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Henrikh Mkhitaryan believes Serie A is “underrated”, with the Armenian preparing to prolong his time in Italy after sealing a permanent move to Roma from Premier League side Arsenal.

Prior to linking up with the Gunners, in a deal which saw Alexis Sanchez move in the opposite direction, a classy playmaker had spent time at Manchester United.

Mkhitaryan has also played for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga and feels the Italian top flight is comparable in terms of quality to any of the other divisions he has graced.

“Well, I can say that football in Italy is underrated,” he told Roma’s official website.

“It is not what people think, it is not what people say.

“Before I came here I was listening to a lot of people who would say the league is not good enough, the teams are not good enough… but I can say they are totally wrong. From the first game I had, against Sassuolo, I realised that Italian football is more than people talk about.

“I was really impressed with the quality of the players, even at the lower teams they have some great players. And all the teams want to have the ball, they want to attack, they are not only defending and waiting for the opponents to make mistakes. Instead, they are trying to play football, to enjoy the game and win some points.

“For me it was really impressive, because I wasn't expecting such a good level of football from all the teams. I am enjoying playing football here in Italy and I feel good playing against all the different teams.”

Mkhitaryan has joined Roma on a permanent basis after seeing Arsenal agree to the termination of his contract in north London.

The 31-year-old, who spent the 2019-20 campaign on loan at Stadio Olimpico, believes the best decision has been made for the good of his career.

“I always had it in my mind to play well and to help the team and then, at the end of the season, to see if we could get an agreement between myself, Roma and Arsenal to be able to stay here on a permanent basis,.

“I'm very happy to be here now. I think I made a good decision, the right decision for myself and my career, and I'm looking forward to another season here.”

On his ambitions at Roma, Mkhitaryan added: “I am playing football to score goals and to assist; but of course it is not always important to do that, because in some games you can have just an amazing performance without scoring or assisting – but you can still have a really big contribution to the team and to the win.

“So I think it is more important to keep working hard on the pitch and to make the team win, instead of thinking about scoring and assisting.

“But I am going to push, I am going to do my best to surpass my statistics from last season and to have better statistics next season.”

Donny van de Beek made the right career call in linking up with Manchester United, claims his former Ajax youth team coach Ruben Jongkind, with the 23-year-old told that joining Real Madrid would have been a “disaster”.

The Netherlands international has revealed that he had an agreement in place with the Blancos prior to the outbreak of Covid-19 causing many plans to be ripped up.

Van de Beek feared that a high-profile switch had passed him by as Real were forced to walk away, but the summer transfer window has delivered a £35 million ($46m) move to Old Trafford.

Jongkind believes the Red Devils will prove to be a better fit for the talented midfielder, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer having shown that he is prepared to show faith in youth as part of a project that has less pressure on it than one at Santiago Bernabeu.

“He will be challenged, the average age in the Premier League is probably around 26 or 27, but I think he has shown in European campaigns that he has enough skills to play at the highest level,” Jongkind told the Manchester Evening News.

“He likes a challenge and he has this mindset that he wants to go further every time. I think this is a better time than, for example, [Justin] Kluivert to AS Roma, that was too early.

“It is also a good club to move to. United have a history of bringing in youth players, I think it’s a great choice, much better than Real Madrid, I think that would have been a disaster.

“The playing style is more akin to Donny at United than Real Madrid as well.”

Jongkind is convinced that Van de Beek will reach the very top of the game, with his potential having been noted by some iconic figures in Amsterdam over a decade ago.

“It must have been in 2008 or 2009, I think he was playing in the Under-10s at the time,” former Ajax academy coach Jongkind added.

“He did a trial for Ajax, back then we had the arrangement that children could come for trials once or twice a week for three or four weeks.

“I was also involved with the younger age groups. He ended up being selected for Ajax and he was in the team of [Dennis] Bergkamp. After a short while we talked about him and Dennis said 'this player is going to be big so you have to work with him individually now'.

“His coordination of movement wasn’t great back then, he had the strength but not the finesse, we worked on that.

“Dennis saw that Donny had an ability to see spaces and intelligence as a young player to naturally see where he should be.”

Van de Beek proved to be a useful source of goals and assists for Ajax and is being backed to offer similar qualities to United alongside the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba.

Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago has drawn comparisons between new Leeds signing Rodrigo and Robert Lewandowski.

Leeds forked out a club-record fee of £27 million ($36m) to bring Rodrigo to Elland Road from Valencia on August 29.

The 29-year-old had spent the previous five years of his career at Mestalla, where he scored 59 goals in 220 games to earn a regular spot in the Spain national team.

Leeds supporters will be hoping that he can help Marcelo Bielsa's side avoid an immediate return to the Championship in 2020-21, with the club set to embark on their first Premier League campaign in 16 years later this month.

Thiago says Rodrigo is capable of becoming an even more deadly threat in the final third as he approaches the latter stages of his career, having seen Lewandowski peak at a similar point for Bayern.

The Spain international told a press conference of the ex-Valencia star's qualities ahead of a UEFA Nation's League clash with Ukraine on Sunday: "He has a huge ability for scoring goals.

"It's great that he helps us to press, to run ... I see similarities with Lewandowski, who has scored a number of obscene goals - but Rodrigo has also scored goals."

Thiago and Rodrigo both played the full 90 minutes of Spain's 1-1 draw against Germany on Thursday, which saw Jose Gaya rescue a late point for La Roja after Timo Werner's 51st-minute opener.

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, who has come in for plenty of criticism for his performances at club level recently, produced a stellar display to ensure that Luis Enrique's men escaped with a valuable point.

Thiago insists he has always been confident in De Gea and the rest of Spain's goalkeeping pool, as he added:  "In the end, there are criticisms for the three goalkeepers. They are ours. There are guarantees with the goalkeepers that we have.

"With De Gea, we have lived wonderful situations and the not so good ones he has overcome."

The Bayern star also reserved praise for Barcelona starlet Ansu Fati, who became Spain's youngest debutant in 84 years when he took to the pitch at Mercedes-Benz Arena in Stuttgart.

"It is very nice to be able to appreciate Ansu like all those who come," said Thiago. "Him especially, not only for the quality, which is seen, but for the strong personality and, above all, his decision-making.

"Because of his age, it will be a spectacle for a player. He has the added value of decision-making, in addition to his speed with the ball. "

Thiago Alcantara insists that he has not told anyone that he is leaving as speculation continues to suggest that the Bayern Munich midfielder is destined to link up with Liverpool or Manchester United.

Links to Premier League heavyweights emerged for the Spain international prior to the 2019-20 campaign coming to a close.

Bayern have been unable to put fresh terms in place with Thiago and will see his current contract at the Allianz Arena expire in the summer of 2021.

Prominent figures off the field in Munich have conceded that a prized asset may have to move on, with there no indication that an extended stay will be agreed.

That has kept the likes of Liverpool and United interested, with those at Anfield said to have been tracking Thiago for some time.

The 29-year-old playmaker is, however, adamant that he has taken no decision on his future, with his focus locked on UEFA Nations League duty and a meeting with Ukraine on Sunday.

He told reporters are a pre-match press conference when quizzed on the exit rumours that he continues to generate: “I have not told anyone that I am leaving.

“Every year you put me in a different club.

“For me my future is tomorrow's game and there is nothing to discuss on this. I neither care nor am I interested. My interest is in tomorrow's game.”

While England would appear to be Thiago’s most likely landing spot if he is to leave Bayern, a return to Barcelona for the La Masia academy graduate has been called for by some.

Blaugrana goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has said: “I would like to have Thiago at Barca. His style suits us and he has an interesting personality.

“He is a special type of player. He would definitely offer us something different. If he did sign it would be great for us and him.”

Thiago responded to those comments by saying: “It is an honour that Marc says my name, because he is an incredible goalkeeper, but he is not the technical director of any team and there is no need to give an answer.

“I always want to be the best, I wish I could always be. It's a joy that he says my name, obviously.”

Barbra Banda continued her impressive form this season after contributing an assist in Shanghai Shengli's 3-0 victory over Tabitha Chawinga's Jiangsu Suning in a Chinese Women's Super League encounter on Saturday.

Banda was facing off against Chawinga for the first time since they met at the Cosafa Women's Championship in 2017 when the former's Zambia thrashed the latter's Malawi 6-3 in Zimbabwe. 

Banda is marking her debut season in style as she has contributed five goals this season to fire Shanghai to top of the log, while Chawinga netted four times to keep third-placed Jiangsu in the mix.

Camilla's brilliant header broke the deadlock for Shanghai following a goalmouth scramble off a free kick in the 17th minute.

Jiangsu came close to finding an equaliser but were denied from a free-kick by the Shanghai goalkeeper in the 35th minute.

Ambitious Shanghai almost doubled their lead when Tang Jiali stole the ball in a dangerous position and shot from distance but her effort went inches wide in the 42nd minute.

After the half-time break, Banda broke through on the right before teeing up Shen Mengyu for an easy tap-in from close range to double the advantage for Shanghai in the 56th minute.

Despite Chawinga being introduced a minute later, there was little the Malawian could do to rescue Jiangsu as Jiali dribbled past the hapless defence in the 68th minute to seal Shanghai's triumph.
 
Chawinga was in action for the final 33 minutes for Jiangsu but they still suffered their second loss of the season, while Banda lasted the duration and her assist was decisive in Shanghai's fifth win.

The result means Shanghai are three points clear at the top with 15 points from five matches, while Jiangsu are fourth with nine points.

Luis Enrique has expressed his belief that "Barcelona will continue to win" without Lionel Messi, while predicting the and Six-time Ballon d'Or winner will leave "sooner or later".

Messi announced on Friday that he would stay at Camp Nou because the financial demands made by the Barca board for a transfer to happen rendered such a prospect "impossible".

The Argentina international accused president Josep Maria Bartomeu of going back on his word that Messi would be free to leave if he desired at the end of the 2019-20 season – although a clause in his contract underpinning this sentiment expired while a campaign extended by the coronavirus hiatus was still in progress.

Luis Enrique coached Messi for three seasons between 2014 and 2017, a period that saw Barca win the treble for the second time in their history

The 33-year-old made clear his frustration at the club's failure to reach those heights since, certainly as far as the Champions League is concerned, but Luis Enrique would have liked a more cordial resolution.

"I don't know whether to pronounce on Messi... but I'm going to do it," he said at a news conference to preview Spain's UEFA Nations League contest with Ukraine.

"I think the clubs are above all people, players and presidents. Barcelona, ​​founded in 1899, is one of the best in the world. They have always won titles.

"It is evident that there has been a wonderful relationship. Leo has made Barca grow exponentially but I would have liked it if a much more friendly agreement had been reached.

"Sooner or later, Messi will stop playing at Barca. Barcelona will continue to win titles without Messi and Messi will continue to be a wonderful footballer."

Luis Enrique was widely reported to have clashed angrily with Messi midway through the 2014-15 season, before a sensational run of form inspired the MSN forward line – completed by Luis Suarez and Neymar – resulted in a stunning clean sweep of major trophies.

Despite working with such greats of the game and now taking charge of his national team, Luis Enrique insists it will not be in his nature to brag about the players he has coached when he retires from the game.

Indeed, it is not Messi or any of his current Spain squad who would top his list when it comes to the favourite players he has led from the dugout.

“I'm not a fetishist at all," Luis Enrique added. "I will say that I have trained a lot of players, better or worse, but that I have tried to make them better. 

"If I had to say one, I would say that I trained Nolito. I had a wonderful time. He left Second Division with me and he's a very funny guy."

It is no secret that the state of Odisha has thrown a lot of support to the development of sports of late. The state has established itself as one of the sporting hubs of the country, thanks to a proactive administration that is committed to developing a sporting ecosystem.

Of course, the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar is one of the five venues of the upcoming FIFA Women's U17 World Cup that is set to be held in India in February 2021. The preparations are in full swing and it is expected that the infrastructure at the Kalinga will be ready by the end of September. 

Vineel Krishna, additional sports secretary of Odisha, felt that the state is doing its bit to ensure Indian football has a bright future. He also complimented the Indian Super League (ISL) for developing the quality of football in India and also expressed his belief that football has the potential to be successful commercially.

"Odisha sponsors the Indian Arrows team and the U17 national team. We are supporting the future of Indian football. In fact, our girls have performed better than boys and we have been them supporting them as well. Therefore, we are one of the host venues of FIFA U17 Women's World Cup. Many of the girls come from rural areas, and football has changed their lives.

"Football has the potential to become a good commercial story. In fact, ISL has improved the quality of football in India. Now we hope to see India in the footballing world map," stated the administrator. 

Krishna asserted that Odisha is committed to improving sports infrastructure and has set up five FIFA standard footballing pitch keeping in mind the upcoming FIFA U17 World Cup. 

"In Odisha, we provide the infrastructure and the football club (Odisha FC) manages the sporting sector. We have tried this model in other sports as well. We have many high-performance centres and they have been running very well. We really hope that football will grow big in Odisha. We also want to conduct grassroots tournaments and reward the winners with a long-term financial contract. 

"We want to convert sports hostels to football academies. As a legacy programme of the World Cup is in the works and we are going to start various grassroots programmes. We have five FIFA standard fields and we are hopeful of churning out future professional players. We have been hosting events at short notice and we conducted the Super Cup in just seven days’ notice," said the government official. 

India was appointed as the host by the FIFA Council meeting at Miami on 15 March 2019. The country had also successfully hosted the 2017 U17 Men's World Cup.

Five venues have been selected as host cities - the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, EKA Arena in Ahmedabad and the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

Ugandan Premier League champions Vipers SC have vowed to stand with their new defender Disan Galiwango over his Express FC contract battle.

Earlier in the week, Galiwango was forced by the Fufa Dispute Resolution Chamber to pay Express FC USh25 million for breaching a contract he had signed.

The Red Eagles sought Fufa’s intervention over the matter as they claimed the defender had already extended their contract before he moved to sign the three-year Vipers contract.

“We received the letter on Monday about [Disan] Galiwango and as a club, we can distance ourselves from that, but we are willing to give him the necessary support because he is our player,” Vipers spokesperson Abdul Wasike said as was quoted by Football256.

“We signed him as a free agent, we agreed on terms and he signed for us for three years.”

Fufa was categorical that they will not hand over Galiwango’s player license if the amount ordered to be paid to Express is not settled.

Meanwhile, Express’ ninth signing Isaac Nsengyiyunva hopes to have a better campaign in the top-flight in order to pay back the trust that coach Wasswa Bbosa showed by signing him.

The 2020/21 season will be Nsengyiyunva’s first and the defensive midfielder hopes that the three-year deal he agreed on will just turn out to be successful.

“As a player, the level of trust the coach shows you, plays a huge part in keeping your confidence levels up, this is what coach [Wasswa] Bbosa has done and I am grateful,” the former Free Stars FC midfielder told Football256.

“I am exceedingly humbled to join the Red Eagles, I have read a lot about the club and I like the direction it’s taking, I am here to help the team achieve its targets in future.”

Yaya Mahad Kakooza and Abel Eturude are the other new midfielders the club has signed.

Goalkeepers Cryspus Kusiima and Denis Otim, centre-back Richard Bbosa, Baker Sakah, Godfrey Lwesibawa and forward Mustapha Kiragga are the other new faces to have joined Express.

Ugandan clubs are waiting for the final government decision to know whether the league will start on October 17 or not.

It's all starting to take shape at the top of the table as Johor Darul Ta'zim increased their lead over Terengganu FC. Watch the full highlights below!

Afiq Fazail got the ball rolling midway through the first half before JDT punished Perak to lead 4-0 at the break, after which The Bos Gaurus were left completely deflated.

Melaka 1-0 Terengganu FC

Melaka snapped TFC's two-match winning run as a solitary Uche Agba goal was enough to condemn the visitors to a defeat on the road.

It was a good day for B. Sathinathan as his boys came from behind to snatch a vital win over the Rhinos, thanks to a brace from Ifedayo Olusegun.

Last year's Indian Super League (ISL) finalists Chennaiyin FC are set to have a new man at the helm in the 2020-21 season after Csaba Laszlo was unveiled as their head coach last Sunday.

The 56-year-old coach is highly experienced and has travelled around the world, having been in charge of the Lithuanian and Ugandan national teams apart from clubs like Dundee United, Hearts and Ferencvaros.

The Hungarian succeeds Owen Coyle under whom the Marina Machans had a fairy tale sort of run to the final of the ISL while playing an attacking brand of football. As such, a lot of the chatter around Laszlo's appointment was on what he will bring to the table as far as playing style is concerned.

Laszlo has already seen how the team performed during the 2019-20 season and feels that he might not tinker too much straightaway.

"I am a coach who has been around the world. So, I have to adapt to the circumstances of the team apart from the team adapting to my methods too. The team will stay together for almost six months which is good," Laszlo told Goal.

"The team already has a style. They achieved a lot last season. The most important thing is that the players should understand me and vice versa. I don't want to change too much. It might be the wrong way. But we will change certain things that need to be changed but we will keep the good things," he added.

However, organisation and discipline are two characteristics Laszlo says he wants his team to have. The former Hungary assistant coach, however, explains that the insistence on discipline does not mean his team will sacrifice creativity and spontaneity in attack.

"Generally, I’m a coach who wants discipline inside and outside the field. I want a team that will fight for every point in every game. My team will be organised and knows what they need to do. I also want my players to show creativity and innovation on the field.

"Of course, my tactical shape and style might differ according to different teams because we need to adapt at times."

Laszlo has already identified the need to find reinforcements for Lucian Goian and Nerijus Valskis who had good seasons with the club last time out. Goian scored a few important goals as well while Valskis truly found his scoring boots under Coyle. The Lithuanian striker ended up scoring 15 goals and won the ISL Golden Boot before switching over to Jamshedpur FC.

The coach also feels the club needs to find someone in the mould of Andre Schembri who was an understated but key part of the attack last season. The Maltese forward retired from his professional career after the 2019-20 campaign.

"I took the opportunity to watch the games from last season. I know there were some key players. There was Goian who was the captain and leader. We have to replace him. We had a striker leave. We need a good goalscorer like Valskis.

"And we have to replace Schembri who was very important last season with his innovativeness and goals even when he came from the bench. He was a player who sacrificed himself for the team. We have to find such a player."

The coach was highly appreciative of the club management and feels they are moving in a focused manner in the transfer market. He feels that new additions should be secured soon.

"I think the reaction from the club was good when I spoke with them. The club is very professional. The owners and directors and staff members who were involved in this have done a professional job. We have to find replacements for players in the key positions. We are working on it  and I hope we can present some important names in one week.

"We are moving in a focused manner," he added.

Football is back and in a big way! With just one week left to go before Liverpool look to start the defence of their title, Astro sparked new excitement with the big announcement that they will be showing all 380 matches live.

The new season that will kick off on 12 September 2020 at 7:30 p.m Malaysia time at Craven Cottage with the match between Fulham and Arsenal will see Astro continue their unparalleled coverage of the best and most exciting football league in the world.

In what has been a difficult year for live sports because of the global pandemic, Astro has been able to ready themselves for the new challenge. In years past, Astro has always brought big-name pundits and former Premier League players to the Malaysian shore to beef up their coverage but has now look to a more digital way to captivate audiences.

Euan Smith, Group Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer, TV of Astro enthused about the brand new prospect of alternative solutions like live match coverage with pundits on the other side of the world via video conferencing as they look to go beyond the boundaries of a normal studio production.

“Sports fans are some of our most engaged and enthusiastic viewers. With live sports making their return, Astro is back stronger and more excited than ever to serve Malaysian sports fans with the biggest sporting events from around the world. And there’s no bigger and more exciting football league than the Premier League,” said Smith during the launch on Thursday.

“Besides providing the most comprehensive coverage, we are taking football viewing to the next level with our Ultra Box and Broadband offering live matches in unparalleled 4K UHD. Customers need never miss a sporting moment with our Astro GO companion apps, streaming exclusive Premier League programmes on demand wherever and whenever they wish.

“We’re mindful that, as we navigate the ongoing global situation it is vital for Astro to find new ways to engage customers and sports fans virtually. We see headroom for growth in sports, and are pushing hard on new ways to drive value and revenue in the digital space.”

It’s was a measure highlighted by a special event during the launch which saw former Manchester United captain and current TV pundit, Gary Neville dialing in from England for 30-minute long discussion on all things Premier League.

When asked about whether Liverpool have the capacity to retain the title, the former England international was quick to point out that it will be hard to see the same two teams fighting for the coveted title in the 2020/21 season.

“It’s so amazing to see Liverpool do what they did last season. They have been brilliant for two years and you have to give credit to Jürgen Klopp. But it’s hard to win back-to-back titles and only Manchester City have done that in the last 12 years,” said Neville.

“Liverpool can do it and they’ve got the talent. I think if they could sign Thiago (Alcantara), it would make them very strong again. But I do think they need the one signing to give the squad a stimulus because the boys have been together for a few years now.

“I think Manchester City will be the strongest team again this year and they will be revitalised under Pep Guardiola.”

Astro’s coverage for the Premier League will see all 380 matches being shown live on their platform whether that’s TV on mobile app, Astro Go. Additionally, fans can also watch selected matches on 4K UHD.

Just like they have done in previous years, Astro remains the one-stop place for all the biggest sports action with fans able to catch LaLiga, Serie A, Ligue 1, Formula 1, Moto GP, UFC, NBA and many more on their platforms.

Find out more about the Astro Sports Pack at https://promotions.astro.com.my/details/getsports

West Ham United captain Mark Noble has expressed his anger after Gary Diangana left the club to join newly-promoted West Bromwich Albion on a five-year contract.

Friday's move brought an end to Diangana's 10-year stay in London having joined West Ham Academy at the age of 12.

The 22-year-old joined West Brom on a season-long loan last summer after struggling to break into the Hammers' first-team, and he made a commanding statement with his return of eight goals in 30 Championship outings as Slaven Bilic's side returned to the English top-flight for the 2020-21 campaign.

Diangana’s departure, however, did not go down well with West Ham stars as captain Noble took to social media to voice his displeasure over the exit of a ‘great kid’. His comment was liked by teammate Declan Rice and former player Trevor Sinclair.

“As captain of this football club I’m gutted, angry and sad that Grady has left, great kid with a great future!!,” Noble tweeted.

Although the transfer fee was undisclosed by the Hammers, the club assured the funds would be used to strengthen David Moyes’ team for the new Premier League campaign.

“The decision to sell Grady has been made reluctantly but – ultimately – in the best interests of the Club and with the aim to strengthen the squad in different areas at this time," West Ham said in a statement.

"The money received for Grady will be reinvested entirely in the team, in line with the manager’s targets. We believe that this will give us the best possible chance of ensuring we have a balanced squad to compete in the Premier League and capable of reaching our objectives and ambitions this season.”

“Everyone at West Ham United would like to thank Grady for his service and commitment to the Club, and wish him all the very best in his future career.”

Diangana was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and he joined his family to move to London at the age of four.

He is yet to be invited by the African country but he has featured for England U20 and U21 teams in the last two years.

Former Super Eagles and 3SC defender Ajibade Babalade is confirmed to have died of cardiac arrest in Ibadan on Friday.

He died at the age of 48 and he was the team manager of Nigeria National League outfit Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) before his demise.

Babalade played for the Nigeria national team in the 90s and he was part of the team that won bronze at the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal.

At the club level, he had playing stints in South Korea, Ivory Coast, Austria, Nigeria and India before calling time on his career in 2005.

The ex-Nigeria defender also played in the Caf Champions League final with 3SC in 1996 but they lost to Egyptian Premier League side Zamalek.

During his stint in Austria with Sturm Graz, Babalade played in the Uefa Champions League before returning to 3SC in 2004 and he ended his career in India with Mohun Bagan AC a year later.

“We are sad to announce the shock demise of former Super Eagles defender Ajibade Babalade. Babalade died of cardiac arrest today in Ibadan. May his gentle soul Rest In Peace. Our prayers are with his family,” the NFF tweeted.

His former club, Stationery Stores also took to social media to pay tribute to him.

Sven Vandenbroeck has already achieved a great deal at Tanzanian giants Simba SC.

Of course, the key achievement of his tenure so far is the treble the local heavyweights clinched last term, as they chalked off the Community Shield, Tanzanian title and domestic FA Cup during a dominant campaign.

Beneath those successes, however, came the Belgian’s own personal redemption story in African football.

The 40-year-old was a member of the Cameroon backroom staff—under his compatriot Hugo Broos—who won the Africa Cup of Nations with the Indomitable Lions in 2017, and got his first major job as a number one off the back of that when he was appointed Zambia coach in 2018.

It was a golden opportunity for the former Roda JC defensive midfielder; few young coaches get their first chance to make a mark as a head coach with a side who had won the Africa Cup of Nations within the previous six years.

Of course, Zambia had struggled to build on that success, but under Wedson Nyirenda during the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign, there had been various bright sparks and reason for optimism.

Indeed, Nyirenda was unfortunate not to get the opportunity to follow through with those successes, as the Chipolopolo finished second in qualifying Group B—ahead of both Algeria and Cameroon, Africa’s champions in 2019 and 2017.

This was an exciting young Zambia team, complete with talents such as Enoch Mwepu, Patson Daka, Brian Mwila and Justin Shonga.

Vandenbroeck’s task was to help these youngsters integrate further into the fold, and qualify the Southern Africans for the 2019 Afcon.

He failed…emphatically…finishing bottom of a fairly straightforward group containing Guinea-Bissau, Namibia and Mozambique. It was a dire failure, and had bitter consequences for Vandenbroeck, who duly left his post after initially being placed on ‘administrative leave’ by FAZ.

Needless to say, his departure wasn’t mourned by a nation who were comfortably the biggest to have missed out on the first-ever 24-team Afcon.

Considering his miserable tenure with Zambia, he landed on his feet when he was appointed by serial Tanzanian champions Simba in December.

Vandenbroeck’s predecessor, Patrick Aussems, was dispatched in November after reportedly leaving the club without getting permission during an international break.

In truth, the Belgian was already on borrowed time with Simba, having crashed out of the Caf Champions League in the preliminary round at the hands of Mozambique’s UD Songo, but while there was definitely work for Vandenbroeck to do, it was clear that the Tanzanians’ assets were better than what their performances had suggested.

Over the subsequent months, the new boy consolidated the positive elements of the squad, and got the best out of the likes of Meddie Kagere, Clautous Chama and new arrival Luis Miquissone, who had been part of the Songo side that had ousted Simba from Caf competitions.

Another key figure was Kenya’s Francis Kahata; a new arrival under Aussems, Vandenbroeck gave him licence to run the show in the final third, and Simba duly romped to the title.

At 29, Kahata’s chances of another shot at European football are behind him, but he remains a delight to watch in the Tanzanian top flight, ending the season with six goals and six assists.

Similarly, John Bocco thrived under Vandenbroeck, having missed much of the latter portion of Aussems’ tenure with a knee injury.

He bagged nine goals during the second half of the season, and was a shock omission from the final shortlist for the Tanzanian Player of the Year award.

Vandenbroeck has put together a fine side, and fully deserved all of the plaudits that came his way during the run-in.

There was some speculation that he would depart the club during the offseason, with Vandenbroeck acknowledging that he wasn’t certain he’d be with the side into the new campaign when asked by reporters.

He also appears reinvigorated, and keen for Simba to thrive both domestically and on the continent this term.

“If we manage to keep our squad fit throughout the season then I don’t have any doubts that we will be crowned champions again,” Vandenbroeck told journalists.

“We have signed very quality players, a very good addition to our squad, but we have to make sure that they are fit to see through the season, injuries can sometimes spoil your plans, and we hope they will be able to see through the season.”

There have been reinvestments, Kenya’s Joash Onyango will immediately boost the defensive unit, particularly if he can replicate the performances he showed alongside the likes of Harun Shakava and Charles Momanyi at Gor Mahia.

The arrival of the controversial Bernard Morrison following his troubled tenure with arch-rivals Young Africans SC represents a gamble, and while things could implode spectacularly, the Ghanaian could be a massive asset if Vandenbroeck can get the best out of him.

Morrison joins a squad that has been lauded for its unity, although the Belgian has recently had to dispel rumours of a rift with Rwanda’s Kagere following speculation that the duo had squared off during training on Tuesday following the Community Shield triumph over Namungo FC.

It’s an unwanted headline ahead of the start of the new campaign this weekend, and Vandenbroeck will be hoping it’s the last of the unwanted subplots during a season which will doubtless be more demanding than last term considering the desire to impress on the continent as well as domestically.

The Belgian has achieved great things in Tanzania, and turned his career in African football around following that disastrous spell in Zambia…but can he build on that fine first year in Tanzania?

Rwandan striker Meddie Kagere has left Simba SC fans guessing on his future after a message he posted on his social media pages.

The former Gor Mahia striker, who has won two Golden Boot awards since he signed for the Wekundu wa Msimbazi from the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions, has delivered a message which has left the fans divided and not sure what the future of the player holds at the club.

“Was such a great season with great achievements for the club Simba SC, the technical team and players,” Kagere wrote on his Twitter handle. “Thanks to Haji Manara and the Simba fans for the respect and trust u always have for me. Hoping for the best 2020-2021.”

Most fans believe from the message, Kagere, who has been linked with a move to APR of Rwanda, has simply said goodbye to the club while others feel he will be at the club for the new season which kicks off on Sunday.

“Maybe you are saying bye and on your way coming home, have a safe journey,” wrote Eulade Mahirwe.

On Wednesday, social media was awash with news that Kagere had confronted his coach Sven Vandebroeck in training on Tuesday, after the team arrived in Mbeya from Arusha, where they beat Namungo FC 2-0 to lift the Community Shield.

However, they both came out to deny the reports with Vandebroeck saying he doesn’t have any problem with the striker and does not know where the news came from.

“I can't use powers on my players and on unnecessary things that I don't know where they come from,” Vandenbroeck was quoted saying by Simba’s social media pages.

“I don't have a problem, Meddie [Kagere] has no problem that's what I can say.”

On his part, Kagere rubbished the reports, terming them as baseless and pointed a finger at his enemies who are out to tarnish his name.

“I have heard the rumours going around about me, and they are not true at all, all those rumours are just aimed at spoiling my good name and that is why I have never replied to such stories,” said Kagere.

“First, they came up with stories. I used charm but I kept silent, and now they have said I fought with my coach which is not true, I am shocked and saddened with such reports and have kept asking myself when and where did I fight with my coach?”

Earlier on Wednesday, Simba information officer Haji Manara also waded into the issue and dismissed the reports, claiming Simba did not train on Tuesday as the players were already tired after arriving from Mwanza.

“Here in Simba it is all happiness all the time and when people want to make us sad they come up with cooked stories, nothing like that happened, at no time did [Kagere] and [Sven] fight each other or confront each other,” Manara told Sokaletu.

“All those are big lies being used to divert the attention that Simba won a trophy on Sunday, they just want to spoil our party and at the same time imply that there are problems in Simba, we don’t have any problems, we are a happy family, they want to provoke us and we are not ready to be provoked.

“The coach requested all the players to have a rest, they were all resting and none went to training, so I am wondering when did it happen and where? We know them [the traitors] they are back again with lies but we will not buy that.”

Kagere joined Simba from Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions Gor Mahia in 2018 and went on to win the Golden Boot in the first season when he managed 24 goals and repeated the feat last season when he scored 23 goals.

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi will open their league campaign with a clash against promoted side Ihefu FC at Sokoine Stadium on Saturday.

When Brentford lost the Championship Playoff final against Fulham in July, the consensus was that key components of the Bees’ strong 2019/20 season to depart. In fairness, maybe one in particular: Said Benrahma.

Regardless of an underwhelming performance against their West London neighbours, the Algerian was still expected to leave the second tier, as there was a feeling that he’d outgrown that division. There was disappointment over that game vs Scott Parker’s side owing to a failure to show his true quality when it mattered, despite punishing the same team a month earlier in the league.

Still, over a month after Brentford’s loss in that decider which would have seen them play in the Prem for the first time in their history, the North African remains at the Brentford Community Stadium.

Indeed, this is the opposite of what observers expected when reports suggested capital clubs Arsenal and Chelsea were waiting for the season to end before battling for the hugely talented 25-year-old.

For now, neither the Gunners nor the Blues have made a move for Benrahma, but why haven’t they or any of the top sides in the Premier League made concerted efforts to snap up the attacker?

For Arsenal, it’s fairly complicated.

Mikel Arteta’s side opted to bring in Willian on a free transfer after his Chelsea contract expired when they could have considered a long-term option in the North African. This is understandable owing to the financial realities of most sides due to the coronavirus, which meant choosing to pay the Brazilian’s wages alone as opposed to splurging on a transfer fee as well as high wages for the talent was a long shot.

Maybe the club also balked at the idea of a player without top flight experience in England commanding a high transfer fee. So, the North London side, like many others currently cash strapped have chosen to be thrifty in the market.

Their apparent lack of funds to spend has been evident in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid man Thomas Partey, with both sides said to be far apart in their valuation of the Ghana midfielder. Despite a relatively cheap £43 million release clause in the West African’s contract, a pandemic-hit window means the Gunners haven’t struck a deal.

Curiously, there have been reports insinuating that the Gunners are looking to sell a few fringe players to fund the transfer of the all-round defensive midfielder. If this is indeed the case, a move to London Colney may be impossible, this summer at least.

As for the Blues, the sheer sum already pumped in this transfer window on attacking talent means a move for Benrahma was near impossible.

Given Frank Lampard's team already have Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi as natural widemen, as well as Timo Werner and record signing Kai Havertz as further options in the wide roles, moving for Benrahma when other areas need addressing, is going to be misguided.

So, if Arsenal and Chelsea are unlikely to happen, what about Liverpool, Manchester City or Manchester United?

Liverpool, despite being champions, are unexpected to make a move as it stands. Jurgen Klopp’s troops lost out on Werner to Chelsea due to financial restrictions, and are also struggling to sign Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich for similar reasons.

Therefore, unless one of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah or Roberto Firmino departs for big money, the world champions are unlikely to swoop for Benrahma.

For City, regardless of a willingness to spend this summer, already have Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez, Bernardo Silva and new buy Ferran Torres to feature in the wide positions. Phil Foden, like Silva, is capable of playing in a midfield three or on the flanks, so Pep Guardiola looks to have those positions filled for now.

With United, it looks viable, in theory. However, the Manchester giants have prioritised a move for Jadon Sancho this summer and may not consider the Brentford man as an alternative. Also, despite being adept as a right winger, the fact Benrahma played his best football on the left last season may put the Red Devils off in striking a deal for the playmaker.

Nevertheless, it is an option Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could consider due to how the side suffered last season because of a lack of quality replacements outside their starting line-up. With Benrahma, United will not only have someone capable of starting consistently but also one capable of making an impact off the bench.

In truth, if none of these top Premier League clubs come in for the Bees’ attacker who netted 17 goals and set up eight last season, it leaves him at a crossroads to either play another season with Brentford or join a lesser side in England’s top division.

Given the maverick will have one year left on his current deal in another 12 months, it could represent a win-win for player and club if their talisman stays, as he could get a dream move to one of the aforementioned sides in a year and help Thomas Frank’s side have another go at gaining promotion in 20/21.

Potentially signing for a club outside the heavyweights may be ill-advised as such a transfer will leave him on a long-term four-to-five year deal, possibly putting bigger sides off. At 25, the Algerian is prepared to take the leap to play at the highest level, and a transfer to a club outside the league’s primary challengers possibly rules this out for him.

Without question, it is surprising that Benrahma hasn’t moved despite a remarkable campaign with Brentford last term. In a pandemic-hit universe, maybe there’s some merit to having him wait another year with the Bees and then hopefully secure that big move he deserves in 12 months.

Chelsea have completed the signing of Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth a £70 million ($91m) including add-ons.

The Blues will pay almost the entire fee up front but with a small proportion coming in add-ons after successfully negotiating down the £90m ($118m) asking price with the Bundesliga outfit.

Havertz, 21, has penned a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge having been convinced to join the club after more than two months of talks.

"I am very happy and proud to be here," Haverz told Chelsea's official website. "For me it is a dream come true to play in a big club like Chelsea and I can’t wait to meet all the players and the trainers. Yeah, I am very happy to be here!"

The Germany international becomes the latest addition to Frank Lampard’s squad with more than £200m ($260m) spent this summer in west London.

Deals for Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner got the ball rolling for the Blues, and the club have also added Ben Chilwell, Malang Sarr and Thiago Silva in a summer full of major additions.

Chelsea fans can revel in the fact that Havertz will be turning out for them in 2020-21, with plenty of excitement surrounding the arrival of the talented playmaker.

Many have already tipped him to make a positive impression in English football, with another sizeable show of faith from Roman Abramovich having allowed Chelsea to fend off a number of European rivals and secure a much sought-after signature.

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added: "Kai is one of the best players of his age in world football, so we are very happy that his future lies at Chelsea. He has proven pedigree in one of the best leagues in Europe, he plays for the German national side and he is an exciting, dynamic talent.

"We are delighted to be able to add his versatility and quality to the squad before the season begins."

Having finished in fourth place last season, Chelsea will be expected to be much closer to runaway champions Liverpool in the upcoming 2020-21 campaign, as well as mounting a challenge in the Champions League.