Looking for Soccer News?

Manchester United moved into the top four as Mason Greenwood struck a brilliant brace in a 5-2 victory over relegation-threatened Bournemouth.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side went above Chelsea ahead of the Blues' game against Watford with a win that extended their unbeaten run to 16 games in all competitions.

They fell behind to Junior Stanislas' opener, but led at the break through first-half efforts from Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.

Joshua King's penalty reduced the deficit, yet Greenwood's second stunning strike was added to by Bruno Fernandes' free-kick as United marched on.

The Cherries took a shock 16th-minute lead when Stanislas followed up his initial blocked effort and nutmegged Harry Maguire on the byline before beating David de Gea at his near post.

It was the first time United had conceded in 500 minutes in all competitions, but they soon roared back when Greenwood blasted in a venomous left-footed drive having been found by Fernandes.

And six minutes later, United were ahead. Adam Smith needlessly handled the ball following Martial's downward header and Rashford stuck the resulting penalty into the bottom-right corner of the net.

That put Rashford ahead of Martial in their personal goals duel, though the Frenchman also moved onto 20 for the campaign in emphatic fashion, cutting in off the left flank and rifling into the top corner with a brilliant right-footed strike.

Bournemouth were handed a route back into the match when United made a sloppy start to the second half.

De Gea had already saved from Lewis Cook and Arnaut Danjuma hit the post after Maguire gave the ball away before Eric Bailly handled in the box trying to control Nemanja Matic's pass.

King converted the penalty against his old club, only for Greenwood to again deliver an emphatic response six minutes later, this time with his right foot.

Fernandes, with two assists to his name already, then got in on the act as United scored five at Old Trafford in a Premier League game for the first time since 2011.

What does it mean? Five-star United show resilience

This was not a vintage United display – certainly at the back – but they responded brilliantly on the two occasions Bournemouth scored when in the past they may have crumbled after conceding.

The Cherries, who sit 19th, climbed three places above United when they won the reverse fixture back in November, and the two teams have certainly been on opposite trajectories since.

Greenwood's golden finishing

Solskjaer says he wants another striker, but he will struggle to find one that can finish like 18-year-old Greenwood.

He was clinical with his left foot, then his right, and has already moved onto eight Premier League goals this term.

Dave doesn't save... again

Roy Keane's scathing criticism of United's number one last month was probably still ringing in De Gea's ears when he let Stanislas' effort beat him at his near post.

It did not cost United on the day, but the Spaniard's growing collection of mistakes must be factors when the club decide what to do with Sheffield United loanee Dean Henderson next season.

Key Opta Facts

- United have won three consecutive Premier League games for the first time since they won all of their first six such matches under manager Solskjær from December 2018 to January 2019.
- Bournemouth have become only the second side to lose 20 points from leading positions in this season's Premier League, after West Ham United (22).
- Greenwood has now scored eight league goals for Man Utd in 2019-20; among players aged 18 and younger, only Michael Owen (twice), Robbie Fowler and Wayne Rooney have ever scored more in a single Premier League season.
- With his penalty today, Rashford became the first English player to score 20 goals in all competitions in a season for Man Utd since Wayne Rooney in 2011-12 (34).
- Fernandes (six goals, five assists) has surpassed 10 goal involvements in his ninth Premier League appearance for Man Utd, making him the joint-quickest to 10 goals and assists combined of any player for the club in the competition, alongside Eric Cantona and Robin van Persie.

What's next?

United visit another side fighting to stay in the division when they travel to Aston Villa on Thursday, while Bournemouth host Tottenham on the same day.

Manchester United moved into the top four as Mason Greenwood struck a brilliant brace in a 5-2 victory over relegation-threatened Bournemouth.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side went above Chelsea ahead of the Blues' game against Watford with a win that extended their unbeaten run to 16 games in all competitions.

They fell behind to Junior Stanislas' opener, but led at the break through first-half efforts from Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.

Joshua King's penalty reduced the deficit, yet Greenwood's second stunning strike was added to by Bruno Fernandes' free-kick as United marched on.

The Cherries took a shock 16th-minute lead when Stanislas followed up his initial blocked effort and nutmegged Harry Maguire on the byline before beating David de Gea at his near post.

It was the first time United had conceded in 500 minutes in all competitions, but they soon roared back when Greenwood blasted in a venomous left-footed drive having been found by Fernandes.

And six minutes later, United were ahead. Adam Smith needlessly handled the ball following Martial's downward header and Rashford stuck the resulting penalty into the bottom-right corner of the net.

That put Rashford ahead of Martial in their personal goals duel, though the Frenchman also moved onto 20 for the campaign in emphatic fashion, cutting in off the left flank and rifling into the top corner with a brilliant right-footed strike.

Bournemouth were handed a route back into the match when United made a sloppy start to the second half.

De Gea had already saved from Lewis Cook and Arnaut Danjuma hit the post after Maguire gave the ball away before Eric Bailly handled in the box trying to control Nemanja Matic's pass.

King converted the penalty against his old club, only for Greenwood to again deliver an emphatic response six minutes later, this time with his right foot.

Fernandes, with two assists to his name already, then got in on the act as United scored five at Old Trafford in a Premier League game for the first time since 2011.

What does it mean? Five-star United show resilience

This was not a vintage United display – certainly at the back – but they responded brilliantly on the two occasions Bournemouth scored when in the past they may have crumbled after conceding.

The Cherries, who sit 19th, climbed three places above United when they won the reverse fixture back in November, and the two teams have certainly been on opposite trajectories since.

Greenwood's golden finishing

Solskjaer says he wants another striker, but he will struggle to find one that can finish like 18-year-old Greenwood.

He was clinical with his left foot, then his right, and has already moved onto eight Premier League goals this term.

Dave doesn't save... again

Roy Keane's scathing criticism of United's number one last month was probably still ringing in De Gea's ears when he let Stanislas' effort beat him at his near post.

It did not cost United on the day, but the Spaniard's growing collection of mistakes must be factors when the club decide what to do with Sheffield United loanee Dean Henderson next season.

Key Opta Facts

- United have won three consecutive Premier League games for the first time since they won all of their first six such matches under manager Solskjær from December 2018 to January 2019.
- Bournemouth have become only the second side to lose 20 points from leading positions in this season's Premier League, after West Ham United (22).
- Greenwood has now scored eight league goals for Man Utd in 2019-20; among players aged 18 and younger, only Michael Owen (twice), Robbie Fowler and Wayne Rooney have ever scored more in a single Premier League season.
- With his penalty today, Rashford became the first English player to score 20 goals in all competitions in a season for Man Utd since Wayne Rooney in 2011-12 (34).
- Fernandes (six goals, five assists) has surpassed 10 goal involvements in his ninth Premier League appearance for Man Utd, making him the joint-quickest to 10 goals and assists combined of any player for the club in the competition, alongside Eric Cantona and Robin van Persie.

What's next?

United visit another side fighting to stay in the division when they travel to Aston Villa on Thursday, while Bournemouth host Tottenham on the same day.

KMC FC put up a spirited fight to beat Shinyanga-based Mwadui FC 3-2 in a thrilling Mainland League encounter at Azam Complex in Chamazi, Dar es Salaam.

The hosts started on a high note but could not capitalize on their early chances created, and fell behind in the seventh minute when Ally Ramadhan turned the ball into his own net to give the visitors the lead.

The Taxmen waited until the half-hour mark to equalize courtesy of Mohamed Samatta and six minutes later Ramadhan wrote his name on the scoresheet with the second goal for his team.

On the stroke of half-time, the Shinyanga-based side conceded a penalty which Serge Tape converted to ensure his side went into the break with a two-goal advantage.

Joseph Ludovic reduced the deficit in the 55th minute to give his side hopes of getting at least a point away, but KMC held on to claim maximum points.

Namungo FC went level on points with third-placed Azam FC after a narrow 1-0 win against JKT Tanzania.

The lone goal came in the 34th minute courtesy of Abeid Athuman.

Namungo have now won 16 games, drawn 11 matches and lost six to take their tally of the season to 59 points. However, their inferior goal difference puts them in the fourth position.

In another top tier game played on Saturday, Kagera Sugar and Ruvu Shooting settled for a 1-1 draw.

The Sugar Millers needed just two minutes to get their goal when Nassoro Kapama capitalized on poor defending to find the back of the net. 

Ruvu equalized after a quarter of an hour through Sadat Mohamed to ensure the points were shared.

Mbao FC defeated Lipuli FC 2-0 while Tanzania Prisons and Polisi Tanzania settled for a goalless draw.

On Sunday, champions Simba SC will be away to Ndanda FC while rivals Young Africans will be away as well, to Biashara Mara United. 

Mbeya City will play Coastal Union with Mtibwa Sugar away to Alliance FC.

The battle for the second-place finish is between Yanga SC, Azam and Namungo. The three teams are separated by one point with six rounds remaining. 

The real battle, though, is in the relegation zone where Mtibwa Sugar, Lipuli, Alliance, Ndanda, MbeyaCity, Mbao and Singida are all fighting for survival. 

Quess Corp chairman Ajit Isaac has insisted that the sporting rights are still with the joint venture between Quess and East Bengal, Quess East Bengal Football Club Private Limited (QEBFCPL), Goal can confirm.

He was responding to a query from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on the status of the same.

Goal had revealed on Friday evening that the AIFF had sought clarification from Kolkata giants and their investors Quess Corp regarding the reported exit of Quess from the joint venture they had entered into with East Bengal.

As per the joint venture agreement, the new entity QEBFCPL would enjoy the sporting rights to field a team under the name 'Quess East Bengal' in any recognised tournament. 70 per cent of the stakes were enjoyed by Quess while 30 per cent was with East Bengal.

However, there have been multiple statements from senior Quess officials on their intention to disinvest from East Bengal. But the transfer of sporting rights back to the club still remained a contentious issue and there has been no clarity on that.

After the AIFF wrote to both parties regarding the same, Quess Corp chairman Ajit Isaac has reverted back saying the sporting rights are still with the joint venture. According to sources close to the development, Isaac has also asked the AIFF not to entertain any requests on the topic from any other party. Apparently, Isaac has also asked the Indian FA not to proceed with any official formalities for the club unless and until it is requested by Quess East Bengal.

Quess and East Bengal had formed the joint venture in 2018 and the deal was initially for a period of three years, which means unless and until the two parties reach a mutual agreement, the sporting rights will continue to be with Quess East Bengal until the end of the 2020-21 season.

The AIFF had also made it clear in their communication on Friday that any change or transfer of sporting rights will need the written consent of Quess East Bengal representative.

Apart from such an official confirmation in writing, the AIFF has also stated that in the case of a mutual termination of the joint venture, a copy of the termination document should be presented before it.

With Quess Corp now making their stance clear, it remains to be seen how this saga will play out.

Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford have become the first Manchester United pairing since Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez to record 10 or more Premier League goals at Old Trafford in a single season.

Two fearsome frontmen hit that mark during a meeting with Bournemouth.

The Red Devils fell behind in that contest, with some questionable defending allowing Junior Stanislas to open the scoring.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have, however, been in imperious form of late and hit back in style.

Exciting teenage forward Mason Greenwood drew them level, before Rashford was given the opportunity to convert from the penalty spot.

The England international made no mistake, taking him onto 20 goals for the season across all competitions.

Martial has joined his team-mate in that goal club after curling home a spectacular third for United before half-time against the Cherries – with Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez the last duo to get 20 apiece.

France international Martial has also matched Rashford in reaching double figures for the campaign on home soil, with the Red Devils having waited 12 years for two men to achieve that feat.

While Solskjaer saw his front three do the damage in the opening 45 minutes against Bournemouth, Bruno Fernandes was once again pulling the strings in midfield.

Another two assists have been added to his remarkable tally, to go along with the five Premier League goals he had already recorded - prior to crashing home a free-kick after the interval.

Having teed up five efforts for others, the Portugal international has contributed to 11 goal involvements in just nine games.

Only two players can claim to have been as productive for United – legendary Frenchman Eric Cantona and Dutch striker Robin van Persie.

United were given a scare early in the second half by Bournemouth, as they threatened to see all of their hard work undone.

Eric Bailly, who was only introduced at the break, conceded a penalty that was slotted home by ex-United academy graduate Josh King.

Arnaut Danjuma then saw a goal ruled out for offside as Solskjaer’s side were left clinging on in the Manchester rain.

Greenwood helped to ease any nerves, though, in the 54th minute as he drilled his second of the game into the top corner, before Fernandes also got in on the act.

Former Orlando Pirates striker Phumudzo Manenzhe says the likes of Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Bloemfontein Celtic might struggle to play behind closed doors without their supporters.

The retired Buccaneers hitman has also included his former team as a side who enjoys a massive following in the South African top-flight.

‘The Bold and Beautiful’ insisted teams that command good support in the stands will struggle when the season resumes after the break due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“It’s during a very difficult time, the plan is to make sure everyone’s health is safe,” Manenzhe as quoted by the DailySun.

“Teams that command good support are going to suffer now because they do not have their 12th man. You know when playing for the big teams, supporters push you to another level.

“The playing fields will be level now that there won’t be supporters. It is going to be a big challenge to those players that are playing for teams that attract crowds to the stadium.

“As much as football is a contact sport, most of the things are more mental than physical. I think players will have to be strong mentally despite knowing that there have been other teammates who tested positive.”

Although the PSL’s return date and venues are yet to be confirmed, the Bundesliga was the first major European league to resume matches without spectators followed by La Liga, Serie A and the Premier League.

Coming back to South Africa, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa recommended the local league can resume training almost two weeks ago but the clubs are yet to receive an order from the league’s governing body.

As things stand, Kaizer Chiefs lead the table with 48 points, followed by reigning league champions Masandawana on 44 points - with a game in hand - whilst SuperSport United and coach Josef Zinnbauer’s troops are tied on 40 points.

Gianluigi Buffon has edged clear of AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini at the top of Serie A’s all-time appearance chart, with the Juventus goalkeeper having reached 648 outings.

That mark was hit in a derby date with Torino on Saturday.

Buffon had been stuck on 647 games in the Italian top flight since December, with Wojciech Szczesny currently Juve’s first choice between the sticks.

The veteran shot-stopper also saw the coronavirus pandemic work against him, with competitive football shut down for three months.

Buffon did, however, commit to a new 12-month contract during that break and now has further cause for celebration.

He was named in Maurizio Sarri’s starting XI for a meeting with Torino.

Said outing has carried him clear of Milan great Maldini – a man he once operated alongside in the Italian national side.

Buffon will hope that there are many more Serie A outings to come, with there no sign of him slowing down.

He has told Randstand Italia of playing on well beyond his 42nd birthday: “I still have the fire burning inside of me.

“I keep playing because I feel good and I’m competitive, plus I always want to improve.

“The moment I became a No.1, that passion turned into work, an obligation not to look bad and to always remain at the top.

“For 15 years, I set the fun aside. Now as an ‘oldie’, it’s as if I’m reliving my youth. This is my secret to how I can keep going.

“In the last 12 years of my career, I’ve enjoyed victories little and thought a lot about the defeats.

“When you’re used to winning, it seems normal. In that sense, the wins have a minor impact on you but frustration of losing remains.

“I must try making peace with this, otherwise I risk never quitting.”

Buffon has helped Juve back to the top of the Serie A table this season, with the Bianconeri looking to wrap up a ninth successive crown.

Lazio and Inter have pushed them close in 2019-20, but a star-studded squad that includes the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala remains clear of the chasing pack at present.

Paris Saint-Germain have suffered a further blow in the summer transfer window following Adil Aouchiche’s announcement that he will depart the club.

Rumours have persisted over his future for several months, but PSG held out hope that they might be able to persuade the France Under-18 star, who has featured on a handful of occasions in the first team, to remain at the club.

The youth terms he was on expired on June 30, and Aouchiche has now confirmed that his future lies elsewhere, following the likes of veterans Edinson Cavani and Thiago Silva out of the door, despite Kylian Mbappe going public on his desire for his young colleague to sign a new deal.

While there has been interest from the Bundesliga – Borussia Dortmund, Schalke, Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig have been credited with keeping tabs on the player – it is in France that Aouchiche appears likely to stay, having undergone a medical with Saint-Etienne last month.

There has also been interest from Rennes and Lille, who have taken numerous PSG youngsters in recent years, including Timothy Weah, Mike Maignan, Jonathan Ikone and the highly rated Boubakary Soumare.

Aouchiche, however, has been tight lipped over his future destination, though an Instagram post did confirm that his time at Parc des Princes is coming to an end.

“A page turns,” he said. “Thanks to Paris for all these unforgettable moments.”

As Aouchiche never signed professional terms with PSG, they will not recoup a transfer fee for the 17-year-old, who really announced himself as a player to watch at the 2019 European Under-17 Championship.

Although France exited that competition at the semi-final stage, Aouchiche scored a tournament-record nine goals in five matches, including a hat-trick against Sweden in the group stage and four against the Czech Republic in the quarter-finals. He was subsequently named in the Team of the Tournament.

Under Thomas Tuchel, Aouchiche has been given three appearances in all competition for PSG’s senior side. 

He was awarded his first-team debut in a 2-0 away victory over Metz at the end of August 2019 and appeared on the bench on three more occasions in Ligue 1. Meanwhile, he featured twice in the Coupe de France, albeit only as a substitute for the final seven minutes of the club’s 6-1 rout over Dijon in the quarter-finals.

Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) and the JSW Bengaluru FC academies have been conferred a two-star academy status by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). 

Bengaluru FC academy is India's only club-operated academy to receive the recognition. For RFYC, based in Navi Mumbai, the accolade is another feather in the cap after it became the first youth academy in India to be granted a 5-star rating by the AIFF Academy Accreditation process in June 2019.

This is also the first time that a residential academy has been awarded the two-star status by the AFC who expect academies to pass a rigorous set of criteria - including leadership, planning, organisation, staffing, recruitment, finance, facilities, coaching, player health, coaching and fitness requirements -  if they are to be conferred with the status. 

“To be granted two-star Academy status is indeed a proud moment for all of us at RFYC,” Mrs Nita Ambani, the Chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, said. “Our goal is to unlock the huge potential of Indian football. I firmly believe in order to accomplish that, we need to create a world class eco-system that helps funnel the talent pool that exists across the country.

"This recognition by AFC will only strengthen our resolve to continue to strive towards excellence and ensure RFYC plays its part in putting Indian football on the global map. I thank AFC and AIFF for the honour.”

"I would also like to congratulate Reliance Foundation Young Champs Academy and JSW Bengaluru FC Academy for receiving a two-star status,” said Kushal Das, General Secretary, AIFF. “Their academies are truly remarkable and have been promising ones to deliver future stars of the sport.”

"It's crucial for football development to have more top football academies,” added Isac Doru, Technical Director of the Indian National Football team. “RFYC Academy and JSW BFC Academy should be an inspiring story for all new academies in India."

The North West province appears to be leading the race to stage the remaining matches of the 2019/20 PSL season, according to Sport24. 

The publication reports that the province's Department of Sport, Arts and Culture held an urgent meeting with various stakeholders on Friday to make final touch-ups for Sun City and Royal Bafokeng Stadium to be ready to host the matches.  

According to Sport24, representatives from the Rustenburg local municipality and the South African Football Association (Safa) were present at the meeting. 

The PSL together with Safa have proposed that the season be completed in a biological-safe environment to curb the spread of the coronavirus. 

KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng are the other two provinces who put their names forward to stage the games. 

However, the abovementioned provinces have a high number of confirmed positive cases compared to North West - one of the three conditions the PSL and government will consider before making a final decision. 

Furthermore, Sport24 revealed some of the reasons that were put forward for staging the games in the meeting, including but not limited to the availability of infrastructure and capacity requirements, options available as quarantine sites for potential outbreaks as well as having enough facilities to cover the entire ecosystem of players, officials and broadcasters. 

Both Sun City and Royal Marang hotel have been proposed to host the 32 teams.  

Four stadiums were put forward as possible venues to stage the official games and they are Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace, Moruleng Stadium, Olympia Park and Royal Marang Practice Fields. 

Teams will be allocated time slots for training and recuperation but the practice fields at Royal Marang are likely to stage NFD matches.  

The South African government has already given the go-ahead for teams to train Level 3 of the lockdown but the PSL will have the final say. 

Cape Town City became the first team to return to the training grounds this week while Kaizer Chiefs and Chippa United are among those expected to get going next week. 

The only thing left for the PSL to do is to make a decision on the exact date for the resumption of the season. 

The league aims to complete the season by August 31 the latest, according to Dr Irvin Khoza.  

There are 54 PSL matches to play, 44 NFD games and three Nedbank Cup matches left before the current campaign can officially be declared over. 

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender David Kannemeyer has described George Maluleka as “a very clever player” who did not blindly join Mamelodi Sundowns without expecting stiff competition at his new club.

Maluleka recently dumped current Premier Soccer League (PSL) log leaders Chiefs to sign a three-year deal with Sundowns who are also pressing Amakhosi for the league title.

At Downs, Maluleka will be met with a midfield decorated by equally experienced campaigners like captain Hlompho Kekana, Andile Jali, Tiyani Mabunda and Oupa Manyisa, as well as Lucky Mohomi and Sammy Seabi.

However, Kannemeyer who also dumped Chiefs for Sundowns during his playing career has high regard for Maluleka whom he played with at SuperSport United.

“George has done his homework, he knows exactly what he is getting himself into and he is up to the challenge and I think he has got loads of talent,” Kannemeyer told Phakaaathi.

“A lot of players go to Sundowns and they don’t feature but I think George will feature. He is a very competitive player, he is a good professional and I don’t think there is a reason for him not to play.

“He is a very clever player. He is at his peak and he knows why he is going there and it is probably because he wants to get the Caf Champions League medal.”

Although Maluleka is now 31 years old, Kannemeyer is convinced that the player is talented enough to be playing in Europe at the moment.

The ex-South Africa international defender feels that some PSL players lack the ambition to move to Europe because of good salaries locally.

“I played with him [Maluleka] at SuperSport and he was still a young man and I could see that he would go places,” said Kannemeyer.

“George should actually be playing in Europe but players don’t want to go abroad anymore because they get big salaries here… but Sundowns is like a European team."

Despite Maluleka failing to secure a move to Europe so far in his professional career, Kannemeyer feels that joining Sundowns is not a train smash.

“A move is always good and I think George has done his bit with Chiefs … he has won trophies with Chiefs and I don’t think there are any hard feelings because these things happen all over the world,” continued Kannemeyer.

“Of course, it is different in South Africa when you move from Chiefs to Sundowns, people will start talking.”

Lionel Messi will thrash out fresh terms with Barcelona despite the talk of a move elsewhere being made, says Cesar Luis Menotti, with the mercurial Argentine still considered to be at his peak and a “representative” of the Liga giants.

Reports have surfaced which suggest that a talismanic presence at Camp Nou is starting to ask questions of his future.

Messi is only tied to a contract through to the summer of 2021 and is said to have shelved discussions regarding an extension.

That has sparked speculation regarding a switch for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner, with it claimed that an iconic career as a one-club man could have a surprising twist to come.

However, Menotti is convinced that a fellow countryman will reach a compromise with the Blaugrana that keeps him in his current surroundings.

The former Barca coach, who is now director of the Argentine national side, told TyC Sports: "He is still in his peak.

"Messi is more representative of Barcelona's history than (president Josep Maria) Bartomeu. It doesn't even cross my mind that they won't fix it.

"Messi doesn't think about the contract when he goes on the pitch. He's still the same on the pitch and in his neighbourhood. I don't think it's a financial problem, I don't understand it." 

Barca have struggled for a spark since the restart of competitive action in Spain, with inconsistency seeing them surrender top spot in La Liga to Clasico rivals Real Madrid.

Messi has still been their go-to man, reaching 700 career goals in the process, and Menotti believes those in Catalunya and South America will be aware that a talismanic captain for club and country remains as important as ever.

He added: "It's evident that Quique Setien has not found his team still.

"But Messi is still the same and it's not in vain that he reached 700 career goals. 

"He is still in his peak, like I said. It's true he's not a kid of 18 anymore, but he's not 50, either. He has a lot of time in front of him still. 

"Those that question Messi and say he doesn't perform for the national team make me laugh. If it wasn't for him, we wouldn't even have gone to the last World Cup." 

James Milner admits that he could have pushed for a move away from Liverpool when asked to play at left-back throughout the 2016-17 campaign, but the 34-year-old has never shirked a challenge and is now a Champions League and Premier League title winner at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp has always embraced the versatility offered to him by an experienced former England international.

Milner has, however, starred on a Premier League stage for close to 20 years as either a winger or combative central midfielder.

He is more than capable of filling in at the back, but those areas of the pitch are not where he feels the most comfortable or at his best.

An entire season was spent providing cover in defence during Klopp’s first full campaign on Merseyside and Milner concedes that he could easily have sought a more prominent role elsewhere.

He told Sky Sports: "It was what the manager needed at the time. There's always going to be positions you prefer but you do what's needed for the team. I suppose at that point I could have turned around and said, 'No I don't want to do that, I want to leave.'

"He came to ask me to do it in pre-season and my mindset was, 'OK, how can I be the best I can be in that position?' and I started to learn the role. A few of the boys were a bit surprised when we set up at pre-season training the next day and I was at left-back, but that was part of the fun."

Milner added: "Do you want to walk away from Liverpool and a manager of his calibre and not be part of something? I did the job as best I could and the year after that I don't know what was in his mind. Maybe he thought, 'Left-back, that's him done,' so it was a challenge to force my way back into the reckoning in midfield and I managed to do that."

Milner has helped Liverpool to get back to the top domestically, in Europe and globally after opting to stay put, with a new three-year contract penned in December 2019.

It could be that he brings the curtain down on a distinguished career at Anfield, but the Leeds native is not ruling out a return to his roots at some stage having seen a second spell at Elland Road mooted.

Milner said: "You never know in football, what's around the corner, but I just want to contribute and win as many trophies as I can for Liverpool and add to the great history here.

"I'm biased, but I think the Premier League will be a better place for Leeds in it, and it will be weird to play against them next season.

"It seems a long time ago since I pulled on that shirt, you look back at photos and see how big the shirts were back then. Plenty has changed since then, unfortunately I was part of the team that got relegated and they haven't come back and recovered just yet. It would be great to see them back next season and their fans are incredible as well."

Yanga SC captain Pappy Kabamba Tshisimbi insists he is not on strike like some fans perceive. 

The Congolese midfielder has been out for some time after getting injured and has not played since the resumption of games on June 13.

However, the experienced skipper has hinted he will be back to help his team get results on the pitch.

"Those accusing me of striking are out of their mind, how can I strike when things are looking up?" Tshishimbi told Mwanaspoti.

"If it is about striking, I could have done it a long time ago when things were not okay.

"The truth is I have been healing and my doctors believe I will be soon fit enough to play."

The player has also stated the 27-time champions have every reason to defeat their bitter rivals Simba SC in the FA Cup semi-final to stand a chance of playing in the continental competitions.

Wananchi defeated Kagera Sugar 2-1 to qualify to the last four while Wekundu wa Msimbazi eliminated holders Azam FC 2-0 to make it to the next stage.

It will be the third time the two teams are meeting this season in all competitions.

A Bernard Morrison strike was all the Jangwani based side needed to defeat their sworn rivals in the last Kariakoo Derby played on March 8 at the National Stadium.

"Simba are sure of playing in the Caf Champions League [after winning the Tanzania Mainland League]," Tshishimbi added.

"They are not concerned of anything else apart from avenging the [1-0] defeat when we last played them and they want to avoid back to back defeats against Yanga.

"On our part, we need a ticket to play in continental competition. This is our chance; despite being a tough one, we have to give our best and ensure we win.

"This is like a final to us and we have to ensure we win at all costs."

In another semi-final match, Namungo will play Sahare All-Stars and the eventual winner will play in the Caf Confederation Cup.

Simba SC coach Sven Vandenbroeck sensationally claimed he was keen to face sworn rivals Young Africans (Yanga SC) in the semi-finals of the FA Cup. 

"We lost to Yanga in the second round fixture because my players lost concentration and we could not push ourselves to get an equaliser or even a winning goal,” Vandenbroeck told Goal earlier.

"We wanted to play against them again before the season comes to a close so we can rectify the mistakes we committed against them and beat them, I know it will not be easy but I want to prepare my team to be ready.

"It is a match I am really looking forward to, it is a derby and you know the fans will come in large numbers, the derby is the game for the fans and we will do all we can to make amends and beat them to reach the final."

Barcelona boss Quique Setien has played down talk of a rift with attacker Antoine Griezmann and has said he is not fearful for his own future.

The former Real Betis head coach is attempting to put out fires on multiple fronts currently, with reports that star player Lionel Messi is discontent, poor form and controversy over his treatment of World Cup winner Griezmann.

This came to a head on Tuesday, when the Catalans were held to a 2-2 home draw by Atletico Madrid. Though the former Atleti ace was instructed to warm up throughout the second half, he was brought on with mere seconds of the match remaining.

His prolonged presence among the replacements sparked a backlash from the Griezmann family on social media, as well as pointed criticism from the media, with ex-Barca attacker Christophe Dugarry claiming the coach is simply “incompetent” and “out of his depth”. 

It was the third time in four matches that the 29-year-old had been left on the bench – and in each of those matches the Catalans had failed to win.

Nevertheless, Setien has claimed the media are simply trying to make something out of nothing.

“Antoine is fine, he is a great professional. I have exchanged a few words with him,” he said. “He is an extraordinary, professional boy and it will not affect him when he has to play again because he is a very mentally strong boy and I am sure that we will have him at 100% when he has to go back to the field.

“I have spoken of hierarchies, but I have not spoken of indisputable players. Griezmann is a great player and very important for the club and the team. When he has played, you ask me about Ansu Fati. 

“Not everyone can play and I have to decide as to my front line and who I think contributes or does not contribute to the team. I take into account the importance and the hierarchy of each player, but in a club like Barca with so many players, I know that some are going to get angry because not all are fit and it is a decision that I must take responsibility for, and that is what I do.”

Addressing his own uncertain future, he said: “I have already experienced it on other occasions, it is part of the circus. I know that there is a lot of noise around me but I do not listen to it or read it. It is not the first time that I have experienced it or that a coach has lived through a situation like this, when they don't win a game.”

Barcelona trail Real Madrid by four points at the top of La Liga with five matches remaining.

Kai Havertz is a “complete player” and dreams of playing in the Premier League, according to his Bayer Leverkusen team-mate Wendell.

The 21-year-old Germany midfielder is one of world football’s most in-demand talents, with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool all linked with him.

Premier League suitors were given a boost on Friday when Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admitted the Bundesliga champions would not be able to make a move for Havertz this year.

If he does end up in England, Havertz’s team-mate is sure he would be a success.

“He’s a complete player,” left-back Wendell told Yellow and Green Football.

“If you play him as a No.9 or as a No.10 a little bit behind, or if you put him out wide, he’ll know what to do.

“He can understand what the manager wants. He finishes well with both feet. He’s strong with his head, he has good technique.

“Psychologically, the Germans are very focused people, too. They are very concentrated on what they want.

“If he goes to the Premier League, he will learn a lot. I think Kai dreams of playing there. He has that desire.

“And I think if he decides to play in England, he will be a success.”

With 36 goals and 16 assists in the Bundesliga in the last two seasons, it isn’t difficult to see why Europe’s top clubs want Havertz.

The chance to link up with international team-mates Timo Werner and Antonio Rudiger at Chelsea could appeal from a career point of view but, while the Blues have been strongly linked, Frank Lampard recently denied any bid has been made.

Leverkusen are hoping to keep hold of him for at least another year regardless of any interest, but sporting director Rudi Voller has confirmed there is an agreement in place which could see Havertz leave this summer.

"There is nothing specific, nothing to report. As of now, he is our player," Voller told Bild.

"We have our ideas, we know what he can do. I personally hope that he stays one more year. We have an agreement: if it works, he can go this summer."

Under pressure Barcelona boss Quique Setien has refused to comment on Lionel Messi’s future at the club.

After a 2-2 draw with Atletico Madrid in midweek – a result that means Barca now trail rivals Real Madrid by four points at the top of the Primera Division – reports surfaced that the six-time Ballon d’Or winner has threatened to leave the club.

Although the source of Messi’s displeasure appears to be president Josep Maria Bartomeu, the prospect of seeing the Spanish title fall into the capital side’s hands will only have increased his irritation and as a result has sparked talk he could depart in a year’s time, when his contract at Camp Nou will expire.

Some pundits have said this is simply a ploy to try to unsettle the player but Setien would not be drawn into discussing his key man.

“I am not going to speculate on this because I have not heard him say anything about it and it is not my task,” he told the media.

“I see him well, Leo. The rest is speculation that I do not even enter into. That's what you, the press, are there for. I see him training well, and [nothing] more.”

Despite Barcelona’s struggles, which are set to see Setien fired at the end of the campaign unless he wins either La Liga or the Champions League, Messi has enjoyed another prolific season, scoring 22 goals and laying on another 18 in just 28 league outings. 

Former Camp Nou favourite Rivaldo has said that Messi could be a hit in the Premier League, suggesting that a reunion with former coach Pep Guardiola at Manchester City would be a mouth-watering prospect for the 33-year-old Argentine, who has spent his whole career with Barca.

Since joining the club as a youth player in 2001, he has become an icon with the side, featuring in 724 matches and scoring 630 goals and is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest players in the history of the game. 

Among his honours with Barcelona, he has picked up four Champions League titles and three Club World Cups. Additionally, he has led the club to 10 Primera Division titles.

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has described Jordan Ayew as a “phenomenon” on the back of what is the Ghanaian’s most productive season in England.

The 28-year-old has nine Premier League goals and one assist in 31 games this season which is his best return in the top-flight having previously played for Aston Villa and in Swansea City with his older brother Andre.

It marks a remarkable transformation for Jordan who scored just one league goal for Palace in 20 outings while on loan from Swansea last season.

Palace were recently on a four-game winning run of which Ayew scored in three of them and put the south London outfit in the mix for European qualification before back-to-back defeats by Liverpool and Burnley.

"In many ways, he is a phenomenon," Hodgson said on the club website.

"Since he came to us, which is now virtually two seasons ago, he’s been available for every game. Now that’s amazing. I know he’s always there, he always seems to be around but I didn’t know the actual statistic.

"One can’t speak highly enough of a player like that. The mere fact that he’s been there through the two seasons we’ve done quite well... his contribution has been enormous. This season, you could argue, it’s been greater than it was last season because he’s scored some goals."

Ayew meanwhile acknowledges the impact of Hodgson in transforming him, also citing the club having faith to re-sign him after his poor return in 2018-19, as extra motivation for him to improve.

"People think he’s an old school manager, but my first season, I really, really enjoyed it and really, really learned a lot. That’s why I wanted to continue with the football club," Ayew told Premier League Productions as quoted by the Crystal Palace website.

"He has made me improve in so many aspects and I’m really, really happy under him. I think the whole squad and football club is happy to have him at Crystal Palace. He’s just a fantastic manager, a great manager; a great, great manager. He has helped me so much and deserves all the praise.

"The first season wasn’t great but in the dressing room, in the building, the people were really, really good to me and so I really wanted to stay. My family were happy as well in London, so everything was good. On the football side, it was a bit difficult but I had confidence in myself that I could make it.

"Thanks to the football club, the manager, the Chairman, Dougie [Freedman], the staff, I think they all had faith in me and that’s why they signed me. That’s why things have changed. I’ve tried to do my best every time and when you work hard you get rewarded.

"I’ve changed a lot of things: my attitude, my desire to succeed, a bit of luck. When you work hard, you provoke the luck. I just wanted to do well this season; I came with big ambitions and things have changed but there’s still room for improvement."

Palace currently sit in 12th place with 42 points and look very safe as they are 15 points clear of the relegation zone with six rounds of fixtures left.

They travel to a struggling Leicester City, who have recorded just one win since February, on Saturday afternoon.

Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA FC) midfielder Gift Ali says the sporting fraternity should be prepared for mass testing when the government opens sporting activities in the country.

All the sporting activities were suspended in mid-March after the outbreak of the coronavirus and the government is yet to confirm when they will resume despite relaxing a number of stringent measures put in place.

KCCA player Gift believes the only way for sporting activities to take-off is by doing mandatory testing to players and officials when the lockdown is eased.

“I think if they [government] can try to copy what other leagues are doing to resume sports amidst the pandemic,” Gift is quoted by New Vision. “We don't know if this pandemic will end soon or if it is here to stay.

“In Egypt, they are testing players and they have made sure they are far away from the public, and very soon, their league is going to resume. I think this is one of the procedures the authorities can undertake for sports to resume.”

On his part, Proline FC forward Rogers Mato stated: “I think we should copy some of the things in countries that have resumed their leagues such as playing without spectators or when they are allowed to come in, they should observe social distancing. The fans motivate us but this is a health matter that needs to be taken seriously.”

Alex Komakech of Wakiso Giants also waded into the debate calling for the mandatory wearing of masks.

“Let it be made mandatory to both players and technical teams to wear masks when sport resumes especially those who are on the bench. This will help to avoid the spread of the disease,” Komakech also told New Vision.

KCCA defender Peter Magambo called on the clubs to make sure that they test players and keep them in one camp, saying it will help a lot to curb the spread of Covid-19.

“We can also practise mass testing of all players, coaches, and technical staff if possible before resuming and perhaps monitor the situation before we engage in contact with other players.

“The teams can reside in training camps without moving out to make contact with the outside world because we can risk infecting other players.”

Uganda’s 2019-2020 season was ended prematurely with Vipers SC being declared champions and will now represent the country in the Caf Champions League while second-placed KCCA will go for the Confederation Cup.

Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo feels that it is now time for Amakhosi midfielders, including Siphelele Ntshangase, “to raise their hands” for consideration to replace George Maluleka who has left the club for Mamelodi Sundowns.

Maluleka was released by Chiefs earlier this week following the expiry of his contract and signed a three year deal with the Brazilians.

The ex-Ajax Cape Town man has left a midfield gap which, naturally, would make Chiefs hard-pressed to find his replacement.

But with Chiefs banned by Fifa from signing players in the next two transfer windows, they could be forced to look from within for Maluleka’s successor.

This could have pushed them to extend Ntshangase’s contract by a year despite the midfielder struggling for game time in the two and half seasons he has been at Naturena where he arrived amid a weight of expectations on him.

Khumalo believes that Ntshangase and other players battling to earn playing minutes have been presented with an opportunity to step in for Maluleka.

“It is an opportunity for boys like Ntshangase. It is up to them now to raise their hand and say, ‘Wow, there’s an opportunity, I want to grab it’,” Khumalo told IOL.

“I’m not saying the departure of George will create automatic opportunities but this is a chance for some of the players to raise their hands and come to the party.”

If the season resumes, Chiefs would be entering a crucial phase of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) title race in which they would have to make do without Maluleka who was a regular.

Khumalo has defended the club’s decision to release Maluleka at such a critical moment.

“I believe that they wouldn’t have allowed George to leave now if they didn’t have a plan to proceed with their title challenge without his services. They are on the verge of winning the league and I’m sure such a decision was well thought out,” Khumalo said.

The rivalry between Chiefs and Sundowns on Maluleka could further add some spark in the two sides' tussle for the league title.

Amakhosi lead the PSL standings by four points ahead of second-placed Sundowns who however have a game in hand and nine matches to play before they complete their campaign.