Looking for Soccer News?

Turkish side Besiktas have reportedly enquired about the availability of Kenya international Michael Olunga.

The towering Olunga, who currently turns out for Japanese side Kashiwa Reysol, is the leading goal scorer with nine from eight matches in the J-League.

According to media reports in Turkey, the Istanbul side have turned their attention to signing the former Gor Mahia forward with coach Sergen Yalcin keen to strengthen his striking department.

“Olunga, who transferred to Kashiwa Reysol in 2018 is being monitored by Besiktas and could be signed this transfer window,” the reports stated.

Olunga signed for Reysol on a two-year deal worth Ksh300million two seasons ago, a deal that saw him earn more than Ksh15million per month, making him the first Kenyan footballer to professionally play in Japan.

The deal to Reysol saw Olunga end a loan spell with Spanish side Girona and also terminate a contract with top Chinese club Guizhou Zhicheng.

In a recent interview, former Gor Mahia coach Dylan Kerr told Goal how he almost sealed a transfer for Olunga to England.

“He [Olunga] was interested to go to England and I asked a friend who said he’d be interested having a look at the player,” Kerr told Goal from his base in South Africa where he handles Baroka FC.

“But that is it because he already decided to go to Japan, it was to happen two years ago but now the deal could not be sealed because he opted to sign in Japan.

“It was to happen at [Bolton], I got a chance for him at Bolton but he went to Japan, that is it, nothing much to say, I know [Olunga] is happy he went to Japan, he chose Japan for his career.

“Bolton would have loved to have a look at him but he was signed by Reysol, so whilst Bolton would have invited him, he had already picked his destination as Japan, I don’t think this is a story, because it never happened anyway.”

Asked on how he managed to secure a trial for Olunga at Bolton, Kerr explained: “It was a conversation I had with my friend as I do for many players I know could add value to a team.

“I’ve recommended players to may clubs that I believe they can add value to their teams all over the world, but then that is all I can do, my work is to recommend then the club can act, and it was the same case with Olunga.

“I’ve recommended [Olunga] and other players to people I know and who trust my opinions in the game across Asia, America, and Europe.

“Just recently, a team in the USA asked my opinion on Kenneth [Muguna] of Gor Mahia and I told them I think he can be a good acquisition to any squad, I am always asked by agents for African players to play even in Asia.”

Goalkeeper David Robert Mapigano has revealed his goal for Gor Mahia against Bandari FC in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) remains his best moment. 

In the game played at Afraha Stadium, Nakuru on January 25, the Tanzanian's goal-kick beat his opposite number Justin Ndikumana in the Dockers' goal to hand K'Ogalo the lead.

The match ended 3-0 in favour of the champions and the custodian says it remains a memorable moment. 

"My best moment at Gor Mahia was when I scored a goal from a goal kick," Mapigano revealed after signing for the 2014 Tanzania league champions.

"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."

The former Gor Mahia custodian has also revealed his role model in East Africa and thanked the fans for their support, promising to give his best.

"Ivo Mapunda remains my role model, as a matter of fact, I have been following him religiously," he continued.

"I feel privileged to have played with him at Simba U20 and later on, I played for Gor Mahia, a team Mapunda played for. Right now, I am joining Azam, the team Mapunda also played for.

"I am delighted to play for the teams my role model once played for.

"I appreciate the support received from Azam fans, without them I could not be here, and this includes the officials because they are club fans as well.

"Mine is to promise the fans, management, and everyone associated with the team that I will give my best."

Simba SC have come out to clarify it was not easy for the club to finish the 2019-20 campaign with three trophies.

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi set history in Tanzania by winning three titles in one season – the Community Shield after beating Azam FC 4-2, the Mainland Premier League after collecting 88 points and the FA Cup after gunning down Namungo FC 2-1 in the final.

The club’s CEO Senzo Mazingiza has now come out to state many thought it was an easy achievement but warned it was not the case.

“We started the season badly after sacking our coach Patrick [Aussems] in November and this really affected the team to regain back their rhythm,” Mazingiza told the club’s official website.

“After sacking the coach, we lost the rhythm and flair of our game and it was difficult for us for a few days before we regained our style back and started to win matches, it was the turning point because the players responded quickly despite losing the coach.

“The league was also tough as every team was working towards beating Simba, we encountered tough moments, especially when the league took a break owing to Covid-19, the team was doing very but when we resumed, we did not hit back as expected and also at first playing minus fans before we got the chance to have them [fans] back again.”

Mazingiza continued: “Our fans also played a very key role to push the team, they attended almost every match we played and it was a good gesture from them, I want to dedicate the trophies to them, they also deserve to celebrate as the team did.”

On the team’s plans for next season, where they will also take part in the Caf Champions League, Mazingiza said: “We will take a look at the report from the technical bench and then act on it, we will do what the bench is demanding to have.

“We have also sealed the signing of two players, but we will make the unveiling very soon, maybe in the next two days. But all in all, we need to sign like five good players so that we can have a good run in the Champions League.”

Simba will now face Namungo in the new season's curtain-raiser on August 26.

The launch of FIFA 21 on October 9 isn't the only source of excitement for gamers everywhere.

The all-new PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X consoles are also set for release later this year, which gives gaming publishers a small conundrum - some users might be holding back on buying FIFA 21 for their current consoles if they're instead eyeing up the newest version of their console.

Fortunately, to save users from purchasing FIFA 21 twice for two different consoles, EA has announced details of their Dual Entitlement feature.

Goal has everything you need to know about Dual Entitlement, how it works with FIFA 21, and more.

What is Dual Entitlement?

With a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, Dual Entitlement allows users to upgrade their copy of FIFA 21 on Playstation 4 to Playstation 5, or from Xbox One to Xbox Series X for free.

This Dual Entitlement offer will be available to users throughout the whole of the FIFA 21 season and up to FIFA 22, so players can upgrade their game to the new system freely within that timeframe.

How does Dual Entitlement work with FIFA 21?

Users who have bought FIFA 21 for PlayStation 4 or Xbox One will be able to upgrade their copy should they purchase the next-generation console (PS4 to PS5, or Xbox One to Xbox Series X) in the future.

Physical copies of FIFA 21 also allows users to download and play the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions with a disc drive.

However, for users who plan on purchasing a disc-less console after owning a console with a disc drive, their physical copies of FIFA 21 cannot be used to upgrade to discless consoles via Dual Entitlement.

Players can also only use Dual Entitlement for FIFA 21 for the same console. For example, Dual Entitlement upgrade can only be used when upgrading from PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5, and from Xbox One to Xbox Series X.

How long can I use Dual Entitlement for FIFA 21?

Gamers can use Dual Entitlement to upgrade FIFA 21 for use on a next-generation console until the launch of the next iterations of the series.

This means that users can upgrade through Dual Entitlement until the release of FIFA 22 (which is expected to be around autumn of 2020).

Can I move my FIFA 21 game progress?

Yes - and no.

Your Ultimate Team and Volta progress will be able to be carried over to the next-generation console.

Other modes such as Online Seasons and Career Mode, however, can't be transferred.

"All progress you make or content you acquire within FIFA 21 Ultimate Team (including players, items, coins, FIFA Points, match record, and leaderboard placement), as well as all progression in VOLTA FOOTBALL will transfer from PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5 and back, or Xbox One to Xbox Series X and back," said EA Sports.

"Progress within all other modes including Online Seasons, Co-Op Seasons, Career Mode, Pro Clubs, etc. will be specific to the console you are playing on and won’t transfer between consoles."

Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira has admitted he may have to leave the club to find more playing time after a season in which he struggled to secure regular minutes.

The Uruguayan made a major impact at the Emirates in his first season with the club after joining from Sampdoria in the summer of 2018, making 50 total appearances in 2018-19.

But that number decreased to 39 in the 2019-20 campaign, as the 24-year-old also saw his Premier League starts drop from 24 to 17.

That has led Torreira to ponder his future, as he was unable to sufficiently impress new manager Mikel Arteta after the Spaniard took over in December.

The midfielder has been linked with a return to Italy, with AC Milan and Torino mooted as potential destinations. In May, Torreira's agent lent credence to that talk by saying his client "would love to return to Italy."

Speaking to radio station Sport 890 in his native Uruguay, Torreira has confessed that he was unhappy with his playing time in 2019-20 and may be forced to leave the Gunners.

“I have to think thoroughly about my future. I have a contract with Arsenal and I have to respect it,” the midfielder said. “Obviously, if I were to leave, I would do it for the best possible destination. We have to be calm and wait.”

“Last season I played continuously, this one less so,” he continued.

“This year has been more complicated: I have lost continuity and confidence. I do not like this. At this age I need to play to be called up for the national team.

“Transfer rumours? I don’t know anything right now. I need to rest because it was a very long season, I got injured, then there was the coronavirus. 

“I have a contract with Arsenal, but if I have to change in the future it will be a decision I make for my own good.

“Every player looks for a team where he feels important. We will see what happens in the future.”

Torreira did not get off the bench on Saturday as Arsenal defeated Chelsea 2-1 at Wembley Stadium to win the FA Cup.

William D'Avila, the agent of Napoli forward Victor Osimhen, has admitted that the Nigerian has set sights on winning the Capocannoniere award for the highest goalscorer in Serie A.

The 21-year-old arrived at the Campania capital from Lille for €50 million after long negotiations which saw him change agents.

The current recipient of the Capocannoniere is Lazio striker Ciro Immobile, who scored 36 goals in the recently-concluded season, equalling the league record set by Gonzalo Higuain while with Napoli in 2015-16 and Gino Rossetti of Torino in 1928-29.

Osimhen netted 18 goals for Lille in all competitions in his only season at the club, winning the club’s Player of the Season award and was named as the best African player in Ligue 1.

"He wants to win the top scorer and become the strongest striker in Italy,” D'Avila told Naples-based Radio Marte.

“He obviously wants to win the championship, as well as go as high as possible in the Champions League and the Europa League.

"I am very happy that he has been signed by Napoli, it is a great operation, very satisfying for him but also for Napoli. He has taken on a top striker who will score many, many goals, next season we will have a lot of fun watching Napoli play.

"The most important thing for the boy was the feeling. When you play a season like last year, every coach can tell you what you want to hear but another thing is to build a feeling. With Gattuso this thing came out during the first chat. Osimhen is convinced that he will be able to score many goals with him. "

D'Avila refused to go into details over why Osimhen switched agents, and simply stated the former Wolfsburg player is focused on the task ahead, also confirming he will start training with the squad whenever Napoli’s Champions League journey ends.

The Partenopei played out a goalless draw with Barcelona in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie and will hope to shock the Catalan giants at Camp Nou on Saturday night.

“I don't know and I don't want to talk about what happened with the old agents,” D’Avila continued.

“Osimhen contacted me and trusted me for the transfer from Lille, there were various clubs on the table and of course we discussed with them. We chose the Napoli because we think that from a strictly sporting point of view it is the most interesting solution for him, also because historically those who arrived here in his role have scored many goals. We are so happy with the choice we made.

"He and his girlfriend have been with my assistant in town this week and have already found a home. It was important that he find everything ready. He will join the team when he returns to train after the Champions League is over."

India international and Hyderabad goalkeeper Subrata Paul is hoping to get back into the national team with his performances in the upcoming season. 

Talking to Indian Football on Instagram on Friday, the 33-year-old goalkeeper stated his desire to play one more AFC Asian Cup representing India. 

"I thank all my teammates. Without you, I am nothing. So please keep supporting me. I want to play one more Asia Cup. It will sound funny but I want to.

"Our respected national team coach (Igor Stimac) says if you have an Indian passport, you are eligible to play. I have that. I feel I have a lot to give the country. If (Gianluigi) Buffon can play at that age, I can. I have time and I have belief in myself that I can play.

"That (playing for India) has been my motivation until now. If I feel I have nothing to give to my country, I will pack my bags and stop playing football. I have full respect for the national team coach. If he thinks I am good enough, he will call. I am focused on my work. He called someone who had already retired (Anas Edathodika), so that is a motivation for me. Then why not me? That is my motivation," the goalkeeper reasoned. 

During the long conversation online, the former Mohun Bagan goalkeeper also touched upon the unfortunate incident of the death of footballer Cristiano Jr 16 years ago/ The striker collapsed on the field following a collision with the goalkeeper in a Federation Cup final between Dempo and Mohun Bagan in 2004 and was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. Subrata was initially suspended from football before FIFA gave him a clean chit and allowed the player to return to action. 

Recollecting the terrible turn of events, the custodian said. "I learnt from my mistakes. I have seen so many bad times and good times but I have stayed positive. 

"At that time, I had just joined Bagan. And that incident happened. It is very difficult for me. My close friends and well-wishers always supported me. I also saw people change. I was a young kid, I had nothing in mind, I was getting into depression, I couldn't go outside my house. People were looking at me like I was guilty. I was suspended from for more than three months. 

"Slowly I recovered. Finally, I got a clean chit from FIFA and then everything was alright. The challenge was then coming back into the game. I challenged myself. My place was taken by someone else. From that period, I knew who is my best friend and who is my friend. I don't have enemies. It was early on in my career."

Subrata succeeded in taking his place back in Indian football and continued to be the first choice at the clubs he signs for. After three years with Jamshedpur, the veteran custodian has moved to Hyderabad ahead of the 2020-21 season. He has been around for so many years now but believes the art of goalkeeping hasn't changed all that much.

"When I started playing football in the late 1990s, goalkeepers used to be only shot-stoppers. Even now they are doing the same thing, but are very good with their feet. This is the only thing that has changed, everything else is the same. My advice to the younger generation is to focus on technique. If you are looking to reach the highest level, you have to be good with your feet, so work on your feet," he advised. 

Linkopings striker Ebere Orji has won the Swedish Damallsvenskan Player of the Month award for July.

Orji is the second-joint leading scorer in Sweden with five goals, which she managed to score in her six opening outings in the month under review.

The 27-year-old scored a brace against Vaxjo on June 27 and netted once in their 2-1 win at Vittsjo on July 5. Ten days later, she grabbed a brace that helped her side secure a 2-2 draw at Pitea.

Orji is enjoying a fine start to life in Linkoping since her arrival from newly promoted side Umea in February and has been directly involved in six goals in the league, including one assist.

Having being voted by the team's captains and media representatives, the 2010 Africa Women's Cup of Nations winner with Nigeria has admitted her surprise at being named the Player of the Month.

"It came as a shock to me. I am happy to win the prize and I am very happy for my own and for the team's sake," she told the Swedish club's website.

"For me, it is a privilege to score goals. It's good for me and it's good for Linkopings."

Commenting on her achievement, Linkopings coach Olof Unogard congratulated the Nigerian, while hailing her personality and exploits since arriving at Linkoping Arena in the winter transfer.

"She came in in February from Umeå and then we did not have time to play so much before everything was canceled, but we noticed in the training matches we still got to play that she rose worryingly," the coach said. 

"We understood early on that she is a match player, because there were a few more snaps in comparison with the training. And when we started playing the Elittetan, there were a few more levels, so it was fantastic fun to see

"Off the field, she is a fantastic person and a very popular teammate. She is not the one who sounds and talks the most, but is wise and confident and works hard to constantly get better and learn the way we play. 

"It's really fun that it went so well and I wish her all the success. Ebere Orji has, just like the team, high goals. 

"She wants to be part of the fight for the medals and describes that she herself takes it step by step during the season.  I hope to do what I can to help the team end up at the top of the table."

Besides the award, Orji was rewarded with 10,000 Swedish Krona, which she has donated to one of Linkopings' Corporate social responsibility project, LFC Night for the training of 750 girls.

Despite a 2-0 defeat at Goteborg last week, Linkopings are third on the Damallsvenskan log with 16 points from eight games and will aim for victory against Kristianstad on Saturday.

Former Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Gordon Igesund believes Masandawana will not struggle against Bidvest Wits without their star midfielder Gaston Sirino, who is suspended.

The Uruguayan player is serving a two-match suspension after he was found guilty of assaulting SuperSport United defender Clayton Daniels and ex-midfielder Dean Furman earlier this season.

On the other hand, the Tshwane giants could also be without winger Phakamani Mahlambi, but Igesund says the Clever Boys will struggle against the reigning Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions.

“You know at this stage it’s very difficult to say they will miss the two players because all the teams have their own challenges,” Igesund told Goal.

“The four-month break has taken its toll on Sundowns and I’m sure it’s exactly the same for everybody. They can’t have a proper mini pre-season training or play friendlies to prepare for these games. It’s quite difficult for many teams now.

“For Sundowns, I don’t think it will be a train smash as they will be missing the likes of Sirino and Mahlambi. I think it’s Wits that are in turmoil. There are bigger problems at Wits that there are at Sundowns.

“I’m saying this because Pitso has been away with his team in Rustenburg and the same cannot be said about Wits. The players at Wits are fighting for their livelihoods. So, they are worried about their families because some are reluctant to go to Limpopo where the team will be based.”

Wits are also set to face Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs twice in the league, and former Bafana Bafana coach Igesund hopes Hunt can be able to steer his side to a decent position.

“It’s a very difficult time but Gavin is a professional, he will try and focus on winning the game. His players will be focused because they wouldn’t also like to see the club’s 99-year history go in vain,” he added.

“I don’t know all the facts but I can imagine he was suddenly told that the club was sold. I don’t think Gavin knew and that’s why I say it’s very difficult for him and the players.

"Wits will also have a big role regarding the championship, they will face Pirates and Chiefs (twice) in the league," he explained.

“I understand the players are human beings, they have got families to look after and they are now expected to focus on the job at Wits and ensure they finish on a high.

"But we are talking about players that don’t know where they will be going and that is including the coach himself – it’s pretty much a challenge for Wits than Sundowns going to this cup game.”

Hansi Flick has praised Frank Lampard's "extraordinary" impact at Chelsea - but the Bayern Munich boss plans to leave his opposite number dejected for a second successive Saturday.

Chelsea suffered FA Cup final disappointment last weekend when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's double gave Arsenal the glory at Wembley.

Now they face the more daunting task of attempting to overturn a 3-0 first-leg deficit against Bayern in Munich, after the German giants scorched to a superb victory at Stamford Bridge in February.

It would appear a near formality for Bayern to complete their task, but Flick has typically prepared meticulously for the game and says his team will have no trouble in focusing.

He senses former England midfielder Lampard has the makings of a first-class head coach, so will take nothing for granted at the Allianz Arena.

"I can say Lampard has been doing an extraordinary job with Chelsea," Flick said.

"They've managed to qualify for next season's Champions League through the Premier League and they've been pretty successful after the restart.

"I like the way they play and how they've performed."

Lampard could not sign players when he took over at Chelsea last July, as the club were under a transfer ban, which has led him to blood a host of young players this term.

By recently bringing in Timo Werner from RB Leipzig and Ajax's Hakim Ziyech, Chelsea have given an indication of their ambition for next season.

"It was a difficult situation when he started," Flick said. "But at the end of the season he really performed an extraordinary season with his team."

Bayern will be without the injured Kingsley Coman and Benjamin Pavard, with Joshua Kimmich expected to again fill in at right-back, with Ivan Perisic and Philippe Coutinho pushing for an attacking role.

Flick, whose team won the domestic double of the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal, expects Chelsea to be positive and to believe they can turn the tie around, however unlikely that may be.

"If I would be in the position of the Chelsea manager or Chelsea fan, I would say we have nothing to lose, we will try to give all we have and we'll see," Flick said.

"We have respect for our opponents. We know Chelsea have a great and also big squad with lots of players who have fantastic potential.

"I know from my time with the DFB [German Football Federation] how football is played in England.

"If we look at the development that has been showing for years now, it is unbelievable, it is fantastic, how they bring up new, young players and focus on the youth.

"Chelsea have a great team filled with a lot of young players with great potential and we will be ready to face them tomorrow."

Liverpool forward Sadio Mane and Southampton winger Moussa Djenepo have been nominated for Premier League Player and Goal of the Season respectively.

Mane was in a terrific form for the Reds in the 2019-20 campaign, helping his side to win the title for the first time in 30 years.

The Senegal international scored 18 goals and provided nine assists in 35 league games, besides winning a number of penalties with his dazzling displays for Jurgen Klopp’s men.

Following his performances, he has been shortlisted for the best player prize along with his teammates Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson.

He will also battle Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, Southampton striker Danny Ings and Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy for the award.

Mane emerged as the 2018-19 season’s joint-top scorer along with his teammate Mohamed Salah and Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The 28-year-old will hope to win the coveted accolade after missing out on the Golden Boot prize to Vardy.

Djenepo, meanwhile, has been shortlisted for the best goal award following his brilliant match-winning solo effort for Southampton against Sheffield United in September 2019.

The winger beat a number of Sheffield defenders before he right-footed his effort past goalkeeper Dean Henderson for the only goal of the game.

Djenepo will slug it out with Leicester’s Harvey Barnes, Newcastle United’s Matthew Longstaff, Manchester City’s De Bruyne, Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min, Brighton and Hove Albion’s Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Burnley’s Matej Vydra and Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes for a chance to win the individual accolade.

The Mali international teamed up with the Saints last summer from Belgian First Division A side Standard Liege for a fee around £14 million.

The 22-year-old midfielder only made 20 appearances across all competition in his debut campaign owing to injury problems.

While Djenepo has 15 caps for Mali, Mane has scored 19 times in 69 appearances for Senegal and was part of the team that finished as runner-up at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Manuel Neuer hopes Liverpool target Thiago Alcantara can be persuaded to stay at Bayern Munich, describing him as "our engine in midfield".

On the eve of the Champions League last-16 second leg against Chelsea, captain and goalkeeper Neuer stressed how important the former Barcelona player has become over seven years at Bayern.

Thiago has one year left on his Bayern contract and the club would be reluctant to see him leave on a free transfer in 2021.

One alternative to that prospect would be cashing in on him now, with Premier League champions Liverpool apparently keen on taking him to Anfield.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has praised Thiago, describing him as "a great player", but has declined to speak any further about the Spaniard.

Asked about the influence of Thiago, and the possibility of him being in his final days as a Bayern player, Neuer stressed he hoped the Chelsea game was not the beginning of the end for the 29-year-old in Munich.

"I hope that it won't be one of the last matches of Thiago," Neuer said.

"He had to undergo surgery at the end of the season but now he's back and 100 per cent. He's a very valuable player for us, especially in ball possession. He's very important for us. He's our engine in midfield actually."

Bayern lead Chelsea 3-0 from the first leg of their European tie, so with home advantage on Saturday they should have little trouble making sure of a quarter-final place.

Lisbon will stage the Champions League from the last eight onwards.

Neuer says Bayern are eager to complete a treble, having already won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal in Germany this season.

"We have played a good season and a successful season so far," he said. "We're still hungry and still committed. We have the objective right in front of us.

"We won the league, we won the cup, and now we want to win to achieve this next objective that we have.

"First we have to overcome Chelsea and then it's the knockout stage. They are very high calibre clubs in this competition. We know from our experiences with the national team, for example, that every mistake could cost a lot and you have to really pay attention.

"We've worked together very well for three and a half weeks and we want to achieve a lot."

From the quarter-final stage onwards, it will be a straight knockout event, with two-leg games abandoned to allow the tournament to be completed in the shortest possible time.

"You can achieve a lot, but of course you can also lose a lot in such a format," Neuer said.

SuperSport United have announced that one of their players has tested positive for coronavirus. 

This has come as a blow for the Tshwane giants with the 2019/20 PSL season set to resume next week following a four-month break which was enforced by the coronavirus pandemic. 

SuperSport conducted their final round of testing before they go into the Biologically Safe Environment (BSE) in Gauteng this weekend. 

The three-time PSL champions have now revealed that one unnamed player has tested positive for the deadly virus. 

The player will now serve a mandatory 10-day quarantine and he will then be tested again according to the following statement by the club.

"We would like to confirm one positive COVID-19 case from the second round of testing that was completed this week."

"The player has currently been put into quarantine for 10 days and will be retested thereafter. A group of 40 personnel were tested [25 players and 15 staff members]."

"The rest of the squad will resume training and will continue to follow all protocols before heading into the bubble for the completion of the 2019/2020 season," a club statement read.

SuperSport confirmed four coronavirus cases within their camp two weeks ago as they prepared for the resumption of the league.

The Tshwane giants also disclosed that the four positive cases include three players and a staff member, but the club indicated two had already recovered from Covid-19. 

SuperSport are set to resume their league campaign against Bloemfontein Celtic at Bidvest Stadium in Braamfontein, Johannesburg next week Sunday. 

Matsatsantsa have been drawn to play their games at Bidvest Wits' home ground for the remainder of the current season.

Kaitano Tembo's side is placed third on the league standings - for points behind second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, who have three games in hand.

SuperSport have six games left in the league which are against Celtic, Polokwane City, Black Leopards, Orlando Pirates, Baroka FC as well as Cape Town City.

Finishing third in the league will see Matsatsantsa qualify for next season Caf Confederation Cup, while a two top finish will earn them a spot in the Caf Champions League.

Lionel Messi has been carrying Barcelona’s “whole team on his shoulders”, claims Edmilson, with the Liga giants considered to be “experiencing a shady moment”.

Uncharacteristic struggles for consistency from the Camp Nou heavyweights have contributed to a domestic crown being snatched from their grasp by arch-rivals Real Madrid.

The decision to part with Ernesto Valverde in January and replace him with Quique Setien has been made to look like a questionable call, with there a very real threat that Barca could end the 2019-20 campaign empty-handed.

They are still in the hunt for Champions League success as things stand, but have a tricky last-16 encounter with Napoli to navigate before dreams of European glory can be formed.

Italian rivals are due in Catalunya on Saturday for the second leg of a contest that is currently locked at 1-1.

Edmilson admits that picking a winner from that tie is a tough task, with Barca becoming far too reliant on talismanic captain Messi.

The former Blaugrana midfielder told Radio Kiss Kiss: “On Saturday a Champions League match will be played after a long time and the qualification is open for both teams because playing in a situation like this where there are no fans, I believe Napoli can go to Barcelona and take their chances.

“[Gennaro] Gattuso’s team must continue to play as they have been doing and not be afraid of Barca, because the Blaugrana won’t be scared.

“After the pandemic the league was fraught with difficulty, but they are still Barcelona. They are playing at home and they are always favourites.

“Barca are, however, experiencing a shady moment. A moment where Messi is practically playing alone and loading the whole team on his shoulders.

“They have also changed their coach during the current season.”

Since competitive football resumed on the back of a coronavirus-enforced break, Barca have found the going tough.

From 11 outings in la Liga, they only managed to claim seven victories – with three of those coming by the odd goal.

Messi has conceded that they will need to raise their game considerably in order to challenge for the Champions League crown, with the latter stages of that competition set to take place in Portugal once the round of 16 has been played to a finish.

The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic impacted the world of football along with other sports.

However, despite the challenges,  the new season of the Indian Super League (ISL) is set to commence from the third week of November.

The new season will be different from the previous editions of the league in several ways. It will be held at a centralised venue without spectators. The clubs too will have to undergo major changes in terms of adapting to the new regulations.

Jamshedpur FC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mukul Choudhari spoke about the challenges his club will be facing while playing football during the pandemic.

He said, “We are dealing with this situation like any other club and once all the players are here, they will be coming after two months maybe to Jamshedpur or directly to the venue. More importantly, there will be a lot of challenges going forward.

“We have trouble with logistics, international flights have not opened. ISL depends a lot on foreign players. We were very particular while we were picking players. We were also speaking to people whenever we were talking about getting visas and other stuff.

“There are lots of work that is happening in the background, there are a lot of grey areas which we don’t know of. At the same time, we are very clear that we will be taking lots of precautions.”

The club CEO also suggested that everyone involved at the club will have to be responsible and take care of the players and coaches to get the best performance out of them.

“There are a lot of SOPs that have been sent by the ISL. Otherwise, we are also very careful about our own health and safety. It will be a very different season but it is all about being responsible and doing the right things and taking care of yourself and the team to make sure they are in good health and they perform well,” said the Jamshedpur official.

On playing at a single venue without fans, Choudhari opined that the most important thing is that the league will take place. 

He said, “What is more important is that the league happens in the current circumstances when most things are not happening, in fact, I am very happy that the IPL is happening and it will set the ball rolling for all sports. It is not going to be easy. There will be huge psychological pressure and there will be trouble. It will be very different playing without fans in the stadium. It is important that the league happens. A lot has changed in the past four or five months and we are adapting to it and that is what we have to do.”

Jamshedpur have replaced Spanish coach (Antonio Iriondo) with Scotsman Owen Coyle and on being asked whether this change will affect the team's style, the Jamshedpur CEO responded, “It is a global game now. We have Spanish players in other parts of Europe but the game doesn’t change. We have to take the good parts from it. Somebody likes to hold the ball, Tiki-taka is all over the place now. We also learn a lot from Brazil and England. Those are just different styles and at the end of the day football doesn’t change.”

Werder Bremen are in discussions with Manchester United over a deal for winger Tahith Chong, the club's sporting director Frank Baumann has confirmed.

The Bundesliga outfit have been linked with a move for the Netherlands youth star, who has struggled for first-team minutes at Old Trafford this season, with 12 games played across all competitions.

The 20-year-old only put pen to paper on a new deal with the club in March that takes him through to 2022, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have indicated their readiness to let him depart on a temporary basis.

And Baumann has reaffirmed his side's interest in Chong, insisting that discussions are underway with the Red Devils.

"He is a player who is interesting for us, no question about it," he told reporters. "We need a player like him in the position he plays. We are in good talks with Manchester United, but there are several details to be agreed on."

"I like to keep a low profile when it comes to something like this, but when the player's advisor communicates so aggressively, there is no point in denying our interest."

Chong's agent Erkan Alkan previously confirmed that the player was keen on a move to Germany's top-flight in search of further game-time, stating earlier this week: "Tahith wants to go to the Bundesliga."

Reports in Germany suggest that Chong may sign a two-year loan contract with Werder, though it is believed that the Bundesliga club will not have a purchase option in any deal.

If Chong does not depart immediately, he may yet play a part in United's Europa League campaign after the club sealed their place in the quarter-finals in Germany next week.

The winger came off the bench in a 2-1 victory over LASK to help seal his side's berth in the last eight following a convincing 5-0 victory in the return fixture earlier this year.

United face Copenhagen next, with victory potentially setting up an all-English encounter with Wolves, as Solskjaer looks to claim the first trophy of his tenure in charge at Old Trafford.

Regardless of results, the Norwegian has ended his side's absence from Champions League this season with a third-place finish and continues to rebuild his squad for a possible title charge next term.

FIFA 21 is out this October and fans of the EA Sports franchise will be counting down the days until they can get their hands on the new game to test out all the fresh features.

Every year, gamers discuss the pros and cons of the game, noting what sort of additions or improvements they'd like to see included in the next title.

VAR - Video Assistant Referee - is one gameplay feature that has been discussed ever since it was trialled as an augmentation of the officiating team a number of years ago.

So will VAR be in FIFA 21? Goal takes a look...

Will FIFA 21 have VAR?

VAR will not be a feature of FIFA 21 despite the fact that it is now firmly embedded into the fabric of professional football across the world.

Part of the reason for the decision not to include VAR in the new game is down to a question of priorities, with the EA Sports developers privileging other aspects of the gameplay.

“Regarding VAR, it’s a very good question, but the answer is no,” Sam Rivera, EA's lead gameplay producer told gamesradar.

“In a video game, what it would be adding to the experience isn’t very important at this time – the system knows if a challenge is a foul or not, so we decided to focus on areas which we consider higher priority.

"That doesn’t mean it won’t arrive in the future, but there are no plans to include it in FIFA 21."

As alluded to by Rivera, adding VAR would be a purely aesthetic touch since the game's AI is not liable to the same sort of human error that a real-life referee is.

Its omission from FIFA 21 means VAR has not been a feature of three successive FIFA games since the technological referee aid was written into the Laws of the Game in 2018.

Interestingly, FIFA 21 will not feature empty stadiums in order to reflect the new reality of the sport in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic either.

According to developers, the goal is to create a game which shows football "in its best and purest form".

Will VAR be included in the next FIFA game after FIFA 21?

The longer VAR remains a fixture in professional football, the more likely it seems that it will be included in future FIFA games.

Indeed, one of the chief considerations for games developers tasked with creating a new edition of FIFA is the immersive experience - making the game as true to real life as possible.

Persisting with no VAR in FIFA naturally contradicts that principle, so it is only a matter of time before it is brought in - in whatever form the game takes.

However, it is unclear how exactly VAR will be integrated into the game, given the fact that the computer does not make errors regarding issues such as fouls or offsides.

One simple way to bring VAR into the game would be by including a cut scene, which wouldn't necessarily interfere with the flow of the gameplay.

Another method of integration would be to weave it into Career Mode as a feature of a campaign - a controversial season-changing moment in the headlines, perhaps.

Of course the existence of VAR in football continues to attract criticism from many in the game and, while it will remain a part of the game for now, there is always a chance that it could be discontinued in the future.

Figures such as Gary Lineker have been vocal in their analysis of the video assistant referee along with other rule changes, including the handball and offside rules.

The former England international has given his views to the IFAB, but they have thus far been met with bemusement.

“I told them what I think VAR should be," Lineker said in an interview with the Guardian in January. 

"The referee on the pitch needs a mate sitting with all these monitors. He’s watching the game and he lets it go, lets it go, and then he says: ‘Mate, you absolutely f*cked up there. You’ve got to change that otherwise you’re going to look a complete d*ck.’

"That stops the Maradona/Thierry Henry handballs. The absolute howler. That’s all you need VAR for."

So, for now, it is not clear whether VAR will become a feature of the next FIFA game, but EA Sports will be keeping their eye on developments of the game to make sure they live up to their 'It's In The Game' motto.

Jadon Sancho is “definitely a future Ballon d’Or winner”, says his former coach Louis Lancaster, with Manchester United considered a “great move” for the England international.

The Red Devils are doing all they can to push through a big-money deal with Borussia Dortmund.

Bundesliga giants are playing hard ball when it comes to discussions, with there an understandable reluctance on their part to sanction a sale.

Sancho is, however, expected to take on a new challenge at some stage in the near future.

He has enjoyed a meteoric rise to prominence since taking the brave decision to leave Manchester City for Germany in 2017, with the 20-year-old now one of world football’s hottest prospects.

Lancaster feels the sky is the limit for Sancho, telling the South China Morning Post of a player he worked with in Watford’s academy system: “I think we are definitely looking at a future Ballon d’Or winner - 100 per cent.”

It could be that Sancho chases down a coveted Golden Ball while on the books at Old Trafford, with Lancaster fully supportive of a return to the Premier League for a man who has starred in the Bundesliga.

He added: “Jadon wants to play football. It doesn’t matter if he’s at a council pitch in London or in front of 80,000 at Wembley. He just wants to play football. He just wants to win. He just wants to be challenged and enjoy the game.

“It’s like watching The Last Dance with Michael Jordan. You can’t take the ball away from him. Give him the ball and he’ll start to produce.” Dortmund reaped the benefits of that with 17 goals and 16 assists in 32 Bundesliga games this season.

“If you look at a normal 20-year-old, they’ve got to go through a lot of mistakes and not on the pitch, I mean off the pitch. They’ve got to send out the wrong tweets, send out the wrong Instagrams, get in a little bit of trouble.

“He’s had to leave from the south of England to the north, he’s had to go from the north to another country, language is a problem, he’s now independent. I think Man United are going to get a very mature 20-year-old.

“I think Man United will be a great move for him. The club have got a tremendous history, the club are hugely ambitious but most importantly they are structurally set up for success, off the pitch and on the pitch.

“If Jadon goes to Man United, on a bigger scale they’re going to control the ball. He’s got [Marcus] Rashford, [Paul] Pogba, [Anthony] Martial, [Bruno] Fernandes, [Harry] Maguire who can play out. So they’re going to hopefully have more ball which is where he can add value to the team.”

Liverpool loanee Taiwo Awoniyi believes he has done enough to get a call-up to the Nigeria national team.

The forward has represented the West Africans at the U17, U20 and U23 levels but has struggled to gain attention from the senior national team coaches.

Awoniyi’s teammates at the youth level Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho and APOEL goalkeeper Francis Uzoho have become a key member of the Super Eagles while Watford striker Isaac Success has also been given a chance in the past.

The 22-year-old has been with Liverpool since 2015 but has spent his time on loan featuring for FSV Frankfurt, NEC, Royal Excel Mouscron, Gent and recently Mainz.

Awoniyi has impressed during his temporary move away from the Premier League club but in the 2019-20 season, the striker was restricted to 12 league games owing to a number of reasons, including injury problems.

The Imperial Soccer Academy graduate is looking forward to getting an opportunity to feature for the Super Eagles under manager Gernot Rohr.

"I'm happy for [Kelechi] Iheanacho and Uzoho because they are deserving of the opportunity," Awoniyi told BBC Sport.

"Personally, I feel like I deserve a chance. I recall when I was playing well and scoring goals in Belgium. Nigeria had a friendly game and I thought I had done enough to get a look in that would hopefully enhance my quest for a UK work permit, but I was overlooked.

"You begin to understand that it's not something you can control or have power over. You just need to enjoy what you do and keep on working hard."

Awoniyi, whose loan with Mainz ended at the end of 2019-20 season has spoken highly of Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

"Jurgen Klopp's a man everyone is happy to be around. When I was going to Mainz last year he wished me luck because he is highly revered over there,” he continued.

"And during my first year of professional football in 2015, many of my teammates talked about him at FSV Frankfurt and meeting him again shows how much he's loved by people. His personality illustrates the success in Mainz, Dortmund.”

Awoniyi could spend the 2020-21 season on another loan as he is yet to secure a work permit that would enable him to play for Liverpool.