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Andre Ayew's move to Qatari side Al Sadd has sparked a heated discussion on social media.

Having left Swansea City in June, the Ghana international has signed a two-year deal for the Stars League side where he will reportedly earn $220,000 (€186,514.39) a month.

The contract could be extended for a further one year.

While many fans are focusing on the financial benefit of the transfer, others have expressed concern over the quality of the Qatari league.

Below are the best comments:

Ghana attacker Andre Ayew has completed a move to Qatari side Al Sadd.

The 31-year-old has joined the King of Hearts as a free agent after leaving EFLChampionship club Swansea City at the end of last season.

Having signed a two-year contract with an option to extend for another one year, he has been handed the No.24 jersey by the side who are coached by former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez.

Ayew will hope to continue from where he left off at Swansea where he ended the 2020-21 season as the club's top scorer.

A term earlier, he did not only finish as the Jack Army's leading hit-man but was also adjudged as the Most Valuable Player of the Season.

He joined the side - for a second spell - in January 2018 as the club sought to win a relegation fight, but a failure in their quest saw the Ghanaian head out on loan to Turkish fold Fenerbahce due to his desire to remain in elite division football.

Amid speculation about moves to West Bromwich Albion and Brighton and Hove Albion, the winger returned to Swansea in the second tier, leading the side to the semi-final of the promotion play-offs where they lost to Brentford.

This season, still amid reports of a move away, the France-born forward propelled the Wales-based outfit to the final of the play-offs where they lost to Brentford once again.

In April, Ayew indicated his international career will impact his decision about his future. 

"When you start thinking about that [club future], it takes away some of your focus, and I don't want that," Ayew told FourFourTwo when asked about his next move amid Swansea's chase for promotion.

"It could get to a point where that question will come - 'Are you staying or going?' - but right now I'm happy here.

"There's the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup in 2022, so I need to be in the best possible shape for those, as they're very important to me.

"But first I need to focus on making sure Swansea achieve things this season."

While with Al Sadd, Ayew's first Ghana assignment will be 2022 World Cup qualifying matches against Ethiopia and South Africa in September. 

Former Manchester City and Swansea City striker Wilfried Bony has expressed his frustration after finding it difficult to get a new club.

Bony is yet to play a competitive match since he left Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad on November 1, 2020 and he has been training with League Two club Newport County to maintain his fitness level.

Back in March, Swedish second-tier club Orgryte revealed that they rejected the opportunity to sign the former Premier League star.

The 32-year-old star is hungry for playing minutes and he believes he can get a new home with the summer transfer window open.

"I really want to play, I'm impatient. We are ready, it can be settled at any time, it can come at any time,” Bony told Foot Mercato.

“Of course, it is a long time. Since November 1, it's been almost nine months, it's been a long time. A footballer likes being on the field, having the pressure of training, of the field. I am always motivated.

“The day I lose that, the day I'm no longer hungry, I'll stop.

“I always want to play, to win. I'm fine. I just need to find a team to allow me to find some rhythm. It will take me a month or two to be on top then. It's normal, I haven't played for eight months.

“Physically, you can be ready, but if you don't have the rhythm, you can't really perform. I have to go through the minutes with a team to get back into the game after four to five matches.

Bony is renowned for his goalscoring threats and he made 45 goal contributions in 115 Premier League games for Man City, Stoke City and Swansea City.

“Training with a group makes things easier," he added. "The Covid-19 complicates things a bit. But you have to deal with it. The most important thing is to face the problems, not to run away from them. No matter where we are, there will always be problems. I adapt. I am with my family here.”

Chairman of Caf’s Interclub Competitions Committee, Ahmed Yahya has explained the potential benefits of the creation of the African Super League.

Caf president Patrice Motsepe has already given his green light for the new competition and the continental body in its last executive meeting in Rabat has backed it.

Unlike the European Super League that was rejected by Uefa and other top clubs, Yahya stated that the African Supernational League will bring about more development to African football, including financial stability.

“In Europe, the project was announced outside the football structure and in open conflict with UEFA,” the Mauritania FA President told Marca.

“The African Super League will be created within soccer structures, respecting the soccer pyramid and seeks to help African soccer clubs grow or, in some cases, survive, providing the financial stability to continue their valuable work of developing young talents. and take them to a higher stage.

“This will be one of the advantages of the African Super League: the ability to establish good practices and requirements that will ultimately benefit football across the continent. The details of these requirements will also take shape in the coming months, but will relate to the need for teams to invest in stadiums, quarries, education, women's football, adequate training facilities, transparent financial management and sustainable exercises and budgets.”

The African Super League is still at the proposal stage with the Interclub Competitions committee tasked to speed up with its feasibility study.

Despite having no format yet, Yahya believes the new tournament would come with a reward for all stakeholders involved – fans, clubs and the players.

“We want stronger clubs in Africa. We want fans to be able to enjoy watching their idols play for their clubs in Africa for longer,” he continued.

“We want players to feel rewarded and attracted to playing this new competition. We want to create conditions for them to think twice or even say no to some offers from Europe if they are not really super interesting.

“We know that we will not be able to close the gap between African clubs and clubs from other continents, but we definitely think that this competition can contribute to reducing that gap by giving African clubs more tools to compete with clubs from other continents, at a sporting, organizational and financial level.”

Paulo Dybala's agent Jorge Antun is set to meet with Juventus officials for fresh contract extension talks, Goal can confirm.

Dybala has spent the last six years on Juve's books, having been snapped up from Palermo for €32 million (£27m/$38m) back in 2015.

The Argentine has emerged as one of the top forwards of his generation at the Allianz Stadium, but has now reached the final year of his current contract and has a big decision to make regarding his future.

Dybala's contract situation

Juve chairman Andrea Agnelli revealed that the club had offered Dybala a lucrative new deal last December that would have "put him among the top 20 best-paid players in Europe".

Talks between the two parties continued into the new year but a final agreement was never reached, leading to speculation over a potential summer transfer for the 27-year-old.

A number of top clubs have been linked with Dybala, who will leave Turin for nothing in 2022 as it stands, but Goal understands that the Italian giants are still eager to keep him on their books for the long term.

What's next?

Juventus have already contacted Dybala's representatives to reopen negotiations, and his agent will arrive in Turin at the start of next week to discuss the finer details of the potential renewal in person.

Goal can confirm that Atun will sit down with Bianconeri officials with the aim of reaching a definitive agreement that ensures the Argentina international will have a key role in returning manager Massimiliano Allegri's squad next season and beyond.

What has Dybala achieved at Juve?

Dybala has appeared in 254 games across all competitions for Juve to date, winning 12 trophies along the way, including five Serie A titles and four Coppa Italia crowns.

The former Palermo starlet has also earned a Champions League runners' up medal, and has 100 goals and 41 assists to his name.

Further reading 

Stand-in captain Idrissa Gueye said he is happy to be passing his experience to Paris Saint-Germain youngsters in their pre-season friendly games.

With Marquinhos still on vacation after helping Brazil reach the final of the Copa America, Gueye has led the Ligue 1 giants out as captain in their last three matches.

The former Everton and Aston Villa midfielder guided the Parisians to a 4-0 win over Le Mans a week ago before playing out a 2-2 draw against Chambly and their 2-1 win over Bundesliga club Augsburg on Wednesday.

When asked about his leadership role, Gueye told the club’s website: “Obviously I am very happy, with these young people who respect us and are attentive.

“It is important for me to pass on all the experience that I have accumulated during my career. Just the fact of transmitting them to the young people, the fact of being able to discuss with them, of showing them the sure example and off the field, it is just a pleasure for me.

PSG will hope to continue their fine run of form when they intensify preparations for the 2021-22 season with games against Genoa and Sevilla on July 24 and 27 respectively.

Gueye played from start to finish on Tuesday and he believes they are on the right track for their Super Cup fixture against league champions Lille on August 1.

“That was the goal, to gain momentum, to play 45 minutes the first game, a little more the second and today the coach decided to let me play the whole game,” he continued.

“It's good for me to gain playing time. We continue the preparation and we hope to be on August 1st (for the champions trophy)."

The 31-year-old returned to France from Everton in July 2019 and he is set for his third season at PSG. He has enjoyed success in the European nation with two Ligue 1 titles, three French Cups, one League Cup and two Super Cups under his belt.

Dani Olmo stated Taher Mohamed should have been sent off for a challenge on Dani Ceballos during Spain’s 0-0 draw against Egypt on Thursday morning.

The Real Madrid midfielder limped off the field after he was caught by a tackle from the Al Ahly star in the first half at the Sapporo Dome.

Taher was receiving the ball on the turn and was oblivious of Ceballos' presence as he closed in. The striker’s foot was planted onto the ankle of his opponent.

That incident was checked by VAR, with match referee Adham Makhadmeh advised to take a look at a pitch side monitor.

After a prolonged break in play for treatment and assessment, a yellow card was shown to Taher.

Subsequently, the former Arsenal loanee was forced off and replaced by Osasuna’s Jon Moncayola.

In his post-match reaction, Olmo was unhappy with the decision not to reduce the African team to 10 men.

“It seemed strange to me that the referee didn’t change the yellow card after consulting the VAR. There was no doubt that that the challenge required a red card,” he told the media.

“It’s not an excuse, but Dani Ceballos and Oscar Mingueza are important and hopefully they recover as soon as possible.”

The RB Leipzig star also expressed his disenchantment that the affair ended in a 0-0 draw.

“It’s clear that it was not what we wanted, we wanted to win as always. We knew that Egypt was going to stay deep, but we had to play, as we usually do,” he continued.

“We lacked a little more verticality, but it’s good, besides the draw there are things to improve and we are going to work on it."

Meanwhile, coach of the European side Luis de la Fuente revealed Egypt got what they wanted, expressing his contentment with the outcome.

“A contradictory feeling. The first match is always difficult, and injuries disrupted us a bit, but I am satisfied. We have to continue and think about the Australia match,” he said.

“We knew we are very strong. The problem is not in the player’s aggression, but in the person, who allows it. Egypt has succeeded in playing its match.

“There is no time to relax and think about something other than the next opponent. We will see how we bring the players back and we will definitely be better than today.”

Georginio Wijnaldum has admitted that he "would love" to see Paul Pogba join Paris Saint-Germain while describing the Manchester United star as "one of the best midfielders in the world".

Speculation over Pogba's future is raging now that he is into the final year of his current contract at Old Trafford, with the Red Devils reportedly yet to make a breakthrough in talks over an extension.

PSG are among a number of top clubs being credited with an interest in the Frenchman, and Wijnaldum has now welcomed the prospect of his arrival at Parc des Princes.

What's been said?

The Netherlands international, who joined PSG on a free transfer after leaving Liverpool earlier this summer, thinks Pogba has the quality to fit into any team after witnessing his unique talents up close in the Premier League.

“I would love to have Pogba with us,” Wijnaldum told RMC Sport. “He’s fantastic. I have played against him several times – what a player!

“If you ask any player from another team if he would like Pogba to join him, everyone will say yes because he is an extraordinary player, full of qualities.

"He has it all, one of the best midfielders in the world.”

Could Pogba leave United this summer?

United are thought to be eager to tie Pogba down to fresh terms, but the midfielder insisted he had yet to receive a "concrete proposal" from the club while starring for France at the European Championships in June.

If the Red Devils are unable to reach an agreement with the 27-year-old, they may have no choice but to cash in before he becomes a free agent in 2022.

PSG are reportedly weighing up a £50 million ($69m) swoop for Pogba, who has also been linked with Real Madrid and a return to Juventus in recent months.

Pogba's United record

United paid a club-record £85m ($117m) fee to bring Pogba back to Old Trafford in 2016, having initially sold him to the Italian giants four years earlier when he was still on the fringes of the first team.

The France international has since taken his tally of appearances for the Red Devils to 206 in all competitions, recording 38 goals and 42 assists along the way, but has only won two trophies in Manchester to date.

Pogba hasn't lifted any silverware since the club's League Cup and Europa League double in 2016-17, and has dealt with a number of serious fitness issues that have prevented him from reaching his full potential.

Further reading 

Former Japan international Yuki Kobayashi has begun his challenge in the K League 2 with Seoul E-Land FC.

The 29-year-old started his professional career with J2 League ouffit Tokyo Verdy FC before helping Júbilo Iwata into the J1 League. Besides turning up for Eredivisie side SC Heerenveen between 2016 and 2019, he also had stints with Waasland-Beveren and Al-Khor in the Belgian First Division A and Qatar Stars League respectively.

Kobayashi made his Seoul E-Land debut in a goalless draw against Gimcheon Sangmu on Monday. He emphasised that he needs time to adapt to South Korean football.

"I don't feel worried. The reason it is difficult for Japanese players to show good performance in the K League is because this competition tends to be more physical and energy is at a high level. I will try to adapt better," Kobayashi said after his maiden K League 2 appearance.

Despite interest from a K League 1 title contender, as well as clubs from the J League and parts of Europe, Kobayashi's decision to join a second division side in South Korea came as a big surprise.

Reasoning the move, he said, "Because Seoul E-Land FC was so enthusiastic, it touched my heart and helped my decision to join the club. Since this is already halfway through the season, I will do my best to adapt myself fast. Although I have never experienced K League before, there are a lot of similarities with J League.

"I do not think it would be too difficult to adjust. I will make sure Seoul E-Land FC to be promoted to K League 1, which is our goal for this season."

So far, and especially since the Asian Quarter system has been introduced in 2019 - that allows K League to add an Asian player on top of the 3 foreign players - 30 Japanese players have played in K League. Kobayashi is one of the six Japanese players to ply his trade in South Korea this season.

Among Japanese players who featured in the K League 1 in the past, Sergio Ariel Escudero serves as a good example. He won the league after joining FC Seoul on loan in 2012, and was runner-up in 2018 with Ulsan Hyundai with whom he also reached FA cup final. He has 17 goals and 15 assists to his name from over 100 K League 1 appearances.

This season, Japanese nationals of the likes of Kunimoto Takahiro (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC) and Nishi Tsubasa (Daegu FC) are rendered key in their respective club's campaigns in the K League 1. Kunimoto has won both, the K League 1 and FA Cup, last season. Whereas in the K League 2, Ishida Masatoshi (Daejeon Hana Citizen FC) helped his old team, Suwon FC, to be promoted; while Iwase Go (Ansan Greeners FC) and Tamura Ryosuke (FC Anyang) are also playing important role for their clubs.

Coach Shawky Gharib has stated he was pleased with Egypt’s performance in their opening encounter against Spain at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

The Europeans went into the Group C encounter played at the Sapporo Dome as favourites. From the blast of referee Adham Makhadmeh’s whistle until the end, they dominated ball possession.

They came close to scoring when Dani Ceballos hit the goalpost from range, albeit, the African team scarcely threatened goalkeeper Simon Unai. At the end of full-time, it ended 0-0 in Sapporo.

In his post-match reaction, the Young Pharaohs’ boss is content with the result while ruing his team’s inability to play competitive matches for a long time.

“We haven’t played non-friendly matches for a long time; I was worried about that before the game,” Gharib told beIN SPORTS per Kingfut.

“For the first game for the overage players with the team, and the first game in the Olympic games, I am content with the result.

“We improved a lot in the second half of the game, during the first half we made a lot of missed passes, after the half-time break we made progress on the offensive side.

“We were facing the European champions, after all, they have multiple first-team players among their ranks, one point is a satisfying result.”

Thanks to this result, Egypt are joint second in the group alongside Jose Luis de La Fuente’s team.

The African side would be eyeing their first win of the competition when they take on 2008 gold medalists, Argentina.

The South Americans began their expedition on a sour note – losing 2-0 to Australia – with Lachlan Wales and Marco Tilio finding the net.

Egypt picked one of the tickets to represent Africa having emerged as champions of the 2019 U23 Africa Cup of Nations.

Since making their debut at Antwerp 1920, the North Africans have featured in the men’s football event 12 times.

Their best outing remains a fourth place finish at Amsterdam 1928 and Tokyo 1964. In Japan, they would be aiming to become the third African team to win a gold medal after Nigeria (1996) and Cameroon (2000).

Memphis Depay says playing with Lionel Messi "will be a dream" for him after his unveiling at Barcelona, as he will get the chance to link up with the "best player in the world".

Depay was officially presented as a new Barca player on Thursday, having been snapped on a free transfer following his departure from Lyon at the end of the 2020-21 campaign.

The 27-year-old joins a star-studded squad that is likely to include Lionel Messi, once the final terms of his new contract are finalised, and he can't wait to work alongside the six-time Ballon d'Or winner.

What's been said?

Depay is expecting a man who inspired Argentina to Copa America glory earlier this month to scoop another Golden Ball later in the year, and knows he will get plenty of chances to deliver the goods in the final third for Barca with the 34-year-old providing service.

"He's a legend, best player in the world, you saw what he did in the Copa America," the Netherlands international has told the club's media channels.

"I'm very much looking forward to playing with him, his quality is undoubted. I have to just make my runs and I know the ball will come.

"Because he has too much quality, he can do everything with the ball. I think everybody in the world would like to play with someone like that.

"Yesterday I had a tour of the museum and saw all of the Ballon d'Or awards, he probably has another one coming too. It's going to be a dream for me."

When will Messi's new contract be announced?

Goal has reported that Messi has agreed to re-sign for Barca on a five-year deal, having dropped into the free agency pool at the end of his last deal in June.

The Argentine magician had several other offers from high profile potential suitors on the table, including Paris Saint-Germain, but has decided to remain with the club where he has spent his entire career to date until he turns the ripe old age of 39.

Barca are planning to make an official announcement in the coming weeks, but must first finish reducing their overall wage bill after exceeding La Liga's limit, with Messi already doing his bit in that regard by accepting a significant pay cut.

What will Depay bring to Barca?

Depay began his career at PSV in 2011 before joining Manchester United four years later, but he only lasted two seasons at Old Trafford before being sold to Lyon.

The Dutchman quickly put his ill-fated spell in the Premier League behind him at the Groupama Stadium, recording 76 goals and 55 assists in 178 games to help the French outfit fight for silverware on both domestic and European fronts.

Depay is now a much more mature and effective player than he was during his time at United, and after an impressive showing at Euro 2020 with the Netherlands, he will be expected to reach even greater heights under Ronald Koeman at Camp Nou next term.

Further reading 

New Kaizer Chiefs defender Njabulo Ngcobo believes his 'ancestors should be thanked' for making his dream come true.

The former Swallows FC defender is among the new arrivals confirmed by Amakhosi. The others are goalkeeper Brandon Peterson, defender Sifiso Hlanti, Sibusiso Mabiliso, and midfielders Phathutshedzo Nange, and Kgaogelo Sekgota. The 27-year-old defender penned a three-year deal and his move did not come as a surprise after he was heavily linked with the Soweto giants. 

However, the Bafana Bafana defender concedes he has to do a lot to ensure he meets the expectations.

What is Ngcobo expecting at Chiefs?

"I think coming to Chiefs is also a realisation of a dream, and I thank the Lord and my ancestors for making this move possible," Ngcobo told iDiski Times.

"I am under no illusions that there is a lot of hard work ahead for me because Chiefs are a very big club and I have a huge task of delivering big time."

Ngcobo's message to Amakhosi fans

The reigning PSL Defender of the Season has promised to give his best to ensure the Caf Champions League finalists maintain their reputation.

"My message to the Chiefs is that bar any injuries that may arise, I will give my all to the club and I promised to work hard to contribute in helping the team achieve its objectives," the South African continued.

"I also promise to continue respecting them and also respecting the game itself as well. We have a huge task of taking this big brand where it belongs and I am looking forward to being part of that renewal project."

Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung expressed his optimism for Amakhosi's new signings.

"We would like to welcome all the new players to Kaizer Chiefs. We certainly hope our supporters will be happy with our new recruits because some called for us to sign them," Motaung said.

"We trust that they will have a good time and help bring happiness to millions of our fans by helping the team perform well and win trophies.

"We have been following the players closely and saw them do well in the last season. We hope they bring that good form and discipline when they come to us. All the eight new recruits will add further quality and experience to the squad we’ve assembled."

Japan winger Takefusa Kubo admits his side struggled against South Africa in their Group A 1-0 win at Ajinomoto Stadium.

The Real Madrid starlet was ‘relieved’ they finally managed to break South Africa in a dominant display which almost turned into disappointment owing to a list of missed chances.  

Kubo’s 71st-minute goal decided the game. 

It was a contest in which Japan could have won by a wider margin had they been clinical in front of goal. 

"I'm relieved now. I'm happy and relieved. I thought I should score a goal in order for the team to score a goal,” Kubo said after the match. 

“I scored the goal and the team won. I'm very happy. South Africa was a good team. The South African players looked in good condition.” 

Throughout the match, Japan threatened to win by a high scoreline but they ended up being restricted to a slim victory. 

Apart from wasting a number of chances, Japan also faced spirited defending from South Africa. 

Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu echoed Kubo’s sentiments that they had a tough 90 minutes as South Africa foiled their ambitions to score “more goals.” 

‘We wanted to score more goals if possible. I think the Japanese players understood that there was no easy match,” said Moriyasu. 

Japan are captained by veteran defender Maya Yoshida who spent seven years playing Premier League football with Southampton. 

The Sampdoria defender led a group of younger players keen to win gold as hosts. 

Yoshida feels they can perform better than they did against South Africa as they now prepare to meet Group A leaders Mexico in their next match on Sunday.

“We managed to keep one goal. Originally, we are a team that can perform better. We should have played more confidently from the start. By winning this game, the next [match] I think the team will be better,” Yoshida said. 

Japan take on Mexico on Sunday, and South Africa will play against France. 

Turkish Super Lig club Fatih Karagumruk have announced the signing of Nigeria captain Ahmed Musa on a free transfer.

The move marked a return to Europe for Musa who was playing in the Nigeria Professional Football League with Kano Pillars since April.

Karagumruk are yet to disclose the contractual details but the 28-year-old is expected the club's push in the Turkish top-flight this campaign.

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Emile Smith Rowe has outlined his ambition to emulate Arsenal's No. 10 legends Dennis Bergkamp and Mesut Ozil after penning a new deal at Emirates Stadium.

Smith Rowe was targeted by Aston Villa at the end of an impressive breakthrough 2020-21 campaign at Emirates Stadium, but brought an end to the speculation surrounding his future by penning fresh terms with the Gunners on Thursday.

The 20-year-old has also been handed the coveted No.10 jersey after agreeing to remain on Arsenal's books until 2026, and he is now eager to follow in the footsteps of two of his idols.

What's been said?

Smith Rowe grew up watching Bergkamp during a golden era for the Gunners before witnessing the unique creative talents of Ozil up close in north London, and he wants to make a similar impact for the club in the coming years.

"Everyone knows that No 10 is a big shirt and it is definitely a big position as well. So I’m buzzing to be honest, I can’t wait to get on the pitch," the England U21 international has told Arsenal's official website.

"It's really special - I can't explain the feeling when I found out. I've not really got the words to explain it right now! But yeah, I'm really happy.
 
"The legends that have played here and have worn the shirt... it's a bit too much right now but I'm sure I will calm down after a while!

"When I was younger I used to watch Dennis Bergkamp, and when I was going through the academy Mesut Ozil was here as well and getting the opportunity to train with him and play with him as well was unbelievable. I just want to keep working hard and hopefully, I can play like them and replicate what they've done."

The bigger picture 

Bergkamp won 10 trophies at Arsenal between 1995 and 2006, including three Premier League titles and four FA Cups, while also scoring 111 goals.

Ozil, meanwhile, spent eight years at the Emirates before leaving the club earlier this year to join Fenerbahce, picking up four trophies himself and carving out a reputation as a master of assists by setting up 77 goals in 254 games.

Smith Rowe has a long way to go before he can match the exploits of either man, but he has been tipped to play a key role in Mikel Arteta's squad next season after a bright start to life in the first team.

Further reading 

AmaZulu coach Benni McCarthy feels his Orlando Pirates counterpart Josef Zinnbauer is inconsistent in his team selection, also saying the Buccaneers tactician is not aware of the strength his side possesses.

Zinnbauer carved a reputation of regularly changing his starting line-up and system of play last season although in certain cases the changes were forced by injuries.

McCarthy is keen to see which formation Pirates will use against Soweto foes Kaizer Chiefs when they clash in the Carling Black Label Cup at Orlando Stadium on August 1.

This is, however, despite the fact fans have a larger say in how the teams will line up and the formation (via votes).

“With the Pirates coach, I don’t know what formation he plays. It will be interesting to see [Pirates formation in the Black Label Cup],” said McCarthy as per Phakaaathi.

“They change it up so much, so it is difficult to say what their strength is. I don’t even think he knows the strength he has in at Orlando Pirates team because formation changes week in week out. You analyse three Pirates games and you analyse three different systems. So, I think with the Carling Cup, what is different and special is that the fans get to vote.”

McCarthy feels most Premier Soccer League coaches are up to date with methods and tactics preferred by big clubs in more competitive leagues in Europe.

While saying Zinnbauer does not have a well-defined system of play, McCarthy adds Kaizer Chiefs’ Stuart Baxter is different in his approach.

“As South Africans, we like to follow the latest trends – what gets done in Europe, what Pep Guardiola does and then we follow and make it our formation,” McCarthy said.

Meanwhile, McCarthy says he was rooting for a Kaizer Chiefs win in last Saturday's Caf Champions League final against Al Ahly despite the fact that victory for Amakhosi would have denied AmaZulu their hard-earned place in the elite competition.

Had Chiefs won, they would have automatically earned a Champions League ticket for next season, taking Usuthu to the Confederation Cup.

“I was holding my breath because I knew Chiefs were up against it,” he told Marawa Sport Worldwide, as per iDiskitimes.

“But I was really hoping for South Africa’s sake, because we pride ourselves that our league is the best in Africa, so it would’ve been exceptionally great if we could’ve had a South African team winning the Caf Champions League. Unfortunately, things didn’t go accordingly.   

“But I was rooting for Chiefs, I was rooting for Chiefs. Not for my benefit, we worked our socks off and we deserve to play in the Caf Champions League, but I’d never wish ill for anyone representing our country.   

“I wanted Chiefs to win, irrespective of us getting knocked out of it. It’s just a shame [they lost] because as a kid I was a Chiefs supporter, growing I supported Chiefs, why wouldn’t I want them to win?”

AmaZulu will be participating in the Champions League after finishing second on the PSL table last season.

The competition would be another stern test for McCarthy's pedigree as a coach after Usuthu impressed on the domestic front last term.