Looking for Soccer News?

Mohamed Sankoh has completed a switch to Stuttgart following Chelsea's decision not to sign him after a brief trial period at their Cobham training centre.

Sankoh enjoyed a fine season at Stoke City in 2019-20, as he contributed nine goals and nine assists to their cause at U-18 level to carve out a reputation as one of the most promising young players in the Championship.

Goal reported back in April that both Chelsea and Atletico Madrid had registered their interest in the 16-year-old, who has been compared to former Stamford Bridge frontman Romelu Lukaku.

The Blues granted Sankoh a trial, but after witnessing his abilities in close quarters, have ultimately passed up the chance to bring him onto their books permanently.

A man who played a key role in the Netherlands' European Under-17 Championship triumph in 2019 has instead completed a transfer to German outfit Stuttgart.

The German club's sporting director Thomas Krucken expressed his delight after tying Sankoh down to a long-term contract, while confirming that he will go straight into the club's U-19 squad.

"We are happy to be able to sign Mo, a highly gifted offensive talent, in a joint effort across the sports departments. We will aim to further encourage his high development potential in the next few years," said Krucken.

"We will carefully and purposefully introduce him to the requirements of the men's team and start his path at VfB in the U19s."

Tottenham, Atalanta and Milan had also been linked with Sankoh in recent weeks, while Stoke had been eager to extend his stay at the bet365 Stadium, but he was ultimately convinced by the project on offer at Stuttgart.

Although the Dutch youngster leaves Stoke without a single first-team appearance to his name, he could soon make the step up to senior level if he impresses in the academy at Mercedes-Benz Arena next term.

Former Gor Mahia official Sally Bolo has refused to accept the outcome of the club elections held on Saturday, August 8.

Bolo was battling incumbent Francis Wasuna for the Vice-Chairperson role, after ditching the initial treasury role. However, the latter managed to get 226 votes which translated to 58%, leaving the former with 42%, or 163 votes.

'The Electoral Board managing the Gor Mahia 2020 polls have miserably failed in this noble task and now leave this great club at the behest of the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) where a section of members and officials had filed a preemptive suit that will not only subject the club to long, winding and unnecessarily tedious battles but also bring it into disrepute," Bolo said in a signed statement obtained by Goal.

The aspirant went on to accuse the Board of not allowing agents to verify the system before the exercise began stating it was a sign that the process will not be credible.

"In our unique online polling, agents ought to have been allowed to check the system before polling opened.

"Even after the election has been done and results have been announced, the board has refused to give us the logs of all the electoral transactions and since it was real-time voting, the system should be able to automatically generate the results as per vote and the location(s) where the votes were cast [in terms of IP Addresses].  

"This is a clear indication that the elections were not free, fair, and credible."

As a result, Bolo has blatantly revealed she will not concede the result.

"This is not acceptable at all and we shall not concede defeat if this blatant fraud is left to stand. What was touted as being an open and transparent process has actually been marred by shameful rigging and vote theft. It is disgraceful and very appalling that we still have to deal with archaic behaviour such as this. 

"I will not accept this blatant disregard of vote theft and scheming. I am truly saddened by what I have witnessed. The club is greater than any individual and members' rights to choose leaders at the club should not be subverted by a few people with ulterior motives."  

Pep Guardiola has praised Gabriel Jesus for downing Real Madrid in the Champions League, insisting the Manchester City striker "was the man of these two games".

City were protecting a 2-1 first-leg lead when they welcomed Madrid to the Etihad Stadium on Friday night, after a famous victory at the Bernabeu prior to the coronavirus-enforced break in the season.

Jesus scored the equaliser for the Blues in that contest, before winning the penalty which Kevin De Bruyne stepped up to convert to complete a memorable turnaround.

With Sergio Aguero still out recovering from surgery on a knee injury, the Brazilian forward was again asked to lead the line in the return leg, and proved to be the difference between the two sides once more.

City opened the scoring when Jesus robbed Raphael Varane of possession in the Madrid box and teed up Raheem Sterling, who had the simple task of tapping into an empty net.

A Karim Benzema header levelled up proceedings, but Jesus had the final say deep into the second half, as he pounced on a short headed back-pass from Varane and knocked the ball past the onrushing Thibaut Courtois to put City 4-2 up on aggregate.

Guardiola's men can now look forward to a quarter-final meeting with Lyon next weekend, and the Spaniard was quick to credit Jesus for his impact over the two legs in his post-match interview.

“This competition will punish you - but Gabriel made his contribution,” the City boss told reporters. “He is the best guy at making these kinds of actions.

“Gabriel was the man of these two games. He scored in Madrid, won the penalty, and then today he made an assist and scored a goal.

“Gabriel always helps with more than goals, but for a striker, it’s important to score. For big players, it’s important to show on the biggest stage.

“He has done it twice and he made a big step to say: ‘Here I am, I can win games myself’.”

Jesus described City's latest victory as "massive" before admitting that he tries to emulate Brazil legend Ronaldo whenever he steps out onto the pitch.

"I work to be a great striker, I work every day hard to be like Ronaldo was," he said. "His quality is different from me but I have to work to be a great striker."

New Napoli signing Victor Osimhen has opened up about his time at German Bundesliga side Wolfsburg.

The forward signed for the Parthenopeans last month in a club-record fee of €70 million which could rise to €80 million with bonuses, to become Nigeria's most expensive player.

The young striker, however, endured a testing time at his first European club Wolfsburg which he joined following his eye-catching performances at the 2015 U17 World Cup in Chile.

The 21-year-old forward starred at the tournament, winning the Golden Boot and Silver Ball awards after helping Nigeria clinch the title.  

Osimhen made 12 league appearances for the club but didn't score a goal. The forward feels Wolves did not give him the needed support but also revealed other challenges he encountered that limited his productivity.

“The weather, the language, the food [affected me]. It was my first time in Europe, I was just 18-years-old and I didn't have enough time to acclimatize. They didn't believe in me very much,” Osimhen told Sport1.

Wolfsburg managing director Jorg Schmadtke admitted the club was not tolerant enough with the Super Eagles striker.

“The most important lesson is that you have to be patient with some transfers. You can't say: We'll sign you up, provide board and lodging, and then it'll work. The importance of patience is sometimes underestimated,” Schmadtke told Sportbuzzer.

In an effort to reignite his career, the striker moved to Belgium to team up with Sporting Charleroi on loan and was immediately a hit with the First Division A club.

Osimhen scored 20 goals in 36 games during his temporary stay and was rewarded with a permanent deal but his sparkling form caught the attention of Ligue 1 club Lille, who secured his signature a few months after the forward committed to the Zebras.

“I think that the love and acceptance that I experienced in Charleroi helped me a lot. I had just come out of a difficult situation and my self-confidence was at its lowest point,” Osimhen added.

Despite coming in to fill the vacuum created by the departure of one of Lille’s best players Nicola Pepe, the striker seemed not to feel the pressure as he immediately hit the ground running.

The Nigeria international bagged 18 goals and provided six assists in 38 appearances across all competitions which earned him a move to Napoli.  

Osimhen will hope to continue his impressive goalscoring performances in Europe, this time with the Parthenopeans in the 2020-21 season.

The forward remains a key component of the Super Eagles and has four goals in nine appearances for the West Africans since he made his debut against Togo in 2017.

Francis Wasuna has been re-elected as Gor Mahia Vice Chairman to deputise the long-serving Ambrose Rachier who was unopposed. 

In the election process conducted virtually on Saturday, August 8, the incumbent received 226 votes which translated to 58% of total votes while his only challenger Sally Bolo managed to get 163 votes, which is 42% of the total. 

The proceeding was marred by skirmishes as Sally, who was the former K'Ogalo treasurer, turned physical as the provisional results trickling in showed she had no chance of winning.

The candidate was forced out to ensure normalcy resumes and the process was finally completed and Wasuna announced the winner.

Dolphina Odhiambo defeated Chrispine Okoth to win the Treasurer position. The former managed to get 286 votes, translating to 74% while Okoth managed just 103 votes, 26% of the total votes.

Apart from Rachier, Sam Ocholla was also elected as the club's Secretary-General unopposed, taking over from Ronald Ngala who, reportedly, did not qualify for the post.

"The elections were not properly planned and I had advised my fellow aspirants to wait until everything is organised well before the process, but they did not listen to me," former club's Organising Secretary Judith Nyangi told Goal.

"We will definitely go to court over the same, and I believe the results will be nullified and we shall go to the ballot again. We just want free and fair elections, a credible process."

Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) had threatened to nullify Gor Mahia's elections if they were done unlawfully.

The SDT, in a letter signed by Elynah Sifuna Shiveka who is the deputy chairperson and obtained by Goal, said the exercise must be conducted in strict adherence to the law if the results have to be recognised thereafter.

Ben Mathews Agunda, David Osewe Odero, Alfred Odhiambo Otieno, Gilbert Otieno Wandera, George Ochieng Gombe, Meshack Odera and Edder Jalang'o are the Gor Mahia members who have asked the tribunal to stop the elections which they claim is set to be done against the demands of the Sports Registrar.

"Upon reading the chamber notice filed under a certificate of urgency and all the accompanying documents dated August 4 and filed on August 5, the tribunal hereby directs and orders as follows," read the opening paragraph of the SDT’s letter.

"That no interim orders are issued in regard to prayer no. 3 of the chamber summons dated 4th of August 2020 and filed at the tribunal on 5th August, 2020.

"The activity of the first respondent scheduled for 8 August 2020 shall be declared null and void in case it was unprocedural and unlawfully done.

"The claimants shall serve all the respondents with the application and these directions on or before Monday 10th August 2020."

Antonio Rudiger has talked up the talents of Callum Hudson-Odoi, while insisting his Chelsea team-mate will want to prove a point against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Hudson-Odoi has found regular playing time at Stamford Bridge hard to come by under Frank Lampard this season.

The 19-year-old has featured in 29 games across all competitions, but only 13 of those have come as a starter and he has had to be content with a bit-part role since returning from lockdown in June.

Willian and Christian Pulisic have served as Chelsea's first-choice wingers in the final portion of the domestic campaign, which saw Frank Lampard's side secure a fourth-place Premier League finish and Champions League qualification.

Hudson-Odoi now finds himself in the same position he was in when Maurizio Sarri occupied the hot seat at Stamford Bridge and he was entertaining interest from Bayern amid a lack of first-team opportunities.

The teenager's stock has dropped considerably since then but Rudiger has pointed out that he is still very much in the early stages of his career development.

The England international is in line for a rare appearance against Bayern in the Champions  League last-16 second-leg tie on Saturday, and the pressure will be off at Allianz Arena as Chelsea look to overturn a 3-0 aggregate deficit.

"First of all Callum is a young guy and has loads of talent. In a game like this, not just because it's Bayern Munich and there were a lot of talks and everything, he wants this type of game," Rudiger told a pre-match press conference.

"That's why you play football. For him, of course, he wants to prove a point."

Asked if the Blues are determined to produce an improved display against Bayern in Germany after being dismantled at the Bridge in February, Rudiger responded: "This is what we want to do.

"The way they beat us in the first game, like I said before we'll go out to show some pride.

"Also the situation that they have to more to lose than us - sometimes that can be an advantage."

The Chelsea defender added on the small window to prepare for the 2020-21 season that the squad will have once their European journey ends: "It’s the same for everyone. We just need to adapt to it.

"It is not much of a holiday we are going to have. Then you have time until the first game of the Premier League.

"I don’t know when the first game is. We will have time to improve things."

Mamelodi Sundowns will be the home team in a Nedbank Cup semi-final match against Bidvest Wits in Soweto.  

The Brazilians are chasing a domestic treble this season having already bagged the Telkom Knockout Cup title in December 2019. 

Securing a place in the final would mean Pitso Mosimane is on track to achieve the record that is still held by Orlando Pirates - winning three domestic trophies in a single campaign. 

But they will have to work hard to achieve that as Wits, who have been sold to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila owner Masala Mulaudzi, will want to bow out in style as they will not exist beyond the current season.  

TV Channel, Live Score & How To Watch

The match will be live on SABC 1 and SuperSport TV.

Both teams will miss their key players for this encounter due to either injury, suspension or lockdown regulations.

As confirmed by Wits coach Gavin Hunt, Elias Pelembe hasn't been able to travel from Mozambique due to the flight restrictions imposed by the government due to the coronavirus pandemic coupled with the lockdown. 

Ricardo Goss, Brendon Petersen and Thabang Monare are also not available for this crucial encounter. 

Goss, who is on his way to the Brazilians, is currently serving a five-match ban for pushing a match official while Petersen and Monare are struggling with injuries. 

This means Brighton Mhlongo is likely to crack the nod between the sticks against Sundowns. 

Hunt will put his faith on the likes of Deon Hotto, Gift Motupa and Thulani Hlatshwayo for this match - the trio has played a huge role in getting Wits where they are in this competition. 

Meanwhile, Pitso Mosimane has already lamented the absence of the likes of Mauricio Affonso, Thapelo Morena and Anele Ngcongca. 

Affonso is still stuck in Uruguay as he cannot travel back into the country due to lockdown regulations. 

Furthermore, Gaston Sirino will watch from the stands as his teammates take to the field after being slapped with a two-match ban for assaulting Clayton Daniels and Dean Furman in September 2019. 

All eyes, however, will be on Mosimane to see if he will use Andile Jali and Phakamani Mahlambi after it was reported last week that the duo had been suspended by the club for coming to training smelling of alcohol. 

Nonetheless, Mosimane still has the likes of Themba Zwane and Sibusiso Vilakazi as his weapons upfront while Denis Onyango and Ricardo Nascimento have a huge responsibility to ensure that Wits don't score on the night.  

Match Preview

Sundowns and Wits will be meeting for the second time in a Cup match since 2016 when Hunt's men hammered the Brazilians in the MTN8 final. 

In fact, the two sides have never met in any Cup match but the MTN8 final since 2007, with Wits yet to lose to Sundowns.    

Mosimane and Hunt have faced each other 17 times as coaches since 2007.

The Sundowns coach has won seven, drawn five and lost the other against Hunt - and that's the record he will hope to keep after Saturday's game. 

The Brazilians are yet to concede in this year's competition after beating SuperSport United 1-0, Vaal University 2-0 and recording a 1-0 win over Highlands Park in the quarter-finals. 

Wits have conceded three goals in three matches thus far, and all three came against Orlando Pirates in the Last 32. 

They went on to beat Chippa United 2-0 and hammered Real Kings 4-0 to set up a semi-final date with the Tshwane giants. 

Police FC have unveiled Muwadda Mawejje ahead of the new Ugandan Premier League (UPL) season.

The right-footed Mawejje is joining ‘the Cops’ a few weeks after the club also signed veteran Uganda Cranes midfielder Tony Mawejje on a two-year contract.

Mawejje, who has also featured for former champions KCCA FC, SC Villa, and Wakiso Giants, has also penned a two-year deal to sign for the ambitious club, who have promised to go for titles in the coming season.

On signing the deal, Muwadda told the club’s social media pages: “I feel good to have joined Police as it will improve on my career development. I'm ready to do my best, compete favourably, and achieve the club's objectives.

“As a winger, I will focus on goals and creating opportunities with my teammates as we target on playing for the national team and professional football.”

Police CEO Fahad Lumu, who was present during the signing ceremony, said: “Muwadda is an experienced and talented player, he comes with a winning mentality and experience needed in a team.

“We hope to get the best out of him since he has proven his ability at various stages and we would like to welcome him to “the Cops’ Family.”

Muwadda now becomes the fifth signing for the club after Mawejje, goalkeepers Tom Ikara and Sammon Oloka, defender Hassan Mohamood as well as left-back Eric Ssenjobe.

The club has also managed to renew contracts for midfielder Yusuf Ssozi, right back Denis Rukundo, winger Odong, left-back Musa Matovu, midfielders Bashir Kabuye and Mubarak Nsubuga.

Police chairman Asan Kasingye has stated they will make sure they leave a mark in the league come the new season.

“We no longer just want to compete; we need to win trophies. We are former champions and it's time to think big,” Kasingye told reporters.

“Football is a big enterprise in the world that doesn’t entertain mediocrity. We need to do the right thing like other clubs.”

Kasingye added it was the right time for the team to secure sponsors because Police are a big organisation and many people want to be a part of it.

Baroka FC are set to take on Bloemfontein Celtic in the Nedbank Cup semi-final match at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

Bakgaga will be making their second appearance in the last four of the South African FA Cup having been eliminated at this stage by SuperSport United in 2016.

Dylan Kerr is hoping to emulate Wedson Nyirenda, who is the only coach to have guided Baroka to a major cup final having done so in 2018 and Bakgaga defeated Orlando Pirates to clinch the Telkom Knockout Cup.

Their opponents, Celtic won the Nedbank Cup when it was known as the Mainstay Cup in 1985 after defeating African Wanderers and it remains their last appearance in the final of the competition.

Phunya Sele Sele have a new coach in John Maduka, who replaced Lehlohonolo Seema last month and his first task will be to lead the team to its first major cup final since 2017 when Siwelele lost to Bidvest Wits in the Telkom Knockout.

TV Channel, Live Score & How To Watch

The match will be screened live on SuperSport TV in South Africa.

Baroka coach Kerr has reported a clean bill of health ahead of the cup clash, but the team will be without Prince Nxumalo, Kamogelo Mogaswa, Ranga Chivaviro, Mogau Khwinana and Tebogo Sodi as they were released by the club two months ago.

The Limpopo-based side has since promoted Bernard Bobete, Nimrod Mpe, Tshego Molapo and Job Maphutha from their reserve team, before signing Lungelo Nguse from ABC Motsepe (Eastern Cape) side Bizana Pondo Chiefs.

Bakgaga will pin their hopes on their inspirational captain Elvis Chipezeze and free-kick specialist Gerard Phiri Jr, who have played an important role in helping the team reach the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, Celtic have not reported any injuries in their camp and they are yet to part ways with players since the current season was suspended in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However, the Free State giants have promoted Mokene Mereko, who impressed while playing for the team's reserved team in the Multichoice Diski Challenge (MDC) this term and the striker is expected to compete with the likes of Ndumiso Mabena, Victor Letsoalo and Harris Tchilimbou.

Swelele will look to promising attacker Tumelo Njoti, who has been in good form in this season's Nedbank Cup having netted twice in two appearances and he could be key to a win over Baroka.

Match Preview

Baroka secured their place in the last four after defeating their Limpopo rivals Black Leopards and Polokwane City and ABC Motsepe (Northern Cape) club Hungry Lions.

While Celtic secured wins over KwaZulu-Natal sides AmaZulu FC and Maritzburg United, before eliminating National First Division (NFD) outfit TS Sporting in the quarter-finals.

This will be the first-ever cup meeting between Baroka and Celtic with the two teams having met eight times in PSL matches.

Celtic have the upper hand having recorded three wins compared to Baroka's one, while four games ended in draws. 

Toni Kroos says he won't watch the rest of the Champions League after Real Madrid's elimination, but has refused to blame Raphael Varane for the club's early exit.

Madrid travelled to Etihad Stadium on Friday night looking to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit, after being stunned by City at the Bernabeu back in February.

Zinedine Zidane's side got off to the worst possible start, as Varane was caught dawdling on the ball in his own box by Gabriel Jesus, who nipped in and set up Raheem Sterling to tap into an empty net with only nine minutes on the clock.

The Blancos got themselves back into the game when Karim Benzema headed home a Rodrygo cross just before the half-hour mark, but they were unable to build any momentum after the equaliser.

City pushed hardest for the winning goal, and were eventually rewarded midway through the second half when Jesus capitalised on another Varane error to divert the ball into the net past flailing Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Pep Guardiola's men ultimately progressed to the quarter-finals 4-2 on aggregate, with Varane taking full responsibility for the La Liga champions' defeat in his post-match interview.

Kroos admitted that Madrid were well below their best against the Premier League outfit, but refused to blame his team-mate for the final result.

"We didn't play a good first half and helped them with the goals," the German midfielder told reporters. "After that, it will, of course, be difficult to turn the game around.

"Rapha played an outstanding season. There are no accusations."

The Madrid playmaker went on to insist that he won't be following the competition into the latter rounds, with his mind already on a summer holiday after a long season.

Kroos added: "I want to win every title that is possible. So at the moment, I'm disappointed. Then I'm looking forward to a holiday. I probably won't watch the rest of the competition."

City can now look forward to a last-eight tie against Lyon, who knocked out Juventus on away goals despite being beaten 2-1 at the Allianz Stadium, with the tournament set to reach its conclusion in a straight knockout format in Lisbon.

Zambian midfielder Clatous Chama has taken to Twitter to appreciate his fans and family for helping him have a successful season.

The 29-year-old bagged the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award and the Midfielder of the Year Award in the 2019/20 Tanzania Mainland League Awards Gala held on Friday, August 7 in Dar es Salaam.

The creative midfielder helped Wekundu wa Msimbazi win a treble this season; Community Shield, a league title and the FA Cup.

"What a night!" Chama tweeted after stealing the day in Friday night's event.

"I thank God first and foremost for his abundant glory, my family for pushing me to become a responsible father and husband, and most importantly to my fellow players who pass the ball to me and to whom I pass the ball to. 

"And finally to you my lovely fans, my lovely club Simba SC and to everyone who makes football the most beautiful game of them all."

The Chipolopolo international has revealed the feeling after bagging two awards for his good season.

"Emerging both Midfielder of the Year and league's MVP in a single night was overwhelming and I would like to thank you all," Chama continued.

"I love you all."

Chama will now hope to help the 21-time league champions perform better in the Caf Champions League. Last season, the team failed to hit the group stages after going all the way to the quarter-finals in the previous season.
 
Taifa Stars and Simba SC custodian Aishi Manula won the Goalkeeper of the Season Award, having kept 18 clean sheets.

The best defender award went to Azam FC's Ugandan Nicholas Wadada, with Novatus Dismas of Biashara United winning the Best Young Player Award.

Belgian coach Sven Vandenbroeck was named the best coach having helped the Msimbazi-based side to a double. The 40-year-old led the team to their third league title in as many seasons with six games to spare. He went on to win the FA Cup after a 2-1 win against Namungo FC.

His assistant coach Suleiman Matola was there to receive the award on Belgium's behalf.

The league's top-scorer Rwandan Meddie Kagere missed the gala but was represented by Wekundu wa Msimbazi team manager Patrick Rweyemamu, who took the award on behalf of the striker.

The former Gor Mahia striker scored 22 goals in the completed season, one less than the previous season.

Chelsea star Willian is a "special player", according to Paul Merson, who insists that the midfielder "would be an unbelievable signing for Arsenal".

As revealed by Goal, the Gunners are closing in on the signing of the Brazilian on a free transfer as he nears the end of his current contract with the Blues.

Chelsea are only willing to extend the 31-year-old's stay in west London through to 2023, with the winger wanting a three-year deal.

Willian has been omitted from Frank Lampard's squad for a Champions League last-16 showdown against Bayern Munich in Germany on Saturday, with the Blues boss confirming that he still hasn't recovered from the Achilles injury which kept him out of the FA Cup final.

With Chelsea's season set to end if they cannot overturn a 3-0 first-leg deficit against Bayern, Lampard also admitted that the Brazilian midfielder is on the verge of moving on.

The 42-year-old head coach told a pre-match press conference of Willian's situation: "We as a club will always want to move forward, no matter what. Eden Hazard left last year; the club continues to work in a forward direction which I think we have in many ways.

"That remains the same, whatever player leaves the club."

Merson is amazed that the Blues are allowing an experienced Premier League performer to leave for nothing, and thinks he will slot into Mikel Arteta's line-up at the Emirates seamlessly should a deal be finalised in the coming days.

"Willian would be an unbelievable signing for Arsenal," Merson told the Daily Star.

"I think Willian is a special player who ticks all the boxes. I can’t believe Chelsea are letting him go to be honest.

"I know he’s 31 and wanted a three-year contract but football is all about now, and right now he’s a great player. No manager is thinking about what might happen in three or four years’ time.

"They need results now, so it’s no surprise to me Frank Lampard doesn’t want him to go. Arteta won’t be Arsenal manager forever. He needs to win now. Willian can help him do that.

"He’s a special player and a blinding signing in my opinion. Okay, he probably won’t be pulling up any trees in his third year, but who cares? He ticks every box.

"He won’t have to settle in London because he’s been here for years and his family love the place. He won’t have to adapt to a new league because he’s already a proven performer for a top club here.

"So he should be able to hit the ground running because he won’t need loads of time to adapt like a player coming in for big money from a foreign club.

"He’s quick and he works hard and he has plenty of experience. He also has that guile that Arsenal sometimes lack. He could even play as a No.10."

Midfielder Duncan Sseninde has parted ways with Ugandan Premier League champions Vipers SC.

The midfielder has been used sparingly by the Venoms owing to the competitive nature of the squad. With limited chances of playing for the newly crowned champions, the midfielder has opted against extending his stay at the Kitende-based side.

"First of all, thank you to the wonderful group of fans for a great time and being incredibly supportive over the last five years," Sseninde tweeted on Friday.

"And everyone involved at Vipers SC [from] the manager, coaches, backroom staff, and amazing teammates that I had the pleasure of playing alongside."

The 22-year-old did not forget to mention the club president and owner for the support received and the role he has played in his growth.

"Sincere thanks to Lawrence Mulindwa for the fatherly support and care," Sseninde continued.

"I learned a lot and am proud to have been part of this journey. As I look to pursue other opportunities, I wish everyone at the club a successful future."

Reports have it that the midfielder might make a permanent switch to Wakiso Giants where he played last season on loan. However, 16-time champions SC Villa are also keen on signing the youngster as well.

The move brings to an end a five-year stay with Vipers, a team he joined from KJT Rwenshama.

Vipers had a good 2019/20 Ugandan Premier League season and were declared champions after the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) opted to annul the season owing to Covid-19.
 
In the 25 matches played, Vipers managed to collect 16 wins, six draws, and three losses. 

2018/19 champions KCCA FC finished second after getting 15 wins, five draws, and as many losses. They had 50 points, four less than the Venoms.

As a result, Vipers SC will represent Uganda in the Caf Champions League next season while KCCA will play in the Caf Confederations Cup.

The Ugandan Premier League is set to return in October but under strict guidelines from the Ministry of Health owing to Covid-19. 

While Tanzania played their season to completion, Uganda and Kenya opted to cancel theirs.

Chelsea have been given a transfer warning in their pursuit of Kai Havertz, as Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller has insisted that the Blues must meet their terms to land his signature.

Goal reported last month that Chelsea have opened negotiations with Leverkusen over a potential €76 million (£69m/$90m) deal for Havertz, who was one of the standout players in the Bundesliga in 2019-20.

However, before the coronavirus-enforced break in the season, the Bundesliga side's head coach Peter Bosz insisted that a prized asset would not be sold for less than €100m (£90m/$111m, while talking up his rapid rise to prominence in Germany.

Chelsea have already spent a combined total of €93m (£84m/$110m) to bring in Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner from Ajax and RB Leipzig respectively, and Voller has now confirmed that they will have to fork out a club-record fee to lure Havertz away from his current surroundings.

Asked if Leverkusen have already agreed to sell Havertz, the 60-year-old told Gazzetta dello Sport: "No, but with his talent, it means he's on the list of all the best clubs.

"We know of the interest of a couple of clubs, especially Chelsea, but for us, the situation is quite simple; he has a two-year contract, if anyone wants him on our terms, fine, otherwise he stays here another year and we are happy.

"It won't be easy, but for an artist like him there is no Covid discount."

Voller also insisted that Havertz will be staying put until Leverkusen's Europa League journey draws to a close, with a quarter-final meeting against Inter up next on Monday.

"Of course he will play [in the Europa League quarter-final], also because he wants to," he said. "I am a bit old-fashioned: for me a season is over when it all ends. 

"Nobody leaves first. Now, with Covid-19, there have been transfers before the end of the season, but not from us."

Voller added on Havertz's talent: "For me, he's the best I've seen at Leverkusen, and I've been here for a lifetime. We had Emerson, [Michael] Ballack, Ze Roberto, [Toni] Kroos, but he's on top.

"He is very young, he can play five or six roles, he has been here for 10 years. When he was 17, I asked the first-team coach to let him train with the greats during the national team break.

"After three days Roger Schmidt never made him return to the youth team. He has talent with the ball at his feet, he is a mix between Ballack and [Mesut] Ozil, but he takes the best bits from both of them."

Simba SC dominated the team of the year for the 2019-20 Mainland Premier League season after the awards presentation was held on Friday.

According to the list, Simba had six players with goalkeeper Aishi Manula, who was crowned the best keeper for the season after keeping 18 clean sheets leading the squad from the back.

Other Simba players in the squad include defender Pascal Sergie Wawa, midfielder Clatous Chama (who was crowned the best player for the season and also the best midfielder), Meddie Kagere, captain John Bocco and forward Luis Miquissone from Mozambique.

New signing for Young Africans (Yanga SC) Bakari Mwamnyeto, who arrived at the club from Coastal Union also made it to the squad the same as Azam and Uganda Cranes defender Nicholas Wadada, and Lukas Kikoti of Namungo FC.

During the award ceremony to fete the best players after the conclusion of the season which saw Simba win three trophies – the Community Shield, the Mainland Premier League, and FA Cup – Simba midfielder Chama took over the show after winning two crowns.

The 29-year-old, who has been the engine for the Msimbazi-based side and played a great role in helping the team win a treble, bagged the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the best midfielder award.

Taifa Stars and Simba SC custodian Aishi Manula won the Goalkeeper of the Season Award, having kept 18 clean sheets.

The best defender award went to Azam FC's Ugandan Nicholas Wadada, with Novatus Dismas of Biashara United winning the Best Young Player Award.

Belgian coach Sven Vandenbroeck was named the best coach having helped the Msimbazi-based side to a double. The 40-year-old led the team to their third league title in as many seasons with six games to spare. He went on to win the FA Cup after a 2-1 win against Namungo.

The league's top scorer Rwandan Meddie Kagere missed the gala but was represented by Wekundu wa Msimbazi team manager Patrick Rweyemamu, who took the award on behalf of the striker.

The former Gor Mahia striker scored 22 goals in the completed season, one less than the previous season.

Referees Abdallah Mwinyimkuu, Ferdinand Chacha, Mohamed Mkono and Athuman Lazi were also feted for their collective officiating in the Tanzania Mainland League match between Simba FC and Mtibwa Sugar.  

Ramadhan Kayoko won the overall best centre referee award with Frank Kikomba taking the award for the best assistant.

Mainland Premier League team of the season: Aishi Manula (Simba), Nicholas Wadada (Azam), David Luhende (Kagera Sugar), Bakari Mwamnyeto (Coastal Union), Sergie Wawa (Simba), Zawadi Mauya (Kagera Sugar), Lukas Kikoti (Namungo FC), Clatous Chama (Simba), Meddie Kagere (Simba)John Bocco (Simba) and Luis Miquissone (Simba).

The Rwanda Football Federation (Ferwafa) has confirmed the new 2020/21 Premier League season will start on October 30.

Like many leagues across Africa and the world, the Rwanda league was halted in mid-March owing to the effects caused by the coronavirus pandemic and could not resume after the country remained under lockdown.

According to a statement from Ferwafa, the executive committee which held a meeting on July 31, has approved the competition calendar for the new campaign and also scheduled some of the competitions which were postponed owing to Covid-19.

“The Ferwafa Executive Committee Meeting held on July 31, 2020, approved the Competitions Calendar,” read a statement published on the Ferwafa website.

“The Ferwafa Competitions Calendar released includes the period when the postponed competitions for the 2019/2020 season will resume.

“These competitions include the Second Division Men’s League play-offs which will be played in a single knock-out format at a yet to be named venue in Kigali from October 2-17, 2020 while respecting measures put in place to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. The first and second division women's leagues will also be played between October 3 to December 20, 2020.”

The statement continued: “The Rwanda Premier League season 2020-2021 is tentatively planned to kick-off on October 30, 2020 and climax on May 20, 2021.

“The Second Division Men’s League season 2020-2021 will also tentatively kick-off on October 31, 2020, and climax on May 29, 2021.

“The Heroes Cup and Peace Cup competitions have also been planned in the Ferwafa Competitions Calendar. The 2021 edition of the Heroes Cup tournament will be played from January 19 to February 1, 2021, while the 2021 edition of the Peace Cup Competition is expected to kick-off on the weekend of February 4-5, 2020, and climax on June 5, 2021.

“The 2021 edition of the Women’s first division league is planned to kick-off on February 19, 2021, and climax on July 31, 2021, while the women’s second division league will kick-off on February 20, 2021, and climax on July 24, 2021, respectively.

“As part of the competition's calendar, the Executive Committee also approved player registration periods for the Rwanda Premier League, Second Division Men’s League.”

Meanwhile, the transfer window for the Premier League has also been revealed.

“The transfer window for Rwanda Premier League will cover a maximum ten weeks’ period, starting from August 16 2020 to October 24 2020 while the second Player Registration Period covering three weeks will commence on January 18, 2021, and end on February 5, 2021.”