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"Now you're telling me as we're speaking here that Gavin Hunt signed [for Chippa United], it's actually a joke," Williams told News24.

"If Hunt had signed, I would probably like to expose him and say I wouldn't have thought that he'd take the job because that tells me how high his quality is. Is he desperate, first of all? And I need to say it like that. It's not about friends or what, because coaches like [Jose] Mourinho don't just go to any club, and that is just an example that I am making."

The retired striker believes Hunt has achieved quite a lot and the Chippa United move is a downgrade for him: "He mustn't forget, he won the league four times, so he is a highly recognised coach in this country. I am not saying he is going down," added Williams.

"I wouldn't have thought in his situation that he could be desperate now. After he got sacked at Kaizer Chiefs, I told him what I thought he should do.

"I told him he must stop. He made enough money. Chiefs paid him out the money that they owed him. I told him he must take a trip overseas, go and look at some of these coaches, go to England, go to Scotland and ask them if you can watch their training sessions and learn.

"And then when you come back, you would by now forget about how Chiefs sort of treated you, and you would have learned a lot abroad about football."

Since Chilli Boys joined the Premier Soccer League club in 2012, they have had 19 coaches and Willaims feels Hunt could be sacked almost immediately by the club's owner, Siviwe Mpengesi.

"We all know the history of Chippa United because the chairman believes that he must win that league every year. He has got some bad players, but he also has some good players," concluded Willaims.

"However, he can't compete with the likes of Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, even Moroka Swallows and SuperSport United; they have got quality players."

Kenya international Ian Otieno has claimed Zesco United managed to win the Zambian Super League title despite many people not giving them a chance to do it.

Timu ya Ziko lifted the league title again after they lost to Nkana FC in the 2019-20 season when they also failed to grab one of the Caf slots that was reserved for Zambia.

The former AFC Leopards goalkeeper revealed what propelled them in a season they started slowly before picking up momentum and eventually being declared champions.

"The key factor was us believing that we could do it. When we started the league, everyone had their own doubts about this team," Otieno told the club's portal.

"Some people said we were not playing well. Sometimes in football, you can play bad and win and play very well and lose a match. What kept us going was the unity in the team and the belief that we could win the title.

"Like I said when we lost the Absa Cup final, the league title is sweeter because it is recognised everywhere. It is special for me and for the rest of the team. I am very happy because when I joined Zesco United, there was only one objective and the objective was to win the league title. When you are a player, that’s what you dream of. 

"Unfortunately, we lost the title and lost out on a place in Caf in very difficult circumstances." 

The star was named the most consistent player for Zesco United despite suffering a number of injuries in a season in which he was preferably the first choice goalkeeper when fit.

"It was a very good season for me despite getting injured at the latter stage of the season. I think the coach and the team are best positioned to rate my performances. I did very well because we have a very competitive goalkeeping department," he added.

"The coming of Toaster [Nsabata] has been very good for me because he has brought massive competition, making me work harder. I am happy for him too because he has won a league title in his debut season."

Otieno feels they are in the right shape to compete well on the continental podium. 

"We need to keep working very hard because the task ahead is even bigger. It is important to have everyone on board as we start the new campaign," he concluded.

"Right now, I can say that the squad has very good depth. We have upcoming players who are working very hard for the team. We have qualified for Caf and as such, we need to work very hard and prepare adequately."

"The coach has played and managed in this competition and I believe he knows what to do with the team. I believe the team will be better than we are now."

Otieno was signed by the Ndola club after impressing with Super League side Red Arrows.

Zambia international Enock Mwepu has penned an emotional farewell to Red Bull Salzburg after his transfer move to Brighton & Hove Albion.

The 23-year-old midfielder was confirmed as the first signing for manager Graham Potter on a four-year contract two days ago ahead of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.

In a message on his Instagram page, Mwepu has thanked the Austrian club for the support they accorded him in the last four years since he signed for them and also for turning around his career.

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to everyone at Red Bull Salzburg. I am greatly humbled for the beautiful moments that we shared together during my four-year stay in Austria,” Mwepu wrote.

“I was just a young boy in Zambia who had a dream of playing football in Europe. I didn’t even know of a place called Salzburg, but God made a way through this special club – and I played football and saw my dream come true.

“Red Bull Salzburg you gave me an opportunity to demonstrate my abilities and you were patient enough to see me grow, and progress to the first team. Today I am living my dream because of the love, support, care and the positive energy you gave me throughout my four years at the club.

“I just want to say a big thank you to the club board, the coaches, the physicians, the staff, my teammates, and my agency for supporting me throughout.

“And to the fans, I would like to say thank you for everything. You have been there for me and the team, you sang your whole heart out and we celebrated together in the low and high moments.

“I wish the team all the best in the future; I and my family will always be supporting you.”

He became the second player from Zambia to join a team in the Premier League in this transfer window after Patson Daka signed for Leicester City.

Gor Mahia coach Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto has blamed the match officials for the team’s latest 2-1 defeat against Tusker in the FKF Premier League on Thursday.

K’Ogalo went into the match seeking to arrest a run of three matches without a win but it was not the case as they threw away a first-half lead to succumb to the Brewers at Utalii grounds.

Eugene Asike's powerful header in stoppage time and Boniface Muchiri's brilliantly taken free-kick handed the Brewers the win against K'Ogalo who had taken the lead in the first half courtesy of Tito Okello's effort.

Speaking to Goal after the game, the Portuguese tactician has blamed poor officiating for the team’s defeat insisting he was disappointed the referee had awarded Tusker a free-kick and a corner which was not supposed to be.

What has been said?

“We played very well, was a good game, the first we dominated, the second half I would like to confirm with the videos but for me this is clear, it is not a foul the free-kick gives the goal and it is not a corner for the second goal because the last man to touch the ball is not Andrew [Juma],” Vaz Pinto told Goal.

“And because of such refereeing mistakes, it makes the difference, I don’t remember in the second half when Tusker created opportunities but they created the two goals and it was not a corner and it was not a free-kick, I will confirm with the videos again but this is not fair.”

Vaz Pinto continued: “How many yellow cards today [Thursday]? Always to Gor Mahia, not one to Tusker and the free-kick of Kenneth [Muguna] is very dangerous and you don’t give yellow, but in the first half you give yellow to Geoffrey [Ochieng] to Samuel [Onyango], sorry it is not pressure but it is the truth of what I am saying, and it happened against Wazito.”

On whether Gor Mahia can still catch Tusker for the title, Vaz Pinto said: “It is difficult of course now with nine games remaining but what I feel is today [Thursday], was an amazing game, we played very well and it is this type of game I want from my team and we don’t deserve this result,

“I am very sad because this is our life, and one person inside the pitch decides to do things his way and not the correct way, and this is not fair, congratulations to Tusker, they win but they don’t deserve the victory, this is my opinion and if it is my mistake then let it be, but I will check the videos again.”

The win saw the Brewers move to 50 points from 23 matches while Gor Mahia remained fourth on 39 points from 23 matches.

Ghana international Edwin Gyasi has sealed a transfer move to Israeli giants Beitar Jerusalem.

The winger, who is arriving from Turkish side Samsunspor where he had joined as a free agent from CSKA Sofia, has been unveiled by the Israel giants.

“The 30-year-old midfielder will strengthen the offensive side of the team. He has previously played in Turkey, the Netherlands, the USA and Bulgaria and will soon land in the capital,” Beitar said in a statement on their official website.

“Gyasi has joined for a year with an option for another season. Gyasi, 30, holds Dutch and Ghanaian citizenship, having previously played in the Netherlands, Turkey, Bulgaria, and the United States."

The statement continued: "Gyasi began his career at Alkmaar and has been on the road at De Harraschrap, FC Twente, Hercules, CSKA Sofia, Dallas and Samsunspor.

“The international midfielder made five appearances for the Ghana national team, the Black Stars, which he represented in the World Cup qualifiers and the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

“He made his national team debut in September 2017 and scored the debut goal against the Egyptian national team.”

In a recent interview, Gyasi advised Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi to follow his heart in deciding his international future.

"I will advise him [Hudson-Odoi] to follow his heart rather than bowing to public pressure at this critical moment in his career," Gyasi, who decided to play for Ghana in 2017 despite being eligible to represent the Netherlands, said.

Danilo is confident that Cristiano Ronaldo will remain at Juventus and would like to see former Manchester City team-mate Gabriel Jesus added to the Bianconeri's attacking options.

Questions have been asked of how long Portuguese superstar Ronaldo will be sticking around in Turin, with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner entering the final 12 months of his current contract.

Various landing spots have been mooted for an all-time great, from England to America, but Danilo believes the 36-year-old talisman will be back for more in Serie A next season.

What has been said?

The Brazilian defender told Gazzetta dello Sport of the speculation surrounding Ronaldo: "Having him in the team is important for us because he brings an avalanche of goals, and besides, he’s a dear friend, we’ve known each other since Real Madrid. 

"He’ll still be with us next season."

Will Juve sign another forward?

Ronaldo remains tied to Juventus for now and another loan agreement has been put in place that will see Alvaro Morata return to Italy from Atletico Madrid.

Paulo Dybala is also on the Bianconeri's books, despite being yet to sign a new contract, meaning that Massimiliano Allegri has plenty of firepower at his disposal.

Additions are being speculated on, though, with there plenty of reports to suggest that another Brazilian could be targeted in the summer window.

Danilo would like to see his fellow countryman join him in Turin, with the City striker proving that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level.

"Of course, Gabriel is good and very intelligent," Danilo said of the links to the 24-year-old.

"He could grow more in Italy because in Serie A they close down well and it’s harder to score. If I could, I would bring him to Juventus."

Further reading

Zambia head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has stated his side felt bitter after going down 2-1 to Lesotho in the Cosafa Cup opener at Isaac Wolfson Stadium on Thursday.

Chipolopolo, the defending champions, surrendered the lead after they had gone ahead courtesy of Justin Shonga's goal before Motebang Sera's brace ensured Lesotho emerged winners with second-half goals.

The former Orlando Pirates coach blamed his side for not being clinical enough with the chances created.

"Without wishing to be an excuse maker or blame shifter, we have felt the bitter side of football," Micho said in his post-match conference as was quoted by Faz media.

"We gave respect to the opponent but not over-respect, we have self-respected ourselves, we imposed ourselves very well, opened the game very well in the first half, it was supposed to be more than one goal.

"We created clear-cut chances that we did not convert, there were crucial moments in the game, instead of putting the game beyond the opponents’ reach, we conceded that goal."

"In moments of domination, in moments when we have been totally in control of the game and against the run of play, we conceded that goal that put us in a position that we needed to go back to the drawing board and analyse the second half and prepare very well for the game against Eswatini that is supposed to help us to bounce back."

Eswatini bounced back against Chipolopolo after they lost their opener against Lesotho and head coach Leslie Notsi lauded his players for their show against the defending champions.

"We are happy, we are satisfied actually, with the way the boys accounted themselves. We knew that it was going to be tough looking at the track record of Zambia, the quality they have in the team, but I believe our plan worked well," Notsi said.

"The boys accounted themselves very well in terms of addressing the matters that we talked about."

Zambia will play Eswatini on July 10 before facing their southern neighbours Botswana three days later and both matches will be hosted at the Isaac Wolfson Stadium. On July 14, Chipolopolo will be up against South Africa at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Liverpool have confirmed Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip will join up with Jurgen Klopp’s squad for the start of their pre-season schedule next week.

The centre-backs will be part of a 34-man squad which will meet up in Austria on Monday as the Reds begin their preparations for the new season.

Van Dijk has been absent since last October due to a serious knee injury, while Gomez has not featured since November. Matip damaged ankle ligaments in January, but all three should be ready to play a significant role in pre-season.

Where are Liverpool heading for pre-season?

As they did last season, Liverpool will hold a training camp in Austria, near the city of Salzburg. They also plan to move across Austria to the state of Tyrol later in the camp, although sources have told Goal the situation will remain fluid due to the risk of coronavirus and ever-changing restrictions across Europe.

Are they playing any friendlies?

None have been confirmed yet, but Liverpool will almost certainly look to schedule at least two friendly fixtures, as well as an inter-squad game.

They played both Red Bull Salzburg and Stuttgart last summer, and say they will confirm any games in due course.

Goal understands the Reds are also hoping to schedule at least one pre-season game at Anfield before the Premier League campaign gets underway on August 14, although an opponent is yet to be confirmed.

Who is in the squad?

Klopp will be able to call upon a number of first-team stars, with Sadio Mane and Mo Salah available, along with the returning trio of Van Dijk, Gomez and Matip.

New signing Ibrahima Konate will join up with his new team-mates for the first time, while Trent Alexander-Arnold, who missed Euro 2020 due to injury, has also been named.

There will be chances for fringe players such as Ben Davies, Ben Woodburn, Marko Grujic and Takumi Minamino, as well as Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi and goalkeeper Loris Karius, who hasn’t featured since the summer of 2018.

A host of young players have also been drafted in, including exciting Polish teenager Mateusz Musialowski, midfielder Tyler Morton and Kaide Gordon, a January signing from Derby who made a big impact in the academy during the second half of last season.

Full squad: James Milner, Adrian, Ben Davies, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip, Nat Phillips, Divock Origi, Ben Woodburn, Rhys Williams, Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kostas Tsimikas, Caoimhin Kelleher, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Naby Keita, Curtis Jones, Taiwo Awoniyi, Marko Grujic, Harvey Elliott, Loris Karius, Takumi Minamino, Jake Cain, Leighton Clarkson, Marcelo Pitaluga, Harvey Davies, Billy Koumetio, Owen Beck, Kaide Gordon, Mateusz Musialowski, Tyler Morton, Conor Bradley.

Juan Mata has admitted to snubbing other offers in order to sign a new contract with Manchester United and extend his association with the Red Devils.

The World Cup-winning Spaniard has committed to another 12 months at Old Trafford, with fresh terms agreed as he hit free agency.

Approaches were received from outside of Manchester, with the 33-year-old midfielder still having plenty to offer, and future options were carefully weighed up before making a decision.

What has been said?

Asked by United's official website whether signing a new deal was a no-brainer, Mata said: "No, to be honest, you have to think about it.

"Of course, because I was a free agent at the end of my contract and, as is normal in the football world, you receive some calls from different clubs and think about maybe potential new stages in your career but, on the other hand, the feeling of being at this club and especially because of how last season went, probably the most difficult season in my life, it didn’t feel natural to me to leave that way.

"Of course, also I’m staying because I still believe I can give so much to the team and I think the club believes the same.

"I’m very, very hopeful and excited to still win trophies here. It’s very special to be a player at this club and it’s even more special to win trophies and that’s why I’m here and all the players are here."

Mata's record at United

The classy playmaker was snapped up from Chelsea by David Moyes in the winter transfer window of 2014.

Mata has gone on to take in 273 outings for United, registering 51 goals along the way.

He has helped them to FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League glory and is determined to bring a five-year wait for major silverware to a close in 2022.

There is also a chance that he could pass the 300-appearance mark in the upcoming campaign, allowing him to join an elite group of Red Devils.

Mata added: "I didn’t know that it was the ninth [season] already, but time flies. 

"Of course I’ve lived many good moments at this club, other difficult ones, but yes, I’m staying and I’m very much looking forward for what I hope will be a good season for the team and for myself."

United are set to open their 2021-22 campaign with a home date against old adversaries Leeds on August 14.

Further reading

Yanga SC have been handed a heavy fine by Tanzania Premier League Board after their Mainland Premier League win against rivals Simba SC last Saturday.

The Jangwani giants took the bragging rights from the eagerly awaited match at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium as a first-half goal from Zawadi Mauya handed them a 1-0 win over their Msimbazi rivals.

However, TPLB has confirmed in a statement seen by Goal that Yanga have been fined Tsh3million following four incidents that happened before the derby watched by over 30, 000 fans including President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

What has been said?

“Yanga have been slapped with a fine of Tsh3million for breaking the following rules; using the adjacent gate from Uhuru Stadium to access the main venue for the match at Mkapa, instead, of using the main gate which was preserved for all the teams,” read part of the statement.

“Using the gate meant for journalists to access media centre, instead, of using the main target preserved for teams, and entering the pitch for a warm-up session by using Gate B, which was not planned to be used during the derby.”

The statement continued: “Yanga have also been punished for using the room meant for stadium workers to dress for the game, instead, of using the dressing room which was set aside for them.

“Yanga have also been asked to pay Tsh850, 000 to cater for the damages caused to the gates they forced to use and access the stadium and all this punishment is in accordance with article 15(15) of the rules governing the game in the country.”

Simba need a draw to win their fourth title

The win against Simba saw Yanga deny their rivals the title on that day and also increase their chances of winning the same.

However, Simba are now a point away from clinching a record fourth straight title after they recovered from the derby to defeat KMC 2-0 courtesy of goals from Chris Mugalu.

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi are six points clear at the top of the 18-team table as they have 76 points from 31 matches, while Yanga are second on 70 points from 32 matches.

It means Simba will now be crowned champions if they secure a draw in their next assignment against Coastal Union at Mkapa Stadium on July 11.

Neymar has joked his friendship with Lionel Messi is "on the line" when Brazil face Argentina in the final of the Copa America.

Two heavyweights have set up a mouthwatering clash in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, with the continental crown up for grabs.

The meeting between Neymar and Messi will steal the headlines in South America as two superstars of world football lock horns, and Brazil's talisman admits his close bond with his former Barcelona team-mate may be broken at Maracana.

What has been said?

Neymar told reporters ahead of a clash which will see Argentina's captain going in search of a first senior honour with his country: "Messi is, as I've always said, the best player I've ever seen play and he's a great friend, but now we're in a final, we're rivals. I want to win and I really want to win this title, which would be my first Copa America.

"Messi has been looking for his first title with the national team for many years, and every time we [Brazil] are not present at the tournament, I cheered for him. That's what I've been cheering for in the 2014 World Cup final, when he faced Germany.

"Now Brazil is in the dispute, so our friendship is on the line. The respect between us in still great but only one can win.

"When you're friends with someone, it's hard to forget the friendship you have - but for example when you play video games with a friend, you want to beat him anyway. It'll be the same thing on Saturday."

Will Neymar prevail?

Brazil are the current holders of the Copa America, having landed the crown on home soil in 2019.

Neymar sat out that tournament through injury, meaning that he is still looking for a first winners' medal.

He is eager to see that wait come to a close this weekend and hit out and those Brazilians who have turned on their own team and decided to support Argentina.

The 29-year-old Paris Saint-Germain forward has said on social media: "I'm Brazilian with a lot of pride, with a lot of love. My dream was always to be in the Brazilian national team and hear the fans singing. I've never supported or will support against anything Brazil is competing for, whatever the sport or modelling contest."

Further reading

Lock, stock, and barrel. ATK Mohun Bagan are ready to fire all guns blazing in the next edition of the Indian Super League (ISL).

They had been making the right moves in the transfer market with the signings of Finnish midfielder Joni Kauko, Deepak Tangri, Ashutosh Mehta, and with the addition of Hugo Boumous, the writing is clear on the wall. The Mariners want to be the league champions and compete at the highest level in Asia. 

The French midfielder joined the Kolkata-based side for an undisclosed fee which is already touted to have broken all records in Indian football and is expected to be in excess of INR 2 Crore. He was one of the best players in the league in the past couple of seasons in ISL and the likes of Roy Krishna and Manvir Singh will be delighted to have a player with such creativity behind them. 

What can ATK Mohun Bagan fans expect of Hugo Boumous? 

Simply put - a bounty of assists, and a few goals as well.  His vision to find out players in the attacking third remains unparalleled and with the likes of Krishna and Singh upfront, goal scoring should not be a problem for Bagan.

Boumous has played 58 games so far in ISL and has been involved in 42 goals (19 goals and 23 assists).

Who has created the most number of big chances in ISL?

Boumous can dictate the tempo of a match and can control proceedings with his wide range of passing. He likes to go forward with the ball and there are only a few players in ISL who can be as menacing as him in the attacking third. Since the beginning of the 2018-19 season, no player has made more assists than him in the league (21), seven more than any other player. 14 of these assists were from open play.  

The two-time ISL Shield winner has also created the most number of big chances since the 2018-19 season, which further amplifies his impact in the opponents' half. 

Boumous- The difference maker

With Boumous on the field, Mumbai City's chances of winning a match went up by almost 20 per cent. 

Two-time Indian Super League (ISL) runners-up Kerala Blasters are not known for their patience towards managers, with no manager starting two successive seasons with the club so far in their seven-year-history. 

The club have not qualified for the ISL play-offs ever since 2016 and that track-record has seen many a manager come and go at the Kochi-base club. After parting ways with Kibu Vicuna towards the end of last season, following a disappointing run of results, Blasters have now appointed Serbian coach Ivan Vukomanovic to take charge of affairs. 

The former Apollon Limassol manager will now have to manage the expectations of a fanbase of considerable size that has been starved of success for a long time now. And given the history of the Blasters' management, Vukomanovic will have to deliver or face the axe. 

But the 44-year-old is not fazed by the pressure he will have to deal with at his new club. 

"I grew up in such an environment, in a club with a lot of fans and pressure. Pressure is a positive thing," Vukomanovic, who has played for the likes of Bordeaux, Red Star Belgrade and more, told Goal.

"In football, nothing happens overnight. In modern football, the keyword is consistency. Winning trophies and making good projects work, you need at least one season not put all things in place, like putting pieces together in a puzzle. If you want to build good things, you have to work correctly, intelligently and with consistency. Then as a club you become unbeatable. I'd like to see, after covid is gone, to become unbeatable at home, to see that fire, the players have to know and deal with the pressure and must be capable of wearing that yellow shirt. 

"Instant solutions don't exist in football. I hope we will be capable of making many people happy and proud."

Blasters finished second from bottom in the previous season but they do have some talented young players like Rahul KP, Jeakson Singh, Givson Singh, Ruivah Hormipam and more. Vukomanovic is counting on the young blood he has at his disposal as he looks to revive the club's fortunes.

His first task is to ensure the club develop a reputation for being 'tough to beat'. 

"Our first task is to improve many aspects and to add some new things. And of course, improve collectively and individually. KBFC have a good group of young players, some national team players who can become better and be better a team. When you are working correctly towards that goal, the results will come. 

"I wont say our first season will be a transition. When we are playing in Kochi, we want to become unbeatable. Everyone should know we are a tough team to beat."

Vukomanovic also gave an insight into what his philosophy at Kerala Blasters will be like, stressing once again on the fact that his primary focus will be to make the club a very tough team to beat. 

"All systems are good (for me). It depends on the material (players) you have in the dressing room. The players who can fulfill the task on the field.

"Then it's adapting to you opponent and how to use their weaknesses and your strengths and it depends from game to game. I would like to make a team that is hard to beat."

The 2022 World Cup is only 500 days away and the excitement is well and truly bubbling in the Middle-East region as it gears to host the mega sporting event.

Qatar will host the World Cup with 32 teams battling for supremacy with the opening game scheduled to be held at Al Bayt Stadium while the final will be played at the 80000-seater Lusail Stadium.

Nasser Al Khater, CEO of the World Cup Qatar 2022, promised that it will be a unique experience for the fans visiting Qatar as they will save costs with each of the eight venues located within 50 km of central Doha.

“500 days to go means we’re getting very close,” said Al Khater. “It’s been ten years in the making and this will be the biggest event that’s ever happened in the Middle East. It will bring the region together and be a moment of pride in the history of the world. As we move closer to the tournament, we are sure the excitement is going to build even further.”

“The compact nature is probably the most positive aspect of this World Cup. For fans, they won’t have to follow their team from city to city, which means there will be a significant cost saving and means they will have time to take in the ambiance and enjoy what Qatar has to offer,” said Khater.

Yasir Al Jamal, Vice Chairman, Technical Delivery Office, and Chairman, Operations Office, informed that the World Cup infrastructure is almost complete with just five per cent work left, which is expected to be completed before the end of the year.

“Since 2011, we’ve been working hard on the delivery of our tournament and national infrastructure. If we look at the metro, the airport and highways expansion, we’re in a very good place. All the stadiums will be ready by the end of the year, which gives us a whole year to test them before the event.”

“Five of our stadiums have been completed, while the other three will be ready soon. Six of the stadiums will be used for the FIFA Arab Cup 2021, which will take place in November and December,” said Jamal.

Harry Kane, Romelu Lukaku, Erling Haaland and….Umar Sadiq all have one thing in common: all four have now been linked with a move to Manchester City in recent months.

Following Pep Guardiola’s adaptation to Sergio Aguero’s constant injuries in 2020/21 and reservations over Gabriel Jesus filling in, there was an expectation to splurge on a top centre-forward this summer.

Regardless of whatever the decorated manager says, the club ought to acquire a new number nine following Aguero’s move to Barcelona.

Kane’s star quality is known, despite an absence of trophies at club level, Lukaku has demonstrated in recent campaigns to be one of Europe’s leading strikers and Haaland often resembles one of those computer-generated players on Football Manager you know you can’t help but have in your team.

Indeed, a case can be made for any of the aforementioned three signing for City, as they’ll make a club brimming with talent significantly better. Given Pep’s tendency to prioritise league titles over European success (regardless of the latter’s glamour), the Cityzens will immediately be labelled Premier League favourites before a ball is kicked.

Having said that, the Cityzens have been known to make left-field signings under the Spanish manager.

This claim can be disputed by observers, many of whom believe the ex-Barcelona boss is privileged at the Etihad Stadium, but City’s inclination to move for transfer alternatives certainly can’t be dismissed.

The Manchester outfit moved for Claudio Bravo when Barca weren’t willing to sell Marc-Andre ter Stegen, didn’t go out of their way to sign Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal, neither did they panic when Jorginho moved to Chelsea in 2018 nor when a deal couldn’t be struck for Kalidou Koulibaly last summer.

Failure to sign the Italy regista saw them wait a year to buy Rodri and they opted for Ruben Dias in last season’s extended summer window having considered Sevilla’s Jules Kounde as an alternative to K2.

It’s seldom ever ‘X player or bust’ for Pep’s City, and they could be poised to utterly surprise observers again if recent links to Sadiq are to be believed. Yes, Umar Sadiq. The gangly Almeria frontman…that one.

Despite his gigantic frame, Umar is simply not an old-fashioned target man.

He tends to drop into deeper positions or drift out wide to respectively dribble aggressively with the ball or isolate his marker on the flanks. His 2.1 dribbles per game ranked highest in the Almeria side and the 2016 Olympic Bronze medallist was seventh in the entire La Liga 2.

Combining his notable dribbling and ball-carrying to his impressive hold-up play makes for a rounded frontman, whose willingness to play with teammates saw him create seven clear-cut chances in 20/21, registering five assists in the campaign.

Even though 20 goals — a new personal best — wasn’t enough to see the Andalusians return to La Liga, his fancy footwork and talent shone through in his debut season.

For all his strengths, however, is a certain profligacy that frustrates even the coolest of cucumbers.

Sadiq missed an incredible 30 opportunities termed ‘big chances’ in 20/21, the highest in the Rojiblancos side. He also holds the unwanted record for the entire division, recording 12 more misses than Fuenlabrada attacker Aboubakary Kante.

Even though he’s already 24, he’s never truly played regular football at the highest level to hone his craft and fine-tune his raw ability. This probably explains why City are reportedly looking to loan him out to Ligue 1 side Troyes for a season, before integrating him into the team in 2022/23.

For one, it remains to be seen if the Manchester outfit are truly willing to shell out the rumoured €30 million — half his €60 million release clause — for a player who isn’t guaranteed a long-term future at the club.

The newly-promoted French side are one of 10 clubs owned by City Football Group, becoming the latest in September 2020. A feature of the partnership among those clubs often sees the Manchester outfit send out signings to the other nine over the years, but this has never resulted in a first-team role.

Most of these players get stuck in the unwanted pattern of recurring temporary deals yearly and never make the grade at the Etihad.

Girona were beneficiaries of the agreement in the past, notably welcoming Pablo Maffeo for three seasons between 2015 to 2018, while Nigeria’s Olarenwaju Kayode played for the Catalonia outfit briefly in 17/18 before moving to Shakhtar Donetsk for the rest of the season in March 2018.

The Ukraine heavyweights acquired the Super Eagle permanently in June 2018, but he’s spent two of those years on loan and is currently halfway through a two-year temporary spell at Sivasspor.

Admittedly, some of these players have landed on their feet: Douglas Luiz spent two years on loan at Girona before Aston Villa signed the Brazil midfielder in 2019, Pablo Mari never kicked a ball for the Manchester side between 2016 and 2019 but currently plays at Arsenal after three loan spells and a permanent transfer to Flamengo and Leeds United’s Jack Harrison is a key player under Marcelo Bielsa having joined from New York City in 2017.

The trend hitherto suggests Umar may never be integrated into Man City’s XI and may have to make do with loan spells elsewhere before a permanent sale. An anticipated rebuttal to this sentiment would be his rumoured transfer fee — €30 million — which blows previous outlays out of the water and possibly points to an investment into the future.

A path into the Cityzens first team has never materialised for anyone in the CFG player exchange, but will Umar buck that trend? If a transfer eventually happens — and for that fee — expect these discussions to be had in the next few years.

Sadiq is no Kane, Lukaku or Haaland, but he could be the talk of the town if this utterly strange rumour eventually comes true.  

In the grand finale of the Copa America 2021, all eyes will be on Argentine superstar Lionel Messi who will be eyeing the maiden international trophy of his long and illustrious career.

Messi has been on song in the ongoing Copa America and is currently leading the chart of top goalscorers with four goals. 

Not just goals but he has also provided five assists which takes his contribution to nine goals out of the 11 Argentina has scored in the tournament so far.

While little magician has been nothing short of a phenomenon in club football for FC Barcelona, success continues to elude him when it comes to international football.

At the age of 34, Messi has got one more opportunity to add an international title to his decorated trophy cabinet and he will try to seize the opportunity.

Here, we take a look at the track record of Lionel Messi in the finals of club and international tournaments.

What is Messi's record in the final of major international tournaments?

The Argentina superstar has never won an international tournament so far in his career. He came close to glory on three occasions in the last decade, twice in Copa America and once in the World Cup but missed out on winning by a whisker.

In the four matches, he has not scored a goal.

What is Messi's record in the final of major club tournaments?

While Messi has never won an international tournament and has lost in the final four times in his career, but when it comes to club football his record is second to none. The former FC Barcelona skipper has played in 17 finals of major tournaments and has lost only on three occasions. 

Out of the 17 finals, he has played, Messi has scored in 13 of those matches.