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France manager Didier Deschamps has defended Kylian Mbappe from criticism of his performance in the Champions League final, while also taking aim at Ligue 1 over a controversial fixture change.

Mbappe struggled to make an impact in Paris Saint-German’s 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich, completing just 11 passes and having fewer touches than any other PSG starter – including goalkeeper Keylor Navas.

The 21-year-old’s participation in the Champions League had been in doubt after an ankle injury sustained in the Coupe de France final, but he returned to play a key role in his side’s quarter-final comeback against Atalanta.

Deschamps knows Mbappe wasn’t at his best against Bayern, but wanted to remind fans that he is only human.

“From the moment they don’t get the expected result and Kylian, like Neymar, is one of the players who has to make the difference, he is criticised when he isn’t successful,” Deschamps told reporters.

“Kylian is Kylian, he is not a robot. He did some good things; he could have done other things better.

“You have to take the context into account. Being stopped by an injury and having to come back could have had an impact on the semi-final and the final.”

Deschamps was less impressed with Ligue 1, after this week’s decision to postpone PSG’s opening game of the league season.

The French league season has already started, and PSG had been slated to kick off against Lens on August 29 – less than a week after the Champions League final.

Thomas Tuchel’s side requested more recovery time, and the fixture has been put back to September 10. France play Croatia in the Nations League just two days before, leaving Deschamps with selection headaches over the likes of Mbappe and Presnel Kimpembe.

"The decision to postpone this Lens-PSG match is to say the least surprising, if not embarrassing,” Deschamps fumed.

“I am not criticising or commenting on PSG or their arguments, but the fact that the league made this decision knowing the international calendar.

“It’s impossible to be able to play two top-level matches in 48 hours, even if the minimum legal limit is respected.

“For five seconds, I can put myself in Tuchel’s place – he would hope that Kylian and Kimpembe won’t play.

“Luckily, I have the freedom to do whatever I want but it makes it seem like I can’t consider them for the second game.

“It is surprising, embarrassing and annoying. I could use other words, but that would be too strong, I'll keep them to myself.

"If I use them, I'm against PSG. If I don't use them, I'm doing PSG a favour… anything can happen, but it's very embarrassing on both sides.”

Ghanaian striker Joseph Esso has joined Premier League side Dreams FC, weeks after his sensational exit from Hearts of Oak.

The Dawu-based club announced his acquisition on Thursday.

Esso, who was linked to Asante Kotoko, parted ways with Hearts earlier this month after failing to agree terms with the club on a contract extension. 

“Dreams FC are pleased to announce the signing of a professional contract with forward Joseph Esso for a two year period,” the club wrote on their official website. “He becomes the latest profile player to join the Still Believe lads ahead of the upcoming 2020/2021 season.

“Esso who shone for Ghana at the 2019 Wafu Championship arrives as a free agent.”

Esso was one of five players to walk away from Hearts over a lack of agreement on contract renewal.

“Words cannot describe how I feel at the moment. Honestly, it really feels great to join one of the best clubs in Ghana. I really admire how the club operates and I am excited to be part of the family,” said the attacker. “Dreams FC is fast becoming one of the best clubs in the Ghana Premier League, I looked at the club’s project and wanted to contribute and be part of the dream.”

In the 2019-20 league season which was prematurely terminated at matchweek 15 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the forward scored three times in 14 league matches.

He joined the Phobians from Ebusua Dwarfs in 2018.

“It’s been a wonderful journey down the rainbow lane, full of colours and amazing victories," Esso posted in a goodbye message to Hearts fans on Wednesday. "At this point, it is no secret that my chapter at the great club has come to an end and my next destination has been topical, a fact that has proven the bond I shared with players, management and most importantly the fans.

“The love and support over the years was phenomenal and I am really grateful. For each cheer, from the stands, the touchline and from your digital distance, I appreciate you all.

“I have reached a decision on my career path and hope you understand the need for fresh challenge just as each one of you should when you have the chance to live your dreams.

"I set off knowing that I served the never say die colours with all my strength and will always cherish every moment."

In December, Esso was linked to Sudanese side Al-Hilal following a fine showing for Ghana at the 2019 Wafu Cup of Nations in Senegal.

Harambee Starlets forward Bertha Omita has signed for Simba Queens of Tanzania.

Omita joins the Tanzanian champions from the Kenyan Women Premier League side Kisumu Starlets although the details of the deal have not yet been made official.

Simba Queens are the reigning champions of the Tanzanian competition and Omita is the first high-profile signing the Msimbazi Queens have made.

Meanwhile, Francis Kahata has praised the size of the current Simba SC's squad, having been part of the 2019/20 treble-winning team.

“The huge squad at the coach's disposal will bring about stiff competition within the team,” Kahata told the club’s website. “It is a squad that has a lot of talented players who happen to play for their respective national teams.

“The size we had last season was somewhat thin for them to fight and actually win three titles.”

The Harambee Stars forward scored four goals for Wekundu wa Msimbazi and was named the best player for the month of December.

The former KF Tirana and Thika United star joined the Tanzanian champions and established himself as one of the club's first-teamers despite the change of coaches midway through the campaign.

The Kenyan was signed by Patrick Aussems before Sven Vandenbroeck was appointed, and he maintained Kahata in his starting XI regularly.

Finally, Joash Onyango has explained why he has already adapted to life in Tanzania after signing a two-year deal with Simba in August.

“People in Tanzania are kind and very welcoming. The few days I have been here, I have been welcomed in a great way and in the process, I think I have adapted quite fast,” the former Western Stima defender stated. “Life in Tanzania is the same with life in Kenya and I think that is what has helped me adapt quickly.

“I am not going to talk much but my hope is to have a great time as a Simba player and of course win titles with them," he added. “I like how the team is organised and even the training facilities here are modern.”

The Most Valuable Player Award winner for 2018/19 KPL season also spoke about his new teammates and his expectations in regard to enjoying enough playtime.

“Although I have played with Francis Kahata and Meddie Kagere before, at Gor Mahia, I have met a number of other Simba players before especially in the SportPesa Cup, Cecafa Club Challenge Cup and in international matches,” he concluded. “I believe I am going to win the coach's faith in order to be a first-team member.

"I also think I am going to get enough support from our fans.

‘Berlin Wall’, as the Harambee Star is popularly known due to his defensive prowess, played against Vital'O of Burundi when they won 6-0 during the Simba Day friendly.

He was partnered at centre-back with another new player Ibrahim Ame.

Kaizer Chiefs striker Leonardo Castro has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a hamstring injury. 

The Colombian marksman injured himself during Amakhosi's 1-1 draw against Stellenbosch FC last weekend and had to be replaced by Samir Nurkovic in the first half.   

He was set to undergo a late fitness test ahead of the match against Mamelodi Sundowns but he failed it, forcing the medical team to advise Ernst Middendorp and his technical team not risk him in the remaining three matches of the season. 

Chiefs, who were defeated 1-0 by Mamelodi Sundowns in Thursday's top-of-the-table clash, confirmed the news about Castro's injury in a statement.

"Leonardo Castro won’t play either, as the Colombian is nursing a hamstring strain," read the statement. "He has since left the bubble and will not take part in the remaining matches of the current season." 

Ernst Middendorp also confirmed that Castro will not take part in any of the club's upcoming matches.  

"As I said earlier, Castro has left the bubble. He's struggling with a hamstring injury," Middendorp told the media. "So, his season is over." 

The injury to Castro is undoubtedly a massive blow to Amakhosi's title dreams given his immense contribution this season. 

He scored seven league goals in 16 appearances for the Naturena-based side prior to his injury setback. 

Middendorp will now have to improvise in the striking department as Castro formed a deadly partnership with Nurkovic, who missed the clash against Sundowns through suspension. 

However, the Serbian forward is expected to return against the Bidvest Wits this weekend, although it remains to be seen who will join him in attack.

The German mentor has a few options at his disposal with the likes of Lazarous Kambole, Khama Billiat and Lebogang Manyama capable of playing as strikers. 

However, both Billiat and Kambole have struggled in front of goal this season while Manyama played the Sundowns match with a heavily strapped thigh due to a suspected hamstring injury.

Despite losing on Thursday, a result which leaves both they and Sundowns level on 53 points, Chiefs remain in pole position in the title race due to their superior goal difference.

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta is ready to give midfielder Matteo Guendouzi another shot after the pair had a falling out last season.

Guendouzi hasn’t featured for the Gunners since a June 20 defeat to Brighton, a game in which he clashed with Seagulls striker Neal Maupay immediately after full-time.

That led to a reported bust-up between Arteta and Guendouzi, with the 21-year-old tipped to leave north London in the off-season due to irreconcilable differences with his manager.

However, speaking ahead of Saturday’s Community Shield against Liverpool at Wembley, Arteta revealed that he has offered Guendouzi a route back into the Gunners squad.

“I’ve been really clear that everybody starts from zero," Arteta said. "What you did two weeks ago or two years ago, doesn’t really matter. It’s what you are able to contribute to the team now.

“Everybody is going to have the same opportunities. They have to show with their performance their attitude that they are better than their teammates or somehow contributing with what we want to achieve this season."

Speaking about his conversations with Guendouzi, Arteta said: “To tell him exactly that he’s going to be part of the team and at the moment he’s like any other player in our squad. He deserves first of all to be treated exactly the same and I will do that to my best capability.”

Last month Arteta urged Guendouzi and Mesut Ozil to follow the example set by Granit Xhaka if the pair wanted to save their Arsenal careers.

Xhaka appeared to be on his way out of Arsenal after he was stripped of the club's captaincy in the aftermath of a clash with fans during a game against Crystal Palace on October 27.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was named captain after an incident in which Xhaka was seen to cup his ear in response to abuse from sections of the fanbase.

After he was dropped from the team, Xhaka was eventually reinstated and regained his starting position.

"He's a really good example for any player that is in a difficult moment that if you are willing, consistent and really want to do it generally, I think there's always a way back," Arteta said of the Swiss international.

Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has been ruled out of the contest for next month’s Ivory Coast Football Federation (FIF) presidential election.

On Thursday, the FIF Electoral Commission found the two-time African Footballer of the Year did not meet the criteria to become the head of the county's football governing body as he had not received enough nominations.

Earlier this month, Drogba was greeted by a large crowd when he submitted his electoral form to vie for the presidential seat at the FIF's office in Abidjan.

However, one of the irregularities found in the 42-year-old’s candidacy was that two of his sponsors were found to have also backed his opponent, FIF's first vice-president Sory Diabate. They are Ivorian top flight side Africa Sports and a body representing referees, AMAF-CI.

The removal of Africa Sports’ backing left Drogba with two nominations from Ligue 1 clubs, which means he did not meet the electoral requirements of having at least three from the 14 top-flight outfits.

Paul Koffi Kouadio is another candidate who had his bid rejected, leaving incumbent vice-president Diabate and former FIF vice-president Yacine Idriss Diallo as the two cleared for the vote.

Drogba and Kouadio, however, have a five-day window to appeal the electoral body’s verdict.

Thursday’s ruling dealt a further blow to the former Galatasaray and Marseille forward’s bid after the Ivory Coast Footballers Association (AFI) failed to support his candidacy.

The AFI’s negligence of Drogba has drawn condemnation from the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro) who suspended the body as a member of their organisation.

Former Barcelona and Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has also slammed the footballers’ body in the West African nation, accusing it of breaching its mission and obligation.

Drogba played for the Ivory Coast between 2002 and 2014 before calling time on his international career.

He is the country’s all-time top scorer with 65 goals after 105 games, the country’s third-highest tally of international appearances after Didier Zokora (123) and Kolo Toure (120).

He played at five Africa Cup of Nations tournaments (2006, 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2013) and three World Cups (2006, 2010 and 2014).

Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier has reiterated his ambition to construct a stadium for the club while in office.

K'Ogalo and their arch-rivals AFC Leopards were given lands within Nairobi to construct own complexes in 1991, but nothing has been achieved over the years due to financial constraints and encroachment.

“I have said it so many times but to many fans, it sounds just like a cliche,” Rachier said in a video on the club’s Facebook page. “We as an office are determined to have a stadium belonging to Go Mahia Football Club where we will not only be doing our training but also playing our home matches.

“We had been allocated land by one of our former Presidents that is Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi not once but on three different occasions. 

“In the first two occasions, the lands were invaded by squatters and now we hold a title without a land," he added. “There has been a lot of resistance, especially in the Embakasi land to remove people who had already constructed high rise buildings.

"So, again in 1998 following very fervent pleas from our patron Raila Odinga and others, we got land from the president at that time.”

The chair explained that the main impediment was lack of money to pay the outstanding land rates and start construction.

“This land requires payment and we have made a partial payment to the government and we intend to complete payment for the stand premium,” he added. “The land is 15 acres within Kasarani sporting complex and it has been duly surveyed and allocated a land reference number.

“It is not anything of a ghost we have the location, the allotment and an ideal plan and what remains is to complete payment so that a proper deed is issued by the land registrar in Nairobi.

“Following that, it is our dream which we want to come true," he continued. "We are seeking a strategic partner through a joint venture so that we may then construct not only a stadium but other facilities as will be advised.”

Rachier also spoke about the plan of securing a partner to construct housing units for their players. The players, at times, have always faced housing problems especially when their salaries delay and some have been evicted for defaulting to pay rents.

“One of the facilities that we are dreaming for is something that I have read where players of certain clubs are accorded housing,” he concluded. “You know that is a tall order in as far as our financial capacity is concerned and that is why I am talking about a strategic partner with whom we shall be able to enter into a joint venture."

Simba SC constructed modern housing units for their players that are situated near their Mo Arena training ground at Bunju.

Cristiano Ronaldo's aim is to "conquer Italy, Europe and the world" with Juventus in 2020-21.

Juve ultimately had a somewhat underwhelming campaign in 2019-20 as, despite retaining their Serie A title, they failed to win the Coppa Italia and were knocked out of the Champions League in the last 16.

Even in the league, things were less comfortable than the champions are used to - after beating Napoli by 11 points in 2018-19, their winning margin was cut to just one by Antonio Conte's Inter.

The European defeat to Lyon earlier in August ultimately cost Maurizio Sarri his job , with Andrea Pirlo swiftly appointed as his replacement in what is the former Italy playmaker's first senior coaching role .

Ronaldo scored 37 goals across all competitions in his second season with the Bianconeri, and he has lofty goals for the next campaign.

"As I'm getting ready for my third season as a Bianconero, my spirit and ambition are as high as ever," Ronaldo posted on his official Instagram account.

"Goals. Victories. Commitment. Dedication. Professionalism. With all my strength and with the precious help from my team-mates and all of the Juventus staff, we work once again to conquer Italy, Europe and the world!

"Breaking records. Overcoming obstacles. Winning titles and achieving personal goals. To do more and better once and again. To reach higher and to succeed in all challenges that may come our way.

"Making every year into an adventure better than the one before and winning everything for our fans and supporters. To be the bearers of this amazing and unique passion that is Juventus, and to live up to its history, elevating our name, our values and our standards as high as possible."

Ronaldo rounded off the message with a rallying cry to the fans.

He wrote: "We are Juventus! We are the champions! We are back and stronger than ever! We are counting on you! All together! Fino Alla Fine!"

The new Serie A campaign will begin on September 19. Juventus are bidding to become the first team ever to win the Italian title 10 seasons running, with Inter and AC Milan the only other sides to have reached double figures for titles win in their entire history.

Stoke City manager Michael O’Neill said John Obi Mikel’s fitness level will determine if he will be involved in League Cup first round outing against Blackpool on Saturday.

The former Super Eagles captain, who joined the Potters on a free transfer on August 17, scored his first goal for the Championship club on Tuesday during a pre-season friendly match against League One side Shrewsbury Town.

Mikel marked his first start for Stoke City with a goal and was on parade for 45 minutes before he was replaced at the break.

Ahead of Saturday’s match at the bet365 Stadium, O’Neill revealed that Mikel is still working on his fitness, having not played a competitive game since March, when he competed in the Turkish Super Lig with Trabzonspor.

The Northern Irish tactician also reserved praise for how the former Chelsea midfielder has settled in at the club.

“We have to consider where the players are in terms of their fitness," O’Neill said in a press conference. "If you look at John [Obi Mikel] for example, he’s not played since March because he terminated his contract at Trabzonspor.

“Steven (Fletcher) and Morgan (Fox) were still under contract at Sheffield Wednesday at that point in time. That means they are probably all in different places physically.

“John has settled in really well, trained really hard and we’ve just got to build up his fitness and his minutes.

“Morgan, we’ve been really pleased, and Fletch coming in as well. We can see their quality but we have to manage fitness wise in terms of overall fitness, match fitness and getting minutes in their legs.”

Mikel, a former League Cup champion at Chelsea, will be expected to help Stoke City progress to the second round of the competition.

After Saturday’s outing, O’Neill’s men will begin the 2020-21 Championship season with a trip to Millwall on September 12.

Gaston Sirino scored the only goal of the game as Mamelodi Sundowns beat Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 in a top-of-the-table clash played in Soweto on Thursday.

Amakhosi went into this encounter leading the Brazilians by three points, but the win sees the two sides equal on points with only three games to go. 

The Soweto giants, however, continue to occupy the first position as they have a better goal difference than the Tshwane outfit. 

Ernst Middendorp made five changes to the side that played to a 1-1 draw with Stellenbosch, with players such as Erick Mathoho and Lebogang Manyama returning to the starting line-up.

Khama Billiat started on the bench as the Amakhosi technical team opted for the young Keletso Sifama on the right-hand side of the midfield. 

On the other hand, Pitso Mosimane brought back Themba Zwane on the left-hand side with Mosa Lebusa partnering Motjeka Madisha at the back. 

After a lively start to the encounter, Sundowns got the first chance to open the scoring through Lyle Lakay but the left-footer couldn't beat Daniel Akpeyi.

It was end-to-end stuff from the early stages, and Chiefs should have opened the scoring in the 13th minute when Bernard Parker was played through on goal but the veteran midfielder decided to pick a pass instead of taking a shot with only Kennedy Mweene to beat. 

Sundowns won a free-kick in a promising area six minutes later and Lakay stepped up to take it. However, Akpeyi came to the party, parrying the curling effort out for a corner for his first real save of the evening. 

It was all Sundowns afterwards as Chiefs struggled to put together more than five passes in the final third.

In fact, they created a few good chances with Lazarous Kambole also getting the chance to break the deadlock but failed to connect with the ball from the edge of the box. 

Sifama was tightly marked on the right-hand side, and he often found himself struggling to beat his markers but most importantly, there was an obvious lack of support from his teammates. 

Sirino would then break the deadlock with a superb goal in the 34th minute after being cleverly played through by Zwane. 

This was the last thing Chiefs needed, given that they had no Leonardo Castro and Samir Nurkovic to come and rescue them, but they will have themselves to blame after Willard Katsande had failed to clear the lines from the back. 

Sundowns went into the break leading Chiefs 1-0, and Middendorp had to make changes to his starting line-up to change his approach for the second half. 

Middendorp made three changes at the start of the second half, throwing in Khama Billiat, Dumisani Zuma and Anthony Akumu.

The trio changed the complexion of the game, as Chiefs started playing with purpose and knocked the ball around, looking better in the final third of the pitch.

The first chance of the second half went to Chiefs as Bernard Parker fired from the distance only to be denied by Mweene. 

Zuma had a chance to restore parity in the 52nd-minute after a good combination move that saw Chiefs get behind the Sundowns defence.  

However, Mweene produced a brilliat save, denying the Amakhosi attacker the chance to make it 1-1.

Soon afterwards, Sundowns went into defensive mode, crowding their midfield and defence and subsequently making it difficult for Amakhosi attackers and approach to want to score from set-pieces. 

Middendorp threw everything at Sundowns, with Mathoho pushing upfront to play as a striker. 

The lanky defender would come close to beating Mweene in the near post with a clever backheel but the Zambia international went down his right to keep the ball out. 

Sundowns soaked up the pressure, launched the ball forward and didn't do much attacking, especially after the introduction of Andile Jali and Lebohang Maboe. 

However, the only time they went forward nearly produced a goal after some sloppy defending from Akumu and Yagan Sasman, and Maboe was left kicking himself after his left-footed attempt rattled the upright. 

Ultimately, Sundowns won the match and moved level on 53 points with Chiefs going into the final three matches of the season.

Kris Boyd has slammed Rangers star Alfredo Morelos, calling the want-away striker's attitude "disgraceful" and "appalling."

Morelos was left out of his side's match against Kilmarnock on Saturday after having reportedly handed in a transfer request.  After the match Rangers head coach Steven Gerrard admitted that he dropped the Colombian due to his mind being elsewhere.

"I've picked the players that looked focused," Gerrard told Sky Sports News. "I said last week he'd had his head turned. I'm going to pick the players that are hungry and want to be here."

Morelos has had no shortage of suitors after scoring 29 goals in all competitions last term, with Ligue 1 outfit Lille reportedly keen on a move for the 24-year-old. 

Speaking on the Sky Sports Scottish Football Podcast, former Rangers striker Boyd has expressed his displeasure with Morelos, who had reacted angrily as he was replaced in a scoreless draw against Livingston the weekend prior.

"It is one of those things that is really starting to annoy me now," Boyd said. "We have said for a number of months now that Alfredo Morelos, when he is playing well, he can be a handful.

"The other side of this is when he is not playing, he can be a hindrance. It was after the Livingston game, there was a little glimpse of it against St Johnstone in the midweek fixture that his attitude coming off the pitch was not good enough and I felt the exact same at Livingston.

"I think his attitude has been disgraceful the last few weeks and for me personally, top players when they get a move work harder, they show their qualities and that has not been the case with Morelos.

"I know the Lille saga keeps on rolling on, but it is going to have to be dealt with because the sooner Morelos is out the building, the better because he is going to be more of a hindrance now because his attitude over the last few weeks has been nothing short of appalling."

Rangers, who are top of the table after five matches, are back in action on Saturday when they travel to face Hamilton Academical.

Simba SC have received a major boost ahead of their Sunday's Community Shield match against Namungo FC following the arrival of two of their key players, newlywed duo Luis Miquissone and Pascal Wawa.

The two players had returned to their countries, Mozambique and Ivory Coast respectively, to tie the knot before rejoining their teammates in preparation for the new season.

Wekundu wa Msimbazi have now confirmed the two players are in the country with their team, ready for their first game of the season.

"Luis Miquissone and Pascal Wawa are back in the country and will be part of the team that will travel to Arusha for the Community Shield Cup match to be played on Sunday, August 30 against Namungo FC," Simba confirmed on their official Facebook page.

The Ivorian central defender has been in the team since 2017 when he joined from Sudanese side Al-Merreikh, having previously played for Azam FC.

The Mozambican joined the Tanzania champions at the beginning of the year from UD Songo and went on to establish himself as one of the key players in the team.

Wawa and Miquissone missed the friendly against Vital’O of Burundi on Saturday, a match the hosts won 6-0, having previously sat out matches against KMC and Transit Camp.

The Belgian coach has revealed the two players missed the battles on permission from the club as they had sought for some time to be with their families.

"We gave them permission to sort out family issues and so they did not miss the friendly because they want to leave the club," Vandenbroeck told Goal. "In fact, the two players were tying the knot, and that is why they were not available but I am happy to reveal they have confirmed when they will come, with [Luis] expected on Tuesday and [Wawa] on Wednesday.

"When they arrive I will now have a full squad to start planning for the new season, they are the only players missing out but their issue is well known."

This will be Simba SC's third appearance in the Community Shield in as many seasons. The team has been in great form, winning the Tanzania Mainland League for the third time in a row.  

For Namungo, this is their first time playing the curtain-raiser. They qualified after reaching the finals of the FA Cup where they played against Wekundu wa Msimbazi and lost 2-1.

Hearts of Oak chief executive officer Frederick Moore has hinted that wage demands remain a factor currently hindering the Ghanaian giants' hopes of signing Ghana international Sulley Muntari.

The former AC and Inter Milan midfielder has been linked to the Phobians on the back of training spells with the 19-time Ghana Premier League champions in recent times.

He has been without a club since leaving Spanish lower tier outfit Albacete last year.

“Sulley Muntari is a very good player and if he is available and affordable we will be interested to sign him," Moore told Happy FM.

Muntari, who featured for Liberty Professionals before leaving Ghana for Italian Serie A side Udinese in 2001, first trained with Hearts in 2018 before making another return this year.

In April, he was rumoured to have agreed on a two-year deal with the Phobians, a report which was promptly rubbished by the club.

“For the past two years, Hearts of Oak have been telling Sulley Ali Muntari that we’ve reserved a jersey for him," Hearts board member Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, also a former president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), told Angel FM. "Anytime he’s ready to play, he knows what to do."

Hearts fans were recently left disappointed when the 36-year-old professed love for arch-rivals Asante Kotoko despite stating an openness to join the Phobians.

“I love Kotoko. They tried signing me when l was a young player in Kumasi," Muntari said in an Instagram Live chat with his fans. “I would love to retire with them, but l would not rule out Hearts, RTU [Real Tamale United], King Faisal or Liberty Professionals.”

Earlier, the 2010 Uefa Champions League winner had expressed interest in a move to South Africa.

“I spoke to an agent. He gave me a call. I have forgotten his name. Sipho...I don’t know how to pronounce his name,” Muntari told Metro FM. “I would love to come and play in South Africa because they have great teams that I like. For instance, [Mamelodi] Sundowns are there, [Orlando] Pirates are there but my favourite one are [Kaizer] Chiefs.

"I don’t know why but I have been following Chiefs for a moment now, I love the way they are and everything," he added. “So I said if I am going to South Africa, there is the only team I want to play for, that is Chiefs.

"With all due respect to Pirates and Sundowns and the other teams that are in the South African league of course this is what I prefer, so that’s the only plan, that’s what I spoke [about] with the agent.

“That’s it and I haven’t said anything more, but why not? It’s home, Ghana is home, South Africa can be home, any part in Africa can be home. It would be good to come [to South Africa] but I haven’t made my mind as yet.”

Muntari has also played for English side Portsmouth, with whom he won the FA Cup in 2008, Sunderland, Italians Pescara, Spanish club Deportivo La Coruna and Saudi outfit Al-Ittihad. 

Orlando Pirates defender Ntsikelelo Nyauza believes that the Soweto giants just need one victory to spark a winning streak and end their difficult run of form, but has cautioned that it's imperative the PSL heavyweights take their chances.

Josef Zinnbauer’s and his men have gone for six straight Premier Soccer League games without tasting victory during a run that has yielded two defeats and four draws.

Now placed fifth on the standings, they have managed to score just one goal in those six games, but Nyauza insists that they are not as a bad side as their results might reflect.

As they now shift attention to their next match against SuperSport United at Ellis Park on Saturday, where Nyauza and co will be aiming for a turnaround.

“The team is not been doing bad, we are doing well. It’s just we have to convert our chances going forward,” Nyauza told Pirates TV. “It’s not easy, I could say, and we have improved a lot in terms of us conceding goals.

"Our defence is great, it’s just that going forward we have to convert our chances and the team is playing good football.

"We are waiting for that game where we will get a win then we will get a flow, getting more wins," he continued. “We still lack a little bit of finishing.

"We train on that in every training session. We are emphasising on finishing a lot. We instil in the offensive players’ minds that when they get to the final third they have to convert their chances.”

Pirates’ difficult run comes in stark contrast to the side that registered a nine-match unbeaten streak between November 2019 and February 2020, including seven wins and two draws.

As they seek a turnaround in their fortunes in the remaining three matches, Nyauza has emphasised the role of senior players in inspiring confidence in the team.

“It’s very important for senior players to motivate the young players that are upcoming, guide them, mentor them,” said Nyauza. “When we play matches [to] keep the guys focused, keep the guys believing in themselves, keep the team together as a senior player.

"You know players, especially youngsters get frustrated if they don’t get a result or if they don’t score their chances when they get the opportunity," he continued. “You have to uplift them as a senior player at halftime.

"So it is very important to give them confidence that we will get a result until the end of the game.”

Lionel Messi leaving Barcelona and starting a fresh challenge elsewhere would make things interesting for football, according to Bayern Munich attacker Thomas Muller.

Six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi informed Barca on Tuesday he wants to leave after 19 years at the club and it is believed he wants to activate a possible clause to depart on a free transfer during the current window.

Inter, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, who are managed by former Barca boss Pep Guardiola, are considered the realistic candidates to sign the 33-year-old.

Muller considers Messi to be arguably the greatest footballer of all time and is intrigued to see where the superstar forward ends up if granted his wish to leave Camp Nou.

"The day Messi and Barcelona go their separate ways had to come at some point," Muller said at a promotional event for Hoffner. "Of course, you would have thought that would be the end of his career but now it seems to be different.

"Lionel Messi is one of the best footballers on the planet, maybe even the best of the last 100 years, although everyone will have their own opinion. If you ask Pele, he may see things slightly differently! Now there will be a change and it could become interesting for football.

"Besides Barcelona fans, which I understand, nobody views this in a bad way, but are instead curious about what new paths could open up."

Bayern, who thrashed Barcelona 8-2 en route to winning the Champions League, had also been tipped to move for Messi should he be available on a free transfer.

However, CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge ruled out a move on Thursday and Muller has joked his side were never truly in the running to sign the Argentina international.

"I've spoken to our CEO once or twice in the last few months and I don't think we can do anything about that," he said.

Despite his impact for treble-winners Bayern this season, Muller has been left out of Germany's latest squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League games against Spain and Switzerland.

The versatile forward has not been called up by Joachim Low since November 2018 and has insisted he is not bothered by the continuous snubs.

"Of course, due to the team success and my role in it, this national team question has surfaced again in the last few months," he said. "But relatively clear statements have been made from all sides. That's why there is no new stance and it is currently not an issue for me.

"The young players have developed very well. There is no reason for me to change anything in this direction. If the situation were different, I would be the very last one who does not revise a decision, but I currently see no reason. This path is good."

Real Salt Lake owner Dell Loy Hansen has fired a broadside at his own team and other MLS sides who refused to play matches on Wednesday night in protest of a police shooting. 

Police in Wisconsin shot Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old Black man, in front of his children on Sunday, severely injuring him and potentially paralyzing him permanently.

As outrage over the shooting grew, professional sports leagues in the U.S. went on strike on Wednesday, with the NBA and WNBA cancelling all games and Major League Baseball cancelling several of theirs.

MLS cancelled five of its six scheduled games, including Real Salt Lake's match against Los Angeles FC. 

Hansen, who also owns NWSL side Utah Royals FC, called the move disrespectful and even threatened to cut back on his investment in the team.

"It’s a moment of sadness," Hansen said on radio station X96. "It’s like somebody stabbed you and you’re trying to figure out a way to pull the knife out and move forward. That’s what it feels like. The disrespect is profound to me personally.

"It’s taken a lot of wind out of my sails, what effort I want to put into recruiting players and building a great team. It just seems that’s not a very good path to take."

RSL was one of a handful of MLS sides to begin hosting matches with limited fans in attendance as the league returns to home markets amid the coronavirus pandemic.

After the events of Wednesday, Hansen has threatened to begin cutting jobs due to the lost revenue from games being cancelled.

"We will not be inviting fans back to the stadium in the future," Hansen said. "Monday, I start having to cut 40, 50 jobs again. We would not go through the risk of inviting people back to have that kind of an outcome."

Club legend Nick Rimando, who retired at the end of the 2019 season, immediately condemned Hansen's comments in a post on Twitter.

"Real Salt Lake locker room, fans, and front office that stand for equality, human rights, and the fight against racism I applaud you," Rimando said.

"I am disgusted by DLH comments. This is more than a game."

The 2020-21 Bundesliga season will be played without fans in stadiums until at least the end of October following a decision from the German government.

The new German season is set to start on September 11 with the first round of the DFB-Pokal. The Bundesliga then kicks off the following weekend.

There had been the possibility that a limited number of fans may have been allowed into stadiums but, amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, this will have to wait.

A conference with Chancellor Angela Merkel and the Prime Ministers of Germany’s federal states decided that local governments should work out proposals on how fans could be allowed to return to stadiums in a limited capacity by the end of October.

However, at major events where contacts cannot be traced and hygiene regulations cannot be complied with, spectators won’t be allowed to return until at least the end of the year.

Bavaria’s Prime Minister Markus Soder said it wouldn’t make sense for football to resume with spectators in September, as it would send the wrong message if the number of infections was to increase.

The Bundesliga was the first major European league to return from coronavirus lockdown in May, giving football fans their first taste of the ‘Geisterspeiele’ – ‘ghost games’ – which have since become the norm.

In France, up to 5,000 people per match are allowed to watch their teams from the stands now the new Ligue 1 season is underway.

Such a return will have to wait in Germany, but Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich will play in front of fans in their upcoming UEFA Super Cup clash with Sevilla.

UEFA confirmed this week that the match, held at the 67,000-capacity Puskas Stadium in Budapest on September 24, would be used to trial a partial return of supporters.

The stadium could be filled up to 30 per cent capacity, with German outlet kicker suggesting UEFA will provide both teams with a quota of 3,000 tickets each.

Bayern face Sevilla looking to win their fourth trophy of 2020, having completed a historic treble of Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League with last week’s 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain. Sevilla, meanwhile, will be hoping to upset the odds having beaten Inter 3-2 to win the Europa League.

Former Ghana coach and Asante Kotoko star James Kwasi Appiah believes new club chief executive officer (CEO) Nana Yaw Amponsah will need to put in place a long-term plan to attain success at the Kumasi-based outfit.

The former Phar Rangers chief, who contested in the Ghana Football Association (GFA) presidential race last year, has taken the reins at the 23-time Premier League champions, replacing George Amoakoh.

He was unveiled earlier this month.

"I personally think Nana Yaw Amponsah will be successful at the Porcupine club," Appiah told Light Sports. "A learned person with experience from all walks of the world speaks volume as to the competence he has to lead and make the club flourish.

"He will instill unity among the supporters and help generate money for the club so all and sundry must canvass their total support for him.

"We need to plan a four to five-year project to build a formidable team in order to compete very well domestically and internationally through the blend of quality young and experienced players," he added. "The supporters should be detailed about the project and exercise patience for it to grow."

The Porcupine Warriors are the most successful team in the history of the domestic top flight.

“Asante Kotoko is the biggest club in Ghana, no doubt. And for me, it’s the third biggest club in Africa, in structure. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of its content," Amponsah said at his unveiling. “I am here to help the board and the entire Kotoko fraternity to match this superstructure with befitting content.

“I dare say that Asante Kotoko is bigger than [Ghana's two main political parties] NPP [New Patriotic Party] and NDC [National Democratic Congress]. Kotoko transcends boundaries. Kotoko is a culture.

“The joy this club gives its teeming supporters cannot be matched by any political party in Ghana," he continued. “I, therefore, plead with you to give me double the support you give your individual political parties of choice, and we will make Asante Kotoko great again.

“I’m going to make sure Kotoko participate in the Fifa Club World Cup."

Kotoko, who ruled Africa in 1970 and 1983, last won the Premier League in 2014, three years to their last FA Cup title. 

Kylian Mbappe would be a "stratospheric" signing for Real Madrid but a move is not financially feasible, according to the Spanish club's former president Ramon Calderon.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward has been strongly tipped to link up with Zinedine Zidane at the Santiago Bernabeu at some point in his career, potentially as early as this transfer window.

However, Mbappe still has two years to run on his PSG contract and would command a huge transfer fee, which Calderon feels no team can justify in the current climate.

"No doubt Mbappe is a player who everyone would like to sign. He has great potential, and he is very young," he told Stats Perform News.

"He reminds me a lot of Ronaldo, the Brazilian, because of his strength and his capacity to score goals. No doubt, he would be a great transfer. 

"I don't know if Real Madrid are able to do it now. It would be a stratospheric transfer. He has a contract with PSG – they will not give him away for free.

"On the other hand, we are into a very expensive deal with the rebuilding of the new stadium. It is up to €1 billion. So, it is difficult.

"But if the president thinks it can be possible, he will do it. However, I guess the economy will not be the best, especially at this time, when there will be financial issues at every club.

"The costs of transfers will totally change. They will go down, and also the salaries of the players will go down.

"So, it is basically an economic point. First, the player needs to ask for a transfer request and the financial agreement will come after.

"But, again, the financial agreement for Mbappe is not easy – it cannot be done by anyone."

Madrid's most recent marquee signing, Belgium forward Eden Hazard, failed to make much of an impact in his debut season after joining from Chelsea last year.

Hazard suffered from a series of injury issues and featured just 22 times in all competitions, but Calderon expects to see a lot more from the 29-year-old this coming season.

"We know he was a great player in the Premier League," Calderon said. "A fantastic player – so much talent and skill.

"But he did not play as regularly as Madrid demand of their players. Chelsea are a big team, but Chelsea players don't have to handle the pressure that Real Madrid players have.

"I have dealt with it. When they come here, you face the most difficult time of your career. You have to give 150 per cent and the fans are extremely demanding.

"So, we have to wait. It is only the first year, a year of adaptation. He also struggled with injuries. I believe he could show his talent the following year.

"It has happened before with other players when they couldn't perform the first season and the second one has been totally different. Hopefully, that will be the case."

Zinedine Zidane guided Madrid to their first La Liga title in three years in 2019-20 – his 11th trophy in three seasons as head coach across two spells in the Spanish capital.

The Frenchman's future has sometimes been called into question, however, and Calderon has backed former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino to take over once Zidane does eventually move on.

"Pochettino is a very good manager. Of course he could manage Real Madrid," Calderon said.

"However, again, this is a very complicated club and so demanding of everyone. From that point, they have built their history.

"That demand makes every player know they need to be at 100 per cent in order to fight for all the trophies.

"I believe Zidane will stay, but it is true he already left once. He is not engaged to anyone, even though he has already shown his commitment to Real Madrid.

"I think he didn't plan at the beginning to become manager. But he finally decided to be manager and he has reached a point [that will be] very difficult to equal for many years.

"I hope he stays for many years, but nothing is forever. One day he will decide to leave and when it happens, it will be the time to think of another manager – and I think Pochettino would be really suitable."