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Uganda striker Fahad Bayo has claimed his success at FC Ashdod of Israel will largely depend on the coach.

Bayo signed a four-year deal with Ashdod from Ugandan Premier League (UPL) champions Vipers SC and is fighting hard to win the coach’s confidence.

“I am seeing my competitors every day and I am adjusting my personal training accordingly to suit me for a starting spot,” Bayo said as he was quoted by Football256.

“I am ready to fight for playing time but one should remember that the coach always has the final say and it should always be respected.

“Everyone has different attributes and when the coach gets impressed with mine, then I will be on the pitch and I will prove the reason as to why I was brought to this club in the first place.

“On my arrival, I was put in isolation and I could not train with the team. I had to abide by the rules as I was given a special training program executed by the club’s coaches.”

Bayo scored 12 goals for Vipers in the shortened season and emerged as the second-top scorer in the Golden Boot race.

Meanwhile, Bayo’s national coach Johnathan McKinstry has praised his move saying it is one big step towards achieving his European dream.

“I know Bayo has moved to Israel and that is a very positive step for him,” McKinstry told Fufa TV.

“We talked and he told me he had some interests in South Africa, North Africa and even in Tanzania. But we discussed and agreed if he wanted to have an opportunity to move to Europe and start his pathway there the Israel move was important.

“Even if the North African clubs were offering him more money than the Israeli team, Ashdod move was not the one he could turn down as he takes the step into the European context.”

Finally, new Express FC striker Mustafa Kiragga is aware of the herculean task lying ahead for him.

The 19-year-old signed a two-year deal with the Red Eagles and he hopes to earn more than 10 goals in his maiden season at the club.

“As strikers we know we’re judged by the number of goals scored and having joined a big team like Express,” Kiragga said as per Football256.

“It’s written on the wall that I must score goals and in this case, I hope to hit double figures across all competitions.”

The teenager will jostle for a first-team position with Frank Kalanda who scored 11 goals before Fufa cancelled the season.

Selangor fans who are interested in obtaining a stake in the team after its privatisation process is completed are welcome to do so, said its secretary-general Johan Kamal Hamidon.

"So far we haven't received any interest from the fans to hold shares in the soon-to-be formed club, but we are very open to it. The president, Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin wants football to be the people's sport. The privatisation process, it's now just the formalities, should be completed by next month, but they can come in at any time, not just before the process is completed.

"They can come in whenever they are ready as the Red Giants, the company, is just like any other company; we will make changes to the shareholders' composition anytime a potential new shareholder wants in, and this includes the fans. Who knows; maybe when they are ready, the fans will be able to take over the whole set-up in the far future?" explained Johan in response to a question by a journalist following a sponsorship agreement signing ceremony with Les' Copaque.

READ: Selangor announce new signing - Upin & Ipin's Les' Copaque

The Red Giants, alongside other Malaysia Super League and Premier League teams, are currently undergoing separation/privatisation process made compulsory by the Malaysian FA and the Asian Football Confederation ahead of the 2021 season. 

The 22-time Malaysia Cup champions' privatised set-up is expected to be in the form of a special purpose vehicle, joint venture between Tengku Amir and Selangor state-owned corporations. 

READ: Rumour of Tengku Amir Shah's departure from Selangor amidst privatisation push refuted

Marcus Rashford, Brandon Williams and Scott McTominay have become role models at Manchester United for the club’s next group of academy hopefuls, says Nicky Butt.

The Red Devils are famed for their production of home-grown talent.

Butt, who is now head of first-team development at Old Trafford, once formed part of the fabled Class of ‘92 that included Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and David Beckham.

He is helping to bring through more players of promise in the present, with a steady stream of youngsters having worked their way into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans.

Rashford and McTominay have been seeing competitive minutes for some time, but the likes of Williams and Mason Greenwood are proving that a senior door remains open.

Butt expects that to remain the case, telling United’s official website: “Everyone has got their ambitions and they all can look at what to strive to.

“They can look at the lads who have done so well playing in the first team, playing lots of games now. Marcus has had so many games at a young age, Brandon is stepping into the fore now, Scott McTominay. I don't need to name them as you know them all.

“The lads have got an abundance of players to aspire to be like and we're proud of them all.

“Hopefully, the next one will come along in the next few years and, if that happens, we're all doing our jobs well and it will help the manager, and the club, get to where it wants to be.”

While catching Solskjaer’s eye remains the target for those coming through United’s youth system, Butt admits that more loan deals will be sanctioned this summer in an effort to get important game time into those who find themselves on the fringes of the fold.

The former Red Devils midfielder added: “We've got some good young players.

“And we've had them over the years and they've all had a time where they've been beaten and all had a time when they get to win. The end game is getting into the first team or having careers in the game.

“It is what we do well and, this year, there is no difference. The older ones will go out on loan in the next month or so and the younger ones will step up. It's the history of the club and what it has always been.”

Gor Mahia FC are close to completing the signing of former Vipers SC striker Tito Okello.

The attacker's contract with the Venoms expired, and the player jumped on the chance to play for the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions.

"The deal has been reached between the player's agent and the club," a source close to the club told Goal on Tuesday.

"Okello is a good player who will improve our attacking department which had problems last season. We did not have a point-man especially after the exit of [Francis] Afriyie and [Gnamien] Yikpe. 

"[Juma] Balinya struggled to fit in and we were forced to use [Nicholas] Kipkirui in the position which is not his naturally. So Okello will definitely help us fill the void in the attack."

Despite playing a vital role in helping Vipers win the Ugandan Premier League, there have been internal struggles in the team which has led to a mass exodus.

Goalkeeper Derrick Ochan has also left the Premier League champions despite the fact he had two years remaining on his contract.

Last season loanees Janjali Joseph, Dickens Okwir, Ibrahim Kiyemba, Duncan Seninde, and Farouk Musisi have also left after mutually terminating their active contracts.
Tom Masiko, Steven Mukwala, Fred Atuhwera, Baden Mujahid have left after the expiration of their contracts. 

For Gor Mahia, they have already lost Boniface Omondi to Wazito FC. The established forward has been consistent for K'Ogalo, but opted out owing to financial struggles in the team.

The Kenyan champions have been hit hard in this transfer window as they have already lost a number of top players among them defender Joash Onyango who signed for Simba of Tanzania, keeper David Mapigano who joined Azam FC, and Dickson Ambundo to Dodoma Jiji.

On top of that, the club is on the verge of losing more players among them striker Nicholas Kipkirui, captain Kenneth Muguna, defenders Philemon Otieno and Charles Momanyi and Jackson Owusu, who left to his native Ghana a week ago.

All this is happening as the club prepares for the new season where, apart from defending the Kenyan Premier League (KPL), they will also represent the country in the Caf Champions League.

Arsenal new boy Jonathan Dinzeyi said he views the likes of Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah as examples to follow after moving from arch-rivals Tottenham.

Dinzeyi joined Arsenal as a free agent on Monday, having been released by Spurs last month.

The 20-year-old defender will go straight into Steve Bould's Under-23 squad ahead of the new season, with a view to fighting for a spot in Mikel Arteta's senior set-up.

Dinzeyi is optimistic of breaking into the first team, having seen a number of promising young players graduate from the academy at the Emirates in recent seasons, including Saka and Nketiah.

The talented centre-back is hoping to follow in their footsteps, and is also looking forward to working under Bould.

Asked what attracted him to Arsenal, Dinzeyi told the club's official website: “Knowing that Steve Bould is the head coach was a big factor for me.

"He’s a legend at the club and he’s played in my position, so I’m really hoping I can learn from him to develop my game.

“Seeing the likes of Nelson, Saka, Nketiah and Willock getting chances was a big thing for me too.

"That was another reason why I wanted to come here because I believe if you train hard then you’ll play well and the manager will give you the opportunity for you to show what you’re about.

"I’m really glad I’ve been given this opportunity."

Dinzeyi added on joining the club he followed in his youth: "It’s a great feeling. Arsenal is a massive club and they were actually the first club I supported as a child.

"They have a great history and with the new manager coming in who likes to play a lot of young players, I think it’s a great opportunity for me to show the fans and the coaching staff what I’m about.

"I’m really excited to get started now."

The former Spurs starlet went on to describe his preferred style of play, before outlining his targets for the 2019-20 campaign.

"I’m a ball-playing centre half. I love to tackle and win headers and keeping clean sheets for me is vital. If I don’t then it really hurts me. I just love doing my job," said Dinzeyi.

"Right now I just want to start as many games as possible with the Under-23s and in the long run, hopefully, be involved in some cup fixtures with the first team.

"Who knows what could happen after that? It’s just about proving myself with the Under-23s right now and taking any opportunity that’s given to me."

Eric Choupo-Moting revealed it hurts to lose the Champions League final to Bayern Munich but feels his side can be proud of their effort after giving their best in the game.

The Parisians lost 1-0 to the German Bundesliga side at Estadio da Luz to narrowly miss out on the European trophy on Sunday.

Kingsley Coman’s strike made the difference in the encounter, heading home from Joshua Kimmich’s cross moments before the hour mark.

Choupo-Moting featured six times in the competition for PSG and scored the winning goal against Atalanta that propelled them to the semi-final of the tournament.

The Cameroon international also made a cameo appearance in the final, replacing Angel Di Maria and contributed his effort in the game.

Choupo-Moting has taken to the social media to express his feelings on losing the final to the Bundesliga champions.

“It’s difficult to find the right words right now, because it still hurts a lot,” Choupo-Moting posted on Instagram.

“But even if we lost the game yesterday, we keep our heads up and comeback stronger! It was a long journey, we can be proud of our way.

“We gave everything on and off the pitch, like our supporters to whom I want to send a big thank you and big respect .We worked hard to come so far and we made history for such a big club.”

Choupo-Moting has been with PSG since the summer of 2018 when he joined the French side after leaving Stoke City following their relegation from the Premier League.

The forward’s contract will end at the end of the 2019-20 season and it is yet to be seen if the Parc des Princes outfit will hand him a new deal.

Since teaming up with the Parisians, the striker has won two Ligue 1 titles, the Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue trophies.

Choupo-Moting is currently the Cameroon national team captain and has 55 caps for the West Africans, scoring 15 goals since he made his debut for the side in 2010.

Pitso Mosimane isn't getting ahead of himself in the PSL title race despite Mamelodi Sundowns' 1-0 win over Golden Arrows on Monday night. 

The victory saw the Brazilians move to within three points of log leaders Kaizer Chiefs ahead of Thursday's crunch encounter at Orlando Stadium. 

While the football fraternity feels the match between the two title-chasers will determine the destiny of the PSL trophy, Mosimane doesn't think this is the case, saying the title might be decided on the final day of the season. 

"Funny enough, I don't think Thursday is a title decider. The way I know this thing [the title race], the way I have been in this thing, sometimes the title might be decided at the last minute," Mosimane told the media.

A win for Sundowns will see them equal Amakhosi on points but Mosimane warned that Sundowns might not even win on Thursday but again made it clear that as long as his side is mathematically in the title race then anything is still possible. 

"I always say to you guys that sometimes you don’t value a point. We might not even win against Chiefs," he said.  

"Of course, we want to make everything correct, but mathematically the league is not won on Thursday. How many more points do we have [to play for]? So, we have a chance." 

Mosimane further stated that everyone is feeling the pressure and the stress of wanting to win the league but his strongest warning to Sundowns' doubters was that it's not over until the fat lady sings. 

"You know this thing still has a heartbeat. We have to buckle up. We are all feeling the pressure, we are all feeling the stress.

"As I say, it’s a long way. The fat lady hasn’t sung and we are still going," added Mosimane.

The Tshwane giants are determined to win their third successive league title while Amakhosi are looking for their first league title in five years. 

In the reverse fixture earlier this season, Chiefs beat Sundowns 2-0 in Tshwane; the result which didn't sit well with Mosimane who felt Middendorp's men had benefitted from the match officials' mistakes at the time. 

Selangor have entered into a sponsorship deal with Malaysian animation studio Les' Copaque Production, who will sponsor its soccer school programme in the state.

On Tuesday, August 25 morning, the two organisations signed the deal at Les' Copaque's Shah Alam headquarters, with Red Giants' president Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin and the animation studio's managing director Burhanuddin Radzi also present.

Les' Copaque is best known for producing the 'Upin & Ipin' children's cartoon series and movies, which have not only been a hit in Malaysia, but also in the more-populous neighbouring Indonesia.

According to Selangor secretary-general Johan Kamal Hamidon, the cash sponsorship by Les' Copaque is worth RM120,000 (around USD30,000) for the first year.

"Selangor are grateful for the trust given and thankful for the cooperation, because Les' Copaque is not just an internationally renowned animation brand, but it is also close to the hearts of many Malaysian children through its 'Upin & Ipin' cartoon.

"For our soccer school program to succeed and fulfil its objectives, a close cooperation between the two entities will provide the catalyst for us to inculcate the love of football among children in the state of Selangor," wrote Johan in the press statement.

"Among our missions at Les' Copaque is to provide added values to our audience that are beyond just entertainment, and our involvement with Selangor's grassroots football initiatives runs parallel to this mission.

"We would like to see more children playing football actively through our involvement, and we hope to see more young talents unearthed by this programme," wrote its creative content director Nur Naquyah Burhanuddin in the same statement. 

Johan also revealed that the continued participation of Les' Copaque depends upon the Red Giants' success in expanding its soccer school programme. At the moment, six primary schools in the state of Selangor have signed up to host the programme.

"The expansion plan had been put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic, as it requires schools' cooperation and resources.

"But God willing, if everything goes well, the initiative will resume operations by September, and we target the participation of at least 12 schools by December this year," he explained.

READ: Selangor launch its soccer school, monthly training fee set at RM40

Bahati Member of Parliament Kimani Ngunjiri led a congregation that held prayers for Peter Thiong’o after the player secured a move to AFC Leopards.

Thiong’o in a recent interview with Goal, revealed that he had already signed a two-year pre-contract deal with the local heavyweights while waiting for his current contract with Kakamega Homeboyz to end in October.

The imminent move by Thiong’o led to intense friction between AFC Leopards and Kakamega Homeboyz.

AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda had stated they were going to sign the highly-rated winger even if his club would have asked for KSh100 million transfer fee.

Cleophas Shimanyula – Kakamega Homeboyz chair – was adamant that they will not in any way let the player join the Nairobi club.

But in a recent interview, he seemed to have conceded the loss and said they will defeat AFC Leopards with or without Thiong’o in their line-up.

“Praying with the family and neighbours of [Peter Ng’ang’a] Thiong’o from Dundori after he secured a two-year player contract with AFC Leopards,” the vocal MP posted on Facebook.

“Ng’anga's talent was identified four years back during a football tournament my office had organised in my constituency.

“Immediately after the tournament, he was called to play for Kenya U16. My office paid for his passport and all travel documents so that he could be able to represent the country in an international competition.

“Through his hard work and determination, he got a chance to play for Kakamega Homeboyz, he played for a while and has now secured a two-year contract with AFC Leopards.

“I am committed to youth empowerment and sports is one of the ways to empower our youths. I call upon all youths not to give up on their talents and my office is fully committed to helping our talented youths.”

Thiongo’s switch to the Den will add to the number of players the club has signed from the vast Nakuru County.

Mike Baraza, John 'Softie' Ndirangu and Dennis Shikhayi, now playing for Wazito FC, are the other players who hailed from the central rift county and played for the 13-time Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions.

AFC Leopards have not confirmed any new player so far even though numerous reports have linked them with the now free Derrick Otanga who previously played for Wazito and Sony Sugar.

Musa Masika is also understood to be on Ingwe’s radar for the August window.

The 1998 league champions have lost Vincent Oburu to Wazito.

KCCA FC administrator Moses Kaddu has urged Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) to secure the allowances for Caf 2020/21 participants as quickly as possible to help teams prepare properly.

KCCA will be taking part in the Confederation Cup while Vipers SC are expected to represent the country in the Champions League and now Kaddu feels the two need urgent financial assistance to prepare.

“We politely ask Fufa for an allowance to allow KCCA and Vipers to start preparation for the Caf engagements which will be happening before the end of the year,” Kaddu said during a UPL-Fufa monthly breakfast meeting.

On his part, Fufa president Moses Magogo explained the importance of the approved allocation of Fifa solidarity grants to the clubs who were hit by the coronavirus break.

“Let us remain supportive as we continue to involve the different parties. We all have a common agenda which is sport where there is a lot of value addition,” Magogo said. “We must protect the brand of the UPL, it is a baby we must protect at all times.

“Fufa is in control of these Covid-19 funds and the objective is to compensate losses by making payments directly to the club accounts.

“We also have to ensure that football eventually resumes since you are aware that there are 22 unfinished matches that have to be completed before the new season resumes in October 2020.”

Fufa deputy CEO Decolas Kiiza talked about the urgency that is needed to see sports resume since they were suspended in March.

“There is need to return to the fields of play by yesterday rather than tomorrow,” Kiiza said.

“Fufa continues to engage government through the National Council of Sports and Ministry of Health on how football can best return, even without fans in respect of the Standard Operating Procedures.”

On his part, UPL CEO Bernard Bainamani revealed why the clubs did not receive the last quarter of the sponsorship money.

“The 2019/20 Premier League was unique in such a way that the coronavirus pandemic caused an abrupt end of the season,” Bainamani said.

“This brought a situation where the remaining batch of the sponsors’ money has not been paid and there is a fraction is being discussed.”

SC Villa’s executive Shawn Mubiru spoke about the importance of unity among the top-tier teams.

“This is a big challenge that we have to face as UPL. We must take a strong stand as one entity and bargain for the best,” Mubiru said.

Fufa and the Premier League (UPL) clubs will be meeting on a monthly basis to discuss issues of common interest.

Manchester United are hoping to see Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes form a formidable midfield partnership but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still needs to bring in another creative option, says Gary Pallister.

The Red Devils have invested heavily in that area of the field over recent years, with their transfer record shattered when bringing France international Pogba back to Old Trafford in 2016.

It took £89 million ($117m) to secure Pogba’s signature, while a further £47m ($62m) was required to lure Portuguese playmaker Fernandes away from Sporting in January.

The latter has offered an immediate return on his price tag, becoming a talismanic figure in the process, while the former is being backed to fulfil the potential that he quite clearly has.

Pogba and Fernandes could become a destructive pairing for United, allowing them to chase down major honours, but Pallister feels cover is required in the current transfer window – with the Red Devils having been heavily linked with Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish.

The former United defender told Compare.bet: "I suppose, if Pogba or Fernandes is injured, have we got anybody else with that kind of vision?

"Everybody was talking about McTominay and Fred doing really well before Paul Pogba came back into the side and before we bought Bruno. Especially Fred.

"I think he’s had a tough time at Manchester United — everybody was saying that he was a waste of money, that he looked out of his depth, that he didn’t really look as though he’d settled in England.

"But up until lockdown this season, he’s probably been one of our more consistent players, so he’s turned it around. Scott McTominay is a young kid who’s done exceptionally well.

"You know, they haven’t got the vision that Pogba and Fernandes have got, but I think they give you a bit of steel.

"Scott’s a Manchester United boy, he’s come up through the system, he understands the club, so I’m not panicking that much about the midfield area.

"Maybe, as I say, we need somebody if Pogba or Fernandes is injured."

Another of those that United have been linked with in a bid to find added spark is Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho.

Pallister believes the 20-year-old forward would be a useful addition, saying: “It would certainly help.

“Sancho’s much sought after, he’s English, and I think he’s the type of player that you love to see at Old Trafford. He’s entertaining.

“Whether they can break up the City-Liverpool dominance remains to be seen, but certainly, as I say, we’re on the right track to do something about that.

“Is it too early right now? We need to get a little bit more quality into the squad, there’s no doubt about that. But we’re on the right track.

“It might take a couple more years before we’re fighting for the Premier League title. I’d maybe say that next year is probably too soon, but Ole’s putting things in place.”

Joe Hart "believes he is better" than Hugo Lloris, according to Paul Robinson, who thinks the Tottenham goalkeeper will be eyeing the No.1 jersey at his new club.

Hart dropped into the free agency pool at the end of June after Burnley decided against his extending his contract at Turf Moor.

The 33-year-old was subsequently linked with the likes of Celtic, Leeds United and West Brom, while a potential move abroad was also mooted.

However, Spurs ultimately won the race for Hart's signature, as he signed a two-year contract with the north Londoners on August 18.

It has been suggested that a man who won two Premier League titles at the height of his career with Manchester City has only been brought in to help Tottenham meet their homegrown player quota, but Robinson expects him to push Lloris for a starting spot.

He does not believe that Hart will be content to sit on the bench week in, week out, and can see back-up keeper Paulo Gazzaniga being moved on now that competition for a place between the sticks has increased.

“It is a very sensible signing for all parties,” former Spurs number one Robinson told Football Insider.

“It is a huge box ticked – another home-grown player. You have seen the likes of Scott Carson and Richard Wright (at Manchester City), Lee Grant at Manchester United and Rob Green at Chelsea.

"But saying that I think the Joe Hart situation is different at Spurs.

“He will not be going there to rest on his laurels. He will be thinking, and certainly, I would be thinking, that Lloris has been injury prone and inconsistent over the past couple of seasons, Gazzaniga has done OK’ but Joe Hart definitely believes he is better than him.

"He will fancy his chances of playing.

“With the number of games that Spurs have got, given that they have to go into the Europa League early, there will be game time. It is a real opportunity for him to play some games. 

“Whether the signing of Joe Hart means that Gazzaniga is moving on we will have to wait and see.”  

Rickie Lambert hopes Nike’s association with Liverpool helps to bring a “marquee signing” into Anfield, but concedes that a dream deal for Kylian Mbappe may be “out of reach”.

The Reds have been linked with an audacious raid on Paris Saint-Germain for a World Cup-winning forward.

Mbappe has aired his admiration for the Premier League champions and Jurgen Klopp in the recent past, with the 21-year-old considered to be dropping hints that a future move to Merseyside could be on the cards.

He would, however, not come cheap and leading sides around the world are having to rein in their recruitment ambition as the financial implications of a global coronavirus pandemic hit hard.

Liverpool do still have money to spend, and are being linked with a number of additions in the current window.

Lambert would love to see them ask questions of Mbappe’s availability, with Nike’s links to the France international aiding that cause, but he accepts that a deal is unlikely.

It may be that they have to look elsewhere for attacking additions, with the general consensus being that Klopp needs to bring in greater depth to a unit that leans heavily on Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.

“I would like to see Liverpool bring in at least one more forward to help with the goals, to help the front three and to give it a little bit more competition,” former Reds frontman Lambert told talkSPORT.

The ex-England international added on a potential swoop for Mbappe: “You always dream, don’t you?

“I was thinking with Nike taking over, every time you take over a team, they always have a marquee signing.

“I was hoping Mbappe or something. But I think he is out of our reach, to be honest.”

Mbappe has left the door open for an approach to be made at some stage, with a man who suffered in defeat in the 2020 Champions League final with PSG having told The Mirror of Klopp’s side during the 2019-20 campaign: “This season, Liverpool have been a machine in the Premier League.

“They have made winning look easy but the truth is that it is never easy. 

“Performances like they have been having don’t just happen.

“To be as ruthless as they have been would come from lots of hard work in training and from having a very good manager.”

Highlands Park coach Owen Da Gama has expressed delight after striker Peter Shaluile managed to net his 14th Premier Soccer League (PSL) goal on Saturday.

The Lion of the North talisman is now equal with his Orlando Pirates counterpart, Gabadinho Mhango, and Da Gama wants to see the Namibian walking away with the top goalscorer award.

“I’m so happy for him, I’m really happy for him for getting his 14th goal,” Da Gama said after the match.

“I hope he gets two or three more goals just to cement that situation [golden boot] because he deserves it.

“The team will keep on fighting. We live to fight another day.”

Shalulile found the back of the net against Polokwane City whom they faced at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in their 1-1 draw.

As some of the PSL strikers are struggling to continue with their rich vein of form they displayed before the season was halted because of the coronavirus pandemic in March, the 27-year-old has hit the ground running.

The former National First Division (NFD) campaigner also scored against Mamelodi Sundowns and the latest strike against Rise and Shine has boosted his ambitions to win the coveted accolade.

Meanwhile, Da Gama has always insisted that the Brave Warriors international is the best finisher in the South African top-flight by far and hopes he will score more goals to clinch the award.

The Tembisa-based club has a week to fully prepare for the clash against the Team of Choice as they sit eighth on the table with 34 points from 27 games so far.

In addition, Shalulile has been reportedly linked with a move away from the Lions of the North with PSL giants such as Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, and the Buccaneers reportedly keen to land his signature.

However, the former Bafana Bafana manager has recently revealed interest from an unnamed Egyptian club, and the number and status of the clubs vying for his signature are expected to rise should he eventually manage to win the top scorer award.

Eze Kingsley was never supposed to come to India. It was only after a failed move to Belgium, he decided to try his luck in India. 

When he came to Bengaluru and joined Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a team that plied their trade in the I-League 2nd Division back in those days, he was just another face in the crowd of Africans who come to India every year in the hunt of better prospects. While most end up leaving after failing to find a break through, a few make India their home. Kingsey belongs to the latter faction. 

"In August 2012, I came to India. I was told to play for a year in India and in the next season, I will go to Belgium as promised. The promise of Belgium helped me to keep going. But the move never happened. One guy went back home (Nigeria). I could not do that. I had to fight and establish myself here. I did not allow the situation to pull me down. It took some time but it is fine," reminisced Kingsley to Goal. 

He did take some time to settle down, at least a few years. He understood that staying in Bengaluru was not helping his cause and he shifted base to Kolkata, in search of more opportunities. 

After reaching his new city, he joined Kalighat Milan Sangha which also played in the 2nd Division. But the team also plied their trade in the Calcutta Football League (CFL) which is closely followed by scouts and coaches of various clubs not only from West Bengal but across the country. This provided him the platform to showcase his talent. While playing for Kalighat, he was spotted by Aizawl but the transfer could not materialise in that season. 

Hence in 2015, he signed for United SC and continued to play in 2nd Division and the CFL. Co-incidentally in 2016, Aizawl was given a lifeline by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) which prevented them from getting relegated. The North-Eastern outfit roped in Khalid Jamil for the next I-League season and once again offered Kingsley. He did not think twice and after toiling in the 2nd Division for a couple of years, the Nigerian grabbed the opportunity with both hands to play in the then top tier of India. 

"Aizawl were put back in the I-league and we did not expect anything. We just tried to finish in a better position. The aim was for the fifth spot to be precise. But after the first match, everything changed. Against East Bengal, we won at Barasat. That was the turning point. Yet we did not think about the championship. Our target was to finish on a good note."

Along with Kamo Bayi, Mahmoud Al-Amna, and Kingsley himself, most of the players of that team were debutantes in I-League. He believes that the lack of pressure helped their cause. 

Moreover, in the absence of any marquee player, the players were keeping each others' back, instead of relying on any particular individual. The 'team' stepped forward in the important matches and made the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl their fortress which could not be breached by any other outfit in that season. 

"We won every match at home barring the one against Bengaluru FC. But if I have to speak of one match it would be the one against Mohun Bagan. They just needed a point to virtually seal the championship and we had to get those three points. It was a 2 o'clock kick-off but there was so much fog, the visibility in the ground reduced drastically. I could not even see the forwards. We kept hanging there. They missed one or two golden opportunities and after the 80th minute, we scored from a corner. It was surreal to win against them."

But in the next match against Shillong Lajong, they would be missing two of their key players in Alfred Jaryan and Ashutosh Mehta due to suspension. To further complicate matters, Kingsley himself was a doubt after he suffered a sprain in the knee in the final practice session before leaving for Shillong. 

"The night before the match (against Shillong) I could not sleep. I went to four different hospitals to get it treated and so that I could play. It was swelling and nothing was working. The coach could not sleep and personally I also felt very restless. Throughout the night, I tried to do so many things with my knee and around four and I started jogging outside the hotel. On the matchday morning, I felt a little less pain but the niggle was still there. Nevertheless, I played the whole match."

Aizawl ended up winning 2-1, and bagged the title.

That title-winning campaign not only earned Aizawl a place in the record books but also made Kingsley a sought after name in the transfer market. In the next season, he joined Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan with a fat pay cheque.

He arrived reluctantly in this country, looking for a better life. He has achieved much more than that, more importantly, he found a 'second home' i.e. Kolkata.

Yan Law, at the age of 26, became the youngest ever coach to manage a top tier Indian football club when he joined I-League side Punjab FC last season.

The young manager, who hails from Kolkata, had an impressive debut as head coach as Punjab finished the season in the top half of the league table.

Law spoke about how he got the coach’s role in Punjab and how he was sceptical about accepting such a big offer.

“I never expected to be a coach in an I-League club at that age. It is definitely a dream to coach a team in I-League and hopefully in ISL in the future. I never knew I would get the opportunity so early but all thanks to Ranjit Bajaj who believed in me even before I believed in myself. When he gave me the offer, I was quite sceptical about it because the team had barely saved relegation in the previous season. But he gave me the confidence,” the former Punjab FC coach told Goal.

“It was a phenomenal experience. I got to work with some of the best Indian players and some of the best foreigners in the country. We performed so well compared to the previous season.

"Also, I had to change the style of play for what Punjab is known for. Before it was more of direct football. And changing the style completely and getting appreciation for that was amazing. We had a seven-match unbeaten streak. Unfortunately, we had too many draws otherwise we surely had a shot at the title.”

The former Punjab FC coach suggested that he never faced any problem in handling older players, being a young coach, and he also complimented the Punjab players for being thorough professionals.

“People think that coaching is about handling a team but I believe it is more about handling individuals. Everybody has a different mentality and character so if you can handle individuals, then I think it is smooth sailing. Also the guys I worked with are thorough professionals and they respected me irrespective of my age on and off the field.”

After a decent season with the Punjab club, the Kolkata-born coach returned to his home city to take charge of Mohammedan Sporting.

“When Mohammedan Sporting’s offer came, I thought this will be a different challenge because if I can get this team promoted to the I-League, it will be great.

“Mohammedan Sporting is one of the biggest clubs in Kolkata as well as in India and me being a Kolkata boy, I had always dreamt of coaching the three big clubs - East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting. So it was an easy choice when Mohammedan’s offer came to me. I can help this team create history.

“I had worked with the club before. I had joined them in 2018 as the Head of Youth Development and I had a contract till 2020. But when Punjab FC’s offer came last year, the club let me go and I am forever thankful to them.”

The Mohammedan coach made it clear that he will not settle for anything less than an I-League spot this time but he also remained cautious as the final round of the Second Division League has been shortened due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

“The second division this time is about only four or five matches so there is no margin for error. Every match is like a final. When I came in, I started signing proven players including the foreign contingent. Hopefully, we can take this team up and do well in the I-League,” said Law.

The former Punjab coach also suggested that while building the team he considered the I-League and not just the second division.

“When I was in talks with the club I told them about the players I wanted. I might be young but I have my own way of working. At Minerva, Ranjit Bajaj had let me sign players of my choice. So Mohammedan was also very open with that.

“The transfer window will be open for another 10 or 15 days after the second division is over so. Even if we qualify for the I-League, there will be hardly any time for a couple of more signings. So I have made a squad thinking about the I-League and not just the second division. I am planning two steps ahead,” said Law.

St. Pauli have signed Nigerian midfielder Afeez Aremu from Eliteserien giants IK Start for an undisclosed fee.

The 20-year-old penned a three-year-deal with the German second division outfit that will see him stay at the Millerntor-Stadion until June 2023.

Prior to his move to Germany, Aremu had featured for Nigeria Professional Football League sides Rivers United, Remo Stars, Sunshine Stars, Akwa United before heading for Ghana’s Inter Allies.

Upon the completion of his contract in Norway – where he scored five goals in 63 games, he was snapped by Timo Schultz’s men who are chasing a return to the German elite division.

Speaking on the acquisition of the youngster, club’s sporting director Andreas Bornemann stated that Aremu will bring his wealth of experience and athleticism to the Neighborhood kicker.

"Afeez Aremu corresponds to the profile we were still looking for the defensive midfield,” Bornemann was quoted by club website.

“He brings athleticism and aggressiveness in the duels and, despite his young age, has already gained plenty of professional experience. That's why we believe that he won't find it difficult to get started with us."

According to manager Schultz, the Nigerian is the missing link in his squad while lauding some of his qualities.

"With Afeez, we get an element that we have been missing from the squad,” he said.

“He's the type of dynamic 'clearer' I wanted. He has already played several seasons at a high level and is still capable of development at the same time at his age."

For the former Nigeria U20 star, he revealed that he did not lose his sleep before accepting the club’s offer.

"I'm glad I'm finally here. When the offer came from St. Pauli, I didn't have to think long,” stated Aremu.

“It's a big club and for me the change is the next important step in my development. Now I can't wait to get to know my teammates and start working."

He will join up with St. Pauli squad ahead of the 2020-21 campaign and is likely to train with them.

Victor Osimhen has hit the ground running at Napoli with his first training session with the Italian topflight outfit.

Despite being linked with several top European clubs following his impressive goalscoring season at Lille – where he scored 18 goals in 38 appearances, the Nigerian moved to Naples in a deal claimed to be worth €50 million (£45m/$59m).

Nonetheless, he worked out with his new teammates as Gennaro Gattuso’s men commenced their pre-season campaign at Castel di Sangro in Abruzzo.

In the session watched by a maximum of 1,000 fans, Osimhen trained alongside Dries Mertens, Lorenzo Insigne, Arkadiusz Milik, Matteo Politano as well as Senegal international Kalidou Koulibaly.

The 21-year-old is expected to make his bow when the Blues take on Aquila and Castel di Sangro in a three-team friendly tournament from August 28, 2020. Thereafter, they take on Teramo in another build up encounter on September 4.

According to president of the Nigeria Football Federation Amaju Pinnick, the youngster is capable of making a similar impact at Stadio San Paolo as Argentina great Diego Maradona once did.

"I think Victor Osimhen is an excellent signing for Napoli. I’ve followed them from when they had Maradona. Naples is a proud city and also in football terms,” Pinnick told Radio Kiss Kiss.

"Osimhen is a source of pride for African football. He’s someone who is disciplined but focused on objectives, and if he wants something, he knows how to get it. He made the right decision for his career. I already believe he’ll receive the right support from the club and its fans.

"Napoli are the right club for him to achieve important results, and Osimhen will always give his best. I’ll say it now: Victor will do everything possible to match and even break the records set by a legend like Maradona.

"If he gets the right support, I guarantee he’ll stick to his word and make you all proud. Believe in him and he’ll help the team achieve their objectives. I’ll come to Naples next season to watch some of their games. Osimhen is young and could stay at Napoli for a long time."

After finishing in seventh-place in Serie A last term, Gattuso’s team would be competing for honours when the 2020-21 campaign starts.