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Kenya coach Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee has named his provisional 36-man provisional Harambee Stars squad for the 20222 Fifa World Cup Qualifiers against Uganda and Rwanda.

After a poor show on the road to Cameroon in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, the East African nation is hoping to defy the odds and top Group E which includes West African giants Mali.

Wanyama, Onyango missing

Captain Victor Wanyama once again is missing, extending his absence from the team after missing out in last two African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Comoros and Togo.

Joash Onyango of Simba SC has also been left out, as well as Johanna Omolo. Jonkopings Sondra IF midfielder Eric Johana has made his return after missing the recent assignments.

In the goalkeeping department, the tactician has included Kariobangi Sharks rookie Brandon Obiero alongside compatriot and teammate Brian Bwire, raising eyebrows on the absence of Gor Mahia man Gad Mathews.

Mamelodi Sundowns stopper Brian Mandela also missed out, so too Ayub Timbe and Kaizer Chiefs utility man Anthony Akumu. Another surprise exclusion is Cliff Nyakeya who has starred in recent national team engagements 

Who is making their debut?

Richard Odada of Red Star Belgrade in Serbia has been considered for the first time alongside Gor Mahia defender Frank Odhiambo. Enock Momanyi of Nationwide League outfit FC Talanta is also in the squad with Siraj Mohammed of Bandari getting a place as well.

"This is a strong group of players, we have a superb blend of experience, youth, ability, and personalities," Mulee told the Football Kenya Federation official portal.

"This is a group of players who have what it takes to start well against Uganda and go all the way."

Local-based players will report to camp on Tuesday, August 24 with the foreign-based ones arriving from August 30.

Kenya will start their campaign against the Cranes on September 2 at Nyayo Stadium before travelling to Rwanda to play Amavubi.

Harambee Stars Provisional squad

Goalkeepers: Ian Otieno (Zesco United, Zambia), James Saruni (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya), Joseph Okoth (KCB, Kenya), Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Brandon Obiero (Kariobangi Sharks)

Defenders: Joseph Okumu (KAA Gent, Belgium), Eric Ouma (AIK, Sweden), Eugene Asike (Tusker, Kenya), Nashon Alembi (KCB, Kenya), Harun Shakava (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Andrew Juma (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Siraj Mohammed (Bandari, Kenya), Clyde Senaji (AFC Leopards, ), Frank Odhiambo (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Bolton Omwenga (Nairobi City Stars, Kenya), Daniel Sakari (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Baraka Badi (KCB, Kenya)

Midfielders: Richard Odada (Red Star Belgrade, Serbia), Duke Abuya (Nkana, Zambia), Duncan Otieno (Lusaka Warriors, Zambia), Lawrence Juma (Sofapaka, Kenya), Kenneth Muguna (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Kevin Kimani (Wazito, Kenya), Patillah Omoto (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Enock Momanyi (FC Talanta, Kenya), Jackson Macharia (Tusker, Kenya), Eric Johanna (Jonkopings Sondra IF, Sweden) Boniface Muchiri (Tusker, Kenya), Abdalla Hassan (Bandari, Kenya)

Forwards: Michael Olunga (Al-Duhail, Qatar), Masud Juma (Difaâ Hassani El Jadidi, Morocco), Cliffton Miheso (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Erick Kapaito (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Elvis Rupia (AFC Leopards), Samuel Onyango (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia, Kenya)

Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Rulani Mokwena has explained why they cannot promise captain Hlompho Kekana more playing time for the Premier Soccer League champions.

In the last campaign, Kekana made just 15 appearances for the Pretoria side but the tactician has said, even though his achievements with the club are notable, promising more minutes in the new campaign is hard because of the tempo they play with.

"At this point, we are sitting in a situation whereby Hlompho wants to play more than probably what we can guarantee," Mokwena said as was quoted by Soweto Live. 

"That’s not to say we think Hlompho is not good enough, but the way we play, with the intensity that we play, and the programme that we are always facing where every three days we have to play, and the older you are, you need a little bit of time to recover.

"Hlompho is still the captain of the club, he is a proven winner and he is someone that we love and respect, but of course, the reality is that he didn’t play much last season and he was not extremely happy.

"He spoke to the media to say he was disgruntled and unhappy with the number of minutes that he got, and it becomes very difficult for us to promise even more minutes this season.

"That’s why we had to look at the Hlompho situation, but we’ve looked at it with respect and the dignity that he deserves as probably one of the most successful players that Sundowns had over the years."

Sundowns will host AmaZulu on Friday at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, and Mokwena affirmed that the Brazilians are not under any kind of pressure facing their closest challengers last season.

"I don’t think we feel any pressure. We are driven by responsibility," he added.

"A responsibility that comes with being part of a big team and representing a team that got a huge amount of investment. But the reality is, we work extremely hard, we put a lot of hard work behind the scenes and therefore with all that investment the expectation is of course success, and that’s what drives us."

The game will be played at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, with kick-off set for 17:00.

Mikel Arteta expects Arsenal fans to 'love' Aaron Ramsdale as the Sheffield United goalkeeper edges closer to a transfer to Emirates Stadium.

Goal can confirm the Gunners have agreed a deal worth up to £30 million ($41m) for Ramsdale, with the Premier League club paying an initial fee of £24m ($33m).

The 23-year-old is putting the finishing touches to his move to Arsenal and he will provide competition for current number one Bernd Leno when the deal is finalised.

What has been said?

"There is still some paperwork getting done," said Arteta. "He had his medical as well mostly done. There is still some things to sort with Sheffield [United].

"Aaron is a really talented young goalkeeper with huge experience. He’s going to bring competition, which is what we want. Healthy competition, quality competition. We wanted a goalkeeper there and we ended up with Aaron.

"Give him some time. I think they're [Arsenal fans] going to love his personality, his character, the quality that he has as a goalkeeper and what he's going to offer. He has a huge, huge potential."

Will Arsenal do any further transfer business?

Arsenal have been active in the transfer market this summer after missing out on European qualification last season, and Ramsdale is likely to become the fifth senior face to arrive in north London.

Martin Odegaard completed his permanent move from Real Madrid earlier on Friday to join Nuno Tavares, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Ben White as new additions to Arteta's squad.

The focus now could shift towards offloading players before the transfer deadline on August 31 after Arteta confirmed there is work still to be done.

He added: "There’s still 11 days to go and there’s still things to be done. There are still players in the squad where it’s going to be difficult for them to find game time."

Further reading

Memphis Depay "couldn't even say hello" to Lionel Messi following his arrival at Barcelona with the Argentine icon heading out of Camp Nou, but the Dutch forward is enjoying life alongside Gerard Pique and Sergino Dest.

The Netherlands international completed a switch to Catalunya over the summer having reached the end of his contract at Lyon, but experienced a sliding doors moment with the Argentine icon that also found himself a free agent.

With Depay on Euro 2020 duty and Messi away winning the Copa America, the pair never crossed paths before taking on new challenges with Barca and Paris Saint-Germain respectively.

What has been said?

Depay told El Periodico of missing Messi but reuniting with former Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman: "I didn’t even get to know [Messi]. He came late to pre-season because of the break after the Copa America and I couldn’t even say hello to him. 

"I know what [Koeman] wants from me. I know what I have to do, there’s a chemistry between us. That’s very important."

Who else has Depay clicked with?

The familiar face of fellow countryman Koeman has helped Depay to settle quickly at Camp Nou, with international team-mate Frenkie de Jong another he can look to for advice.

Long-serving defender Pique has also helped the summer signing to find his feet, while USMNT star Dest is aiding the adjustment period for the former PSV and Manchester United star.

Depay said: "Everyone has been very nice and they have made it easy for me. Pique has helped me a lot because his English is good. With [Jordi] Alba I also have a lot of fun. Of course, Frenkie and Dest also, because I already knew them. It’s a nice dressing room."

Can Depay shine for Barcelona?

Depay caught the eye with some impressive showings during pre-season, with that form carried over into a season-opening 4-2 win over Real Sociedad in which he provided the assist for Pique's deadlock-breaking goal.

On what he can offer to Barca, Depay said: "I try to give something extra on the pitch, something important for the team, to bring joy to the game. That’s why the connection with the fans is incredible. It makes me feel fantastic and I hope it continues. I’ll give everything on the pitch for them to enjoy."

Barca will be back in action on Saturday at Athletic Club.

Further reading

Nigeria international Henry Onyekuru was delighted to have made his debut for Olympiacos in their 3-0 Uefa Europa League victory over Slovan Bratislava on Thursday.

The 24-year-old, who joined the Greece giants from Ligue 1 club Monaco on a permanent deal, was introduced in the 74th minute for Mathieu Valbuena as his side took the advantage heading into the return leg fixture.

It was Guinea player Aguibou Camara who put Olympiacos ahead in the 37th minute before Senegal's Pape Cisse added the second in the 52nd minute for a 2-0 half-time lead at Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium.

In the 68th minute, Olympiacos were 3-0 up after defender Vasil Bozhikov turned the ball into his own net a sweeping cross from Cisse and seven minutes later, Onyekuru came on for his debut.

Though he did not find the back of the net, Onyekuru created two chances which were not converted by Cisse, and also watched his powerful shot from outside the 18-yard box go inches wide.

Onyekuru has revealed his delight at making his first start and promised more in the second leg.

“Blessed to play my first minutes for my new club,” Onyekuru wrote on his social media pages, “We walked away with the victory and looking forward to the second leg.”

In a previous interview, Onyekuru promised to help Olympiacos achieve their target of the season.

“I know it is a big club in Greece, one of the biggest and they have good ambition and target every season and they are always in the Champions League,” Onyekuru said.

“I also know of two Nigerians who played here before and I am just here to contribute and keep on pushing and also to be champions countless times, achieve more goals and aims with the club.

“I am happy to be here and ready to achieve more with the club.”

Onyekuru will hope to start in the return leg when they face Slovan on Thursday before they start their Super League campaign against Lamia on August 27.

Premier Soccer League defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns clash against AmaZulu in a season opener at Loftus Versfeld.

It is a big battle between last season's top two, as Usuthu were the Brazilians' closest challengers during the campaign.

The match will surely indicate what the two teams have to offer this season, and it will mark the beginning of the second season of Masandawana under the coaching combination of Manqoba Mngqithi, Rhulani Mokwena and Steve Komphela. 

The trio has tried to build their own team by getting rid of veterans like Anthony Laffor, Wayne Arendse, Tebogo Langerman and Tiyani Mabunda, while, AmaZulu boss Benni McCarthy will set about testing a squad he crafted himself after inheriting Ayanda Dlamini’s team last season.

TV Channel, Live Score & How To Watch

Squads & Team News

No Sundowns player is suspended for this match and the club has not updated their injury list.

During the course of the week, new signings like Divine Lunga, Sifiso Ngobeni and Neo Maema were captured fully participating in training.

According to the PSL, Masandawana goalkeepers’ coach Wendell Robinson will not be allowed to be on the bench after he was red-carded last weekend in the MTN8 quarter-final battle against Kaizer Chiefs. 

After leaving the Premier Soccer League with three yellow cards for a stint in Ukraine, AmaZulu defender Tercious Malepe is back to be listed with those cautions on his back.

If he is fielded and booked, he will miss Usuthu’s trip to Chippa United on Tuesday.

No Usuthu player has been confirmed as injured.

Match Preview

Friday’s season opener will be a battle of two teams meeting on the backdrop of contrasting fortunes.

Last Sunday, Sundowns knocked Kaizer Chiefs out of the MTN8 at the quarter-final stage.

Later on that evening, AmaZulu were booted out of that competition by Cape Town City.

That could see the two sides approaching the Loftus Versfeld encounter with differing levels of confidence.

The last match between the two sides was a goalless stalemate at Jonsson Kings Park Stadium in April.

Earlier on in the reverse fixture, Masandawana had won 4-3 at Loftus Versfeld in November 2020 with Themba Zwane grabbing a hat-trick. 

Bafana Bafana attacking midfielder Keagan Dolly has claimed Kaizer Chiefs' performance against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 quarter-final last Sunday showed his side are serious contenders this season.
 
Amakhosi fought back after going 2-0 down in the first half and ensured the scoreline read 2-2 at full-time and in extra time, and it is that fighting spirit that Dolly feels showed the world how determined they are.

This even though the Soweto giants ended up losing in the resultant penalty shootout, thus ending their journey in the competition.

"We showed character and showed what we are capable of [against Sundowns]," Dolly told the club's portal.

"A lot of people saw that we are quite serious this season and we want to compete and win things. I think with the performance, coming down from two-nil down against a good team like Sundowns, shows we mean business."

The former Ajax Cape Town star was introduced in the second half against the Brazilians and he has admitted he was nervous on making his return to South African football.

"When the coach told me I was going on, I was a bit nervous. Coming back home after four and a half years in France and playing against your previous club. In my head, I didn’t want to try and do too much," he added

"As I said, my body is not where it wants to be, where it needs to be. But I told myself I understand the players, I’ve been training with them for the past two weeks. They made me feel at home.

"They made it easy for me to come into the team, even though I’m not yet at the level I want to be. The coach explained to me that there’s no pressure. Luckily, when I got in and I got the ball, Khama [Billiat] made a run and that made it easier for me to settle into the game."

Chiefs travel to TS Galaxy in their first PSL game of the campaign on Sunday and Dolly has explained how they will approach they match: "TS Galaxy are a team we know that works hard, that runs a lot. In the PSL, there’s no small team or bad team," he concluded.

"For us, it’s about focusing on ourselves and on what we’re good at. If we just do a little bit more than what we did against Sundowns, we stand a good chance this season."

Kenya international Joseph Okumu featured for 90 minutes but could not stop KAA Gent from losing 1-0 against Rakow Czestochowa in the Europa Conference League play-off first leg fixture on Thursday.

It was defender Andrzej Niewulis who gave the Polish side the slim advantage heading into the return leg after rising the highest to power home from a header in the 64th minute at Stadion Miejski.

Okumu, who had scored the goal that helped the Belgian side to progress to the play-off after a 3-2 aggregate win against Rigas FC a week ago, was handed a start in the game and played for the entire 90 minutes.

The towering Harambee Star almost gave Gent a deserved lead in the 24th minute after finding space in the dangerzone, but after controlling the ball with his right foot, he unleashed a feeble shot which was easily gathered by Czestochowa goalkeeper Vladan Kovacevic.

The 24-year-old, who joined Gent from Sweden side IF Elfsborg, also made a good intervention to deny Czestochowa going 2-0 up in the 73rd minute after stretching his legs while on the ground to block a goal-bound effort from Giannis Papanikolaou.

Despite the defeat, Gent coach Hein Vanhaezebrouck maintained he was satisfied with the performance of his team and promised to finish the tie in the return leg.

"I am satisfied with our performance, but I could have been a very happy coach if we had finished our chances and not conceded a goal as we did,” Vanhaezebrouck told the club’s official portal.

“But in the end, we played a good game, we had the best chances and the better of the game. We should have been ahead at halftime, and then you get a completely different game because they have to come, which could give us more space. We also defended sharply and very little was given away, the organization was good.

On the missed chance by forward Tarik Tissoudali, Vanhaezebrouck explained: “Tarik missed the chances, but he was our most dangerous player. However, he currently lacks a bit of luck. I hope it finally starts to work out for him, because we know he can score enough, but he is now in a period where nothing goes in. With his range, he is important in our system.”

Vanhaezebrouck believes they can have the work done in the return leg by saying: “Losing 1-0 was not a good result in the past, but with the new rules it is only one goal difference and you have to score one more goal to get it back in balance.

“That's what we're going for next week. It won't be easy, because this opponent has a lot of mentality, physical strength, and good organization.

"But also against that good organization we had 3-4 open chances, which we should have done more with. I have faith in my group that we will be ready and the support of our audience always gives something extra.”

South African youth international Khanya Leshabela has sealed a transfer move to Shrewsbury Town from Leicester City on a season-long loan deal.

The League One club have confirmed the arrival of the 21-year-old midfielder by stating in a statement on their official website: “Shrewsbury Town is delighted to confirm the arrival of Khanya [Leshabela] from Leicester City.

“The attacking midfielder makes the move to Montgomery Waters Meadow on a season-long loan from the King Power Stadium - bolstering Town's midfield options.

“Born in South Africa, the 21-year-old signed for the Foxes in 2013 and since made his Premier League debut in March 2021 in a 5-0 win over Sheffield United.

“A regular in the Leicester U23's squad, the South African under-international has represented his country at the 2019 Africa U20 Cup of Nations and the 2019 Fifa U20 World Cup and joins the Shrews amid interest from a host of Football League clubs.”

Speaking after signing the player, Town’s Manager Steve Cotterill admitted he was delighted to welcome the midfielder to the club and was looking forward to working with the promising youngster.

“He's a lad we've been looking at for a while,” Cotterill told the same portal. “He's been on trial with Luton for a little while and I think they were interested in a permanent deal.

“Leicester didn't want to do that, and as it's evolved as every transfer does, we were able to step in - we are pleased to have him.

“He's another young player that I wanted to add to our squad. I've said all along, I want a young squad with vibrance and full of energy - he's got all of those things.

“He’s a tough boy and a really nice lad. He gives us that extra competition in midfield where we've been light since Ollie Norburn left.”

Born in Soshanguve, South Africa, Leshabela grew up in Northampton, England and he started his career at Leicester where he signed his first professional contract in January 2019 before making his Premier League debut in March 2021.

Though his parents were originally from Limpopo, he began his career with the academies of Parklands Tigers and Gregory Celtics, before moving to Leicester in 2013.

Sandesh Jhingan joined Croatian First Division Football League side HNK Sibenik for the upcoming 2021/22 season earlier this week. The 28-year-old becomes the latest addition to an elite list of players who went to Europe to ply their trade. 

Sibenik is one of the oldest outfits in Croatia as it was formed in 1932 with the name of Radnicko sportsko drustvo Sibenik (Workers' Sport Association Šibenik). Several notable players have graced the jersey of Sibenik over the years. From Slaven Bilic to Nikola Kalinic in the early 2000s, a host of top players have defended the crest of Sibenik. Let us have a look at some of them. 

Slaven Bilic

The World Cup bronze medal winner for Croatia in 1998 had spent one season on loan at Sibenik. In 1988, he joined Sibenik from Hajduk Split and made 33 appearances. Although he was a centre-back, he scored seven goals for Sibenik. During this time he was moulded as one of the finest centre backs by veteran coach Milan Ribar and he would go on to serve Croatia for close to a decade. 

"There was a good stopper line in Hajduk at that time, Nikola Jerkan and Jerko Tipurić, and if one of them was suspended due to a yellow card, I would call him from Šibenik and he would be ready to play for the first team. If you remember, double registration was allowed then, a player could play for two clubs in a season," commented Petar Nadoveza, then coach of Hajduk Split. 

In the 1998 World Cup third-place playoff match, he partnered current India head coach Igor Stimac at the heart of the defence and beat the Netherlands 2-1. 

Nikola Kalinic 

The forward joined Sibenik on loan from Hajduk Split in 2007. He was a fringe player at Hadjuk and in order to get more first-team action he was sent to Sibenik. He impressed with his goal scoring ability as he netted thrice in just eight matches. Courtesy of his performances in these eight matches, he was called back from loan and in the 2007-08 season he established himself as a regular in his parent club scoring 17 goals in 25 matches. 

Gordon Schildenfeld 

The former Croatian international is a youth product of HNK Sibenik. After graduating from the academy he was given a chance to play in the first team by then manager Stanko Mrsic in a league game against Kamen Ingrad. He was just 16 at that time. He spent six years at Sibenik before joining Dinamo Zagreb in 2007. The move materialised after Schildenfeld played a key role in promoting Sibenik to the top tier during the 2005-06 season. In 2021, he returned to his boyhood club and played 21 matches, and helped them finish sixth on the table.  

The defender has made 29 appearances for the Croatian national team. He played all the group stage matches in Euro 2012 against Spain, Italy, and Ireland. His last appearance for the 2018 World Cup runners-up was against Czech Republic in Euro 2016. 

Henry Onyekuru made his Olympiacos debut in their Uefa Europa League victory over Slovan Bratislava 3-0 on Thursday.

The commanding win helped the Greek giants put one foot in the Europa League group stage. Onyekuru replaced Mathieu Valbuena in the 74th minute for his maiden competitive in Greece.

Prior to his introduction, Guinea's Aguibou Camara and Senegal's Pape Cisse gave the hosts a two-goal lead with efforts in the 37th and 52nd minutes respectively.

Slovan Bratislava had two Nigerian players on parade with Ezekiel Henty and Rabiu Ibrahim replacing each other in the 67tu minute.

Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has lauded manager Thomas Tuchel for building family spirit among the players.

The Stamford Bridge outfit conquered Europe after Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard in January by winning the Uefa Champions League and Uefa Super Cup.

Mendy has credited their collective spirit for the recent success and he praised their German coach for his leadership role.

"He is a real leader," the Senegal goalkeeper told the club's website. "The idea of a group is something that the coach has directly established.

"It is something that got stronger with good results. We saw that when we gave great performances. Every time we gave great performances, they were great collective performances.

"So, that shows you that we have only succeeded as a team, and that forges closer bonds between us. On the pitch, we play for our brothers because we are a family, and we do things as a family."

Last Saturday, Mendy helped Chelsea start the new Premier League season with a clean sheet in their 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace.

His contribution stretched his record to 26 clean sheets after 46 matches in Chelsea shirt and he is determined to be the best in Tuchel’s side.

"It’s been a fantastic year. Now, we need to keep going. We need to question everything; we need to start from scratch,” he continued.

"What we did was good, but we need to leave that to one side and keep setting other goals, keep progressing, and keep striving to make this club better.

"For me the most important thing is to be the best for my team. Being the best for my club means being the best every day and being the best I can on the pitch, helping my team to win trophies.

"I’ve progressed every year, and I did last year too, and that’s something I want to do every year; it’s something I want all the time.

"I strive to progress, to be the best for my team, and in particular, to keep winning trophies for this club."

Nuno Espirito Santo gave an update on Manchester City target Harry Kane after seeing his Tottenham side lose in their opening Europa Conference League outing.

Kane wasn't involved in Spurs first Premier League game of the new season against City last weekend, which they won 1-0 thanks to a Son Heung-min goal, and the manager also decided against using him in continental competition on Thursday.

The north London outfit suffered a 1-0 defeat to Pacos de Ferreira in his absence this time around, and the Portuguese manager was forced to field questions on the club captain's future once again after the match.

What's been said?

Goal has reported that City are hoping to sign Kane before the summer transfer window closes , but Nuno says he is training as normal with Tottenham with a view to getting back on the pitch as soon as possible.

Asked if he could shed any new light on the 28-year-old's situation after the Pacos game, the Spurs boss told reporters: "He trained today. He trained with the group of players that stayed in England.

"He trained well and he is going to train tomorrow and when we return he will join all the players and work as the group and Harry in it."

Will Kane leave Spurs?

It has been reported that City are readying a £150 million ($204m) bid for Kane, whose current contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is not due to expire until 2024.

The striker admitted last season that he wouldn't hesitate to leave Spurs if he felt he couldn't achieve his silverware goals while on their books, and it has been suggested that he has a 'gentleman's agreement' with club chairman Daniel Levy that he can seal a transfer if a suitable offer comes in.

City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed the Premier League champions' interest in Kane , but has also insisted he is prepared to continue the season with just Gabriel Jesus to call upon as a natural forward if a deal cannot be agreed between the two parties.

Nuno on Scarlett and Romero

The Spurs manager also gave his assessment of Dane Scarlett's performance against Pacos after giving the 17-year-old striker his first competitive start for Tottenham.

"He's young. He's very young. He has talent," he said. "As a team we should have made more chances for him, we didn't finish the actions, we didn't make too many offensive situations for him to be able to even shoot on goal. That's our responsibility.

"For Dane, it was good. The point when he realises he's playing and he has to leave the game, he has to be faster on his decisions and his movement. With tough centre-halves on his back, it's difficult.

"So there's things we have to improve and we'll work on it. We honestly believe there's a lot of potential there and we have to develop and improve it."

He went on to insist that summer signing Cristian Romero will settle in quickly at Tottenham despite an unconvincing debut at the Capital do Móvel Municipal Stadium.

"We need to be patient with all the players because the Premier League," he added on the ex-Atalanta defender. "When a player changes country we need to realise that we need to support him.

"But honestly I think with the quality and talent that Romero has his adaptation will be very fast."

Further reading

Newly-promoted Serie A club Salernitana have competed the signing of Simy Nwankwo on a season-long loan from Crotone. 

The move comes with the option to make the stay permanent at the end of the 2021-22 campaign.

Simy is expected to boost the Garnets' frontline after they returned to the Italian top-flight for the first time in 23 years. 

The 29-year-old joins Joel Obi as the second Nigerian player in Fabrizio Castori's team. The team also parades Mali's Lassina Coulibaly and Senegal's Mamadou Coul ibaly 

Goal can confirm that Lionel Messi and Neymar have been left out of Mauricio Pochettino's Paris Saint-Germain squad for their Ligue 1 clash with Brest on Friday.

Pochettino has already privately communicated who will be involved at Stade Francis-Le Ble, with Messi missing the cut due to the fact he is still getting up to speed after his summer holidays.

The Argentine, who joined PSG on a free transfer following his surprise exit from Barcelona at the start of the month, will be joined on the sidelines by ex-Blaugrana teammate Neymar and Leandro Paredes, both of whom have also only just returned to full training.

Messi's debut delayed

PSG supporters will now have to wait a bit longer before seeing Messi in action, with PSG not due back in action again until August 29 away at Reims.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner will almost certainly be ready to play a part in that fixture, having already started full training with the rest of the squad, but will likely head off for Argentina duty again thereafter as the first international break of the season comes into effect.

Messi, who helped his country win the Copa America in July, originally agreed to sign a new contract at Barca after becoming a free agent, but they were forced to announce his departure after a trophy-laden 21-year career at Camp Nou due to their ongoing financial struggles.

The 34-year-old was then snapped up by PSG on a two-year contract, and he will be expected to help them fight for silverware on both domestic and European fronts when he returns to full fitness.

Who has made PSG's latest squad?

Goal understands that Pochettino will name a similar squad to the one for PSG's 4-2 victory over Strasbourg last weekend, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Mauro Icardi and Archaf Hakimi all set to feature again.

However, the Parisian outfit will be even stronger this time around as Angel Di Maria, Marco Verratti and Marquinhos come back into the fold, and Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma will be in line for his first appearance since joining the club ahead of Keylor Navas.

PSG can go three points clear at the top of Ligue 1 with a second successive win as Pochettino seeks to bring the title back to Parc des Princes following their surprise loss in last season's title race to Lille.

Further reading 

AFC Leopards coach Patrick Aussems has been linked with a move to Police FC of Rwanda after impressing with the Football Kenya Federation Premier League outfit.

The former Simba SC tactician took the reins at the 13-time league champions and despite the challenges, the team are pushing for a top three finish.

However, media reports in Rwanda indicate the experienced coach will be joining the administrative side for the new campaign.

Is Aussems on his way to Rwanda?

RadioTV10 Rwanda reported the 56-year-old will be heading to Police after finishing the campaign with Ingwe.

"Belgian Patrick 'Uchebe' Aussems will immediately travel to Rwanda to join Police FC after completing the season with AFC Leopards this weekend," they posted on their official social media platform on Wednesday.

"Aussems coached Simba SC to the league title in 2018/19 season and reached the quarter-finals of the Caf Champions League." 

The speculation will have Leopards' fans worried considering the fact that the coach is out of the country for a holiday. He, however, promised to be back for the new season.

"After having flown over the Alps and Paris, [it is a] strange feeling to be at home and watch your team on your laptop... Good job guys!" Aussems tweeted. "Now it's time to enjoy some days off with family before coming back to prepare for the new season.

"Next season will be THE season for Ingwe's fans."

What are Leopards saying?

However, Ingwe have asked their supporters to rubish the speculations stating the coach is still tied at the club after extending his stay by two years.

"Our fans should treat these reports as rumours, because he has already extended his stay at the Den for two years," Maurice Chichi, who is the club treasurer, told Nation Sports. "The coach requested to leave for a holiday with two matches left and we agreed.

"Everybody knows the season was initially slated to end in June after it was suspended for close to two months owing to the spread of Covid-19 pandemic."

Ingwe are currently fourth on 48 points, three less than third-placed Bandari, and are hoping the Dockers lose their final game and they win theirs to finish above them.