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Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane was left to lament their poor display in a 1-1 draw in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) against Highlands Park on Friday evening, admitting they are struggling to play their normal game.

After facing the hard-running Lions of the North at Dobsonville Stadium, the Brazilians failed to close the gap on log leaders Kaizer Chiefs who lead with 49 points, while the Tshwane giants have 46 points from 23 matches.

Moreover, his counterpart Owen Da Gama hailed his troops for their gutsy display, saying he will have a peaceful sleep, and that goalscorer Peter Shalulile is the top striker in the PSL by far.

“I’m not happy, yeah we were just killed by that early goal and in the first half we moved the ball well. We didn’t play enough but in stages of the game and I feel we could have played enough,” Mosimane told SuperSport TV.

“There was too much anxiety, too much anxiousness you know to try and score. The first-half was okay, we played better and you could see it coming.

"But yeah the first goal killed us, it looked like there was a hand that helped Shalulile to bring it forward. It looked like, I don’t know because too many hands in Dobsonville, there was another hand against [Orlando] Pirates. So, there was a hand again tonight in my opinion. If it’s not there I’m happy to be wrong.

"Yeah well, we should not go to [Motjeka] Madisha all the time, if we go to Madisha, he made a brilliant tackle here on Paseka Mako. He made another clearance against Orlando Pirates and no one was picking, why [must we] pick on Madisha again – we can’t destroy the player.

"We are trying to put the best playing team or players in the team, to try and play. It came up a little bit in the first half, second - half we struggled a little bit.

“I think we must seal the game earlier, like [Bidvest] Wits we finished well but for the last two games, it’s been tough. It’s difficult, we are trying. We want to play the way we always play with Themba Zwane but it didn’t come out. So, we move on what are we going to do?”

On the part of the hosts, Da Gama hailed his troops for their hard work, saying they vowed they would not lose to the reigning PSL champions for the third time this season.

“I’m so proud of the boys, it is our second season in the PSL and the very first-time Sundowns beat us in the last minute and again in the last game - we said it’s not going to happen again,” Da Gama told SuperSport TV.

“If we can’t win the game, we are certainly happy with a point. These are champions in the making, they are fighting for the league and I’m very happy, proud of the boys and they were exceptional.

“They fought and there were times I thought we could have taken the game, we don’t want to talk about the match officials. Let’s give the credit to the boys, I thought they played very well, they fought hard.

“Peter Shalulile, [he's] the best striker in the PSL by far. I mean he was controlling that entire defence alone. Aerial balls and on the ground.

"So, I’m very proud of each and every player, the technical team as well. In the second half when we came back, we came back much stronger. We fixed up in the middle and we were stronger.

“Shalulile has been scoring at training, he’s been scoring in friendly matches from the beginning of the season and proved it in the NFD (National First Division), he’s proved in the second season in the PSL."

Former Hearts of Oak midfielder Esme Mends believes club's arch-rivals Asante Kotoko made a mistake in naming ex-Phar Rangers owner Nana Yaw Amponsah as new chief executive officer.

Last week, Amponsah was unveiled as the Porcupine Warriors' new man, replacing George Amoakoh, whose tenure ended in June. 

His appointment comes 10 months after an unsuccessful bid to become Ghana Football Association (GFA) president. 

''I don't believe Nana Yaw Amponsah is cut for the job,'' Mends said in quote published by ghanasportspage.

''He cannot do the job due to how I know him. I know him deeply and based on that, in fact, we've come a long way.

''I have moved with him for long, I will not say anything untrue but as to what he did and what he didn't do I can't say on air. 

"But I know and I'm really disappointed in whoever made the decision to appoint him as the new CEO for Kotoko because the Kotoko job is not a job for people like Nana Yaw Amponsah.

''For me, I know he’ll fail, I don’t wish him bad, though, but I know he’ll fail, and it pains me that Kotoko didn’t make the right decision at this moment of time. He is a pretender, Nana Yaw Amponsah is a pretender."

Kotoko are largely considered as Ghana's biggest club both on and off the pitch. 

They are the most successful side in the history of the Ghana Premier League (GPL), having lifted the royal diadem on 23 occasions. 

The Kumasi-based fold have also won the most FA Cup titles, with nine.

“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.

“I, therefore, plead with you to give me double of 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 are also two-time African champions.

Stella Mbachu has bemoaned the plight of women's footballers in the country with players of Pelican Stars being owed 14-month unpaid salaries by the Cross Rivers government.

Goal reported in April the protest of players of Pelican Stars at the Governor Ben Ayade's office in Calabar over their unpaid salaries, which has now stretched to 14 months, since June 2019.

Following the government's continued delay, the players on Wednesday stormed the governor's office to press their demands that the entitlements be offset without further delay.

And the former Nigeria international star sympathised with the players while urging the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to intervene in the matter. 

“Female players suffer a lot in Nigeria, Mbachu,  who won multiple domestic titles with Rivers Angels, told Punch.

"We know that there are economic problems now and many state governments are striving hard to keep things in shape.

“But to owe the players this much is not good for the club, the players and the nation. I will support players to protest what’s their due.

“I once played for Pelicans, but during our time, nothing like this happened.

"These players have needs and they have families. How would they take care of themselves if they are being owed?”

Pelican are the record Nigerian Women's Premier League (NWPL) title winners with eight crowns in their cabinet.

Having made a NWPL return for the 2020 season, they hope to challenge for glory for the first time since 2010 after their relegation to the second tier in 2018. 

Simba Queens have celebrated being crowned champions of the Tanzanian Women's Premier League following Wednesday's 9-0 defeat of TSC Queens in the final game of the season in Mwanza.

Aisha Jaffary opened the scoring for Simba just six minutes into the contest before Oppa Clement doubled the lead in the 42nd minute and Joele Bukuru added a third on the brink of the half-time break.

Simba continued from where they left off in the first half as Clement bagged her brace and the visitors' fourth, scoring two minutes after the restart.

Bukuru followed up with the fifth for Simba in the 52nd minute before Clement hit her treble two minutes later.

The rampant visitors never relented as Mwanahamis Omary found the back of the net three times in the final stages to complete the rout. 

The 9-0 triumph means the Queens recorded 18 victories out of their 22 games this season to garner 56 points, pipping last season's winners JKT Queens to the top spot, with a four-point difference.

Head coach Musa Hassan Mgosi told Cafonline: "When we started this team, we wanted to make an impact on women football in the country and protect the Simba brand as well.

“We are happy that we broke the dominance of JKT Queens and we are now looking forward to defend our title next season.

"We need to maintain this quality and also boost the squad to win more trophies.”

The maiden women's domestic success of the Queens means Simba has completed a double after the men’s side won the men’s Premier League title this season.

For awards, JKT Queens forward Fatuma Mustapha clinched the Golden Boot after netting 33 goals during the season.

Friday's Champions League showdown between Bayern Munich and Barcelona started with a bang, as both teams scored inside the first seven minutes. 

After Thomas Muller opened the scoring four minutes in, Barcelona found an equaliser three minutes later from an unlikely source: Bayern defender David Alaba. 

The Austrian, normally so reliable, could only swipe at a cross from Jordi Alba, sending the ball looping over Manuel Neuer to level the quarter-final at 1-1. 

The left-footed Alaba used his right foot in his attempted clearance, partially explaining its unintended outcome as the favoured German side were pegged back. 

Alaba is usually a reliable performer for the Bundesliga champions, who are "cautiously optimistic" they will be able to tie the defender down to a new contract.

Just 14 minutes after Alaba's own goal, Bayern went back in front after Ivan Perisic struck to give his side the lead again. And in the 27th minute the lead was doubled as Serge Gnabry struck for Bayern, before Muller scored again to make it 4-1 in the 31st minute.

After a lightning-fast start to the match, there was plenty of reaction to Alaba's own goal. 

Rennes have announced the arrival of Nayef Aguerd from Dijon on a four-year contract.

The Red and Blacks have been looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2020-21 season after finishing third during the previous campaign which booked them a spot in the Champions League for the first time in their history.

Rennes president Nicolas Holveck had already stated previously the club were interested in signing two centre-backs and a forward and sporting director Florian Maurice was pleased with getting the deal done and dusted.

"We are very satisfied with the signing of Nayef. It is a profile that we identified quite quickly with [head coach] Julien Stephan for this position of left central defender,” Maurice said on the club website.

“It is a great opportunity for us to have this player that we will continue to develop, and which will be operational right away.”

Aguerd himself speaking on the Rennes website admits he was seduced by the progress of the club and can’t wait to have Champions League action under his belt.

"I am very happy to join Stade Rennais FC It is the club I needed to take a step forward,” he said.

“I was able to discuss with Julien Stephan before my arrival, I was seduced through the sports project. I can't wait to meet the group, to be able to train with my teammates and of course to discover the Champions League."

Aguerd began his career in his native country with Moroccan capital outfit FUS Rabat, playing 69 times between 2014 and 2018, finding the back of the net on six occasions. He joined Dijon in the summer of 2018 and made 29 appearances in his two seasons, scoring four goals.

He has earned five caps for the Morocco national team and lifted the 2018 Africa Nations Championship on home soil, seeing off Nigeria 4-0 in the final.

Rio Ferdinand has paid tribute to Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski, saying the Polish striker is the closest thing he's seen to Marco van Basten.

Lewandowski has scored 53 goals in all competitions so far this season for Bayern, with 13 of those coming in the Champions League. That tally marks a career-best return for the 31-year-old, who continues to improve with age. 

The striker's form led Gary Lineker to say on BT Sport prior to Friday's Champions League quarter-final between Bayern and Barcelona: "Bayern probably have the best player in the world right now."

The ex-Manchester United defender concurred before comparing Lewandowski to the legendary Dutch forward.

"Yeah, Lewandowski, in terms of what he's done this year in terms of just goals alone, let alone his performances," Ferdinand said. 

"He had a hand in every goal in the last round against Chelsea. He's not just an out-and-out goalscorer. He scores the goals as you'd expect from a No. 9, he can come over the back post, he scores the little deft touches, brings other people into the game. As a No. 9, he's probably the closest I've seen to Marco van Basten."

Van Basten won the Ballon d'Or on three occasions: in 1988, 1989 and again in 1992. Lewandowski would have been one of the favourites for the 2020 award, but France Football announced last month that they wouldn't be handing out the award this year due to the “lack of sufficient fair conditions” as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. 

That led Ferdinand to joke that Lewandowski should start up a petition to ensure the award is given out this season. 

"If I’m Lewandowski and they have cancelled the Ballon d’Or, I’m starting up a petition to get it back on," Ferdinand told TEAMtalk. 

"Aside from the year when Luka Modric won it, Messi and Ronaldo have dominated that award for the last 12 years and Lewandowski has taken himself to the next level this season.

"I can’t believe they have cancelled it. It’s cruel, that is a good word to describe it. Lewandowski deserves to win that award for what he has done this season and if he leads Bayern Munich to the Champions League and they still decide they won’t give it out to him, it’s not right."

Orlando Pirates midfielder Fortune Makaringe says they are not focusing on Bidvest Wits, whom they face in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) on Saturday evening, but on doing the job for the team.

The Buccaneers attacker admits, though, that coach Gavin Hunt’s troops have an advantage as they have already played two matches since the restart of the season, and that they are a formidable side.

Pirates are still looking for their first win since resuming their 2019/20 campaign this week, but the former Maritzburg United star insists their mission is to bag a victory.

“It’s quite fair to mention that they [Wits] are a formidable side and we respect them for the good that they have actually been doing,” Makaringe told the media.

“But I think it’s more about ourselves…we always focus on ourselves without being complacent with anything.

"We just need to go and make sure that we do the job for the team.”

With the Clever Boys fresh from a 3-2 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup and a draw against Kaizer Chiefs in the league, the 27-year-old is not fazed by their disadvantage in terms of mileage so far.

“Yes, they have played a game more than us, which gives them the advantage because they have gotten used to the situation,” he added.

“But we just have to go there and do the best that we can to make sure that we win for the team. That’s the most important thing.”

Coach Josef Zinnbauer’s troops are also looking to avenge the 4-3 defeat they suffered at Moses Mabhida Stadium in the first round as well as their loss in the Ke Yona competition.

The clash is set to be staged at Ellis Park Stadium as the Soweto giants target the full three points and move closer to the PSL title-chasing pack.

Pirates are third on the log with 41 points from 24 games while the visitors occupy the fifth spot with 39 points from 22 games so far.

Meanwhile, Pirates will miss key players such as Thembinkosi Lorch and Justin Shonga who remain suspended by the club after they were excluded from the squad just before their clash against Masandawana on Tuesday night.

Udinese forward Seko Fofana has admitted that he has his mind made up and would like to join newly-promoted Ligue 1 side Lens.

They are making a return to the French top-flight for the first time since 2015 after they finished second in the abruptly-ended Ligue 2 season because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Fofana also revealed he has reached out to the Lens hierarchy about a potential deal and it is understood Udinese are ready to part with the Ivory Coast international, but will not settle for anything less than €20 million.

“I am very interested in this opportunity, spoke to the Lens directors and also several players, such as Yannick [Jean-Louis] Leca and [Yannick] Cahuzac,” Fofana told L’Equipe as reported by Football Italia.

“They convinced me straight away. I received many offers, but my choice was immediate. I asked myself what I really wanted and that was a return to France.

“I watched a few Lens games and want to bring my experience to this club. I can only thank Udinese, as I had four great years there and we were able to secure Serie A safety.

“I hope the two clubs can reach an agreement soon. My choice has been made and I choose Lens.”

Fofana joined Udinese from Manchester City in 2016 and has played 119 times in all competitions for the Little Zebras, scoring 13 goals and providing 12 assists.

The 2019-20 season was his most productive as he had a hand in 10 goals in Serie A (three goals, seven assists) with Udinese finishing in 13th position, 10 points clear of the relegation zone.

During Fofana’s time at City, he was loaned out to Fulham and Bastia making a combined total of 68 appearances, scoring two goals and providing another two assists.

He was born in the French capital of Paris but decided to represent the country of his parents, the Ivory Coast.

Fofana made his international debut in a 2-0 defeat by Morocco on November 11, 2017, and has earned four caps for the Elephants, scoring one goal which came in a 2-1 win over Tunisia on September 10, 2019.

Hearts of Oak public relations officer Kwame Opare Addo has blamed player representatives for the club's troubles in extending expiring contracts.

The Phobians' management has come under fire following the exit of five first-team players last week.

According to a club publication, the quintet refused contract extensions.

“In fact, football agents are not helping the game at all. Everyone knows there is something good abroad for players but playing in Ghana," Addo told Atinka FM.

“Agents influence players not to extend their deals with the club which Hearts of Oak is a victim. This is affecting so many clubs.

"Sometimes it can be the decision of the player but I think that some people that parade around as agents are not helping the future of some of these players.

"And it is not only Hearts of Oak players, I’m referring to players on the African continent. Those agents are seriously causing problems for clubs."

The departure of striker Joseph Esso has evoked the most backlash, having exited together with Benjamin Agyare, Christopher Bonney, Bernard Arthur and Burkinabe forward Abubakar Troare.

In a related development, former Hearts chairman Harry Zakkour believes the club's long trophy drought is a result of their lack of quality players.

The Phobians have endured a series of disappointments since last winning the Ghana Premier League (GPL) title in 2009.

“The problem [trophy drought] is lack of quality players,” Zakkour told Asempa FM.

“Things have changed. The players we used to have are not the same today.

“We need to do more to help the club succeed because all is not lost and I believe when we get the right players, the club will start winning trophies as the club used to win trophies in the past."

Zakkour also pleaded for the Government of Ghana's intervention for clubs amid the Covid-19 challenges.

“We have all felt the impact of the coronavirus pandemic,” he said.

“It was unexpected and I believe that when football fully returns, the government and the ministry of sports should come together and help the clubs.

“Supporters will not be allowed to go to the various stadiums so there would be no revenue for the clubs so they will need the support of the government.

“We all hope for the best but the clubs at the moment cannot do it alone."

Ghana's football season has been cancelled since March because of the coronavirus concerns. 

Uganda Premier League (UPL) champions Vipers SC have confirmed their fourth new signing.

David Bagoole from Busoga United is the latest player to sign for the Venoms who are strengthening ahead of the next season which will see them engage in the Caf Champions League.

Vipers have set a target of reaching the lucrative group stage of the continental competition.

“There is a new man at St Mary’s Stadium in Kitende,” Vipers announced.

“And he is not just your ordinary player as he swaggers into the reigning champions’ home with pomp and flair. 

“And unlike many other players, the 22-year-old maintains a calm demeanour despite being well-travelled football artist.”

Bagoole has signed a three-year deal with the Fred Kajoba’s side.

“I am very happy and proud to be the latest member of this special Vipers family,” he said after switching Premier League clubs.

“I believe this is the best club in the country and I promise to give my all.

“My job will be simple. I want to help the club defend the StarTimes Ugandan Premier League (SUPL) title as well as reaching the Caf Champions League group stages.”

Bagoole will start training with his new teammates when the ban on public social gathering is lifted by the government.

The former Sofapaka star started his career at Busembatia Town Council before joining SC Villa in 2014.

After he left the Kenyan Premier League (KPL), the Ugandan signed for La Passe of Seychelles in July 2016 where he remained until February 2017.

He returned to the country after the 2017 season and joined the Jinja-based outfit BUL FC. Bagoole had short stints at UPL side Police FC as well as at Baza Holdings FC.

He, later on, moved to OC Bukavu Dawa of the Democratic Republic of Congo before his immediate former club Busoga United acquired his services.

In his maiden season with Busoga United, he scored two goals and recorded 13 assists in 29 matches. He was also awarded Man of the Match awards on six occasions.

Vipers’ head coach Fred Kajoba revealed happiness after sealing the fourth transfer deal for the club.

“There is no doubt we have signed one of the best midfielders in the business,” said Kajoba.

“I am convinced he will deliver. He has proven his abilities over time and there is no doubt about him.”

The Ugandan is expected to help sharpen the attacking midfield department.

Dodoma Jiji have completed the signing of former Gor Mahia winger Dickson Ambundo.

The team was promoted to the Tanzania Mainland League and are keen on ensuring they do not struggle at the top. They have made some decent signings so far and one of them is the former K'Ogalo attacker.

"Tanzania international winger Dickson Ambundo has officially joined Dodoma Jiji FC after helping Gor Mahia of Kenya to win [the Kenyan Premier League]," the club confirmed on their social media channel. 

Ambundo joined K'Ogalo at the start of last season from former Tanzania top-tier side Alliance FC.

However, he returned to Tanzania following the cancellation of the KPL owing to the Covid-19 outbreak. He could not join his former side after relegation, and Dodoma managed to convince him to join the team.

He is the second Tanzanian to leave Gor Mahia after goalkeeper David Mapigano who parted ways with the Kenyan side on mutual consent. The custodian joined 2014 champions Azam and went on to explain his best moment while in Kenya. 

"My best moment at Gor Mahia was when I scored a goal from a goal kick [in the 3-0 win against Bandari]," Mapigano revealed after signing for Azam.

"It was my happiest moment in life because it has never happened in my entire playing career; and my role model Tim Howard also did [in the 2-1 loss against Bolton Wanderers when his wind-assisted clearance beat Adam Bogdan in goal during the 2011/12 English Premier League season].

"I have achieved a lot with Gor Mahia which I am proud of and I felt it is high time for me to leave. 

"It is my desire to replicate my achievement with Gor Mahia here at Azam."

The 23-year-old is optimistic about helping the Chamazi-based side get to the top of the table in order to play in the continental assignments.

"I am just from playing in the continental assignments with Gor Mahia and I need to give my best at Azam to help the team get to the top," Mapigano added.

"I promise to give my best and try to push the team and ensure we achieve great things together, in that when I leave my mark will remain forever.

"Azam is a big team and many players know it; in short, I did my extensive homework before joining the team."

Pep Guardiola says Manchester City’s victory over record 13-time Champions League winners Real Madrid doesn’t make them the favourites and insists “everything can happen”.

City face Lyon, who finished seventh in Ligue 1 last season, in the quarter-finals in Lisbon as they aim to win the European trophy for the first time in the club’s history.

Both Paris St-Germain and RB Leipzig have already secured their places in the last-four with neither club winning the Champions League before, increasing the chances that there could be a new name on the trophy.

“Of course it was so important to beat the kings of this competition, but when you play this competition - just one game, everything can happen,” Guardiola said ahead of Saturday’s clash.

“I think in this competition there are no favourites."

A semi-final clash with either Barcelona or Bayern Munich will be City’s reward if they can get past the French side but Guardiola believes that the mini-tournament format gives a huge opportunity for a new club to succeed.

“The elite clubs will always be there - Barcelona, Madrid, Bayern Munich, all the big clubs in England and France always will be there,” he added.

“But we need this kind of competition and for just one game, everything can happen. Absolutely everything can happen.

“It's difficult to beat the big teams away from home but in one game, everything can happen. And this is why we want to try.”

Despite the openness of the tournament, Guardiola insists that he is not under any extra pressure to deliver the trophy that the club is desperate to win.

“Every year we have the same question - the pressure is always there and we will try to do our best like the other teams,” he said.

“We saw how tight it was in the last two games, Atalanta and PSG and Atletico against Leipzig, so tomorrow will be no exception.

“It’s a final so it’s one-off game. We’ll try to avoid mistakes which will punish us.”

City have been in a secure bubble in a luxury hotel just outside Lisbon for the past five days as they get ready to for Lyon, who knocked out Juventus in the previous round.

Preparations have been similar to those used by national teams ahead of the World Cup and Guardiola admits it has been an unusual experience.

“It's different because when you play normally you play the first game with one eye on the second leg,” he said.

“In England, when you play in the FA Cup or the Carabao Cup it is just one game. Every game is a final.

“Our players are used to these games. There is no second chance. You are in or you're out. So we will either go back to Manchester or we can stay in Lisbon for at least four more days. That's what it is and it means our approach will be completely different.”

City’s focus has been on Europe since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down football with the Premier League title race conceded just after the New Year.

Guardiola has challenged his players to be brave against the French side that beat City home and away a season ago.

“We have looked at Lyon and tried to discover their secrets and now is the time to be ourselves,” the Catalan said.

“I want to see my team show who they are. I want them to do everything they always try to do from in their soul and in their minds.

“After that, the football will dictate whether we deserve it or not. It's as simple as that.”

Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti has tested positive for coronavirus, the club confirmed on Friday. 

Umtiti, 26, is currently recovering from his latest injury setback after once more suffering discomfort in his left knee, which has kept him out of action since July. 

And he has now joined fellow defender Jean-Clair Todibo in catching the virus, although without showing any symptoms or health problems. 

"After the tests carried out on Thursday first-team player Samuel Umtiti has tested positive for Covid-19," Barcelona revealed in a statement released on the club's official website on Friday. 

"The affected person is asymptomatic, is in good health and is in isolation at home. 

"The club has informed the relevant sporting and health authorities. It has also traced all the people that have been in contact with the player in order to carry out tests."

Umtiti's injuries prevented him from joining up with the rest of the Barcelona squad in Lisbon ahead of Friday's Champions League quarter-final clash against Bayern, for which he had already been ruled out. 

He has thus had no contact with his colleagues, who all returned negative results in the testing performed prior to the game. 

The France international, part of the winning 2018 World Cup squad in Russia, has endured a nightmare run of injuries over the past two seasons, which have severely restricted his availability for selection. 

Umtiti played just 11 Liga games in 2019-20, down from 14 the previous season, and has been linked with a move away from Camp Nou in recent months. Tottenham, who on Friday confirmed the exit of Jan Vertonghen to Benfica, are one of the clubs reportedly interested in his services.

Everton and West Ham have also seen their names come up in connection with the defender, whose injury woes have seen him drop down in the Barca pecking order as Clement Lenglet has become the first-choice partner to Gerard Pique.

Umtiti has made a total of 114 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona since moving from Lyon in the summer of 2016, lifting six trophies to date during his time at the club, including two Liga triumphs.

Mamelodi Sundowns came back to hold Highlands Park to a 1-1 draw in a lively PSL match which was played at Dobsonville Stadium on Friday evening. 

Coach Owen Da Gama were hoping to resume their league campaign with a win having succumbed to a 2-0 defeat to SuperSport United in their last match in the competition in March.

Peter Shalulile spearheaded the Lions of the North's attack, while Tapuwa Kapini made his first league appearance of the season in the hosts' goal-posts. 

Meanwhile, Pitso Mosimane's side was targeting a victory in order to close the gap on league log leaders Kaizer Chiefs after drawing 0-0 with Orlando Pirates in midweek.

Gaston Sirino made his return to the starting line-up after serving his two-match suspension, but Masandawana were without Mosa Lebusa, who picked up an injury against Pirates.

Shalulile handed Highlands Park the perfect start as he grabbed an early goal after the Sundowns defence had failed to clear the ball away from danger.

The Namibia international turned well inside the box, before beating Denis Onyango in the visitors' goal to make it 1-0 to Highlands Park six minutes into the match.

Sundowns took control of the match after a short water break and they began creating chances as Kapini was forced to parry Themba Zwane's long-range shot over the crossbar.

The Zimbabwean shot-stopper was then beaten in the 40th minute when Sphelele Mkhulise headed home Sirino's delightful cross to make it 1-1. 

It was end-to-end stuff towards the half-time break as Motjeka Madisha's header was saved by Kapini, before Onyango pulled off a fine low save from Lindokuhle Mbatha's effort.

The score was 1-1 at the interval following a first half which saw Shalulile net his 13th goal of the season - one behind the league's top scorer Frank Mhango of Orlando Pirates.
 
Sundowns struggled to create goalscoring chances after the restart with the Lions of the North sitting deep, while looking to launch quick counter-attacks. 

Mosimane decided to introduce two attack-minded youngsters Keletso Makgalwa and Promise Mkhuma, who was making his professional debut.

Mkhuma nearly made an immediate impact when he controlled the ball well, before firing wide of the target after the Lions of the North's defence was exposed. 

Mokete Mogaila, who is a speedy winger, was introduced by Da Gama as the hosts looked to snatch a late winning goal against reigning PSL champions.

However, the 25-year-old player was denied twice by Onyango, who made two great saves to ensure that the match ended in a 1-1 draw on the night.

As a result, Highlands Park moved up to the seventh spot on the league standings, while Sundowns remained second on the log - three points behind leaders, Chiefs.

Former Cameroon defender Rigobert Song said the proudest achievement of his career is playing for his country in four Fifa World Cup tournaments.

The former Liverpool and Trabzonspor centre-back, who made his international debut at the age of 17 against Mexico in September 1993, represented the Indomitable Lions at the 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2010 editions of the global competition.

With 137 appearances on the international scene, Song is still the most capped player in Cameroon history and he helped the Central African nation win two Africa Cup of Nations titles in 2000 and 2002.

“I’m beyond proud of the fact that I took part in four World Cups,” Song told Fifa website.

“I know many reputable players who would give everything to play just one. For me, the World Cup is the biggest competition in football. I’m proud to have represented my country at these four World Cups.

“It’s thanks to the World Cup that I was able to play professionally in Europe and ultimately have the career for which I am known.”

Cameroon are the only African nation that has qualified for the World Cup seven times but they face an uphill challenge in their quest for an eighth appearance in Qatar 2022.

They have been paired against Ivory Coast, Mozambique and Malawi in Group D of the second qualifying round.

And Song, who is presently in charge of the Cameroon U23 team, believes Antonio Conceicao’s men will give everything as only one team is expected to advance to the third qualifying round.

“Football has evolved a lot and, even among the lower-ranked teams, there is less disparity,” he said.

“The notion of small footballing nations no longer exists. Every team now aspires to play at a World Cup and will do anything to get there. Cameroon must be at the World Cup.

“I have no doubt that the Indomitable Lions will do whatever it takes to make it happen. However, it is difficult and getting through to the third round is even harder, but that’s the price of admission for a chance to go to the World Cup.

“We're going to have to sweat blood and tears and fight to qualify. The Indomitable Lions have a good team and I believe they’ll be in Qatar in 2022.”

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said that departing club legend David Silva will eventually get the tribute from City's fans that he deserves. 

After 10 seasons with City, Silva will leave the club at the end of the current campaign, with the 34-year-old widely expected to join Lazio.

Silva won 14 trophies during his spell with the club including four Premier League titles, cementing his status as one of City's all-time greats.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, however, Silva was unable to receive a proper farewell from City supporters, with all of the club's games being played behind closed doors since football's return. 

Ahead of his side's Champions League quarter-final with Lyon, Guardiola said that Silva is ready to play a part against the Ligue 1 outfit and also indicated that the Spaniard would receive a proper tribute from the Etihad faithful when they are allowed to return to the stands. 

"Absolutely he is ready. The way he has trained and the mentality in his training, I am really impressed about his personality," Guardiola said ahead of the game in Lisbon.

"All of us know it was a pity that his last games in the Etihad were without people but he’ll be back. We have said it many times, he will be back – when the crowd and the people are back in the stadium – and he will get what he deserves."

Guardiola also reiterated that Silva decided long ago that 2019-20 would be his final season at City, saying that any effort convincing him to stay would be futile. 

"He decided from the beginning of the season to move on," Guardiola said. "It’s like I said a couple of days ago – he has stayed one decade here and now it is time for a new experience."

Silva has made 434 appearances in his time with City, scoring 77 goals while providing 93 Premier League assists, the most in club history.

Following his final Premier League game with the club, Silva admitted that he was emotional thinking about leaving Manchester.

“It was emotional because they are amazing people," he told BBC Sport. "I have been working for them for 10 years and I have a good relationship with them. I love them and I am going to miss all of them.

“Of course [I am proud of my Manchester City career]. To win so many titles and the way we won it. I am a lucky guy, I have had a lot of nice moments, and this one as well, the last one. I will miss everything – even the weather as well.”

Jan Vertonghen has joined Benfica on a free transfer after his contract ended at Tottenham.

The Belgium international centre back has penned a three-year deal with the Portuguese giants, with a contract that will see him through until 2023.

Vertonghen, who moves to Lisbon alongside Brazilian international Everton and ex-Freiburg forward Luca Waldschmidt and will play under returning manager Jorge Jesus in the 2020-21 campaign, will wear the No. 5 as he did when he was playing in north London.

The 33-year-old confirmed his Tottenham exit last month following eight seasons with the club. He made over 300 appearances for the Premier League side.

Vertonghen leaves the London club on good terms, with the Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho saying Vertonghen is among the best players he has ever worked with and wished the defender well. 

"He will be a great man to play in the Portuguese League. A big professional, a silent leader, an example in a work group," Mourinho told Portuguese newspaper Record. "Fortunately I've met many throughout my career, but Jan is certainly among the best.  

"As a player, everyone knows him and the Benfica coach, as well as his structure, certainly analysed everything he can bring to the team.  

"I wish him to be very happy in my country. At Spurs we'll all be behind a person who is very dear to us."

Vertonghen, who has been capped 118 times by Belgium, failed to win a major trophy with Tottenham but did play a major part as they established themselves as Champions League regulars under Mauricio Pochettino having joined from Ajax in summer 2012 for £11.25 million (€12.5m).

He played the full 90 minutes of the 2019 Champions League final as Spurs lost 2-0 to Liverpool, however hamstring injuries frustrated the latter part of his career in England and he became less of a first team fixture in the 2019-20 campaign.

Vertonghen previously said he had an idea of where his next club would be, following his exit from Tottenham.

He told talkSPORT in July: “That will be out probably sooner rather than later. I’m considering the options and making a good choice.

“Obviously the window now is longer than it was last year, so we’ve got a bit of time to assess the best option. It will all depend on the options. I’ve got something in my head and we’ll see if that will come around or not.”