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Gor Mahia have turned down an offer from TP Mazembe to sign their captain Kenneth Muguna.

Goal can exclusively reveal the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) giants have tabled a bid to acquire the services of the midfielder, who has 18 months still remaining on his contract.

However, the offer from Mazembe was turned down by K’Ogalo, who have vowed to keep their best players after a recent exodus had threatened to derail their quest to defend the KPL title and do well in the Caf Champions League.

A source in K’Ogalo, who is privy to the transfer, has told Goal they have been approached by Mazembe but they have refused to let go of their captain.

“It is true they [Mazembe] have come to us twice seeking the services of Muguna but we have told them we are not interested to listen to the offer they are tabling,” the source told Goal on Sunday.

“We have already lost enough players and cannot afford to lose more players, we also have to keep our best players and Muguna is part of the coach’s plans for the new season, we don’t want to listen to them [even if they give us good money], we are not ready to lose more players now.”

K’Ogalo have already lost defender Joash Onyango who left to sign for Simba SC of Tanzania, keeper David Mapigano joined Azam FC, winger Dickson Ambundo signed for promoted side Dodoma Jiji while Boniface Omondi and goalkeeper Peter Odhiambo have been unveiled by Wazito FC.

In a recent interview with Goal, Gor Mahia coach Steven Polack maintained Muguna was part of his plans for the new season.

“I am just reading in social media and newspapers that Muguna has left Gor Mahia, or he intends to leave but I am not aware of his transfer, he has not told me anything nor has the club told me if the captain is going,” Polack told Goal.

“[Muguna] has a contract with the club and he cannot walk away just like that, so I am very sure Muguna will stay and I have plans to build a team around him ahead of the new season.”

Gor Mahia will carry Kenya’s Caf Champions League flag by virtue of being declared the KPL champions in the last campaign.

Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands feels Saturday’s 2-1 Premier Soccer League (PSL) win over SuperSport United is what they needed to gain “confidence going forward” following a difficult run of form.

Pirates beat Matsatsantsa at Ellis Park Stadium to end a streak of two defeats and four draws which compromised their chances of ending the season in the top three.

It was a heroic afternoon for Sandilands who saved two penalties to keep the Soweto giants on track for maximum points.

Now as Pirates are left with facing Maritzburg United and Stellenbosch before they complete the season, Sandilands feels that they are still far from being at their best but the latest result was a morale booster going forward.

“Since we have been in the bubble it’s been a bit of a hard ground for us but I am just super happy that we can come away with three points. For us it’s good, the vibe going to the hotel will be a lot better than it has been,” Sandilands told SuperSport TV.

“Sometimes it goes your way on your day so I am grateful that I was able to help the team and it was our day today and we got the three valuable points that we needed. It’s a quick turnaround and we still have a lot of work to do in the upcoming week. That will give us a bit of confidence going forward.

“He kept me busy throughout the game, he is a quality player so yeah I am just grateful for the three points once again.”

Pirates and other widely-followed teams have had to adjust to playing behind closed doors since the resumption of the season, and Sandilands says they are now accustomed to it.

“It takes getting used to [playing inside empty stadiums] but I think obviously you have a task at hand that you have to set your mind to,” said Sandilands.

“You know in these games there is a lot riding on them everybody is fighting for points trying to finish as high on the table as you can so you get on with it. It is different it’s not easy but we get on with the job and take it one step at a time.”

Sandilands has 10 clean sheets from 25 league games this season with SuperSport goalkeeper Ronwen Williams being the only other PSL goalkeeper better than the Pirates shot-stopper with 13 clean sheets.

Bidvest Wits are set to square off with Kaizer Chiefs in a Premier Soccer League (PSL) match on Sunday.

The Clever Boys' hopes of qualifying for next season's Caf Confederation Cup are still alive despite having drawn 1-1 with Bloemfontein Celtic in their previous game.

Coach Gavin Hunt will be keen to guide his side to a win over Chiefs which would take the team to position three on the standings with two matches left.

However, Wits will face a wounded Chiefs side which is keen to return to winning ways following their 1-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns which left them winless in three games.

A victory for Ernst Middendorp's side against Wits will see them open a three-point lead at the top of the league standings with second-placed Sundowns set to take on Baroka FC on Sunday evening. 

TV Channel, Live Score & How To Watch

The game will be shown live on SuperSport 4. 

Squads & Team News

Wits have not reported any new injuries in their camp ahead of their clash with Chiefs with the teams having recently played to a 1-1 draw in the first round league clash.

The 2016/17 PSL champions also do not have any players on this weekend's PSL suspension list which has definitely boosted Hunt's team selection. 

The accomplished coach will once again look to highly-rated winger Deon Hotto, who has netted six league goals this season and he has the ability to inspire his side to a win over Chiefs.

Meanwhile, Chiefs are set to welcome back their key striker Samir Nurkovic after the deadly marksman missed the match against Sundowns due to suspension. 

However, the Soweto giants will be without Leonardo Castro with the Colombian centre forward having been ruled out for the rest of the season after picking up a muscle injury.

Middendorp will look to Nurkovic, who netted against Wits earlier this month, and Lazarous Kambole to lead Amakhosi' attack and inspire the team to a much-needed win in Nasrec, Johannesburg.

Match Preview

Chiefs are unbeaten in their last two league matches against Wits having recorded a draw and a win.

The last time Clever Boys hosted Amakhosi in a league match was in January 2019 and the latter secured a 2-0 win.

In head-to-head stats since 1985, Chiefs and Wits have clashed in 67 league matches.

Amakhosi have the upper hand having registered 32 wins compared to 13 for the Clever Boys, while 22 matches ended in draws. 

Furthermore, Chiefs have won 19 of the 34 away matches in the rivalry, suffering only three defeats in the process.

Lionel Messi can only leave Barcelona if his €700 million (£624m/$823m) release clause is met, La Liga confirmed on Sunday.

Messi handed in a transfer request to the Barca board last week, with a view to triggering the clause in his contract which allows him to leave the club at the end of each season.

The clause in question expired in June, but the Argentine's legal team are ready to argue that he should be allowed to terminate his deal unilaterally due to the 2019-20 season being extended into August because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Manchester City is thought to be the most likely next destination for Messi, with Goal reporting that ex-Barca boss Pep Guardiola has been in touch over a potential reunion at Etihad Stadium.

Paris-Saint Germain, Juventus and Manchester United are also thought to be considering a move for the six-time Ballon d'Or winner, but La Liga have now revealed their stance on his current situation.

Spanish football's main governing body have now said that the terms of Messi's current contract, which is due to run until 2021, remain valid, which means he will not be able to leave the club unless a potential suitor pays his €700m (£624m/$823m) buy-out clause in full.

An official statement on La Liga's website reads: "In relation to the different interpretations (some of them contradictory to each other) published in recent days in different media, related to the contractual situation of the player Lionel Messi with Barcelona, ​​La Liga considers it convenient to clarify [matters].

"The contract is currently in force and has a 'termination clause' applicable to the event that Lionel Messi decides to force the early unilateral termination of the contract.

"In compliance with the applicable regulations, and following the corresponding procedure in these cases, La Liga will not carry out the process for the player to be removed from the federation if they have not previously paid the amount of said clause."

Messi's battle to secure a move away from Barca is now threatening to become a drawn-out saga, even though he has already decided that he no longer wishes to play for the club.

The 33-year-old purposely failed to report for medical testing at the club's training facility ahead of the new season in order to put pay to any lingering doubts over his mindset.

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has expressed hope Joe Aribo will be ready in time for their next Scottish Premiership clash, with Dundee United at the Ibrox on September 12.

The Nigeria international has been out of action with an ankle injury missing the Gers last three matches against Livingston and Kilmarnock and the latest being Saturday’s 2-0 win over Hamilton Academical at the Fountain of Youth Stadium.

Gerrard had already ruled out the possibility of Aribo playing for the game along with former Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe.

The ex-Liverpool captain, however, wants both men involved against the Terrors.

Another Nigerian in Leon Balogun was also out of action with a muscle injury, but returned to training during the week and was selected for the matchday squad. The former Brighton and Hove Albion man was, however, an unused substitute.

“I am hoping to have a real selection dilemma when we come back to play Dundee United as I am hoping to have Joe Aribo back, Jermain Defoe and Leon [Balogun] were back in the squad today," Gerrard told Rangers TV.

"So that is how we need to be as a squad - it needs to be very difficult to pick 11 and it is at the moment."

The victory-maintained Rangers’ unbeaten start to the season now reading five wins and one draw from six matches, three points clear of Hibernian who play Aberdeen later on Sunday afternoon.

Even without Balogun’s presence, Rangers have been able to keep their streak of 100% clean sheets this season which Gerrard was thrilled about.

“The lads deserve a lot of credit keeping clean sheets - which is a fantastic record to have and they deserve a lot of praise for that,” he said.

“I thought Hamilton were there for a stronger scoreline, but we take the win, we take the clean sheet, we take the three points and we move on.”

Matt Doherty was forced to delete some awkward past tweets after completing a transfer to Tottenham on Sunday morning.

Doherty became Spurs' third signing of the summer after moving to north London from Wolves, where he had spent the previous ten years of his career.

The 28-year-old has followed Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Joe Hart to Tottenham ahead of the new season, which will see Jose Mourinho's side try to improve on a disappointing sixth-place finish last term.

Doherty said at his unveiling: "My time at Wolves was fantastic - I haven't got a bad word to say about the whole club at all.

"I just feel like coming here is going to take my game and my career to the next level."

The Republic of Ireland international went on to discuss on his playing style and goals for the future at Spurs, before starring in a light-hearted video which showed up his previous loyalties to Arsenal.

During the 30-second clip, Doherty can be seen deleting a couple of incriminating posts on Twitter dating back to 2012, the first of which read: "I love Arsenal forever and ever and ever."

The former Wolves star then removed a second Tweet reading: "Yes I am a HUGE Arsenal fan!"

Doherty will be expected to help Tottenham finish above their local rivals for a fifth successive season in 2020-21, and supporters will also hope that he can inspire a silverware charge.

The Lilywhites haven't won a major trophy in 12 years, despite enjoying an impressive run in the Premier League's top four under Mauricio Pochettino between 2014 and 2019.

Mourinho replaced Pochettino last November after a poor run of results which saw Spurs drop into the bottom half, and was able to guide the club to Europa League qualification despite losing a number of key players to injury.

Doherty, meanwhile, played in all 38 games of Wolves' Premier League campaign as they ended up in seventh, while also playing a key role in their run to the Europa League quarter-finals.

West Ham’s Declan Rice has the “ability and character” to establish himself as one of England’s first choice central midfielders, says former Three Lions captain Wayne Rooney.

The 21-year-old has been a regular in Gareth Southgate’s squad since making his debut against Czech Republic in March 2019, having switched his international allegiance from the Republic of Ireland, who he represented at youth level.

He has made more than 100 appearances for West Ham since making his debut as an 18-year-old at the end of the 2016-17 season.

Those performances have seen him linked with an £80 million ($105m) move to Chelsea, although the Hammers have made it clear they have no intention of selling the midfielder, who still has four years left on his contract.

Rice has once again been included in Southgate’s squad for Nations League games against Iceland and Denmark next month, and with Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson out injured, there is a place in the starting XI up for grabs.

While the likes of Phil Foden, Mason Mount and Kalvin Phillips will also be hoping to stake a claim for a place in the side, Rooney believes Rice has all the attributes required to become a first-choice pick.

"The biggest gap England have is in the middle - after Jordan Henderson, who is recovering from injury, they have no other established, top-class midfielder,” he told The Times.

“It is the position where England are most lacking. I’d like somebody to make that spot alongside Jordan their own. It is why Gareth brought in Kalvin Phillips and the Leeds youngster deserves his chance.

"Declan Rice has the ability and character to do it. It’s a big season for him. After a couple of good campaigns at West Ham and showing promise for England, can he cement his spot?”

Rooney also believes Southgate should consider a change in goal. Everton’s Jordan Pickford has been Southgate’s regular No 1, but struggled for form in a Toffees shirt at the end of last season.

Meanwhile, the performances of Nick Pope and Dean Henderson has put Pickford’s place under further scrutiny, with Rooney joining those calling for a possible change.

"Gareth has a decision to make about his goalkeeper: whether to stick with Jordan Pickford or go with Dean Henderson or Nick Pope,” he added. “Pope is the calm one whereas the other two are more unpredictable. Pickford and Henderson can give you 9/10 performances but then have a 4/10, whereas Pope is always a solid 7/10 at Burnley."

Mason Greenwood can be Harry Kane's deputy for England, according to Wayne Rooney, who has described the Manchester United star as a natural goalscorer.

Greenwood has been handed his first international call up ahead of the Three Lion's UEFA Nation's League fixtures against Iceland and Denmark in September.

The 18-year-old scored 17 goals across all competitions for United in 2019-20, establishing himself as a key member of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first team in the process.

Greenwood was one of the most prolific marksmen in the Premier League post-lockdown, and the young forward's impressive run of form convinced Gareth Southgate that he was ready to step into the senior fold.

"If you said to me three or four months ago, I would have said we know he is a high-quality player who is having a good season but maybe it is a bit early to put him up to the senior team, but the reality is that his performances and goalscoring has been so good that he has earned the right," Southgate said last week.

At the moment, Kane serves as England's focal point in attack, but Rooney thinks Greenwood should be the first man off the bench on the occasions that the Tottenham talisman is unavailable.

United's all-time record scorer has ranked the teenager ahead of his Old Trafford team-mate Marcus Rashford and Chelsea's Tammy Abraham in terms of ability, while comparing him to former Liverpool striker Michael Owen.

Rooney wrote in his latest column for The Times: "Greenwood made 40 appearances in Europe and the Premier League in 2019-20, compared with Foden’s 28, and he is a natural scorer, good with both feet, a taker of chances, calm in front of goal.

"He is probably the best finisher at United already at the age of 18 and in goalscorers you can just see it from day one — Harry Kane and Michael Owen had the knack and it’s the same with Greenwood.

"As I’ve said before, I wasn’t a natural scorer.

"That knack is rare and Gareth needs a proper deputy for Kane, someone he can slot in if Harry is injured or suspended.

"For me, Marcus Rashford is not such a natural scorer and nor is Tammy Abraham. But Greenwood can be that player."

England take on Iceland on Saturday September 5 before playing Denmark on Tuesday September 8.

William D'Avila, the agent of Napoli forward Victor Osimhen, has stated that the Nigerian does not feel under pressure at the club.

The 21-year-old has been making headlines since his big-money move from Lille and showed a glimpse of his quality when he scored a hat-trick and provided an assist in an 11-0 routing of L’Aquila in the Partenopei’s training camp at Castel di Sangro on Friday.

Such a performance only makes the excitement around Osimhen even stronger, something which the former Wolfsburg man is pleased about.

"We are extremely happy with Victor's performance. He called me and confessed that he was extremely happy for the first goals for the Azzurri,” D’Avila told Radio Punto Nuovo.

“If he feels the pressure now? No, why should he? He's not experiencing any kind of pressure, he knows how to be a great striker. His goal is to score a lot of goals, so no pressure.

“His first impressions on Napoli and Gattuso? Perfect, everything. Victor already feels at home."

When quizzed on whether Napoli will be able to return to the Champions League next season, having settled for a Europa League spot by winning the Coppa Italia, D’Avila said: “Absolutely yes, it is the goal of Victor and all his teammates. The team will row all towards the same direction. Napoli is full of great players who will help Victor to give his best."

Napoli boss Gennaro Gattuso is, however, of the opinion that there should not be too much pressure on Osimhen as he still needs time to adapt and is not someone like club legend Diego Maradona.

“It’s too easy to get excited now, we’ve got to give him time and let him work, not put pressure on,” Gattuso told Radio Kiss Kiss and Sky Sport Italia as reported by Football Italia.

“He is an important player and we paid a lot for him, but there were no doubts he would give us something different that we haven’t had in my time here. There’s a long way to go.

“It’s not like we suddenly signed Pele or Maradona, we simply brought in a player with certain characteristics that can help us.”

Following a day of rest on Saturday, Napoli continue their pre-season training in Castel di Sangro on Sunday.

Simba SC captain John Bocco has said they expect a competitive Namungo FC during the Community Shield tie at Sheik Abeid Amri Stadium on Sunday.

The teams met in the FA Cup final last time around and Wekundu wa Msimbazi emerged the victors after winning the league title.

Bocco feels the match will need a concerted effort from his side and pegs his hope on the preparations they have done towards the match

“We know we are meeting a good team in Namungo. They have always been a competitive side and that is why the game is not going to be easy at all,” Bocco told Mwanaspoti.

“On our part, we have had good preparations and we hope we are going to have a successful day which will end with us winning the title.

“We will always remember to be thankful to our fans who have been there to support us every other time. In that regard, we would want to appeal to them that they come and support us and we will try and fight to win the title on our part.”

Bocco feels the kind of players that have been signed already will help the team in a great way.

“The addition of new players brings about high-level competition and also the morale in the team goes high. I hope they are going to ensure we win more titles,” the Tanzanian added.

Joash Onyango, Larry Bwalya, Chris Mugalu, Ibrahim Ame, David Kameta, Charles Ilanfya and Bernard Morrison were the players signed.

Meanwhile, Simba’s Arusha coordinator Suleiman Ally believes the previous matches the team has engaged in will help them defeat Namungo.

“We started the preparation a very long time ago,” Ally told Mwanaspoti. “We started with the friendly during the Simba Day and thereafter we played against KMC FC. The two matches gave us a hint on what we should do during the match against Namungo.

“Namungo are not a new side to us given that we met thrice last season where we defeated them during the FA Cup final and in one league match.

“We will walk into the pitch with the aim of beating them again.”

The match is primed to start at 15.30.

Thiago Alcantara looks set to leave Bayern Munich and CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge expects an offer for the midfielder in the coming days.

Liverpool have been heavily linked with a move for Thiago, although Rummenigge said this week that Bayern had received no contact from the Premier League champions.

However, asked about Thiago in an interview with Welt am Sonntag, Rummenigge replied: "It looks like he will leave us. It was important for him that he showed that he can play well in the big games. When it comes to that, it's a finish that hurts a bit. I expect an offer for him in the next few days."

Thiago helped Bayern to a treble-winning campaign as they lifted the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League under Hansi Flick.

He may not be the only Spain international to depart the Allianz Arena ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.

Defender Javi Martinez also appears to have his heart set on pastures new, with Rummenigge confirming Bayern would not prevent him from seeking a move.

"Javi thinks about leaving us. It will be difficult for him now, too," Rummenigge added. "His contract is still valid for one year and we have given him to understand that we are not going to put any obstacles in his way."

One player who certainly will not be leaving Bayern Munich is Robert Lewandowski, after the Polish striker enjoyed the most prolific year of his professional career.

Lewandowski was the pick of many to win the Ballon d'Or, however France Football - who organise the award which recognises the world's best player in the calendar year - have said it will not be given in 2020 because of the disruption caused by coronavirus.

Rummenigge is disappointed Lewandowski will not get the recognition he feels the forward deserves and praised the 32-year-old's professionalism and commitment to the Bayern cause.

He said of Lewandowski: "He is probably the best professional out there, it couldn't be better. He pays attention to everything. His diet, his lifestyle - everything is geared towards success. When I'm in the dressing room sometimes and see his upper body - he is like Adonis. It couldn't be better."

"He deserves the Ballon d'Or like no other. He played the season of his life and he lives Bayern Munich."

Lionel Messi failed to report for pre-season medical tests at Barcelona on Sunday as he continues to seek a transfer, Goal understands.

First team stars have been arriving at the Blaugrana's Sant Joan Despi training centre at staggered intervals to undergo health checks ahead of the new season, amid the continued threat of coronavirus.

New head coach Ronald Koeman was in attendance with the rest of his coaching staff, with Jordi Alba and Martin Braithwaite the first players to arrive at the facility.

Luis Suarez and Arturo Vidal also checked in, despite having both been linked with moves away from Camp Nou in recent weeks, but Messi deliberately avoided the screening.

Goal reported on Saturday that the six-time Ballon d'Or winner would skip the tests to reinforce the message that he no longer wishes to be a part of the squad.

Messi is still hoping an amicable parting of ways can be arranged, and wants to sit down with the board to finalise the terms of his exit as soon as possible.

The 33-year-old had a clause in his contract that allowed him to leave Barca on a free transfer at the end of each season, but this expired in June.

However, Messi's legal team are planning to argue that the coronavirus-enforced break in the 2019-20 campaign ensured that the clause in question remained valid until August.

The Argentine international handed in a formal transfer request on Tuesday, and Goal understands Pep Guardiola has been in touch with the playmaker over a possible switch to Manchester City.

Messi's strained relationship with senior officials at Barca reached breaking point following an 8-2 defeat to Barcelona in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The Blaugrana's record goalscorer still harbours ambitions to add several more major trophies to his collection before hanging up his boots, and no longer feels he can remain competitive at the highest level in his current surroundings.

Several other high-profile potential suitors have been linked with Messi in addition to Man City, including Inter, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Manchester United.

Former PSG midfielder Fabrice Pancrate wants to see the Barca superstar make his way to Parc des Princes, and has predicted that Guardiola and Juve talisman Cristiano Ronaldo could join the Argentine in the French capital next year.

"There are plenty of things that make me say that Messi is going to Paris. Ronaldo will join him in 2021. Guardiola too," Pancrate told Le Parisien.

Dylan Kerr believes defender Joash Onyango is a good addition for Tanzania Mainland League champions Simba SC.

The team has been restructuring for the new campaign and has been in the market for established players, and one of them is the 27-year-old Kenya international.

He has been a rock in the Gor Mahia defence in the recent past, leading them to back-to-back Kenyan Premier League (KPL) titles.

"[Onyango] is a simple, hard-working defender that has a good work ethic," Kerr, who worked with the player at K'Ogalo, told Goal on Sunday.

The tactician has, however, warned Onyango against changing his style of play since it might not work for him especially in a team with massive following and pressure from the fans.

"If he changes how he plays, it will affect him," the 53-year-old told continued.

"But he is an honest, no-nonsense defender who is disciplined in his position and that is good for the team."

Simba did not, however, confirm the length of the 27-year-old’s contract.

Onyango, who earned his maiden Harambee Stars call-up under coach Sebastien Migne, made his debut against Ghana at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani during an African Cup of Nations qualifier in 2018.

He was part of the 2019 Afcon squad in Egypt that was eliminated in the group stage after losing two matches and winning against Tanzania in Group C’s last encounter.

Onyango, nicknamed 'Berlin Wall' due to his defensive performances, had established himself as one of the outstanding defenders in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) while serving the Green Army.

He never looked back since he became a regular first-team member for Gor Mahia when Musa Mohamed left for KF Tirana of Albania in 2018.

His outstanding partnership with Harun Shakava and later on Charles Momanyi saw him consequently appointed the K’Ogalo’s assistant captain.

Onyango is set to make his competitive debut on Sunday when the Msimbazi-based side will play Namungo in the Community Shield match. It is the first time the two teams are meeting in the fixture.

This will be the fourth time Simba and Namungo are meeting in all competitions. The former have managed to get two wins and one draw in the last three meetings.

Rennes midfielder Steven Nzonzi hailed the performance of Eduardo Camavinga in Saturday’s 2-1 victory at home to Montpellier, asserting the 17-year-old knows how to influence a match.

The Red and Blacks had a 1-0 lead for much of the game, with the visitors down to 10 men after Florent Mollet was sent off in the first half.

The same fate then befell Julian Stephan’s men in the 73rd minute with Martin Terrier getting his marching orders, but it did not deter them from adding more goals with Camavinga netting the second in fine fashion.

It comes on the back of the Franco-Angolan teenager being called up to the France national team ahead of their Nations League ties against Sweden and Croatia.

" It was important to start well for the first home game in front of our supporters. I think it's deserved,” Nzonzi said on the club website.

“We created a lot of chances, we could have killed the game before. We put ourselves in a bit of danger at the end, but apart from their goal I think we were serious from start to finish.

“During the preparation, we worked very well physically and tactically. There is room for improvement and we must continue to work well. The recruits have integrated well. It feels like they've been in the team for a long time. They are smart and attentive players.

“Cama put in a great goal. He knows how to make the difference individually. He brings in defensively and offensively, he is complete. There will be two of us in the French team, it's good for him. It will be a first.”

New signing and Morocco defender Nayef Aguerd was making his second appearance for Rennes, playing the entire 90 minutes and said he has been able to quickly adapt in a short space of time.

“We showed some interesting things. We got chances but we couldn't kill the match. There is a good state of mind. The group is united. We were present in the duels and on the second balls,” Aguerd said.

“The club did everything to make me adapt as quickly as possible. In the field, we have a common language. I felt comfortable from day one. When it's like that, it's easier to give 100%.

“The supporters were only 5,000 but we could feel them behind us. We thank them."

Kenyan Premier League heavyweights Gor Mahia have completed the signing of Andrew Juma from Mathare United.

The centre-back becomes the fourth signing Gor Mahia have completed in the ongoing transfer window after confirming Levis Opiyo, John Macharia and Tito Okello.

Gor Mahia have not confirmed the length of Juma’s contract yet.

Macharia, a former Thika United, FC Kolkheti and FC Saburto-2 of Georgia star, signed a two-year contract to serve the Green Army whereas Okello signed a three-year deal.

“We are pleased to announce our fourth signing, centre-back [Andrew] Juma who joins the club from Mathare United. Welcome, Juma,” Gor Mahia confirmed on their Facebook page.

Opiyo was the first signing the record league champions made ahead of the 2020/21 season.

Juma is arriving at Gor Mahia with huge expectations placed on his shoulders since he is expected to fill the void the immediate former assistant captain Joash Onyango left.

Onyango departed and headed to Simba SC of Tanzania leaving a gaping hole in Gor Mahia’s defensive department.

K’Ogalo secured Juma’s deal since he is thought to be the most talented local product, not only to replace Onyango but also to help in the Caf Champions League campaign.

Goalkeeper Opiyo was signed from Nairobi City Stars and came after the Green Army lost David Mapigano – who had featured for them for just a season – to Tanzanian side Azam FC.

Okello signed for the Kenyan giants and is expected to replace his Ugandan counterpart Juma Balinya, who is understood to be in advanced talks with Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA FC).

Burundian striker Jules Ulimwengu has been reported to be on the radar of Gor Mahia, as is Cameroonian midfielder Bertrand Konfor.

Malawian star Andrew Numero, currently playing for Africa Warriors FC of South Africa, has also been heavily linked with the 2019/20 Caf Champions League participants.

Gor Mahia lost Boniface Omondi to rivals Wazito FC while goalkeeper Peter Odhiambo was released and later joined Omondi.

The Green army are set to unveil more players soon, especially after chairman Ambrose Rachier confirmed a number of players are set to exit either because of their expiring contracts or because the club considers them surplus to requirements.

Barcelona must pay €14 million (£12m/$17m) to cancel Luis Suarez's current contract, Goal understands.

A new era is being ushered in at Camp Nou under Ronald Koeman, who replaced Quique Setien in the managerial hot seat following a humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in last season's Champions League quarter-finals.

The Dutchman has already started making plans for his first year at the helm, with wholesale changes to the squad expected after the club's first trophyless season in 12 years.

Lionel Messi could be the first out the door in the coming weeks, as the six-time Ballon d'Or winner has submitted a formal transfer request amid interest from Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.

Goal has learned that Suarez is also being touted for the exit, having been informed by Koeman over the phone that he does not feature in his plans for the upcoming campaign.

The Uruguayan striker is contracted to remain at Camp Nou until next summer, but is open to an early exit after being deemed surplus to requirements.

However, Suarez intends to continue training with the Barca squad until the club decides whether to cancel his contract, which will cost them a total of €14m in compensation fees.

The 33-year-old will leave Catalonia as a free agent if he is released, with Goal reporting that five clubs have already officially registered their interest in his services.

Suarez spoke out on his future via social media last week in the wake of comments from his former lawyer Alejandro Balbi, who suggested that the frontman's next move will hinge on the path Messi decides to take.

“There are people talking about me or on my behalf when I have not had a relationship with them for years,” Suarez said. “When I need to speak, I'll speak for myself.”

The Barca forward has been linked with a return to Ajax and a possible move to MLS with Inter Miami, and Goal has reported that he has also been offered to Italian giants Juventus.

Suarez joined up with the Blaugrana from Liverpool back in 2014, and has since scored 198 goals in 283 appearances for the club. That puts the Uruguay international third in Barca's all-time top scorer's list, with only legendary figures Cesar Rodriguez Alvarez and Messi boasting higher tallies.

Suarez has won 13 major trophies during his time at Camp Nou, including four La Liga titles and the Champions League.

Former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch exclaimed that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s goal in Saturday’s Community Shield victory over his old team Liverpool would be something former Gunner Thierry Henry would have been proud of.

The Gabon international put the North Londoners in front in the 12th minute with a fierce shot that gave Alisson Becker in goal no chance.

As was hoped by fans on social media, Auba paid tribute with the famous “Wakanda Forever” salute to Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman who died from colon cancer at the age of 43 on Friday.

Takumi Minamino equalised for Liverpool in the 73rd minute, but the Gunners held firm to prevent them from getting a winner in normal time. When it got to penalties, Aubameyang got the winner in a 5-4 triumph.

Crouch believes the Gunners are growing from strength to strength under Mikel Arteta who has secured his second trophy in the space of 28 days having lifted the FA Cup on August 1 with Aubameyang again the catalyst.

"It was beautiful football," Crouch said on BT Sport as reported by the Express.

"The two runners, I think it's [Ainsley] Maitland-Niles and [Kieran] Tierney, they create this goal.

"Obviously it's all about Aubameyang and the finish but those two runs create it and they just give Neco Williams something to think about.

"And from then it was [Thierry] Henry-like, it was a finish he would have been proud of.

"If anyone looked sort of sloppy in the opening minutes, it was Liverpool.

"Arsenal started really, really well and they've gone from strength to strength.

"In the last sort of 15-20 minutes Liverpool have come in, they've dominated possession, and Andrew Robertson has looked dangerous down the left with the crosses and I think it's a matter of time.

"But I think Arsenal have defended very, very well and nullified Salah and Mane to very little."

Crouch also praised Anglo-Nigerian winger Bukayo Saka, who assisted Aubameyang for his goal and was at the heart of much of the Gunners' attacking moves.

"He's been involved in everything, Saka," Crouch said.

"I've been very, very impressed with him. He's been picking the right passes, here he is again involved, creating the chance for Nketiah.

"They've got some talented players, Saka included obviously, I've been impressed by Arsenal."

The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) will use about Tsh. 13 million of the gate collections in Sunday's Community Shield match between Simba SC and Namungo to help in giving back to the community.

In a statement signed by communications officer Cliford Mario Ndimbo and obtained by Goal, the Federation has committed to help several people in the society, including former players.

"TFF will part with some money from the Community Shield game between Simba and Namungo to help in community activities," TFF confirmed.

"Every year, TFF uses Tsh. 2 million to pay for the health insurance of former players and the association of former players will decide on who to be helped first.

"Another Tsh. 1 million will be channeled to former player Allan Shomari who is undergoing some difficulties, while the Arusha Province head Idd Hassan Kimanta will be handed between Tsh 5 million to Tsh. 10 million which he will decide on how to help the community."

This will be the fourth time Namungo and Simba will be meeting in all competitions. The Msimbazi based-side have won twice while the other game ended in a goalless draw.

"We cannot dwell on the past results, this is football and things change so fast, today you are winning and tomorrow you are not," Simba SC midfielder Francis Kahata told Goal.

"Last season, we started the season by winning the Community Shield, we went on to win the FA Cup and the league and I believe if we give our best against Namungo and win it again, it will give us the momentum for the upcoming season."

In his pre-match interview, coach Sven Vandenbroeck had explained why winning the game on Sunday is important.  

"Of course we all know if you win you get a trophy, it is okay with that but my main focus is we must win to make sure it sets our road to a good campaign this season," the Belgian told reporters in Arusha ahead of the match.  

"We won the league and the domestic cup last season and every team will be fighting to beat us [this season], so a win will give us the boost that we need to start the new campaign well, I have told my players why the win is important and we must do everything to achieve the target, win the match."  

Tottenham have confirmed the signing of Wolves defender Matt Doherty for a reported fee of £15 million ($20m).

Doherty has committed to a four-year contract with Spurs and was handed the No 2 shirt on Sunday.

Tottenham confirmed the 28-year-old's arrival via an official statement on their website: "We are delighted to announce the signing of Matt Doherty from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

"Doherty has missed just seven league matches in the last four seasons. He has featured in 95 games in all competitions since Wolves returned to the Premier League in 2018, contributing 15 goals and 15 assists in that time.

"Born in Dublin, Doherty has represented the Republic of Ireland at Under-19 and Under-21 levels and won the first of nine senior caps in 2018.

"He will now join up with his national team ahead of their UEFA Nations League games away to Bulgaria and at home to Finland next week before returning to Hotspur Way to train with the rest of the squad ahead of our opening match of the season against Everton."

Doherty expressed his delight after being officially unveiled as a Tottenham player: "I'm very proud to be joining such a big club. The best stadium in the world and possibly the best training ground in the world from what I've seen.

"You can probably see it in my face, I'm so excited to get going and I want to get off to a fast start. I feel like coming here will take my career to the next level. I'll give absolutely everything I can for this club."

The experienced right back spent the last 10 years of his career at Wolves, having joined the club from Irish outfit Bohemians as a youngster in 2010. He racked up 302 appearances for the club in total, scoring 28 goals while also contributing an impressive 41 assists.

He played a key role in Wolves’ promotion to the Premier League in 2018, their seventh place finish in the top-flight the following season, and their run to the Europa League quarter-finals in 2019-20.

Doherty will now be tasked with helping Jose Mourinho's Tottenham challenge for a place in the Premier League's top four, and will be expected to slot straight into the defence.