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Uganda Cranes striker William Luwagga Kizito has signed a contract extension with Israeli top-tier side Hapoel Kfar Saba.

The 26-year-old had joined the Kfar Saba based side at the beginning of the year on a short-term deal but the Covid-19 situation did not make things easier for him. However, he had already done enough to convince management he deserves a new deal.

"The Kfar Saba football club is pleased to announce the contract extension of Uganda offensive player Kizito at the club for another season," the team confirmed via their official Instagram page on Tuesday, July 7.

It means the player will remain part of the team until the end of the 2020/21 campaign.

The Cranes forward was quick to welcome the new deal, believing he will help the team hit greater heights.

"It is a pleasure for me to continue representing this wonderful club," Kizito said after signing the one-year extension deal.

"I believe the professionality of the club, perseverance and unity with my teammates is good. The management has done wonderful work at the club and I am in the right place to continue developing.

"I will give absolutely everything to help the team be successful and hope God will be on our side." 

The former Vipers SC star, who has had loan stints in a number of European clubs including Bate Borisov and FC Shakhter Karagandy, had initially stated players should not always be motivated by money when making career moves.

"It’s all about chasing the dream not money. If you chase the dream, every decision you make will be benefiting your football career thus developing your talent and of course, we need to ask for God’s blessings,” the attacker told Football256.

Kizito further pointed out the traits footballers should have in order to remain relevant in the competitive world of sport.

"Technique and tactical awareness are a must, then hard work. You’ve got to be exceptional because there are so many players around you who want to play,” he explained.

The Cranes star, who has essentially played for nine clubs, revealed how his move from Politechnica Lasi to Hapoel Kfar Saba is turning out.

"I surely can’t complain, I settled in quickly but unfortunately got an injury at the start but I am glad that now all that is in the past because things are back to normal," Kizito concluded.

Chelsea climbed to third place in the Premier League with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Tuesday.

Frank Lampard's Champions League hopefuls surged ahead with goals from Olivier Giroud and Christian Pulisic, before Wilfried Zaha hit back in stunning fashion.

Giroud's opener came after just six minutes as the visitors capitalised on the misfortune of former Chelsea player Gary Cahill.

The in-form Pulisic doubled the Blues' lead in emphatic style before the half-hour mark, but Zaha's wonder-strike kept the away side on their toes.

Tammy Abraham's cool 71st-minute finish was followed promptly by a Christian Benteke tap-in, but Roy Hodgson's men were still condemned to a fourth straight defeat after Scott Dann was denied by the post at the death.

Chelsea broke the deadlock when Cahill appeared to pull a hamstring chasing Reece James' ball in behind, allowing Willian time and space to pick out Giroud to steer home from close range.

With Cahill off injured, Palace's day went from bad to worse when Pulisic lashed in from 12 yards, with Willian again providing the assist. 

The lively Willian went close to a grabbing a goal of his own, but Vicente Guaita proved equal to the Brazilian's side-footed effort.

Palace sprung into action in a spectacular manner soon after, Zaha arrowing a glorious strike beyond Kepa Arrizabalaga from 30 yards.

Abraham's precise finish from Ruben Loftus-Cheek's neat pass appeared to put the game to bed but Chelsea switched off and Patrick van Aanholt laid on an unmissable chance for Benteke barely a minute later.

However, Palace were unable to complete the comeback, with Dann's header hitting the upright deep into stoppage time as Chelsea, beaten 3-2 in their previous away game at West Ham, reversed that scoreline this time.

What does it mean? Chelsea hunting Foxes

It is tight in the battle for a top-four finish, with Chelsea putting five points between themselves and fifth-placed Manchester United. They also edged ahead of Leicester City and into third ahead of the Foxes' clash with Arsenal. Palace, meanwhile, stay 14th.

Willian the key to unlock Palace

Willian, who had two assists, has now been involved in six goals since the resumption of the Premier League campaign, level with Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes as the division's most productive player in that time frame. He created a game-high five chances.

A reunion to forget for Cahill

Cahill won two top-flight titles and the Champions League with Chelsea, but this reunion with his old club will not make the scrap book. He was not to blame for the opener, as pure bad luck saw him struck by injury at exactly the wrong moment.

Key Opta Facts

- Chelsea have now won 132 of their 256 London derbies in the Premier League; their 52 per cent win rate is the highest for any side in such matches.

- Crystal Palace have lost four consecutive matches for the first time since March 2018 – the fourth game in that run was also against Chelsea.

- Frank Lampard is the first English Chelsea boss to achieve a league double over Crystal Palace since Dave Sexton in 1971-72.

- Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has scored five goals in his last eight Premier League appearances; his previous five goals in the competition were spread across 49 games.

What's next?

Chelsea head to Sheffield United on Saturday, with Palace taking on struggling Aston Villa on the road the next day.

Simba SC coach Sven Vandenbroeck has called on his player to crown the title ceremony by beating Namungo FC in a Mainland Premier League match on Wednesday.

The much-awaited league match at Majaliwa Stadium in Ruangwa, Lindi, will see the Wekundu wa Mzimbazi presented with the trophy for winning a third straight title a week ago after their 80 points proved difficult for challengers Azam FC and Young Africans to reach them with six matches to spare.

Vandenbroeck has challenged his players not to underrate Namungo, who are sitting fourth on the 20-team log with 59 points and are keen to finish the season among the top three teams.

“I want us to win and then get presented with the trophy in style, it will be good to get the trophy with a win,” Vandenbroeck is quoted by the club’s official website.

“We dropped points against Ndanda FC in the last draw but we must now wake up and do a good job against Namungo, it will be a good match for us, our fans will come in large numbers to see us get crowned and it will be good if we give them a win from the fixture.”

Simba captain John Bocco has admitted they respect Namungo going into the fixture and has promised their fans they will strive to get a win.

“We respect Namungo because they have done well so far this season, to sit fourth on the log is not an easy task, we don’t want to underrate them, we know it will be a very difficult game but I can assure fans our main target is to carry maximum points.”

In a previous interview, Namungo chairman Hassan Zadadu warned Simba they will spoil their party with a shock win.

“We know Simba are coming here with a joyful mood to be presented their title but, they will leave behind maximum points to us so we should continue to get closer to the top two places on the ladder,” Zadadu is quoted by Daily News.

Zadadu further said their main aim is to make sure they finish the season in a better position so that they can attract sponsors ahead of the new season.

“In short, I can say we are 100 percent ready to get crucial points from Simba to keep us moving forward in the league,” Zadadu continued.

Namungo coach Thiery Hitimana also said their main aim is to finish in a better position and also took his time to congratulate Simba for winning a third straight league title.

Simba are looking forward to the match against Namungo as they will be presented with the trophy after Ndanda FC gave them a guard of honour in their last league match.

Eddie Nketiah's red card proved costly for Arsenal as Jamie Vardy's late goal salvaged a 1-1 draw for Leicester City in the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta's side looked set to make it four league wins on the spin on Tuesday, thanks to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's 21st-minute goal.

Yet, just four minutes after coming on, substitute Nketiah received his marching orders for a rash tackle on James Justin – referee Chris Kavanagh consulting VAR to deem the youngster's tackle worthy of a straight red.

And Leicester made their numerical advantage count with six minutes remaining – Vardy's goal standing after a long VAR check for offside as the Foxes claimed a valuable point.

Leicester started brightly, yet they were behind when the impressive Bukayo Saka fooled Jonny Evans and teed up Aubameyang for a simple finish.

Aubameyang would have returned the favour if not for Caglar Soyuncu's intervention soon after, before Kasper Schmeichel denied Alexandre Lacazette.

Kelechi Iheanacho had a goal disallowed due to a foul, while Lacazette should have done better with a header at the other end.

Schmeichel again had to be alert to prevent David Luiz extending Arsenal's lead after the break, with Iheanacho then directing a close-range volley at Emiliano Martinez.

Lacazette thought he had nudged in Arsenal's second with 22 minutes remaining, only for the offside flag to cut short his celebrations, and his replacement Nketiah lasted just a matter of minutes before he was sent off.

Leicester made Nketiah's mistake count nine minutes later – Vardy tucking in from Demarai Gray's cross, with VAR unable to confirm whether Ayoze Perez got a touch on the way through, which would likely have led to the goal being ruled out for offside.

What does it mean? Arsenal's Champions League hopes dealt a blow

Arsenal would have been heading into sixth place, just three points behind Manchester United and six adrift of Leicester, had they held on, but as it is they stay seventh, with Wolves able to move five points clear of the Gunners should they beat Sheffield United on Wednesday.

Leicester, meanwhile, stay fourth, with Chelsea having gone above them thanks to an earlier win over Crystal Palace.

Saka answers Arteta's call

While one Arsenal youngster – Matteo Guendouzi – finds himself out in the cold, Saka is thriving. Arteta asked the teenager to improve his all-round game after scoring his first league goal in the win over Wolves on Saturday, and on Tuesday the winger was in superb form in the first half, combining brilliantly with Lacazette and Aubameyang in the final third.

Nketiah's nightmare cameo

Arsenal’s second-half display left a lot to be desired, though they did look comfortable until Nketiah lunged in recklessly on Justin and put his side on the back foot – a mistake the Gunners ultimately paid for.

Key Opta Facts

- Arsenal remain unbeaten in 23 home league games against Leicester (W19 D4).
- Leicester City have scored 18 goals in the final 15 minutes of their Premier League games this season, more than any other side.
- Aubameyang is just the second Arsenal player to score 20+ Premier League goals in consecutive seasons, after Thierry Henry (five in a row between 2001-02 and 2005-06).
- Only Kevin De Bruyne (19) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (14) have provided more assists among Premier League players in all competitions this season than Saka (12). 
- Only Aubameyang has been involved in more goals for Arsenal this season in all competitions (25) than Saka (16 - 4 goals, 12 assists). 

What's next?

It is the small matter of the north London derby up next for Arsenal, with a win potentially crucial in their bid for Europe. Leicester, meanwhile, face relegation-threatened Bournemouth.

Former Black Leopards and Baroka FC midfielder Khunadi Nkoana has sadly passed away on Tuesday.

The attacking midfielder was on the books of the National First Division (NFD) side Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila during the 2018/19 season.

His uncle Moses Nkoana confirmed the news and revealed the 28-year-old had been hospitalized at the Polokwane Hospital.

“Yes it is true that Khunadi has passed away, I received this news around 14:00 this afternoon,” Moses Nkoana told Far Post.

“He was in Polokwane Hospital. I received a call yesterday (Monday) informing me that Khunadi was at the Polokwane Hospital.

"He was complaining of stomach pains so the doctor had suggested that he should be operated."

“But today when I called his mother in the morning I was told the operation did not go on as the doctor did not see the necessity to continue with the operation," he added.

"So, he was about to be discharged anyway and those were positive news. But later in the day, we received the sad news that he has passed so we are still very shocked."

Nkoana made his name during his first stint with Baroka and he is best remembered for inspiring Bakgaga to a shock win over Kaizer Chiefs in the 2011 Nedbank Cup.

Baroka, who were 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.

Nicknamed Kaka, Nkoana was named man of the match and he was heavily linked with SuperSport United, Maritzburg United and Ajax Cape Town, who were campaigning in the PSL at the time.

However, Kaka stayed put at Bakgaga and he helped the team secure promotion to the NFD from the Vodacom League at the end of the 2012/13 season.

Leopards signed him ahead of the 2015/16 NFD season, but he rejoined Baroka in September 2016 and he spent one campaign with the club in the PSL.

The nomadic player then left Baroka for Tshakhuma at the end of the 2016/17 campaign and he spent two seasons with the Limpopo side.

He was currently playing for ABC Motsepe League side Magesi FC before the season was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Bernard Parker is drawing inspiration from the club Real Madrid, as well Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo.

This is in the hope of a successful 2019/20 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season restart. The Soweto giants are back in training in preparation for the resumption of the current season which was suspended in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

If the season is to be completed, Chiefs have eight matches to preserve their PSL lead in their quest for a first league title since 2015.

They are four points ahead of second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns who however enjoy a game in hand.

Parker has stressed on Chiefs adopting the kind of attitude shown by Spanish giants Real Madrid who have put together a seven-match winning streak since La Liga restarted, to topple Barcelona from the top of the table where they are now four points clear.

Also inspiring Parker is Ronaldo’s mentality.

“It’s also noteworthy to see that especially the top sides, who have the best players, seem to perform the best,” Parker told the Kaizer Chiefs official website.

“That says a lot about their mental approach to the game. Look at Real Madrid, who have really been doing great since the restart, thanks to the players’ mental strength.

“It’s nice to see how he [Ronaldo] takes his leadership role seriously. Ronaldo has that winning mentality and it rubs off on his teammates. It’s a lesson for us as well. To be able keep our momentum, we need to be strong mentally. That’s going to be crucial when the league resumes.”

Chiefs have started training at Naturena ahead of their closest title challengers Sundowns and Parker describes it as “a breath of fresh air.”

“It really feels good to be back at training,” said Parker.

“It’s also great to be with your teammates again. It’s like a breath of fresh air... However, we will take it one step at a time. At present, I am just happy to be back on the field.”

The 2019-20 Spanish season might not be over yet, with the Covid-19 pandemic having delayed European club football for months, but Barcelona's new jerseys are already being unveiled to the world.

Goal has the latest information about the Spanish giants' 2020-21 shirts - home, away and third - as well as when they expected to be fully released and more.

New 2020-21 football kits: Chelsea, Bayern Munich & all the top clubs' shirts & jerseys revealed

Barcelona's 2020-21 home kit

Nike launched the latest edition of the Barcelona home shirt on July 6, with the jersey returning to the traditional vertical blue and red stripes that have become synonymous with the club.

Recent Barcelona home jerseys have featured more adventurous geometric patterns, but the newest kit will pay tribute to some of the Catalan club's most successful periods.

The wide vertical stripes will recall the kit that Barcelona wore when they lifted the 2010-11 Champions League trophy against Manchester United at Wembley, complete with the yellow collar.

Additional thin yellow lines border the larger blue and white stripes, paying tribute to the club's kits of the 1920s.

Barcelona are expected to debut their latest home kit in style against city rivals Espanyol at Camp Nou on July 8.

Barcelona 2020-21 away kit & release date

Full details on Barcelona's away jersey have not yet been revealed, but it is expected to take on a monochrome look inspired by the club's second kit during the 2011-12 and 2013-14 seasons.

In contrast to the traditional blue and red striped home kit, the away kit is looking to be mainly black with metallic gold accents, including a black and gold club crest instead of the traditional full-colour version.

Barcelona's 2021-21 away kit is expected to be released in July.

Barcelona's 2020-21 third kit & release date

Barcelona's third kit is yet to be announced but, according to leaks, it is set to be the first-ever completely pink jersey in the club's history.

While the club have previously had kits that have dabbled in pink shades, they have always been accompanied with colours such as orange.

It is set to be released by Nike as the last of Barcelona's collection of new kits in September 20, with the pastel pink colourway complemented by a teal and black trim.

Highlands Park co-director Brad Kaftel says they have extended former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane and ex-Orlando Pirates anchorman Musa Nyatama’s contracts.

According to the Lions of the North’s boss, the experienced duo will stay put with coach Owen Da Gama’s side until the end of August after signing short-term deals.

In addition, Kaftel has also set the record straight on the former Moroka Swallows netminder Greg Etafia, saying he will remain their fourth keeper.

“We have extended the contracts of Yeye and Musa Nyatama until the end of August,” confirmed Highlands co-director Brad Kaftel as quoted by Daily Sun.

“And during that time we’ll negotiate with them and see where that takes us.”

The publication further reports they will engage the former Amakhosi and Buccaneers veterans at the end of their short-term deals next month.

As the 2019/20 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season remains halted because of the coronavirus pandemic, Kaftel could not indicate if they will push to retain the duo beyond the current campaign.

The MTN8 losing finalist’s move comes after Fifa sent out a guideline advising clubs around the world that players whose contracts were due to expire at the end of June could be signed on a short-term deal until the end of the current term.

Letsholonyane, 38, completed his switch to the Tembisa-based outfit at the beginning of the season whilst the 32-year-old, Nyatama, joined in the January transfer window.

Meanwhile, ex-Nigeria international shot-stopper, Etafia, moved to the Lions of the North ahead of this season initially as a coach of the club’s junior side.

On top of that, the 37-year-old keeper has also been registered to deputize for Tapuwa Kapini and Thela Ngobeni after the two keepers picked up horrible injuries.

“As far as Greg Etafia is concerned, he’ll continue to be a junior coach and also a fourth goalkeeper. So nothing has changed in that regard,” added Kaftel.

It is also reported the former Mamelodi Sundowns netminder has been ruled out until September, according to the club.

Under the former Bafana Bafana manager, Highlands Park is gunning to reach the top eight for the second consecutive season as they sit eighth with 31 points from 24 matches so far.

AFC Leopards are targeting the services of former Wazito FC striker Derrick Otanga, Goal has learnt.

The player is a free agent after being released by the 2018/19 National Super League champions.

A close source to the 13-time Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions confirmed chairman Dan Shikanda has already contacted the player regarding the move to Ingwe.

"Leopards are interested in signing Otanga who is still rated as one of the quality prospects in Kenyan football," a source close to the club intimated to Goal on Tuesday.

"The chairman [Shikanda] talked to the player yesterday [Monday, July 7] and I believe the two parties are set to meet before the week ends to finalize the move. It is almost certain."

When reached for comment, Shikanda could not deny or confirm the club's interest but stated the player was approached while at Sony Sugar but opted to join Wazito.

"Otanga is a good player and I remember following him up when he was still at Sony but chose Wazito," the former striker told Goal on Tuesday.

"However, we all know his quality and with enough motivation, he can get his confidence back and score goals. Whether we will sign him or not, I cannot confirm."

Other players who were dropped by Wazito include long-serving custodian Steven Njunge, midfielder Teddy Osok, forwards Victor Ndinya and Pistone Mutamba.

The foreign quartet of Paul Acquah from Ghana, DR Congo's Piscas Kirenge, Augustine Otu of Liberia and Togolese Issifou Bourahana were not spared either. Kevin Omondi, who has also been serving as the club's first-choice goalkeeper, has been axed as well.

"The management told us Covid-19 has not made it easy for the club businesswise, and tough decisions had to be made," Otanga, who joined the club at the beginning of the 2019/20 season told Goal on Tuesday.

"It is a matter of recollecting yourself and getting another team to continue developing and growing your career. I take this opportunity to thank Wazito for the chance to play for them and wish them the best."

While AFC Leopards finished the abandoned season in sixth position, Wazito struggled to finish seven places lower.

MLS has altered the schedule of the league's tournament in Orlando, postponing a match on the opening day of the competition after several Nashville SC players tested positive for the coronavirus.

The news comes just one day after FC Dallas was forced to pull out of the MLS is Back tournament altogether, with 10 players and one coach testing positive for Covid-19 after arriving at the league's campus in Orlando.

Now, a series of positive tests for Nashville have altered plans even further, with five players testing positive ahead of Wednesday's tournament opener.

Nashville had originally been scheduled to kickstart the tournament against the Chicago Fire on Wednesday, with Orlando City's clash with Inter Miami also taking place on the tournament's opening day.

However, following the positive tests, that match has been postponed with the league not yet confirming a makeup date.

The league confirmed that it will continue to monitor Nashville's status in the tournament should additional test results come back positive.

In addition, Toronto FC will see their schedule altered as a result of the club's late arrival in Orlando, with the Canadian side departing later than intended while waiting on results from a series of Covid-19 tests.

Toronto FC's clash with D.C. United, which was originally scheduled for July 10, will now take place July 12 while the Seattle Sounders' match against the San Jose Earthquakes will now be played at 9 p.m. on July 10 as a result of the shift.

With TFC's arrival, all 26 teams have now moved to Orlando for the tournament and have been tested at the league's hotels.

In the wake of FC Dallas' withdrawal, MLS commissioner Don Garber reiterated that he expects the tournament to go on as planned.

"We have 550 players that have already been tested and 13 of them have tested positive,” Garber told ESPN. “Right now it’s an extremely low percentage. The players that are there [in Orlando] are safe, they’re comfortable, they’re training, they’re eating, they’re recreating. They’re doing the things in accordance with our protocols – they’re wearing masks, they’re socially distancing. They’re managing their lives in a bubble.

“Now if that bubble is suspect and something should happen, then we’re going to have to address that. Right now, we’re in a pretty good spot although Dallas will not be participating in the tournament. We’ll have to replace those regular season games they’re going to miss and continue to monitor the rest of the arrivals very closely. Thirteen of 550 [player tests] is relatively low. But in the days leading up to Wednesday’s opener on ESPN, we’re going to have to keep a close eye on it.”

He added:“We’ve got a great matchup with our new team in Miami playing against Orlando. And we have 50 other games that are going to take place throughout the tournament. And I just want to reiterate: We’re going to make the right decisions as it relates to the health and safety of our players. And right now the protocol is working.”

Ashanti Gold boss Roberto Landi is pumped up for their campaign in the Caf Confederation Cup next season.

The Obuasi-based side is set to compete in the continental inter-club championship for the second year running, after receiving the nod for the 2020-21 event following the cancellation of the Ghana football season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Ordinarily, the winners of the Ghana FA Cup represents the nation in the Confederation Cup but the premature termination of the domestic cup competition and the Premier League left the Ghana Football Association (GFA) with a choice to find representatives in the boardroom.

"I am waiting for the borders of Ghana to be opened so I can return but I have been in touch with my players and other technical team members and hope they are training as I have scheduled for them," Landi, who is caught up in his home country due to travel restrictions because of Covid-19, told Oyerepa FM.

"We want to do better than what AshGold did last time in the Confederations Cup.

"We will do our best but hope Covid-19 does not affect us.

"I wish I was in Ghana to monitor their training. We will add new players especially those who will give revenue to the club."

In the 2019-20 Confederation Cup, AshGold were eliminated by Moroccan fold RS Berkane in the first round.

“One thing a lot of people don’t know is I was with the team the last time we went to Africa," AshGold chief executive officer (CEO) Emmanuel Frimpong, who recently replaced Frederick Acheampong at the helm of affairs, told Citisports.

“I was working under Frederick Acheampong so I know what did not go as planned.

“I feel like we have learnt from our mistakes and we know what to do and what not to do.

“We have signed a couple of new players that will help us get to the level we aspire and we also have a new coach coming in."

The Ghana football season was first brought to a halt in March and after failing to convince the Government of Ghana for a return under strict safety protocols, the GFA permanently cancelled the season on June 30.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says he is not in favour of drinks breaks continuing in the Premier League next season.

Since the English top-flight's return from a three-month coronavirus pandemic-enforced hiatus in June, matches have stopped midway through each half to allow players to rehydrate.

The measure was introduced to help players cope with playing in the summer heat, but coaches have used the opportunity to give tactical instructions to their squad.

Guardiola was asked if he believes the drinks breaks should be made a permanent rule in the league, but the 49-year-old would rather they scrapped the idea next term. 

"No. I think we did it because of the lack of preparation for all of the teams, with just three weeks before the start of the competition and maybe for the weather conditions," he said.

"The managers use it to talk to players, of course."

West Ham boss David Moyes is in agreement with this City counterpart, as the Scottish coach believes it is unnecessary this season, too.

"Personally, I don’t think water breaks should have been introduced," he told reporters.

"I understood why they were, but I thought it should’ve been at the referee’s discretion in games – if the temperature were up in the 70s or the 80s [Fahrenheit], and they felt that players needed a drink. 

"I don’t think they’re a necessity and it’s also a change of rules from where we were at the start of the season. I think it’s wrong to start the Premier League season in one way and finish it in a different way."

Along with drinks breaks, the Premier League allowed teams to make five substitutions in each game to help lower the risk of players suffering injuries in the crowded calendar.

Moyes is happy with the way his charges have dealt with the rush back to action in recent weeks, saying: "The players are recovering much quicker than usual, and they know and realise what they have to do to get back ready to play again. 

"Players and clubs are not being able to have as many recovery days as usual because of the turnaround of games. We have to do the same as everybody else, and I have to say the players have been great. They’ve looked after themselves. 

"We’re trying to keep as many of them fit and ready for games as we can. After they came back from lockdown, they were in good condition. They kept themselves well and we trained hard and tried to prepare, and I hope what we did shows through in the coming days. 

"We only have three weeks to go of the season now so we have to try and keep focused and fit, and mentally and physically in good shape."

Super Eagles legend Nwankwo Kanu has taken to the streets to spread awareness on the reality of the coronavirus in Nigeria.

The virus spread to the West African country in March which made the government enforce a total lockdown on three of the most affected states in the country, Lagos, Abuja and Ogun.

The lockdown was partially eased in May to save the economy but maintain a ban on the gathering of more than 20 people.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a number of guidelines including wearing of face mask, regular hand washing and observing social distancing.

In Nigeria, more than 600 lives have been lost to the virus and recently, two-time governor of Oyo State Abiola Ajimobi and commissioner of health in Ondo State Wahab Adegbenro died from Covid-19 complications.

29,286 cases have been confirmed in the West African country while 11,828 persons have recovered from the pandemic.

Kanu emphasized the guideline issued by WHO to avoid the further spread of the virus and assured his countrymen that the virus is real.

“Covid-19 is real and I and my Covid-19 team went out on the streets to create awareness and educate people on what to do,” Kanu posted on Instagram.

“The number of people having it is increasing every day and people have to start doing what is right by the washing of hands regularly and using face masks always and keeping social distancing all the time.

“We will go everywhere to make them aware and do the right thing. Giving back, support and helping, Covid-19 in Nigeria is real, let everyone all come and do their bit and use whatever to help with this fight.”

Kanu had 87 caps for the Super Eagles and played for Arsenal, Inter Milan, Ajax, West Bromwich Albion and Portsmouth before his retirement.

Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier looks likely to return unopposed as no official has shown interest to contest the position during the much-awaited elections set for August 8.

The Kenyan champions are set to conduct the polls using the electronic online voting system after the government extended the curfew of sporting activities and social gatherings for another 30 days on Monday.

According to a list of aspirants published by the club’s official website, Rachier, who has been in charge of the club for the last 16 years, is still unopposed going into the exercise.

Former treasurer Sally Bolo, who now wants to contest for the vice-chairman post will face off with Francis Wasuna, Ronald Ngala will go for the secretary-general post alongside Sam Ochola, while the honorary treasurer post has attracted aspirants such as Judith Nyangi, Chrisphine Okoth, Dolfina Onduto and Victor Mbaka.

On Tuesday, the club confirmed that they had closed the membership drive ahead of the exercise to pick new officials.

Only four positions will be contested during the polls that will be done under the club’s new constitution which was changed to comply with the Sports Act 2013, which directs that only three officials are mandated to run the affairs of the club.

In an earlier interview, Rachier confirmed his interest to defend his seat has the blessing of his family. In 2019, Rachier said he would be leaving the club but after a change of mind, the veteran administrator revealed he talked with his family members and sought permission to contest the August 8 elections.

“I have spoken with my family and they have told me Gor Mahia are important and that I should stick a little bit around then I can leave later on,” Rachier told Radio Jambo.

“We have had successful family negotiations and I have their blessings to contest again. They have given me permission just to steady the boat. Not all family members have agreed to this but those who supported the move told me to go for just one term.

"Gor Mahia are not a monarch and I welcome other people to come and challenge me in the ballot.”

Gor Mahia were declared Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions and will represent the country in the Caf Champions League next season.

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Mark Mayambela has declared himself “healthy and well” but says “nothing concrete” has come up in his search for a new team.

Just four months into his Cape Town City contract, Mayambela parted ways with the Citizens in February.

It is now four months without a club for the midfielder who says he has not struggled for a living during the period he had spent without a salary.

“Not really, it hasn't been difficult [surviving without a salary] at all,” Mayambela told Sowetan Live.

"And also, it is a decision that I took after leaving Cape Town City, I decided that I will stay without a club until the end of the season. Then I can start pre-season with the new team. So, I'm good and I'm healthy and everything is well.”

The coronavirus pandemic could have ruined plans for Mayambela who had anticipated that by now he would be having a new club had the current season not been suspended.

He describes the current situation as “bizarre” and reveals that he has been involved in discussions with some clubs but nothing has materialised from the discussions.

The former Ajax Cape Town man has, however, not revealed if the teams he has been in contact with are Premier Soccer League (PSL) or GladAfrica Championship sides.

“No doubt we are in a bizarre situation whereby nothing is confirmed. I think it's important for everyone to be safe with the current situation,” said Mayambela.

“I have been engaging with other teams, but there is nothing concrete yet... I’ve also realised that a lot of teams have taken a strain financially, I have heard stories of players being paid half salaries. I know that financially, it has killed a lot of teams; I have been getting calls also from players telling me about their situations in their teams.”

Mayambela’s stint at Cape Town City was largely unsuccessful with the midfielder making just six appearances in all competitions.

Joseph Malongoane’s manager Paul Moraka has revealed three clubs are after the signature of the former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder who left the Soweto giants last week.

The midfielder parted ways with Chiefs together with fellow linkmen George Maluleka and Kabelo Mahlasela following the expiry of their contracts on June 30.

Moraka says Malongoane is already a sought after man and without mentioning the clubs, the manager hinted at the player finding a new home soon.

While the former Orlando Pirates star has since moved on, his camp, however, appears unhappy with the manner in which Chiefs announced his departure.

“Nothing has been communicated to him [by Chiefs], we only read about it in newspapers. But already we have about three offers. I'll make sure he gets employment. But for now, we must finish everything with Chiefs,” Moraka told Sowetan Live.

The past two seasons have seen Malongoane being injury-blighted which deprived him of game time before he was released by Chiefs.

Last season he made just two appearances in all competitions, before failing to play a single match this term, prompting Chiefs not to give him a new deal.

The persistent injury sustained in August 2018, at one stage, fanned rumours that the player was to go into early retirement because of the injury.

Moraka, however, insists that Malongoane is far from hanging his boots.

"He's not going to retire. He still has four or five years of football in his body," said Moraka.

"Medically, he's been cleared... he's been training. He's been making pound-for-pound tackles. It was going to be a medical retirement but based on what the doctors said he's ready to play. He's 100 percent ready to play football, he's been in the playing squad this season. The boy is raring to go.”

It is yet to be seen if Malongoane will reclaim his old form which also saw him play for Orlando Pirates when he finally signs for a new club.

Barcelona have been cleared by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) of committing fraud when they signed Neymar from Santos.

Neymar left the Brazilian side to join Barca in 2013, but the deal has been mired in controversy ever since.

The Catalan side claimed they signed the Brazil star from Santos for €17 million, though it was later revealed that the total fee paid came to around €83m, with Barca making payments to the player’s private company and directly to his father.

Santos appealed to CAS claiming they were owed over €61m (£55m/$69m) in compensation but the court has ruled in the reigning Spanish champions’ favour, insisting they did not act illegally when they came to the agreement with the attacker.

A statement from Barcelona read: "The Court of Arbitration for Sport has dismissed the appeal made by Santos to FIFA in which the Brazilian club claimed a payment of €61,295,000 in damages from FC Barcelona and the corresponding sporting bans with regards to the transfer of Neymar Jr.

"The CAS considers that the contract between Santos and the player was ended by mutual agreement, that FC Barcelona did not infringe any transfer agreement when it paid additional amounts to the father of the player and to the N&N company and that FC Barcelona did not behave in a fraudulent manner when it signed a pre-contract with Neymar Jr, nor when it signed a transfer agreement with Santos.

"The CAS verdict compels Santos to pay FC Barcelona's legal costs, a figure of 20,000 Swiss francs."

Neymar spent four years with the Camp Nou outfit and scored 105 goals in over 180 appearances in all competitions as he won two league titles as well as a Champions League crown and the Club World Cup with the club.

He left to join Paris Saint-Germain in a record-breaking €222m (£201m/$250m) deal in 2017, though he has been consistently linked with a return to Spain ever since.

However, this week Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu this week ruled out the possibility of his side bringing the 28-year-old back any time soon because of the financial blow they suffered as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Asante Kotoko board member Yaw Adu has disclosed the club are in no hurry to appoint a new chief executive officer (CEO) despite being under pressure to do so.

The Kumasi-based club has been without a CEO following the exit of George Amoakoh following the constitution of a new board in May.

Adu was recently reported to have been handed the big office, days after renowned administrator Nana Yaw Amponsah was heavily linked to the role.

“We will not rush in doing things," Adu told Kumasi FM.

"The media is speculating and giving so much pressure to the board. We have to make sure all structures are in place and all conditions are favourable for him.

“We will give him our policies for him to run the club with, and also take charge of the day-to-day running of the club.

“We have to make sure everything is put in the right place. Kotoko is too big a club to be run by an individual. The highest decision body will be the board. We are not relying on the chief executive officer.

“We are not in a hurry to appoint. We have to take things slowly, take our time to do the right thing at the right time."

Kotoko's new board is led by Kwame Kyei, who has been at the helm of affairs for the last three years.

Nine members of the set-up were announced in May, while three more others were added last month.

Jude Arthur (Board Chairman for Ghana Commercial Bank), Kwadwo Boateng Gyamfi (Board Chairman Ghana EXIM Bank), Kwasi Osei Ofori (Chairman Erdmark Group/CEO, Rocksure Mining Ltd), Lawyer Kwamina Mensah (Corporate Lawyer), Alhaji Lamine (Businessman), Joseph Yaw Adu (Retired Director of Sports at Kwame Nkrumah University Science and Technology), Baffour Kwame Kusi (Otumfuo's Ankobeahene), and Evelyn Nsiah Asare (Acting Head of Sports at Sunyani Technical University) complete the initial list announced.

Martin Osei Kwaku Brobbey (CEO, Lexta Ghana Ltd), James Osei Brown (CEO, Joshob Construction Ltd) and Kofi Amoah Abban (CEO, Rigworld Group) are the extra additions.

Kotoko are arguably Ghana's biggest club and the most successful in the history of the Premier League with 23 titles.

The last of their trophies came in 2014. The side has also won the Ghana FA Cup on nine occasions and the Super Cup three times.

On the continental level, they ruled Africa in 1970 and 1983.

Bloemfontein Celtic have announced midfielder Given Mashikinya has fully recovered from Covid-19 after he was diagnosed with the virus a few weeks ago.

The Phunya Sele Sele campaigner has also confirmed that he was quarantined for 14 days and has also thanked the club's supporters for their support.

Formerly on the books of Cape Town City, the 29-year-old player says he is feeling fresh and itching to get back to action for the Free State-based outfit.

“I recently tested positive for Covid-19 and they put me in isolation for 14 days. Mine was a bit different because I had no symptoms, so in simple terms, I was not sick,” said Mashikinya on the club's Twitter page.

“[Nonetheless] I had to do the protocol and be quarantined for 14 days.

“I’d like to urge everyone to wash their hands on a daily basis for 20 seconds, wear your masks, use your sanitizers and, if you can, use your gloves and stay at home.

“I would like to thank the family of Siwelele; I want to thank my family; I want to thank everybody that prayed for me, and everybody that supported me and sent me messages. Most of all, I want to thank God for being there every second, minute, and hour.

“I came back to work, I feel fresh and, as I said, I had no symptoms so I can’t say I’ve recovered because I was not sick. So thank you for everything, Hela Yalo Masele.”

Although Orlando Pirates midfielder Ben Motshari became the first player in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) to suffer from the virus, Portugal-based Sphephelo Sithole was the first South African player recorded to be infected with the coronavirus in early May.

Both players have since recovered whilst  Sport24 has reported three Stellenbosch staff members tested positive for the virus.

As things stand, the South African government has given the go-ahead for PSL clubs to return to training on the field of play but it remains unclear as to when the 2019/20 season could return to action after the season was suspended in March.