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David Alaba has revealed that he is eager to play alongside Manchester United-linked centre-back Raphael Varane after completing his long-awaited switch to Real Madrid.

Alaba was officially unveiled at Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday after signing for the Blancos on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract with Bayern Munich.

The Austria international has committed to a five-year deal with Real, and now hopes to get the chance to form a strong partnership with Varane, whose own future has been the subject of much debate in recent weeks.

What's been said?

Varane is reportedly eager to take up a new challenge in the Premier League with United, who have been tipped to launch a formal offer for the World Cup winner in the coming days.

Real may be forced to cash in on Varane with his current contract due to expire in 2022, but Alaba wants to see him remain at the Bernabeu after years of admiring the centre-half from afar.

"Of course I would love to play with Varane," Alaba said during his unveiling on Wednesday. "For many years he has played excellent football and not just now.

"He is a wonderful defender and has great qualities."

Alaba inherits Ramos' No.4 jersey

Alaba has been handed the No.4 jersey that Sergio Ramos made his own during his trophy-laden 16-year spell on Real's books and, although he is honoured to be following in the club legend's footsteps, he says he wants to carve out his own legacy in the Spanish capital.

"They only had this number available but I know what this number means for the club," he said. "For me, it's an honour to wear it. I want to honour this number. It really motivates me. It's a number that represents strength and leadership.

"I haven't come here to compare myself to other players. I've come here to be Alaba and to continue to be Alaba. I want to bring my qualities to this team. I'm a versatile player. I can play in different positions.

"Ramos has been here more than a decade and has played great football and is a leader. We all know that. It would have been a pleasure to have played with him."

Alaba explains decision to join Real 

Alaba went on to reiterate that he turned down a number of other offers in favour of joining Real, with a man who won two European Cups and 10 league titles in 13 years at Bayern now looking forward to opening the next chapter of his career in Spain.

"I decided to take another step in my career to grow as a player and as a person," said Alaba. "Of course I received other offers but, for me, there was only one option and that was Real Madrid. This is a dream come true.

"It's the biggest club in the world and that is the challenge I was looking for."

Alaba also expressed his regret over not getting the chance to play under Zinedine Zidane following his resignation at the end of the 2020-21 campaign, but says he is delighted to have reunited with the Frenchman's replacement Carlo Ancelotti, who managed Bayern 2016-17.

"I was saddened that Zidane left the club but on the other hand, I was very happy that Ancelotti took over," Alaba said. "We have an excellent relationship, having worked with him at Bayern."

Further reading 

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Rushine De Reuck has admitted fatigue has caught up with him but says it is “worthwhile” to join his club’s pre-season camp straight from Bafana Bafana duty at the Cosafa Cup tournament.

After playing 27 games across all competitions last season, De Reuck went on to represent South Africa in an international friendly match against Uganda in June before taking a few days of rest.
 
He then reported for Bafana camp again for the Cosafa Cup where he went on to start five games and came on as a substitute in one match as they won the regional tournament last Sunday.

While some clubs might have given their players a few days to recuperate from the tournament where they at one time played two games in two consecutive days, Sundowns had De Reuck already training with them on Tuesday.

“Obviously I am tired. I am not going to lie but it's worthwhile for me because I have won a trophy [the Cosafa Cup],” said De Reuck as per Sowetan Live.

“I am very, very happy to be back. Being back at training, seeing the guys, meeting the coaches really made me happy. It wasn’t easy because after we’d won the league I went straight into camp for Bafana.

“I spent a few days at home and then back in camp again to play in the Cosafa Cup, so it wasn’t easy but as footballers, you want to be part of that environment, so you can’t complain.”

After impressive showings in Bafana colours, the defender could form part of coach Hugo Broos’ squad for the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers.

South Africa will be back in action in September when they play against Zimbabwe and Ghana in their bid to qualify for Qatar.

De Reuck admits their Cosafa success brought something for the fans to cheer about after they disappointed by failing to qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals.

“I am really happy that we managed to win the Cosafa Cup. As players we had a bigger responsibility to do well for the country because we’re not in a good state…it’s clear. So, I am happy we made the fans proud,’’ De Reuck said.

Zambia’s debut at the Olympic Games ended in a massive disappointment as they were thrashed 10-3 by the Netherlands on Wednesday afternoon.

The Copper Queens were picked as Africa’s representatives in women’s football after defeating Cameroon 2-1 in the final of Caf Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

However, they started their campaign on a sour note as they were torn apart by Sarina Wiegman’s women with Arsenal’s Vivianne Miedema finding the net on four occasions.

Although captain Barbra Banda got a hat-trick, that could not rescue Bruce Mwape’s side from crumbling at the Miyagi Stadium in Rifu.

Zambia knew they were in for a rough encounter when they leaked in the first goal just after nine minutes as Miedema capitalised on a goalkeeping gaffe from Hapoel Be'er Sheva's Hazel Nali.

Lieke Martens doubled the lead for the Europeans in the 14th minute while Miedema scored her second of the evening a minute later.

Looking dead and buried, Zambia refused to accept defeat as they stepped up their attacking forays to pull one back through treble queen Banda.

In the goal-laden first half, the Netherlands continued to attack as Miedema completed her treble in the 29th minute thanks to an assist from Danielle van de Donk.

Despite the massive lead, Wiegman’s side was not done as they took a four-goal lead through Martens’ second of the day. This time, it was Jackie Groenen who turned provider for the Barcelona striker.

Netherlands went into the half-time break with a 6-1 lead after Shanice van de Sanden scored on the stroke of half-time after being set up by her Wolfsburg attacking partner Jill Roord.

Mwape entered the second attempting to reduce the deficit, albeit, their major undoing was their lack of composure in the final third.

A minute before the half-time break, the 2019 Fifa Women’s World Cup runners-up added to their goal tally through player of the match Miedema who beat goalkeeper Nali for the fourth time in the 13-goal thriller.

Roord completed her brace five minutes later while Lineth Beerensteyn and Victoria Pelova completed the massacre. 

With the game already settled, Banda scored two more goals.

This defeat is Zambia’s worst ever in the history of women’s football – eclipsing the mark set when they were torn apart 6-0 by Nigeria on October 14, 2014.

They would be hoping to bounce back when they take on China PR on July 24 in a Group F fixture.

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Tefu Mashamaite believes coach Stuart Baxter is the right man to help ‘restructure’ the Soweto giants after years of struggling for silverware.

Amakhosi players have gone for six years without laying their hands on any trophy. This was under coaches Steve Komphela, Giovanni Solinas, Ernst Middendorp and Gavin Hunt.

Interestingly, it was returning tactician Baxter who guided them to their last piece of silverware, the Premier Soccer League title in 2015.

“I know he [Baxter] is someone who likes organisation and I feel like for a couple of seasons now, Chiefs have been a bit directionless. They need someone who is going to restructure the team and move it forward and I think he is capable of that,” Mashamaite told Sowetan Live.

Since Baxter’s league title heroics, Chiefs have come close to claiming trophies three times.

They reached the 2019 Nedbank Cup final under Middendorp only to lose to then National First Division side TS Galaxy.

Middendorp was to again preside over an agonising runners-up finish in the 2019/20 Premier Soccer League race.

Hunt then played a major role in helping them reach last season’s Caf Champions League semi-finals before Baxter finished the campaign which they went on to lose in the final to Al Ahly.

Baxter now has another opportunity to help Chiefs win something when he guides them in the MTN8 where Amakhosi face Mamelodi Sundowns in the quarter-finals.

During Baxter’s first stint as Chiefs coach, his first game was against Sundowns, interestingly, in the MTN8 quarter-finals in August 2012.

Mashamaite feels “it is a good omen” for Chiefs to face Masandawana at a similar stage of the same competition Baxter started in 2012 as Chiefs went on to win the PSL title that season.

“Maybe it is a good omen. The last time we were beaten [4-1] by Sundowns and we went on to have a successful campaign in those three years, Stuart was with Chiefs,” said Mashamaite.

“So we can look at it as a new beginning and a new possibility to make a change. But a lot has changed since that game, specifically because we lost 4-1 in that game, but things have changed rapidly since then. 

“From there, we won the Nedbank Cup and MTN8 under Stuart and two championships. Since then, it has been a drought and that’s the unpredictability of football. To use that game as a reference, I think it would be a bit unfair. I believe Stuart is a good coach at the end of the day.”

Kenya have sealed their place in the Cecafa U23 Cup semi-finals after a 2-0 win over South Sudan on Wednesday afternoon.

Reagan Otieno and Benson Omalla scored a goal each after the break, to send the Kenyans through.

Having won the opening match against Djibouti 3-0, another win was all the Emerging Stars needed to advance. However, it was not going to be easy against their opponents who were playing their first game.

The first half ended goalless as both teams missed good chances in front of goal.

However, in the second half, Otieno gave the Stanley Okumbi-led charges a lead in the 51st minute which was his second of the tournament.

The Emerging Stars had to wait until the 79th minute for Gor Mahia forward Omalla to score the second, and his second in the tournament as well. Kenya will now play the Group B winner in the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, Burundi went top of Group B after a 3-0 win over Eritrea. The match was abandoned on Tuesday owing to heavy downfall in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. By the time it was stopped, Burundi were leading by a solitary goal scored by Ismael Nsihimirimana in the 16th minute.

44 minutes were played on Wednesday and Burundi added two more goals to seal maximum points. 

Abdourahmani Rukundo scored the second in the 53rd minute with Issa Hakizimana scoring the third with nine minutes to go.

Kenya Starting XI: Brian Bwire, Bernard Ochieng, Frank Odhiambo, Lewis Bandi, Fredrick Alushula, Marvin Nabwire, Vincent Wasambo, Reagan Otieno, John Njuguna, David Odhiambo, Atola Henry.

Subs: Caleb Omondi, Sylvester Owino, Bonface Mwangemi, Brian Wepo, Sven Yidah, Austine Odhiambo, Oliver Maloba, Josphat Lopaga, Steiner Musasia, Boniface Muchiri, Benson Ochieng, Alfred Tanui

South Sudan XI: John Mayik, Stephen Datha, David Omot, Abkari Mutwakil, Stephen Pawar, Stephen Mandela, Musa Asad, Dominic Kornelio, Peter Loki, Aluk Mabior, Adebo Wani.

Subs: Emmanuel Abal, Julius Moro, Rehan Malong, Samuel Malis, Emmanuel Gama, Michael Omar, Daniel Solong, Christopher Data, Dani Lual, Makueth Akeen, George Ladu

Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood has picked Fulham's Joe Bryan as the toughest opponent of his career to date.

Greenwood has wreaked havoc on defences up and down the country since breaking into United's senior squad in 2019, while also starring in the Champions League and becoming a full senior England international.

The 19-year-old has pitted his wits against some of the world's best centre-halves and full-backs during that time, but he claims that Bryan gave him his most difficult examination yet in the Red Devils' meetings with Fulham last season.

What's been said?

Pressed to name the hardest opponent he has faced, Greenwood told United's official website: "That’s a good question. I’ve probably got to say, it might be a surprising one, but do you know [Joe] Bryan, the one for Fulham?

"He allowed me no space, no time on the ball, when we played them home and away. It was one of my most difficult games for us.

“He’s one you probably wouldn’t think I’d say his name, but he was getting tight to me and not giving me much space. He was a good defender and he was probably my toughest challenge.”

Greenwood v Bryan

Greenwood came up against Bryan for the first time when the Red Devils traveled to Craven Cottage on January 21, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side ultimately emerging with a 2-1 victory thanks to goals from Edinson Cavani and Paul Pogba.

Bryan managed to keep Greenwood quiet on the right wing, and the teenager cut a frustrated figure when he was eventually hauled off for Marcus Rashford in the 85th minute.

The two teams met again at Old Trafford in May, and Cavani doubled his account against the Cottagers with a superb long-range strike to set United on their way to victory with just 15 minutes on the clock.

However, Greenwood produced another subdued display as he struggled to get the better of Bryan, who compounded his misery by heading home a dramatic late equaliser.

Greenwood's United record

Greenwood has racked up 109 appearances for United across all competitions, scoring 29 goals. The forward has also recorded ten assists, and will be expected to reach even greater heights in 2021-22 as Solskjaer's team to seek to bring their five-year trophy drought to an end.

Further reading 

Celebrated South African coach Pitso Mosimane has questioned why coaches from his continent are not nominated for global awards despite their successes.  

The Al Ahly coach has been a success in Africa and recently led Al Ahly to their tenth Caf Champions League title. It was his third crown, having won it initially while at Mamelodi Sundowns, making him the most successful African coach as far as the competition is concerned. Portuguese coach Manuel Jose has won the title four times.

Despite him winning the Caf Coach of the Year twice, the PSL Coach of the Season five times and the Egypt Sports Critics Association Best Manager once, the tactician has not yet received any global recognition. The nominees for the Fifa World Coach of the Year in 2020 were Jurgen Klopp (winner), Hansi Flick and Marcelo Bielsa.

Mosimane questions why Africans don't feature

"There is much we can do. In the awards of the Fifa Player of the Year, the Ballon d’Or, and Coach of the Year, we don’t feature. It is only the Europeans who feature," Mosimane said as quoted by iDiskiTimes.

"I mean, we have won trophies. I have won about nine, but nobody cares. I mean, I am not the coach of Liverpool, but the history stays.

"[Stuart Baxter and] is from Europe, England. The coach against Zamalek [in the Caf Champions League final in 2016 when with Sundowns] was [Manuel Jesualdo Ferreira] from Portugal. Those things don’t matter in a match, you know? So Africa should trust its own people."

"Africans are giving European coaches too much respect"

The 56-year-old believes the tacticians from the continent have what it takes to lead teams to greater heights but the imports are preferred.

"I want to dedicate the [Caf ChampionsLeague] trophy to [Al Ahly president Mahmoud El Khatib]," Mosimane continued

"He came to trust in me, he believed in me, that I could change their fortunes because Al Ahly didn’t win the Champions League for the last few years. And he could have gone to Europe and bring all these Europeans that are always coming to Africa to coach but Africans who can win it ourselves.

"Why don’t we believe that Africans can win? The Africa Cup of Nations was won by Algeria and the coach is Algerian [Djamel Belmadi] and the Cup final was against Senegal with Aliou Cisse. 

"So we sometimes give the Europeans too much respect when we forget who we are. Why are Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah conquering the UEFA Champions League? We just look for anybody from Europe and we give him the team. But we have the resources. Africa has the resources."

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta claimed the Gunners’ desire to have ‘more strength’ and ‘specific qualities’ informed the decision to sign Nuno Tavares.

A graduate of Benfica’s youth setup, the 21-year-old signed a five-year deal for £7m ($9.7m) to become the North Londoners’ first signing of the summer.

Although he is expected to act as a backup to first-choice left-back Kieran Tierney, Tavares is already turning heads at the Emirates Stadium after scoring the club’s equaliser in Sunday’s pre-season game against Rangers.

“We wanted to have more strength and specific qualities in the left-back position, and we identified Nuno a while ago,” Arteta told Arsenal Media.

“To be fair to the scouting department, they have done brilliantly to identify a talent with the qualities that we required, at the age we required and financially it was something we can afford.

“The boy has already been pretty impressive. I think he is the right profile for what we are trying to build here.”

When asked if the fans would be expecting to see more signings like the Cape Verde prospect and Albert Lokonga, the Spaniard responded: “It is one of the profiles, but we need a good mixture as well.

“We need some senior players, players with different types of leadership in the team, with different qualities, people that complement each other.

“At the end of the day, it is about the cohesion of the team so we need a squad that is cohesive that can develop and adapt, that offers different qualities to change games, protect games when we need to and this is what we are trying to build.”

Tavares broke into the A team of the Portuguese elite division side at the beginning of the 2019-20 campaign. In his maiden season, he made 41 senior appearances in all competitions, scoring once and providing seven assists.

Last term, he featured in 14 league games as the Estadio da Luz finished third in the Primeira Liga after amassing 76 points from 34 matches.

Despite representing Portugal at U18, U19 and U21 levels, he is eligible to feature for Cape Verde.

Azam FC have officially confirmed the signing of Kenya midfielder Kenneth Muguna from Gor Mahia.

The 25-year-old confirmed on Tuesday he was leaving the Kenyan champions for a new challenge and despite not mentioning his next destination, Goal exclusively reported he was headed to the Mainland Premier League giants.

The Chamazi-based club has officially unveiled the player on a two-year contract ahead of the new season.

What has been said?

“Azam are delighted to confirm the signing of Kenya international winger Kenneth Muguna on a two-year contract and he is arriving from Gor Mahia,” read part of the statement from the club.

“Muguna is coming to add more punch in the team’s squad and especially the midfield area and the deal will see him stay at Chamazi until 2023.

“Muguna is among the star players in the FKF Premier League, and this season he was nominated the best player for the Shield Cup as his team Gor Mahia won the title on penalties.”

On Wednesday, a source close to the player confirmed to Goal that Muguna will earn four times what he was earning at Gor Mahia.

Muguna to earn four times his Gor Mahia salary 

“Kenneth [Muguna] has agreed on a very lucrative deal with Azam, it is already signed and what is remaining is for the player to travel for the medical and then the unveiling,” the source, who did not want to be named, told Goal on Wednesday.

“I don’t want to mention the amount Azam will pay for his services but what I know is he will pocket four times more than what he was getting at Gor Mahia per month, it is a good deal for him and I know he will shine when he joins the team.”

The arrival of Muguna brings to four the number of new signings at Azam, who are handled by Zambian George Lwandamina, the other three being Charles Zulu, Rodgers Kola from Zambia, and Taifa Stars defender Edward Manyama.

Muguna has now joined two other Kenyans in the Tanzanian league – Joash Onyango of Simba SC and Farouk Shikhalo of Yanga SC.

Further FKF Premier League reading 

Chelsea have narrowly avoided an Arsenal-like Covid-19 shutdown after several members of the playing staff tested positive for the virus.

One first-team player and some from the academy building tested positive and have had to isolate for 10 days during the club's pre-season preparations.

Sources have told  Goal that it temporarily risked the cancellation of their Ireland training camp, but further testing cleared key players to travel and exit their isolation periods following contacts with those who had tested positive.

What does it mean for Chelsea?

For Chelsea, it remains business as usual as Thomas Tuchel targets as normal a pre-season as possible to implement his ideas.

Tuchel has already trialled a new formation in the opening pre-season 6-1 win over Peterborough United,  which was played behind closed doors.

There will be another behind-closed-doors fixture in Ireland against a local team before Chelsea face Bournemouth, Tottenham and Arsenal in front of near-full stadiums.

The bigger picture

With many footballers still on holiday due to their participation in summer tournaments, there's concern about further self-isolation periods for key players ahead of the new season.

It extends beyond Chelsea, with Arsenal having to cancel their tour of the United States, where they were due to face Inter on Saturday and a second game against either Everton or Millonarios.

The Gunners have had several positive tests and are seeing playing staff isolate, while a smaller group now continues to train.

Manchester City have also seen a Covid-19 outbreak shut their academy building, which remains in a bubble away from their first-team set-up.

The rises in cases across football come during a huge spike across wider society in the United Kingdom, with coronavirus restrictions having been lifted in England on Monday.

With footballers and their families now allowed more freedoms as cases continue to rise, there are concerns within the game that it could impact the start of the new season.

Further reading

Israeli top-flight club Beitar Jerusalem have announced the signing of Ghana international Richmond Boakye-Yiadom.

The striker joins The Lions from the Capital on a one-year contract, with an option to extend for a further one year.

Last season, he was on the books of Polish outfit Gornik Zabrze for the second half of the campaign where his short-term contract expired.

"Beitar Jerusalem is pleased to announce the signing of the offensive striker Richmond Boachi (28, 1.86 cm), who signed with the team for one season with an option for another season," Beitar have announced on their official website.

"The striker, who has made 14 appearances for the [Ghana] senior team, holds an impressive resume, and has gone through very significant nodes during his career.

"He has previously played in Italy (bought by Juventus, played in Sassuolo, Genoa, Latina and Atalanta), Spain (Elche), the Netherlands (Roda JC), Serbia (Red Star Belgrade) China (Jiangsu Suning) and Poland (Gornik Zabrze), with a total transfer fee crossing the 16 million euro mark.

"The player, who is currently in Ghana, is expected to join the club in Israel and will be part of our Yellow and Black Army, which will begin its journey as early as next Saturday in the Toto Cup game against Hapoel Jerusalem at Teddy Stadium."

At the Polish outfit, he made 13 league appearances, failing to find the back of the net in any of the matches.

In the first half of the term, he made eight league appearances for Red Star Belgrade, scoring twice.

Boakye will be hoping to make the most of his time with Beitar to impress Ghana coach CK Akonnor for a return to national duty.

His name was last found on a Ghana squad list in March last year when a selection was announced for a double-header against Sudan, a set of fixtures which were later postponed due to the outbreak of the coronavirus disease at the time.

The Black Stars' next squad is expected to be unveiled ahead of their 2022 World Cup qualifying fixtures against Ethiopia and South Africa in September. 

Diego Simeone has admitted that Saul Niguez could leave Atletico Madrid this summer amid links with Barcelona and Manchester United.

Saul has spent his entire career to date on Atletico's books, but it has been reported that the 26-year-old is eager to call time on his illustrious spell at Wanda Metropolitano and undertake a new challenge.

Simeone has now confirmed that Saul is unsatisfied with his current role in the team, and says he won't stand in his way if the club receive a suitable offer from a potential suitor in the coming weeks.

What's been said?

The Atletico boss told AS of the midfielder's situation: "Last season he (Saul) spoke with the club, with us about his needs and what he spoke about was the option of having a position on the pitch where he feels more important.

"And I consider that Saul became Saul by playing everywhere, but he or many of those around him see it as something negative. 

"He is very important for Atletico because he can play as a full-back, right-wing, midfielder. He gives us a lot of options to be able to count on him. He is a player who, in that version and playing how the coach needs him to, performs very well."

Simeone added on the possibility of Saul moving onto pastures new: "We cannot put aside what is rumoured and talked about.

"If he has to leave, give him a big hug, wish him the best with the boys who gave us life and to continue being friends, as always. Either to Barcelona or elsewhere."

Where could Saul end up?

Barcelona has been touted as the most likely next destination for Saul amid reports he could head to Camp Nou in an exchange deal involving Antoine Griezmann, who has struggled to live up to expectations since joining the Blaugrana from Atletico in 2019.

However, Premier League giants Manchester United are also being credited with an interest in the Spain international as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seeks to bolster his options ahead of the 2021-22 campaign.

Saul's Atletico career

Saul initially made his Atletico debut back in 2012, and has since appeared in 337 games across all competitions for Simeone's side, scoring 43 goals while also contributing 19 assists.

He still has five years left to run on his current contract, and has won six trophies during his time at Wanda Metropolitano, including one La Liga title, two Europa League crowns and the Copa Del Rey.

Further reading 

The African Super League is back on the agenda, with new Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe again discussing the launch of the new initiative earlier this month.

The curtain may have just fallen on last season and the Caf Champions League, but already the attention has turned to the potential Super League.

So many questions abound around the project…

What would be the buy-in? What would be the format? How many teams would be included?

All of these queries and more are addressed in a recent episode of the African Football HQ podcast, as the team discuss the concept of the Super League and dig deep on some of the big issues.

One of the hottest talking points is the makeup of the maiden African Super League, with Caf surely facing a major headache as they look to draw up an original list of competitors.

Regional qualifiers have been mooted, and indeed, it could be the only potentially reasonable way to begin to decide upon a field of competitors.

However, the prospect of a closed shop of 20 teams continues to look like a potential option for African football, and while it would be a money-spinning proposal, it risks leaving many continental heavyweights on the outside.

Of course, the likes of Al-Ahly, SC Zamalek, Wydad Casablanca, Esperance and Etoile du Sahel would be shoo-ins to be included, as would Mamelodi Sundowns.

Soweto Derby duo Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs would need to take their place among the elite, but could the PSL justify having three teams in the tournament even though they’ve only produced one Caf Champions League winners since 1995?

Certainly, Chiefs reached the Caf CL final this season, but they have only one continental honour—an African Cup Winners’ Cup won in 2001—and after finishing eighth in the South African top flight, how could an argument be made that they deserve inclusion?

Indeed, if the Amakhosi are included as a historical giant in Africa, then which other historical giants will demand their place among the elite?

Should Asante Kotoko or Hearts of Oak take their place in the Super League? Or what of ASEC Mimosas?

Surely, some West African representation must come from Nigerian, but former African champions Enyimba are currently sat down in fourth in the NPFL and there are no guarantees they will return to the continent’s top flight next term.

Chelsea have opened talks to hand Dujon Sterling a new contract, Goal can confirm.

The Blues have been impressed with the 21-year-old's comeback from injury and his training performances under Thomas Tuchel in pre-season.

The wing-back, whose current deal expires in 2022, is keen to stay at Chelsea but Tuchel's stance in the talks remains key, while there are Championship clubs also contacting the Blues over a possible loan move.

Could Sterling line up for Chelsea next season?

Tuchel has given a lot of positive feedback to Sterling over the last six months since his return from a long-term injury in January.

Having spent last season playing with the Under-23s, Sterling also trained a lot under Tuchel.

Sterling played in Chelsea's 6-1 opening pre-season win over Peterborough United, completing 45 minutes like all the other outfield players.

He is with the first-team squad which has travelled to Ireland and they will face a local team behind closed doors on Thursday. Afterward, they return to England and play friendly matches against Bournemouth, Arsenal and Tottenham in front of supporters ahead of the new season.

After seeing Chelsea's talks to sign Paris Saint-Germain new boy Achraf Hakimi break down, there could be a first-team space available for Sterling, who predominantly likes to play as a right wing-back.

Chelsea are also set to lose their current Academy Player of the Year Tino Livramento, who plays in the same position, as part of a youth exodus at the club.

Is Sterling fit to play?

Sterling was rated as highly as any Chelsea academy graduate but a serious non-Covid illness followed a hamstring injury that left him out for 13 months.

Chelsea are convinced that he has made a full recovery having monitored his recovery over the last few seasons.

Along with Sterling, the likes of Armando Broja, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Ross Barkley, Conor Gallagher, Malang Sarr and Trevoh Chalobah are all also out to impress Tuchel over pre-season.

Further reading

Kenneth Muguna will earn four times what he was earning at Gor Mahia when he seals a transfer move to Azam FC.

Goal can exclusively reveal the former Western Stima player will next season turn out for the ‘Ice-cream Makers’ in the Tanzanian Mainland Premier League.

A source privy to the deal has confirmed to Goal that Muguna has signed a bumper contract with the Chamazi-based club.

What has been said?

“Kenneth [Muguna] has agreed on a very lucrative deal with Azam, it is already signed and what is remaining is for the player to travel for the medical and then the unveiling,” the source, who did not want to be named, told Goal on Wednesday.

“I don’t want to mention the amount Azam will pay for his services but what I know is he will pocket four times more than what he was getting at Gor Mahia per month, it is a good deal for him and I know he will shine when he joins the team.”

On Tuesday, the 25-year-old midfielder sent a farewell message to Gor Mahia confirming his exit.

Muguna's farewell to Gor Mahia

“When I arrived at this great club I was just a young man with dreams of representing the biggest club in the country, I didn't expect things to go as well as they did but you made it a lot easier for me and not to forget the high level of players with so much quality who were always there to support and make me feel comfortable,” Muguna wrote.

“Looking at what I have achieved at the club is so satisfying, I was lucky enough to play under great coaches and a great management as well a bunch of good players.

“Thanks to the chairman [Ambrose Rachier] and the whole management for their effort in renewing my contract though I felt like I needed a new challenge.

“Thanks for the years we spent together and I hope that we enjoy the remaining matches.”

Further FKF Premier League reading 

AFC Leopards coach Patrick Aussems has once again hit out on poor officiating in his team's 3-2 loss to Western Stima at Nakuru ASK grounds on Tuesday.

Ingwe went into the fixture seeking to bounce back after losing 2-0 against leaders Tusker, but they found it tough after the Powermen scored through Michael Karamor in the 13th and 15th minutes, and Geoffrey Ojunga in the 89th minute, to seal a double over them this season.

Collins Shivachi scored in the 87th minute with Boniface Mukhekhe scoring the second in the fifth minute of added time, but it was too little too late for the 13-time league champions.

"Referees are unprofessional"

The former Simba SC coach conceded defeat but was unhappy with the way the match was officiated.

"We were very bad in the first half so we were punished, we played well in the second half... we created chances but lacked efficiency in front of goal," Aussems told Goal.

"But the biggest problem, I don't want to complain or cry, but I think you should talk about officiating. It was poor and for football in Kenya, I don't understand.
I accept the defeat, and congratulate Western Stima but [the officiating] every weekend is terrible.

"I am a professional coach, we have professional players unfortunately we don't have professional referees and that is the problem. I don't want to keep on complaining every now and then, but I think the federation needs to do something.

Are Leopards still in the title race?

After Tuesday's loss, Ingwe are third on the log with 43 points, 12 less than leaders Tusker FC. Leopards have won 13 matches, drawn four, and lost eight games. 

The Brewers have played 26 matches and managed 16 wins, seven draws, and three losses. KCB are in second position with 48 points from 24 matches. They have won 14, drawn 6, and lost four games.

"We are out of the title race and my focus is helping the players to prepare for the next season by winning the remaining matches," Aussems stated.

"I hope these guys in black and yellow [referees] will let us win."

Amiens SC vice-president Luigi Mulazzi has fired a warning at Bafana Bafana international Bongani Zungu, who is linked with Kaizer Chiefs.

The 28-year-old central midfielder is yet to report for pre-season training at the French Ligue 2 side following a loan spell at Scottish giants Rangers. 

Zungu spent the 2020/21 campaign with Rangers where they clinched their first Scottish Premiership title since 2011.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns player is currently back home in South Africa and he is rumoured to be close to joining Chiefs with the Soweto giants free to sign new players after the club's Fifa transfer ban ended on July 1.

However, Mulazzi has made it clear Zungu remains their player and he instructed the Duduza-born player to return to the club.

"He is part of the workforce, he is an employee of Amiens SC. He must be present at his workplace," Mulazzi said on Courrier Picard. 

Zungu still has one year left on his contract with Amiens with the club nicknamed the Slayers expected to fight for promotion to Ligue 1 during the upcoming 2021/22 campaign.

Recent rumours have indicated Chiefs are looking to sign Zungu, who flourished for Bafana under Amakhosi's new head coach Stuart Baxter.

Zungu was arguably South Africa's best player at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Egypt as Baxter guided Bafana to the quarter-finals.

It has been said that the British tactician is keen to work with Zungu at the Naturena-based giants hence the club is interested in the former University of Pretoria player. 

Amiens have reportedly put a massive a £2.7 million (R54m) price tag on Zungu which may prove a stumbling block for Chiefs if they decide to pursue the gifted player.

The Slayers are set to start the 2021/22 Ligue 2 term with a clash against AJ Auxerre on July 24.