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Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Happy Mashiane has revealed he had a call with his mother before leaving for Morocco to play Al Ahly in the Caf Champions League final.

The Soweto heavyweights will be playing the defending champions on Saturday in Casablanca, aiming at bagging their first continental crown. Amakhosi made it to the last two after eliminating Wydad Casablanca while the Red Devils qualified after defeating Esperance de Tunis.

The midfielder is expected to be among those who will make the first 11 and remains hopeful of a successful outing.

What did Mashiane tell his mother?

"Before I left South Africa I was on a call with my mum and I promised her I will do my best and make her proud. I promised her I will bring it home and I need to make sure I keep my promise," Mashiane told Iol.

"We have worked very hard to reach the final. We now just need to work extra hard. We promised many many people that we're going to take this thing back home. We will work extra hard."

Will it be easy without the fans?

"Playing a final where there are no supporters is not something we are going to get used to because football is a game where the supporters need to be there for us to feel the atmosphere," Mashiane continued.

"So playing the final without them is not great because when you have supporters after every attempt, maybe regaining the ball, there will be a crowd who will cheer, and that makes you want to do better. So without the supporters, it won't be easy but we will work extra hard."

How was the trip to North Africa?

"We just arrived not so long ago at night. The weather is humid and hot and we had to adjust. Things are going quite well for now," the 23-year-old stated.

"The trip was fine, but it's just too long. You do get tired and most of the time you must just walk around and stretch to get used to traveling. We do feel the vibe. There were people waiting for us at the airport, so we can feel the vibe."

Further Caf Champions League final reading 

As one of the most prestigious tournaments in women's soccer prepares to get underway at the Olympic Games, Goal will this month launch a brand new podcast all about the women's game.

'All of US: The U.S. Women's Soccer Show' will be centered on the U.S. women's national team and NWSL, as well as discussing topics from around the rest of the globe.

The podcast, which will officially launch on Friday, July 16, will be hosted by Seth Vertelney, who covers all things USWNT for Goal, and Ameé Ruszkai, our Europe-based women's football correspondent, while featuring regular special guests, including legendary goalkeeper Hope Solo, who won two Olympic gold medals and a World Cup with the USWNT.

Where can I find Goal's new USWNT podcast?

You can find Goal's new U.S. women's soccer show wherever you listen to podcasts. Just search 'All of US: The U.S. Women's Soccer Show', or follow the below links to your listening platform of choice:

Episodes will be released within hours of the full-time whistle at the end of every USWNT match at the Olympics, discussing the main talking points around Vlatko Andonovski's team, as well as everything else that is happening in the tournament in Japan.

Don't forget to subscribe or follow so you get every show as soon as it is released, and if you love what you hear make sure you rate and review!

How else can I stay up to date with the USWNT on Goal?

As well as the new show, Goal will provide daily news updates during the Olympics that can be accessed through your Amazon Alexa smart speaker. To find these Amazon Flash Briefings, you just need to follow these very simple steps:

1. Open the Alexa app on your smart phone.

2. Select the Menu button in the upper-left corner.

3. Choose the Settings option.

4. Scroll down and select Flash Briefing.

5. Press the plus sign (+) to add new services.

6. Search "US Women's Soccer Update from Goal" and when you have found it, tap to open.

7. Enable to Use.

8. Say: "Alexa, Tell me the news".

You can also manage your Flash Briefing service within your phone app, which allows you to choose which provider's news update you wish to hear first.

These daily updates will be available on your favorite podcasting platforms, too. All you need to do is search 'US Women's Soccer Update from Goal' or follow the relevant link below.

You can also follow all of the tournament right here on the Goal website, where there will be news, features and exclusive interviews throughout the Olympics surrounding not only the USWNT, but all 12 nations competing in Japan.

Further reading

Coach Samson Unuanel has opened up on why Nigeria Professional Football League teams have struggled in vain trying to win the Caf Champions League.

After a 40-year hiatus, Enyimba became the first club in Nigeria to win the annual continental club football competition in 2003. The following year, they retained their title after defeating Etoile du Sahel in the final.

Since then, no Nigerian team has emerged as African champions – although Heartland came close to winning in 2009 – albeit, they lost to TP Mazembe on the away goals rule.

As Al Ahly square up against Kaizer Chiefs in Casablanca to determine the 2021 kings, the former Sunshine Stars, Enyimba, Ocean Boys and Niger Tornadoes tactician reveals why this is so.

"It is just one single reason and every other reason is attached to it – and that is a lack of planning," Unuanel told Goal.

"In football, there is what we call periodization - which means planning within a period. We have two years for the Africa Cup of Nations, four years for the Fifa World Cup, and whoever wants to win the Caf Champions League must be able to give a four-year periodization.

"If you are not ready to give it, you cannot have a good result. Planning means a lot of things but we shy away from this part of the world.

"Also, a technical crew should be employed and not just a coach. When I was at Enyimba in 2009, five coaches formed the technical crew and everybody has his own role(s) with coach Okey Emordi the overall supervisor.

“Today, I doubt if we have anything like that again.”

Famous for leading Prime FC to the Nigerian top-flight, coach Unuanel talks about the quality of players and coaches that had hindered the country’s chances on the continent.

"Our recruitment system is also poor. At the end of the season, you send the coach packing; employ a new coach who would come with his own players. There is no sincerity of purpose and everything keeps going backward,” he continued.

"What are the ages of the players used to prosecute the Caf Champions League? If you don't have players between the ages of 22 to 25 years, then they can never get to their level of hyper compensation - the level where you do everything like magic. How many of our players are on that level?

"To win a championship of this magnitude, you need a consistent performer on and off the field."

Pitiful as this could be, the current Calabar Rover handler suggests what NPFL teams must do if they ever want to win the Caf Champions League again.

"Very simple, there are a lot of clubs that can give what I have said as a thought. Go around and scout for good players, employ coaches that can play without looking for the help of referees," he added.

"Majority of us in this country cannot win matches if we don't get external help. In Nigeria, we call it PR. That alone is killing our football. We will win at all costs at home and go away and lose.

"Any team having this kind of mindset can never win the Caf Champions League.”

Plateau United and Enyimba represented Nigeria in the ongoing edition. While the Peace Boys crashed out in the preliminary round, the People’s Elephant did not make it past the First Round.

Gor Mahia interim coach Sammy Omollo has conceded it will be a tall order for his charges to successfully defend their Football Kenya Federation Premier League title this season.

The tactician took the reins, on an interim basis, after the exit of Portuguese tactician Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto.

Currently, K'Ogalo are on 39 points from the 23 matches they have played, having managed 12 wins, three draws, and eight losses. Leaders Tusker FC, who have played a game more, lead the race with 51 points having won 15 games, drawn six, and lost three.

Why is Omollo pessimistic about Gor Mahia winning the league?

"We didn't start the season as well as we would have wished as opposed to our opponents," Omollo told Goal.

"Yes, we have bounced back, giving our best and we have been collecting points, but remember it also depends on the teams above us. For example, Tusker and KCB [who are second with 47 points] have been doing well.

"It makes our chances of winning the league slim. However, we will continue giving our best, and collect as many points as possible from the remaining league matches. Football is unpredictable, and we will continue pushing."

Will he change some tactics after Vaz Pinto's exit?

"If you analyse the team, we have been doing well in recent matches and our latest achievement was winning the FKF Shield Cup," Omollo continued.

"I am not intending to make any major changes in the team and interfere with what we have been building in terms of strategies. Of course, I will be making a few changes just to ensure we continue getting positive results.

"The main thing is to ensure the club is doing well and we are winning matches."

What does the future hold for Omollo?

The former Posta Rangers coach is serving the team on an interim basis as the management thinks of who will guide the team next season. 

"My job is to ensure the team is performing well in the remaining matches," the 51-year-old continued.

"I am not thinking about tomorrow, in which capacity I will be serving. I have a job right now, to ensure the team performs well in the remaining league matches and collects as many points as possible.

Rafa Benitez will not be drawn on James Rodriguez's future at Everton, but the new Toffees boss has hinted that sales will be sanctioned this summer as he looks to free up funds for reinforcements.

There have been suggestions that a Colombian playmaker will form part of those plans, with a move away from England for a talented 30-year-old being mooted after just one season in England.

James linked up with Carlo Ancelotti at Goodison Park in 2020, but has seen his former boss at Real Madrid return to Santiago Bernabeu and a switch to Atletico Madrid has been speculated on for a creative South American.

What has been said?

Benitez has been quizzed on whether James could be sold, with the Spaniard saying of Everton's position after investing more than £400 million ($554m) on fresh faces since 2016: "Everybody knows that this club has spent a lot of money in the last few years so that means that Financial Fair Play is a factor.

"If you have players with big salaries that normally aren’t playing then you want to find a solution and this solution will mean you have money to spend on new players.

"So we will try to maximise what we have and manage the best way possible to be sure we can bring players that will make us strong."

How long is James' contract at Everton?

James is only tied to terms with the Toffees through to the summer of 2022.

With that in mind, a deal would need to be done in the current window in order for a fee reflecting his ability to be brought in.

There were reports throughout the 2020-21 campaign that the Colombia international was struggling to settle in England.

That could lead to him making a push for the exits, with AC Milan said to be another of his suitors, but Benitez is refusing to speculate on what the future holds for any one player.

He added: "I am sure your friends will be asking about players, but I think it's better to talk about the team, the ideas, than individuals.

"Everybody has to keep training, do their jobs, and we will continue looking for the best options to improve the team.

"With respect, we don't talk about individuals. It's not fair for the other players."

Everton will kick off their new Premier League season at home to Southampton on August 14.

Further reading

Dusan Vlahovic has seen a summer transfer to the Premier League mooted, with Liverpool and Tottenham said to be among his suitors, but Fiorentina are lining up a new contract for the in-demand striker.

A 21-goal showing in Serie A last season has brought the talented 21-year-old to the attention of leading clubs across Europe.

He is already tied to a deal through to 2023, but La Viola are eager to get fresh terms put in place that will allow exit talk and unwanted attention from England to be brought to a close.

What has been said?

Fiorentina director Joe Barone has told reporters when quizzed on transfer window plans in Florence: "We’re monitoring the team as it is and after the pre-season training we’ll see what we need to bring in.

"Vlahovic is a Fiorentina player, he has two years on his contract and we are working constantly with his agent over an extension."

Why is Vlahovic a wanted man?

A player with plenty of potential still to be unlocked is considered to be a hot prospect for the present and future.

Only three players scored more goals than him in the Italian top-flight last season - Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus (29), Inter star Romelu Lukaku (24) and Atalanta frontman Luis Muriel (22).

That return has made him a wanted man, with his qualities considered to be perfectly suited to the Premier League - as a tall forward who is also good with his feet.

Tottenham are said to view the Serb as an ideal replacement for Harry Kane, as a prolific England international sees a big-money move away from north London speculated on.

Liverpool are also mulling over bids to bring another goalscorer onto their books, with an alternative to Roberto Firmino being sought.

Arsenal were also said to be in the hunt for Vlahovic at one stage, but the Gunners appear to have turned their attention elsewhere in their search for new recruits.

Further reading

Guest Feature | Lotfi Wada

Third place in our ranking of Africa's greatest teams, we celebrate Tout Puissant Mazembe, and the two chapters of their history that tell the story of one of Africa's grandest clubs.

Chapter One: 1967-1970

After winning the national title as a part of an unprecedented treble (the Katanga title, the national title and the Congo Cup) the freshly crowned Congolese champions locked horns with best of the continent in the 1967 African Cup of Champions Clubs.

It was a first experience which would end well for the Congolese champions as they lifted the trophy in an unlikely fashion.

After drawing the two legs of the final against Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko, Caf settled upon a one-off playoff—to be conducted in a neutral venue (Cameroon)—to decide who won the title.

TPM had got their hands on African gold, albeit by default.

The year after that, the new African kings were on the road to defend their title and become the first club to retain Africa’s biggest club tournament.

It was an adventure which started in Ivory Coast against Africa Sports, before Oryx Douala were devoured 5-0 in the quarter-finals.

Next, they defeated the army men of FAR Rabat, before dispatching Togo’s Etoile Filante of Lone 6-4 on aggregate in the final.

A 5-0 home victory gave Les Corbeaux control, and while Etoile Filante roared back into contention at the General Eyadema Stadium, Mazembe stood tall to become the first side to retain their title.

1969 saw TP Mazembe reach the final for a third time in a row but this time, they fell against the other favourites for the gong, Egyptian side Ismaily.

The two sides locked horns firstly in Lubumbashi, where the Samba Boys of Ismaily snatched a precious 2-2 draw.

The return leg would see the Daraweesh win their first African title, and Mazembe's hopes for an extraordinary treble were dashed.

For their fourth final on the trot, the Lubumbashi-based club faced Kotoko in a 1967 final remake.

Unfortunately for the Crows, the outcome would be different as they lost in front of the incredulous eyes of their fans and national president Mobutu Sese-Seko himself.

Chapter Two: 2009-2014

The return from exile of club owner Moise Katumbi marked TP Mazembe's re-awakening at the pinnacle of African football.

Better salaries and better infrastructure were delivered by the club’s new president to keep the best players in the club with the dream of being on Africa's summit again.

The fans' hunger for continental success was on par with their chairman's, and neither ended up disappointed.

In 2009, the Congolese side brought the Caf Champions League trophy back to Lubumbashi after a 41-year drought.

The first leg in the finals against Nigerian side Heartland finished in the favour of the Owerri side but Mazembe had the crucial away goal in their luggage.

The return leg in a full house Stade de la Kenya saw Les Corbeaux throwing everything forward without success until the 73rd minute, when Heartland midfielder Emmanuel Omodiagbe scored an unfortunate own goal to send Mazembe fans into raptures and liberate the club.

TP Mazembe had won the Holy Grail for the third time, and Moise had fulfilled his promise.

A year after a poor Club World Cup campaign, Mazembe went back to square one in an effort to repeat the heroics of their 60s predecessors.

The club would successfully complete their double, and win their fourth Caf Champions League with a historic 6-1 aggregate final win over Tunisian powerhouse ES Tunis.

This time TP Mazembe would translate their continental dominance at a global level to the Club World Cup.

After ousting Concacaf champions Pachuca courtesy of Bedi Mbenza's strike, the Crows would beat former winners Internacional courtesy of Patou Kabangu and Alain Kaluyituka’s efforts.

Manchester United's kit collaboration with adidas heads into its seventh season in 2021-22 and the Old Trafford faithful want something stylish as they prepare of a Premier League title assault.

Recent editions made by the German sportswear manufacturer have been very similar, with the 2018-19 and 2019-20 home kits being notable exceptions, while the away kits have seen some more variation, with silver, pink, blue and gold designs.

There will be one big alteration in 2021-22, with TeamViewer replacing Chevrolet as the club's chief jersey sponsor, so there will be a fundamental change to the feel of United's kits. 

Ahead of the new campaign, Goal takes a look at what the Red Devils will be wearing and release dates, as well as leaks and rumours about potential styles.

Manchester United 2021-22 home kit & release date

The Manchester United home kit for 2021-22 was officially launched on July 15.

It has a retro look, with a white crew-neck collar and white cuff bands on the sleeves, in a design that has been inspired by the kits of the Sir Matt Busby era of the 1960s - the 1968 European Cup winners' vintage in particular.

The iconic adidas three stripes will feature across the shoulders. Photos of the kit were first leaked in April.

Manchester United 2021-22 away kit & release date

The leaked photos of the Manchester United away kit show a design which evidently takes inspiration from the 1990-91 Red Devils away jersey, which, interestingly, was also made by adidas.

Blue and white with red insignia and adidas stripes, it appears to be a modern take on the jersey worn in the early days of Sir Alex Ferguson's tenure which featured geometric patterns.

The rumoured third kit is another new direction for the Red Devils, with a two-toned blue geometric pattern complemented by yellow - a colour which, again, hasn't been seen on United jerseys since the 1990s.

Unrest over the Glazer family's stewardship of the club has led some fans to call for the green and gold to return to the team jersey, similar to the 1992-94 third kit, but that remains wishful thinking, for now at least.

Manchester United 2021-22 third kit & release date

According to rumoured leaked photos circulating online, the Man Utd third kit is shown to be of a predominantly dark blue and black colour with an underlying pattern, reminiscent of the club's 1993-94 away kit.

The accents – including the adidas and TeamViewer logos – will be done in an eye-catching yellow shade to contrast with the darkness of the base colours, rounded off with black shorts and yellow socks.

The third kit isn't expected to be released until nearer to the start of the club season, potentially in late July or early August.

How much will they cost & where to buy?

Fans will be able to buy the new Manchester United kits from the club megastore at Old Trafford, as well as the usual high street sports retail outlets.

Alternatively, they'll be available to purchase online using the official club webstore .

Last season's Manchester United jerseys cost £78 for adults and kids jerseys could be bought for £56.

Note: prices may vary.

What about other new kits for 2021-22?

Al Ahly head coach Pitso Mosimane has warned Kaizer Chiefs to expect goals during the Caf Champions League final in Casablanca, Morocco on July 17.

Mosimane - who will be leading the Red Devils in an attempt to defend the title - has stated that he is always assured of goals from his players even though he might not have lethal attacking players like Mamelodi Sundowns' Themba Zwane. 

"My teams always score. There’s always a goal at Al Ahly. We can score. And we score even when [you think] there’s no goal," Mosimane said as per KingFut.

"You saw the two goals we scored against Mamelodi Sundowns. Where they came from? You never know.

"We got some beautiful goals against Esperance. We played the way I wanted the team to play – my philosophy, the Sundowns way. But I don’t have a [Gaston] Sirino or a Themba Zwane [stars he had at Sundowns] here, so we do what we’ve got to do."

Although he is assured of goals, the former Bafana Bafana head coach picked Chiefs' Samir Nurkovic's ability to find the back of the net as a reason he will not underrate the PSL side.

"Don’t underestimate Chiefs. There’s a goal there. Nurkovic can always sneak one in. He can always score," he added. "The Champions League is a different kettle of fish – it is played with extensive experience.

"It is not how good you are and not how well you pass the ball. The Champions League is way too complex, you need a lot of experience to win it. Chiefs have the players for Champions League football, that’s why they are in the final.

"They are strong on set-pieces because of the big boys – [Eric] Mathoho, [Leonardo] Castro, and Nurkovic – they have. They scored more headers in the normal game from crosses and corners. Nurkovic will always score with his head if the delivery is good."

The Glamour Boys became the first team to reach the Champions League final from a group stage debut season since AS Vita of DR Congo did in 2014, and ended up as runners-up. They could also become the third PSL side to lift the trophy after Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.

On the other hand, Mosimane's side is hoping to win the Champions League in consecutive seasons for the third time.

Further Caf Champions League final reading 

Giorgio Chiellini's agent has explained how the Euro 2020 winner is waiting on contract talks at Juventus, insisting that no other offers have been received.

The talismanic 36-year-old, who has just helped Italy to continental glory, is a free agent after reaching the end of his previous deal in Turin back on June 30.

Fresh terms are expected to be thrashed out with the Bianconeri, with Chiellini having spent the last 17 years on their books, but nothing is being ruled out at this stage.

What has been said?

Chiellini's representative, Davide Lippi, has told Radio Radio: "It takes two to sign a contract.

"Giorgio went to the Euros and focused exclusively on that. There’s no problem with Juventus, we said we’d meet up later in the summer, but we haven’t yet sat down to discuss a renewal."

He added when quizzed on what would happen if another team made an approach: "They’d have to make the offer first. 

"As of today, there is nobody. We are waiting for Juventus to tell us when we can sit down and have a chat."

Could Chiellini retire?

A man with 112 caps for Italy to his name has taken in 535 appearances for Juventus, helping them to nine Serie A titles and five Coppa Italia triumphs.

No indication has been offered that he would like to take on a new challenge outside of Turin, and retirement is not an option that the veteran defender is willing to consider just yet.

Lippi added: "Thinking of Chiellini away from the playing field at this moment is madness.

"What he did after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament is incredible. What fuels him is passion and we saw in the Euros that the passion is still strong.

"He was a symbol of Juventus for many years and we are waiting for a club. 

"Nobody has called, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they did, as he’s the only free agent in the Italy squad now."

Further reading

Ex-Kaizer Chiefs player Shaun Permall believes Amakhosi will win their first Caf Champions League title this weekend.

Amakhosi will be playing defending champions Al Ahly on Saturday in Casablanca, Morocco. It will be the second time in history the two heavyweights are meeting. The initial encounter came in the 2002 Caf Super Cup when the Red Devils secured a 4-1 win.

The attacker was part of the Chiefs squad that fell in Alexandria, Egypt; and he believes this time around, things will be different.

Why is Permall confident Chiefs will win?

"This time there are no fans, so there is no advantage for Al Ahly. Judging from the way Chiefs got to the final, I have reason to believe they can still win it," Permall told KickOff.

"When the competition started, who would have thought they would even get to the final? I have a strong feeling that Chiefs will pull it off this weekend. Football can be so strange that you play badly in the league, fire the coach and finish eighth but end up in a Champions League final. It is unheard of. 

"Maybe it is their time. I am superstitious when it comes to football, and I feel this one is written in the stars that it will be won by Chiefs."

Why should Amakhosi win it for Motaung?

"Chiefs need to win this one for the boss Kaizer Motaung. Chiefs need that title of being referred to as kings of Africa," Permall continued.

"This is the one trophy that they need the most. All else has been won but this is the one that Kaizer needs and here is the chance.

"When we played Al Ahly in that final [in 2002], the atmosphere was crazy because we were playing them in front of their fans. We were used to being the ones being supported instead of being intimidated by the opposition fans.  

"Their style was on a different level because they were closer to European football than we were, in terms of the technical and tactical aspects. That is why they beat us 4-1. They had good players in their team especially the goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary and the defender [Wael Gomaa]. 

"Imagine, when they came for the Caf awards a few weeks later. The goalkeeper came to just keep fit with us at the invitation of Muhsin Ertugral, and Brian [Baloyi] wasn’t impressed because that keeper had scored when we lost."

Former Orlando Pirates striker Mwape Musonda has made it known he will only consider a big-money deal after returning to South Africa. 

The Zambia international is currently training with his former club, Black Leopards after his contract with United Arab Emirates side Hatta came to an end.

Musonda joined Hatta from Leopards prior to the start of the 2020/21 season and he is now searching for a new club.

“The financial aspect is one of the main priorities right now, we play for money that is what all we want,” Musonda told Daily Sun. 

“There’s life after football. You need to make sure that you are secured and don’t come back and have to ask for a cold drink from people.

“It’s shameful. To avoid that, I think you need to make sure that you go for the money. It does not matter where you’re playing, as long as you get the money.”

Musonda was on Kaizer Chiefs' radar towards the end of the 2018/19 season after he scooped the PSL Golden Boot award, but Leopards managed to retain his services. 

The 30-year-old indicated that he is open to listening to offers from clubs that are interested in his services in the current PSL transfer window. 

“My wife is from here. I came to see my wife, while I am open to listening to offers if anyone is interested in signing me," he said. 

"But If I do not get any worthy offers, I will go back overseas to secure my future.”

Musonda scored just one goal in 12 competitive appearances for Hatta, who were relegated from the Arabian Gulf League at the end of the 2020/21 season, but he does not consider himself as someone who failed.

“I think I struggled a bit. But by the time I had adjusted and started to get my form, the team was already under pressure. We were bottom of the log, and they brought in another coach," he insisted.

“I had to leave because the new coach came with his own players. I then went to Saudi Arabia on loan [where he played in the second division for Al-Sahel FC] and the mandate was to save them from relegation, and we managed to do that.

“I would not say I failed there because I achieved what I was asked to do, which was to save the team from being relegated.”

It remains to be seen whether Chiefs will renew their interest in Musonda, who has been linked with AmaZulu FC in recent weeks. 

Premier Soccer League side Marumo Gallants have confirmed the appointment of Sebastien Migne as the new head coach.
 
Former Kenya and Equatorial Guinea tactician has replaced Dylan Kerr, who turned down a contract renewal offer from the Thohoyandou club. The French coach will be assisted at Marumo Gallants - formerly Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila - by Jean-Francois Losciuto.
 
Marumo Gallants FC are happy to announce the appointment of its new coach, Sebastien Bernard Henri Clement Migne," the club announced on Thursday.
 
"The 48-year-old French national had a stint as a coach for Equatorial Guinea and the Kenyan national team respectively. He also worked as manager for the Republic of Congo’s national team.
 
"Migne, arrived in Polokwane along with new Belgian assistant coach Jean-Francois Losciuto. The 49-year-old, Losciuto has worked in various African countries, including Equatorial Guinea [Future Kings and Egypt [Tala ea El Geish Sporting Club]. He also coached Black Leopards and Richards Bay FC in South Africa. Both Migne and Losciuto hold Uefa qualifications and are excited about being part of the Gallants."

Apart from appointing a new technical bench, the playing unit has been strengthened with the arrival of the 27-year-old Muhammad Zaid Patel who played for Spanish club Loja CD FC, Zimbabwean-born Learnmore Muyambo, who featured for Harare City FC and Joreon Lombe Lumu from the Netherlands. 
 
Abram Sello - the club's chairman - has welcomed the appointed individuals and expressed hope that their arrival will usher in a new era at Marumo Gallant.
 
"It is an exciting time for us as a team to bring in such experienced individuals. We will be able to participate confidently in the PSL and the Caf Championship. I would also like to thank my technical management for working hard in the last few weeks to identify such good talent," says Sello. 
 
"We believe through his guidance we will be in a position to achieve our goals. Last season was not an easy ride as we were among the teams fighting relegation, but we survived and also won the Nedbank Cup." 
 
When Migne was appointed as Harambee Stars coach, he managed to help Kenya qualify for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt but left in August 2019 when he failed to qualify for the 2020 Africa Nations Championship.

Jurgen Klopp claims to have no wantaway players on his books at Liverpool, with the Reds squad feeling settled despite speculation suggesting that further reinforcements could be sought.

Ibrahima Konate has already been added to the defensive ranks at Anfield and more movement is expected in the summer window.

With Georginio Wijnaldum having left as a free agent for Paris Saint-Germain, additions in midfield are being mooted - with the likes of Borussia Monchengladbach star Florian Neuhaus, Leicester City's Youri Tielemans and Brighton enforcer Yves Bissouma seeing their respective futures speculated on.

What has been said?

Any fresh faces could push the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita back down the pecking order, but Klopp insists nobody is looking for a way out, telling Liverpool's official website: "I’m really not in a rush about that.

If somebody wants to leave, he can come to me and can tell me and then I think about it.

"Nobody came so far, so obviously no rush from the players’ side as well.

"The market anyway is a really calm one in the moment, I think.

"There was [Jadon] Sancho and maybe somebody else, OK, Konate we did that early, but it’s a really calm window.

"Let’s see what happens and all of these things, but in the moment, everybody has the chance to impress me and I hope they do."

Are Liverpool in good shape?

The 2019-20 Premier League champions suffered a humbling tumble from the loftiest of perches last season, but a late rally secured a third-place finish and Champions League qualification.

Injured stars, such as Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, are now back in the fold and key men that have played almost continuously for the last three years have been given a much-needed break before reporting back for pre-season.

Klopp added, with two talismanic forwards feeling refreshed: "Mo [Salah] had seven weeks, Sadio [Mane] didn’t because he played for Senegal, so I think he had around about five weeks. 

"But it is incredibly long – they are used to two-and-a-half weeks in the summer. Which, [and] I said it plenty of times, is not enough. 

"But now the guys from the Euros and the guys from the Copa have around about three weeks. They have three weeks, that’s what we can give them and that’s what we will. 

"Then they have not a long pre-season but they didn’t have a long break, so that’s absolutely OK. So they get as long as we could; we squeezed everything out again for them that they can really have the proper rest they need."

Liverpool will open their 2021-22 Premier League campaign away at newly-promoted Norwich on August 14.

Further reading

The month-long Euro 2020 euphoria ended on Sunday night with Italy beating England 3-2 on penalties (1-1 after extra time) in the final of the tournament at the Wembley Stadium, London to win their second European championship.

Although Italy finished the tournament as champions, it was Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo who bagged the Golden Boot award.

Despite Portugal crashing out of the tournament in the round of 16 after losing to Belgium 1-0, the 36-year-old netted five goals in four matches to win the highest scorer's award. Czech Republic's Patrik Schick also had the same number of goals in his kitty but as Ronaldo had more assists to his name, he was given the award. 

Ronaldo is still the most prolific scorer in the world even as he is entering the twilight of his career. He not only bagged the top scorer's award, but he also broke several records at Euro 2020.

With his first goal against Hungary in Portugal's tournament opener, Ronaldo surpassed French football legend Michel Platini and became the all-time highest goalscorer in Euros. At the end of the tournament, he now has 14 goals.

Also by featuring in this year's Euro, he became the first player to feature in five different editions of the tournament. The Juventus star also touched Iran's Ali Daei's goalscoring tally of 109 goals and is the joint-highest goalscorer in international football of all time.

Let us take a look at some of the key stats of Cristiano Ronaldo at Euro 2020.

How has Ronaldo performed at Euro 2020?

Portugal's journey at Euro 2020

Portugal began their campaign with a thumping 3-0 win over Hungary were Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace. In their second match, Ronaldo's side suffered a shock 4-2 defeat. The superstar himself had scored one goal.

In their final group game against reigning World champions France, a brace by Ronaldo helped Portugal play out a 2-2 draw and confirm their berth in the knock-out as the best third-placed team. Unfortunately, the defending champions' journey came to an end after they suffered a 1-0 loss against Belgium.

Lionel Messi finally cherished his dream of winning an international trophy this year as he guided Argentina to their first major international trophy in 28 at the Copa America 2021.

The last time La Albiceleste had won a major trophy was the Copa America in 1993. But the trophy drought finally came to an end as Argentina pipped their rivals Brazil 1-0 in the final to bring home the trophy.

The Copa America 2021 was a Messi show through and through with the FC Barcelona star grabbing all the limelight with stellar performances throughout the campaign.

Messi was the joint topscorer in the competition with Colombia's Luis Diaz (4 goals) and had also provided five assists. Contributing nine out of the 13 goals Argentina scored at Copa, the 34-year-old attacker was rightly given the Golden Ball award.

Other than being the standout performer for his team as well as in the entire tournament, the Barcelona skipper also set a few records. He surpassed Javier Mascherano and became the most capped Argentina player in international football of all time (151). He is also the only Argentina player to play in 150 international matches.

Messi scripted the record of providing the most number of assists in one edition (five) and also became the first Argentina player to appear in six different editions of the Copa America (2007-2021).

Here, we take a look at the key stats of Lionel Messi at Copa America 2021.

How has Messi performed at Copa America?

Argentina's campaign at Copa America 2021?

Argentina began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Chile where Messi scored from an impeccable free-kick. In their next three group matches, La Albiceleste managed to pick full points beating Uruguay and Paraguay 1-0 and Bolivia 4-1 to qualify for the quarterfinals as group leaders.

In the quarterfinal, Argentina thrashed Ecuador 3-0 where their skipper provided two assists and converted another brilliant free-kick goal. In the semifinal, Argentina got the better of Colombia in the tie-breaker and then pipped arch-rivals in the final, courtesy of an Angel Di Maria strike to win the title.