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Former Orlando Pirates forward Phumudzo Manenzhe believes the Sea Robbers will now have a strong technical team to match their Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs, and Mamelodi Sundowns, following the arrival of Mandla Ncikazi as one of their coaches.

As Pirates return to the Caf Confederation Cup next season, when they will also bid for a first Premier Soccer League title since 2012, they fortified their technical bench. 

The Buccaneers announced Ncikazi as one of their coaches last week to work with head coach Josef Zinnbauer and assistant Fadlu Davids. 

“He has been mentored by the likes of Steve Komphela and Manqoba Mngqithi for a long time,” said Manenzhe as per Sowetan Live. 

“This is the man who knows the culture of South African football. He knows the weaknesses and the strengths of South African players. So it is a great addition to join that bench.  

“I mean, even Kaizer Chiefs have Stuart Baxter, Arthur Zwane and Dillon Sheppard. Mamelodi Sundowns got Steve [Komphela], Rhulani Mokwena and Manqoba. Pirates only had Fadlu Davids and Josef Zinnbauer.

"With the addition of Ncikazi, it will take us to another level. 

“When you are looking at the norm in football now, you are coming into where there is a head coach and two assistants. It is happening all over Europe and it is also starting to happen here.” 

Ncikazi almost earned Arrows a top-three finish in last season’s Premier Soccer League campaign, but capitulated towards the end of the season to allow Pirates to overtake them. 

Had Arrows secured third spot, it would have earned them the right to play in the Confederation Cup for the first time ever in their history. 

“I’m happy that Mandla has been added into the technical bench of Orlando Pirates. He’s a very astute coach, and has great tactical acumen. We saw what he did with Golden Arrows. He has been coaching for many years,” Manenzhe continued. 

Ncikazi will team up with his new colleagues on July 1 when Pirates regroup for pre-season.

Mamelodi Sundowns forward Gift Motupa has reflected on his “difficult” first season at Chloorkop where he had to battle fitness issues and stiff competition for places.

The 26-year-old joined Sundowns last September from Bidvest Wits while injured in what delayed his debut for the Tshwane giants.

After making his maiden appearance, coming on as a substitute in the 2-0 Premier Soccer League win over Chippa United at the end of January, Motupa went back to the sidelines before tasting action again three months later.

He then returned to feature in a Caf Champions League home fixture against CR Belouizdad in April, after being named on the bench.

“Firstly for me with the injury it was not easy but I had the support from the team; technical staff, players and the medical team and I managed to come back stronger,” Motupa told Far Post.

“When the opportunity came, I worked very hard to such an extent that I made sure I used it wisely because we have a lot of players. That’s why you can see that there are some players who didn’t play or just played only a few games because it’s tough. 

“However, when you do well you will keep on playing and that’s how it is at Mamelodi Sundowns. It was a very difficult season but we were very supportive of each other.”

After the Belouizdad match, Motupa started getting some decent playing minutes, resulting in three Champions League appearances and eight league games, which he marked with a goal and three assists.

His first season with the Brazilians was highlighted with the league title triumph, which is his only major trophy since breaking into the PSL with Orlando Pirates in 2015.

“When I came to Sundowns, I knew that it’s a team that wins medals, so I said to myself that I need to join them,” continued Motupa.

It is now yet to be seen if the South Africa 2016 Rio Olympic Games star will manage to claim some regular playing time next season. 

The Court of Arbitration for Sports (Cas) has reduced the life ban placed on former Nigeria coach Samson Siasia by Fifa to five years.

The court delivered its long-awaited appeal verdict on Monday and also dismissed the fine of CHF 50,000 (fifty thousand Swiss Francs) he was ordered to pay.

In August 2019, the world football governing body announced that Siasia was found guilty of accepting an offer to receive bribes in an attempt to manipulate the outcome of matches.

The investigation concluded that the 53-year-old breached article 11 of Fifa’s Code of Ethics which led to his ban and financial punishment.

After considering Siasia's appeal and also reviewing Fifa's judgement, Cas described the initial lifetime ban as excessive punishment for the former Super Eagles striker, and they also defended the removal of the fine.

Siasia had two stints as the Super Eagles coach (in 2010 and 2016) and he led the Nigeria U23 team to win silver and bronze medals, at the 2008 Beijing and 2016 Rio Olympics, respectively.

“Mr Siasia is banned for 5 (five) years from taking part in any kind of football-related activity at national and international level (administrative, sports or any other) as of 16 August 2019,” read a statement from Cas.

“The imposed fine of CHF 50,000 (fifty thousand Swiss Francs) on Mr Siasia is set aside. The Panel determined the imposition of a life ban to be disproportionate for a first offence which was committed passively and which had not had an adverse or immediate effect on football stakeholders, and that a five-year ban would still achieve the envisaged aim of punishing the infringement committed by Mr Siasia.

“The Panel acknowledged the need for sanctions to be sufficiently high enough to eradicate bribery and especially match-fixing in football.

"However, the Panel considered in the particular circumstances of this matter that it would be inappropriate and excessive to impose a financial sanction in addition to the five-year ban, since the ban sanction already incorporated a financial punishment in eliminating football as a source of revenue for Mr Siasia, and considering that Mr Siasia had not obtained any gain or pecuniary benefit from his unethical behaviour.”

South Sudan’s match versus Jordan in the Fifa Arab Cup qualifiers on Monday has been called off just hours prior to kick-off due to positive coronavirus tests at the African side.

The Bright Stars were hoping to qualify for the competition which serves as a test run for the 2022 Fifa World Cup Qatar, nonetheless, Fifa awarded a win to the Asian side by forfeit.

“Following the confirmation of Covid-19 cases among the South Sudan delegation, the Fifa Bureau for Men’s Senior Tournaments has declared the match scheduled to take place this evening against Jordan as part of the Fifa Arab Cup qualifiers a forfeit with a 3-0 win to Jordan,” Fifa explained in a statement on their website.

“The decision is based on article 5.6 of the competition regulations (“force majeure”) and takes into consideration the need to protect the health of the players and everyone involved in the tournament.

“Upon their arrival in Qatar and as per the protocols established by the Qatari Ministry of Health, all delegations were tested for Covid-19.

“After two rounds of PCR tests, it was confirmed that seven players and one team member of South Sudan were positive, with another five players receiving a reactive test result, which as per the Qatari Ministry of Health, means that these players were likely incubating the virus.

“Given that another seven players had close contact with those who tested positive, a total of 19 players are currently in isolation. There are no cases presenting severe symptoms and everyone who tested positive is being monitored and receiving the best possible medical care for free through the Qatar national healthcare system.

“Fifa and the local organisers deeply regret this unfortunate situation and wish the delegates of South Sudan a speedy recovery.”

Following the cancellation of this encounter, Fifa has promised to refund the tickets of both teams.

Since playing their first international game against Uganda in 2012, South Sudan are yet to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations or the Fifa World Cup.

Currently, they are ranked as the 47th best team in Africa and no. 169 in the world according to Fifa's June rankings.

Lyon have announced the signings of Christiane Endler, Signe Bruun and Danielle van de Donk on the back of the club's first trophy-less season in 15 years.

Endler and Bruun both join from rivals Paris Saint-Germain, the newly-elected French champions that stopped Lyon's run of 14 titles in a row and also dealt them their first UEFA Women's Champions League elimination in seven years. Endler has signed a contract until 2024, while Bruun joins until 2023.

Van de Donk, meanwhile, arrives from Arsenal after six years with the club, signing a two-year deal. She won every domestic trophy on offer - the Women's FA Cup, Continental Cup and Women's Super League - during her time in England.

Lyon have announced there is a deal in place to sign Perle Morroni too, also from PSG. The club have 'reached an agreement in principle' with the left-back, 'subject to the last administrative formalities'. She will sign a three-year deal.

What statement has Lyon made?

After surrendering both their league and European crowns, some wondered if it was a sign that Lyon's position was weakening, but this announcement shows that is not the case.

To lure two players away from their closest rivals, PSG, shows how one under-par season will not stop the club from being one that players want to play for, such is their history in being a trailblazer in women's football. President Jean-Michel Aulas has long valued the men's and women's teams equally and it has brought the club great success.

When posting the news of her departure from PSG earlier this week, Endler's statement showed how big a draw that is for players. "I want to bet on a club that treats women's football as an equal," she wrote on Instagram.

The Chilean is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world and will move to Lyon to be their first-choice shot-stopper, with Sarah Bouhaddi having joined NWSL side OL Reign on loan until the end of the year.

Midfielder Dzsenifer Marozsan and winger Eugenie Le Sommer have both also moved to the NWSL club on a temporary basis, with Van de Donk and Bruun bolstering those areas of the park in their absence.

Will Lyon make more transfers?

Aulas has been teasing further additions to the team throughout the summer, with U.S. women's national team midfielder Lindsey Horan heavily linked with a move that would see her join the club next year.

In the meantime, Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati, who was player of the match in this year's UWCL final, and Arsenal striker Vivianne Miedema are both reportedly interesting the seven-time European champions.

Further reading

Jesse Lingard is due to return to Manchester United this summer, following a productive loan spell at West Ham, but he has made it clear that "regular football" must form part of his future.

The 28-year-old starred for the Hammers on the back of a winter switch to the London Stadium, with nine goals scored through 16 games as a recall to the England squad was earned and serious questions were asked of his ongoing presence at Old Trafford.

A permanent summer transfer continues to be mooted, with the Red Devils academy graduate admitting that he will look for assurances over game time before making any decision on where he will be plying his trade in 2021-22.

What has been said?

Lingard told Sky Sports ahead of his return to pre-season training in Manchester: "Regular football is the most important thing for me.

"After going on loan and getting a good run in the team, you started to see the real me, with the goals and the assists.

"I've never doubted my ability, I've always believed in myself. I spoke to the manager (Ole Gunnar Solskjaer) in pre-season and said, 'I need game time'. He said, 'we can discuss it December time', and we spoke again and he agreed to let me go on loan.

"I had various conversations with him during my time at West Ham. He was very supportive and it was a great loan for me."

England snub

While Lingard's efforts with the Hammers brought him back from the international wilderness and into a 33-man pre-Euros squad, he was cut from the final 26-man party.

That snub was hard to take, but the charismatic character has been cheering the Three Lions on from afar as they look to chase down continental glory.

Lingard said of being left out by Southgate: "It was emotional. You're sad and you're down, but you've got to respect the manager's decision.

"Me and Gareth have a great relationship, and now it's about supporting the boys."

He added on watching England edge past Croatia and draw with Scotland in their opening Group D fixtures: "I love watching England - I'm a fan myself. I enjoyed going to the beer garden to watch the first game.

"Last year, November time, I think no one thought I'd get near the team. But I worked hard, did well on loan and England came knocking.

"I enjoyed the camp in March - it's always good to be back with the boys. I played in those games, and then coming up to the Euros, being involved in the 33-man squad was brilliant as well.

"I worked so hard to get there. I didn't get picked, but I'll always carry on supporting the boys."

Further reading

Oman have qualified for the 2021 Fifa Arab Cup at the expense of African side, Somalia.

The Reds scaled through after defeating a resolute Ocean Stars 2-1 at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.

The Omanis were outstanding favourites heading into the encounter as they were facing a side 117 places lower than them in the Fifa ranking.

They justified that status with an impressive first-half performance. Mohsen Al Ghasani went close to handing them an early lead; however, his shot ricocheted the crossbar.

In the 11th minute, he found the breakthrough after pouncing the ball into an empty net after goalkeeper Usaama Yussuf parried Abdulaziz Al-Muqbali’s long-range shot into his path.

The Asian team doubled their advantage in the 35th minute as the referee pointed to the penalty mark after Al Ghasani was tripped in the box by Yussuf.

Salaah Al-Yahyaei took the ensuing kick and expertly converted by sending the Somalian goalkeeper in the wrong direction.

The African side came out stronger in the second half and they pulled one goal back courtesy of Abel Gigli. The defender headed past goalkeeper Faiz Al-Rushaidi thanks to an inswinging cross from Abdulsamed Abdullahi.

Oman could have increased their lead, albeit, Al Ghasani’s header kissed the crossbar for the second time in the encounter.

In the 90th minute, substitute Anwar Shakunda missed a sitter that could have been a turning point for Somalia.

Profiting from a long cross from Omar Hassan, the Elman Sports Club striker failed to put the ball inside the net as goalkeeper Al-Rushaidi was at alert to save his shot.

The African team’s qualification hopes had suffered a massive setback following the sack of Abdellatif Salef after less than three weeks in charge.

He has been shown the way out in less than one month by the Somali Football Federation who labelled him as 'incompetent' – with the football body appointing coach Salah Farah on a temporary basis.

The Fifa Arab Cup is set to act as a preparatory competition to test the operational readiness of Qatar ahead of the 2022 World Cup which will be held in the Middle East nation.

Gary Neville is backing Harry Kane to "break all England's records", as questions are asked of the Tottenham striker's ongoing presence in a number nine berth, but Harry Maguire has been warned that he has reached "now or never" time at Euro 2020.

Gareth Southgate finds himself facing selection headaches two games into a bid for European Championship glory, with a talented Three Lions squad failing to sparkle through a 1-0 win over Croatia and goalless draw with Scotland.

Kane has become a divisive presence for some, as he continues to drop deep and offer little end product, but his manager has vowed to stick with him and Neville believes the Spurs star - who remains captain of his country - will chase down Wayne Rooney's all-time goalscoring mark of 53 .

What has been said?

Former England defender Neville told Sky Sports of Kane, who has recorded 34 efforts for his country: "I said last week I felt he was undroppable and I still maintain that.

"I think that if Harry Kane had someone behind him who was even close to him that could go into the team, then you'd say maybe you could look at a change. But you wouldn't change Kane quickly, or easily for that matter.

"I think he'll break all England's records. You don't just drop your captain and your main goalscorer after two matches. But I think the energy, urgency and intensity in England's performance has got to improve for Kane to do well in this tournament.

"In the first game, we felt that was a controlled performance and everyone was really happy with that. But against Scotland, it was a massive drop off. I don't care who you are - as a centre-forward, you would have struggled in that game."

What about Maguire?

While one Harry appears set to retain his spot, another is still waiting on his first minutes of the summer.

Manchester United captain Maguire has been out of action since suffering an ankle injury on May 9, with the 28-year-old centre-half - who has declared himself fit for action - facing a race against time to prove his worth to Southgate.

Ex-United full-back Neville said of a defender currently sat behind John Stones and Tyrone Mings in the pecking order: "Now's the time for some continuity - we need to start settling on a team. That might mean that Harry Maguire comes back in.

"If he doesn't play against the Czech Republic, I don't know how he can come in against a France or a Portugal in round two. It's now or never for Maguire."

England will play host to the Czechs at Wembley on Tuesday with victory required in order to top Group D and set up a last-16 showdown with the runners-up from the so-called 'Group of Death' that includes world champions France, Euro title holders Portugal and old adversaries Germany.

Further reading

Critics of Gareth Southgate "don't know what they're talking about" according to Phil Foden, who has insisted the England manager is a great tactician.

England have so far failed to live up to their favourites billing at the European Championships, securing a narrow win against Croatia before being held to a 0-0 draw by Scotland.

Southgate's selection policy has been the subject of much debate since that result at Wembley with suggestions that the 50-year-old is holding back the potential of a talented squad, but Foden has jumped to his defence.

What's been said?

Highly-rated Aston Villa playmaker Jack Grealish is still awaiting his first start at the Euros, while Borussia Dortmund talisman Jadon Sancho has yet to see a single minute of action, but a man currently in favour with Southgate completely trusts his judgement.

“He’s a great coach and working with him every day I get to see what he’s like," Manchester City midfielder Foden told talkSPORT. "He always has the players’ backs and I believe that his tactics are great.

“All these negative people don’t know what they’re talking about because Gareth’s a great coach. In training all the technical players like me and Jack so if I get the opportunity to play with him that’s up to Gareth really.

“Everyone trains very well every day and whatever team he selects we’re going to trust and back. Everyone plays differently, that’s the depth we have in the squad. Everyone has different qualities.

“Jadon [Sancho], he loves one vs one situations, I’m more of a player who comes inside and tries to link the play and Gareth tries to pick the best XI for the team. Whatever we need in the next game he’s going to pick the right players.”

The bigger picture

Foden's comments will likely do little to ease the pressure on Southgate ahead of England's final Group D fixture against the Czech Republic on Tuesday night.

The Three Lions must avoid defeat at Wembley to make certain of a place in the round of 16, and will be expected to produce a much-improved display after mustering just one shot on target against the Scots.

Calls for Grealish to be drafted into the starting XI will likely increase before kick-off, and Southgate has already revealed that Sancho is "in the mix" to feature after impressing in training.

Raheem Sterling could be the man to make way for Sancho if he gets the nod, but the England boss will be keeping faith with captain Harry Kane.

Further reading

Liverpool are prepared to sell Neco Williams this summer, Goal can confirm, with Southampton, Wolves and Leeds all keen on signing the Wales international.

The Reds value the 20-year-old at around £10 million ($14m), and it is understood that Williams, who has established himself as understudy to Trent Alexander-Arnold over the past 18 months, is keen to move in search of regular first-team football.

That means a summer switch looks increasingly likely, with a host of suitors expected to firm up their interest in a player who has made 25 appearances for Liverpool since making his debut in October 2019.

What’s the situation?

Southampton, Goal understands, will be at the front of the queue. They tried to sign Williams, initially on loan, in January, and have a long-standing interest. 

The Saints are in the market for a right-back to compete with Kyle Walker-Peters, and the fact Williams also can play at left-back, as he did for Wales against Italy at Euro 2020 on Sunday, will certainly appeal to Ralph Hasenhuttl's side.

Wolves, too, expressed an interest in the Reds academy graduate last summer, though they eventually signed another young defender, Ki-Jana Hoever, from Liverpool in a deal which could eventually cost them £13m ($18m). 

Leeds are another club to have made enquiries, while Burnley, Aston Villa and Norwich are also admirers - though the latter would only be expected to make a move should Max Aarons, their first-choice right-back, move on.

Anything else happening at Liverpool?

Several departures are expected at Anfield in the coming weeks, as the club look to offload a number of fringe and youth players.

Harry Wilson, another Wales international, is likely to be sold after Euro 2020, with at least six clubs at home and abroad keen on the 23-year-old winger. Wilson has spent the last three-and-a-half seasons on loan, with Hull, Derby, Bournemouth and Cardiff, and is now keen to secure a permanent transfer.

Marko Grujic is in a similar position, with Porto interested in making his loan move permanent. The Serbian midfielder does have suitors in Italy and Germany as well, however, with Liverpool valuing him at around £15m ($21m).

Decisions will be made over the likes of Divock Origi, Takumi Minamino, Xherdan Shaqiri and Ben Davies, all of whom have struggled for regular game-time, while Nat Phillips is another whose future is unclear, despite the centre-back’s strong end to the season.

Sheyi Ojo and Loris Karius will be sold if suitable offers are received, as would Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who has finally secured a UK work permit some six years after joining the club.

Liam Millar is likely to be loaned out to the Championship, Ben Woodburn could move on and loan offers are expected for young defender Rhys Williams too.

Others have already departed. Gini Wijnaldum is joining Paris Saint-Germain after his contract expired, Sepp van den Berg has signed for Preston on a season-long loan deal and another young centre-back, Remi Savage, is moving to Newcastle on a three-year contract having turned down the Reds’ offer of a new deal. 

Midfielder Liam Coyle has been released and is set to join Accrington Stanley in League One, while Yasser Larouci will also be departing.

Further reading

Kenya U23 head coach Stanley Okumbi has appreciated the Football Kenya Federation Premier League sides that are challenging for the title for releasing players ahead of the July Cecafa Cup in Ethiopia.

Tusker, KCB and Gor Mahia have allowed their summoned players to join the Emerging Stars' training camp at Ruaraka despite the crucial club games they have ahead. Okumbi is hopeful that, should he get even half of the players he called up, then Kenya will challenge for the trophy in Bahir Dar in northern Ethiopia between July 3 and 18.

"Of course, I can't say we're fine because we're missing a few players who haven't been released by their clubs. We are still negotiating with the clubs to see if they can be released to join the rest, but we are happy some clubs agreed to our request to let the players begin their preparations," Okumbi told the media.

"Some of the teams have agreed to let their players come and train despite the fact that they are challenging for the league. Tusker, KCB and Gor Mahia are the sides that have given their stars permission despite the critical games they have as far as the league race is concerned.

"We stand a chance especially if I get the players that I summoned. I am missing about 18 players that I have on my list and if I get even half of them, then I can say we stand a chance of doing a good job."

On his part, Gor Mahia's Benson Omala revealed what his target is for the remaining part of the season and in the regional tournament.

"I want to restrategize and, hopefully, I will score goals in the remaining games in the league. I also want to do a good job with the Emerging Stars by scoring goals," the former Western Stima starlet said.

"We can compete in the region, especially with the quality that I have seen, despite the fact that it is our first day on the training ground."

Emerging Stars Squad: 

Goalkeepers: Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks), Caleb Otieno (Gor Mahia), Dolph Junior Owino (Nairobi Stima)

Defenders: Jimmy Ndungi (Tusker), Portipher Odhiambo (Vihiga Bullets), Silvester Owino (Kakamega Homeboyz), Moses Mudavadi (Nzoia), Collins Shichenje (AFC Leopards), Boniface Mwangemi (Kariobangi Sharks), Yussuf Mainge (AFC Leopards), Fredrick Alushula (Kariobangi Sharks), Brian Wepo (KCB).

Midfielders: Joshua Nyatini (Posta Rangers), Marvin Nabwire (AFC Leopards), Sven Yidah (Nairobi City Stars), Vincent Wasambo (KCB), Faraj Ominde (Tusker), Reagan Otieno (KCB), Oliver Maloba (Nairobi City Stars), Peter Thiong’o (AFC Leopards), Francis Mwangi (Mwatate United), Ambrose Sifuna (Sofapaka), Josephat Lopaga (Posta Rangers), Steiner Musasia (Posta Rangers), John Njuguna (Ulinzi Stars), Dennis Musamali (Nzoia Sugar), Elisha Wekesa (Nzoia Sugar)

Forwards: Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia), Henry Meja (Tusker), Sydney Lokale (Kariobangi Sharks), Ken Wanyonyi (Bungoma Superstars), Alfred Tanui (Kisumu All-Stars).

Sergio Ramos' departure from Real Madrid has come as no great surprise to Fabio Capello, with the former Blancos boss pointing out that "age is a burden for everyone" as the iconic 35-year-old prepares to take on a new challenge.

A World Cup-winning defender is leaving Santiago Bernabeu as a free agent at the end of his contract, with no fresh terms thrashed out with a talismanic club captain.

Questions have been asked of whether Real are making the right decision, but Capello believes the correct call has been made by all concerned as Ramos needs to be guaranteed regular playing time in the latter stages of a distinguished career.

What has been said?

Capello, who worked with Ramos at Real in 2006-07, has told AS: "Age is a burden for everyone. I don't know if he was going to be a starter.

"I'm talking about a player who has been very important to me. And I also helped him a lot. When I signed in my second spell, he just arrived. 

"He has been fundamental in the triumphs of the team, there is no denying it. But perhaps at 35 years old it is no longer the time to demand a lot."

Ageing squad

Real are looking to freshen up what has become an ageing squad, but faith will continue to be shown in experienced performers.

Luka Modric - who has signed a new contract - Toni Kroos and Casemiro fall into that category, with Capello a big fan of that midfield trident despite the obvious need to get alternative options on board.

The Italian added: "Today Madrid has the most beautiful midfield in Europe. They are the engine of the team. 

"Surely the three are not going to be able to play all the games to the fullest, they will need breaks, but I think that Madrid have a good team, yes.

"They have quality, experience. To win you also need defense and more, but midfield is the main thing. 

"I saw Modric play against the English the other day and he's another level. Kroos is also another level. Casemiro… 

"They are not kids, that's true, but for a year they can do good things and that's why I believe a lot in (Carlo) Ancelotti."

Manager change

Real have reappointed Ancelotti after seeing Zinedine Zidane quit a demanding managerial post for the second time, with Capello understanding of the situation that has led to a French tactician walking away.

A man who has taken in two spells at the Bernabeu himself said: "Zidane has done incredible things at Madrid. He has won it all. 

"He has made the team play very well. But it is clear that when you do not find the confidence of the people who work with you, the president, you do not like to work like that. 

"I did the same in Milan, despite results I did not feel well and I left the bench and that is how I arrived at Madrid for the first time."

Further reading

Nigerian Michael Olaitan insists he does not know what led to his collapse in the Athens Derby between Olympiakos and Panathinaikos seven years ago.

The now-28-year-old collapsed while turning out for the Greek side in 2014 and he ended up being released by the team as the technical bench was reluctant in fielding him. The forward, who now plays for Panserraikos Football Club, recalls the situation prior to his collapse.

"I had played 90 minutes in the 2-0 victory against Manchester United in Karaiskakis [on February 25, 2014] and Michel had to give me extra days because I was tired and he gave them to me," Olaitan told Gazzetta.gr 

"I did not train until Saturday, I committed a foul that day. It did not even occur to me that I would play in the derby with Panathinaikos. I think he put me, like the other guys who played against United, to reward us for the performance we made in the Champions League game."

The former Nigeria U20 player concedes he was tired after the game but rules out fatigue as the reason for his collapse.

"You know, I was really tired after the match. I remember that I did not have the strength to even walk. I just went to my room to rest," Olaitan continued.

"On the other hand, I cannot believe that fatigue caused such a thing. In Veria, where I had played more, I didn't even have a day off, so, I honestly do not know."  

The Nigerian made 16 appearances for Olympiakos and scored eight goals in the process. But after that incident, he was loaned to Ergotelis, Twente and Kortrijk respectively.

The technical bench was wary of fielding the striker despite getting the go-ahead from doctors. His limited playing time pushed him out of the team, and even where he went, he struggled to get the impact he had managed initially.

He has also played for Panionios, Samtredia, Apollon Pontou, and Veria. Olaitan played for the Nigeria U20 team eight times between 2013-14.

Players of Kenya Football Federation Premier League side AFC Leopards are in deep financial problems after going for months without pay, Goal can reveal.

The players find themselves in difficult situations because they have not been paid for four months. A number of them, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, claimed that the off-pitch issue has harmed their morale.

"It is tough, things are difficult," a midfielder who spoke on anonymity told Goal. "We are sending a plea to the club to find ways of settling the payments since we are operating in a very difficult situation.

"We have dependents and some are kids who do not understand how we are faring out there. It is a miracle that we have had a far better season, especially in the four months that we have not been paid.

"We are happily playing for a club like AFC Leopards, we understand the financial situation on the part of the club is not as healthy, but we plead that they at least make efforts to see that we get at least two months salaries. That, I believe, will be beneficial to us."

Asked about what they might do to force the management to settle the payments, another star admitted they have not sat down as the playing unit and come up with a unified strategy: "Our leaders have been engaging the officials and we have decided to give negotiations time and see what the talk will yield," he said.

"Previously, we engaged in go-slows, but this time around, we want to keep the focus on the games in order not to ruin the season, we have been quite impressive. We are still focused on the Premier League title and the Shield Cup and we understand the importance of winning them all or one of them for the club and the fans.

"But that does not change the fact that we are operating with empty pockets and hungry stomachs.

"I mostly pity most of our foreign teammates because I understand how difficult it is to operate without cash away from your home."

Goal was unable to get an official response from the club at the time of going to press.

Despite the financial crisis at the club, AFC Leopards are fourth after 19 games and are engaged in a tight title race against Gor Mahia, Tusker, and KCB who are above them.

After beating Equity FC on post-match penalties, they also qualified for the FKF Shield Cup final where they will face their Mashemeji rivals, K'Ogalo who saw off Bidco United in their respective semi-final fixture.

Reece James has joked that his patience is being tested while on England duty with "so stupid" Jude Bellingham, with a man acting as mentor for the 17-year-old midfielder having to resist an urge to lash out.

The Chelsea defender, who is only 21 himself, has taken the highly-rated Borussia Dortmund starlet under his wing while chasing down European Championship glory with the Three Lions.

He is, however, starting to question that decision, with Bellingham proving to be a thorn in his side off the field.

What has been said?

Champions League winner James told England's official YouTube channel of working with Bellingham: "He is very young but a very good footballer, I look after him.

"He is still so young but he has a lot to learn so I try and help him where I can.

"He is always poking me and hitting me, he’s just so stupid and I will turn around and get so close to touching him but I never get around to it."

Living the dream

Bellingham figured off the bench in England's Euro 2020 opener against Croatia, while James was handed a starting berth at right-back in a goalless draw with Scotland.

While that contest did not play out as planned, the Chelsea defender is delighted to have continued a meteoric rise to prominence.

He said: "It was obviously a moment I dreamed of as a kid growing up, watching England in tournaments growing up, then walking out at Wembley with fans there to play my first game at a major tournament.

"My first tournament, my first game. I was nervous before but, once the game started, I was in the zone and raring to go."

The bigger picture

Plenty of criticism has come England's way on the back of stalemate with the Scots, but James believes supposed faults in the Three Lions' game and Gareth Southgate's tactical plans have been blown out of proportion.

He remains convinced that an exciting squad can achieve big things this summer, with there enough experience in their ranks to counter any supposed dips.

James added: "Everyone says we are such a young team but everyone this season has played a solid amount of minutes, it’s not like we are young players that haven’t played.

"We have all played a lot, some have won trophies and some have done very well.

"The longer we are here in the competition, the stronger we are going to get as a team."

Further reading