Looking for Soccer News?

Manchester United will not be rushed into a deal for Jadon Sancho despite Borussia Dortmund setting their own deadline for the transfer.

It is understood that talks are ongoing between United and Dortmund over the former Manchester City star as they try and negotiate a fee for the winger. 

The Bundesliga side have set their own deadline of August 10 so they can prepare for next season without any distractions. However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said United will not be rushed into a deal. 

“This transfer window is a long one, every transfer takes its course. It is what it is,” he said. “At the moment I have no updates for you, if there’s any news we’ll update you.”

There is hope from all parties that a deal can be struck for Sancho, with the player himself keen to make a move to Old Trafford. 

After the transformative effect of Bruno Fernandes, who arrived in the January transfer window, Solskjaer will hope the England international could have a similar impact.

Fernandes could soon get his hands on his first piece of silverware at United, with the team in a strong position going into the Europa League knockout tournament in Germany. Solskjaer, meanwhile, is also targeting his first trophy as manager at the club.

“It’s massive [to get your first trophy],” the Norwegian said. “You can see when Sir Alex won the Premier League for the first time and for me when I won my first trophy as a player it made me more hungry.

“You saw the highs of it and how much it meant to everyone. As a coach I won the league first time with Molde, the first time for the club in it's 100-year history, and since then they have won four times in eight or nine years. 

“It was a big change in that club and for me if we can get our hands on a trophy it’s a big step forward. Going into any game you want to win, we’re four games away from winning a trophy. The team has developed throughout the whole season. 

“We are delighted with finishing third. The next step for this team is getting our hands on trophies - we have been to two semi-finals and we want to go one step further and we want to win something.”

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Idrissa Gueye have made the Paris Saint-Germain squad for the final stages of the Champions League.

The Parc des Princes outfit will take on Atalanta in the Round of16 of the tournament on August 12 in a one-legged tie due to the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the list announced by Uefa, the Cameroon and Senegal internationals have been included in PSG’s 23-man squad for the competition.

Choupo-Moting has been with the French outfit since 2018 when he joined the side from Stoke City as a free agent, following the relegation of the Potters from the Premier League.

The forward has since scored six goals for PSG in 31 league appearances and this season he has played 17 games for the Ligue 1 champions across all competitions, including three in the European tournament.

Choupo-Moting was recently handed a contract extension by the Parisians to enable him to complete the 2019-20 season with the club following the expiration of his previous two-year deal.

The former Schalke 04 striker will hope to add the Champions League title to his two Ligue 1 diadems and Coupe de France trophy.

Gueye, meanwhile, has been a key member of Thomas Tuchel’s team since he teamed up with the side from Premier League club Everton last summer.

The Senegal international has made 33 appearances across all competitions for the Parisians this season, including six in the European competition.

Gueye has recently been linked with a shock return to the Goodison Park outfit while Wolverhampton Wanders are also believed to be interested in signing him this summer.

The midfielder has previously played for Diambars, Lille and Aston Villa before moving to Everton in 2016, where he spent four years.

While Choupo-Moting has 15 goals in 55 games for Cameroon, Gueye has featured 67 times for Senegal and was part of the side that finished as runner-up in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Chelsea are one of a number of Premier League clubs competing to sign teenage defender Xavier Mbuyamba following his exit from Barcelona.

The 18-year-old is regarded as one of the top talents in his age group and is currently considering various proposals from teams in England's top flight.

Chelsea are thought to be in pole position, although sources have told Goal that five of England's top clubs have all made offers to the youngster.

Barcelona agreed to allow Mbuyamba to leave for free this summer amid economic concerns at Camp Nou, with savings needing to be made on wages and future payments despite the centre-back being a highly-rated member of the La Masia system.

Academy director Patrick Kluivert originally signed the MVV Maastricht youngster after he made his debut in the Dutch second division at 16.

Mbuyamba went on trial at Chelsea and Barca, but decided to join the Catalan giants with a view to appearing for Barcelona's B side and then eventually the first-team.

However, Barcelona B were unwilling to give him a starting role this season despite a positive campaign in the Under-19s, and that has accelerated his exit.

A divide between the leadership of La Masia and Barca B is one of the reasons cited for the disconnect, with Mbuyamba having been willing to consider staying had a loan move been properly considered.

Initially, Barcelona asked both Chelsea and Juventus for €2 million after hearing of their interest, but with the latter being stocked with plenty of high-level central defenders, Mbuyamba was ultimately put off joining the Serie A champions.

The Blues therefore stand a decent chance of landing him now he is available for free, with the English leagues of appeal to a teenager who thinks a Premier League club could help take his game to the next level.

Chelsea have already invested huge sums into their youth team this summer and recently announced their latest list of academy scholars.

Ahead of the new season, Edwin Andersson has joined from IFK Gothenberg, Jimi Tauriainen from Helsingin Jalkapalloklubi and Bryan Fiabema from Tromso.

Meanwhile, Stoke City's young Dutch striker Mohamed Sankoh trained with the club this week, although no agreement has yet been reached for him to join the west Londoners.

The Blues have, however, seen one of their finest young players in Samuel Illing Junior leave, with the winger set to be announced as a Juventus player in the near future.

Liverpool will not be making any £100 million ($130m) signings in the summer transfer window, says John Barnes, as the Premier League champions “aren’t looking to buy a Mbappe, Messi or a Ronaldo”.

Jurgen Klopp has pointed out on a regular basis that he expects to take in a few quiet weeks before the 2020-21 campaign gets underway.

The Reds will be keeping a close eye on the market, in case top talent suddenly becomes available, but they are not planning on forcing the issue.

Those already at their disposal have delivered a record-breaking run of success and there are no obvious gaps to fill in a star-studded starting XI.

Greater strength in depth may be sought at the right price, but Barnes cannot see Klopp breaking the bank again for a global superstar that would expect to see regular game time.

The Reds legend told BonusCodeBets: “Liverpool aren’t looking to buy a Mbappe, Messi or a Ronaldo or anyone that is going to come and say ‘I want to play in the team’, because they know what their best 11 is, particularly with the front three.

“They will need to replace certain players if they go, and not with someone for £100m and on £200,000-a-week because there are players out there that can come and supplement the squad that are good enough to play every now and again, as we’ve seen when Xherdan Shaqiri and Divock Origi and players like Minamino coming in. I think that’s what Klopp will look to do.

“If people go then you have to replace them to get the squad good - Liverpool have Curtis Jones, Rhys Williams, Harvey Elliott and other young players, but I think they need more experience.

“If no more players go then Liverpool don’t need to make loads of signings, the squad is big and strong enough, but in football, you can lose players very quickly and you have to have a contingency plan in place to replace them.”

One of those Liverpool are said to be looking at is Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara.

The Spain international would add further graft and guile to the Reds’ engine room, but Barnes is not convinced that his services are required.

The former England international also believes that the likes of Thiago could be lured elsewhere if more money is put on the table, with Liverpool not top of football’s food chain just yet.

Barnes added: “If PSG offered him £500k a week then he would probably go there.

“I wouldn’t say Liverpool is more attractive than Barcelona or Real Madrid. Liverpool are a team with Jurgen Klopp, who people will want to come and play for, not necessarily ahead of three or four other big teams.

“They are the champions of England and the Premier League is the place to play, so players thinking about coming to England will think about Liverpool.”

Chris Smalling could play for Manchester United next season after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer left the door open for the defender to stay at the club.

The centre-back impressed during his season-long loan spell at Roma and admitted he was “gutted” to be leaving the club before they had finished their Europa League campaign.

The terms of Smalling’s loan meant his time in Italy - which was extended to allow him to complete the Serie A campaign - ended before the resumption of the knockout stages in the Europa League. 

A new long-term loan deal or a permanent transfer could not be agreed for the England international so he will now return to Old Trafford.  

Solskjaer is on the hunt for a centre-back in the summer window and it is understood that Smalling returning on a permanent basis could be an option if they can’t get any of the targets they are looking at for the right price.

Indeed, when asked about Smalling's future on Tuesday afternoon, the United boss stated that the player “will be valuable” going forward.

“I think Chris has shown over his Manchester United career how valuable he is at Manchester United,” Solskjaer said. 

“This season was about him being a regular and going to Roma and showing how good a centre-back he is, I wanted to give Harry [Maguire], Vic[tor Lindelof] and maybe Axel [Tuanzebe] a chance.

“It was best for him to go and play for a year in Roma and he has shown he will be valuable, I’ve been speaking to Chris throughout. I’ve been delighted with his season.”

Smalling is not available for the final few games of United’s Europa League campaign and although some of the players looked fatigued in their final league matches, Solskjaer warned not to expect vast changes from the sides he has fielded earlier in the competition.

“Jesse will be starting but the team won’t be too different from the team that played LASK away” Solskjaer explained. 

“We know it will be a difficult game. It wasn’t a 5-0 difference between the teams. We were winning 2-0 after 60 minutes and scored three in the last five so we know we have to perform and there’s opportunities for players to stake a claim - if they get through,

“The players want to play, they don’t want the break, they’re bothering me all the time - they don’t want to rest, they want to play. It’s not easy to say they’re rested, especially with players of that quality. 

“But we go into that tournament wanting to win - I hope the players need to win, like I do. For me as a coach to lift the trophy is a different feeling to when you were a player because you know you represent so much more than just a team. 

“For me we go into this tournament with players wanting to win so they won’t be given a break, they will be called upon.”

Paulo Dybala has beaten Juventus team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo to this season's Serie A Player of the Year award.

Lega Serie A announced Dybala as the winner of the annual prize on Tuesday, with Ronaldo failing to retain the title he won in his first year at the Allianz Stadium.

Italian football's main governing body named the Argentina international as the 2019-20 'MVP', with Juve's newest signing Dejan Kulusevski grabbing the Young player of the Year prize for an outstanding campaign at Parma.

Juventus also had another winner in Wojciech Szczesny, who got the nod for best goalkeeper, while Inter's Stefan De Vrij, Atalanta star Alejandro Gomez and Lazio talisman Ciro Immobile were acknowledged in defensive, midfield and forward roles.

Dybala has recorded 11 goals in 33 Serie A outings for Juve this term, along with 11 assists, bouncing back strongly after a testing final year under Massimiliano Allegri.

The 26-year-old struggled to adapt to a new role in the team following Ronaldo's arrival at the Allianz Stadium from Real Madrid in 2018, but has rediscovered his best form since Maurizio Sarri's appointment last summer.

The diminutive playmaker's performances helped Juve secure an unprecedented ninth successive Scudetto, as Sarri's men narrowly finished one point ahead of Inter following an intriguing title race which also included Atalanta and Lazio.

Ronaldo might have thought he'd done enough to retain Serie A's top individual accolade after contributing 31 goals to the Bianconeri's cause, but his final tally was still five behind Lazio frontman Immobile, who earned the Capocannoniere.

There have been questions asked over whether Dybala and Ronaldo are capable of operating at full capacity in the same system, but Sarri noted a change in their relationship after a 3-1 win over Genoa on June 30.

After seeing both men geet on the scoresheet, the Italian boss told reporters: "They have learned to look for each other more often.

"They have realised that by benefitting from each other, both reap the rewards. It's something I have noticed in training too."

The PSL has adopted that five substitutions be made by coaches for the remaining matches of the 2019-20 season. 

The league has also increased match squads for clubs from 18 to 20, meaning each team is allowed to name nine players on the bench. 

In a statement released on Tuesday, the league further revealed that six substitutions will be permitted in Cup matches but the sixth change can only be made in case where matches go into extra time.  

After four months of no competitive football in South Africa due to the coronavirus pandemic coupled with the lockdown regulations which forced the suspension of the current campaign, football in the country will finally return this weekend. 

On the menu is the Nedbank Cup semi-finals which will be played on Saturday, August 8 at Orlando Stadium. 

Bloemfontein Celtic and Baroka FC will get the ball rolling at 14:00 before Mamelodi Sundowns take on Bidvest Wits at 19:15 at the same venue. 

The Nedbank Cup final is scheduled for September 9, four days after the completion of the league matches.   

Part of the statement released by the PSL reads:

PSL adopts five subs at matches:

The League can also confirm that there will be five substitutes allowed in a match for the remainder of the 2019/20 season.
This means:

The majority of teams will undoubtedly welcome the league's decision to allow for more substitutions given the tight fixture schedule they will have to contend with in the next few weeks.

On average, teams will play after every three days in an attempt to conclude the current season and prepare for the 2020-21 campaign. 

The PSL has made a provision for all the 32 teams under the NSL umbrella to use players from their MDC teams in cases where there are injuries or first-team players test positive for Covid-19 while the season is in progress. 

As things stand, Kaizer Chiefs lead the standings with 48 points from 22 league matches followed by Sundowns in second place with 44 points from 21 matches, and all eyes will be on the two teams when the league matches get underway next week. 

It will also be interesting to witness the relegation battle between AmaZulu and Black Leopards, who have struggled for positive results this season. 

Express FC coach Wasswa Bossa is expecting a competitive 2020/21 Ugandan Premier League season.

Many teams are buffing up their squads in preparations for the new campaign which will begin in October. The tactician states he is already aware of what to expect from opposing teams.

"We all know clubs are re-organizing themselves and that they will be competitive next season," Bossa said as quoted by the club's official website.

"But actually if anything, we have already done our homework on all the teams. So I would say we are braced up for any team that will come our way."

The six-time league champions finished the abandoned league in the ninth position with 31 points, after managing nine wins, four draws and 12 losses.

Bossa was appointed at the club at the expense of the sacked George Ssimwogere. After steering the team from the relegation zone to a ninth-place finish, he was rewarded with a three-year contract.

The tactician, in an earlier interview, said he wants to come up with a competitive squad, able to challenge their rivals in the top-flight among them KCCA FC, Vipers and SC Villa.

"We want to bring the team to the level where it will be competing for trophies," the experienced tactician said.

"Express is a well-known traditional club. She is a big brand that does not need to be in relegation dogfights. I promise the fans that we are ready to do anything that will make this club great again.

"Before I left Express it was performing well and in good positions and I hope and believe that it's where we are going. We are working on so many things to ensure that we revamp Express. This is a big club with a rich history so it should aim for big things."

After the 2019/20 struggles, the Wankulukuku-based side went on to release 18 players who they felt were surplus to requirements.

Those released were Tonny Kyamera, Joshua Adea, Mohammed Yiga, Emmanuel Bafoe, Martin Kizza, Joseph Zziwa, Hamis Batega, Andrew Kiwanuka, David Kakeeto, Hamdan Nsubuga, Axel Konan, Lawrence Kigonya, Dennis Sserukwaya, Peter Mutebi, Isaac Doka, Shafiq Avemah, Baker Lukooya and Idris Kabonge.  

Neymar "is determined to bring Paris Saint-Germain to the top", according to Marco Verratti, who has hailed the Brazilian as a "leader" ahead of the Champions League restart.

PSG have benefitted from the presence of a fully fit Neymar throughout 2020, after seeing him put the disappointment of a failed move to Barcelona and a string of injury issues behind him.

The 28-year-old has contributed 19 goals and 10 assists to the club's cause in 24 outings this season, helping them to complete a domestic treble, and he could also be poised to inspire success on Europe's elite stage.

Neymar scored in both legs as PSG beat Borussia Dortmund in the last 16, to set up a last-eight clash against Serie A outfit Atalanta - who knocked out Valencia in the previous round.

The winner of next Wednesday's one-off fixture in Lisbon will be rewarded with a semi-final meeting with either RB Leipzig or Atletico Madrid, as a revised straight knockout format comes into play amid the continued threat of coronavirus.

PSG will be buoyed for the contest after returning to action with French Cup and Coupe de la Ligue final wins over Saint Etienne and Lyon, with Neymar once again playing a key role in both victories.

The Brazil international scored the winner against Saint-Etienne before netting a crucial penalty in the shoot-out triumph against Lyon, and Verratti is hoping he can also make the difference in the Champions League.

"I see him particularly determined to bring PSG to the top," The Italian playmaker told Gazzetta dello Sport. "Having him in this physical and mental condition is an added bonus. Neymar is a leader who plays and always trains hard, an example for all."

PSG are sweating on the fitness of Kylian Mbappe ahead of their return to European action, after he suffered an ankle sprain in the Coupe de la Ligue showpiece.

Like Neymar, the Frenchman has been heavily linked with a move away from Parc des Princes over the past 12 months, but Verratti thinks both men are settled in their current surroundings.

"I can feel they are well here, they believe in the project and know that there are not many teams stronger than PSG," he said. "In Paris, they have the possibility of winning. And winning here would really be really special."

Atalanta will be without top scorer Josip Ilicic against PSG, and although Verratti believes his absence will be felt by Gian Piero Gasperini's side, he insists they remain a formidable outfit.

The PSG star added: "It weighs heavily, as Messi's absence from Barcelona or Ronaldo's from Juventus would. But even without him, Atalanta has continued to win. And it's all thanks to Gasperini's work."

Zimbabwe captain Knowledge Musona and several other Warriors players have added their voices to the #ZimbabweanLivesMatter social media campaign.

The movement has also been dominating South African social media and is intended to bring to light the alleged human rights abuses, corruption and misrule by the Zimbabwean government.

Following the failed protests that were planned for July 31, which were crushed by government security forces, the campaign has switched to social media.

Musona headlines the Warriors players including the Kasier Chiefs duo of Khama Billiat and Willard Katsande, as well as ex-Orlando Pirates midfielder Marshall Munetsi and Matthew Rusike, Talent Chawapiwa and Cuthbert Malajila who have all supported the initiative.

South Africa national team attacker Percy Tau has also shown his support for the campaign which began on Monday and spilled into Tuesday.

Besides footballers, Zimbabwe-born Springbok prop Tendai Mtawarira and former Zimbabwe cricket captain Brendan Taylor have posted messages to their social media accounts.

The campaign has also caught the attention of American rapper and actor Ice Cube, while several prominent South African politicians have expressed their support.

Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Stanton Fredericks strongly believes South Africa will produce another player who will score goals just like Benni McCarthy used to during his playing days.   

McCarthy is Bafana Bafana's all-time leading goalscorer with 31 goals from 80 matches and he's followed closely by Shaun Bartlett who scored 29 goals in 74 appearances. 

And Fredericks is confident that McCarthy's long-standing record will be broken although he doesn't see it happening anytime soon.   

"Records are there to be broken," Fredericks told Goal. 

"We thought that we wouldn't get any player better than Diego Maradona or Michel Platini... here comes Messi, here comes Ronaldo," he said.  

"It's scary to think there will be somebody better than Messi or Ronaldo but there will be somebody. 

He added: "And yes, there will be another Benni McCarthy. The only thing is, I can't tell you when. I don't think it's anytime soon because strikers and scoring goals in South Africa has always been a problem and I am sure coaches can cry day in and day out for the low percentage of conversion rate." 

"But, yes, we will see another Benni McCarthy. When? I can't tell you," concluded Fredericks. 

Only Katlego Mphela and Bernard Parker are anywhere near McCarthy and Bartlett's tallies with 23 goals each in the all-goal scoring charts for Bafana Bafana. 

However, Mphela has since retired from professional football while Parker is in the twilight of his career and hasn't been called up to the national team in a long time. 

South Africa's only hope thus far has been Percy Tau who has netted nine goals in 21 appearances for Bafana Bafana but he is yet to break into the top 10 of leading goalscorers for the national team. 

Tokelo Rantie and Siphiwe Tshabalala are the only 'active' players in the top 10 list with 12 goals each for Bafana.  

Apart from the likes of Tau, Bafana Bafana have Lebo Mothiba and Thembinkosi Lorch - the two attackers with huge potential to at least attempt to break McCarthy's record but they have struggled to score goals on regular basis in the past.  

Charles Okwemba believes he is ripe for top tier coaching from as soon as the 2020/21 season.

Former players turning to coaching is nothing new in football, with the likes of AFC Leopards coach Anthony Kimani stepping up into management after taking over from Rwandan tactician Andre Casa Mbungo in December last year.

Okwemba believes he will be able to handle the pressure associated with coaching once he gets the chance.

"Coaching comes automatically to most former players and I am not an exception," Okwemba told Goal on Tuesday.

"Actually, I have been doing it with lower teams, the latest being the now National Super League side Vihiga Bullets where I was the assistant coach to Edward Manoah.

"Coaching has massive pressure, but I am ready for it and the challenges coming along with it."

The 40-year-old refused, however, to name a specific team he would like to start his top flight career with in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL).

"I have qualifications to handle any team in the league, be it the top tier or NSL," Okwemba told Goal.

"Before leaving for Vihiga, I had offers which I did not take because there were some basics I needed to perfect.

"Now I am ready and whichever team comes first, I will for sure go with it. My main aim is to help the players get the right direction and fulfil their potential. It is time for me to give back to the community in a bigger way, and that is by improving lives."

In an earlier interview with Goal, the former Kenya international opined on what he feels lets down Kenyan football.

"I am a fighter and love football, but unprofessionalism from players, administrators and some fans piss me off," the former AFC Leopards player said.

"This is the reason why we are still struggling with our football, it almost made me quit. Football is administered casually, we have not taken it seriously. I collided with many players and tacticians but I stood my ground and kept performing to my level best."

Despite not winning the Kenyan Premier League title, Okwemba helped Leopards to win the Shield Cup in 2001, 2009 and 2013.
 

Liverpool’s Premier League title-winning efforts in 2020 mean that they will “always be remembered”, says Fabinho, with the record books having been rewritten by Jurgen Klopp’s side.

The Reds fell agonisingly short of claiming a domestic crown in 2019 as Manchester City pipped them to the post by a solitary point.

Rather than wallow in the pain of that disappointment, Klopp’s side dusted themselves down and landed Champions League glory.

Major silverware has been secured on a regular basis since then, with a 30-year wait for English top-flight supremacy brought to a close along the way.

With the men from Merseyside back on top of the global game, Fabinho believes the legacy of those who helped to return Liverpool to that perch will stand the test of time.

The Brazil international told the Reds’ official website: "We may not have realised this importance yet but I think we will always be remembered because we were the first Liverpool squad to win the championship since it became the Premier League. 

"This club has a lot of history and has won many trophies as well, but this one is perhaps a little bit more special due to the long period we've spent without a league title. 

"Liverpool supporters have been waiting for this title for a long time and unfortunately they could not be inside the stadium with us [due to coronavirus restrictions], but certainly everyone in their houses celebrated a lot. 

"We absolutely have to celebrate because the way we conquered, with the huge points difference between us and second place, is really something to celebrate."

Fabinho has seen the success enjoyed by Liverpool justify his decision to join the Reds in the summer of 2018 when he had other options to consider.

The versatile 26-year-old added on being at Anfield: "Liverpool is very important to me.

"When I decided to leave Monaco, I wanted to go to an important football club, that fought for huge goals, and here at Liverpool I managed to do all these things. 

"I've also arrived at a football club where the atmosphere and the squad are great. I've learnt a lot from the technical staff as well. 

"I've really managed to learn more at this club and understand the supporters' love closely. 

"So I am very grateful for all these experiences I've had living here and I hope to achieve more."

Jose Mourinho is “the best coach in the history of football”, according to Emmanuel Adebayor, with the Portuguese having enjoyed success wherever he has been in a distinguished managerial career.

The self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ burst onto the scene when guiding Porto to domestic and Champions League glory.

Premier League title triumphs were then savoured at Chelsea, before a historic treble was secured with Serie A giants Inter.

Mourinho went on to conquer La Liga with Real Madrid, before returning to England to get Chelsea back on top of things and claiming three trophies in his debut campaign at Manchester United.

The charismatic 57-year-old is now looking to deliver long-awaited silverware at Tottenham, with Adebayor considering him to be the perfect man for that job.

The ex-Spurs striker, who claimed Copa del Rey honours when working under Mourinho during a loan spell at Real in 2011, told AS of his former boss: “I love Mourinho, we had a great relationship and he was the one who brought me to Madrid, although it wasn't easy for him to find a place for me in the side.

“The only trophy I have ever won was at Madrid with him. Now he's at Tottenham and I wish him the best of luck.

“He is the best coach in the history of football.”

Adebayor spent only five months at Santiago Bernabeu, and has represented a number of other leading clubs, but considers his time in Spain to be a career highlight.

The 36-year-old Togolese, who was last on the books of Paraguayan side Olimpia, added: “I've played for Monaco, Arsenal and City, among other teams before coming to Madrid and so I could see the difference.

“Madrid is way ahead of the rest. I enjoyed a wonderful experience there. I love Real Madrid and I would like to go back and say my goodbyes when I get the chance.

“Signing for Madrid was the best moment of my life. But in the end, it was the place where I played the least football of my career - nevertheless it was the club which left the biggest mark on me.

“The organization was incredible, how I was treated, the affection from the fans... everything.”

Jean-Pierre Nsame has set a new goal scoring record in a single Swiss Super League season after scoring a brace in Young Boys' 3-1 win over St. Gallen.

The Cameroon international helped the Stade de Suisse outfit clinch their 14th league crown on Monday with his two first-half goals before his compatriot Moumi Ngamaleu sealed the victory in the 86th minute.

Nsame ended the 2019-20 Super League campaign with 32 goals after 32 games, to be become the all-time top scorer in a single Swiss top-flight season. He surpassed the previous record held by Ivory Coast's Seydou Doumbia who scored 30 goals in 32 league outings for Young Boys back in the 2009-10.

Nsame opened the scoring at the Stade de Suisse in the 14th minute and he doubled their lead eight minutes later. Towards the end of the first-half, Jeremy Guillemenot pulled a goal back for St. Gallen.

The Cameroonian forward was replaced by his compatriot Ngamaleu in the 63rd minute and the 26-year-old made his mark in the game by sealing the crucial win with his seventh goal of the season four minutes from time.

The victory ensured Young Boys hold an eight-point lead ahead of second-placed St. Gallen who gathered 68 points from 36 matches.

Nsame has been in fine goalscoring form since football activities in Switzerland restarted in June after the coronavirus hiatus, scoring 14 goals in 11 league matches.

The title is Nsame's third league crown with Young Boys since his arrival from rivals Servette in 2017.

On the international scene, the Douala-born striker has played two matches for Cameroon with his last outing dating back to June 2019 in a friendly match against Zambia ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Nsame was dropped from Clarence Seedorf’s selection for the biennial tournament, however, he will be hoping his scintillating form in front of goal earns him a recall to the Indomitable Lions.

Kenya international Joseph Okumu returned from injury as IF Elfsborg claimed a 3-3 draw against IK Sirius FK in a Swedish top flight match played on Monday.

The towering defender has been missing in action since he picked up an injury and was stretchered off during their 2-1 win against Kalmar FF, three weeks ago.

However, Okumu was given the opportunity to start after recovering from the injury and he featured for 70 minutes before being substituted.

Okumu., who suffered muscle problems, has confirmed to Goal his happiness of returning to action after staying out for at least three weeks.

“I feel great to play again, I am happy I was finally involved and the 70 minutes is not bad for a player who is coming from injury,” Okumu told Goal on Tuesday.

“I now want to cement my place in the team, as I had done before the injury, and help my team do well this season.”

The draw saw Okumu’s side move third on the 16-team table with 21 points from 12 matches, four fewer than table-toppers IFK Norrköping FK, who have played a similar number of matches while Malmö FF are second also on 25 points.

Okumu’s Elfsborg will next face AIK in another league match on Wednesday.

In a recent interview, Okumu revealed to Goal he would love to captain the national team sometime in the future.

The 23-year-old centre-back has been one of the rising stars in the country and his exceptional display in the 2019 Afcon held in Egypt sealed his place in the first XI.

The youngster played in all three matches in Group C - the 2-0 loss to Algeria before helping the team to a 3-2 win against close neighbours and rivals Tanzania and eventually losing 3-0 to Senegal.

"It is a dream for any player to captain his national team," Okumu told Goal when asked whether he wishes to skipper Harambee Stars in future.

"If an opportunity to [captain] the team comes my way, I will take it with both hands. It will be a privilege, but if it does not, my job is to give my country the best services and I will continue pushing myself harder on the pitch."

In 2017, the towering defender was released by South African side Free State Stars after barely one season.

Although he is suspended for the eagerly anticipated Nedbank Cup semi-finals against Mamelodi Sundowns this weekend, Bidvest Wits goalkeeper Ricardo Goss is confident they overcome his new team.

The former Golden Arrows netminder is on his way to Chloorkop next season after the Braamfontein-based side was sold to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM). 

Goss was handed an eight-match ban by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) in March and says he is not focusing on his big move to the reigning PSL champions, but rooting for Gavin Hunt’s men to lift the Ke Yona trophy.

Together with Sameehg Goss and Doutie, Goss was charged with assault following an altercation with match referee Masixole Bambiso during their 2-0 defeat to Cape Town City at Cape Town Stadium in January this year.

“Obviously it’s going to be a tough and difficult game for both teams. We’ve prepared well and we are ready for the game obviously we haven’t played in a long time but we are ready,” Goss told Goal.

“So, in terms of match fitness, I think we will be ready to go, and facing Mamelodi Sundowns is always tough. They are a good side with quality players – it’s going to be a really good game.

“We will have to do our best to win it and ensure we finish this one with silverware. I’m suspended for this game.

"I will be watching from the hotel but I just hope the guys will come up and give a good fight. It won’t be easy but we will give it our best shot.

“I feel if we give it our all we stand a good chance of winning it.”

Speaking about his next move and facing his new teammates, the 26-year-old shot-stopper says he is not looking beyond the current campaign and is focused on the Students.

“For now, I’m focusing on where I’m at [not on my move to Sundowns], I’m rooting for my boys to come with a win and end the season by winning this competition,” he added.

“I’m focusing on Bidvest Wits until the end of the season. As I said, it will be good to finish this season with silverware and we need to give the team a proper send-off.”

The encounter will be staged at Orlando Stadium in Soweto just after the other semi-final clash pitting Bloemfontein Celtic and Baroka at the same venue.

Iker Casillas has officially announced his retirement at the end of a 22-year playing career, with the legendary Real Madrid goalkeeper hanging up his gloves at the age of 39.

The World Cup winner has not taken in a competitive appearance since suffering a serious health scare in May 2019.

He recovered from a heart attack to rejoin the ranks at Porto and was named in their squad for the 2019-20 campaign.

Casillas has, however, now taken the decision to hang up his gloves as he seeks to move in a different direction away from the field.

He posted on social media: “The most important thing is the path you travel and the people who accompany you, not the destination that it takes you.

“I think I can say, without hesitation, that this has been the right path and the dream destination. Thanks.”

Casillas burst onto the scene as a teenager at Real Madrid and would go on to take in 725 appearances for the Blancos – helping them to five La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns.

He also captained his country to World Cup glory in 2010 and sandwiched that success with European Championship wins in 2008 and 2012.

A move away from his homeland took him to Portugal in 2015, with a further 156 outings and two more title triumphs secured with Porto.

Casillas is now looking to take on positions off the field, having announced his decision to run for the presidency of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), and will have many fond memories to look back on as he prepares to open a new chapter in his professional and personal life.

Recognising his efforts over the course of a stunning playing career, Real posted in a statement on their official website: “Real Madrid CF wants to show its appreciation, admiration and love for one of the greatest legends of our club and world football.

“The best goalkeeper in the history of Real Madrid and Spanish football came to our house when he was nine years old. Here our bond was formed and defended for 25 years, being forever one of our most iconic captains. Iker Casillas has earned the love of Real Madrid and is a benchmark of the values ​​that represent Real Madrid.
 
“Today, one of the most important footballers in our 118-year history, a player whom we love and admire, a goalkeeper who has enlarged the legend of Real Madrid with his work and exemplary behaviour both on and off the field, says goodbye as a professional player.

“With the first team he played 725 games during 16 seasons in which he won 19 titles: three European Cups, three Club World Cups, two European Super Cups, five Leagues, two King's Cups and four Spanish Super Cups.

“In Portugal, with Porto, he has achieved two Leagues, one Cup and one Super Cup. He has been an international with Spain on 167 occasions and has won one World Cup, two Euro Cups and one U-20 World Cup.
 
“Casillas was included in the FIFA FIFPro World XI five times and chosen as the best goalkeeper in the world by the IFFHS five times. 

“His impressive sports career has been recognised with the Prince of Asturias Award for Sports, the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Sports Merit, the Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sports Merit and the Gold Medal of the Community of Madrid.
 
“Casillas belongs to the heart of Real Madrid and will do so forever. Real Madrid wants to convey to him and his family the affection of our club, which is the club of his life.”

Odsonne Edouard is unlikely to end up at Arsenal if he does head for the exits at Celtic, claims Charlie Nicholas, with Leicester or Leeds considered to be more suitable landing spots.

The French forward continues to generate interest with his efforts in Scotland, with a hat-trick netted in the opening rounds of Premiership fixtures in 2020-21.

Edouard has proved to be a prolific source of goals for Celtic since making a move from Paris Saint-Germain and at 22 years of age is expected to have a bright future ahead of him.

Many have suggested that the Premier League could be his next port of call, with leading sides in England closely monitoring his progress.

Nicholas has previously talked up a potential switch to Emirates Stadium, with Arsenal still waiting to discover whether Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be committing to a new contract.

The former Celtic and Gunners forward has, however, changed his tune and now believes that a transfer to the King Power Stadium or Elland Road could be made ahead of a move to north London.

Nicholas told Express Sport: "I know Edouard is still under contract but the player still holds all the power.

"If he decides he wants to leave then it will happen, that has been shown with Moussa Dembele, Virgil van Dijk and Kieran Tierney in the past.

"For Edouard to leave I do think it would take a sizeable fee, whether that is £25 million or £30 million.

"People argue he is worth more than Tierney because he is a striker and he gets goals but the problem is that the market has changed dramatically post-Covid-19.

"I don't see Arsenal making a move for him but I could see Everton, West Bromwich Albion, Leeds United or Leicester City making bids.

"Leicester is the one of interest because Brendan Rodgers rates him so highly and was the one who signed him for Celtic.

"He knows he can trust Edouard to play the way he wants.

"That is important because I don't see him fitting into an Everton or a Newcastle, but he might suit a Leeds United and would also do well at Leicester.

"He has to go to a club that suits his style because he knows that when he does leave and goes to the Premier League he is probably walking into a £100,000-a-week contract.

"They have six weeks, which is a long time, to wait until the transfer window closes.

"If they can keep him then he is key to Celtic winning 10 and it is no secret that winning this league is everything to the club.

"If Edouard wants to leave then it will happen."