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Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands has revealed he grew up looking up to retired Turkish shot-stopper Rustu Recber. 

The 47-year-old former Fenerbahce and Barcelona keeper is renowned for his anti-glare paint under his eyes, and Sandilands said he wanted to be just like the Turkish legend when he first saw him in action. 

The Pirates keeper copied the look and he continues to rock it, and according to him, Recber resembled a warrior.   

"A keeper from Turkey [Rustu Recber] used to it. I watched him play in a World Cup and I wanted to be like him," Sandilands said in a chat with his fans on the Pirates App. 

"To me, he resembled a warrior. So, when I made my debut, I did the same."

Asked if he's satisfied with all the areas of his game, Sandilands replied: "As a professional, I think you will never be satisfied with any area and say you are perfect. My goal every day is to improve in every aspect of my game."

At 36, Sandilands is in the twilight of his playing career but he feels he still has four more years as a footballer, meaning he wants to play until he's at least 40.  

"I am not sure exactly sure how many left. I still feel good. So, four seasons sound about right," revealed the former Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper. 

Furthermore, Sandilands said while he has a few ideas on what he wants to do after retiring, his focus is still on playing.  

"I am not 100% clear. I have a few ideas but right now my focus is on playing because I am feeling fit and healthy," he continued.  

On the PSL title race, the veteran goalkeeper said Pirates players intend on fighting until the end as they have an outside chance of winning the trophy. 

The Sea Robbers are fourth on the PSL standings with 40 points from 23 matches - they trail log leaders and arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs by eight points.  

"We as players will fight for this until the end," added Sandilands. 

Pirates last won a major trophy in 2014 when they lifted the Nedbank Cup under the stewardship of Vladimir Vermezovic. 

Bruno Fernandes’ impact at Manchester United can be compared to those made at Old Trafford by Eric Cantona and Wayne Rooney, says Phil Neville.

The Red Devils rolled the dice in January when snapping up the Portuguese playmaker from Sporting. Hopes were high for the new arrival, but few could have predicted that he would settle so quickly and become a key figure for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in a matter of weeks.

That is the standing that Fernandes now enjoys, with the 25-year-old proving to be the talismanic playmaker that United have been crying out for.

He has helped to shoulder some of the responsibility previously lumped onto others, such as Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford, with the Premier League rookie revelling in the weight of expectation he works under.

The very best can raise their game when it matters most, with Fernandes following in some illustrious footsteps.

Neville believes he can be compared to iconic figures from United’s recent past, including the enigmatic Frenchman who helped to usher in an era of unprecedented success and a powerful frontman who now holds all-time scoring records for the Red Devils and England.

Quizzed on who Fernandes could be likened to, former United star Neville told Premier League Productions: “Cantona? Rooney when he came in? You talk about the great Manchester United players that have been brought in, Cantona probably had the biggest influence of all-time.

“You think now that United have gone a long time without winning a league title, at the moment he’s lit up the whole place. He’s lit up the whole place and made everyone around him do better, but I still think he’s got a long way to go.

“There are those winter months - January, February when it’s cold and the pitches are bad – but at the moment his impact is phenomenal.”

United prised Cantona away from arch-rivals Leeds in November 1992 and saw him inspire them to four Premier League titles.

Rooney, who was acquired from Everton in 2004, claimed five top-flight crowns during his time at Old Trafford, as well as a Champions League triumph, and after opening his account with a hat-trick on debut would take a stunning goal tally for the Red Devils to 253 in 559 appearances.

Cedric Soares has warned Hector Bellerin he is eyeing up Arsenal’s right-back berth as he looks to make up for lost time at Emirates Stadium.

The Portuguese defender was acquired by the Gunners during the January transfer window, and he has since signed a permanent four-year contract.

An opportunity is finally presenting itself to convince Arsenal of his worth after what has been an injury-ravaged spell in north London. Cedric made his debut in a 4-0 Premier League win over Norwich, with his goal account in new surroundings also opened in that contest.

The 28-year-old now has his sights set on nailing down a regular role in Mikel Arteta’s plans, with Spain international Bellerin currently blocking his path.

“It’s healthy competition. I knew Hector from before and we are supporting each other,” Cedric told reporters on the battle he faces to earn competitive minutes. “Right now everyone is getting an opportunity to play. This is what the team needs.

"It’s most important to get the win whoever is playing. I am here to give my best for Arsenal.

“Of course there were moments when you get frustrated and upset [because you are not fit]. I’m the kind of guy that is very very passionate so everything I do in life I try to give 100 percent.

“I came here with all my heart so of course I wasn’t happy with the injuries that happened in training, but it happened because I gave 100 percent and things will happen sometimes.

“How you come back is the most important thing and I have had very good support from all the medical staff, from my colleagues and from the technical coaches.”

Cedric had played for Southampton since 2015, but slipped down the pecking order with the Saints over recent years. He had a loan spell with Serie A giants Inter in 2019, before linking up with Arsenal 12 months later.

He was suffering with a knee injury when he arrived and didn’t feature before coronavirus forced the country into lockdown and suspended the Premier League.

He subsequently needed to undergo a small procedure on his nose following an injury in training.

Dean Henderson admits that he faces a “brick wall” in a bid to become first-choice goalkeeper at Manchester United, but the 23-year-old is still hoping to dislodge David de Gea from a role at Old Trafford and then emulate the Spaniard’s success.

An Old Trafford academy graduate has spent the last two seasons on loan at Sheffield United.

He helped the Blades to promotion into the Premier League during his debut campaign at Bramall Lane, before then aiding a surprise quest for European qualification in 2019-20.

Henderson’s stock has risen considerably during his time in Sheffield, to the point that many are billing him as an England No.1 of the future and a potential transfer target for Chelsea.

The ambitious shot-stopper has, however, made no secret of the fact that breaking through at United remains his top priority.

That stance has been reiterated, but Henderson accepts that his path is being blocked by one of the very best in the business and a man who remains fully deserving of a prominent role at the Theatre of Dreams.

Henderson told TV3: "I think it's clear for everyone to know. I want to play for Manchester United and England.

"It feels like I always hit a brick wall. Maybe I'll get the opportunity [to play for Man Utd], maybe I won't, then I'll have to look down a different avenue.

"The fans have to remember what he's [De Gea] done for the last nine years - he's been phenomenal.

"He's probably been the best player at United for that time period. He should get another opportunity.

"I'm a young lad. I'm working hard. I'm a fan of the club and I want to play for them. Hopefully I have a career at Man Utd like David de Gea has."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is in no position to offer Henderson the assurances he craves, with the United boss still hailing De Gea as the best goalkeeper on the planet, but he hopes a young pretender to the No.1 berth will maintain his current progress and remain patient in pursuit of an ultimate dream.

Solskjaer has said of Henderson: "It's a different job to be playing for Sheffield United and for Manchester United. He's got different roles and for me, the two years he's had have been fantastic development.

"He's had to play with men, he's had to play against men, he's played in the Championship, and plays in a team that play fantastic football and exciting football.

"And as the stats show he's proved worthy of quite a few points.

"He's learning all the time, he's a passionate 'keeper that wants to be the best, he's developing, he's got good coaching there and, I've said it before, one day he'll be England No.1 and Man Utd No.1 and it's up to him to keep developing."

Inter are considering turning Alexis Sanchez's loan switch from Manchester United into a permanent move as they look at securing a €20 million (£18m/$22m) cut-price deal.

Goal can confirm that the Chile international will stay with Antonio Conte's side until the beginning of August, with a loan extension having been agreed to allow him to see out the remainder of the 2019-20 campaign in Italy's top flight.

Sanchez was due to return to Old Trafford on June 30 and although an agreement has been reached to prolong his stay at San Siro, he will not be allowed to feature in the Europa League mini-knockout tournament, should Inter advance.

He will, however, be able to play in his side's last-16 clash against Getafe - a tie that will now be played as a straight knockout fixture on either August 5 or 6, with the revision made following the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Should Inter progress past the Spaniards, they will then take part in the latter stages of the competitions to be held in Cologne, Duisburg, Dusseldorf and Gelsenkirchen, with those knockout ties kicking off from August 10.

They will have to do without Sanchez at that stage, however, with the forward having not been given permission to play for Conte's side in Germany.

Inter haven't given up hope of changing United's mind, although it appears the Red Devils won't switch from their original decision.

Although United themselves are all but certain of featuring in the knockout tournament of the Europa League - with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men 5-0 up in their last-16 tie against LASK - that is not the reason for their stance regarding Sanchez.

Sources have told Goal that United are reluctant to allow Sanchez, who would be ineligible to play in the Europa League for them, to continue turning out for Inter and risk injury so close to the start of the 2020-21 season as any setback would hinder their ability to sell the Chilean.

Indeed, the former Arsenal star arrived at Old Trafford to much fanfare and was expected to be a big hit at Old Trafford.

He has, however, struggled to impress in his two years at the club - owing to various injury issues and a lack of form - and thus the Red Devils are open to offers when the summer transfer window opens.

There are some that feel Sanchez has also failed to make a sufficient impact at Inter although Conte has been impressed with the 31-year-old, who scored and claimed two assists in his side's 6-0 win over Brescia last time out, and is now interested in signing him permanently.

With Lautaro Martinez being strongly linked with a move to Barcelona, the permanent signing of the ex-Barca forward would add another option in attack as the Nerazzurri look to mount another Serie A title challenge next season.

A gentleman's agreement had been in place for Inter to sign Sanchez for €25m (£23m/$28m) although CEO Giuseppe Marotta is now confident of striking a deal for a reduced €20m fee.

Former Federation of Uganda Football Association (Fufa) Vice-President Jackson 'Bell' Tushabe has been laid to rest at his home in Kafunjo Village, Kashari County, Mbarara District.

Tushabe, a founder of former Ugandan team Victors FC, died on June 30 as he was suffering from a back problem and was undergoing treatment at Nakasero Hospital.

On Thursday, current Fufa President Moses Magogo paid a glowing tribute to the departed Tushabe saying he played a key role in his administrative growth.

“Yesterday [Wednesday], 30th June 2020, I woke up to a text message from someone on the bedside of Colonel Bell communicating the passing on of the decorated soldier. It was just a few minutes from the moment he breathed his last,” Magogo wrote on Facebook.

"'Afande is gone' that was all in the message. Agonising news but it was the reality.

"Although I had heard about a football enthusiastic, military man who owned a football club called Victors, I first physically met Brigadier General Tushabe Jackson 'Bell' on 17th December 2005 then popularly known as Colonel Bell [Afande].

"His first words to me were, 'Anatunda omupiira kati sasi' meaning whoever sells a match will now be shot by a bullet; of course humorous and joking as he always was."

The Caf Executive Committee member also gave a detailed explanation of how the Brigadier at one point helped him keep his Fufa job.

"We had just been appointed members of the Executive Committee of Fufa by Lawrence Mulindwa in his maiden term as Fufa president,” Magogo explained.

"In the first Executive committee of Fufa, he was appointed Chairman of the Competitions Committee and I was appointed the secretary of the Competitions Committee. He became directly my boss.

"The Secretary Competitions Committee was one of the most demanding and yet powerful positions in football then and our revolution was to clean up competitions that had gone to the dogs with match-fixing and hooliganism.

"I signed my own player license on behalf of Fufa for two seasons before a coup was arranged by Mr. Mugisha to stop me from playing [a story for another day].

"The success we made to restore the integrity and improvement of competitions had the great input of both Colonel Bell and Dr. Mulindwa as my bosses.

"Colonel Bell my chairman provided me with all the support and cover I needed. I can confidently say I am the administrator that I am today because I was groomed and allowed to blossom directly by Colonel.

"Colonel Bell was my chairman for six years and he accommodated my mistakes, directed me where I was going off the rail, and protected me where I was right against many."

Tushabe helped in the formation of Victors FC in 2001 and the club earned a Ugandan Premier League promotion in 2005. Victors had a taste of continental football when they played and lost to CAPS United in the preliminary round of the Caf Confederation Cup in 2009.

The club earned a second slot to represent the country in the Confederation Cup in 2011 but their journey was cut short when they lost to DC Motema Pembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Tottenham are working on signing Arkadiusz Milik from Napoli but face tough competition from Juventus for his signature, sources close to the negotiations have confirmed. 

The Poland international striker's contract in Naples will expire next season and the Bianconeri are  trying to fix up a swap deal in order to replace their main forward, Gonzalo Higuain, with another strong attacking option.

Juve have put centre-back Cristian Romero, currently on loan at fellow Serie A side Genoa, on the table, however this has been refused by Napoli who are not keen to swap a striker for a defender.

Talks are ongoing about including winger Federico Bernardeschi in a deal, while Luca Pellegrini, despite being a left-back, is considered an exciting enough prospect to be of interest to the Neapolitan club.

Juve are already preparing for next season as they defend their Serie A crown against challenges from Lazio and Inter, with midfielder Dejan Kulusevski signed from Atalanta and the swap deal with Barcelona involving Arthur and Miralem Pjanic completed, while the future of Higuain remains uncertain.

The discussions, however, have allowed other clubs to stay in the race for Milik, and Goal has learned that Tottenham are among those sides.

Although Milik is said to be keen on joining Juve and linking up once again with former Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri, a move to Turin is not a certainty and Spurs is still a possible option.

Spurs are looking to boost their attacking options, with there currently a lack of quality competition for first-choice frontman Harry Kane. An established striker such as Milik, whose physical presence also offers something different to Kane's style, is also attractive for manager Jose Mourinho.

The 26-year-old, who has 14 goals in 49 international appearances for Poland, has been a regular source of goals for Napoli since joining the club from Ajax in the summer of 2016. This campaign he has registered 10 strikes across 19 Serie A appearances.

His major drawback is a propensity for injuries - Milik has missed matches this season due to a variety of groin, knee and other muscle knocks, which may not make him the reliable deputy for Kane - who has himself suffered injury woes this campaign - that Tottenham need.

Polokwane City coach Clinton Larsen has no doubt that former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Kabelo Mahlasela will have a bigger role to play in his team if he stays beyond the current season. 

The speedy winger will be a free agent when the current campaign ends following Amakhosi's decision to release him this week, and Larsen says his chairman Johnny Mogaladi is dealing with the matter as they look to retain the nippy attacker.

Having joined Rise and Shine on loan from Amakhosi in January, the 29-year-old has impressed the Polokwane-based club but his future is yet to be decided.

“Look, we would like to have him but that's something between him and the chairman. As a club, I think we should try and keep him, but that's something the chairman is dealing with,” Larsen told Goal.

“I don't deal with contracts here. I think when he arrived here, he had to adjust and find his feet."

“When you come to a new environment you need a few games to find your feet. There's no doubt he has found his feet and I think if he stays, he will have a big impact at the club,” concluded Larsen. 

After struggling to find a regular spot at Naturena because of injuries, the pacey player was eventually loaned out to City in January but the coronavirus outbreak hampered his progress under the former Siwelele boss.

However, he managed to produce a few stellar displays in the six league appearances he made before the games were forcefully halted in March.

Apart from Mahlasela, coach Ernst Middendorp’s troops also parted ways with midfielder Joseph Molangoane whilst George Maluleka was released to join Mamelodi Sundowns.

On the other hand, the departure of Wiseman Maluleke, who is reported to be on his way to Black Leopards, could open a space for Mahlasela in the middle of the park.

Mahlasela joined the Glamour Boys with huge expectations two seasons ago but failed to live up to his billing due to a number of injuries he suffered.

Meanwhile, the skillful midfielder recently expressed his desire to return to Chiefs but also stated his readiness to move on with his career should the club decide otherwise which they did when they announced his departure this week.

Gianluigi Buffon has committed to another 12-month contract at Juventus, with the 42-year-old claiming to be relieving his youth as he keeps a “fire burning inside”.

The legendary goalkeeper has once again postponed any plans to hang up his gloves.

Retirement has been hinted at in the past, but the World Cup winner is reluctant to walk away while he still feels that he has something to offer.

Juve, having parted with Buffon when he headed to Paris Saint-Germain for a one-year stint in 2018-19, are happy to have a vastly-experienced figure forming part of their plans.

Wojciech Szczesny is now first-choice in Turin, but having a reliable back-up option is most welcome.

The Bianconeri have tied Buffon down until the summer of 2021, with the former Italy international delighted to be getting such opportunities in the twilight of a distinguished career.

“I still have the fire burning inside of me,” Buffon told Randstad Italia on Instagram of the desire for competition that he has never lost.

“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.”

Many have joked that Buffon could play on towards his 50th birthday, with there no sign of the veteran shot-stopper slowing down.

He is still one Serie A appearance short of passing AC Milan great Paolo Maldini at the top of the all-time list in the Italian top-flight.

That outing should arrive at some stage, with Maurizio Sarri giving Buffon minutes in cup competitions.

Those games have allowed him to take in 13 appearances in the 2019-20 campaign, with his overall tally across two stints with Juve now standing at 669.

Vipers SC new signing Disan Galiwango has revealed why he easily signed for the club from Express FC despite receiving several offers.

The left-back was unveiled on Wednesday after agreeing to pen a four-year contract to ditch the Red Eagles and join the new Uganda Premier League (UPL) champions ahead of the new season.

Despite his transfer to St Marys Kitende still shrouded in controversy after former club Express said they had not sanctioned the move and will follow all the legal rules to have it reversed, Galiwango has explained it was easy for him to pick Vipers ahead of others teams which were fighting for his services.

Former champions Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA FC) were among the team’s keen to sign the player but Galiwango says he could not have turned down a transfer offer to the champions and also revealed his excitement of working under coach Fred Kajoba again.

“It’ feels good to be back home, l was here at St Mary’s Kitende for my advanced level certificate and have always loved to play for Vipers. Sincerely, this is a move at the right time in my career as l slowly but steadily work towards joining the professional ranks,” Galiwango told the club's official website.

“First and foremost, l have roots here and further to that, it’s quite an enticing environment which every player would love to play in, all the necessary facilities for the development of talent, are available.

“When a club like Vipers shows interest in a player, it’s such a good feeling because it’s a big club and with Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa who has nurtured many players at the helm, it becomes even more appealing to any footballer.”

Asked on what Vipers fans should expect from him, Galiwango said: “Of course they should expect a more developed player from the one at Express since the stiff competition for starting slots at Vipers spurs on anyone willing to succeed.

“Secondly, I’m a hard worker who always strives not to be the same as l was yesterday. So, l will do my best to make them happy.”

On what he wants to achieve with the Venoms, Galiwango explained: “Vipers is a winning team, therefore I want to continue with the same spirit in a bid to achieve more silverware with the club. Secondly, l want to help the club perform better in the Caf Champions League as l also use the same platform to achieve my professional football dreams.”

On working again under Kajoba, he said: “A lot of it depends on me but I highly respect coach Kajoba, he trusted me with my first top-flight league licence while at Simba just at the age of 16. So, can’t wait to rekindle the Bombo memories.

“I am going to do my best to carry on helping the team progress further from where I have found it, even more so next season and I hope to make them smile.”

Galiwango started his football career in Richo Soccer Academy based in Kampala before he was signed by Simba SC at the start of the 2015/16 season, who after their relegation bought The Saints FC.

The attacking player stayed with the army side in the entire 2016-17 season before he signed for Water FC and later in August 2019, he moved to Express where he distinctively plied his trade until the end of the just-concluded season before Vipers moved for his services.

Pitso Mosimane said one of the reasons he accepted to coach Mamelodi Sundowns was to end the dominance by Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. 

The two Soweto giants won three league titles between them in 2011 and 2013, just months before Mosimane's appointment as head coach of the Brazilians. 

The 55-year-old mentor brought back the good old days at Sundowns in his first full season in charge; winning the league title at the end of the 2013/14 season.  

"It has been tough for me but I just think that somebody has got to do that; somebody had to step in and deal with the monotony of the Soweto giants," said Mosimane quoted SowetanLIVE.

And Mosimane feels both Chiefs and Pirates like the competition given to them by his Sundowns team. 

"I think that it is only fair, it is good for competition. I think that they [Chiefs and Pirates] also like the competition to realise that it is all about life," he said. 

The former Bafana Bafana mentor made reference to the Premier League, saying the teams such as Manchester United and Arsenal have fallen behind the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool in recent years. 

"You go to the English Premier League right now, where are the Manchester United stories and them? They are no longer there, Man United and Arsenal ... where are they?" he asked.  

"Now it’s Manchester City and Liverpool. It’s generations you know, it’s the way it is." 

Mosimane has previously been embroiled in a war of words with coaches in the PSL, and in recent months, he has had a lot to say about Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp. 

He revealed that those small battles are what makes him who he is as they test his character as a human being.  

"There are new rivalries all the time. There is Ernst Middendorp now," he continued.  

“The thing is you must have endurance. If you don’t have endurance, you will be in trouble but it is good for me because it is a good test and it is good for me to know who I am. It is good for me to stand the test of time."

"Now there are the two Germans around [Middendorp and Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer]," concluded Mosimane. 

Liverpool have had some inspirational captains over the years, players who spurred the team on to glory at national, continental and international level. 

However, while many noteworthy individuals have hoisted silverware over their heads in the name of the Anfield giants, only a select few have done so with the league title.

Goal takes a look at which legendary Reds captains led the club to league glory.

Liverpool's league title-winning captains

Full list of Liverpool's league title-winning captains is below.

Of all the iconic captains Liverpool have had in their storied history, only 10 managed to get their hands on the league title. Some, of course, did so on multiple occasions.

Alex Raisbeck was Liverpool's captain in their first ever league title-winning campaign in 1900-01 and he led the team to glory once again in the 1905-06 season. Raisbeck was the team's leader from 1899 until 1909 and he notably remained with the club when they were relegated to the Second Division, helping them to get promoted in 1904-05 before surging to First Division success in their first season back.

Liverpool did not win the First Divison again until the 1920s - after the First World War - and Donald McKinlay was the man who inspired them to success, serving as captain in the back-to-back league triumphs in 1921-22 and 1922-23.

The next league title for the Reds came in 1946-47 - the first post-World War Two championship - and they were led on the field on that occasion by Willie Fagan . Two decades passed before more league glory was achieved, with the Ron Yeats -led Liverpool winning the title in 1963-64 and again in 1965-66.

In the two decades that followed - the 1970s and 1980s - Liverpool emerged as the dominant force in English football, with five different captains lifting 11 league titles between them during those golden years.

Tommy Smith was team captain in 1972-73 when Liverpool won the league and he also wore the armband as they defeated Borussia Monchengladbach in the 1973 UEFA Cup final.

Bill Shankly made the controversial decision to replace Smith as captain the following season, appointing  Emlyn Hughes to the role. Hughes led Liverpool to three league titles in 1975-76, 1976-77 and finally in 1978-79 before departing for Wolves. He was club captain when Liverpool won the UEFA Cup in 1975-76, and the European Cup in 1976-77 and 1977-78.

Phil Thompson replaced Hughes as Liverpool captain, serving from 1979 until 1981. He was the captain of the team when they won the league in 1979-80 and when they won the European Cup in 1980-81.

Thompson reluctantly passed the armband to Graeme Souness  in the 1981-82 season, despite remaining a key member of the squad. The Scottish midfielder was Liverpool's captain when they won the league and League Cup double three years in a row in 1981-82, 1982-83 and 1983-84. He was also captain for their 1983-84 European Cup success against Roma.

Souness then passed the baton to his compatriot Alan Hansen , who served as Liverpool captain from 1985 until 1990 and is the last Reds skipper to lift the league trophy. Hansen led the team as they won the league in 1985-86, 1987-88 and their last success in 1989-90. He also captained the team in their FA Cup triumph of 1986, with Ronnie Whelan deputising for him when they won the FA Cup in 1989.

Jordan Henderson became the first Liverpool captain to win the Premier League, when the Reds ended their 30-year wait for league success in 2019-20. Henderson, who took the armband in 2015, had led Liverpool to Champions League and World Club Cup success before helping them to Premier League glory.

Interestingly, of Liverpool's 10 league title-winning captains six have been Scottish, with four hailing from England.

Notable Liverpool captains who did not win league title

The most notable example of a Liverpool captain who did not manage to win a league title is Steven Gerrard, who was and continues to be routinely mocked by rival supporters for that fact.

However, despite that fact, Gerrard is still recognised as one of the club's best ever leaders, steering them to their fifth Champions League title in 2004-05.

The combative midfielder is the longest-serving captain in the history of the club, and also led the Reds to FA Cup success in 2006 as skipper and wore the armband when they won the League Cup in 2012.

Gerrard replaced Finnish colossus Sami Hyppia as captain in 2003 and the gigantic defender, who wore the armband from 2001 until 2003, is another club hero who never won the league.

Nevertheless, Hyppia was Gerard Houllier's on-field general when the club won the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup treble in 2000-01.

Paul Ince is another iconic Liverpool captain who failed to win the league or, for that matter, any silverware at all. The former England midfielder's glory years were, rather, spent at Manchester United.

Ian Rush starred for Liverpool during the 1980s and 1990s, and took the armband towards the end of his time at the club, but the only thing he won as captain was the League Cup - then the Coca-Cola Cup - in 1995.

Matt Busby is a legendary figure at Manchester United, but it is interesting to note that he spent his playing days at United's rivals Manchester City and Liverpool, donning the armband for the Reds on occasion.

Uganda defender Savio Kabugo and Ethiopian top tier side Sebeta Kenema have reached a mutual agreement to part ways.

The 25-year-old joined the East Africa nation from DR Congo outfit AS Vita and went on to establish himself as one of the key players in the team. However, their relationship has come to an abrupt end as the defender reveals.

"Due to the [Coronavirus] pandemic, Sebeta Kenema FC and I had to make some tough decisions," Kabugo said in a statement obtained by Goal.

"We have come to a mutual agreement to terminate our contractual relationship. 

"I would like to thank the club president, coach and his technical team, my teammates and our beloved fans. 

"It has been a great experience winning and losing together and I wish you the very best Sebeta Kenema FC."

Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) annulled the Ethiopian Premier League (EPL) owing to Covid-19 with no winners nor relegation. By the time, Kenema were in the 11th position.

They had won six matches, drawn four and lost seven, collecting 22 points in the process. He also played a vital role as the team finished as runners-up in the Addis Ababa Inter-City Cup behind St. George.

The defender started his career at SC Victoria University where he played from 2011-2014.

He joined KCCA FC where he played from 2014-2015. Kabugo was among the players who were involved in an accident in 2015 en route to Ntungamo where they were scheduled to play the Uganda Cup final against SC Villa.

The defender went on to play for URA FC and Proline FC before joining Congolese side AS Vita Club in December 2018 where he signed a three-year deal. However, he did not last at the club and in October 2019, he was on his way to Sebeta Kenema.

His Uganda Cranes debut came against Rwanda in a friendly match played at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda where the match ended 2-2.

Kabugo is remembered for his goal for Cranes against Ghana in 2015 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) Qualifier played at Namboole Stadium in Uganda. 

He was named the runner-up in the 2014 Uganda Footballer of the Year Award. 

Mauro Icardi claims to have joined Paris Saint-Germain on a permanent basis as they represent a “giant stride” forward for him from Inter and offer the chance for more silverware to be secured.

The Argentine striker was once a talismanic figure at San Siro, with the Nerazzurri handing a prolific frontman their captain’s armband.

A professional relationship in Milan started to unravel, though, and it soon became clear that Icardi would need a new challenge.

PSG were happy to present one to him, with the Ligue 1 champions initially acquiring the South American on a season-long loan.

The 27-year-old is now tied to a contract through to 2024, on the back of a €50 million (£45m/$56m) transfer, and believes he has made the best decision for the sake of his career in the present and future.

“It was important for me to make a giant stride in my career,” Icardi told PSG’s official website.

“I'm 27 years old and I have spent a lot of time in Italy.

“I wanted to join a club like Paris Saint-Germain in order to win trophies and play at the highest level. All of that meant that I wanted to change and progress.

“I spent seven years at Inter and I played at a very high level. I chose to come to Paris Saint-Germain in order to improve.

“The next four years will undoubtedly be my peak years. I want to continue to show what I'm capable of doing.”

Icardi has already added the Ligue 1 crown to his personal roll of honour, with PSG handed that prize when the decision was taken not to resume the 2019-20 campaign in the middle of a coronavirus pandemic.

On that triumph, Icardi said: “It was my first with Paris. It was a bit bizarre to win it like that but during the season, before the confinement, we had proved our quality and shown that we were on course to win the title.

“We proved we were a top team and at the end of the day we are champions.”

PSG have another two finals to come at the end of July, in the Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue, with those outings against St Etienne and Lyon set to be followed by the resumption of Champions League competition in August – with Thomas Tuchel’s side already through to the quarter-finals.

“It's important for us to win the two cups,” said Icardi.

“We were stuck at home for a while and now we are back on the pitches. We want to prepare in order to take on the challenges in the best way possible.

“We want to win as these are two finals we have to play before the Champions League returns. They are objectives for us. We have time to prepare in order to win them.”

Liverpool won the Premier League title in 2019-20 with seven games to spare, with their status as champions being confirmed on June 25 when Manchester City lost to Chelsea.

However, Jurgen Klopp and Co. will have to wait a while before they can actually get their hands on the trophy the Merseyside club have been after for three long decades.

So when exactly will they hoist the silverware overhead and where will it happen? Goal brings you all the details.

When will Liverpool lift the Premier League trophy?

Liverpool are expected to be presented with the Premier League trophy in their final home game of the season against Chelsea.

That game had been scheduled for July 18, but will now be rescheduled due to the fact that Chelsea are scheduled to play in the FA Cup semi-final on July 19.  

A new date has not yet been confirmed, but it looks likely that it will be played on the week commencing July 20, given that there is a gap in the schedule then.

The game against Chelsea will happen on one of the following days: Tuesday July 21, Wednesday July 22 or Thursday July 23. It will be an evening fixture, meaning the trophy will be presented under the lights.

As well as receiving the coveted trophy, Liverpool's players are expected to be given their league winners medals too, but Premier League will have to carry that out in a responsible manner.

Will Liverpool be given a guard of honour in their remaining games?

As champions-elect, Liverpool should receive guards of honour from their remaining opponents, though there is no guarantee that every club will oblige.

Man City were the first team to face the Reds since the Premier League title was wrapped up and Pep Guardiola's players performed the traditional mark of respect at the Etihad, before dishing out a 4-0 beating.

Guardiola insisted that Liverpool were deserving of the guard of honour but, while Klopp acknowledged that it was "nice" to receive one, it is not something that he is overly concerned with. 

"I wouldn't need it," said the Reds boss when asked about the guard of honour tradition by reporters, noting that it did not appear to be a thing in Germany. "It's a nice gesture, but that's it, pretty much."

Liverpool play Aston Villa, Brighton, Burnley, Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle United in their remaining matches.

Of those games, three will be played at Anfield (Aston Villa, Burnley and Chelsea), with the others being played at the Amex Stadium, Emirates Stadium and St James' Park.

It is customary for the Premier League champions to have a trophy parade as a moment of civic celebration, but public health concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic mean it is a doubt for Liverpool.

Suggestions point to a small-scale trophy parade involving the Liverpool squad and staff, perhaps at Anfield. A trophy parade incorporating virtual elements such as live streaming and interactive supporter involvement is another option.

However, considering the fact that 750,000 people took to the streets to hail Liverpool's Champions League success, it may prove difficult to dissuade supporters from coming out in numbers, as, indeed, happened on the night the Reds were officially confirmed as champions, and the club will be keen to avoid a repeat.

People gathered en masse that evening, congregating outside Anfield and at various areas around Liverpool, eliciting stern condemnation.

The record Premier League points total is 100 points and it was set by Man City during the 2017-18 campaign.

Despite their heavy defeat to City, it remains possible for Liverpool to break that record and, if they win their remaining six matches, they would end the campaign with 104 points.

However, if Liverpool are to achieve that aim they will need to remain motivated for their final matches.

The Reds' performance in the 4-0 defeat against City drew sharp criticism from pundits, with Gary Neville suggesting that some players looked like they had been "on the lash" for a week.

Though there were undoubtedly celebrations after being confirmed champions, Klopp dismissed the idea that his players were not focused.

"If you want to lead this story in direction we were not focused, then do it," he told Sky Sports afterwards. 

"I liked my team's attitude, you ask again. Isn't it nice another team can be champions when Man City can play so well.

"Man City are incredible. I saw their season, they didn't play a bad game."

Former AFC Leopards captain Martin Imbalambala is desperate to raise Ksh4,000 needed for medication.

The midfielder lost his eyesight in 2018 and was taken to Kikuyu hospital for examination.

The MRI scan revealed the problem was caused by a misfiring nerve. He was put under medication but almost two years down the line, he is yet to fully recover and his inability to get frequent medical attention is exacerbating the problem.

"I was put under medication which cost KSh2500 a month which was quite expensive for me," Imbalambala, who was a free agent by the time of the incident, told Goal on Friday.

"The last time, I got medical attention was two months ago at Sabatia Eye Hospital. I was given medicine which helped me a bit. I was to get back for more checkups in April but could not raise the Ksh4000 which was needed.

"The doctor's strike did not make things better at the time, and I remained helpless to date."

The former Vihiga United player has now asked well-wishers and fans to help him get the money needed for medication.

"All I need is Ksh4000 to help me get to the hospital and get attended to by the doctors," he added.

"Right now I am in my home at Chavakhali and I cannot do anything due to my condition. I need to get back to my former self and be able to help my family as well but I cannot do it on my own.

"I am requesting my fans and well-wishers to help me get the money for treatment, it is the only thing I am desperate for right now."

Imbalambala left Leopards in 2015 and signed a short-term contract with Nakumatt FC in June the same year.

However, he did not last at the team and his next move was at Western-based side Kakamega Homeboyz, but the lanky midfielder was axed by Homeboyz alongside former Harambee Stars winger Patrick Oboya.

He went on to join the then National Super League side Vihiga United, who were restructuring, hoping to seal a move to the Kenyan Premier League (KPL).

The player was later released by the club owing to several off-pitch issues.