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Steve Polack has faulted African teams for a failure to honour contracts signed by former players and coaches, insisting he is very happy with the decision by Caf to bar such teams from taking part in their competitions.

On Thursday, Caf released a statement stating no team will be allowed to take part in their competitions if they have any open cases of overdue payables with their former and current players and coaches.

The decision has already left many teams sweating in Africa and in Kenya, champions Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards are the most affected as they owe a number of coaches and players unpaid allowances and salaries.

The British tactician, who guided K’Ogalo to the Premier League title last season before parting ways on mutual agreement, has told Goal he was happy with the stance taken by Caf because it is a wake-up call for many other African teams to honour signed contracts.

What has been said?

“I am very happy with Caf decision because it is making a stand to help those people who don’t get their money and it will also help by forcing the clubs to start paying players and coaches, who they owe,” Polack told Goal in an exclusive interview from his base in Finland.

“For me, it doesn’t matter which clubs in Africa is owing who, but the letter from Caf is very timely because I think they [Caf and Fifa] have heard and seen enough over the many cases they receive each and every day, so I think it is a good decision.

“Caf has now handed the team’s a wake-up call, they should know when you sign a contract with someone, then you have to pay him or her, there is no shortcut to that, what clubs in Africa need to do is to honour contracts and that is why they are signed.”

Polack continued: “And this is not personal but it is a fact, you have to be paid, if you have a contract you have to be paid, as you know a lot of clubs like to play in the Caf competition because of financially gains and it is good to them but now I wonder how many teams are getting worried, I’d like to know how many teams are suffering because they are many?

“I guess a lot of teams we know will come up with the excuse of the Covid-19 pandemic [as the reason not to pay salaries] but that is the way it is when you sign a contract with somebody you have to honour it.”

Polack further queried why the same clubs in Africa always run to Caf or Fifa for protection, if a coach signs a contract and then disappears not to honour it.

“If I sign a contract today [Friday] with any club and terminate it two or three days later the same club will want their money back, they will run to Caf and if you have a signed and valid contract then you will have to pay them back,” Polack continued.

“It should be the same thing for players and coaches, you have to honour a written contract it is nothing to joke about, to me what Caf have done will keep everybody on their toes, now the clubs will have to move and pay people because they know they might miss out on the Caf competition and that is where money lies.

“I know all those regular teams that take part in Caf competition are sweating, they are sweating and I think Caf has concerned them, they are wondering if they don’t make it to competition because they owe people money, I am very disappointed because all clubs in Africa should realise you have to honour what you have written in the contract.”

Gor and AFC the most affected

Gor have a debt of Ksh1.3 million as they owe Tanzanian Dickson Ambundo, as well as an unknown amount to Polack, and already, Fifa has banned them from signing new players in the current transfer window.

For Leopards, it is even worse since they owe Serbian coach Marko Vasilijevic, nor have they settled their debt with Burundian Andre Casa Mbungo. The 13-time league champions are also under a ban after failing to settle Rwandan midfielder Vincent Habamahoro's dues, totalling Ksh1.8 million.

India coach Igor Stimac has stated that Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League clubs play a crucial role in developing players for the national team set up.

The Blue Tigers have been struggling to find a replacement or alternative to talismanic striker Sunil Chhetri and Stimac feels the league should be honing players who can step in to the national team and perform. 

What was said?

The Croat remarked, "The national team is not an academy. It benefits from the products in ISL (Indian Super League) and I-League. But where to find someone like Sunil Chhetri?"

It must be noted that the skipper was used conservatively, taking him off during the 1-0 loss against Qatar and the 1-1 draw against Afghanistan in the recent World Cup qualifiers.

India assistant Venkatesh Shanmugham had clarified, "It's the [head] coach's (Stimac) decision. According to the game, requirement of positions change. That's all. We were trying to score till the 90th minute, and some players were tired. It happens."

What else has been said?

The 53-year-old also pointed out that a lot of work needs to be done at the club and academy levels for Indian football to achieve its desired target.

"The fat percentage was 12 which was unacceptable when I took over (in May 2019). Now all of them are around 7.5%. That is exceptional. But they do not have enough games in a calendar. Playing four months of professional we cannot go forward as a country. A season of eight months gives us more competition. To do anything better you need to work more. You need to have more high-quality games. 

"If some players have good passing then they do not have muscle strength or lacks pace. We are lower in muscle mass by eight to nine kilos. There is a difference in pace and understanding of the game. We need good foreign coaches in academies to achieve success as a country," he said.

Beyond club football

Stimac commented, "Indian football is going forward but we cannot stand still. We need to start speeding up. Once this (Coronavirus) pandemic is over the league will go on for eight-to-10 months and our players will get about 40 games. Then we can expect more from our boys.

"When we speak about the clubs, if clubs are operating only for five months, what is happening with the players for the rest of the months? We need to start thinking about how to organise team work for players who are left out of training sessions for a longer period."
 

Tottenham have been warned that Heung-min Son will "start to question his future" if Harry Kane leaves this summer, with Darren Anderton expecting "all the top teams in Europe" to be keeping a close eye on events in north London.

Spurs are bracing themselves for a busy transfer window, as they continue to search for a managerial successor to Jose Mourinho, and are aware that prized assets are in the shop window.

Talismanic striker Kane has seen a push for the exits mooted, as the England captain seeks to land the major silverware that has eluded him so far, and it could be that one departure delivers a domino effect that sees others mull over their options.

What has been said?

Anderton fears that will be the case, with the former Spurs winger - speaking in association with GentingBet - telling Goal: "If Kane was to leave Tottenham then I think Son would start to question his future. All players do. 

"If you see a team-mate go on and leave you’re disappointed. Why wouldn’t you be? And, at that point, if you don’t do well the following season then you’re going to ask the questions yourself. 

"Of course, you’re happy for your team-mate if he goes on and wins the Premier League somewhere or the Champions League, but there’ll be a little bit of envy in there that you want that as well. 

"You want a piece of that. And if you don’t believe that that’s going to happen at the club you’re at, then you’re going to start thinking about moving on. 

"Sonny’s a great guy, isn’t he? He loves Tottenham. I think we can all see that. I don’t think it’s anything to worry about just yet but if the club do not get back on that path of improving and getting back into the Champions League then your top players are going to start to question whether they want to be there."

The bigger picture

Tottenham have Son tied to a contract through to 2023, but Kane's deal is supposed to extend a year beyond that and big-money transfers could still be put in place.

Anderton believes leading sides from across the continent will be mulling over approaches, especially if the South Korea international forward starts to hint at being available.

The ex-England international added: "All the top teams in Europe are going to be interested in someone like Son. 

"I’ve said for the last three or four years that it’s not about who we bring in – it’s who we keep. 

"We had the best talent within Europe and around the world I would say. With Dele Alli playing the way he was. With Harry. With Christian Eriksen. With Sonny. Those sorts of players would get in most teams around the world and that’s the reality. 

"That’s the problem you want to have but, at the same time, you don’t want them to become unsettled or become unhappy or move on. 

"Unfortunately, Christian Eriksen – thank God – we all watched on Saturday which was heart breaking and it looks like it’s going to turn out all good. But it was horrible. 

"But what a footballer he was and what a player. And we lost him. Devastating and you have to say, 'Have we recovered from that?' I’m not so sure that we have yet – a player of that ilk – of that quality. 

"And then with Harry about to leave too – where does that take us? It’s tough. But if European teams want to be ambitious then they want the best players and if we have two or three of them, they’re going to come knocking."

Further reading

Gor Mahia might lose their centre-back Charles Momanyi to Tusker FC in the next transfer window.

Goal exclusively reported the experienced 29-year-old defender feels frustrated at K'Ogalo and intends to leave.

Current financial struggles at the Football Kenya Federation Premier League reigning champions is not making it easier.

It is for this reason the Brewers want to capitalise on the situation to lure the player to Ruaraka Grounds.

"The chairman [Charles Obiny] talked to Momanyi and he will sign with them once he gets a release from Gor Mahia," a source close to the player told Goal on Friday.

"Momanyi feels his time at K'Ogalo is up and intends to get another challenge. His heart is settled at Tusker and he will be happy to join them. However, he is open to other teams as well."

Prior to extending his stay at the club in October 2020, KCB FC had shown interest in him, but the former Kakamega Homeboyz player was convinced to stay considering the fact that Simba SC had also acquired the services of Joash Onyango.

Meanwhile, the Football Kenya Federation may be forced to cancel the 2020-21 Premier League after the government moved to impose a lockdown on 13 counties following a spike in numbers of positive Covid-19 cases.

The government, through the Ministry of Health, issued a statement on Thursday confirming the last 14 days has seen Covid-19 infections in the counties of Busia, Vihiga, Kisii, Nyamira, Kakamega, Bungoma, Kericho, Bomet, Trans Nzoia, Kisumu, Siaya, Homa-Bay, and Migori constitute 60 percent of the national caseload.

While declaring the 13 counties as hotspot zones, the Ministry of Health further stated the rate of positive infections in the zoned out areas stood at an average of 21%, while that of the country was at 9%, and confirmed all public gatherings and in-person meetings of whatever nature are prohibited within the Hotspot Zones, including house parties and sporting activities.

It means the FKF top-flight, which is pencilled to end on August 22, has suffered a huge blow as four teams come from the affected areas and might not be able to honour their remaining matches.

The four are Western Stima (Kisumu), Kakamega Homeboyz (Kakamega), Vihiga United (Vihiga), and Nzoia Sugar (Nzoia).

Wekundu wa Msimbazi are keen on letting the forward leave should any club meet their valuation of $700,000 to $1 million for the Mozambican star.

Miquissone has been one of the stand-out performers for Simba alongside Clatous Chama, especially during their Caf Champions League campaign that was ended by Kaizer Chiefs in the quarter-finals.
 
"Before, we had received offers from especially North Africa teams but now Mamelodi Sundowns have joined the race," a source within Simba's ranks told Goal on Friday.

"Al Ahly, and CR Belouizdad of Algeria were the North African sides who made their approach first but now there is another entrant in Sundowns.
 
"Every interested party is welcome to come and table their offers, we will listen, but we will be guided by the interests of the player and, certainly, Simba's interests. Of course, we have our demands and the more interested parties come, the easier, I think, it would be for us to get the best buyer for Miquissone."
 
Simba have already identified possible replacements for the former UD Songo forward, and Cape Town City's Justin Shonga and Zanaco United's Moses Phiri are seen as the best men to come and fill the void if Miquissone eventually makes the move.
 
"We are having a debate about Shonga and Phiri and the majority of the board members seem to agree that we should approach the two. We are now looking at the number of foreign players that will be in our team given that we have 10 at the moment," a Simba source recently revealed.
 
With the exit of Francis Kahata, Simba will need to sign a creative midfielder to supplement Chama and Bernard Morrison. Kahata left after his two-year contract with the club he joined in 2019 from Gor Mahia came to an end in June 2021. 

Although they are defensive in nature, Taddeo Lwanga, Erasto Nyoni, Muzamiru Yassin and Jonas Mkude have been deployed in the advanced midfield positions this season and that makes a need for a creative star who can play behind Meddie Kagere, John Bocco and Chris Mugalu, more urgent.

Spanish side UD Almeria have refused to accept the €16 million offer from La Liga side Getafe for the services of Nigeria international forward Umar Sadiq Mesbah, according to a report in the Spanish media.

The 24-year-old attacker was at his best for the Rojiblancos in the just-concluded season in the Segunda Division, where he managed to score a total of 22 goals for his team in both the second division and Copa del Rey.

Getafe believe the West African has what it takes to improve them, especially on the attacking front. Last season, they scored just 28 goals in 38 league matches, conceding 43 in the process and went on to finish the campaign in the 15th position.

The Deep Blue Ones managed just nine wins, 11 draws and 18 losses to finish with 38 points. In their bid to perform better in the next campaign, they have reportedly identified the Nigerian as a transfer target.

However, according to Estadiodeportivo, the second-tier side value the Super Eagle in the region of €60 million and are not ready to listen to offers less than that amount.

The forward is seen as a key player for Almeria, who are aiming at getting promoted to La Liga for the 2022/23 campaign.

Sevilla, who had a decent campaign in La Liga after finishing fourth to secure a Uefa Champions League slot, are believed to be the front runners for the services of the striker, since they are expecting Luuk De Jong to leave this summer.

The Dutch attacker has scored 10 goals in 69 appearances for his team. Sadiq is seen as the one who can offer Morrocco forward Youssef En-Nesyri stiff competition in the attacking department.

In the completed season, Sevilla finished fourth on the table with 73 points from the 42 matches they played. They managed to get 21 wins, 10 draws, and 11 losses. 

Sadiq had initially played for Partizan Belgrade where he scored seven goals from the 16 matches he featured in before Almeria snapped him up for €5 million in 2020.

Since then he has been a key player for them and whether they will cash on him is yet to be seen. 

The summer of 1996 was billed as a time when football would 'come home' as England hosted Euro 96 and attempted to get their hands on their first major trophy since the World Cup 30 years earlier.

Led by Terry Venables, a Three Lions team featuring stars such as Steve McManaman, Alan Shearer and Paul Ince were expected to mount a challenge for glory, particularly on home soil.

It helped that they had the prodigious talent of Paul Gascoigne in their ranks too and the mercurial midfielder demonstrated the extent of his quality in the second game with a sensational strike against Scotland.

Shearer put England ahead against their rivals and then Gascoigne produced a moment of magic when he nonchalantly flicked the ball over Colin Hendry before smashing beyond Andy Goram.

Interestingly, the celebration which followed the goal is arguably as famous, with 'Gazza' and a number of England players jokingly reproducing a moment that had overshadowed their tournament preparations.

It became known as 'The Dentist's Chair', but what was it all about exactly? Goal takes a look back at the infamous European Championship celebration.

What was Gazza's 'Dentist's Chair' celebration?

After scoring England's second goal against Scotland at Wembley, Gascoigne wheeled away in jubilation, then lay on the ground with his head up, arms out to the side and his mouth open wide. 

Shearer, McManaman and Jamie Redknapp were not far behind, and they proceeded to squirt water forcefully into Gascoigne's mouth. So 'The Dentist's Chair' celebration was born.

The celebration is a reference to a drink-soaked night which occurred on England's pre-Euro 96 tour of east Asia, where 'Gazza' and other players were said to have been tied to a chair and plied with alcohol.

"There were about nine of us who did the Dentist's Chair in Hong Kong, but obviously, being the person I am, I'm the one who got hammered for it," Gascoigne later told Pitch TV.

"For some reason, in the second game against Scotland, I just said, 'right guys, whoever scores does the Dentist's Chair' and fortunately for me, it was me.

"The lads were clued in and it was good. It's just a shame it was lucozade in that bottle and not gin... I'm only joking!"

It was the era before smartphones and the escapades of the England stars might not have been known until photographs emerged days later showing the players in their Dionysian splendour.

Gascoigne, McManaman, Teddy Sheringham and others were shown in the bowels of a booze house with their shirts ripped and the drink flowing. It was not a good look.

The images of England's star players indulging themselves thus on the eve of the first major international tournament to be held in the country since 1966 prompted outrage.

Gascoigne and his cohorts were subsequently pilloried in the British media, with the Sun famously running the headline: 'Disgracefool'.

So, when he scored a world-class goal to clinch victory over one of England's oldest enemies, 'Gazza' responded with an ironic retort directed at his detractors.

Interestingly, it wasn't only the players who were involved in the merrymaking either as Venables' assistant coach, Bryan Robson, was present on the night of The Dentist's Chair.

As Ian Walker, who was a substitute goalkeeper for England at Euro 96, recalled, Robson was enlisted by Venables to keep an eye on the players on their night out.

Writing in That's magazine in 2014, Walker explained: "I don’t know what it was, but Bryan Robson was standing there with a pint, and he was wearing one of those shirts with a round collar, and someone grabbed it and ripped it. All he had left was the little round collar: the rest of it had gone. And he just carried on drinking like nothing had happened!

"He was supposed to be looking after us, so from then on it went a bit mad. And then someone found a dentist chair in another room. So of course – bang! - straight away we’re on it.

"I think Gazza went on first, then I had a go, then Teddy Sheringham. Then it all went off, just bedlam."

Despite the opprobrium in the sports pages at the time, the England players still maintain that their late-night drinking sessions were actually a useful experiment in team-building. 

“I was first in the chair because it looked like a laugh,” Gascoigne said in an interview with Four Four Two magazine. "Then a few of the other lads did it. It was good for team spirit."

Others, such as Ince, Walker and Co. agree, though it is difficult to imagine such antics taking place in the game nowadays, where a player's every movement is scrutinised.

Considering the goal and the way England performed at the beginning of the tournament in particular though - beating Scotland and the Netherlands in the group, then overcoming Spain - 'Gazza' may have a point.

The Three Lions ultimately lost out to Germany in the semi-final on penalties, with Andreas Moller extinguishing their hopes of ending '30 years of hurt', but the memories of 'Gazza' and the Dentist's Chair endure.

Jorginho's agent claims to have received enquiries from "the main teams in Europe" regarding the Italy international's potential availability, but the classy playmaker is expected to remain at Chelsea.

The 29-year-old midfielder is currently on Euro 2020 duty with Italy, where he is helping to put the Azzurri in contention for continental glory.

He is shining in a prominent shop window and had been generating transfer talk prior to heading away with his country, with his representative admitting that interest from outside of Stamford Bridge continues to be shown.

What has been said?

Joao Santos told Radio Marte: "Jorginho is very well, he has won the Europa League and the Champions League, and now the goal is to win the Euros.

"He is focused on this and wants to play all the remaining seven games of the European Championship.

"Obviously, he won the Champions League, and therefore there are enquiries from the main teams in Europe."

Will Jorginho be on the move?

The Brazil-born star has hinted in the past that he could retrace steps to Serie A giants Napoli at some stage in the future, but he is under contract until 2023 and is not expected to break that agreement any time soon.

Jorginho has figured prominently for Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel, playing 17 of the 19 Premier League games taken in by the Blues under the German coach.

He also played the full 90 minutes in all seven of the Champions League games he was available for following a managerial change in west London - with the second leg of a last-16 showdown with Atletico Madrid the only contest he sat out through suspension.

Santos added: "In my opinion he'll stay at Chelsea next year.

"The next goal is to make the World Cup in Qatar with Italy - by staying at Chelsea he's great chances to do so."

Further reading

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has cast a doubt on whether four players who were loaned out last season will return to play for the team in the new campaign.

The Brazilians had loaned Phakamani Mahlambi, Sammy Seabi, Nyiko Mobbie, and Nicholus Lukhubeni, and with their deals over, Mngqithi has remained coy on whether they will return to play for the Brazilians.

“Come back to us?” he posed a question to the Citizen website when asked about the future of the players and added: “I don’t know.

“We are still going to sit down in that space but it will be to enhance what we have because the boys are looking good. Some of the boys who did not play much this past season will seem like new signings.”

But Mngqithi, who works alongside co-head coach Rulani Mokwena, has stated they have put in a place a system that players on loan always follow and they end up making decisions on the recommendations.

“We follow the progress of all our players, we know what is happening with each and every one of them and we make decisions based on that,” Mngqithi continued.

“We look at the recommendation that we are getting from the teams. They give every detail and information of what the player was doing and why he was not playing, then we make decisions based on that.”

In a recent interview, Mngqithi revealed the local giants were not under any threat from AmaZulu to retain the PSL title.

The Brazilians clinched their record-setting fourth consecutive title on May 26 after a 3-1 win against 10-man SuperSport United, becoming the first team in the league’s history to win the title in four consecutive seasons.

“When we were given an opportunity it was at the back of the President [Motsepe] knowing our capacity and we had to deliver on that by using our leadership qualities and making sure that this thing does not crumble on our hands,” Mngqithi said.

“We were fortunate to hold it from the beginning and it never showed any signs of being shaky.”

Sundowns were the first to win three league titles in a row from 1998 to 2000 before SuperSport managed three titles from 2008 to 2010. 

Germany are "not nervous" despite losing their opening game of Euro 2020 and remain confident about reaching the knock-out stages, striker Kevin Volland says.

Jogi Low's side face a battle to reach the last 16 after losing their opening game of the tournament 1-0 to France in Budapest on Tuesday night, a Mats Hummels own goal consigning Germany to defeat against the world champions.

Monaco forward Volland is still optimistic about their chances, as they prepare for their second match of Group F against Portugal on Saturday.

What has been said?

Volland told Goal and SPOX:  "We are not nervous, we are all in a good mood and optimistic that we will play a good game against Portugal and get through the group stage."

Germany could have lost to France by a wider margin, as Kylian Mbappe had two efforts chalked off for offside, however, Volland was still happy with the way he and his team-mates performed against the 2018 World Cup winners.

He said: "It's annoying that we lost the game because we had a decent performance overall. We certainly could have played some situations better, we have to work on that, but the mood is good and we are now looking forward to the next game."

Usually a striker, eyebrows were raised when Volland was brought on as a substitute for left wing-back Robin Gosens in the 88th minute in Budapest, playing the end of the game in a very unfamiliar position.

Volland, however, defended his manager's tactical decision, saying: "That was only for a few minutes, the game was almost over anyway. The coach wanted to bring in an attacking left-back. As a player, you take that for granted and try to do your best, even if it's not your main position. I'm annoyed that I missed one or two crosses at the end, but that's also part of football."

Germany at Euro 2020

Drawn in the toughest group of the tournament alongside world champions France, Euro 2016 winners Portugal, and Hungary, Germany face an uphill task to reach the last 16 following their defeat in the opening game.

They could progress as one of the best third-placed sides should they win one of their two remaining group fixtures, however, victory over Portugal in Munich on Saturday would boost their chances of a top-two finish and definite qualification for the next round.

Germany also have the advantage of playing all three group games on home soil at Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena, as they aim to avoid a repeat of their humiliating group-stage exit at Russia 2018.

Further Reading

Manuel Locatelli is said to be attracting interest from across Europe, with Arsenal among his many suitors, but the Sassuolo midfielder is reluctant to be drawn on the "gossip" surrounding his future.

The 23-year-old's stock continues to rise at Euro 2020, with the Italy international catching the eye for an impressive Azzurri side - with two goals recorded on his last outing against Switzerland.

Goal was able to confirm back in April that Juventus are mulling over a move, with Arsenal and Manchester City said to be keen in England, but Locatelli will not be rushing into any decision regarding a possible transfer.

What has been said?

Locatelli told reporters when quizzed on the speculation he is generating: "[The transfer rumours are] just talk. I will decide after the European Championship.

"There's such an important competition to play in, and I'm only focused on this.

"I rely on what happens on the pitch, the real things, everything else is just gossip, it's useless to talk about it."

He added: "When you're involved in such an important competition, you're only focused on the task in hand.

"We see the kids in the street when we travel to our games waving flags, so it's quite easy to stay focused on the match.

"I'm focused on what happens on the pitch because that's what is real. Everything else is just gossip and there's no point worrying about it."

The bigger picture

Reports have suggested that a bid of around £34 million ($47m) could be enough to secure Locatelli's signature, although that asking price will continue to rise if he puts Italy in contention for European Championship glory.

While no decision on a potential change of scenery will be made any time soon, the highly-rated performer has hinted that a move away from Serie A could appeal to him.

Locatelli has said: "Playing abroad is an option for me and at the moment I’m not excluding anything. It’s part of my job and it means that I have raised my level."

Further reading

Kaizer Chiefs striker Samir Nurkovic was non-committal when asked about where he sees his future lying.

Despite Nurkovic's drop-off in goals scored last season, he has remained an important part of the Chiefs attack and brings a lot to the side in general, with his link-up play, committed approach and physical stature.

It should also be noted that he missed the first few months of last season with injury, and was then the subject of speculation about a possible move to Egyptian giants Al Ahly, coached by former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor Pitso Mosimane.

In an interview with iDiski Times, Nurkovic was asked about his future at Chiefs, and, tellingly perhaps, he did not exactly make it clear that he wanted to stay.

“About offers and other negotiations things, I’m gonna leave that to the club and to the agents,” he said.

“What I need to do is only to focus and play the best possible way and to help the team to reach the final of the Champions League.”

When pressed on whether he sees himself playing in a bigger league than the PSL, the 29-year-old was again non-committal.

"The dream of every player is to reach the highest level but I’m really happy to be part of such a big club as Kaizer Chiefs,” he added.

“I’m really happy and you know already I have been here for two years and I’m enjoying every moment thus far.”

Nurkovic is likely to be a key man for Amakhosi in their two upcoming Champions League semi-final showdowns, home and away against Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca.

The Serbian aside, Chiefs’ other attacking options include Leonardo Castro, a player in a similar mould to Nurkovic, as well as Khama Billiat, Lazarous Kambole and Lebogang Manyama.

Veteran Bernard Parker, meanwhile, has been converted from a striker into a midfielder.

The Soweto giants have also been linked with signing Ruzaigh Gamildien, who scored 11 league goals for Swallows FC last season.

Zambia coach Milutin Sredojevic has revealed they will head into the 2021 Cosafa Cup with one mindset – retaining the title.

The Chipolopolo have been drawn in Group C of the competition that will be staged in Port Elizabeth, South Africa from July 7-18, alongside Malawi, Comoros, and Madagascar.

Six-time winners Zimbabwe are in Group D alongside guests Senegal, Mozambique, and Namibia while hosts South Africa headline Group A that also includes Lesotho, Botswana, and Eswatini.

The Serbian tactician has conceded they have been pooled in a tough group but they will take it a step at a time and make sure they proceed to the semi-finals.

“First of all after getting this draw done, practically we are getting the road map on the way forward towards World Cup qualifiers in September we want to use Cosafa as a springboard and a bridge towards the qualifiers,” Sredojevic told Zambia FA Online TV.

“We are in a very tough competitive group let us take into considering that Malawi qualified to Afcon finals and Comoros have also qualified, that Madagascar, who are quarter-finalist for the last Afcon and for a whisker missing semis, it is a tough competitive group where every match will count very much.”

On his plans for the tournament, Sredojevic, said: “Our intention is to go there and go step by step, step by step in a way that we are topping the group and looking to reach the semis and then going step by step and defend the trophy that we are defending.”

On whether he will include foreign-based players in the squad, Sredojevic explained: “We are looking to try to get as many as possible professionals, that are in contention and have much time for the competition, and those who missed the recent trip to West Africa, to Senegal to Benin and Sudan that we use this chance for them to break into the competitive team.

“If we go into the World Cup qualifier, for the locals after finishing the league on July 26, it will not be easy for them to still keep them in competitive aspect, we are looking to make and compensate a program that will help prepare well for the 20th edition of Cosafa.”

Sredojevic's sentiments come after Malawi assistant Lovemore Fazili confidently stated they are not afraid to come up against Zambia.

“We are very happy to be in the same group with Zambia,” Fazil said. “But they are not the only tough opponent, there is Comoros and Madagascar to take care of. So, we will prepare very well for all opponents.

“There is pressure for us to win this tournament for the first time, but for us, it is an opportunity to gauge ourselves ahead of the World cup qualifiers and Afcon.”

Only the top team in each group and the best-placed runner-up will advance to the semi-finals in what is a change in format for the tournament this year.

That means each side is guaranteed three games up to a maximum of five, which will provide vital preparation for those national teams involved in the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers later this year.

The Cosafa Cup is making a comeback after the event was cancelled in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and it will be hosted in Nelson Mandela Bay for the first time, which has been a familiar home for other Cosafa competitions in recent years.

Manchester United’s latest set of financial results will not have a detrimental impact on their summer transfer plans, with the club pushing ahead with signings. 

United’s quarter three results were released on Thursday evening, for January, February and March, showing just a 4 per cent decrease in revenue, despite a lack of matchday income, as only the final game of the 2020-21 season was played in front of supporters. 

Club sources say this is down to their ‘robust model’ in the pandemic and, despite losing over £100 million ($139m) due to the impact of Covid-19, they are pledging to strengthen Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side this summer. 

What did the results say? 

The figures released showed revenue was down £21.7m ($30m) and that was mainly due to the lack of fans being allowed into Old Trafford. Ten thousand were admitted for the final Premier League home game of the season against Fulham but all other fixtures had to be played behind closed doors. 

The decrease was relatively small at 4% due to an increase in broadcasting revenue as more games were played in this quarter in comparison to this time last year. 

The net debt sits at £443.5m ($616m), an increase of 3.4% from last year, while the report confirmed dividend payments of £10.7m ($15m), the majority of which will go to the Glazer family, who own the controlling amount of the shares. 

What does this mean for transfers?

Joel Glazer defended the dividend payments and level of debt at the club when he spoke to fans at a forum meeting earlier this month. The club’s co-chairman said it did not impact on their ability to do business in the transfer window and has pledged to back Solskjaer in the current window. 

It is understood the club are currently exploring potential deals for Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Kieran Trippier. 

United are optimistic about Sancho signing, a year after they failed to land the England international from Borussia Dortmund due to a gap in valuation, despite having their initial bid rejected last week.

Any deals are subject to suitable fees being agreed in the window. It is understood United and Atletico Madrid, where Trippier has spent the last two seasons, are far apart on their valuation of the right-back.  

What next? 

Despite their commitment to spend, club sources say there needs to still be realism in the window and, while they are still feeling the financial effects of the pandemic, it will not be a ‘£450m summer.’ 

Solskjaer is hoping for up to three signings in order to compete for the title next season. A right winger, centre-back, central midfielder and a striker are all being considered, as well as a potential move for Trippier. 

What has Ed Woodward said? 

The club’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward sent a message to the fans in the release of the financial results. 

"The absence of fans over the past year has proved that they are the lifeblood of the game," Woodward said. "Following the successful return of limited numbers at the end of last season, and continued trials of increased crowds at sports events this summer, we remain optimistic about the prospect of fans returning to Old Trafford in larger numbers going forwards.

"With the foundations for long-term success in place, including significant initiatives to strengthen engagement with our supporters, we look forward to the upcoming season."

Further reading 

Former goalkeeper William Shongwe has advised Kaizer Chiefs to stick with Bruce Bvuma in goal as they prepare to play Wydad Casablanca in the first leg of the Caf Champions League semi-final.

The North African heavyweights eliminated MC Alger from the competition 2-1 on aggregate as Amakhosi advanced after a 4-3 aggregate win over Tanzania Mainland League champions Simba SC.

In the latter, Bvuma put in a good performance to ensure the South African outfit made it to the last four.

It is for that reason Shongwe believes the player should once again start ahead of experienced Itumeleng Khune and Daniel Akpeyi.

"So, how now do you as a coach risk the momentum that has been built up already?," Shongwe posed a question as reported by Sowetan.

"Yes, Bvuma has done well, [but] you think the temptation may be [to say] Khune will be able to stabilise this thing better because of his experience. Maybe Akpeyi.

"It’s a big temptation. But if I was the coach, I would say do not tamper with what has been happening.

"If you look at Bvuma, he picked up form and he played the CAF games to be where they are at the moment, so [do] you want to take that away from him?."

The former custodian believes Saturday's game at Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca might be the opportunity for the keeper to prove he has come of age.

"This boy [Bvuma] comes from nowhere and he has been waiting for his moment and let him continue," Shongwe continued.

"He has served under these two goalkeepers and he has been in and out of the team. Remember one time when Khune was injured and Akpeyi was injured and he came in to play. 

"I remember that game against Cape Town City [when] he was thrown in the deep end three seasons ago. He played well, though the Chiefs didn’t win that game. 

"So, he has come a long way, so maybe this is his time. Throw him in the deep end."

What if Bvuma does not start against the Moroccan side?

"One thing that he lacked is confidence, to believe in himself. Because when you are given a chance and then, while you think you are building up and then you are removed, it doesn’t build your confidence," he concluded.

Yanga SC have imposed an indefinite ban on their first choice goalkeeper Metacha Mnata after the incident which followed their 3-2 win against Ruvu Shooting in a Mainland Premier League match on Thursday.

In a statement obtained by Goal, the Jangwani-giants revealed that their long-serving custodian will remain suspended from all activities until the club’s disciplinary committee meets to decide on his fate, and action to be taken.

“The management of Yanga are saddened with the incident from our goalkeeper Metacha [Mnata] aimed at our fans after the game against Ruvu Shooting at Mkapa Stadium,” read in part the statement from Yanga.

What did the statement say?

“Following the unsporting behaviour from Mnata, Yanga have banned the said player with immediate effect until his conduct is discussed by the club’s disciplinary committee as per the club’s constitution.

“Yanga management has apologised to the fans and club members for whatever happened, and the club will take Mnata to the disciplinary committee for further action, and we ask all our fans and members to remain calm and give the committee time to come up with a verdict.”

The Taifa Stars custodian, who was recalled to start in the game at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, replacing Kenya’s Farouk Shikhalo, was faulted by the fans after conceding the two goals which saw Ruvu Shooting reach 3-2 and culminated in a navy ending to the match as Yanga claimed maximum points.

While the teams were walking to the tunnel, Mnata was seen flashing a middle finger at the fans, who were waiting for him at the tunnel and despite being cooled down by other players, the agitated keeper repeated the action again.

What did Yanga official say?

After the game, Yanga media officer Antonio Nugaz fell short of openly blaming Mnata for the two goals they conceded but maintained they deserved a clean sheet.

“Ruvu Shooting came to play football and our coach decided to ask the players to calm down and play their usual game and we are happy they followed the instructions very well, we have picked three points but it was not satisfying at the end because our fans wanted a clean sheet,” Nugaza told Goal.

“What I can say we are happy with the three points, it is what we wanted from Ruvu Shooting and now we want to move forward and tackle our remaining four matches, so we thank the players for the win and especially Feisal’s performance.”

Feisal Salum - who scored a brace - and Saidi Ntibazonkiza guided the Timu ya Wananchi to the vital win while Emmanuel Martin and David Richard scored for the home team.

Timu ya Wananchi had to wait until the 23rd minute for a goal: the administrative side failed to clear the ball from their danger zone and it eventually fell to Fiston Abdul Razak who did well to set Salum. The Tanzania international then curled the ball home from 20-yards to give his team a deserved lead.

The second goal for Wananchi came in the 32nd minute, a poor pass was intercepted by Deus Kaseke who set his teammate Salum free, and the attacking midfielder kept his cool to complete his brace, which is his third goal in the league this season.

Martin reduced the deficit in the 70th minute as the Jangwani Street-based charges relaxed but Ntibazonkiza restored a two-goal advantage 10 minutes later. 

In the 82nd minute, Richard scored to set a tense finale but Yanga held on to get the crucial win.

Carly Telford has been called up to Great Britain's women's football squad for this summer's Olympic Games, following an injury to Karen Bardsley.

Bardsley was originally named among the 18 players that will travel to Japan next month, a surprise inclusion given a hamstring problem has contributed to her playing only one game for England since the 2019 Women's World Cup.

However, the 36-year-old suffered an injury while playing for her club, OL Reign, recently and now Telford will join Manchester City goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck in the final squad, with Everton shot-stopper Sandy MacIver left on the reserve list.

Why has Telford been picked?

There is some surprise at the choice of Bardsley's replacement, as it was MacIver who made the reserve list. But Bardsley's inclusion in the first place suggested that head coach Hege Riise wanted to take an experienced head alongside Roebuck, with Telford fitting the bill.

The 33-year-old made her England debut back in 2007 and, although she has only amassed 23 caps in that time, she has been to three World Cup finals and a Euros. MacIver, meanwhile, only made her international debut in February's 6-0 friendly win over Northern Ireland.

“We are very fortunate to be able to call on a goalkeeper of Carly’s pedigree," Riise said. "Losing Karen was a blow of course, but her selection was always a close call with Carly, given they both have such strong reputations. Carly is a leader and she will be a big asset for us and what we are hoping to achieve.”

What has Telford said?

Speaking upon announcement of the news, Telford said: “This is an amazing honour, although I really feel for KB and send her all my best wishes for her speedy recovery. The goalkeepers’ union is not a cliché - although we are competing to play we always want each other to do well.

"I am so disappointed for her but of course tremendously proud to get the chance to play at an Olympic Games. It is an incredible honour and I will give it all I can.”

It will be her first Olympic Games, with Bardsley and Rachel Brown-Finnis having been chosen as the two goalkeepers to represent Great Britain at London 2012.

When does women's football at the Olympic Games begin?

The women's football tournament at this summer's Games will get underway on July 21, with Team GB actually playing in the first game. They will take on Chile in Sapporo before then facing hosts Japan at the same venue three days later. Their final game of the group stage is on July 27, when they play Canada.

The quarter-finals of the tournament will all take place on July 30, with the semi-finals following on August 2. The Bronze medal match will be played in Kashima on August 5 before the Gold medal match takes place one day later, in Tokyo.

Further reading

Ghana striker Bernard Tekpetey has joined Ludogorets for pre-season despite the uncertainty of his future at his parent club Schalke 04, to strengthen them in their bid for promotion to the Bundesliga next season. 

The Black Star has completed a year out of the two signed in a loan deal from the German side, and after relegation to the second-tier, the Royal Blues are hoping to successfully make a return to the top-tier.

The 23-year-old is seen as one of the players who could strengthen the team, and it is for that reason they have considered re-calling him.

It would be a blow for the Bulgarians, who had hoped to use the player to achieve their targets for the forthcoming campaign.

"I want this opportunity to stay in Ludogorets because we will be playing a Champions League playoff," Tekpetey told Original FM as reported by Ghanaweb.

"For now, I will leave everything to the clubs to decide. If Schalke calls me, I will go."

Schalke finished at the bottom of the Bundesliga table with just 16 points from the 34 matches played in the entire season.

They managed just three wins, seven draws, and 24 losses. They also scored 25 goals, which were the least in the division, and went on to concede 86 - the most in the league.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old Elvis Manu has recovered from his injury and reported back to Ludogorets in preparation for the new campaign.

After signing at the beginning of the completed season, the experienced attacker made a handful of appearances but did not manage to complete the season owing to an injury.

Despite not playing in his preferred central striking role, the forward scored four goals in the 22 matches he played for the Eagles in the league.

Manu also played six Europa League matches and scored an impressive five goals.

The forward has represented the Netherlands in the junior category but is eligible to play for Ghana's Black Stars. 

He has initially played for Feyenoord where he made 33 appearances, scoring eight goals in the process between 2012-2015. The striker has also played for Brighton & Hove Albion, as well as Go Ahead Eagles. 

The forward also spent some time with Akhisarpor, where he played 28 matches and scored seven goals, before joining Beijing Renhe, playing 12 games and scoring one goal in the process.