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SuperSport United coach Kaitano Tembo has defended the limited playing opportunities for reserve goalkeeper Boalefa Pule in favour of the ever-present Ronwen Williams, saying he does not want to tamper with the goalkeeping department.

Williams has featured in every minute of SuperSport's 31 matches across all competitions so far this season while Pule has been on the bench in those games.

While some teams prefer to rest their first-choice goalkeepers in Cup games to afford reserve glovemen a taste of action, Tembo insists on Williams playing every minute.

"We all know that only one [player] can play in that position and I am not one coach who loves chopping and changing, especially in that position of goalkeeper because goalkeepers need confidence. If you don’t play them regularly, it becomes a problem and they lose confidence,” Tembo told Phakaaathi.

Tembo has however underlined Pule's importance in the team, saying the second-choice goalkeeper keeps the club's incoming captain Williams on top of his game by providing stiff competition in the goalkeeping department.

Pule, who last week extended his SuperSport stay by three years, has been a reserve goalkeeper at Matsatsantsa since 2011, the same period Williams started commanding a first-team spot.

However, 30-year-old Pule's nine-season stint with SuperSport has been punctuated by loan spells at AmaZulu and Bidvest Wits.

Despite struggling to earn himself the number one position for such a long period, Pule has won the club's faith in him, with Tembo crediting him for bettering William's game through the challenge he offers.

“Pule is a very good goalkeeper and he is also a fantastic professional, he works hard and he understands the role he plays,” said Tembo.

"He understands that it is not easy for goalkeepers to make a break but he has been working for his chance to come and it will come if he keeps on working hard and that is why we decided to extend his contract.

“He keeps Ronwen on his feet and there is a good healthy relationship in the goalkeeping department which is what we wants. The level that Ronwen is at is probably because of Pule’s contribution in terms of pushing him because he also wants to play."

Ivan Rakitic has attempted to quash speculation over his future by insisting he will stay at Barcelona next season but admits that he has found a lack of regular playing time frustrating in 2019-20.

Rakitic completed a €18 million (£16m/$19m) move to Camp Nou from Sevilla in 2014 and has since racked up 299 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring 35 goals.

The Croatia international has picked up four La Liga titles and a Champions League winners' medal during that period, establishing himself as one of Europe's top midfielders in the process.

However, Frenkie de Jong's arrival at Barca from Ajax last summer saw Rakitic slip down the squad pecking order, and he has been restricted to just 10 La Liga starts in total this term.

It has been suggested that the Blaugrana will cash in on the 31-year-old before he becomes a free agent in 2021, with Sevilla reportedly eager to re-sign their former talisman when the transfer market reopens.

Rakitic has no intention of moving on just yet though, as he told Croatian publication Tportal: "I spoke to the club ten or 15 days ago and the conclusion is that I have nothing to talk about because I have a contract until the summer of 2021 with Barcelona and it is the entity I want to be in and play with.

"Furthermore, my wife and my daughters are good in the city. There is no reason to think about other things. I am training well and I am sure that Rakitic will be in Barcelona longer."

The experienced playmaker says that although he has found in difficult being on the fringes of the action over the past year, he still has nothing but "respect" for head coach Quique Setien, who replaced Ernesto Valverde in the Camp Nou hot seat back in January.

"It is not nice when you do not play, especially when you do not understand why and they do not explain the reasons," said Rakitic. "But I respect the coach's decisions. I am in a team sport, not individual."

Barca's latest La Liga defence will get back underway when they take on Mallorca on June 13, with all remaining fixtures set to be played behind closed doors following the coronavirus-enforced break in the season.

Setien's men were two points clear of Real Madrid with 11 games remaining when play was stopped, and Rakitic is fully focused on adding yet more silverware to his impressive haul later in the year.

He added: "The most important thing to me is the present moment, and that means we are starting the championship next weekend. We must be ready for that too. 

"With the years I have, I think I have proven that football is most important to me. I simply want to be happy and enjoy. That means winning a lot more trophies with Barcelona."

Tanta SC midfielder Taddeo Lwanga has explained why he has been able to make it into the first team and enjoy good performances since joining the Egyptian club.

Lwanga joined Tanta, who had been promoted to the Premier League, after his exploits with the Uganda National team in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Egypt.

The deep-lying midfielder has made 11 appearances for the Tanta-based club since making his debut against Wadi Degla in September.

“I always want to get better every time that’s why I always give my best on the pitch. I’ve learnt to make effective decisions and play with efficiency during games which are key,” Lwanga told Football256.

“Being versatile is key in making effective decisions during games. The most important though is to work hard and have discipline.”

Although Lwanga has enjoyed good individual performances and stamping his authority in the first XI, Tanta have been struggling to get better results.

Before the league was suspended, they were 15th after engaging in 18 games.

“The team is new in the league and most of the players are new as well so it’s not easy to create a formidable team performance but we shall get there especially after the Covid-19 induced break,” he added.

The former Vipers SC, Express FC and SC Villa star has also revealed he may be on the move should a better offer be dangled before him.

“If a better club comes up with a good offer either here in Egypt or elsewhere who am I to refuse?” he concluded.

Meanwhile, Tom Masiko has revealed his interest to extend his stay at the Wakiso Giants.

The midfielder joined the Purple Sharks from Vipers SC last year on a season-long loan and made an impressive mark which has seen him linked with other clubs. 

“I have enjoyed my time here since I came, I relish the challenge here and I believe there is more I can offer the club,” Masiko told Football256.

“If you ask me, I would like to extend my stay here. But of course, that is a decision I will have to take in the coming weeks when a contract offer is tabled for me to consider.” 

Rumours have it Masiko is trailed by Uganda Revenue Authority [URA FC], AFC Leopards of Kenya and Tanzania’s Azam FC as his contract expires at the end of June.

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has refused to be drawn into whether or not he is after Cape Town City striker Kermit Erasmus. 

While Mosimane admits that the former Orlando Pirates marksman is good enough to play for any team in the league, he feels going after him or any of the players the Brazilians are reported to be after needs timing. 

"Kermit is always a good football player," Mosimane said as quoted by IOL.  

"This thing needs timing. Sometimes you want a player at this time and he decides that he doesn’t want to come - and probably was not ready. Maybe we found somebody the same as him or better.

"It's always about timing when it comes to transfers. Sometimes when you need this player, and he's available, and you sign then good. Sometimes, you need this player and he is not available," added Mosimane. 

"Next season, you don’t need him. Or that season you need him more. Do you know what I am saying? Football is a game of moments. Players must also understand that sometimes, you might be needed and six months down the line, you’ve lost your chance," he continued. 

The Tshwane giants have already secured several signings for next season, including George Maluleka and Grant Magerman but Mosimane confirmed he still wants to add more players but made it clear that Sundowns are after quality.   

"We are going for more quality, but it won’t be easy. But as the president has said, the expectations are high. He wants us to be in the Club World Cup. So, the resources have to be there. So, it’s not about the local league but the Champions League. We need to have a team for that," Mosimane said.

Erasmus has been linked with a possible move to Sundowns alongside Knowledge Musona who is based in Belgium with Anderlecht. 

This season, Sundowns have had to do without a natural No.9 because of injuries to Mauricio Affonso, while Jeremy Brockie, who is on loan to Maritzburg United, is set to leave the club at the end of the season. 

Sandro Tonali is reportedly on Juventus' and Inter's radar and Brescia coach Diego Lopez believes the in-demand midfielder has "no limits".

Tonali, who played a key role in Brescia's promotion from Serie B last season, has again starred for the club despite their position at the bottom of Serie A.

Nine points adrift of safety when the coronavirus pandemic brought the season to a halt back in March, Brescia look doomed to an immediate return to the second tier. However, Tonali appears likely to remain in the top-flight with one of the league's elite and is said to prefer Inter over Juve.

Asked about the 20-year by Corriere della Sera, Lopez said: "There's a lot of talk about him, and rightly so, but he's just a young lad who is in love with the ball.

"I can't give him advice on what to do off the pitch. As a player, I'd say he can still improve. He has it all, but he can get even better. He has no limits.

"I really like him in front of the defence. I see him versatile like [Radja] Nainggolan in the middle of the field."

Tonali has drawn comparisons to legendary Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who also began his career at Brescia.

Pirlo recently described Tonali as a "more complete player" than he was, much to the astonishment of the current Azzurri international, who has already won three caps for his country.

"Let's say that Pirlo gave the right answer," Tonali told Sportweek. "We don't play like each other - but to say that I'm a more complete player than he was…

"When two of my friends sent me the Instagram live in which he said that, I stayed still. I'm still speechless now. All I can say to him is, thank you.

"I'd rather say what I'd like to learn from him. The long pass from deep, accurate to within a millimetre. I'm better at short passes today. Which, to tell you the truth, comes even more natural to me than the long pass.

"I know that with the right sacrifices, I can reach the top of the world. I haven't achieved half of what I have in mind, but I feel good enough to make it."

Ilkay Gundogan has admitted that Manchester City "were left behind" by Liverpool in the title race this season.

Pep Guardiola guided City to a third Premier League crown in 2017-18, as his side blew away the competition to set a new all-time points record of 100. The Blues retained their crown the following season after edging a tense race ahead of Liverpool, who ultimately missed out on English football's top prize by a single point.

City were tipped by many to continue their dominance, but the Reds are on the verge of knocking them off their perch after winning 27 of their 29 fixtures so far this season.

The coronavirus outbreak has delayed their coronation for three months, but Jurgen Klopp's men need only six more points to be assured of a first top-flight crown in 30 years when the action gets back underway on June 17.

Gundogan acknowledges the fact that Liverpool have set new standards in terms of consistency and says City have been guilty of letting too many points slip cheaply.

The City midfielder told Turkish publication Fanatik: “We were left behind in the championship race this season in the Premier League. We couldn't show an effect like the last two seasons [when] we are champions.

"Whether we play good football or play good matches, there are points we have simply lost. Liverpool came to this level without losing many points, so we lost a lot of points, so the difference increased.”

Gundogan has enjoyed a prominent role in Guardiola's squad since swapping Dortmund for City in 2016. The 29-year-old also had the privilege of playing under Klopp at Westfalenstadion, and he sees both men as the "top two teachers" in world football.

“Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola are the two best teachers in the world," said Gundogan. "Four years have passed with Klopp. A teacher I love very much. He creates an amazing team spirit and motivates footballers incredibly.

"Pep is at a very high tactical level. A teacher who wants to know every detail of the game. I have not seen a teacher who improved himself tactically.

"Their styles are different, but both are very successful. Although they are very different, they are both the world's top two teachers for now.”

Liverpool’s potentially title-deciding Merseyside derby clash with Everton should go ahead at Goodison Park as planned, says Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson.

The Reds, 25 points clear at the top of the table, are due to take on their city neighbours in their first game back after the coronavirus shutdown on Sunday, June 21.

If second-placed Manchester City lose to Arsenal the previous Wednesday, then Jurgen Klopp’s side will be able to secure their first title in 30 years with a win against the Toffees.

That prospect led to suggestions the game could be played away from Merseyside at a neutral venue, amid concerns fans could gather in large numbers outside the stadium and break social distancing guidelines.

The fixture is among several deemed ‘high-risk’ by national police, though Merseyside Police have contradicted that stance by saying they would have no issue with the game taking place at Goodison Park as planned. The issue is due to be discussed at a meeting of Liverpool City Council's Safety Advisory Group on Monday.

Mayor Anderson has previously been opposed to the season restarting because of the risk posed by fans congregating outside stadiums but has now had a change of heart and feels the game will be able to take place safely.

“We are in a better place than we were four weeks ago and we've been able to convey why it's so important nobody congregates outside or near grounds,” he told The Athletic.

“We have had the opportunity since then to speak to fans and the clubs have done their part and got the message across that supporters need to stay away. Both clubs have made it clear. Jurgen Klopp has made it clear. So I would have no objection to the games being played at our clubs' home grounds, both the derby at Goodison and Liverpool's games at Anfield.”

Despite growing support for the game to take place at Goodison, the issue will ultimately be dictated by the extent to which the spread of coronavirus is under control. The UK Government has not ruled out reapplying lockdown measures in certain regions should the spread of the virus begin to increase, which could force games to be moved elsewhere.

Last week, one team at Public Health England and the University of Cambridge said the ‘R’ rate of infection in the north west of England is back above one, which indicates the pandemic is increasing. Anderson, though, remains hopeful that the situation is under control.

“Clearly that (the ‘R’ rate) is a big concern,” he added. “But if people abide by what we are asking them to do, the games should be alright.”

Nigeria assistant coach Joseph Yobo has opened up on his relationship with African football great Stephen Keshi.

Since Yobo’s international debut against Zambia in a World Cup qualifier in 2001, the ex-Olympique Marseille man has built a compacted connection with the former Togo and Mali coach.

When Keshi became Super Eagles’ coach in 2011, the bond was impenetrable as the former Everton defensive stalwart captained his team to winning the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations title in South Africa. He also played a key role in the country’s outing at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Sadly, the ‘Big Boss’ passed away suffering a heart attack at the age of 54 on this day four years ago - six months after losing his wife Kate to cancer.

In a no-holds-barred chat with Goal, Yobo opens up on his relationship with his former coach revealing they shared many great ‘memories’ together.

“May his soul rest in peace but it is hard to forget him as long there is football. We also have so many great memories together,” the 39-year-old told Goal.

“Anytime you talk about Afcon 2013, you have to talk about him. And anytime most people talk about me as well, his name comes up. It is very hard to forget especially if I’m getting into the coaching angle as well.

“I always think about what he would have said and how happy he would have been if he was around today, but I know that wherever he is, he is resting in the Lord.

“It is sad that we lost a great man but he’s left his legacy so we can remember him.

"He was a great man and he had a great personality and was charismatic.

“He was a leader and deep down he was humane if you can actually get to that point with him. People that knew this were people who were close to him. He was loveable and I have so many beautiful memories about him.”

“One of the memories that I won’t forget happened during the 2014 World Cup. Despite what was happening, his wife ([Kate] – may her soul rest in peace – came to Brazil,” he narrated.

“Then, the food we were having wasn’t tasty as we would have wanted it – as in having the Nigerian flavour. She had this pepper that she brought from America and said the Big Boss liked.

“He would call me and say ‘Skippo, take and share with your boys’. We shared that solid bond and apart from what people knew, he was more humane than what people saw.

“His legacy is always going to stay forever for what he has done for football. Regardless of how we look at it, Keshi is a symbol of Nigerian football.”

The ex-Fenerbahce defender also explained the former Togo coach built him up to become Nigeria's captain.

Following his impressive outing with Nigeria U20 at the 1999 Fifa U20 World Cup, he caught the attention of Super Eagles selectors.

And in his third cap for the country, then assistant coach Keshi elected him among the established players to lead the country in the 2-0 triumph over Namibia at Windhoek’s Independence Stadium – where Yakubu Ayegbeni and Ishola Shuaibu got the goals.

He became the only man after Mahmoud El-Gohary to win the Africa Cup of Nations as a player and a coach.

“That changed everything because when you look at the Super Eagles, it is the biggest in African football. To look at everybody and pick me who was coming through the ranks meant a lot to me and a great honour for me,” he continued.

“When he handed to me the captain’s armband, he looked at me and said ‘This is the beginning of greater things that will happen in future’. For me, that was an anointing and to show how much he believed in me.

“He would tell me that he sees himself in me and that we had similarities at some point. Being made captain was going to happen but it came sooner than I expected.

“He was fond of me and would call my name in a special way ‘Yobolistic Yobo’ before calling me 'my captain'. Keshi and Amodu [Shuaibu] had a special way they were calling me.”

Yobo is currently Super Eagles’ assistant coach after the Nigeria Football Federation named him as a replacement for axed Imama Amapakabo in February.

After a glittering football career that saw him represent ACB Lagos, Africa Sports, Lokeren, Anderlecht, RC Strasbourg and Sacramento Scorpions and ultimately captained Nigeria to 1994 Afcon triumph, Keshi went into administration.

He helped Togo qualify for the 2006 World Cup, led Mali to the 2010 Afcon in Angola before taking over as Augustine Eguavoen as Eagles’ permanent boss.

His side’s failure to qualify for the 2015 Afcon led to his third and final disengagement by the Nigeria Football Federation after a long and grumpy relationship with Amaju Pinnick's led board.

Wilfried Zaha has insisted he had "no idea" Sir Alex Ferguson was planning to leave Manchester United after agreeing to join the club, and admits to being "crushed" by his exit.

Zaha signed a five-and-a-half-year contract with the Red Devils after completing a £10 million ($13m) move from Crystal Palace in January 2013, before being sent back to Selhurst Park on loan for the remainder of the season.

Shortly before the Ivory Coast international was due to join up with his new team-mates at Old Trafford, Ferguson announced he was stepping down from his post at head coach after 25 years of unprecedented success. David Moyes was swiftly drafted in to replace the legendary Scot, and he immediately set about stamping his own mark on a Premier League-winning squad.

Zaha - who returned to Palace in 2015 - ultimately failed to force his way into Moyes' starting XI, but has now conceded that missing out on the chance to play under Ferguson came as a huge blow to his confidence.

The 27-year-old told former United team-mate Rio Ferdinand on his Youtube channel: "It crushed me a little bit because it was like, after speaking to him, it was a no-brainer that I wanted to go there. I had no idea he was leaving."

Zaha added on the initial discussions he had with Ferguson over his potential role in the squad: "He didn’t tell me exactly how he wanted me to play.

"He just told me straightforward stuff like obviously you know ‘you’re going to have to fight for your position you’re not going to play all the time, there’s a lot of youngsters in the team so you’ll be able to go in with the likes of Welbeck and Cleverley'.

"I was like ‘that is more than fine all I want is my opportunity just to show what I can do’. It was a straightforward conversation."

Moyes only lasted nine months at the helm before Louis van Gaal was appointed as his successor, but Zaha was also unable to get a look in under the eccentric Dutchman. He ended up being sent on loan to Cardiff and Palace before leaving United with just four first-team appearances to his name.

Asked if he regrets how his spell at Old Trafford played out, Zaha responded: "There’s never regrets Rio. I met so many amazing players that I watched from when I was young. You (Rio) were there, Giggsy was there, Rooney was there, Van Persie was there.

"So many players I’ve managed to learn from so it’s never regrets.  I’m sitting in the same changing room as the players I’ve seen win titles after titles after titles that’s what I want in my career and it’s like I’m finally here with this lot. It’s different when you watch them first-hand."

Yanga SC midfielder Abdulaziz Makame is optimistic his team will get past Kagera Sugar in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

The two teams were pooled together in the last eight of the domestic Cup where the eventual winner will represent Tanzania in the Caf Confederation Cup.

The 24-year-old explained why it is going to be a difficult game for either side.

"Knockout competitions are always unpredictable because it can go either way," Makame told Goal.

"This is a competition which every team gives the best to advance to the next round. We are prepared to play Kagera, but I am sure they are prepared as well which makes it tough and entertaining.

"However, we are determined to play in continental competitions next season and the best way to do it is by winning the FA Cup. It will be our motivation against Kagera."

The two teams met on January 15 in the Tanzania Mainland League and against all odds, the Sugar Millers managed to get a 3-0 win against Timu ya Wananchi.

Yanga fell behind after Yusuf Mhilu's strike early in the first half before conceding the other two in the second half, courtesy of Ahly Ramadhan and Peter Mwalyanzi.

It was Belgian Luc Eymael's first league match in charge after being appointed the coach of the 27-time champions in December 2019.

"It was a painful defeat for us because our aim was to chase the league title," Makame recalled.

"In the FA Cup quarter-finals, I understand [Kagera] will be motivated by the league win and they will want to cause an upset. But as I stated, we want to represent the nation in Caf Confederation Cup matches meaning we will push harder to get a win."

The Jangwani-based team has won the competition four times, with the last triumph coming in the 2015/16 season.

On Tuesday, June 30, the first match will be between fourth-placed Namungo against Alliance. The game will be played at Uwanja wa Majaliwa in Lindi. 

Yanga will host Kagera on the same day at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

On Wednesday, July 1, minnows Sahare All-Stars will be at Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga against Ndanda FC. The latter come into the match as favourites owing to their undoubted quality in the squad compared to the second-tier side.

The biggest match, arguably, will be played on the same day at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam and will be between Azam FC, who are the defending champions, and league leaders Simba SC.

Neil Lennon has revealed that Celtic are in talks with rumoured Arsenal target Odsonne Edouard over a contract extension, while praising him as a "top-class striker".

Edouard enjoyed another superb season at Parkhead in 2019-20, hitting 22 goals in 27 appearances to help Celtic wrap up an unprecedented ninth successive Scottish Premiership crown.

The Hoops were awarded the title on a points-per-game basis after the season was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak, with Edouard subsequently picking up the Golden Boot award.

The 22-year-old's performances have not gone unnoticed among Europe's elite clubs and the frontman has been heavily linked a summer transfer, despite the fact he still has two years left to run on his current deal.

Arsenal has been mooted as a potential landing spot for Edouard, with Leicester also reportedly among those lining up a £30 million ($38m) bid for his services.

Gunners legend Charlie Nicholas backed his old club to make a move for the Frenchman last month, telling Sky Sports: "Edouard could certainly play at Arsenal because the way they play, his style would be more than suitable for it."

However, Lennon moved to bring an and to any ongoing speculation over the Frenchman's future after being named the Scottish Football Writers Manager of the Year on Saturday.

"There are discussions at the minute with his [Edouard's] representatives," said the Celtic boss.

"Ultimately he's a player we want around. He's a fantastic player. He's really blossomed over the last couple of seasons.

"He had a magnificent season this year and we want to keep him. It's as simple as that. We're doing everything we can to keep him here for at least another season anyway.

"I think he is [happy]. I think he's got a fantastic relationship certainly with me and my backroom team and his team-mates.

"You can see how much the supporters appreciate him as well. I think that's reciprocated.

"He's grown into a top-class striker. Of course, there is going to be speculation around a player of that quality. But we're comfortable at the minute with the position we're in with him."

FIFA 20 has the most 99-rated cards ever, with ICON players, Team of the Year items and now Team of the Season So Far selections receiving the game's highest rating.

Despite the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego Maradona and Pele having the top overall score, the player widely regarded as the toughest opponent to come up against has not received a 99 rating.

Monaco striker Wissam Ben Yedder has been named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Season (TOTS) after 18 goals in 26 games before the French top flight was cancelled, receiving an upgraded 97-rated card, which has already become one of the most expensive players in the game, worth more than even 99 Messi or 99 Ronaldo.

Ben Yedder's TOTS card may not have a 99 rating on the front of the card, but many of his key attributes are maxed out, including acceleration, finishing, positioning, agility, balance and jumping. He has 98 at heading accuracy, shot power and dribbling too, making him unstoppable anywhere near the penalty area.

His total in-game stats add up to 2516, making him a better all-rounder than legendary Brazilian strikers Ronaldo and Pele.

The 29-year-old has four-star skills which combine with his excellent dribbling stats, but perhaps even more importantly has a five-star weak foot, meaning he can shoot from any angle with both left and right feet.

During FIFA 20, regular and upgraded versions of Ben Yedder proved extremely popular on FUT Champions Weekend League and Divisions Rivals, but the 97-rated TOTS version is so dangerous that even Ben Yedder himself has joked "How many broken controllers with this one?"

Getting such a game-breaking card into your team will not be easy: you'll need either French or Ligue 1 players in midfield or attack to link him to in order to ensure he plays at maximum chemistry.

However, the bigger hurdle to having TOTS Ben Yedder start up front for you in Weekend League is his astonishing price. When he was released into packs, TOTS Ben Yedder sold for over 7 million coins on PC, over 6 million on PlayStation and over 5 million on Xbox.

For comparison, you could buy one TOTS Ben Yedder for that price or both 98-rated ICON Pele and 99-rated TOTS Messi and still have some coins to spare.

Young Africans (Yanga SC) assistant coach Boniface Mkwasa has revealed they will use the friendly against KMC to bring back a winning mentality ahead of the Mainland Premier League's resumption.

The Jangwani Street-based giants will come up against fellow top-flight side in a build-up contest at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday.

“I know it will be a tough match since [KMC] are among the good sides in the league but we are well prepared to win and bring back winning mentality to players,” Mkwasa is quoted by Daily News.

“It will give us an opportunity to see the balance of the team and where we should fix the problems before heading to the battlefield next week.”

Mkwasa further revealed his side is ready to navigate the congested fixtures when the season resumes, saying they have a huge squad to pick from and hence can rotate.

“As you know, we gave individual training sessions to be accomplished by players at their own homes when the league was suspended but that is not enough to make them fit for competitive games that is why we thought of playing friendly encounters to assess the players,” Mkwasa continued.

“We also need to get prepared with the many fixtures coming up and know how to rotate the squad, and this friendly will help us a lot.”

Mkwasa, who is standing in for head coach Luc Eymael, also confirmed most of the players in the squad had shown great improvement ahead of the league resumption.

“Our aim is to continue doing well in the league and ascend to the top positions of the table since we are preparing to win and not to lose games,” Mkwasa added.

He, however, confirmed four players - David Molinga, Yikpe Gislain, Said Makapu, and Patrick Sibomana – had gained weight while in lockdown occasioned by the coronavirus pandemic, but assured they were working on the problem.

Yanga will start their remaining league matches with an away match against Mwadui FC on July 13 at Kambarage Stadium. Yanga have already given up on the chase for the title as they lie 20 points behind table-toppers and rivals Simba SC.

However, they still have a chance to win the FA Cup where they are in the quarter-finals.

Name: Ahmad Zikri Khalili
Age: 18
Siblings: Third child among five siblings
Academy: ProKids 1972 Soccer Academy (2013-2014), Project 2019 (2014), Pahang Malaysia Sports School (2015), Bukit Jalil Sports School (2016), Mokhtar Dahari Academy (2017-2019) 
Current Club: Selangor 2
National Team: Malaysia U-16 (qualified for 2018 AFC U-19 Championship finals), Malaysia U-19 (qualified for 2020 AFC U-19 Championship finals)
Position: Defender

ALSO READ: From Luqman Hakim to Arif Aiman - Meet the future of Malaysia

Early years

The defender recalled his first experience training as a young boy:

"I had been playing for my primary school back home in Kuantan since I was in Standard Four, but it was just for fun. Only in the following year I started training more seriously.

"My older brother, Ahmad Nuri wanted to join a youth training club, ProKids 1972 Soccer Academy but he didn't want to do it alone so he took me along. But overtime it was me who remained, while he focused on his studies."

Zikri with ProKids 1972 and former Pahang player Jalaluddin Jaafar in 2014

Learning the importance of education at AMD

Much like the first batch of the Mokhtar Dahari Academy (AMD) students who eventually began their training and education there in Form Three in 2017 (the academy now trains students beginning from Form One, the first year of secondary education for almost all youth in Malaysia), he was first selected for the 2019 Project team. He moved to Bukit Jalil in Standard Six to train with the team, along with boys who would go on to be his AMD classmates.

After detours through the Pahang Malaysia Sports School (2015) and the Bukit Jalil Sports School (2016), only in 2017 would they move properly into and began training at AMD.

As a youth footballer, he had expected to have to sacrifice his attention towards his formal education; a decision that was supported by his parents. But his eventual time at AMD instilled the importance of schooling.

"In Standard Six I often missed class due to my training commitment. Just before I started my Form One education, my parents sat me down and told me to decide properly between focusing on my studies, or football. They didn't think I can focus on both. But they were utterly supportive of my decision, and in the end I went with football.

"Having said that, we at AMD still tried to do well in our studies. We went to school in the morning while the evening is for training. They also provided us with evening talks on matters of football.

"The training by our coach back then, Lim Teong Kim (former AMD director and National Football Development Programme of Malaysia director) was always tough, but he was always supportive of me. He once asked me: 'What do you want to do if you were not in football?' I told him I want to study. But he explained that it was not impossible for me to do both at the same time, and that footballers can still go on to pursue other endeavours. That advice has provided me with the drive to succeed academically as well.

"After signing with the Selangor reserve team (along with 27 other 2019 AMD graduates), I also applied to pursue my sports science diploma studies at UiTM (Mara Institute of Technology). Studying while playing is something I've always planned on doing; as a sort of back-up plan. I'm just waiting for the application result now," noted the youngster.

Now in his first ever professional season with Selangor 2 after graduating from AMD last year, Zikri constantly utilises his academic inclination to better himself.

"I read a lot of research articles on sporting and endurance," he stated. "According to them, we athletes need to take care of our diet in order to take care of our endurance. So whenever I'm home, I have to tell my mother to go easy on the sugar and oil when she cooks for me.

"While at AMD all the information was obtained through coaches, I now take the initiative of reading up on sports science, although admittedly I'm by no means a bookworm. It's a sort of research for myself too, which is made easy by the prevalence of fitness-centred Instagram accounts." 

With the guidance and training received from his AMD stint, the teenager who can play as either a left back or a right centre back is now looking to meet two objectives.

"My target for now is to break through to the first team, to play in the Super League. There was once a rumour that they would call me up due to injuries, which got me all motivated in training, but in the end it didn't happen. Maybe next time!

"But my long-term aim is to play club football in Europe. Although I'm not at the level needed to go there yet, I'm willing to push myself. I need to work on my technique and endurance first for this to happen," he explained.

Former Young Africans (Yanga SC) defender Oscar Joshua says he will be a happy man if Simba SC striker Meddie Kagere is beaten to the Mainland Premier League Golden Boot this term.

The Rwandan striker won the gong last season after notching 24 goals and he is currently leading the race to win it twice in a row having scored 19 goals already this term already.

With the league set to resume after it was halted in mid-March owing to the coronavirus pandemic, Kagere has a good chance to claim the award with only nine rounds of matches remaining to the end of the season.

Joshua has now challenged other strikers in the top-flight, led by Reliants Lusanjo, Paul Nonga, and Yusuph Mhilu, to make sure that they catch up with Kagere and beat him to the crown.

Lusajo and Mhilu, both of Kagere Sugar, have scored 11 goals while Nonga of Lipuli FC has managed 10 goals.

“First Emmanuel Okwi took the Golden Boot and then came Kagere and won the award last season, and still it seems Kagere will do it again this season,” Joshua is quoted by MwanaSpoti.

“But I have a feeling that we have Nonga, Lusanjo, and Mhilu who can also challenge for the gong and I want to urge them to make sure they don’t allow Kagere to win the award again, nine matches are enough to give them the award.

“I watch the three players before the league took a break and they were really a joy to watch, they were pushing him [Kagere] hard and I know when the league resumes, they will continue from where they had left.”

On the resumption of the league, after it was given the green light by President John Pombe Magufuli, Joshua said: “That is what every Tanzanian was waiting for, to have the action back and we are glad now we can follow the game we love again.

“I know most players are burning with ambitions to prove themselves after the break and thus we are in for an entertaining run. It will be a tough race to the end but we hope to see good football.”

Simba are chasing a third straight title as they sit top of the table on 71 points, 17 points ahead of Azam FC in second while Yanga are third, three further points behind.

Leonardo Bonucci has admitted to being in awe of Cristiano Ronaldo's physique upon his return from lockdown, insisting the Juventus forward has "presented himself in perfect condition".

Italian football has been suspended since March 9 due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has caused 402,561 deaths worldwide to date.

Players and staff members from clubs across Serie A were forced to self-isolate in accordance with new government legislation regarding social distancing for two months, but restrictions are now beginning to ease amid a significant drop in Covid-19 cases.

Juventus are now gearing up for a return to the pitch on June 12 after being cleared to resume full-contact training, with a Coppa Italia semi-final second leg tie against Milan on the cards.

Bonucci says Ronaldo reported for duty in the same exemplary shape he was in before the hiatus. He told Gazzetta dello Sport: "How did I find him? How I left him.

"He is a super athlete, a great professional. He told me what he did to keep fit during the quarantine. He presented himself in perfect condition. He cannot amaze, he is a champion, from all points of view."

Bonucci has also been a star turn in Juve's starting line up since returning to the club from Milan in the summer of 2018, playing a key role in the club's march towards an eighth successive Serie A crown last season.

His performances in defence have helped the Bianconeri fight for a domestic double and Champions League success this time around, and he is delighted to be back with his "family" after a difficult spell at San Siro.

The 33-year-old admits that he rushed into his decision to leave Juve following their 2017 European Cup final defeat at the hands of Real Madrid, but insists that the whole experience helped shape his character.

"It was a difficult year for me. Both on a personal and working level," said Bonucci. "There had been disagreements and I, in the end, especially after the defeat in the Champions League, made an unpolished decision - but I have to say that that choice, that it certainly influenced my career, it improved me as a man.

"Those months at Milan allowed me to look inside and understand that my place was in Juventus, in this one that I feel like my family. I met beautiful people at Milan before among these Rino Gattuso. It was a difficult year, but not in vain. At the end of which I was very happy to go home. "

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Tiyani Mabunda says they "really needed this rest" from competitive football as he took time to reflect on his most cherished career moments, with his mind also set on "restarting the engine" if the season resumes.

Recent years have seen a busy time for Sundowns in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and the Caf Champions League, where they have established rivalries in North Africa.

The Brazilians also hosted European giants Barcelona in a Mandela Centenary Cup in May 2018 and all these matches remain etched in Mabunda's mind as special memories.

The 32-year-old lasted until deep into injury time in the 3-1 defeat to Barca at FNB Stadium, a match he says brought the best out of him, together with battles against North African sides.

"I have played against some of the biggest teams in the world and on the continent and that’s really a great feeling to have gone up against Barcelona, Zamalek, Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca – those are the games you cherish because they bring the best out of you because you dig deep and exhaust all the efforts that you have,” Mabunda told the Sundowns website.

“I have something to be proud of. I have special moments against each of those teams. We’ve also built such a great relationship with Wydad and their fans.

"Playing in Japan at the Fifa Club World Cup was a great blessing for me. It’s something to cherish and something I will never forget.”

Shifting attention to the domestic front, Mabunda's is now focused on the possible return of football which has been suspended due to the coronavirus.

The current halt has come as a refreshing period for Sundowns who had not enjoyed an off-season break or rested for at least a month since 2015, while participating in the Caf Champions League.

“We have been through a difficult time with the pandemic and the lockdown, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. We look forward to returning to the field of play because that is who we are and what we stand for. We want to continue where we left off, but we really needed this rest,” said Mabunda.

“So I am looking forward to restarting the engine and playing high-intensity football. We are geared up to retain our title. I believe the boys are ready and want to also celebrate the club turning 50 years.”

Sundowns are on course for a third successive league title as they trail log-leaders Kaizer Chiefs by four points although they have played a game less.

They are also gunning for the Nedbank Cup and have Bidvest Wits to worry about in the semi-finals.

The Bundesliga was the first of Europe's major leagues to resume after play was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, with the league having kicked off again on May 16th.

With France ending the 2019-20 season early and the Premier League, Serie A and La Liga aiming for June restarts, football fans who may not normally watch the German top flight will turn their eyes to the Bundesliga for a taste of live football.

So, if you're keen to tune into the Bundesliga during lockdown to get your football feast, Goal brings you everything you need to know

Contents

Where can I watch the Bundesliga in India?

The Star Sports network (Star Sports and Star Sports Select) have the rights to show Bundesliga matches in India.

Matches will also be available on streaming mobile application Disney+ Hotstar VIP, allowing supporters to watch multiple games simultaneously and catch the replay of matches.

Who leads the Bundesliga title race?

Ahead of the restart of the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich held a four-point lead over Borussia Dortmund, with RB Leipzig sitting third - trailing by an extra point - and Borussia Monchengladbach occupying fourth place six points behind the leaders.

Bayern have maintained their seven-point lead at the top courtesy a 5-0 win over Fortuna Dusseldorf while Borussia Dortmund defeated Paderborn 6-1 in matchday 29. RB Leipzig have kept pace at third followed by Borussia Monchengladbach and Bayer Leverkusen who also recorded victories to remain in the top five.

Click here for the full Bundesliga table

Bundesliga fixtures post Covid-19 break

Matchday 26

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Matchday 27

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Matchday 28

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Matchday 29

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Matchday 30

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