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Mathare United head coach Frank Ouna has hit out at Tusker FC's tactics in the 0-0 draw on Tuesday at Ruaraka Grounds.

The Slum Boys had come into the match aiming at getting maximum points to boost their survival chances, but they did not manage to get it from the FKF Premier League leaders.

The tactician was unhappy with the way the Brewers played saying it is the kind of football that should not be encouraged.

'It is not football' 

"It was a tough game, I almost thought we are playing a team from the Sugar Belt because the ball was ever in the air but we were prepared for it," Ouna told Goal.

"I doubt whether we will have another game like this until the end of the season. This is not football we played; I am sure my boys had a headache after the game. It is not football, the ball was always in the air, and I don't think it is the kind of football we want to see in this country.

"But every point counts because the teams close have not left us by a bigger margin, we can build from there. The only challenge is for my boys is to try and get two wins in a row."

'Tusker did not come for boxing'

However, Tusker coach Robert Matano has hit back. He has further explained why his team did not get a goal against the 2008 champions.

"Those were his views; we did not come for boxing, this is football," Matano told Goal.

"You cannot say you want to rely on a knockout to win. We don't count passes, we count goals. We came here to play football, but we did not score. We played well but were not sharp. 

"It is football, we cannot say getting a point has derailed us, we will continue working hard, the opponents were also well organised, so a point is better than a loss."

Phil Neville claims to have the "full support" of David Beckham and the Inter Miami board despite seeing a tough start to life as MLS boss continue with a 5-0 defeat to New England.

The former Manchester United and Everton star was handed his first role in club management on the back of a spell in charge of the England's women's team.

He denied when heading to America that close personal ties to Old Trafford team-mate Beckham had seen him handed a "gift", but that relationship is being tested by a sorry start to the 2021 campaign that has Inter Miami rock-bottom of the Eastern Conference with only two wins in 12 games.

What has been said?

The humbling reversal against New England has piled pressure onto Neville's shoulders, but he told reporters: "I feel their full support - I always have done. They don't need to tell me about their concerns because I have the same concerns.

"I've been in football long enough and I know the consequences - that's no problem to me. We're doing everything in our power, we just need better performances on the field.

"I've got great responsibility and I'm accountable for everything that I do. We're on a run at the moment that puts me under pressure."

He added on a 5-0 defeat that was suffered despite having Gonzalo Higuain and Blaise Matuidi available: "I wasn't expecting it. The players need to take a long, hard look at themselves, and so do I. We win and we lose together.

"Ultimately it's my job to make this team better, and in this moment in time they are not. That's on my shoulders.

"When we suffer a disappointment, we need to make sure that we can recover. That's what football's all about - having courage, bravery, not letting your team-mates down on the field. We're not doing that and it's something we've not done for the last six games. It's something we have to rectify ASAP.

"Did they have better players than us? On paper, no, but they're a team and that's what we must become. That's all I'm asking for - a team that will fight for each other and look round the dressing room and trust each other.

"That's what I've asked them to do - look in the mirror and ask, 'what are you doing for the team?' Nothing will deter me from trying to be a success at this football club."

The bigger picture

Inter Miami were 4-0 down by half-time against New England, and Neville admits performances are dipping even lower than "unacceptable" but he remains committed to turning fortunes around.

The 44-year-old added: "It's the lowest in terms of my feelings after a defeat that I've had since I came to this football club - and we've had some disappointments. You can lose games in football, but the manner in which we lost tonight was… we've said the word unacceptable in the past - it feels worse than that.

"It's a case of playing for your pride, for the badge, for your supporters - I can only apologise to them for what they saw tonight. It's them that I feel for, more than myself or the players, because they deserve better."

Further reading

Gor Mahia interim coach Sammy Omollo believes his charges gave easy goals in their 2-1 loss to Kariobangi Sharks in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League assignment at Thika Stadium on Wednesday.

It was forward Erick Kapaito, who opened the scoring in the 42nd minute before Robert Onyango grabbed the second in the 71st minute and despite second-half substitute Jules Ulimwengu pulling a goal back in the 89th minute, Sharks held on for maximum points, six from Gor Mahia, having won the first round meeting 4-2.

The ex-Harambee star is unhappy with the way the reigning league champions are shipping in goals.

"The game was very bad"

"It was not a good outing for us, not at all. The game was very bad on our side, we should have done better in preventing the goals we conceded, starting with the penalty," Omollo told Goal.

"John [Ochieng] wouldn't have rushed to go for the tackle, because the opponent was not that dangerous, thanks to where he was facing he would have been patient. But I cannot blame him much, it was his first game and he is still learning.

"We should also improve in the final third because we had many set pieces which we did not capitalise on.

"Players should be sharp in attack, and our defence needs to improve as well because we cannot keep on conceding in every match we are playing. Like the goals we conceded, to be honest they were very easy goals we gave."

"We have to focus on attacking"

The tactician has now pointed out he will have to improve the players in the final third to ensure more goals are scored. The 51-year-old also explained why the team has not been stable lately.

"In the remaining seven matches the focus will be on the attack, we have to sharpen it and ensure players take the chances," Omollo continued.

"The defence also needs some work; it has been a challenge in the last seven games, we have been making changes owing to several reasons which have made us inconsistent."

Omollo also wished the club's former captain Kenneth Muguna well after he moved to Azam FC.

"I wish Muguna all the best; it is our wish that players should perform well and grab the opportunity to play abroad. He has created an opportunity for another player but I am confident he will perform well." 

Leeds United have completed the signing of Lewis Bate from Chelsea for £1.5 million, with the talented teenager signing a three-year contract with the Whites.

The 18-year-old midfielder was highly regarded at Stamford Bridge, but his potential has been lured to Elland Road by the promise of a clearer pathway to first-team football.

Goal revealed on Tuesday that Bate was heading to West Yorkshire after snubbing the offer of a new contract in west London.

What has been said?

Leeds have announced the deal on their official website, saying: "Leeds United are pleased to announce the signing of Lewis Bate.

"The midfielder joins the Whites from fellow Premier League side Chelsea for an undisclosed fee.

"Bate, who attracted interest from a number of clubs, has penned a three-year-deal at Elland Road, running until the summer of 2024.

"The 18-year-old has been part of the Chelsea youth setup for the last 10 years and captained the Blues in the 2020 FA Youth Cup final.

"Last season he made the step up to Under-23s football, making 20 appearances as Chelsea finished runners-up in Premier League 2 Division 1.

"He has also won caps at youth level for England at both Under-17 and Under-18 level.

"Bate becomes Leeds’ fifth signing of the summer transfer window, following the arrivals of Junior Firpo, Jack Harrison, Shaun McGurk and Amari Miller.

"He will initially link up with Mark Jackson’s Under-23s for the forthcoming season."

The bigger picture

Leeds continue to build for the long-term under the guidance of Marcelo Bielsa, despite an enigmatic coach having not yet committed to a new contract of his own.

Bate will form part of that project, with the Whites looking to get players on board that will soon be pushing for competitive outings.

A promising youngster is looking forward to treading that path with an ambitious outfit, but has also taken the time to thank Chelsea for the 10 years they have given to his development.

He has posted on social media: "10 years ago I walked through the doors at Cobham for the first time. Since then the players and staff I have worked with over the years have helped me become the person and player I am today.

"However, I now believe it is time to move on to a new chapter in my career. But first I would like to thank everyone at Chelsea who has supported and believed in me throughout my time at the club.

"I will forever be grateful to Chelsea for what they have done for me on and off the football pitch.

"I wish the club and everyone associated with it nothing but the best for the future!"

Further reading

Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos suffered an injury scare in Spain's opening clash of the 2020 Olympics against Egypt.

The 24-year-old was caught by a challenge from Taher Mohamed during the first-half at the Sapporo Dome.

He was unable to continue as a star-studded Spanish side start their bid for a gold medal, and will hope the problem is not too serious.

What happened to Ceballos?

The former Arsenal loanee, who has spent the last two seasons at Emirates Stadium, went in for a challenge as half-time approached in Tokyo.

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

The incident in question was checked by VAR, with match referee Adham Makhadmeh advised to take a look at a pitchside monitor.

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

While he was free to continue, Ceballos' afternoon was brought to a premature conclusion as he was forced from the field and replaced by Jon Moncayola of Osasuna.

Any other fitness concerns?

Ceballos was not the only Spanish star to pick up a knock against Egypt.

Prior to his departure late in the first-half, Oscar Mingueza had already headed for an enforced break. The Barcelona defender lasted just 20 minutes before making way for Jesus Vallejo.

Further reading

Kaizer Chiefs' new signing Austin Dube is a calm and reliable defender, who won't get reckless red cards according to his former coach Simo Dladla.

The new Bafana Bafana international, who recently helped South Africa clinch the 2021 Cosafa Cup, became Amakhosi's seventh signing of the current transfer window as the Glamour Boys reinforced their squad for the 2021/22 campaign. 

Dube has joined fellow defenders Njabulo Ngcobo, Sibusiso Mabiliso, Sifiso Hlanti, midfielders Kgaogelo Sekgota and Phathutshedzo Nange, goalkeeper Brandon Peterson as Amakhosi’s new players, while Given Thibedi returned from a loan spell at Swallows FC.

Having coached Dube at Richards Bay, Dladla is confident that the left-footed player will succeed at the Glamour Boys as he is not a clumsy defender that gets unnecessary bookings. 

“He will make it. He is a left-footed player and he can read the game,” Dladla told Sowetan. 

“He will give them a lot of balance. He is not clumsy. I mean, he is not a guy who will get reckless and get unnecessary yellow cards or red cards.

"He also has an eye for goal and Chiefs have signed a good player here. He deserves this move and if it wasn’t Chiefs, someone else would have signed him now.”

Dube was a key member of the TS Galaxy side which stunned Chiefs 1-0 in the Nedbank Cup final in 2019 - starting five matches in the competition on their way to the final.

The lanky player also helped Richards Bay eliminate Chiefs from the same competition as Amakhosi succumbed to a 2-1 loss in the last 32 during the recent 2020/21 season.

Dladla is now working as an assistant coach to Brandon Truter at Swallows and he revealed he recommended Dube to club management to sign him before he joined Chiefs.

“There are a lot of good things about this boy, he is a thinker and he is calm. He is also going to give them a balance, especially when they build from the back," he added. 

"He will get a nod, he is very reliable and he is coachable. I’m happy for him that he joined Chiefs. I spoke about him when I got to Swallows.”

Dube played in the Varsity Football League for the University of Limpopo before he began his professional career at Witbank Spurs in 2016.

Already an all-time great in women's football, Brazilian star Marta, on Wednesday, further burgeoned her legend. She became the first footballer ever (among men an women) to play in five consecutive Olympic games and score in each of those editions.

The Brazil women's football team began their campaign at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 with a thumping 5-0 win over China where Marta scored a brace. Brazil are placed in Group FC alongside Netherlands, China and Zambia.

In the other match in the group, Netherlands kicked off their campaign with a 10-3 win over Zambia.

When did Marta make her Olympic debut and how has she performed?

At the age of 18, Marta was named in Brazil's Olympics squad at the 2004 Athens Games. The Brazilian midfielder scored three goals in the tournament as Brazil reached the final. Unfortunately, they lost to USA 2-1 and settled for a silver medal.

In 2008 in Beijing, Marta once again scored three goals in the tournament as Brazil reached the final but they again lost to USA 1-0 in the Gold medal tie.

In London 2012, Brazil were ousted from the competition in the quarterfinal after losing 0-2 to Japan as they finished sixth in the tournament. Marta scored two goals in the group stage.

In Rio 2016, Brazil reached the semifinal but lost to Sweden 3-4 (0-0) in the tie-breaker and then lost to Canada 1-2 in the Bronze medal clash. Marta had scored two goals and provided two assists in the tournament.

How has Marta performed in international women's football

Since making her international debut in 2002 at the age of 16, Marta has so far played 160 international matches for Brazil and has scored 111 goals so far in her career. She is the all-time highest goalscorer in the Women's World Cup with 17 goals in her kitty in five World Cup appearances. Marta is a six-time FIFA World Player of the Year winner.

What is Brazil women's football team's schedule at Tokyo 2020 Olympics?

After beating China 5-0 in their tournament opener, Marta's Brazil next face Netherlands on July 24 followed by facing Zambia in their final group game on July 27.

Mesut Ozil has aired his "respect" for former Arsenal team-mate Bukayo Saka, with the former Gunners playmaker saying "not many players would dare" to take a penalty in a major international final.

A highly-rated 19-year-old did just that at Euro 2020, but saw his spot-kick saved as England suffered shootout heartache against Italy at Wembley Stadium.

Inevitable criticism has come Saka's way on the back of said outing, despite all that he achieved in the tournament prior to that, but he continues to be backed by current and ex-colleagues to reach the very top of the game.

What has been said?

Ozil, who left Emirates Stadium for Fenerbahce in January, has told Sky Sports of Saka's strong character and exciting potential: "I felt very much for Bukayo. I know from my own experience how it feels to miss a penalty.

"In a final, as the last one, to take on the responsibility of an entire nation as a young player - respect. Not many players would dare to do that."

The World Cup winner added: "Bukayo is a modest young player. I have gotten to know him as a very determined young man who works very hard for his dream and does everything he can to achieve it.

"Bukayo is blessed with a talent that not many have.

"If he remains as humble and determined as he already is, I am 100 per cent convinced that he has a great future ahead of him and can become a great player.

"He's really a great talent, and I'm sure that there are going to be many more big matches for the English national team for him in the future."

Will abuse end?

Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford also missed from the spot as England saw a 55-year wait for international glory extended against the Azzurri.

They, like Saka, have been subjected to racist abuse by online trolls, but all three have vowed not to let hate win and to continue the fight against prejudice and discrimination in modern society.

Ozil also forms part of that cause, with a man who has attracted plenty of criticism himself down the years adding: "Unfortunately there will always be a small part of our community that racially insults and threatens players.

"We should focus much more on the positive messages that keep players strong."

Further reading

Legendary Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o has a huge wish for the 2022 World Cup, to be held in Qatar. And that is for his country to reach the final. 

No African team has ever managed to go past the quarter-finals at a World Cup but Eto'o is hoping The Indomitable Lions can buck the trend in Qatar. Eto'o, who earned 118 caps for Cameroon, feels that the World Cup next year will be a special tournament.

He feels the proximity of the stadiums and the weather in Qatar during November will make it a great experience for fans. And Cameroon as well. 

"I have no doubt that it will be the most beautiful World Cup ever organised. In my opinion, the next World Cup in Qatar will be the greatest event.And I have one wish – to witness a final featuring Cameroon versus Qatar for a once-in-a-lifetime experience," Eto'o, who is a Qatar Legacy Ambassador, told the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC).

"I would encourage everyone to come to Qatar for this special tournament. I hope fans don’t miss the chance to visit and watch two matches a day in the group stage. There are so many beautiful places to visit here in Doha. Fans can have an amazing holiday while also following their passion, football."

He went on to add how perfect the tournament, hosted in the Middle-East for the first time ever, will be for fans and players alike. 

"The weather in December in Qatar is usually around 20 degrees, so it will be perfect conditions for the players, but also for the fans, who I’m sure will have an amazing time exploring Qatar during the tournament."

The 40-year-old, who has played for the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan, is no stranger to winning major tournaments. He has won the Champions League thrice and scored in the finals on two occasions. But more importantly for his countrymen, Eto'o is well-remembered for his starring role in helping Cameroon win the Olympic gold at Sydney in 2000. 

Cameroon beat Spain 5-3 on penalties after a 2-2 scoreline after extra-time. Incidentally, Eto'o had scored the goal that helped Cameroon draw level with Spain and had an extra-time effort chalked out for offside. He also converted a penalty in the shootout.

With the Tokyo Olympics set to start on Friday, Eto'o took the opportunity to remember his exploits 21 years ago. 

"It was an incredible feeling, especially because we had some difficulties during the tournament. I want to take this opportunity to say thank you again to all my teammates, my ”fellow soldiers”, during this tournament. Because it was really tough – but in the end we won the gold medal by beating Spain despite trailing by two goals to nil in the final.

"I thought I had scored the winning goal in the last few seconds of extra-time but the flag went up for offside. Thankfully, we won the penalty shootout 5-3 to win the first ever Olympic gold medal in any sport for Cameroon. To have the privilege to be part of such a historic moment for my country at an early stage in my career was really special and something I will never forget."

He also highlighted their quarter-final game against Brazil, who had the likes of Ronaldinho in their roster, where they won 2-1 after extra-time, thanks to a golden goal. 

"Yes, against Brazil, in the quarter-final when the match went into extra time with the golden goal rule. Brazil had a great team with players such as Ronaldinho and were the favorites to win the tournament. Not many people fancied us to beat Brazil, but we always believed, even when we had two players sent off, meaning we played extra time with just nine players. In the second half of extra time, Modeste Mbami scored the winning goal that sent us through to the next round and kept our dream of creating history alive. 

"I will always remember the moment when Modeste scored. We all began to run after him to celebrate. While eight or nine of us all chased after him, the Brazilians put the ball back in the centre circle, believing the match would continue. But the game was over and we had qualified with the golden goal.

"To win an Olympic gold medal was really special and is something I will always treasure."

Eto'o asserted that he will be keenly following the Olympics in Tokyo and will watch out for potential stars of the future emerging from the football tournament.

"Anyone who is passionate about sport will naturally follow the Olympic Games. It is a major sporting competition and those who love sport will not miss it. I will be watching the athletics, swimming…there are so many sports to follow. The Olympics is the pinnacle for sport in general.

"For footballers we all want to be at a World Cup, which is the biggest event for us, but for other sports, it’s all about the Olympic Games.

"The football tournament at the Olympics will always have a special place in my heart having won the tournament with Cameroon in 2000. With the teams restricted to using mostly players that are under 23, it is a great opportunity to develop younger players and give them an opportunity to represent their country at a major international tournament. The Olympics has helped create many stars of the future so I will of course be watching in the hope that we see some exciting young players make a name for themselves.

"The Olympics and the World Cup are real celebrations of sport where millions of dreams can come true," he added. 

Ghana skipper is set to join Qatari side Al Sadd, the club have announced.

The 31-year-old is expected to seal a transfer on Thursday, having become a free agent following his departure from English Championship fold Swansea City in June.

According to media reports, the attacker will be paid around $220,000 [€186,514.39] a month by the Asian club, who are coached by Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez.

"Al Sadd have reached an agreement to sign Ghanaian star Andre Ayew," the Qatari outfit have announced on social media.

"The player will arrive in Doha in the morning to complete the routine procedures, followed by the signing of the contract and the official announcement."

It is the first time Ayew will play professional club football outside Europe.

Earlier this month, he was linked to English Premier League side Crystal Palace for a possible reunion with younger brother Jordan.

Turkish club Goztepe has also been named as a possible next destination. 

"I cant’s say much. There are a lot of things in the pipeline in various leagues. I feel that I have what it takes to play in the best divisions, whether it is in England or France or Italy… I don’t have a particular place [for now],” Ayew told Joy FM on about his future earlier this month.

“There also offers coming in from the Gulf, the Asia side etc… So I need to take my time and make the right decision for me, but also for the nation with all [Afcon and World Cup qualifiers] we have coming ahead.

"I will take my time, look at it very well and hopefully, sooner than later we will all be clear on something because I know that my fellow brothers and sisters, all Ghanaian people are waiting for that with a lot of impatience."

Last season, Ayew made 46 league appearances for Swansea City who reached the Championship promotion play-off final where they succumbed to Brentford.

He netted 17 goals in the matches, ending the term as the club’s top scorer, just as he did the season earlier.

He formerly also played for West Ham United, Turkish side Fenerbahce and French clubs Olympique Marseille, Lorient and Arles-Avignon.

Orlando Pirates and adidas have unveiled the club’s Home and Away kit for the 2021/22 season – and it’s a combination of the old and the new, with one jersey showcasing the club’s classic look, and the second introducing a fresh new design to highlight the Buccaneers’ youthful energy.

The home jersey gives a strong nod to a club always respectful of its traditions, reimagining the iconic black colourway of Orlando Pirates, and introducing a subtle, embossed skull and crossbones on the front of the jersey.

It features a round neck collar, with the signature three white adidas stripes on the shoulder and red piping on the sleeve. 

This season’s away kit is where the club breaks with tradition for a second year in a row. Following last season’s bold orange away jersey, the 2021/2022 away kit is a striking mint colour, with white cuffs and a V-neck.

The embossed skull and crossbones are offset on the side of the jersey, providing further evidence of the Club’s constant progression, looking to surprise and delight fans with unexpected ideas.

“Orlando Pirates is a unique team with a unique history in South African football. We wanted to keep the design of this season’s kit simple, but bold enough to reflect the expectation of the Club for the coming season, and that is to win. We want to give our players and supporters a sense of pride when they put on this season’s jersey,” said Thandi Merafe, Media Officer, Orlando Pirates Football Club.

Bob Maphosa, Sports Marketing Manager for adidas South Africa said: “Orlando Pirates is a club that stands for creativity and innovation, so we focused on bringing a new and unique element to this season’s kit, whilst staying true to the Club’s heritage.” 

The new Orlando Pirates kit will be worn for the first time on the pitch during the Carling Black Label Cup on 1st of August 2021.

It will be available to purchase from today, 22nd of July 2021 exclusively at the Pirates Shop at Orlando Stadium, online at piratesshop.co.za at a retail price of R799 (Men & Women), R699 (Kids) and adidas.co.za, and adidas Sandton Flagship Store.

From the 26th of July 2021 it will be available in adidas stores countrywide, and sports retailers across the country from 29th July, at a retail price of adults (Men & Women) R999, kids R899.

Without a doubt, last season was bittersweet for Leicester City; there was that glorious FA Cup triumph — the first in the club’s history — but the campaign ultimately ended on a sour note on the final day of the Premier League.

At half-time in gameweek 38, the Foxes were set for their second-ever Champions League journey, but a second-half collapse against Tottenham Hotspur at the King Power Stadium meant they had to lick their wounds for the second season running.

While the immediate schadenfreude was particularly excessive, it was dismissively devoid of any context.

Admittedly, back-to-back final day defeats which resulted in missing out on Champions League football had to rankle, Brendan Rodgers’ team were already punching above their weight and running on empty in both campaigns.

Kelechi Iheanacho somewhat typified the Foxes’ overachievement in 20/21, particularly in the second half of the season when Jamie Vardy’s goalscoring numbers plummeted, James Maddison missed huge chunks of the run-in and Harvey Barnes was absent through injury.

The Nigeria forward’s ascent to prominence allowed the East Midlands side to stay in the race for as long as they did, but it ultimately wasn’t enough.

Iheanacho netted an impressive 11 league goals in the final 12 games and equally played a giant part in their run to a first FA Cup final since 1968.

Despite the arrival of Patson Daka, the forward remains pleased to be back for pre-season, is looking forward to the season ahead and believes his side won’t falter this time around.

“Obviously, I scored goals last season. I think, this season, we really need to do more and focus on our games,” Iheanacho told the club's official website on Monday. “I have a good feeling that this season, it might fall for us and we will get what we want.

"As I said before, we need to concentrate and focus on the games, one after the other and hopefully, we will get there in the end," Iheanacho added. “I pray for more goals, but most importantly, more wins and more points.”

It goes without saying, but what Leicester desire has to be a return to Champions League football. It would be only their second appearance among Europe’s elite, yet there’s an admiration for how the club is run and for their concerted effort in upsetting the top six applecart.

In that sense, it essentially makes next season make-or-break for the Foxes because finishing in the top four in 21/22 will be doubly difficult than it was in the preceding campaigns…theoretically, at least.

The Manchester clubs are favourites for two of the Champions League spots, owing to City’s league dominance and continued CL involvement under Pep, and United’s ambition in the transfer market so far.

European champions Chelsea, despite a lack of transfer investment so far, will make finishing in the top four the absolute minimum target for the season, while Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool aren’t expected to be as poor as they were results-wise until the closing stages of last season.

Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip have all returned from long-term injuries, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is back in training after missing Euro 2020. Sadio Mane, awfully below-par for the first time in years, is expected to get better and Mohamed Salah just promises a torrent of goals, good performances or otherwise.

Arsenal mustn’t be discounted either.

Mikel Arteta’s men have quietly added to their squad in the summer — signing Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares so far, with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Ben While expected to follow — and the North London side’s European absence in 21/22 means they can throw everything they have into finishing in the top four for the first time since 2015/16.

Throw in the Africa Cup of Nations expected to take place between January and February and Leicester’s prospects may weaken. Having to do without Wilfred Ndidi, Iheanacho and Daka for the month-long showpiece might be detrimental and it’ll be interesting to see how Rodgers navigates that period amid the busy English football calendar.

Given the difficulty of making CL football via the league, you sense the Europa League may offer even greater value for Rodgers and his troops. The winner gets an automatic slot to Europe’s elite tournament and Villarreal are the latest beneficiary of the incentive.

The Yellow Submarine’s win over Man United in May will see Unai Emery’s team return to the competition for the first time since 2011/12, a possibility Rodgers may well explore if league qualification appears slim.

Undoubtedly, the former Liverpool boss will require Vardy to return to form, Iheanacho by and large continuing his fine run and Daka adapting swiftly to produce goals, while the pair of Ndidi and Youri Tielemans need to thrive yet again in midfield, with the former hopefully staying fit for the majority of the campaign.

Despite Iheanacho’s bullishness, the Nigerian has to be aware of the challenge that awaits. Indeed, securing a Champions League slot regardless of the teams they’re competing with will arguably be Leicester’s greatest achievement since that unforgettable 2017 PL win.

Turkish Super Lig club Konyaspor have confirmed the signing of former Standard Liege winger Paul Jose Mpoku on a two-year contract with the option of a year extension.

The move marked a return to Europe for the 29-year-old who spent the last one and a half years in the United Arab Emirates with Al Wahda.

Mpoku left Al Wahda at the end of the 2020-21 season where he played 20 matches with five goals to his name in the Arabian Gulf League.

The DR Congo international becomes the second African star in Ilhan Palut's team after Uganda's Farouk Miya.

“We signed a 2+1 year contract with Democratic Congolese Paul Jose Mpoku,” the Super Lig club announced on their website.

“Continuing its transfer efforts, our İttifak Holding Konyaspor has finally agreed with the Democratic Congolese national football player Paul Jose Mpoku, who played in the United Arab Emirates team Al-Wahda.

“On behalf of our club, Suleyman Oguz, one of our chief executives, and Ali Camgiz, one of our board members, attended the signing ceremony held at MEDAS Konya Metropolitan Stadium.

“Paul Jose Mpoku, who plays in the wing, number 8 and 10 positions, will wear the number 40 jersey for our team.”

Mpoku has enjoyed a nomadic career with previous stints at Tottenham Hotspur, Leyton Orient, Cagilari, Chievo and Panathinaikos.

During his stay at Standard Liege, the 29-year-old won the Belgian Cup in the 2017-18 season and he helped the Reds finish as First Division A runner-up in the 2013-14 and 2017-18.

Although he played for Belgium youth teams, Mpoku later pledged his international allegiance to Democratic Republic of Congo in 2015 and he played for the Leopards at the 2015 and 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon and Egypt respectively.

He is the brother of new Arsenal signing Albert Sambi Lokonga.

Alex Scott will become the first English-speaking female FIFA video game commentator when FIFA 22 releases this fall.

The BBC and Sky Sports pundit, who competed for Arsenal and England as a player, called the move a "big moment" in bringing more representation to the industry. She will reportedly appear in the game as a pitch-side reporter.

Scott follows in the steps of Spanish presenter Nira Juanco, who became the very first female commentator for any language the history of the series in FIFA 21.

What has been said?

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EA, the publisher of FIFA, has moved toward a more diverse presentiation for its popular game, however there are more barriers that can be cleared.

After all, the company's American football series Madden has long included female sideline voices, but a co-commentary role in a major sport title remains elusive.

Nonetheless, Scott appears thrilled to feature in the upcoming FIFA 22 game, which is expected to be one of the year's most popular releases. She has certainly earned the opportunity, having been a staple of BBC coverage in her post-playing career.

Further reading

Mohamed Camara scored the only goal as Olympiakos grabbed a 1-0 win over Azerbaijani club Neftci in the first-leg of their Uefa Champions League qualifiers on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old broke the deadlock at the Stadio Georgios Karaiskaki in the 29th minute following a corner by Mathieu Valbuena.

A few minutes after his opener, Camara received a straight red card for a  challenge on Namik Alaskarov in the 43rd minute.

Also in action for Olympiakos were Egypt's Ahmed Hassan Kouka, Senegal's Pape Cisse, Cameroon's Pierre Malong and Guinea's Aguibou Camara.

Neftci, on the other hand, had Nigeria's Yusuf Lawal, Sao Tome e Príncipe's Harramiz, Senegal's Mamadou Mbodj and Guinea's Mamadou Kane on parade.

The goal separated both teams for 90 minutes and it gave the Greek champions a first-leg advantage for the return fixture at the Bakcell Arena on July 28.

Wednesday’s effort was Camara’s second goal in the Champions League after he opened his goal account in a group stage fixture against Marseille last December.

The Guinea international scored the Legends’ only goal in their 2-1 loss to the French Ligue 1 club.

Camara has been at Olympiakos since 2018 when he left French Ligue 2 club Ajaccio, and he has made himself a key player in Pedro Martins' team with his contributions in the middle of the park.

He has won two consecutive Super League crowns with a Greek Cup with the Legends.

Elsewhere in Eindhoven, Mostafa Mohamed's Galatasaray were thrashed 5-1 by PSV in another Champions League qualifiers.

The Egypt international was introduced as a 61st-minute substitute alongside Algeria's Sofiane Feghouli while DR Congo's Christian Luyindama and Nigeria's Jesse Sekidika played the entire duration for the Turkish Super Lig club.