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Michael Cuisance is aiming to prove his worth to Julian Nagelsmann and earn a place in Bayern's first-team squad for the 2021-22 season.

The 21-year-old was sent out on loan to Marseille last season although the Ligue 1 side decided against activating a purchase option and he has now returned to Bayern.

And Cuisance will now have pre-season to attempt to convince new head coach Nagelsmann that he warrants a place in the team, with there still being the possibility he could be sold.

What is Bayern's stance regarding Cuisance?

Bayern are open to selling the midfielder in the summer transfer window, especially given the financial issues that have affected all clubs amid the coronavirus crisis.

Indeed, Marseille, where Cuisance spent an ultimately disappointing spell on loan last season, had the chance to purchase him outright at the end of the 2020-21 campaign but they decided against it.

Goal and SPOX can confirm that there are currently no talks with other clubs over signing Cuisance, who came close to joining Leeds United back in 2020 after an £18 million (€20m/$23m) agreement had been reached.

The former Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder, who is contracted to the Bundesliga champions until 2024, will now be given the entire pre-season period to convince Nagelsmann that he should be retained.

Cuisance, for his part, wants to stay at the Allianz Arena and embark on a fresh start with the club, who are now under new management following Hansi Flick's decision to leave and take on the Germany national team job.

The first impressions from the training thus far have been positive, with the 21-year-old having been keen to impress, and he even draw special praise from Nagelsmann in Wednesday's session that was attended by the media.

Cuisance's career so far

Cuisance joined Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2017 having spent three years with Nancy as youth-team player in his native France.

He was voted as the club's player of the season by Gladbach fans back in 2018, with the midfielder making a total of 39 appearances in all competitions across two seasons before he joined Bayern Munich.

The Bavarians paid of fee of around €10 million (£8.5m/$12m) to sign Cuisance, although he has only played 10 games for the club in the Bundesliga since joining them in 2019.

The promising playmaker spent the 2020-21 season on loan at Marseille, although he only managed two goals and one assist all season, while he has also attracted criticism for his attitude and physical condition.

Further reading

Lionel Messi will look to end career-long tournament heartache with Argentina in the Copa America final on Saturday, but they must overcome a Brazil side featuring Neymar and Co.

Watch Argentina vs Brazil on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)

The Albiceleste booked their place in the final after a penalty shootout victory over Colombia, while hosts and defending champions Brazil progressed past Peru in the other semi-final.

There will be no fans in the Maracana Stadium due to the public health situation in Brazil, but both sides will no doubt still be eager to put on a show for the fans watching around the world.

Ahead of the game, Goal has the details of how to watch on TV, stream live online, team news and more.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

In the United States (US), the game can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV (watch with a 7-day free trial).

New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser.

Team news & squads

Messi suffered a bloodied ankle in the semi-final victory, but the man who leads the tournament scoring charts with four goals is expected to be available for the final to lead his side out.

Lautaro Martinez has three goals to his name this tournament and is expected to lead the line, while penalty shootout hero Emi Martinez will start between the posts.

Predicted Argentina starting XI: E. Martinez; Tagliafico, Otamendi, Pezzella, Montiel; Rodriguez, Lo Celso, De Paul; Di Maria, Lautaro, Messi.

Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus is unavailable for Brazil as he serves the second game of a two-match suspension.

Tite has experimented with a number of different personnel combinations during the tournament, but a few of the constants include Casemiro, Fred and Neymar, all of whom should feature.

Lucas Paqueta has impressed during the tournament, scoring two goals, including the decisive strike in the semi-final, so should be pushing for a start.

Predicted Brazil starting XI: Ederson; Danilo, T. Silva, Marquinhos, Sandro; Casemiro, Fred, Everton, Paqueta, Neymar; Richarlison.

Recent results & head-to-head

Last five results

Head-to-head

Watford are gradually becoming a Super Eagles camp, according to the president of Nigeria Football Federation Amaju Pinnick.

The country’s football chief made the statement following the Hornets’ signing of Nigeria national team star Oghenekaro Etebo on a season-long loan from Stoke City.

Etebo’s move makes him the latest Super Eagle in Xisco Munoz’s team ahead of the 2021-22 English top-flight campaign after Emmanuel Dennis switched from Club Brugge permanently.

Also, that swells the number of Nigerians at Vicarage Road to six. Others include Tom Dele-Bashiru, William Troost-Ekong, Success Isaac, Dennis and Scotland youth international of Nigerian descent Dapo Mebude.

Pinnick discussed the trend with Watford’s technical director Cristiano Giaretta after watching Etebo’s first training session at Hertfordshire.

“Watford FC is gradually becoming a Super Eagles camp,” said Pinnick as per a statement made available to Goal by the NFF media department.

“I told Mr. Giaretta that we have six players at Watford FC now and three of them are regular Super Eagles teamers and therefore, we need to forge a stronger relationship with the club.

“Watford is returning to the Premier League in the coming season, so it is a good feeling all around.”

It will be recalled that former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo represented Watford between 2014 to 2017 before heading to Chinese Super League side, Changchun Yatai.

The NFF boss is also looking forward to building a bond with the club, as well as Leicester City and Everton.

“It is important to build these relationships. I am scheduled to meet with the club President and CEO of Watford FC in the coming weeks, and I also plan to meet with the CEOs of Leicester and Everton FC,” he continued.

“We are looking ahead to the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers and the 2021 Afcon taking place early next year and relationships, understanding and mutual respect are key elements in the mix of the release and return of players.”

Italy midfielder Marco Verratti has expressed his belief that England were the recipients of a "generous" penalty decision to help them reach Sunday's Euro 2020 final. 

Raheem Sterling went down under minimal contact in extra time of the semi-final against Denmark, but England were awarded a spot kick regardless.

Harry Kane's penalty was saved by Kasper Schmeichel, but the England captain buried the rebound to clinch a 2-1 win and book a final date with the Italians. 

What was said?

"Perhaps it was a bit of a generous penalty, but it is part of the picture in football. I think it was a bit of a generous penalty," Verratti said at a press conference.

"I think England did a great job. They got to the final for the first time and this says a lot.

"They conceded only one goal, so it is a very solid team, great players, very balanced, and I think they did deserve to get to the final. Now it's all down to the final, which I think will be an epic final, and history-making either way.

"England is a very physical team, and they have players who are very skilled as well. We will face a very, very tough team, they will be playing at home, they know the stadium well. But it is a dream for us to win this European Championship."

Mancini has been 'special' for Italy

Verratti went on to praise Italy boss Roberto Mancini, who has led the Azzurri on a 33-game unbeaten run leading up to Sunday's final at Wembley.

"He's done a great job with us, everyone can see it," the PSG star said. "He's a very special manager for us, he boosted our confidence when we lost it because of the negative results of the past. I think he was the perfect man for the job.

"He restarted our enthusiasm, with his style we actually had fun. We haven't lost in 33 matches - these are important statistics, and it tells you he is doing a great job. Sometimes one might say managers are not so important, but for us he truly is an added value."

Further reading

Gareth Southgate's England squad have received a good luck message from the Queen ahead of their Euro 2020 final clash with Italy on Sunday.

The Three Lions have reached a European Championship final for the first time, while 55 years have passed since a showpiece event of any kind was graced at a major tournament.

Queen Elizabeth II was in attendance that day, as England famously saw off West Germany 4-2 in the 1966 World Cup final, and a royal seal of approval has been given to the class of 2021.

What has been said?

With Southgate's side preparing for another outing at Wembley Stadium, a message from Windsor Castle reads: "Fifty-five years ago I was fortunate to present the World Cup to Bobby Moore and saw what it meant to the players, management and support staff to reach and win the final of a major international football tournament.

"I want to send my congratulations and that of my family to you all on reaching the final of the European Championships, and send my good wishes for tomorrow with the hope that history will record not only your success but also the spirit, commitment and pride with which you have conducted yourselves."

Royal support

Prince William, who is president of the Football Association, has attended two games at Euro 2020.

He was joined by his wife Kate and son George for a last-16 showdown with Germany, before witnessing a semi-final victory over Denmark by himself.

The Duke of Cambridge will be at Sunday's final, but there has been no word on whether other family members will join him in the royal box.

Is football coming home?

The English public have united behind Southgate's troops, with the hope being that football will finally 'come home' after more than half a century of pain and disappointment.

There will be 60,000 fans in attendance when facing Italy, with a spine-tingling atmosphere set to be generated with major silverware on the line.

Many of those that will be unable to make Sunday's fixture have already thrown their full support behind the Three Lions, with a star-studded squad given a fitting send-off as they departed St George's Park for London.

There has been talk of a bank holiday being announced if England emerge victorious against the Azzurri, while many workplaces and schools are granting permission for employees and students to have a lie-in on Monday morning.

Further reading

Argentina square up against Brazil in the final of the 2021 Copa America that will be staged at the iconic Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, on Saturday night.

Tite’s Little Canary are looking to successfully defend the title won two years ago on home soil, while the White and Sky Blues – will be looking for continental glory after 28 years.

Gabriel Batistuta’s second-half brace propelled Argentina to a 2-1 triumph over Mexico in the final of the 1993 edition hosted by Ecuador.

Goal has what you need to know about who is playing who and where to watch Lionel Scaloni’s men try Brazil for size from Nigeria.
 

Where to watch or stream Argentina vs Brazil in Nigeria

The Copa America final is telecast on Hesgoal.com and Bein Sports in Nigeria.

Copa America Final Preview

The eternal rivals last met in an international friendly where Argentina emerged 1-0 victors over Tite’s men at Riyadh’s Mrsool Park.

Lionel Messi’s 13th-minute effort was all the Argentines needed to earn the bragging rights in the keenly contested affair.

Argentina come into this game on the back of an impressive run that has seen them stay unbeaten in their last 19 games in all competitions.

Their last defeat came against the Brazilians in a 2019 Copa America semi-final fixture as they bowed 2-0 with Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino finding the net in Belo Horizonte on July 3.

They will be banking on inspirational captain Messi to help them end their 28-year curse. To achieve this, they must be at their best to withstand the Brazilians who boast Neymar, Richarlison and Casemiro in their ranks.

Argentina's Road to the Copa America Final

The White and Sky Blues was in Group A alongside Uruguay, Chile, Bolivia and Paraguay. Scaloni’s team topped the group stage with 10 points. In the quarter-final, they silenced Ecuador 3-0 and then beat Colombia 3-2 on penalties in the last four as the score after extra-time stood at 1-1.

Brazil's Road to the Copa America Final

Hosts Brazil were in Group B alongside Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela. The Little Canary handled by Tite topped that zone with 10 points. In the last eight, they defeated Chile 1-0 with Lucas Paqueta scoring the only goal. Again, it was Paqueta who was the hero as they edged Peru 1-0 to reach the final of the biennial football showpiece for the 20th time in their history.

Roberto Mancini has highlighted England star Raheem Sterling as a threat to Italy ahead of the Euro 2020 final.

Sterling has played a key role in the Three Lions' journey to the final, scoring three goals in the competition and earning the crucial penalty in the semi-final win against Denmark.

Mancini has warned that his side will have to be cautious of the Manchester City winger when they meet at Wembley, but insists he is not the only danger in the England team.   

What has been said?

"England are strong and they have many good players on the bench. If we got here, however, it means we are strong too," he told reporters.

"Sterling has improved a lot and he is very pacy, so we need to be careful of him. But then there is also [Harry] Kane. In attack they are all good, with speed and technique.

"Physically they are stronger than us, but football is played with a ball on the ground. Sometimes the smallest wins, we hope to be us to win, but we have to give it our all."

How did Italy reach the final?

The Azzurri have a perfect record at Euro 2020.

After finishing top of their group with three wins, Mancini's men beat Austria after extra-time in the last-16 before winning 2-1 against Belgium.

They sealed a place in the final by beating Spain on penalties in the semi-final.

Mancini is proud of the effort his side have put in throughout the tournament and hopes they have fun in the clash against Gareth Southgate's team.

"It will be difficult for many reasons but we must be focused on our game and try to implement it as best we can, knowing that it will be the last game," he said. "We hope to have fun for 90 minutes and then go on holiday. One last effort is needed.

"Everyone needs pampering after 50 days together. They have always been good, positive days, and I am happy with all their work. Everyone gave more than 100%, otherwise we wouldn't be here. I am happy with them and with what they have done."

Further reading

Jose Mourinho worked with Harry Kane at Tottenham and sees the England striker staying put this summer despite speculation suggesting that he will be the subject of big-money bids.

Goal has been able to confirm that Manchester City have a £100 million ($139m) offer in the pipeline for a proven Premier League goalscorer, while their arch-rivals United are also said to be in the running for a much sought-after signature.

Kane has hinted that he could push for a move as he looks to land elusive silverware at club level, but Mourinho cannot see Spurs chairman Daniel Levy parting with a prized asset that is tied to a contract through to 2024.

What has been said?

Mourinho, who was relieved of his duties in north London back in April, has told talkSPORT when quizzed on the Kane rumours: "Signing a new contract, I don't know.

"I would say that [Kane staying] probably is what is going to happen. I don't see Mr Levy with the desire to sell him.

"Of course Harry was very clear before the Euros but I don't see Levy open for that, but only they know."

Will Kane become a European champion?

Discussion regarding a change of scenery in the summer transfer window has been put on hold for now as Kane is busy trying to end England's 55-year wait for major international glory.

He has captained the Three Lions to the final of Euro 2020, where they will face Italy on Sunday, and silenced any doubters by netting four goals - including a semi-final winner in a thrilling meeting with Denmark that went to extra time.

Gareth Southgate will ask him to lead the line again when facing the Azzurri and Mourinho expects the 27-year-old to star again as one of the most complete strikers in world football.

"There are some strikers where if they don’t score their contribution is nothing. Or they are like Harry," Mourinho added.

"When Denmark scored he started dropping, trying to get a reaction.

"Looking at the game where Italy had more difficulties, the most difficult moment was there not being a No.9 target and Harry does that better than anyone.

"So I think Harry will be dropping."

Further reading

Juan Mata has warned Bruno Fernandes that he is going to have to remain "patient" in pursuit of the No.8 shirt at Manchester United.

A World Cup-winning Spaniard fills that jersey at present, with a 12-month contract extension committed to at Old Trafford.

Mata believes he still has a role to play for the Red Devils, meaning that a Portuguese colleague will have to wait a little longer before staking a claim to a favoured squad number.

What has been said?

Mata has told United's official website on how long he intends to keep Fernandes hanging: "At least another year!

"I think he’s happy that I’m staying and I’m happy to be playing with him. We’ve got a great relationship since he came and, of course, he’s been brilliant for us on and off the pitch. He’s also a great guy and an example for others. 

"Unfortunately for him, he will have to be patient!"

What has Fernandes said?

Mata had been due to hit free agency this summer as his previous deal with United ran down.

Other offers were put to him, but the 33-year-old has agreed to enter a ninth season with the Red Devils.

When confirmation of that deal was announced, Fernandes revealed that he had been waiting for a certain shirt to become available.

Reacting to news of Mata's renewal on social media, the talismanic Portuguese playmaker said: "I guess I’ll have to wait for the number 8 another year.

"Congrats brother!! Well deserved! An example and an inspiration on and off the pitch."

Mata has taken in 273 appearances for United since being snapped up in January 2014, with 51 goals recorded across those outings while helping the Red Devils to FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League triumphs.

Further reading

South African tactician Pitso Mosimane has revealed he would like to coach the Mali national team if given the opportunity.

The tactician has been successful in club football and had a decent short-term with Bafana Bafana, failing by a whisker to take them to the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. The Al Ahly coach was answering rumours linking his Mali midfielder Aliou Dieng to Manchester United.

"Well, I look at [Marvelous Nakamba], the boy who is playing for Aston Villa from Zimbabwe. I said if he can play for Aston Villa, Aliou can also play in the Premier League. Why not?" Mosimane asked Safja.

"And the Malians have got that credibility in Europe. You must understand if you say a South African player to play in the English Premier League, or a South African player to play in La Liga it is not very easy. 

"But a Malian, I mean there, you are there all over the world. I mean, look at the Malian national team, what a national team! Do you know if there is an opportunity to coach a national team for me and I can be given that opportunity, I’d like to coach the Malian national team in future."

The 56-year-old Mosimane went on to explain why he believes the Red Devil star has the qualities to do well abroad.

"[The Malians] have the top quality. Even my player is not really, really much of a starter all the time. Because they have got the boy from Red Bull Salzburg [Mohamed Camara] there in the midfield and others. They have an embarrassment of riches of players, it is unbelievable," Mosimane continued.

"So you ask yourself, how far are we in South Africa to international football? You know, we have a lot of work to do back at home. 

"I mean, this boy is 22 or 23 and he is the powerhouse in the midfield. You saw him against [Mamelodi] Sundowns, you saw him again in the Club World Cup. You saw him against Bayern Munich. He is a powerful boy. And we need him and we rely on him. 

"So if Manchester United buy him, why not? I saw the Ghanaian boy [Thomas Partey] who was playing at Atletico Madrid and now he is at Arsenal, why not? I saw Mohamed Elneny playing for Arsenal, the midfielder. So hopefully it happens and I would encourage that."

Dieng is expected to lead the Red Devils in the Caf Champions League final against Kaizer Chiefs on July 17.

Benik Afobe said he has unfinished business at Millwall and he is ready to show he is among the best strikers in the Championship.

Afobe returned to the Den a few weeks ago after completing a season-long loan from rivals Stoke City which reunited him with manager Gary Rowett.

The 28-year-old is not new to life in the Championship having previously played for Bolton Wanderers, Reading and Bristol City.

Back in the 2012-13 season, the DR Congo international played five matches for Millwall while on loan from Arsenal and he is ready to help the Lions’ cause in the upcoming campaign.

Afobe told the South London Press: “I feel like I’ve got unfinished business. I feel like the fans didn’t get the true me. It’s not about me coming here to prove people wrong. It’s about proving people right – the ones who believe in me. I’m doing it for them.

“I’ve got experience now. A lot of things have happened to me, on and off the field, and I’m just hungry to go again.

“Scottie [Malone] is my mate – we have the same agent – and he was telling me how he came here and blossomed again. He started enjoying his football again after a difficult 18 months. I’m the same.

“My daughter passed away and I’ve had injuries…it’s been tough for me. People outside of football don’t see all that stuff. I was near enough depressed, like you would be. But all of that has made me hungrier to show I’m still one of the best strikers in the league.”

Afobe spent last season on loan in the Turkish Super Lig with Trabzonspor, scoring five goals in 28 matches.

Going by the stats, the former Arsenal youngster believes he is still prolific in front of goals after overcoming injuries.

“If anyone does their research on me, I probably had 10 chances and scored five of them,” he added.

“Last season it says I played 28 games – but if you add up all my minutes then I played the equivalent of 11 full matches and scored five goals, in a team that used to win 1-0 and 2-0. We weren’t a prolific side. So I was prolific last season as well. If you go and look at the minutes, I was often only coming on for four or five minutes.

“I’ve had two career-threatening injuries and been on the bench a lot of times. When you come on for 10 minutes and you haven’t had a run of games in you, then people judge ‘oh, he didn’t score here and there’.

“But you have to look at the minutes. Even at Bournemouth in the Premier League, I think I scored six goals in 31 games – but I had 13 starts.

“I feel I’m still prolific and when I get chances I tend to score them. I’m not trying to big myself up too much, but at the same time I believe in myself. I believe I’m still the player I once was.” 

Former Gor Mahia coach Manuel Vaz Pinto has penned a heartfelt message to his ex-Football Kenya Federation Premier League players after parting ways with the club.

Gor Mahia announced on Saturday they had reached an agreement with the Portuguese tactician to end their association that has lasted since January 2021.

In particular, Vaz Pinto thanked the players for lifting the FKF Shield Cup after beating rivals AFC Leopards on July 4 and making him a champion.

"If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together. This quote is not mine, but it can be an introduction to my gratitude towards you," Vaz Pinto noted in a statement obtained by Goal.

"I arrived here, alone, I didn’t know any of you, but we built a story together, something that I will cherish for the rest of my life, as I know you will too. 

"Just after the Final Cup, I asked the president to let me go back to my country and this was a very difficult decision to make, because of all the bonds we have created.

"You are my family, but I am living now 9,000 km from home, where I have my wife and my son. The motivation I found came from both sides, to work hard and finally accomplish a great victory. 

"This has been a team effort all the way, that’s why I am super proud of each and every one of you guys. You must believe in hard work and in the power of team spirit, so keep strong and rely on the work of the next coach. I will always be your supporter!! Fight hard with a commitment up to the last second of the game!

"Thank you all for accepting me through good and bad days and remember that we will always take the Cup we won with us. 

"I am sure that we will meet again, somewhere in the future, in another challenge. You are the champions and you have made me a champion too. I hope I can make you a better player as well as a better person! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart."

With the coach's exit, Gor Mahia now will be under Sammy Omollo until the season ends.

Sales of polka dot ties have skyrocketed in England amid their journey to the Euro 2020 final.

Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate has started a fashion trend by wearing one during the tournament and retailers across the country are reporting massive increases in sales of polka dot ties as a result.

And it has proved to be something of a lucky charm, with England winning every game of the tournament while he was wearing it on the touchline.

Why does Gareth Southgate wear a polka dot tie?

It seems to be lucky!

The only time Southgate did not wear it at Euro 2020 was the 0-0 draw with Scotland, and he's likely to be donning the tie once again for the final meeting with Italy on July 11.

Who makes Gareth Southgate's polka dot tie?

The tie is made by British company Percival, and they have named the neckwear 'Gareth Southgate's Lucky Tie'. 

"Percival has had the honour of being asked by The Gaffer himself, Gareth Southgate to create a few pitch-side looks and his (now lucky) navy polka dot tie," the website says.

Where can I buy a polka dot tie?

The tie can be pre-ordered from Percival, although it won't be available until August.

Another option would be to purchases a similar-style tie from Matalan, who are selling it for £4, or John Lewis, who have reported massive increases in sales of their polka dot ties.

Further reading

Marcelo has taken on captaincy duties at Real Madrid following the departure of Sergio Ramos.

The Blancos have seen a World Cup-winning defender leave them as a free agent, with a talismanic centre-half heading to Paris Saint-Germain after 16 years in the Spanish capital.

Another long-serving stalwart at Santiago Bernabeu will now be inheriting the armband, with a 33-year-old Brazilian becoming an on-field leader in his 16th season with La Liga giants.

What has been said?

Marcelo has told Madrid's official website of becoming skipper: "It’s an honour and an enormous responsibility to be captain of the greatest club in the world. I’m extremely lucky.

"When you are a Real Madrid player you wake up every day full of desire and that grows after every season. I’ve been here for a long time, but the desire is still there and it just keeps on growing. I’m really looking forward to the start of the new season.

"I learn a lot every season, there's always something new. I'm even more excited about this campaign because I'm Real Madrid captain. It's a dream come true for me and I believe I've done everything I can to be here for such a long time."

Is Marcelo the right man for the job?

The South American left-back has provided captaincy cover for Ramos in the past, so is no novice in that role.

His vast experience has made him an obvious candidate to take such responsibility on a permanent basis, with Marcelo looking to lead by example.

He added: "I've always tried to bring a little bit of my enthusiasm and taken responsibility to help the youngsters as well as those who've been here for a long time. Support is always welcome.

"I'm always looking to learn new things and I also need help from my team-mates. I believe that as captain I'm the spokesperson for the team and I'll always look to help as much as I can, just like I've always done."

The bigger picture

Marcelo has, since arriving in January 2007, taken in 528 appearances for Real.

He has helped them to five La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns, but ended last season empty-handed.

Zinedine Zidane walked away on the back of those struggles, with Carlo Ancelotti returning to Madrid for a second stint as manager, and Marcelo is aware of the need to live up to expectations.

He added: "We're aware that it's very tough to go through a season without winning a title, but we fought till the end of the season. 

"I'm sure we're going to win something. We're very happy, we've still got players to come back from international duty or on holiday, but we're very motivated for the season to start."

Further reading

Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Brian Sebapole has backed Goodman Mosele to succeed at Orlando Pirates.

The 21-year-old sensation recently joined the Soweto giants on a four-year deal from Baroka FC where he emerged from nowhere to become one of the best central midfielders in the country. 

Mosele, who was named 2019/20 PSL Young Player of the Season, is currently part of the South Africa squad which will compete in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. 

Sebapole, who is credited for unearthing Mosele in the North West, believes playing in the Olympic Games will help prepare the former Stilfontein Real Hearts player for life at Pirates.

“The move came at the right time for the boy,” Sebapole said when speaking to Daily Sun.

“I believe with his inclusion in the U23 national team that is going to the Olympics will also assist him to gain a lot of experience that will help in terms of competing for his place at Pirates.”

Mosele will compete with Bafana internationals Ben Motshwari and Thabang Monare for a place in the Pirates starting line-up. 

“He just has to hold his head high, keep focusing and working hard as he has been and things will work out for him,” Sebapole, who plied his trade in the USA and China during his playing days, said.

Mosele was nurtured in the City of Matlosana academy under its 2010 legacy programme having been discovered while playing in the U12s.

“From a very early age, he showed a lot of courage and maturity. He had so much potential,” former Jomo Cosmos star Sebapole recalled.

“It was very difficult to ignore such talent. He realised that himself, which is why he pushed himself that hard. He really pushed himself to get where he is now.”

Baroka snapped up Mosele from amateur side Stilfontein Real Hearts in 2016 and he went on to make 83 appearances in the PSL for the Limpopo-based side.

He helped Baroka win their first major trophy when they clinched the 2018/19 Telkom Knockout Cup, coincidentally against Pirates having played in all of the team's four matches in the tournament. 

England have reached a first major international final since 1966, with the Three Lions preparing to face Italy in a showpiece event at Euro 2020.

Gareth Southgate's side have already made history by giving themselves a shot at the European Championship crown.

A success-starved nation has united behind the efforts of a star-studded squad in a memorable summer, but will mass celebration be possible if an ultimate prize is secured? Goal takes a look.

Will there be a victory parade if England win Euro 2020?

England are now just 90 minutes, plus extra-time and penalties if required, away from lifting major silverware and bringing 55 years of hurt to a close.

There will be 60,000 fans in attendance at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, with the vast majority of those longing for a home win.

Celebrations will last long into the night, and well into Monday morning, if the Three Lions can prevail, with the country ready to rejoice at the end of a testing 12 months.

Covid-19 restrictions are, however, still in place and that will limit options available to the Football Association when it comes to any parades.

There are no plans in place at present to hold an open-top bus tour if England emerge victorious.

How will England mark victory if they win Euro 2020?

Parades through London have been commonplace in the past when it comes to sporting achievement in England.

The capital came to a standstill on the back of a Rugby World Cup triumph in 2003, while Ashes success in 2005 saw the nation's cricket team saluted as heroes.

If the footballers can see off Italy, the FA are hoping to put some sort of celebration in place.

The UK government has revealed that 'Freedom Day' is to go ahead as planned on July 19, with many Covid restrictions set to be lifted.

There have been suggestions that a celebration could be delayed until September, during an international break in which the Three Lions will take in World Cup qualifiers against Andorra, Hungary and Poland.

Other ideas to have been mooted include a party at Wembley where tickets are distributed through a public ballot, or an invitation-only event that sees a number of schoolchildren and key workers witness a socially-distanced trophy lift.

While a public celebration remains off the table at present, Southgate's squad would be invited to a Downing Street reception with prime minister Boris Johnson if they become European champions.

Further reading

Achraf Hakimi has only just completed a €60 million (£52m/$71m) move to Paris Saint-Germain , but the defender's agent admits that the 22-year-old is dreaming of returning to Real Madrid at some stage.

After just one title-winning season at Serie A giants Inter, a highly-rated Morocco international is taking on another new challenge in France.

A door was left open for a retracing of steps to the Spanish capital to be made, having come through the ranks at Santiago Bernabeu , but the Blancos are yet to show their hand when it comes to putting a future agreement in place.

What has been said?

Hakimi, who took in 17 appearances for Real before joining Borussia Dortmund on loan in 2018, is hoping to see his career go full circle.

His representative, Alejandro Camano, has told El Transistor: "Real Madrid had the right of first refusal until PSG and Inter said that the deal was going to take place.

"We keep the hope and the dream that Achraf returns to Real Madrid because he was born in Madrid, grew up in Madrid and as a final aim, one day, he would like to play for Real Madrid."

Waiting game for Real

Hakimi is not about to push for a switch to Real any time soon, with his immediate focus locked on events at PSG.

He has penned a five-year contract with the Ligue 1 giants and is looking forward to chasing down more major honours as part of a star-studded squad.

Hakimi has told PSG's official website : "After Spain, Germany and Italy, Paris Saint-Germain offers me the chance to discover a new championship with one of the most prestigious clubs in the world. 

"I can’t wait to meet my new team-mates, the fans and experience the incredible colour and passion inside the Parc des Princes. 

"I share the same big ambitions as the coaching staff and my team-mates and will do everything I can to deliver what is expected of me."

Further reading