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Bayern Munich defeated Bayer Leverkusen 4-2 to retain their DFB-Pokal crown and wrap up a domestic double for a second successive season. 

Having missed out on Champions League qualification, Leverkusen were aiming to cause an upset and clinch their first trophy since 1993 in the process, but Kai Havertz and company failed to step up in Berlin. 

David Alaba and Serge Gnabry put Bayern in cruise control by the interval, with a 20th DFB-Pokal triumph all but wrapped up when Lukas Hradecky fumbled Robert Lewandowski's effort over the line moments after a glaring miss by Kevin Volland. 

Sven Bender headed in four minutes later to make things interesting, but Hansi Flick's side held firm before adding a fourth in an eventful finish, Lewandowski on target again before Leverkusen scored from the penalty spot.

Bayern cut through Leverkusen's press with an exceptional move in the 10th minute but Kingsley Coman failed to beat Hradecky. Yet Bayern only had to wait another six minutes for their opener, Alaba sending an exquisite free-kick into the right-hand corner. 

Hradecky pulled off an outstanding stop to deny Thomas Muller, playing in his eighth DFB-Pokal final, though he was beaten again when Gnabry drilled home after being released by Joshua Kimmich. 

Volland was introduced as Leverkusen searched for a way back into the contest, though the substitute completely missed his attempted shot with just Manuel Neuer to beat. 

Leverkusen's misery was compounded before the hour as Hradecky let Lewandowski's long-range strike slip through his grasp.

Bender took advantage of slack marking to swiftly pull one back, though it never looked likely to be enough to spark a comeback. After missing from point-blank range in the 73rd minute, Lewandowski added his second of the contest in the closing stages, lifting a delicate finish over Hradecky.

There was time for more drama, though, with Havertz hammering home from the penalty spot after Alaba's handball was spotted by VAR.

What does it mean? Two down, one to go for Bayern...

Bayern's development under Flick has been outstanding and with a domestic double once again wrapped up, this feels like a team with the confidence and quality to go all the way when the Champions League resumes in August. 

Kimmich in control as Thiago exit nears 

If reports are to be believed, Thiago Alcantara will soon be swapping Bayern for Premier League champions Liverpool. Yet in Kimmich, the Bundesliga giants are in excellent hands. He was typically composed as he dictated proceedings, topping off his display with a fine assist for Gnabry. 

Havertz's blushes spared by Hradecky 

Havertz failed to impress in what could well be his final outing for Leverkusen, but it was a calamitous error from team-mate Hradecky which will take the glare off his subdued display. The in-demand youngster did at least make an impact with a superbly taken penalty.

What's next? 

Bayern's players now face a month-long break before they take on Chelsea in the Champions League, leading 3-0 from the first leg. Leverkusen, meanwhile, will hope to retain their key players ahead of next season. 

Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) and the JSW Bengaluru FC academies have been conferred a two-star academy status by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). 

Bengaluru FC academy is India's only club-operated academy to receive the recognition. For RFYC, based in Navi Mumbai, the accolade is another feather in the cap after it became the first youth academy in India to be granted a 5-star rating by the AIFF Academy Accreditation process in June 2019.

This is also the first time that a residential academy has been awarded the two-star status by the AFC who expect academies to pass a rigorous set of criteria - including leadership, planning, organisation, staffing, recruitment, finance, facilities, coaching, player health, coaching and fitness requirements -  if they are to be conferred with the status. 

“To be granted two-star Academy status is indeed a proud moment for all of us at RFYC,” Mrs Nita Ambani, the Chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, said. “Our goal is to unlock the huge potential of Indian football. I firmly believe in order to accomplish that, we need to create a world class eco-system that helps funnel the talent pool that exists across the country.

"This recognition by AFC will only strengthen our resolve to continue to strive towards excellence and ensure RFYC plays its part in putting Indian football on the global map. I thank AFC and AIFF for the honour.”

"I would also like to congratulate Reliance Foundation Young Champs Academy and JSW Bengaluru FC Academy for receiving a two-star status,” said Kushal Das, General Secretary, AIFF. “Their academies are truly remarkable and have been promising ones to deliver future stars of the sport.”

"It's crucial for football development to have more top football academies,” added Isac Doru, Technical Director of the Indian National Football team. “RFYC Academy and JSW BFC Academy should be an inspiring story for all new academies in India."

Paris Saint-Germain have suffered a further blow in the summer transfer window following Adil Aouchiche’s announcement that he will depart the club.

Rumours have persisted over his future for several months, but PSG held out hope that they might be able to persuade the France Under-18 star, who has featured on a handful of occasions in the first team, to remain at the club.

The youth terms he was on expired on June 30, and Aouchiche has now confirmed that his future lies elsewhere, following the likes of veterans Edinson Cavani and Thiago Silva out of the door, despite Kylian Mbappe going public on his desire for his young colleague to sign a new deal.

While there has been interest from the Bundesliga – Borussia Dortmund, Schalke, Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig have been credited with keeping tabs on the player – it is in France that Aouchiche appears likely to stay, having undergone a medical with Saint-Etienne last month.

There has also been interest from Rennes and Lille, who have taken numerous PSG youngsters in recent years, including Timothy Weah, Mike Maignan, Jonathan Ikone and the highly rated Boubakary Soumare.

Aouchiche, however, has been tight lipped over his future destination, though an Instagram post did confirm that his time at Parc des Princes is coming to an end.

“A page turns,” he said. “Thanks to Paris for all these unforgettable moments.”

As Aouchiche never signed professional terms with PSG, they will not recoup a transfer fee for the 17-year-old, who really announced himself as a player to watch at the 2019 European Under-17 Championship.

Although France exited that competition at the semi-final stage, Aouchiche scored a tournament-record nine goals in five matches, including a hat-trick against Sweden in the group stage and four against the Czech Republic in the quarter-finals. He was subsequently named in the Team of the Tournament.

Under Thomas Tuchel, Aouchiche has been given three appearances in all competition for PSG’s senior side. 

He was awarded his first-team debut in a 2-0 away victory over Metz at the end of August 2019 and appeared on the bench on three more occasions in Ligue 1. Meanwhile, he featured twice in the Coupe de France, albeit only as a substitute for the final seven minutes of the club’s 6-1 rout over Dijon in the quarter-finals.

Gianluigi Buffon has edged clear of AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini at the top of Serie A’s all-time appearance chart, with the Juventus goalkeeper having reached 648 outings.

That mark was hit in a derby date with Torino on Saturday.

Buffon had been stuck on 647 games in the Italian top flight since December, with Wojciech Szczesny currently Juve’s first choice between the sticks.

The veteran shot-stopper also saw the coronavirus pandemic work against him, with competitive football shut down for three months.

Buffon did, however, commit to a new 12-month contract during that break and now has further cause for celebration.

He was named in Maurizio Sarri’s starting XI for a meeting with Torino.

Said outing has carried him clear of Milan great Maldini – a man he once operated alongside in the Italian national side.

Buffon will hope that there are many more Serie A outings to come, with there no sign of him slowing down.

He has told Randstand Italia of playing on well beyond his 42nd birthday: “I still have the fire burning inside of me.

“I keep playing because I feel good and I’m competitive, plus I always want to improve.

“The moment I became a No.1, that passion turned into work, an obligation not to look bad and to always remain at the top.

“For 15 years, I set the fun aside. Now as an ‘oldie’, it’s as if I’m reliving my youth. This is my secret to how I can keep going.

“In the last 12 years of my career, I’ve enjoyed victories little and thought a lot about the defeats.

“When you’re used to winning, it seems normal. In that sense, the wins have a minor impact on you but frustration of losing remains.

“I must try making peace with this, otherwise I risk never quitting.”

Buffon has helped Juve back to the top of the Serie A table this season, with the Bianconeri looking to wrap up a ninth successive crown.

Lazio and Inter have pushed them close in 2019-20, but a star-studded squad that includes the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala remains clear of the chasing pack at present.

Former Orlando Pirates striker Phumudzo Manenzhe says the likes of Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Bloemfontein Celtic might struggle to play behind closed doors without their supporters.

The retired Buccaneers hitman has also included his former team as a side who enjoys a massive following in the South African top-flight.

‘The Bold and Beautiful’ insisted teams that command good support in the stands will struggle when the season resumes after the break due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“It’s during a very difficult time, the plan is to make sure everyone’s health is safe,” Manenzhe as quoted by the DailySun.

“Teams that command good support are going to suffer now because they do not have their 12th man. You know when playing for the big teams, supporters push you to another level.

“The playing fields will be level now that there won’t be supporters. It is going to be a big challenge to those players that are playing for teams that attract crowds to the stadium.

“As much as football is a contact sport, most of the things are more mental than physical. I think players will have to be strong mentally despite knowing that there have been other teammates who tested positive.”

Although the PSL’s return date and venues are yet to be confirmed, the Bundesliga was the first major European league to resume matches without spectators followed by La Liga, Serie A and the Premier League.

Coming back to South Africa, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa recommended the local league can resume training almost two weeks ago but the clubs are yet to receive an order from the league’s governing body.

As things stand, Kaizer Chiefs lead the table with 48 points, followed by reigning league champions Masandawana on 44 points - with a game in hand - whilst SuperSport United and coach Josef Zinnbauer’s troops are tied on 40 points.

Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford have become the first Manchester United pairing since Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez to record 10 or more Premier League goals at Old Trafford in a single season.

Two fearsome frontmen hit that mark during a meeting with Bournemouth.

The Red Devils fell behind in that contest, with some questionable defending allowing Junior Stanislas to open the scoring.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have, however, been in imperious form of late and hit back in style.

Exciting teenage forward Mason Greenwood drew them level, before Rashford was given the opportunity to convert from the penalty spot.

The England international made no mistake, taking him onto 20 goals for the season across all competitions.

Martial has joined his team-mate in that goal club after curling home a spectacular third for United before half-time against the Cherries – with Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez the last duo to get 20 apiece.

France international Martial has also matched Rashford in reaching double figures for the campaign on home soil, with the Red Devils having waited 12 years for two men to achieve that feat.

While Solskjaer saw his front three do the damage in the opening 45 minutes against Bournemouth, Bruno Fernandes was once again pulling the strings in midfield.

Another two assists have been added to his remarkable tally, to go along with the five Premier League goals he had already recorded - prior to crashing home a free-kick after the interval.

Having teed up five efforts for others, the Portugal international has contributed to 11 goal involvements in just nine games.

Only two players can claim to have been as productive for United – legendary Frenchman Eric Cantona and Dutch striker Robin van Persie.

United were given a scare early in the second half by Bournemouth, as they threatened to see all of their hard work undone.

Eric Bailly, who was only introduced at the break, conceded a penalty that was slotted home by ex-United academy graduate Josh King.

Arnaut Danjuma then saw a goal ruled out for offside as Solskjaer’s side were left clinging on in the Manchester rain.

Greenwood helped to ease any nerves, though, in the 54th minute as he drilled his second of the game into the top corner, before Fernandes also got in on the act.

Quess Corp chairman Ajit Isaac has insisted that the sporting rights are still with the joint venture between Quess and East Bengal, Quess East Bengal Football Club Private Limited (QEBFCPL), Goal can confirm.

He was responding to a query from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on the status of the same.

Goal had revealed on Friday evening that the AIFF had sought clarification from Kolkata giants and their investors Quess Corp regarding the reported exit of Quess from the joint venture they had entered into with East Bengal.

As per the joint venture agreement, the new entity QEBFCPL would enjoy the sporting rights to field a team under the name 'Quess East Bengal' in any recognised tournament. 70 per cent of the stakes were enjoyed by Quess while 30 per cent was with East Bengal.

However, there have been multiple statements from senior Quess officials on their intention to disinvest from East Bengal. But the transfer of sporting rights back to the club still remained a contentious issue and there has been no clarity on that.

After the AIFF wrote to both parties regarding the same, Quess Corp chairman Ajit Isaac has reverted back saying the sporting rights are still with the joint venture. According to sources close to the development, Isaac has also asked the AIFF not to entertain any requests on the topic from any other party. Apparently, Isaac has also asked the Indian FA not to proceed with any official formalities for the club unless and until it is requested by Quess East Bengal.

Quess and East Bengal had formed the joint venture in 2018 and the deal was initially for a period of three years, which means unless and until the two parties reach a mutual agreement, the sporting rights will continue to be with Quess East Bengal until the end of the 2020-21 season.

The AIFF had also made it clear in their communication on Friday that any change or transfer of sporting rights will need the written consent of Quess East Bengal representative.

Apart from such an official confirmation in writing, the AIFF has also stated that in the case of a mutual termination of the joint venture, a copy of the termination document should be presented before it.

With Quess Corp now making their stance clear, it remains to be seen how this saga will play out.

KMC FC put up a spirited fight to beat Shinyanga-based Mwadui FC 3-2 in a thrilling Mainland League encounter at Azam Complex in Chamazi, Dar es Salaam.

The hosts started on a high note but could not capitalize on their early chances created, and fell behind in the seventh minute when Ally Ramadhan turned the ball into his own net to give the visitors the lead.

The Taxmen waited until the half-hour mark to equalize courtesy of Mohamed Samatta and six minutes later Ramadhan wrote his name on the scoresheet with the second goal for his team.

On the stroke of half-time, the Shinyanga-based side conceded a penalty which Serge Tape converted to ensure his side went into the break with a two-goal advantage.

Joseph Ludovic reduced the deficit in the 55th minute to give his side hopes of getting at least a point away, but KMC held on to claim maximum points.

Namungo FC went level on points with third-placed Azam FC after a narrow 1-0 win against JKT Tanzania.

The lone goal came in the 34th minute courtesy of Abeid Athuman.

Namungo have now won 16 games, drawn 11 matches and lost six to take their tally of the season to 59 points. However, their inferior goal difference puts them in the fourth position.

In another top tier game played on Saturday, Kagera Sugar and Ruvu Shooting settled for a 1-1 draw.

The Sugar Millers needed just two minutes to get their goal when Nassoro Kapama capitalized on poor defending to find the back of the net. 

Ruvu equalized after a quarter of an hour through Sadat Mohamed to ensure the points were shared.

Mbao FC defeated Lipuli FC 2-0 while Tanzania Prisons and Polisi Tanzania settled for a goalless draw.

On Sunday, champions Simba SC will be away to Ndanda FC while rivals Young Africans will be away as well, to Biashara Mara United. 

Mbeya City will play Coastal Union with Mtibwa Sugar away to Alliance FC.

The battle for the second-place finish is between Yanga SC, Azam and Namungo. The three teams are separated by one point with six rounds remaining. 

The real battle, though, is in the relegation zone where Mtibwa Sugar, Lipuli, Alliance, Ndanda, MbeyaCity, Mbao and Singida are all fighting for survival. 

Manchester United moved into the top four as Mason Greenwood struck a brilliant brace in a 5-2 victory over relegation-threatened Bournemouth.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side went above Chelsea ahead of the Blues' game against Watford with a win that extended their unbeaten run to 16 games in all competitions.

They fell behind to Junior Stanislas' opener, but led at the break through first-half efforts from Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.

Joshua King's penalty reduced the deficit, yet Greenwood's second stunning strike was added to by Bruno Fernandes' free-kick as United marched on.

The Cherries took a shock 16th-minute lead when Stanislas followed up his initial blocked effort and nutmegged Harry Maguire on the byline before beating David de Gea at his near post.

It was the first time United had conceded in 500 minutes in all competitions, but they soon roared back when Greenwood blasted in a venomous left-footed drive having been found by Fernandes.

And six minutes later, United were ahead. Adam Smith needlessly handled the ball following Martial's downward header and Rashford stuck the resulting penalty into the bottom-right corner of the net.

That put Rashford ahead of Martial in their personal goals duel, though the Frenchman also moved onto 20 for the campaign in emphatic fashion, cutting in off the left flank and rifling into the top corner with a brilliant right-footed strike.

Bournemouth were handed a route back into the match when United made a sloppy start to the second half.

De Gea had already saved from Lewis Cook and Arnaut Danjuma hit the post after Maguire gave the ball away before Eric Bailly handled in the box trying to control Nemanja Matic's pass.

King converted the penalty against his old club, only for Greenwood to again deliver an emphatic response six minutes later, this time with his right foot.

Fernandes, with two assists to his name already, then got in on the act as United scored five at Old Trafford in a Premier League game for the first time since 2011.

What does it mean? Five-star United show resilience

This was not a vintage United display – certainly at the back – but they responded brilliantly on the two occasions Bournemouth scored when in the past they may have crumbled after conceding.

The Cherries, who sit 19th, climbed three places above United when they won the reverse fixture back in November, and the two teams have certainly been on opposite trajectories since.

Greenwood's golden finishing

Solskjaer says he wants another striker, but he will struggle to find one that can finish like 18-year-old Greenwood.

He was clinical with his left foot, then his right, and has already moved onto eight Premier League goals this term.

Dave doesn't save... again

Roy Keane's scathing criticism of United's number one last month was probably still ringing in De Gea's ears when he let Stanislas' effort beat him at his near post.

It did not cost United on the day, but the Spaniard's growing collection of mistakes must be factors when the club decide what to do with Sheffield United loanee Dean Henderson next season.

Key Opta Facts

- United have won three consecutive Premier League games for the first time since they won all of their first six such matches under manager Solskjær from December 2018 to January 2019.
- Bournemouth have become only the second side to lose 20 points from leading positions in this season's Premier League, after West Ham United (22).
- Greenwood has now scored eight league goals for Man Utd in 2019-20; among players aged 18 and younger, only Michael Owen (twice), Robbie Fowler and Wayne Rooney have ever scored more in a single Premier League season.
- With his penalty today, Rashford became the first English player to score 20 goals in all competitions in a season for Man Utd since Wayne Rooney in 2011-12 (34).
- Fernandes (six goals, five assists) has surpassed 10 goal involvements in his ninth Premier League appearance for Man Utd, making him the joint-quickest to 10 goals and assists combined of any player for the club in the competition, alongside Eric Cantona and Robin van Persie.

What's next?

United visit another side fighting to stay in the division when they travel to Aston Villa on Thursday, while Bournemouth host Tottenham on the same day.

Manchester United moved into the top four as Mason Greenwood struck a brilliant brace in a 5-2 victory over relegation-threatened Bournemouth.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side went above Chelsea ahead of the Blues' game against Watford with a win that extended their unbeaten run to 16 games in all competitions.

They fell behind to Junior Stanislas' opener, but led at the break through first-half efforts from Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.

Joshua King's penalty reduced the deficit, yet Greenwood's second stunning strike was added to by Bruno Fernandes' free-kick as United marched on.

The Cherries took a shock 16th-minute lead when Stanislas followed up his initial blocked effort and nutmegged Harry Maguire on the byline before beating David de Gea at his near post.

It was the first time United had conceded in 500 minutes in all competitions, but they soon roared back when Greenwood blasted in a venomous left-footed drive having been found by Fernandes.

And six minutes later, United were ahead. Adam Smith needlessly handled the ball following Martial's downward header and Rashford stuck the resulting penalty into the bottom-right corner of the net.

That put Rashford ahead of Martial in their personal goals duel, though the Frenchman also moved onto 20 for the campaign in emphatic fashion, cutting in off the left flank and rifling into the top corner with a brilliant right-footed strike.

Bournemouth were handed a route back into the match when United made a sloppy start to the second half.

De Gea had already saved from Lewis Cook and Arnaut Danjuma hit the post after Maguire gave the ball away before Eric Bailly handled in the box trying to control Nemanja Matic's pass.

King converted the penalty against his old club, only for Greenwood to again deliver an emphatic response six minutes later, this time with his right foot.

Fernandes, with two assists to his name already, then got in on the act as United scored five at Old Trafford in a Premier League game for the first time since 2011.

What does it mean? Five-star United show resilience

This was not a vintage United display – certainly at the back – but they responded brilliantly on the two occasions Bournemouth scored when in the past they may have crumbled after conceding.

The Cherries, who sit 19th, climbed three places above United when they won the reverse fixture back in November, and the two teams have certainly been on opposite trajectories since.

Greenwood's golden finishing

Solskjaer says he wants another striker, but he will struggle to find one that can finish like 18-year-old Greenwood.

He was clinical with his left foot, then his right, and has already moved onto eight Premier League goals this term.

Dave doesn't save... again

Roy Keane's scathing criticism of United's number one last month was probably still ringing in De Gea's ears when he let Stanislas' effort beat him at his near post.

It did not cost United on the day, but the Spaniard's growing collection of mistakes must be factors when the club decide what to do with Sheffield United loanee Dean Henderson next season.

Key Opta Facts

- United have won three consecutive Premier League games for the first time since they won all of their first six such matches under manager Solskjær from December 2018 to January 2019.
- Bournemouth have become only the second side to lose 20 points from leading positions in this season's Premier League, after West Ham United (22).
- Greenwood has now scored eight league goals for Man Utd in 2019-20; among players aged 18 and younger, only Michael Owen (twice), Robbie Fowler and Wayne Rooney have ever scored more in a single Premier League season.
- With his penalty today, Rashford became the first English player to score 20 goals in all competitions in a season for Man Utd since Wayne Rooney in 2011-12 (34).
- Fernandes (six goals, five assists) has surpassed 10 goal involvements in his ninth Premier League appearance for Man Utd, making him the joint-quickest to 10 goals and assists combined of any player for the club in the competition, alongside Eric Cantona and Robin van Persie.

What's next?

United visit another side fighting to stay in the division when they travel to Aston Villa on Thursday, while Bournemouth host Tottenham on the same day.

Jamie Vardy has become the latest member of the Premier League 100-goal club and the first Leicester player to achieve that feat.

Only three other players in the Foxes’ history have recorded a century of top-flight goals for the club.

The last of those, Arthur Lochhead, hit that mark back in 1933-34.

Vardy now forms part of an illustrious group of stars, with the 33-year-old having been a model of consistency for Leicester.

His meteoric rise to prominence is well-documented, with a stunning surge made from the non-league ranks to a Premier League stage.

The Foxes snapped him up from Fleetwood in 2011, with a jump made from the Conference into the Championship.

Vardy helped to secure promotion into the big time, before going on to play a leading role in a remarkable title triumph in 2015-16.

He hit 24 league goals that season and was named Premier League Player of the Year.

The 20-goal mark has been reached again in the current campaign, with a landmark effort recorded in a meeting with Crystal Palace.

Vardy did not make his debut on a Premier League stage until the age of 27, with Arsenal icon Ian Wright the only centurion to have been older when making his bow.

Leicester will continue to look to Vardy for inspiration having worked hard to keep him on their books, with interest from afar having been shown at regular intervals.

His first Premier League goal for them was recorded against Manchester United in a 5-3 defeat to the Red Devils in September 2014.

He managed only five efforts all season in that campaign, but quickly got to grips with life among the elite.

Brendan Rodgers’ side have suffered a slip wobble as a collective since football returned amid the coronavirus pandemic, with questions being asked of their ability to secure Champions League qualification.

They are, however, very much in the mix for a top four finish and will need Vardy to continue leading by example when it comes to end product in the final third.

Olympique Lyon forward Tinotenda Kadewere “blew away”, by chance, a Diambars Academy coach who was on a scouting mission in Harare to watch Polokwane City forward Walter Musona, resulting in his move to Swedish side Djurgardens IF in 2015.

Kadewere was playing for Harare City, where he was a bit-part player, having been rejected by then Zimbabwean champions Dynamos a few months earlier.

Djurgardens wanted a replacement for injured former Highlands Park forward Elias Monene, who was a trialist there, and Diambars South Africa sent one of their coaches in Eric Bafana to Harare to have a look at Musona and then Zimbabwe national Under-23 captain Wisdom Mutasa.

Harare City were playing against Musona and Mutasa’s team, FC Platinum, in the Zimbabwe PSL that day.

The last 20 minutes of the match in which Kadewere rose from the bench proved to be career-defining.

“While I had been impressed by both Mutasa and Musona, I was blown away by the technical abilities of the substitute [Kadewere],’’ Bafana told The Herald.

“The boy had everything, I mean in terms of skill and technique. His strength was undoubted and his confidence was so encouraging.”

Prior to Bafana’s trip to Harare, Diambars chiefs, including Pierre Mathieu, had initially declined to consider Zimbabwean players to replace Monene but after some convincing, they finally gave in.

Again, when Bafana reported back that he was impressed by Kadewere instead of their targets Musona and Mutasa, his bosses could not accept that.

That called for Mathieu and his partners to travel to Harare themselves to watch the three players who were all part of the Zimbabwe Under-23 side playing a 2016 Olympic Games qualifier against Eswatini. 

“My bosses were apparently not happy and they kept on asking whether he was really that good given he wasn’t a starter for both club and country,” continued Bafana.

“We filmed that match and as usual, Kadewere started on the bench while Mutasa and Musona were in the first XI.”

Interestingly, former Zimbabwe coach Kalisto Pasuwa was the Dynamos coach who had snubbed Kadewere at his club and at that time also doubled as national Under-23 coach, where he gave the forward cameo appearances.

“Tino then showed his class when he was introduced about 20 minutes before time much to the amazement of my bosses," Bafana added.

"From then, we sent the video to Djurgardens and they invited Kadewere for trials."

What followed for Kadewere was a trial not only at Djurgardens, but also at Ligue 2 side Sochaux. He impressed at both clubs but opted to go to Sweden.

After three seasons in Sweden, Kadewere caught the eye of Ligue 2 side Le Havre where he top-scored in the French second division with 20 goals in 24 matches last season, to attract the attention of Lyon, who won his signature amid some reported Premier League interest.

But before his rise to stardom, Kadewere's then-agent Gibson Mahachi confirmed that Dynamos had frowned upon the forward.

“I took the boy [Kadewere] from Highfields Academy and tried to have him join Dynamos because he was very good. Unfortunately, Dynamos refused to sign him saying he wasn’t good,” Mahachi told the same publication.

“I then took him to Harare City where he was signed on loan by Taurai [Mangwiro]. Before long, I received a call from Bafana and his crew and Kadewere was actually accompanied by Mathieu to Sweden.”

Jordan Henderson admits that “everything” angers Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, but the German is considered to have mellowed during his time at Anfield.

A proven winner was acquired by the Reds in October 2015 and charged with the task of delivering long-awaited silverware.

Final pain was endured across multiple competitions in that quest before a Champions League triumph was savoured in 2019.

Liverpool missed out on the Premier League title in that campaign, but have responded in style to claim a record-breaking top-flight crown in 2020.

UEFA Super Cup and FIFA World Club Cup successes have also been taken in, with Klopp demanding that standards are not allowed to slip by those now accustomed to collecting medals.

He expects nothing but the best from those around him, with Henderson conceding that a man famed for his theatrical antics on the touchline can be difficult to please.

Asked by The Guardian what makes Klopp angry, the Reds skipper said: “Everything!

“He is very intense in training. I quite like that. I’d say he was a bit angrier at the beginning, when he first came, than he is now.”

Klopp’s character, along with his tactical nous, has helped to lift Liverpool to levels they could only dream of prior to his arrival.

He is considered to have improved many of those at his disposal, with 29-year-old Henderson fitting into that category after seeing his role slightly tweaked.

On that decision, the England international midfielder said: “When the gaffer came, I changed from wanting to be the player that maybe I thought I was – in terms of doing everything – to focusing on what the team needed.

“When you’re a No 6, you’ve got to be a lot more disciplined. You’ve always got to be thinking about protection, counter-pressing, being aware of the counterattack.

“Ultimately I wanted to become successful. If it meant playing a certain position, that was fine with me.

“A year ago we had a conversation when Fabinho signed. He was fantastic in that deeper role, definitely one of the best No. 6s in the world, and it was an opportunity to move a little further forward.

“That was over a year ago, and since then I’ve played No. 6 and No. 8 as much as each other. It doesn’t really matter.

“As time goes on, you learn different things tactically.

“I always felt as though my best position was a box-to-box midfielder who could get up and down. Tackle. Work hard. Assist. Get in the box, but do the defensive side. Counter-press.”

Kelechi Iheanacho scored his fifth goal of the season to help Leicester City defeat Crystal Palace 3-0 in Saturday’s Premier League game.

Both teams came into the encounter in dire need of a win to boost their chances for a place in Europe next season – however, it was Brendan Rodgers men’s who had the last laugh at the King Power Stadium.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future as a Fox, he got his first English top-flight goal of 2020 in their 2-1 defeat to Everton - five minutes after replacing Englishman Harvey Barnes.

That goal brought him only next to France international Olivier Giroud who is the competition’s most productive substitute since the Nigerian’s Premier League bow against Watford on August 30, 2015.

Starting in Brendan Rodgers’ attack alongside veteran Jamie Vardy, the 23-year-old gave Leicester a 49th-minute lead after a cagey first-half.

Iheanacho headed the ball past Vicente Guaita after Belgium international Youri Tielemans broke down the left flank before sending a teasing low ball across the face of goal – which was fumbled by the goalkeeper.

Victory was secured with Vardy’s effort in the 77th minute to notch his 100th Premier League goal. Of all the 29 players to have reached a century, only Ian Wright (28 years and 286 days) made his debut in the competition at an older age than Vardy (27 years and 232 days).

The Englishman completed his brace in the closing stages of the encounter – lifting the ball over the top of Guaita after profiting from an assist from Harvey Barnes.

The ex-Manchester City player's contribution lasted 64 minutes as he was replaced by Dennis Praet, while his compatriot Wilfred Ndidi was in action from start to finish. Ghana’s Daniel Amartey was not listed for the encounter.

It was a frustrating afternoon for Ghana superstar Jordan Ayew. Alongside Cote d’Ivoire’s Wilfred Zaha, he was on parade from start to finish, while Senegal’s Cheikhou Kouyate came in for Jairo Riedewald on the hour mark with no place for Jeffrey Schlupp.

Thanks to this result, Leicester City maintain third position in the log having accrued 58 points from 33 outings. They are guests of Arsenal on Tuesday at the Emirates Stadium.

Nicolas Pepe has been ruled out of Arsenal’s Premier League game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

The 25-year-old is gradually settling in at the Emirates Stadium after struggling on his arrival from French side Lille last summer.

The winger has featured in 36 appearances across all competitions for the Gunners, including 27 in the Premier League, scoring eight goals and providing eight assists.

The Ivory Coast international, will, however, not play a part in the encounter at Molineux Stadium owing to personal reasons.

The forward was recently nominated for the club’s Player of the Month for June, following his impressive performances in the month under review.

His wonder goal against Brighton and Hove Albion is also in contention for the Premier League Goal of the Month for June.

The forward will hope to return to Mikel Arteta’s squad when they face Leicester City on Tuesday at the Emirates Stadium.

Anglo-Nigerian Bukayo Saka, meanwhile, has been handed a return to Gunners’ lineup, after he started from the bench last time out against Norwich City.

Ghana target Eddie Nketiah will also be starting along with Gabon international Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and will hope to help the London outfit secure a positive away result at Molineux Stadium.

Arsenal are currently eighth on the Premier League table with 46 points from 32 games. 

Marcus Rashford sees “exciting times” for Manchester United, with an impressive 5-2 victory over Bournemouth seeing the Red Devils stretch their unbeaten run to 16 games across all competitions.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have been imperious form since the turn of the year, with a stunning resurgence enjoyed.

Having once appeared to be in danger of missing out on a top-four finish once again, United are now very much back in the hunt for Champions League qualification.

They are also through to the semi-finals of the FA Cup and last 16 of the Europa League, with major silverware there to be shot at.

The odd scare was suffered during a Premier League clash with Bournemouth at Old Trafford, but three points were eventually secured with the minimum of fuss.

Rashford was back among the goals in that contest – reaching 20 for the season in the process – and admits a feel-good factor has returned to the Red Devils’ ranks.

He told BT Sport: "The lads enjoyed it today. Definitely exciting times. It doesn't matter who scores as long as we are scoring and picking up points in the table.

"It is always positive for teams if their forwards are scoring. It is important now to push on until the end of the season."

Anthony Martial also reached the 20-goal mark against Bournemouth, Bruno Fernandes crashed home a spectacular free-kick and Mason Greenwood bagged a brace to further enhance his blossoming reputation.

Rashford said of the 18-year-old frontman: "Left foot, right foot he can finish. Both sides are comfortable for him.

"I don't want to put too much emphasis on him, just let him play his football and that he is what he does. It is a big bonus to have him in the squad."

Solskjaer echoed those comments in his assessment of the youngster, saying: "He is a fantastic goalscorer.

"The moment he got the goals, they were very important moments for us. He is a very, very talented boy and we will nurture him and manage him as best we can."

Having seen his side sweep aside another rival, Solskjaer was quick to hail the collective effort of those at his disposal.

The Norwegian did, however, reserve special praise for his frontline, adding: "Very, very happy with today - with the energy in the team and the goals we scored. I think that was a game for the fans. That is definitely one the Stretford End would have enjoyed.

"They are on the same team and working towards one common goal. That is one of the positive things about the forwards they are good friends and keep challenging each other."

The only piece of bad news on another positive day for United was a slight knock suffered by Swedish centre-half Victor Lindelof.

Solskjaer said: "He struggled with his back but hopefully won't be too bad."

Crotone manager Giovanni Stroppa believes Simy’s physical strengths made him outperform his teammates after scoring a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Serie B leaders Benevento.

Filippo Inzaghi’s men bagged automatic Serie A promotion after seeing off Juve Stabia 1-0 last week even with 10-men.

For Stroppa’s side, they have been winless since the resumption of second-tier games, drawing with Chievo Verona, Perugia and Ascoli. The positive side though is they were last beaten in February 3-2 by Juve Stabia.

For Simy, it marked his first Serie B goal since a 1-0 win over Pisa in March.

“I think he [Simy] could count this so much as a test, given his physicality, he probably did more for the team than others,” Stroppa told the media after the match.

“In this game, beyond the goals, he put in place an important performance in both halves, both in the offensive and in the defensive. I believe that in general, the whole team worked very well and the result repays us for the work done.

“Certainly, the last three games before this shout revenge for the final result [because] we have thrown away several points. The team is doing well from a physical point of view. They have returned to playing a certain type of football also carrying out an athletic race with a certain rhythm. Too bad not having scored points in the last few matches. This victory leads us to be still [second] in the ranking and this time we will do everything to maintain this position.”

Simy – who played for 80 minutes and was replaced by Samuel Armenteros, has now taken his goal tally for the season to 16, putting him one goal behind Trapani’s Stefano Pettinari and Perugia’s Pietro Iemmello. With his four assists, he has a hand in 20 goals, which puts him top of the Serie B goal involvement chart.

Crotone are now unbeaten in eight league games (five wins, three draws) and still maintain second place on the standings, 21 points behind Benevento.

While first place seems settled, second place for the final automatic promotion spot is very intense with Citadella, Pordenone, Frosinone and Spezia, all within reach of Crotone with six rounds left to wrap up the season.

Bandari FC technical director Twahir Muhiddin believes the monetary injection to AFC Leopards, Gor Mahia and other Kenyan Premier League (KPL) teams will make the 2020/21 season tough.

After struggling to honour matches in the 2019/20 season owing to the exit of their main sponsor Sportpesa, K'Ogalo and Ingwe were boosted by another betting firm Betsafe. The two local giants and Betsafe, yet to launch their services in the Kenyan market, signed a partnership deal that will last for the next three years.

According to the details of the deal, AFC Leopards will get KSh40 million per year while Gor Mahia will get KSh55 million per year from Betsafe.

"It is a boost for the two teams and it will motivate the players to give their best," Muhiddin told Goal.

"Gor Mahia and Leopards struggled so much in the concluded season owing to their failure to get a sponsor. They struggled to give their best and we all know their players went months without their salaries.

"The new sponsor will motivate the players and I believe Leopards will up their game as well as Gor Mahia now that there will be money coming in."

The former Harambee Stars coach also pointed out on other teams he believes will be a hard nut to crack in the KPL.

"We have Wazito FC and KCB who are financially stable and will be aiming at making a statement next season," Muhiddin added.

"Nzoia Sugar have just received a new bus and remember there is money from the government to the sugar industry. We also have the likes of Kakamega Homeboyz who are keen on repeating their performances next season.

"Of course we have the likes of Tusker FC who have always pushed for the title every season.

"It will not be an easy season for any team playing in the top-tier."

The experienced coach also revealed plans to help the Dockers be among the top dogs in the KPL.

"The technical bench sat and analysed our shortcomings and came with solutions which we will implement to ensure we get back to the top," Muhiddin continued.

"Bandari can be one of the best teams in the country and we are here to ensure the dream comes true."