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Inter Milan manager Antonio Conte revealed Victor Moses is raring to return to action after recovering from an injury.

The 29-year-old forward last featured for the Black and Blues in their 6-0 victory over Brescia, where he played for 69 minutes before his replacement.

The versatile player has now missed his side’s last two games, against Bologna and Hellas Verona, owing to a thigh problem.  

Conte has provided an update on the injury of the former Nigeria international ahead of their Serie A game against Torino on Monday evening.

“Moses is doing well: he’s fully recovered and raring to go, and we'll make sure to make the right call together with the player and the medical staff,” Conte told the club website.

The former Nigeria international joined Inter temporarily in January from Premier League side Chelsea after cutting short his 18-month loan with Turkish Super Lig club Fenerbahce.

His move to the San Siro outfit saw him reunite with his former coach Conte, under whom he enjoyed success at Stamford Bridge.

Since teaming up with Inter, the former Crystal Palace player has made 12 appearances across all competitions, including seven in Serie A.

Moses has now featured for five different clubs on loan since joining Chelsea from Championship side Wigan Athletic in 2012.

Besides Inter Milan, the former Super Eagles winger has played for Liverpool, Stoke City, West Ham United and Fenerbahce.

The Black and Blues are winless in their last two games which have seen them drop to the fourth spot on the table with 65 points from 31 games, behind Juventus, Lazio and Atalanta.

Should he get to play against Ola Aina’s Torino, Moses, who had 38 caps for the Super Eagles before his retirement from international duty, will hope to help his side bounce back to winning ways in the encounter.

With the South African Freestyle Championship kicking off on July 20, Goal South Africa took the opportunity to throw some quick-fire questions to the three-time South African Freestyle Champion and the World Football Freestyle Association’s Head of Freestyle for Southern Africa, Ashley “Floorise” Mkhize.

Working and playing in the Freestyle space for 11 years, Mkhize has built up quite the CV. His most recent victory came representing Kaizer Chiefs in the Carling Black Label Champion Skills tournament in May 2020.

Ranked third in Africa and the Africa Panna Champion for 2019, the Barcelona and Chiefs supporter was the Champion freestyle in South Africa for three straight years (2013- 2015).

Mkhize has also been the 2016 5fives pop up freestyle champion, 2014 Back to the City freestyle football champion, 2012 Urban sessions freestyle champion, and 2011 Champion (Kicka ball Tapping competitions). 

Can do better than MKhize?  Then enter the South African Freestyle Championship from July 20-24 2020 by loading your 40s-60 second freestyle videos on your Facebook or Instagram profiles using  #ZAFreestyle #HitecSA and #GoalZA and join in the fun. Cash prizes and vouchers are up for grabs for the winners, and a few treats for Goal readers are available too, courtesy of Hi-tec. Check out how to enter here. Terms and Conditions Apply. U18 require the permission of their parents or guardians. 

Former Ghana international Laryea Kingston believes Inter Milan star and compatriot Kwadwo Asamoah still has a lot to offer despite his limited opportunities at the Italian outfit.

Asamoah has struggled to break into Antonio Conte’s set-up since hurting his knee last year and has since been in and out of training.

He has made just eight appearances in Serie A this season, prompting rumours about a likely transfer away this summer. His last outing was in a 0-0 draw with AS Roma in December last year.

“For me, I think he still has years ahead of him. So far, he’s done very well for himself but he still has some years in him if he makes up his mind,” Kingston told Goal.

“My only problem is he’s not playing regular football now. That’s my only worry. But if he finds himself a club where he can play week in week out, trust me he still possesses a lot of qualities.

“He plays wing-back or left full-back but sometimes he goes up and you can see he has the eye for assists and sometimes he can also strike.

“It would be good for him to move to a team where he would be able to play in his comfortable position – No.10 or around the box. He can be great and get to the peak that he wants to be.”

Reportedly likely to join Turkish side Fenerbahce at the end of the season, former Udinese ace Asamoah has over the past years shifted from playing as an attacking midfielder to being largely deployed on the left side of defence as a left-back or wing-back.

“For me, I think Kwadwo Asamoah is a No.10 player, behind the striker because that was where I saw him play from the beginning and he did very well,” Kingston, a team-mate of Asamoah for Ghana at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, opined.

“Even when he was with Udinese, he was playing in that position and was doing very well. But sometimes, as a player, if you go to a team and a coach puts you in another position, you have to be a little bit professional.

“No.10 is where he feels comfortable and when you ask him today, he will say the same thing.”

Asamoah, who has also been linked to Galatasaray, joined Inter from Udinese in summer 2018.

Manchester United attacker Anthony Martial can develop into “one of the best strikers” in the world, according to team-mate Nemanja Matic.

Signed from Monaco in the summer of 2015, the Frenchman initially started his career at Old Trafford in fine form but hit a difficult spell for the Old Trafford side, returning a relatively disappointing 31 goals over the course of three seasons.

Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, though, the 24-year-old has been resurgent, with his performances increasing in strength over the the last 18 months.

He has been instrumental in United’s push for a top-four finish, scoring seven goals and creating another in their last nine games, including a hat-trick against Sheffield United.

Matic says that it is reward for the work he has been putting in on the training ground over a long period of time.

“A good game for one football player doesn't come like that. It's hard work,” Matic, who also talked up teenage prospect Mason Greenwood, told Stats Perform News.

“Anthony, in the last year or year and a half, I have seen him working a lot, trying to improve in every part of the game.

“Of course, then on the pitch that gives you more and you deserve it. Anthony is going great. In training sessions he is fighting for every ball, trying to help his team-mates.

“Even when we don't have the ball he is trying to defend. He's doing fantastic. I think if he continues like this he will be one of the best strikers or attacking players in the world.

“He is still young, I have to say, still a lot to improve and time works for him, so he just needs to continue to work like this.”

Martial will hope to continue his recent run of success when Solskjaer’s side welcome Southampton to Old Trafford on Monday, with the home side having the opportunity to jump to third in the standings with a victory.

The decision to overturn Manchester City’s two-year European ban means that they will need to finish in the top four in order to play in the Champions League next season – unless Pep Guardiola’s side go on and lift the title this term.

Harambee Stars coach Francis Kimanzi has revealed how he is keeping tabs on the Kenya international players amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

Football was suspended in March as a result of the outbreak, and four months down the line, players have been training on their own.

The 44-year-old has now shed some light on how he ensures players are maintaining their fitness levels.

"It is a difficult situation now but we have been engaging with the players at a personal level," Kimanzi told the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) website.

"We have also been doing a lot of planning and following up on our scouting database. Player selection is never easy, but what counts is the current form.

"Take for instance, when [Gor Mahia midfielder] Lawrence Juma was in top form, we picked him into the starting team ahead of other foreign players. Playing abroad is secondary to the player’s current form when it comes to selection."

Kimanzi was serving as the assistant coach to former Kenya coach Sebastien Migne when the team participated in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations held in Egypt.

The Stars finished third in their group after defeating Tanzania 3-2 but lost the other two matches 2-0 and 3-0, against Algeria and Senegal, respectively.

"The tournament itself was a magnificent experience, but it is the run-up to the tourney that drew a lot of lessons," Kimanzi continued.

"Being together for a month, and working under a top coach was such a learning experience."  

One thing the current regime has managed to do better is to ensure the Harambee Stars are involved in the international window. The former Mathare United coach has explained the importance of keeping the players and teams active.

"It is important for the team to remain active since these players are from diverse backgrounds. Building a team takes time and it is for this reason that we need to utilize every opportunity to squeeze in a match," he added.

"Our logistics team has also done a good job: booking flights, hotels, and training sessions on time. We always need to have the players in proper mental shape if we are to produce results."  

Kimanzi has also urged the players to keep safe amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Keep safe. We need you healthy, hopefully, when things get back to normal," he concluded.  

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has completed his move to Eredivisie side Sparta Rotterdam from the reserve team of Germany’s Fortuna Dusseldorf.

The young stopper, who began his career at Bayer Leverkusen, penned a two-year contract with the Castle Lords with the option for another two years.

In the just-concluded season as Dusseldorf 2's first-choice goalkeeper, Okoye featured in 14 games, conceded 26 goals, and kept a clean sheet twice in the Regionalliga West.

He was given his marching orders in his last game for the Rheinlander after 31 minutes on February 29, 2020, albeit his team silenced Homberg 2-0 courtesy of goals from Japan’s Shinta Appelkamp and Timo Bornemann.

At Sparta, the youngster will be hoping to continue his growth under manager Henk Fraser.

“The twenty-year-old goalkeeper comes over from Fortuna Dusseldorf on a free transfer and signs for two seasons, with an option for another two years,” a club statement announcing his arrival read.

“Okoye, who holds both a German and Nigerian passport, made his debut for the Nigerian national team in November 2019, in a friendly match against Brazil.”

Reacting to the move, former Sparta Rotterdam midfielder Henk van Stee, who is now the team’s Director of Football, claimed Okoye can add value to the club.

“With Maduka we bring in a great talent who has a lot of potentials,” Van Stee said.

“He attracted the interest of several clubs from different countries, but he believes he can take the next step at Sparta.

“We believe he can be of value to this club and are happy that he signed here.”

Meanwhile, the youngster has expressed his delight with the move while revealing his readiness for the "big stage".

“I am very happy to join this club, Sparta Rotterdam,” he told Omasports.

“It’s a good opportunity to take my career to the next level. Now I am ready for the big stage.”

Born in Germany to a Nigerian father and a German mother, Okoye pledged his international allegiance to Nigeria.

He made his international bow in the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw against Brazil on October 13, 2019 – coming in for Francis Uzoho in the 63rd minute.

Simba SC striker and captain John Bocco has bagged the June Mainland Premier League Player of the Month award.

Bocco has been instrumental for the Tanzanian champions since the league resumed in mid-June and his brace against Mbeya City on June 24 took them closer to retaining the title.

Bocco, 32, overcame competition from Atupele Green of Biashara United and Martin Kigi of Alliance.

Bocco led Simba to two victories against Mbeya and Mwadui FC, while one encounter ended in a 1-1 draw against Ruvu Shooting.

Alliance FC head coach Kessy Mziray, meanwhile, has been selected as the Coach of the Month for June.

Mziray saw off competition from Sven Vandenbroeck of Simba SC and Yanga SC's Luc Eymael. 

The Mwanza-based side played three matches in June and won two of them while the other ended in a draw. They defeated both Mbeya and Coastal Union 1-0 on June 20 and June 27, respectively.

The only time they dropped points was in the June 24 encounter against Polisi Tanzania from a 1-1 draw.

KMC FC coach Hererimana Haruna has been elected as the March coach of the Month while Meddie Kagere has belatedly been named the best player of the same month. Kagere is leading the scorers' chart with 19 goals.

Kagere was pitted against Paul Nonga of Lipuli FC and Azam FC's Never Tigere while Hererimana beat coach Khalid Adam of Mwadui and Vandenbroeck.

Meanwhile, Yanga SC captain Papy Tshishimbi has claimed Bernard Morrison was not at the required level of fitness to face Simba in the FA Cup at the weekend.

Morrison was lined up by Eymael to play against the Kariakoo rivals in the semi-final tie on Sunday and Tshishimbi feels the Ghanaian should not have featured.

“[Bernard] Morrison is not fit as at now, if you look at the game against Kagera Sugar the only thing he did was to score but if you look at him closely you will notice he is not fit,” Tshishimbi told Mwanaspoti after the side's 2-0 loss.

“Against Simba, he was totally unfit and the coaches must pick lessons for making him play.

“Discipline wise, Morrison also erred and when playing in such a big game like yesterday's one must show a certain level of respect.

“The management must learn how to live with such players and also find out where they might have committed their own mistakes.”

Morrison has not been involved a lot for Yanga since football activities resumed in the country owing to a controversy regarding his contract.

Former Young Africans (Yanga SC) player Bakari Malima has revealed the reason he believes the team suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat against rivals Simba SC in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday.

Goals from Gerson Fraga, Clatous Chama, Luis Miquissone and Muzamiru Yassin were enough to make Simba fans smile wide at a half-packed National Stadium, and kept alive their hopes of sealing a double this season.

On the other hand, the defeat dashed Yanga’s hopes of earning a direct ticket to the Caf Confederation Cup next season.

Malima has now explained the move by coach Luc Eymael to start fit-again skipper Papy Tshishimbi, unsettled Ghanaian forward Bernard Morrison and Jaffary Mohamed, played a huge role in the team’s thumping defeat and exit from the competition.

“[Morrison], [Tshishimbi] and [Mohamed] did not deserve to play in the fixture because they were not fit enough to play and they got lost and did not do the job as expected,” Malima is quoted by Sokaletu.

“The three players have been out on various reasons and to rush them back because of the derby was a huge mistake by the coach, in my own opinion the coach should have stuck with the team which has been playing in their absence.”

Malima further hit out at Morrison’s act to walk straight to the dressing room after being substituted during the derby, claiming the players’ mind was not at Yanga.

“The move by [Morrison] to walk straight the tunnel and into the dressing room after he was pulled out also shows you the player was not ready to play in the match," he continued.

"It was a very bad act from a professional player like him, I did not like his behaviour because it shows he doesn’t have the discipline for the team and coach.”

On what Yanga should do next after the Cup exit, Malima said: “Yanga is a good team and they still have the best chance to finish second behind Simba on the log, however, they should sign quality players when the transfer window opens and this will help them to compete with the best.”

Yanga will now fight for the second position in the 20-team table alongside Azam FC while Simba will come up against Namungo FC in the final of the domestic cup.

PSL chairman Dr Irvin Khoza has confirmed there will only be two compulsory Covid-19 testings for all the players and officials across the 32 teams. 

The two testings will be done prior to teams going into a bio-bubble venue in Gauteng where the matches will be played, according to the league's resolution. 

Khoza said the final testing will take place 48 hours before teams are allowed to enter the bio-bubble - and only those who are negative will be given access while those who test positive will be turned away. 

"There is no continuous testing. There are two testings; there is a first testing [which has been completed already] and a second testing 48 hours before going to the bio-bubble," Khoza told the media. 

"We are trying to debunk this myth that when you're playing football, you are a special case for Covid-19. So, when you into the Covid-19 bio-bubble, you shall be tested for the last time to make sure that whoever goes in there is negative."

According to Khoza, there will be no continuous screening of players and officials for high temperatures - saying it's only normal for temperatures to fluctuate. 

"That's why there will not be continuous screening because of players with temperatures and other things... it's normal - first testing and second testing 48 hours before you to the bubble - those are the two testings that are compulsory," he emphasised.   

Asked what happens if five or more players from the same team test positive for the virus, Khoza revealed clubs will be allowed to use players from their MultiChoice Diski Challenge (MDC) teams.   

He further insisted the season has to be concluded at all cost.  

"There is a score-sign that's been allocated to every team but also there is a dispensation that has been provided for that you can use your MDC players because here we've got to finish the season or players that are free agents," he confirmed. 

"What we've done, we have emphasised that whatever happens, we've got to finish the season. If it means finishing the season with MDC players, so be it but the season must be finished because we are in the 'new normal'.

"We are in a state of war." 

Kaizer Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung is not worried about the one-year transfer ban imposed on the club by world football governing body Fifa.

Amakhosi will not be able to participate in the transfer market for the next two registration periods after being found guilty by Fifa for a transfer offence.

This emanated from their acquisition of Andriamirado ‘Dax’ Andrianarimanana from Madagascan club Fosa Juniors in 2018.

Although they have lodged an appeal with Fifa, Chiefs say they have a plan to cope with the ban, as they await the outcome of their petition to Zurich.

Turning to their youth teams for players is one of the options Chiefs say they have in place as a matter of their transfer policy.

“Obviously, we had plans for the future in terms of every season,” said Motaung as per Times Live.

“Because of the challenge from Fifa, the ruling and everything obviously, the league is now going to September, our appeal is on the ninth. So it depends on the ruling [if] we can then register and sign new players.

“But the plan that we had, fortunately, two years ago, even when [coach] Ernst Middendorp came, we had a plan for two and three years. That's why we had new players coming in and looking at the youth and everything. We always plan for the long term.”

Amid the transfer ban, Chiefs recently lost three midfielders in George Maluleka, Joseph Malongoane and Kabelo Mahlasela, none of who had their contracts revealed.

But they have extended the contracts of linkmen Philani Zulu and Siphelele Ntshangase as well as goalkeeper Brylon Petersen.

It was a move considered as a means to make up for the club’s transfer ban as the trio was expected to be released after failing to command regular playing minutes this season.

The Fifa sanctions have seen Chiefs helplessly watching a clearance sale happening at Bidvest Wits where Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are reportedly signing players.

Amakhosi are bidding for a first league title since 2015 and lead the Premier Soccer League (PSL) standings, four points ahead of second-placed Sundowns, who have played a game less.

Manchester City's two-year ban from European football being overturned is good because it ensures one of the Premier League's best teams will not be broken up, says Micah Richards. 

The Premier League club challenged UEFA's decision to prohibit them from continental competitions, as well as a €30 million (£25m/$33m) fine, for alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations and failing to cooperate with its investigation. 

City appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which on Monday removed their European exclusion and reduced the fine to €10m (£9m/$11m). 

Former City defender Richards is pleased the verdict now gives the players and Pep Guardiola some clarity as they plan for the future. 

"It's good news. I don't want to be biased but with Man City they always pleaded their innocence from day one and it's good to see it come to a conclusion after it hanging over them for so long," Richards told the BBC. 

"It has made it difficult to plan for the future but, finally, it has come to a conclusion which is good for everyone. 

"Two years would have been so damaging. Pep Guardiola's contract is up at the end of next season, Kevin De Bruyne is in the form of his life – the players in that side want to play Champions League football. 

"It's good it's over with. From a players' point of view, it’s difficult not knowing if you would be in it so to put it to bed is brilliant."

City this season surrendered their Premier League crown to Liverpool, who will surpass the record 100-point haul Guardiola's side accumulated during the 2017-18 campaign if they win their remaining three games. 

Richards said: "When you look at Liverpool this season, they've been brilliant. The gap [in the table] this season is astonishing but before that City have been the go-to team. 

"We should enjoy this manager and this team because they are record holders and record breakers and no one wants to see this team broken up. 

"For Liverpool, their victory this season must be sweeter knowing the team they have beaten. To see this City team stay together is great for Man City and the Premier League in general." 

Kariobangi Sharks striker Derrick Onyango has insisted he will be among the top three in the goalscoring charts at the end of the 2020/21 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) campaign.

The 2019/20 season was halted by the Covid-19 outbreak and the league ended with 10 rounds of fixtures remaining. The striker states he is sure the next campaign will be better and he will prove his doubters wrong.

"It has been a tough season for every team in the country after the league was suspended," Onyango told Goal.

"However, I want to be back with a loud bang! I know my potential and ability in front of goal. Next season, I want to win something and finish on the podium; I want to be among the top three best strikers for the 2020/21 season."

The 24-year-old joined the 2018 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Shield Cup champions at the beginning of the year after being released by Wazito FC. He went on to sign a three-year deal at the club and set his targets for the team.

"I did not get enough playing time and consistency and it is the reason why I struggled at times," Onyango continued.

"When I joined Sharks, my main target was to get at least five to six goals in the remaining league matches or more and help the team finish in the highest position possible.

"Covid-19 complicated matters for us and it is unfortunate we could not hit our targets as planned. But it is also a chance for us to strategize for the next campaign and ensure we perform better."

The lanky striker states training alone has been tough but discipline has kept him going.

"It is not easy every day to wake up and set your target and ensure it is achieved," Onyango continued.

"But as a player, I have no option but to ensure I stick to it which will help me maintain my fitness. Football is my life and I have to ensure I work harder for consistency."

After 22 matches, the Kariobangi-based side managed to get just four wins, eight draws and 10 losses. They were placed in 12th position with 20 points.

Jurgen Klopp wants Liverpool to retain their ruthless streak through to the end of the season, with the German looking for the newly-crowned Premier League champions to keep slamming doors on rivals.

The Reds have done that on a regular basis throughout the 2019-20 campaign.

A record-setting title triumph has been taken in by those at Anfield, with a first top-flight crown in 30 years wrapped up with seven games to spare.

Liverpool got over that line when competitive action resumed in mid-June, but they have taken their foot off the pedal somewhat.

A humbling defeat was endured at Manchester City in their first outing since seeing a coronation confirmed, while points have also been dropped against Everton and Burnley.

The latter left Anfield with a 1-1 draw on Saturday, with the Clarets becoming the first side to take anything from a trip to the red half of Merseyside this season.

Nick Pope’s heroics between the sticks allowed Sean Dyche’s side to collect a share of the spoils, but Klopp believes Liverpool should have been more clinical and is eager to see lofty standards maintained through their three remaining fixtures.

He told the club’s official website: "It's not the first time in my life that my team inspires a goalkeeper to a sensational performance, but it was like it.

"But there were moments when Nick still made a save but we should have made it better. But then there were two or three absolutely outstanding saves. 

"It was a super game in moments, super, super game, exactly like we wanted to do. But in the end, we left the door open for them and that should not happen. 

"If you find a way in the game which causes the opponents massive problems, come on, stick to it, do it – and we did it to a specific extent. But then we were not clear enough anymore, so that's how it is. 

"How I said, we left the door open for them and they used the situation, which is a special skill of that team."

Next up for Liverpool is a meeting with inconsistent Arsenal, with the Gunners set to welcome the Reds to Emirates Stadium on Wednesday coming off the back of a 2-1 derby defeat to Tottenham.

Klopp added on that test for his side: "It will be different but we will have a bit more space [preparation time], which is good.

"We have one more day. The last seven days now were really incredible, three games in pretty much a week is unbelievable in that moment. 

"But it is how it is and now we have one day more and then hopefully we can completely recover. 

"We will and then we go again against Arsenal, which will be an interesting one."

Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairman Irvin Khoza has confirmed Gauteng will host all top-flight league and National First Division (NFD) teams.

The two leagues have been suspended since mid-March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic which has impacted the staging of sporting events worldwide.

Khoza also revealed the South African Football Association (Safa) must still approve their schedule for matches.

"All 32 clubs will be placed in the bubble in Gauteng," Khoza said at a press conference on Monday.

"KwaZulu-Natal and North West [provinces] were close contenders to host the bubble but the PSL found that Gauteng has the biggest advantage.

“What we have done is submitted the dates, but not announced them in public. We cannot announce them, we have prepared them and supplied them to Safa."

Safa's chief executive officer Tebogo Motlanthe confirmed that they have received a letter from the PSL indicating that they would like to resume the suspended season on Saturday, July 18.

"They have taken them to the meeting with compliance officers [this morning] and will then give an update," he added.

The Nedbank Cup semi-final matches featuring Mamelodi Sundowns, Bidvest Wits, Bloemfontein Celtic and Baroka FC will also take place when the season resumes.

Sundowns will lock horns with their Gauteng rivals Wits, while Celtic square off with Baroka in the other last-four encounter.

The following stadiums will reportedly be used as training venues for the 16 PSL teams and 16 NFD clubs:

Marks Park, Wanderers, St Stithians, Fourways High, Johannesburg Stadium, Ruimsig Stadium, Auckland Park Bunting (UJ), Chris Hani Stadium (UJ), Loftus Versveld, the University of Pretoria, Pilditch Stadium, TUT Stadium, Germiston Stadium and Vosloorus Stadium.

While the following stadiums will reportedly be used for competitive matches when the season resumes:

FNB Stadium, Orlando Stadium, Dobsonville Stadium, Rand Stadium, Makhulong Stadium, Ellis Park, Bidvest Stadium, Loftus Versveld, Lucas Moripe Stadium, University of Pretoria and Tsakane Stadium.

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Morgan Gould says that he still has a lot more to offer as a football player.

After featuring in 11 Premier Soccer League (PSL) games for Stellenbosch this season, Gould was released from his contract and will not participate in the remainder of the season if football continues in South Africa.

At 37, the former South Africa international feels he is not yet done playing football and intends to continue.

"My legs will carry me until I die. There's still more I want to do on the pitch,” said Gould as per Sowetan Live.

“I want to inspire youngsters, that's my wish when I join a team. I want our youngsters to do more than our generation did. I have gained vast experience in football, so now I aspire to teach and advise the upcoming players.

"As much as I can say that I am happy with my contributions at Stellenbosch, but as a footballer you always want more game time, that's what I can say.”

At Stellenbosch, he mainly faced competition from fellow veteran defenders Marc van Heerden and Robyn Johannes.

Gould joined Stellenbosch as a free agent at the beginning of the current season from SuperSport United, having previously spent four seasons at Kaizer Chiefs where he was a 2015 league title winner.

The defender’s future is yet to be known and he was one of the senior players at the Cape side.

"I am just happy to be home with my family. At this point, being with my family is the most important thing," Gould said.

He was part of the 2009 Fifa Confederation Cup and last played for Bafana Bafana in 2017.

When he was recently released by Stellenbosch, coach Steve Barker described him as a “true professional” and a “legend of South African football.”

“Morgan was really good for us, on and off the field,” Barker said.

“A true professional, a legend of South African football, it was a pleasure to have him at our club. We also thank him for his services and we wish him well in his career going forward.”

Western Cape ABC Motsepe League side Police FC have confirmed the passing of attacking midfielder Sanele Mthembu who was shot on Saturday night.

According to a statement released by the club, ‘Zulu’ was gunned down in his neighbourhood as the club’s official statement on Facebook revealed.

Mthembu was born in KwaZulu-Natal and media reports suggest he came through the development ranks at Ajax Cape Town.

“It is with great sadness to announce the passing of our attacking midfielder Sanele “Zulu” Mthembu,"  reads a statement from Police FC.

“He was shot last night in his neighbourhood. May your soul rest in peace Zulu.”

In addition, reports indicate the motive of the killing is unknown at this stage while some reports suggest he was gunned down in Cape Town.

On the other hand, Zulu has been touted as one of the most talented players and was a former teammate of former South African U20 skipper, Ayabulela Konqobe who also played for AmaZulu, Chippa United and was reportedly targeted by Kaizer Chiefs.

Mthembu is another footballer that has lost a life in the space of a week following the former Baroka, Black Leopards midfielder Nkoana who was confirmed dead last week.

The 28-year-old sadly passed away on Tuesday and was on the books of National First Division (NFD) side Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila during the 2018/19 season.

Nicknamed ‘Kaka’, the former player rose to prominence when he featured for Bakgaga ba Mphahlele when he inspired the club to a shock win over Amakhosi in the 2011 Nedbank Cup.

Baroka, who was campaigning in the Vodacom League (now known as the ABC Motsepe League) at the time, secured a 2-1 win over the Amakhosi side in a quarter-final clash in Polokwane.

Manchester United have become a “formidable force”, claims Mark Bosnich, with the Red Devils considered to be only “one or two more signings” away from being Premier League title challengers.

The last of 13 crowns secured by those at Old Trafford in the modern era was added to the trophy cabinet back in 2013.

Sir Alex Ferguson headed into retirement with another winners’ medal tucked into his pocket and passed the heaviest of managerial batons on to somebody else.

David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho have all seen a golden opportunity slip through their grasp, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the latest to be tasked with restoring former glories.

He has been offering cause for optimism in 2020, with United unbeaten through their last 17 games in all competitions, but they remain a long way off the pace being set by Liverpool and Manchester City.

Closing that gap is the next challenge facing Solskjaer and Co, with Bosnich of the opinion that another positive transfer window could fire United back into contention for English football’s grandest prize.

The former Red Devils goalkeeper told Sky Sports of a resurgent outfit: "I think they have been very good for some time, even before the restart.

"The restart has just confirmed what everybody thought and basically proved a lot in terms of the fact that [Paul] Pogba alongside [Bruno] Fernandes has turned them into a formidable force.

"Even before that, they were on a tremendous run but seeing them after this - even though obviously they were a little bit rusty in their opening game against Spurs - they have been absolutely fantastic.

"And look, everything being equal, maybe I would say one, possibly two more signings maximum, I think that sooner rather than later they will be challenging for the top spot."

For now, United’s focus is locked on landing a top-four finish in 2019-20.

They can move into the Champions League spots with victory over Southampton on Monday, with Bosnich backing the Red Devils to edge Leicester out of elite European competition.

He added: "I am going to stick by my original tip at the start of the season and say that Chelsea and Manchester United are definitely favourites.

"Leicester have had a very difficult time since they have returned from the break and Manchester United and Chelsea - and definitely Manchester United - have real momentum, so I am going to go for them two to finish inside the top four and unfortunately for Leicester to be outside of it."

Paul Mucureezi has revealed why he did not join Vipers SC in 2018 even after much persuasion from the club.

Vipers had shown open interest to sign Mucureezi when the midfielder’s contract with KCCA FC ended after four years of association.

Mucureezi preferred a move to Mbarara City instead who had been promoted to the Ugandan Premier League (UPL) in the previous season.

On January 2020, Mucureezi arrived at Kitende after 14 months with Mbarara City.

“I didn’t join Vipers immediately because there were a lot of signings that season,” Mucureezi said as was quoted by Sports Nation.

“I was supposed to be part of them but I saw the number being too much and it is not that I feared competition but I had to consider my target of playing time which I thought I couldn’t get that time if I had joined.”

The midfielder described his eventual Vipers signing as ‘return to home’ after assessing the possibility of enjoying enough playtime.

“But I happen to come back to Vipers, to my home, actually at the right time where I am at least sure that I will be on the pitch for at least 80 minutes,” added the Ugandan.

Mucureezi hopes to play a key role when the Venoms will start their Caf Champions League journey next season.

“This season, I am looking forward to taking Vipers to Champion League group stages and even further, making sure that I make it to the national team consistently and make sure that I go professional too,” he concluded.

It would be the second time Mucureezi is playing in the continental stage after the 2018 appearance with KCCA.

Finally, Aggrey Madoi has joined BUL FC from Wakiso Giants on a two-year deal.

At the Purple Sharks, Madoi featured in only three matches as he battled injuries.

“I have joined BUL to revive my career as I need more game time. Having grown up in Jinja, I am glad to be back home,” Madoi told Football256.

Madoi is a product of the Vipers’ system and made his debut four years ago under coach Abdalla Mubiru who is now at Police FC.

He rejoined Mubiru on loan at Police six months after the coach left Vipers and had a memorable moment which propelled him to the national team that featured in the African Nations Championship (Chan) in 2018.

At the beginning of the abandoned season, Madoi went back to Vipers but had to deal with the effects of injuries again. He was let go to join Giants.

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Steve Lekoelea says he was lured to the Soweto giants after Irvin Khoza gave him R5000 to buy himself a drink and went on to snub a move to the Netherlands.

It was in 1995 when, as a teenager, Lekoelea left Moroka Swallows to join Pirates where he spent most of his playing career. 

It felt like I was dreaming when I was first told of Swallows’ interest in me. I couldn’t believe I was about to play for a team I supported as a small boy,” Lekoelea told Far Post.

“I earned R1 243.65 at Swallows and I remember Irvin gave me R5 000 to buy myself a drink the first time we met. I realised the pastures were greener on the other side.”

After quickly adjusting at Pirates and becoming a midfield sensation at the club, more was to follow for the skilful midfielder who then caught the attention of Dirk Advocaat who was then coach of Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven.

What could have been a life-changing trip to Eindhoven, however, turned into a nightmare for Lekoelea who was 18-years-old at the time.

“It was difficult. I left South Africa for Holland on my own. It was my first time to travel outside the country alone,” said Lekoelea.

“I was going to get into the wrong flight, I totally got lost but luckily I was redirected just in time to board the right flight. “

"The language barrier messed me up, I couldn’t even communicate with anyone because they spoke Dutch.

“It was a great club, looked like they had a rich history that I’d have loved to be a part of. PSV were so good to me, they tried making my stay comfortable.

“But I got homesick and struggled to settle in. After a week, they let me come back home after I requested to leave.”

It was an era when the likes of Benni McCarthy and Lucas Radebe were making their names in Europe but Lekoelea spurned such an opportunity to play alongside Brazil’s Ronaldo, Philip Cocu, Jaap Stam and Ruud van Nistelrooy at the Eredivisie side.

He, however, justifies his return to Pirates.

“I had to grow at Pirates because I was surrounded by top players and that pushed me,” Lekoelea said.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) General Secretary Kushal Das has said that the second strategic plan of the apex football body will focus on organizing longer competitions and a decentralization process to enhance the capabilities of state associations,

Speaking at a webinar organised by the West Bengal Chamber of Commerce on the topic 'Future of Indian football post-COVID-19 scenario' on Monday, Das spoke at length about the second strategic plan of the AIFF and stated that the Indian FA has achieved good results from their first plan.

He said, "We have been able to achieve 75-80 per cent of the first strategic plan. In the second one, we believe that development must happen through competitive football. The competitions must be spread across a longer duration and a minimum of 40-45 games are (to be) played across levels. The main focus is competition-oriented and we are hoping to go local.

"Go local means arming the state associations with better facilities. We are also planning a ranking system according to the performance of the state associations. We have a development officer to help them. It is a part of the decentralization process. We need to have at least 40-45 games to develop. We would do everything to increase the capacities of the state MAs (member associations). But they must also help themselves."

Das also said that direct financial help for the state associations will not be possible due to budget constraints. However, technical help will certainly be provided. 

"The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) revenue is around INR 16000 crore for five years only through IPL. So they have a freer hand while distributing funds. Our total revenue is 100 crore. In that, we have to run age group leagues, coach education, national teams and every other expense. So you can imagine how stressed we are. Therefore, in terms of giving direct financial help, it is not possible. But every kind of technical help will be provided.

The AIFF general secretary lauded the work of the state associations of West Bengal, Karnataka and Maharashtra for their effort in the development of the sport. 

"The IFA has done a wonderful job. We are keen to work closely with them. Their aim is to take Bengal football back to the glory days. Then there are Karnataka and Maharashtra associations who have also done exceedingly well."