Looking for Soccer News?

Former Black Leopards head coach Alan Clark believes South African football is stagnant because PSL clubs are recycling the same coaches.

Clark recently dumped Leopards ahead of the resumption of the 2019/20 season and he is set to take over the reins at FC Llapi, who are campaigning in Kosovo's Superleague.

When speaking to the South African Football Journalists Association (SAFJA), Clark explained that local coaches lack critical thinking when compared to European tacticians.

“What I learnt from my experiences in South Africa is that many coaches are afraid, they don’t want to question, there is a lack of critical thinking," Clark said. 

"In SA we do things, but no one asks why, how do we do that, why do you do this? We just say 'Oh we do it because we did it in 1980'.

"I think in South Africa we must be careful that football outside in the world is changing so much." 

Having served as an assistant coach at SuperSport United, AmaZulu FC and the now-defunct Platinum Stars, Clark also feels local coaches are scared of equipping themselves with new knowledge. 

"But inside there is not much change than coaches who change their badge on a shirt every year moving through the same clubs," he continued. 

"We should be careful it will stagnate our football. But instead of stagnating, I want to develop, I want to be better.”

Having served as Bafana Bafana's technical analyst in 2011, Clark added South African national teams tend to struggle because there is a problem at club level.  

“The biggest stagnate in the performance of our football is our national teams. We can compete nicely with bigger teams, but there is very little growth or change within clubs," he added. 

"We are not producing players that can compete at national team level. Nothing develops because the same players are playing the same way they used to, in my opinion, you see that in the [Bafana Bafana] national team and maybe Under-21 level.”

Clark went on to state that South Africa should be among the top footballing nations in Africa as the country is blessed with top-class facilities when compared to a small country like Kosovo.

“It’s sad that South Africa, with all the good facilities, we are not among the top two or top three countries in Africa," he explained.

"It’s unbelievable, the facilities we have even compared to Kosovo. The national stadium they built recently hosts 10 000 people, but they are the most improved country in Europe beneath Norway.

"They have players playing in every major league in Europe.”

Nkana FC will have to wait longer to know whether they are the Super League champions or not after the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Appeals Committee overturned a decision to award Zanaco points.

Nkana are top of the table with 50 points after they were given a walkover when Nakambala Leopards failed to turn up for matchday 27 action. Forest Rangers, second to Nkana with 49 points, had challenged the decision that awarded Zanaco a walkover and three points and the Appeals Committee has ruled in their favour.

Forest Rangers could not play their previous match after 28 members tested positive for the coronavirus. The Disciplinary Committee awarded Zanaco three points and a 3-0 scoreline for the unplayed match on July 18, 2020.

Since Forest Rangers are still in the race, Nkana will wait until when the match will be played to know their championship fate.

Nkana are home to Kenya’s Harun Shakava, Duncan Otieno, Musa Mohammed and Duke Abuya.

“The Appeals Committee, having considered all the written evidence adduced by yourselves [Forest Rangers] and the ruling of the Appeals Committee was of the view that your appeal against the ruling has merit and therefore upheld,” read the judgement in part.

“Your appeal is upheld and the decision of the Disciplinary Committee is set aside.

“Therefore, the game between yourselves [Forest Rangers] and Zanaco Football Club must be replayed and the result of the match be taken into account when the final league standings are compiled.”

FAZ had announced that the league was set to be cancelled when all teams honour matchday 27 action and that the champion will be decided at that juncture.

The league was cancelled after its June 18 resumption due to the rising coronavirus numbers.

“With the ruling by the Appeals Committee, the coronation of the 2019/2020 champions will have to be frozen as the outcome of this fixture could shuffle the league standings,” FAZ added.

“FAZ also wishes to re-emphasise that the decision to re-start the league was done in consultation with the ministries of health and sports arising from the prevailing health conditions in the country.

“FAZ has also taken note of a flurry of correspondence from some members to question the efficacy of closing the league in week 27."

FAZ General-Secretary Adrian Kashala defended their decision to end the league saying they did so as per the regulations.

“The FAZ Executive Committee was within their legal right to suspend the league as at week 27 as they are empowered by Article 35 to make decisions,” said Kashala.

“Additionally, the Executive Committee also draws power from Article 79 which covers unforeseen circumstances and force majeure.”

Meanwhile, Zesco United who have missed a continental slot after finishing fifth, battled to a 1-1 draw against Red Arrows. Kenya international Jesse Were scored their goal while James Chamanga was the scorer for the air force side.

Forest Rangers won 1-0 against Napsa Stars, Buildcon registered a 3-1 victory against Green Buffaloes while Nkwazi and Kansanshi Dynamos drew 1-1.

Green Eagles were victors with a 2-0 scoreline against Lusaka Dynamos while Zanaco and Lumwana Radiants drew 1-1.

Indian-based midfielder William Opoku has shed light on reasons for Ghanaians' preference for football in the Asian country to plying their trade at home in the Ghana Premier League (GPL).

Earlier this week, Ghanaian footballers in India sent out a video on social media calling on the Government of Ghana for prompt evacuation owing to living difficulties emanating from the coronavirus disease.

The distress call follows similar moves by Ghanaian footballers in different parts of the world including Ethiopia, DR Congo and Botswana.

“The good thing about India is that there are these indoor pitches that you can play 15 minutes a game and earn a $100 [€84] and if you are a big player, you can receive $300 [€253] for just 15 minutes,” Opoku, who plays for Indian second-tier side Bhawanipore, told Asempa FM. He was on the books of Ghanaian second division outfit Okyeman Planners before leaving for India in 2017.

“So if you play four games, you make some good money and there are players who do not have clubs who engage in some of these games to make money.

“But because of the coronavirus, all these games have stopped and the monies saved by these boys have been spent. And if you don’t have a club, it means you are doomed.

“If you even get a second division club here, you can make some better money than in the Ghana Premier League.

“You can get as much as GHC 10,000 [€1,458] a month playing for a lower-tier side. [It] sits better than the GPL."

In June, a group of 22 stranded Ghanaian footballers in Ethiopia put out a social media video, pleading with the Government of Ghana to come to their aid amid claims of failing in their bid to obtain help from the Ghanaian consulate in Addis Ababa.

In the footage recorded outside the embassy were Ghana international Lee Addy, who played at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and former Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Mohammed Muntari Tagoe, who won two Ghana FA Cup titles with Medeama.

After the video went viral on social media, the Government of Ghana and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) responded as they pooled resources together to evacuate the footballers.

Upon their return to Ghana, the contingent went through a 14-day mandatory quarantine as part of the Covid-19 safety protocols. 

Former Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has criticised the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s (CAS) decision to overturn Manchester City’s two-year ban from the Champions League.

The Premier League side won their appeal against the suspension for alleged breaches of UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules, while their fine was lowered to €10 million.

Hoeness says CAS’s decision was a severe blow to UEFA’s rules and criticised the governing body’s defence of the sentence.

“When I read the reasoning by the international sports court CAS why it withdrew this sentence, I have to ask myself what all this is about,” Hoeness said to DAZN and Goal.

“Ultimately, UEFA's reasoning was simply weak. In principle, the CAS saw it the same way, but did not provide any solid evidence of Manchester City's behaviour.

“If the judges at CAS have come to the conclusion that UEFA did a poor job, one need not wonder what the result is. The verdict was a clear slap in the face for UEFA. We still have to do with Manchester City - and the club can't help it if things are poorly prepared.”

Bayern will conclude their Champions League last-16 tie against Chelsea when they host Frank Lampard’s team for the second leg on Saturday.

The Munich outfit hold a 3-0 aggregate lead from the first leg and Hoeness was heavily impressed by their display in London.

“The first leg against Chelsea was incredible. I was there myself and have rarely seen a German team put an English team against the wall like that.

“The game was a demonstration of strength from the first to the last minute.

“Our team made a very hungry impression and there is also harmony within the group. All players work well together.

“The coach managed to improve the team's strengths and make the team a unit. You can see the meticulousness and passion with which you play until the last minute. The players have played an incredible season.”

He is also confident of his side’s ability to challenge Europe’s richer teams to the top trophies, saying success depends on team spirit and cohesion instead of money.

“There is also passion and a thirst for success in Manchester and Paris, but here a large community has emerged,” he added.

“This has nothing to do with the different countries, but is due to the cooperation between the team and the coach.”

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard believes star forward Alfredo Morelos has "had his head turned" by speculation over his future.

Morelos played 77 minutes against Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday but was unable to add to his 14 goals in this season's tournament as Rangers' lengthy Europa League run came to a close.

Moussa Diaby scored the only goal at the BayArena to conclude a 4-1 aggregate passage into the quarter-finals for the hosts.

Morelos has been heavily linked with a move to Ligue 1 side Lille, with Rangers' moves to sign attackers Kemar Roofe and Cedric Itten on Tuesday widely interpreted as them preparing for life without the 24-year-old Colombian.

Asked by BT Sport whether he expected Morales to be at the club next week, Gerrard replied: "I don't know, I can't control what goes on outside.

"Everyone knows he's had his head turned, for sure. There's no denying that.

"But we just move forward. My focus is on the team and the players that want to be here and my focus is certainly on [Rangers' next game against] St Mirren.

"If a bid comes that the board like and are interested in, and the player tells me face to face he wants to go then we'll see what happens."

Gerrard refuted the suggestion that Morales' performance against Leverkusen had been compromised by the prevailing uncertainty.

"I don't think so. I think Alfredo's professional enough to block the noise out and focus," he said.

"He hasn't had the best of games tonight but we haven't as a team either.

"There are no fingers pointed at anyone. We've given it our best shot and unfortunately we fell short.

"We all have to improve, but Alfredo needs to remain focused."

Rangers striker Jermain Defoe believes Morelos has coped with the uncertainty surrounding his future as he has been training as normal.

"He's dealt with it quite well. You would never look at him and think: 'He's got it at the back of his mind, he's not training well, he's confused or anxious', he's just been normal to be honest,” he said.

"Stuff like that, as players you don't really get involved, you leave it up to the club but if he does go then you wish him the best and if he stays then he's a top player, which he's shown.”

Desiree Eliss says it will 'take similar planning' to make history and win the Africa Women's Cup of Nations [Awcon] for South Africa.

The 57-year-old guided Banyana Banyana's to a maiden qualification for the Women's World Cup in France last year after inspiring the team to a fourth final of the Awcon at the 2018 edition in Ghana.

With the cancellation of the 2020 Awcon due to the coronavirus outbreak, South Africa will now focus on challenging for the African crown as well as a 2023 World Cup ticket at the 2022 edition.

Having lost the 2018 African title on penalties to Nigeria, the coach who won back-to-back Caf Women's Coach of the Year awards, is upbeat her side can replicate the fine run at the next continental outing.

"The experience of having played in so many finals most probably gave Nigeria the edge but we gave as good [an account] as we got before losing on penalties which is a lottery," Ellis told Safa.net.

"I think the players were absolutely amazing in the way they went about the whole tournament where we finished unbeaten on the field of play. 

"They were focused on the plan but their execution of the plan said it all and got us through to the final and we subsequently qualified for the 2019 Fifa Women’s World Cup. 

"We always speak about teamwork and you can’t forget the behind the scenes work done by the technical team, medical team and the rest of the support staff. 

"We have to surpass that to qualify for the next Fifa Women’s World Cup in 2023. The next tournament has been increased from eight to 12 countries. 

"The format will obviously change and that will make it even tougher, but it will take similar planning and focus to first qualify and then put in a better effort to win it in 2022 which by the way also doubles up as a 2023 World Cup qualifying tournament. So, yes we can definitely win it."

No fewer than a dozen South African players have earned contracts abroad since the country's maiden outing at the international level.

Nothando Vilakazi (EDF Logrono, Spain), Janine Van Wyk (Glasgow City FC, Scotland), Jermaine Seoposenwe (SC Braga, Portugal) and Amanda Mthandi (Badajoz, Spain), Rhoda Mulaudzi, Lebohang Ramalepe (FC Dinamo Minsk) and Thembi Kgatlana (Eibar, Spain) are among the few who have recently moved overseas.

Following the massive export of Banyana stars overseas, Ellis believes their experiences and exposure will improve their quality and title chances. 

"This has just been incredible and beyond my wildest imagination. I am almost afraid to blink because when I wake up in the morning, there is another player signed up," she continued. 

"The players have been fantastic with their individual work behind the scenes and through their efforts are now taking the next step on their new journeys. 

"The experiences they will now bring to Banyana Banyana will be immense and hopefully this will help raise the levels in the team to greater heights. 

"I remember going to the 2016 Awcon in Cameroon and facing the likes of Nigeria who had about 80 percent of their squad playing abroad and you could see the experience in their teams during certain situations. We are now possibly in a position to also bring similar experiences to Banyana Banyana."

Former Tanzania Mainland Premier League champions Azam FC have signed David Mapigano from Gor Mahia on a two-year deal.

The signing of the Tanzanian custodian comes in the same day the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions Gor Mahia confirmed that the goalkeeper had left the club just after a season with them.

Mapigano becomes the fifth signing by the Ice Makers who failed to secure themselves a second-place finish in the 2019/20 season.

“Azam are happy to make an announcement that they have signed Tanzania international goalkeeper [David] Mapigano Kissu on a two-year deal from Gor Mahia,” the 2018/19 FA Cup winners announced.

“Mapigano, who is part of the Taifa Stars squad, has been signed as was duly recommended by the technical bench.

“The goalkeeper, who has also played for Njombe FC and Singida United before moving to Kenya, had a good season with Gor Mahia where he played in 15 games and managed to keep nine clean sheets.

“Mapigano also recorded a goal against Bandari when his long-range strike found the back of the net as Gor Mahia won 3-0.

“He is our fifth signing as we continue to strengthen our squad for the upcoming season.”

Awesu Awesu, Ally Niyonzima, Ayoub Lyanga and Ismail Aziz Kada have already been signed as Azam and Yanga become the first Tanzanian teams to have signed five players in the early period of the transfer window.

The former Singida United goalkeeper will battle for first-team chances against Mwadini Ally, who was a second choice goalkeeper, and Benedict Haule who was coach Aristica Cioaba’s preferred number one choice.

Mapigano was signed by Gor Mahia at the beginning of the 2019/20 season which the club underwent financial challenges. He had been acquired alongside his compatriot Dickson Ambundo who has also left the club.

The Tanzanian goalkeeper had made it clear he would not return to K’Ogalo if his monthly wages were not going to be paid in full.

Gor Mahia have moved to sign Nairobi City Stars goalkeeper Levis Opiyo who is expected to be Mapigano’s successor.

Awesu, Niyonzima, Lyanga and Kada have already linked up with their new teammates who conducted a training session for the first time since the league ended.

Cioaba oversaw the Wednesday training session which was also attended by his assistant Bahati Vivier, club’s physiotherapist Costel Birsan and the goalkeeping coach Idd Abubakar.

Premier League clubs have voted against the continuation of the five substitutions rule, which was brought in for the post-lockdown period in June, during the 2020-21 season.

English football resumed on June 17 following a three-month break in the 2019-20 season, with supporters no longer allowed access to stadiums due to the continued threat of coronavirus.

Players were forced to undergo weekly testing to contain any further outbreaks, while several new measures were put in place on matchdays to ensure the safety of players and staff.

The number of changes managers were able to make each match was increased from three to five, and squads of up to 20 players were permitted to encourage regular rotation.

After an initial trial period, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) extended the option to allow five substitutes per team in every fixture into 2021, which provoked a strong response from some fans and experts.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher was among those to blast the decision, saying: "This is nonsense! Premier League stay with 3 subs please!"

IFAB's ruling has now been overruled in England following a vote from all 20 top-flight clubs on Wednesday, who decided unanimously to revert to the competition's original format. It has also been announced that the number of players allowed on the bench has been dialled back down to seven.

The Premier League released an official statement confirming the news, with VAR usage also renewed for the new campaign beginning on September 12.

"At the Premier League’s annual general meeting today, shareholders agreed to rules relating to VAR and substitute players for the 2020-21 season," the statement said.

"Shareholders unanimously approved the implementation of VAR, in line with the full FIFA VAR protocol. Clubs also agreed to revert back to using up to three substitute players per match, with a maximum of seven substitutes on the bench."

The decision come as a disappointment to Tottenham head coach Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese backed the new rules regarding squads and substitutions to continue prior to this week's vote, telling reporters: "I like the 20 players [in the squad].

"It doesn't make any sense to travel with 20 players and then you arrive in the stadium and have to send two guys to the stands when the clubs pay every player and invest in every player. It gives you more chance to bring young people [on] and gives a much better feeling to everybody. Twenty players on the bench, I think very, very good."

As they prepare to resume their 2019/20 Premier Soccer League (PSL) campaign, Bidvest Wits have been dealt a massive blow with striker Mxolisi Macuphu surviving a hijacking.

According to coach Gavin Hunt, the former SuperSport United hitman has lost his car and the veteran manager admits his player has a problem.

Hunt also confirmed that some of his players tested positive for Covid-19 and that midfielder Thabang Monare is struggling with injury whilst they will miss Elias Pelembe, who is in lockdown in Mozambique.

The current season was halted because of the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in March and the Clever Boys are preparing to face Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semi-final match this weekend at Orlando Stadium.

“Machupu got hijacked this week so I don’t know. They stole his car, everything so he has got a problem,” said Hunt told the media.

“Thabang Monare is struggling a little bit, Gift [Motupa] is struggling a little bit. So, yeah if you go through the team. Pelembe has not come back, who else?

“You obviously got players who tested positive two weeks ago and they have just come back this week. It’s quite a few of them.” 

The Cape Town-born coach also explained he will have to hand debuts to a number of his players from their MultiChoice Diski Challenge team, saying they are facing a tough week.

“This first week is tough for us, we play Sundowns, [Kaizer] Chiefs and [Orlando] Pirates in seven days,” added Hunt.

“There are going to be a lot of players that will make their debuts, that’s for sure, which possibly wouldn’t have happened in a normal season.

“Football is a funny game, hopefully, starting Saturday, which won’t be easy for both sides, let’s see how we go.”

On the other hand, the Wits manager also faces a bleak future as the National First Division (NFD) side, Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) announced they cannot afford the former defender’s salary.

“I have been in South Africa football since 1981 and I’ve never missed a year. I am trying to be as calm as I can. I am trying to be as calm as I can,” continued the four-time PSL title-winning coach

“It is very unique, but we will get on with it and play football, let’s see where it takes us. Personally, I want to feel the grass under my feet and go to training every day. I want to keep working immediately after this season.”

Orlando Pirates midfielder Siphesihle Ndlovu’s mother, Fisani Gracious Ndlovu, wants a cupboard from Bafana Bafana legend Teko Modise.

This is because the attacking midfielder drew an image of Modise on Fisani's cupboard in her house in Ashdown, KwaZulu Natal as an 11-year-old aspiring footballer. 

At the time former Mamelodi Sundowns and Pirates midfield maestro Modise was playing some of his best football in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) having established himself as one of the top attacking midfielders in the country.

“Please tell Teko Modise I want my cupboard,” Fisani said in an interview with Far Post.

“One time I found Siphesihle had drawn a footballer on my cupboard and written Teko Modise when he was about 11. He loved Teko so much. That’s when I knew he was really passionate about the game.”

Fisani admitted she did not spare the proverbial rod in order to ensure that Siphesihle becomes a disciplined young man in KwaZulu-Natal, Ashdown. 

“I never spared the rod – he knew I’d discipline him if ever he was mischievous. It gives me joy to see the young man he has grown to become," she added. 

"A lot of his peers are finished now because of drugs and alcohol, but he used to listen."

This also helped Ndlovu develop into a disciplined and hardworking player during his time in the Maritzburg United academy having previously played for Mgungundlovu Academy of Sport in Pietermaritzburg.

Ndlovu made his professional debut during the 2016/17 season and he went on to become the first-ever Maritzburg player to be crowned the PSL Player of the Month award.

His former coach at Maritzburg, Fadlu Davids discussed Ndlovu's qualities as a footballer with the duo having reunited at Pirates. 

“He is a special player. He is an all-rounder, really good at both. He is so flexible," Davids told the same publication. 

Ndlovu helped the Team of Choice to a club record-high fourth-place finish in the league in the 2017/18 campaign and he was named PSL Young Player of the Season and Midfielder of the Season.

"You can play him on the left, on the right and on the centre based on how tactically you want to go at the opponent, whether to stop them or attack them. His understanding of the game is his main strength," Davids added.

Ndlovu was snapped up by Pirates from Maritzburg prior to the start of the 2019/20 season and he is looking to establish himself as a key player under Davids, who is the Bucs assistant coach.

Jack Harrison has confirmed that he will be taking in a third spell at Leeds United, with Manchester City opening an exit door once again for the promising winger.

The 23-year-old forward has spent the last two seasons on loan at Elland Road.

He contributed to the Whites winning promotion to the Premier League during the 2019-20 campaign and is now looking forward to taking in top-flight football under Marcelo Bielsa.

A man who City snapped up from sister club New York City FC in January 2018 told ESPN FC of helping Leeds back into the big time: “I still don't think it's quite sunken in yet.

“I don't think it will really sink in until the first game where you walk out obviously in a Premier League stadium.

“We don’t know the fixtures yet or anything like that, but until we start preparing for that I don't think it will really sink in until then. As of right now I'm just trying to enjoy the moment, enjoy the time, the celebrations with the team.

“I'll be there again next season, so it's exciting to go back and do it all again in a few weeks.”

Harrison, who registered six goals and eight assists for Leeds in their Championship title-winning campaign, added: “When I first arrived I knew Leeds was a big club, but I didn't really understand the depth of the club or anything like that.

“I think when you come to the games and you see the fans and you see how much it means to them day in, day out, these fans literally live for football. It's almost like there's nothing else that exists. Life is only Leeds United.

“Especially when we got promoted and we saw all the fans at the stadium and you can see how much it means to everybody at the club, everybody in the city.

“It's an incredible, incredible thing to be a part of. I'm just happy that I'm able to help Leeds get back into the Premier League after such a long time and I think they deserve to be there.

“I'm really looking forward to making the most out of it next year and hopefully making more people happy.”

Harrison is also enjoying working under enigmatic Argentine tactician Bielsa.

He said of the highly-rated South American and Leeds’ ambitions for 2020-21: “With Marcelo, I think anything is possible.

“We have a team that is dedicated, that is motivated and under the leadership of Marcelo we're more than capable of staying up.

“You look at how Sheffield United have gone up, they're an organised team, their tactics are detailed as well, just like Marcelo and they've done extremely well this last year, so we're hoping we can do the same, if not better, than Sheffield United. I think that would be a great year for us next year.”

Kenya midfielder Francis Kahata has revealed reports of building his former coach Fredrick Ochieng's house has been blown out of proportion.

A section of media reported the Simba SC creative player had promised to build the tactician a three-bedroom house.

"The reports I am reading and hearing from Kenya about me building [Ochieng] a house are baseless," Kahata told Goal on Thursday.

"I have been talking with the coach and I remember there is a time he told me he has a parcel of land in Githurai where he intends to build a house.

"So he requested me to buy him the poles to help him in construction and I agreed. It is not the way some have put that I had offered to build him a house. He just requested me to buy him the poles and I agreed to help him."

In a recent interview, the tactician reveals how he spotted and developed the player, who is now 29-years old.

"We had gone for a match in Ruiru and when I saw Kahata I noticed that the boy was very talented and I decided to take him with me," Ochieng said in a recent interview.

I approached the boy and after speaking to Kahata’s mum she allowed me to take him with me, he even lived with me in my house, especially during the school holidays.  

"As a coach, I had three age categories in my team, Kahata joined my under-12 team but because of his enormous talent I promoted him to under-14."  
 
Kahata has since played for Thika United, KF Tirana of Albania, and Gor Mahia and was part of the national team Harambee Stars who played in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations held in Egypt.

The Kenya international joined Wekundu wa Msimbazi at the beginning of 2019/20 Tanzania Mainland League season.

He has since scored six goals and provided six assists for the Tanzanian giants, helping them win the Community Shield, FA Cup and league title.

Rodri has challenged Manchester City to prove their superiority over Real Madrid in Friday's Champions League showdown at the Etihad Stadium.

City head into the second leg of the last-16 encounter with a 2-1 advantage from February's initial clash at the Santiago Bernabeu, where Gabriel Jesus' header and Kevin De Bruyne's penalty overturned Isco's 60th-minute opener.

Pep Guardiola's side controlled large parts of the contest, although former Atletico Madrid man Rodri does not feel that should cause complacency against the 13-time winners, who are fresh from sealing La Liga glory.

"They are more than a team, they have that way of playing. You can never relax, even if you are winning 3-0 or 4-0 they still come back," he told a pre-match news conference. "They have a huge personality to be the champions they have been over the past 20 or 30 years.

"They are the biggest team in this competition but now football has changed a little bit. It is so competitive. The distances between teams are so, so narrow.

"I know that we have a better team but we have to show that we have a better team on the pitch with our good behaviour and personality. I think we have a better squad and if we do things well, I think everything is going to be good for us."

Pressed to expand on that confident assessment during the Spanish language section of the briefing, Rodri acknowledged his words will mean nothing if City come undone.

"That's just a general opinion of mine. I think we have got a better team, but words are worthless if you can't demonstrate them out on the field," he said. "It's down to us to prove that, prove what I've been saying.

"There are lots of general reasons, but I'd just say we're a side that is full of goals and we've got talented players in every position, every area of the field.

"We've got to play well and I think we've got to match Real Madrid in what they may have that is better than us – more experience on the massive stage than us and they've got a strong mentality in these big, big games.

"If we match them in those areas, fate will decide, but I think we'll have a good chance."

City's record signing also cast a glance to the bigger picture of reaching the final stages of this season's tournament in Lisbon and the prospect of claiming a maiden Champions League crown for the club.

"We know we want to win the Champions League, so we want to win every single match," he added. "It is important to win tomorrow. We are focused on wining the Champions League. The confidence of the team is to get this goal.

"It is a dream for everyone, for me. Tomorrow we have this amazing match that is a final for us.

"We have the confidence that it is a long tournament. We want to win the tournament, not only the Real Madrid match."

Mbao FC head coach Fred Felix Minziro has won the Tanzania Mainland League July's Coach of the Month Award.

In the aforementioned month, the tactician managed to lead the now relegated team to five victories and a draw in the six league games played and collected 16 points from a possible 18.

"Mbao FC coach Fred Felix Minziro has been named July's Coach of the Month in the [Tanzania Mainland League] after defeating Amri Said of Mbeya City and Aristica Cioaba of Azam FC," the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) confirmed on Thursday.

In the same period, Azam, who finished third in the final league standings, managed to get four wins from the same number of matches, and two draws.

Mbeya City, who had to play second-tier side Geita Gold in the two-legged promotion/relegation play-offs to survive the axe, managed to bag 12 points after winning four matches and losing the remaining two.

Striker Waziri Junior, who has since ditched the relegated Mbao FC for Yanga SC, has been named July's Player of the Month.

"Waziri Junior of Mbao FC has been named July's Player of the Month in the [Tanzania Mainland league] in the 2019/20 season," TPLB confirmed via their official Twitter handle.

"Waziri has defeated Peter Mapunda of Mbeya City and Obrey Chirwa of Azam FC to be crowned."

The striker netted five goals for the Mwanza-based side in the six games played while Mapunda scored just two and assisted as many. Chirwa managed to hit the back of the net four times, in the 7-0 win against Singida United.

Junior was the first striker Yanga signed in the ongoing transfer window after the Tanzanian had a promising season with relegated Mbao FC.

He has signed a two-year deal and is expected to represent competition for David Molinga and Ditram Nchimbi.

Junior scored 13 goals in the Mainland Premier League and two in the relegation/promotion play-offs, which they lost to Ihefu FC.

Yanga had initially planned to have Junior sign his deal in Dar es Salaam, but when they got wind that Azam FC were trailing the forward, the club’s treasurer Simon Patrick travelled to the forward's residence and duly secured his signature.

Maxwel Cornet is hopeful Lyon can advance into the quarter-finals of the Champions League by beating Italian giants Juventus.

The Kids will square off against Maurizio Sarri’s men in the second leg round of 16 of the European competition at Allianz Stadium on Friday evening.  

The Ivory Coast international featured prominently as Lyon shocked the Old Lady 1-0 in the first leg at Groupama Stadium in February with Lucas Tousart scoring the only goal of the game.

Last month, the Kids lost on penalties to PSG in the final of the Coupe de la Ligue and the winger, who was disappointed with the result, believes the defeat will inspire them to victory when they face the Old Lady.

“In terms of the result, we are frustrated given our performance during the match [in the Coupe de la Ligue final],” Cornet told AFP.  

“We played well. Losing on penalties was very frustrating but it gives us confidence for the game against Juventus because we showed a lot of positive things and we will have to use that on Friday.

“We saw a team that played with all their heart. We played for each other and if we are like that against Juve, we will have all our chances.”

Cornet has been a key member of Rudi Garcia’s side this season, featuring in 35 appearances, scoring five goals and providing five assists across all competitions.

The forward has been with Lyon since January 2015, when he joined the club from Metz, where he started his senior career.

The 23-year-old winger has made 147 league appearances for the Groupama Stadium outfit, scoring  29 goals, amid other dazzling performances.

Cornet has played for France U16, U17, U18, U19, U20 and U21 before switching his allegiance to Ivory Coast.

The forward made his debut for the Elephants against the Netherlands in a friendly in June 2017 and has since featured 18 times for the West African country.

Ashanti Gold have denied media reports of positive coronavirus tests in their camp as they step up preparations for the Caf Confederation Cup.

News making the rounds was that the Miners recorded positive results as players and officials were reportedly tested.

The Obuasi-based side is bracing themselves for a possible domestic football return in October as well as their adventure in the 2020-21 Caf Confederation Cup.

"We would like to emphatically state that, none of our players and officials has tested positive for the novel coronavirus," the Miners announced on their official website on Thursday.

"The club’s screening exercise is scheduled to take place this week; results will only be known after players and officials have been tested. All contrary publications should, therefore, be disregarded and treated with the contempt it deserves.

"The playing body is scheduled for a screening exercise on Friday, August 7 and Saturday, August 8 whiles the entire backroom staff would undergo testing on Wednesday, August 12, 2020.

"This decision is necessitated by Management’s objective to prepare the team for a possible resumption of football activities in Ghana.

"The screening exercise would be conducted by our medical team with the support of the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research and Tropical Medicine (KCCR).

"The club successfully went through Fifa’s Pre-Competition Medical Assessment (PCMA) last month. It is therefore expected that these medical assessment procedures will inform Management’s decision and prepare the team ahead of the new season."

AshGold are set to make a second successive appearance in the Caf Confederation Cup.

Upon winning the 2019 Ghana Special Competition Tier 2 Cup, the Miners represented the West African nation in the 2019-20 continental inter-club championship where they suffered a first-round elimination at the hands of Moroccan fold RS Berkane.

After the premature termination of the 2019-20 domestic football season, including the Ghana Premier League (GPL) and the FA Cup, Roberto Landi's outfit received a nod from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council to fly the flag of the nation in the Confederation Cup next season.

On the domestic level, AshGold are targeting their fifth league title, their last success coming in 2014-15.

Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt feels that Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will thrive playing their matches behind closed without pressure from their demanding fans.

Football returns in South Africa after almost five months of inactivity and matches will be played inside empty stadiums, a rare situation in domestic football for the widely-followed sides.

Of the traditional South African big three clubs, Sundowns will be the first to experience how action without fans feels like when they take on Hunt’s charges in a Nedbank Cup semi-final match at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

Pirates will be the second traditional giant to taste the atmosphere of an empty stadium during Tuesday’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) clash, interestingly, against Sundowns at Dobsonville Stadium.

Chiefs will be the last to experience the situation when they host Wits the following day in a league match at Orlando Stadium and Hunt feels that the big three clubs will have an edge in the absence of their hard-to-please supporters.

“People say the bigger clubs could struggle [without fans], but I don’t think so,” said Hunt as per Phakaaathi.

“I think there is normally a lot of pressure [from the fans] and maybe now it will be less on the three bigger teams.”

The resumption of football without fans inside stadiums comes as Chiefs bid for a first PSL title since 2015, while Sundowns are pushing for s third straight league title.

Chiefs are four points better than second-placed Sundowns who have played a game less and could also claim the Nedbank Cup to complete a treble should they be crowned league champions as well.

For Pirates, the most realistic league finish they have is third place, the same chance as Wits.

But Wits face what could turn out to be a difficult return to football as they face the big three within seven days.

After Saturday and Wednesday’s assignments against Sundowns and Chiefs respectively, they will be on the road again, this time travelling to Ellis Park for a date with Orlando Pirates on August 15.

“We play Sundowns, Chiefs and Pirates in seven days, a lot of players will make their debuts, for sure,” said Hunt.

The Clever Boys tactician has promoted eight reserve team players to widen his pool of selection in the event of injuries and fatigue taking a toll on his team amid crammed fixtures.

“It possibly wouldn’t have happened in a normal season, but we will take it from there. Football is a funny old game,” Hunt said.

Nicolas Anelka has revealed that he “hated” life at Real Madrid and wanted to make a permanent move to Liverpool after his year-long loan at the club.

The former France striker spent a year in the Spanish capital after joining from Arsenal in 1999, but managed just two goals in 19 La Liga appearances and a further two in 10 Champions League matches.

Anelka ended up returning to Paris Saint-Germain but was loaned to Liverpool for the 2001-02 campaign, netting four Premier League goals as the Anfield outfit finished second in the table, and Manchester City snapped him up that summer.

He admits in a new Netflix documentary that he wanted to stay with the Reds a bit longer, while life at Santiago Bernabeu was unbearable.

"Liverpool fans think I didn't want to stay,” he said.“They need to know that that wasn't the case. That episode was tragic for me. It's a club where I could have done great things."

On his spell in Spain, he added: "I understood what it meant to be a star when I joined Real Madrid, and I hated it.

“After the press conference, I went to the changing room. I got there first, sat down, but players kept coming up to me and saying: ‘That's my spot’. I would say: ‘Oh, sorry. Can I sit here?’ and then another player would come up and say: ‘That's my spot’.

“It happened maybe 20 times. I just thought: ‘What am I doing here? This is going to be hostile’. What I experienced that day was just the beginning of the nightmare.

“There were sacrifices to be made and I was too young to understand. There was so much pressure. I was in the press every day. On the pitch, things weren't great. I couldn't have a private life. I couldn't do anything.

“You're 20, you can't walk down the street. Everything you do gets talked about, everything you buy is in the newspapers the next day.”

Anelka also spent a season at West Bromwich Albion towards the end of his career, but  controversial "quenelle" celebration saw him suspended for five games and fined £80,000.

The 41-year-old says his gesture was a message to former coach Steve Clarke, rather than an anti-Semitic salute.

"I'm back in the team and the first game I play, I score. So I do this celebration," Anelka said. "People don't know it because I never wanted to talk about Steve Clarke, but when I do the quenelle, it's for him. For me, it wasn't anti-Semitic, so I was surprised."

Pep Guardiola has warned his Manchester City side they must put their brittle Champions League tendencies behind them as they prepare to welcome Real Madrid to the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola has swept the board in terms of domestic honours since joining City in 2016, with this season's EFL Cup the sixth major trophy of his tenure.

He has been unable to end his club's wait for a maiden Champions League title however, with Tottenham and Liverpool ending their compatriots' involvement at the quarter-final stage in the past two seasons.

City hold a 2-1 advantage over Madrid heading into the second leg of their last-16 tie on Friday, with a place at the concluding mini-tournament in Lisbon up for grabs.

Their 3-0 defeat at Anfield in 2018, where all of Liverpool's goals came within the space of 19 first-half minutes, serves as a cautionary tale, as do the clusters of goals conceded against Monaco – in 2017 – and Tottenham when departing on away goals.

"Yeah definitely," Guardiola told a news conference when asked whether it was a concern. "More than conceding a goal is the way we concede a goal.

"When they are brilliant and make a good action, we have to accept it, but most of them were goals we could have avoided. We have to avoid it. Making mistakes in this competition punishes you a lot.

"We know it. We spoke about it many times, not this week but the last years, many times. If we want to make a step forward as a team to be close to winning this competition, we have to be better in this area."

If City progress, Guardiola will become the first coach to defeat Zinedine Zidane in a European knockout tie after the Madrid boss masterminded a run of three Champions League triumphs in a row from 2015-16 to 2017-18.

"When you think that you've got one of his tactical plans covered, he'll hit you with another tactical plan or revert to the original one that you thought he was going to start with," he observed.

"In the dim and distant past, we played the first leg and what we can remember from the first leg we've put to good use.

"We spoke about that game and since then we've watched all Madrid's games since La Liga restarted.

"We've spoken about how we think Madrid might approach this game, but what we've done more in these past two weeks is talked about what we can do – how we can hurt Madrid and areas we can cause problems for them."

Guardiola's preparations for the game have been thrown partially into flux by the news that teenage centre-back Eric Garcia has declined a new contract at City.

Garcia established himself as the first-choice partner for Aymeric Laporte over recent weeks but has been heavily linked with a return to his boyhood club Barcelona.

At the other end of the field, Sergio Aguero remains sidelined having undergone meniscus surgery, but Guardiola is not ruling out having City's all-time record scorer back for the final stages, should they negotiate Madrid.

"Right now, I don't know," he added. "He is still in Barcelona [where Aguero had the operation]. He is getting better. I spoke with the doctors and everything is like we thought. Hopefully he can come back and start training with us, but I don't know."