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A group of 40 players have been called up for Ghana camping ahead of the 2020 Wafu Cup Cup of Nations in Benin.

The team will assemble at the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Technical Centre on September 15, according to a publication on the governing body's official website on Tuesday.

They will become the fourth Ghana national side to commence camping despite a standing ban on all contact sports, including football, due to the coronavirus pandemic. The male U20 team and the female U17 and U20 outfits are already in camp.

With the sub-regional championship set to serve as qualifiers for the 2021 Africa U17 Cup of Nations in Morocco, Ghana coach Ben Fokuo is hoping to leave no stone unturned in their preparations.

The African championship will, in turn, be used as qualifiers for the U17 World Cup later next year

The Black Starlets are eyeing a return to Afcon after missing out on the last gathering in Tanzania.

They last appeared at the World Cup at India 2017 when they exited the tournament at the quarter-final stage.

Full Squad:

Sylvester Antwi (Shooting Stars), Jonathan Nettey (Mighty Victory), Sylvester Amoako (Rences FC), Eugene Amankwa (Benab FC), Anastatius Satuh (Mboma FC), Shabu Yakubu (BYF), Zaidan Alhassan (New Edubiase), Kelven Afram (Banana FC), Philip Yankson (Medeama FC), Osei Asibey Emm (Benab FC), Ebo Rubben (Cheetah FC), Emmanuel Adjetey (Wolf FC), Abdul Fataw Isshaku (Steadfast FC), Shaibu Abdullah (Siano SC), Benjamin Eshun (Liberty FC), Collins Boah (In God We Trust), Rafig Maffaw (Rences FC), Akuffo Daniel (Still Believe), Attah Amosh (Anokye Stars), Bright Tabi (Aboagya FC), David Gyamfi (Tema Youth), Samuel Obeng (Deportivo FC), Helbert Frimpong Addo (Young Kotoko), Muhideen Ibrahim (Samartex), Christopher Bonsu (Shooting Stars), Kelven Appiah  (Asokwa Royals), Joshuah Fuseini (JMG Academy), Nurudeen Mohammed - Unistar Academy, Samuel Boakye (Cedar Stars), Alhassan Alhassan (Republicans FC), Gideon Majambe (Medeama SC), Abdul Salam (New Edubiase), Benard Boateng (Phonices FC), Robert Mensah (Semper F1 Academy), Benjamin Nyarko (Mountaineers FC), Emmanuel Nii Abbey (Banana FC), John Batigi (Red Lions), Majeed Maswod Abdul (Mighty Jets), Kenneth Mensah (Semper F1 Academy), Nick Adu Yeboah (Charity Stars FC)

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has announced a major deal in partnering with the Bundesliga for the next two seasons.

According to a statement from the state broadcaster and the German association, the deal has been signed and sealed for the 2020/21 and 2021/22 campaigns.

The deal becomes the biggest one for the embattled national television company as they have been televising the English Premier League on SABC 3.

"There has been an enormous amount of effort that has gone into making this deal happen and we are very happy to partner with the DFL in bringing football from one of the world’s best leagues to viewers right across the country," SABC sport general manager Gary Rathbone confirmed.

"The Bundesliga is a very attractive football proposition and South Africans will now get an open window through which to watch some of the game’s most iconic football rivalries, in a league displaying exquisite technique and an abundance of passion, from one of the world’s great football nations."

Apart from the matches being shown on SABC 3, the games are also set to be televised on the SABC Sport portal for live streaming.

The Auckland Park-based organization confirmed the news that they have clinched Free-to-Air broadcasting rights on Tuesday.

In the midst of their financial struggles, the state broadcaster recently televised the FA Cup final, where Chelsea faced eventual champions Arsenal at Wembley Stadium.

Meanwhile, the news will be welcomed by the SABC viewers as they have been starved of Premier Soccer League (PSL) football of late.

The 2020/21 Bundesliga season is scheduled to start on Friday, September 18 and the German and European champions, Bayern Munich, will get start their title defence campaign against Schalke 04 at the Allianz Arena.

Hearts of Oak defender Nuru Sulley has dispelled rumours of being on his way out of the club five months after signing for the Accra-based outfit.

The former Alanyaspor of Turkey centre-back rejoined the Phobians on a two-year deal in April after a first stint between 2011 and 2014.

Recent media speculation says he is on the verge of cutting his stay, having reportedly received a lucrative offer from a club abroad.

"I was surprised to hear I’m leaving Hearts of Oak. I do not know where the news is coming from. It is astonishing to me," Sulley told Kumasi FM.

"The fans must disregard this and treat it with much contempt.

"I want to at least play this season for Hearts of Oak, win the league and reach the group stages of the Champions League."

In 2011, Sulley quit Hearts for Libyan outfit Al-Nasr Benghazi before later transferring to Tala'ea El Gaish in Egypt.

He was then signed by Libyan fold Al-Ittihad Tripoli, from where he moved Turkish club Alanyaspor for a two-year spell between 2015 and 2017.

"We have not received any proposal for Nuru Sulley as speculated," Hearts chief executive officer Frederick Moore told Oyerepa FM.

"All that came in was before the lockdown which was an invitation for a trial but we have not heard from the club again.

"The player is aware and the board is also in the known."

Sulley has not been the only Hearts player reported to be heading out as striker Kofi Kordzi has been said to have received a strong offer from Qatari side Al-Sailiya.

”I heard about it [Kordzi's offer] even before the transfer news came out, I am aware there are talks ongoing," Sulley told Atinka TV on his teammate's situation.

"What I say is we are all playing football because of money and time is running out for us.

”So I think if indeed something like this has come in Kofi’s way, I will plead with management to consider his family and allow him to go."

Kordzi scored six league goals in 14 games for Hearts last season.

"Hearts board want the striker [Kodzi] to stay, we will do our best but if he wants to go, we will allow him," Moore told Oyerepa FM.

”The proposal didn’t quote any figure but in negotiating with them, that was where the $200,000 [€169,711being speculated around] came in.

”We have met the player to extend his contract and this was when this proposal came in. We will do what is best for the club and the player as well.”

Hearts are the second most successful club in the history of the Ghana Premier League. 

Kevin De Bruyne has beaten four players from Premier League winners Liverpool to claim the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) Player of the Year award.

Fellow professionals voted for the Manchester City playmaker ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jordan Henderson, Sadio Mane and last year's winner Virgil van Dijk despite Liverpool finishing 18 points clear at the top.

Alexander-Arnold did pick up a consolation prize by being named the PFA Young Player of the Year.

De Bruyne, 29, also beat team-mate Raheem Sterling and becomes the first City player to win the award.

“It’s a huge honour," he said. "To be voted for by your colleagues and competitors from other teams who you play against and then for you for best player is amazing.

"It’s strange that I’m the first one at City given all the good players that have played here before and who are still playing here but it’s nice to represent the club.

"I think it is [the ultimate honour to be nominated by fellow professionals] because you compete against them, they want to win the trophies, they want to be the best.

"When they vote for you, and it’s everyone who is voting not just a few players, that means you’ve done really well during the season.”

De Bruyne, who also won the Premier League Player of the Season award, matched Arsenal legend Thierry Henry's record for most assists in a campaign with 20.

He also created the most chances and had the most goal involvements of any player in the Premier League as well as scoring 13 goals.

Asked if it was his best campaign, he said: “I don’t know. I’ve been playing well, trying to be consistent with good performances.

"I don’t go too much up and down, this is something that happens especially at the beginning of your career.

"I’m a little bit older now. I’m used to what I can do and what I can’t do so I just think I’m helping my team to win games and if you do that then people will vote for you I guess.”

Despite winning the Premier League title four times in the past nine seasons, a City player has never won the award before, while Liverpool have had three winners in the past seven years.

“There have been many great players in this club’s history, especially over the last decade working with Roberto [Mancini], Manuel [Pellegrini] and myself. We have won many titles, but Kevin is the first to receive this prestigious award," City boss Pep Guardiola added 

"This recognition is also a tribute to all the fantastic players who have come before him.

“We are so proud of Kevin and this will only strengthen what he means to this club and our fans. From all the players, coaches and staff at Manchester City, I would like to congratulate him.”

Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has been named the PFA Young Player of the Year.

Alexander-Arnold beat out a host of strong contenders for the award, including Manchester United pair Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood; Chelsea's Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount; and Arsenal teenager Bukayo Saka.

Nominees for the award had to be 21 or younger on July 1, 2019.

Alexander-Arnold was a vital part of Liverpool's runaway Premier League title in 2019-20, making 38 appearances in the league and tallying four goals and 13 assists.

The  21-year-old defender was also part of 12 clean sheets as Jurgen Klopp's team ended their 30-year wait for the top-flight title.

Alexander-Arnold broke the all-time Premier League record for assists in a season by a defender, a mark that he had set the previous season with 12.

Tuesday's award was in addition to the Premier League's Young Player of the Season, which Alexander-Arnold won last month to complete a clean sweep of prizes for y.

Alexander-Arnold's 13 assists in 2019-20 was second in the league to Kevin De Bruyne's 20, with Manchester City's Belgian star taking hom the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award on Tuesday.

Alexander-Arnold made his Liverpool breakthrough in 2016-17 and has made 93 Premier League appearances for the Merseyside outfit. As well as the Premier League crown, he has won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup with Klopp's men.

In women's awards, Chelsea star Bethany England was named PFA Player of the Year, while Manchester City's Lauren Hemp was named the PFA Young Player of the Year.

England won the prize in addition to the Barclays Player of the Season award, which she took home in July after she scored 14 goals in 15 appearances during a breakthrough season in which Chelsea won the Women's Super League title. 

Hemp had already been named the PFA Young Player of the Year once, an award she took home after an impressive season with Bristol City in 2017-18.

The 20-year-old scored five goals and added five assists in the WSL last season as City finished runners-up to Chelsea.

Newcastle United have completed the signing of highly rated Norwich City defender Jamal Lewis, the Magpies confirmed on Tuesday. 

Lewis, 22, came to the fore with a fine season at Norwich under difficult circumstances, proving one of the few high points in a 2019-20 campaign that ended with the Canaries bottom of the table and relegated. 

That form placed him in the sights of several Premier League clubs this summer, with Liverpool among others linked with an approach to make Lewis Andrew Robertson's deputy at left-back before the club signed Kostas Tsimikas.

It is Newcastle, though, that will enjoy the Northern Ireland international's services, completing a deal estimated at £13.5 million ($17.6m). 

"Highly-rated full-back Jamal Lewis has become Newcastle United's fifth signing of the summer after joining the Magpies from Norwich City," the Magpies signalled in a statement published on the club's official website. 

"The 22-year-old Northern Ireland international has signed a five-year contract at St. James' Park after earning rave reviews for his performances last season despite the Canaries' relegation from the Premier League.

"Lewis, who started his youth career with his hometown club, Luton, before joining Norwich's Academy in 2014, won a Sky Bet Championship title-winners' medal with the East Anglian side in 2018/19 and was also named in the league's Team of the Season before further enhancing his reputation in the top flight last term.

"He is the third full international to join Newcastle United this week, following England forward Callum Wilson and Scotland star Ryan Fraser, whose signatures were confirmed on Monday."

Newcastle boss Steve Bruce signalled his delight at capturing Lewish, who left international duty with Northern Ireland this week in order to complete the transfer.

"Jamal is a very exciting prospect. I watched him flourish in the Championship two years ago and he made a real fist of it in the Premier League last season," Bruce stated.

"He is only 22 years old and has a wonderful future ahead of him so I hope he is a Newcastle United full-back for years to come.

"It's been a great week for us with incoming players. We have had to be patient but these players improve us, which is key."

Lewis, meanwhile, told his new club: "It was a little bit unexpected but it was something that I was obviously looking forward to when I heard that there was serious interest, so I'm delighted to be here now.

"Newcastle's such a great club with such history and I knew it was an opportunity I would love to take with both hands."

Simba SC striker Meddie Kagere has set a target of matching his previous goal scoring record this season.

In his first full season at Wekundu wa Msimbazi in the 2018/19 season, the attacker managed to score 23 goals, one goal fewer than his tally in the 2019/20 season. The experienced forward has, however, made it clear the team comes first and he will do everything to ensure he is helpful.

"I desire to hit or match my previous scoring record once again because it will help my team challenge for the league title once again," Kagere said as quoted by Global Publishers.

"Every player has the ability to score, but all I want to do is capitalise on every scoring opportunity that is coming my way. It is the only way I can help the team achieve the set objectives.

"The main thing for me is to be committed to help the team and ensure we get positive results in every game we play. The league has already started and the best thing we can do is get our winning consistency."

Recently, Kagere has not been playing regularly owing to the good form of compatriot John Raphael Bocco. In an initial interview, coach Sven Vandenbroeck stated he rates all his strikers but he will select the best performing one, and in this case, it is the Taifa Stars skipper.

Questions have been asked on why the Rwandan attacker is not included in the starting team on a regular basis despite his undeniable quality, since the attacker finished as the top scorer in the Tanzania Mainland League in the last two seasons.

With the arrival of Chris Mugalu, from Zambian outfit Lusaka Dynamos, there is stiff competition for the starting berth.

"I have faith in all my strikers in the team, the old and new ones," Vandenbroeck said.

"However, I always give priority to the player I feel is better and in-form, the one who will help the team.

"In this case, Bocco has been in top form; He executes his role well, and the most important thing is that he follows all my instructions to the latter and it is the reason I keep selecting him."

The towering striker was injured in the first half of the 2019/20 season but recovered to score nine goals and help his team secure their third league title in as many seasons and the team's 21st in general. 

Simba SC winger Gerson Fraga has rejoined the squad as the team prepares to face Mtibwa Sugar in a Mainland Premier League match on Saturday.

The Brazilian star missed the league opener against promoted Ihefu FC as he had been given permission to visit his family back home.

The club have confirmed on their official website Fraga has now returned to Dar es Salaam and will be available to face the Sugar Millers in their second league match of the 2020-21 campaign.

Meanwhile, Simba information officer Haji Manara has confirmed the team will move to residential training on Wednesday as they prepare to face Mtibwa Sugar in the match set for Jamhuri Stadium in Morogoro.

The team was given time a two-day rest immediately after they arrived from Mbeya, where they battled to beat Ihefu 2-1, with goals from captain John Bocco and Muzamiru Yassin.

“All the players are fit and ready and they will move to camp on Wednesday including Gerson Fraga, who arrived in the country on Tuesday from Brazil,” Manara told the club’s official website.

Manara further blamed the pitch at Sokoine for the difficult game they played against Ihefu.

“We were ready to win the match but the playing surface was not good enough for the players, it was very hard and bumpy so even the passing was not good but we are happy we got the win we wanted," he added.

After the match, Simba coach Sven Vandenbroeck admitted he had asked his players to win the game using any style.

“I told my players before the game we have to, but how we will win, I don’t care, all I wanted is a win, we have to win,” Vandenbroeck told reporters.

“The most important thing was the three points, I knew being the first match, Ihefu will be stubborn and indeed they were stubborn, I am happy my players did their job and we won three points, that was the most important thing, to win the first match of the season.”

Simba will also welcome back Pascal Wawa Luis Miquissone and new signing from Zambia Chris Mugalu, who both missed the season opener owing to various reasons.

Everton have confirmed Abdoulaye Doucoure as their latest summer signing, bringing the French midfielder to Goodison Park from Watford in a deal reported to be worth £20 million plus add-ons.

Doucoure, 27, spent four years at Vicarage Road prior to the Hornets' relegation from the Premier League in 2019-20. 

But he is set to continue his career in the English top flight having penned a three-year deal to join Carlo Ancelotti's squad, which has already been bolstered with the captures of Napoli midfielder Allan and Real Madrid star James Rodriguez this week. 

"Abdoulaye Doucoure has completed a transfer to Everton from Watford for an undisclosed fee, signing a three-year deal until the end of June 2023 with a Club option for a fourth season," Everton announced in a statement released on the club's official website on Tuesday.

"The French midfielder, 27, becomes the Blues’ third major signing in four days following the arrivals of Brazil international Allan and Colombia playmaker James Rodriguez, both 29."

The midfielder made scored four goals across 39 appearances for Watford last season, having scored 17 goals in 141 games during his time with the club.

Prior to moving to Watford, Doucoure featured primarily for Rennes in France while also enjoying a loan spell at Granada.

"I have been waiting a long time to come here and now it has happened so I am very happy," Doucoure explained upon signing for the Toffees. 

"I had some interest from other clubs but from the beginning when Everton showed an interest in me I told my agent to focus on Everton.

"It was the only club I wanted to join.

"Everton has a big history in English football and it is a good club for me to have a step up in my career.

"I am very happy now to be an Everton player and very excited for the future. I can bring my energy - I am a powerful player, I can run a lot, all the game.

"I can add goals as well. I will try my best to score goals and help the team.

"It is an ambitious project here and it was a big part of my decision, having [Director of Football] Marcel [Brands] and the coach Carlo Ancelotti wanting me.

"When you come to a club you want the manager and, of course, the Board to support you.

"It was the case with Everton and I was very eager to come here.”

Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori is considering a move to Everton, who are looking at a season-long loan deal for the 22-year-old.

The centre-back has further dropped down the pecking order at Chelsea following the signing of Thiago Silva from Paris Saint-Germain.

Tomori had a breakthrough season at Stamford Bridge last season under Frank Lampard, but ultimately lost his place towards the end of the campaign and did not play in a competitive match after February.

The England international's stock still remains high, having made 23 appearances after a season in which he was named Derby County's Player of the Season while on loan. That success led to the Blues rewarding the defender with a new contract until 2024.

Rennes are also among the clubs that have enquired about Tomori, who has also drawn interest from several Premier League clubs. Still, Chelsea have yet to give an indication whether the defender will be permitted to go.

Carlo Ancelotti's Everton are in the race having already explored the option of a loan deal for Tomori last summer.

The 22-year-old would arrive at Goodison Park to compete with the likes of Yerry Mina, Michael Keane and Mason Holgate for a starting spot.

Everton have already added James Rodriguez from Real Madrid in a £22 million ($28m) deal, while Allan has joined from Napoli in a £21m ($27m) deal. Watford's star midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure is also set to join.

The Toffees kick off the new season away to Tottenham on Sunday evening after finishing a disappointing 12th last season, a campaign that saw Marco Silva sacked halfway through.

Meanwhile, Chelsea's recruitment remains focused on adding a goalkeeper after they conceded 54 goals in the Premier League last term.

The Blues are intent on signing Rennes stopper Eduoard Mendy, with discussions centring around a €20m (£18m/$24m) approach last week. The Ligue 1 club are expected to give an answer soon with the Senegal international hopeful of a move to west London.

Any departure for Tomori would mean that the Blues keep hold of centre-backs Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and Kurt Zouma, who have all been linked with moves away.

Christensen and Rudiger have less than two years left on their contracts with no talks currently active between the club or the players' representatives.

Elsewhere at Stamford Bridge, the Blues are in talks to sell or loan a host of players with Michy Batshuayi closing in on a loan move to Crystal Palace.

The Belgium international will extend his contract for an extra year to ensure that Chelsea don't lose him on a free transfer at the end of the season. The move has caused Conor Gallagher's proposed Palace loan move to collapse, but other Premier League clubs are now interested in the 20-year-old midfielder.

Meanwhile, defender Ethan Ampadu joined Sheffield United on Monday on a season-long loan deal.

One of the biggest events in the FIFA calendar is the date when EA Sports releases the ratings for the new game.

Fans are eager to see which players are ranked in the top 100 and who can come close to Lionel Messi as the highest-rated player in the game.

This year is no different despite the launch date of FIFA 21 being delayed until October 9 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Gamers are eager to see which players have received the highest overall scores in FIFA 21 so they can begin to plan their FIFA Ultimate Team for the new release.

When are the FIFA 21 ratings revealed?

The top 100 player ratings for FIFA 21 will be revealed on Thursday, September 10 at 4pm UK time.

Following the release of the highest-rated players in the game, EA Sports will count down towards FIFA 21 by releasing other important player countdowns, such as the quickest players in FIFA 21, the full list of players with five-star skills, and much more.

In addition, the top 20 players from each of the top five leagues will also be revealed in individual lists, which always proves intriguing for Ultimate Team fans.

Who will be the highest rated players in FIFA 21?

For the past few years, Lionel Messi has been the highest rated player in FIFA. This is expected to be the case again in FIFA 21, with fans wondering if he will be able to keep his overall 94 rating from last season.

Cristiano Ronaldo has come closest to Messi in recent editions, even being rated the same as the Argentine in FIFA 19 when the Juventus forward was the cover star.

However, since EA Sports lost the rights to use Juventus's real name, Messi has moved clear of Ronaldo in the game.

This year it is expected to be the same, but there will be plenty of interest to see who is regarded as the third-best player in FIFA 21 following strong years from Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Robert Lewandowski.

Which players will be upgraded in FIFA 21?

Many players had breakout seasons in 2019-20, but nobody probably had the same stunning rise as Erling Haaland who shone for Red Bull Salzburg before starring for Borussia Dortmund.

The Norway international is expected to receive a huge boost to his rating from FIFA 20 where he was rated at 68 overall. Haaland will likely be one of the game's best strikers this year.

Other players set to receive big upgrades include Mason Greenwood, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka.

Tabitha Chawinga was on target once and provided an assist for Jiangsu Suning as they defeated Shandong Sports Lottery 4-1 in a Chinese Women's Super League encounter on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old made her fourth start in six appearances this season for Jiangsu and has maintained her impressive goalscoring momentum for the champions, scoring four goals in five matches.

Smarting from Saturday's 3-0 loss to Shanghai Shengli, Jiangsu were desperate to bounce back to winning ways and Chawinga outmuscled her markers to open the scoring in the 15th minute.

The Malawian raced into the area through the left wing before sending a low pass into the middle for onrushing Ni Mengjie to double the lead for Jiangsu six minutes later.

After the break, Li Ying was tripped inside the box to earn a penalty for Shandong but her resulting kick from the spot was saved by Jiangsu goalkeeper Peng Shimeng in the 49th minute.

Three minutes later, Jiangsu found a breakthrough from the middle and He Wei was right in the position to net the third of the match.

Tabitha breezed into the area before making a pass but a handball from Shandong defender gifted Jiangsu a penalty which Ni Mengjie converted for her brace in the 59th minute.

However, Shandong grabbed their consolation goal from the match when goalkeeper Shimeng mistakenly parried a high ball into her own net eight minutes from time.

Chawinga, who was in action from the start to the finish of the game for Jiangsu, has now scored five goals in six matches this season.

The win means Jiangsu are back in third with 12 points from six matches and they will face Jiangsu Suning will take on Changchun Dazhong in their next Chinese league match on Saturday.

A former Polokwane City player known to Goal has expressed mixed reactions about the club’s relegation to the National First Division (NFD).

The overseas-based campaigner has also lashed out that the management style employed by the club chairman Johnny Mogaladi, particularly about the treatment of the players and the staff.

Despite having players such as skipper Jabulani Maluleke and Clinton Larsen’s coaching acumen, Rise and Shine finished at the bottom of the table with 25 points from 30 matches.

“I saw the results, it was very disappointing to see the Limpopo-based teams all flirting with relegation, Polokwane City got relegated, Black Leopards are in the play-offs now and if Baroka didn’t rescue that point against Kaizer Chiefs...” the former player said when speaking to Goal.

“They would have also been there. So, aside from the way the owner [Mogaladi] runs the club, the way the owner treats his players and staff, it didn’t surprise to see them there [relegated].

“The only thing that surprised me is that they hadn’t got there in the previous seasons. I think he [Mogaladi] was fortunate he had such a group of good players there, that didn’t mind what was going on in the background and they just got down to business and play the football on the field.”

On whether he feels any pain for the club, the unnamed player said he shares their worry as they face an uncertain future.

“So, I don’t think I’m the best guy to answer how I feel about Polokwane City getting relegated. I’m sad for the players because I still have friends at the club,” he added.

“I’m still friends with quite a few of the coaching staff. So, it’ very disappointing to see that but on the other hand, the manner in which the club is run. You know, above the coaching and the technical team - it didn’t surprise me.

“That’s my honest opinion and obviously being a boy from Polokwane, I never want to see the teams there losing their PSL statuses because it’ good for the province and it was good for Limpopo football to have many teams in the PSL.”

Meanwhile, media reports suggested that the former Golden Arrows manager was set to meet the chairman on Tuesday to pave the way forward as far as his future is concerned.

On the other hand, Lidoda Duvha are scheduled to face Ajax Cape Town in the PSL/NFD Play-Offs on Wednesday, whilst Bakgaga Ba Mphahlele managed to successfully save their top-flight status.

Former Bidvest Wits skipper Thulani Hlatshwayo says he is grateful to have spent six years with the club, and it was heartbreaking to play their last match against Polokwane City last weekend.

‘Tyson’ joined the Clever Boys from Ajax Cape Town in 2014 and managed to bag his first Premier Soccer League (PSL) gold medal with Wits, and revealed how he will always cherish the moments he spent in Braamfontein.

The Soweto-born centre-back is linked with a move to Orlando Pirates and is reportedly set to be unveiled this week, but has refused to address the links.

“It was a sad feeling when the guys played their last game against Polokwane. There were a lot of emotions around the team,” Hlatshwayo told South African Football Journalists Association.

“I’ve been here for six years. So, when we played the last match, it wasn’t a good mood nor space to be in.

“The league title that I won at Wits was my first trophy. And I am grateful that the team was interested in me and invested.

“All I can say is that I appreciate everything that the club has done. I am happy that I chose Wits when I came back home after leaving at a young age.”

Speaking about the relationship with the club’s hierarchy led by Jonathan Schloss, Hlatshwayo added that the partnership was a good one for him.

“Our relationship with Wits has worked well with the trophies I won with them and being the captain, to win those trophies was wonderful,” he added.

“I’ve had a good journey with Wits, coming from Ajax Cape Town. There was a season that we missed out on the title to Pirates, while I was at Ajax, but those moments made me gain experience."

The Clever Boys have reportedly also parted ways with winger Deon Hotto, who is set to be unveiled by coach Josef Zinnbauer's troops while coach Gavin Hunt looks set to replace Ernst Middendorp at Kaizer Chiefs.

With the 2017/18 Telkom Knockout Cup champions having finished fourth on the log, they have also parted ways with goalkeeper Ricardo Goss, midfielder Haashim Domingo, and striker Gift Motupa.

On-loan Benfica right-back Tyronne Ebuehi is delighted to bounce back after suffering a knee injury which kept him out of action for two years.

The 24-year-old defender teamed up with the Estadio da Luz outfit following his standout performances for Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The Super Eagles right-back, however, ruptured his cruciate knee ligaments in July 2018 which has prevented him from playing a competitive game for the Eagles.

Ebuehi has now recovered from the injury problem and subsequently returned to the Netherlands, where he was born, joining Twente this summer on a season-long loan.

"It's been a long period out and a hard time for me. Of course, questions like 'could this be the end?' can pop up from time to time," Ebuehi told BBC Sport.

"You sometimes hear that with this type of major injuries players never return to the same level they were before the injury.

"It was difficult in the beginning I can't lie about that. To be away from the only country you have ever known, where you're born and away from your family and friends. You feel alone knowing it was just no longer possible for them to just pass by.

"It's changed me a lot. Not only as a player but as a person. Away in another country being alone. Sometimes it's like unseen tears of frustration because of the mental pain.

"Like I always tell my family and friends now, that I'm thankful to God for this type of hard lessons sometimes in life.

"It really made me aware of a lot of things, like how to take care of my body now. How things can happen in football, how to deal with them. I'm thankful for the lessons that God gave me.

"Going forward in my career, I know how to take care of myself and what's good for me, how to handle any future injuries, hopefully, it will not happen.

"I missed the entire 2018/19 season because of this difficult injury, but I'm happy that I'm fit now and I'm thankful that I am able to play the game that I love again.

"Twente have given me the chance to show that the last two years was unfortunate bad luck. It would be convenient for some people to write me off but others know better."

"I know the type of person and player that I am. I've always been that person and player that works hard, always did extra and a bit more than my teammates.

"So once I suffered this injury, it was the same mindset that I retained to enable me to get back stronger from my injury. Yes, things didn't go the way they should've gone for me, it took a long time.

"But one thing I've always been doing these last two years was to keep working hard. That's how I was raised and taught by my parents.

"From the start of the year, I have invested so much in myself to be as fit as possible. My family and friends supported me by coming around as much as possible. I'm thankful for having them in my life. This situation makes you appreciate life.

Ebuehi could make his long-awaited return to competitive football when Twente take on Fortuna Sittard in their opening game of the season on September 12.

Ugandan Premier League (UPL) side Uganda Revenue Authority (URA FC) have completed the signing of goalkeeper Hannington Sebwalunyo from Maroons FC.

The custodian has been a consistent player for the two-time league champions, something that attracted the attention of the Tax Collectors who made haste in acquiring his services.

"Hannington Sebwalunyo penned a three-year contract with URA FC," the four-time champions tweeted on Tuesday, September 8.

Maroons were relegated in the abandoned 2019/20 UPL season, and the Taxmen jumped in to buy his remaining contract worth Ush 13 million. The shot-stopper took to his Facebook account to bid his former team farewell.

"Today I say goodbye to a magnificent club as it is Maroons Football Club (Uganda prisons)," Sebwalunyo posted.

"I thank the club for helping me become a better footballer and for making me feel at home during my stay at the club."

The player has gone on to appreciate his former side for giving him a chance for development. 

"A year back, Maroons gave me an amazing opportunity to play for them and achieved what we achieved," he added.

"After this I can only say thank you to the club, coaching staff, and the fans that supported me since the day I wore the club's jersey and of course thank you and good luck to my teammates who helped me settle in since day one, not only as teammates but as friends.

"Today I say goodbye to Maroons FC, but I take with me many memories, lessons, and great moments that will live with me forever.

"At last I wish Maroons success for the future and thank the club for giving me the opportunity to push on in my career.

"Thank you."  

Recently, the top tier side completed the signing of Jackson Nunda ahead of the new season.

The former KCCA player was unveiled as the first signing for the Tax Collectors ahead of the new season which will kick-off in October. Nunda was signed from KCCA, where he has been for four and a half years.  

The Namboole-based side are keen on adding more players in preparations for the 2020/21 campaign.

Sevilla's director of football Monchi has played down any hope of signing Manchester United-linked defender Sergio Reguilon, while also denying holding transfer talks with Chelsea's Marcos Alonso.

Reguilon has only just returned to Real Madrid after an impressive loan spell at Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium in 2019-20.

The 23-year-old took in 36 appearances for Sevilla across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing four assists to help Julen Lopetegui's side finish fourth in La Liga and win the Europa League.

Despite proving himself on both domestic and European stages in Andalucia, it has been reported that he will not figure in Zinedine Zidane's plans in Madrid when the new season kicks off later this month.

The Spain international opened the door to a possible move away from Madrid prior to the international break, telling Radio Marca: "I'm going day by day.

"Obviously, Real Madrid is my home, but it's not easy... I'm bearing everything in mind."

Several high-profile potential suitors have been credited with an interest in Reguilon in recent weeks, including Premier League duo United and Tottenham, while Sevilla have been tipped to try and bring him back to the club.

Monchi says that, although the talented left-back would be welcomed back into Lopetegui's squad with open arms, Sevilla are not in a strong enough financial position to broker a permanent transfer at this moment in time.

The 51-year-old said: “Regarding the issue of Reguilon, I already said it, we would love to have him here but it is complicated because there are very strong rivals with whom we are not in a position to fight financially.

“We are in a health and economic crisis, so we are going to put it down when it comes to talking about quantities, luckily it has caught us in a good circumstance, but the crisis also affects Sevilla FC.

"We are making the investments that we believe are appropriate to strengthen the squad.”

Sevilla have also been heavily linked with Alonso, whose place in Chelsea's starting XI is likely to come under serious threat following Ben Chilwell's arrival from Leicester.

However, Monchi insists that no contact between the two clubs has been made as of yet, as he added: "Sevilla have not made any approach for Marcos Alonso."