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Kieran Tierney has been urged to keep kicking people in Arsenal training, with Martin Keown telling the Scottish full-back he should make no apologies for being in the Patrick Vieira mould.

Back when the Gunners were regular contenders for the Premier League title, Arsene Wenger worked hard to ensure that a winning mentality was formed in north London.

Character was as important to an ambitious side as ability, with some big personalities drafted into a star-studded squad.

World Cup winners Vieira and Emmanuel Petit were a big part of that set-up, with the French pair looking to lead by example.

For them, training as you intended to play was a vital part of the process, but those standards have slipped at Arsenal in recent times, leading to inevitable regression, although the plan is to bring the good times back.

The signing of Tierney from Celtic in 2019 forms part of that, with the combative 23-year-old urged to keep demanding more from those around him – even if they do not always appreciate his methods.

Former Arsenal defender Keown told Stadium Astro: “I’m told the players told him to calm down a little bit.

“I think I’d have been saying, ‘this is how I train’. Everyone knew that [with me]. I wore screw-in boots in training.

“Thierry Henry used to go berserk because he thought I was trying to kick him in training every day. But I just couldn’t wear moulded boots, I had to wear screw-in boots.

“I wanted to be at my best, and I think Tierney’s the same.

“He shouldn’t apologise for it. In fact, that should be the level of training.

“As it was back then. I can tell you on the training pitch it was white hot, it was very competitive.

“The likes of Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit, these guys were winners, World Cup winners, and they wanted to win everything – five-a-sides, four-versus-four, two-versus-two – you couldn’t let anyone down.

“And it breathed that in the football club, so it’s good to have that sort of person and I’m pleased if that’s now what he’s trying to recreate.”

Mikel Arteta is the man charged with the task of finding a winning formula for Arsenal, with the Spaniard in the process of assessing a squad he inherited in December 2019 before dipping into the transfer market for much-needed fresh faces.

Bernard Morrison's discipline at Yanga SC has continued to generate heat after he stormed off the pitch on July 12 during the FA Cup semi-final match against Simba SC.

Yanga’s head coach Luc Eymael maintains he is not the ideal person to deal with the players’ disciplinary issues as that is the sole duty of the club's higher-ups.

Morrison has not prominently featured for Yanga since the Tanzanian Mainland Premier League resumed in mid-June due to the issue surrounding his contract.

The Ghanaian maintains he signed a short-term deal with the club while the officials claim he has indeed extended the contract signed in January.

“I am obliged to say that a player has got poor discipline but the full responsibility lies in the hands of those who pay his salaries. My main duty is to ensure the team is doing good,” Eymael told Mwanaspoti.

“It is the club that needs to talk and deal with Morrison's issue and not me. My job is to coach, propose proper diet and other issues.”

Yanga SC media officer Hassan Bumbuli said they will not deal with the Ghanaian now given the team is focused on other important matters.

“We have put aside issues to do with Morrison and now our energy is focused on the remaining league matches. What do we do to finish second on the table? That is the question we are dealing with now,” Hassan told Mwanaspoti as well.

On Thursday, Yanga captain Papy Tshishimbi called on players to respect the club even if they are performing well.

“Players must always remain disciplined and even if one is going to score 200 goals he must remember the club is always bigger than an individual,” Tshishimbi said.

“Matters of discipline must be looked into deeper or it may end up bringing more harm to the team than before.”

Meanwhile, defender Abdalla Shaibu has expressed his willingness to work with Yanga again.

“I am here to train and keep fit as I sort my issues. If the coach is going to be impressed, then I have no reason not to play for Yanga once more,” Shaibu told Mwanaspoti.

“I am not going to divulge everything that is going on because I believe it is time to reflect and see whether I can go abroad and try out anew.”

Shaibu left Yanga to join MFK Vyskov of the Czech Republic last year and later had a trial stint with FK Rigas of Latvia. He ended up returning after the trials were unsuccessful and could be part of Yanga’s 2020/21 squad.

He is currently training with the club at Ubungo in Dar es Salaam.

Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula has refused to believe the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has finally secured sponsorship for the Kenyan Premier League (KPL).

On Thursday, FKF President Nick Mwendwa announced they had signed a lucrative five-year deal worth Sh1.2 billion with Nigerian-based betting company BetKing.

In the said contract, KPL clubs will be entitled to Sh8million annually from the federation and will see the partnership starting at Sh220million in the first year, and increased by increments of 5% in the second year, and 10% in the subsequent years.

Shimanyula has now told Goal the speed at which the deal was signed without FKF involving clubs and even stakeholders, has kept him guessing and he will only support the deal after clubs receive the first grant.

“I am supporting the new deal but not 100% percent support because the deal was hurriedly signed, FKF did not involve clubs not even stakeholders, I don’t think the deal is legit, maybe until I see my club account with money from FKF,” Shimanyula told Goal on Friday.

“We have seen such deals signed before and they don’t last, they don’t even go far, I am wondering why FKF moved to make the announcement whereas there was no representative from BetKing.

"Why were FKF in a hurry to announce the deal without BetKing officials?

“When I signed my partnership with Kakamega County, all the parties were present, we even involved lawyers, but where and when was the FKF and BetKing deal signed?

"Where are the BetKing people, even during the press conference, we did not see even a single banner from the new sponsors, I might be asking many questions, but I don’t think we have secured a sponsor.”

On Thursday, FKF boss Mwendwa told Goal the new partners will arrive in the country in September for the official unveiling ceremony.

“We have only made the announcement to clubs and Kenyans so that they can know we have secured a sponsor, however, the official unveiling as well as the logo, will be done in September,” Mwendwa stated.

“Our players and club officials have had it rough over the past few years because of an underfunded league. I am happy today [Thursday] to announce BetKing Kenya as our title sponsor in the biggest deal in our history.

“We will also commit Sh10million of the License fees paid by our partners to the Kenya Women Premier League.”

KPL had betting firm SportPesa as their title sponsors before they walked away at the beginning of the 2019-20 season citing unfavourable working conditions in the country.

Virgil van Dijk has had “the Cantona effect” at Liverpool, claims Phil Thompson, with the Dutch defender seeing the impact he has made at Anfield compared to that of a Manchester United legend.

Title ambition was formed on Merseyside long before the Netherlands international centre-half arrived on their books.

A long wait for domestic dominance was, however, stretching towards the 30-year mark when a record-breaking £75 million ($94m) transfer was put in place during the winter window of 2018.

Van Dijk made an immediate impression at Liverpool, with the Reds winning the Champions League at the end of his first full campaign.

In 2020, the Premier League title has been secured, with Jurgen Klopp overseeing a return to the loftiest of perches.

Liverpool now boast a number of talismanic figures within their squad, but Van Dijk is considered to be a key piece of the puzzle and the man that laid the foundations on which recent success could be built.

Thompson sees similarities between the resurgence enjoyed at Anfield and that which arch-rivals took in after an enigmatic Frenchman was taken to Old Trafford in November 1992.

The former Reds captain told The Gary Newbon Sport Show on Punching TV: “I have recently said Van Dijk, for me, has had the Cantona effect that he had at Manchester United.

“That professionalism, will to win, that desire and then they went on to be serial winners.

“Van Dijk seems to have brought that to a lot of our team.”

While Van Dijk has become a leader for Liverpool, it will be Jordan Henderson who lifts the Premier League trophy on July 22.

The Reds skipper will not play again this season, having suffered an unfortunate injury, but he is another who is considered to have taken his game, and that of those around him, to new heights.

Thompson said of the 30-year-old midfielder: “Jordan does tick those boxes. He's not maybe got the skills or ability of a lot of other people, like Steven Gerrard, and he's had to try and bury taking that captaincy from Gerrard which was like succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson. That's how tough it was going to be. 

“People didn't take to him because I don't think they could see through what Jordan actually gives and it's a lot more than just that player out on the pitch. He is a leader which I think all teams, even some of the big six, are still searching to get.

“I think he's been an absolute great leader. I think he will be up there for the Player of the Year but there's so many special players in this side.

“In defence you've got Joe Gomez, who's been brilliant, Trent Alexander-Arnold with so many assists, Andy Robertson, who's been wonderful. The goalkeeper [Alisson] and Van Dijk have been absolutely so important to this football team.”

Wazito FC forward Joseph Waithera feels his team is not where it should be and more is needed from him and the entire squad to ensure the team gets to the top.

The 2018/19 National Super League champions struggled in the Kenyan Premier League last season, and by the time football was suspended owing to the Covid-19 outbreak, they were placed in the 13th position.

The indifferent start and inconsistencies also led to regular changes on=the technical bench.

"To be honest, Wazito are not where they should be," Waithera told Goal.

"I have set a personal target of helping the team to develop by upping my game. It is not about an individual but I can do something to encourage my colleagues as well to go an extra mile to ensure we perform better, and consistently."

The Kenya winger has also revealed his objectives for the abandoned season as well as what he aims to achieve in the new one.

"My target was to at least get eight goals in the 2019/20 season but I did not achieve it," Waithera continued.

"I scored three goals meaning the deficit was five, but I believe I could have realized it because by the time the league was cancelled, the team had developed some consistency and everyone was in good form.

"I have a target of getting at least 10 goals next season, and in two years I want to be at another level where I can get about 15 goals or so. It is a matter of hard work and I am sure all can be achieved."

Like other athletes, Waithera has been training in isolation after the Covid-19 pandemic. So how has it been on his side?

"It is very tough; first, the coach has not been sending a training program which makes it even tougher. I have been training on the roof-top to ensure I keep my fitness level high," he revealed.

"Sometimes, I have to look for any player in the neighbourhood to help me with training. Sometimes, one needs the motivation to keep going.

"My level will definitely not be the same when football resumes for obvious reasons, but I am determined to work harder and become a better player."

Manchester United remain “three players” short of challenging Liverpool and Manchester City for the Premier League title, claims Ryan Giggs.

The Red Devils have made impressive progress in 2020, to the point that they are now 19 games unbeaten across all competitions.

A 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace saw that run extended, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side keeping themselves in the hunt for a top-four finish.

Champions League qualification is the target for this season, but future ambition at Old Trafford is much greater than that.

A club with 13 Premier League crowns to its name is determined to force its way back into contention for the most prestigious of prizes.

Positive steps are being taken in that quest, with big money having been invested along the way, but Giggs believes another productive window will be required this summer in order for the Red Devils to compete with north west rivals in 2020-21.

The United legend has told Premier League Productions: “I still think we're off City and Liverpool by two or three players.

“But Ole has done really, really well in the two transfer windows he's had.

“Good characters are coming in. You see [Bruno] Fernandes, he looks like a leader, he looks like a character. [Harry] Maguire, he's their captain.

“It's not just about having the players, it's about having that culture, that character that can improve not only the starting XI but the squad and the overall feeling around the club.

“They're certainly moving in the right direction. But, I still believe we need three new players.”

United continue to be linked with a number of possible additions ahead of the next window – which is set to open on July 27.

Solskjaer is said to have targets in mind that will strengthen the Red Devils from back to front.

Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly has seen a move to the Premier League mooted, while those at Old Trafford are also said to have sights locked on Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez, Aston Villa playmaker Jack Grealish and Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho.

It remains to be seen whether approaches for any of those targets can be made, with Solskjaer waiting to discover how much he will be given to spend by the Old Trafford board.

Leroy Sane's move to Bayern Munich from Manchester City will "unfortunately" bring the Bavarian side "a lot of joy", according to his former Schalke team-mate Joel Matip.

Sane ended a four-year association with Pep Guardiola's side this summer following a protracted and well-documented saga that could well have been wrapped up last year had the attacker not suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury in the Community Shield victory over Matip's current club Liverpool.

Having had additional time to return to fitness during the coronavirus lockdown period, however, Sane's wish for a new challenge finally came true as Bayern and City reached an agreement over a €60 million (£55m/$67m) transfer in July.

Sane is no stranger to Bundesliga football, having come up through the ranks at Schalke a few years after Matip and eventually sharing first-team duties with the centre-back, and his old friend has tipped the winger to make it even more difficult for the also-rans to catch up with Bayern.

“He is a top player,” Matip told German outlet Die Welt. “Unfortunately, he will give Bayern a lot of joy.”

Asked to explain his phrasing, the defender added: “Well, he won't make it any easier for the competition, which already has a hard time keeping up with Bayern [in the Bundesliga]. Leroy is a player who can help a team enormously.”

During his time with City, Sane recorded an impressive 39 goals and 45 assists across 135 total appearances in all competitions, a contribution significantly worthy enough for the Germany international to inherit the No.10 shirt previously worn by club legend Arjen Robben.

And Sane, of course, revealed that he is “overjoyed” to be training with his new club ahead of the 2020-21 season, having put his injury woes behind him to make one substitute appearance for City following the coronavirus-enforced lockdown prior to agreeing his transfer.

“It was very good,” he said of his first session with Hansi Flick's outfit. “It was a small group for training, but it was great to be out on the pitch again, completing my first session here on the training ground.  

“I'm just overjoyed to be here.”

Football fans in Africa have taken to social media to rejoice with Real Madrid after winning the 2019-20 La Liga title on Thursday.

Real defeated Villarreal 2-1 at Alfredo Di Stefano to clinch the title for the 34th time in their history, beating archrival Barcelona to the trophy.

Karim Benzema put Zinedine Zidane’s men in front moments before the half-hour mark and then doubled Los Blancos’ lead from the penalty spot in the second half.

Seven minutes to full-time, Vicente Iborra reduced the deficit with a fine finish but Real held their nerve to claim the all-important three points.

Real Madrid last won the title in 2017 under the guidance of Zidane, who parted ways with the club in May 2018 citing a number of reasons for his decision, before he was brought back in March 2019.

Football enthusiasts have hailed Los Blancos and Zidane for winning the trophy and praised the club as one of the greatest ever.

Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama is yet to taste victory in Major League Soccer (MLS) as Montreal Impact lost 4-3 to Toronto FC on Thursday.

Wanyama made his MLS debut against New England Revolution where they lost 1-0 and the latest fall against rivals Toronto means the former AFC Leopards man will have to wait longer for a maiden victory.

Toronto’s goals came courtesy of a hat-trick from Ayo Akinola and a goal from left-back Richie Laryea. Montreal Impact, whose defensive lapses are to blame for conceding the four goals, scored via Romell Quinto and Saphir Taider.

Wanyama’s coach Thierry Henry pointed out what made them lose again and said they will have to work and correct the mistakes.

“The goals we allowed come from basic mistakes,” Henry told reporters after the match.

“We worked on it again, again and again, but unfortunately, we saw them again [on Thursday] tonight. We will have to work again to win against D.C.

“It’s called concentration, application. That can happen when you’re tired. That’s early to be tired. But this tournament does that to you.

“You watch the [other] games and it looks like those types of mistakes happen in preseason games. I’m not looking for any excuses. But that’s a fact. Having said that, that doesn’t mean you need to concede them the way we did concede them.

“Yes, we scored three and we had plenty more chances that we created. Not on counters. Not because they [Toronto] lost the ball. We created them. But you can’t concede four and expect to win the game.”

The Frenchman said their loss against New England Revolution came because his charges did not fight but pointed out they improved in that regard against Toronto.

“The other day against new England it was different because we didn’t fight. Today [Thursday] you can’t say that. We fought a lot,” he added.

“If you concede goals the way we concede them [against Toronto] it’s difficult to win a ball game.

“And we created a lot. Not on counters. We created passing the ball through their lines. We lost the game. It’s a tough one to take. Obviously, against Toronto.

“Hopefully we can rectify that against D.C. [United]

“The way we also possessed the ball against a team [Toronto FC] that usually likes to possess the ball – they didn’t have it.

“But they got us on the break. They got us on stuff that we shouldn’t be hurt. But it did happen. In the second half, they didn’t touch the ball too much but when they did, they made us pay.”

Wanyama and Montreal Impact will next be up against D.C. United on July 21.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Nick Mwendwa has stated they are ready to resume football action when the government gives the green light.

The Kenyan Premier League (KPL) was halted in mid-March owing to the coronavirus pandemic, and action is yet to resume after the government moved to extend the curfew for sporting activities and social gatherings for another 31 days.

With the curfew coming to a close on August 7, FKF boss Mwendwa has now told Goal they are only waiting for the clearance from the government to set the ball rolling and kick-off the new season.

“We have already managed to secure sponsorship for the league that was a problem last season when SportPesa walked away and left teams struggling and now we only have the curfew on sporting activities standing on our way to start the season,” Mwendwa told Goal immediately after confirming they had secured  Sh1.2billion sponsorship deal with BetKing.

“We are ready to help the clubs to start pre-season training and what we are now waiting for is for the government to allow sporting activities and social gatherings to return, we now have enough money to help the teams which struggled last season to plan themselves accordingly.

“We will also give out 20 balls to all KPL teams when we start training for the new season, we already have the balls with us, we will give to each club and that shows you we are ready to kick the ball when we have the green light from the government.”

Mwendwa further clarified how the league will be managed under the FKF, who will come in to replace the KPL.

“FKF will officially take over the running of the league from KPL, and there is nothing to discuss there, we will make sure football is run from one place – Goal Project offices – and we don’t need to pay rent anymore,” Mwendwa continued.

“We will also ask the clubs to form their own committees which will run the league, also come up with referees and other committees, everything is being discussed and before the season starts, the new office will be in place.”

Under the new partnership, each participating club in the top-flight will be entitled to at least Sh8million annually from the Federation with the partnership starting at Sh220million in the first year, followed with increments of 5% in the second year, and 10% in the subsequent years.

The official unveiling of the partner, as well as the league logo, will be done in September.

Young Africans (Yanga SC) coach Luc Eymael has warned striker Gnamien Yikpe he only has the remaining three matches in the Mainland Premier League season to save his career at the club.

The Ivorian striker has struggled to fit well in the Yanga playing system since he signed for the giants from Kenyan champions Gor Mahia, and was recently heavily criticised by the fans after his alleged poor displays.

After the game against Azam FC which ended in a 0-0 draw, agitated Yanga fans thronged the team’s dressing room at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam demanding the club officials release the player.

This forced coach Eymael to bench the player in subsequent matches but on Wednesday he was given a chance, coming on in the second-half against Singida United and managed to score the third goal as Yanga beat the already relegated side 3-1.

Eymael has now told Goal he was impressed with Yikpe after coming on in the match but warned him he has to show the same spirit in the remaining three matches to be assured of keeping his place in the team.

“It is true I put in Yikpe because we needed speed up front, I also introduced Ditram [Nchimbi] and some players also got the chance and some took it and some did not take it and I hope the game will motivate [Yikpe] for the three remaining games," Eymael told Goal on Friday.

"That will be three finals for Yikpe, very important for him if he wants to stay at the club."

On the win against Singida, Eymael said: “We won 3-1, we had to win the match, we had to win 7-1, we missed many chances, Yikpe scored but he missed one or two goals, before that David [Molinga] missed two chances, we missed many scoring chances, we didn’t play very well.

“Like is said before, we played without seven players, key players because of injuries and suspensions, we must not forget that and when you don’t have seven key players, then it becomes difficult and after we used a young squad, not experienced enough but we won the match.

“We also have to do all our best to remain second until the end of the season.”

Yanga will next face Mwadui FC in the league on Saturday.

Ajax’s latest signing Mohammed Kudus has dedicated his move to former Netherlands youth international Abdelhak Nouri.

The Ghana international completed a move to the Dutch Eredivisie outfit from Nordsjaelland on a five-year-deal reportedly worth €9 million.

Before heading for the Johan Cruyff Arena, the 19-year-old had scored 11 times in 25 league games for the Danish top-flight side in the just-concluded season.

Excited by the prospect of playing in the Netherlands, the prodigy went on social media to thank the Wild Tigers as well as Right to Dream Academy, where he began his football career.

Ultimately, he paid tribute to the retired starlet whose football career was cruelly cut short during the club's pre-season tour of the Austrian Alps in July 2017.

Nouri collapsed against Werder Bremen due to cardiac arrhythmia and was in a coma for two years and nine months.

"Elated to join Ajax & braced for the future cos it’s a special place with a new culture and challenges,” Kudus wrote on Instagram.

“I considered #34 but I dedicate my signing to Abdelhak “Appie” Nouri a brother in faith to keep his dreams alive.

"I owe this to all the staff & teammates at Nordsjaelland and Right to Dream. 

“I look forward to further developing and winning with the team and fans. Officially a lion with the Lancers & de Godenzonen.”

Meanwhile, his coach at Nordsjaelland Jan Laursen has described the Ghanaian’s progress as fantastic, while hoping that he actualises his big potential in future.

“Kudus' journey and development with us has been fantastic. A huge gift must be given to Kudus himself and to the many coaches, staff members and teammates who have contributed to the big step he is now ready to take," said Laursen.

"That the choice ends up falling on Ajax is the result of a very long and thorough process where they have followed him closely and they have been really thorough and have laid out a plan for him so that his development can continue and we will hopefully see him realise the enormous potential in future.

"It is no coincidence that Kudus has reached where he is now and that he could strive so quickly in FCN and Denmark. 

"His time at Right to Dream Academy shaped him into the strong player and strong man he is today. The many tournaments he played with his [would-be] future teammates in FC Nordsjaelland at our joint international academy have had a great impact on the feeling and welcome and as he was ready to perform both humanly and as a football player. 

"We are very proud of both Kudus, his entire journey and the great work behind it all in Denmark and in Ghana."

South Korean club Suwon FC has confirmed the signing of Bafana Bafana striker Lars Veldwijk.

The towering centre forward was previously on the books of one of the biggest clubs in South Korean football, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.

Suwon, who are campaigning in the second tier of the Asian country's divisions, K League 2, announced the signing of Veldwijk on Friday morning.

"Professional football team Suwon FC recruited foreign striker Las Veldwijk of Jeonbuk Hyundai," a club statement read.

Veldwijk's transfer to the club, nicknamed the Dashers, comes as a surprise as he had only joined Jeonbuk during the January 2020 transfer window.

The 29-year-old player was mostly used as an impact player from the bench during his time with the reigning South Korean champions.

Veldwijk netted once in 11 matches across all competitions for the Warriors including one appearance in the AFC Champions League.

Forwards Cho Gue-Sung, Han Kyo-won and club captain Lee Dong-Gook were preferred ahead of Veldwijk at Jeonbuk.

The Uithoorn-born marksman will now be looking to help Suwon secure promotion to South Korea's top-flight, K League 1.

The Dashers are currently placed at the top of the K League 2 standings - a point ahead of second-placed Daejeon Hana Citizen with 26 matches left.

It remains to be seen whether Veldwijk will be eligible to play for Suwon when they take on Daejeon on Sunday, July 19.

The former Nottingham Forest frontman has proved to be a journeyman in his career has turned out for seven clubs in his country of birth, Netherlands.

Since he started his career at FC Volendam, Veldwijk has played for FC Utrecht, FC Dordretcht, SBV Excelsior, PEC Zwolle, FC Gronigen as well as Sparta Rotterdam.

The experienced player has also turned out for Belgian club KV Kortrijk, Norwegian side Aalesund FK and Forest in England.

He has previously stated that he is open to a move to a PSL club and is eligible to represent South Africa through his paternal lineage.

FC Bengaluru United enjoyed a positive second season in the I-League second division before the lockdown, enforced due to the Coronavirus pandemic, brought the season to a premature halt.

With 14 points on the board, the two-year-old club based out of the southern city were placed second in Group C after playing eight games. ARA FC were on top with the same number of points but a superior goal difference and a game in hand.

But with the season at a stand-still, no team was able to advance to the final round. Goal got in touch with India international Gouramangi Singh who, along with Richard Hood, assumed managerial duties at United.

"I completed my A coaching License last year. Savio (Medeira) sir and Richard, who is the second instructor there got this project wanted to involve me. He is the coach and I am trying to help him in whatever way I can. That is how we are working together.”

The former defender is happy with how the team performed this season and is hoping that the AIFF will find a way to complete it.

“According to our reflection as to how last season went, for a club that is just two years old, we did ok. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, this season has to end before we have a winner. That is unfortunate because we worked hard but there is no result to talk about. But the deadline for the transfer window is October 20 and they want a winner before that, if possible, subject to the situation we are in,” he said.

“The AIFF is assuming that they can have the ISL and I-league in one venue. I think the same goes for the second division. They are very much keen to get it done. We are working behind the scenes to assemble a team for whenever they say that they are ready to go. We are trying our best behind the scenes, hoping that the tournament resumes by mid-September and I think that is what the AIFF is thinking too.

Gouramangi insisted that one of the aspects Bengaluru United are focused on is nurturing local talent from Bengaluru.

“The team a mix of players from all over the country and not just local players. But Bengaluru United have the thought and policy where they want to encourage local players. But they need to be talented. Eventually, it is a football match that you must win, and you need to have a good team with players who we feel can help us win more matches,” he explained.

“I think there are very few people from Karnataka who were involved in the ISL last season. But Bengaluru United cannot be the only platform for the players. Even the ISL is encouraging local players and presenting them with more opportunities. You need to have a team which the coach and the technical team believes is good enough to win a match.

“But we do have some good 18 to 19-year-old local talents. Over time you will begin to hear more about them. It’s a Bengaluru club and we want the local players to use it as a platform for their career. If you see the list of players who have started games, it is not because they are Bengaluru players but because they have worked hard and earned that spot."

You may retire from football, but the passion for the game will forever stay intact. It is hardly surprising that the 34-year-old wants to pursue a career in coaching after gracing the pitch for about 15 years.

“It’s been two years since I decided to take up the coaching job. I don’t think I can stay away from the game. Once you are done, you are either getting into coaching or club football administration. These are the areas where I think I will be comfortable. I did my AFC C license in 2014 and AFC B license in 2016 when I was actively playing.

“Coaching is a tricky job but I enjoy doing it. I started KAGO football training centre with my partner Karan. There are about 100 kids there. I am looking to give back to the kids as much as I can. But I need to see about my career as well. For now, I am trying to understand the game myself.

“Of course, I have my experience as a player. I am trying to understand about the preparation, the preseason and everything. As a player, I have done it, but as a coach, the planning and other things have been a good experience. I am looking to pick up the details regarding management,” he concluded.

Many ATK fans will remember the name Jewel Raja Shaikh from the 2016 Indian Super League (ISL) final who had scored winning penalty to seal the second title for the Kolkata-based club.

Under Spanish manager Francisco Molina’s tutelage, the Kolkata club had clinched the title against Kerala Blasters in Kochi.

Four years down the line, the man who made it possible for ATK, still remembers his time with the club fondly. He also certified Molina as a unique coach.

During a chat with Goal, the Bengali midfielder was all praises for the current Spain national team’s technical director.

“I have never seen a coach like Jose Francisco Molina. I remember other than Shilton Paul every single player in the squad got game time. As Debjit (Majumder) was exceptional in goal, Shilton never got a chance. But other than him every single player got time.

"He is a unique manager. To him, every single player is equal in the team. Other than a few players like skipper Borja Fernandes, goalkeeper Debjit Majumder and central defenders Henrique Sereno and Tiri, he made changes in every position. I remember all of us in that season had played seven to eight matches,” said Raja.

The footballer also spoke about how Molina did not hesitate to rest the most important players of that team during the second leg of the play-offs clash against Mumbai City FC.

“I remember in the second leg semifinal against Mumbai City FC, Molina had made nine changes. Players like Helder Postiga, Sameegh Doutie and Iain Hume did not start in the second leg. After that, we were reduced to 10 men. At one point we even thought that we won’t make it to the final but we went on to win the league.”

While the fans remember him as the player who had scored the winning goal, Jewel Raja suggested that his contribution to that team was not just limited to scoring the final penalty.

“Scoring the winning goal in the final was definitely memorable but you have to understand something that I did not just score that penalty in the shootout. I had played 120 minutes in the second leg play-offs game and then again played the full match in the final. So it wasn’t just about the goal. I had a lot of contribution in that team,” the former Mohun Bagan player opined.

Montreal Impact lost 4-3 to Toronto FC on Friday morning, with Ayo Akinola getting a double while Algeria international Saphir Taider got a brace.

Thierry Henry’s men were hoping to win their game at the ongoing MLS is Back Tournament after losing 1-0 to New England Revolution in their first game.

However, they could not get the much-needed result against Greg Vanney’s men at ESPN's Wide World of Sports complex.

Richie Laryea gave the Reds an eighth-minute lead. The Canada international of Ghanaian descent profited from a pass from Alejando Pozuelo before firing past Senegal’s Clement Diop after outpacing Shamit Shome.

Six minutes later, Romell Quioto equalised getting a backline-splitting pass from Emanuel Maciel, beating his marker Omar Gonzalez before skimming the ball past goalkeeper Quentin Westberg.

Akinola restored the lead in the 25th minute, firing past Diop to complete a smooth nine-pass sequence.

11 minutes later, Algeria’s Taider levelled matters from the penalty mark after DR Congo’s Chris Mavinga had brought down Quioto.

Within the space of one minute, the Nigerian-American made it 3-2 for the Reds after controlling a sublime Pozuelo pass and outmuscling a defender before beating the Senegalese goalkeeper.

Akinola completed his treble after bundling aside a defender after taking a Nick DeLeon flick-on from a Westberg goal kick before chipping Diop. Taider completed his brace another penalty but that could not rescue his team from defeat.

After putting up a man-of-the-match performance, the hat-trick hero was replaced by Griffin Dorsey, while Mavinga saw every minutes of action. Young Nigerian striker Ifunanyachi Achara was not listed for the encounter.

For Henry’s men, former Nigeria U17 star Orji Okonkwo who is on loan from Serie A side Bologna came in for Quioto after 79 minutes, Taider, Diop as well as Kenya international Victor Wanyama saw every minute of action.  

This defeat place Impact at the base of the log with zero point from two games, in sharp contrast to Toronto who lead with four points from the same number of matches.

A draw for Akinola’s team against New England Revolution on July 21 will cement their place in the next round.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insisted Manchester United were "raring to go" again ahead of their FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea.

Goals from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial saw United past Crystal Palace 2-0 on Thursday as they continued their top-four push in the Premier League.

United have a short turnaround ahead of playing Chelsea and Solskjaer had questioned why Frank Lampard's team were afforded 48 hours more rest.

But the United manager said his players were ready to go for the clash at Wembley.

"We're fine, we're fit and the players are raring to go, want to play again," Solskjaer told a news conference.

"Of course, anyone can hold their hands up at any moment and say, 'I want to sit out this one'.

"We've got players on the bench desperate to join in, but it was forced with Brandon [Williams] and Luke [Shaw] not being available today.

"Timothy [Fosu-Mensah] did great and Scott [McTominay] has been fantastic. He took a shift for Nemanja [Matic].

"We've got the players who've had the chance over this period to take players off, being three goals up in many games after 60 minutes. We've been fortunate in that respect."

United are fifth in the Premier League table, a point behind Chelsea and level on points with fourth-placed Leicester City with two games remaining.

The Red Devils boss believes his side earned the right to smile after claiming a crucial three points against Palace. 

"It is a tight game and didn't get the rhythm in our passing but two fantastic goals won it for us," he told BBC Sport. 

"Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are enjoying themselves, when they go out onto the pitch for a shift, they go out with a smile and they defend each other too.

"We need to smile and go into this, we have earned this right, no-one thought in January that we would be in with a shout for top four. We have done fantastic since the restart.

"These are the games that matter. That is the thing at Manchester United, you have to step up and show your personality."

US-based teenager Wan Kuzri Wan Kamal joined the Malaysia U-19 centralised camp on Thursday, garnering significant attention from the local sports media.

But when asked by Goal whether he will need to protect the 18-year old from media attention and lofty fans' expectations as a young player and outsider, the Young Tigers' head coach Brad Maloney expressed his belief that Kuzri can take everything in his stride.

"He's a young man and I'm sure he can handle himself. I only met him today obviousl,y but he seems quite mature for his age and I'm sure he'll be able to handle himself in those situations.

"I just asked him to find his way because we're not expecting the world from him straightaway. He probably hasn't touched the ball in more than two weeks. He's informed me that he's been keeping up to speed with indoor exercises like cycling. We're going to give him a little bit of time, and hopefully by the time this call up ends, he can really show his true talent," explained the Australian to the press just before conducting team practice.

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US-based teenager Wan Kuzri Wan Kamal joined the Malaysia U-19 centralised camp on Thursday, garnering significant attention from the local sports media.

It was not only reporters and journalists who were present at the Malaysian FA (FAM) headquarters, as Kuzri's arrival was also followed by the arrival of Malaysia's deputy youth and sports minister Wan Ahmad Fayhsal, who turned up for an informal visit.

However, Fayhsal's visit also happened to be a personal one, as he and the 18-year old player are actually brothers. After he was accompanied to the pitch by FAM officials, he took the time to speak to Kuzri during a water break in the team training.

But when speaking to the press afterwards, the 33-year old politician insisted that the attention must not be on his brother alone.

"The hype must not be on him alone. He is only one player out of those called up for the camp, and every single one these Malaysia U-19 hopefuls deserve our support. They need to compete among each other for a place on the final squad.

"But I welcome by brother's arrival after having undergone a 14-day precautionary Covid-19 quarantine. When I talked to him, he was very, very eager to play for Malaysia U-19," said the politician who was appointed to the post in March this year.

He also denied having a role in persuading the St. Louis FC academy player to return to their father's home country, saying that his younger brother needed no convincing from their family.

"My only part in getting him here, in an indirect manner, was when I talked to our father (Wan Kamal), but at the end of the day, the desire to come to Malaysia is all Kuzri's.

"Our father never forced him to do it and he is here because he wants to be here, which should bode well for the future of Malaysian football. Hopefully he chooses to remain with us," he noted.

Fayhsal's visit also allowed Goal to ask the politician a cheeky question that has long been in the back of our minds: with of two of his younger brothers looking to embark on a career as a professional footballer in the US, did he ever seriously consider playing pro football as well?

Kuzri and Fayhsal's brother, 21 year old Wan Kuzain plays for Major League Soccer club Sporting Kansas City's reserve team. Late last year he attended a Malaysia U-23 centralised camp, but a documentation hiccup prevented him from joining the team in the Southeast Asian Games.

"My involvement in football was only at the school level, when I played in the Pudu zone (in Kuala Lumpur) in 2004.

"I used to play rugby for the Kuala Lumpur U-19 team, but that was as far as my sporting career ever got to!" answered Fayhsal good-humouredly.

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