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Frank Lampard insists Chelsea were never “pinning hopes” on Manchester City’s European ban being upheld, with those in west London determined to earn Champions League qualification.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has overturned UEFA-imposed sanctions on City that would have seen them ruled out of continental competition for two years.

Pep Guardiola’s side will be back among the elite in 2020-21, with the intention of those at Stamford Bridge being to join them.

Inconsistency is making life a little difficult in that quest at present, but Chelsea’s fate remains squarely in their own hands.

A ban for City would have meant that they could slip as far as fifth and still book a Champions League berth, but Lampard insists his focus has always been on finishing inside the top four.

The Blues boss told reporters ahead of a home date with relegated Norwich on Tuesday: “I genuinely don't see beyond the games at hand. We've got a few games now, we know that. We want to win them and then see if it gets us European, Champions League football for next season.

“I was never pinning my hopes on it being an extra team getting in or not, we worry about ourselves.

“If we win enough games now we can get into the Champions League.”

Lampard added on whether pressure on his side has now been ramped up: “I don’t know. We are sitting third, it is in our hands.

“I wouldn’t want the players to be thinking that there is an extra place, can we relax a little more? It can’t be the way.

“The pressure is there to get Champions League football. It is just what happened [with City], it is clear now. It’s the position and we have to fight for it.”

Chelsea are already piecing together ambitious plans for next season, with deals done for the likes of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner .

The plan is to give them a Champions League stage to grace, with Lampard confident that even more top talent can be lured to west London.

He said when asked whether missing out on the top four would impact his recruitment plans: “Not really a question just for me and it is a hypothetical one for me to answer before the event, hence why I don’t jump forward into that.

“We have brought a couple of players into the club already, which shows positivity about where we want to go.

“We know the club not being able to do business in the last two windows has meant we haven’t been able to bring in, move players out and I think that is as an important thing than bringing players in at times, to keep freshening up the squad and keeping the competitive nature of it.

“I know where I want to go with the squad, but that has to be a fluid conversation with the club. Of course, economics will come into it, so we will cross that bridge when it comes.”

Jack Grealish would be a “bit-part player” at Manchester United, according to Stephen Warnock, with the Aston Villa playmaker considered to hold little sporting and commercial value to the Red Devils at £80 million ($101m).

That is the price tag the 24-year-old midfielder is said to have around his neck heading towards the next transfer window.

United are among those said to be mulling over a big-money raid on Villa, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer having had Grealish in his sights for some time.

The Red Devils have, however, seen Bruno Fernandes thrive in their engine room, with World Cup winner Paul Pogba now fit and firing alongside him.

Solskjaer can also call upon the likes of Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood in wide attacking berths, with there seemingly little room for Grealish at the Theatre of Dreams.

Warnock concedes as much, with the former Villa defender considering it unlikely that United will splash the cash on a player who would add little more than depth to their ranks.

He told Stadium Astro: "It's the going rate for players, but for £80m I want someone who's going to start week-in and week-out.

"When you think about his global appeal for Manchester United, is he going to sell you shirts week-in and week-out to repay a lot of that money that he's going to cost? I'm not so sure he will.

"But who else will buy him for £80m with the pandemic that we're coming out of and can clubs afford to shell out £80m?

"I don't think they can. That figure would have to come down considerably and I think it will as well."

Warnock, who spent four years at Villa between 2009 and 2013, added: "If he was to join a club like Manchester United then being around better players, playing higher up the pitch and not having to do three or four jobs on the football pitch that he feels he has to do drag the team back up to where they need to be, I think he'll be a far superior player in a much better team.

"Ole Gunnar Solskjaer knows that and he understands the qualities that Jack Grealish possesses, it adds to the quality of United's squad.

"Would he play every week? That's what Jack has to work out in his head.

"If he was to go to United, is he happy being a bit-part player?"

Grealish is currently trying to help steer Villa towards Premier League survival, but they remain inside the bottom three as things stand – four points from safety with three games left to take in.

Nemanja Matic says Mason Greenwood reminds him of Arjen Robben - and there aren’t many young players in world football who compare to his Manchester United team-mate.

The 18-year-old forward has seen his star rise since the Premier League resumed in June, a key part of his side’s flourishing attack with four goals and one assist in his last three games.

Matic says Greenwood has developed since making his first-team bow in March 2019, and praised his effect on the rest of the dressing room.

“There are not many players his age of that level,” Matic told Stats Perform News. “He has this natural instinct for goals.

"There is a big difference from now to six months ago. He is young and he is changing, and his approach to training and to everything is different.

“He's a great person, great for the changing room.

"He is quiet, I have to say, but the boy is always very positive and we are happy to have him in the team."

Greenwood has 16 goals and five assists to his name so far this season, a remarkable tally for a teenager in his first full campaign at senior level.

United are keen for him to keep his feet on the ground but Matic has high hopes for him.

Asked which player he most reminds him of, Matic picked one of the 21st century’s most dangerous attackers.

"I don't want to put too much pressure on the lad, but if I had to say someone, it would be [Arjen] Robben," Matic said.

Matic also added to the inevitable comparisons being made between Greenwood and fellow United academy graduate Marcus Rashford.

"I think that when he has seen players who came through the academy, he has seen Marcus as a role model and he has tried to follow those steps, it was easier too for him to see that someone can achieve big things coming from the academy, so I am happy for him," he added.

"It is important to have players from the academy. They are making big players, good people, it's important they are good people for the changing room.

"The expectation from our fans is high and they have to be ready to play at the highest level."

National Super League (NSL) side Nairobi Stima have confirmed their dissolution after their sponsor Kenya Power and Lighting Company withdrew.

In a letter sent to players confirming the termination of their respective contracts, the club confirmed it was doing so as it dissolves following KPLC’s financial withdrawal as their sponsor.

Kenya Power had informed the clubs; Nairobi Stima and its NSL rival Coast Stima as well as the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) team Western Stima of its intention to terminate existing sponsorship deals.

“This is to inform you that your contract with Nairobi Stima Welfare Football Club is terminated from June 30 as per clause 2.1 termination by the club part e. [without notice or payment in lieu of the notice when the club is dissolved as a result of the withdrawal of the sponsorship by the sponsor,” a letter to an affected player and obtained by Goal on Monday read in part.

“We want to thank you for the services rendered to the club.”

When KPL informed the clubs of the intention to cut sponsorship deals, the state-owned company said their business had gone down thus they are unable to meet their sponsorship obligations to the teams.

Nairobi Stima chairman Johnstone Sakwa told Goal on Monday they have scheduled a meeting in the week to deliberate on the unfolding issues.

“We have a meeting lined up on the way forward. KPLC has been supporting us since 2000 and to be honest, they have helped us a lot. It is unfortunate things are happening like these,” Sakwa said.

“The company could not sustain us considering currently there are no games ongoing.”

“We were told the team has no money to sustain our services and we have no option but to accept the decision and move on. We hope that we will get new teams and develop our careers,” one of the affected players told Goal.

Nairobi Stima had enjoyed a rather good run in the second tier as they finished fifth with 35 points when Football Kenya Federation (FKF) cancelled the leagues in May.

In the 2018/19 season, they lost to Posta Rangers in the two-legged KPL play-offs.

As Nairobi Stima stand dissolved, Coast Stima confirmed on Monday they have secured a shirt sponsor with a deal that may help them remain afloat and participate in the 2020/21 season.

Six North Rift Counties have endorsed Sam Nyamweya as their preferred Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidential candidate.

In a meeting held on Sunday, leaders from West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, Turkana, Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet agreed in unison to support the administrator in his bid to return to football management in the country.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the resolve is stronger than before," read a joint statement from the leaders and obtained by Goal .

"We are pleased to announce to you after a full day of discussions and deliberations, we, as members of Upper Rift have resolved to endorse Sam Nyamweya as our preferred choice.  

"The meeting was graced by our FKF National Executive Council member Evans Rono.  

"Mr Sam Nyamweya joined us via video and addressed his people. Our people, let regions meet and chat for the way forward, the time is now."

During Nyamweya's tenure, Kenya won the right to host the 2018 Chan competition but the country was stripped of the privilege after his exit from office and the current regime under incumbent Nick Mwendwa failed to convince the government to finish the stadiums selected to host the tournament.

The administrator has also revealed other achievements realised during his era.

"I left when Kenya was ranked 90th on the Fifa rankings and, during my entire time in office, there was no time we were ranked below the 100 mark. Now, we are ranked 107," Nyamweya said in an earlier interview.  

"The national team players were covered by UAP Insurance. All of them were covered and there were no complaints of failure of treatment."

On the current grandstanding between FKF and the Kenyan Premier League, Nyamweya revealed the strategy he used to solve such issues at the time.

"FKF and KPL always worked out their differences through negotiations. Anytime there was a misunderstanding I would call Ambrose Rachier [then KPL chairman] so that we could sit and iron out issues.

"The joint Executive Committee was meeting at least once every two weeks.

"It is now two years since the current members met that is why you can see everything is in disarray."

Nyamweya also took credit for the fact that a number of Kenyans served in key positions in international events or bodies during his tenure.

"I can remember that I also pushed a number of our officials to join the Caf Executive Committee and one of them was Doris Petra who was a representative in the Women Committee. Robert Asembo served in the Caf's Constitutional Committee," he concluded.

"I am proud of the two. Aden Marwa served during the 2014 World Cup courtesy of my lobbying efforts and you know that is not an easy task.

"All these [achievements] are there to be seen."

The date for elections is yet to be made public but already several candidates have come out to confirm their interest in the top seat.

Apart from Nyamweya, those keen for the top seat include former Cecafa Secretary Nicholas Musonye, Herbert Mwachiro, Gor Mahia CEO Omondi Aduda, former NEC member Twaha Mbarak, former Vihiga Governor Moses Akaranga and Sammy Shollei.

The Chairperson of the Caf Organizing Committee for women’s football Isha Johansen has explained the motive behind the decision to create the Women's Champions League.

The African football body announced plans to start a women's club competition in 2021, the same day it also confirmed the cancellation of the 2020 Africa Women's Cup of Nations.

The outrage and continental-wide condemnation that followed the 2018 Awcon scrapping has since been addressed by the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) president, citing varying factors.

The 55-year-old also revealed the inauguration of the Champions Lague was not as a replacement for the Awcon but to compel associations to invest in women's football.

"We've had two women's symposia in Caf and there was a spate cry for the Women's Champions League to start," Johansen said in an interview with Caf made available to Goal.

"Everybody wants to see more of women's football to play and get the girls more exposure and more experience. And this was a welcoming idea. We did not really have the platform then, but now we do. 

"It's always been on the cards. Now we are ready, even though it is strange times. It is not going to be replacing the women's Awcon and the domestic women's leagues. 

"With the Women's Champions League, member associations will be compelled to improve the level of their domestic leagues in order to be eligible to participate. They will have to up their game and increase their participation."

In November, women's football stakeholders launched a four-year women's football strategy blueprint at a workshop in Egypt, which the Caf Executive Committee later gave its seal of approval.

In June, Fifa announced a coronavirus relief plan for world football, offering member associations a universal solidarity grant of $1m, with an additional $500,000 grant specifically for women’s football. 

With the latest financial support, the Sierra Leone FA boss is confident women's football will enjoy improved investment across the continent, especially in various women's domestic leagues.

"Caf is giving our financial support to the MAs during the Covid-19 and Fifa recently just announced 500,000 dollars for women's football to every member association [MA]," she continued.

"This will go a very long way in helping the women's domestic leagues. There is a recent survey which confirmed that over 30 MAs have women's leagues. This is a very good start to build on.

"If 30 MAs are working towards a vibrant and appreciable women's league or women's football in their country, the remaining which is less than half will also follow suit. 

"Caf and Fifa are ever ready to support member associations in the development of women's football. It is a great time for us, strange and abnormal times but we should also not forget that women's football is a normal thing and we will not allow Covid-19 or the abnormal times to erode the normality of things. 

"We are going to raise our game, we will change our narrative in the game as women in football, players and administrators. I think, now is the time that we should look ahead and look forward and all come on board participating to push our women's game forward on the continent." 

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) General Secretary Kushal Das revealed that the Indian men's national team camp ahead of the World Cup 2022 qualifier match against Qatar will be held in Bhubaneswar.

He also revealed that the Indian FA is in talks with Jharkhand Government over holding the U17 women's national team camp in the state.

During a webinar organised by the West Bengal Chamber of Commerce on the topic 'Future of Indian football post-COVID-19 scenario', Das revealed that the Indian FA has already written to the Odisha government and enquired about the standard operating protocols which are to be followed to arrange the national camp.

"If there is a camp it has to be in Bhubaneswar. We have written to the Odisha government for their suggestions. We are looking to start the camp by the third week of August. Don't know whether a six-week camp is possible. We are still waiting for a response from the Odisha Govt."

The Indian FA are also concerned about the travelling arrangement for the Qatar national team and when the government's regulations regarding international travel will be clear.

"The travel of the Qatar team is another huge issue. From July 15 international flights are supposed to start. Vande Bharat flights have a 14-day quarantine mandatory. I am not sure about the protocols that the Central government will give us. Right now it is a wait and watch approach.

"We have written to MYAS. They also do not have the answers. Once international flights start, we will get the protocols. We will then inform Asian Football Confederation, FIFA, and Qatar."

The AIFF have been on the lookout for venues for the Indian U17 women's team who are set to play in the U17 World Cup which will be held in India next year. The Federation has shortlisted Goa and Jharkhand as destinations to hold the India U-17 women's team's national camp.

"We have discussed it with the Goa government about the camp. Then Jharkhand is also a possibility. Their Chief Minister is very interested. We would like to start by August first week or latest by August 15. Precious Dede (goalkeeping coach) is still in Goa. Alex Ambrose will take charge in the absence of Dennerby. But I hope by August 15 he can travel back to India," said the AIFF General Secretary.

"Jharkhand's project is being led by the Chief Minister himself. We are waiting for their response. They have excellent facilities in the state and 8-10 girls are there in the state. And since it is led by Chief Minister, we are hopeful that the protocols that they will lay down will be manageable."

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has been told to teach his side how to win 1-0, with Gus Poyet calling for better “balance” from a Blues team that remain inconsistent at the back.

Those flaws were highlighted once again in their most recent outing as the west London outfit slipped to a 3-0 defeat away at Sheffield United.

That setback has Lampard’s side sweating on Champions League qualification, with a top-four finish far from being wrapped up.

Fate is, however, still in their own hands with three games left to take in, while there remains plenty of potential to unlock heading towards 2020-21.

Poyet hopes Lampard can find a way of getting Chelsea firing on all cylinders, with too many players being carried at times in his debut campaign.

That was the case at Bramall Lane, with a team blessed with a wealth of attacking options unable to find a solution when it comes to keep opponents at arm’s length.

Former Blues star Poyet told Stadium Astro: “We are all different, that’s the good thing about football, we all train in a different way, we all think in a different away.

“For example, myself, even if I like my team to treat the football very well, and pay attention and create attacks, I start my team from the back.

“I make sure that first we are organised, we are tight, we make it difficult for the opposition, we care about not conceding, like our goal is our house, they cannot get in there.

“Sometimes we try to split, he’s an offensive manager, he’s a defensive manager, and there’s nothing in between, but there is. The best teams in the world defend very well and attack very well.

“It’s having the right balance and that’s what I want to see from Chelsea next year – a better balance in their play. More practical sometimes, win 1-0, why not?

“The best teams in the world win leagues winning 1-0 when they are not having a good day. [Sheffield United] was a day for Chelsea to say, ‘we’re not having a good day, let’s make sure we’re solid, we’ve got enough players to score a goal and we win 1-0’.

“I would start with that, to have a better organisation in terms of defending. I’m not going to take out [Kurt] Zouma because he’s a very strong defender. Without going too far, the tackle the other day against Crystal Palace in the last minute, there are not many players who can do that.

“But he was static. He was static in everything. Even in the last goal which everyone will remember for [Antonio] Rudiger not kicking the ball away but he [Zouma] doesn’t even try to stop the cross.

“He’s running but he didn’t even stretch himself, he didn’t even have to stop, it was like he was having one of those days where you’re not feeling well and you’re not really there, concentrating enough.

“In football I say a team can carry one player in a game, two players [more difficult], more than two you can’t carry because the opposition can play. And that’s what happened to Chelsea, there were too many who were not at the level you need to be to win football games.”

Chelsea have moved into third spot in the Premier League table, but they are just a point clear of Leicester and two ahead of a resurgent Manchester United side – who could rise above them with victory over Southampton on Monday.

Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo has expressed his delight after returning to action in their pre-season game against Hamilton on Saturday.

Calvin Bassey’s strike cancelled out Ronan Hughes’ opener before Markus Fjortoft scored the match-winner from the penalty spot to hand Steven Gerrard’s men a 2-1 victory.

Super Eagles midfielder Aribo came close to scoring in the encounter when he struck a shot but the effort was blocked by Hamilton's defenders.

The outbreak of coronavirus in March forced football activities to be suspended in Scotland and around the world as many countries imposed a total lockdown to curb the spread of the pandemic.

The 2019-20 Scottish Premiership was subsequently ended abruptly as a result of Covid-19 and the Gers finished second on the league table behind Celtic.

After the Scottish government allowed football activities to return, Rangers immediately kick-started their build-up to the 2020-21 season.

Aribo, who has been part of the preparations, has taken to the social media to express his feelings on his return to action after 17 weeks of inactivity.

“Felt good to be back on the pitch,” Aribo posted on Instagram with his image during the game.

Aribo has been in fine form since joining the Gers last summer after turning down a chance to extend his contract with Charlton Athletic, where he spent two years.

The 23-year-old midfielder scored eight goals and provided eight assists in 45 appearances for the Ibrox Stadium outfit in his debut campaign.

His eye-catching performances earned him a call-up to the Nigeria national team and he has since made four appearances for the three-time African champions.

Aribo will hope to continue his impressive performances for the Gers in their remaining pre-season games.

Antoine Griezmann’s struggles at Barcelona in 2019-20 are of no concern to France national team coach Didier Deschamps.

Having long been linked with a big-money move to Camp Nou, the World Cup-winning forward finally saw it happen in the summer of 2019.

Given the success that Griezmann had previously enjoyed at Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid, he was expected to thrive in Catalunya.

The 29-year-old has, however, fallen short of expectations, with only 15 goals scored in 46 appearances.

Questions have been asked of his working relationship with Lionel Messi and whether Barca will keep him around if they dip back into the market for another fearsome frontman.

Deschamps, though, claims Griezmann’s quality is “inarguable” and believes a proven performer at the very highest level will come good in time.

He told RTL: “His situation does not worry me.

“I have no doubt over his abilities. They are inarguable.

“All players have a period in a first year at a new club where things are maybe a bit more difficult. He has the mentality to deal with it.”

It could be that Griezmann is not seen again in the current campaign, with an untimely thigh injury having been picked up.

With Barca having just two La Liga games left to play, it is unlikely that the Frenchman will figure in Quique Setien’s plans.

That is set to ramp up the pressure on others, with the Blaugrana refusing to throw in the towel on their title defence.

Real Madrid have edged a point clear at the top of the table, with a game in hand, but a door remains open to Barca.

They are, however, having to chase their ambitious targets with no loyal fan base to cheer them on, with competitive action continuing to take place behind closed doors.

On the absence of supporters from football around the world, Deschamps said: “It is not really football.

“Normally, there are emotions, full stadiums, but today that is not possible. Even for the players, they are missing adrenaline. It is not complete pleasure, it cannot be.”

Barcelona, without Griezmann, will be back in action on Thursday when they face Osasuna at home.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s angry reaction to being substituted during AC Milan’s 2-2 draw at Napoli on Sunday wasn’t cause for concern for his coach Stefano Pioli.

The Swedish striker was visibly annoyed by Pioli’s decision to take him off, just after Dries Mertens had put Napoli 2-1 up.

Milan equalised through Franck Kessie’s late penalty to continue their six-match unbeaten run since the restart – including impressive wins over the top two, Juventus and Lazio.

“Ibra was angry because we were losing,” Pioli told Sky Sport Italia after the game.

“We had just conceded a goal and he always expects the best from himself and others.”

After having only one shot in the game, losing six of his nine aerial duels and conceding possession six times, Ibrahimovic may also have been frustrated at a below-par individual performance.

Nevertheless, another game unbeaten extended Milan’s good run and kept them in with a chance of a top-six finish – though they remain two points behind sixth-place Napoli.

“It was tough, really tough, as after Lazio and Juventus, we’ve had a really difficult run of games against the best teams in the league, but we showed that we were up to the task,” Pioli said.

“When you get results and put in strong performances against this kind of opponent, it really boosts your confidence.

“We scored a great goal to take the lead, we fought back to equalise and a point is a good result.”

Pioli also agreed with sporting director Paolo Maldini, who suggested Milan had improved because the coronavirus lockdown afforded the coach – who took over from Marco Giampaolo in October – more intensive training time as the squad returned.

“It takes time to get a team working in a smooth way and with everyone aware of what they need to do,” Pioli said.

“We didn’t have the time to achieve that, now we have and the results are positive, so it’s only right that we now raise the bar and keep aiming higher.

“It’s difficult playing every three days, as I had some players at the final whistle tonight who were just wrecked. We’ve got to keep going.

“Naturally, there are going to be some changes on Wednesday [against Parma], as we know there are players who have kept us afloat this far and they need to rest.”

Uganda Revenue Authority (URA FC) have extended the stay of right-back Ronald Kigongo ahead of the new season.

The Uganda Premier League (UPL) club have confirmed the development on their official website stating by extending the contract, Kigogo will become the second longest-serving player at the club after Saidi Kyeyune, who played for the club for eight years while Kigongo will be at the club for six years.

“Ronald Kigongo has renewed his stay with the tax collectors by further 3 years after his contract expired in June 2020,” the statement by the club revealed.

“URA has triggered a three-year extension on Kigongo’s contract to keep the right back at the club until 2023. Former coach Alex Isabirye signed Kigongo from Maroons FC back in 2014 as a striker and later transformed him into the defender.

“With this contract in place, it means the right-back will be at the club for nine years. Kigongo is the second-longest serving player in the current squad (6 years) with Saidi Kyeyune (8 years) topping the list having also joined the tax collectors from Maroons.”

The stay of the right-back will be good news for URA coach Sam Ssimbwa, who is keen to build a strong squad to challenge for titles next season.

In a recent interview, former URA CEO Ivan Kakembo hit out at Ssimbwa who he described as a man who wanted to be everything at the club.

The two did not have a smooth time during their time at the Kampala-based side and the administrator left the team last December after his contract with the four-time Ugandan Premier League champions expired.

"Nothing brings me together with Ssimbwa but the job, even when I go for a holiday, I will be in Miami in the USA but Ssimbwa will be at Pine," Kakembo told Sanyuka TV.

"What Ssimbwa failed to understand is that he cannot work under organizational structures. He is a coach but wants to be the CEO and everything at the same time."

The 53-year-old former Sofapaka tactician at one point fell out with his star player Steven Bengo while at SC Villa and Kakembo has also commented on the issue.

Kushal Das, General Secretary of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), is certain that East Bengal will definitely join the Indian Super League (ISL), be it this season or from the 2021-22 campaign. But he believes that the Red and Golds must join the top tier when they are absolutely ready to do so and not hasten the process. 

"I am absolutely certain that East Bengal will play ISL - be it this year or next year. If they come in ISL they must come in with a long-term vision and with a proper structure. It took six months for Mohun Bagan and ATK to finalise the deal. It is better to wait for a year. Because the heavens are not going to fall if they play in ISL from next year. They still have an issue with their old partner (Quess Corp). If they manage to resolve it then they are welcome from this season," stated Das during a webinar organised by West Bengal Chamber of Commerce on Indian football. 

When queried if there is a certain deadline for East Bengal to adhere to he replied, "Club licensing starts on July 15. If a new entity comes in then they have to get a lot of NOCs (No Objection Certificates). And this they should get from AFC (Asian Football Confederation). AIFF has nothing to do with it." 

Das congratulated ATK and Mohun Bagan FC for forging a new entity in ATK Mohun Bagan FC and also mentioned that retaining the green and maroon colours is a sensible decision. 

"The induction of Mohun Bagan in ISL is a win-win situation for everyone. The financial firepower of ATK and the legacy and fanbase of Mohun Bagan is a great thing. They have retained the jersey colour. It is a very sensible decision. It is a sad part that they will have to play behind closed doors in this season."

With the uncertainty over the Covid-19 crisis not showing any signs of abating, the ISL and I-League will be held at a centralised venue in the upcoming season. Goa and Kerala have been mooted as potential hosts for ISL, with the former in prime position to hold the competition.

Meanwhile, the I-League matches should be held in Kolkata, as revealed by Goal earlier. 

"As things look, it (ISL & I-League) has to be behind closed doors and in a single venue. We cannot afford to take risks with the players' health. We are still figuring out the details. But that is the only possibility. 

"The final decision is yet to be taken. Goa and Kolkata are the likely destinations. The I-League has to go to Kolkata since YBK will be locked for three months for preparations of WWC and hence ISL cannot take place there."

Das also informed that AIFF hopes to organise the I-League second division in mid-September in a single venue with no spectators in the stadium. 

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) General Secretary Kushal Das has said that the second strategic plan of the apex football body will focus on organizing longer competitions and a decentralization process to enhance the capabilities of state associations,

Speaking at a webinar organised by the West Bengal Chamber of Commerce on the topic 'Future of Indian football post-COVID-19 scenario' on Monday, Das spoke at length about the second strategic plan of the AIFF and stated that the Indian FA has achieved good results from their first plan.

He said, "We have been able to achieve 75-80 per cent of the first strategic plan. In the second one, we believe that development must happen through competitive football. The competitions must be spread across a longer duration and a minimum of 40-45 games are (to be) played across levels. The main focus is competition-oriented and we are hoping to go local.

"Go local means arming the state associations with better facilities. We are also planning a ranking system according to the performance of the state associations. We have a development officer to help them. It is a part of the decentralization process. We need to have at least 40-45 games to develop. We would do everything to increase the capacities of the state MAs (member associations). But they must also help themselves."

Das also said that direct financial help for the state associations will not be possible due to budget constraints. However, technical help will certainly be provided. 

"The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) revenue is around INR 16000 crore for five years only through IPL. So they have a freer hand while distributing funds. Our total revenue is 100 crore. In that, we have to run age group leagues, coach education, national teams and every other expense. So you can imagine how stressed we are. Therefore, in terms of giving direct financial help, it is not possible. But every kind of technical help will be provided.

The AIFF general secretary lauded the work of the state associations of West Bengal, Karnataka and Maharashtra for their effort in the development of the sport. 

"The IFA has done a wonderful job. We are keen to work closely with them. Their aim is to take Bengal football back to the glory days. Then there are Karnataka and Maharashtra associations who have also done exceedingly well."

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Steve Lekoelea says he was lured to the Soweto giants after Irvin Khoza gave him R5000 to buy himself a drink and went on to snub a move to the Netherlands.

It was in 1995 when, as a teenager, Lekoelea left Moroka Swallows to join Pirates where he spent most of his playing career. 

It felt like I was dreaming when I was first told of Swallows’ interest in me. I couldn’t believe I was about to play for a team I supported as a small boy,” Lekoelea told Far Post.

“I earned R1 243.65 at Swallows and I remember Irvin gave me R5 000 to buy myself a drink the first time we met. I realised the pastures were greener on the other side.”

After quickly adjusting at Pirates and becoming a midfield sensation at the club, more was to follow for the skilful midfielder who then caught the attention of Dirk Advocaat who was then coach of Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven.

What could have been a life-changing trip to Eindhoven, however, turned into a nightmare for Lekoelea who was 18-years-old at the time.

“It was difficult. I left South Africa for Holland on my own. It was my first time to travel outside the country alone,” said Lekoelea.

“I was going to get into the wrong flight, I totally got lost but luckily I was redirected just in time to board the right flight. “

"The language barrier messed me up, I couldn’t even communicate with anyone because they spoke Dutch.

“It was a great club, looked like they had a rich history that I’d have loved to be a part of. PSV were so good to me, they tried making my stay comfortable.

“But I got homesick and struggled to settle in. After a week, they let me come back home after I requested to leave.”

It was an era when the likes of Benni McCarthy and Lucas Radebe were making their names in Europe but Lekoelea spurned such an opportunity to play alongside Brazil’s Ronaldo, Philip Cocu, Jaap Stam and Ruud van Nistelrooy at the Eredivisie side.

He, however, justifies his return to Pirates.

“I had to grow at Pirates because I was surrounded by top players and that pushed me,” Lekoelea said.

Paul Mucureezi has revealed why he did not join Vipers SC in 2018 even after much persuasion from the club.

Vipers had shown open interest to sign Mucureezi when the midfielder’s contract with KCCA FC ended after four years of association.

Mucureezi preferred a move to Mbarara City instead who had been promoted to the Ugandan Premier League (UPL) in the previous season.

On January 2020, Mucureezi arrived at Kitende after 14 months with Mbarara City.

“I didn’t join Vipers immediately because there were a lot of signings that season,” Mucureezi said as was quoted by Sports Nation.

“I was supposed to be part of them but I saw the number being too much and it is not that I feared competition but I had to consider my target of playing time which I thought I couldn’t get that time if I had joined.”

The midfielder described his eventual Vipers signing as ‘return to home’ after assessing the possibility of enjoying enough playtime.

“But I happen to come back to Vipers, to my home, actually at the right time where I am at least sure that I will be on the pitch for at least 80 minutes,” added the Ugandan.

Mucureezi hopes to play a key role when the Venoms will start their Caf Champions League journey next season.

“This season, I am looking forward to taking Vipers to Champion League group stages and even further, making sure that I make it to the national team consistently and make sure that I go professional too,” he concluded.

It would be the second time Mucureezi is playing in the continental stage after the 2018 appearance with KCCA.

Finally, Aggrey Madoi has joined BUL FC from Wakiso Giants on a two-year deal.

At the Purple Sharks, Madoi featured in only three matches as he battled injuries.

“I have joined BUL to revive my career as I need more game time. Having grown up in Jinja, I am glad to be back home,” Madoi told Football256.

Madoi is a product of the Vipers’ system and made his debut four years ago under coach Abdalla Mubiru who is now at Police FC.

He rejoined Mubiru on loan at Police six months after the coach left Vipers and had a memorable moment which propelled him to the national team that featured in the African Nations Championship (Chan) in 2018.

At the beginning of the abandoned season, Madoi went back to Vipers but had to deal with the effects of injuries again. He was let go to join Giants.

Manchester United have become a “formidable force”, claims Mark Bosnich, with the Red Devils considered to be only “one or two more signings” away from being Premier League title challengers.

The last of 13 crowns secured by those at Old Trafford in the modern era was added to the trophy cabinet back in 2013.

Sir Alex Ferguson headed into retirement with another winners’ medal tucked into his pocket and passed the heaviest of managerial batons on to somebody else.

David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho have all seen a golden opportunity slip through their grasp, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the latest to be tasked with restoring former glories.

He has been offering cause for optimism in 2020, with United unbeaten through their last 17 games in all competitions, but they remain a long way off the pace being set by Liverpool and Manchester City.

Closing that gap is the next challenge facing Solskjaer and Co, with Bosnich of the opinion that another positive transfer window could fire United back into contention for English football’s grandest prize.

The former Red Devils goalkeeper told Sky Sports of a resurgent outfit: "I think they have been very good for some time, even before the restart.

"The restart has just confirmed what everybody thought and basically proved a lot in terms of the fact that [Paul] Pogba alongside [Bruno] Fernandes has turned them into a formidable force.

"Even before that, they were on a tremendous run but seeing them after this - even though obviously they were a little bit rusty in their opening game against Spurs - they have been absolutely fantastic.

"And look, everything being equal, maybe I would say one, possibly two more signings maximum, I think that sooner rather than later they will be challenging for the top spot."

For now, United’s focus is locked on landing a top-four finish in 2019-20.

They can move into the Champions League spots with victory over Southampton on Monday, with Bosnich backing the Red Devils to edge Leicester out of elite European competition.

He added: "I am going to stick by my original tip at the start of the season and say that Chelsea and Manchester United are definitely favourites.

"Leicester have had a very difficult time since they have returned from the break and Manchester United and Chelsea - and definitely Manchester United - have real momentum, so I am going to go for them two to finish inside the top four and unfortunately for Leicester to be outside of it."

Western Cape ABC Motsepe League side Police FC have confirmed the passing of attacking midfielder Sanele Mthembu who was shot on Saturday night.

According to a statement released by the club, ‘Zulu’ was gunned down in his neighbourhood as the club’s official statement on Facebook revealed.

Mthembu was born in KwaZulu-Natal and media reports suggest he came through the development ranks at Ajax Cape Town.

“It is with great sadness to announce the passing of our attacking midfielder Sanele “Zulu” Mthembu,"  reads a statement from Police FC.

“He was shot last night in his neighbourhood. May your soul rest in peace Zulu.”

In addition, reports indicate the motive of the killing is unknown at this stage while some reports suggest he was gunned down in Cape Town.

On the other hand, Zulu has been touted as one of the most talented players and was a former teammate of former South African U20 skipper, Ayabulela Konqobe who also played for AmaZulu, Chippa United and was reportedly targeted by Kaizer Chiefs.

Mthembu is another footballer that has lost a life in the space of a week following the former Baroka, Black Leopards midfielder Nkoana who was confirmed dead last week.

The 28-year-old sadly passed away on Tuesday and was on the books of National First Division (NFD) side Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila during the 2018/19 season.

Nicknamed ‘Kaka’, the former player rose to prominence when he featured for Bakgaga ba Mphahlele when he inspired the club to a shock win over Amakhosi in the 2011 Nedbank Cup.

Baroka, who was campaigning in the Vodacom League (now known as the ABC Motsepe League) at the time, secured a 2-1 win over the Amakhosi side in a quarter-final clash in Polokwane.

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Morgan Gould says that he still has a lot more to offer as a football player.

After featuring in 11 Premier Soccer League (PSL) games for Stellenbosch this season, Gould was released from his contract and will not participate in the remainder of the season if football continues in South Africa.

At 37, the former South Africa international feels he is not yet done playing football and intends to continue.

"My legs will carry me until I die. There's still more I want to do on the pitch,” said Gould as per Sowetan Live.

“I want to inspire youngsters, that's my wish when I join a team. I want our youngsters to do more than our generation did. I have gained vast experience in football, so now I aspire to teach and advise the upcoming players.

"As much as I can say that I am happy with my contributions at Stellenbosch, but as a footballer you always want more game time, that's what I can say.”

At Stellenbosch, he mainly faced competition from fellow veteran defenders Marc van Heerden and Robyn Johannes.

Gould joined Stellenbosch as a free agent at the beginning of the current season from SuperSport United, having previously spent four seasons at Kaizer Chiefs where he was a 2015 league title winner.

The defender’s future is yet to be known and he was one of the senior players at the Cape side.

"I am just happy to be home with my family. At this point, being with my family is the most important thing," Gould said.

He was part of the 2009 Fifa Confederation Cup and last played for Bafana Bafana in 2017.

When he was recently released by Stellenbosch, coach Steve Barker described him as a “true professional” and a “legend of South African football.”

“Morgan was really good for us, on and off the field,” Barker said.

“A true professional, a legend of South African football, it was a pleasure to have him at our club. We also thank him for his services and we wish him well in his career going forward.”

Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairman Irvin Khoza has confirmed Gauteng will host all top-flight league and National First Division (NFD) teams.

The two leagues have been suspended since mid-March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic which has impacted the staging of sporting events worldwide.

Khoza also revealed the South African Football Association (Safa) must still approve their schedule for matches.

"All 32 clubs will be placed in the bubble in Gauteng," Khoza said at a press conference on Monday.

"KwaZulu-Natal and North West [provinces] were close contenders to host the bubble but the PSL found that Gauteng has the biggest advantage.

“What we have done is submitted the dates, but not announced them in public. We cannot announce them, we have prepared them and supplied them to Safa."

Safa's chief executive officer Tebogo Motlanthe confirmed that they have received a letter from the PSL indicating that they would like to resume the suspended season on Saturday, July 18.

"They have taken them to the meeting with compliance officers [this morning] and will then give an update," he added.

The Nedbank Cup semi-final matches featuring Mamelodi Sundowns, Bidvest Wits, Bloemfontein Celtic and Baroka FC will also take place when the season resumes.

Sundowns will lock horns with their Gauteng rivals Wits, while Celtic square off with Baroka in the other last-four encounter.

The following stadiums will reportedly be used as training venues for the 16 PSL teams and 16 NFD clubs:

Marks Park, Wanderers, St Stithians, Fourways High, Johannesburg Stadium, Ruimsig Stadium, Auckland Park Bunting (UJ), Chris Hani Stadium (UJ), Loftus Versveld, the University of Pretoria, Pilditch Stadium, TUT Stadium, Germiston Stadium and Vosloorus Stadium.

While the following stadiums will reportedly be used for competitive matches when the season resumes:

FNB Stadium, Orlando Stadium, Dobsonville Stadium, Rand Stadium, Makhulong Stadium, Ellis Park, Bidvest Stadium, Loftus Versveld, Lucas Moripe Stadium, University of Pretoria and Tsakane Stadium.