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The Premier Soccer League released the 2021/22 fixtures on Monday as all the league’s 16 clubs have reached the peak in their preparations for the new season.

Mamelodi Sundowns and AmaZulu set the ball rolling on Friday, August 20 at Loftus Versfeld, followed by five games the following day which includes Orlando Pirates hosting Stellenbosch.

On Sunday, August 22, two matches will be played as Kaizer Chiefs finally open their campaign with a visit to Mbombela Stadium to face TS Galaxy.

Fans will not be starved of live action when their favourite teams take to the pitch.

TV Channels, Live Score & How To Watch

SuperSport TV has a dedicated channel for PSL football although some of their channels can also broadcast live games when two or more games are being played simultaneously.

SABC 1 airs selected matches. 

SuperSport TV's PSL channel also has airtime for delayed matches, for those who would have missed the live action to catch up.

Team to beat

Mamelodi Sundowns have dominated the PSL era, especially in the past four seasons when they won consecutive league titles.

All other teams will be fighting to break that supremacy.

But Masandawana have been assembling a squad they believe would help them sustain their hegemony in this league.

They went to Slovakia to bring in striker Pavol Safranko to boost their attack which already has Peter Shalulile, Kermit Erasmus, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Mauricio Affonso and another new signing Thabiso Kutumela, who arrived from Maritzburg United.

Left-backs Divine Lunga and Sifiso Ngobeni as well as midfielders Grant Kekana and Neo Maema are the other signings. 

Will the Soweto giants end their league title drought?

The biggest question is if either Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates will be able to stop Sundowns in their tracks.

Since 2015, Chiefs have not won the league title while Pirates have gone for a decade without claiming it.

It is now to be seen if the two giants from Soweto will be strong enough to break Masandawana’s dominance. 

The two sides have also been busy on the transfer market, hoping they will build strong sides to finally be crowned champions. 

The dark horses

After finishing last season strongly as league runners-up, their best-ever PSL finish, Benni McCarthy’s AmaZulu can still be mentioned as capable of challenging for the league title again.

They might not have added big signings to their squad but their coach established himself as someone who can inspire them to bigger things.

Cape Town City can also be considered as rank outsiders following the return of Eric Tinkler and a number of signings headlined by Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Darren Keet.

Algeria international Amir Sayoud, who was linked with a move to Mamelodi Sundowns after expressing an interest to play for Masandawana or Kaizer Chiefs, has joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Tai FC.

The 30-year-old moved from Algerian side CR Belouizdad and was unveiled by newly-promoted Al-Tai after signing a two-year deal.

“Amir Sayoud signed for two seasons. Welcome the ‘Desert Warrior’ to the Knight of the North brigade,” announced A-Tai.

The player managed three Caf Champions League goals including scoring two against Sundowns home and away.

His first goal was a consolation when the Tshwane giants beat Belouizdad 5-1 away, before he grabbed one of the goals in his side’s 2-0 win in Pretoria.

His scoring exploits against the Brazilians could be what sparked their reported interest in the player.

Reports indicated that Masandawana were targeting him as a potential replacement for Gaston Sirino had the Uruguayan gone to Al Ahly.

Sundowns have since signed other midfielders Sifiso Ngobeni and Neo Maema while defender Grant Kekana can also play in the middle of the park.

In April this year, Sayoud expressed his desire to play in the Premier Soccer League for Sundowns or Chiefs.

“I'm grateful to hear that I'm appreciated but I'm a humble man, I'm under service for the team [Belouizdad],” he told KickOff at the time.

“I don't see why I wouldn't [play in South Africa], I'm a professional player... I don't know who, maybe Sundowns or Kaizer Chiefs, who knows I'm playing for a big team so it needs to be a big team also.

“Of course [I want to return to the national team], I'm working hard and at a good level now, every game I'm playing well. I'm doing my best and hoping that I can earn that call-up.”

The experienced midfielder has two caps for Algeria and previously played for Al Ahly, Ismaily, MC Alger, CS Sfaxien and USM Alger.

He also had stints in Bulgaria and Kuwait.

At Al-Tai, he will play alongside former Chiefs striker Knowledge Musona, who also recently joined the club from Belgium.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has signed a new contract which will keep him at Anfield until 2027.

The Brazilian becomes the latest Reds star to commit his long-term future to the club, following in the footsteps of Trent Alexander-Arnold and compatriot Fabinho, who signed a five-year deal earlier this week.

Alisson has signed a six-year contract which will make him one of Liverpool's highest earners, reward for his superb performances since joining from Roma in 2018.

What’s been said?

Speaking to liverpoolfc.com after signing his contract, Alisson said: "Me and my family, we are really happy here. My kids are settled in England, in a different country, but they are growing up in that way. So we are really happy. 

“I'm really glad that I can keep going on with my work here, doing a good job here. So, I'm really happy to make this decision – that is not hard for me."

The 28-year-old joined up with his team-mates at the Reds’ pre-season training camp in France on Sunday, and is set to feature in Thursday’s friendly against Serie A outfit Bologna.

He added: "We have to set goals and we have to set them high – winning everything that we are playing [for], the Champions League, Premier League, the cups, everything. I think we can start from there.

"But obviously winning depends on what we will put on the pitch, what we will give on the pitch and we have to give 100 per cent at least. If we can push harder, we will go."

Who else is likely to sign a new contract at Liverpool?

Alisson will not be the last Reds star to agree a new deal in the coming weeks, as Liverpool look to tie down their key players. 

They hope to secure the future of both Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah, whose current deals expire in 2023, and are expected to offer Andy Robertson, who has three years left, an improved contract too.

Initial negotiations with captain Jordan Henderson proved unsatisfactory but are likely to be resumed, while Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have all entered the final two years of their respective deals.

Ben Davies will be allowed to leave on loan, with Sheffield United currently leading the race, while the futures of Xherdan Shaqiri and Divock Origi remain uncertain.

Further reading

Tusker FC surrendered the top position in the FKF Premier League to KCB after falling 2-1 to Bandari at the Mbaraki Stadium, Mombasa, on Wednesday.

The Brewers took the lead after Rodgers Aloro converted from a set-piece before Iddi Hassan answered for the hosts in the same way, and substitute John Mwita scored the winner.

Both teams were keen on getting back to winning ways after suffering defeats in their previous assignment, as Bandari had fallen 4-1 to Nzoia Sugar while the Brewers fell by a solitary goal to Nairobi City Stars.

It was the visitors who started the game on a high and it took them three minutes to get their first corner. However, Danson Namasaka bailed the hosts out with his clearing header.

The Robert Matano-led charges were forced to make a change in the eighth minute, as Boniface Muchiri, who was making a return to the team after the Cecafa U23 Cup with the Emerging Stars, was involved in a collision. 

Henry Meja, who was also part of the Kenya team in Ethiopia, took his place in the team.

Bandari stepped up, pushing for an opener with Hassan Abdallah, Umar Kasumba, and William Wadri leading the attack. However, they couldn't find their way past the Tusker custodian.

Tusker also had their chances, but Luke Namanda, Kevin Okoth and Meja failed to capitalise on the opportunities that came their way.

Eventually, it was the 11-time champions who managed to score in the 38th minute, when the Dockers conceded a free-kick in the danger zone. Aloro took it and managed to hit the target.

Meja could have doubled the advantage moments later but he failed to beat the goalkeeper in a one-on-one situation.

After the half-time break, the hosts came back stronger hoping to get an equalizer quickly to destabilize the Nairobi-based charges. John Mwita and Collins Agade were introduced in place of Denis Magige and Namasaka.

Mwita, almost, made an immediate impact as he was left unmarked in the danger zone, but his stinging effort was parried out by the Tusker goalkeeper for an unfruitful corner.

The renewed energy from the hosts paid dividends in the 56th minute, when the Brewers gave away a set piece just outside the danger zone.

Hassan stepped up and guided the ball into the back of the net to bring the teams to level terms.

The Dockers scored their second goal in the 75th minute when Mwita capitalised on confusion in the Tusker defence to get the winning goal.

KCB are now top of the league with 57 points after defeating Western Stima 2-0, while Tusker remain on 55 from the same number of matches.

Bandari XI: Michael Wanyika, Iddi Hassan, Felly Mulumba, Brian Odera, Dennis Magige, Keegan Zakayo, Danson Namasaka, Siraj Mohammed, Abdallah Mohammed, Abdallah Hassan, William Wadri, Umar Kasumba  

Subs: Justin Ndikumana, Duncan Otena, Salim Swaleh, Collins Agade, Daniel Omondi, Benjamin Murimi, Wilberforce Lugogo, Johanna Mwita, Bernard Odhiambo. 

Tusker XI: Emery Mvuyekure, Eric Ambunya, Hillary Wandera, Rodgers Aloro, Eugene Asike, Otieno Apollo, Luke Namanda, Faraj Odenyi, Christopher Ochieng, Kevin Okoth, Boniface Muchiri 

Subs: Michael Wanjala, Jimmy Mbugua, Sammy Mejja, Vincent Ngesa, Humphrey Mieno, Chrispinus Onyango, Michael Madoya, Brian Marita, Henry Meja

Braga have emphatically confirmed that Ricardo Horta will be staying with them amid rumours that the winger was heading for MLS side Atlanta United.

A report from Fabrizio Romano claimed that Atlanta had made an €8 million offer for Horta, which was apparently rejected by Carlos Carvalhal's side.

And it appears that the MLS outfit will not be successful should they step up attempts to sign the 26-year-old, with Braga having released a hilarious Wolf of Wall Street-inspired video on Twitter to announce the player is staying.

'I'm not f*cking leaving!'

Braga released the edited video on Wednesday afternoon, with Horta's head having been superimposed onto Leonardo DiCaprio's body in the famous scene from Martin Scorsese's 2013 film: The Wolf of Wall Street.

The iconic clip, that appears in the movie about the life of former Wall Street stockbroker Jordan Belfort, sees DiCaprio deliver a rousing speech to staff at Stratton Oakmont brokerage house confirming that he's not going to be leaving the company.

And Braga opted to create their own version, replacing Belfort with Horta, while a number of his club team-mates also appear in the video.

The Portuguese club also included a caption that, translated into English, reads: "This morning it was 'sort of' like this!"

Who else are Atlanta United trying to sign?

Atlanta are also reportedly interested in landing Thiago Almada, who finished 19th in Goal's 2020 NXGN list of the best wonderkids in world football.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the MLS side have apparently reached an agreement with the Argentine's club, Velez Sarsfield, and are now in the process of discussing personal terms.

Further reading

Gor Mahia ended their run of seven matches without a win after edging out Kakamega Homeboyz 1-0 in an FKF Premier League match at Thika Stadium on Wednesday.

K’Ogalo came into the match seeking to end a bad of run results and they have to thank their goalkeeper Samuel Njau, who saved two penalties, and defender Sydney Ochieng, who scored the lone goal in the 25th minute for the maximum points.

It was Homeboyz who got the first chance to take the lead after they were awarded a penalty in the fifth minute and it was after goalkeeper Njau committed a mistake by bringing down an advancing Moses Mudavadi inside the box.

However, striker Allan Wanga could not convert the spot-kick as his weak effort was saved by Njau, who was also booked for the foul on Mudavadi.

The foul also forced Homeboyz under head coach Nicholas Muyoti, to make an early change as Mudavadi could not continue and he was replaced by Christopher Masinza.

Gor Mahia then created their first chance of the game in the 15th minute when Homeboyz goalkeeper Geoffrey Oputi gifted the ball to K’Ogalo’s striker Tito Okello, but with the net at his mercy, the Ugandan shot wide for a goal-kick.

In the 20th minute, Homeboyz were once again forced into another change, Masinza, who had come on for Mudavadi, pulling an injury and going out for Derrick Onyango.

Five minutes later, Gor Mahia took the lead, defender Sydney Ochieng curling home a free-kick from outside the 18-yard box which sizzled past Homeboyz defenders, who had mounted a wall and beat keeper Oputi to the net.

In the 32nd minute, Homeboyz had another chance to level matters, once again from the penalty spot, but keeper Njau produced another fantastic save, diving the right way to deny Francis Omondi.

The missed penalty allowed Gor Mahia to head into the half-time break with a 1-0 lead and five minutes after resumption, they continued their search for a second goal but Okello missed an open sitter after being put through by Abdul Karim, he blasted the ball wide.

Homeboyz then created another chance in the 50th minute when Onyango set up Stephen Opoku but he failed to beat Njau, who came out quickly from his line to save the situation.

Five minutes later, Gor introduced Clifton Miheso for John Macharia and in the 65th minute, Shami Mwinyi tried to beat Njau with a low footed effort but the keeper was alert once again to gather the ball without trouble.

Despite Homeboyz coming strong with a series of attacks in the closing stages, Gor Mahia held on to complete a double over a side they had beaten 2-1 in the first round meeting.

Gor Mahia: Samuel Njau (GK), Fred Nkata, Frank Odhiambo, Harun Shakava, Joachim Ochieng, Ernest Wendo, Sydney Wahongo, Samuel Onyango, Abdul Karim, Tito Okello and John Macharia.

Subs: Gad Mathews (GK), Philemon Otieno, Andrew Juma, John Ochieng, Victor Ochieng, Nicholas Omondi, Jules Ulimwengu, and Clifton Miheso.

Kakamega Homeboyz: Geoffrey Oputi (GK), Collins Odhiambo, Thomas Wainaina, Brian Eshihanda, Francis Omondi, Stephen Mukongolo, Stephen Etyang, Stephen Opoku, Moses Mudavadi, Allan Wanga, and Shami Mwinyi.

Subs: David Otieno, George Odiwuor, Benard Mutonyi, Bonaventure Atse, Estone Esiye, Christopher Mbehelo, and Derric Onyango. 

Mazeed Ogungbo has signed his first professional contract with Arsenal, the English Premier League side has announced.

The left-back, who has been with the North London outfit since 2019, put pen to paper on a professional deal on Tuesday and he is expected to continue his development under coach Kevin Betsy.

Due to his abilities, he is highly regarded as one of the brightest talents in Arsenal’s youth ranks.

During the 2020-21 campaign, the 18-year-old made 14 appearances for Arsenal's under-18 team.

“Mazeed Ogungbo has signed his first professional contract,” a statement from Arsenal website read.

“The 18-year-old defender delivered a number of promising performances throughout 2020/21, making 14 appearances for our under-18s and featuring twice for our under-23s.

“A Republic of Ireland youth international, Ogungbo is naturally a left-back but has also stepped up to play as a central defender.

“Everyone at Arsenal would like to congratulate Mazeed on his first professional contract and we look forward to seeing his continued development.”

In his response, Ogungbo thanked the club for giving him the opportunity while stating his delight for what the future hold for him at the North London outfit.

“I'm just so excited and so grateful to Arsenal that they've given me this opportunity,” he said.

"To be able to extend my time here is a real honour and I'm really excited for what the future holds here."

He becomes the ninth player of Nigerian descent in Arsenal’s reserves. Others include Tim Akinola, Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, Tolaji Bola, Miguel Azeez, Ovie Ejeheri, James Olayinka, Zach Awe and Netherland youth international Joel Ideho.

While hoping to be a regular face in Betsy’s squad in the 2021-22 campaign, he would hope to emulate Alex Iwobi, Arthur Okonkwo and Folarin Balogun as Nigerians who progressed from the youth ranks to Arsenal’s first team.  

Betsy’s boys begin their campaign versus Dmitri Halajko’s West Ham United on Monday, August 16 at the London Stadium.

Born in Ireland to Nigerian parents, Ogunbo has represented the Europeans at the youth level.

Even at that, he remains eligible to represented three-time African champions Super Eagles at senior level.

Timo Werner has admitted to struggles with the media during his first season at Chelsea.

Chelsea invested £47.5 million ($66m) in Werner last summer in the hope that he would end their search for a prolific goalscorer, but he struggled to live up to expectations after making the transition from the Bundesliga to the Premier League.

The former RB Leipzig star was often criticised for a lack of composure in front of goal, despite helping the Blues finish the 2020-21 season as Champions League winners, and he has now opened up on the mental battle he faced to block out the outside noise and stay focused on his game.

What's been said?

"I think the most important thing in football is to keep your mentality up, keep your head clean from outside," Werner told Chelsea's official website.

"The media is getting bigger and bigger nowadays. Of course, when you play good you are the hero everywhere, but when you play badly it is a totally different story.

"You have to step away from that and concentrate on your football. It’s not always easy because you have media on your phone, media always around you which can bring something up you can see, but you have to be straight, in your own bubble, to think only about the football.

"It’s also important to always have people around you who help you, and give you strength to go on. Also, in the good moments they can bring you down a little bit, so you don’t think you are the hero.

"So they stop you in the good moments, and lift you up during the bad ones."

Werner's goals for 2021-22

Werner has already racked up 52 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea, with his willingness to run in behind and intelligent link-up play adding a new dimension to the team's attack.

The 25-year-old contributed an impressive 15 assists to the Blues' cause last term, but only found the net himself on 12 occasions, and he is eager to improve on those numbers when the new campaign kicks off later this month.

Werner also says Thomas Tuchel's side will be out to retain their European crown and dethrone current Premier League champions Manchester City, as he added: "We want to win a title; it doesn’t matter which one.

"The best thing would be the Champions League again, but also the Premier League is a big target. One of those titles is our target.

"For me individually it is to score maybe a little bit more than last year, which was not the best thing, but to keep going and to help the team as much as I can with assists and scoring."

Further reading

Christian Eriksen has visited Inter's training facility for the first time since his collapse at Euro 2020 as the midfielder's wait to resume his career continues.

Eriksen suffered a health scare that sent shockwaves across the football world during Denmark's first group stage fixture against Finland at the European Championships.

The 29-year-old had to be resuscitated after he stopped breathing on the pitch and was subsequently admitted to hospital for tests, with doctors later confirming that he had experienced cardiac arrest.

What's been said?

Eriksen was released from hospital after six days under observation, but had to watch on from the sidelines as his Denmark team-mates made it all the way through to the Euros semi-finals and it is not yet known if he will be cleared to play competitively again.

However Inter have confirmed that the playmaker made his long-awaited return to the club on Wednesday while giving an update on his condition and the next stage in his recovery.

"This morning Christian Eriksen paid a visit to the Suning Training Centre in Appiano Gentile," a statement on the Nerazzurri's official website reads.

"The Danish midfielder met the club directors, the coach, team-mates and all of the staff present. Eriksen is doing well and is in excellent physical and mental shape.

"He will now follow the recovery programme put forward by Danish doctors in Copenhagen, who will also co-ordinate the clinical follow-up. The Inter medical staff will naturally be kept informed and up to date throughout the process."

Will Eriksen play for Inter again?

Eriksen was fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) before being sent home from hospital, which is designed to regulate any further disturbances in his heartbeat.

The Inter star's former Ajax team-mate Daley Blind was able to resume his career with the help of the device, but current Serie A rules prohibit its use in the Italian top-flight.

A member of the Italian FA's technical scientific committee, Francesco Braconaro, has said of the steps Eriksen would have to take to return to action at Inter: "Christian Eriksen cannot be given the all-clear to play in Italy. If the player has the defibrillator removed, therefore confirming the pathology can be resolved, then he can return to play for Inter."

Further reading

Gor Mahia have been handed their prize money for winning the FKF Shield Cup.

The Kenyan champions were at loggerheads with Football Kenya Federation as they were yet to receive their prize money of Ksh2million for winning the trophy two weeks ago after beating rivals AFC Leopards 4-2 on penalties at Nyayo Stadium.

The delay to receive the money saw K’Ogalo and AFC, who were entitled to get Ksh1million for coming second, skip their Mashemeji derby fixture at Thika Stadium on Saturday in protest.

However, FKF has moved to end the tension by giving Gor Mahia their money of Ksh2m, and it was picked up in person by the club’s secretary-general Sam Ochola, but AFC Leopards will have to wait as they are yet to give out their bank details.

What does FKF say?

“We have given Gor Mahia Ksh2 million for winning the Betway FKF Shield Cup, they wanted it in cash, not through the bank, but AFC Leopards have not received their Ksh1million yet because they are yet to respond to our letter,” FKF CEO Barry Otieno told Goal on Wednesday.

“I know people will ask why we have given Gor money and we recently fined them, but the reason is what they received was meant for the Shield Cup and is not related to the league.

“We are now waiting for AFC to confirm their bank account or if they also want to pick the same from our office, we have also wired the other amount to third-placed division one side Equity Bank.”

What does FKF say on bans?

On Wednesday, FKF confirmed they had officially filed formal complaints to have further action taken against Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards chairmen Ambrose Rachier and Dan Shikanda.

The two officials were handed provisional bans of two weeks each after their teams failed to show up for the eagerly awaited derby.

In the letter to both Rachier and Shikanda dated August 3, 2021, it stated: “The Football Kenya Federation has filed a formal complaint against you, a copy whereof is attached together with the annexures.

“You are hereby required within seven [7] days of service to respond to the complaint by way of a witness[es] statement[s] or an affidavit[s] together with any submission that you wish to make by sending the same to the committee by way of email to idac@fkfpl.com.

“A hard copy thereof can also be deposited at the FKF headquarters in a sealed envelope addressed to the chairperson, FKF-PL IDAC.

“Note that should you fail to respond within the given time, the committee shall proceed to consider the complaint and revert with its decision.”

Further FKF Premier League reading 

Victor Moses is an injury doubt for Spartak Moscow’s Champions League encounter with Benfica, manager Rui Vitoria has confirmed.

The former Chelsea wing-back suffered a knock during the Red and Whites’ league game against Krylya Sovetov on Friday.

Moses was named in the starting XI, albeit, he was substituted for Reziuan Mirzov in the 59th minute.

He now faces a race against time to be ready for the first leg of the third qualifying round clash billed for Otkritie Arena.

Captain Georgi Dzhikiya is also a major doubt while Quincy Promes and Pavel Maslov have been ruled out against the Portuguese elite division side.

“Promes probably won’t be able to play, Maslov is also not ready yet. Moses and Dzhikiya picked up slight injuries in the last match, but we hope they will be able to help us,” Vitoria told the media, as per the club website.

“Ponce has just returned from the Olympics, still needs time to be ready again, but will be in the squad.”

The tactician also gave a hint on how his team will square up against the visitors on Wednesday night.

“Recently, Benfica have strengthened itself well. The team has a lot of players with extensive international experience,” he continued.

“You shouldn’t expect any special changes from us but of course, we have our own plan.

“In the last few games, we created a lot of chances and intend to continue in the same way. We are not going to park the bus.

“Unlike the guests, we have already played several official matches this season.

“On one hand, this is a plus. However, it also means that we had less time to prepare for this particular match, and some players have picked up mini-injuries.

“So essentially, we are at a level playing field. Much like the colours of both clubs, the preparation levels are similar.”

The second leg will be held on August 10 at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon with the winners on aggregate progressing to the next round.

During his time at Stamford Bridge, the 30-year-old made 128 appearances in all competitions scoring 18 goals.

He also won the Premier League, FA Cup and two Europa League titles during his spell as a Blues player.

Bukayo Saka has been presented with a wall of positive messages and letters upon his return to Arsenal.

The 19-year-old reported back to the Gunners' training ground for pre-season tests on Wednesday, having been on holiday since starring for England at the European Championship.

Saka played a key role in the Three Lions' run to the final of the tournament, but received racist abuse after their showpiece defeat to Italy, and Arsenal fans have rallied around the teenager ahead of the 2021-22 campaign.

What's been said?

Arsenal have released a video on their social media channels showing Saka reading special tributes and messages from fans on one of the walls of their indoor training facility at London Colney.

"How do I even say thank you for all of this?" the winger can be heard asking the cameraman after reading through the letters. 

Saka's rollercoaster summer

Saka was named in Gareth Southgate's Euro 2020 squad after an impressive 2020-21 campaign at Arsenal, and showed no signs of any nerves on the international stage.

The Arsenal starlet played in four of England's seven games, including a man-of-the-match display in their 1-0 group-stage victory over the Czech Republic on matchday three.

Saka also came on as a substitute in the final against Italy, but his night ended in heartbreak as he missed the Three Lions' fifth penalty in their shootout loss.

Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho also failed to convert from 12 yards, and all three men were subjected to racist abuse online after the game.

The Football Association subsequently called for social media companies to do more to protect footballers, while the Metropolitan Police launched a formal investigation into the abuse.

Saka's career record

Saka has made 88 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal since breaking into the senior fold back in 2018, scoring 11 goals.

The talented attacker has also contributed 21 assists to the Gunners' cause, while establishing himself as one of the most important members of Mikel Arteta's squad over the past 18 months.

Saka's performances earned him his first England call-up last September, and he now has nine international caps and one goal to his name.

Further reading

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been surprised by Sam Edozie’s abilities, claiming the teenager and Nigeria prospect has ‘a special quality’.

Born in England to Nigerian parents, the 18-year-old has been a key figure in the club’s U23 ranks since moving from Millwall on July 1, 2020.

Edozie was part of City’s Elite Development Squad that won the inaugural 2020-21 Premier League 2 diadem.

Presently, he is part of Guardiola’s squad preparing for the new campaign and has stepped up to the demands of senior football scoring in each of the club’s last three matches.

His abilities in front of goal have caught his Spanish manager who promised to be patient with him as he continues to develop.

"As a young talent, having a special quality, a guy who gets to the box with the intention to score a goal - it's so important for wingers,” Guardiola was quoted by the club website.

"He's an incredible, young player with good pace.

“But we have to be patient with him. He had minutes and played good and this is important.”

Having impressed as a substitute against Preston North End, the left winger was named in the starting XI against Barnsley.

Against Blackpool, Edozie got the nod to start and just three minutes into the friendly at the Academy Stadium, he pounced on a defensive mistake to put the reigning English kings ahead.

A brace from Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez’s strike sealed the victory over the English second-tier side.

"You never know before the game when you are going to score a goal – at the beginning or late. The important thing is to create the chances,” the former Barcelona boss continued.

"I'm very pleased for the young players and the more experienced players - for what they have done. I have no complaints.

“We saw many good things and the other ones, it’s just a question of time to get what we want.”

Manchester City take on Leicester City in Saturday’s Community Shield encounter.

Al Ahly head coach Pitso Mosimane has addressed rumours linking the club with Bafana Bafana international Percy Tau.

The speedy attacker recently scored his first goal for Brighton & Hove and Albion, but his future at the English side is reportedly uncertain.

It is believed Tau is not guaranteed game time at Brighton under manager Graham Potter ahead of the new season. 

Egyptian champions Al Ahly have reportedly registered their interest in Tau as Mosimane looks to reunite with the 27-year-old attacker having worked with him at Mamelodi Sundowns. 

The South African tactician could not confirm or deny the Red Devils' interest in Tau, who has one year left on his contract with Brighton. 

"I have a very good relationship with Percy," Mosimane told Soccer Laduma. 

"And if he is available, why not? And also, does he want to come back to Africa? 

"Can we afford the transfer fee Brighton would demand? And also, would we satisfy his personal terms?  If all those boxes can be ticked, then I will have a huge interest on this one."

Under Mosimane's guidance at Sundowns, Tau blossomed into one of the best players in Africa as he played a vital role in helping the Tshwane giants win the Caf Champions League title and PSL championship. 

Tau shared the PSL Golden Boot with Rodney Ramagalela and also won the Footballer of the Season and Players' Player of the Season accolades at the 2017/18 PSL awards ceremony.

Brighton snapped up Tau from Sundowns in August 2018 and he was then loaned out to Belgian side SG Union shortly after his transfer having failed to secure a United Kingdom work permit.

The Witbank-born player also spent some time with Belgian giants Club Brugge and RSC Anderlecht on loan from Brighton as he gained European football experience.

The man nicknamed Lion of Judah returned to Brighton in January 2021 after he secured his UK work permit, but he struggled for game time under Potter.

He played just three games in the Premier League for Brighton last season and it remains to be seen whether he will still be a Seagull when the UK transfer window closes on August 31.

Tusker FC have been boosted by the return of key attackers Boniface Muchiri and Henry Meja ahead of Wednesday's Football Kenya Federation Premier League assignment against Bandari.

The duo had been with the Emerging Stars in the Cecafa U23 Cup in Ethiopia where Kenya finished fourth. Coach Robert Matano has welcomed the players ahead of the game against the Dockers stating they are ready to be involved.

He has further explained why his charges are psyched up ahead of the match.

Fit and sharp

"We are happy that they are back. We have looked at their fitness and they look very sharp because they have played almost all the games in Cecafa and we expect them to add some punch into the team," Matano told the club's official portal.

"We have prepared well for the game and the motivation is high. Most of the time we always rise up when playing against big teams and we are facing a big team in Bandari. We are raring to go.

"A loss [in the past game against Nairobi City Stars], is part of the game, it is not the end of the world. We have to accept the result and build on from there. We have to try and win our matches and that is enough motivation."

We have worked on what we did wrong

Meanwhile captain Eugene Asike is upbeat ahead of the date with the Dockers. He insists they have rectified their mistakes, and they are not coming into the match under any pressure.

"There is morale in the camp and everyone is looking forward to the game," Asike said.

"We want to go there and have a positive bounce back after the loss to City Stars. We have reflected on the game and we have worked on what we did wrong.

"We are focusing on our games and not those behind us. If we can get positive results in the next five games we are home and dry."

The Brewers are under pressure from second-placed KCB. The latter have 54 points, a point less than the leaders.

Sunday Oliseh has claimed Nigeria had the ‘ingredients’ to win the 1994 Fifa World Cup staged in the United States of America.

Clemens Westerhof’s team – considered as the greatest assemble of Super Eagles – scaled Cote d’Ivoire and Algeria hurdles to qualify for the global football showpiece for the first time ever.

27 years later, the former Borussia Dortmund star still feels that specific Nigeria squad had the quality of becoming the first African side to win the World Cup.

“I still think we had the potential to win that year,” Oliseh told Fifa website.

“All the ingredients were there, but the overall circumstances weren't in our favour.

“At any rate, it had nothing to do with our squad, which had the talent to go all the way.”

Heading to the competition as African champions, the team that paraded the likes of Rasheed Yekini, Peter Rufai and Emmanuel Amuneke made a winning start after defeating Bulgaria 3-0 in Dallas.

Their second match against Argentina ended in a 2-1 defeat despite taking an eighth-minute lead courtesy of Samson Siasia.

A 2-0 defeat of Greece at the Foxboro Stadium ensured that they finished as Group D winners but they had to negotiate their way past Italy to reach the last eight.

Sadly, gli Azzurri sent them packing from the competition following a 2-1 defeat after extra-time thanks to a Roberto Baggio brace.

Two years later, Oliseh made the Nigeria U23 team that won the gold medal in the football event at the 1996 Olympic Games.

He talked about what it meant to have come out victorious ahead of favourites Brazil and Argentina.

“It's not something you can foresee. Given the way we'd won, we weren't surprised, but we felt an ecstatic joy that we'd never experienced before,” he added.

“It's good to win the Africa Cup of Nations, for example, but when you win the Olympics, you're considered as world champions.

“On top of that, we'd beaten teams like Brazil and Argentina to do it, and the quality of those teams means that our gold medal has a special worth.

“I still get goosebumps today when I think about it. It's not something you can predict when you start your career as a footballer.

“You tell yourself that gold medals are for other people. So, when you win one, it's just an indescribable joy.”

After a successful football career, Oliseh went into administration managing Nigeria and Fortuna Sittard between 2015 - 2018.

AFC Leopards coach Patrick Aussems has confirmed he will be in charge of the team for the new FKF Premier League season.

The 56-year-old Belgian tactician joined the Den in February on a short-term contract but on Tuesday, he confirmed on his social media pages he had extended his stay with the struggling side despite receiving offers from other clubs.

What did Aussems say?

“I decided to extend my collaboration with AFC Leopards despite other offers,” Aussems said.

Aussems, who did not reveal the duration of the new contract, further said the main reason he had decided to stay at the club is to help them to win titles in the coming season.

“My target is to win titles by producing modern and attractive football and also make the fans happy, let us all be focused on the success next season! Future is bright!”

Aussems has struggled to have a positive display with Ingwe but he managed to help them reach the final of the FKF Shield Cup where they lost 4-2 on penalties to rivals Gor Mahia in the final at Nyayo Stadium.

On the league front, AFC were doing well when he came in, but they started to register poor results which at one time saw the team go seven matches without a win.

In their last assignment, they suffered a 2-1 defeat against Nairobi City Stars and the result came after they had drawn 2-2 with Nzoia Sugar and lost two straight matches – 3-2 against bogey side Western Stima and 2-0 against league leaders Tusker.

In a recent interview, Aussems blamed the team’s poor show on the standard of pitches being used for matches in the league and he even threatened to walk away if the situation does not improve.

“We have lost the points and have accepted the outcome and we now shift our focus to Thursday, so we all need to have a good recovery because on Thursday we have to be back in action but I hope not on this pitch but maybe another one," Aussems told Goal.

“It is one of the worst pitches I have seen for some time in my entire life, the ball is not moving on the ground and it is also causing player injuries, and it is unfortunate to play in such a condition, I just want to hope and pray we will not be forced to return and play here again.”

Apart from coaching in Kenya, in 2018 Aussems became the head coach of Simba SC of Tanzania and guided them to the Tanzanian Premier League title in 2018-19 and reached the quarter-finals of the Caf Champions League, losing out to TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of the Congo 4-1 over two legs.

Further FKF Premier League reading 

Manchester City are set to complete a record-breaking £100m ($139m) deal for Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish in the coming days, Goal can confirm.

The Premier League champions put in a bid for the England international at the end of July, with reports indicating he is already in Manchester to sign a deal.

City declined to comment on the move but it is understood that the deal could be completed before City's Community Shield clash against Leicester City on Saturday.

Why Guardiola wants Grealish

The signing of Grealish would represent the capture of one of the most exciting talents in English football and Pep Guardiola has been a big fan since describing him as an "exceptional player" in 2020.

Along with Tottenham striker Harry Kane, the City made the 25-year-old one of his priority targets this summer, believing he would add an extra dimension to his squad.

Grealish showed he could be a game-changer at Euro 2020 when he added flair and inspiration from the bench for England, and City believe he can bring even more quality to a talented squad and take them to a first Champions League success after missing out last season when they were beaten in the final by Chelsea.

Why make the move?

Grealish has been with Villa since the age of six and faced a difficult dilemma over leaving his boyhood club, but a move to Etihad Stadium offers the opportunity of challenging for the Premier League as well as playing Champions League football, which is some way off for Villa even though owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens have ambitious plans for the club.

He has also made no secret of his admiration for Kevin De Bruyne and struck up a close relationship with rising City star Phil Foden with England, while working with Guardiola gives him the opportunity to elevate his career even further.

A record transfer

The £100m deal would be a new British transfer record, eclipsing the £89m ($116m) Manchester United paid Juventus for Paul Pogba in 2016. It would also smash City's own transfer record, which was set by last summer's move for defender Ruben Dias who cost £62m ($79m) from Benfica.

City may need to break the record again if they are to finalise a deal for Kane, with Spurs expected to hold out for an even bigger fee.

Further reading:

South Africa under-23 head coach David Notoane has admitted his future with the South African Football Association is uncertain, while also blaming the fact that he was busy with his coaching job at Mamelodi Sundowns' reserve team.

This comes after the team's disappointing 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games campaign as they lost all of their Group A matches.

Notoane confirmed that his contract with Safa expired at the end of the team's Olympic campaign. 

“My engagement with Safa is per camp and at the end of every camp it is pretty much done‚ so they can call someone else for the next camp. My contract ended after the Olympics and at the moment my future is uncertain‚” Notoane told Sowetan. 

Safa chief executive Tebogo Motlanthe explained that Notoane’s future will be decided after his technical report from the Olympics is interrogated by the Technical Committee. 

“We don’t employ coaches on a permanent basis‚ so what is going to happen is that he must submit a report and the Technical Committee will make a call," Motlanthe told the same publication.

"I am still going to schedule a meeting with him‚ but we will get a report for the Technical Committee and a decision will be taken on the way forward.”

Notoane revealed that his mandate was to guide South Africa to the Olympics which he did with the team finishing third at the 2019 Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Egypt.

“I have done what I was brought in to do‚ which was to qualify the team and take it to Tokyo. I agree that we didn’t perform the way we wanted to in Tokyo," he continued. 

"So going forward‚ one has to review the process and the conditions of engagements‚ which are not conducive to doing justice to the expectations of the country.

“Naturally as coaches, we are judged by results and the results don’t warrant me to continue‚ but that is a decision for Safa to take. That decision rests with Technical Committee‚ but the investment in terms of experience is there," he said. 

"I will submit the technical report to the Technical Committee and hear from them‚ and I don’t know if I will be required for the next camp.”

Notoane, who is a retired striker, made it clear that some things will have to change at Safa if he is to continue coaching South Africa's Olympic team.

“Things have to radically change for me to continue because I don’t want to continue serving as the national under-23 coach while at the same time working at Sundowns because it is demanding," he added. 

“Also it doesn’t do justice to the national cause and for me to meet the expectations because the times that you have available to yourself to monitor players and be hands on is not there.

“If you ask me whether I want to continue or not‚ I will continue if the conditions are different. David Notoane is the national under-23 coach going to the Olympics and he is working part-time‚ and we say we are a country that is serious about identifying and developing talent," he explained.

“It can’t be. When I came in my understanding with [former Safa CEO] Russell Paul was that let us qualify for the Olympics and after qualifying, we can then look at the long-term commitment‚ which never came. 

“The fact of the matter is that no commitment for a long-term arrangement means maybe there is a lack of confidence in me being part of the Safa structures going forward.”