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Cote d'Ivoire internationals Ines Nehry and Josee Nahi were on target for Gyeongju as they secured a 3-1 victory at Gumi Sportstoto in Sunday's South Korean WK League encounter.

Nehry and Nahi joined the Korean giants at the Gyeongju Civic Stadium from former Turkish champions Besiktas and Norwegian outfit Arna-Bjornar in the 2018 and 2019 seasons respectively.

The Ivorian duo was outstanding for their Korean outfit as they contributed eight and 14 goals in 17 and 25 appearances respectively to help Gyeongju finish as runners-up last season.

Having failed to register a goal so far this season, the striking pair opened their 2020 season goal account to power their side to a fifth win of the season in Sejong.

The visitors stormed into an early lead when Lee Jae-Ahn opened the scoring after just nine minutes against the hosts before Nehry doubled the advantage for Gyeongju in the 23rd minute.

After the restart, Nahi netted the third goal of the match to wrap up the victory for the visitors in the 66th minute despite the stunned hosts managing to grab a consolation goal two minutes from time.

The victory propelled Gyeongju to retain second spot on the league table after gathering 18 points from seven games and remain four points behind leaders Hyundai Steel Red Angels WFC.

Nahi was involved for 70 minutes of the match, while her compatriot Nehry, who played from the start to finish. Both of them have now scored a goal each in seven matches for Gyeongju this season.

Up next, they will hope to keep up their newly found scoring form when Gyeongju take on bottom-placed side Boeun Sangmu on July 27.

Maldives have been selected as the centralised venue for the remaining group fixtures of the 2020 AFC Cup, Goal can confirm. It has been learnt that they were the sole bidders for the rights to host the remaining games. 

Chennai City are set to rekindle their continental campaign on October 23 against TC Sports Club.

"We just got confirmation tonight (Monday). We have to wait and see now since we don't know when we can hold training in Chennai and when we can travel internationally," Chennai City owner Rohit Ramesh told Goal.

He added, "It will be a huge task for sure. But we need to wait and see how the situation evolves."

Chennai's next two matches are against Basundhara Kings of Bangladesh on October 26 and 29 respectively. 

After a two-day break, they will again take the pitch to lock horns against Maziya Sports & Recreation of the Maldives. In their final group game on November 4, they will be facing TC Sports Club once again. 

The teams in Group E - Basundhara Kings, TC Sports, and Maziya apart from Chennai City played just one game each in the Group Stage before the Coronavirus pandemic brought the footballing world to a standstill.

While the Bangladeshi champions defeated Maldives' TC Sports 5-1 at home, Chennai played out a 2-2 draw against Maziya at home.

The final of the tournament will be played on December 12 but a decision on the venue for it has not been taken. 

Young Africans (Yanga SC) have named keeper Farouk Shikalo in the squad that left on Monday for Morogoro ahead of their two Mainland Premier League matches.

Shikalo, who joined the Jangwani giants from Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side Bandari, missed the team’s last league match against Mwadui FC after he twisted his hand wrist while in training.

Yanga coach Luc Eymael had earlier told Goal Shikalo could likely miss the Wednesday match against Mtibwa Sugar but the Kenyan custodian has now been named in the team for the two away matches.

However, Yanga will have to do without the services of Haruna Niyonzima and Mapinduzi Balama, who according to Eymael have been left behind as a precautionary measure.

The two players have been struggling with injuries with Niyonzima trying to come back in the FA Cup semi-final clash against Simba SC but aggravated the injury further.

“I will have to do without Niyonzima and Balama for the remaining two matches because they are being troubled with various injuries and I don’t want to risk them,” Eymael was quoted by Sokaletu.

“I don’t want to give them too much pressure and they are not fit enough, it is just a precautionary measure and maybe we can now start planning with them for the new season.”

Niyonzima picked up his injury in the match against Biashara United but his comeback in the domestic cup defeat against Simba ended in pain and was withdrawn, while Balama sustained his injury while preparing for the league match against Ndanda FC.

The players who have travelled alongside Shikalo include; Metacha Mnata, Ramadhan Kabwili, Geoffrey Magaigwa, Juma Abdul, Paul Godfrey, Ally Mtoni, Jafary Mohammed, Adeyum Saleh, and Lamine Moro.

Others are Faisal Salum, Abdullaziz Makame, Said Juma Makapu, Deus Kaseke, Mrisho Ngassa, Eric Kabamba Yikpe Gislain, David Molinga, Tariq Seif, Ditram Nchimbi and Adam Kiondo.

Yanga are chasing to finish the season in second position and will have to win their two away matches against Mtibwa on Wednesday and Lipuli FC on Sunday.

Some of the biggest and best football clubs in the world are owned by wealthy businessmen, who pump millions into their teams in search of success.

Premier League giants Chelsea are famously owned by Roman Abramovic, while Emirati Sheikh Mansour owns Manchester City and Stan Kroenke owns Arsenal, among other teams.

However, despite their standing, Barcelona are not owned by one super-rich billionaire backer. So who does own the Spanish giants?

Goal brings you all you need to know.

Contents

Are Barcelona owned by the fans?

Barcelona is a members-owned club, with over 144,000 members, and fans are encouraged to become members.

This means that Barcelona is not owned outright by a single individual and decisions regarding the future direction of the club are made by the members.

The club motto Mes Que Un Club (More Than a Club) is central to the idea of being members-led, applying a democratic approach to an institution that is synonymous with Catalan pride.

We will often hear from the Barcelona president, but that individual is not the owner of the club; merely a part-owner, elected by other owners.

The Barcelona presidential elections are held every six years, but may take place earlier in exceptional circumstances.

What are Barcelona members called?

Barcelona members are known as socis in Catalan or socios in Spanish. The words socis and socios translate to 'partners' in English.

How can I become a Barcelona member?

Becoming a member of Barcelona is not as straightforward as simply filling out a form. 

Applicants must be able to demonstrate a familial tie to an existing Barcelona member or serve a probation period as a commitment card carrier.

As well as showing a photocopy of the two family members' national identification documents, an official document or family record confirming the relation is required.

The following familial relationships between a member and applicant-member are accepted:

The price of the Barcelona membership is €185 a year (£167/$211) for an adult. It is cheaper for a child (€92) and an infant under six (€44).

In the event that you do not have a family member who is a member of the club and do not meet the requirements, you can apply for a commitment card.

After holding a commitment card for a period of three years, an individual can then apply to become a full member of Barcelona.

The annual fee for a commitment card is €144 (£130/$165), meaning you will have to invest at least €432 (£390/$495) before you can even apply for full membership.

In some extraordinary cases, the Barcelona board can grant membership whenever it deems such an exception appropriate.

What are the benefits of Barcelona membership?

The chief perk of Barcelona membership is the ability to vote in the club elections and have a say on who becomes the president of the vaunted institution.

In order to vote in Barcelona's presidential elections, members must be at least 18 years of age and they must have been a member for at least one year.

Voting as a member can only be done in person, so a member must be present at Camp Nou when elections are held in order to cast their ballot.

As well as voting rights, Barcelona members receive free and unlimited access to Barca TV, the club's official media channel, and correspondence in the form of the newsletter El Butlleti .

In addition, only fully paid-up members are entitled to apply for season tickets, but the demand means that there is often time spent on the waiting list.

Major League Soccer (MLS) side Montreal Impact have confirmed they have signed Ugandan international Mustafa Kizza from KCCA FC.

Kizza will, however, remain at KCCA on loan as he cannot complete the move now due to the coronavirus restrictions.

“Montreal Impact announced on Monday the acquisition of Uganda international full-back [Mustafa] Kizza from KCCA FC, in the Uganda Premier League, for two years plus three optional years. The deal will start on August 12,” the Canadian club announced.

“Kizza will remain with his club until December, on loan from the Impact, because of the current Covid-19 situation, so he will not be taking an international spot on the roster.

“Montreal keep the option to call him back if the situation improves.”

Montreal Impact sporting director Olivier Renard has praised the Ugandan star’s abilities after confirming the deal.

“We are really happy to acquire one of the best young players from Uganda,” Renard told the club’s portal.

“Mustafa Kizza is a modern attacking left-back with great crossing abilities and huge potential. He is good on free-kicks and his height will also help on set pieces.”

Kizza has been a key member of the Kassasiro Boys side which lifted the Premier League title in 2019. In the abandoned season which KCCA surrendered the title to Vipers FC, the full-back-cum winger scored five goals and gave 12 assists from 19 games.

During the Caf Champions League, where KCCA were eventually eliminated by Petro Atletico of Angola, Kizza scored two goals and made two assists in the campaign.

When KCCA conquered the 2019 Cecafa Kagame Cup in Rwanda, and for the second time in their history, the winger scored two goals.

He was signed by the capital city club in 2017. He has also been key for the national team as he scored two goals and contributed to the making of five goals during the African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifiers.

Kizza will become the second Ugandan to play for Montreal Impact in the MLS after Mike Azira.

Azira is now at Chicago Fire and was the first Ugandan to join Montreal Impact and served them for two years between 2018 and 2019.

Montreal Impact is coached by Thierry Henry and Kizza will become the second East African currently at the club as he joins Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama.

Wanyama was signed by the club from Tottenham Hotspur in March.

Former Orlando Pirates defender Ayanda Gcaba is ready to play anywhere in South Africa, saying he can accept offers from the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and National First Division (NFD).

The experienced defender says he has no regrets as far as his career is concerned but admits some people believe a player is finished when he is above the age of 30.

Gcaba was recently part of NFD outfit Royal Eagles but was released and he is now looking for a club as he hopes to revive his career.

“No [I have not retired]. I don’t have a team, I’m home just training. I’m a free agent and I don’t have an agent anymore,” Gcaba told Goal.

“I can play anywhere [in the NFD or in the PSL].”

When asked about regrets in his career, the veteran defender says he has none, explaining he has done his part in local football.

“Look, I’m happy with my career and I don’t regret anything. I’ve played my part in the football industry,” he added.

“It’s just that in South Africa when you reach the age of 30, they think you can’t play football anymore.

“And sometimes it all goes down to the coaches, do you fit their style of play or not, are you a hardworking person, disciplined on and off the pitch and so on.”

Apart from a stint with Eagles, the former Free State Stars defender also tried his luck with NFD club, Real Kings where he failed to secure a deal.

The 34-year-old struggled to find a club despite trying to secure a deal with both Black Leopards and Highlands Park just before securing a deal with the KwaZulu-Natal side.

In addition, the lanky central defender also confirmed he has not retired whilst indicating that he has served his part in South African football.

After parting ways with the Soweto giants in July 2018, the Port Shepstone-born could only secure a move to Eagles in September 2019 but left in January this year.

Gcaba helped the Buccaneers to the 2013/14 Nedbank Cup, but he was released by the club following a loan spell with Platinum Stars in July 2018.

Former Arsenal star Santi Cazorla has confirmed that he will be linking up with Barcelona legend Xavi at Al Sadd following his departure from Villarreal.

The 35-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable renaissance in his career over the last couple of years.

Injury struggles had blighted the end of his time at Arsenal, with an achilles problem keeping him stuck on the sidelines for 636 days.

He left north London in 2018 and was handed an emotional return to Villarreal for a third spell at the Liga club.

Cazorla rediscovered form and fitness back in familiar surroundings, with 11 goals and 10 assists recorded in the 2019-20 campaign.

He has, however, been released once more and is readying himself for a new challenge in Qatar under the guidance of one-time Spain team-mate Xavi.

Cazorla said in a post on Instagram: “Happy to announce that Al Sadd will be my next team! I’m looking forward to be with Xavi and give my 100%”

Cazorla has already bid an emotional farewell to Villarreal , having helped them to a fifth-place finish and Europa League qualification this season.

On announcing his parting of ways with the Yellow Submarine, the midfielder said: “I'm eternally grateful to this club and the fans for having opened the doors to me and for all the love they've shown me for so long.

“I've had a great time, but it's time to end this stage of my career. It's a decision I've thought about a lot. Every game I find it harder to give 100 per cent and I had to be honest with myself and the club. I feel that this club is inside me. It isn't a goodbye, it's a 'we'll meet again', because Villarreal CF will always be my home.”

In total, Cazorla made 333 appearances for Villarreal across his three stints at El Madrigal. He contributed 57 goals to the cause and will be remembered as an all-time great by the Liga outfit.

Cazorla is also fondly remembered at Arsenal, where he spent six years , and he is a two-time European Championship winner with the Spanish national team.

Neymar returning to Barcelona would allow the Liga giants, and talismanic skipper Lionel Messi, to become “a giant again”, says Dani Alves.

The Brazilian superstar bid farewell to Camp Nou during the summer transfer window of 2017. Paris Saint-Germain put a record-breaking deal in place for the South American forward, with Neymar considered to be stepping away from the shadow that Messi cast in Catalunya.

It did not take long, though, for talk of a possible return to Spain to surface. A retracing of his steps to Barca has been mooted for Neymar, with the Blaugrana eager to welcome a familiar face back onto their books.

They are not the only side to have expressed interest in the talented 28-year-old, with Clasico rivals Real Madrid also long-standing suitors, but Alves feels his fellow countryman should be taking in a second spell alongside Messi and co.

The former Barca and PSG right-back told Radio Catalunya: "The only one I've tried to convince is Neymar to go to Barcelona.

"He had a very big offer from Real Madrid, and I told him that if he wanted to be happy he should come to Barcelona. It's the only time I've ever convinced anyone of anything.

"If I were him, I would come back without thinking about it.

"I never think that people make mistakes when they make a decision.

"Everyone knows that Ney can help Barcelona, Messi and the club to become a giant again in La Liga, in Europe. Football is becoming more and more balanced. The team has 11 and with Messi you have 13. The team has 11 and with Neymar you have 13."

While talking up a return to Barcelona for Neymar, Alves has no regrets at having missed out on his own move back to Camp Nou.

The vastly-experienced and highly decorated 37-year-old defender left for Juventus in 2016, and has since spent time with PSG and Sao Paulo, but there was talk of him heading back to Catalunya at one stage.

“Things were being talked about, but nothing ever came of it," Alves confirmed. “I'm not bitter, but they are.”

Mikel Arteta wants Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s future sorted imminently - both for the good of Arsenal and the player.

Aubameyang showed his worth to the Gunners once again on Saturday as he took his tally for the season to 25, with both goals in the 2-0 FA Cup semi-final success against Manchester City.

However the Gabon international is now into the final year of his contract in north London, and the issue continues to cast a dark cloud over the Emirates ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

Arteta has long stated his belief that Aubameyang can be convinced to stay, a message he reiterated after the weekend’s victory at Wembley, but the Spaniard admits it would be best for all involved if there was a swift conclusion to the situation so that he could plan for the summer and that the striker could focus purely on next season.

“When I was talking about the uncertain things that we have on the table, obviously he is one of them,” said the Arsenal head coach, ahead of Tuesday night’s game at Aston Villa.

“There is another one of where we are going to finish and whether we are going to be playing in Europe or not which is going to have an impact, and there is all of this situation, the market and how it’s going to develop.

“With Auba, I think I’ve been very clear with what I want. The quicker we do it for me personally the better because the player will be more focused, more determined and more calm, but we have to respect the timings as well and the needs that the football club has.”

Meanwhile, Arteta says he is yet to talk to Santi Cazorla about a possible coaching role at the club. The former Gunners favourite played his final game for Villarreal on Sunday before moving to Qatar-based side Al-Sadd, the team coached by Barcelona and Spain legend Xavi.

There have been suggestions that once he calls time on his playing days, that Cazorla could return to Arsenal to be part of Arteta’s staff - and the Spaniard did not rule out the possibility when asked.

“My opinion of Santi cannot be any higher, he said. “Personally, first with the type of person he is and what he brings to that dressing room, and as well as a player what he did throughout his career.

“About the coaching role and the future? We will see what happens right now. But he just finished [at Villarreal], let him enjoy that moment and we will see what happens in the future.”

When quizzed on whether a discussion had been had, Arteta added: “Not yet.”

There will be no Ballon d’Or winner in 2020, with France Football announcing that due to the “lack of sufficient fair conditions”, the prize that has been dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in recent times will not be awarded for this calendar year.

A prestigious Golden Ball has been handed out to the best player on the planet since 1956, however the decision has been taken that it would not be right to pick out a leading performer given the circumstances in which professional sport is currently being played out.

That means 2019 winner Messi will keep his crown for another 12 months. The Barcelona superstar has six Ballons d’Or to his name, with rival Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus boasting five.

Two all-time greats would have been expected to come into contention again in 2020, along with the likes of Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski and Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.

Every top performer is, however, going to have to wait another year, with United States star Megan Rapinoe also set to keep hold of her title in the women’s game.

France Football said in a statement on their official website: “For the first time in its history, which began in 1956, the Ballon d'Or will not be awarded in 2020, due to the lack of sufficient fair conditions. 

“Messi and Rapinoe (as well as [Mattijs] de Ligt and Alisson, winners of the Kopa and Yachine Trophies [for young player and goalkeeper]) will have to wait a year. The winners of the last edition  will have no successors at the end of the year. Because there will be no Ballon d'Or 2020 edition.

"Why? Because such a singular year cannot - and should not - be treated as an ordinary year. When in doubt, it is better to abstain than to persist.

“Because the Ballon d'Or trophy conveys other values - like exemplarity, solidarity and responsibility - rather than merely sporting excellence alone.

“Because the fairness that prevails for this honorary title could not be preserved, in particular at the statistical level and also in the preparation since all the aspirants to the award could not be rightly compared, some having seen their season cut radically short, others not. So how can we compare the incomparable?

"Because of our approximately 220 jurors (men and women combined) distributed around the world, some may have been distracted or diverted from their observation due to other priorities and emergencies to manage.

“We did not want to put an indelible asterisk on the prize list like “trophy won in exceptional circumstances due to the Covid-19 health crisis”. We will always prefer a small sprain to our history to a large scar.

"This is the first time since 1956 that the Ballon d'Or has taken a break. The situation does not enchant us but seems to us the most responsible and logical decision. Protecting the credibility and legitimacy of such an award also means protecting it over time.

"The Ballon d'Or story is too precious to take the risk of damaging it with a wobbly exercise. In these turbulent times, taking a break is a luxury and an invaluable necessity. So that football, as a whole, regains momentum, passion and emotion.”

James Milner says Liverpool’s “special” Premier League title win is “the reason I signed here in the first place”, with the absence of supporters the only downer in what has been a memorable period for the Reds.

Having waited 30 years to get their hands on the English top-flight crown, Jurgen Klopp’s side have returned to the loftiest of perches in style this season.

Records have been sent tumbling by the Anfield outfit, with another major honour collected by a group of players that have already wrapped up Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup triumphs.

Milner moved to Merseyside in 2015 on the back of a productive stint at Manchester City with the hope of enjoying more tangible success.

The arrival of Klopp a few months after Milner helped to turn the tide for Liverpool, with the ambitious outfit now revelling in achievements that they always believed were possible.

Milner told the club’s official programme as they prepare for the trophy lift after their home match with Chelsea on Wednesday: “It will be special, very special. It was the reason I signed here in the first place and I’m sure it’s the case for the other lads as well - a club of this size and with its history.

“The fact the wait had been so long meant it was a massive challenge to try and end it and create some of our own history.

“You can see what it means to everyone. The night it was confirmed we were champions, you could see the emotional impact. Not just on us and the manager but the supporters and the past players - the legends. Sir Kenny Dalglish, Steven Gerrard, so many of them.

“When they were messaging and telling us congratulations, you know they really meant it and they were properly made-up. That was great. What this team has achieved means a lot to a lot of people and it’s special to part of something like that.”

While Liverpool are counting down the days until they get their hands on the Premier League crown, the absence of fans during the coronavirus pandemic has taken the gloss off their achievement slightly.

Milner added: “I’m gutted for the supporters, in truth. More than us as players. That said, it is what it is and during this period so many people have made far greater sacrifices than footballers and football fans. People across society have had far bigger hardships, so perspective is important.

“Look, we’ll make the best of it. It’s not that the fans aren’t going to be watching. I’m sure every Liverpool fan, no matter where they are in the world, will make sure they’re watching.

“So they’ll be with us even if they’re not there. We’re still lifting it for them and ourselves. I’ve no idea how it will feel until it happens, but it won’t detract from the achievement and what this team and staff have worked so hard for.”

David De Gea "hasn't suddenly become a bad goalkeeper overnight", according to Paul Parker, who says critics have been too "quick to forget" about the Manchester United No 1's past heroics.

De Gea did not cover himself in glory as United suffered their first defeat in 20 matches at the hands of Chelsea in the semi-finals of the FA Cup on Sunday.

The Spain international allowed an Olivier Giroud effort to slip past him at his near post just before the interval, before fumbling a weak long-range effort from Mason Mount into the net moments after the restart.

The Red Devils went on to lose the game 3-1, and calls for De Gea to be stripped of his starting place have been widespread in the wake of another sub-par performance.

However, despite the fact that the 29-year-old's lapses in concentration have also cost United in Premier League fixtures against Watford, Everton and Tottenham this season, Solskjaer's faith in his first-choice shot-stopper has never wavered.

The Norwegian boss attempted to play down De Gea's latest error-strewn display following the final whistle at Wembley, but did admit that he was at fault for the second goal.

Solskjaer also insisted that no one is guaranteed a place in his starting XI, with Sergio Romero waiting in the wings and Sheffield United loanee Dean Henderson due to return to Old Trafford this summer.

Parker doesn't think United should consider dropping De Gea just yet though, as he believes that there are more pressing issues to worry about in other key areas of the pitch.

“He hasn’t suddenly become a bad goalkeeper keeper overnight,” the former United defender told Talksport. “I just remember the times when after United were out of the Champions League for two years, there was that season where he did brilliantly.

“He got United back in the Champions League and then he got Manchester United to the Europa League final with some unbelievable saves, he got United and Mourinho out of jail on so many occasions leading up to that final.

“It just seems like people are quick to forget about all he’s done when Manchester United were struggling with poor players and poor management and he got them out of jail, but everyone’s quick to jump on him.”

Parker went on to express doubt over Henderson's credentials amid talk of him replacing De Gea, adding: “The thing with Henderson is he’s doing great with Sheffield United, but to come back to Manchester United suddenly and throw him in, it’s a big ask.

“He’s done well with Sheffield United and I’m sure when Chris Wilder saw that result and saw what’s happened with De Gea he’s probably had a heart attack, because he’s suddenly thinking United are going to want Henderson back in goal - but can he go and play for Manchester United in the same fashion he does for Sheffield United? I think that’s a big ask in that situation.

“You’re talking about two different clubs in terms of what’s expected of him being a Manchester United player and goalkeeper.”

Ugandan Premier League (UPL) side Wakiso Giants have confirmed the signing of defender Edward Satulo.

Satulo has signed a three-year deal with the Purple Sharks from Wobulenzi FC and had won the Masaza Cup tournament in 2017 and 2018 with his previous clubs, Gomba FC and Ssingo FC, respectively.

He lost in the final of the annual tournament with Gomba in 2016.

“Wakiso Giants are delighted to announce the signing of central defender [Edward] Satulo alias Satro on a three-year contract until 2023 with an option for extension for a further year,” the club announced.

Speaking to the club website, Satulo was elated with the move.

“It’s a big step in my career and it couldn’t come at a better time. I have won everything in Masaza Cup and feel ready for the challenge in the top division," the player said.

“I am still learning and believe I am at the right place to continue my development as a player at an ambitious young club like Giants.

“I know what a tough challenge it is but with the coaches, teammates and fans behind the team, I will do well.”

Coach Douglas Bamweyana stated Satulo has everything to succeed in the top-tier.

“Satulo is a talented young defender with all the qualities to quickly become a great player for this club,” Bamweyana told the same publication.

“He has all the attributes that a centre-back needs: physicality, tactical intelligence and technical quality and is ready to learn.”

Satulo was born in November 2000.

Meanwhile, Joseph Ssemujju has revealed why he decided to remain at BUL FC even though there was interest from foreign clubs.

Earlier reports indicating Ssemujju had also attracted interest from UPL reigning champions Vipers SC have also been confirmed.

His agent Jens Liedwall said the coronavirus pandemic is to blame for the player’s decision not to sign for the foreign clubs.

“[Joseph] Ssemujju has signed an extension at BUL Football Club,” Liedwall told Kawowo Sports.

“He also had interest from Vipers, a South African Premier League club and Polish Second Division club but because of the Covid-19 situation and Chan 2021 ahead, we decided to stay another year at Bul.

“This is a perfect alternative for Joseph. BUL plan is to be a top team in the Premier League this coming season and it’s an interesting project for Joseph to be part of.”

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye has written off his former club as Premier Soccer League (PSL) title favourites, saying they fall short of the mettle needed in a stormy race against Mamelodi Sundowns, who possess “a lot of experience.”

Chiefs are left with eight matches to complete the campaign if football resumes in South Africa and are four points clear at the top of the PSL standings, while Sundowns trail in second-place but have a game in hand.

Khanye says Amakhosi have done very little to convince him that they have the quality to be crowned champions against battle-hardened Downs, who have come out victorious in similar title confrontations in the last two seasons in which they pipped Orlando Pirates to league glory.

“People have been saying Chiefs will win the league, I beg to differ,” said Khanye as per Sun Sport.

“Even when they had that 13-point lead I still felt that they were lacking something. That is something I can’t quite put my finger on. But what I am confident about is that Sundowns will do enough to win the title again this season.

“They just have a lot of experience in this situation and have done it so many times in recent years. They are in a much better place than Chiefs, everything is going for them at the moment. Pitso has just signed a new deal and they have been active on the [transfer] market. They will be confident.”

Making the title race potentially intriguing is the fact that the two sides still have to face each other if the season continues.

While in the middle of such a crucial battle, Chiefs have lost midfielder George Maluleka, a key player, to Sundowns and Khanye feels the Soweto giants have been left a weakened side.

“I was very disappointed that Chiefs would let go of a player of his quality, and who has contributed so much to their success this season,” Khanye said.

“He was important for Chiefs. They will be less effective without him, but Sundowns were strong without him. I rate him as a player, but I really believe he will find it difficult to break into that Sundowns team that has the likes of Hlompho Kekana, Andile Jali and Tiyani Mabunda.

“Don’t forget there are players like Oupa Manyisa, Sammy Seabi and Rivaldo Coetzee who are also trying to break into that midfield.”

Following the departure of Maluleka, Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernest Middendorp might now need Khama Billiat to be at his leggy best to compliment other attackers like Samir Nurkovic, Leonardo Castro and Lebogang Manyama, who were enjoying some good form before the break.

Paul Merson says that Mikel Arteta has "done a phenomenal job" at Arsenal, who "have a plan" for the first time in "many years".

Arteta has affected significant change at Emirates Stadium during in first seven months in charge, with the Gunners now beginning to prove that they can mix it with the elite once again.

Arsenal have won six of their nine matches since returning from the coronavirus-enforced lockdown, including victories against newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool and Manchester City.

The north London outfit beat City 2-0 in a pulsating FA Cup semi-final tie on Saturday to book a place in the showpiece event against Chelsea on August 1, thanks to a brace from top scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

After the final whistle, Arteta challenged his players to prove they can maintain their recent form for "long periods in a season", while also expressing his belief that the club will have no problem attracting top talent in the summer transfer window.

Merson is convinced that the Gunners are heading in the right direction under the Spanish head coach, and he has been pleased to see his old club "grind it out" against the top sides using an effective brand of counter-attacking football.

The ex-Arsenal playmaker wrote in his latest column for Sky Sports: "Arsenal have a plan, they go and press when they have to, drop off when they don't, they play with high energy and counter-attack as a team.

"They were outstanding against Man City. That was David Luiz - there's no grey area - he's either 9/10 or 4/10. But when he plays like that, he's brilliant.

"Arteta has done an absolutely phenomenal job. It's the first time I've watched Arsenal in many, many years, and they have a plan.

"Man City were up for it in the second half, and Arsenal put themselves on the line. I honestly think he's done a brilliant job. I can't talk highly enough of him.

"Against Liverpool, Arsenal rode their luck, but that's Arsenal now. They can't play against Liverpool and Man City as if they are the favourites, they have to grind it out like Sheffield United have to grind it out. That's what Arsenal must do now."

Manchester United decided against following up interest in Virgil van Dijk when the Liverpool star was at Southampton, claims Rene Meulensteen, with the Red Devils considered to have overpaid for Harry Maguire in their ongoing bid to fix defensive faults.

A highly-rated Netherlands international was registering on the radar of leading clubs long before he secured a £75 million ($95m) move to Anfield in January 2018.

United were among those to weigh up the merits of a move, only to determine that the Dutchman was not worth the time, effort and money required to bring him on board.

They have been left to rue that decision, with Van Dijk going on to become a talismanic presence for arch-rivals.

It has been suggested that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will dip back into a familiar market when the next window swings open, with his side still in need of reinforcements at the back.

Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly is said to be in United’s sights, but he is also attracting interest from far and wide and will not come cheap if a deal is to be done.

Pressed on whether the Red Devils need to land another centre-half, Sir Alex Ferguson’s former right-hand man Meulensteen told Stadium Astro: "Yeah, definitely.

"To be fairly honest, I also do know in the time before, when Van Dijk was still at Southampton, there were questions of Manchester United bringing Van Dijk in.

"They never really took the punt but Liverpool did because they could see the potential that he had but also the speed Van Dijk had, the strength and everything.

"Those are some of the aspects you would look at a really good strong central defender, can he play with some space at the back?

"Everyone's talking about Koulibaly, bringing him in, but he could go to four or five clubs so it's not a given that he'll come.

"For £80 million ($101m), a central defender, if you compare that with Van Dijk's performance for Liverpool last season and this season, then I think Van Dijk is quite a bit ahead."

United have already splashed out that figure in the recent past, with Maguire made the most expensive defender in world football when completing a move from Leicester in 2019.

The England international has settled quickly at Old Trafford, becoming club captain in the process, but Meunlensteen is not convinced that the 27-year-old is worth the money invested in him.

The Dutchman added: "For me, I would probably say £50m, no more than £60m."

United need Maguire to provide value for money as, having suffered defeat in the FA Cup semi-finals at the hands of Chelsea, they are about to turn their focus back to a top-four bid in the Premier League.

Former Nigeria international Etim Esin has urged the national team coach Gernot Rohr to convince Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo to end his international retirement.

Ighalo announced his retirement from international duty after helping the West Africans finish third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where he emerged as the competition’s top scorer.

The striker has continued his impressive performances with the Old Trafford outfit since joining the side in January from Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua.

The forward’s eye-catching performances recently earned him a loan extension with the Red Devils until January 2021.

Esin, who could not fathom why Ighalo, one of the best Nigeria players, is not currently in the national team, feels the forward should be encouraged to return to the Super Eagles.

He believes the 31-year-old’s experience will rub off on the young players in the team like Lille’s Victor Osimhen and Villarreal’s winger Samuel Chukwueze.

“I think this is a job for the coach [Gernot Rohr], he’s the one in charge and he should try and convince Ighalo to rescind his decision on retirement from the national team,” Esin told the Punch.

“Ighalo’s return to the Eagles will help to boost the confidence level of younger strikers in the team and this will help us going forward.

“Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen and others would benefit from his experience if the coach brings him back.

“We should learn to tap from the resources we have in our hands. Ighalo is one of the best strikers we have today, Rohr should convince him to return.

“How can Nigeria have a player in Manchester United and he is not in the national team? Playing in an elite team like Manchester United alone is an experience on its own.

“Do we want to waste all that? It is wrong. He needs to share his experience with young strikers in the team. That is how a team grows. This is where the coach needs to come all out and encourage him to help the team with his experience.”

Before quitting the Super Eagles, Ighalo, who made his debut against Uganda in 2015, scored 16 goals in 35 appearances for the three-time African champions.

Esin, who was nicknamed ‘Maradona’ after the legendary Argentina star during his playing years, played for Iwuanyanwu Nationale, Flash Flamingoes, Calabar Rovers, Gent, Lokeren, Lierse SK, Kayserispor and Eagle Cement before his abrupt retirement.

Young Africans (Yanga SC) have confirmed the absence of Haruna Niyonzima and Mapinduzi Balama in the remaining matches of the Mainland Premier League season.

The two players have been struggling with injuries with Niyonzima trying to come back in the FA Cup semi-final clash against Simba SC but aggravated the injury further.

Yanga coach Luc Eymael has now confirmed the two players will miss the remaining two matches of the season as a precautionary measure.

“I will have to do without Niyonzima and Balama for the remaining two matches because they are being troubled with various injuries and I don’t want to risk them,” Eymael is quoted by Sokaletu.

“I don’t want to give them too much pressure and they are not fit enough, it is just a precaution measure and maybe we can now start planning with them for the new season.”

Niyonzima picked up his injury in the match against Biashara United but his comeback in the domestic cup defeat against Simba ended in pain and was withdrawn, while Balama sustained his injury while preparing for the league match against Ndanda FC.

The two will now join keeper Farouk Shikalo, whom coach Eymael also revealed might miss the remaining two matches after he twisted his hand wrist while in training for the match against Mwadui FC.

“Shikalo is out injured and will not face Mwadui,” Eymael told Goal on Friday. “He twisted his hand wrist but it is not broken so we will not have him in the squad and could also miss Wednesday match.

“I am very upset for the player because he had started coming up well in the matches he played for us especially the league match against Kagera Sugar where he kept us in the game with two good saves and we won 1-0.

“I hope it won’t be a long term thing, he has worked hard to claim the starting role but the injury will now keep him out for a few days.”

On Saturday, Yanga blew a chance to cement their place in the second position of the 20-team log after securing a 1-1 draw against Mwadui FC.

Yanga are now second on 68 points, two more than third-placed Azam FC, who also dropped vital points in a 1-1 draw against Lipuli FC on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola is not allowing his attention to drift towards next season despite seeing Manchester City dumped out of the FA Cup, with a Champions League crown still there to be shot at.

Having already lost their grip on one domestic prize in 2020, as Liverpool snatched away the Premier League title, another piece of silverware has been relinquished by those at the Etihad Stadium.

They have landed the Community Shield and Carabao Cup in the current campaign, but the odd wobble has been suffered along the way.

City have also had to fend off the threat of two-year European ban being imposed on them, with an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport required in order to get that lifted.

Guardiola is now in a position to start planning longer-term, with the threat of imminent exits lifted on the back of a ruling from CAS.

The Catalan coach is, however, eager to ensure that focus remains locked on the present.

City, who will finish as Premier League runners-up in 2019-20, still have two top-flight games to take in this term before then chasing down continental glory.

“I am not thinking about next season,” Guardiola told the Blues’ official website on the back of a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal at Wembley.

“We had two titles to fight for and we lost one.

“We have another one and once we have finished, we are going to think about what we have to do for the team."

Guardiola will not allow heads to drop after slipping out of the FA Cup, with the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss adamant that City did enough to see off Arsenal and were not undone by tactical deficiencies.

He added: “What these players have done is incredible. But we lost an FA Cup semi-final. You have to play 90 minutes, but we played just 45 minutes.

"In the first half, everything was sloppy, it was not the right rhythm for this kind of game, to reach a final.

“The question is how many chances we had and how many they had. Possession is part of it, but it’s not everything. It’s how many chances you create through the possession.

“When you play in that way, always they can use the counter-attack. How many counter-attacks was not the problem. It was maybe one or two actions. It was not about tactics.”

Gareth Bale "will not leave Real Madrid" this summer, according to his agent Jonathan Barnett, who says "the best players in the world do not go out on loan".

Bale has been restricted to just two appearances for Madrid since their return from lockdown in June, and was left out of Zinedine Zidane's squad completely for the 2-2 draw with Leganes on the final day of the Liga season.

The Welshman has cut a forlorn figure in the stands over the last few weeks, making headlines for pretending to be asleep and simulating the use of binoculars while watching his team-mates handle business on the pitch.

Bale has contributed just three goals to Madrid's cause in 20 appearances in 2019-20, and he looked somewhat out of place while the team celebrated their latest La Liga title triumph following a 2-1 win over Villarreal last Thursday.

As the rest of the squad picked up Zidane and revelled in a first domestic crown since 2017, the 31-year-old looked on with his arms folded, leading to more question marks over his future at Santiago Bernabeu.

It has been suggested that Madrid will look to offload Bale when the transfer window reopens, but Barnett is adamant that his client will be staying put.

"Gareth is fine. He has two years left on his contract," the Wales international's agent told BBC Sport. "He likes living in Madrid and he is going nowhere.

"He is still as good as anyone else in the team. It's up to [Real Madrid manager] Zinedine Zidane.

"Of course here's been interest but there's hardly a club in the world which can afford him.

"It's a great loss that he's not in the Real Madrid team at the moment but he will not leave."

Asked whether a loan move could be possible for Bale rather than a permanent transfer, Barnett responded: "He wants to play for Wales at Euro 2020. He always wants to play well for Wales.

"Gareth is one of the best players in the world. The best players in the world do not go out on loan."

Bale's representative went on to insist that there is no bad blood between the Madrid star and Zidane, despite the fact he no longer enjoys a prominent role in the first team.

"Gareth is not looking to outlast Zinedine Zidane. Mr Zidane has been very successful," Barnett said.

"There's no hatred. Mr Zidane just does not want to play him. Gareth trains every day and he trains well."