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Roma are ready to make a move for Torino striker Andrea Belotti after head coach Jose Mourinho approved the Italy international as a top transfer target, Goal can confirm.

Belotti, who is part of Italy's squad for the European Championship, has been with the Turn club since 2015 but could be leaving in the summer with his contract due to expire in 2022.

Torino will be looking to recoup around €30 million (£26m/€37m) for their star striker, although Mourinho's side will look to pay significantly less given the forward's contract situation.

What's the latest?

Roma are ready to step up their attempts to lure Belotti to Stadio Olimpico, with new head coach Mourinho keen to add the 27-year-old to his squad ahead of the 2021-22 season.

Torino are in no rush to sell despite Belotti's contract coming to an end - and it not looking like he'll sign an extension - with the striker set to feature at the European Championships.

Should the former Palermo forward star for Italy in the summer showpiece, his value could rise considerably.

Mourinho's Roma, who are also in talks to sign Granit Xhaka, are unlikely to want to spend more than €20m (£17m/$24m) with Torino set to demand €10m more than that to allow their prized asset to depart.

As well as being a player for the present, Belotti is seen as a long-term replacement for Edin Dzeko while Borja Mayoral is unlikely to stay at the club beyond his two-year loan from Real Madrid, which ends in 2022.

Belotti's record

Belotti has carved out a reputation as one of Serie A's top homegrown strikers, with the 27-year-old having scored 105 goals in 228 appearances for Torino.

He scored 13 league goals in 35 appearances in the 2020-21 season, 16 behind Serie A golden boot winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

On the international stage, Belotti has scored 12 goals in 33 appearances for his country, with two of them having come from the two games he's played for the national team in 2021.

Further reading

Cristiano Ronaldo is "still a beast" according to Jose Fonte, who has warned Portugal's Euro 2020 rivals to "expect nothing but greatness" from their captain.

Ronaldo has been widely regarded as one of the best players in the world for well over a decade, and his output in the final third remains high despite recently turning 36.

The Juventus forward faced some criticism last season after failing to inspire the Italian club beyond the last 16 in the Champions League, with some suggesting his powers are finally starting to wane.

What's been said?

Ronaldo was also powerless to prevent the Bianconeri from slumping to a fourth-place finish in Serie A, but Fonte has no doubt he will still be one of the most influential players at this summer's European Championships.

The Portugal and Lille defender told talkSPORT: “He’s our leader, our captain. As usual he’s preparing in the best way. He’s one of the best professionals around. The numbers speak for themselves. He’s still going, he’s still a beast, so expect nothing else but greatness.”

Ronaldo's record in 2020-21

Ronaldo, who moved to Allianz Stadium from Real Madrid for €100 million (£86m/$122m) in 2018, was the talisman in Juve's ranks once again under Andrea Pirlo as he racked up 44 appearances across all competitions.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner contributed 36 goals including 29 in Serie A to land the competition's top scorer award, while also adding a first Coppa Italia and second Suppercoppa Italiana to his illustrious CV.

Portugal's quest for Euro glory 

Portugal will be aiming to defend the title they won in 2016 when the Euros kick off later this week, and Ronaldo will be expected to add to his staggering haul of 103 goals from 174 games for his country.

Fernando Santos' side have been drawn in a tough group alongside France, Germany and Hungary, and it is possible that they could meet England in the round of 16.

Former Crystal Palace, Southampton and West Ham centre-back Fonte is already relishing the prospect of a potential showdown against the Three Lions, saying: “It would be great. On a personal level, I’d love to play against England. I have fond memories from my time playing in the Premier League so what a great challenge it would be as England has a great squad as well.”

Further reading

Chiedozie Ogbene has called on Uefa to take action after the Republic of Ireland players were booed for taking a knee prior to their encounter against Hungary.

The Nigeria-born winger made his debut as a second-half substitute for the Irish team in the 0-0 draw against Hungary to become the first African-born player to feature for the European country.

Ogbene watched as the Republic of Ireland players who started the game were booed by Hungary fans and Ogbene wants the governing body Uefa to take action.

"We hope Uefa will take stricter action and find a solution. It is a difficult task because it has been going on for many years. We won't find a result or solution overnight,” Ogbene said, as per BBC.

"I try not to worry about it. I just focus on ourselves. I feel like the group we have - it is diverse and everyone is together.

“I was obviously disappointed because we all go through different stories and different histories in our lives.

"This is something that black people have been fighting for many years - discrimination and racism. There is no place in any sport, any place."

Ogbene also expressed his delight in making his international debut for his adopted country.

"I am so happy we continue to show how important it is to accept everyone for who they are and just educate people, and I am so proud of the team.

"To be titled the first African-born, I'm really blessed and it's a huge honour, something that I want to inspire everyone else to, to follow their dreams.

"I have got the first taste of it and I am hungry for more. I don't want to miss this opportunity and I will do everything I can to be an option for the manager,"

Ogbene who was born in Nigeria and moved with his family to Ireland in 2005, currently plays for Rotherham United.

He previously featured for Cork City, Limerick and Brentford before joining Rotherham in the summer of 2019.

Equity Bank caused one of the major upsets in the FKF Shield Cup this season when they beat champions Bandari 1-0 to reach the semi-finals on Wednesday.

The Bankers who reached the last eight following a 1-0 win against Vegpro, needed a 57th-minute goal courtesy of Sande Katumba to knock out the defending champions and proceed to the semi-finals where they will now meet the winner between Tusker and AFC Leopards.

It was Bandari who came into the game as favourites and having beaten Sigalagala 5-0 in the Round of 16, they were already tipped to get past the Bankers, who are handled by former Harambee Stars striker John Baraza.

Bandari under coach Casa Mbungo threatened from the onset and it was William Wadri who had the best chance to put them ahead in the 7th minute but after dribbling well into the dangerzone, his final effort was saved by keeper Timothy Ngugi.

Ngugi, who had an outstanding game, was once again called upon to make double saves, first denying Wadri from point-blank in the 13th minute before pushing out a thunderous shot from Danson Namasaka in the 18th minute.

Equity then started to come into the game and in the 25th minute, Katumba wasted an open chance after he failed to tap in a well-delivered cross from Evans Ochieng.

Another chance for Bandari fell to Collins Agade in the 32nd minute but after controlling the ball well, he unleashed a feeble shot which keeper Ngugi gathered without difficulties.

The two teams headed into the half-time break tied at 0-0 and on resumption, Bandari coach Mbungo made a double substitution as Mosha and Lugogo paved the way for Darius Msagha, and Zakayo Keegan.

However, it was Equity who took the lead in the 57th minute as Katumba capitlised on a defensive lapse by Bandari to beat keeper Justin Ndikumana with a right-footed effort to the top corner of the goal.

The Bankers then resorted to defending and wasting time and despite Bandari throwing all their men upfront to get an equaliser and maybe take the game to penalties, they stood firm and won the game.

Bandari: Justin Ndikumana, Atariza Amai, Mohammed Siraji, Bernard Odhiambo, Brian Odera, Collins Agade, Danson Namasaka, Wilberforce Lugogo, Hassan Abdalla, Benjamin Mirimi and William Wadri.

Subs: Abdallah Matano, Felly Mulumba, Umar Kasumba, Zakayo Keegan, Guelord Mwamba, Darius Msagha and Salim Swaleh.

Equity: Timothy Ngugi, Oscar Lusomo, Levian Ochieng, Paul Nganyi, Bryson Kigalu, Derick Odhiambo, Nicholas Odhiambo, Evans Ochieng, Sande Katumba, Stephen Ologi, and Bryson Wangai.

Subs: Ezra Chege, Daniel Andayi, Humphrey Otieno, Derrick Ayisi, Jesse Kamau, Josphat Waititu, and Godana Guyo.

Monaco left-back Caio Henrique has admitted "it is a great pleasure" for him to be linked with Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.

Henrique completed a move to Monaco from Spanish giants Atletico Madrid last August, penning a five-year contract at Stade Louis II, and has since established himself as a mainstay in Niko Kovac's starting XI.

The 23-year-old played an important role in the French outfit's third-place finish in the 2020-21 Ligue 1 standings, attracting the attention of two of Europe's biggest clubs in the process.

What's been said?

It has been reported that PSG and Barca are both weighing up summer moves for Henrique, but he is not paying much attention to the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.

"I am very calm with all this," Henrique told Goal when quizzed on the transfer rumours. "I try not to get involved and concentrate only on [what happens on the] pitch and I leave it (transfer talk) in the hands of my representatives. 

"Of course, it is a great pleasure to hear about these very important clubs, but I have my feet on the ground and I always try to do my best, no matter where I am playing. I am very focused and committed to the jersey that I wear, and that will never change."

Henrique on PSG's front three

Henrique was also asked to pick the most difficult man to defend against from PSG's all-star attacking triumvirate of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Angel Di Maria, but was unable to separate the trio due to their varied skillset.

"It is difficult to pick one, they are three spectacular players," he added. "Mbappe has his explosiveness and dribbling as a strong point, while Neymar, in addition to his dribbling, has a lot of ability in finding space. Di Maria is also difficult to face. I think that all three in some way create a lot of difficulties."

Henrique's record at Monaco

Henrique featured in 36 games in all competitions during his first year at Monaco, bouncing back after missing the opening five matches of the season due to injury.

The Brazilian is still on the lookout for his first goal for the club, but has proven to be a useful asset in the final third by providing five assists.

Further reading

Chelsea have made contact with clubs and agents as they aim for a double summer deal of Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland and Inter full-back Achraf Hakimi.

Any deal for Haaland would not only break Chelsea's club record and wage structure but would also see Premier League records fall, with his agent Mino Raiola to earn a sizeable agent's fee.

It remains to be seen whether Chelsea will make the move now when there's less competition, or wait until the price drops in 2022 when a variable release clause based on performances is expected to see him leave for a price nearer £70 million ($99m).

What about Hakimi?

Chelsea are willing to match Paris Saint-Germain's £56.1 million ($79m) reported approach. However, Hakimi is valued by Inter at £68.8m (€80m/$96m).

His agent Alejandro Camano played down links to the Paris club to FCinter1908, but admitted that the Moroccan's future is in doubt.

He said: “There is no negotiation underway with PSG, at the moment there is nothing. He is fine with Inter. Am I optimistic about him remaining at the club? This is difficult to say.”

Chelsea and Haaland

Chelsea have found themselves having to massage feelings between them and both Raiola and Dortmund to do the deal, as they do not have a close relationship with agent or club.

They are one of the few clubs that can afford Haaland in this transfer market, along with Manchester City, who seem unwilling to pay over £100 million ($145m) for a player.

Inter would prefer to sell Hakimi rather than Chelsea's alternative target Romelu Lukaku, who has been considered instead of Haaland.

Tottenham's Harry Kane has also reiterated his desire to leave his boyhood club this summer but would rather move to one of the Manchester sides than Spurs' local rivals. The north Londoners' chairman Daniel Levy would likely also block his departure to Stamford Bridge.

Which strikers could leave Chelsea?

The talk of incoming players will disrupt several of Chelsea's Champions League winning team and send messages to those in their loan group and academy.

Chelsea are open to selling Tammy Abraham but they have initially asked for £40 million ($57m) which has risked pricing out interested clubs including West Ham and Leicester City.

Olivier Giroud has had a one-year extension clause activated on his expiring deal but remains intent on pushing for a move, with AC Milan previously keen to sign him on a free transfer.

Michy Batshauyi has seen Leeds United lose interest over a transfer, with the Blues asking for around £15m ($21m).

Youngster Armando Broja is likely to be among players who get the chance to impress Thomas Tuchel in pre-season after a year on loan at Vitesse.

Tino Livramento has been contacted by AC Milan but Aston Villa are among clubs that seem more viable options for the young full-back, whose future could be thrown into doubt by signing Hakimi.

Callum Hudson-Odoi is rumoured to be attracting renewed interest from Bayern Munich, but any move is off the table unless Chelsea opt to sell him. For now, no such conversation has been had.

Further reading

Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi feels it was wrong for Kaizer Chiefs to try and impose a certain style of play on Gavin Hunt while also questioning why they hired him knowing well he has his distinctive philosophy.

Hunt was fired by Chiefs nearly two weeks ago after 44 games in charge across all competitions and the Soweto giants have since appointed Stuart Baxter as their new coach.

It was a difficult season for Hunt who left Chiefs at risk of relegation from the Premier Soccer League but had commendably helped them reach the Caf Champions League semi-finals for the first time ever in their history.

“All I want to say is Gavin Hunt achieved something that Chiefs have never achieved before [leading them to the Caf Champions League semi-finals] and he is out of a job,” said Mngqithi as per Sowetan Live. 

“It is a story about our football. We change because we are emotional at times. Gavin has won four [league] trophies. He plays a certain type of football and he wins trophies with that type of football. Stick with it. But if suddenly you say 'no, we are not happy with the style of football', then why did you bring the coach in the first place?   

“You could not change him from what he has been doing over the years and worse, he could not even sign the players he wants to play the type of football that he wants.” 

The just-ended PSL season saw eight clubs changing their coaches during the course of the campaign which amounts to half of the teams in the league.  

Mngqithi feels PSL coaches need to be given time to prove themselves. 

“Patience pays. Teams that are chasing coaches away are the ones who end up finding themselves having problems,” Mngqithi said. 

“Football is a team sport and it requires a little bit of the improvement of team dynamics and the development of those team dynamics. It is something that cannot happen over one, two months or three months.   

“Any coach, even the one who is not competent, will do better when he is given a little bit of time. There is so much more you can benefit by giving coaches time and freedom to run the team.”

Chelsea and England winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has held a meeting with Ghana sports minister Mustapha Ussif and Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku following an earlier appointment with Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo.

The 20-year-old, who recently won the Champions League with Chelsea, remains eligible to switch his international future to the Black Stars despite playing three times for The Three Lions.

Left out of England’s squad for the upcoming European Championship, the UK-born has taken a trip to Ghana, where his parents hail from, for vacation, fueling reports about a possible future with CK Akonnor’s outfit.

“The Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon Mustapha Ussif on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, received Ghanaian-born Chelsea footballer, Callum Hudson-Odoi in his office following the player's visit to H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo,” the Ghana ministry for sport officially announced on Wednesday.

“The Minister was in the company of the president and vice president of the Ghana Football Association, Mr. Kurt Okraku and Mr. Mark Addo had fruitful deliberations."

Following their discussions, the Chelsea player stated it was a great feeling to come back home to Ghana to give back to his motherland.

“He noted that he would like to collaborate with the government to provide sports infrastructure to the youth of the country to help enhance their dreams by achieving the highest as far as their football careers are concerned.”

On Monday, Hudson-Odoi, whose father featured for Ghana Premier League side Hearts of Oak during his playing career, met Ghana president Akuffo-Addo, who urged the sports ministry to pursue a possible nationality switch for the attacker.

“The Minister expressed delight for the decision of the footballer to think deeply about his motherland and assured of his utmost support to him to ensure his vision of giving to society is achieved,” the ministry’s Wednesday announcement continued. 

“The president of the GFA also noted that his outfit will be very supportive to his course to ensure that the youth of the country find their way up the ladder of their career adding that the country has produced quality players and would not hesitate to accept him into the national team once he makes up his mind to play for Ghana.”

Odoi is one of about four England-born players on the wishlist of the GFA, who have already begun similar discussions with Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, Brighton & Hove Albion right-back Tariq Lamptey and new Watford acquisition Kwadwo Baah.

The Champions League winner recently expressed his openness to a possible international future with Ghana, his older brother Bradley having played for the West Africans at U20 level.

Jerome Boateng has backed Timo Werner to "show who he really is" at Euro 2020 after an "up and down" season at Chelsea.

Much was expected of Werner at Stamford Bridge following his £47.5 million ($67m) switch to Chelsea from RB Leipzig last summer, but he did not adapt to English football as quickly as supporters hoped.

The 25-year-old struggled to replicate the prolific form in front of goal he showed at Red Bull Arena, but still played a key role in the Blues' run to Champions League glory and Boateng expects to see him back to his best for Germany at the European Championships.

What's been said?

The Bayern Munich defender won't be alongside Werner at the tournament after being omitted from Joachim Low's squad, but he is sure that his compatriot will be "hungry" to add more silverware to his collection.

"Timo has changed country, club, playing in a new league," Boateng told BILD. "It is not so easy. Nonetheless, he scored his goals, provided assists, was present, went through a hollow and came out and now he’s the Champions League winner.

"For me, it has been a positive season with the usual ups and downs. It makes him bigger and stronger and he learns from it.

"At the Euros, we will see another Timo Werner, a hungry Timo. A Timo with more arrogance, because he has just won the Champions League. It carries you. He will show who he really is."

Werner's debut season at Chelsea

Werner appeared in 52 games across all competitions for Chelsea last term but only managed to score 12 goals, including just six in the Premier League.

The former Leipzig star also endured a 14-game goalless streak in the top-flight between November and February before finally getting back on the scoresheet in a 2-0 win against Newcastle.

He was, however, able to set up a further 15 goals for his teammates, and started upfront during the Blues' 1-0 victory over Manchester City in last month's Champions League final after earning the trust of head coach Thomas Tuchel.

Werner's international record

Werner made his senior debut for Germany in 2017 and has since amassed 39 caps at international level, scoring 16 goals.

The forward's latest effort helped Low's side beat Latvia 7-1 in a pre-Euros friendly, and his continued presence could prove crucial as they seek to qualify from a tricky group containing World champions France, current holders Portugal, and Hungary.

Further reading

Wayne Bridge has discussed his relationship with Roman Abramovich at Chelsea while also revealing how Jose Mourinho conducted himself behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge.

Bridge joined Chelsea from Southampton in the summer of 2003 and went on to make 142 appearances for the club across all competitions, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup along the way.

The former full-back's arrival at Stamford Bridge coincided with Abramovich's lucrative takeover of the club, and he says the Russian always did his best to keep in touch with the players and that he wanted to be "one of the lads".

What's been said?

Speaking in his role as an ambassador for bettingexpert.com, Bridge told Goal and SPOX of Abramovich: “Roman loves Chelsea. He enjoyed being in the dressing room with us players.

"He would have loved to have been one of the lads. When he didn't have time because of other obligations and we hadn't seen him in a long time, we were always worried about him.

"He is very nice and down to earth despite all his money. In public, Roman likes to pretend he doesn't speak English but he is actually good to talk to.

"When the players were on vacation back then and he happened to be in the area, he always contacted us. Once I was in the south of France at the same time as him so he invited me in to eat with him."

Bridge's move to Man City

Bridge also revealed how Abramovich jokingly disapproved of his transfer to Manchester City in 2009.

The ex-England international was one of the first big-name signings to arrive at the Etihad Stadium after they were bought by the Abu Dhabi United Group led by Sheikh Mansour.

Bridge said of Abramovich's reaction: “We met shortly after the transfer. He joked that I only moved to City because of the money!”

Bridge on Mourinho 

Three of Bridge's six years at Chelsea were spent working under Mourinho, who delivered the club's first two Premier League titles, along with three League Cups and one FA Cup between 2003 and 2007. 

He says the Portuguese was capable of giving rousing team talks to motivate the squad, but has also revealed that he often handed that responsibility over to his players - something Thomas Tuchel is rumoured to have done prior to the Blues' Champions League final victory over Manchester City.

“He could give very motivating team talks, but did not do that so often," said Bridge. "Instead, Mourinho implemented a new system at Chelsea: he nominated players for team talks.

"That's a great idea in my opinion. It was my turn before a game against Manchester United, shortly after I broke my leg. I was on crutches and tried to push the team.

"Since then, other coaches have also adopted this system. I heard that before Chelsea's Champions League final victory over City, it was not Tuchel but the masseur Billy McCulloch who gave the final speech.”

Bridge also opened up on Mourinho's eventual sacking, admitting that even though some players had grown tired of his personality, there were many who were upset when his departure was confirmed.

“The relationship wasn't broken, but some players couldn't cope with his character anymore," he added. "The day he was released was nevertheless very emotional and some players cried. We felt we had let him down.”

Further reading 

Former Nigeria international Dimeji Lawal claims N’Golo Kante deserves to beat the likes of Lionel Messi to the 2021 Ballon d'Or.

The France international has emerged as one of the favourites for the individual accolade thanks to his impressive displays that helped Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea win the Champions League.

He was named man of the match in both legs of the semi-final against Real Madrid and won it again in the 1-0 final win over Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

When asked if he shares the sentiment of the 30-year-old winning the prize, the former Real Madrid B and Kortrijk midfielder told Goal: “I know this topic has generated a lot of attention globally.

“But, I strongly believe that N'Golo Kante should walk home with the award this year.

“Evaluating him by his performances in the year under review, he has done so much in football.

“Talking about Chelsea’s Champions League success, he was the brain behind it as he single-handedly won it for them.

“Whichever way you look at it, the France international is the huge favourite for the prize, more than any other footballer at the moment.”

Defensively orientated players rarely win the illustrious prize, however, the current Shooting Stars Sports Club team manager states that there is a sharp contrast between scoring goals and a contribution to success.

However, he would not be disenchanted if the former Leicester City star is not bestowed with the Ballon d'Or honour.

“I think we have to distinguish between goalscoring and major contributions to one's team,” he continued.

“Should winning the Ballon d'Or be about scoring goals? Or should it be about all-round contributions to one’s team?

“If it is about the latter, I can say it boldly that no one is more deserving than Kante. Talk about consistency, no one has matched him this season.

“Well, opinion differs. So, for those who will be privileged to vote, they may not see things the way I’m seeing it.

“And as such, I won’t be shocked or disappointed if he doesn’t win it, but on a personal note, no one is more deserving than Kante.”

Kaizer Chiefs have announced the appointment of Stuart Baxter as coach, replacing Gavin Hunt who was fired almost two weeks ago.

Baxter will be assisted by Arthur Zwane and Dillon Sheppard who were interim co-coaches after being part of Hunt's backroom staff.

First on the Englishman's schedule will be Amakhosi's trip to Morocco to take Wydad Casablanca in a Caf Champions League, semi-final, First leg match on June 19.

MORE TO FOLLOW...

Kaizer Chiefs have announced Njabulo Blom has been roped into the Bafana Bafana squad preparing to take on Uganda in Thursday’s international friendly match at Orlando Stadium. 

It is the first time ever for Blom to be selected for the senior national team after featuring at the 2019 Africa Under-20 Nations Cup as well as that age group’s Fifa World Cup later that year. 

While Safa is yet to announce the 21-year-old’s late call-up, Chiefs revealed that their midfielder has received the call-up. 

“Congratulations to Njabulo Blom for your senior National Team call-up. South Africa will play against Uganda tomorrow at Orlando Stadium at 6 pm,” Chiefs announced.

With Thabang Monare a fitness concern, Blom is viewed as a potential replacement for the Orlando Pirates central midfielder who did not take part in Tuesday’s training session. 

Monare participated in Monday’s workout with his right leg strapped and Bafana team doctor, Tshepo Molobi said, “The medical team will continue monitoring Monare and the utility player has a 50/50 chance of taking part in Thursday’s friendly match.” 

The Bafana Bafana camp has been hit by injuries and Covid-19 ahead of the Uganda clash.

Brighton & Hove Albion attacker Percy Tau as well as SuperSport United’s Teboho Mokoena have been ruled out after testing positive with Covid-19. 

Sipho Mbule has also been dropped after coming into contact with his SuperSport teammate Mokoena. 

Further affecting the Bafana squad are injuries to the Mamelodi Sundowns trio of Mosa Lebusa, Rivaldo Coetzee and Mothobi Mvala. 

This makes Blom the fifth player to be drafted into the national team this week after Premier Soccer League Defender of the Season Njabulo Ngcobo, the Baroka FC duo of defender Denwin Farmer and forward Evidence Makgopa as well as teenage midfielder Ethan Brooks of TS Galaxy. 

For Blom, Makgopa and Brooks, the Bafana selection is a reprieve after they did not make it into the Under-23 squad currently in Egypt preparing for the Olympic Games to be held in Japan in July.

The judges have voted, the public has voted, and the 2021 South African Freestyle Championships Top- 8 has been announced.

With votes cast over social media platforms, here are the top-8 contestants in no particular order: 

1. Jabu Mdaka

2. Josias Nnete

3.  Sello Mofoko

4. Mashudu Mohapi

5.  Siyabonga Kubheka

6.  Mwandile Mbatha

7. Rishaad Ebrahim

8. Gcina

The 2021 Top-8 — that will continue to revolutionise the simple act of juggling a ball by creating tricks no one ever knew were possible—is highlighted by an experienced group of contestants including 2020 finalist Rishaad Ebrahim, seasoned campaigners Shoti Kubheka and Jabu Mdaka.

Don’t forget to stick around and check out the latest info about the 2020 Championship on Goal.com .

There are prizes to be won.

Wolves have appointed former Benfica boss Bruno Lage as their new permanent manager.

Lage, who will replace Nuno Espirito Santo in the Molineux dugout for the 2021-22 campaign, had been out of work since being sacked by Benfica in June 2020.

He will link up with his new Wolves squad for the start of pre-season next month.

What's been said?

Lage expressed his delight after being officially unveiled by Wolves on Wednesday, telling the club's official website: "First of all, I’m very happy. It’s a big opportunity. I’m very happy because I’ve returned to this country, and to be the manager of a big team.

“It’s a team and a club that wants to do history and a chance to compete in the Premier League. So, I’m happy, excited, with a big ambition to do great things for this club.”

Lage's credentials 

His first experience of English football came at Sheffield Wednesday, where he served as assistant manager to Carlos Carvalhal for two years before taking up the same role at Swansea City in 2017.

The 45-year-old helped Wednesday reach the Championship playoffs in successive seasons alongside Carvalhal, and the pair continued to work together at Swansea in the Premier League.

Lage was snapped up by Benfica, where he had previously worked for eight years as a youth coach, ahead of the 2018-19 campaign, initially taking charge of their B team before being promoted to first-team manager midway through the season.

He went on to deliver the club's 37th league title, but results took a turn in his first full season at the helm with his contract eventually terminated following a run of just two wins in 13 games.

The bigger picture

Lage has big shoes to fill at Molineux, with Nuno having earned a popular following among supporters for guiding Wolves back into the Premier League and to back-to-back seventh-place finishes in the top-flight.

Wolves slipped to 13th in the standings last term after selling a number of key players and seeing star striker Raul Jimenez ruled out of action with a fractured skull, and Nuno subsequently left the club by mutual consent.

Lage will be expected to take Wolves back into the top half of the table next season, with it reported that he will be given a sizeable transfer kitty to bring in new talent.

"I’ll be trying to know everyone, to see what the club has to offer, and my first idea is to try to link everyone together," the new manager added. “I want to create a good dynamic of group, with my staff, with all the departments of the club. I have tried to link all together to start to build up the new cycle.

“I think it’s a good opportunity to understand what Nuno [Espirito Santo] did in these four years and my ambition is to continue and to improve what he did.”

Further reading

Tanzania national team assistant coach Juma Mgunda has revealed the reason Mbwana Samatta and Simon Msuva have not reported to camp ahead of the friendly against Malawi on Sunday.

The Taifa Stars will welcome the Flames at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium as part of their preparations for the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against DR Congo, Benin, and Madagascar.

Goal exclusively reported on Tuesday that striker Samatta who features for Fenerbahce in Turkey and attacking midfielder Simon Msuva of Wydad Casablanca in Morocco were missing from camp as the team started preparations for the friendly on Monday.

Mgunda has now explained to Goal Samatta’s absence has been occasioned by family issues he is attending in Tanzania while Msuva is yet to arrive in the country from Morocco as his team Wydad have a Caf Champions League fixture.

What has been said?

“Mbwana [Samatta] is already in the country but he has a small problem with family which he is sorting out and then we will have him in camp in the next one or two days, the good thing is that he is already in the country so there is nothing to worry about,” Mgunda told Goal.

“In regards to Simon [Msuva] his team Wydad have a game in the Champions League and so we hope after they play the game he will be able to join us, there is still much time for him to come, we expect him in camp in the next two or three days.”

On how the players responded to training on Monday, Mgunda said: “We have started training well, we started training on Monday and everything is okay, and it is good to say the morale in camp is very positive, and the players are looking sharp and ready and this is because of these players are coming from teams that are active in the local league.

“So if you look at the training we did, we did not have any issues with the players technically as they are understanding each other very well and pushing themselves, and it is good to say the start was positive and they are looking forward to Sunday's game.”

On the choice of playing against Malawi, Mgunda explained: “It will be a good friendly, it has been long since we played against them [Malawi], but we have always followed them and we know they are not an easy team, I feel the friendly will be good for us, it will give us the opportunity to check some of the new players we have in the team.”

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).