Looking for Soccer News?

Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has been named Montreal Impact's best player for the Major League Soccer is Back tournament.

Wanyama started in all of Montreal Impact’s games in Group C until they qualified for the play-offs and went down to Orlando City a week ago in the first round of the knockout phase.

The former Celtic midfielder was named Man of the Match when Montreal Impact fought hard against DC United to secure the only win in the group that helped them sail to the knockout round.

Wanyama, who joined the MLS side early in the year, was part of the squad that engaged in the MLS is Back tournament and lost to New England Revolution and Toronto FC as well.

Although the former Tottenham Hotspur star has had an encouraging start at his first MLS club – winning Man of the Match and Man of the Tournament awards – his manager Thierry Henry cautioned that the team needs balance if they are to assure themselves of good performances.

“Yes, we do have to improve, that’s for sure,” Henry said in a previous interview. “I don’t know if you follow us since the beginning of the season, but we score goals. Have a look.

“We score goals, but we also concede. So, we have to find the right balance.

“It’s like the end of the preseason. Obviously, some things can be improved. I am proud of my players. We came here [to the MLS is Back tournament], we did what we did despite having restarted to train later than other teams.

“I have to look after my players, but we’re only five games into the league [season] and obviously we had games here, but it’s still early for me here. The process is still on.

“We still have to try to find the right balance defensively and offensively. We need to find the right balance, but I just arrived here.”

The Harambee Star left Europe after stints with Beerschot, Celtic and Southampton.

His time at Tottenham Hotspur saw him fall down the pecking order, with injuries taking a toll before he switched for MLS - a league that is sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation - in March 2020.

Allowing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s contract to run down is “typical Arsenal”, says Jermaine Pennant, with the Gunners told they should look into selling Mesut Ozil and invest those funds in a new deal for their captain.

Prolific Gabonese frontman Aubameyang has entered the final 12 months of his current terms at Emirates Stadium.

He is yet to commit to an extension, despite offering no indication that he is looking elsewhere and regular claims of confidence from the likes of Mikel Arteta when it comes to an agreement being reached.

Pennant believes Arsenal should now be forcing the issue, with the option there for them to move another big earner off their books as World Cup winner Ozil finds himself frozen out.

The former Gunners winger told talkSPORT, with Arteta’s side set to go in pursuit of major silverware when they take in a meeting with Chelsea on Saturday: “Winning the FA Cup would make it easier to keep hold of him, but the fact he’s not playing Champions League football is going to be a massive factor in him staying.

“A player of that calibre wants to be playing in the Champions League, all the top players in the world want to play on that stage.

“It’s going to be tough for Arsenal to keep him, especially with his contract running down. He’s already rejected an offer to stay, so Arteta is going to have to be doing some right good sweet-talking.

“But if you’ve got Ozil on £300,000 a week and it’s a money issue with Aubameyang, then why not just let Ozil go? Sell Ozil!

“If he’s scoring goals the way he is, just give him the money, it doesn’t matter how old he is!”

Aubameyang is now 31 years of age, but he has scored 68 goals through 108 appearances for Arsenal.

He is not the first high-profile figure that the Gunners have struggled to agree fresh terms with and Pennant admits the north London giants need to shake that unfortunate habit.

“It’s typical Arsenal,” said Pennant. “They do not learn their lesson. You would have thought they would have learned when [Aaron] Ramsey left.

“When you have got a player of that stature and what he can bring to the club – he’s top goalscorer season after season – and you’re letting his contract run down to a year so that potentially he could be going on a free, you’ve got to be snapping your best players up.

“If you want to be competing in the league and you want to be in that top four, you can’t be letting your top goalscorer leave and let his contract run down.

“It is crazy but it does seem that is the Arsenal way and when are they going to learn?”

Zimbabwe midfielder Ovidy Karuru believes South Africa will be the Warriors' 'toughest' opponent in the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers, while dismissing Ghana from providing a stern challenge in the same group.

Group G of the road to Qatar contains Zimbabwe, South Africa, Ghana and Ethiopia with the qualifiers having been initially scheduled to kick off in September 2020 before the coronavirus pandemic struck.

It is the Zimbabwe-South Africa home and away fixtures, dubbed 'The Battle of Limpopo', which are eagerly anticipated by Stellenbosch midfielder Karuru in this group.

“We have been waiting to play Bafana Bafana," Karuru told Cosafa TV. "We always want to play against South Africa, because when we are here [in the Premier Soccer League] at our clubs, we always talk about it.

“We have missed the Battle of Limpopo," he added. "I think that one is going to be out toughest game, because South Africa do not want to lose against Zimbabwe and we do not want to lose to South Africa.

“When it comes to Ghana and the other team [Ethiopia], I think we just have to go there and come out with a result, then we take them on in the reverse fixture at our home ground.”

History favours Zimbabwe, who have won seven matches, while Bafana Bafana have recorded six wins, with two games between the neighbours ending in draws.

It is now seven years since the rivals last met when the Warriors edged South Africa 2-1 in an international friendly match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in September 2013, with Knowledge Musona and Cuthbert Malajila scoring for the visitors, while Bernard Parker pulled one goal back for Bafana.

In the Battle of Limpopo, Peter Ndlovu and Musona are the highest scorers with three goals each, while Delron Buckley and Lucas Thwala follow with each having struck twice.

In this group, only Ghana and South Africa have featured at the World Cup before, while Zimbabwe and Ethiopia are seeking their maiden qualification.

Karuru, who has previously played for French Ligue 1 side US Boulogne, has vowed that the Warriors won't be on the losing side when they face their near neighbours.

“Against South Africa, there is no home, there is no away for us especially guys playing here in South Africa," he added. "It's going to be a tough one. All I can promise is that I don’t see us losing that game."

The last time the two neighbours met in a World Cup qualifier, South Africa edged Zimbabwe 2-1 at FNB Stadium in May 2001 and Bafana Bafana proceeded to the 2002 tournament in Korea/Japan.

The first leg of that qualifying campaign ended disastrously in July 2000 after 13 fans perished at Harare’s National Sports Stadium in a stampede and the match was abandoned with eight minutes to go as the visitors led 2-0 courtesy of a Buckley brace.

Lionel Messi is the finest talent to have ever graced a football field, says Humberto Maschio, with the Argentine ranking the Barcelona superstar above Pele, Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff and Alfredo Di Stefano.

A Racing Club icon has witnessed all of the aforementioned all-time greats in action, so is in a strong position to offer an opinion on who should sit at the top of the pile.

For Maschio, Messi is the obvious choice as the six-time Ballon d’Or winner has raised his game above the standard set by those who went before him.

Maschio told Clarin: “I've seen Di Stefano, Pele, Maradona, Cruyff - I've seen them all. But Messi is the best.

“I've faced some of those myself but I repeat, again, Messi is the best.”

Maschio acknowledges that the likes of Pele and Maradona were sporting geniuses, but he still considers them to sit in the shadow of a modern-day superstar.

He added: “They were great players in their time but the pace of the modern game is so different. Just look at the goals Messi has scored.

“Leo doesn't run around much on the pitch but when he needs to, it's as if the ball is stuck to his feet.

“I've seen players with unbelievable pace but when they have the ball, they slow down. Yet with Leo it's the opposite and he does it in such a fantastic way.”

Messi has raised the bar of individual excellence over the course of his stunning career.

Along with his enviable collection of Golden Balls, the 33-year-old also has 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns to his name.

He has been able to maintain remarkable standards since bursting onto the scene as a precociously-gifted teenager and now has 633 goals for Barcelona through 729 appearances.

Messi has also registered 70 efforts through 138 outings for Argentina, but is still waiting on a first piece of senior silverware at international level.

That is often used as an argument against him being the best of all-time, with the likes of Pele and Maradona having World Cup wins on their respective CVs, but it could be that Messi ends that debate when going in search of more honours over the coming years.

Jordan Henderson claims leaving Liverpool never crossed his mind during a testing start to his spell at Anfield, with the Premier League title winner always determined to “prove people wrong”.

The England international was snapped up by the Reds in the summer of 2011, with his potential prised away from Sunderland.

Forming part of a star-studded squad on Merseyside looked to be a step too far for Henderson, as he was quickly linked with another switch to Fulham.

No deal was done and the 30-year-old has gone on to become a worthy successor to Steven Gerrard as Liverpool captain.

Henderson has got his hands on Champions League and Premier League trophies, while also being named FWA Football of the Year for 2020.

He has silenced his critics in style, and the hard-working midfielder says that was always his intention after seeing many write him off.

Henderson told the Liverpool Echo: “There have been ups and downs over the last few years and throughout my career. There are always going to be tough times in your career and your life.

“It’s about how you deal and react to those setbacks. You can use them as motivation to push yourself forward and want to improve. You need those setbacks in your career to become stronger as a player and a person also.

“Obviously, it wasn’t always easy at the start of my Liverpool career and although a lot’s been made of it, it was never really an option for me to leave. I knew that wasn’t what I wanted, and it gave me even more motivation to prove people wrong.

“Brendan Rodgers was very good in that regard – he said he would help me improve and learn the things I needed to learn to get into the team more regularly. Tactically I became more aware and had a better understanding of the game, and going into the finer details really helped.

“When you go through tough periods, it’s about finding a way to deal with it. Your family helps, but sometimes you don’t want to bring that back into your home life.

“I’ve dealt with a lot on my own, but I’ve had great people around me as well such as my team-mates, managers and staff. I’ve been lucky enough to have so many good people at Liverpool Football Club that have helped me on my journey.”

One of those to have helped Henderson reach the very top of the game is current Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, with the German tactician continuing to be showered with praise on the back of his efforts at Anfield.

Henderson said of his charismatic coach: “Jurgen has a good relationship with all the players. But he has a great balance in terms of the respect he has for them, knowing when to put an arm around them and knowing when they need a kick up the backside. You can see the players respond to him.

“The manager deserves a huge amount of credit for what he has done since coming to Liverpool, not only the team but the whole club top to bottom and also the fans as well. He has brought everybody closer together and what he has created is so special.”

Cyriel Dessers and Ignatius Ganago found the back of the net as Genk held Lens to a 1-1 draw in a pre-season game on Saturday.

Nigerian forward Dessers joined the Blue and White in June from Dutch side Heracles Almelo, where he shone during his one-year stay with the club.

The 25-year-old won the 2019–20 Eredivisie joint-top scorer award along with Steven Berghuis with 15 goals apiece and had 18 strikes in 29 appearances across all competitions for the club before his departure.  

Dessers has been in fine form since his arrival at Luminus Arena, scoring in their victories over AZ Alkmaar and Excelsior.

Cameroon international Ganago is also a summer arrival at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, joining the newly-promoted Ligue 1 side from OGC Nice.

The African stars made key contributions in the encounter, with Dessers opening the scoring in the 44th minute from the penalty spot.

Ganago then levelled for Franck Haise’s men at the hour mark to ensure the Blood and Gold avoided defeat in the match.

The African players will hope to continue their fine performances in front of goal in their next pre-season games.

Dessers was handed his Super Eagles first call-up against Sierra Leone in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game in March but the outbreak of the coronavirus forced the match to be postponed indefinitely.

The 25-year-old started his career with OH Leuven’s youth team and was promoted to the senior side in 2013.

The forward made only one league appearance for Leuven before teaming up with Lokeren in April 2014 and featured in 32 league games for the Belgian club.

The striker also played for NAC Breda and Utrecht before moving to Heracles Almelo in the summer of 2019.

Ganago, meanwhile, made his debut for Cameroon in a friendly against Tunisia in October 2019 and will hope to deliver impressive performances for Lens in the 2020-21 season to boost his chances of playing regularly for the West Africans.

Azam FC have continued with their transfer activities after signing Ally Niyonzima from Rayon Sports.

The ‘Ice Cream Makers’ have confirmed the arrival of the Rwanda international who has signed a two-year contract that will see him stay at the Chamazi-based club until 2023.

The club have confirmed the signing in their social media pages by stating: “Azam is proud to confirm the signing of Ally [Niyonzima] on a two-year contract.

“Niyonzima, who was playing for Rayon Sports of Rwanda, comes in as a recommendation from our head coach Aristica Cioaba and will join the team in pre-season training ahead of the new season.”

Speaking after sealing the latest signing, Azam CEO Abdulkarim ‘Popat’ Amin welcomed Niyonzima, who also features for the national team Amavubi, to the Azam family and wished him well.

Niyonzima becomes the second signing for Azam, who have already brought on board winger Awesu Awesu from Kagera Sugar.

Earlier on Saturday, the team also confirmed they had released three foreign players led by goalkeeper Razak Abalora, winger Emmanuel Mvuyekure, and striker Donald Ngoma, who the club had loaned to KMC FC.

According to Amin, the club reached an agreement to release the trio after they ran down their respective contracts.

"We have decided to release the three players because they have run down their contract and we are not keen to renew them, both parties have agreed that we part ways,” Amin told Goal.

“We released [Ngoma] whom we had taken on loan to KMC, and Razak, whose contract ended last Sunday, same as Mvuyekure, we don’t have them now in our squad, they have all left and we wish them well in their future engagements.”

Azam did not enjoy as good a season as they had anticipated at the beginning of the campaign, as they managed to finish third in the league with 70 points, 18 fewer than winners Simba SC, and two behind second-placed Yanga SC. They managed to get 20 wins, 10 draws and eight defeats.

The team also failed to retain their FA Cup title to stand a chance of representing the country in the Caf Confederation Cup. They were paired with Wekundu wa Msimbazi in the quarter-finals and fell 2-0.

Cameroon international Ajara Nchout bagged her first brace of the season as Valerenga claimed a 3-0 win against Arna-Bjornar in Saturday’s Norwegian Toppserien game at Arna Idrettspark.

The Indomitable Lionesses star made her fourth start of the season in five appearances for her side, and starred in the opening matches, scoring crucial goals on her last three successive outings.

Arna, who had Nigeria's Ngozi Ebere on their books were seeking to end their losing streak since opening day's triumph at Roa, while Valerenga targeted their fourth win on the bounce this season.

With three goals in the last three matches, Nchout almost fired Valerenga in front with just two minutes into the match but her brilliant attempt was denied by the woodwork.

The visitors found the breakthrough when Marie Madsen raced down the right side to lay up free-running Nchout, who made no mistake to open the scoring, coolly slotting home in the 11th minute.

After the restart, Arna missed the services of defender Ebere as a defensive blunder saw Andrine Tomter set up Nchout to bag her brace with her 18-metre strike in the 74th minute.

Four minutes from time, Sherida Spitse provided a superb cross for Madsen, who got behind the hosts' backline to seal the fourth win of the season and Valerenga's impressive start to the campaign.

Nchout, who played from the start to the finish, has now scored five goals in five appearances this season for Valerenga.

Ebere was overlooked again as her side suffered their fourth successive defeat of the season.

The result means Valerenga moved to second on the log with 12 points from five matches, while Arna dropped to the eighth position on the 10-team table with just three points from five outings.

In next fixtures, Velerenga welcome ninth-placed Kolbotn on August 7, while Arna will travel to face leaders Lillestrom two days later.

Joe Aribo has expressed his delight after winning the Rangers Young Player of the Year and Goal of the Season awards.

The young midfielder delivered impressive performances during his debut campaign with the Ibrox Stadium outfit.    

Aribo teamed up with the Gers last summer after turning down a contract extension with Charlton Athletic, where he spent four years.   

The 24-year-old played a key role as Steven Gerrard’s men finished as runner-up in the 2019-20 Scottish Premiership season, which was abruptly concluded due to the outbreak of the coronavirus.

The Nigeria international scored eight goals and provided eight assists in 45 appearances across all competitions, amid other dazzling displays.

His four goals in the Europa League propelled the Ibrox Stadium outfit to the Round of 16 of the tournament, where they face Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen. 

Following his performances, the midfielder was named the club’s young best player of the season and his wonder goal against Sporting Braga was adjudged the best in the campaign.

Aribo has taken to social media to share his feelings after scooping the two prizes in recognition of his efforts last season.

“Thanks to God [for winning the] Young Player of the Season and Goal of the Season awards,” Aribo posted on Instagram.

Aribo has also been in fine form in Rangers’ pre-season games, scoring two goals as they clinched victories over Motherwell, Coventry City, Lyon and Nice to earn the praise of his manager Gerrard.

The midfielder will hope to replicate his eye-catching pre-season performances for Rangers when they begin their 2020-21 Premiership campaign against Aberdeen on Saturday.

The 24-year-old has two goals in four appearances for the Super Eagles since he made his debut for the West Africans against Ukraine in a friendly in September 2019.

Aribo will be expected to play a key for Nigeria during their Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers.

East Bengal are celebrating their centenary on Saturday, a historic occasion for one of Indian football's biggest clubs.

The Red and Golds were founded on August 1, 1920. As their fans and the Indian football fraternity celebrate the Kolkata giants, we have a quiz on their history for you.

This edition of Goal 's 'Sharp Minds' quiz is for the fans of the Red and Golds.

As we see football take a backseat among the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, here's your chance to while away some time.

We will bring you a set of 10 questions, a mixture of easy and tough ones, every week on Indian football. Try answering them on your own (without googling, we hope) and see how much you know about Indian football.

Share your scores with others and showboat. The latest edition of Sharp Minds is right here. Have fun.

NOTE : You are welcome to contact us through social media, if you need any clarification on the answers. We will try, to the best of our abilities, to explain.

Simba SC striker John Bocco has revealed they are aware of the threat posed by opponents Namungo FC when the two sides clash in the FA Cup final on Sunday.

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi will be keen to seal a treble this season having won the Mainland Premier League title and the Charity Shield Cup - as they come up against a Namungo side who finished fourth on the league table, at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Sumbawanga, Rukwa.

Speaking ahead of the final, Bocco, who has enjoyed a good season with Simba, has admitted they are aware of the kind of opposition Namungo will give them, insisting they have to be at their best to achieve their target.

“I am sure we all know we are coming up against a very tough opponent,” Bocco told Goal on Saturday.

“Namungo is one of the teams who always give us trouble in league matches, they know us very well, they know how we play and for that reason, it will be a very difficult final for both teams.

“But I am happy we have had good preparations going into the final, we have trained very well and we don’t have injuries, the squad is good and ready to go, and I know in the name of God, we will play well and win the trophy on Sunday.”

On what they want to achieve on Sunday, Bocco explained: “We want to write history as the only team to have won three trophies in one season, we won the Shield Cup in the season opener, won the league and now if we win the domestic Cup, we will have three trophies in one season.

“The desire to win three trophies in a season is pushing us hard to go and do the job against Namungo, all the players are psyched up and we are all burning to do the history and I hope we will achieve the dream.”

Simba defeated rivals Yanga SC 4-1 in the semi-final to advance to the final, while Namungo narrowly defeated Sahare All-Stars by a solitary goal in the other semi-final.

Having won the league, the Sven Vandenbroeck-led side will play in the Caf Champions League next season and as a result, Namungo are set to represent Tanzania in the Caf Confederation Cup even without kicking a ball in the FA Cup final.

The winner of the domestic Cup usually gets full rights to play in Africa's second-tier club competition, but since Simba are already in continental competition, the runner-up gets the berth.

This will be the first time for the club to play in a continental assignment in their history. Last season, Azam FC, who won the FA Cup, and KMC, who finished fourth on the league table, played in the Confederation Cup.

Ghana international Bernard Tekpetey is excited by the prospect of playing Champions League football following his loan move to Bulgarian side Ludogorets.

The attacker joined the Eagles on a two-year deal from German side Schalke 04 on Thursday, the same day he terminated his loan spell at relegated Bundesliga fold Fortuna Dusseldorf.

The latest signing of the side following the acquisition of Brazilian attacker Alex Santana, Tekpetey will wear the No.37 jersey at Ludogorets.

“Everything I’ve heard about Ludogorets so far made me choose this club," Tekpetey said at his unveiling on Friday, as reported by the Eagles' official website.

"They play good football and they are always part of the Champions League and Europa League too. This is important for every player who wants to develop his career.

“It [Bulgarian league] is different compared to the Bundesliga but my first impression is that training is on a high level here. The coach wants us to create more attacks.

"I was happy to see the players so motivated to play for the win. I am also glad to be part of a club with such ambition. I need to work hard and that is the most important thing. This way, I will reach my goals."

Tekpetey left Dusseldorf under controversial circumstances.

After a frustrating season with Die Kraichgauer, where he made only nine league appearances involving five starts, the Ghanaian swore not to continue his stay with the club which was due to expire in 2021.

In his bid to force a move away, he decided against turning up for training, incurring the wrath of the club.

"If a player is disappointed, he cannot simply say that he doesn't want to come anymore. I made it clear to him and his adviser in a personal conversation that I gave my opinion. We won't just give Bernard the go-ahead," Dusseldorf Sports Director Uwe Klein told news portal Express.

Earlier this week, the club announced a decision to give the Ghanaian some time off to decide his future, days before terminating their contract with the 22-year-old.

Tekpetey, who transferred to parent club Schalke from Ghanaian side UniStar Academy in 2016, has also had loan stints with Austrian fold Altach and relegated Bundesliga outfit Paderborn.

Musa Matovu has become the fourth player to renew his contract with Uganda Premier League (UPL) side Police FC.

The ambitious Law Enforcers have promised to challenge for trophies in the coming season and vowed to keep their best players whilst signing the best in the market.

And true to their words, the 20-year-old Matovu has joined the list of players to have renewed their stay after penning a two-year contract that will see him stay with ‘the Cops’ until 2022.

The club have confirmed on their social media pages the latest news by stating: “Musa [Matovu] extend stay at Police. The 20-year-old has penned a two-year deal and will stay at the club until 2022.”

On penning the extension, Matovu revealed: “It’s a pleasure having renewed my contract with the club. I learnt a lot from the previous season and can’t wait for the next one.

“I am assuring everyone a great display next season because I got everything it takes. I am using this Covid 19 pandemic to work upon myself so as to improve on my performance.”

Police CEO Fahad Lumu, who was present to witness the signing also stated: “We are beefing our team and to consolidate especially the young blood. We can’t start from scratch but somewhere.

“Our fans should expect a competitive display as the team is comprised of youngsters and experienced players.”

The signing of Matovu, who has previously featured for FC Kampala and Aspire Academy in Qatar, took place on Saturday at the club’s offices situated at Kibuli, Sports Office.

Matovu now joins Dennis Rukundo, Yusuf Ssozi, and Johnson Odong as the players to have renewed their stay with Police.

Meanwhile, the club has already signed Ikara from Mbarara City, experienced midfielder Tony Mawejje from Al-Arabi SC in Kuwait, and Hassan Muhamood from Onduparaka FC.

Ikara’s signing caught many by a surprise as the towering keeper had been linked with a move to newly crowned UPL champions Vipers SC and URA FC, a transfer he turned down to settle for Police.

In a recent interview, Ikara revealed why he opted to sign for the club ahead of the new season.

"What I considered for signing with Police was the quality playing time that I expect to have than elsewhere. I want to use this playing time to bounce back to the Uganda Cranes set up,” Ikara told reporters.

“I want to be part of the competitive Police we know of with solid performances match after match.”

On unveiling Mawejje a week ago, Police chairman Asan Kasingye stated they will make sure they leave a mark in the league come the new season.

An irate Thomas Tuchel insisted he is not concerned by Paris Saint-Germain's lack of goals after they completed a domestic clean sweep of trophies on Friday.

PSG added the Coupe de la Ligue trophy to their triumphs in the Trophee des Champions, Ligue 1 and Coupe de France this season when they beat Lyon 6-5 in a penalty shoot-out.

The showpiece at the Stade de France was not befitting the last ever Coupe de la Ligue final as neither team could find a goal across 120 minutes, with PSG clearly missing the brilliance of injured forward Kylian Mbappe.

Since their season resumed, PSG - who found the net 75 times in 27 Ligue 1 games in 2019-20 - have only scored twice across 210 minutes when Neymar netted the winner in the Coupe de France final last week.

Yet when such a statistic was put to Tuchel, he reacted angrily.

"So, what's the big deal," he said to reporters.

"Yes, we're still lucky. You can write it down. It's the only thing, we're lucky. That's the way it is, no quality, only luck.

"It's football. It's football. It's only football.

"Do you know the result of Liverpool against Barcelona in Barcelona [when Liverpool lost 3-0 in 2019]? How they played and then they won the Champions League. Give me a team that scores four or five goals in every match... it's not possible.

"But you are always looking for something negative - 99 positive points but no, we'll look for the 100th one which will be negative. We're going to look for problems.

"There's no problem, we won. I'm not going to apologise for this goal story. Since how many games have we had? No need to find excuses for that."

Tuchel said he is proud of his squad after their latest successful campaign, adding: "They are reliable guys who play, enjoy working and suffering together.

"That makes me very happy. I am proud and happy.

"We did not lose the concentration, the hunger to win, the confidence, we won on penalties and that counts," he said. 

"We won these four titles, there is a good atmosphere in the locker room. And I'm very happy because everyone thinks it's okay to win, but it's not that easy. 

"Winning four titles is the merit of this team and I am happy."

PSG's campaign is not over yet as they have a Champions League quarter-final against Atalanta to look forward to in Lisbon on August 12.

Tuchel has already admitted that Mbappe, who sprained his ankle in the Coupe de France final, needs "a miracle" to be fit for that game.

MYDA FC CEO Hannington Muwanguzi has claimed he has not received any report indicating they have been fined USh1 million for failing to submit the mandatory club licensing documents.

MYDA, the newly-promoted side and Onduparaka FC, were each fined one million shillings but Muwanguzi said the club has not learned of the development from the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa).

“I haven’t received any communication from the Federation (Fufa) about the fine,” Muwanguzi said as was quoted by Sports Nation.

“Our file of documents for licencing is already at Fufa as I talk now. It was received by the licensing manager and I was still in the timeframe given to us.

“I have to say we were not late because we cannot submit papers before the Club Pro agenda which we did last weekend.

“We were given a period of a week to submit our documents and so the papers were submitted and I haven’t seen any fine slapped on us – I think there is just miscommunication.”

URA, Busoga United, BUL, Mbarara City, Police, Bright Stars, UPDF, Express, SC Villa, Kyetume and Vipers SC have already submitted part of the minimum requirements and were consequently fined USh500,000.

The deadline to submit the documents was extended to August 7 as none of the Fufa Big League sides had brought forward their documents.

Muwanguzi also explained what they plan to achieve in the Premier League.

“Our target is to remain in the league because we have never dreamt of taking a step backwards for the time we have spent in football, so we have not just come to play but to compete,” he concluded.

“We have something new we are bringing in Ugandan football, something which has been missing so everybody should get prepared to see flair in Ugandan football called ‘MYDA Storm’.

“We are still recruiting but we have our initial younger players we started with from the beginning.

“We are just looking forward to adding only those players who are going to add something different and special which we need at this stage we are at.”

Wazito FC defender Johnstone Omurwa has stated he has to be patient and let his club handle negotiations with Petro Atletico of Angola.

The Central African side has been in touch with the lanky defender, hoping to have his services in the 2020/21 season. While the Kenya international admits he would love to play for the club, he has stated the 2018/19 National Super League champions are handling the issue on his behalf.

"I am aware Petro Atletico are serious about having me in their team for next season," Omurwa told Goal.

"However, I am still contracted by Wazito, and I am remaining with about two years in my current deal. All I can do is let the two parties negotiate and reach an agreement before I leave.

"Yes, I would love to play abroad, but again I have to respect the fact that I am employed here in Kenya by Wazito. I cannot interfere with the negotiations, all I can do is wait for the outcome which I believe will be positive.

The 21-year-old has challenged upcoming footballers to go a step ahead and work harder to stand a chance of playing in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) or even better leagues abroad.

"The game has changed and currently, we have youngsters dominating the industry," Omurwa added.

"Chances are everywhere but to get it, you have to work hard, without doing so and maintaining your discipline, it will be tough

"I cannot even explain how I have managed to find myself at the top. Things have swiftly moved and I have reached where a few people expected.

"Anybody who is out there wanting to be a footballer, no shortcuts, they have to push harder on and off the pitch in order to be successful. There is nothing tough, sacrifice and remain concentrated and you will realize your objectives."

In an earlier interview with Goal, the Kenya U23 international also revealed why he continued to do his best for the side despite all the changes at the club over the last 12 months.

"And this being our full-time job, if you do not give your best, then you can easily be released," Omurwa said. 

"But if you give your best, there will be no worries. It is for this reason I have been ensuring my work rate is good, the same as the qualities I offer."  

   
.  

Former Arsenal, Inter Milan and Nigeria striker Nwankwo Kanu has been celebrated on his 44th birthday.  

Leading the tributes is the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), who lauded the two-time African Player of the Year for his contribution to the Super Eagles.

“Happy birthday to two-time Africa Player of the year and Nigeria football legend, Kanu. Have a good one Papilo,” NFF tweeted.

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) recollected the performances of Kanu for Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations, where he helped the West Africans win bronze medals and finished as runner-up in the 2000 edition.

“Legendary African footballer Nwankwo Kanu turns 44 today. The Nigerian is one of the continent's greatest talents, dazzling fans all over the world throughout his career,” read a tweet from Caf, accompanied by a video.

Fifa also recalled, in a video, how the heroic last-minute strike from the forward helped Nigeria stun Brazil in the semi-finals of the 1996 Olympic Games to secure a place in the final and subsequently win the gold medal in the tournament.

“Happy 44th birthday to the magician who was twice named African Footballer of the Year,” read a tweet from Fifa.

Kanu started his career in Nigeria with Iwuanyanwu Nationale before moving to Europe to join Ajax in 1993, where he enjoyed great success.

The forward helped the Dutch club to win the Champions League, three Eredivisie titles, Uefa Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup trophies before departing the side in 1996 to join Inter Milan.

His eye-catching performances then earned him a move to Arsenal in 1999 and won two Premier League titles and the FA Cup, among other accolades with the Gunners.

Kanu ended his five-year stay with the Emirates Stadium outfit in 2004 to team up with West Bromwich Albion and played for Portsmouth for six years, winning the FA Cup title with the side before his retirement.

Kanu scored 12 goals in 87 appearances for Nigeria during a 17-year career with the three-time African champions.

He is is currently the Super Eagles ambassador and his 'Kanu Heart Foundation' helped in treating children with heart diseases, having suffered a similar problem during his football career. 

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Steve Lekoelea has hailed coach Josef Zinnbauer’s work with his former team, saying he expects them to win silverware if they continue doing well next season.

‘Chippa’ would not commit regarding which team will emerge as the new Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions at the end of the current campaign, saying there are many factors that will determine the race for the title.

On the other hand, the retired dribbling wizard believes the so-called small teams will be at an advantage against the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, and the Buccaneers because the games will be played behind closed doors.

“The Pirates coach [Zinnbauer] is doing a very good job. If the team can continue playing well, they will definitely win a trophy next season,” Lekoelea told Isolezwe.

“Maybe the only position they need to fix is the defence because it’s not solid. That was evident when the team was coached by Rhulani [Mokwena].”

Taking a look at the race where Amakhosi lead with 48 points from 22 games, the Brazilians have 44 from 21 matches and are in second place, whilst the Buccaneers and SuperSport United share the third spot with 40 points.

With that in mind, Lekoelea says the winners will be decided after two or three games.

“It’s very difficult to say who will win the league because the players will not have the same momentum before the games were suspended [in March],” added the retired midfielder.

“I would answer this question easily if you would have asked before the suspension of the season. I think it will take two games for the teams to adjust to playing without the fans - for now, it remains open.”

On the other hand, the former Moroka Swallows and Bafana Bafana midfielder is of the view that coach Ernst Middendorp, Pitso Mosimane, and Josef Zinnbauer’s troops will struggle behind closed doors.

“It will be very difficult to play without the supporters. Teams like Chiefs, Pirates, and Sundowns will definitely struggle,” he continued.

“It’s going to be like the players in training, this will be different than before the season was suspended. I am sure the so-called small teams are delighted because they know they have a chance to win the games.”

Simba SC coach Sven Vandenbroeck has explained the importance of the FA Cup final by revealing he will field his best squad to battle Namungo FC on Sunday.

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi will be keen to seal a treble this season, having won the Mainland Premier League title and the Charity Shield Cup - as they come up against a Namungo side who finished fourth on the league table, at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Sumbawanga, Rukwa.

The Belgian coach has now told Goal he will not underrate their opponents and will, instead, pick his best squad for the final.

“It will be our final match of the season and we will, therefore, field our best squad to finish the job,” Vandenbroeck told Goal on Saturday.

“I will not underrate [Namungo], they are not a team to look down upon and therefore, I have told my players what to do and what to expect in such a final, it will be difficult because they can also spring a surprise, so we must be ready to deal with them.

“I am happy we have been training for the last few days since we ended the league and all the players are fit to play, I will go for my best squad, to finish the job and give us another trophy.”

Speaking ahead of the final, Simba captain John Bocco, who has enjoyed a good season with the club, admitted they are aware of the kind of opposition Namungo will give them, insisting they have to be at their best to achieve their target.

“I am sure we all know we are coming up against a very tough opponent,” Bocco also told Goal on Saturday.

“Namungo is one of the teams who always give us trouble in league matches, they know us very well, they know how we play and for that reason, it will be a very difficult final for both teams.

“But I am happy we have had good preparations going into the final, we have trained very well and we don’t have injuries, the squad is good and ready to go, and I know in the name of God, we will play well and win the trophy on Sunday.”

On what they want to achieve on Sunday, Bocco explained: “We want to write history as the only team to have won three trophies in one season, we won the Shield Cup in the season opener, won the league and now if we win the domestic Cup, we will have three trophies in one season.

“The desire to win three trophies in a season is pushing us hard to go and do the job against Namungo, all the players are psyched up and we are all burning to do the history and I hope we will achieve the dream.”

Simba defeated Yanga SC 4-1 in the semi-final to advance to the final, while Namungo narrowly defeated Sahare All-Stars by a solitary goal in the other semi-final.