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Paul Pogba became a “monster” after taking a kicking from Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs in Manchester United training sessions.

The French midfielder graduated out of a famed academy system at Old Trafford to join a star-studded first-team squad that was pieced together by the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson.

Pogba had much to prove on a senior stage, especially as a number of iconic figures were blocking his path to competitive game time.

In order to see minutes, he had to prove himself worthy on the training field.

Pogba initially decided to adopt a respectful approach, but was soon put in his place by Scholes and Co.

On the advice of those around him, including fellow countryman Patrice Evra, necessary changes were made in the pursuit of greater recognition.

Pogba eventually walked away from Manchester in order to find that, as he linked up with Juventus, but not before adding the power to his game that has made him a global superstar and World Cup winner.

Reflecting on his early experiences with Evra for The Players’ Tribune, a man who returned to England in an £89 million ($113m) deal during the summer of 2016 said: “I was very respectful to everyone, to you, to Rio [Ferdinand], to Giggs, to everyone.

“So you remember when Giggsy and Scholesy every training they kick me and I just look at them and stand up and I didn’t say anything but respect.

“So you told me ‘Paul if you let them kick you, you will start being the.. B... it starts with a B... of the team so you better wake up and change your attitude’.

“And the next day I just came in and…”

Evra finished off that sentence, saying: “Monster.”

Pogba took in just seven appearances for United before opting against signing a new contract and spreading his wings in Italy.

A further 152 have been seen since he was re-signed by Jose Mourinho.

The 27-year-old has contributed 32 goals across those outings, helping the Red Devils to League Cup and Europa League triumphs.

The 2019-20 campaign has been a testing one for him, with niggling injuries holding him back, but a return to fitness has been enjoyed alongside January signing Bruno Fernandes and there is now talk of Pogba signing a new contract – with the seemingly endless rounds of exit talk brought to a close.

Spanish Primera Iberdrola outfit Eibar has completed the signing of Thembi Kgatlana from Portuguese Liga BPI side SL Benfica, for the 2020-21 season.

Kgatlana parted ways with Benfica last week and moved on to Spain on a free transfer, after abruptly ending her two-and-half-year deal with the Portuguese side.

During her short spell in Portugal, she only made three appearances for Luis Andrade's team, scoring three goals and powered them to the Portuguese Taca de liga final and league diadem.

The 24-year-old has established herself since earning her first move to Houston Dash in the United States before moving to Chinese side Beijing Phoenix in 2019, and later Benfica this January. 

For her country, she helped South Africa to earn a maiden Women's World Cup ticket and won the 2018 Africa Women's Player of the Year prize, edging now four-time winner Asisat Oshoala.

In France, she made history for the Southern Africa country, scoring their maiden Women's World Cup goal and featured in all three matches for Banyana Banyana.

Following her signing, Jon Gallego has moved to bolster his squad ahead of the new season following their return to the Spanish top-flight for the first time since 2011.

"Thembi Kgatlana has become the latest reinforcement of the Eibar Sports Society women's first team," the club announced on its website.

"The 24-year-old South African forward, she is international for her country and in 2018 she was considered the best African player."

Following the announcement, the South Africa international will team up with Nigeria striker Charity Adule, who joined the club last summer.

She also becomes the third South African woman to earn a move to Spain this summer, after Amanda Mthandi and Nothando Vilakazi.

Manchester United need to be forcing the issue when it comes to David de Gea and Dean Henderson, says Eric Steele, with the Red Devils urged to offer an out-of-sorts Spanish goalkeeper the competition for places that he will thrive on.

A change between the sticks at Old Trafford is being mooted on the back of some error-strewn displays from a normally reliable No.1.

Henderson is the logical choice to step in, with the 23-year-old Red Devils academy graduate having impressed across two productive loans spells at Sheffield United.

United will have the opportunity to welcome a highly-rated performer back into their ranks at the end of the 2019-20 campaign, and Steele feels they should do that regardless of who their first choice is for next season.

The club’s former goalkeeping coach told i: “Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants problems like this – strength in depth in every position. These are the headaches that should be in place at Manchester United.

“Should contracts permit, United need to say to Dean: ‘you are not going out on loan, you are here to compete with David’.

“He will value the experience at Sheffield United – he is better prepared now to take that challenge on. The season is a long one, 60 games if United get far in Europe, there is plenty of scope to use both.

“David understands the culture needed at United to get back winning things again, and Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] needs players like David, who understand what it means to be number one, and to keep winning.”

Opinion remains divided on whether or not De Gea should be stripped of a prominent post he has filled for nine years, with Steele of the opinion that a proven 29-year-old will embrace the challenge that Henderson’s presence will pose.

He added: “People forget he [De Gea] was a kid taking over from a legend in Edwin van der Sar.

“He just brushed that aside, got on with his job. Overcoming obstacles is not new for David.

“People underestimate him. He has this lovely, calm persona, but he loves winning.

“He came to us having won plenty of youth titles with Spain, he captained Spain Under-21s, he had already won the Europa League. I went to see him in the semi-final against Liverpool and physically he looked a baby, but I saw a goalkeeper that night who was totally unfazed.

“David has always upheld his own standards. Everyone has a dip in form. To continue to perform at the level he was performing at a few years ago would have been impossible – he is part of a major rebuild, and is very much still needed.”

Mame Diouf has sent an emotional message to Stoke City after ending his six-year stay with the Championship side.

The Senegal international joined the Potters in the summer of 2014 on a four-year contract after his deal with German side Hannover 96 expired.

The centre-forward scored 26 goals in 157 appearances across all competitions for the Bet365 Stadium outfit during his time with the side.

In the 2019-20 season, the former Manchester United striker scored one goal in eight Championship appearances.

The forward recently signed a contract extension with the Potters to enable him to complete the season with the club but has asked to be released from the deal which now makes him a free agent.

Diouf has taken to social media to appreciate the club and the fans for their support during his time at Bet365 Stadium.

“Six wonderful years gave everything. Not easy sometimes but I’ll only keep good memories. Thanks to the club. I’ll never forget you the supporters, you are amazing. Forever a Potter,” Diouf tweeted.

Chief Executive of Stoke City Tony Scholes also praised the contribution of the Senegal international to the club.

“Mame has been a hugely popular member of our first-team squad over the last six years and leaves with our very best wishes,” Scholes told the club website.

“The role he played in us securing three successive ninth-placed finishes in the Premier League should not be overlooked as he scored some key goals for us.

“He will always be welcome at the bet365 Stadium and we wish him every success in the next phase of his career.”

Diouf started his career with Diaraf and has previously played for Molde, where he shone, scoring 29 goals in 62 league games.

His performances generated interest from a number of European clubs including Arsenal, Feyenoord, Groningen, West Bromwich Albion and Red Bull Salzburg before he signed for Premier League giants Manchester United.

The forward featured in five English top-flight games for the Red Devils and was part of Alex Ferguson’s side that won the 2010 League Cup before leaving to join Hannover 96 in 2012. 

Diouf has scored 10 goals in 47 appearances for Senegal since he made his debut against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in August 2009.

The 32-year-old striker will hope to secure a club before the commencement of the 2020-21 campaign.

Stanley Matthews has confirmed that there have been talks between SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns over the availability of Aubrey Modiba. 

Goal reported last week that the Brazilians had tabled a fresh offer for the left-footer and that the two teams decided to put the talks on hold until later this year.

Matthews says he told Sundowns that they are open to striking a deal with them provided the offer is better than what they offered during the January transfer window.  

“We’ve been in talks with Mamelodi Sundowns. They called us to see if we are open to an offer for Aubrey,” Matthews told Independent Media.

“I did indicate that we will be open to an offer, as long as it will be a substantially improved offer from what they gave us [in the previous window].

“They have stated that they are prepared to make an attractive offer for him."

According to Matthews, Sundowns have offered a few of their players in an attempt to sweeten the deal. 

However, the Matsatsantsa boss said he told their rivals that they are only prepared to let Modiba go if Sundowns put cash on the table.  

“They have offered me a couple of players as part of the deal, and I went back to them and said ‘no’ to those players. It is going to be a pure cash deal,” he added.

Matthews further revealed that he will push for the deal to go through a bit quicker if the season is cancelled but, will keep Sundowns at bay if PSL football is returning. 

“Until we know if we will play or not, we haven’t pushed the deal. For example, if the league is called off, I’ll push the deal quickly," he confirmed.

"If I still have six games left and I’m chasing the fourth spot, I don’t want to start negotiations around Aubrey Modiba. We are just sitting in limbo at the moment.”

Asked if there is a chance that Modiba will be at Sundowns next season, Matthews replied: “If you ask me if there’s a realistic chance that Aubrey joins Sundowns next season, I’ll have to say, yes.

Meddie Kagere has revealed the reason behind his goal-scoring prowess for Simba SC in the Mainland Premier League.

The Rwandan striker signed for the Wekundu wa Msimbazi from Kenyan champions Gor Mahia in the 2018-19 season and went on to win the Golden Boot in that season after notching 23 goals.

Kagere is now destined to repeat the feat this season - he has so far managed to score 22 goals and with Simba still with two matches to end the season, he stands a chance to overtake the mark.

Kagere has now revealed believing in God and always putting in extra effort during league matches has helped him to enjoy a good scoring record in Tanzania.

“I always work hard to score and never give up, I don’t give up whatever happens and I always pray to God to guide me in whatever I do,” Kagere is quoted by Sokaletu.

“I always believe in God and then always put extra effort in the job I do, I also want to mention the working relationship in our team, we play as a team and always work to help one another, it becomes easy for me to score goals because we do it as a team.

“Our players are the best to work with, they understand the chemistry and they easily pick me out to score goals, it is a good place to be in.

“I know we still have two matches to end the season, and as always I will strive to score more goals if I get the chance to start, it all depends with the coach, is plan for the game and if he gives me the chance, I am always ready to step up and help the team.”

His closest challenger Yusuph Mhilu of Kagera Sugar has managed 13 while his club Simba have already amassed 84 points and managed to score 76 goals.

Simba have matches remaining against Coastal Union and Polisi Tanzania and the team left Dar es Salaam on Tuesday.

Thereafter, Simba will take on Namungo FC in the final of the FA Cup on August 2.

Jurgen Klopp says he is looking forward to one of the greatest days of his life when Liverpool finally get their hands on the Premier League trophy this week.

But the Reds boss joked he will resist the temptation to follow in the footsteps of Sir Kenny Dalglish by bringing himself on as a substitute as his team are crowned champions at Anfield.

Liverpool will be presented with their 19th league title following their game against Chelsea on Wednesday night, and will lift the trophy on a specially-built podium in the centre of their iconic Kop stand. 

Dalglish, perhaps the club’s most legendary figure, will be part of the presentation team alongside Premier League chief executive Richard Masters.

The Scot was manager the last time Liverpool were champions, and actually made the last of his 515 appearances for the club as a player on the night they lifted the old First Division trophy against Derby on May 1, 1990.

Klopp, though, says fans should not expect something similar from him on Wednesday.

“The first thing I have to say is that there is no chance that I will come on as a sub in the game tomorrow!” he laughed. “Maybe that’s the most important information for everyone!

“It’s absolutely great [that Dalglish will be involved]. The game when we became champions, we were in the hotel with all the different duties we had to do, we saw Kenny and Graeme Souness sitting there and how much it meant to them. It was really nice to see.

“This club touches you, gets you and you could never get rid of that. The club is too big and too emotional. 

“I’m really happy that Kenny will be around. He deserves it. The best and most deserved nickname in the world is King Kenny, and he will be there in the stadium, where he has to be. 

“I’m happy about that, as happy as I was for Steven Gerrard too. We had some messages through lockdown and after. It means so much to him, it means so much to Carra (Jamie Carragher), examples of players who tried so hard in the past.

“They know exactly what this team did. They know how big the pressure can be when you are close to it, and my boys dealt sensationally well with it. I’m happy that they recognise it, and that my boys recognise how much it means to that generation of outstanding players. They have a massive Liverpool heart, and this is for them as well.”

Discussing his emotions ahead of tomorrow night, Klopp admitted it would be a momentous occasion, and that his preparations for the game had been difficult knowing what is to follow the final whistle.

“I will try to be prepared for it!” he said. “It’s really difficult, to be honest, and quite a challenge.

“The boys worked so hard for it, everyone in the club worked so hard for it, so it should be as good as possible in the stadium. I will be in the best spirits. 

“From a professional basis, it is one of the greatest days of my life. To finally get our hands on this trophy, when everyone was waiting so long and probably two or three years ago nobody thought it would be possible for us with the challengers we have. 

“I will be proud, I think. Proud of the boys and all that we did together at this club. It’s a milestone, 100 per cent, and we should see it as such.

“It’s an important day, a very important day, but not the last very important day for us. We will be in very good spirits! 

“How emotional? I don’t know. That’s the thing with emotions – you have to feel them!”

Sevilla have received two bids from England for highly-rated defender Diego Carlos, Goal has learned, with the Brazilian having sparked talk of interest from Liverpool and Manchester City.

There is no suggestion that they are the clubs to have made a move, but the South American’s stock is certainly on the rise.

The 27-year-old centre-half was snapped up by Sevilla in the summer of 2019 for just €15 million (£14m/$17m) from Nantes – in another show of Monchi’s transfer acumen.

A little over a year later and he is considered to have been one of the top defensive performers in La Liga during the 2019-20 campaign and a cornerstone of the project being pieced together at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

It does, however, remain to be seen how long he will be sticking around in his current surroundings.

Carlos’ valuation has rocketed, to the point that a €75m (£68m/$86m) release clause may no longer be enough to deter his suitors.

A number of teams across Europe are closely monitoring the South American’s situation, with Sevilla fully aware of the interest that a prized asset is generating.

The club’s president, Jose Castro, has told Radio Marca of the unwelcome attention ahead of what promises to be an interesting transfer market in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic: “I do not know what is going to happen.

“It seems that the market will be strange and I do not want to talk about purchases and sales at this point. Now is not the time to talk about transfers.”

While Castro is eager to avoid the discussion, Goal can confirm that two enquiries from English clubs have been lodged.

The first arrived in June, with the second rung in a few days ago.

Both have been given the same response, with Sevilla making it clear that they will not be entering into any talks for as long as their focus remains locked on a bid for Europa League glory.

Only when their season comes a close will they even consider negotiations.

The Spanish outfit have also pointed out to any would-be suitors that Carlos will only be allowed to leave if his full release clause is triggered.

Sevilla are under no pressure to sell, despite the financial impact of Covid-19, and are readying themselves for Champions League football in 2020-21.

With that taken into account, and the current ambitions of the club in continental competition, any advances for Carlos will be knocked back.

If interested parties return later in the summer, it will take €75m in order for Sevilla to be enticed to the table.

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak is the only man who can replace David de Gea, according to Rio Ferdinand, but he thinks Manchester United should stick by their current No.1 for the time being.

De Gea has hit headlines throughout the 2019-20 for a number of high-profile mistakes between the sticks, the latest of which came during a huge semi-final showdown against Chelsea in the FA Cup.

The Spain international conceded two very soft goals as the Blues ran out 3-1 winners at Wembley, and has been hit with a barrage of criticism following United's exit from the competition.

Ex-Red Devils midfielder Paul Ince has suggested Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should recall Dean Henderson from his loan spell at Sheffield United ahead of the 2020-2021 campaign, stating: "He needs to give De Gea that challenge and drive, and this lad could be the answer.

"Henderson's got the hunger and desire to get into that top spot at United."

However, Ferdinand doesn't think the Englishman is quite ready to step up to the plate at Old Trafford, and says that unless his old club are willing to fork out an extortionate fee on Atletico shot-stopper Oblak, De Gea should be trusted to turn his form around.

"Who are you going to get that is out there right now? Dean Henderson is a young goalkeeper, it's a big gamble," the former United defender told BT Sport.

"Who is out there right now that could be bought, that is able to be a world-class goalkeeper at Manchester United? The only one I see is Oblak but can you get him out of Atletico Madrid?

"If you do, how much would you have to spend? An obscene amount of money. I say, stick with [De Gea]. He's earned the right to be stuck with."

Ferdinand concedes that De Gea cannot be excused for his latest set of errors, but believes his old team-mate still has the necessary "character" to get back to his best and prove his critics wrong.

"When people make mistakes, they're open to criticism, that's just the way football is," the 41-year-old added. "David de Gea is not the exception. He's made mistakes, glaring mistakes in big games. Notably, the game yesterday in the semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley.

"Yes, he should be doing better. I've played with David, he's his own biggest critic. He'll be sitting at home going through the situations to make sure he gets rid of these mistakes that he's making at the moment.

"I watched the game with my boys at home and I was flabbergasted to see them go past David because he's a top-drawer goalkeeper. It's disappointing. As a Manchester United fan, you want to defend your players but he's not in a position to be defended.

"Has David de Gea been making mistakes? Yes, he has. Is he low on confidence? Yes, he is. Has he got the character to come back, has he proved his character in years gone by? Yes, he has.

"He came to Manchester United as a 19-year-old. Question marks straight away, 'is he good enough, is he too slim, is he too frail? He's not ready to be Manchester United's goalkeeper'. He dispelled all of those comments through hard work, determination and quality.

"He's been Player of the Year four of the last six years. When there was inconsistencies at Manchester United, he was the consistent factor. Yes, he's had a bad spell, confidence is low, does that mean you get rid of him?"

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang “looks happy” at Arsenal, says Joe Willock, with everyone on the Gunners’ books hoping that a “massive player” will soon commit to a new contract.

Mikel Arteta has aired his confidence when it comes to tying a prolific frontman down on fresh terms.

No paperwork has been signed, though, and that is keeping everyone on edge at Emirates Stadium.

Willock is among those eager to see good news delivered over the coming weeks, with Aubameyang having entered the final 12 months of his current deal and sparked regular rounds of transfer talk.

The Arsenal academy graduate says signs from a talented team-mate are positive when it comes to his future, with all of those around him in north London eager to see their captain stay put.

Willock told The Beautiful Game Podcast: “Auba is an amazing guy and he’s our captain. He’s also a massive player for us.

“I don’t know what’s going on with his contract but I love playing with him. Hopefully, he will stay at the club so that I can learn from him even more. He looks happy at the club.”

One star turn that Arsenal have been able to complete contract talks with is Bukayo Saka, with the highly-rated 18-year-old penning a new four-year deal.

“He was always going to sign,” Willock said of a fellow youngster.

“Saka is a wonderful, grounded kid and when he signed the contract he gave a massive statement to say that he wants to play for Arsenal. We’re all happy to have him and to play with him.” 

Willock penned his own deal in September 2019, as Arsenal sought to buy into his obvious potential, and the 20-year-old is looking to repay that show of faith.

He has been seeing regular minutes under Arteta, taking in 41 appearances across the campaign as a whole, and is determined to help the Gunners back to where they believe they belong.

“Arsenal is a club I’ve played for since I was four-and-a-half so I can remember all the way to the first team,” said Willock.

“I’ve been at Arsenal more than I’ve been at home. I’ve been so blessed to have been at such a massive club all my life and I know nothing different.

“I just love the club and want to make the club great again. I feel like I can help to do that. I love the club with so much passion.”

Danilo Pereira believes he would fit in well with Arsenal's style of play amid continued speculation linking him with a move to Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal are rumoured to be weighing up a summer swoop for the midfielder, whose contract at Porto reportedly contains a €60 million (£53.8m/$69m) release clause.

The Portugal international has been impressed with the football Arsenal have played under Mikel Arteta , who has led the club to the FA Cup final.

The 28-year-old is confident he could slot into Arteta's side with little difficulty and realise a long-held dream of playing in the Premier League.

"I think he [Arteta] is doing a really, really, good job there," Danilo told Stats Perform News . 

"He is a really good coach who started as the second coach at [Manchester] City, so he has a little experience and Arsenal play very good football and I think he is doing very well there.

"He is a Spanish coach, he is a bit similar to Portuguese coaches, they also want to play with the ball and improve with the ball, so I think he is a good coach.

"The style I think I can fit there, the way he plays also thinking on the ball, the team always has to be together I think it is a good way to play.

"Of course I like to be here in Porto to be here in my country, but I want to be in a better league like the Premier League.

"I always dreamed about playing in that league. I played also in Serie A but I think the Premier League is a huge league and one day I want to play there, to improve to be a better player. I think it's the best league in the world."

Asked about comparisons to Arsenal great Patrick Vieira from former Portugal defender Abel Xavier, Danilo said: "It is an honour to be compared to this kind of legend.

"I also have to think Abel Xavier for these words, sometimes I don't like to be compared to another football player but to me it is an honour to see Abel Xavier talking about me in that way.

"I grew up seeing Patrick Vieira playing in Arsenal so he is one of my idols so it is very good to hear that from Abel Xavier."

Ruben Loftus-Cheek says he is fully focused on winning back a regular spot in Chelsea's line up, and that he feels "completely strong now".

Loftus-Cheek ruptured his Achilles while playing in a post-season friendly in May 2019, and underwent surgery on the issue just before Chelsea's win over Arsenal in the Europa League final.

The 24-year-old was forced to undergo an intensive rehabilitation programme which saw him miss the first half of the new season, but he began to work his way back to full fitness at the turn of the year.

Chelsea were preparing to welcome Loftus-Cheek into the fold before the coronavirus outbreak brought the campaign screening to a temporary halt in March, which forced him to continue his recovery in self-isolation.

The England international was finally cleared for a return to action when the Premier League got back underway in June, as he started Chelsea's first game in three months against Aston Villa.

Loftus-Cheek looked rusty during the 2-1 win at Villa Park, and although he has gone on to appear in all eight of the Blues' subsequent fixtures, seven of those outings have come from the substitute's bench.

Despite the fact he is not yet a regular in Frank Lampard's starting XI, the talented midfielder insists he is finally on track again physically and mentally, as he told Chelsea's official website: "For me, the concerns over my injury have completely gone.

"I feel completely strong now. Strong in my body, strong in my ankle, my calf and strong in my mind too. Mentally I feel really good now and so that doesn’t affect me on the pitch.

"In terms of my injury, there are no lingering concerns for me and I would happily go and fly into a tackle.

"The only time I really had that was when I was coming back for the first few training sessions, and you’d get a little kick on the ankle area and be a little worried. But now, that’s long gone in my mind because I’ve had those kicks in games and I’ve had those knocks in training. My ankle is strong and I have no problems there at all."

Loftus-Cheek added on his desire to make up for lost time and maximise his potential at Stamford Bridge: "The focus now is for me to keep working hard and force my way into the team on a consistent basis.

"I’ve played a few games now and it was just such a great feeling to get back out onto the pitch after 13 months out, and be there helping the team.

"We want to finish the season strongly ahead of next season and it’s the same for me on a personal level too. I want to get into the run of playing consistently because you get that ‘smell’ for the games and the more you play, I feel the sharper you get. You can anticipate things on the pitch more and your confidence grows with each game.

"I think if I can get that and play at my best, then hopefully I’ll be able to see how far I can develop and how far I can go as a Chelsea player."

Having already been released by Black Leopards on Monday, midfielder Lesedi Kapinga is set to be unveiled by Mamelodi Sundowns and former Lidoda Duvha defender Luvhengo Mungomeni takes a look at the move that is on the cards.

The former Moroka Swallows and South African junior international is confident the Musina-born playmaker can make his family proud at Chloorkop but warns him to have a strong mentality.

On the other hand, Mungomeni believes the Gauteng province is a different environment from the so-called small towns and that it can make or break ill-disciplined players.

“Look, I remember I had a chat with the boy two months ago under this lockdown and we talked. He asked me if he can move from Leopards or not,” Mungomeni told Goal.

“My advice was: if there’s any interest, then why not? Because moving from the so-called small teams to the big guns is always a good move for any player as you get a chance to make money.

“I can tell you, it’s about money these days because there’s no doubt about his talent and skills. If he gets this kind of a move at an early age, then he will learn a lot in his career. I just hope and pray that if he gets a move to Gauteng, he doesn’t lose his head.

“Gauteng is a big city, buzzing and it can make you or break you. If you are not prepared you will lose your career but for me, it’s a life-changing move for him and for sure, he will make his family proud. Life wise, I can say it’s a good one for him.”

On whether the Venda-based outfit has lost out as they decided to part ways with the player in the middle of the 2019/20 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season considering they are in the relegation battle, he shares his thoughts.

“For me, it’s difficult to say Leopards have lost and if you look at their position on the log table, I think there is big money that’s involved,” added the retired professional.

“Just like in any business, you need money to sustain it. So, it can be a decision [to let him go] based on money and the club has benefitted. If millions are coming into your bank account as a business, you sometimes don't care about your position on the log table and that you are facing relegation challenges.

“Honestly, there are players that can do the job for Leopards but we can’t undermine his contribution at the club. He played a big role in helping the club this season. He was one of the best players and as they decided to release him, somewhere somehow there is big money involved.

“I think if they were not confident of surviving, they would have held him a little bit and release him later. You will remember I was also in this situation before.

“The club [Leopards] offered me a deal and I refused to sign it, they later released me to join Sundowns and I am sure they also made money out of that deal.

“I’m confident Lesedi will not disappoint, he is gifted, disciplined because he’s a church-going boy. If he has a strong mentally he will make it because he must be aware that he will compete with the best.

“For him to do well and grow, he must compete with the best and I had a chat with him as I said - there's no doubt he will achieve big things.”

Meanwhile, Goal reported earlier that the attacking midfielder was on his way to the Brazilians camp in Rustenburg to undergo his medicals as he is surging closer to a move to coach Pitso Mosimane’s troops.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) held its League Committee meeting via video conferencing on Tuesday.

The committe, in the meeting chaired by Senior Vice President Subrata Dutta, has decided to hold the 2020-21 season of the I-League in Kolkata but the Indian Football Association (IFA) needs to obtain the necessary permission from the West Bengal state government.

Goal can confirm that the Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA) has shown interest in hosting the remainder of the 2019-20 Second Division League. AIFF though will take a final call after looking into the pandemic situation in the state.

The Indian FA has decided to restart the second division league by September 20 so that they can complete it by the first week of October. This will give the qualifying teams enough time to prepare within the stipulated FIFA transfer window which ends on October 20.

The committee also discussed the 2020-21 seasons of the Indian Women’s League (IWL )and various Youth Leagues.

Generally, the state women’s leagues end by December and the national league is held in January. However, due to Coronavirus pandemic, the state leagues are yet to start and hence the AIFF has decided to postpone the IWL to April 2021, Goal has reliably learnt.

The Indian FA will take a final call on the fate of the youth leagues at a later date.

Regarding the club licensing criteria, the Indian FA is in talks with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) so that they can grant exemptions to the Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League clubs in view of the prevalent COVID-19 situation.

The inaugural Futsal league which was supposed to start in September will likely be postponed to a later date as the AIFF does not want to conduct the first-ever edition of the competition behind closed doors. 

Uganda Premier League (UPL) champions Vipers SC have confirmed the appointment of Paul Kiwanuka and Francis Mugerwa as Fred Kajoba’s assistants.

Vipers’ strengthening mission is ongoing after bringing onboard new players and they have now moved with speed and signed the notable Ugandan coaches to help head coach Kajoba.

The Venoms will represent Uganda in the Caf Champions League next season and their mission is to have a strong side and experienced tacticians aimed at targeting a slot in the Champions League group stage phase.

Kiwanuka worked with Premier League side Bright Stars before and has now rejoined Kajoba at St Mary’s Kitende.

“I am excited to be joining Vipers and for the chance to work with Kajoba again,” Kiwanuka told Vipers’ official website.

“It is an opportunity I couldn’t let up. I would like to thank Vipers management for giving me this chance and l know that our skills and experience will complement each other as we work to develop an exciting new team.”

Mugerwa has agreed on a deal that sees him join Kajoba and Kiwanuka again after working with the two at different clubs.

At Maroons FC, Mugerwa was Douglas Bamweyana’s assistant and had stints at top-flight sides Onduparaka FC and Bright Stars.

“I am a man of few words who prefers doing the talking on the pitch but l feel proud and honoured to reunite and work closely with the two coaches plus other staff at Vipers,” Mugerwa said.

Kajoba, who led Vipers to their fourth league title, welcomed the duo.

“I am delighted to have this talented group of coaches alongside me. They bring a great mix of experience and fresh thinking,” Kajoba said.

Meanwhile, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) has confirmed the dispensation of the prize money to Vipers and other clubs.

The Venoms were declared champions when Fufa discontinued the league and have been given USh60 million.

KCCA FC, who lost the title to Vipers, have been given USh20 million for finishing second, SC Villa got USh9.6, Busoga United earned USh7 million while URA FC were awarded USh5 million.

Fufa disbursed a total of USh128 million, a figure that was revised in 2018, and saw the sponsorship money raised from USh20 million which was only meant for a Premier League champion.

Former Orlando Pirates forward Jerry Sikhosana says local football fans are “suffering” because of the tiff between the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and Safa which he demands “needs to stop.”

Football in South was suspended in March due to the coronavirus pandemic but the government recently gave a thumbs-up for the continuation of the 2019/20 season.

With the PSL settling for July 18 as the date for the restart, Safa has blocked teams from playing, saying their referees will only be available in the first week of August.

The football mother body is also not fully satisfied with the health and safety measures put in place by clubs.

“It’s not good for football especially exposing ourselves here in South Africa where the PSL doesn’t work hand in hand with Safa which is our football mother body,” Sikhosana told Far Post.

“That needs to stop and everything must go according to how football is supposed to be run. People are suffering out there, they only watch Spanish, English and Italian soccer on TV because they are all playing but our own is still waiting because of the differences our associations are having.

“For me, personally I think the hierarchies there need to come to their senses, sit together and make sure that they pave the way that will make sure that soccer comes back. We are all disappointed and I am also really disappointed because soccer is our life.

“I think for me it is solvable, only if people can sit down around the table and put their ideas together. Yes, differences will be there but let them stay in the table because we want something that is positive and I hope if that meeting can materialise, something positive will come through."

Football was stopped with PSL leaders Kaizer Chiefs four points ahead of second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns.

Sundowns have played a game less than Chiefs and are also in the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup where they will meet Bidvest Wits.

Former Netherlands midfielder of Ghanaian descent, George Boateng, reveals he could have made a different choice about his international future had he been approached by the four-time African champions for a switch of allegiance.

Born in the Ghanaian city of Nkawkaw, the erstwhile Middlesbrough skipper moved to the Netherlands as a little boy to stay with his dad.

Following a 1994-95 breakthrough at Excelsior, he was snapped up by Feyenoord where he caught the eye of the Dutch national youth team handlers.

Six years after debuting for Jong Oranje, he grabbed a maiden senior international appearance in a 1-1 draw in Denmark in 2001.

“As a young star, when I made my debut in the Feyenoord first team, nobody in the GFA ever came to me or sent a letter to express their interest, to say 'George Boateng is one of our players, he was born in Ghana, he is eligible to play for us. Can we please ask him or invite him for a game?'", Boateng told Citi TV.

"Such a thing never took place. When I was 18 and I debuted [at club level], the Dutch national team did that, they invited me to come and play for the under-18 team, which I did.

“The player is not the one who is supposed to make the initial approach to the GFA to ask if I can play for the team - that is the unorthodox way.

“The professional way is that the federation will send an invite because it is supposed to be an honour for you to be invited to play for your country.

“So in that seven years, I could have made my mind up and played for Ghana."

After a fine spell at Feyenoord, Boateng joined then Premier League side Coventry City in 1998.

The midfielder spent just one season with the Sky Blues before moving to Aston Villa, from where he joined Middlesbrough.

He spent six years with Boro, who would hand him the captain's armband in his fourth year in 2006.

Two years later, he left Riverside Stadium for Hull City where he played from 2008 to 2010.

He since went on to represent Skoda Xanthi in Greece, English lower division fold Nottingham Forest and Terengganu II in Malaysia.

Now a coach, Boateng, who has been linked with a Ghana job in recent times, has managed Kelantan AF in Malaysia and Blackburn Rovers' U13 side.

He is currently boss of Aston Villa's U18s. 

Chelsea are in contract talks with Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havertz but the Blues are yet to have agreed a fee with the Bundesliga club.

Peter Bosz' men missed out on qualification for the Champions League, accelerating the Germany international's desire to leave in the near future.

Leverkusen were open to selling the 21-year-old but publicly stated that they wanted upwards of €100 million (£90m/$111m) for their prized asset.

Goal has learned that Chelsea are keen to negotiate a lower fee of around €76m (£70m/$87m), and it remains unclear when discussions will reach a conclusion.

The Blues are in a strong position to sign Havertz, with no other teams currently in talks to land the midfielder, who is keen to make the switch to Stamford Bridge.

Although Chelsea need just one win from their final two league games to seal Champions League football for next season, it is understood that Havertz would still join the Blues even if they don't seal a place in Europe's premier club competition.

Having scored 17 goals and provided eight assists in all competitions in 2019-20, the versatile forward has emerged as Germany's outstanding young talent, with Frank Lampard having publicly referred to him as a "top player".

Chelsea initially faced competition to sign Havertz, but with the financial repercussions of the coronavirus crisis taking hold, it is likely to be a far more cautious transfer market this summer. 

Indeed, the Blues were able to secure the signing of Timo Werner as Liverpool pulled out of the race due to financial concerns, with the west London outfit having also signed Ajax star Hakim Ziyech.

Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have both expressed an interest in Havertz in the past but are unable to raise the required funds to do a deal this summer.

As well as wanting to sign Havertz, the Blues are also exploring options at both centre-back and left-back, while the signing of a new goalkeeper could also be on the cards.

Leicester City are not interested in selling Ben Chilwell - who is at the top of the club's left-back wish list - while Ajax star Nicolas Tagliafico is also an option, amid competition from Atletico Madrid.

Should the Blues move to bring in Atleti goalkeeper Jan Oblak, the Liga side are set to demand that his €120m (£110m/$138m) release clause be activated if they want to lure the highly-rated Slovenian to Stamford Bridge.

As for outgoings, Chelsea could raise further funds by selling Emerson Palmieri - who has significant interest from Inter - while Juventus are monitoring Jorginho's situation.

Meanwhile, Michy Batshuayi will likely leave the club this summer, along with loanees including Tiemoue Bakayoko, Danny Drinkwater and several other wantaway stars. Olivier Giroud is another who is on Inter's radar.

Despite it being likely a number of first-team players will leave in the summer the west Londoners are still keen to keep 31-year-old winger Willian, whose contract is expiring at the end of the season.

Former Black Leopards midfielder Lesedi Kapinga has expressed sadness in the manner the club has handled his departure, saying he is hurt after he was not given a chance to say goodbye to the supporters.

The nippy midfielder is heavily linked with a move to Mamelodi Sundowns and his release from Lidoda Duvha on Monday has added fuel to the fire.

Kapinga also confirmed his love for the Thohoyandou-based Premier Soccer League outfit and that he wanted to help coach Allan Clark’s side to salvage their PSL status.

“I am sad, to be honest. I love this team [Leopards] and I wanted to help them survive relegation. I am so sad for the fans who have been there for me supporting me all the way,” Kapinga told DailySun.

“It's sad because I never had a chance to say a final goodbye to the fans by helping Leopards retain their Premiership status.

“I had a great time at Leopards and I am thankful for the chance they gave me to play in the top fight. Leopards will always be in my heart."

The 25-year-old explained he holds no grudges with the club and gave reasons why the club’s hierarchy decided to part ways with him.

“They [Leopards management] spoke to me in a way we felt it is the best for both of us [if I leave]. They did not want me to play under pressure,” he added.

“If I made mistakes the fans would have felt maybe my heart is not there anymore because of the speculation [about my future].”

Although Goal has it in good authority that the Musina-born midfielder is on his way to Chloorkop, he says he is waiting for his manager to decide on his future.

“All I know now is that I am a free agent and my manager is doing all he can to find a good team for me," explained Kapinga.

“I know that there are talks with Sundowns and Orlando Pirates but I am waiting for my manager to give me the green light to where I will be playing. Now I am just relaxing at home."

With Lidoda Duvha sitting at the bottom of the table with 20 points from 24 games, Kapinga was their best performer as he has netted six goals and registered as many assists out of 27 matches he played for the Thohoyandou-based outfit this season so far.

Meanwhile, Leopards recently parted ways with former Kaizer Chiefs and Sundowns winger Thuso Phala but reportedly retained Mogakolodi Ngele and Robert Ng’ambi on short-term deals.