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Zambian side Napsa Stars have confirmed 19 of their members have tested positive for the coronavirus.

The number is the second-largest since Forest Rangers confirmed 28 of their members had tested positive for Covid-19 before the league restarted on July 18.

Buildcon and Zesco United each had two cases confirmed.

“Napsa Stars Football Club wish to inform its supporters and the football fraternity that on Monday, July 2020, Napsa Stars FC undertook Covid-19 tests in line with Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) directive to all clubs to undertake the tests before resuming the league,” Napsa Stars said in a document seen by Goal.

“The results of the tests came out yesterday [July 28] and a total of 19 players and officials [15 players and four staffs] tested positive for Covid-19. All the positive players and officials have so far gone on self-isolation in line with the Ministry of Health guidelines.

“The club is in touch with the Ministry of Health that these are closely monitored to avoid further spread of the virus. The rest of the team has continued with the preparations for the upcoming matches."

Napsa Stars board chairman Choka Nsofu called for proper adherence to prescribed health practises as the club confirmed their first cases.

“The health of our players and officials is of utmost importance to us,” said Nsofu.

“Therefore, we will continue to monitor our football activities under very strict health guidelines that are recommended by our health authorities and the Football Association of Zambia.

“I would like to make an appeal for our players, the fans and the general members of the football fraternity to adhere to all measures including wearing of masks, social distancing and hand sanitisation.”

The club, however, stated they are eager to honour their upcoming matches.

“Napsa Stars further commit to fulfilling its fixtures despite the current circumstances that have forced the team to make some important adjustments,” the statement concluded.

Zambian Super League fixtures are expected to continue being honoured as Green Eagles will face off with Zanaco FC on July 29 at Independence Stadium in Choma.

On July 31, Napsa Stars will host Buildcon at Woodlands Stadium while on Saturday, four matches will be played.

Lusaka Dynamos will be up against league champions Zesco United at Nkoloma Stadium, and the Red Arrows vs Nkana FC clash will be the second match at the same venue.

A single match has been scheduled for Lumwana Stadium with Lumwana Radiants hosting Kabwe Warriors while the Kansanshi Dynamos vs Green Eagles tie will be played at Independence Stadium in Solwezi.

On August 2, Green Buffaloes will host KYSA at Edwin Imboela in Lusaka, Mufulira Wanderers will play Nkwazi at Shinde Stadium while the Nakambala Leopards against Zanaco encounter will be hosted at Nakambala Mazabuka.

Finally, the Power Dynamos vs Forest Rangers match will be played at Arthur Davies Stadium.

Rivaldo says a return to the Premier League is the "best option" for Philippe Coutinho to take this summer, and that the Barcelona flop "could be a regular starter" at Arsenal or Tottenham next season.

Coutinho is due to head back to Barca at the end of the season following a loan spell at Bayern Munich, who have already decided against signing the midfielder on a permanent deal.

Quique Setien, who inherited the managerial reins at Camp Nou in January, insisted that the 28-year-old could be a part of his plans for next season when addressing speculation over his future during the coronavirus-enforced lockdown.

However, Coutinho's agent revealed this week that there's been "a lot of genuine interest" in his client over the past few months, and that he would like to secure a move back to England if he is forced out of Barcelona.

Kia Joorabchian told talkSPORT  of the Brazil international's current situation: "We've not kept it a secret that he wants to come back to the Premier League if he can.

“He adores playing in the Premier League and I think it's one of his priorities, but he's also not against staying in Barcelona so it's very open."

Coutinho established himself as one of the finest young playmakers in Europe during a five-year stint at Liverpool before joining Barcelona for £142 million ($184m) in January 2018.

However, he hasn't been able to reach the same heights in Spain, and Rivaldo thinks he would be wise to retrace his steps.

Arsenal and Tottenham have been among a number of clubs credited with an interest in Coutinho this year, although no formal offers have been submitted as yet.

Rivaldo is adamant that his fellow countryman would fit in well at either club, and has also suggested Leicester as another potential next destination.

"Philippe Coutinho will soon return from his loan at Bayern to Barcelona but I doubt he can revive his career there," the Barca legend told Betfair.

"His best option could be returning to English football where he spent the best seasons of his career and in which his qualities seem to be best suited, as he proved at Liverpool when he was one of the best players in the Premier League.

"At Arsenal, Tottenham or Leicester, Coutinho could be a regular starter next season. It would be a good opportunity for the Brazilian to rediscover his best form and show that he continues to be an excellent player who belongs to the elite."

Wilfried Zaha is proud to see the likes of Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford being vocal in the fight against racial discrimination but believes social media platforms must do more to tackle abuse.

Crystal Palace winger Zaha has long been targeted by racist trolls online, revealing he was first sent abusive messages approximately 10 years ago.

With social media platforms growing in popularity over the past decade, it has become something of a regular occurrence to see top-level athletes sharing screenshots of abuse they have received.

England internationals Sterling and Rashford have both found themselves in such scenarios, while Zaha took similar action earlier in July – with a 12-year-old boy arrested on that occasion.

The current generation of players are taking a stand, highlighting abuse in hope of creating change, and Zaha is glad to be witnessing such action.

"Yes, we are [aiming to effect change]," he told CNN Sport . "I'm so happy when I see these other young black players just not having it anymore.

"I'm proud to see it because it's been too long. You can't just sit back and accept it. Enough is enough.

"How are you cheering me when I'm scoring? Then if I'm not doing what you're happy with, I'm a monkey again? How does that make any sense?

"So, I'm proud to see Raheem and Marcus speaking up and making a change."

But Zaha is convinced social media companies must take greater responsibility with respect to eliminating racist abuse.

"Even after the 12-year-old, I reported 50 accounts that I was racially abused from that week," Zaha added. "What happens? Those accounts get blocked then they just make a new one straight afterwards?

"With everything that we register for these days, we have to give some sort of I.D. Why is it not the same for Instagram, or Twitter? Because that's where people tend to say what they really feel about people, no matter how hurtful or racist it is.

"I've gone through my Instagram account and there's a section where you can block certain words.

"I've had to go and write racist words that I don't want to see on my account - the monkey sign, 'black this', 'black that'. All of it. I've tried myself because the social media platforms are obviously not doing enough.

"I know I speak for the majority of people going through this. I've seen Ian Wright and Raheem speak about it. It's not okay. Things have to be done. Words are not enough now. No more statements.

"You can register as a nine-year-old on Instagram and they [the company] wouldn't know. What age is it to register? Thirteen. The boy who abused me is 12. How does he even get on there? What checks are they making?"

Following the Premier League's resumption in June, the competition supported the Black Lives Matter movement, which gained traction after George Floyd – an African-American man – died in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25.

Club jerseys were adorned with a 'Black Lives Matter' patch, while all players and officials took a knee at the start of every match until the end of the season, but Zaha is bemused that such lengths have to be taken in 2020.

"We shouldn't have to put Black Lives Matter to show that we matter on the back of our shirts," he continued.

"It's 2020. Why is it even in dispute? We shouldn't still be sat here saying we matter and giving reasons why.

"So, yes, it's nice to see this effort now being put towards it, but I hope that pressure is sustained. There's no point me having a full-blown interview here and then going back to racial abuse on my phone again."

Neymar "could easily claim" three Ballon d'Or awards before he retires, according to Rivaldo, who says the Paris Saint-Germain star is on track to "become the best in the world".

After four successful seasons at Barcelona, Neymar became the most expensive player in history when he completed a €222 million (£200m/$260m) move to PSG in the summer of 2017.

The 28-year-old has since scored 70 goals in 81 appearances for the club, while picking up three Ligue 1 winners' medals.

However, he has yet to fully justify PSG's initial investment amid persistent struggles with injury and disciplinary issues away from the pitch.

Neymar made no secret of his discontent after a frustrating 2018-19 campaign, and pushed for a return to Barca, but the Spanish champions were unable to agree on a final fee with PSG.

The Brazil international was forced to stay put as a result, and his fitness problems continued in the first half of the new season, before he appeared to reach a turning point in his Parc des Princes career.

Since the turn of the year, the ex-Barca talisman has knuckled down in a bid to rediscover his best form, with his standout performances coming in a last-16 Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund.

Neymar scored decisive goals in both legs as PSG advanced to the quarter-finals, and he also netted the winner in the French Cup final last week, which marked the club's first game back since returning from lockdown.

Thomas Tuchel's men could go on to secure an unprecedented treble when the Champions League resumes next month, and Rivaldo believes his compatriot is finally ready to fulfil his full potential.

"Neymar has been receiving plaudits for the way he is focusing on his football. His attitude seems to be just right at the moment and that can only bode well for PSG in the Champions League," the former Brazil and Barcelona midfielder wrote in his latest column for Betfair.

"He's already 28-years-old, so perhaps he felt it was time to concentrate on being again that sensational player who could easily claim a Ballon d'Or or, in my view, two or three.

"It's not easy for a player to exclusively focus on football when they're surrounded by so much noise and distraction. But Neymar looks more controlled in his behaviour now and he's only showing up on the news for his achievements on the pitch which makes me very happy.

"I'm a great admirer of Neymar and I want him to become the best in the world. I believe that can happen naturally if he manages to keep this new attitude from now on as he is clearly on the right path."

Crystal Palace skipper Luka Milivojevic has challenged striker Jordan Ayew to replicate his fine 2019-20 form next season.

The Ghana international capped a good campaign with a treble of honours when The Eagles held their annual End of Season Awards on Tuesday.

After scoring nine times to finish as the club's top scorer, Ayew won the Palace Player of the Season, Players' Player of the Season and the Goal of the Season awards.

"When you win Players’ Player of the Season, that has the biggest vote in my opinion," Milivojevic said, as reported by his club's official website.

"It’s something you deserve this season. I think you’ve been amazing, you deserve it, so congratulations and hope to repeat again next season - we need you!"

Ayew's nine-goal haul saw him become Ghana's all-time top scorer in the Premier League, with 25 goals.

“Jordan Ayew has really improved and as the Black Stars coach I am very proud of him. Jordan’s progression has been a very good example, especially for the young players” Ghana CK Akonnor told local radio outfit Angel FM on Ayew's latest achievement.

The forward made 39 Premier League appearances last season, starting in each of the games.

It was a massive improvement on his first term where he netted just once in 20 outings involving 13 starts.

“I’ve worked so hard to get into the team and I think the first season I came into this team wasn’t the best but the club had faith in me, the club wanted me to stay and I wanted to stay as well,” Ayew said after picking up his awards.

"I had the desire to have a better season and things have gone so well. I’m just grateful.

"I want to thank everyone at the football club; I want to thank the fans especially, they’ve been massive for us this season, for me especially they’ve been massive. I’d like to thank all the people that supported me within the difficult moments that I had in my football career.

"When I have this type of award I just think of my family and obviously of the fans. And one man that’s been so influential in my football career: that’s [mentor and former Olympique de Marseille [president] Pape Diouf. I lost him within the period of Covid-19 and he passed away, I wish he was still here so I could present him this."

Ayew has previously played for Swansea City and Aston Villa as well as French sides Olympique Marseille, Sochaux and Lorient.

Kyetume FC goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa has revealed his desire to sign for Ugandan Premier League (UPL) champions Vipers SC.

Mutakubwa has been on the Venom's radar for quite some time now and his latest revelations might have just confirmed he will join them with Kyetume also reportedly keen to engage potential suitors.

The goalkeeper is said to have also attracted interests from Express FC and Zanaco of the Zambian Super League.

“It would be every player’s dream come true to feature for their favourite club,” Mutakubwa told Sports Nation concerning the Vipers move.

“However, until the deal is done, I won’t say more about that.”

Mutakubwa is serving the last year of his Kyetume contract and could be a future replacement for Fabian Mutombora at Vipers.

He managed 11 clean sheets during the 2019/20 season and a string of good performances saw coach Johnathan McKinstry give him a national team call for the Cecafa Senior Challenge in 2019.

Uganda won the title at home to take their tally of the regional titles to 15.

“Generally, I would say I didn’t meet my expectations last season because I had set my goals but unfortunately they weren’t met,” he concluded.

“However, I was very happy to be summoned to the national team because I always wished to feature for my country.

“I just wish to improve on my previous performance and to be recalled to the national team and compete.”

Meanwhile, Busoga United’s Jerome Kirya has listed three achievements he would like to enjoy soon.

“I have a lot of dreams for my football career and among those are playing professional football, winning the league and earning a national team call up,” Kirya told Football256.

“I know it is a hard journey, but I trust in God and everything is possible if you trust the Lord, I am confident I will make it.” 

Kirya had a success story during his time as a student as he led Jinja SSS to their first Copa Coca-Cola title.

“Winning the Copa Coca-Cola trophy for Jinja SSS as captain and playing with some senior players in the same team during the inaugural Fufa Drum tournament with the likes of Denis Isinde, Boban Zirintusa, David Bagoole, Aggrey Madoi rank as my best moments so far as a footballer,” the attacking midfielder added.

The star also picked individuals he says have been key to his career development.

“I have passed through thick and thin but I can’t fail to thank my teachers of the game, coach Zungu Hassan, Charles Ayiekho, coach Denis and Wasswa at Busoga United and Jinja SSS respectively.

“I always would also like to appreciate coach Robert Kabanda and Douglas Ssemanda who believed in me and gave me a chance at Kitende SSS to feature for the school team.

"They gave me a challenge that moulded me to who I am.”

Kirya played in 17 out of the 25 Premier League games before the season was cancelled.

Gor Mahia coach Steven Polack has clarified midfielder Kenneth Muguna is still a player of the club until next year.

The K’Ogalo captain has in recent weeks been linked with a move away from the club, with other reports indicating he has walked away and will not be at the club for the new season.

Polack has now told Goal the former Western Stima player is still a Gor Mahia player and has a running contract with them.

“Muguna has an 18-month contract remaining at Gor Mahia and so he cannot walk away just like that, it will not be possible,” Polack told Goal when asked about the situation of his captain.

“I have not heard from him whether he wants to leave, he has not told anyone in the club he wants to leave, I have just read stories Muguna is leaving Gor Mahia, but as far as I know, he has a running contract with us and he is part of my plans for the new season.”

Polack continued: “But sometimes we have to understand these players, you know we also have Fifa rules which are very clear, maybe if your club fails to pay you for three months, then you become a free agent unless Muguna is referring to that situation because you know the club is struggling to pay salaries to players and the technical staff.”

On why Gor Mahia released winger Dickson Ambundo, Polack explained: “It was on mutual agreement, I think both parties agreed not to renew the contract which had already run down and I want to wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

Gor Mahia have not been actively involved in the current transfer window only managing to sign keeper Levis Opiyo from promoted side Nairobi City Stars.

Polack believes Opiyo is a good addition to the team now they have also released young custodian Patrick Odhiambo, who has been linked with a transfer move to Wazito FC.

“[Opiyo] is a good signing, I watched him play on several occasions last season and I know he can step up and play for a big club like Gor Mahia, but for Peter [Odhiambo], he demanded to leave for playing time and we could not stop him.”

Muguna has been linked with moves to Tanzanian giants Simba SC and Young Africans (Yanga SC).

Ghana coach CK Akonnor has disclosed the Football Association (GFA) have still not been able to win over former Real Valladolid defender Mohammed Salisu to play for the Black Stars.

The 21-year-old, who is on the verge of joining English side Southampton, caught attention with a series of outstanding performances in the Spanish La Liga last season, reportedly attracting interest from Manchester United and Atletico Madrid.

Ghana's national team management quickly moved to hand him an international opportunity but the centre-back turned down his first call-up last November and has still not made himself available for national duty for the Black Stars.

“Yes, we’ve tried to reach out to him [Salisu Mohammed] but we’ve been unsuccessful," Akonnor has told Angel TV.

After Salisu announced his breakthrough with fine performances in La Liga last season, then Ghana coach James Kwasi Appiah handed the centre-back a first call-up for a 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying double-header against South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe in November.

The Valladolid man, however, pulled out of the games, citing an injury as his reason.

In March this year, new Ghana coach Akonnor shockingly left Salisu out of a 23-man roster for an Afcon qualifying clash with Sudan, revealing he had been unsuccessful in making contact with the player.

The revelation generated controversy as many questioned the player's patriotism while others speculated a possible international future with Spain as the reason behind his perceived lack of interest.

“With Salisu, I tried to get into contact with him, that didn’t work,” Akonnor said at March's press briefing after announcing his first-ever squad as Ghana coach.

“The last time we played South Africa [and Sao Tome and Principe] he was invited [but] he didn’t come. I’m still in contact with him trying to find out his reasons.”

Salisu only left Ghana in 2017, joining Valladolid from the African Talent Football Academy.

He made 13 league appearances for the Spanish side's B Team in his first season, and doubled the number of outings in 2018-19.

He was drafted into the first team last season and he did not disappoint as he played 31 times in La Liga, starting 30 of the games, scoring once and providing one assist. 

Former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns defender Siyanda Xulu has officially joined Hapoel Tel Aviv. 

According to Xulu's agent Paul Mitchell, the 28-year-old has signed a two-year deal with an option to renew for another year.

"He's signed for Hapoel. It's a two-year deal with an option," Mitchell told Goal. 

"Of course he hasn't travelled to Israel because of the current situation but the deal is done. His new club has announced it as well," he said. 

Mitchell confirmed that Xulu had offers both locally and abroad but he feels the move to Israel is the best for the South Africa international. 

Prior to leaving Maritzburg United, Xulu was heavily linked with a return to Gauteng with Orlando Pirates touted as his possible destination but nothing came out of the rumours.     

"Obviously, he left Maritzburg United on a free. We had a couple of options including him staying there until the end of the season but it didn't happen. 

"But we are happy with the move to Hapoel. It's good for his career," he continued. 

"He had a couple of offers both locally and abroad but we chose Hapoel," concluded Mitchell. 

Xulu returns abroad for the first time since 2015 when he joined Amakhosi on a free transfer from FC Rostov.

The lanky defender had a frustrating two-year stint at Naturena where he struggled for game time during the Steve Komphela era.

He was limited to just 10 appearances across all competitions before Amakhosi decided to let him go in 2017.

Maritzburg United then handed him a lifeline to revive his career, and he did just that, making 89 appearances and scoring four times for them. 

At one stage, Maritzburg United made Xulu the club's captain and he hardly put his foot wrong as he proved just why he was regarded as one of the best defenders in the country. 

His performances at the Team of Choice earned him a return to the Bafana Bafana setup in 2018. 

It was under the stewardship of Stuart Baxter that the Bafana Bafana technical team decided to make Xulu the team's captain at the Cosafa Cup tournament. 

Jose Mourinho has taken a light-hearted swipe at Bruno Fernandes for his Manchester United penalty record, joking that the midfielder "had about 20 to score" in the second half of the season.

United set a new Premier League record for the most penalties won in a single campaign when Anthony Martial was brought down in the box during a crunch clash with Leicester on Sunday.

Fernandes, a €55 million (£50m/$65m) January signing, stepped up to convert the Red Devils' 14th spot-kick of 2019-20, which set them on their way to a 2-0 victory at the King Power Stadium.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men secured third place and Champions League qualification as a result, while extending their unbeaten run in the top flight to 14 matches.

United have picked up more points than any other Premier League side since Fernandes' arrival from Sporting CP, with the Portuguese recording 10 goals and eight assists in his first 20 appearances for the club in all competitions.

However, six of the 25-year-old's efforts have come from the penalty spot, and it has been suggested that the Red Devils have benefitted from a number of contentious refereeing decisions and VAR interventions since returning from lockdown in June.

One such incident took place when Solskjaer's men earned a 1-1 draw away at Tottenham last month, with Fernandes scoring an equaliser from 12 yards to cancel out Steven Bergwijn's opener.

Mourinho, who managed United between 2016 and 2018, made it clear post-match that he did not believe that Eric Dier's challenge on Paul Pogba warranted a penalty, and also criticised Fernandes for trying to win another spot-kick late in the game.

The Spurs head coach reignited the row with his former club before embarking on his summer holidays, while fielding questions on the impact Fernandes has had at Old Trafford over the past seven months.

Mourinho told Portuguese publication Record: “Bruno came in, was fit, played very well, improved the United team and also proved to be a great penalty taker, one of the best in the world, because he had about 20 to score."

Fernandes will be back in action with the rest of the United squad when the Europa League resumes next month.

Solskjaer's team beat LASK 5-0 in the first leg of their round of 16 tie back in March, and a last-eight showdown against either İstanbul Basaksehir or Copenhagen awaits if they finish the job at Old Trafford on August 5.

Yanga SC assistant captain Juma Abdul has explained how the departure of Luc Eymael will affect them.

Abdul said the sacking of the controversial Belgian will have effects on Timu Ya Wananchi going forward especially because the players and the coach had forged a close relationship.

“We have been affected by [Luc] Eymael's departure because as players we lived with him in good terms and as a family, when one of you leaves it is always hurting,” Abdul told Mwanaspoti.

“But all in all, life has to go on and I believe the club is in the process of looking for another coach. That is right because we have a short period before the next campaign starts.

“It is not going to be easy because it is always not right to have a new coach just before the next season begins. It will take time before the players understand his [new coach's] playing style and philosophy.

“That is why it is always ideal to have a coach for at least one year as that will help the players understand the coach and play as he wants.”

“I also understand that Yanga are going to make a lot of changes and it means many players will leave and many will consequently be signed.

“The new ones will come and join those who are left under a new coach and that is where the problem will be.”

The 27-year old defender has also called on the team’s leadership to ensure they scout and hire the best coach as well as players in order to have a successful 2020/21 season.

“What I am telling the club's management is to look for a coach who is of international standard and who we will easily get to understand in the shortest period possible,” he added

“They also need to sign better players in order to avoid the kind of instability we witnessed in the previous season.

“If better players are going to arrive and gel together with the rest of the squad, we will be far better going forward.”

Eymael was hired early in the year to replace Mwinyi Zahera who had been sacked for poor results especially in the Caf Champions League.

Former Manchester United scout Jorge Alvial has revealed that the Red Devils passed up the chance to sign Christian Pulisic when he was still a youngster on Borussia Dortmund's books.

Pulisic rose through the youth ranks at Dortmund before graduating to the senior squad in 2016, and went on to score 19 goals in 127 appearances for the club.

Chelsea were impressed enough to invest £58 million ($75m) into the United States international's potential last year, which he has gradually paid back over the course of an encouraging first year in the Premier League.

Pulisic has contributed 10 goals and 10 assists to the Blues' cause in his first 33 outings for the club, earning comparisons with club legend Eden Hazard, who joined Real Madrid in 2019.

The 21-year-old is already being tipped for a bright future at the very highest level, but Alvial has not been surprised by his rapid rise to prominence.

The Chilean worked as United's head international scout for two-and-a-half years, and he quickly set about trying to convince the board of Pulisic's unique talents.

"When I first got hired one of the people that I recommended right away was Pulisic because I knew him and his background," Alvial told the Manchester Evening News.

"I knew how well he was developing in Dortmund and he was just going to keep coming up, and become a superstar because he was doing very well.

"I have always believed in him, we always have kept close contact with his father, and I called him to say I was recommending him to Manchester United.

"So it was many times that I did recommend him, but at the same time because I was only doing North America, it wasn't my region because he was playing in Germany. We all had a list of targets and I had him first along with Alphonso Davies.

"Highly, highly recommended for them to sign him, and I know also the German scout was very into him, he really liked him too.

"It wasn't a case of 'look at this kid', it was 'sign this kid'.

"When I recommend a player usually it is an example of a player that I feel has tremendous potential.

"For Pulisic I jumped many levels that we are supposed to do and I went directly to the head scout and said: 'Listen, this player is extraordinary we need to see him right away and we need to make a decision right away because if we don't someone else is going to see him, and is going to beat us,' which has also happened with Alphonso."

Alvial could only speculate on the reasons behind United's decision not to submit an offer for Pulisic, but he suspects that the club had reservations over the winger's ability to perform in a major European league.

The ex-Red Devils official also expressed his belief that the ex-Dortmund star could follow in the footsteps of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo if he continues on his current trajectory, as he added: "I think United, and I'm just guessing because I don't know the reason, but it is the same mentality of 'this kid is an American, is he really ready to play in the big league?' Which I had no doubts, but it was one of the discussions we had.

"If he was coming from the US then I can see their point, but he was coming from Germany and he was doing tremendously well. I mean he went to play against Real Madrid and did tremendously well, and he is still just growing. He has got another four years of development.

"So that is how I look at a player, I don't look at him in the moment, I look at the progression he is going to go through. If he is doing what he is doing now at a young age imagine if he is coached, if he gets developed. He is just going to explode.

"He is one of those boys that the more he watches the geniuses like Messi or Ronaldo, he learns from them and he can do something just as good because he knows he has the talent to do it. He is a unique player."

Japhet Tanganga is aiming to keep improving at Tottenham Hotspur and give his best when called upon by manager Jose Mourinho.

The 21-year-old signed a new long-term contract with Spurs alongside teammates Eric Dier and Oliver Skipp - a deal that will keep him at the club until 2025.

The academy graduate made 11 appearances for the London club in the 2019-20 season after making his senior competitive debut against Colchester United in the EFL Cup last September.

Mourinho also handed the defender, who is of Congolese descent, his Premier League bow as a substitute at home to Liverpool in January and he was named man of the match in an FA Cup defeat of Middlesbrough three days later.

For the youngster, he is hoping to become a regular in Mourinho’s squad in seasons to come and follow in the footsteps of the likes of Harry Kane and Harry Winks who graduated from the academy to become mainstays of the club.

“I’ve already said to some people, this is definitely a year I’ll never forget,” Tanganga told club website.

“Credit to the Academy staff, they’ve prepared us for moments like this. They’ve helped us a lot.

“For me, a lot of it is about showing the characteristics that I knew I had before, and other stuff I’ve shown as well that I never thought I had. It’s been an experience I’ll never forget.

“I’ll work on becoming a better player each day, take it day by day and when I’m called upon by the manager to play, make sure I give good performances.”

Despite representing England at U16, U17, U18, U19 and U20 levels, Tanganga is eligible to represent Congo at the senior level having been born to Congolese parents.

With Jan Vertonghen confirming his departure from Spurs, it could be an opportunity for the defender to break into Mourinho’s first team as the London outfit aspire to improve on their sixth place finish in last season's EPL.

Young Africans (Yanga SC) assistant coach Boniface Mkwasa has waded into the saga surrounding the sacking of Luc Eymael stating the coach was ‘very arrogant and disrespectful’.

The 60-year-old Belgian coach was shown the exit door by the Jangwani Street-based giants after a video of him allegedly making demeaning comments about Tanzanians and especially Timu Ya Wananchi supporters leaked to the public.

Mkwasa, who worked under the former AFC Leopards coach, has now revealed his sacking was long overdue because they had endured tough times working under him as he was very abusive.

“Abusive language was part of his [Eymael] life, those things were not known outside but I think everyone has figured out what kind of a person he was,” Mkwasa is quoted by Daily News.

With three matches remaining to the end of the season, Mkwasa fell out with Eymael, a move that forced him to miss subsequent matches in the Mainland Premier League against Mtibwa Sugar in Morogoro and Lipuli FC Iringa.

Mkwasa has now admitted he indeed, had issues with the Belgian trainer because he could not listen to their advice and regularly used abusive language against them.

“For the interest of the club and to avoid causing uncertainties, I chose to step aside and let them go to honour the two matches. That is how it was,” Mkwasa continued.

Mkwasa went further to support the decision by the club to fire Eymael insisting he even used abusive language to players during training sessions but nobody could bring it out to the public domain while the coach was still in place.

“Even during games, he used to insult players as well as match officials, and on several occasions, we were preventing him to do that in order to save him from being fined,” Mkwasa explained.

“Football is always a fair game as such; There was no need for him to insult players, Yanga fans, and the whole public. My contract with Yanga is due to end next month and thereafter, I will decide which way to go but now, I cannot accept to work as an assistant coach.

“Initially, I agreed to work as an assistant because I wanted to learn other coaching tactics from him but later, I realised that I made a bad decision, otherwise, I could have just stayed at home had I known his behavior.”

In a previous interview with Goal, Eymael has, however, defended himself from the racist allegations claiming he has never been a racist and never will be.

“I am not a racist, and you know that very well,” Eymael told Goal. “I have coached in Africa for the last ten years and my record is there to speak for itself, I have never gone to the extent of being a racist because I am not a racist.

“I don’t want to dwell on what happened, because it already happened, I apologised immediately to Yanga fans and Tanzanian people because of the comments and now it is time to move on.

“You can see even some players from Yanga are supporting me, even those I worked with in Kenya are behind me, because they know I am not a racist, this issue has been too much for me now, and gone too far, it is even destroying my family and kids.

“I don’t want to talk anything about it anymore.”

Eymael has previously worked in South Africa, Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia. 

Gor Mahia coach Steven Polack has maintained he will only go for his transfer targets this window when the club sorts out the financial issues currently facing them.

Despite signing a five-year sponsorship deal worth Ksh50million with betting firm BetSafe, Gor Mahia are still struggling financially because one clause in the sponsorship package states the club can only receive money from their partners when the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) kicks-off.

And with uncertainty still surrounding the kick-off date for the new season, coach Polack has told Goal Gor Mahia still don’t have the financial muscle to effectively plunge into the transfer market and get their preferred targets ahead of the new season.

Asked when the club will unveil their first signing, Polack told Goal: “Woou!!!, that is a good question, you are asking about my first signing? That can only be done when we sort out our financial problems.

“I have several players who are interested to come and play for us but you can only bring them on board if you have the money to pay them, hopefully, we will have them sign soon but like I said before, we must sort out our financial predicaments first, and then think about new signings.

“We need to sort the financial side, we must make sure that all the arrears for the current playing unit and the technical bench is sorted out and make sure everybody in the squad receives what they are owed, I don’t care how long it takes, but that is the area we must rectify first.”

Polack continued: “You cannot go out there and sign new personnel when you have not paid the personnel that you already have, it will not make sense and I will not support that, first of all sort out the money issues with the people you have before you start looking for new staff members.

“First of all we need to make sure the personnel which is already here are sorted and happy and are ready for the new season, then thereafter, you can ask me about my new signing, we have spoken to players, yes they are interested to come, yes they know our situation but I am not ready to welcome them here if the ones I have are not happy.”

By virtue of being declared the 2019-20 champions when the league was ended owing to the coronavirus pandemic, Gor Mahia will carry Kenya’s flag in the Caf Champions League.

The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) have stated they have done enough renovation work to the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Sumbawanga, Rukwa, which will host the final of the FA Cup between Simba SC and Namungo FC on August 2.

Simba, who were declared Mainland Premier League champions with six matches to spare, will be seeking to seal a double when they play Namungo, who finished fourth in the league table.

Simba beat rivals Young Africans (Yanga SC) 4-1 to reach the final while Namungo eliminated Division One side Sahare All-Stars after a 2-0 win.

While many Tanzanians had expected the final to be played at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, TFF opted to take the final to Sumbawanga and have now confirmed they have done 89 percent work to the playing surface ahead of the final.

The venue’s Competition Director Salum Madadi has assured the match day venue will be ready for the final.

“I can see the renovation work reaching 89 percent complete because we have not yet installed goal posts and technical bench dug out but much of the work is almost over,” Madadi is quoted by Daily News.

Madadi also confirmed in the next days, experts will work on the remaining renovation work which includes trimming of the grass on the pitch before marking it.

“Our expectation is we will have another extraordinary final on the day as such, people should flock the venue to watch the match,” Madadi continued.

In a recent interview, TFF President Wallace Karia defended the move to shift the final to Rukwa from National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

“It is true we always use the National Stadium for our domestic Cup final but we should also use the other venues which are outside the City,” Karia told reporters after watching a Division One play-off battle.

“We want to take the game to the people outside there, and we have done our homework and the venue will be ready for the final, it is a final like any other and I don’t see any problem if it is played in Rukwa.”

Even if Namungo suffers defeat in the final, they have already sealed a ticket to represent the country in the Caf Confederation Cup next season.

Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland says that his side have to match the ferocious consistency of Bayern Munich if they are to achieve his goal and win the Bundesliga.

The Norway international striker has proven a roaring success since joining Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg in January, scoring 13 times and creating three more in just 15 Bundesliga appearances.

But if the individual performance of the 20-year-old was strong, it was not quite matched by his side, who lost four of their last 17 games to finish a distant 13 points behind champions Bayern, who won their eighth title in succession.

While that record is certainly no disgrace, it was not sufficient to offer Hansi Flick’s side a serious challenge – and Haaland recognises that is something that will need to change if the gap is to be successfully bridged.

“We have the quality to become champions but talking alone is not enough,” he told Sport Bild . “Bayern have distinguished themselves by their incredible consistency.

"We have to continue our development in the second half of the season and we want to be even more successful next year.”

Haaland’s individual displays have already earned him talk of a move to an even bigger club – Real Madrid have notably been mentioned, along with Manchester United, who previously had an interest in him – but he has reiterated that he has no interest in departing.

“I have a long-term contract here until 2024. In any case, it is my big goal to win BVB the title and to celebrate fantastic successes with our fans,” he said.

Having a mindset close to that of head coach Lucien Favre will help, he believes.

“We are similar because we are both calm guys, but fully focused on things that can make our team better,” he said.

Knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain at the last-16 stage, Dortmund are currently on their summer break, though the Bundesliga is due to get up and running again in the autumn, with fixtures in the top two tiers of German football slated to get underway from Friday, September 18.

Hulk has revealed that he has received offers from England, Spain and Italy ahead of his Shanghai SIPG exit at the end of the year.

Shanghai lured Hulk to the Chinese Super League from Zenit St. Petersburg for an Asian record fee of £45 million ($58m) back in 2016, as the Brazilian turned his back on European football after four years in Russia.

The mercurial attacker reportedly signed a deal worth £320,000 per week at Shanghai Stadium, and he faced plenty of criticism for putting a big payday ahead of his legacy at the highest level after the transfer.

Hulk has since scored an impressive 69 goals in 126 outings for the club, while adding a league title and domestic cup to his trophy collection.

The 34-year-old's four-year spell in the far east will finally draw to a close on December 31, at which point he will become available on a free transfer.

Before he joined Zenit from Porto in 2012, Hulk was linked with a number of top clubs across Europe, including Chelsea, Manchester United and Monaco.

The former Brazil international says he will have plenty of potential suitors lining up for his signature once again in January, with a move to the Premier League still very much a possibility.

"I am listening to many proposals from Brazil and many places including in Europe," Hulk told Lance. "[I have offers from] Turkey, Portugal, England, Spain, Italy, Germany - and I also have an offer from China.

"Every day more new proposals arrive. I thank God I have a name that's very strong in the market."

The ex-Porto star went on to insist that he is not motivated by financial gain as he outlined his ambitions for the remaining years of his professional career.

"I will not put money ahead of football," said Hulk. "I am talking to God to make the best decision, be very happy and continue my career.

"Where I went, I made history. I ask God to bless me and I keep writing this beautiful story in football."

The veteran striker added on the prospect of a potential return to his homeland with Palmeiras, the club he has supported since his youth: "I have a special affection for this team, but I cannot say that, in January, I will be in Palmeiras or not.

"I don't want to fool anyone. I'm very professional, I would play in any club. If I go to Brazil, being Palmeiras or any other team, I will make sure I give my best.

"On the field, I will leave everything there and give my life to help the team, whatever it is. I do it out of passion." 

Kaizer Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung says they are “not panicking” at the face of a difficult Premier Soccer League (PSL) title race that awaits them.

Football in South Africa was finally given thumbs up to resume after a coronavirus-induced break from March.

The Nedbank Cup semifinals will be the first matches of the restart on August 8 with Mamelodi Sundowns taking on Bloemfontein Celtic, before Bidvest Wits clash against Baroka FC.

Three days later, the PSL race resumes as log leaders Chiefs gun for their first league title since 2015.

But they face real threat from second-placed Sundowns who are four points behind, having played a game less than Amakhosi.

Concerns have been raised that the lengthy break might have killed most teams’ rhythm, especially the title-chasing sides and those fighting against relegation.

But Motaung is unfazed at the prospect that they might find the team's title momentum being disrupted.

“Of course we are happy that we are returning,” Motaung told Sowetan Live.

“And obviously we have been preparing since we were allowed to start training. So we are all in full swing. So we have been patient at Kaizer Chiefs, looking at the regulations, looking at the changes that have been going up and down. We have always been patient and waiting for the right direction.

“So we were not really panicking as such. The players have been focused on the preparations. So it’s not like we have been poking our nose into the whole thing.”

Tough fixtures await Chiefs who will have to face Bidvest Wits twice in their remaining eight league games.

Further making the title race interesting is that Chiefs will also play Sundowns in what promises to be a blockbuster encounter.

Sundowns also have Orlando Pirates on their itinerary as Chiefs might be unusually rooting for their Soweto rivals in that particular fixture.

It is a testing moment that lies ahead for Chiefs whose manager says they will not use the long break as an excuse for a possible drop in form.

“From where we ended up [in March] we will have to go and forge on. It’s just that obviously it might have an effect because we stood four, five months without playing,” said Motaung.

“But it’s not an excuse. We have to face what the challenge is our there. It’s the challenge that’s facing us – we have to go out and soldier on.

“Those things were there in place before we started [the lockdown], in terms of how we help the players off the field. It’s been part of the process.”

While Chiefs and Sundowns have been updating their preparations for the restart, Pirates have been secretly conducting their business away from public glare.

Ghana prospect Malachi Boateng has been named Crystal Palace U23 Player of the Season.

After an impressive outing with the Eagles’ U18s last season - where he was named the U18 best player, the midfielder was drafted into Shaun Derry’s team upon signing his first professional contract with the club.

During his acceptance speech at the award ceremony, the 18-year-old Anglo-Ghanaian paid a tribute to his coaches for ‘pushing’ him and helping him be the best, disclosing the aspects of his game that he has worked as well as relishing the prospect of playing in Category 1 next term.

“I’m really grateful to have won this award, it shows that the things I’ve been doing have paid off this season,” Boateng told Palace TV as capture by club's website.

“The coaches have been pushing me and helping me be the best I could be. I'm really grateful.”

"My aggression has improved, my second ball – as Shaun was saying earlier – and I think also my shooting as well,” he continued.

"I think I’m someone who can pass the ball well, lead the group as well; I like to talk to players."

"It’s a big step for us playing the teams like the Chelseas, the Tottenhams and the Arsenals, I think it is really going to help us as a team get better and the club as a whole."

Coach Derry explained why the teenager was picked for the award while lauding his notable qualities.

“Everyday he turns up for training - in terms of he turns up as the best pro he could be,” he said.

“This young player has brought so many highs to this training group; he is a pleasure to work alongside.

“Hopefully he can develop more and more as the years go by and we can hear a lot more about him.

"[Boateng is] a midfielder who has so many strings to his bow. He shows aggression, he shows quality on the ball, he can get around the pitch – wins the second ball and can dictate play.

"He’s a fine young man and one that represents the football club in a way we want the football club represented."

Born to Ghanaian parents living in England, Boateng is eligible to represent the African country at international level.