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Vipers SC’s Ibrahim Orit has revealed his European dream after signing for the Ugandan Premier League (UPL) champions Vipers SC.

Orit penned a three-year deal with the Venoms from Mbarara City and he has now stated his ultimate dream is to sign for a professional European club. He is set to be part of the Vipers team that will represent the country in the Caf Champions League.

“It [Vipers] is a big club every player wants to join. Every time we played against Vipers, I had to play really hard,” Orit told Vipers TV.

“The higher you go, as a player you have to work harder and so I do not see any big challenge because it is the same game we are going to play. What I know is that it is all about working hard and doing what the coach and the club wants.

“My target is to play in Europe, it is all about working hard, I will follow the coach’s instructions and I will make it hopefully.”

Orit talked about his moments before he signed for the Kitende club and how he has interacted with his new teammates before the 2020/21 season starts.

“My best game was here against Vipers which ended in a 2-2 draw because I scored a goal and made an assist. It was crucial to pick a point away from home,” the forward added.

“Paul Willa is my toughest opponent. He gives me a challenge whenever I face him as I have to plan a lot on how to beat him. He is strong, very hard and has speed too.”

“My best friends are Rashid Toha, Paul Mucureezi and Willa. Toha is a funny guy and very friendly to me. He welcomed me when I had just signed although he is tall and I am short.”

Orit is hopeful a successful time with the four-time Premier League winners will usher an opportunity to play for Uganda Cranes.

“I am looking to performing well so that I am summoned back to the national team again,” he concluded.

Orit started his career at Junior Eagles Academy before he featured for Soroti, Garage, Amuria Crane City and Future Stars FC. He then signed for Mbarara City which became his first top-tier club.

Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita will start in Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Arsenal on Monday night.

The Africans retained their places in Jurgen Klopp’s team as the reigning English champions made just one change to the starting XI that silenced Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.

Joe Gomez takes the place of Jordan Henderson in the starting line-up, while Thiago Alcantara has been ruled out due to injury.

Former Cameroon international Joel Matip was completely omitted from the Reds’ matchday squad (also due to injury), with Joe Gomez expected to partner Virgil van Dijk at centre-back.

For the Gunners, captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will partner Frenchman Alexandre Lacazette upfront as Mikel Arteta’s men chase their third consecutive victory in the 2020-21 English top-flight campaign.

Granit Xhaka starts in midfield, while Mohamed Elneny earns a starter’s shirt ahead of Dani Ceballos.

Anglo-Nigerian Bukayo Saka, as well as Eddie Nketiah and Cote d'Ivoire international Nicolas Pepe will begin as substitutes alongside new signing Runar Runarsson.

Adama Traore is set for another battle over his international future with Mali making another attempt to secure his allegiance ahead of Spain.

The Wolves winger was born and raised in Spain, but his parents are Malian.

He represented Spain at four youth levels and has twice been called up to the senior squad, but he is yet to make his senior international debut.

In November 2019, he was forced to pull out of the squad due to injury after his first call-up. Luis Enrique called on him again in August this year, but he once again missed out on making his bow after returning a positive Covid-19 test.

Now, Mali have called him up for their upcoming international friendly matches with Ghana and Iran, on October 9 and October 13 respectively.

If Traore does decide to turn his back on Spain and commit his future to Mali, it is unlikely he would be eligible to play in these upcoming games, with plenty of paperwork to be completed in order to comply with FIFA’s eligibility rules.

Having played for them at youth level, Spain are his primary association, and documentation from both the Spanish and Malian FAs would be needed in order to complete a change of nationality.

Spain boss Enrique would without doubt be disappointed to lose him, despite not having deployed him on the pitch yet.

“We have been following Adama,” Enrique said after calling him up in August. “He has improved many things. Obviously, he stands out for his dribbling. His crossing ability has greatly improved. He is a diamond with great potential. He can bring us a lot of different things.”

However, in January, Traore suggested he would still be happy to play for either country – even after his first call-up for Spain.

"My mentality is to work for the team and the performance for the team gives me half a chance with two international teams and I am happy for that," he told BBC Sport.

"I am grateful [to have the chance] with the two international teams - Spain where I was born and Mali where my origins are."

Andreas Pereira is set for a loan move away from Manchester United to Italian side Lazio after falling down the pecking order at Old Trafford.

The midfielder has not been included in any of the three matchday squads since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side got their 20/21 campaign underway and the arrival of Donny van de Beek has seen his position fall further under threat. 

Pereira made 40 appearances across all competitions last season but struggled for game time after Bruno Fernandes’ arrival in January and didn’t make the squad for the last three league games of the campaign.

The 24-year-old midfielder signed a new deal last summer to keep him at the club until June 2023 but with playing time dwindling he is open to a challenge elsewhere.

Lazio are looking for midfield reinforcements after thinking they were going to land former Manchester City man David Silva, only for the 34-year-old to join Real Sociedad.

Goal can confirm that the Italian side are pushing for a season-long loan deal with the option to buy at the end of the campaign with the terms of a potential deal still being discussed between all parties. 

A deal is not yet done but the club's sporting director Igli Tare told Tuttomercatoweb at an event in Italy on Monday that he is hopeful Pereira would arrive over “the next two to three days".

Manager Simone Inzaghi added: "I know him, he's a quality player who could help us a lot. Now I don't want to talk of players who are not ours now. We are fortunate to have Tare who knows how to do it, we will see if he does not."

With a week left until the transfer window comes to a close United are still working on both incomings and outgoings. Chris Smalling is hoping to secure a permanent deal to Roma, where he impressed on loan last season, but United are holding out for around £20 million ($25.7m) for the centre back.

Man Utd are still working on a deal to get Jadon Sancho to the club, despite Borussia Dortmund’s insistence that the forward is staying put in the Bundesliga, and discussions are ongoing to sign Porto full-back Alex Telles. 

It is possible Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, Diogo Dalot and Sergio Romero could all leave before the window comes to a close should the right offers come in for them. 

Former Premier Soccer League (PSL) coach Zeca Marques has reacted on the Mamelodi Sundowns and Tebogo Langerman saga and has applauded president Patrice Motsepe for issuing an apology after the blunder involving the defender.

The experienced left-back was an unused substitute in the Nedbank Cup final against Bloemfontein Celtic two weeks ago as the Tshwane giants claimed a treble.

Resulting from the debacle, Siwelele launched a protest with the league’s governing body but they lost the case and the former Moroka Swallows boss believes coach Pitso Mosimane cannot do everything on his own.

“Well, I can’t say a lot about what happened at Sundowns but it’s something they have to deal with internally. It’s difficult to say if it’s the fault of the coach or the technical team,” Marques told Goal.

“I think a coach has his duties and the backroom staff has duties but it’s different at Sundowns because I really don’t know what could be the problem or who to blame.

“Obviously whoever was responsible must be held accountable for the blunder. The club’s name has been in the media for the wrong reasons and it’s not good.

“I don't know who is responsible for looking at the players when it comes to suspensions at Sundowns. The coach can’t do everything, unfortunately.”

On the president’s apology issued on Monday, the 59-year-old says Motsepe’s efforts should be applauded and hopes the fans will be able to accept it.

“The apology is a big step, it’s not easy for the club to deal with this and for the president, it’s a huge step,” he added.

“I think Sundowns as a club, they are on top of South African football and in Africa. I think it’s good to admit that there was a mistake, a game of football is all about mistakes.

“I think it’s good to admit because that restores the faith from the supporters and that it was an error but to fire or dismiss someone could be harsh in my opinion.

“At least the apology will send a message that the club remains committed to top standards. I think the fans will also understand and appreciate the apology. - Sundowns is a big club in the end.

"Anyone can make mistakes. The apology says a lot about the club and the president. However, it doesn’t change anything but mistakes will always happen in the world of football.”

Kenya’s 2020/21 Caf Champions League representatives Gor Mahia have finalised their transfer business by signing Dickson Raila.

Raila – a former Masawa FC player - has agreed to a four-year deal with the record Kenyan Premier League (KPL) giants and he is the last man the club has signed before engaging in the upcoming season’s duties.

“We are done with the exercise of signing new players and that means, [Dickson] Raila is the last player to be roped into the squad,” Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier told the club’s website.

The experienced administrator is confident K’Ogalo have strengthened the squad enough by bringing in quality players.

“We believe we have done our best to get the necessary players,” Rachier, who has been at Gor Mahia’s administrative helm since 2008, said.

Raila will fight for first-team positions against Benson Omalla, Nicholas Kipkirui, Clinton Okoth and Burundian Jules Ulimwengu.

Other players who have been signed are Andrew Malisero Numero from Malawi, Benson Omalla, midfielder Sydney Ochieng, goalkeeper Samuel Njau, and defender Wesonga from Western Stima, Cameroonian midfielder Bertrand Konfor, John Macharia, and John Ochieng from Chemelil Sugar.

The local giants also lost a number of first-team regulars including Joash Onyango to Simba SC of Tanzania, David Mapigano to Azam FC, Dickson Ambundo to Dodoma Jiji FC, Boniface Omondi and goalkeeper Peter Odhiambo to Wazito FC.

Apart from Gor Mahia, Wazito and Tusker, other clubs have remained silent on their transfer dealings and for now, all eyes are on AFC Leopards who have just unveiled a home kit for a new season.

Gor Mahia have already begun training sessions after they sought the green light from the government as they prepare for the Champions League games. The sessions have been conducted by assistant coach Patrick Odhiambo as Steven Polack is still on a 10-day holiday in Finland.

Joint training sessions have not been allowed by the government for now but Kariobangi Sharks are the other KPL side to have started their own training. Sharks are doing so by abiding by the Ministry of Health’s protocols and guidelines.

There is no tentative date when the 2020/21 season will begin as the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) awaits the final word from the state on whether the public gathering and sports ban will be lifted.

The new soundtrack to accompany FIFA 21 has been released and, true to previous editions, this year's playlist incorporates a wide-ranging mix of musicians hailing from all over the globe - transcending genres that range from alternative to hip-hop and pop.

Goal takes a look at which musicians and bands appear in FIFA 21, which is released on October 9.

Contents

When was the FIFA 21 soundtrack announced?

What songs are on the FIFA 21 soundtrack?

The selection of songs reflect the tendency for FIFA soundtracks to champion fresh, eclectic talents from international waters.

You can see the complete soundtrack below.

FIFA 21 Volta soundtrack

EA have curated two separate soundtracks for FIFA 21 - one for the game overall and one specifically for the new VOLTA mode.

The soundtrack for Volta is generally even more diverse and global than the one for FIFA 21, featuring sounds from musicians hailing across the United States, Brazil and more.

Listen to the FIFA 21 Soundtrack

Listen to the FIFA 21 Volta Soundtrack

FIFA 20 soundtrack

The FIFA 20 soundtrack included tracks by a host of diverse international artists that dabbled between grime, indie rock and alternative, such as Another Sky, Skepta, Suzi Wu and Pixx.

The full FIFA 20 soundtrack is below.

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has stated Victor Moses is not part of his first-team plans for the 2020-21 season.

The former Super Eagles star returned to West London this month after his brief loan stint at Inter Milan and he is yet to make a matchday squad since the start of the campaign.

Moses has spent the last one-and-a-half years away from Stamford Bridge with his last competitive outing with the Blues dating back to a Europa League game against BATE in October 2018.

Ahead of Tuesday’s League Cup fixture against Tottenham Hotspur, Lampard confirmed the 29-year-old is not training with the first-team.

"At the moment Victor isn’t in that position with us. We have a bubble at the training ground with the first-team squad, which Victor hasn’t been part of,” Lampard said in a press conference.

Monday’s update fuels uncertainty around Moses’ future at Stamford Bridge with his contract expected to run out in June 2021.

Before his exit to Manchester City in 2014, Lampard played with the ex-Nigeria international during his active career at Stamford Bridge and he hopes his future is sorted before the close of the transfer window on October 5.

“I know Victor well and we will see how that develops over the next week,” he added.

After Antonio Conte's departure at the helm, Moses struggled for regular first-team action at Chelsea and was released to join Fenerbahce on an 18-month loan deal in January 2019.

He was restricted to 20 Turkish Super Lig games before reuniting with Conte at Inter Milan a year later.

Last season, the former Wigan Athletic and West Ham United forward played a part in helping the Nerazzurri finish second in the Serie A table before reaching the Europa League final where they lost to Sevilla in Cologne.

The Kaduna-born star played 20 matches across all competitions in the 2019-20 with a contribution of three assists.

Ghana goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey has distanced himself from reports his predicament with the Black Stars was a result of being a victim of black magic popularly known as 'juju'.

On a self-imposed exile from international duty since 2016, the 32-year-old has endured a frustrating time to his Black Stars career after a promising start in 2011, having suffered from a series of injuries and loss of form.

Many media reports claimed he believed he was being bewitched by his goalkeeping competitors in the national team, supposedly resulting in a decision to stay away from the Black Stars.

"I have no idea [about a possible use of 'juju' in Ghana's camp], and I don’t believe or want to accuse anybody of such things. I don’t wish or think about bad things for other people, especially not if we are trying to reach the same goal," Kwarasey told Citi Sports.

"It’s selfish. If you play the same position as the best player in your team, do you harm him because you want to play? You harm your team and you give your team less chance of winning.

"I really hope that I wasn’t part of a team where these things were going on because then you can’t call it a team. I might be naive but for me, it is not an option to harm my teammate for me to shine.”

A dual national with a Ghanaian father and a Norwegian mother, the Oslo-born opted to represent Ghana at senior level.

After making his debut in 2011, he pulled off a memorable performance in a friendly fixture against Brazil, cementing his place as Ghana's No.1 with the outstanding outing.

His first tournament with the Black Stars, though, ended in disappointment as he received a lot of criticism for a poor performance at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

At the 2013 edition, he lost the starting berth to Fatau Dauda, who was interestingly accused in the media of being behind Kwarasey's woes. 

He briefly won back the No.1 spot in 2014 where he would lose it again at the World Cup, Dauda again the beneficiary.

He then stayed out of the Black Stars for two years and briefly made a comeback in 2016, his last stint with the team.

“[It’s about] bringing together a team that has a common goal and gets the best out of each other. Not a group that has individual objectives that they are chasing and thinking about the national team as a way to pave way for their own careers.

"That will come as a result of being part of a team with success anyway. If Ghana has success, players from Ghana will automatically be more attractive anyways."

After Afcon 2012, then Ghana coach Goran Stevanovic accused his players of using black magic against each other, ultimately contributing to the team’s disappointing performance.

Earlier this month, Black Stars Management Committee chairman George Amoakoh revealed the perception about the use of ‘juju’ by national team players is hampering ambitions to woo over more dual nationals to represent the African country.

Black Stars officials are currently trying to convince the England youth duo of Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal) and Tariq Lamptey (Brighton and Hove Albion) to represent Ghana at senior level.

The Champions League and Europa League cannot go ahead as normal under the current circumstances of the coronavirus pandemic, says Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc.

With the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 rising in numerous European countries, the challenges of resuming continental competition are clear.

At the end of the 2019-20 season, the final stages of both tournaments were played as straight knockout competitions, with the Champions League finished in Portugal and the Europa League in Germany.

Last week, the winners of those two tournaments met in Budapest. Bayern Munich beat Sevilla 2-1 to lift the UEFA Super Cup in front of 15,180 fans in the 67,000-capacity Puskas Arena, despite a high number of infections in the Hungarian capital leading up to the game.

The draws for the Champions League and Europa League group stage are due to be made on Thursday and Friday respectively, but the Dortmund chief has doubts over their viability.

“Really, we are still missing the legal requirements to be able to play these games at all,” Zorc told the Frankfurter Allgemeine.

“If we play in a high-risk area on the Wednesday, which will probably be the case in more than half of the major cities involved, then there needs to be some foundations in place so that we can play in the Bundesliga again on Saturday.”

While Premier League and La Liga games are still being played without fans, this is not the case across Europe’s top leagues.

The Bundesliga has seen some stadiums filled to 20 per cent capacity, with small numbers allowed into Ligue 1 games as well as Italy's Serie A.

Some fans will return at Nations League fixtures in the October international break, and there have been reports that UEFA is considering a similar plan for the Champions League and Europa League. UEFA’s website currently says “games are taking place behind closed doors until further notice.”

The Champions League group stage is due to begin on October 20, running until December 9. The Europa League group stage will run from October 22 to December 10.

Two of the early pace-setters in this season's Premier League collide on Monday evening as defending champions Liverpool host a resurgent Arsenal at Anfield.

Both sides have put maximum points on the board from their opening games and they have done so in style, much to the satisfaction of their respective supporters.

Jurgen Klopp's Reds easily swept aside the challenge of Chelsea in their last league outing, while Mikel Arteta's side were made to work hard for three points in their victory over London rivals West Ham.

There will be plenty of intrigue around this encounter, with the two teams having serious ambitions for league glory, so a win here would certainly help to lay down a marker.

Liverpool vs Arsenal live streaming in UK

In the United Kingdom (UK), Liverpool versus Arsenal will be available to stream live online using NOW TV.

Fans will be able to watch the game by signing up for a NOW TV Day Pass - which gives access to all Sky Sports channels for 24 hours at a price of £9.99. NOW TV is also offering for a special offer of £25 per month for 12 months - a saving of over 25 per cent - for a limited time.

You can sign up for a NOW TV Day Pass here.

Liverpool vs Arsenal on UK TV

Liverpool versus Arsenal will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event in the UK.

The showdown between the Reds and the Gunners will also be available to watch on Sky Sports Ultra HD.

Liverpool team news & injuries

Joel Matip will be unavailable for selection after suffering an injury set-back on a persistent muscle problem, but Joe Gomez should be available for selection, while Fabinho is an option at centre-back too.

New £20 million signing Thiago Alcantara will be pushing for a start after impressing on his Premier League debut, having outpassed every Chelsea player despite only playing 45 minutes last weekend.

However, there is a question marks over the fitness of Thiago and goalkeeper Alisson, with Naby Keita and Adrian ready to deputise if needed.

Diogo Jota, fresh for following Thiago into Anfield last week in a £41m ($53m) transfer from Wolves, will be pushing for a place in the squad too.

The Spain international replaced Jordan Henderson at half-time in the game against the Blues, and the captain is another doubt to be fit for selection.

Possible Liverpool starting XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Keita; Salah, Firmino, Mane.

Arsenal team news & injuries

There are some concerns over the fitness of Kieran Tierney, who pulled out of the squad for the game against West Ham after experiencing "muscular discomfort" during the warm-up.

Sead Kolasinac stepped in for the Scotland international and may have done enough to retain his place.

David Luiz is back in the squad and will be aiming to reclaim a starting position in the team, but will have to work hard to dislodge one of Gabriel or Rob Holding.

Arsenal have a number of long-term absentees who will not be available for a number of weeks or months, including Gabriel Martinelli, Shkodran Mustafi, Pablo Mari and Calum Chambers.

Possible Arsenal starting XI:  Leno; Tierney, Gabriel, Holding; Bellerin, Xhaka, Ceballos, Saka; Aubameyang, Lacazette, Willian

Premier League games on NOW TV this week

NOW TV Day Pass subscribers have six top Premier League games to watch this weekend.

If you get your Day Pass early enough on Monday, you'll also be able to watch the game between Fulham and Aston Villa ahead of the Liverpool-Arsenal main event.

There are a number of exciting matches on Saturday, Sunday and Monday across the season, so subscribers can choose which days appeal most to them. 

If UK football fans want a full weekend and beyond on Sky then NOW TV's offer of £25 a month for 12 months  will ensure you don't miss any of the Premier League action.

Manchester City have been watching Benfica defender Ruben Dias for the past two years, with the signing of the Portugal international set to be confirmed in the next 24 hours.

Benfica announced on Sunday night that they had reached an agreement over the sale of the 23-year-old in a deal worth an initial £62 million ($79m) plus £3.3m in potential add-ons.

City defender Nicolas Otamendi will move in the opposite direction in a separate deal worth £14m ($17m).

Both players still need to finalise their moves by signing their contracts and Otamendi is yet to have a medical with the Portuguese club.

But City’s capture of Dias ends an 18-month wait to sign a replacement for former captain Vincent Kompany and comes after Pep Guardiola conceded five goals for the first time in his career as a coach in Sunday’s 5-2 defeat by Leicester.

Dias has been a regular for Benfica since emerging through the academy ahead of the 2017-18 campaign and has been watched by a number of top clubs through Europe - with City tracking his progress for two years.

He will become the club’s record signing if the extras are met but City believe they are paying a good price for a player with the potential to improve.

Dias signed a new contract in 2019, with a release clause believed to be worth €100m (£90m/$128m), but Benfica needed to sell after failing to qualify for the Champions League group stages.

City were interested in a move for Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly but a bid was never made for the 29-year-old Senegal international defender as relations between the two clubs are strained.

Sevilla’s Jules Kounde and Atletico Madrid’s Jose Gimenez were also alternatives considered by City before reaching an agreement for Dias.

Guardiola has been desperately short of options in defence for a partner to Aymeric Laporte since Kompany left in May 2019.

Otamendi, 32, has struggled for form and John Stones has suffered with injuries and consistency issues, meaning the City boss had to turn to veteran midfielder Fernandinho and Academy player Eric Garcia.

City bought Netherlands international Nathan Ake for £40m ($53m) from Bournemouth in the summer but wanted to add a right-footed central defender as well.

As well as being strong and full of potential, Dias is also seen as a leader, having captained Benfica’s Under-17s and U19s. 

He was made Benfica captain for his final appearance in the 2-0 victory over Moreirense, during which he scored and was close to tears as he said goodbye to the club he has been with since the age of 11.

Guardiola's side have not kept a clean sheet in their opening three matches of the season and could have their new signing available for Saturday’s clash with Leeds United after an injury crisis has left them short of options.

Valerenga goalkeeper Adam Larsen Kwarasey has rejected claims of regretting a decision to play for Ghana at senior level, stating his career with the Black Stars is not over.

Born to a Norwegian mother and a Ghanaian father in Oslo, the 32-year-old pledged his international future to Ghana at senior level, making his debut in 2012.

A series of setbacks on international duty has seen him excuse himself from the Black Stars since 2016.

"That [report that I have regretted playing for Ghana] is not true at all. I’m really happy and grateful that I have been allowed to represent Ghana," Kwarasey, currently unattached, told Citi Sports.

"I love wearing that jersey and for me, that was the only thing that I have ever wanted in terms of national team football.

"I wish we could have accomplished more, of course, and that I could have been part of that. I think there are different reasons why I have not played my best football for Ghana.

"For me personally, as a goalkeeper, I think it comes down to preparations. If you are responsible for working with a goalkeeper that is supposed to play, you have to prepare that goalkeeper the way he is used to, to get the best out of him and maybe add some of your own ideas.

"That position is an individual position so you have to adjust to every goalkeeper that you work with to get the best out of them. I feel at times that this wasn’t the case.

"If Adam plays’, we prepare him the best way, if [Fatau] Dauda plays, we prepare him or if [Richard] Ofori plays, we prepare him."

Last week, former Ghana and Aston Villa attacker Nii Odartey Lamptey claimed Kwarasey holds high regrets about his decision to pursue an international career with Ghana at the expense of Norway owing to the turn of events.

The former Aston Villa attacker was reacting to Black Stars officials' new plan to actively pursue players of Ghanaian descent abroad, the topmost priorities currently being Arsenal's Eddie Nketiah and Tariq Lamptey of Brighton and Hove Albion.

"If I’m fit I will always do that [accept a call-up]," Kwarasey said in response to a question about the possibility of representing Ghana again.

"If I play or not doesn’t matter for me as long as you make a decision that you think is best for the team. And of course, if I’m the one chosen to play, prepare me for the game so I can have the best possible preparations to have a good performance for our team."

Kwarasey's Ghana woes started at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament where he was highly criticised for a below-par performance.

At the 2013 continental championship, he lost his starting spot altogether to Fatau Dada but reclaimed the position just ahead of the 2014 World Cup, only to lose it again after Ghana's disappointing opening day defeat to the USA.

He fell out with the Black Stars' technical team due to events at the World Cup, calling out goalkeeping coach Nassam Yakubu.

He then went missing from the Black Stars until 2016 when he made a brief return.

Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven have announced the signing of Ibrahim Sangare from French club Toulouse.

The Ivory Coast international signed a five-year contract with the Philips Stadion outfit after successful medicals with the side.

The 22-year-old spent four years with the Violets and featured in more than 70 league games for the club but his contribution last season was not enough to help them keep their Ligue 1 status.

In an effort to continue his development with a top-flight club, the defensive midfielder moved to the Dutch club on Monday.

PSV technical manager John de Jong, who praised the qualities of the midfielder, is delighted to beat other suitors to his signature.

“Ibrahim is dynamic and physically strong; he will add power and length to our midfield. His physicality makes him a strong defensive midfielder who is quick to cover space,” De Jong told the club website.

 “Sangare is a great player; he has all the attributes needed to be a great footballer and has made his debut in a big league.

“PSV are interested in such players and therefore we have followed him closely. With Toulouse being relegated, this was the right moment for us to strike. But we faced competition from several other clubs that wanted to acquire his services.”

Sangare has also expressed his delight to team up with the Red and Whites and hopes to hit the ground running for Roger Schmidt’s men.

“I am ready for the next challenge in my career. PSV’s philosophy appeals greatly to me and I feel I have made the right decision,” Sangare said.

“I will be given an opportunity to develop myself as a player and win prizes. PSV’s style of play fits my ambitions. I just can’t wait to get going and hope the formalities will be completed soon”

Sangare could make his debut for his new club when they take on Rosenborg in a Europa League game on October 1.

The midfielder has five caps for Ivory Coast since he made his international debut for the West African country in 2015 and will hope to impress with PSV to boost his chances for a regular call-up to the national team.

Real Madrid icon Iker Casillas admits to having butted heads with Jose Mourinho during the latter’s time in charge at Santiago Bernabeu, but the legendary goalkeeper claims to have “no hard feelings” towards the Portuguese.

A product of the Blancos’ academy system was edged towards the exits by an outspoken coach, with a 25-year association with the Liga giants eventually brought to a close in 2015.

Mourinho started that process by dropping Casillas – a man who made 725 appearances for Real – down the pecking order.

The World Cup winner did not take too kindly to that selection call and a spiky working relationship quickly broke down.

Casillas has made no secret of the fact that he disagreed with many of Mourinho’s methods, with those grievances aired on a regular basis, but there has been no long-standing feud between the pair and any differences were buried long ago.

Speaking at a TELMEX Telcel Foundation event in Mexico, Casillas, who has now slipped into retirement at 39 years of age, told reporters when quizzed about his troubles under Vicente del Bosque and Mourinho: “The two situations were different. One was justified in footballing terms and the other was something personal.

“We [Casillas and Del Bosque] got on well for a year-and-a-half and the next year we had disagreements, but that was normal between the captain and the coach.

“It doesn't mean that you're more important than the coach, but you're going to end up having issues because you have to speak to him practically every day and the relationship starts to break down.

“Jose Mourinho thought that I wasn't at the same level as my team-mate and, on top of that, our relationship wasn't very good, so it was easier for him to choose between one or the other.

“There are a lot of things that people don't see, but I have a good relationship with him. We've seen each other a few times since and we've had a nice chat.

“There are no hard feelings between us because both of us wanted the best for the team.

“I decided to not have much of a relationship with him because I didn't like a lot of the things I was seeing and he chose to pick another keeper.

“This experience made me much more mature, at the age of 33.

“You try to not cause any more controversy than there already was at the club. I wouldn't change anything, and I don't think I made a mistake.”

Casillas won five La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns during his time with Real and brought the curtain down on the most distinguished of careers while on the books of Portuguese giants Porto.

Simba SC spokesperson Haji Manara has urged Wekundu wa Msimbazi fans not to retaliate after hooligans associated with Yanga SC attacked a few of their members.

The few fans of Simba wore their jerseys and found their way to Morogoro to watch Wananchi play Mtibwa Sugar in the Tanzanian Mainland League match on Sunday, a match the visitors eventually won by a solitary goal.

However, it ended ugly as Simba fans were beaten and their jerseys ripped by their rivals.

"Our hope is to see the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) take action on these consistent vices by Yanga fans," Manara wrote on his official Facebook page.

"We also want to see our police in Morogoro Province comment on the issue which has tainted our game and threatened the peace and safety in our stadiums in the country."

The official urged the Wekundu wa Msimbazi fans not to avenge the incident but allow respective authorities to act.

"I am requesting Simba fans not to revenge but continue preaching peace while doing what is right on the pitch," Manara said.

"Continue enjoying the game in the stadium and allow the TFF and the police to do their job as the law requires of them.

"Simba is a team of civilized people and let us not engage in hooliganism activities."

The TFF has also come out strongly to condemn acts of hooliganism.

"TFF condemns the unsporting acts by a section of Young Africans fans of beating Simba SC fans during the [Tanzania Mainland League] match against Mtibwa Sugar played on September 27 at Jamhuri Stadium, Morogoro," the Federation said in a statement obtained by Goal.

"TFF curses the uncivilized incident which might affect the peace enjoyed in football in all stadiums."

The Federation has further revealed their optimism that action will be taken against the perpetrators.

"The hooliganism acts have no place in football and should be condemned by every fan," the statement added.

"We believe the respective authorities will take necessary action against those involved in the vice."

Harambee Stars head coach Francis Kimanzi has named a provisional squad to face Zambia in an international friendly in October.

Arnold Origi of HIFK Fotboll in Finland has been recalled to the team’s fold after a five-year absence. Origi, Ian Otieno of Zesco United and Ulinzi Stars’ Timothy Otieno are the goalkeepers called up for the October 10 encounter against Chipolopolo.

Clarke Oduor of Championship side Barnsley and Masoud Juma of JS Kabylie have also been included in the 34-man squad that is likely to be maintained for the Comoros African Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying double-header.

However, Kenya might end up engaging Zambia and Comoros without key internationals whose travel may be hindered by the coronavirus restrictions.

“Influential forward Michael Olunga, captain Victor Wanyama, and midfielder Johanna Omollo, in the meantime, may miss out on the final squad owing to the strict Covid-19 protocols imposed by the countries from which they ply their trade,” FKF said.

“FKF is, however, actively engaging their clubs with a view of having the players available for the friendly.”

The players have, however, been listed in the provisional squad.

Full Squad;

Goalkeepers: Arnold Origi (HIFK, Finland), Ian Otieno (Zesco United, Zambia), Timothy Odhiambo (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya)

Defenders: Brian Mandela (Unattached), Joash Onyango (Simba, Tanzania), Joseph Okumu (Elfsborg, Sweden), Harun Shakava (Nkana, Zambia), Clarke Oduor (Barnsley, England), Hillary Wandera (Tusker, Kenya), Samuel Olwande (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), David Owino (Mathare United, Kenya), Johnstone Omurwa (Wazito, Kenya), Collins Shichenje (AFC Leopards, Kenya), Andrew Juma (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Philemon Otieno (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Badi Baraka (KCB, Kenya)

Midfielders: Kenneth Muguna (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Victor Wanyama (Impact Montreal, Canada), Francis Kahata (Simba, Tanzania), Eric Johanna (Jonkoping’s Sodra IF, Sweden), Cliff Nyakeya (Masr FC, Egypt), Antony Akumu (Kaiser Chief, South Africa), Johanna Omolo (Cercle Brugge K.S.V, Belgium), Ayub Timbe (Beijing Renhe, China), Brian Musa (Wazito, Kenya), Lawrence Juma (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Katana Mohamed (Isloch, Belarus), Austin Otieno (AFC Leopards, Kenya)

Forwards: Michael Olunga (Kashiwa Reysol, Japan), Elvis Rupia (AFC Leopards, Kenya), Masud Juma (JS Kabylie, Algeria), Timothy Otieno (NAPSA Stars, Zambia), John Avire (Tanta FC, Egypt), Oscar Wamalwa (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya)

Reserve Team: Robert Mboya (Tusker, Kenya), Stephen Otieno (Sofapaka, Kenya), Michael Mutinda (KCB), Ibrahim Shambi (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya) Chrispinus Onyango (Tusker, Kenya), Benson Omala (Gor Mahia, Kenya).

Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Dillon Sheppard says he is “hugely blown away” by the organised structures of the club which he feels is good ground for success under the new technical team led by Gavin Hunt.

Sheppard was recently appointed assistant coach to Hunt, with Arthur Zwane also in the same role as Sheppard.

After being unveiled as part of Hunt’s backroom staff, Sheppard has been impressed by the facilities at the Kaizer Chiefs Village.

“[The Kaizer Chiefs Village is] unbelievable. I have been blessed to have played in Europe,” Sheppard told Kaizer Chiefs media in a conversation with Zwane.

“I have been at some big clubs and I must say that I was totally shocked when I came in here. Going into the offices, going into the analysts rooms, going down to the pitch, getting the feeling of the whole village.

“It is an environment where you see that it breathes football. I don’t even live so far away, I always drove past. This is like a dream for myself being a coach coming inside here and being part of this huge set-up. I was hugely blown away.”

The former Bafana Bafana midfielder played under Hunt at Seven Stars in the late 1990s as well as at Bidvest Wits.

He, later on, became an understudy to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) title-winning coach at Wits after his retirement.

Sheppard witnessed Hunt unleashing talent like former South Africa forward Benni McCarthy at Seven Stars, as well as the coach guiding Wits to the 2016/17 PSL crown.

“Having worked with Gavin as a player and then going into his backroom staff, one very strong thing about Gavin is that he is a winner. The way he works with players, the way he psychologically works with them. Also his tactical acumen, he gets it right more often than not,” said Sheppard.

Hunt also won three consecutive league doubt at SuperSport United.

He arrives at Chiefs, a club that has gone without lifting any major piece of silverware since 2015 and Zwane agrees with his fellow assistant coach that Hunt was a good pick by the Soweto giants.

“There is no doubt that the coach is a winner,” said Zwane.

“That is one of the reasons the team decided to bring him here. Our culture as well as one of winning. So a lot is expected from each and every coach who comes here, a lot is expected from the players with the culture of winning as well.

“That’s why the club brought in coach Gavin who has a winning mentality, who is very strong in terms of demanding results. And you [Sheppard] as well, as a player you were a winner, I know you.”