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Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bounou believes Morocco have the quality to fight and win the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

The Atlas Lions are among the 24 teams that have qualified for next year’s showpiece which will begin in January and he hopes the country ends their 46-year wait for the title.

Morocco have not won the Afcon trophy since 1976 and their best finish since that year has been as runners-up in the 2004 edition in Tunisia.

At the last Afcon in Egypt, they were eliminated in the Round of 16 by Benin via penalty shoot-out but he is confident Vahid Halilhodzic's side can dominate the continent again in Cameroon.

“We are looking forward to that with great optimism, we have a lot of great players, and the team is currently able to fight and compete in order to reach the top and win the African Cup of Nations,” Bounou told Goal.

When quizzed further about their chances of making it to the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar, he said: “The same thing, we are confident that the Moroccan team will be among the 5 teams that will qualify for Qatar, but it is clear that there is a very good rise in the level of other teams, and the most important goal is to reach the World Cup.”

They have been paired against Guinea, Sudan and Guinea-Bissau in Group I of the World Cup qualifiers which will begin in September.

The Canada-born goalkeeper has made a name for himself in La Liga following strings of impressive performances for Sevilla and previously at Girona.

In the just-concluded season, the 30-year-old became the first goalkeeper to ever score for Sevilla in the Spanish top-flight with his late strike that salvaged a 1-1 draw against Real Valladolid in March.

After a fourth-place finish and a Uefa Champions League qualification spot in the 2020-21, Bounou highlighted his target for the upcoming campaign.

“My goal in the coming period is always to shine, whether on a personal level or with the team in general, and what really matters is the team’s achievements, and we have set a good model in the current season, and the key to achieving these achievements is to continue and insist on achieving our goal,” Bounou concluded.

Mamelodi Sundowns custodian Denis Onyango has challenged teammates Ricardo Goss and Jody February to give their best and prove they deserve to be considered in the starting line-up.

The Uganda legend has dominated the number one spot for years and last season, he made a total of 34 appearances for the Brazilians, keeping 18 clean sheets in the process. 

While Jody February has not yet made his Sundowns debut, Ricardo Goss made five appearances for the PSL champions in the Nedbank Cup and Caf Champions League.

"We all didn’t come to Sundowns and start playing immediately," the 36-year-old Onyango told Sowetan.

"Jody and Goss have brought in something different in the team. We believe they have the quality and where they are coming from, they were winning. Goss is one for the future for Bafana Bafana and I believe that if he gets more game time, he will eventually get the no.1 spot.  

"Jody has a future with Sundowns and the national team as well. For me, to be there, they are pushing me to work hard and them to work hard because we can’t give it to them on a silver plate.

"They must work for it and in the upcoming few years, they will be No1 at Sundowns. They made me a better keeper this season. I got 18 clean sheets, I've never been to that number.

"It shows that the goalkeeping department has done a fantastic job. We learn from each other and whoever plays, he gives his best."

The experienced custodian has also revealed he is keen on winning more league titles before hanging up his boots.

"The moment I stop believing that I can still win, that would be the end of my career, but I need to keep going," Onyango continued

"There are never enough trophies. I have never seen anyone saying my trophies are enough, no. I need to keep going. That is what drives me.

"My eighth league title, and to be sharing it with Hlompho Kekana, is great. I saw him coming from Black Leopards and becoming a captain at Sundowns, it is amazing.

"Daine Klate was the most decorated player and we managed to beat that. We got to eight medals and we want to make it 10, Kekana and I. It’s a challenge."

Yanga SC have confessed they will use a different approach to signing new players for the new Mainland Premier League season.

According to the club’s media officer Hassan Bumbuli, the signing of new players and those to be released will now be handled by the team’s technical bench headed by head coach Nasreddine Nabi.

In the recent past, Yanga have often signed players without the technical bench’s input, a decision that has seen many top signings fail to make it at the Jangwani-based giants.

It is the reason Bumbuli has said the coach’s report will give them clear guidelines on which players they should go for when the transfer window opens.

What has been said?

“We have been making mistakes when it comes to signing new players as most of them when they come, find it difficult to fit in the system of the coach, that is why we want him to be fully engaged,” Bumbuli said as quoted by Daily News.

“Apparently we have not started thinking of possible players to join the club even though, there are many speculations out there of players linked to join us next season.”

On whether Yanga are still in the title race for the current campaign, Bumbuli said: “Until now, we are in second place and when we play equal games with them [Simba SC], it will give us a clear picture of which side will be guaranteed to lift the trophy...but for now, we have not given up.”

Updates on Tonombe injury

Bumbuli further took his time to give updates on the injury suffered by their striker Mukoko Tonombe while turning out for DR Congo in an international friendly against Tunisia three days ago.

“We have communicated with him and he said he is doing well. Next, the doctors of the two teams will chat to determine the extent of his injury and see for how long he will spend off the pitch nursing his injury,” Bumbuli continued.

The towering Tonombe was among the two foreign players from Yanga who were released to represent their counties in the international break, the other being Yacouba Sogne, who was named in the Burkina Faso squad.

Italy have transformed the disappointment of missing out on the 2018 World Cup into a desire to go far at Euro 2020 says defender Giorgio Chiellini, who has hailed his international team-mates as having "a sense of responsibility and a pinch of madness".

The Italians suffered one of the worst nights in their footballing history when they were eliminated by Sweden in a qualifying play-off, meaning they failed to reach the last World Cup in Russia.

Under new manager Roberto Mancini and with old heads such as Chiellini guiding an exciting young squad, Italy have bounced back to the big stage and will face Turkey in the opening match of the rearranged European Championship on Friday night in Rome.

What has been said?

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Chiellini said: "Sweden in Milan has remained and we will not be able to cancel it, but we have transformed that disappointment into desire and enthusiasm, it is a feeling that the fans also have.

"We are galvanised for the start of the European Championships, we can't wait to take to the pitch and experience this emotion all together.

"It will be the opening match and it will be even stranger, there are more unknowns and difficulties both for us and for Turkey. It will be an evening full of emotions, we will live it with the light-heartedness of a group that has a sense of responsibility and a pinch of madness, which in events like this is essential to do something great."

Mancini: We must be free mentally

Having recovered from their World Cup nightmare to sail through qualifying for Euro 2020, Italy are among the tournament favourites and well fancied to top Group A, which also features Turkey, Wales and Switzerland.

Mancini, however, wants his players to ignore newly-raised expectations and the emotions of kicking off the tournament on home soil and in front of fans at Stadio Olimpico.

He said: "I think that after all that has happened, the time has come to go back to giving people satisfaction, to entertain them. The first game is always the most difficult, we must be free mentally without thinking about anything else.

"There is always a bit of pressure the first time. We will have to play our football while trying to have fun and respecting the qualities of Turkey.

"Three years ago I was confident, I am even more confident today. We have been working together for a long time and have fun, we would like to continue to do so."

Further Reading

"You remember when I was there, we never won anything for two seasons, but people enjoyed the way we played, which is why ‘The Happy People’ thing started," Arendse told Kick-Off.com.

"Two years in a row, we were second [on the log], but people were not complaining because of the style of play. I think it looks like the style of play is more important than winning trophies at Pirates.

"If you play beautiful football and do not win anything, they will be happy, because that is what happened with Kosta Papic. The problem with supporters is that sometimes they just don’t know what they want.

"With us, they were happy with the style of play but all these years later I have nothing to show my kids for my time at Pirates, besides talk that we made the people happy."

Arendse also defended coach Josef Zinnbauer, who has been under continued criticism, and said the German has done a commendable job.

The coach helped Pirates win MTN Cup and thus ended a six-year wait for trophies when he took charge of the club.

He has also guided them to the quarter-finals of the Caf Confederations Cup and the Nedbank Cup.

"If he is being judged based on results, then he has a pass mark of 70% because he came out with a trophy," he added.

"Nowadays coaches are rated on what they won and not the style of play. Only Sundowns have gotten the right combination now, playing good football and winning trophies, but it took patience to get there.  
 
"Is the style of play more important than winning trophies? Okay, the style of play was not what Pirates expected all the time, but in terms of results, there was an improvement because the team won a cup. 

Arendse, who featured for Pirates under Papic between 2004 and 2006 scoring 16 goals in 32 starts, was unfortunate not to win a trophy with the club. He pointed out why he would prioritise trophies over the style of play anytime.

"At [Mamelodi] Sundowns and Santos, I got medals but at Pirates I got nothing. Priorities are different to different people, but in professional sport, the benchmark should be winning because there is no trophy for possession or nice football," he continued.

"That trophy counts a lot because it will be recorded under the club’s honours, not the style of play."

As Zinnbauer's Pirates future remain uncertain, fans have at times threatened to push for his exit through protests.

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has identified his teammate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as the originator of his ‘Little Chilli’ nickname.

Saka, who made his first-team debut for the Gunners in 2018, has made himself a key player in Mikel Arteta’s side with his consistent displays and versatility.

The 19-year-old was named Arsenal’s Player of the Season for his contribution of seven goals and 10 assists in 46 appearances.

Saka is now known as ‘Little Chilli’ in the England squad and he explained how Aubameyang gave him the name for his finishing during a training session at London Colney.

"It started from Auba," Saka said in a press conference, per ESPN.

"He said it in French. We're doing one finishing drill one time in training and he kept saying it, and I kept scoring, I was shooting with so much power and he was calling me little chilli in French [petit piment].

"I didn't know what it was. I asked him after and he told it means little chilli. From then on he kept calling me it and then it became a thing, and now it's a big thing, a lot of people call me it, and make it my nickname.”

Saka revealed the gift he received from the Gabon captain after the Gunners defeated Chelsea 2-1 to win the FA Cup title at Wembley last year. He also reserved praise for Aubameyang’s personality.

"He got me the nice chain he promised he would get me if we won the FA Cup,” he added.

“It started from Auba, it's a show of how great a character he is and how important he is for me and I'd say for the team in terms of the happiness and the vibes in the dressing room. I love it. It's unique."

A week ago, Saka scored his first senior goal for England which turned out to be the match-winning strike in their 1-0 friendly win over Austria.

Saka is expected to play a crucial role in Gareth Southgate’s team when the Three Lions begin their Euro 2020 campaign against Croatia on Sunday.

They will also play Scotland and Czech Republic in their upcoming Group D fixtures.

A lack of experience, minimal preparation time and nerves, were behind Bafana Bafana's poor first half showing against Uganda at the Orlando Stadium on Thursday night, says assistant coach Helman Mkhalele.

South Africa went on to win the friendly international against the Cranes 3-2, thanks to second half goals by Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Evidence Makgopa, who netted a brace.

However, the score-line does not tell the full story as the hosts had really battled in the first half and were at times overrun by the Ugandans.

Mkhalele believes there were several factors behind the cagey opening stanza.

"During the first half we really struggled with the central midfield. Because that is where the Ugandans, especially number 10 and number 8 [dominated]," Mkhalele told the media afterwards.

"So they were able to build from the back and penetrate us so easily. I attribute that to lack of experience of our boys and also they were nervous.

"And more importantly, we didn't have any friendly game to make sure we build those combinations.

"We only had two training seasons and almost 11 players that had never played together before. So I believe that first half this contributed for us not to be able to manage the game effectively."

It was a different story after the interval as Bafana played with more purpose and confidence. Mkhalele explained what changed:

"First and foremost we needed to change our formation. After changing the formation and changing the personnel, we believed that would help us to make sure Uganda don't build from the back.

"We put high pressure on them at the back, because once we win the ball in their half, it becomes very easy for our boys, because of their technical abilities.

"Individually and collectively, we saw those beautiful combination passes, one-twos, to create those goal-scoring opportunities.

"Second half we could have scored more goals, but I'm so proud we took our chances."

South Africa are busy preparing for the World Cup qualifiers, which begin in September. They are grouped with Ghana, Ethiopia and neighbours Zimbabwe.

Goran Pandev says North Macedonia have made history by qualifying for Euro 2020 and their goal is to progress beyond the group stage.

North Macedonia secured a place in a major international tournament for the first time when they beat Georgia in the play-offs.

Pandev says his country should be proud just to reach the finals, but is confident they can put in a strong performance.

What has been said?

"It means a lot, it is an immense source of pride for us, because until recently it was unthinkable that a national team like North Macedonia could participate in such an important competition," he told Goal. 

"We, on the other hand, have always believed in it. This generation made history. We have had other strong players in the past, but only we have managed to accomplish this feat. Nobody will ever be able to take this away from us."

He added: "Our ambitions are great, we hope to do well and win a few games. The goal is to pass at least the group stage: we know it will not be easy, but we are also aware of our strength so we will try to do this too."

Who will North Macedonia play?

Igor Angelovski's side have been drawn in Group C along with Austria, Netherlands and Ukraine.

They will begin their campaign against Austria in Bucharest on Sunday, followed by a clash with Ukraine four days later. A meeting with Frank de Boer's Netherlands will round off the group stage in Amsterdam on June 21. 

“They are three very strong teams, obviously they are favorites over us," Pandev said. "We know we are starting a little behind them, but we also know what we can give and what our qualities are. 

"We have already played against Austria in the qualifiers and we do not have positive experiences as they have beaten us twice, but now we have the opportunity to take our revenge. 

"Generally speaking, on paper, Holland remains the favourite for the group and the team to beat, but we do not set ourselves limits."

Further reading

Uganda captain Emmanuel Okwi believes they have a lot to do to be ready for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

The East African heavyweights threw away a 1-0 lead to fall 3-2 to South Africa in an international friendly played at Johannesburg on Thursday evening.

Goals from Evidence Makgopa (brace) and Bongokuhle Hlongwane inspired Bafana Bafana to a narrow victory over the Cranes, who scored through Ibrahim Orit and Abdu Lumala.

Despite being thankful as the team ended the match without injuries, the newly appointed captain, who took over from the retired Denis Onyango, conceded that more work needs to be done before their next international matches.

"I thank God that we have finished the game well without any serious injuries," Okwi told Fufa Online TV.

"I believe we have seen there is a lot to do in the coming months so that we are ready for the World Cup Qualifiers.

"But there are positives we have taken as well; we have seen so many good players in the team and we can build on that and make sure we are stronger in future assignments."

Interim Cranes head coach Abdallah Mubiru included youngsters Abdul Kayondo, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Isma Mugulusi, Steven Sserwadda, and Derrick Kakooza in the 23-man squad.

The five players have been elevated to the senior team following their superb performances for the U20 national team where they reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations tournament held in Mauritania earlier this year.

The aforementioned youngsters are expected to be part of the Cranes squad that will play in the World Cup qualifiers.

Uganda and Kenya were pooled in Group E of the qualifiers alongside West African giants Mali and Rwanda as well with the top team qualifying for the third qualifying round. 

Uganda failed to make it to their third straight Africa Cup of Nations competition after finishing third in Group B, where they managed just two wins from the six matches played, and two draws, with the remaining two matches ending in losses.

Tanzania have confirmed four of their players have been put under the medical care of doctors only two days before they face Malawi in an international friendly on Sunday.

The Taifa Stars will host the Flames at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium as part of their preparations for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers where they are scheduled to face DR Congo and Madagascar.

However, the team has confirmed four players - Salim Aboubakar, who turns out for Azam FC in the Mainland Premier League, defender Erasto Nyoni, striker John Bocco, and midfielder Mzamiru Yassin, all three of Simba SC - have been placed under special supervision to return to their best form before Sunday clash.

The four players did not participate in Thursday's training session led by head coach Kim Poulsen and according to the club’s team manager Nadir Haroub, they will remain under special care before they determine if they will be involved or not.

What has been said?

“Players who have not practised are under special supervision and this is due to minor pain but they will return,” Haroub told Goal.

“We are strong and we believe that we will do well so the fans will continue to support us as everything is possible and the players know their responsibilities so we are ready and hoping to make the fans happy against Malawi.”

The match against the Flames will be a fourth for the 62-year-old, who took over from Etienne Ndayiragije after the African Nations Championship, where the East Africans performed dismally.

He has since been in charge of three matches, a friendly game against Kenya where he lost 2-1 before falling by a solitary goal away to Equatorial Guinea in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and his only win, by a solitary goal as well, came at home over Libya in the aforementioned competition.

Who else is in the squad?

Tanzania squad: Aishi Manula (Simba), Metacha Mnata (Young Africans), Juma Kaseja (KMC). Shomari Kapombe (Simba), Israel Mwenda (KMC), Mohamed Hussein (Simba), Erasto Nyoni (Simba), Bakari Mwamnyeto (Young Africans), Kennedy Juma (Simba), Dickson Job (Young Africans), and Nickson Kibabage (Youssoufla FC-Morocco).

Others are Simon Msuva (Wydad Casablanca-Morocco), Mudathir Yahya (Azam FC). Mzamiru Yassin (Simba), Feisal Salum (Young Africans), Salum Abubakar (Azam), Braison Nkulula (Azam), Iddy Suleiman (Azam), Mbwana Samatta (Fenerbahce-Turkey) and John Bocco (Simba).

Also, the list contains Abdul Suleiman (Coastal Union), Ayoub Lyanga (Azam), Denis Kibu (Mbeya City), Meshack Abraham (Gwambina FC), Novatus Dismas (Maccabi Tel Aviv-Israel), and Yusuf Mhilu (Kagera Sugar).

Daniel James says he loves playing under pressure as he gears up for Wales' opening game of Euro 2020.

Wales will start their campaign with a match against Switzerland in Baku on Saturday.

The 23-year-old winger played a limited role for Manchester United last season, making 15 Premier League appearances, but he is expected to be key for Robert Page's side this summer. 

What has been said?

James says he is used to dealing with pressure in high stakes matches and is raring to go for Wales. 

"I think being involved in a lot of pressured games obviously helps. They've calmed down now, definitely," he told Sky Sports. "Before the game you have a few butterflies, but it's more excitement than nerves and as soon as I get out on that pitch I forget it all, so I wouldn't say I get too nervous anymore.

"I love the pressure. I like the excitement and I kind of thrive off it. Obviously, I've got to set myself my own targets and I want to contribute to the team as much as I can, getting goals and assists and, if I'm not, it's always working hard on the pitch and trying to do my best."

He added: "It's been a big wait. We've waited that extra year to get here and now we're really excited. The days are going so quick and now all eyes on Saturday really for that first game.

"I'm so proud to represent this country every time I put that shirt on and to be involved in the campaign to get here was unbelievable.

"I started off that campaign with my debut and to actually be here now is unbelievable. As soon as I put that shirt on I've got to let the emotions settle down and play it as a normal game. I can't wait to get started."

Who else is in Wales' group?

After the clash with Switzerland, Wales will turn their attention to Turkey on June 16. Wales will then round off the group stage with a trip to Rome to take on Italy on June 20.

Further reading

Gor Mahia coach Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto has admitted fatigue has started to crop into his squad despite a 2-0 win against Kariobangi Sharks in the quarter-final of the FKF Shield Cup on Thursday.

K’Ogalo reached their first semi-final in eight years after goals in either half courtesy of Karim Nikiema and Sydney Ochieng enabled them to get past the former champions at Utalii grounds.

The Portuguese tactician, who is eyeing his first title since joining the reigning champions at the start of the current campaign, has told Goal he is very happy with the performance of his "fatigued" players despite playing nine matches in the last 24 days.

What has been said?

“It was a tough game, of course, difficult game, two good teams with very good players and the game was good but I am very proud about my players because they again put a lot of commitment in the game despite the fatigue and now we have won nine games in a row, I am happy about this,” Vaz Pinto told Goal.

“Of course we are happy to reach the semis, and of course when we get a good result I am happy but in the last 24 days we have played nine games, we have travelled to Mombasa, to Wundanyi and the number of players in the squad is not big but I am happy with result and performance of the team.”

On his squad selection for the Sharks game, Vaz Pinto said: “It is difficult because for me I always go for the best squad, I don’t pick a bad squad and now we have to focus for the next game, it is the most important thing.”

Playing against Bidco United in semis

On facing Bidco United in the last four and whether he is worried about the fixture, Vaz Pinto said: “No, we are not worried, tomorrow [Friday] we study Bidco United we play against them not far, we know they are a good team and have a good coach, we respect Bidco but we must prepare well to reach the final.”

On whether he can promise Gor Mahia fans the trophy, the Portuguese tactician said: “What I can promise to the fans is work hard and push the players to believe in our idea and good process in the club about our work and I want to give this victory to our fans.

“Also I give the win to the club chairman because he has struggled to keep the club afloat during these tough times occasioned by Covid-19 and we need to give him and the fans this victory and also a trophy at the end.”

Gor Mahia will face Bidco, who eliminated Nairobi Stars while in the other semi-final clash, AFC Leopards, who beat Tusker in the quarters, will face Divison one side Equity Bank, who eliminated defending champions Bandari.

Kariobangi Sharks coach William Muluya has conceded Gor Mahia deserved to beat his side in the quarter-final of the FKF Shield Cup on Thursday.

The Sharks went into the last eight fixture with hopes of ending Gor Mahia’s march to the double this campaign as they were the last team to beat K’Ogalo in the same competition and at the same stage in 2018, but they could not succeed as the Kenyan champions roared to a 2-0 win at Utalii grounds.

The FKF Premier League heavyweights scored in either half to progress into the semi-finals of the domestic competition at the expense of the former champions with their goals coming from Karim Nikiema and Sydney Ochieng in a match they largely dominated from the first to the final whistle.

Muluya has conceded Gor Mahia were the better side because they used two of their best chances to punish his team.

What has been said?

“We lost fairly, Muluya told Goal with a smile. “All I can say it was a good game, and congratulations to Gor Mahia because they got two chances and converted them to goals, they deserved it.

“They [Gor Mahia] also scored a very good goal from Karim [Nikiema] and it came when we were heading to finish the first half and somehow it affected my players and in the second period we also got chances to come back into the game but we could not, but Gor Mahia got another chance and killed the game, congratulations to them.”

On why he opted to use young players in the fixture, Muluya said: “It was good for them to also get a run because we are playing matches every two days and it is good also to rest some players and rotate the squad.

“I think the young players showed they can also compete, they played well but we punished because of the two goals which Gor scored from their two best chances and I think it was good to give them a chance to play.”

On what next for the Sharks after missing out the chance for Caf Confederation Cup, Muluya explained: “All our focus now will shift to the league, because it means if we are out of the cup then we have to fight now in the league and it is the only chance we have to continental.

“We know the league winner will be decided on June 30 and we have to fight and see if we can win it, I know we can we win it, and we know the team to be declared on June 30 will not be the outright champions as we still have to play matches to the end of the season.”

Muluya defends Lemu for penalty miss

Sharks had a good chance to go level at 1-1 in the first half but defender Geoffrey Lemu missed from the penalty spot after his effort was saved by Gor Mahia keeper Gad Mathews.

Muluya has, however, refused to blame the captain of the day for the missed penalty insisting: “[Lemu] lost the penalty and I feel the other player [goalkeeper] from the other side also did a good job to save it, so I cannot blame the player for missing the penalty, because this happens all over the world.

“Yes it was a good chance for us to come back into the game but we have to forget that and focus on the coming matches in the league.”

Gor Mahia will now face Bidco United in the semi-finals while their rivals AFC Leopards will take on Division One side Equity Bank, who eliminated champions Bandari, in the other semis with both matches set for Sunday.

Azam FC have once again moved ahead of Simba SC to make a big signing in the Mainland Premier League.

The ‘Ice Cream Makers’ have announced the signing of defender Edward Manyama from Ruvu Shooting just a day after Simba opened talks to sign the left-footed player.

On Wednesday, reports suggested that Simba had already tied down the defender, who also turns out for the Tanzania national team, to a three-year deal and he will now have to fight for a starting role with vice-captain Hussein Mohamed and Gadiel Michael.

However, on Thursday, Azam made the big announcement confirming Manyama has penned a three-year contract and will play for the team in the new 2021-22 season.

Manyama signs three years

“Done Deal, Azam FC screamed on their social media pages with the picture of Manyama playing for Taifa Stars," a statement confirmed.

“Left-back for national team Edward Manyama has signed a contract of three years to play for Azam starting from the 2021-22 through to the 2023-24 season.

“This is after Azam reached a transfer deal with his club Ruvu Shooting, welcome home where you belong defender Manyama.”

Azam keeps Simba target

The signing of Manyama comes just 11 days after the ‘Ice Cream Makers left rivals Simba and Yanga SC shocked after managing to extend the contract of striker Prince Dube.

The two mainland giants were keen to sign the Zimbabwean striker, who in one season after signing for the ‘Ice-cream Makers’ has managed to score 14 goals in the league.

With rumours spreading on social media that he had started negotiations with Simba, Azam have moved with speed to extend his contract for another two years.

Azam media officer Jaffar Maganga has told Goal they are delighted to sign the player and insisted their plan is to make sure the team stays strong heading into the new season.

Manyama arrival delights Azam

“Here at Azam, we don’t just sign players because we want to sign but we always go for the best in the market and we are happy to get the services of Edward [Manyama],” Maganga told Goal.

“We don’t know if our rivals Simba were after the player, because what we did we followed the procedure of transfers in the country and went straight to his club Ruvu Shooting, talked to them and despite the player still contracted to them, they accepted our offer and now he is our player, we don’t know about the rest.”

Manyama, who has managed only one cap for the Taifa Stars, has also featured for several teams in the mainland league including JKT Ruvu Stars, Namungo FC and Yanga.

Though he will not play for them this campaign, his arrival is good news for Azam who are currently outsiders to win the league and domestic cup titles.

On the league front, they are third on the 18-team table with 60 points from 30 matches, four fewer than leaders Simba, while they are also in the semi-finals of the domestic cup where they are scheduled to face the same side on June 27.

Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer are confident England's talented squad can take them to the latter stages of the European Championship, although they are concerned that defensive issues may haunt the Three Lions.

Gareth Southgate's side kick off their Euro 2020 campaign on June 13 as they face Croatia - who knocked them out at the semi-final stage of the 2018 World Cup - at Wembley.

The Three Lions have a number of talented young forward players, raising expectations that they are capable of a strong tournament, with Lineker and Shearer excited by the potential of the squad.

What has Lineker said?

Discussing England's chances, Lineker told Goal: "Expectation is enjoyable, I know sometimes it is the hope that kills you but for the first time in a long time, England have a squad that can compete. I know we got to the semi-final three years ago but we got a bit lucky with the draw and all that. It was still a good performance.

"There may be a bit of inexperience overall and we may be a bit light in certain positions - central defence and in goal - but that aside, we have some fabulous talents at full-back, in midfield and in the forward positions.

"Also, for the first time in a long time, we have strength in depth and that's important. In what's been a long season, he [manager Gareth Southgate] can rotate. People keep saying 'what's his best XI?' I don't think he knows himself and I don't think there will be a consistent starting XI particularly due to the talent in forward areas.

"I think he will be able to bring on substitutes of equal quality which will be very important. I think the future is very bright for England. This summer might be too early, but the group stage should be comfortable.

"After that, the draw will be very difficult. It could be one of France, Portugal or Germany. We'll see and I think with so much talent, they should do well."

What has Shearer said?

Shearer told Goal when asked about England's prospects at Euro 2020: "There's always expectation with England and what we have in this country but it might be a little bit more than previous tournaments.

"We did get to the semi-final of the World Cup, albeit with a friendlier route, but with the talent that we have got in this England squad, it is the best we have had for a long time.

"That's especially true in the forward positions, adding [Mason] Mount, [Phil] Foden, [Jadon] Sancho, [Jack] Grealish and [Marcus] Rashford to Harry Kane. That's some serious talent in that position.

"I don't think scoring and creating goals will be a problem but my slight concern is at the other end in terms of defensively. The further we go in the tournament, can we keep them out?"

"There weren't many great things to come out of Covid but it is a year on and these players like Foden and Mount have another year under their belts. I think they will play a huge part in anything England do this summer.

"There's no doubt that in those players, they will unlock the door. They have had amazing seasons and went head-to-head in the Champions League final. That's serious talent and these are guys who can pick a pass. You need that to open up defences at that level.

"France will be favourites and rightly so, when you look at some of the players that they have in their squad. [Kylian] Mbappe, [Antoine] Griezmann, [Paul] Pogba and they have just added [Karim] Benzema.

"Whoever finishes ahead of France will win it I think. I know they are in a tough group with Germany and Portugal and maybe England will face one of those teams in the next round, given our group."

Lineker and Shearer are part of the BBC football team. Follow Euro 2020 on the BBC across TV, radio and online this summer.

Further reading

Ilkay Gundogan believes Chelsea's Champions League success can benefit Germany at Euro 2020.

The Manchester City midfielder was on the losing side as the Blues took home the trophy with a 1-0 win.

Kai Havertz was the hero for the London club with the decisive goal, while Germany team-mates Timo Werner and Antonio Rudiger played key roles in the triumph.

What has been said?

Although Gundogan was devastated to lose, he feels the Chelsea players will bring a confidence boost to the Germany squad.

"The Champions League win gives players a boost, gives them confidence," he told reporters. "Especially Kai, who scored the winner, will have been given a massive boost, which we can use to help us as a team. I’m happy for them, they deserved it."

On his side's disappointment, Gundogan added: "It’s not easy to stomach a defeat like this. We worked all year to get there – eight years for me. I lost the final again, and I’m extremely gutted about that, but life goes on, that’s the beauty of competitive sport.

"I had a few days off, which I needed I made good use of them. Now I’m focusing on the tasks at hand and I can look forward to the tournament, despite defeat in the final."

Can Germany beat France?

Germany's campaign begins with a match against world champions France on June 15, and Gundogan believes his side must take an aggressive approach to get the better of Didier Deschamps' side.

"We know we’re playing against a team with lots of talented footballers," he said.  "It could be that we have to sacrifice the majority of possession. We know that we can work aggressively off the ball. With two holding midfielders in a 3-4-3 formation, it’s extremely important to use the centre-backs in a way that they can help us break forward as well.

"It’s good to know that there are two players behind us that can protect the space. This makes it all the more important that the lads at the back support us. We can rely on that. It could be key to us winning back possession a lot and making France chase us."

Who else will Germany face?

Joachim Low's team will also have to contend with Portugal on June 19 before rounding off Group F with a game against Hungary four days later.

The winner of the group will face the team that finishes third in either Groups A, B or C, while the runner up faces the winner of Group D, which consists of England, Scotland, Croatia and Czech Republic.

Further reading