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Lionel Messi ran the show as dethroned LaLiga champions Barcelona took out their frustrations on Deportivo Alaves, winning 5-0 at the Mendizorroza.

Title winners in Spain for each of the past two years, Barcelona surrendered their crown to Real Madrid this season and there might be fallout from that setback still to come.

At Alaves, however, it was a case of Barcelona showing they remain the most watchable team in Spain when they find their rhythm, a double from Messi and further goals from Ansu Fati, Luis Suarez and Nelson Semedo doing the damage.

Barcelona threw away their lead in the title race after a handful of post-lockdown draws allowed Madrid to steal a march and losing to 10-man Osasuna on Thursday reflected their misery, leading to questions being asked about coach Quique Setien's future. On Sunday, it was a thoroughly different story.

The visitors had already hit the Alaves goal frame three times, through Riqui Puig, Arturo Vidal and Messi, before they took a 24th-minute lead through Fati.

Messi was the creator, with his cross from the right having the sting slightly taken out of it by a minor deflection before dropping perfectly for Fati to crack into the bottom-right corner.

The second goal in the 34th minute came when Barcelona burst at pace and located their talisman in the centre of the penalty area.

Puig dutifully laid the ball into Messi's path from the left, and after shimmying delightfully to deceive goalkeeper Roberto Jimenez, the Argentinian stroked the ball home from close range.

Vidal had a header well saved by Roberto from Messi's terrific cross, before Suarez made it 3-0 in the 44th minute, nodding home after great link-up play from Messi and Jordi Alba.

Semedo replaced the injured Clement Lenglet early in the second half and left his defensive station to surge into the Alaves box and smash home a fourth goal in the 57th minute.

Messi guided home a cross from Alba in the 75th minute, and suddenly Barcelona were all smiles.

What does it mean? Not the time to judge Setien, or Barca

Deriving meaning from an end-of-season drubbing is a fool's game. Alaves let Barcelona trample all over them, and despite the visitors duly turning on the style, it was too late for that in the grand scheme. Setien's fate, one would assume, will be determined by Barcelona's Champions League progress.

Messi points the way

A final-day double took Messi's tally to 25 goals in 33 LaLiga appearances this season. His standards have stayed typically high and, while team-mates around him gaze in awe and appreciation of those qualities, he expects them to raise their own games in turn. It has not happened often enough this term.

Alaves on the beach

It really was a miserable showing by the hosts, who have had a dismal time of things since football resumed in June. From a steady mid-table footing, a rush of defeats sent them tumbling in the direction of the bottom three, and new coach Juan Muniz would surely have been disheartened by what he witnessed on the final day.

What's next?

For Alaves, a holiday of sorts awaits before the 2020-21 LaLiga season. Barcelona, however, have a Champions League campaign to resume, with the second leg of their last-16 tie against Napoli due to take place at Camp Nou on August 8.

Monaco have sacked head coach Robert Moreno after just seven months in charge of the Ligue 1 club.

The 42-year-old was appointed by the principality side last December and led them to a ninth-place finish in the 2019-20 Ligue 1 season, which was ended early due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He was only in charge for 13 matches in all competitions, winning five, drawing three and losing four.

Former Bayern Munich boss Niko Kovac had already been heavily linked to the Monaco job before Robert's departure was confirmed. Kovac has been out of work since he was sacked by the Bundesliga giants in November.

A club statement read: "AS Monaco announce that the club has launched a procedure leading to the departure of Robert Moreno. The Spanish coach was informed of this in a preliminary meeting on Saturday."

Monaco vice-president Oleg Petrov said: "Our paths parted sooner than expected but I would like to thank Robert Moreno for accepting the challenge.

"Together with his staff, Robert has done his utmost to improve the team, with enthusiasm and dedication of his time. I wish him all the best for the future."

Robert's previous post came when he took charge of Spain's national team, initially on an interim basis before signing a contract until the end of Euro 2020.

However, Luis Enrique returned to the role after previously stepping down as his daughter battled cancer before passing away last August, and Moreno was not placed back on his coaching staff, with the ex-Barcelona boss branding his former colleague "disloyal" for asking to lead Spain at the European Championship.

Monaco appointed former Southampton and Tottenham head of recruitment Paul Mitchell as sporting director last month, with his arrival sparking a review of the club's management structure.

If Kovac does take charge he will become Monaco's fourth head coach in under two years. Leonardo Jardim was sacked in October 2018 and replaced by Thierry Henry, before returning to the club just three months later. Jardim was then sacked again for a second time in December, with Moreno taking charge.

Former Chelsea sporting director Michael Emenalo says “the narrative has to change” if black coaches are to be given the same opportunities as their white counterparts.

The issue of racism in society has been given greater prominence in recent months following the killing of American George Floyd by a white police officer in Minneapolis in May, which sparked Black Lives Matter protests across the globe.

Premier League players and staff have shown their solidarity against racism by taking a knee before kick-off at every game, while the players also have 'Black Lives Matter' printed on their shirt sleeves.

Emenalo, though, believes there needs to be a more fundamental shift in how black players and managers are perceived if there is to be true equality in football.

Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo is currently the only manager from a black, Asian and minority ethnic background in the Premier League. Emenalo meanwhile is one of only two BAME technical directors in Premier League history along with Les Ferdinand, whose QPR side were relegated three months after his appointment as director of football in February 2015.

“The narrative has to change. The narrative right now is always that white is good,” he told the Guardian.

“So it doesn’t matter what Chris Hughton produces as a manager. There’s always someone saying a white guy can do it better. People need to do the right thing. Like Martin Luther King said: ‘Judge me by my competence – not my skin colour.'

“When I sit behind the bench at a game, I want to be close to my work. But it’s also so that people of my colour could say: ‘I can do that.’ People in the parking lot would say: ‘Oh my God, you don’t know what you mean to us.’ Then I feel even worse because I want to say more.”

Emenalo joined Chelsea as chief scout in 2007 following a playing career that saw him play in five countries and feature for Nigeria at the 1994 World Cup. The 54-year-old was briefly promoted to assistant coach in 2010 before becoming technical director the following year.

He would go on to spend a decade at Stamford Bridge, overseeing a complete overhaul of the club’s academy structure and being credited with the scouting and signing of players such as Kevin De Bruyne, Mohamed Salah, N'Golo Kante and Eden Hazard.

Despite those achievements, Emenalo felt he constantly had to prove himself to the 10 permanent or caretaker managers Chelsea went through in that time.

“Everybody has a misconception of my knowledge, insight and experience. I did it 10 times with 10 managers,” he added.

“Each time I climbed the hill and convinced them of my worth. I have a university degree in international relations and diplomacy. I know how to deal with people and with situations. I had World Cup experience and been part of this industry on five continents.

"I said: ‘I’ll give them an opportunity to understand me.’ They all did but it’s not easy starting from ground zero every time.”

Meddie Kagere is almost assured of defending the Tanzania Mainland Premier League Golden Boot after stretching the lead on the top scorers' chart with a brace against Alliance FC.

Kagere, who now has 22 goals in the ongoing season, netted the first goal in Simba’s 5-1 win against Alliance in the 24th minute from the penalty spot.

The Rwandan international added the second one in the 44th minute to give the league champions a slim lead into the half-time break.

Kagere now needs just one goal to hit the record of 23 goals that he scored last season and won the Golden Boot.

Simba, who were defeated in their previous match against Mbao FC, stretched their lead further in the 64th minute when Luis Miquissone struck.

Deo Kanda added the fourth in 76th minute at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam before Said Ndemla, whose contract was extended recently, added the fifth in the 87th minute.

Martin Kigi scored the only goal for the visitors in the 39th minute.

The win ensured Simba earned their 84th point while the loss has complicated Alliance’s bid to get out of the relegation zone.

They are now with 41 points as they stand on 14th spot.

The 5-1 result was celebrated by the outspoken Simba Spokesperson Haji Manara who called for a similar performance in their remaining matches.

“Thanks to all Simba fans from Dar es Salaam, let us now plan to meet on Simba Day, God willing before we finish season duties in Tanga and Kilimanjaro,” Manara posted on Facebook.

The Alliance encounter is Simba’s last home match as they now plan to face Coastal Union on July 23.

Meanwhile, Azam FC squandered the chance to overtake Yanga SC and go second after a 1-1 draw against Lipuli FC.

Azam failed to protect their 1-0 lead which they earned from Abdallah Heri’s 44th-minute strike.

The home side fought and ensured the points were shared equally with an 80th-minute goal from Paul Materazzi.

Finally, Mbao and JKT Tanzania drew 1-1 in the third match of the day.

Frank Nchimbi had given JKT Tanzania the lead in the second minute of added time in the first half but Mbao struck to equalise in the 57th minute from Abdulkarim Segeja.

Charlton Athletic manager Lee Bowyer has rated Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Wigan Athletic as “the best game... by a country mile” Zimbabwe striker Macauley Bonne has ever played for the club.

Bonne struck two minutes into stoppage time to help Charlton earn a point at home and avoid dropping into the relegation zone.

The south-east Londoners are now just a rung above the relegation zone ahead of their final game of the season, a must-win visit to champions Leeds United on Wednesday.

Before Bonne secured a point for his side to record his 11th Championship goal of the season and his third in the last four matches, Bowyer says he first “had a go” at the Zimbabwe international who joined Charlton at the beginning of this season.

“That was the best game that he’s played for the club by a country mile and it’s not just because he got his goal. Physically he was putting his challenges in and putting his body on the line and that’s part of the game as well,” Bowyer told the Charlton Athletic website.

“I had a go at him maybe a week ago and people may have thought that I was being a bit harsh on him there but that’s my job. To push people.

“And to bring the best out of them and today I said to Macca ‘well done, you were outstanding’ and he could have easily gone the other way about me having a go at him but he didn’t, he stood up like a man and he improved.

“That’s perfect for me. I’m really pleased for him and he deserves all the praise he’ll get after this game.”

Bowyer feels that Bonne’s effectiveness upfront could have earned The Addicks a penalty kick from one of the fouls on the player.

“If you think of the penalties that have been given against us as of late… are you telling me that we shouldn’t have had one,” Bowyer said.

“I’ve looked at them both, both challenges on Macauley Bonne. The first one’s a penalty and the second one isn’t, but again a big decision has gone against us.”

Wednesday's trip to Leeds United will see Bowyer facing his former club who have already secured a Premier League ticket.

The 2019-20 PSL season could be scrapped if the league's executive committee members have their way, reports City Press. 

On Tuesday, the PSL held an urgent board of governors meeting following a statement from the South African Football Association (Safa) that competitive football can return in the first week of August.

The league in their statement on Wednesday said it will engage all stakeholders on the way forward as it was clear from Safa's statement the season would not be completed before August 31. 

Chairman Dr Irvin Khoza said in his press conference on Monday they will need at least six weeks for the season to conclude - hence they proposed July 18 as the return date.   

PSL acting CEO Mato Madlala said nothing has changed from the statement released by the league on Wednesday. 

"As we said in our press release, the chairman is currently engaging all the stakeholders on the way forward," Madlala told City Press. 

Furthermore, City Press reports Madlala said another board of governors meeting would be held once Khoza has concluded his discussions with the relevant stakeholders.  

An official who spoke to the publication on condition of anonymity said the season is as good as over, adding that what's left is for representatives from the 32 clubs to deal with the issue of championship and relegation.  

"Consider the season over. What's left is for us to outline the way forward regarding the championship and relegation," said the official. 

An unnamed club boss who also spoke to City Press expects talks between Khoza and sponsors to take longer and indicated that the majority of club bosses have called for the season to be declared null and void. 

"The information we got is that the board of governors [meeting] will possibly take place late next week because it sounds like discussions with the sponsors are not easy and will be prolonged," said the club boss. 

"Most club bosses are of the view that we should call the season null and void without declaring any winners or losers. The issue now is to deal with any legal issues which might arise."

Another unnamed club owner admitted the situation is complicated because if Kaizer Chiefs are crowned PSL champions then the same should apply for Ajax Cape Town who lead the NFD standings, and further added that an 18-team PSL league isn't an option as it would create more problems. 

"I think if we agree that Kaizer Chiefs can't be declared champions, then we can do the same with Ajax. But we will go through the nitty-gritty at our next meeting," the said club owner revealed. 

"For teams to agree to this would mean cutting their monthly grants and I don't see that happening. It would mean clubs get less [money] than what they have been getting to fund the other two teams. 

"This would mean the first division (NFD) would be two teams short as there won't be clubs promoted from the ABC Motsepe League. This would create an unnecessary imbalance in the leagues," concluded the unnamed club owner.    

Ghana League Clubs Association president Kudjoe Fianoo reveals his outfit and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) are currently engaging the Ministry of Youth and Sports to ensure the return of football in October.

All domestic football competitions, including the Ghana Premier League (GPL) have remained suspended since the coronavirus disease outbreak intensified in the west African nation in March.

Ghana's national ban on contact sports runs out at the end of July. The GFA has announced an anticipated October return date for football.

"We [GFA president Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku and I] met the Sports Minister [Isaac Kwame Asiamah] to thank the Government [of Ghana] through the ministry for coming to our aid by way of the YEA [Youth Employment Agency] package and even asked him to work around the clock if we could get more," Fianoo told Oyerepa FM.

"For us to resume football, we were told we have to convince the government beyond all reasonable doubt that whatever we want to do will be in the national interest but not some individual's interest."

Fianoo also spoke about the controversy surrounding the GFA's disbursement plan for coronavirus relief support from Fifa and Caf.

On Thursday, the national football's governing body announced it was expecting a combined $1.8 million [€1.6m] funds for prompt distribution to various industry stakeholders including Ghalca, men and women's Premier League clubs, men's Division Two clubs, Regional Football Associations (RFAs), and more.

Some stakeholders have, however, expressed unhappiness about the disbursement plan.

"I have heard the agitations of our members even though we are yet to receive the money, with some members questioning why Ghalca is getting $2000 [€1750]," Fianoo said.

"But that not withstanding, looking at how unhappy our members are, we will engage the FA president to find out if there's a possibility to do broader consultations. At least they should give us the opportunity to also share our thoughts.

"There's the need for broader consultations because on a lighter side, if care is not taken, this can result in a third world war.

"Kurt's administration is a listening one and I'm confident they will listen but should that fail, we will support whatever the members will say."

The 2020-21 Ghana football season, with expected approval by the Government of Ghana, has been set to kick off in the second week of October. 

Fiorentina forward Christian Kouame has agreed to the growing influence of Ivory Coast players in the Serie A.

The 22-year-old is among a list of players from the West African country who have turned out to be key figures for their club sides.

Franck Kessie has been ever-present for AC Milan this season, scoring in three of their last four games as they push for Europa League qualification.

Sassuolo and ex-Chelsea winger Jeremie Boga is another Ivorian lighting up the top-flight as the player with the most successful dribbles in the competition, something he also achieved last season.

Former Arsenal wide man Gervinho is the most experienced Ivorian of all, playing a key role for Parma who have returned to the Serie A since 2018 after an initial four-year absence due to financial troubles.

Kouame himself – who is on loan from Genoa, is highly-rated and has just recently returned into the fold having been out with an Acute Cruciate Ligament injury since November 2019, while on international duty.

Kouame and Boga have been capped just once for the Ivory Coast national team while Gervinho has 84 caps, appearing at two World Cups (2010 and 2014) as well as four Africa Cup of Nations (2010, 2012, 2013 and 2015), winning the latter in Equatorial Guinea.

Kessie meanwhile has played 40 times for the Elephants since his debut in 2014.

"Our movement is producing many talents and in Italy we are asserting ourselves,” Kouame told Tuttosport.

“We hope to do great things for the national team."

Kouame also described former Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery who joined Fiorentina last summer on a free transfer, as a “phenomenon”. The 37-year-old Frenchman has played 18 times for the Viola this season, scoring three goals and providing two assists.

"Franck is fantastic, especially with us young people he is always generous with advice,” Kouame continued.

“He is an example with his behaviours, he is a phenomenon, he has won everything yet he still wants, he always trains to the maximum, he has an exceptional charisma.”

Fiorentina are currently 13th in the Serie A, 10 points clear of the relegation. They come up against Torino on Sunday and Kouame – who scored against them while with his parent club Genoa in the first half of season, does not see it as an easy game especially with the presence of Manchester United-linked striker Andrea Belotti who has 22 goals to his name in all competitions this season

"Torino a very good team. A difficult race awaits us but we want to win and we will do everything,” Kouame stated.

"We are talking about a great champion [Belotti], with many qualities that I really appreciate, starting with his sense of goal.”

AC Milan and Inter are set to follow a host of Europe's biggest clubs in constructing an all-new stadium, with the iconic Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in San Siro to be demolished.

The likes of Arsenal, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Tottenham have all invested in new state-of-the art stadiums in recent years, while even Real Madrid and Barcelona have committed to extensive renovations.

Built in 1926, San Siro is one of the most striking buildings in football and has played host to World Cup matches, as well as four European Cup finals.

It has been renovated before, so why not again? Goal brings you everything you need to know about the future of the new San Siro.

Contents

Why is San Siro being demolished?

San Siro is set to be demolished in order to make way for a new stadium and entertainment complex which will serve as the home ground of Milan and Inter.

The existing stadium has been remodeled on a number of occasions in the past, but a decision was reached not to renovate due, chiefly, to the financial cost of such a venture.

As well as an estimated cost of €510 million (£463m/$582m), the clubs were projected to miss out on €115 million (£105m/$130m) during the construction work, which was anticipated to last roughly five years.

Building a brand new stadium is expected to cost in the region of €650 million (£590m/$740m) and it is hoped that it will be completed in a period of three years.

Italy's heritage authority has given the green light for a demolition, but there are a number of administrative stages to pass before it can happen.

The clubs have agreed with the city of Milan to preserve some of the old stadium as part of a "sports and entertainment district".

"AC Milan and FC Internazionale have shared a stadium in San Siro for more than 70 years," said Milan chairman Paolo Scaroni of the venture.

"The project's strength is the two club's commitment together for the new Milano stadium. It means increased investments and a common goal to give the city a sports and entertainment district which is alive all year round thanks to events involving both teams and creating jobs for more than 3,500 people."

What stadium will replace San Siro?

Two stadium designs have been submitted by Milan and Inter, but it is not yet clear which will be chosen.

The Cathedral

Architecture and design firm Populous have produced plans for a new stadium called 'The Cathedral', which is inspired by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuel II and the Duomo di Milano.

The designs promise it will be "the most sustainable stadium in Europe", with an "intimate" seating structure that aims to bring supporters as close to the action as possible.

The capacity of the new stadium will be somewhat smaller than the existing stadium - roughly 60,000 seats instead of 75,000 - with the clubs acknowledging that average attendances have decreased.

Of course, modern-day stadiums are built in such a way that football fans could spend much of their day at the venues, with retail and food outlets inherent to the design.

The stadium will be surrounded by 22 acres of "green space" and there will be a municipal park area - including an open-air gym, museum and running track - for citizens and visitors to enjoy.

Populous have been central to the design of a number of impressive stadiums in recent years, including Wembley Stadium, the Emirates Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.

They have also been involved with the famous Soccer City in Johannesburg and Allianz Field, home to Major League Soccer side Minnesota United.

The Rings of Milan

Manica's design proposal for the reimagined San Siro - Nuovo Stadio Milano - is built around the notion of two interlinked rings - representing AC Milan and Inter.

Like Populous' design, the interior of the stadium will bring the supporters closer to the pitch, creating a more intimate atmosphere, while panels on the exterior of the stadium will show the faces of over 16,000 fans.

The two teams' curvas will be lit up in their respective colours - red for AC Milan and blue for Inter - and the stadium will also be lit exclusively in red or blue when just one of the teams is playing - similar to the Allianz Arena in Munich.

Particular focus is also applied to the surrounding area, which will be transformed into a wider sports and entertainment complex, capturing the essence of Milan's football heritage in San Siro.

Manica (when working with Populous) was involved in the design work of Wembley Stadium and it is involved in Barcelona's New Camp Nou project, as well as Allegiant Stadium - home of Las Vegas Raiders. The company has also had a hand in the new Inter Miami stadium in Florida and the new Cagliari stadium in Sardinia.

Bafana Bafana players have finally received their payments for the camp that took place in November 2019.

The players went into camp ahead of their two 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers against Ghana and Sudan.

However, there was a delay regarding their payments as revealed by two Bafana players, who were part of the squad when speaking to IOL on condition of anonymity.

“I got paid last week. I was surprised because I had even forgotten about that money,” one player said.

South Africa succumbed to a 2-0 defeat to the Black Stars of Ghana in Cape Coast, before securing a 1-0 win over Sudan's Falcons of Jediane in Soweto.

“I also got a telephone notification last week. Yes, we don’t get paid immediately after the camp but it has never taken so long for us to get our money,” another player said.

South African Football Association (Safa)'s acting chief executive officer, Tebogo Motlanthe confirmed that the players have been paid and also explained why there was a delay.

“All of them received their payments. I don’t know what’s an issue now. The fact that we’ve paid people, it is no longer an issue," Motlanthe told the same publication.

"Players know that they don’t get the money immediately after the camp but Covid-19 compounded this.

“We get money from our sponsors and then pay the players. As soon as the sponsors pay us, we also pay them."

Safa is known to be having financial problems having parted ways with American sportswear giants Nike, who was their technical sponsor.

The association also parted ways with their former technical director Neil Tovey after his contract expired at the end of last month.

Meanwhile, Motlanthe also disclosed that they are waiting to hear from the Premier Soccer League (PSL) regarding the resumption of the local season.

Safa has proposed that the season, which was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic last March, be resumed next month.

“The PSL said they are still consulting their stakeholders. We don’t know when we are likely to meet," he added.

PSL has confirmed the season will be completed in a Biologically Safe Environment (BSE) in Gauteng soon.

Tottenham Hotspur host Leicester City with the hopes of making it into the Europa League while the Foxes are on the bubble in a bid to finish within the top four as fifth-placed Manchester United are tied on points and meet them on the final day of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Leicester City Latest Odds

Tottenham have lost just one of their last eight home league games against Leicester (W5 D2) and are (2.35) with BetKing for another win.

Leicester did win the reverse fixture 2-1 at the King Power Stadium and are quoted at (3.10) to make it a league double over the north Londoners for the first time in 21 years.

A draw is priced at (3.45).

Tottenham Hotspur vs Leicester City Team News

Dele Alli (thigh injury), Eric Dier (suspension), Juan Foyth (knee injury) and Tanguy Ndombele will all be missing for Spurs.

Brendan Rogers, meanwhile, will have to make do without Daniel Amartey (ankle injury), Ben Chilwell (foot injury), Christian Fuchs (Groin injury), James Maddison (hip injury), Ricardo Pereira (knee injury) and Caglar Soyuncu (red card suspension).

Tottenham XI: Lloris; Aurier, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Davies; Winks, Sissoko, Lo Celso; Lucas, Son, Kane

Leicester XI: Schmeichel; Bennett, Morgan, Evans; Justin, Ndidi, Tielemans, Thomas; Perez, Barnes; Vardy

Tottenham Hotspur vs Leicester City Preview

Tottenham are looking to secure four consecutive home league wins for the first time at their new stadium. They last did so in the Premier League in December 2018, at Wembley.

Leicester are winless in their last seven Premier League away games (D3 L4); it’s their longest run without a win on the road since a run of 15 between May 2016-February 2017.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Leicester City Tips and Predictions

There have been 28 goals scored in the last six Premier League meetings between Tottenham and Leicester, at an average of 4.7 per game.

This points towards three goals or more coming out of the game which is offered at juicy odds of (1.90).

Over 2.5 goals at (1.90) with BetKing.

Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.

Kaizer Chiefs attacking midfielder Lebogang Manyama is excited about returning to the training grounds at Naturena after four months of individual training due to the coronavirus lockdown.

Amakhosi players returned to training two weeks ago to prepare for the resumption of the suspended campaign, and Manyama said it was good to see everybody at the club's headquarters healthy and strong.  

"First and foremost, for me, when I got here, it was good to see that everybody is still healthy and strong. All the guys that clean outside; the caretakers and the security. I think it was something that I have missed because the Village has become our daily basis thing that we are here every day," Manyama told the Amakhosi media team. 

The South Africa international said the team is getting better day by day after such a long time of not playing together. 

"The past three months, we couldn't. So, step by step, I think we are getting better. It's always very nice to come to the Village - it's refreshing and also a chance to leave home a bit because we had been under lockdown for a very long time," he admitted.  

Manyama confessed that he missed being on the pitch the most and admitted this is the first time he's had to go four months without football in his 10-year football career. 

"When it comes to getting back on the field, obviously I missed that because I have never had such a [long] break - nevermind the injuries, but in terms of not having to train the whole three months on the field is very different. 

He added: "I mean, I never had this my whole career but I am looking forward to seeing the other guys because when you are teammates, you get used to each other and seeing each other." 

"So, it's kind of different when you don't see your teammates." 

Apart from being around his teammates, Manyama said coming together as a team reminds everyone of the goals they want to achieve at the end of the season.  

"I am also looking forward to being with the guys and enjoying ourselves but also knowing that we have goals that we set for ourselves and we will try to reach them come the end of the season," concluded Manyama.  

Leeds United mocked last season's infamous Derby 'Spygate' scandal ahead of their first game following promotion to the Premier League.

Marcelo Bielsa hit the headlines in 2018-19 for sending a member of his Leeds staff to Derby's Moor Farm training ground to report on their training routine.

The 64-year-old manager publicly admitted to spying on the Rams and a number of other Championship clubs in a bid to gain an extra edge over the opposition.

His actions created friction between the two clubs, and tensions threatened to boil over following their clash in the playoff semi-finals.

Derby won the two-legged contest 4-3 on aggregate, and Frank Lampard's players proceeded to mock Leeds supporters by making binocular gestures while celebrating on the Elland Road pitch.

The Whites bounced have back from that disappointment to storm clear at the top of the table in their latest campaign, with their return to the top-flight now assured after West Brom's 2-1 defeat at Huddersfield on Friday.

Bielsa's men were named champions when Brentford lost at Stoke a day later, and preparations will soon begin for the club's first appearance in the Premier League since 2003-04.

Leeds' penultimate game of the season is taking place at Pride Park on Sunday, with Derby now guaranteed to finish outside of the top six under the stewardship of Phillip Cocu.

The newly-promoted Whites couldn't resist aiming a dig at the Rams just before kick-off, as they published a video via social media of the stadium being viewed through binoculars.

Derby players lined up to give Leeds a guard of honour before the contest, and Charlton will follow the same protocols when they travel to Elland Road on the final day of the season.

Wild scenes of celebrations took place outside the ground when their promotion was confirmed last week, with injured midfielder Kalvin Phillips stepping out to address supporters by the main reception.

The 24-year-old paid tribute to Bielsa for guiding Leeds back to the promised land, stating: "We’re ecstatic. Promotion means everything. There’s no manager I’d rather be under than Marcelo Bielsa.

"He’s the best in the world.”

Reporters were also able to catch Bielsa outside his home in Wetherby, and he was seen thanking and shoulder bumping fans while also posing for a few photos.

Simba SC fans were finally given the chance to celebrate with the Mainland Premier League trophy before their league match against Alliance FC at National Stadium on Sunday.

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi were crowned the champions for the third season in a row and with six matches to spare after their closest challengers Young Africans (Yanga SC) and Azam FC failed to catch up with them.

Simba were handed the trophy during their league match against Namungo FC at Majaliwa Stadium last weekend and they were yet to celebrate their latest success as they had a FA Cup match to handle against Yanga.

Simba managed to beat Yanga 4-1 and reach the final of the domestic cup where they will face Namungo on August 2 but before their match on Sunday, they paraded the trophy to the fans and also allowed them to take photos.

On Saturday, Simba Information Officer Haji Manara told Goal why they had decided to have the fans take photos with the trophy before their final league match in Dar es Salaam.

“We will have a photo session for fans with the trophy before our match against Alliance,” Manura told Goal.

“That will be the only way to appreciate our fans for the all-round support they accorded the team throughout the season, without the fans we could not have achieved winning the trophy three times in a row.”

Manara also revealed how the team plans to beef up the squad ahead of the new season.

“We have a very strong squad going into next season and we don’t have to go for panic buying, we will only bring on board five new players ahead of the new season,” said Manura.

“Our first target is to make sure that we retain the squad we have, and if we do so then it will be easier for us to have a good transfer window, we will only bring the new faces and plan for the new season.

“I know our fans will always want to see us actively involved in the transfer window with big-name signings, but I want to assure them we are prepared not to disappoint them, we already have names from the technical bench and we will make sure we sign those players.”

After the Alliance game, Simba will have two matches remaining against Coastal Union at Mkwakwani in Tanga and Polisi Tanzania at Kilimanjaro Stadium.

By winning the league, Simba will take part in the Caf Champions League.

Ismael Bennacer is “happy” to have notched a goal in AC Milan colours for the first time ever after the Rossoneri saw off Bologna 5-1 at the San Siro in Saturday's Serie A action.

Alexis Saelemaekers gave them the lead after just 10 minutes before Hakan Calhanoglu made it 2-0.

Takehiro Tomiyasu pulled one back for the visitors approaching half-time, but Bennacer extended Milan’s lead shortly after the restart, finding enough space to run into the box from almost 25 yards before firing the ball past Bologna goalie Lukasz Skorupski.

Ante Rebic and Davide Calabria added the fourth and fifth goals to ensure Milan have remained unbeaten since the resumption of Serie A last month.

“I’m happy because I helped the team. Scoring is always nice from a personal point of view,” Bennacer told Milan TV as reported by Sempremilan.

“We must always look forward because in three days, we have another game. There are still four games left, we haven’t done anything yet.”

Bennacer who joined the Rossoneri last summer from Empoli, also dedicated his goal to his wife and younger brother. He also indicated he will be framing the jersey he scored his first Milan goal with.

“We won and we are happy. I dedicate the goal to my wife and younger brother,” the 22-year old Algerian said.

“This one [Milan jersey] will be at home too, close to that of my debut.”

Speaking to DAZN after the match, the Milan coach stated his team need to keep the momentum going in their remaining four matches as they hunt for a berth in the Europa League next season.

“The team is having fun, it is what shines through from training and from all the moments in which we are together,” he said.

“We played an excellent game, Bologna are a difficult opponent. We are fine and we have confidence, we must bring these characteristics until the end, four games are missing and we have not yet reached our goal.”

Pioli was also pleased with Ivory Coast midfielder Franck Kessie who has formed a solid partnership with Bennacer and scored in each of Milan’s last three matches.

“In my opinion, Franck is a modern midfielder who does both phases well, his psychophysical moment is excellent,” Pioli continued

“I see great mental presence in him, he is becoming a reference point for his teammates, he is always in the game, he is selfless is doing important technical performances. It must continue like this.”

Milan conclude their season with tricky games against free-scoring sides Sassuolo (away) and Atalanta (home) before facing Sampdoria at the Luigis Ferrari and finally Cagliari at the San Siro on August 2.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has reminded former Arsenal and Manchester United defenders Martin Keown and Rio Ferdinand of Thierry Henry after his brace in the 2-0 FA Cup semi-final win over Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday.

The Gunners came into the clash on the back of a 2-1 Premier League win over Liverpool which ensured the newly-crowned champions would not be able to beat the record points haul of 100 set by City in 2017-18.

Aubameyang gave Arsenal the lead in the 19th minute after getting assisted by Ivory Coast international Nicolas Pepe. Revived Scottish full-back Kieran Tierney then found Auba for the second with 19 minutes left on the clock.

Mikel Arteta’s men will face either Manchester United or Chelsea in the final for a chance to lift a record-extending 14th FA Cup crown, last lifting it in 2017 after seeing off the Blues 2-1.

Aubameyang has now scored 66 goals in 106 appearances for Arsenal since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in 2018, 25 of them recorded this season.

Henry is the club’s all-time top scorer with 228 goals in 377 appearances and is presently the manager of Major League Soccer outfit Montreal Impact.

“This really reminds me of Thierry Henry when he’s running through there in full flow, he opens his body out,” Keown said on BT Sport.

“I wonder if Arteta was saying in that last drinks break that team talk we might need to score again and we need to do better from our breaks.

“They couldn’t have done any better than that fantastic break and a great goal on the counter-attack.”

Ferdinand echoed Keown’s thoughts about Aubameyang’s goal which was reminiscent of the types of goals Henry scored while in north London.

“It’s a great goal, the composure was fantastic - played on by Mendy. The young centre-half, Garcia, has got to see that - you’ve got to know who you’re playing against,” he told BT Sport.

“When there are players who are willing to run in behind you, you’ve got to try to cover that area, but once he’s in there, he reminds you a bit of Thierry [Henry] when he’s bearing down on goal like that.

“He just opens himself up and places it through the keeper’s legs, fantastic finish.”

Another former Gunner in Robin van Persie, equally speaking on BT Sport, waxed lyrical about Aubameyang especially the technique involved in his second goal.

"To hit this with the outside of his foot is really special because most players here go with their left," the Dutchman said.

"It shows you how great he is to go for the most difficult solution.

"To go there with a bounce, with the outside of his foot, the chances of this ball going in are really slim. So it just tells you how great a player he is.

“It was a great pass from Tierney. Aubameyang sees where the danger is and then he has the pace, as well as the control. He takes the extra touch just to find the space through the legs.

“What I really like as well is that just before he takes his shot, he takes a quick look. Nine out of ten strikers don’t do that.

“Even when he’s under pressure and the defender is coming in, he still has that look to see if someone else is more open to score the goal.

“He’s looking to see if Lacazette is free - if he’s open to pass the ball to - and then in the split second he decides to take the shot because he’s in a better position.

“Most strikers don’t really find the time to have that look.”

Arsenal will next do battle against relegation strugglers Aston Villa and Watford in the Premier League with the hope of sealing a Europa League spot next season.

Leon Balogun says Wigan Athletic’s 2-2 draw with Charlton Athletic is a “tough one to take” as one more Championship round is left to play.

The Lactics have gone into administration after facing financial difficulties and as per governing rules will face a 12-point deduction which could see them relegated to League Two if enough points are not accrued.

They have lost only one of their league games since resumption in June and fired eight goals without reply past Hull City in their last outing.

It started well for Paul Cook’s men at the Valley with Jamal Lowe giving them the lead in the ninth minute. Alfie Doughty replied instantly for Charlton, but Kieran Dowell gave Wigan the lead five minutes to the break.

It looked like the 2013 FA Cup champions were going to walk home with a valuable three away points in south-east London. However, Macauley Bonne equalised in injury time to break Wigan hearts, the assist coming from Anglo-Nigerian and Arsenal academy graduate Chuks Aneke.

“Tough one to take. Might not have been the best performance, but I felt like we gave it our all. Just gotta admit that today’s ‘all’ wasn’t enough to get the result everybody wanted,” Balogun posted on Twitter.

“We’ll shake it off and make sure we’re ready to go hard again on Wednesday at the DW.”

Balogun – who joined Wigan initially on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion in January before making the deal permanent last month, played the entire match, making eight clearances, two tackles and blocking three shots. The Nigeria international also won seven of 13 total duels, five of them in the air.

Wigan boss Cook did not hide what he called a huge disappointment and acknowledges it will be a tough task for the Greater Manchester side ahead of their final game with Fulham.

"We are disappointed to not see the game out. We have been in those kind of situations before,” Cook told Latics TV.

“We’ve got three centre-halves on the pitch and they have two strikers. One striker is in 10 yards of space, that can’t happen.

"There is no criticism from me, it’s a huge disappointment as you can imagine in the dressing room.

"We have one more big challenge ahead, a really tough game Wednesday, Fulham are an excellent team with excellent players and unless results go favourable for us today with Luton drawing with Hull, the reality is we might have to go into that game with it out of our hands.

"Without a shadow of a doubt we have the fight.

"Our supporters know exactly what we think of them, our town knows what we think of them, we are hurting this afternoon because a win would have been huge, it’s what we needed and wanted. Unfortunately, we haven’t got that.”

Wigan are currently in 13th place with 58 points, 10 clear of the relegation zone. This puts them in a tricky situation as they will need to beat promotion play-off bound Fulham while hoping those in the relegation zone in Luton Town, Hull and Barnsley all lose points.

The Football Federation of Zambia (FAZ) has confirmed two Zesco United players have tested positive for the coronavirus.

Zesco United are expected to face Kansanshi Dynamos in one of Sunday’s matches that will be staged at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

According to FAZ, the results, which also confirmed two players from Power Dynamos tested positive, the scheduled matches will go on as planned. 

The federation made the announcement following a consultative meeting among stakeholders that was chaired by Minister of Youth Sport and Child Development, Emmanuel Mulenga.

FAZ president Andrew Kamanga, National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ) acting General-Secretary Raphael Mulenga and Director of Sports John Zulu also attended the meeting that gave the matches the greenlight to proceed.

Mulenga said all players, except for Kansanshi Dynamos, were tested and results have already been availed.

“The results announced have revealed that all Buildcon players have tested negative while Power Dynamos and Zesco United have had two players testing positive each,” the FAZ statement read.

“FAZ also wishes to advise that there has been a fixture switch with the Buildcon versus Power Dynamos fixture brought forward to 14:00 hours as Kansanshi Dynamos results are still being awaited.

“The second match involving Zesco United and Kansanshi Dynamos will be staged at 16:00 hours subject to Kansanshi Dynamos being handed a clean bill of health.

“All the players that have tested positive will be isolated as per the guidance from the Ministry of Health.

“FAZ also wishes to remind members of the public that the matches are being played behind closed doors.”

Zesco United have four Kenyan players in their ranks; goalkeeper Ian Otieno, defender David ‘Calabar’ Owino, strikers John Makwatta and Jesse Were.

The news comes just a day after 28 members of Forest Rangers squad tested positive and their match against Zanaco FC was not played on July 18.

The Zambian FA had warned teams that flout Covid-19 regulations that they will risk a point deduction.

“We are greatly concerned that some clubs have relaxed their adherence to the Covid-19 guidelines. We should never forget that the league resumption can always be halted if clubs do not adhere to the set guidelines,” FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala noted.

“The Ministry of Health has been keeping an eye on the preparations and have raised the whistle on us in the manner some clubs are neglecting to observe the set guidelines.

“Clubs will face stiff penalties for breaching Covid-19 guidelines that could even extend to losing points or matches being cancelled.”

The Zambian league is the third in Africa to resume since suspension due to the coronavirus after Burundi and Tanzania.