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Gor Mahia organising secretary Judith Nyangi has lauded AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda.

The Gor Mahia official believes Shikanda has got it right at Leopards and that is why the fans have developed trust in his leadership.

Shikanda has been in office for slightly more than a year now and has managed to convince the fans to stand by the team as far as financial issues are concerned.

AFC Leopards fans contributed to the team's coffers via a pay bill number during the season and enabled the club to honour their matches, especially the away ones.

“Look at what [Dan] Shikanda is doing at AFC Leopards. Due to goodwill fans are ready to contribute money because they have trust in his leadership,” Nyangi told Radio Jambo.

“If Gor Mahia fans can be ready to contribute money I am sure we may not even need a sponsor. And if a sponsor comes on board they will find us already in financial stability.

“We should not be beggars.”

Nyangi believes Gor Mahia can post more success if the fans develop some trust in the club's management as she believes AFC Leopards have done.

“I have interacted with the fans and got to understand that they need officials they can have trust in them,” added Nyangi, who vying for the post of the honorary treasurer in the August 8 elections. 

“We have a lot of fans but they will not give out their money to support the club because they are not satisfied with the current leadership," Nyangi continued.

“We have been asking fans to fill the stadiums so that we can get a little money for players but one is astonished that has not been happening instead the club is plunging into more debts.

“Leadership just needs goodwill and closeness to the fans.”

Concerning the election requirements, Nyangi had revealed her dissatisfaction with the need for contestants to possess a degree.

“Qualifications can only be asked for people who want to be employed by the club like the chief executive officer and the finance manager,” she said in an interview.

“When one is elected, he is elected to do a job on behalf of the members. Some people are not happy to see me there because they want to turn Gor Mahia into a club of a certain class of people.”

The posts of chairman, vice-chairman, general secretary, and honorary treasurer are the only contestable positions in the upcoming August polls.

Tanguy Ndombele "will be a success" at Tottenham according to Moussa Sissoko, who has backed his team-mate to win over Jose Mourinho.

Spurs forked out a club-record fee of £63 million ($79m) to lure Ndombele to England from Lyon in July 2019.

The 23-year-old was linked with a number of top European clubs, including Manchester City and Manchester United, before signing a six-year contract with the London club.

The Frenchman carved out a fearsome reputation as an all-action midfielder capable of dominating matches in the middle of the pitch at Lyon, and it was suggested that his qualities were ideally suited to the Premier League.

However, Ndombele's debut season at Tottenham has been underwhelming, with Mourinho publicly admitting he expects more from a prized asset after a 1-1 draw with Burnley in March .

It has also been reported that the two men have fallen out behind the scenes, leading to question marks over Ndombele's future in north London.

Mourinho has denied having any issue with the former Lyon star, while insisting he still has the "talent" to turn his career at Spurs around.

However, Barcelona have been credited with an interest in Ndombele ahead of the summer transfer window, and speculation is likely to increase in the coming weeks unless he is restored to Mourinho's starting line up.

Despite the fact that his international colleague has struggled to settle in at Tottenham, Sissoko is confident that he will stay put and justify the club's initial investment in the long-term.

"Maybe because I am like his big brother, I am a good example because nothing was easy for me at the beginning," the Spurs star told  The Guardian .

"Tanguy's first season has not been easy for a lot of reasons, but I speak with him nearly every day. I play with him in the national team, so I know him very well.

"I told him just to stay calm, keep working every day and his time will come. I just worked very hard at training [when times were tough at Spurs] and things changed.

"We all believe in Tanguy's quality. He has come to another country, another culture, another style of football, another league, he doesn't speak the language - so there are a lot of things.

"I am sure he will be a success at the club."

KCCA FC midfielder Ibrahim Saddam Juma states it is a sad moment to see his long-time friend Mike Mutyaba retire at an early age.

The 29-year-old Uganda international announced he is retiring after the doctor's advise owing to his heart condition.

His former teammate believes Mutyaba's absence is a disappointing one because he still had a lot to offer in football.

"It was a sad moment seeing [Mutyaba] announce retirement because of health issues yet he still had a lot to offer the game," Juma said as quoted by Sports Nation.

"[Initially] I talked to him and he came back, but it is sad he is retiring because of similar issues. "

The 26-year-old has played with Mutyaba at Vipers SC, Express and KCCA and elaborated on his experiences with the player.

"First of all his [Mutyaba] talent will be missed," Juma recalled

"[He] is the most talented and skilful player I have grown up with, his talent will be dearly missed in the league most especially to the young talent at the team and in the league because his experience adds a lot to them. He added a lot to the dressing room.

"As a player, I felt happy when we reunited at KCCA FC because I was with him at Bunamwaya [Vipers], and Express where he announced retirement in 2017 before his comeback.  

"[Mutyaba] retirement came a little bit early, He is my only football friend and I wish him success in his future endeavours but we will miss him as a player because of his football knowledge."

The forward was known for his discipline and young players have been urged to follow his example.

"Young players need to be determined, never to give up and discipline was key for him and he never undermined anyone at any level," Juma concluded.

Mutyaba, whose contract ran down on June 30, has been at KCCA for the last five years and managed to win three league titles, two Uganda Cup trophies and the Cecafa Kagame Cup in 2019.  

KCCA finished second in the abandoned 2019/20 Ugandan Premier League and won a ticket to represent the nation in the Caf Confederation Cup.

Vipers SC will represent Uganda in Caf Champions League after being crowned as champions.
   

Tanzania coach Etienne Ndayiragije says he is focused on checking the individual skills of local players in the Mainland Premier League to help him build a strong national team.

The Burundian tactician has revealed he is already satisfied with the performances of players in the top-flight since it resumed on June 13 but maintained his main focus now was on individual development.

“As you know, most of the teams which are doing well in the country have a mixture of foreign-based players as such, for me, I cannot hail the success of the entire team but rather how Tanzanians in such teams are performing,” Ndayiragije is quoted by Daily News.

“I congratulate Simba for being the champions but my concern is not on them but the work rate of domestic players in the team.”

Ndayiragije further pointed out that he was a keen supporter of foreign players playing in the local league because they give challenges to the domestic players to do even better.

“At the moment, I am working closely with the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) to create another generation of national team players especially considering the fact that most of the current players are nearing to retire from football,” Ndayiragije continued.

Meanwhile, Ndagiragije is finalising a list of the U-23 players which he will name in due course and further thanked the coaches in the top-flight, saying it will help him come up with a good squad for the Taifa Stars.

“Now, many teams are not afraid to give youths a chance to play which is a positive thing and previously, when a team from outside Dar es Salaam came to play here, they were being beaten with many goals like six goals to nil but now, they fight and bring much resistance than before," he added.

"This indicates that football has grown.”

Tanzania were due to take part in the African Nations Championship (Chan) competition before it was called off owing to the effects caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Taifa Stars are also in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers where they are drawn in Group D alongside Guinea, Namibia, and Zambia.

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Tebogo Langerman says he is “happy to be at the club” and prides the five Premier Soccer League (PSL) titles most among all his career accolades.

After tasting his first league title with SuperSport United in 2010, Langerman has gone to win four more with Sundowns.

The left-back’s career is also decorated by two Nedbank Cups, as many Telkom Knockout trophies and an MTN8 crown.

Following the 2016 Caf Champions League triumph with Sundowns, it appeared to be the biggest piece of silverware Langerman has won in his career, but the defender cherishes his league titles the most.

“If I have to choose I’d say the Premiership league title because it’s a big trophy in South Africa and it gives many opportunities like going to into continental competitions,” Langerman told the Mamelodi Sundowns website.

He justifies his choice for PSL gold medals by saying that winning the league title throws players under the spotlight more and enhances their track record.

“For most players, winning the league gives you the chance to go overseas and when you become the player of the year it shows your consistency,” said Langerman.

He has, however, never played his club football outside South Africa, after starting out his PSL journey with Bidvest Wits.

Now in his eighth season at Sundowns, Langerman was signed by former Barcelona assistant coach and World Cup star Johan Neeskens in 2012 before the Dutchman was replaced by Pitso Mosimane.

“Being at Sundowns for this long means a lot and I’m happy to be at a club of this size for this long and still be able to keep my position at this age,” Langerman continued.

“I am being helped by everyone at the club, from the president [Dr Patrice Motsepe], management, the working staff, my family, and the Sundowns supporters. And lastly all the coaches who have left the club and all those that are still here.

“I can’t say I’m a reserved person, I’d say I look at things differently and talk when it’s necessary.”

Somalia national team coach Said Abdi Haibeh has revealed his elation after the completion of the Mogadishu Stadium.

The completion of Somalia's biggest stadium means the Ocean Stars will now host their international matches at the facility. Somalia have been hosting matches in Djibouti for the last 16 years due to security issues in their country.

“The players and I are all looking forward to enjoying at home and play in front of tens of thousands of home-based Somali fans,” Haibeh told the Somali Football Federation (SFF) website.

“It was a great honour for me to select and act as the manager of the history-making Somali national football team last year. The players are well-prepared and ready for the national duties including international friendlies.

“However, I believe that the home atmosphere is going to be electric. This is the long-standing dream of Somali Football Federation authorities and it will soon be true if Allah allows.” 

Haibeh further lauded fans who have been supporting the team even when they were playing in foreign lands.

“During the 2019 edition of the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup in Kampala, the Somali football supporters in Uganda organised by the Somali Sports Association headed by Omar Ali came to support us during every game and outnumbered the fans of our opponents,” added the coach.

“Even when we played against the home team [the Cranes of Uganda] it was like we played in Mogadishu.

“I can’t forget to thank Somalis in South Africa who travelled all the way to Harare, Zimbabwe to cheer the team when we had the second leg of Fifa World Cup qualifier clash in Zimbabwe.

“I am also sending a big thank you to the Somali community in Zimbabwe for their good organization to support the team.” 

Ocean Stars captain Ahmed Said Ahmed did not hide his happiness that their home stadium is now complete.

“I will be honoured to lead the team out for their first home game at Mogadishu Stadium after decades,” Ahmed told the SFF's website as well.

During the opening ceremony, the SFF president Abdiqani Said Arab said they will build their offices next to the new stadium.

“Mogadishu Stadium is now ready and Somali Football Federation is pleased to announce that Ocean Stars will be able to play their home games in the country," Arab said on July 1 when he commissioned the use of the stadium.

“We will also use the facility to host other football activities.”

Premier League sides Mogadishu City Club and Horseed Sports Club featured in the opening match of the stadium.

Everton midfielder Bernard has opened up on seeing a psychologist after a debilitating panic attack, insisting he has "become a better person" since seeking help.

Bernard signed a four-year contract with Everton in August 2018 after leaving Shakhtar Donetsk as a free agent. The 27-year-old has since racked up 61 appearances in all competitions for the Toffees, scoring five goals while also laying on six assists.

The Brazil international has enjoyed a prominent role in the first team in 2019-20, but off the pitch he has been dealing with mental health issues.

Bernard has revealed that he has been undertaking therapy to tackle his anxiety, which he believes has helped him to strengthen his character in "all areas".

“I've been having therapy for the past year, I see a psychologist,” the Everton winger told the club's official website.

“It's not something I previously stigmatised, but I never thought I would require this type of treatment. Now I see how much I've evolved as a person, as a human being, how much this has helped me in my work.

“I've never publicly spoken to anyone about this. I think it would be good for this to be seen as a way of helping people to go to see a psychologist or psychiatrist.

“I had an anxiety attack a year ago, the psychologist really helped with this, the other professionals involved helped me a lot as well.

“I sought help as I genuinely needed it, but if I'd have only known how much this professional was going to help me, not just in relation to anxiety, with the attack that I had, but in all areas of my life [I would have asked for help sooner].

“I’m stronger in all areas and have become a better person, more positive and more confident. “

Bernard went on to admit that he was guilty of bottling his emotions up in the past, while detailing how his psychologist has helped him to "rebuild" internally over the past 12 months.

“We're all vulnerable to any type of situation, as we're human like everyone else,” he added. “In a lot of cases, I see that people are resistant and don't seek help, they don't take medication that could help with the process.

“I was taken by surprise but I've always been a person who bottled everything up and kept everything that happens in my life to myself.

“The person I've opened up to about everything has been my psychologist and, a lot of the time, I feel embarrassed to talk about certain things.

“I heard a good description from the psychologist once, he takes the boxes and puts them in the right place, and his assistance to put the boxes in the right place helps us to rebuild who we really are.”

Former Morocco midfielder Houssine Kharja believes new Inter Milan recruit Achraf Hakimi can win the Serie A title next season.

The 21-year-old joined the Nerazzurri from Real Madrid in a €40 million five-year deal earlier this week.

Hakimi had spent the last two seasons on loan at Borussia Dortmund, racking up 73 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing 17 assists.

BVB finished second in the Bundesliga to Bayern Munich in both his seasons at Signal Iduna Park, but he was able to play a part in seeing the Bavarians off in the 2019 German Super Cup which Dortmund won 2-0.

Hakimi could not establish himself in the Spanish capital with Dani Carvajal and Marcelo still key men in the full-back positions for Zinedine Zidane.

The versatile Madrid-born player will now look to start a fresh chapter in his career with the Champions League, Uefa Super Cup, Club World Cup and Spanish Super Cup, all in his cabinet in his short time with Los Blancos.

Hakimi’s strong performances on the pitch have seen him compared to Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Kharja thinks his countryman has been a revelation.

“Hakimi was the revelation player this year,” the 37-year-old told TuttoMercato.

“Inter have beaten competition from great teams and perhaps he would have been useful also for Real Madrid

“For [Antonio] Conte, Hakimi is fantastic because he has impressive athletic skills, can make an incredible run and other features that make the difference.

“Conte has the ability to win the Scudetto, with Hakimi next year, he can win the championship.

"I have no doubts Hakimi will be successful in the Nerazzurri and will become an Inter star. From coach Conte, he will receive great support. I am happy with the choice to play in Italy.”

Kharja played for Inter in the second half of the 2010-2011 season, on loan from Genoa, making a total of 19 appearances and scoring once. He also played for the likes of Roma, Fiorentina and Sochaux. He was capped 78 times for the Morocco national team between 2003 and 2015, scoring 13 goals.

Hakimi certainly looks likely to play a key role at right wing-back for Conte with present options Victor Moses (on loan from Chelsea), Ashley Young and Antonio Candreva all approaching the twilight of their careers.

Inter started the current season strong and looked like they were going to end Juventus’ eight-year grip on the Serie A title. The men in black and blue stirpes have, however, fizzled out and are now 11 points behind the Bianconeri with a game in hand.

Western Stima chairman Laban Jobita has revealed he will not stop wantaway players from leaving the team in search of greener pastures.

The Kisumu-based side is currently without a sponsor following the exit of Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), who have been helping the team financially.

Reports have it some key players are keen on leaving the team but that does not worry the experienced administrator.

"I am sorry this might sound rude, but to be honest, I will not cling onto a player who wants to leave," Jobita told Goal on Sunday.

"If players find a team they feel will provide them with what they need, we will give them a release letter. But the due process has to be followed before getting released from the club.

"If we release a player, we will go out there and find a replacement, there are players out there who can play for Western Stima and ensure the team performs well consistently."

Jobita has also revealed his immediate plans for the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side.

"I have already sent several proposals to some corporates to come on board and sponsor us," he added.

"We are open to anyone who wants to support the club for the long or short term. Our main objective is to ensure we compete effectively in the top tier without financial struggles.

"Even if a sponsor comes from Kisii, Nakuru or Kakamega, the team will be there."

Jobita also shed some light on the possibility of the team changing its name after KPLC's exit.

"It depends, but if it is the only way of getting a sponsor, why not?" Jobita revealed.

"We are still hopeful KPLC will change their mind and continue sponsoring us. I have not received an official letter from the company notifying us of their exit, so I am still waiting.

"In the past, we have been under the same, but after negotiations, the sponsorship is extended. So I believe we will be able to convince KPLC to stay," he concluded.

In the abandoned 2019/20 season, the team finished in the seventh position with 36 points.

Under coach Salim Babu, they had managed to get nine wins, drawn as many and lost five matches in the 23 games played.

Virgil van Dijk has revealed the Jurgen Klopp factor as the reason he joined Liverpool instead of Manchester City or Chelsea.

The centre-back left Southampton for Anfield in January 2018 for a reported fee of £75 million ($95m), which represented a record transfer for a defender.

There were other interested parties in Van Dijk's services, notably City and Chelsea, but the Netherlands international only had eyes for the Reds due to manager Klopp, who led Liverpool to their first Premier League title this season.

"I had the chance to go to Chelsea and Man City," Van Dijk said in quotes published in several national newspapers.

"When you compare the clubs, you look at the history, the town, the current squad, their plans for the near future, but the most important thing you look at is the manager - and Jurgen Klopp is an important reason why I chose Liverpool.

"Klopp has something special. Is it his energy? Is it his overall image? I sometimes sit and think about what he does and what he has more than others.

"I think it is his man-management. These days that is more important than anything in football.

"Klopp gives you this great feeling. He is genuinely happy when you walk into the club in the morning. It may sound daft, but that really inspires you as a player."

Van Dijk, 28, has already lifted the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup as a Liverpool player.

In the coming weeks he will get his hands on the Premier League trophy too, with Liverpool's status as champions confirmed last month with seven games still to play.

"I have always said that lifting the Premier League ­trophy would be a dream. That dream has become reality now," he added.

Already a popular figure on Merseyside, Klopp has attained legendary status after guiding his Liverpool side to a first English league title in 30 years, following their Champions League triumph last season.

Having built a phenomenal squad, featuring stars such as Van Dijk, the German boss admits he is not looking too far to the future just yet.

He told the Mirror: "I was seven and a half years at Mainz, seven at Dortmund and in 2024, when my  current contract at Liverpool ends it will be 23 and half. I have no plans beyond that."

Bruno Fernandes has helped to free Paul Pogba from the "burden of expectations" at Manchester United, according to Rio Ferdinand, who says the midfielder is finally starting to justify his £89 million ($111m) price tag.

Before the coronavirus outbreak brought the 2019-20 campaign screeching to a halt in March, Pogba's future at Old Trafford was the subject of intense speculation.

The 27-year-old has only shown flashes of his superb technical ability and outstanding vision since rejoining United from Juventus in 2016, with his commitment and fitness levels often called into question by supporters and experts.

The World Cup winner underwent surgery on a niggling ankle injury in January after missing almost the entire first half of the season, and was being tipped to leave the club this summer amid reported interest from Real Madrid.

However, Pogba returned to action with a renewed sense of purpose after the Premier League was cleared to resume on June 17, with his recent performances helping United embark on a four-match winning run.

The France international has been asked to operate in a slightly deeper role to accommodate January signing Bruno Fernandes, who has proven to be an instant hit in Manchester.

The former Sporting star has scored seven goals and laid on six assists in his first 14 appearances for United, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men have yet to suffer a loss with the 25-year-old pulling the strings in the middle of the park.

Pogba is still looking for his first goal since the restart, but has recorded two assists, while striking up a strong understanding with Fernandes which has helped the Red Devils improve significantly in the final third.

Ferdinand says the presence of the Portuguese playmaker has allowed the Frenchman to raise his game and play without any pressure for the first time in his United career.

The ex-Red Devils defender told BT Sport : "Pogba has been a totally different player since the restart. The energy levels in his game, it's the Pogba United paid £89m for four years ago.

"A big factor is undoubtedly the man he is playing with in the centre of midfield - Bruno Fernandes.

"Pogba will not want to be shown up out there and that's perhaps the motivation he needed. Solskjaer will be absolutely loving what's he seeing from those two.

"Fernandes is just doing what comes naturally to him and it's been a huge boost to Pogba's form - it's freed him up to play as well.

"There's probably less pressure on him now because he knows that some of the burden of expectation is being shouldered by Fernandes."

Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp has described Bukayo Saka as a “joy to watch” after he scored his first Premier League goal in Arsenal’s 2-0 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Though Nuno Espirito Santo’s men were seen as tough opponents with top-four ambitions, the Gunners were in a confident mood having recorded three wins on the bounce in all competitions.

Saka ensured the streak continued with his beautiful volley from a Kieran Tierney pass two minutes prior to the half-time break.

Alexandre Lacazette then sealed the win his strike off the bench in the 86th minute to keep Arsenal’s slim top-four hopes alive.

It caps off an exciting week for Saka who signed a contract extension at the Emirates Stadium until 2024.

"To a certain extent today wasn't what we usually associate with Arsenal, they were dogged, really good defensively and they've got that little bit of quality as well when Lacazette comes on,” Redknapp said on Sky Sports as per the Express.

"I'm so pleased for that young man, Saka. He's a joy to watch. He's loving the Premier League. New contract. As he said, what a week for him. It's a really good finish.

"Aubameyang is heavily involved, he knows exactly where he is on the pitch, plays it out wide and you just see again at the back post, Saka drops his shoulder [to get into space].

"He has a swing at it, it's not necessarily conventionally the best volley you'll ever see but it's a really good one, and it works for him.

"He guides it away from the keeper, it's a nice strike. It's just one of those but it's good technique."

Former Arsenal defender Ashley Cole, also speaking on Sky Sports, said Saka feels very much at home now that he’s tied to the club for the foreseeable future.

"Watching the interview, you know he [Saka] feels that Arsenal is his home,” Cole stated.

“He's a young kid. The group they've got around him, with extra young players, is making him feel very welcome and at home.

"I think Arsenal fans are buzzing that he's signed and he definitely looks one for the future, for sure."

Saka, who was clearly thrilled by the goal, asserted on the need to be humble as he keeps learning. The 18-year-old now has four goals and 10 assists in 35 competitive outings.

"It has been such a great week, signing my contract and then getting my first Premier League goal. And it wasn't a bad goal either so I'm very happy,” he told the BBC.

"I have to stay humble and keep my feet on the ground to keep learning. It's important for us to have experience and world-class players around to advise us. It was tough for us today but we gave our all and that is what got us over the line."

Saka will be hoping to impress again when Arsenal host Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.

Former Uganda midfielder Willy Kyambadde has appealed for financial help to seek kidney and liver treatment.

Kyambadde made his name at Express FC when he joined in 1995 and was part of the team that defeated Angola 2-0 at Nakivubo Stadium in 1996.

Residing at his Kawempe Jinja Kalooli home, the retired midfielder has called on well-wishers to come to his rescue as life has been a challenge since his retirement.

“Life has been challenging ever since I retired from the game,” Kyambadde told New Vision in an interview.

“In fact, even getting what to eat is a problem yet I also have to look for medical assistance to treat myself since I have a kidney and liver problem.

“When I went to Mulago Hospital for a checkup, the doctors told me I have a problem with my kidney and liver but in infant stages which can be treated.”

The former midfielder, who made his name due to his dribbling ability and speed, revealed that he cannot walk now and that has made his retirement life even more difficult.

“I find it hard to walk since I feel a lot of pain. I can't even do anything as I used to. I have so many obligations but I cannot carry on because of the problem I have,” added the former Cranes midfielder.

Ibrahim Sekaggya, Abubakar Tabula, and Wilber Musika were Kyambadde's long-time teammates.

Kyambadde joined KCCA FC in 2000 but returned to the Red Eagles after two seasons. Many thought Kyambadde would be Jackson Mayanja's successor but he did not live up to the expectations of the fans.

After returning to Express in 2002, Kyambadde went on to win the Kakungulu Cup, now Stanbic Uganda Cup, in 2003.

Meanwhile, Uganda and Hapoel Kfar Saba FC winger Luwagga Kizito has revealed what has inspired his recent form.

Kizito has scored in two matches and the recent goal came against Maccabi Netanya on July 2.

“Honestly, I am so happy about my form now, a lot has happened behind the scenes though. First fitting in the style of play, having the right attitude and also understanding each other as a team,” the former Vipers SC star told Football256.

Kizito has made 10 appearances for the Israeli side.

It was announced on Friday, July 3 that Selangor will allow Malaysian youth star Luqman Hakim Shamsudin to join Belgian top tier side KV Kortrijk.

The club's acquisition of the striker who made Goal's NxGn 2020 list had been officially announced in September 2019, only nine months later that the transfer is seemingly going to proceed as planned.

NxGn 2020: The 50 best wonderkids in football

Goal looks back at how the transfer developed, starting from the September official announcement, to the statement by Selangor last Friday.

20 September 2019 - In a press conference in Kuala Lumpur, Kortrijk's Malaysian owner Tan Sri Dato' Seri Vincent Tan announced that the club will sign the youngster on a five-year deal when he turns 18 in March the following year. The initial plan announced for Luqman at the time was for him to train with another of Vincent's club, English Championship side Cardiff City until he turns 18 and is legally allowed to sign a professional contract.

10 October 2019 - Just over a week later, British newspaper The Guardian named Luqman on their Next Generation 2019 list, as one of 60 of the best young talents in world football of the year. It would be the first time that the Kelantan-bred striker was recognised internationally. In March the following year, he would make Goal's own 50 best youth footballers list NxGn 2020, coming in at number 49.

READ: Luqman Hakim not giving up on European dream, but ready for Malaysia Super League challenge

November 2019 - The Mokhtar Dahari Academy (AMD) graduate scored a total of five goals in Group G of the 2020 AFC U-19 Championship qualifiers, helping Malaysia U-19 qualify for the finals as group winners.

December 2019 - He was called up for Malaysia U-23's centralised camp ahead of the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, and made the final roster. Unfortunately, the Young Tigers had an underwhelming campaign and crashed out at the group stage, while Luqman failed to shine.

January 2020 - The start of a new year came, but Luqman was no closer to Europe. Instead he was seen training with the the newly-established Selangor reserve team, along with his Malaysia U-19 teammates and fellow AMD graduates, sparking rumours that his Belgium move has fallen through.

March 2020 - The Red Giants finally came clean and told the media that they were registering the youngster on their Premier League squad, ostensibly because the suspension of international travel due to the Covid-19 pandemic has halted  his departure. But fans' hope of seeing him turn up in league matches were soon dashed, as the Malaysian league would soon be halted as well due to the coronavirus.

Not only that no matches could be held, team training too was suspended due to the enforcement of the movement restriction order by the Malaysian government. During the lockdown, Luqman was reported to turn to delivering meals on his motorcycle to pass the time. 

10 June 2020 - Early this month, he revealed to Berita Harian that Kortrijk have summoned him to Belgium, sparking questions regarding Selangor's willingness to let him leave. Sources had told Goal that the AMD graduates signed by the club at the start of the season have a clause in their contract which allows them to leave for an overseas offer for free within the first year of their contract with Selangor. Association deputy president Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar was later quoted as saying that Kortrijk would be allowed to have the striker for free.

13 June 2020 - Luqman signed with El-Ef Sport, a representative agency with a London address. One week later, rumours surfaced that he has attracted the interest of English club Newcastle United as well as Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.

24 June 2020 - Questions were raised about Luqman's availability for the 2020 AFC U-19 Championship finals in October should he join Kortrijk, as clubs are not required by FIFA to release players for junior international matches. But Vincent later guaranteed that his club would allow the teenager to take part in the tournament.

3 July 2020 - On this Friday evening, Luqman appeared on a live chat video that was aired by the club on their Facebook page, fielding innocuous questions from the fans. Not an hour after the video was over, Selangor announced on their social media accounts that he will be allowed to leave for Belgium, with news reports later adding that the move was a free transfer. 

While the announcement by Selangor should have ended all speculations, this is Malaysian football where stranger things have happened. Until he is seen landing in Belgium, it is hard to consider his move as a done deal. The youngster will certainly remain in the fans and media attention for a little longer!

ALSO READ: Why Luqman Hakim Shamsudin is better off at KV Kortrijk, than at Newcastle United

Kelechi Iheanacho has taken to social media to congratulate Jamie Vardy after he netted his 100th and 101st Premier League goals in the 3-0 win over Crystal Palace at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

Vardy has been phenomenal for the Foxes since they made it to the top-flight in 2014-15, with his 24 goals landing the East Midlands club a shock league title the season after, when they finished 10 points clear of Arsenal.

He has reached the 20-goal mark on two occasions including the current campaign, in which his 21 goals have him on top of the goalscorers charts, two ahead of Arsenal and Gabon forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

“Back to winning ways. Congrats to @vardy7 on reaching the 100 club," Iheanacho posted on Twitter.

Vardy became the first Leicester player to score a century of goals in the Premier League era and the fourth in the club’s history after Arthur Chandler (204), Ernie Hine (149) and Arthur Lochhead (105).

The 33-year-old has now scored 128 goals for Leicester since joining from Fleetwood Town in 2011, and a total of 190 career club goals in 388 outings.

Iheanacho was the other goalscorer on Saturday afternoon in what was his ninth league start and 16th appearance, getting the opener four minutes after the break following a dull first-half.

It was the Nigerian international’s fifth league goal of the season and 10th overall.

It is also the first time he scored in back-to-back league games this term having scored in last Wednesday's 2-1 defeat at Everton, and the second overall after doing so in the two-legged EFL Cup semi-final defeat to Aston Villa.

It marks Leicester’s first win since the resumption of the Premier League after drawing with Watford, Brighton and Hove Albion before losing to Everton.

The Foxes remain in third place as a result of the victory, but will need to be watchful of Chelsea and Manchester United who are just one and three points behind, respectively, on the table, which is making for an intense race to finish in the lucrative Champions League places.

They travel to the British capital on Tuesday to confront Arsenal – who saw off Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 on Saturday with Super Eagles hopeful Bukayo Saka scoring his first-ever Premier League goal.

Young Africans (Yanga SC) coach Luc Eymael has described their Mainland Premier League match against Biashara United on Sunday as “difficult”.

The Jangwani Street-based giants are in Mwanza for two important league matches which will decide whether they will be in a position to finish second on the 20-team league table after sworn rivals Simba SC were crowned champions last Sunday.

Yanga will be overtaken should they falter and third-placed Azam win their match against Singida United at Azam Complex, also on Sunday.

The Belgian coach has now told Goal because of the condition of the pitch which he described as “difficult”, they will not play a game but a fight to make sure they come out with maximum points.

“We have prepared well as we can, we have trained today on the pitch we will play tomorrow, it will be a very difficult pitch, we must be at our best because they are a very good side when playing at home,” Eymael told Goal on Saturday.

“Bernard [Morrison] like I said he is not with us, we have to do without him, it not easy but I am sure the boys will deliver, but tomorrow [Sunday] it will be a fight not a game and we have to deliver against a side that is good when playing at home, I think they drew against Azam.

“It is a team which is used to play in this kind of a pitch so it will not be easy for my boys, who are used to play in a well-kept pitch, a pitch where we can pass the ball well, it will not be the case but we are ready.”

Eymael added: “Our intentions are very clear, we want to finish second behind Simba and we are looking at taking home six points from Mwanza.

“The problem now we are going to play in a very bad pitch, I don’t like the pitch, and I know my players will struggle to pass the ball, but let us wait and see, because we must fight for the points.”

Yanga are second on 60 points, while Simba are top on 79 points and Azam FC are third with 59 points.

Steve Bruce has insisted that there is "no chance" of Allan Saint-Maximin leaving Newcastle, despite ongoing speculation linking him with a summer move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Newcastle forked out £17 million ($21m) to bring Saint-Maximin to St James' Park from Nice last summer. The France U21 international committed to a six-year deal with the Magpies, and has since set about stamping his own unique mark on the Premier League.

Saint-Maximin has been the standout player in Bruce's starting XI throughout the 2019-20 campaign, recording four goals and seven assists in 25 appearances.

He has stepped his game up another notch since the resumption of English football following a three-month coronavirus-enforced hiatus, helping Newcastle win two of their last three top-flight matches.

The 23-year-old set up three goals during the Magpies 4-1 over Bournemouth last time out, and is now attracting attention from some of Europe's biggest clubs.

PSG are reportedly lining up a bid for Saint-Maximin when the transfer market reopens, but Bruce is adamant that a prized asset will not be sold.

Speaking ahead of their meeting with West Ham on Sunday, the Newcastle boss told reporters: "There is no chance [of him leaving], no chance. Every player in the world has got their price, but Allan has only just arrived. He signed a six-year deal in the summer.

"If people are talking about him, good. It means he's doing it on the pitch. That's all they can focus on and let the rest look after itself.

"I wouldn't put a price on him. When you're looking at the levels of money we bought him for, he is arguably the best pound-for-pound signing in the Premier League. You show me another better. What he has produced, we have probably got the buy of the season."

Bruce went on to admit that Saint-Maximin can be difficult to manage at times, adding: “There have been one or two moments but he needs to be reminded of that now and again.

“When you get yourself a bit of a reputation, which Allan seemed to have, then, of course, it's going to test your managerial skills.

“I don’t know how many times I have fined him for earrings, headbands and all sorts, but he’s got great enthusiasm for the game and, for me, that outweighs anything else.”

The Newcastle head coach also expressed his belief that the French winger is capable of reaching the very highest level of the game if he can learn to produce the goods on a consistent basis.

"Every interview I do now, he’s the big talking point. People enjoy watching him," said Bruce.

"He’s certainly different and blessed with a natural ability most people haven’t got. He’s already a fans’ favourite - but the key has to be, can he reach that consistency that top players have?

"He’s got all the ability to be a top player, it’s now the mental side to do it week in, week out.

"That’s the challenge from him and my staff, to get the best out of him, but he certainly has the natural ingredients to be anything he wants to be.”

Harambee Stars striker Michael Olunga was in action for Kashiwa Ryesol in Saturday's home loss against  FC Tokyo.

Olunga, a trusted goal hunter for Kashiwa Reysol, did not manage to find the back of the net as they went down 1-0 at Sankyo Frontier Kashiwa Stadium.

Japan's J1 League resumed with nine matches staged on July 4.

Tsuyoshi Watanabe scored the goal that separated Olunga's side from their visitors in the 62nd minute with the assist coming from Masato Morishige.

The loss saw Kashiwa Reysol lose ground with the leading sides as they have now dropped to the eighth position on three points following their win in the J1 League opener.

Tokyo are second after winning both matches of the season and their inferior goal difference puts them behind Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

The J1 League had been suspended after only one match had been played. 

After the competition was halted, Olunga revealed his worry that it may affect his goal scoring form.

“I had scored against Gamba Osaka in the J-Cup and then scored in the first league match of the season and then the games were stopped,” Olunga explained in an earlier interview.

“With that form, I was looking to be among the top scorers in the league here and also positively influence the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

“It is the first thing I am experiencing this and already miss playing football.”

At the end of May, Japan's football governing body had announced that the league is expected to resume in early July after almost four months of suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As is the practice adopted by other leagues that have resumed, J1 League restarted behind closed doors.

The football administration had promised to assess the situation going forward and whether fans will be allowed in the later phases of football activities.

Officials and players had to be tested before the resumption and a similar test will be undertaken after two weeks to check whether there are re-infections.

The J1 League is expected to establish its own testing facilities in order to complement the efforts set up by the health institutions.

Olunga opened his J1 League maiden campaign with a double for Kashiwa Reysol against Consadole Sapporo on February 22.

The former Thika United, Tusker and Gor Mahia striker was Kashiwa Reysol's top scorer and runner-up on the J2 League scorers' chart.