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Ex-Orlando Pirates striker Phumudzo Manenzhe says newly signed defender Thulani Hlatshwayo cannot just walk into the starting XI because coach Josef Zinnbauer has a lot of aspects to consider.

The man known as ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ explained that the German manager must also think of defenders such as Happy Jele, Nstikelelo Nyauza as well as Abel Mabaso, who have done well for the Soweto giants.

‘Tyson’ was unveiled by the Buccaneers last week and has been tipped to partner with Jele in the heart of the defence and many expect the former Bidvest Wits defender to walk into the starting XI.

“He is a great signing... a national team captain,” said Manenzhe to the media.

“A lot of people are asking where is going to play. But the question is, because of his versatility, where is he going to play?

“Do you play him at right-back? Do you play as a centre-back and move Ntsikelelo Nyauza to his rightful position as a right-back, and partner him Happy Jele?

“What do you say to an Abel Mabasa or Mthokozisi Dube? But that is the big question that Josef Zinnbauer has to deal with.”

Meanwhile, many might be expecting the former Ajax Cape Town defender to force his way into Zinnabuer’s line-up but the retired striker seems to think otherwise.

Hlatshwayo has the potential to be a great signing for the former African champions as a competitive defender, famously known for his tenacity and strength in the air, not to mention his leadership qualities, but he has to work for his place in the team.

The Bafana Bafana skipper was unveiled together with winger Deon Hotto and the duo is seen as the players to ensure the Soweto giants are a force to be reckoned with next season.

Moreover, Pirates have also announced the signings of former Clever Boys striker Terrence Dzvukamanja and ex-Baroka midfielder Collins Makgaka.

With the German manager set to test his capabilities in the Caf Confederation Cup, there will be a lot of expectations from the new arrivals at Mayfair.

Fiorentina forward Christian Kouame has revealed that he attempted to get training secrets from Rodrigo Palacio and Mauro Icardi while he was with Inter Milan.

The 22-year-old Ivorian was on the books of the Nerazzurri as a youth player in 2016 on loan from Prato. He never made an appearance for the senior squad, but did have training sessions and was able to blend with the likes of Palacio and Icardi.

Palacio was at the San Siro between 2012 and 2017, had a hand in 89 goals (58 goals, 31 assists) before heading for Bologna,

Icardi had a longer spell at the club and was involved in 152 goals (124 goals, 28 assists), some of which came wearing the captain's armband before his inglorious exit from the Italian fashion capital in 2019 to French giants Paris Saint-Germain.

Fiorentina come up against Inter in Serie A this weekend and Kouame recounts one of his most memorable moments there.

"I was mostly in the Primavera. But on the occasions that I have been training with the Nerazzurri first team,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport as per TuttoMercato.

“I tried to steal secrets, especially from the forwards, in particular, Icardi and Palacio.”

Kouame joined Fiorentina on a permanent basis having spent the second half of 2019-20 season on loan from Genoa.

Despite being injured for much of the campaign because of an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury and only able to play after the Serie A restart, Viola boss Giuseppe Iachini still saw him as a vital member of his squad.

He played 88 minutes of the season opener against Torino which ended in a 1-0 win and is targeting hitting double figures for the campaign.

He revealed he would have moved to the Premier League had it not been for his injury, but feels at home in the region of Tuscany.

“To arrive at double figures would be wonderful. But what I want is to feel good, have continuity and, above all, help my team to obtain important results,” he continued.

“I was about to go to the Premier League. But Florence was obviously in my future and I’m very happy to be here now. I think rupturing my ACL was a sign of my destiny.”

Reigning African champions Algeria have been lined up for an international friendly with three-time continental kings Nigeria.

Gernot Rohr’s men were billed to take on Cote d’Ivoire on October 9 in Austria before facing Tunisia at the same venue four days later.

However, that will not happen as the West African country, through the Federation Ivorienne de Football, wrote to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) that they would be unable to send a team to the European country for the encounter due to internal problems.

In a positive twist of fate, Algeria has accepted to try Nigeria for size on the same date at the Jacques Lemans Arena.

“We have permission from our government to travel from Algeria to Austria and our country has reopened international flights,” wrote Mohamed Saad, general secretary of the Federation Algerienne de Football as per a statement from the NFF.

“We also would like to confirm that Fifa match agent Me Jairo Pachon is authorised to carry on all the required work and planning in Austria in order to stage this event.”

That encounter would be the fourth meeting between the Super Eagles and the Desert Foxes in three years.

A brace from Inter Milan wing-back Victor Moses and John Obi Mikel propelled the team to a 3-1 triumph over the North African in third round first leg of the 2018 Fifa World Cup qualification at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Although the second leg ended 1-1 at the Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui, Constantine, Fifa awarded the game to Algeria, while the NFF was fined for fielding Abdullahi Shehu, who was meant to serve a suspended following yellow card offences against Swaziland and Zambia.

The most recent outing saw Djamel Belmadi’s men defeat Nigeria 2-1 en route to winning the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt thanks to an own goal by William Troost-Ekong and Riyad Mahrez's goal, with Odion Ighalo’s strike rendered as a mere consolation.

With the Eagles having a different crop of players, they would be hoping to avenge their painful defeat at the Cairo International Stadium.

Since defeating Lesotho 4-2 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Maseru's Setsoto Stadium on November 17, 2019, the Super Eagles are yet to play a match in 2020 owing to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

Gabriel Jesus has added to Manchester City's injury problems after Brazil announced on Friday that he had been withdrawn from their World Cup qualifiers next month.

The 23-year-old will miss City’s next three matches before the international break and Brazil’s games against Bolivia and Peru.

With Sergio Aguero still a few weeks away from being fit as he continues his comeback after knee surgery, Pep Guardiola is left with teenager Liam Delap as his only fit striker.

"On Wednesday, the English team contacted Brazil's doctor Rodrigo Lasmar, to tell him about an injury detected after the game against Wolverhampton, on Monday, in the Premier League," the Brazil Federation said in a statement.

Following Thursday night's Carabao Cup victory over Bournemouth, Guardiola said he had only 13 fit players for Saturday's clash with Leicester City.

Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte are back available following spells in isolation after positive Covid-19 tests but Ilkay Gundogan is still in quarantine.

Barcelona target Eric Garcia is back after having stitches in a head wound but Bernardo Silva, Joao Cancelo, Nicolas Otamendi and Oleksandr Zinchenko all have muscle injuries.

As well as Delap who scored on his debut, Guardiola is set to call up a number of Academy players for the Premier League clash with Brendan Rodgers’ unbeaten side on Sunday.

“With the situation we have right now, we need players from the academy,” the City boss said.

“We have just 13 players fit. With the problems [Liam] have up front, he will stay with us. We will use him.

"We cannot forget, like with Phil [Foden], he is only 17 years old. He has a lot of things to improve. We cannot anticipate the progress of every young player.

"We’ve had Phil, Eric, Liam and we have Cole Palmer, who will be an exceptional player. We congratulate the academy.

“I am the last step, but before there are a lot of people in the club working for this and it is a big success for them. Jason Wilcox is the academy boss who helps us have these players.

“That’s why you have the Academy. When you need players we can use it. It depends on the quality of the player. When they have desire, work ethic and the quality is good, they will have chances.”

City are still hoping to bring in a new defender before the transfer window closes on October 5.

A move for Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly has stalled and the club has held talks over Benfica’s Ruben Dias and Sevilla’s Jules Kounde as possible alternatives.

Ghana coach Charles Akonnor said Mohammed Salisu was dropped from his latest squad to give him room to attain top fitness at Southampton.

The 21-year-old is yet to play in the Premier League since he completed a four-year deal from Real Valladolid in August.

After releasing his 23-man team for Ghana’s international friendly game against Mali in Turkey on October 9, Akonnor defended Salisu’s omission as he wants him to establish himself in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad.

“He is not in the team because I heard his coach spoke about him in terms of fitness level,” Akonnor told the Ghaha FA website.

“They are looking at October after the national games, before he will be back. Based on that, I want to give him a chance to rest and get fit and start a game in Southampton and then we will look forward to get him on board.”

Besiktas midfielder Bernard Mensah has been invited back to the Black Stars set-up for the first time since 2015 with his last game dating back to a friendly match against Canada.

After monitoring his progress in the Turkish Super Lig, Akonnor is looking to see the Accra-born star cement a spot in the middle of the park.

“After he came to play, we didn’t see much of him but now he is proving himself good,” he said.

“He was once with a club and moved to Besiktas which tells all the story about him and I have seen him on several occasions and watched him closely.

“He is one of the guys when given the necessary chance and confidence can bring change into the way we move forward. His style of play and the way he controls the game, I personally want to control the game in terms of possession and him, Partey and the rest are there to do that job and it is a big chance for him to come, play, do well and stay and not to go and come again.”

A surprise invitation was handed to 18-year-old Kamaldeen Sulemana, who has made a statement in the Danish Superliga this year after making his professional debut for Nordsjaelland in February.

Sulemana ended the second half of the 2019-20 season with four goals in 13 matches, and he has featured in his team's first two league matches this campaign.

Akonnor is excited by the promising talent and he wants to quickly integrate him into the Black Stars and learn from the Ayew brothers.

“Good player, young and I think he needs patience and time. I think we need to start developing and looking at the next 4 or 5 years, these are the guys and once we are able to start with people like that, we will be motivating them slowly,” the 46-year-old manager added.

“We are not going to push them too much but slowly develop them into the team. He reminds me of Jeremy Doku but unfortunately, he is gone for Belgium.

“He has that kind of style and ability to play like him and I think it is necessary to bring him to have a look at him and also to be around the team to see the likes of Dede Ayew the captain, Jordan Ayew and others who will help him to be a better player in the National team.”

Onduparaka FC have explained the reason behind signing 17 players ahead of the 2020/21 Premier League season.

The Caterpillars have been the busiest Ugandan side and have now explained what prompted their activities in a transfer window that is yet to be closed.

“Many players have left the club and we intend to not only build a new team but a competitive one,” Onduparaka said in a statement on their website.

“The purpose of the numerous signings is to ensure we have a well-balanced squad in the new season and also breed a new crop of Caterpillars that will compete based on team brilliance.”

The Arua club also stated why they had to let some of the players go.

“Onduparaka do not hold a player’s personal development and as a club, we would love to always keep our players,” the statement added.

“However, players have different demands and we cannot stand in the way of a player who feels his development would be better elsewhere. We wish them all the best as a family and we continue to support them whenever we can.”

Although the Ugandan government have allowed resumption of sports, Onduparaka have not held pre-season training and have said they are now engaged in other key matters.

“As the government gave a go-ahead for the commencement of sports activities within the region and following the standard operating procedures set in place, the club is hopeful that season preparations will pick up in the near future,” it continued.

“Right now the club is undergoing the licencing of players, development of the stadium and setting up camp for the players and hopefully next week we hope to start pre-season training.”

As many clubs faced financial challenges during the season and when the coronavirus pandemic hit, Onduparaka have assured fans and players they are ready to undertake financial obligations.

They also explained they are ready to get back on the pitch even without their fans.

“We shall do everything in our capacity to ensure we meet these costs,” they concluded.

“We hope to have new partners and sponsors on board by the grace of God and also intend to increase our merchandise sales in order to meet some financial obligations as the league resumes.

“It’s absurd that Covid-19 has placed us in such a position and as a club, we can’t do contrary to the rules. However, we hope to make maximum use of our media department to ensure that fans are able to get updates about the games and developments from the club.”

Fufa had set October 17 as the possible date when the new season can begin.

Clubs under the control of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) will have to wait longer before they play football despite the government giving the green light for the resumption of football in the East Africa nation.

The Federation has now warned teams to wait for guidelines before engaging in any activities.

"Fufa wishes to thank His Excellency the President and all Government agencies that have enabled the resumption of Sports activities in Uganda, we are indeed very grateful," the Federation stated in a statement obtained by Goal.

"Fufa wishes to put it to the notice of all its members, members of the Fufa members, and to whom it may concern that all the association football activities are still suspended until advised to the contrary." 

The Federation has further clarified the resumption of football will be systematic to ensure adherence to the health guidelines. 

"Resumption of training, friendly matches, and competitions must be under detailed Standard Operating Procedures (Sops), with strict guidelines of the Ministry of Health," the statement added.

"Fufa is discussing with the National Council of Sports, Ministry of Health and other agencies on the best way forward with the implementation of the directives and guidelines.

"Fufa reiterates that no training sessions, friendly matches, and competitions should be conducted until advised in the due course. Anyone that contravenes this directive shall be liable to sanctions."

President Yoweri Museveni allowed sporting activities to return last Sunday after months in the cold.

In his address to the nation, Museveni confirmed the government will allow sporting activities to resume but without spectators, and also asked organisers to test players for Covid-19 72 hours before any match.

"Open-air activities of sports will be open, provided there are no spectators," Museveni said in his address to the nation from State House Entebbe.

"We must learn to have games without spectators and players should be tested 72 hours before the games."

"Players should learn to remain quarantined for the period of the games."

Fufa had set October 17 as the tentative date for the start of the 2020/21 Ugandan Premier League. The previous one was abandoned with 80% of matches played.

Vipers SC were crowned and given the right to represent Uganda in Caf Champions League while KCCA FC will play in the Caf Confederation Cup. 

Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta is set to reopen the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.

The head of state will reopen the national sporting facility that has undergone renovations for the last three years. Nyayo Stadium is located at the city centre and has hosted league and Harambee Stars games whenever it is in operation.

Kenya’s famous club encounter - the Mashemeji Derby between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia - have always been held at the stadium and its unavailability saw the matches shifted to the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

The Caf Champions League matches pitting Gor Mahia and their opponents were held at Kasarani. KPL clubs Bandari and Kariobangi Sharks also hosted their Confederation Cup rivals at the stadium.

“His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kenya will preside over the reopening of the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, 26th September 2020,” a media invite sent on Friday read.

“This is to invite your federation to attend this important function to the sporting fraternity. Please extend the invitation to your players and the dress code will be tracksuits preferably ones depicting Kenya National colours.”

The reopening of the facility is set to add more options to the league organisers who have had to depend on Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, Mbaraki Stadium in Mombasa, Bukhungu Stadium and Mumias Sports Complex in Kakamega County.

Nzoia Sugar’s Sudi Stadium, Afraha Stadium in Nakuru, Zoo’s Kericho Green Stadium, Moi Stadium in Kisumu, South Nyanza’s Awendo Green Stadium, Chemelil Sports Complex and Tusker’s Ruaraka have been other stadiums available for use in the recent past.

Meanwhile, Kariobangi Sharks' chairman Robert Maoga has explained why the team has resumed training despite the ban on public gatherings.

Contact sports in Kenya are yet to be allowed to resume but Sharks have already assembled at Utalii Ground training in readiness for the new season.

“We have begun training although in small groups of six players. We have been observing all health guidelines and we hope the government will allow us to train as usual and play competitive matches,” Maoga told The Star.

“The federation assured us that they will start testing our players soon thus relieving us the burden of meeting the costs.

“Football all over the world has resumed and its time the government allowed us back. Our neighbours Uganda and Tanzania are back to action and we can learn something from them and start as soon as possible since infections have gone down.”

Football remains suspended since mid-march due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Orlando Pirates midfielder Luvuyo Memela has revealed that he did not enjoy his football under Swedish coach Kjell Jonevret.

The experienced winger recalled his early days at Bucs after joining the Soweto giants from then-National First Division (NFD) side Cape Town All Stars in 2015.

“I didn’t play at first, but then Coach Eric [Tinkler] gave me a chance and I showed myself and I pushed. Everybody started noticing: ‘Who is this Memela?’," Memela told Far Post.

“I was getting goals left and right, as much as I was a winger and creating… Then, Eric got fired and another coach, Muhsin [Ertugral], came, and there were changes of coaches.

“[Under] Coach Kjell, I won’t lie to you — it was difficult for me to even say it, but it was a moment where I didn’t care."

Jonevret was appointed a few days after a lethargic Pirates side were embarrassed 6-0 by Mamelodi Sundowns in February 2017 and he was expected to revive the team.

However, the Buccaneers continued to struggle and ultimately, the team finished 11th on the league standings and failed to qualify for the MTN8 for the first time in the PSL era.

“I started forgetting the kind of person that I am. I started doing things — you know, going out… I didn’t even think of training," he continued. 

"I would get calls from the guys asking: ‘Hey, where are you? It’s training.’ Then, eventually, [I would realise]: ‘Oh, s**t, training has started.’”

Memela explained that it took an intervention from Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza to get him back on track.

“I remember at some point, I had a meeting with the chairman. The chairman is a top person… He said to me: ‘Boy, I’m disappointed that you’re giving up… What makes you do this? Sometimes, you come to training, and you don’t even say anything — you keep quiet and don’t chat to anyone. That’s not you,” he revealed.

“I said: ‘To be honest, what’s frustrating me is that I’m not playing.’ The chairman said to me: ‘Who are you? What makes you think that you are better than other players and you can play and they don’t deserve to play? I’m not saying you don’t deserve to play, but why do you think you are better than others?’

“Then, I realised that the chairman was right. I was not humble enough to understand the situation… It’s not about you, it’s about the team. From there, I think my mindset changed a lot.”

Jonevret was replaced by Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic in August 2017 and the Serbian coach transformed Bucs into PSL title contenders.

Memela enjoyed his football under Micho, who was temporarily replaced by Rhulani Mokwena, before current Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer took over the reins in December 2019. 

“For me, I still say he [Micho] is the humblest guy ever. Even Coach JZ [Josef Zinnbauer] is very humble. Micho is a top, top, top motivator," Memela said.

"He sees things. For me, he is a special coach. It’s a pity that we couldn’t win a trophy or anything while he was around.

“When he came, I don’t know what he saw in me, but he told himself: ‘Let me give this boy a chance.’ He gave me a chance and I played and I was so free because he believed in me," added.

"I could see it in his eyes when he spoke to me while things were difficult.”

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the names of coaches for all of the country’s national football teams.

President of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association Ladan Bosso was named as handler of the Nigeria U20 team.

The veteran tactician returns to the team 13 years after leading the Flying Eagles to a failed expedition at the 2007 U20 Fifa World Cup Canada – where his team bowed out of the championship after suffering a 4-0 obliteration to Canada in the quarter-final.

He will be assisted by Jolomi Atune Alli and Oladuni Oyekale with Shuaibu Akanmu as goalkeeper coach. They are expected to qualify the country for the 2022 Africa U20 Cup of Nations billed for Mauritania. That competition serves as qualifier for the global football showpiece to be staged in Indonesia.

Ex-Nigeria U23 assistant coach Fatai Amoo will handle the U17 boys (Golden Eaglets) alongside Ahmed Dankoli, Nnamdi Onuigbo and Danlami Kwasau.

Coach Haruna Ilerika will be in charge of the U15 boys, while Abdullahi Umar has been saddled with the responsibility of grooming the U13 team.

For Nigeria U20 women’s team, coach Christopher Danjuma returns to the helm of affairs. He led the Falconets to the 2018 U20 Women’s World Cup France – where the country bowed 2-1 to Spain in the quarter-finals.

Before this appointment, he was interim Super Falcons coach after Thomas Dennerby walked away for unknown reasons. He will be assisted by Moses Aduku, Bilikisu Tijani and Audu Yahaya.

The U17 girls will be handled by coach Bankole Olowookere while Queen Okpa, Adanna Nwaneri and Mohammed Ndanusa serve as assistants.

THE FULL LIST

U20 BOYS: Isah Ladan Bosso (Head Coach); Oladuni Oyekale (Assistant Coach); Jolomi Atune Alli (Assistant Coach); Samaila Marwa Keshi (Assistant Coach/Scout); Suleiman Shuaibu Akanmu (Goalkeeper Coach)

U17 BOYS: Fatai Amoo (Head Coach); Ahmed Lawal Dankoli (Assistant Coach); Nnamdi Onuigbo (Assistant Coach); Hassan Abdallah (Assistant Coach/Scout); Danlami Kwasau (Goalkeeper Coach)

U20 GIRLS: Christopher Danjuma (Head Coach); Moses Aduku (Assistant Coach); Bilkisu Tijani (Assistant Coach); Charity Nwere Nnedinma (Assistant Coach/Scout); Audu Yahaya (Goalkeeper Coach)

U17 GIRLS: Bankole Olowookere (Head Coach); Queen Okpa (Assistant Coach); Adanna Nwaneri (Assistant Coach); Moroof Nojimu (Assistant Coach/Scout); Mohammed Abubakar Ndanusa (Goalkeeper Coach)

U15 BOYS: Omoniyi Haruna Ilerika Usman (Head Coach); Bassey Patrick (Assistant Coach); Olubunmi Haruna (Assistant Coach); Mohammed Kalli Kachalla (Assistant Coach/Scout); Baruwa Olatunji (Goalkeeper Coach)

U13 BOYS: Abdullahi Tyabo Umar (Head Coach); Salisu Ibrahim (Assistant Coach); Bamai Bukar (Assistant Coach); Mohammed Kwairanga (Assistant Coach); Ifeanyi Uba (Assistant Coach/Scout); Abubakar Abdullahi (Goalkeeper Coach)   

Ghana coach Charles Akonnor has recalled Besiktas midfielder Bernard Mensah to the national team for his maiden outing, against Mali in an international friendly match in Turkey.

The Black Stars, who are yet to play a game since November, will face their West African neighbours in Antalya on October 9 - the encounter would be Akonnor's first game as Ghana coach since his appointment in February.

Ghana were also scheduled to face Equatorial Guinea three days later but the Central African country opted out on Thursday night due to the travel ban imposed by their government to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Mensah has been rewarded with an invitation to the Black Stars for the first time in five years after his impressive performances for Besiktas in the Super Lig this season.

The former Atletico Madrid midfielder moved to Istanbul from rivals Kayserispor this summer and he has already scored a goal after two matches in the Turkish top-flight.

Strasbourg's Alexander Djiku, Azam FC's Yakubu Mohammed, MSK Zilina's Benson Anang, Amiens' Emmanuel Lomotey and 18-year-old forward Kamal Deen, who is based in Nordsjaelland, are the five new invitees in the team.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association have initiated plans to organise another friendly match for the Black Stars after the Mali outing in order to prepare the Akonnor’s squad for November’s Africa Cup of Nation qualifying fixtures against Sudan.

They sit at the summit of Group C, ahead of South Africa, with six points after two matches.

List in full

Goalkeepers: Richard Ofori (Maritzburg), Richard Ati Zigi (St. Gallen), Razak Abalora (Unattached)

Defenders: Benson Anang (Zilina FC), Lumor Agbenyenu (Sporting Club), Yakubu Mohammed (Azam FC), Gideon Mensah (Vitoria de Guimaraes). Alexander Djiku (Strasbourg), Joseph Aidoo (Celta de Vigo), Nicholas Opoku (Amiens), Kassim Nuhu (Hoffenheim).

Midfielders: Thomas Partey (Atletico Madrid), Emmanuel Lomotey (Amiens), Bernard Mensah (Besiktas), Baba Iddrisu (RCD Mallorca).

Attackers/Wingers: Andre Ayew (Swansea), Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace), John Antwi (Pyramids FC), Eugene Ansah (Hapoel Shmona), Jefferey Schlupp (Crystal Palace), Samuel Owusu (Al Fayha FC), Kamal Deen (Nordsjaelland SC), Mohammed Kudus (Ajax SC).

Inter head coach Antonio Conte has said he is "working calmly and harmoniously" with club hierarchy after a public feud last season nearly led to him departing.

After the 2019-20 Serie A season ended Conte launched a scathing attack on the club's directors, saying he did not feel protected and that the work he and his players did was not acknowledged.

Though he hinted he could leave Inter after just one season, Conte agreed to stay on following a "constructive meeting" last month.

The new campaign kicks off for Inter on Saturday when they face Fiorentina in a Serie A encounter, and Conte has insisted he and the club have put the turmoil of last season behind them.

"In full agreement with the club, we decided on a strategy that took into account the views of the owners and the delicate circumstances that all clubs are experiencing," Conte said Friday at a press conference.

"We’ve been trying to seize opportunities but keep these aspects in mind. We’re working calmly and harmoniously in the knowledge that we want to build on the credibility that we earned last year."

Conte had previously complained about a lack of support in the transfer market but the coach appears happy with three of his club's new additions this season.

"[Arturo] Vidal and [Aleksandar] Kolarov will bring experience," Conte said. "[Achraf] Hakimi is a young 20-year-old lad that has great potential."

Conte also reflected on the process that led to his decision to stay at San Siro, saying he now feels satisfied that he and club management share the same objectives.

“Last year, we started a journey. During the growth process, you need to make evaluations and try to improve certain situations as you go along," Conte said.

"Everyone had and has the desire to try to improve in all aspects, and I’m happy about this. If intelligent people with the same objective are discussing matters, a solution can always be found.

"I’m happy because I know that we are continuing a journey together and we all want Inter to do well. This is the most important thing for the club, team and fans."

Swallows FC have announced the signing of veteran defender Wandisile Letlabika from Bloemfontein Celtic. 

The Soweto-based outfit has been busy in the transfer market as they look to assemble a solid squad that will compete in the PSL next season. 

The club took to their social media platforms to unveil Letlabika who also previously played for Mamelodi Sundowns during his career. 

More to follow... 

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has called on Premier League sides to help bail out lower-division clubs that are in financial crisis.

The Premier League has been in discussions with the English Football League over an injection of cash that could reportedly be as high as £250 million ($318m).

Clubs across the UK were dealt a major blow this week when the government confirmed that restrictions on fans in stadiums could last for another six months. That has left many clubs facing even more dire financial situations as the fallout from the coronavirus crisis continues. 

Klopp believes that the biggest clubs in the UK have an obligation to help those who are struggling financially.

"In general people in a better position should help people in a less good position, 100 per cent," Klopp said on Friday. "I don't understand the structure 100% - in Germany you have Bundesliga and 2.Bundesliga, so they have to share the problems so that makes things slightly easier.

"There isn't a general answer - people in a better position should help other people but the position in this moment for all clubs is not really easy. I don't know how the government finds time to think about that, but I get it 100%. So, yes football should try to help themselves, ourselves - however we should say it - I agree 100%."

Earlier this week, Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard concurred with Klopp's sentiment, using the example of Chelsea covering the cost of Barnsley's coronavirus tests ahead of their Carabao Cup match on Wednesday.

“In football if you are talking about how Premier League clubs can help those lower down in the leagues, we have paid for the tests for Barnsley,” Lampard said. “It’s a sign of a club in the Premier League doing the right thing.

“I think it’s important that the Premier League as a collective looks at supporting the EFL, the leagues below and grassroots football, absolutely.

“That’s the base of why we’re all here. I started and [a lot] of the young players started in Sunday league football. I’ve managed in the Championship. I understand a lot of the difficulties clubs are having, so I think there certainly can be a conversation.

“I can’t go too political because I don’t know enough about the numbers, but I do think clubs in the Premier League and the Premier League themselves have a heart. They understand [the situation] and I’m sure as we move forward they will be making positive moves on that front.”

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed that Wilfred Ndidi will undergo surgery on Saturday.

The Nigeria international suffered an abductor injury as the Foxes devoured Burnley in a Premier League outing on Sunday.

He was in action from start to finish as the Clarets bowed 4-2 at the King Power Stadium but scan by club’s medical team disclosed that the midfielder's injury would require surgery.

"That (surgery) will take probably place tomorrow morning," Rodgers told media on Friday ahead of Sunday’s fixture with Manchester City.

"It’s just unfortunate, it’s come right off the bone, so he’s going to be up to 12 weeks we think. He’s a huge player for us.

"It’s something that showed his mentality against Burnley [because] he felt it. Towards the end of last season, he felt some pain there and he felt it late on in the Burnley game.

"I’m sure he’ll make a really good recovery and we’ll welcome him back when he comes back, but there’s no doubt he’s a miss.”

Although the Foxes will be missing the qualities of the ex-Genk man, the Northern Irishman has backed others to step in.

"We have players capable of stepping in. Papy [Mendy] signed a new contract in the summer and has started the season very well,” he continued.

"Hamza [Choudhury] was excellent against Arsenal, he really covered the ground and was defensively very good, so we have enough cover in that position."

Before his injury, Ndidi had been drafted to the central defence so far in the 2020-21 campaign following the unavailability of Wes Morgan, Jonny Evans and Filip Benkovic.

​However, Rodgers claims Evans’ thigh injury has been cleared in time and could be feature against Pep Guardiola’s team at the Etihad Stadium.

"He’s fine. He’s trained this last numbers of days, so he’s available,” he added.

"He’s had a good couple of weeks and I think, for most players, they’re not going to be 100 per cent.

“I’d still have Jonny Evans at 80 per cent because he’s such a quality player."

With this, the Super Eagles star could be ruled out of action between six to 12 weeks.

Scott Minto thinks that Conor Gallagher is the pick of Chelsea's loanees and is backing him to follow in the footsteps of fellow youngsters Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount and make it to Frank Lampard's first team.

Gallagher will be ineligible to face his parent club Chelsea this weekend, as they travel to face West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

The 20-year-old midfielder will soon make his top-flight debut though, having already appeared in the Carabao Cup for Slaven Bilic's side.

Having seen him play at both Swansea City and Charlton on loan last season, former Blues defender Minto thinks he has made the right decision for his future to spend another season away from west London.

"With my Charlton hat on, I was disappointed that he left halfway through the season," former Addicks star Minto told Goal. "It would have been good for him, or no problem for him to experience a relegation fight in his first season. I think he would have kept Charlton up, he is that good.

"I spoke to Lee Bowyer about him and he said ‘he loves, a tackle, box-to-box and he can score a goal’. I said ‘he sounds like Bowyer’ and he laughed. I think Swansea suited him towards the end of the season in that they were winning games with that sort of pressure.

"I think he is a year off making it at Chelsea, at least. He needs to be at a low-end Premier League where he can play every week. He can follow Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount because it is a big jump from the Championship to Chelsea."

There are plenty of inspirations in Lampard's squad for Gallagher. Reece James, Fikayo Tomori and Mount were all on loan in the Championship before making the step up. Abraham is the only one who had a loan in the Premier League before re-joining his parent club, and Minto spoke of their example for the likes of Gallagher.

"I am impressed these two and others handled the massive jump," he said. "They will be more consistent next season after knowing they can do it. I have spoken to strikers before who find that first season the toughest in terms of stepping up.

"The fans shouldn’t be hard on Tammy Abraham; there’s a mental, physical and technical side to stepping up," he added about the criticism from fans of the young England striker towards the end of last season.

"The fact he started so well made people think that he would score 25 goals last season but that was never going to be the case. He just needs to focus on getting better, bit-by-bit and Frank and Jody know how to handle him.

"I can definitely see him in two or three years time being good enough to help Chelsea aim for Premier Leagues and Champions Leagues as well."

New Aston Villa signing Bertrand Traore "has everything", according to his former Chelsea team-mate John Terry, who watched him score a goal on his debut for his new club in the Carabao Cup third round victory at Bristol City.

Terry, now assistant manager at Villa, watched on as the £19 million (€20m/$24m) signing from Lyon struck on his first game back in English football during the 3-0 victory at Ashton Gate.

Traore, who previously played at Stamford Bridge before moving to France, took just 14 minutes of his Villa career to get on the scoresheet and produced an impressive all-round performance before being replaced with 20 minutes to go.

Terry, who played alongside the Burkina Faso international at Chelsea between 2013 and 2017, said he had played a key role in getting Traore to move to Villa Park having already known all about his qualities.

He said after the win on Thursday night: "Bertrand's come in tonight and put in a good performance for someone who hasn't played a lot - to come in and get the goal tops it off. He was excellent.

"I wouldn't say I pushed [for the transfer], I know my role at the football club. I advise and we want bigger and better players in the building. I've had previous with him and I gave a good character reference as well.

"He was someone at Chelsea who was very hungry. He had the desire to prove himself at the top and he went away and he's got that opportunity now at Aston Villa. Personally and professionally we're delighted to have him.

"He's proven himself at Chelsea, making an immediate impact at such a young age when he came in. He has everything: the pace, strength and the willingness to go and prove himself at the very top.

"He has that quality, pace to run in behind. He can isolate people in one-on-one situations. We have that over on the other side with Jack [Grealish].

"He can produce that and that can free Jack up as well, especially when we get that switch of play through quickly during games. He's got that potential to beat players, score amazing goals and, hopefully, we'll see a bit more of that.

"I said to him in the dressing room [his goal] was a cross but I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt!"

Christian Pulisic is nearing a return to action for Chelsea but Frank Lampard is wary of "overcooking" the winger and leaving him prone to injury. 

United States international Pulisic struggled with muscle issues in his first campaign at Stamford Bridge and missed two months at the start of the year with an abductor tear. 

The 22-year-old was impressive upon his return after lockdown, contributing five goals and two assists in all competitions. 

Pulisic is yet to feature this term after going off in the FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal with a hamstring injury in August, but Lampard said on Friday that a return is on the horizon. 

"No, Christian isn't ready for the squad, nor is Hakim Ziyech, but they're both training with us now, which is good news," he told the media ahead of Saturday's Premier League meeting with West Brom. 

"We hope to have them with us in proper match contention over the next week or two."

Lampard is keen to bide his time with Pulisic in particular, aiming to avoid any further injury setbacks when he eventually returns to action. 

"There's always a concern about a player's fitness when the history says there's been some injuries. Last season we did have them with Christian, I was questioned many times on him, when he did and didn't play," said Lampard. 

"Of course, when you look at a player with his recent record, you're trying to find the right balance of getting the best out of him, which we saw in big periods last year, and making sure you don't overcook him and leave him susceptible to injury, particularly with a player of his explosive pace and balance. It's a fine line. 

"We're working on that and Christian's also very open to that. He wants to play, he's so hungry to play and he's very nearly fit now, but it's certainly something we have to manage with him this season. 

"We've all seen the talent and it's something we want to get right. I'm not saying it's a fundamental, chronic issue because it's not, but we want to get as many minutes out of Christian – the really great Christian that we saw lots of last season – on the pitch."

New signings Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell made their first Chelsea appearances in the 6-0 Carabao Cup victory over Barnsley on Wednesday. 

While Lampard confirmed the pair could start at the Hawthorns, he is again wary of asking for too much too soon from players who are still working towards peak fitness. 

"I believe they are fit enough to start, but I do also have to take into consideration the fact that we play another game with a pretty tight turnaround on Tuesday, then another on Sunday, and then the international players will maybe go and play three games for their country, so I'm managing that one," he said. 

"Having come through that game the other day as they did, I think particularly Thiago did start that game and had 60 minutes in the bank, so that was good to see. 

"With Ben, I'll maybe be a little more cautious just to make sure, his injury's been a bit of a challenging one, so I'll make those calls. But they're in a good place at the moment."

Zinedine Zidane insists he will not put pressure on the Real Madrid board to bring in attacking reinforcements before the transfer window closes.

Madrid have been quiet since the market re-opened and the 0-0 stalemate at Real Sociedad to kick off their La Liga title defence in underwhelming fashion suggested Zidane might have to seek solutions beyond his squad.

However, despite allowing creative talents such as Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and Brahim Diaz to leave, the head coach told reporters ahead of Saturday's match against Real Betis that he will not be pestering Florentino Perez to get the chequebook out.

"This is the squad I have to work with, I'm not going to ask for anything more," he said.

"But I know that anything can happen between now and October 5. I think the best thing for all managers is that the transfer deadline comes and goes. I think I have the best squad and I'm thoroughly behind my players."

Perhaps Madrid's more recent attempts to spend big and bolster their attack are serving as cautionary tales.

Eden Hazard is still building up match fitness and unavailable - the stop-start nature of his underwhelming first season at the Santiago Bernabeu apparently playing on a loop few take any pleasure in watching.

"He's okay, that injury isn't a bother anymore," Zidane said of the damaged foot that required surgery last term. "But he needs to get training sessions under his belt, he needs to work for the team and go slow.

"In a short time, he'll be with the squad. What we want and what the player wants is to be part of that first-team fold and playing."

Luka Jovic was again an unused substitute in San Sebastian but Zidane maintains the former Eintracht Frankfurt favourite has a role to play, perhaps even in tandem with first-choice striker Karim Benzema.

"They can play together. But we've got a lot of games coming up and there are lots of different playing styles and formations. Every game is different," he said.

"We also have to take into account our opponents. Also, like I said, every game is different and you have to choose players accordingly.

"I've never said Karim and Jovic can't play together up front. I can see it, definitely."

Zidane added: "Last season we won two titles, so we obviously had no problem scoring and winning titles

"You go through periods where sometimes you struggle to score and put those chances away but it's something you work on to improve."

Former Orlando Pirates striker Patrick Malokase has hailed the Premier Soccer League (PSL) governing body for coming up with a new sponsor in the form of DStv, saying Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns could be tempted to lift the inaugural trophy.

Malokase says it will take time for the fans to adjust to the new name of the league title from Absa to DStv, but says the Randburg-based company has invested a lot in South African football.

“For sure, the PSL clubs will have to fight for the inaugural title, it’s going to be interesting. Kaizer Chiefs has always been the club that looks to start the trend,” Malokase told Goal.

“They have always lifted trophies under new sponsors and we have to see this time if they can do it. Each and every new trophy in the PSL or in the National Soccer League (NSL), they always lead in terms of winning trophies.

“After such a dramatic season, I think they will want to erase their disappointments and ensure they fight for this one. On the other hand, Mamelodi Sundowns cannot be ruled out when it comes to winning the first one.

“They have a good chance, a good team and players. We can say the same thing with [Orlando] Pirates, they are beefing up their squad and it’s going to be an interesting season.”

On the fact the supporters will still take time to adjust to the new name, the former Platinum Stars hitman says the changes will affect many in the game.

“For sure it’s a new start in a new era, this is the sponsor that has always been in line with our football. We just need to give credit to the new sponsor,” he added.

“It will take time for the fans to adjust but then it’s a good step in the right direction. It’s not only for the fans but for us as former players or current players,  we still have the medals branded Absa.

“Otherwise, Absa was a good partner for the PSL and we really have to appreciate their efforts to ensure they took the game to the highest level.”

Moreover, the former Bloemfontein Celtic striker has also heaped praise on PSL chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza and his executive for their efforts.

“Credit must also go the league’s executive. They managed to secure a great sponsor after they parted ways with Absa. We have a strong board there under the leadership of Khoza,” he continued.

“I think their efforts say a lot, they have done a massive job to get another one in such a short space of time. It ensures that our soccer stays on top of many leagues on the African continent and we appreciate their work.

“To have such a big sponsor deserves massive applauds.”