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Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has included Arsenal star Bukayo Saka in his Premier League Team of the Week.

The Anglo-Nigerian delivered a spectacular performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux Stadium on Saturday.  

The 18-year-old scored his first Premier League goal in the encounter with a brilliant finish to help the Gunners clinch a 2-0 victory and keep their hopes of playing in Europe next season alive.

Following the eye-catching performance, Saka has been named as one of the standout players in the English top-flight in the week under review while his coach Mikel Arteta has been adjudged as the best manager.

The versatile player was promoted to the senior team after signing his first professional contract following his convincing showing in the Gunners’ youth setup.

Saka has since been impressive and was recently handed a new long-term contract to ward off suitors who have been jostling for his signature.

The forward, who has also played as a full-back for the Emirates Stadium outfit this season, has made 34 appearances across all competitions, including 22 in the Premier League.

In February, the young defender was named the club’s player of the month and he is currently in the running for the June award as well.

Saka’s solid defensive performance and fine showing upfront are instrumental to the Gunners’ current seventh position on the English top-flight.

The versatile player has featured for England youth teams but he is still eligible to play for Nigeria, where his parents hail from.

He will hope to continue his eye-catching performances when Arsenal take on Leicester City, who would be expected to parade Super Eagles duo of Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi, on Tuesday evening.

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder George Maluleka has officially bid farewell to Kaizer Chiefs following his departure last week.

Mauleka's contract with Amakhosi came to an end on June 30 and the Naturena-based side decided not to extend it until the end of the season. 

The 31-year-old said the road he travelled with Chiefs for the past six-and-a-half years can never be forgotten and admitted all he achieved with the club wouldn't have been possible without the support from the fans, staff members and Kaizer Motaung.  

"To the chairman, staff members and faithful Kaizer Chiefs fans, It’s a constant surprise of just how far a road we have travelled together. The continued love, commitment and support you’ve shown can never be forgotten," said Maluleka on his official Instagram account.  

"The road that I have travelled with Kaizer Chiefs could not have been done without your continued support.

"Thanks for always getting excited about the games we played as a team, despite it not always ending well. Your support expressed on social media and other platforms, also in real life and in real-time, will always be appreciated."

Maluleka further revealed that leaving Chiefs wasn't easy but he is already excited about the challenge ahead at Sundowns. 

He said Chiefs and everyone associated with them hold a special place in his heart and not only now that he's left for the Brazilians but for many years to come. 

"Endings are never easy but I celebrate it knowing that it precedes new beginnings," added the Tembisa-born midfielder. 

"As I enter a new season, I remember the powerful words of Martin Luther King JR, 'Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step’.

"You will all continue to hold a special place in my heart, both now and for years to come. And as I take my first step into the new season, I look forward to the new challenges that lie ahead in Mamelodi Sundowns."

Maluleka may have already left Chiefs but he is only eligible to play for Sundowns next season because of the extended season due to the Covid-19 outbreak. 

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has given his support to head coach Quique Setien, but believes club legend Xavi will inherit the managerial reins "one day".

Xavi, who holds the record for the most Barca appearances of all time, has long been linked with the top job at Camp Nou, where he spent 17 trophy-laden years as a player.

He was considered one of the front-runners to take the post when Ernesto Valverde was sacked in January, only to publicly suggest he was not ready, which led Barca to turn to Setien.

Xavi has since said he wants to become Barcelona coach and has been tipped to succeed the under-fire Setien, but on Sunday the ex-midfielder signed a contract extension as manager of Qatari club Al-Sadd.

And though the jury remains out on Setien given his side have fallen four points behind Real Madrid in La Liga, Bartomeu has given him his backing.

"Setien will continue, obviously," the Barca chief told RAC1.

"I do not regret Valverde's change. The team needed a boost. Setien knows our DNA, the model and has brought new airs and new ideas.

"The coaches are obviously subject to the results, but I am happy with the evolution of the team."

On Xavi's coaching credentials, Bartomeu added: "[Xavi is] a great coach who I am sure will one day come to Barca."

Barca's poor form and infighting behind the scenes has again led to speculation that Lionel Messi could do the unthinkable and actually depart the club when his contract expires in 2021.

Bartomeu has remained steadfast in his belief that the 33-year-old will retire with the Blaugrana and said the club will do all they can to extend his deal.

"He has a contract until 2021 – normally we do not explain the conversations with the players but it is evident that we have an obligation to renew him," he said.

"Messi is the best player in the world."

Messi and Co. will be back in La Liga action on Tuesday night, with Espanyol set to arrive at Camp Nou for a local derby clash.

A win would see Barca continue to put pressure on arch-rivals and current leaders Madrid, who are scheduled to take on Deportivo Alaves at Santiago Bernabeu on Friday.

Mohun Bagan have announced they have cleared all the salary dues of their players on July 7. Last month, the club had promised that they would clear the salaries in two instalments on or before July 20.

A statement from the club read, “We are pleased to inform you that Mohun Bagan Football Club (India) Pvt. Ltd has already cleared the due salaries of the Indian coaches, players and support staff, today, July 7, 2020.

“Kindly note, the club had made a commitment to clear the dues of all players, coaches and support staff by July 20, 2020.”

The Kolkata giants had cleared the first instalment of salaries on June 20 and now with the second instalment being paid, the club is free of all pay-related liabilities.

The I-League defending champions had merged with Indian Super League (ISL) winners ATK to form a single entity earlier this year to take part in the country's top division.

The two clubs have formed a new company ATK Mohun Bagan Private Limited which has been incorporated with the Government of India's Ministry of Corporate Affairs on June 17. 

Other than participating in the ISL, the new entity will also take part in the group stages of AFC Cup 2021 by using the slot gained by Mohun Bagan’s as the I-League 2019-20 champions.

Barcelona boss Quique Setien is clinging to the hope Real Madrid will falter to allow for a late twist in the title race.

Despite holding a narrow La Liga lead when the season resumed, Barcelona have slipped four points behind their great rivals with only four rounds of games remaining.

A coronation for Zinedine Zidane's team appears inevitable, given they have won seven straight fixtures since the league's suspension ended.

But Setien is refusing to wave the white flag, as he told a press conference on Tuesday: "Of course we can still win La Liga. Mathematics says it. We have to keep hope until the final day.

"We have to look at what we can do. Win, leave good feelings, make progress. And if not in this situation, everything we do is worth it for the next one."

Should Barcelona take the title battle down to the final day, that would be a small triumph in itself given the current circumstances at Camp Nou, but victory in the home derby against Espanyol on Wednesday is surely imperative.

They have the Champions League resumption to come in August, then a new La Liga season after that, and Setien wants to see signs of progress from a team who have struggled since COVID-19 caused the 2019-20 campaign to be stalled for three months.

Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu has indicated he plans to keep Setien on for at least one more year, with the coach speaking of "the circus that is football" as speculation surrounded his position.

"The club are happy with the work we do, I focus on that," he added. "I don't value whether we win a game or lose others. I don't live daily, I work with more perspective.

"We are quite happy, as I have said on numerous occasions. Results are one thing and the feelings are another."

Setien feels his team are performing better than their results have been indicating, as he highlighted "very good moments" in the matches where Barcelona have dropped points. Three draws, alongside the four wins they have achieved since La Liga returned, have proven costly.

The Spanish tactician was cheered by Antoine Griezmann's delicious chip in Sunday's 4-1 win at Villarreal, where the Frenchman was given a more central attacking role than in previous games and thrived on the responsibility.

"He has enough ability to show his level," Setien said. "The other day there was a moment of inspiration and the players who played on the inside and the threat on the outside were closely linked.

"Sergi Roberto helped and did things very well."

Harambee Starlets coach David Ouma has revealed he is following up with his players to ensure they are keeping fit despite the Covid-19 pandemic which led to the postponement of games.

The national women's team have not been in action for some time now and with the leagues also suspended, it is tough for the players to maintain their shape, but the tactician has explained how they are kept in check.

"As a coach, I have been keeping track of the players to see to it that they remain fit," Ouma said as quoted by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) website. 

"I have been in close contact with their coaches to ensure that their training programs are sufficient. 

"I have also been following up on the newly called-up players, whom we went with to Turkey before the pandemic struck, to ensure that they remain fit for the resumption of football activities."

The former Sofapaka coach has also revealed his best moments with the national team.

"We played 22 high profile international matches in 2016, and the highlight was the Africa Women Cup of Nations (Awcon) [in Cameroon]. We also reached the final of the 2016 Cecafa Women Championship," Ouma added.

"In 2017, we continued to build this team, and it was encouraging when we posted stellar performances in the 2020 Olympics Qualifiers where we eliminated Ghana, which is a World Cup nation. Eventually, we won the 2019 Cecafa Women Championships in Tanzania for the first time ever."
  
It was also a year which players like Annette Kundu and Ruth Ingosi sealed moves to Lakatamia FC of Cyprus, while Corazone Aquino was also snapped up by Portuguese side Atletico Ouriense.

"It gives me joy when I see these players further their careers abroad. Every coach wants to see their products excel and I am not any different," Ouma stated.

He went on to challenge those who have not yet made it to the national team to give their best while challenging those already in the team to maintain their standards. 

"The door into and out of the national team is always open. Keep working hard wherever you are. For those who have gotten a chance, you need to act as role models and remained focused," he concluded.
  

Pep Guardiola has reiterated his desire to see Lionel Messi remain at Barcelona, with the Manchester City boss refusing to be drawn on speculation suggesting that he could be reunited with the Argentine in England.

Speculation regarding a move away from Camp Nou for a six-time Ballon d’Or winner has surfaced again over recent weeks.

It is not the first time that Messi has seen a switch mooted, with an all-time great holding obvious appeal to any team on the planet.

He has remained fiercely loyal to Barca down the years, with fresh terms agreed on a regular basis.

Reports have, however, suggested that Messi has shelved talks in the present as he waits to discover in which direction a rather rudderless Blaugrana side will head from this point.

His apparent reluctance to extend a contract due to run until the summer of 2021 has generated another round of exit talk, with City one of few clubs that could afford to finance a deal if a door were to be opened.

Guardiola, though, is reluctant to be dragged into a debate regarding targets with the 2019-20 campaign still ongoing and still expects a compromise to be reached in Catalunya that will see an iconic figure remain in his current surroundings.

“I’m not going to speak about transfers until the end of the season,” said the former Barca boss.

“My wish is that Messi is going to stay in Barcelona.”

Guardiola offered a similar response when pressed on whether he intends to bring in another centre-half in the next window, with many having called for a suitable successor to former club captain Vincent Kompany to be found.

“At the end of the season. We still have incredible targets to fight for,” said the City coach.

The Blues remain in contention for FA Cup and Champions League crowns this season, having already collected Community Shield and Carabao Cup winners’ medals.

Guardiola is eager to see his side finish with a flourish, but accepts that they have fallen well short in a Premier League title race that has been dominated by record-setting champions Liverpool.

On the back of seeing City suffer a shock 1-0 defeat at Southampton last time out, Guardiola said: “When you lose nine games you cannot win the Premier League right now - maybe years ago.

“The champions have to score above 90 points, so when you lose nine games you cannot win the league.

“I was not able to solve the problem that we have had since the beginning.

“I remember the game against Tottenham at home, they had two shots on target and we shot more than 20 and we drew. It happened in the second game in the league and the last game against Southampton was similar. I was not able to change this dynamic.”

Vipers SC have sealed their third signing this transfer window with the arrival of Jamil Kalisa from Bright Stars.

The newly crowned Uganda Premier League (UPL) champions have already brought on board former Express FC captain Disan Galiwango and Mbarara City midfielder Ibrahim Orit ahead of the new season.

And on Tuesday, the Venoms confirmed the signing of Kalisa on a four-year contract, after the player opted against extending his one-year deal with Bright Stars.

Vipers have confirmed the arrival of Kalisa on their official website and went further to state his signing will help coach Fred Kajoba to beef up the loop-holes within the team as they prepare for the Caf Champions League campaign next season.

“His arrival will help coach Kajoba patch up several loop-holes within the team as he also strengthens the squad in readiness for the forthcoming season that has already seen pundits predict it as ‘a demanding one’ already,” Vipers said in a statement on their official website.

Apart from taking part in the Caf Champions League, Vipers will also battle to defend the title they won after the Federation of Uganda Football Association (Fufa) moved to end the 2019-20 campaign owing to effects caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Vipers will also take part in Uganda Cup, Fufa Super 8, and Fufa Super Cup.

Kalisa was a key player for Bright Stars, as he helped the side to avoid relegation last season which saw Proline FC among the teams to drop to the lower league.

The 21-year-old started his career at the National Sports Academy before Lungujja Galaxy – a Rubaga regional side – spotted him in 2017 en route to joining Bright Stars at the start of the 2018/19 season, and he now rejoins coach Kajoba having worked with him at his previous club.

In a recent interview, coach Kajoba revealed the importance of beefing up the squad to help challenge for titles and also do well in the Champions League.

“We have to make sure we have all the positions covered because next season, we will have a tough season, taking part in Champions League and we must also fight to defend the league title,” Kajoba said.

KCCA will represent Uganda in the Caf Confederation Cup.

Bruno Fernandes has helped to make Manchester United “watchable” again, says Dwight Yorke, with the Portugal international midfielder helping to raise the game of the Red Devils as a collective.

Prior to bringing a 25-year-old playmaker onto their books during the January transfer window, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side had once again been struggling for consistency.

That was threatening to undermine their efforts to push back into the Premier League’s top four and chase down major silverware.

Fernandes has, however, slotted seamlessly into the fold and become a talismanic presence at Old Trafford.

His arrival has coincided with a 16-game unbeaten run across all competitions, with United now very much in the hunt for Champions League qualification and prestigious trophies.

Solskjaer has seen his side rediscover their attacking spark, with the goals flowing once more, and Fernandes finds himself at the heart of a renaissance for the Red Devils.

Former United striker Yorke told JOE of the upturn in fortune: “The fact that we are unbeaten in 16 games now, that’s a run we haven’t had for maybe three or four years.

“And of course he’s got the addition of Bruno Fernandes, who’s hit the ground running and made an instant impact, which we needed.

“We needed something to lift us. It’s a little bit early to get above your station, but it certainly looks a lot more exciting and it’s looked a lot more watchable - rather than the way it used to be before. 

“You can actually now sit down to watch a game of football knowing that, at least we’ve got players who will attack defenders and try to score.”

Fernandes has contributed six goals and five assists through his nine Premier League appearances for date, with the Portuguese now setting the standard for all of those around him.

Yorke added on a charismatic figure in the middle of the park: “He’s animated with everything that he does.

“He’s involved from back to front. He works hard for the team and everyone seems to follow him in that sense. And it’s just great to see.

“He’s been huge for us. We needed somebody to really lift the team.”

Fernandes and United will be back in action on Thursday when they take in a trip to relegation-threatened Aston Villa.

Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford both reaching the 20-goal mark is "long overdue", according to Andy Cole, who says the Manchester United duo will now have to prove that they can deliver the goods "season in, season out".

Rashford was enjoying his best individual campaign yet in United colours before being sidelined with a back injury in January, having hit 19 goals in 31 outings across all competitions.

Martial took up the mantle through the middle in the England international's absence, and has also been able to add an end product to his game which had previously been lacking.

The Frenchman took his tally to 20 goals in a single campaign for the first time in his career after a netting a hat-trick in United's 3-0 win over Sheffield United on June 24, which also marked his first treble for the club.

Rashford, who returned to full fitness during the coronavirus-enforced break in the season, matched his team-mate's total by scoring a penalty in a 5-2 victory at home to Bournemouth at the weekend.

With Mason Greenwood also finding the net on a regular basis for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side, it has been suggested that former glories will soon be revived at Old Trafford.

However, Cole has warned Rashford and Martial that they cannot allow their performance levels to drop if United are to start challenging for major honours once again.

The ex-Red Devils forward told MUTV: "I’ll be honest, I think it’s overdue, considering the talent of the pair of them. I was very surprised that it was Martial’s first hat-trick in his career, very, very surprised. 

"These kids have the talent to be getting these goals season in, season out. And if they don’t they’ve got to be asking themselves the question why they are not getting 20 goals a season.

"I look at the Premier League now, in my time playing you had to get 20 goals, there was no option, you had to give the club 20 goals.

"Now I see a lot of players finishing on 12, 13 goals and they are playing centre-forward. When you’re at a big club you’ve got to have someone who can get you 20, 25, 30 goals a season if you’re trying to win the Premier League or win in Europe."

Cole went on to express his belief that the presence of €55 million (£50m/$62m) January signing Bruno Fernandes has helped United's attacking players improve their output.

He also discussed the positive effect the Portuguese playmaker has had on Paul Pogba in recent weeks, with the Frenchman enjoying a new lease of life since coming back into the team in June.

Cole added: "I think it’s a massive plus (having Fernandes). If you look since he’s come into the football club, the way he’s galvanised the players, ultimately he creates chances because he always wants to get on the ball.

"That makes it really good for a centre-forward because you know you’re guaranteed whatever movement you make he’s always looking to pass the ball forward and slip you in.

"Having Bruno in there and the re-emergence of Paul Pogba as well, the way Paul has come back into the team has freed him up no end.

"And the last few games we’ve seen Paul play, you can see his quality, because he knows he’s playing with a quality midfield player that has a fantastic understanding who can create chances and score goals."

Jose Mourinho has made Tottenham “a complete bore to watch”, says Jamie O’Hara, with the Portuguese warned that Spurs will look to “get rid” if no progress is made in pursuit of top-four finishes and major silverware.

A coach who boasts the most distinguished of CVs was appointed as successor to Mauricio Pochettino in north London back in November 2019.

Mourinho’s capture was considered to be quite the coup for a side that had taken a backwards step since gracing the Champions League final a few months prior to his arrival.

With success having been delivered at the likes of Chelsea, Inter, Real Madrid and Manchester United, an experienced tactician was tipped by many to bring long-awaited success to Spurs.

Mourinho has, however, struggled to find a spark through the start of his reign, with there a very real threat of Tottenham falling out of the Premier League’s top six for the first time since 2009.

O’Hara admits progress has been slow, with the former Spurs midfielder telling talkSPORT: “The fact of the matter is that there is no excitement in the games anymore. Spurs are so boring to watch.

“I was a big fan when Mourinho came in and it was like ‘right, we’re going to win a trophy and I’m all for let’s just win a trophy, it doesn’t matter how we do it’.

“But actually, I’m now sat there thinking ‘I have lost all excitement of watching Spurs’.

“I loved it with Poch. Even though we had a bit of a poor start to the season and there was a bit of unrest in the dressing room, I still loved watching them. I loved seeing how they played.

“Now I’m watching them thinking ‘I’d rather put Come Dine With Me on’.”

O’Hara added: “There were no excuses for Mourinho now they’ve come back from lockdown. Everyone was back fit, he had a full squad, there were no excuses with Harry Kane and Son.

“I was excited to see how they came back and thought can they be – like Man United have been and like Chelsea have been – can they look fit and stronger?

“Tottenham have been the complete opposite. They have been a complete bore to watch.”

With Spurs in danger of alienating a fan base that cannot attend games during the coronavirus pandemic, O’Hara says Mourinho needs to find a quick fix and start proving his worth if another early departure is to be avoided from a prominent post in England.

The Spurs academy graduate said: “Give him a transfer window, see what he does next season. If he can bring a trophy to the club, then it’s been worthwhile.

“If it doesn’t look like we are going to win a trophy… the thing is with Spurs fans is the expectation.

“Poch did turn us into a consistently top four football team. If we’re not going to be that all of a sudden, with that stadium and where the club are trying to go, then we have to get rid.”

Chelsea are in pole position to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havert, with Goal having learned that a number of rival suitors were put off by the €100 million (£90m/$112m) price tag being placed on him this summer.

The effects of the coronavirus pandemic on club finances across the European football landscape means few clubs can match the resources at Stamford Bridge this summer and, as such, it has left them leading the race for the 21-year-old.

Havertz, however, wants to play Champions League football at his next club, and Frank Lampard’s side are yet to confirm their place in the competition for next season.

They currently sit fourth in the Premier League table, two points clear of fifth-placed Manchester United and five clear of Wolves in sixth with five matches of the campaign to play.

Should a club meet his valuation, then Leverkusen will agree to sell Havertz.

But the Bundesliga outfit's sporting director, Rudi Voller, is hopeful that he can keep his club's prized asset for another season .

"There is nothing specific, nothing to report. As of now, he is our player," Voller told  Bild . "We have our ideas, we know what he can do. I personally hope that he stays one more year. We have an agreement: if it works, he can go this summer."

If Havertz was to remain at the BayArena for one more season it would also be a boost for other clubs with a long-standing interest in the Germany international, such as Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Neither Bayern nor Real are ready to consider a move until 2021.

Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge recently told  Sport1 : “I say very clearly, financially a transfer for Havertz will not be possible this year. It’s my wish for Rudi Voller that he stays one more year in Leverkusen.”

Havertz is happy to move to the Premier League, and Chelsea currently have no competition from within England at this stage, with their key rivals either not having the money or not prioritising a player of his profile.

After effectively sitting out two transfer windows due to a ban on signing new players, Chelsea have already moved to secure the signatures of Hakim Ziyech and Havertz’s compatriot Timo Werner ahead of next season, with the pair costing a combined £84m ($105m).

Werner has since declined the opportunity to return to Leipzig in order to play the Champions League quarter-finals in August and, should Leverkusen agree to sell Havertz before the resumption of the Europa League, he will not play in those matches either.

Leverkusen played their final domestic fixture of the season on Saturday, losing 4-2 to Bayern Munich in the DFB Pokal final, with Havertz scoring his 17th goal of the season in what could be his final match for the club.

Chelsea are also seeking to reinforce their defence this summer, and are keen on the addition of a left-back in that shape of Leicester City's Ben Chilwell .

The Foxes are not keen on selling the England international, however, with Harry Maguire's world-record £80m move to Manchester United setting a precedent for how the club will deal with selling their best assets.

Elsewhere, West Ham's Declan Rice is a long-term target of Chelsea's, but the prospect of an imminent move is not looking likely after David Moyes' side's hopes of staying in the Premier League were boosted by a 3-2 win over Chelsea last week.

Chelsea are also considering players sales while  they plan to re-open talks over renewing in-form winger Willian's contract in the coming weeks.

While Liverpool “have been the best team” in the Premier League this season, Belgium boss Roberto Martinez considers Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne to have been the standout player and a man deserving of the PFA Player of the Year award.

A star turn at the Etihad Stadium has been in contention for that prize on a number of occasions.

Since a man who previously struggled to make his mark at Chelsea was brought back to English football in the summer of 2015, he has been a model of consistency.

De Bruyne has been integral to the success enjoyed by City, with many surprised to see him miss out to Mohamed Salah in the 2018 PFA vote after helping the Blues to 100 points in a record-breaking title triumph.

The Belgian had previously been edged out by Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante, with it possible that he could be left empty-handed again in 2020.

With Liverpool having dominated a domestic scene, the expectation is that one of those to have helped them to a first top-flight crown in 30 years will be picked out as the cream of the Premier League crop.

Martinez, though, believes that the remarkable standards set by De Bruyne deserve to be recognised, with it still possible for City to end the campaign with four trophies to their name.

The Belgium national team coach told The Mirror: "Obviously I watch all of Kevin's games. The other day I was watching the Man City game against Liverpool and for me it was very clear.

"Liverpool have been the best team this season and the worthy winners and champions, and then you could say easily Kevin has been the best player in the league.

"The way he affects the game, the way he can become that player who executes the pass that no other can do.

"A player that can play in different positions, that he can adjust to different needs, and for me it was very, very clear in that game that we saw the worthy champions, and on the other side we saw the best individual player in the league."

Sadio Mane, Jordan Henderson and Virgil van Dijk are considered be the leading contenders within Liverpool’s ranks for the PFA award, with De Bruyne having tipped one of them to take the trophy.

The humble 29-year-old said back in April when asked who he would pick: "I would say Mane. I think he has been the total package this year for Liverpool.

"He has been important, so if I had to choose somebody, I would choose Mane."

Newly appointed Chippa United head coach Lehlohonolo Seema has explained why he left Bloemfontein Celtic.

The former Lesotho captain was announced as the new Chippa coach on Monday - replacing Rhulani Mokwena, whose contract was not extended when it expired onJune 30.

The 40-year-old, who spent 14 years with Siwelele serving as a player, assistant coach, and ultimately, head coach, explained that he had to get a new challenge.

“It’s purely about getting a new challenge because as young as I am now you learn in different ways," Seema told Far Post.

"I am now coach of Chippa United and will continue to learn so it’s all about learning and growing with different challenges so that you can move out of your comfort zone.

“Like you are saying it was a spiritual [relationship with Celtic], when someone talks about spiritual matters you must know that it is deep so go and get new challenges, get burnt, you grow, you fall, you dust yourself off up and you continue with your journey."

Seema has left Celtic in the ninth spot on the Premier Soccer League (PSL) standings - three points behind eighth-placed Highlands Park.

The former Orlando Pirates captain has now been tasked with ensuring that 12th-placed Chippa, who are three points above the relegation zone, retain their status in the elite league.

“Even when I was a player I have always tried and stuck around as long as possible or as long as my services are needed. I am not someone that when the going gets tough I jump the ship," Seema continued.

"If it was about money I would have left Bloemfontein Celtic a long time ago but it is not about that. It is about me trying to learn in my coaching career and trying to go as far as I can in this beautiful sport that made me what I am today."

Seema insisted that he does not feel unsettled by the fact that Chippa have a reputation as a firing club with the current season set to resume soon having been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic since March.

“I think if you are unsettled about something you don’t even take [a chance], you leave it. So, for me being here shows that I spoke to the Chairman [Siviwe Mpengesi] and we had a nice chat so we are giving it a try," he added.

"He understands that I am a young coach and I need a lot of support and a lot of guidance and he promised me that. So, I was not bothered and I wanted to give it a go ahead and see how far it can go."

Having signed for three seasons, Seema is looking forward to serving the Chilli Boys, who are the only PSL club in the Eastern Cape Province.

“Coming to Chippa United supporters, I hope that they will teach me isiXhosa so that I can be fluent with Xhosa and sing along with them. I am one guy that I am not afraid of challenges and I will stick here," he maintained.

"The other thing I like is that I am at a team that has passionate supporters who love singing so I wouldn’t be missing singing that much but we will have to make sure that we produce on the field of play as well."

Young Africans (Yanga SC) have suffered another injury blow after it emerged Mapinduzi Balama will miss action for the rest of the season.

The influential midfielder picked up an injury while preparing for their Mainland Premier League match against Ndanda FC and the doctors have now confirmed he will not be able to kick a ball again this season.

Yanga doctor Shecky Mngazija has revealed the injury suffered by Balama will need more time to recover and hence he will not be able to play again this season.

“Balama broke his foot and it will need more than 14 days for it to get back to normal and for that reason, he will have to stay away for some time now,” Mngazija is quoted by Sokaletu.

“I feel he will be out for the next six or eight weeks and it means he will not play any part in the remaining league matches and also the FA Cup contest against Simba SC.”

Balama becomes the second player to be ruled out of the Simba clash after Yanga coach Luc Eymael confirmed to Goal defender Haruna Niyonzima will not feature in the derby after he sustained an injury in their league match against Biashara United.

“I lost Haruna [Niyonzima], one of my best players to injury, after only ten minutes into the game and it was due to a bad tackle and his knee twisted and so he will be out of Simba, and there was no reaction from the referee only a free-kick was given,” Eymael told Goal on Monday.

“It is a huge blow to my team because Haruna is one of my best players, one of my favourites, a hard worker a player who fights for the team, so he will not be available to play in the derby.

"It is sad news for him, he was looking forward to the match but now he will miss it altogether.”

The two injuries will affect Yanga’s quest to win the FA Cup where they are scheduled to take on Simba in the semi-finals on July 12.

Yanga are also keen to finish second on the 20-team table but were toppled from the spot on Sunday after Azam FC won 7-0 against Singida United.

Liverpool have always been a side that needs “tough love”, says Gerard Houllier, with Jurgen Klopp proving to be the perfect coach to deliver “vision” and long-term success at Anfield.

Those on the red half of Merseyside are currently basking in the warm glow of a first title triumph in 30 years.

Since last getting their hands on the English top-flight crown in 1990, many managers have tried and failed to get Liverpool back on the loftiest of perches.

Houllier spent six years at the helm between 1998 and 2004, delivering domestic cup success and a UEFA Cup win.

He also carried the Reds close to a long-awaited title, as did Rafa Benitez and Brendan Rodgers.

Klopp has been the man to get Liverpool over the line, while also claiming Champions League and Club World Cup honours, with the German considered to be a good fit for the most demanding of roles.

Houllier told the Liverpool Echo: "Players need somebody who knows where he is going and what he wants to do. They follow somebody who has a vision.

"And they need 'tough love'. You've got to be tough sometimes but you've got to love them. They need to understand that they can rely on you in case of a problem.

"But you love them. Jurgen is a good demonstration of that as well."

Klopp is now in the process of trying to establish a dynasty at Anfield, with his place in Liverpool folklore already safely secured.

Houllier is also fondly remembered on Merseyside, with the Frenchman of the opinion that he helped to put a number of building blocks in place that have allowed successors to flourish.

He added: "When you're a manager you need three things. You need to have results, you need to leave a legacy, and also you need to make players and the team improve.

"When I left there was a team in the Champions League spots. There was a different habit and a different tradition of preparing the team and approaching competitions.

"In terms of diet and looking after ourselves, we changed things which helped to be more competitive. There were new facilities with the new Melwood.

"Michael Owen won the Ballon d'Or. Players like Jamie Carragher, Danny Murphy, Robbie Fowler, Emile Heskey...they all improved when we were together there.

"And of course Steven Gerrard. I saw him when he was 17-and-a-half. He started training and playing with the first team. He became captain at the age of 23. That tells you everything."

Wazito FC have parted ways with several layers as they restructure for the 2020/21 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) season.

The 2018/19 National Super League champions struggled to cope with the best teams in top-flight football, and after the league suspension, they were in the 13th position with just 20 points acquired from 23 matches.

It is, for this reason, the technical bench has decided to part ways with players they think are surplus to requirements. 

Among those dropped are long-serving custodian Steven Njunge, midfielder Teddy Osok, forwards Victor Ndinya, Pistone Mutamba and Derrick Otanga.

The foreign quartet of Paul Acquah from Ghana, DR Congo's Piscas Kirenge, Augustine Otu of Liberia and Togolese Issifou Bourahana were not spared either. Kevin Omondi, who has also been serving as the club's first-choice goalkeeper, has been axed as well.

"The management told us Covid-19 has not made it easy for the club businesswise, and tough decisions had to be made," Otanga, who joined the club from Sony Sugar at the beginning of the 2019/20 season told Goal on Tuesday.

"It is a matter of recollecting yourself and getting another team to continue developing and growing your career. I take this opportunity to thank Wazito for the chance to play for them and wish them the best."

On Monday, July 6, the Kenya Premier League (KPL) side and coach Stewart Hall parted ways. Hall left the team after joining them in November 2019.

The British tactician had managed to steady the club after it had struggled to cope with the pressure in the top-tier since their promotion at the start of the season.

Hall's departure marks another exit in Wazito's long line of coaches. Fred Ambani was relieved of his duties in October 2019 after helping the Nairobi-based club to earn promotion. Ambani's place was taken by Melis Medo who was subsequently sacked after just three matches at the helm.

Ambani has since returned to the club and served as Hall's assistant.

Wazito then turned their eyes on the former AFC Leopards coach but he, too, has left but on mutual consent. 

By his abrupt exit, Hall becomes the first KPL coach to leave his job before the 2020/21 season begins.  

Namungo FC have warned Simba SC they will be going for nothing less than three points when the two sides clash in a Mainland Premier League match on Wednesday.

The much-awaited league match at Majaliwa Stadium in Ruangwa, Lindi, will also see Simba presented with the trophy for winning a third straight title a week ago, after their 80 points proved difficult for challengers Azam FC and Young Africans to reach with six matches to spare.

Namungo are also fighting to finish the season among the top three sides as they are fourth on the 20-team log with 59 points, and this is the reason club chairman Hassan Zadadu has warned Simba that they will spoil their party with a huge win in the match.

“We know Simba are coming here with a joyful mood to be presented their title but, they will leave behind maximum points to us so we should continue to get closer to the top two places on the ladder,” Zadadu is quoted by Daily News.

Zadadu further said their main aim is to make sure they finish the season in a better position so that they can attract sponsors ahead of the new season.

“In short, I can say we are 100 percent ready to get crucial points from Simba to keep us moving forward in the league,” Zadadu continued.

Namungo coach Thiery Hitimana also said their main aim is to finish in a better position and also took his time to congratulate Simba for winning a third straight league title.

Simba are looking forward to the match against Namungo as they will be presented with the trophy after Ndanda FC gave them a guard of honour in their last league match.

Simba coach Sven Vandenbroeck has stated his main target now is to make sure they finish the season on high.

Simba will, however, miss the services of defender Shomari Kapombe, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season, after he was injured in the FA Cup quarter-final 2-0 win against holders Azam FC.

He was stretchered off after a reckless tackle by Frank Domayo and the incident should rule him out until the 2020/21 season.

Mason Greenwood’s rise to prominence at Manchester United can be likened to that of Ryan Giggs, says Paul Parker, with the 18-year-old bursting onto a senior stage in spectacular fashion.

The Red Devils have seen many talented academy graduates break into their first team down the years.

David Beckham, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes formed part of the fabled Class of ’92 alongside Giggs.

United have also looked to invest in the best young talent on the market, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney acquired for big money while still in their teens.

Greenwood is now following in those illustrious footsteps, with Parker among those to have hailed the impact of a player that few were tipping to shine so brightly at the start of the 2019-20 campaign.

The former United defender told the Talking Devils podcast of a youngster who already has 15 goals to his name this term: “Maybe he’s the first since Ryan Giggs. People might say Paul Scholes and the others but people knew about them.

“Mason has been around but he’s suddenly come on.”

Parker added on the benefits that an enforced mid-season break has had on Greenwood: “The lockdown period has made a huge difference.

“He now looks like a man. His body shape has changed… he looks more imposing.

“He is young but players know they can’t knock him around anymore. Someone could have told him to do it [bulk up] but you have to want to do it. He has.

“And now he has the potential to be a player the likes of which United haven’t had since Ryan.”

Greenwood has figured in all five of United’s fixtures since competitive action resumed in mid-June.

A starting berth has now been nailed down, with three goals recorded across his last two outings.

The exciting forward hit two in his most recent appearance, with a spectacular brace recorded in a 5-2 mauling of Bournemouth.

With a devastating partnership being struck up with fellow frontmen Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, the Red Devils will hoping to see more inspiration offered by in-form stars when they take in a trip to relegation-threatened Aston Villa on Thursday.

Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Pollen Ndlanya has come out in defence of midfielder George Maluleka following his recent move to Mamelodi Sundowns, saying the switch is all about business.

Maluleka joined the Brazilians on a three-year deal and  Ndlanya explained that the 31-year-old’s love for the Naturena-based side means he wanted to stay but its clear Chiefs didn’t want to retain him.

In addition, the former Orlando Pirates hitman warned the Tembisa-born player to work extra hard because it will not be an easy challenge under coach Pitso Mosimane.

“I think George engaged Chiefs but the club didn’t show any interest in keeping him. Knowing him, he loves Chiefs, he would have loved to leave the club having done something great for the club,” Ndlanya told Isolezwe.

“It’s important to understand that this is a business decision, his feelings or emotions must be set aside. Maluleka’s decision to leave Chiefs is purely based on business.

“This means the players that were competing with him for a place in the team must now step up to the plate and fill the gap because he was an important member of the team.

“Honestly, all the Chiefs players must be motivated after Maluleka’s departure to join arch-rivals.”

Exploring the former SuperSport United midfielder’s chances at Chloorkop, Ndlanya believes it will not be easy in Tshwane.

“Maluleka has taken a decision to join Sundowns knowing very well what challenges he will face there,” he added.

“I don’t think it will be easy for him. Maybe it’s now time for him to challenge himself because is now 31 and that means he must have to work harder than before.”

At Sundowns, Maluleka will compete against the likes of the skipper Hlompho Kekana, Andile Jali, Tiyani Mabunda as well as Rivaldo Coetzee among other players in the middle of the park.

Meanwhile, as he will have to wait until the 2020/21 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season to make his debut, the enterprising midfielder will look to settle down with his new teammates.

As things stand, Maluleka leaves coach Ernst Middendorp’s troops at the summit of the log with 48 points and facing competition from Masandawana who occupy the second spot with 44 points from one game less.

The two PSL giants are set to face off against each other in the second round when the season resumes after it was halted because of the coronavirus pandemic in March.