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Gianluigi Buffon has committed to another 12-month contract at Juventus, with the 42-year-old claiming to be relieving his youth as he keeps a “fire burning inside”.

The legendary goalkeeper has once again postponed any plans to hang up his gloves.

Retirement has been hinted at in the past, but the World Cup winner is reluctant to walk away while he still feels that he has something to offer.

Juve, having parted with Buffon when he headed to Paris Saint-Germain for a one-year stint in 2018-19, are happy to have a vastly-experienced figure forming part of their plans.

Wojciech Szczesny is now first-choice in Turin, but having a reliable back-up option is most welcome.

The Bianconeri have tied Buffon down until the summer of 2021, with the former Italy international delighted to be getting such opportunities in the twilight of a distinguished career.

“I still have the fire burning inside of me,” Buffon told Randstad Italia on Instagram of the desire for competition that he has never lost.

“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.”

Many have joked that Buffon could play on towards his 50th birthday, with there no sign of the veteran shot-stopper slowing down.

He is still one Serie A appearance short of passing AC Milan great Paolo Maldini at the top of the all-time list in the Italian top-flight.

That outing should arrive at some stage, with Maurizio Sarri giving Buffon minutes in cup competitions.

Those games have allowed him to take in 13 appearances in the 2019-20 campaign, with his overall tally across two stints with Juve now standing at 669.

Polokwane City coach Clinton Larsen has no doubt that former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Kabelo Mahlasela will have a bigger role to play in his team if he stays beyond the current season. 

The speedy winger will be a free agent when the current campaign ends following Amakhosi's decision to release him this week, and Larsen says his chairman Johnny Mogaladi is dealing with the matter as they look to retain the nippy attacker.

Having joined Rise and Shine on loan from Amakhosi in January, the 29-year-old has impressed the Polokwane-based club but his future is yet to be decided.

“Look, we would like to have him but that's something between him and the chairman. As a club, I think we should try and keep him, but that's something the chairman is dealing with,” Larsen told Goal.

“I don't deal with contracts here. I think when he arrived here, he had to adjust and find his feet."

“When you come to a new environment you need a few games to find your feet. There's no doubt he has found his feet and I think if he stays, he will have a big impact at the club,” concluded Larsen. 

After struggling to find a regular spot at Naturena because of injuries, the pacey player was eventually loaned out to City in January but the coronavirus outbreak hampered his progress under the former Siwelele boss.

However, he managed to produce a few stellar displays in the six league appearances he made before the games were forcefully halted in March.

Apart from Mahlasela, coach Ernst Middendorp’s troops also parted ways with midfielder Joseph Molangoane whilst George Maluleka was released to join Mamelodi Sundowns.

On the other hand, the departure of Wiseman Maluleke, who is reported to be on his way to Black Leopards, could open a space for Mahlasela in the middle of the park.

Mahlasela joined the Glamour Boys with huge expectations two seasons ago but failed to live up to his billing due to a number of injuries he suffered.

Meanwhile, the skillful midfielder recently expressed his desire to return to Chiefs but also stated his readiness to move on with his career should the club decide otherwise which they did when they announced his departure this week.

Tottenham are working on signing Arkadiusz Milik from Napoli but face tough competition from Juventus for his signature, sources close to the negotiations have confirmed. 

The Poland international striker's contract in Naples will expire next season and the Bianconeri are  trying to fix up a swap deal in order to replace their main forward, Gonzalo Higuain, with another strong attacking option.

Juve have put centre-back Cristian Romero, currently on loan at fellow Serie A side Genoa, on the table, however this has been refused by Napoli who are not keen to swap a striker for a defender.

Talks are ongoing about including winger Federico Bernardeschi in a deal, while Luca Pellegrini, despite being a left-back, is considered an exciting enough prospect to be of interest to the Neapolitan club.

Juve are already preparing for next season as they defend their Serie A crown against challenges from Lazio and Inter, with midfielder Dejan Kulusevski signed from Atalanta and the swap deal with Barcelona involving Arthur and Miralem Pjanic completed, while the future of Higuain remains uncertain.

The discussions, however, have allowed other clubs to stay in the race for Milik, and Goal has learned that Tottenham are among those sides.

Although Milik is said to be keen on joining Juve and linking up once again with former Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri, a move to Turin is not a certainty and Spurs is still a possible option.

Spurs are looking to boost their attacking options, with there currently a lack of quality competition for first-choice frontman Harry Kane. An established striker such as Milik, whose physical presence also offers something different to Kane's style, is also attractive for manager Jose Mourinho.

The 26-year-old, who has 14 goals in 49 international appearances for Poland, has been a regular source of goals for Napoli since joining the club from Ajax in the summer of 2016. This campaign he has registered 10 strikes across 19 Serie A appearances.

His major drawback is a propensity for injuries - Milik has missed matches this season due to a variety of groin, knee and other muscle knocks, which may not make him the reliable deputy for Kane - who has himself suffered injury woes this campaign - that Tottenham need.

Former Federation of Uganda Football Association (Fufa) Vice-President Jackson 'Bell' Tushabe has been laid to rest at his home in Kafunjo Village, Kashari County, Mbarara District.

Tushabe, a founder of former Ugandan team Victors FC, died on June 30 as he was suffering from a back problem and was undergoing treatment at Nakasero Hospital.

On Thursday, current Fufa President Moses Magogo paid a glowing tribute to the departed Tushabe saying he played a key role in his administrative growth.

“Yesterday [Wednesday], 30th June 2020, I woke up to a text message from someone on the bedside of Colonel Bell communicating the passing on of the decorated soldier. It was just a few minutes from the moment he breathed his last,” Magogo wrote on Facebook.

"'Afande is gone' that was all in the message. Agonising news but it was the reality.

"Although I had heard about a football enthusiastic, military man who owned a football club called Victors, I first physically met Brigadier General Tushabe Jackson 'Bell' on 17th December 2005 then popularly known as Colonel Bell [Afande].

"His first words to me were, 'Anatunda omupiira kati sasi' meaning whoever sells a match will now be shot by a bullet; of course humorous and joking as he always was."

The Caf Executive Committee member also gave a detailed explanation of how the Brigadier at one point helped him keep his Fufa job.

"We had just been appointed members of the Executive Committee of Fufa by Lawrence Mulindwa in his maiden term as Fufa president,” Magogo explained.

"In the first Executive committee of Fufa, he was appointed Chairman of the Competitions Committee and I was appointed the secretary of the Competitions Committee. He became directly my boss.

"The Secretary Competitions Committee was one of the most demanding and yet powerful positions in football then and our revolution was to clean up competitions that had gone to the dogs with match-fixing and hooliganism.

"I signed my own player license on behalf of Fufa for two seasons before a coup was arranged by Mr. Mugisha to stop me from playing [a story for another day].

"The success we made to restore the integrity and improvement of competitions had the great input of both Colonel Bell and Dr. Mulindwa as my bosses.

"Colonel Bell my chairman provided me with all the support and cover I needed. I can confidently say I am the administrator that I am today because I was groomed and allowed to blossom directly by Colonel.

"Colonel Bell was my chairman for six years and he accommodated my mistakes, directed me where I was going off the rail, and protected me where I was right against many."

Tushabe helped in the formation of Victors FC in 2001 and the club earned a Ugandan Premier League promotion in 2005. Victors had a taste of continental football when they played and lost to CAPS United in the preliminary round of the Caf Confederation Cup in 2009.

The club earned a second slot to represent the country in the Confederation Cup in 2011 but their journey was cut short when they lost to DC Motema Pembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Inter are considering turning Alexis Sanchez's loan switch from Manchester United into a permanent move as they look at securing a €20 million (£18m/$22m) cut-price deal.

Goal can confirm that the Chile international will stay with Antonio Conte's side until the beginning of August, with a loan extension having been agreed to allow him to see out the remainder of the 2019-20 campaign in Italy's top flight.

Sanchez was due to return to Old Trafford on June 30 and although an agreement has been reached to prolong his stay at San Siro, he will not be allowed to feature in the Europa League mini-knockout tournament, should Inter advance.

He will, however, be able to play in his side's last-16 clash against Getafe - a tie that will now be played as a straight knockout fixture on either August 5 or 6, with the revision made following the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Should Inter progress past the Spaniards, they will then take part in the latter stages of the competitions to be held in Cologne, Duisburg, Dusseldorf and Gelsenkirchen, with those knockout ties kicking off from August 10.

They will have to do without Sanchez at that stage, however, with the forward having not been given permission to play for Conte's side in Germany.

Inter haven't given up hope of changing United's mind, although it appears the Red Devils won't switch from their original decision.

Although United themselves are all but certain of featuring in the knockout tournament of the Europa League - with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men 5-0 up in their last-16 tie against LASK - that is not the reason for their stance regarding Sanchez.

Sources have told Goal that United are reluctant to allow Sanchez, who would be ineligible to play in the Europa League for them, to continue turning out for Inter and risk injury so close to the start of the 2020-21 season as any setback would hinder their ability to sell the Chilean.

Indeed, the former Arsenal star arrived at Old Trafford to much fanfare and was expected to be a big hit at Old Trafford.

He has, however, struggled to impress in his two years at the club - owing to various injury issues and a lack of form - and thus the Red Devils are open to offers when the summer transfer window opens.

There are some that feel Sanchez has also failed to make a sufficient impact at Inter although Conte has been impressed with the 31-year-old, who scored and claimed two assists in his side's 6-0 win over Brescia last time out, and is now interested in signing him permanently.

With Lautaro Martinez being strongly linked with a move to Barcelona, the permanent signing of the ex-Barca forward would add another option in attack as the Nerazzurri look to mount another Serie A title challenge next season.

A gentleman's agreement had been in place for Inter to sign Sanchez for €25m (£23m/$28m) although CEO Giuseppe Marotta is now confident of striking a deal for a reduced €20m fee.

Dean Henderson admits that he faces a “brick wall” in a bid to become first-choice goalkeeper at Manchester United, but the 23-year-old is still hoping to dislodge David de Gea from a role at Old Trafford and then emulate the Spaniard’s success.

An Old Trafford academy graduate has spent the last two seasons on loan at Sheffield United.

He helped the Blades to promotion into the Premier League during his debut campaign at Bramall Lane, before then aiding a surprise quest for European qualification in 2019-20.

Henderson’s stock has risen considerably during his time in Sheffield, to the point that many are billing him as an England No.1 of the future and a potential transfer target for Chelsea.

The ambitious shot-stopper has, however, made no secret of the fact that breaking through at United remains his top priority.

That stance has been reiterated, but Henderson accepts that his path is being blocked by one of the very best in the business and a man who remains fully deserving of a prominent role at the Theatre of Dreams.

Henderson told TV3: "I think it's clear for everyone to know. I want to play for Manchester United and England.

"It feels like I always hit a brick wall. Maybe I'll get the opportunity [to play for Man Utd], maybe I won't, then I'll have to look down a different avenue.

"The fans have to remember what he's [De Gea] done for the last nine years - he's been phenomenal.

"He's probably been the best player at United for that time period. He should get another opportunity.

"I'm a young lad. I'm working hard. I'm a fan of the club and I want to play for them. Hopefully I have a career at Man Utd like David de Gea has."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is in no position to offer Henderson the assurances he craves, with the United boss still hailing De Gea as the best goalkeeper on the planet, but he hopes a young pretender to the No.1 berth will maintain his current progress and remain patient in pursuit of an ultimate dream.

Solskjaer has said of Henderson: "It's a different job to be playing for Sheffield United and for Manchester United. He's got different roles and for me, the two years he's had have been fantastic development.

"He's had to play with men, he's had to play against men, he's played in the Championship, and plays in a team that play fantastic football and exciting football.

"And as the stats show he's proved worthy of quite a few points.

"He's learning all the time, he's a passionate 'keeper that wants to be the best, he's developing, he's got good coaching there and, I've said it before, one day he'll be England No.1 and Man Utd No.1 and it's up to him to keep developing."

Cedric Soares has warned Hector Bellerin he is eyeing up Arsenal’s right-back berth as he looks to make up for lost time at Emirates Stadium.

The Portuguese defender was acquired by the Gunners during the January transfer window, and he has since signed a permanent four-year contract.

An opportunity is finally presenting itself to convince Arsenal of his worth after what has been an injury-ravaged spell in north London. Cedric made his debut in a 4-0 Premier League win over Norwich, with his goal account in new surroundings also opened in that contest.

The 28-year-old now has his sights set on nailing down a regular role in Mikel Arteta’s plans, with Spain international Bellerin currently blocking his path.

“It’s healthy competition. I knew Hector from before and we are supporting each other,” Cedric told reporters on the battle he faces to earn competitive minutes. “Right now everyone is getting an opportunity to play. This is what the team needs.

"It’s most important to get the win whoever is playing. I am here to give my best for Arsenal.

“Of course there were moments when you get frustrated and upset [because you are not fit]. I’m the kind of guy that is very very passionate so everything I do in life I try to give 100 percent.

“I came here with all my heart so of course I wasn’t happy with the injuries that happened in training, but it happened because I gave 100 percent and things will happen sometimes.

“How you come back is the most important thing and I have had very good support from all the medical staff, from my colleagues and from the technical coaches.”

Cedric had played for Southampton since 2015, but slipped down the pecking order with the Saints over recent years. He had a loan spell with Serie A giants Inter in 2019, before linking up with Arsenal 12 months later.

He was suffering with a knee injury when he arrived and didn’t feature before coronavirus forced the country into lockdown and suspended the Premier League.

He subsequently needed to undergo a small procedure on his nose following an injury in training.

Bruno Fernandes’ impact at Manchester United can be compared to those made at Old Trafford by Eric Cantona and Wayne Rooney, says Phil Neville.

The Red Devils rolled the dice in January when snapping up the Portuguese playmaker from Sporting. Hopes were high for the new arrival, but few could have predicted that he would settle so quickly and become a key figure for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in a matter of weeks.

That is the standing that Fernandes now enjoys, with the 25-year-old proving to be the talismanic playmaker that United have been crying out for.

He has helped to shoulder some of the responsibility previously lumped onto others, such as Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford, with the Premier League rookie revelling in the weight of expectation he works under.

The very best can raise their game when it matters most, with Fernandes following in some illustrious footsteps.

Neville believes he can be compared to iconic figures from United’s recent past, including the enigmatic Frenchman who helped to usher in an era of unprecedented success and a powerful frontman who now holds all-time scoring records for the Red Devils and England.

Quizzed on who Fernandes could be likened to, former United star Neville told Premier League Productions: “Cantona? Rooney when he came in? You talk about the great Manchester United players that have been brought in, Cantona probably had the biggest influence of all-time.

“You think now that United have gone a long time without winning a league title, at the moment he’s lit up the whole place. He’s lit up the whole place and made everyone around him do better, but I still think he’s got a long way to go.

“There are those winter months - January, February when it’s cold and the pitches are bad – but at the moment his impact is phenomenal.”

United prised Cantona away from arch-rivals Leeds in November 1992 and saw him inspire them to four Premier League titles.

Rooney, who was acquired from Everton in 2004, claimed five top-flight crowns during his time at Old Trafford, as well as a Champions League triumph, and after opening his account with a hat-trick on debut would take a stunning goal tally for the Red Devils to 253 in 559 appearances.

Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands has revealed he grew up looking up to retired Turkish shot-stopper Rustu Recber. 

The 47-year-old former Fenerbahce and Barcelona keeper is renowned for his anti-glare paint under his eyes, and Sandilands said he wanted to be just like the Turkish legend when he first saw him in action. 

The Pirates keeper copied the look and he continues to rock it, and according to him, Recber resembled a warrior.   

"A keeper from Turkey [Rustu Recber] used to it. I watched him play in a World Cup and I wanted to be like him," Sandilands said in a chat with his fans on the Pirates App. 

"To me, he resembled a warrior. So, when I made my debut, I did the same."

Asked if he's satisfied with all the areas of his game, Sandilands replied: "As a professional, I think you will never be satisfied with any area and say you are perfect. My goal every day is to improve in every aspect of my game."

At 36, Sandilands is in the twilight of his playing career but he feels he still has four more years as a footballer, meaning he wants to play until he's at least 40.  

"I am not sure exactly sure how many left. I still feel good. So, four seasons sound about right," revealed the former Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper. 

Furthermore, Sandilands said while he has a few ideas on what he wants to do after retiring, his focus is still on playing.  

"I am not 100% clear. I have a few ideas but right now my focus is on playing because I am feeling fit and healthy," he continued.  

On the PSL title race, the veteran goalkeeper said Pirates players intend on fighting until the end as they have an outside chance of winning the trophy. 

The Sea Robbers are fourth on the PSL standings with 40 points from 23 matches - they trail log leaders and arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs by eight points.  

"We as players will fight for this until the end," added Sandilands. 

Pirates last won a major trophy in 2014 when they lifted the Nedbank Cup under the stewardship of Vladimir Vermezovic. 

A player of Mesut Ozil's quality will always have a place at Arsenal regardless of what system they play, says Mikel Arteta.

Ozil featured in all of Arsenal's games under Arteta prior to the Premier League being suspended amid the coronavirus pandemic, but he is yet to feature since the resumption.

A back injury kept the midfielder out of the matchday squad for the FA Cup quarter-final victory over Sheffield United last weekend and the 4-0 triumph over Norwich City on Wednesday.

Arteta deployed a 3-4-3 for the visit of the Canaries to Emirates Stadium and thinks Ozil, primarily used as a number 10, could still be useful in that formation.

"I think players can adapt to different systems and we can adapt systems for different players," said Arteta.

"Sometimes it's not just about what we want to play or how we want to play. Sometimes we have to try to fit the players we have available in the right moments in the right positions to perform and be comfortable on the pitch to do what we require them to do.

"There's always a place for a player of his [Ozil's] quality."

Bukayo Saka did not feature against Norwich on the day the club announced he had signed a new contract.

The 18-year-old academy product has been used in attacking and defensive roles on the left since breaking through this season, with Arteta yet to decide on where he will play in the long term.

Asked for Saka's best position, he said: "Evolving, getting better and getting to understand different positions, and finally we will fit him in in one that gives the best - but at the moment we need him to float a little bit because he gives a lot of versatility to do different things even with the same shape.

"He understands the position really well, he picks the movements and the situations and when to use the spaces really, really quickly. He's very intelligent and I think it's a really good thing for his development to do that."

Saka has scored three goals and supplied 11 assists in 33 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal this season, leading to suggestions he could force his way into the England squad for next year's European Championships.

"I don't know," said Arteta when asked if Saka should be looking to nail down a spot in Gareth Southgate's team.

"He should keep performing like he's doing, keep training, keep improving, trying to be the best in training, as he can every day. If he does that, we know the potential he has and things will come to him naturally."

Arsenal need to be doing all they can to get Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang tied down on a new contract, says Alan Smith, with the Gunners told “others can be sacrificed” in a bid to free up funds.

There has been no suggestion that financial issues are holding up the penning of fresh terms by the prolific striker at Emirates Stadium. Personal ambition is said to have Aubameyang mulling over his options, with the 31-year frontman eager to compete for more major honours before approaching the end of his playing days.

Arsenal have struggled to offer much cause for optimism on that front of late, although they are through to the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

Silverware would be a useful bargaining chip in discussions with Aubameyang, with the Gunners eager to avoid having to move him on in the final 12 months of his current deal.

Smith hopes a compromise can be reached that suits all parties in north London, with there plenty of other players that could be deemed surplus to requirements if sales help to keep the talismanic presence on board.

“It was bad enough when the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie left to go and win trophies,” former Arsenal frontman Smith told the Evening Standard. “But at least Arsenal had the means back then to bring in decent replacements, even though they weren’t of the same quality.

“The situation appears different now. Money is extremely tight. Not only that, Arsenal’s cachet has changed. No longer a Champions League competitor, they simply cannot attract the same kind of talent as they could in the good years under Arsene Wenger. Sell your best player now and you lose an awful lot.

“Forget about trying to find someone who can do what Aubameyang does. That’s impossible, because it costs way too much. Instead, you’re looking at potential, something to nurture over the next few years.

“If there’s half a chance of persuading Aubameyang to stay, as [Mikel] Arteta hints, the club have got to grab it. Others can be sacrificed, others can be sold, but not this fella. The team is far too reliant on his nose for goal.

“With Alexandre Lacazette struggling and with the injured Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah only just starting out, Aubameyang’s departure would leave a huge hole that any possible replacement couldn’t immediately fill.”

Arteta has stated his confidence that a new deal will be agreed with Aubameyang, having already got Bukayo Saka to commit his future to the club, but no paperwork has been signed as yet.

Vipers SC coach Fred Kajoba has revealed why he went for the services of Ibrahim Orit from Mbarara City.

The Venoms have started their transfer business in earnest as they prepare for a Champions League appearance next season, after they were declared champions of the abandoned season.

AOn Thursday, Orit signed a three-year contract to become the club’s second signing after they confirmed they had also secured the services of Disan Galiwango from Express FC on July 1, although that transfer is currently being disputed.

Coach Kajoba has now confirmed the reason why he went for the services of the player, who had a decent season with Mbarara in the top-flight.

“We did not have many options on the left of the attack. Allan Kayiwa and Abraham Ndugwa were used there but it is mostly Kayiwa who is more comfortable in that position,” Kajoba is quoted by Daily Monitor.

“Going forward I want to use players at roles where they are best suited and Orit can play as a wide forward often cutting in from the left but has at times played on the right and off the main striker.”

On signing for Vipers, Orit expressed his pleasure to be joining an ambitious club and takes the new challenge as an opportunity to showcase his talent more.

“I am very happy to be here as it has always been my dream to feature for this competitive club and when the coach called to express his interest, it wasn’t a hard decision to make,” Orit told the club's official website.

”Allow me also to thank the Mbarara administration for the wonderful time I have had with them and all fans for the love they showed throughout my stay at the club.”

Orit launched his career at Junior Eagles Football Academy before he landed at Future Stars, which is a regional league club, before he joined UPL side Mbarara City in 2017.

He scored four goals as he turned out to be one of the main stars for Mbarara City as they finished seventh on the UPL log.

Coach Kajoba will rely on the winger to solve issues in an area he had pointed out as one that needs to be seriously strengthened.

Orit is expected to fight with Allan Kayiwa for a position in the first team once the new season starts.

Riyad Mahrez has taken to social media to express the joy of Manchester City’s 4-0 win over Liverpool on Thursday, although he wished it was by a bigger margin.

The Reds had been confirmed league champions for the first time in 30 years after the Citizens lost 2-1 at Chelsea last week.

City performed a guard of honour for the new champions as they walked out of the tunnel, but had other ideas during the match.

After some early pressure from Liverpool that saw leading African frontmen Mohammed Salah and Sadio Mane miss chances to put them in front, and Roberto Firmino hit the upright, City blitzed to a 3-0 first-half lead between the 25th and 45th minute thanks to Kevin De Bruyne (penalty), old Liverpool boy Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden.

Liverpool’s misery was compounded after Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain put the ball into his own net midway through the second half. Mahrez made it 5-0 in the 90th minute but his effort was ruled out by VAR after it spotted a foul in the build-up to the goal.

It is Liverpool’s heaviest defeat in the Premier League since Manchester City beat them 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium in September 2017.

“Big result tonight even if I wish it was more,” the Algeria international posted on Twitter.

Having started against Chelsea, Mahrez made the bench in this game and replaced Gabriel Jesus in the 58th minute, eight minutes before Oxlade-Chamberlain’s own goal.

In the 32 minutes he played, he produced 15 touches, eight accurate passes (80%) and had 100% success in his dribbles (one from one), long balls (two from two) and ground duels (two from two).

Mahrez was denied what would have been his 10th Premier League goal of the season alongside his 11 assists.

Overall, the 29-year-old has 11 goals and 15 assists in 42 competitive outings, similar to his maiden season at the Etihad in 2018-19 where he scored 12 goals and provided another 12 assists and won the domestic treble of the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup.

The Sarcelles-born player recently revealed his early struggles when he moved to the blue half of Manchester.

"I didn't make a difference as quickly as they thought I was going to make," Mahrez told Sky Sports.

"So obviously they don't have time to give me time because we are 20 players, top players.

"I was on the bench and the other players were performing, so it was difficult for me to come back. Then more to the end of the season I came back, I played good and I start this season differently.

"Now when he played me I was performing, so the confidence is here."

Bruno Fernandes is the most exciting talent on Manchester United’s books at present, says Ryan Giggs, with the Portuguese’s willingness to gamble when in possession making him perfect for the Red Devils.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer knew what he was getting when snapping up a 25-year-old playmaker in the January transfer window.

United had been monitoring Fernandes for some time and ultimately took the plunge over the winter in order to prevent domestic and European rivals from pipping them to a prized signature.

Big things were demanded of a new arrival at the Theatre of Dreams, but expectations have been exceeded during a stunning start to life in England.

Fernandes has hit the ground running in English football, becoming a talismanic presence for United in the middle of the park.

He now has a fit-again Paul Pogba alongside him, while the likes of Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood are starring in more advanced roles, but there is one undoubted star for the Red Devils at present.

“100 per cent Fernandes since he came in,” United legend Giggs told the Webby & O’Neill YouTube channel when asked which player gets him out of his seat.

“He excites me because every time he gets on the ball he’s looking for something to happen. It doesn’t always come off but that’s a United player – gambling [in possession].

“It’s not easy to do by the way because when I was older I could handle it. I could always look for that killer pass – if Robin van Persie was on the shoulder – try it!

“One or two times it might not come off and there might be a groan around but you’ve got to keep trying, keep knocking at the door.

“I don’t know if you remember the last couple of minutes before we scored in the Norwich game, he was chasing back.

“He’s a player that makes things happen as a No.10 but for him to show that... I watched him after, he sprinted back, he didn’t walk back up the pitch.

“He was knackered obviously but he was jogging back to try and win the game. I love that.”

Fernandes has contributed five goals and three assists through eight Premier League appearances for United, with his efforts helping the club to a 14-game unbeaten run across all competitions – with that sequence of results seeing them into top-four contention, the semi-finals of the FA Cup and last 16 of the Europa League.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Nick Mwendwa has said they are in support of the decision taken by the Confederation of African Football (Caf) to postpone the next edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.

The 33rd edition of the biennial tournament was due to begin in Cameroon on January 9, 2021, but has now been pushed back to January 2022 due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic across the continent.

But in a statement issued on Wednesday, Caf said they had postponed the tournament to 2022 after consulting with stakeholders and taking into consideration the current global situation.

"After consultation with stakeholders and taking into consideration the current global situation, the tournament has been rescheduled for January 2022," Caf confirmed in a statement. 

"The date for the final tournament and the remaining matches of the qualifiers will be communicated in due course."

The Kenyan FA boss Mwendwa has since told Goal they are in support of the move because Caf “did not have any other options other than to postpone."

“We are in support of the decision taken by Caf because if you look at the scenario they found themselves in, they did not have any other options to take,” Mwendwa told Goal on Friday.

“It was the only decision they had to take, to postpone the tournament and as Kenya, we are ready to play again when Caf is ready.”

Harambee Stars coach Francis Kimanzi also supported the move,  saying it was important to give the health of players and those involved a big priority.

“I think Caf have done the right thing, the situation currently is not the best to play in the tournament and we are okay with the decision they have taken,” Kimanzi also told Goal.

On Thursday, Fifa announced that September's international football window would be cancelled for all territories outside Europe and South America, denying Africa a critical window in which to play some of the outstanding four rounds of qualification ahead of the proposed January 2021 start date.

African football’s governing body has not announced whether the 34th edition of the tournament—scheduled for Ivory Coast in 2023—will also be pushed back..

While Caf could play some of the outstanding qualifiers in the October-November international window, this would impact the World Cup qualifying campaign, where the five qualifying teams must play in eight qualifiers before the Qatar tournament in late 2022.

Algeria are the reigning African champions, having defeated Senegal 1-0 in the 2019 final in Cairo.

The Africa Cup of Nations was long-held during January and February, but moved to a June-July schedule ahead of the 2019 event, with newly elected president Ahmad Ahmad keen to avoid the club-vs-country disputes that often overshadowed a tournament being played during the European winter.

However, the 2021 tournament’s dates have already been moved once, with the original June-July 2021 dates brought forward to January due to the unfavourable climate in Cameroon during the summer months.

Casa Mbungo has been relieved of his duties at Rayon Sports with Guy Bukasa taking his position until the end of the next season.

The changes have been made just five months after the former AFC Leopards tactician took over at the Kigali-based side. The nine-time Rwanda National Football League champions have confirmed the development on their social media channels.

"We are delighted to announce the appointment of Guy Bukasa [Coupe du Congo 2018 winner] as head coach on a contract that runs until the end of the 2020/21 season," Rayon Sports tweeted

The Les Leopards assistant coach has been serving as the head coach of Gasogi United, who he helped to a ninth-place finish in the abandoned top tier season.

The promoted side had managed to win seven games, drawn eight and lost as many in the 23 matches played, accumulating a total of 29 points in the process.

"Gasogi United thanks coach Guy Bukasa for the excellent job he did for the team and the good times we spent together. We wish you luck wherever you go," Bukasa's former team tweeted.

The youthful coach will now take over at Rayon Sports who finished second in the league. 

In the 23 matches played, the team had won 15, drawn five and lost just three to collect a total of 50 points, seven fewer than APR who had won 17 matches, drawn six and lost none.

Bukasa rejected a contract extension by Gasogi despite the management tabling what is believed to be a decent offer.

 The tactician had joined the team from DR Congo side AS Nyuki and helped them to promotion.

He opted to join the former champions where he will reportedly get $4000 a month.

Guy Bakila will remain his assistant coach at the club, and their immediate objective will be to help the team win the league next season.

The move came as a shock to Gasogi United fans considering the tactician had poured cold water on reports of his exit. The team had stabilized under his leadership and many believed he would lead them to the top.

It is not clear why Rayon Sports opted to replace Mbungo with Bukasa.

David de Gea will have been unfazed by the criticism aimed in his direction during a recent “dip”, says Manchester United’s former goalkeeping coach Eric Steele, with a deaf ear being turned to the taunts of Roy Keane and co.

The Spain international on the books at Old Trafford has been a model of consistency throughout much of his time in England. De Gea had to overcome a slow start in order to nail down the No 1 berth, but is now a four-time Player of the Year for the Red Devils and closing in on 400 appearances for the club.

Having proven himself over the course of a nine-year spell, earning lucrative new contracts in the process, the 29-year-old is considered to have cemented a standing among the global elite.

He has made the occasional error, with United legend Keane recently claiming that the Spaniard is “the most overrated goalkeeper” he has seen in a long time, the outspoken Irishman saying he would have been “swinging punches” on the back of a costly mistake against Tottenham.

Steele, though, believes a player he worked with on the back of a big-money move from Atletico Madrid in 2011 will have ignored any critics and focused on playing his way back into top form.

"Roy Keane has his way and that is Roy Keane's way, as a player, as a coach and what he does as a pundit," Steele told the Football, the Albion and Me podcast. "Roy Keane was terrific for Sky TV. What I'd say is, I'd have handled that totally differently. David de Gea did not need Roy Keane to go on a rant for him to know he made an error.

"I'd look at it and I'd say the same if I was talking to Joe Hart, Tom Heaton, Mart Poom at Derby, Lee Grant at Derby, who is now at Man United.

"He's now coming up to 400 games for Manchester United. He's going to make that in the next two weeks. You don't play that many games for one of the biggest clubs in the world without being a very good goalkeeper.

"Yes, he's had a little dip but if you've been at a club for nine years - Peter Schmeichel arrived at 28, he had a very tough time in his first two, three months, as did David for five, six months.

"David was 20, he's now nearly 30 and coming up to 400 games for Manchester United. My answer to that would be, look what he's won, look what he's contributed. Yes, he knows he has made an error but what I do know is David's composure, his character, his calmness, he won't be bothered.

"I bet he hasn't even watched it. It would take someone to send it him on Twitter or whatever. It would go straight over his head.

"He came to Manchester United, he'd won the Europa League, the Under-21s with Spain, he'd won it again, he'd won the Super Cup and Under-17s with Spain.

"He's since won the Premier League, FA Cup, Community Shields, Europa League. You don't become a fantastic goalkeeper overnight and, yes, he's had a rough ride over the last eight, nine months but it's his ninth year.

"The pressures he's had to work under. Different managers, five different goalkeeper coaches. David will rise again and part of that demeanour is his character, which will come through."