at VfB in the U19s."

Tottenham, Atalanta and Milan had also been linked with Sankoh in recent weeks, while Stoke had been eager to extend his stay at the bet365 Stadium, but he was ultimately convinced by the project on offer at Stuttgart.

Although the Dutch youngster leaves Stoke without a single first-team appearance to his name, he could soon make the step up to senior level if he impresses in the academy at Mercedes-Benz Arena next term.

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Guardiola fears De Bruyne out of action until '24

The Blaugrana icon believes that those at Camp Nou will be looking to freshen up their ranks on and off the field ahead of the 2020-21 campaign

Only a Champions League triumph will save Quique Setien from the sack at Barcelona, says Rivaldo, with a Camp Nou legend expecting changes on and off the pitch in Catalunya over the next few weeks.

The Blaugrana will be back in European action on Saturday when they take in the second leg of a last-16 showdown with Serie A side Napoli.

That contest is locked at 1-1 on aggregate, meaning that there is still all to play for.

Barca will be desperate to make their way into the quarter-finals, with the Liga title having already been snatched from their grasp in 2019-20 by arch-rivals Real Madrid.

Inconsistency is proving to be an issue, though, and serious questions are being asked of Setien’s future a matter of months after he was appointed as successor to Ernesto Valverde.

Rivaldo believes an under-fire coach could be on borrowed time, telling Marca: “It's hard to come in in the middle of a season. [Ernesto] Valverde's departure was difficult for the club and it's not easy for a coach.

“They're not playing the football they used to play. I think they'll change their coach if they don't go through.”

While another change in the dugout could be on the cards at Barca, comings and goings in the transfer market are also being mooted.

Rivaldo hopes a side that remains over-reliant on talismanic captain Lionel Messi will find a way of bolstering their ranks.

He added: “Players change every season, but this season, because of what's happened, a lot of teams won't have the money to buy expensive players.

“The club have to buy players and some have to be sold. They've got to look for players who are more suited to the club's playing style.”

Pressed further on where Barca need to strengthen, the Brazilian said: “The first thing to see is whether or not the coach stays. It's his decision.

“It's hard for me to say what they need. They have great players, but they need trophies every year and criticism comes if they don't win anything. Let's just hope next season is better.”

Original author: Chris Burton
  164 Hits

LIVE: Gladbach vs Bayern Munich

The forward is part of the 28-man squad travelling to Faro although it appears that Marco Verratti didn't make the trip and will miss the match

Paris Saint-Germain have been handed a boost as Kylian Mbappe has been named in the travelling squad for their upcoming Champions League tie against Atalanta.

The Ligue 1 side have been sweating on Mbappe's fitness since seeing the forward sidelined with an ankle sprain during last week's Coupe de France triumph over Saint-Etienne.

The World Cup winner was initially ruled out for three weeks, and Thomas Tuchel was not optimistic of a prized asset making a full recovery in time for the trip to Lisbon before a friendly win against Sochaux on Wednesday.

"The deadline is short, super short," the PSG boss told reporters. "We spoke with the doctor today and we decided to meet again on Saturday to see what phase he is in and if it is possible that he is on the bench against Atalanta. 

"But I do not expect too much."

Tuchel also revealed that Italian midfielder Marco Verratti's participation in Europe was in doubt, as he missed the clash with Sochaux due to a calf injury suffered in training.

And despite Verratti's name initially being listed as part of the 28-man squad travelling to Faro on Saturday, sources have confirmed to Goal that the Italian didn't actually join the squad on the flight.

It is unclear if he'll arrive separately later although he is already ruled out of the clash with Atalanta.

Meanwhile, Neymar, Marquinhos, Angel Di Maria, Thiago Silva, Mauro Icardi, Thilo Kehrer and Presnel Kimpembe have all been restored to the squad after being rested for the midweek warm-up fixture, but Layvin Kurzawa will sit out the game due to a thigh issue.

PSG will be aiming to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time since 1994-95, with the winners of the last-eight encounter set to be rewarded with a tie against either Atletico Madrid or RB Leipzig.

Tuchel's men saw off Borussia Dortmund 3-2 on aggregate in the round of 16, while Atalanta beat Valencia 8-4 over two legs to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.

Paris Saint-Germain's travelling Champions League squad in full

Goalkeepers: Keylor Navas, Sergio Rico, Marcin Bulka, Garissone Innocent

Defenders: Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Presnel Kimpembe, Thilo Kehrer, Layvin Kurzawa, Colin Dagba, Juan Bernat, Mitchel Bakker, Abdou Diallo, Loic Mbe Soh, Timothee Pembele

Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Idrissa Gueye, Julian Draxler, Ander Herrera, Kays Ruiz-Atil

Forwards: Pablo Sarabia, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Angel Di Maria, Mauro Icardi, Arnaud Kalimuendo

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‘Proud of what we achieved’ – Vandenbroeck on why he left Simba SC

The Gabon international has been rewarded for his impressive showings by the Gunners’ fans, who voted overwhelmingly for him as their best player

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been named Arsenal Player of the 2019-20 Season following his eye-catching performances for the club.

The Gabon international bagged 29 goals and provided three assists in 44 games across all competitions to finish as the club’s top-scorer for a second season.

The former Borussia Dortmund striker’s effort also helped the Emirates Stadium outfit secure their 14th FA Cup title and finish eighth in the Premier League.

Aubameyang won 74% of the votes cast to beat off competition from goalkeeper Bernd Leno for the highly coveted award.

The forward has been playing an influential role since joining the Gunners from German Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund in January 2018.

Aubameyang featured prominently as Arsenal finished as runner-up in the 2018 League Cup and 2019 Europa League.

The 31-year-old striker has scored 54 goals in 85 league appearances since his arrival and in the 2018-19 campaign, he scooped the Premier League top-scorer award.

Aubameyang started his senior career with AC Milan in 2008 after starring for the side in the youth setup.

The forward featured for French sides Dijon, Lille and Saint-Etienne before permanently joining the Green in December 2011, where he shone, scoring 35 goals in 73 appearances.

The Gabon captain then teamed up with Borussia Dortmund in 2013 and helped the German club win a number of laurels before his departure to the Emirates Stadium.

Aubameyang, whose contract with the Gunners ends in June 2021, is believed to be in discussions with the Premier League side for a new deal, having indicated his interest to continue with the side.

The former France youth international has 25 goals in 63 appearances for Gabon since he made his debut in 2009.

 

 

                
Original author: Gbenga Adewoye
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‘I would’ve wanted to sign Maradona but he’s dead’ – Nantes boss Domenech in bizarre transfer quip

A prolific Gabonese frontman is yet to commit to fresh terms at Emirates Stadium, but the future is looking brighter for the club under Mikel Arteta

Arsenal cannot afford to be “held to ransom” in contract negotiations with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, says Martin Keown, with the Gunners having already had their fingers burned by Mesut Ozil.

Back in January 2018, the north London outfit dug deep in an effort to prevent a key man from hitting free agency.

World Cup winner Ozil was handed the most lucrative deal in the club’s history, but little return has been found in that investment.

Arsenal now find themselves in a similar situation with Aubameyang, with their club captain having entered the final 12 months of his current terms.

Confidence has been aired at Emirates Stadium when it comes to reaching an agreement, but Keown has warned the Gunners against paying over the odds for a player who is now 31 years of age.

The former Arsenal defender told PA Sport: “[Mikel] Arteta has been there less than eight months and walked away with an FA Cup, he is someone who can make a difference (to Aubameyang’s decision) and if he wants the striker at the football club he will be influential.

“The previous manager, Unai Emery, was saying he wasn’t part of the negotiations for Aaron Ramsey.

“Well this time round Arteta made it his place to be involved in the negotiations and that is only right and proper.

“I don’t think they should be held to ransom as they appeared to be over the Mesut Ozil contract but on the pitch Aubameyang seems like a different person.

“Just getting him to sign keeps a huge amount of belief and hope for the future – but not one individual is bigger than the football club as the Ozil saga has shown.”

Keown added on the Aubameyang saga, which has seen Arsenal fail to reach a compromise with a striker who has recorded 70 goals through 109 appearances for the club: “I think it is really important that the club get this one right.

“When you watch him play, we know he has all of the qualities on the football pitch, but he seems to me like a very decent young man.

“He is a very good individual who loves the club, the players are all around him as we saw them celebrating the FA Cup.

“You can tell there is a buzz, something is growing and a new culture is developing and of course Aubameyang was the right choice for captain.

“He sets the standard on the pitch and he carried that responsibility and will look to continue to do so – they wouldn’t want to lose him.”

Original author: Chris Burton
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Kenya coach Jacob Mulee on his successful surgery in India

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi have hit the transfer market in style by signing a key player from their main rivals

Simba SC have announced their first signing in an emphatic fashion after raiding their rivals for the services of midfielder Bernard Morrison.

The Ghanaian forward has been at loggerheads with the Yanga management since the team lost 4-1 to Simba in the final of the FA Cup played at National Stadium.

It was during the final when Morrison was substituted and walked straight down the tunnel to the dressing and drove away from the stadium never to return to training until the Mainland Premier League ended two weeks ago.

Simba have now confirmed they have signed the player, who was recently arrested by patrol police in Dar es Salaam for allegedly being in possession of marijuana but was later released.

“Bernard [Morrison[ has signed a two-year contract to join Simba,” the club stated on their official website.

“Morrison has shown he is a great player since signing for Yanga for the last season and from now on he will don the red jersey for Simba and he becomes our first signing this transfer window as we strive to build a strong squad for the Caf Champions League campaign.”

On signing for Simba, Morrison said: “I have no words to express myself or to even state how I feel, to sign for the champions, not only the champions but also a team that managed to win three trophies last season.

“I am happy to here and as always I do my best to make sure the team achieves the set targets for the new season, I cannot wait to play in Champions League, which is a dream for every player to play in.”

The arrival of Morrison will now see him fight for a starting role in the Simba squad alongside Clatous Chama, Francis Kahata, and Luis Miquissone.

Just a week ago, Yanga released 14 players, among them captain Papy Tshishimbi, striker David Molinga, and ex-Gor Mahia player Gnamien Yikpe but retained Morrison, hoping they could convince him to stay at the club.

Other players dropped by Yanga include veteran striker Mrisho Ngassa, Jafary Mohamed, Mohamed Issa Banka, Tariq Seif, Andrew Vincent Dante, Patrick Sibomana, Muharami Issa, Ali Ali, Rafael Daud, Ali Mtoni Sonso and Eric Kabamba.

The Timu ya Wananchi have now been linked to a number of foreign players, including Kenyans Jesse Were and John Makwatta, who play for Zesco United, Sven Yidah of Kariobangi Sharks, Erick Rutanga of Rayon Sports and Mukoko Tonombe of AS Vita Club from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Original author: Dennis Mabuka
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Spotify founder Daniel Ek expresses interest in buying Arsenal

The 2018/19 National Super League champions have been without a coach after the exit of Stewart Hall

Fred Ambani has been re-appointed as Wazito FC head coach with Babu Salim coming in as his assistant.

The position fell vacant after former head coach Stewart Hall left, leaving his then assistant Ambani in charge of the proceedings.

The former striker had just returned to the club as the Briton's assistant coach after he had initially been sacked alongside Stanley Okumbi, who was the technical director.

"I want to thank the club management for believing in me once again," soft-speaking Ambani said as quoted by the club's official website.

"Wazito is a team that is so dear to me and I am looking forward to getting started. My target is to work with everyone at the club to ensure that the team is successful."

Ambani has also lauded Hall for contributing to his growth in the little time they worked together.

"Stewart Hall is the best coach I have ever worked under or with, he took me in well and our working relationship was a very good one, you do not come across such coaches every day," the youthful tactician added.

"I want to thank him for everything that he taught me and I wish him the very best wherever he goes because he is a good coach and he will land another job soon."

On his part, Babu is joining the team from Western Stima, the team he helped to stabilize in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL).

In the annulled 2019/2020 Kenyan domestic season, he won the KPL Coach of the Month Award twice.

"Joining Wazito is a great opportunity because I am joining a team with big ambitions and I want to be successful here," Babu told the club's website

"My role is that of an assistant coach and my duty is to help the head coach, that is what I will stick to.

"Fred [Ambani] has been my friend for many years, we played together and even as coaches we have been exchanging notes frequently, when he asked me to join him it was an easy decision to make. I believe together we will move this team forward."

 

 

Original author: Seth Willis
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Gor Mahia’s Omondi struggles to convince his family on football career

A man who tore defences apart on a regular basis at Stamford Bridge has been far less effective in the final third since moving to Santiago Bernabeu

Eden Hazard "didn't take the move to Real Madrid seriously" last year, according to ex-Chelsea forward Tony Cascarino, who says the Belgian winger "downs tools" far too often.

Much was expected of Hazard when Madrid forked out €100 million (£90m/$118m) to bring him to Santiago Bernabeu from Chelsea in June 2019.

The 29-year-old scored 110 goals and provided 92 assists in 352 games for the Blues, winning two Premier League titles, two Europa League crowns and the FA Cup in the process.

However, his debut season in Spain has been underwhelming, as he's managed to find the net just once in 22 appearances across all competitions.

Niggling injuries and fitness issues have restricted Hazard's contribution, with his latest sub-par showing coming during Madrid's last-16 second-leg defeat to Manchester City in the Champions League.

The Belgium international only touched the ball 37 times during the 2-1 loss at the Etihad Stadium - the second-lowest total of any of the Blancos' starters on the night - and failed to complete a single take-on during his 83 minutes on the pitch.

Cascarino says Hazard was guilty of arriving in Madrid in poor physical shape, and that he didn't recognise the player making his return to English soil on Friday.

“We all know how brilliant Hazard can be, we all know the difference he can make to a football team,” the former Chelsea forward told talkSPORT. "But he didn’t take the move to Madrid seriously, and he’s paid for it this season.

“He turned up overweight, he’s been playing catch-up, he’s getting niggly injuries. Watching him last night was like watching a completely different player.

“Kyle Walker must’ve been thinking, ‘Is this the same player I faced at Chelsea?’

“He’s a brilliant player, but he’s paid the price for turning up at Madrid for a big fee and not taking it seriously.

“He does switch off every now and again. As good and as great as he can be, he does down tools every so often.”

Madrid exited the Champions League in the first knockout phase for the second successive year after failing to overturn a 2-1 deficit from February's first leg at Santiago Bernabeu.

The result in Manchester saw Zinedine Zidane suffer an early European exit for the first time in his managerial career, but he praised his La Liga winning-squad post-match and urged them to be "proud" of their efforts over the course of the season.

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Clinton Okoth: Wazito FC raid Gor Mahia for services of youngster

A Bianconeri legend believes this old club are built to succeed in Italy, but their defeat against Lyon showed their fragility in Europe

Juventus are "perfect" for Serie A but their surprise elimination at the hands of Lyon highlighted their issues in the Champions League, according to Alessandro Del Piero.

The Italian champions recorded a 2-1 win in the last-16 second leg on Friday but were still knocked out of the tournament on away goals after conceding in Turin.

Memphis Depay converted a first-half penalty to double Lyon's advantage in the tie, with the French side having triumphed 1-0 on home soil before the European season was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to turn the game around on the night but despite the Portuguese's best efforts, Juve slipped out of the competition, and head coach Maurizio Sarri paid for the final result with his job.

Club legend Del Piero praised Ronaldo for showing the way to play in such circumstances but is concerned over the way the team has performed in Europe. 

"At times we have criticised him, but against Lyon he [Ronaldo] gave a lesson, not only for the goal but for how he played the whole game," he told Sky Sports Italia.

"There is a problem for Juventus and that is to face the teams at European level. 

"The team is perfect in the Italian league but both the first leg and the return match against Lyon showed some difficulties."


Juve had been knocked out at the quarter-final stage in the previous two years, though defender Leonardo Bonucci said after this latest Champions League disappointment that the target this season was always to retain the Scudetto.

Yet Del Piero, who was part of the side that won Europe's premier club competition back in 1996, feels the Bianconeri should set their sights higher than just domestic success.

"If the goal is the Scudetto, then the season is fine but Juventus must have greater ambitions," the former Italy international said.

Sarri's future at the Allianz Stadium had been the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks, with one media report in Italy linking former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino with the job.

Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane has also been mooted as a potential candidate to succeed Sarri, along with Lazio boss Simeone Inzaghi, who guided the club to a fourth-place Serie A finish in 2019-20.

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Manchester United 3-1 Burnley: Player ratings as Red Devils breeze past Clarets

Several names have been mooted as replacements but plans are still in their infancy and no contact has yet been made with potential successors

Juventus have sacked Maurizio Sarri following their Champions League exit at the hands of Lyon.

The Continassa hierarchy held a meeting following the Old Lady's failure to progress to the quarter-finals of Europe's premier club competition, with Sarri's future at the club the only point on the agenda in the wake of the continental disappointment.

It was decided that the 61-year-old former Chelsea and Napoli boss is no longer the man to take the club forward, with Juve's signing of Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid making clear that their intention was to win the Champions League after several years of near-misses.

A club statement read: "Juventus announces that Maurizio Sarri has been relieved of his post as coach of the first team.

"The club would like to thank the coach for having written a new page in Juventus' history with the victory of the ninth-consecutive championship, the culmination of a personal journey that led him to climb all the divisions of Italian football."

Sarri's future had been previously called into question despite leading the club to a ninth-successive Scudetto, with the former banker admitting himself that he had been struggling to impose his famous 'Sarriball' style on the squad.

Indeed, following the first-leg defeat against Lyon, Sarri stated that his charges had been moving the ball too slow but that he would continue working with his players until "sooner or later this concept will get into their heads".

That admission will have done the Italian few favours as the board considered their options, with the feeling amongst those in charge that the head coach had failed to win over the players and that a new approach would be required to see the club progress.

It is no secret that Simone Inzaghi is well liked by those at Continassa following his successful season with Lazio, while Zinedine Zidane – still under contract with Real Madrid – is another name that is never far from discussions in Turin.

Mauricio Pochettino, currently out of work despite having led Tottenham to the Champions League final last season, also forms part of the list of names being considered to replace Sarri and he has been out of work since being sacked by Tottenham in 2019.

Former Juve bosses Massimiliano Allegri and Antonio Conte have also been linked in recent weeks alongside club legend Andrea Pirlo, who recently took on his first coaching role with the Bianconeri's Under-23 side.

For now, however, it is understood that internal discussions are still in their infancy and no moves have been made to contact potential successors.

Original author: Romeo Agresti
  102 Hits

Nigeria have reclaimed their fear factor to become AFCON favourites

The highly-rated Anfield academy graduate is looking to spend “many, many more years” working under a Premier League title-winning coach on Merseyside

Curtis Jones is looking to spend “many, many more years” at Liverpool, with the highly-rated 19-year-old hoping that a lengthy spell at Anfield will be taken in under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp.

The Reds have tied their German tactician to terms through to 2024.

It has been suggested that Klopp will move on once that contract comes to a close, as he will have spent almost nine years on Merseyside by that point.

The hope is that a Premier League and Champions League-winning coach will deliver more success before the day comes for him to bid farewell.

Jones believes a “perfect” coach is capable of keeping Liverpool on the loftiest of perches, with it his intention to start playing a more prominent role for the Reds heading forward.

Asked about his ambition and what it is like to play under Klopp, academy graduate Jones told Liverpool’s official website: "I've got one word and that's perfect.

"He is perfect for any type of player – defender, midfielder, attacker, 'keeper, anything – because he is somebody that is, he's like a father figure to anybody.

"It doesn't matter if you are captain, vice-captain, young player or a regular starter, he is somebody that you respect so high.

"He is somebody that when you are doing well he will be the first to tell you, but then when you're not he's also the first to let you know.

"He's someone for me that is guiding me well. He's always put me on at the right times when he knows it's perfect for me to come and play. He's never not put me in the deep end when I might not play as well as I can, he just knows when the games are always right, so he's perfect.

"On the side of that, he's a great man and his character is top! I love working with him and I hope to spend many, many more years with him."

Jones enjoyed a breakthrough season at Anfield in 2019-20, with the teenage midfielder taking in 12 appearances – one of which saw him become the club’s youngest captain – while also recording three goals to go with his Club World Cup and Premier League winners’ medals.

Original author: Chris Burton
  102 Hits

Arteta demands more as Maitland-Niles earns England call-up

The world football governing body’s ex-boss feels his soft spot for Africa led to a conspiracy to remove him from the post he held

Former Fifa president Sepp Blatter does not see Africa hosting the Fifa World Cup anytime soon, and claimed that his support for the continent's 2010 tournament hosting rights led to him being forced out of the Zurich-based organisation.

After 17 years at the helm of Fifa, the Swiss football administrator was removed from his post in December 2015 amid a corruption storm, but he believes some other forces were at play in his removal.

Regarded as a “friend of Africa”, Blatter backed the continent to win hosting rights for the World Cup, which subsequently saw South Africa staging the tournament in 2010.

He, however, feels that this saw him fall out of favour with other confederations who resisted that Africa should be handed its first-ever rights to organise the global football quadrennial tournament.

“Yes, yes definitely [I was a target because I brought the World Cup to Africa],” Blatter told Marawa Sports Worldwide on Metro FM.

“But where there is a will, there is a way, and therefore we brought this World Cup to Africa, to South Africa. The first [time World Cup in Africa] and I think for the time being, the only one and I cannot see if they will be a second one. I am happy that it has been realised.”

Blatter says there is "no trust and confidence" in Africa and it would be “difficult for Africa to convince Fifa” for the tournament to return to the continent.

Morocco pitched a bid to host the 2026 edition but was beaten by the combined running of the United States of America, Canada and Mexico.

It was Morocco’s fifth unsuccessful attempt to secure hosting rights for the tournament and they lost despite Africa being the biggest voting bloc with the highest number of member associations.

Morocco has since expressed interest to run for the 2030 mandate.

“At least not in my lifetime [there will be no World Cup in Africa] because everybody wants to organise the World Cup,” said Blatter.

“And now 2026 has already been given to the United States. They should have taken it for 2022 but then there was this political interference by France and the World Cup went to Qatar.

“But the next World Cup which is open is 2030 and it will be the [100th] anniversary of the first World Cup, in Uruguay and South America would like to have it. But also England would like to have it because they are the model of football and they say they must have it now.

“But on the other hand also China are going to have the World Cup. So there are a lot of contenders for the World Cup.

“One African association should try to do so [host]. It is very difficult now to convince Fifa to go back to Africa and this is because there is no enough trust and confidence in Africa generally.”

Blatter believes Morocco, as well as countries like Egypt and Algeria, have the capability to organise the global football tournament.

Original author: Michael Madyira
  210 Hits

Mulumba: Bandari re-sign defender after he parts ways with FC Platinum

The 32-year-old Batoto ba Mungu forward confirms he has quit playing the game and will now venture into other areas

Sofapaka forward Ronald Okoth has quit football after 13 years.

The 32-year-old confirmed on Saturday he had finally parted ways with Batoto ba Mungu on a mutual agreement after the expiry of his contract.

“I would like to take this opportunity to announce we have mutually parted ways with Sofapaka at the expiry of my contract and also announce my official retirement from professional football,” Okoth revealed in a signed statement obtained by Goal.

“In the contest to this, I want to sincerely thank the Sofapaka family from their President Elly Kalekwa, the best President you’ll ever work under, the whole executive board, head coach John Baraza, and his entire able technical bench, backroom staff together with all my fellow teammates for the amazing time we shared as a family and not just as a football club.

“Playing with this great club with a professional management setting and big ambitions has been without a doubt one of my proudest achievements at 32 years of age.

“I also got the opportunity to have a lengthy talk with our President and coach who have both showed me great support in the past and even now that I am leaving and have assured me their full support in all my projects in my next phase as of life as a former player and a club ambassador.

“I am also lucky enough to have fulfilled a dream of playing with some of the best players in the country as my teammates and working under an incredible manager like coach Baraza and a legend like Hillary Echesa, Sofapaka will definitely remain rooted in my heart.”

Otieno also confirmed he will now take up a role as the founder of/CEO of RO Sports Soccer Academy and also as an Information Manager as he ventures into life minus playing football.

“At 32 years of age, and with other things on the side going I have felt indeed this is the right moment to call off a career on a high after 13 good years of actively chasing a career in football both in the lower and upper leagues and at the top level locally,” Okoth continued.

“It is a new chapter for me filled with immense pride, emotions but most of all excitement for the future.

“To the fans and my family it has been a pleasure playing for you, thank you to everyone who believed in me over the years until the last moment, I love you guys so much, local football has given me countless platforms that I never thought I’d ever get to have.”

Okoth started his playing career in Siaya County where he turned out for Siaya Rangers and went ahead to play for other teams like Salem Sportif, Jericho All-Stars, Congo United, while on the top-level, he featured for Kenyan champions Gor Mahia, Mathare United, Mahakama FC, Nairobi Stima, Western Stima, KCB and eventually Sofapaka.

Original author: Dennis Mabuka
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The local federation has set a tentative date to start the new season after the previous campaign was halted by the Covid-19 pandemic

The Rwanda Football Federation (Ferwafa) has confirmed the new 2020/21 Premier League season will start on October 30.

Like many leagues across Africa and the world, the Rwanda league was halted in mid-March owing to the effects caused by the coronavirus pandemic and could not resume after the country remained under lockdown.

According to a statement from Ferwafa, the executive committee which held a meeting on July 31, has approved the competition calendar for the new campaign and also scheduled some of the competitions which were postponed owing to Covid-19.

“The Ferwafa Executive Committee Meeting held on July 31, 2020, approved the Competitions Calendar,” read a statement published on the Ferwafa website.

“The Ferwafa Competitions Calendar released includes the period when the postponed competitions for the 2019/2020 season will resume.

“These competitions include the Second Division Men’s League play-offs which will be played in a single knock-out format at a yet to be named venue in Kigali from October 2-17, 2020 while respecting measures put in place to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. The first and second division women's leagues will also be played between October 3 to December 20, 2020.”

The statement continued: “The Rwanda Premier League season 2020-2021 is tentatively planned to kick-off on October 30, 2020 and climax on May 20, 2021.

“The Second Division Men’s League season 2020-2021 will also tentatively kick-off on October 31, 2020, and climax on May 29, 2021.

“The Heroes Cup and Peace Cup competitions have also been planned in the Ferwafa Competitions Calendar. The 2021 edition of the Heroes Cup tournament will be played from January 19 to February 1, 2021, while the 2021 edition of the Peace Cup Competition is expected to kick-off on the weekend of February 4-5, 2020, and climax on June 5, 2021.

“The 2021 edition of the Women’s first division league is planned to kick-off on February 19, 2021, and climax on July 31, 2021, while the women’s second division league will kick-off on February 20, 2021, and climax on July 24, 2021, respectively.

“As part of the competition's calendar, the Executive Committee also approved player registration periods for the Rwanda Premier League, Second Division Men’s League.”

Meanwhile, the transfer window for the Premier League has also been revealed.

“The transfer window for Rwanda Premier League will cover a maximum ten weeks’ period, starting from August 16 2020 to October 24 2020 while the second Player Registration Period covering three weeks will commence on January 18, 2021, and end on February 5, 2021.”

Original author: Dennis Mabuka
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The Wekundu wa Msimbazi produced the biggest number of players in the team of the season during the gala night

Simba SC dominated the team of the year for the 2019-20 Mainland Premier League season after the awards presentation was held on Friday.

According to the list, Simba had six players with goalkeeper Aishi Manula, who was crowned the best keeper for the season after keeping 18 clean sheets leading the squad from the back.

Other Simba players in the squad include defender Pascal Sergie Wawa, midfielder Clatous Chama (who was crowned the best player for the season and also the best midfielder), Meddie Kagere, captain John Bocco and forward Luis Miquissone from Mozambique.

New signing for Young Africans (Yanga SC) Bakari Mwamnyeto, who arrived at the club from Coastal Union also made it to the squad the same as Azam and Uganda Cranes defender Nicholas Wadada, and Lukas Kikoti of Namungo FC.

During the award ceremony to fete the best players after the conclusion of the season which saw Simba win three trophies – the Community Shield, the Mainland Premier League, and FA Cup – Simba midfielder Chama took over the show after winning two crowns.

The 29-year-old, who has been the engine for the Msimbazi-based side and played a great role in helping the team win a treble, bagged the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the best midfielder award.

Taifa Stars and Simba SC custodian Aishi Manula won the Goalkeeper of the Season Award, having kept 18 clean sheets.

The best defender award went to Azam FC's Ugandan Nicholas Wadada, with Novatus Dismas of Biashara United winning the Best Young Player Award.

Belgian coach Sven Vandenbroeck was named the best coach having helped the Msimbazi-based side to a double. The 40-year-old led the team to their third league title in as many seasons with six games to spare. He went on to win the FA Cup after a 2-1 win against Namungo.

The league's top scorer Rwandan Meddie Kagere missed the gala but was represented by Wekundu wa Msimbazi team manager Patrick Rweyemamu, who took the award on behalf of the striker.

The former Gor Mahia striker scored 22 goals in the completed season, one less than the previous season.

Referees Abdallah Mwinyimkuu, Ferdinand Chacha, Mohamed Mkono and Athuman Lazi were also feted for their collective officiating in the Tanzania Mainland League match between Simba FC and Mtibwa Sugar.  

Ramadhan Kayoko won the overall best centre referee award with Frank Kikomba taking the award for the best assistant.

Mainland Premier League team of the season: Aishi Manula (Simba), Nicholas Wadada (Azam), David Luhende (Kagera Sugar), Bakari Mwamnyeto (Coastal Union), Sergie Wawa (Simba), Zawadi Mauya (Kagera Sugar), Lukas Kikoti (Namungo FC), Clatous Chama (Simba), Meddie Kagere (Simba)John Bocco (Simba) and Luis Miquissone (Simba).

Original author: Dennis Mabuka
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Frank Lampard is keen on signing the Germany international although the Bundesliga club are adamant they will not drop their asking price

Chelsea have been given a transfer warning in their pursuit of Kai Havertz, as Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller has insisted that the Blues must meet their terms to land his signature.

Goal reported last month that Chelsea have opened negotiations with Leverkusen over a potential €76 million (£69m/$90m) deal for Havertz, who was one of the standout players in the Bundesliga in 2019-20.

However, before the coronavirus-enforced break in the season, the Bundesliga side's head coach Peter Bosz insisted that a prized asset would not be sold for less than €100m (£90m/$111m, while talking up his rapid rise to prominence in Germany.

Chelsea have already spent a combined total of €93m (£84m/$110m) to bring in Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner from Ajax and RB Leipzig respectively, and Voller has now confirmed that they will have to fork out a club-record fee to lure Havertz away from his current surroundings.

Asked if Leverkusen have already agreed to sell Havertz, the 60-year-old told Gazzetta dello Sport: "No, but with his talent, it means he's on the list of all the best clubs.

"We know of the interest of a couple of clubs, especially Chelsea, but for us, the situation is quite simple; he has a two-year contract, if anyone wants him on our terms, fine, otherwise he stays here another year and we are happy.

"It won't be easy, but for an artist like him there is no Covid discount."

Voller also insisted that Havertz will be staying put until Leverkusen's Europa League journey draws to a close, with a quarter-final meeting against Inter up next on Monday.

"Of course he will play [in the Europa League quarter-final], also because he wants to," he said. "I am a bit old-fashioned: for me a season is over when it all ends. 

"Nobody leaves first. Now, with Covid-19, there have been transfers before the end of the season, but not from us."

Voller added on Havertz's talent: "For me, he's the best I've seen at Leverkusen, and I've been here for a lifetime. We had Emerson, [Michael] Ballack, Ze Roberto, [Toni] Kroos, but he's on top.

"He is very young, he can play five or six roles, he has been here for 10 years. When he was 17, I asked the first-team coach to let him train with the greats during the national team break.

"After three days Roger Schmidt never made him return to the youth team. He has talent with the ball at his feet, he is a mix between Ballack and [Mesut] Ozil, but he takes the best bits from both of them."

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The youngster has taken to Twitter to appreciate everyone associated with the club as he ends his five-year stay

Midfielder Duncan Sseninde has parted ways with Ugandan Premier League champions Vipers SC.

The midfielder has been used sparingly by the Venoms owing to the competitive nature of the squad. With limited chances of playing for the newly crowned champions, the midfielder has opted against extending his stay at the Kitende-based side.

"First of all, thank you to the wonderful group of fans for a great time and being incredibly supportive over the last five years," Sseninde tweeted on Friday.

"And everyone involved at Vipers SC [from] the manager, coaches, backroom staff, and amazing teammates that I had the pleasure of playing alongside."

The 22-year-old did not forget to mention the club president and owner for the support received and the role he has played in his growth.

"Sincere thanks to Lawrence Mulindwa for the fatherly support and care," Sseninde continued.

"I learned a lot and am proud to have been part of this journey. As I look to pursue other opportunities, I wish everyone at the club a successful future."

Reports have it that the midfielder might make a permanent switch to Wakiso Giants where he played last season on loan. However, 16-time champions SC Villa are also keen on signing the youngster as well.

The move brings to an end a five-year stay with Vipers, a team he joined from KJT Rwenshama.

Vipers had a good 2019/20 Ugandan Premier League season and were declared champions after the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) opted to annul the season owing to Covid-19.
 
In the 25 matches played, Vipers managed to collect 16 wins, six draws, and three losses. 

2018/19 champions KCCA FC finished second after getting 15 wins, five draws, and as many losses. They had 50 points, four less than the Venoms.

As a result, Vipers SC will represent Uganda in the Caf Champions League next season while KCCA will play in the Caf Confederations Cup.

The Ugandan Premier League is set to return in October but under strict guidelines from the Ministry of Health owing to Covid-19. 

While Tanzania played their season to completion, Uganda and Kenya opted to cancel theirs.

Original author: Seth Willis
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The former Gunners midfielder is excited by the prospect of the Brazil international's imminent arrival at Emirates Stadium

Chelsea star Willian is a "special player", according to Paul Merson, who insists that the midfielder "would be an unbelievable signing for Arsenal".

As revealed by Goal, the Gunners are closing in on the signing of the Brazilian on a free transfer as he nears the end of his current contract with the Blues.

Chelsea are only willing to extend the 31-year-old's stay in west London through to 2023, with the winger wanting a three-year deal.

Willian has been omitted from Frank Lampard's squad for a Champions League last-16 showdown against Bayern Munich in Germany on Saturday, with the Blues boss confirming that he still hasn't recovered from the Achilles injury which kept him out of the FA Cup final.

With Chelsea's season set to end if they cannot overturn a 3-0 first-leg deficit against Bayern, Lampard also admitted that the Brazilian midfielder is on the verge of moving on.

The 42-year-old head coach told a pre-match press conference of Willian's situation: "We as a club will always want to move forward, no matter what. Eden Hazard left last year; the club continues to work in a forward direction which I think we have in many ways.

"That remains the same, whatever player leaves the club."

Merson is amazed that the Blues are allowing an experienced Premier League performer to leave for nothing, and thinks he will slot into Mikel Arteta's line-up at the Emirates seamlessly should a deal be finalised in the coming days.

"Willian would be an unbelievable signing for Arsenal," Merson told the Daily Star.

"I think Willian is a special player who ticks all the boxes. I can’t believe Chelsea are letting him go to be honest.

"I know he’s 31 and wanted a three-year contract but football is all about now, and right now he’s a great player. No manager is thinking about what might happen in three or four years’ time.

"They need results now, so it’s no surprise to me Frank Lampard doesn’t want him to go. Arteta won’t be Arsenal manager forever. He needs to win now. Willian can help him do that.

"He’s a special player and a blinding signing in my opinion. Okay, he probably won’t be pulling up any trees in his third year, but who cares? He ticks every box.

"He won’t have to settle in London because he’s been here for years and his family love the place. He won’t have to adapt to a new league because he’s already a proven performer for a top club here.

"So he should be able to hit the ground running because he won’t need loads of time to adapt like a player coming in for big money from a foreign club.

"He’s quick and he works hard and he has plenty of experience. He also has that guile that Arsenal sometimes lack. He could even play as a No.10."

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