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If you have a half-hour to spare or some time to pass, a highly recommended activity would be watching Michael Olise play football.

One YouTube search could leave you all smiles at the sheer ease with which the 19-year-old glides past his marker. One moment you have him in your sights and the next he’s slithered past and has left even the covering defender in his wake.

Reading were undoubted beneficiaries of the maverick’s talent, but his move to Crystal Palace means the returning supporters at Selhurst Park ought to have loads of fun next season.

In a sport that can be monotonous to watch these days, particularly as managers hammer home the need for automatisms that leave little room for individual expression, Olise has the appearance of someone from the 1990s or early 2000s.

A constant theme of the tyro’s highlight reel is how he constantly gets himself out of tight spaces.

It looks easy — and maybe it is to him — but his technique, deft touch, ball retention and playmaking will definitely fascinate fans in 2021/22. One sequence of play against Swansea City sees the teen outmanoeuvre three markers at the touchline with a Cruyff turn and goes past a fourth, despite the player’s attempts to thwart him with a desperate tackle.

The montage switches just as the 19-year-old is about to play a through-ball…and the very next highlight sees Olise suck in his marker with a seemingly heavy touch, letting him believe he has a chance to win back possession, only to dink it over the committed defender.

That’s raw talent. That’s an ultimate entertainer.

In summary: Olise epitomises the E in exciting and the F in fun.

Having said that, there’s the need to present a balanced analysis.

The last campaign under Veljko Paunovic was arguably the wunderkind's breakout season and it brought about an increase in productivity. He netted seven times, registered a staggering 12 assists and fashioned out double figures in big chances, smashing previous returns in preceding years.

Given the teenager had hitherto never achieved such numbers, there are obvious doubts about the youngster replicating 19 goal contributions in the Premier League. Frankly, Olise is unlikely to…not in 21/22 at least.  

Aside from the obvious difference in the quality of both leagues will be Palace’s analogous approach, despite Patrick Vieira’s inclination to play possession-based football.

Reading were not a possession-hungry side last term, but they did keep the ball better than the average side in the Championship, ranking eighth with an average of 52 percent. By contrast, Palace under Roy Hodgson sat third-bottom averaging 40 percent ball possession.

Whether or not the Arsenal icon can get the Eagles side playing front-foot football remains to be seen, yet the aforementioned suggest the talent will see less of the ball if the Frenchman is unable to preside over a drastic alteration in approach.

In truth, the presence of Wilfried Zaha in South London means this was always likely to be the case, as Eberechi Eze found out last season.

The former Queens Park Rangers man was the stand-out player at the West London club in 2019/20 but shared responsibility with the Ivory Coast star in Hodgson’s final season.

Be that as it may, it didn’t stop the Anglo-Nigerian sporadically showing his talent, evidenced by solo goals in both clashes against relegated Sheffield United which demonstrated his obvious quality.

The playmaker’s long-term injury, Zaha wanting out and Jordan Ayew’s lack of goals raised doubts over Vieira’s attempts to revamp the overall playing style at Palace.

Throw in the squad’s average age as well as the plethora of players expected to depart, and the former Arsenal midfield man faces an uphill task.

Even though the mission ahead will be problematic, the arrival of Olise and the expected signing of Ivory Coast-born centre-back Marc Guehi ought to excite supporters. The former is a 19-year-old attacking midfielder whose talent may light up the top flight for years to come, while the outgoing Chelsea defender is only two years older than the playmaker.

Early indications point to a forward-thinking approach from Palace to buy into their new trainer’s revamp and potentially help the next manager if the incumbent can’t take them through a successful transition.

Of course, the 1998 World Cup winner has to decide on his best formation and Olise’s best position. The youngster featured predominantly in the hole with a license to roam last season, while he played a considerable quantity of matches as a wide playmaker on the right.

Excitingly, the Palace overhaul is slowly taking shape. The Eagles travel to cross-town rivals Chelsea on the opening weekend and an obvious sub-plot will be Vieira’s official bow in the dugout, while Guehi’s return to the European Champions won’t go unnoticed.

It could also be the perfect stage for Olise, a product of the club, to introduce himself to Premier League football at Stamford Bridge.

Kamaldeen Sulemana appeared set for Ajax, but there has been a new twist, and it now looks as if he is headed for France where he will join Rennes.

That's how the transfer episode has sensationally developed in the last 24 hours.

After a stellar season in the Danish Superliga where he registered 10 goals and four assists, the Ghana winger caught the attention of some of Europe's best clubs, including Manchester United, Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen.

But it was Ajax who were believed to be the front-runners after director of football Marc Overmars watched him score against Copenhagen in May.

Earlier this week, the Dutch side were said to be closing in on their target after some delays but news on Thursday indicated French fold Rennes have dramatically jumped to the front of the queue, with a possible deal announcement on the cards on Friday.

Thousands of people across the continent have taken to social media to react to the unexpected twist of events, with a section excited by the prospect of a deadly combination between the Ghanaian and Belgium attacker of Ghanaian descent, Jeremy Doku, at Roazhon Park.

Below are the best reactions:
 

Wayne Arendse has warned Kaizer Chiefs that they can expect Al Ahly to attack them in search of an early goal.

The Soweto heavyweights will be playing the Red Devils in the Caf Champions League final on Saturday in Casablanca, Morocco. While the defending champions will be targeting their 10th crown, Chiefs will be aiming at landing their first.

It is for the aforementioned reason the ex-Bafana Bafana defender has given Amakhosi a piece of advice on what to expect from his former coach Pitso Mosimane.

What is Mosimane's style?

"Obviously, Pitso respects Chiefs and he will be cautious a bit because he knows they [Chiefs] also have good players. But at the same time, knowing him, he wants to score," Arendse told Sowetan.

"The quicker he can get the goal, the quicker his team can settle because his teams always fight to score first. If they score first, Chiefs would have to come out and that would expose them at the back.

"Pitso [Mosimane] always wants to score, that is how he plays. He always thrives on trying to get the first goal. He imposes his game-plan and that is how he’s been playing all the years…

"He imposes it and forces his opponents into making mistakes. I don’t see Al Ahly sitting back, that is not Pitso's style."

Mosimane, of course, is no stranger to Kaizer Chiefs, having won the PSL title on five occasions during his tenure with Mamelodi Sundowns.

This includes two seasons ago - his final title with the Brazilians - when Amakhosi stumbled on the final day of the season which allowed Mosimane's charges to overtake them.

Who is the favourite?

"Pitso [Mosimane] knows what Chiefs are about, he knows their weaknesses and all that… he knows [South African] football whereas on the other hand Chiefs have probably watched a few games of Al Ahly and they don’t know the depth of each and every player," Arendse continued.

"It’s going to be a very tactical game. Obviously, the game being played at a neutral venue and it being only one leg, it’s anyone’s game. Anyone can win it."

Chiefs made it to the final after defeating Wydad Casablanca 1-0 on aggregate. Amakhosi won the first meeting away by a solitary goal before playing out a goalless draw at home.

The Red Devils made it to the final after a 4-0 aggregate win over Esperance de Tunis. They narrowly won the first leg away from home 1-0 before a 3-0 home victory secured their place in yet another final.

Further Caf Champions League final reading 

U.S. women’s national team legend Hope Solo believes there are no weaknesses in Vlatko Andonovski’s side going into the Olympic Games, meaning there should be no reason to lose in Japan.

Solo joined Goal ’s new podcast, All Of US: The U.S. Women's Soccer Show, to preview the upcoming tournament, which gets under way on Wednesday July 21.

The two-time Olympic gold medalist and World Cup winner also reflected on the controversy that occurred five years ago, when Sweden eliminated the U.S. at the 2016 Games and Solo was suspended by U.S. Soccer for comments made in the aftermath.

‘I don’t see one weakness in the USWNT’

“You look at the players, spectacular players across the board, I don't see one weakness on this side," Solo told Goal. "They shouldn't lose. They absolutely should not lose because of the talent on the field.

“The coach - everybody I know, everybody I've spoken to, players and coaches alike, have a lot of respect for Vlatko, but I think it's very important to keep in mind this is his first international tournament.

“What I have seen in my experience is it's not always about the coach. The coach, the manager, can bring those details, they can help teams win, absolutely. But I have also seen teams win without the organization skills of certain managers so I'm really curious to see how Vlatko is going to do in his first international tournament.

“I have heard and I've seen a little bit of the nerves, a little bit of a lack of organization going in to Japan, and I've seen it with every single coach I've ever played for before every major tournament. We have to remember, managers and coaches, they get nervous too and that's not necessarily a bad thing. It just means that they care as well.”

‘We were ill-prepared for Rio 2016’

The first opponent for the U.S. this summer will be Sweden, who knocked them out in the quarter-finals five years ago. In the wake of that defeat, Solo called her opposition “a bunch of cowards”, referring to their defensive game plan.

Reflecting on those comments today, Solo said: “I'm not going to apologize for being a poor sport. I was p*ssed. I was hurt. We're there to give it our all.

“Our team was ill prepared. We didn't show up to play great soccer - and Sweden, I wanted to go one on one against one of the best forwards in the world, Lotta Schelin. To see her drop back into her 18-yard box, it was tough because when you're playing for your country at the Olympics, it's about leaving it all on the line.

“You're playing with your heart and with passion and to see them drop back defensively, I was p*ssed, and so I ended up calling them cowards. But all was forgiven, we moved on and I have great relationships with the Swedish national team and my friends in Sweden.

Asked if she would do things differently if she could, Solo added: “I think you see male athletes all over the world be angry when they lose and make comments. I think I definitely took a lot of heat, unnecessary heat, for it.

“I made apologies to the people I needed to apologize [to]. The media, they ran with it. But no, I can look at myself in the mirror. At least I cared about losing. I had many teammates who went to party in Rio and didn't really care that we lost the game.”

The Sweden team that Andonovski’s side will face on Wednesday gave them a real scare back in April, almost beating them but for a late, controversial penalty securing the U.S. a 1-1 draw.

“They kind of have everything in their bag,” Solo said, asked what makes them such a challenge. “They're great on set pieces. They have strong goalkeeping. I don't know what it is. It's almost like they got in our heads and they gained some confidence in winning once.

“No disrespect to them, they're a great team with a lot of talent, but I don't have the answer on why they continue to make it very difficult for the United States, because as I said earlier, player for player, the United States should be winning every game.”

Further reading

Contract talks between Barcelona and Ilaix Moriba have come to a standstill, with Goal learning that the Blaugrana suspect Real Madrid may be behind a breakdown in discussions.

The highly-rated 18-year-old is only tied to terms at Camp Nou until the summer of 2022, with another product of the famed La Masia academy system keeping everyone guessing on his future.

The hope in Catalunya is that an agreement can still be found that keeps the hot prospect on their books, but uncertainty reigns for now.

The situation at Barcelona

Barca have informed Moriba that he will not be allowed to work with the rest of the senior squad in pre-season for as long as he stalls on a new deal.

Until fresh terms are agreed, or all parties edge their way towards an agreement, the teenager will be kept out of Ronald Koeman's plans.

Koeman did hand the youngster plenty of competitive action last season, with a senior goal account opened through 672 minutes of action across 18 appearances.

Blancos in the background

Goal has learned that Barca believe Real have a part to play in contract talks with Moriba.

The Catalan giants are of the opinion that Clasico rivals are tempting a player with considerable potential still to be unlocked.

Representatives of the Guinea-born star deny that is the case, with any move to Madrid considered to be "very difficult".

Barca are determined to keep Moriba out of the clutches of any rival as they have invested heavily in his development.

Back in 2019, he was tied to a contract worth €1 million through three seasons - the highest salary awarded to a talent in their youth ranks.

With that show of faith taken into account, such ability will not be allowed to slip through their grasp without a fight.

Barca-Real relations

Any approach from Real for Moriba would force them to butt heads with old adversaries.

That is considered to be unlikely at this stage, with Florentino Perez and Joan Laporta boasting a good working relationship.

They have backed one another through the Super League debacle, with mutual support essential if a much-maligned project is to get off the ground.

Taking that into account, Madrid president Perez would never go behind Laporta's back and risk causing a rift on and off the field.

Further reading

Nkosingiphile Ngcobo has revealed Kaizer Chiefs’ game plan is to beat Al Ahly in 90 minutes during their Caf Champions League final on Saturday.

The Soweto giants will face the Red Devils from Egypt in the final at Mohamed V Stadium looking to stop them from winning a second straight trophy, and tenth overall.

Ahead of the game, Chiefs midfielder Ngcobo suggested the best way to handle the final is by beating Al Ahly in 90 minutes and not take the game to extra time or penalties.

What has been said?

Asked by the Chiefs Media team whether they want to take the game to extra time or penalties, Ngcobo responded: “We just want to play them [Al Ahly] now, obviously we need to be very careful we need to execute our game plan very well, we are prepared to face them and we are ready to fight, we want to finish the game in 90 minutes.

“We have had a great time [since arriving in Casablanca] and our first training was very nice, we have enjoyed ourselves and we are focused on the main mission, and I think the mood is very good so we are looking forward to the game.”

And on climate change, Ngcobo said: “It is a bit hot here but I think it is not bad when you compare it to South Africa but we are focused on the mission ahead and we want to win the trophy.”

On whether the players are tired after flying long hours from OR Tambo Airport to Morocco, Ngcobo explained: “From the long flight I think this training [first training session] has just relaxed us, we have the energy again now and we are fresh to complete our mission.

“I think in today’s [Thursday's] training everyone was on their toes and tomorrow [Friday] is going to be even better and going forward to the match.”

On his fitness level having missed a couple of competitive matches, he said: “I think I am ready, my body is ready, I have been training well and although we have not played a match for some time now, we have prepared very well and are ready to fight and bring the trophy home.”

Further Caf Champions League final reading 

Celtic have announced the signing of Japan international Kyogo Furuhashi from Vissel Kobe.

The 26-year-old will join the Scottish side on a four-year contract subject to international clearance.

The winger is the top scorer in J1 League, having scored 14 goals in 20 matches for the side currently sitting third in Japan's top flight.

What has been said?

“We are delighted to bring Kyogo Furuhashi to Celtic. He is a player of real quality and clearly someone I know well," said new Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou to the club's official website.

“I think he will add something special to our squad and I am sure the way he plays will excite our supporters. We look forward to welcoming him to Celtic."

New beginnings under Postecoglou

Furuhashi is the fourth signing Celtic have made this summer.

The arrival of the attacker comes two days after they landed Liel Abada from Israeli side Maccabi Petah Tikva.

They have also brought in Osaze Urhoghide and Liam Shaw from Sheffield Wednesday in the current transfer window.

The Glasgow side are looking to improve on their disappointing 2020-21 campaign under new coach Postecoglou, who has taken over a side that finished 20 points behind champions Rangers.

Further reading

Carlo Ancelotti has suggested that Isco will be given a clean slate at Real Madrid following several windows of transfer speculation.

The talented Spain international midfielder struggled for regular starts under previous Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane, taking in just eight through 25 La Liga outings last season.

With the 29-year-old's ability never in question there has been plenty of exit talk to be found, but Ancelotti is ready to make the most of considerable experience at his disposal.

What has been said?

The Italian, who is back at Santiago Bernabeu for a second spell, told Real Madrid TV: "I’ve really enjoyed finding those two things: the quality among the youngsters, many of whom I didn’t know very well, and, above all, the hunger and commitment from the likes of [Dani] Carvajal, Nacho, Marcelo, Lucas Vazquez and Isco, who’ve won it all in recent years and still have great desire, excitement and hunger to have a good season, which is what we’re all looking to do."

New arrivals

Ancelotti has inherited a star-studded squad from Zidane, who walked away from the final year of his contract in the Spanish capital.

Real are, however, eager to bolster their ranks and have already got one addition through the door.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe remains a top target, if funds can be freed up from moving a few out, but David Alaba is on board.

The Austria international has joined as a free agent after reaching the end of his contract at Bayern Munich and Ancelotti is embracing the selection headache that his versatility poses.

The Blancos coach said of a player he has previously worked with in Germany: "He’s a strong all-round player with a lot of quality. He’s also very smart in terms of defensive tactics. 

"I played him at centre-back in my last few games at Bayern and he did very well. He played at left wing-back and has a lot of experience and is very smart. He’s capable of playing in both positions and has even played in central midfield for Austria. 

"He’s a strong all-round player who I’m sure will have a really good season."

Further reading

Simba SC striker John Bocco and head coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa have been crowned the best in the Mainland Premier League for the month of June.

The towering striker and the French tactician won their respective awards after beating their closest opponents during the exercise held on Friday.

Bocco was named the best player following his display for the Msimbazi giants where he managed to score three goals from three matches and helped the team to maintain their top spot in the 18-team league table.

The 31-year-old was voted the best of the month ahead of Feisal Salum of Yanga SC and Idd Selemani Nado of Azam FC.

What has been said?

“Bocco was the star attraction for Simba during the month of June as he contributed three goals from their three matches and helped the team to keep their top spot in the top-flight,” read part of the statement from Tanzania Premier League Board obtained by Goal.

This is the second time that Bocco won the award this campaign, having also claimed the gong November. During the month of June, Simba won three straight matches, against Ruvu Shooting 3-0, Polisi Tanzania 1-0, and Mbeya City 4-1.

On his part, coach Da Rosa beat Yanga’s Naserddine Nabi and George Lwandamina of Azam to the crown after winning the three matches and it is also the second time for Da Rosa to clinch the award since he had also won the same in April.

Some of the players to have won the award so far this season include Dube (September), Mukoko Tonombe of Yanga SC (October), John Bocco of Simba (November), Saido Ntibazonkiza of Yanga (December), Deogratius Mafie of Biashara United (January), Anuary Jabir of Dodoma Jiji (February), Luis Miquissone of Simba (March) and Chama of Simba (April).

Coaches who also have won the gong are Cioaba of Azam (September), Cedric Kaze formerly at Yanga (October), Charles Mkwasa of Ruvu Shooting (November), Kaze of Yanga (December), Baraza while at Biashara (January), Zuberi Katwila of Ihefu FC (February), Mohammed Badru of Gwambina FC (March) and Da Rosa of Simba (April).

Further Mainland Premier League final reading 

Gor Mahia are in search for a new coach after they mutually parted ways with Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto, who helped them win the FKF Shield Cup with a win against AFC Leopards. Goal understands that five coaches have already been shortlisted and are from the aforementioned European countries.

"The men already on the club's preferred list are from Serbia, Belgium and the United Kingdom," a source privy to the ongoings at Gor Mahia told Goal on Friday. "It is too early to give names or say who is likely to be our next coach though.
 
"We will undertake the recruitment process with the highest level of professionalism and, in the end, we hope to get the most qualified coach. We need a coach who will help push our ambitions both in the local domestics and in the Caf games.
 
"Experience is a key ingredient and that has always guided us in recruiting the previous coaches and it is not going to be different this time around. We have always selected top-notch coaches and the results have shown we have been doing a great recruitment job."
 
Recently, another source at the club revealed why they would go for a foreign coach instead of appointing a local one: "We have experienced great successes with coaches from outside and that does not mean we do not respect our local talents," the source said.
 
"Any time we appoint a foreign coach, we must ensure the technical bench consists of Kenyans who understand the club and its traditions. Local deputies have always helped their foreign counterparts settle quickly and transition without so many problems.

"We can not say all the success we have witnessed before can be credited to foreign coaches. No, our Kenyan coaches have always played critical roles because they understand the league deeper, they can converse with the players with ease given their understanding of Kiswahili, and they also understand our rivals far better."

Despite financial difficulties, Gor Mahia have often appointed foreign coaches, although none has stayed with them for more than a season. Bobby Williamson, Frank Nuttal, Ze Maria, Dylan Kerr, Hassan Oktay, Steven Polack, and Vaz Pinto are among the coaches that have trained the local giants in previous seasons.

Monnapule Saleng has been warned by Orlando Pirates chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza over associating with "dodgy characters" who will kill his career.

Little-known midfielder Monnapule Saleng is among the new faces at Pirates, after being signed from Free State Stars on a three-year deal after finishing as the National First Division top goal-scorer last season.

He is expected to help the team shape up for the new campaign as they aim at toppling Mamelodi Sundowns from the PSL summit after they won the last four league titles.

"I enjoyed the conversation, [Khoza] said I should continue being myself but here in Johannesburg there are a lot of challenges, and advised to not do things that will end up killing my career," Saleng told iDiskiTimes.

"And to not get involved with dodgy characters even if they have been in Johannesburg longer than I have, as they could potentially ruin my career. He said the way I carry myself is good.

"He said I’m lucky there are no fans; he says he wants to see how strong my heart is when we play with fans in the stadium, or I would be intimidated or scared to play.

"Then he said he will check me during the Black Label Cup if I am selected."

Bucs also signed Goodman Mosele from Baroka FC as well as the former Maritzburg United duo of Kwanda Mngonyama and Bandile Shandu.

Attacking midfielder Mosele joined the Buccaneers on a four-year deal, while Mngonyama and Shandu signed for two and three years, respectively. 

Two of the new acquisitions were already rumoured to be on their way to join the Buccaneers 

The players became Josef Zinnbauer’s first new signings ahead of the 2021/22 season.

Mosele was already strongly linked with a move to Pirates after an impressive season with Baroka last term in which he missed just two Premier Soccer League games.

He will, however, join his new Pirates teammates for pre-season when he returns from the Tokyo Olympic Games where he will be with the South Africa Under-23 side.

Shandu was also expected to join Pirates as some reports linked him with the Buccaneers when he left Maritzburg. 

Coach Pitso Mosimane has claimed his Al Ahly side will win the Champions League against Kaizer Chiefs if Caf president Patrice Motsepe attends the July 17 final in Morocco.

Motsepe and Mosimane worked at Mamelodi Sundowns for eight years, where they won various trophies, including the 2016 Champions League, and the coach has said the football administrator is his lucky charm. 

"The president of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe, my former boss, is my lucky charm," Mosimane told BBC.

"When he came to Zamalek-Al Ahly [last year], we won. When he came to the [Club] World Cup, we won bronze. And, when he came to Qatar last month, he handed us the African Super Cup. So he must just keep consistent and keep coming!"

The former Bafana Bafana head coach also explained why he has mixed emotions ahead of the final: "I'm playing against my home country, so I'm conflicted," he added.

"Yes, I am patriotic, but I must look after my family first. I must look after the people who pay my salary and allow [me to pay for] my children to go to school, so I have an obligation.

"When I'm here, I'm wearing two hats - a South African hat, but also an Egyptian hat. The Egyptian one comes first at this point in time, but when I'm back in South Africa it will be South African."

"I grew up as a Chiefs fan. My uncles both played for Chiefs and Pirates, but during that time Chiefs were a bit more dominant. I never thought Chiefs would be in the final, I must tell the honest truth."

Mosimane also said he feels sorry for Gavin Hunt - now at Chippa United - after he was sacked by Amakhosi despite helping them make strides in the continental competition.

"They didn't have a good season and whenever they were playing in the African Champions League, they were lying 12th," stated the experienced tactician.

"As a coach, I feel sorry for him. I mean, why don't you let the guy finish the final?"

Al Ahly could win their 10 Champions League trophy and the South African has confirmed his desire to be part of that history.

"Al Ahly need the tenth one - everybody's speaking about 'Al aashir', which is 'the tenth' in Arabic," continued Mosimane.

"I want to be part of history, to have contributed to the tenth star of Al Ahly, so this is very important for us and very important for me, my family and the 70 million people who support Al Ahly."

The final will be held at the Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca.

Further Caf Champions League final reading 

Ex-Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Junior Khanye has expressed his dissatisfaction over the signings of Sifiso Hlanti and Phathutshedzo Nange.

Amakhosi are rebuilding for the new campaign after serving their transfer ban, and have so far announced the arrival of the duo, alongside Sibusiso Mabiliso, Kgaogelo Sekgota, and Njabulo Ngcobo.

The former South Africa international believes Chiefs have made a mistake in bringing some of the players, since their attributes do not fit the team.

Why is Khanye critical of Hlanti and Nange?

"I do not understand why Kaizer Chiefs are signing Hlanti of all players," Khanye told iDiski.  

"This player does not have tactical discipline as a defender, he spends more time on the ball and he does not have a sense of urgency.  

"Sometimes you see him vacating his position at the back leaving his defensive partners exposed. At Bidvest Wits and Bafana Bafana, he had the same problem.

"At Swallows FC, he did not improve on his defensive flaws. I genuinely do not understand why Hlanti is being signed by Kaizer Chiefs. 

"Another player I have a problem with is Nange. Nange was not getting game time at Stellenbosch FC, he was coming off the bench most of the time and I don’t think he is good enough for Kaizer Chiefs. Honestly, even when he was at Wits, there was nothing special about Nange.  

"These are the concerns I have with South African football, some of these signings are nothing but business deals, they have nothing to do with talent. Mabiliso is another one I am not convinced with because he did not play the whole season at Amazulu."

Amakhosi are expected to make a raft of signings in the coming weeks, after their transfer ban over the signing of Madagascar international Andriamirado 'Dax' Andrianarimanana came to an end last month.

With that in mind, Khanye has also shared his view on the other new arrivals at the club so far.

Will Ngcobo make it at Amakhosi?

"The signing of Njabulo Ngcobo is excellent. This player is a star. I love him. He reminds me of Mbulelo Mabizela," the 36-year-old Khanye continued.

"Defenders must play football properly, they must know how to build up from the back. This player knows how to do that. He is the reigning Defender of the Season. 

"I would love to see him play for a team that is going to play to his strength, a team that will build up from the back. I know that Stuart Baxter does not play that kind of football.  

"Kgaogelo Sekgota and Brandon Peterson are good players as well. We will see next season if they will add value to Kaizer Chiefs.    

"My only feedback to Sekgota is that he needs to variate his game; he can not only rely on taking on defenders, sometimes he should play 1-2 passes to eliminate defenders."

Currently, Chiefs are in Morocco preparing for their Caf Champions League final against defending champions Al Ahly at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca on Saturday.

Further Caf Champions League final reading 

Malang Sarr admits he is still "surprised" to be a Chelsea player, having been snapped up by the Blues as a free agent in 2020, but the 22-year-old is determined to make his mark with the Premier League heavyweights.

Interest in the promising defender built steadily last summer, with clubs from across Europe said to be shooting admiring glances in his direction.

Chelsea eventually swooped in to get a deal over the line, before sanctioning a loan switch to Porto, and the highly-rated Frenchman concedes that a move to Stamford Bridge came out of the blue.

What has been said?

Sarr has told Chelsea's official website of an opportunity that was too good to pass up: "I was training on my own, training at home and just waiting. 

"I had been almost six months without playing [after seeing Ligue 1 shut down amid the coronavirus pandemic], and when my agent told me about this opportunity to come here to Chelsea, I was surprised and happy.

"It was a great opportunity for me. He talked to me about going on loan for the first year and for me it was a good idea. 

"I hadn’t played for a long time and I needed to get the rhythm and to play and have a good experience also, step up after Nice, and come back stronger and ready to go."

Can Sarr shine for Chelsea?

A hot prospect is still waiting on a competitive debut for the Blues, but he did take in 19 appearances for Porto last season - picking up Champions League experience along the way.

His parent club went all the way in that competition, edging out Manchester City in the final, and Sarr is determined to help Thomas Tuchel's side collect more major silverware.

He added on his ambition: "It’s a pleasure to be here, starting to work, we are working very hard and very well so I’m happy. I have enjoyed being here.

"I have spoken a little bit with the manager, he knows I speak French so we have been talking. I have a good feeling here; everybody is very good with me. I can feel everybody is ambitious here.

"They want to work and they really want us to give the best every day, and that’s a good thing because that’s how I see things. I really want to work hard every day and try to improve in every aspect.

"I hope to join the team and help the team to the top.

"They finished the season as Kings of Europe. I’m here to help and to let the team stay at the highest level, trying to bring all the good energy and my work to the team. I know the club is ambitious and I am ambitious as well, so it’s a perfect match."

Further reading

Tusker midfielder Humphrey Mieno has revealed how he believes they can overcome AFC Leopards during Friday's Football Kenya Federation Premier League encounter.

The Brewers will be hosted at Thika Stadium after they shared the points from the last Premier League encounter against closest rivals KCB.

Mieno started from the bench against the Bankers and during his time on the pitch, Tusker looked re-energised, which led to the midfielder scoring one of their goals in the 2-2 draw.

"The lads are psyched up and focused ahead of the game to go and get the three points that we need. In the last match, we were the better team but lost because we couldn't convert our chances. If we improve in our finishing and make use of the chances we get I believe we will walk away with the three points," Mieno told the club's portal.

"I think it is not about me but about the team. We are getting the right focus and our only aim this season is to win the league and as a team, we are ready and doing as the coach plans. If we get our thoughts and actions in the same direction, then it is going to be easy for us."
 
On his part, head coach Robert Matano is not concerned by the results of the two previous games against Ingwe. In the first round, Tusker lost by a 2-1 margin before they were defeated 1-0 during the Shield Cup semi-final.
 
"Those results are in the past and will not affect us. It is history and we are only thinking about the match on Friday. We want to go out and do our best to ensure we get the three points," Matano said.

Matano will draft his line-up without two key individuals - Boniface Muchiri and Henry Meja - who are on international duty at the Cecafa Cup. They will represent Kenya in the July 18-31 regional tournament in Bahir Dar in Ethiopia.

Meanwhile, captain Hashim Sempala is suspended after receiving five yellow cards, while Luke Namanda and Kelvin Okoth are out injured.
 
"We will miss them, but there are people who will stand in and this is now their chance to show why they play for Tusker. They will have to prove their worth. The spirit is high and everyone is ready to play," the coach added.

The encounter will kick off at 15:15 EAT.
 

Olivier Giroud has arrived in Italy to undergo his medical before completing a move to AC Milan.

Technical director Paolo Maldini confirmed that the Chelsea striker would make the switch official this week.

Milan reached an agreement to sign the France international from Chelsea for €2 million last week.

What has happened?

The 34-year-old was recorded arriving at Milan to have a medical examination to clear him up for a move to the Serie A outfit.

Giroud will add some much-needed experience to the Rossoneri attack, as Maldini said this week.

"He is a very reliable player, what we were looking for, since we need experienced players like him. We are the youngest team in Serie A," the director said.

Why is Giroud leaving Chelsea?

The ex-Arsenal star was limited to a bit-part role under Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea last season.

He made just 17 Premier League appearances in 2020-21 and has not started a match for the Blues since March 21.

He is expected to sign a two-year deal with Milan.

How many games did he play for Chelsea?

Giroud joined the Champions League winners from Arsenal in January 2018.

He went on to make 118 appearances and scored 39 goals in all competitions for the club.

Further reading

Ibrahima Konate has been discussing the qualities that he will offer to Liverpool in 2021-22 and revealed what his nickname will be at Anfield.

The highly-rated 22-year-old has completed a £36 million ($50m) move to Merseyside from RB Leipzig and is expected to slot straight into Jurgen Klopp's side after inheriting the No.5 shirt from Georginio Wijnaldum.

A place alongside Virgil van Dijk could be taken up at the heart of the Reds' back four, with the no-nonsense Frenchman confident that he can pass any Premier League test.

What has been said?

Asked about his playing style by Liverpool's official website, Konate has said: "I am big, I am strong and I am not scared with the ball! 

"I can score more with my foot than my head, it is a little bit strange! This is me! 

"Yes, I have this quality, but I have to work again and again and more and more and more for being a very good defender."

Pressed on whether he feels confident about adapting his game to meet the demands of English football, Konate added: "Yes, I have watched some Premier League games and everybody knows there is so much intensity, strong players. 

"This is difficult but I love the challenge."

What will Konate be known as?

Liverpool have invested heavily in Konate's potential and will be looking for him to hit the ground running in his new surroundings.

He has already linked up with Jurgen Klopp's squad for the start of pre-season training, as the countdown begins to a season opener against Norwich on August 14, and the Frenchman has revealed what he will be known as by those around him.

Quizzed on whether he has a nickname, the talented centre-half said: "Yes, ‘Ibou’ because when I was young, every time my mother would call me ‘Ibou, Ibou’. 

"When I was on the first day in Leipzig, she was with me and she would say every time, ‘Hey, Ibou… Ibou… Ibou…’ and Ralf Rangnick asked, ‘Why ‘Ibou’?’ So, I said it was my nickname because every time my mum would call me that every time and my family too. He said, ‘OK, now it’s Ibou’ and afterwards everyone would call me it."

Further reading

Rangers have finally confirmed the arrival of Zambia international Fashion Sakala, two months after they announced they had signed him.

The 24-year-old signed a pre-contract to join the Scottish giants in May but he was not able to make it to pre-season training due to problems caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and passport issues.

His absence from training had left many Rangers fans wondering but on Thursday, the club confirmed his arrival on their social media pages ahead of their upcoming pre-season friendly against Arsenal.

“Fashion is here,” Rangers wrote on their Twitter page. “Welcome Fashion Sakala.”

In another post, Rangers wrote: “Sakala can’t wait to meet you, another said: Welcome to Ibrox Sakala.” And the final message wrote: “You never forget your first visit to the Trophy Room,” with a short video of Sakala moving around the Trophy Room.

On their official website, the club said: “Rangers new signing Fashion Sakala was at the club for the first time today [Thursday] and you can follow him every step of the way exclusively.”

In a recent interview, coach Steven Gerrard revealed the reason why Sakala was yet to link up with the rest of the squad members in Rangers training.

“We’ve got some passport and Covid-19 issues to get through first but he’s [Sakala] very excited to join us as well," Gerrard explained.

“We need to add to it, so we’re actively working hard to bring some good players in alongside the recruitment already done in Jack [Simpson], Scott [Wright], Nnamdi [Ofoborh] and Fashion [Sakala] will join us in the coming days.”

On signing the player, the former Liverpool midfielder remained confident Sakala will help his side to be "a lot quicker and more dynamic".

"Fashion Sakala is coming in after a productive season in Belgium. He will make us a lot quicker, a lot more dynamic, and gives the squad a lot more pace in the forward areas, so I'm really excited to work with him. There's potential there on a big scale,” Gerrard added

Sakala could make his debut for Rangers when they host Premier League side Arsenal in a special friendly to commemorate the club's 150 years of existence on Saturday.

Former Orlando Pirates star John Tlale strongly believes that the Caf Champions League final is bigger than the Soweto Derby for Kaizer Chiefs. 

Amakhosi are set to battle it out with Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the Champions League final at Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca, Morocco on Saturday. 

This will be the Soweto giants' first-ever appearance in the final of Africa's premier club football tournament having enjoyed a fairytale run in this season's competition.

While the Soweto Derby between Chiefs and their arch-rivals Pirates is widely considered to be one of the most well-renowned football rivalries in the world.

Retired goalkeeper Tlale, who won the 2002/03 PSL title in his debut season at Pirates, explained why he rates the Champions League final higher than the biggest fixture on the South African football calendar. 

"Yes, definitely, this Champions League final is bigger than the Soweto Derby. The Soweto Derby is just a local match," Tlale told Goal.

"We are used to watching it each and every season, we are guaranteed to watch it, unlike the Caf Champions League final.

"The players are not guaranteed to play in the Champions League final every season, it does not happen very often."

Tlale was one of the key players for Mamelodi Sundowns as they reached the two-legged 2001 Caf Champions League final, where they were defeated 4-1 on aggregate by Al Ahly. 

"In the Champions League you also come against some of the best teams in Africa, and you get to face teams you have never played before," the former Bafana Bafana international continued. 

"So, once you reach the final, you play for the star. The aim is to win the final and add the star on top of the club badge on the jersey. That makes it bigger and better than the Soweto Derby."

Sundowns became the second South African club to have a star on their badge after Orlando Pirates following Masandawana's 3-1 aggregate win over Egyptian giants Zamalek in the 2016 Champions Lague final.

Pirates were the first South African club to win the Champions League title when they edged out Ivorian giants ASEC Mimosas 3-2 on aggregate in the final in 1995.
 

Further Caf Champions League final reading