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Now 36, Kekana does not have too many years left at the highest level; although with that said, it's not uncommon for professional footballers to keep playing into their late 30's.

But supposing he does still have two, three or even four seasons in his legs - and Kekana is the kind of consummate professional who may well enjoy that kind of longevity - he will want to be playing.

He won't be expecting to play 90 minutes game-in, game-out, but will want to be seen to be contributing.

As club captain, one might have expected Kekana to have featured against Swallows; it was a game in which the result was ultimately immaterial for Downs after they wrapped up the league title in the Tshwane derby, and the technical team had in any case made numerous changes to the midweek XI.

In total this season the former Black Leopards, Bloemfontein Celtic and SuperSport United central midfielder has played in only eight league matches, three Caf Champions League fixtures and three domestic cup games. Very few of those have been in the starting XI and altogether he's had just 711 minutes of action for the Brazilians.

This is a player who has played 338 games for the Pretoria club, scored 38 goals, and created 22 assists. A player who has won eight league titles (six with Sundowns, two with SuperSport), the Caf Champions league, the Caf Super Cup and two Nedbank Cups.

He's used to being an integral part of those successes and of course is known for entertaining with his spectacular long range goals and remains very popular with the fans.

The former Bafana midfielder’s contract with Downs runs up until June 2024, which could mean another three years of potential bench-warming and not being included in matchday squads as the new school of Brazilians like Rivaldo Coetzee and Sphelele Mkhulise, as well as Lebohang Maboe and Andile Jali, stamp their authority on the team.

With that in mind, a move may appeal to Kekana, and he did recently admit his desire to play more often.

“Every player would love to play football matches, especially when you are at my age, you know that there are just a few years left in your legs,” he was quoted saying by the Citizen.

“It is just unfortunate that this season I didn’t even reach 14 matches. Each season I always want to make sure that I break my record of matches that I play. It would be very nice to continue playing until my contract ends.”

Former Cameroon defender Geremi has charged Chelsea to go all out for victory in Saturday's Champions League final against Manchester City.

The Blues are targeting their second triumph in the elite European competition, at the Estadio do Dragao following their maiden success in 2012.

A few weeks ago, Chelsea missed out on FA Cup glory but Geremi has now encouraged Thomas Tuchel’s men to end the 2020-21 season with silverware.

"Go Chelsea Go! The second star is at the end of your efforts... Nothing else but victory," Geremi wrote on Instagram. 

Geremi did not win a European crown with the Blues but he won two Champions League titles at Real Madrid in the 1999-2000 and 2001-02 seasons before he moved to Stamford Bridge in 2003.

Nigeria's John Obi Mikel, Ghana's Michael Essien and Ivory Coast duo Salomon Kalou and Didier Drogba were among Chelsea's title-winning Champions League squad in 2012.

Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is on the verge of becoming the first African shot-stopper to play in the Champions League or European Cup final since 1985.

Mendy has been a standout performer in Chelsea's run to the final in this campaign with a record of eight clean sheets in 11 matches so far.

Diogo Dalot remains unsure what his future holds at Manchester United after seeing a loan spell at AC Milan come to a close.

The Portuguese defender was allowed to head for San Siro in October 2020 after slipping down the pecking order at Old Trafford under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

A productive spell has been enjoyed in Italy, with regular game time found, and Dalot is leaving the door open for a return to the Rossoneri to be made.

What has been said?

Quizzed on his future by Gazzetta dello Sport, Dalot said: "I like to become more and more complete. 

"The Italians love football, they always talk about it and being part of this culture has been a fantastic experience. And on the pitch, I feel I have improved a lot tactically.

"There are some defensive aspects I learned here and it was fantastic to develop these qualities too. 

"That’s not the only thing either, as I improved in pressing high and recovering the ball as soon as possible. Very useful stuff. I say that I had a fantastic year and met beautiful people.

"It was a real pleasure to play for Milan but now I think about the Euros and I really don’t know [on his future] what will happen."

The bigger picture

Dalot was snapped up by United from Porto during Jose Mourinho's reign, with £19 million ($27m) invested in his potential.

He was always going to be eased into the fold, but was restricted to just 11 appearances during the 2019-20 campaign as Solskjaer favoured other options.

Milan handed him 33 outings across all competitions this season, with two goals and three assists recorded.

The 22-year-old is tied to a contract with the Red Devils through to 2023, but another move will be sought if he cannot get assurances over game time.

For now, though, his focus is locked on the European U21 Championship this summer, with Portugal set to face Italy in the quarter-finals of that competition.

Further reading

Edouard Mendy has set a Champions League record having made Chelsea’s starting XI for Saturday’s final against Manchester City.

He the first African keeper to play in the final since Bruce Grobbelaar in 1985.

The former Zimbabwe international was also in goal for Liverpool a year earlier when the Reds defeated AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico, Rome to claim the European Cup final in 1984.

With the scores ending 1-1 after extra-time, Joe Fagan’s men triumphed 4-2 on penalties as Bruno Conti and Francesco Graziani missed their kicks. 

In 1985 Grobbelaar and Liverpool lost the European Cup final 1-0 against Juventus at Heysel Stadium in Brussels, Belgium.

Against the Citizens, manager Thomas Tuchel would be counting on the Senegal international to halt the attacking forays of Pep Guardiola’s men.

Mendy was signed from Ligue 1 outfit Rennes in a £22m ($31m) deal as the six-time English top-flight kings sought to find greater stability between the sticks as costly errors had crept into Kepa Arrizabalaga’s game.

He has since proven to be one of the bargain signings, making crucial saves for the Londoners who finished fourth in the 2020-21 Premier League campaign.

The Lions of Teranga star was a doubt for the big showdown following his knock against Aston Villa.

The towering goalie suffered the injury seemingly trying to keep out Villa’s opening goal, which was scored by Burkina Faso international Bertrand Traore in first-half stoppage time.

While describing Riyad Mahrez as one of the best African players, he revealed that the Londoners would do all it takes to emerge as European champions.

"I don't think Riyad needs any introduction, he is one of the best African players and he has played at a very high level for several years," Mendy told BBC Sport.

"He's also had a complicated journey and he really didn't give up and he deserves everything that is happening to him.

"He will be one of his side's biggest threats - one of Manchester City's assets.”

"This team [Manchester City] deserved this year's league title, they were very good and very consistent throughout the year," he continued.

"They deserve their title and there's no arguing about that but now we are playing a final and it's different. We’ll play for at least 90 minutes. And we will do everything to get this title."

Asante Kotoko risk losing pace in their battle with Hearts of Oak for the Ghana Premier League title after settling for a 0-0 draw with Aduana Stars on Saturday.

Parity in the matchday 27 fixture sees the visiting Porcupine Warriors walk away from Dormaa’s Nana Agyemang Badu Park with a point.

Tied on points with Hearts at the top of the table ahead of the fixture, the Kumasi-based side have now moved above their famous foes, who are set to take on Berekum Chelsea on Sunday, by one point.

A win for Hearts will see them take over the top position as they will go two points clear at the top. A draw will move them on par with Kotoko but the Phobians will, in that circumstance, hold the top spot due to a superior goal difference.

The two most successful sides in GPL history, Kotoko and Hearts last won the title in 2014 and 2009 respectively.

In the second game on Saturday, Liberty Professionals handed Dreams a 2-1 away defeat at the Sogakope Park.

Interestingly, it was Dreams who scored first, going 1-0 up in just the second minute when Agyenim Boateng Mensah combined with Ghana U20 striker Percious Boah to break the deadlock.

Back from recess, the Scientific Soccer Lads leveled the scores in the 52nd minute when Abraham Wayo converted a penalty after Kweku Karikari was brought down in the box.

In the 73rd minute, Liberty completed their comeback as Maxwell Ansah put an effort past Dreams goalkeeper Godfred Amoah.

The Dansoman-based side has consequently been rewarded with a spot outside the relegation zone although it must be said that their current place is only due to a better goal difference than relegation-trapped King Faisal. Dreams on the other hand, sit higher up in sixth position.

Earlier on Friday, Karela United and Great Olympics played out a 1-1 draw in the first game of the match week at the Crosby Awuah Memorial Park.

Ghana B striker Diawisie Taylor registered the opening goal in the 10th minute but Samuel Abbey Quaye hit back for the ‘Dade’ Boys.

The two teams, who are separated by just one point, occupy third and fourth positions on the league table, with Olympics sitting as the superior side.

Simba SC head coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa has challenged his players to fight and win their remaining games of the season in order to reward fans following the club's elimination from the Caf Champions League.
 
Wekundu wa Msimbazi were knocked out of the continental competition by Kaizer Chiefs and the French coach believes they can only make their support base happy by winning the said games and lifting the Premier League and the Shield Cup trophies.

"We are no longer in the Champions League and we are now shifting our minds to the local competitions. We are in a great position in the Premier League where we can be declared champions if only we win just four of the remaining games," Da Rosa told Mwanaspoti.
 
"And in the Shield Cup, we are already in the semi-final. Although we can be declared champions if we win the four games, I would prefer that we win all the remaining games and cup ones. That is going to be a great achievement and I know we are capable because we have a great team.
 
"I will always say that we have players who are ready to fight at any time, and they are aware of their responsibilities, which makes me proud. Whatever we show on the pitch, there is no doubt that it is outstanding. 
 
"We have had the best of consistency and we surely need to keep that rhythm. Simba is the best team and I have no doubt that we can take the two titles. We are out of the Champions League and the reward we can give the fans after the Kaizer Chiefs defeat is winning all the matches."
 
Da Rosa's emphasis to win the matches comes after Meddie Kagere assured fans of his readiness to help achieve the season's goals.

"My duty is to score as many goals as possible. It is always my desire to outscore my previous record and, in that case, I will be helping the team achieve the set targets," the Rwandan said.

Matthijs de Ligt has rubbished talk of him leaving Juventus for Barcelona, with the Dutch defender claiming renewed transfer speculation makes "no sense".

The Netherlands international defender saw a switch to Camp Nou mooted after bursting onto the scene at Ajax, but interest from Spain was snubbed when he opted to move to the Italian giants.

De Ligt has faced plenty of challenges in Turin, but he remains tied to a contract through to 2024 and has no intention of breaking that agreement.

What has been said?

Quizzed by ESPN on the Barca rumours, De Ligt said: "I am very happy at Juve. I feel like a fish in water.

"I feel good on the pitch and appreciated. Would they let me go? There are plenty of clubs that have money problems, but you should ask the club.

"I don’t know. These [Barcelona rumours] make no sense now. That is not important to me and nobody has informed me about it."

How has De Ligt fared at Juve?

A testing debut campaign in 2019-20 saw De Ligt have to prove himself all over again after leaving the comforting surrounds of his homeland.

He has taken in another 36 appearances across all competitions this season, despite regular disruptions, helping the Bianconeri to Coppa Italia glory and Champions League glory.

Sights were set higher than that before a ball was kicked, leading to Andrea Pirlo being replaced by the returning Massimiliano Allegri, but De Ligt sees cause for optimism.

He added on Juve's efforts: "It was a tough season physically and mentally. A season with ups and downs.

"I was out for three months, and then come back and you get corona.

"If you had said three weeks ago that we win the cup and we make it to Champions League football, then that would have been good."

Further reading

Dani Ceballos has spent the last two seasons at Arsenal, but the Real Madrid midfielder is tired of being a loan ranger and will not be agreeing another short-term deal anywhere in 2021.

The Spain international remains tied to a contract at Santiago Bernabeu through to the summer of 2023 and is keen on adding to the 53 appearances he has made for the Blancos so far.

The last of those outings came in April 2019, with Ceballos going in search of the regular game time he craves with Premier League giants at Emirates Stadium.

What has been said?

Ceballos is now looking to stay put or make a permanent move in the next window, telling Canal Sur Radio on his future: "The Premier League is a very attractive league, I was lucky to be able to play in it last season and win the FA Cup, and this second season has helped me to consolidate myself.

"I am very happy because I have learned a lot, I have become a better player, more complete, and I think that, although my chapter has not closed as we would have liked, with another title, I am very happy with the experience.

"It is true that I have a contract with Real Madrid for the next two years and I would not like to go on loan to another club again. 

"With the experience of the last two years, I am a player who needs to feel important, I would like to start next year from the beginning and feeling important, but settling down. So, it’s important going forward to know what you want to do.

"I think that a player achieves his maximum level when he is completely happy and for that he has to be 100 per cent focused on his club.

"I am 24 years old, I am a very young player, with a lot of time still ahead of me, and the truth is that my expectations are clear: to settle in a club, feel important and enjoy football."

Will Ceballos get a chance at Real?

Ceballos is returning to Madrid in a summer of much change, with Zinedine Zidane having already walked away from his position as head coach.

A fresh start could offer a clean slate to those that have been on the fringes of the fold, such as Ceballos and his fellow Arsenal loanee Martin Odegaard.

"It is true that with Zizou I had fewer opportunities than I had thought I would, but now Madrid is without a coach," added a man looking to kick-start his Blancos career.

"We do not know what will happen in two or three weeks, there is talk of many things and I think that right now it is time to disconnect a bit from football, prepare well for what is coming and when Madrid have their next coach, let’s talk and see what we want, it will be time to decide the future."

Where could Ceballos end up?

If a move away from the Bernabeu is to be made, various landing spots have already been speculated on for Ceballos.

One of those has seen a return to Real Betis mooted for a man who made his name with the Andalusian outfit.

Quizzed on such a switch, Ceballos said: "Betis has a very good squad, I don’t know what [Manuel] Pellegrini and [Antonio] Cordon are planning for next year.

"It’s still early and I have to focus on my next goal, which is to play the Olympics now. From there, I will decide my future."

Further reading

Sofapaka produced a stunning 1-0 result to jolt KCB’s chances of moving clear at the top of the FKF Premier League table on Saturday.

It was former Gor Mahia midfielder Lawrence Juma who scored the all-important goal for Batoto ba Mungu in the 35th minute to help end the team's run of two straight defeats in the top-flight.

The Bankers had come into the match sitting at the top of the 18-team table, tied on 36 points with AFC Leopards but ahead on goal difference, and knew a win will push them three points clear at the summit.

It was Sofapaka who started the game on a high note and should have taken the lead in the 18th minute but, instead of looping the ball into the net, Curtis Wekesa tried his luck to bend it but the shot went over the bar.

But in the 35th minute, Batoto ba Mungu took the lead against the run of play after Juma dribbled past the entire KCB defence before beating goalkeeper Joseph Ochuka with a low effort.

Sofapaka headed into the half-time break with a 1-0 lead and were a more rejuvenated side for the second period as Titus Achesa combined well with Juma, but the latter’s final decision could not yield any goals.

In the 73rd minute, Vincent Wasambo almost scored an equaliser for KCB but Sofapaka goalkeeper Kevin Omondi was up to the task to clear his effort out for a fruitless corner.

The win will ease the pressure on Sofapaka coach Ken Odhiambo after he had lost two straight matches but it will leave KCB needing to bounce back if they are to remain in contention to win the title for the first time in history.

In another match, Nairobi City Stars made it two wins out of two following a 2-1 win against struggling Kariobangi Sharks.

Simba wa Nairobi took the lead through Peter Opiyo, who converted from the penalty spot in the 48th minute before second-half substitute Oliver Maloba smashed home the second goal in off the crossbar in the 54th minute.

KCB: Joseph Ochuka, Baraka Badi, David Ambula, Harun Thomas, Nashon Nanyendo, Brian Ndenga, Curtis Wekesa, Vincent Wasambo, David Simiyu, Henry Onyango, and Reagan Otieno.

Subs: Daniel Odiwuor, Samuel Mwangi, Michael Oduor, Martin Mbugua, Victor Ochami, Derrick Otanga, Michael Mutinda, Rama Mwenda, and Brian Wepo.

Sofapaka: Kevin Omondi, Mohammed Kilume, David Nshimirimana, Pistone Mutamba, Roy Okal, Ambrose Sifuna, Michael Kibwage, Alex Imbusia, Titus Achesa, Isaac Mitima, and Lawrence Juma.

Subs: Simon Masaka, Sammy Imbuye, Sunday Ikekhai, Paul Kiongera, Kepha Aswani, David King’atua, Collins Wakhungu, Joseph Waithira, and Nixon Omondi.

Oladapo Afolayan is hoping to play regularly for Bolton Wanderers in the 2021-22 season after permanently leaving West Ham United.

The 23-year-old completed his move away from the Hammers on Thursday after impressing during his temporary stay with the club.

Afolayan made 21 appearances for Bolton to help Ian Evatt’s side gain automatic promotion to League One and looks forward to playing consistently for the club.

“The club speaks for itself really. Growing up, even being in London, you know what a big club Bolton is. And then playing for the club – even with no fans there – you can feel how much it means to them, means to the community,” Afolayan told the Bolton News.

“It is a pleasure and a privilege to play for a club like this. For me, that was it. I played quite a lot when I was younger and then at West Ham over the last couple of years I haven’t been in and around the first team as much as I’d like.

“To come here and play as much as I did last season, hopefully, next season I can get even more under my belt with a fresh start.

“I’d always said to myself that I needed to be playing. The way my time at West Ham went, with injuries and that, it was hard for me to be able to get in that position.

“When I joined in January there was always an option to make it permanent if it went well, and it did. I knew I would be able to come if I wanted to stay, so here I am.

“I want to play at the highest level again and keep pushing. For me, I want to help the club get to where it needs to be. We can grow together. It will be tough but we’re up for the challenge.

“To get the job done and to go up automatically was massive because I am sat at home and watching the play-offs thinking ‘thank God I am not there, thank God I am not going through that,’ because it is agony watching it, I can’t imagine what it was like playing in it.

“That spell with Bolton is probably the best I have had in my career so far. At the end of the season, a few clubs came in but from about the end of March, my mind has kind of been made up."

Afolayan has featured for England's youth teams and but he still eligible to represent Nigeria, and previously revealed his readiness to play for the Super Eagles, although he is aware he will have to deliver outstanding club performances to earn a call-up from the three-time African champions.

Rwanda international Meddie Kagere has stated there are no differences that exist between him and Simba SC head coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa.
 
The former Gor Mahia striker has not enjoyed regular time on the pitch which has generated rumours he might not be seeing eye to eye with his French tactician. 

In recent times Chris Mugalu has been preferred to Kagere, who is the club's top scorer in the Mainland Premier League with 11 goals.

"What is in my mind is to ensure I make my own contribution in order to help the team get what it desires," Kagere told Mwanaspoti.

"That is why even when I sit out and I am not involved, I do not show unease, but when there is a place for me in the team, I will do my job as I did against Dodoma Jiji

"Personally, I am a man who talks less and I will always prefer to do my job through actions and I thank God that every moment I am given time to play, that is what I just do. I have no difference with my head coach because it is the technical bench that does selection."
 
Kagere has scored three goals in the Azam Shield Cup and he has affirmed his desire to find the back of the net whenever he is given a chance on the field.

"My duty is to score as many goals as possible. It is always my desire to outscore my previous record and, in that case, I will be helping the team achieve the set targets," he concluded.

Da Rosa's decision to prefer Mugalu to Kagere led to a scathing attack by the player's agent, Patrick Gakumba, who claimed Kaizer Chiefs eliminated Simba from the Caf Champions League because the Rwandan did not play.

But recently, Da Rosa said there is no bad blood between him and the striker.

"I don’t have any personal problems with [Kagere], three weeks ago I talked to all my three strikers in the squad, Kagere, Bocco, and Mugalu, and I told them they should accept my decision on how to rotate them," said the coach.

"I also told them there was a time I would be forced to play two strikers and, for example, the game against Mwadui FC, Kagere started and then Bocco came in later.

"I have not heard any complaints from my players and they all know clearly if they want to raise any concerns, they know the door to walk to, they know where my door is, they know where to find me, and it is wide open for them to come to talk to me, instead, of approaching their managers.

"Everyone knows Kagere is doing a good job, and I don’t have any problem with him or any player at Simba."

It remains to be seen whether Kagere will prominently feature in the remaining nine league matches.

Yanga SC head coach Nasreddine Nabi has revealed how he would want a number of his players to be punished for disciplinary issues.

Captain Lamine Moro, Metacha Mnata and Michael Sarpong have found themselves rubbing the club the wrong way in recent times and the Tunisian coach prefers that they face a salary deduction as part of their general punishment.

"I have asked the club to deduct their monthly financial rewards and that should be accompanied by a stern warning," Nabi told Mwanaspoti.

On whether Moro will remain the club's captain even after missing a number of games, the coach said he does not plan to take the armband away from the Ghanaian.

"I do not think we will take that action [stripping the defender of the armband]. What is clear is that Moro made a mistake and he has a chance to make amends and he will keep his position," he continued.

"What he needs to assure us is that he has changed and is ready to be a good example for the rest. As a leader, many will always look up to you and observe what you are doing. That is why he made a mistake and he will be punished for that.

"From there, we expect a change that will make him a good example to the rest."

Meanwhile, Nabi stated the previous win should not convince anyone that Yanga is at the level he would want. After previously losing to Azam, Yanga picked a win against JKT Tanzania and progressed to the semi-finals of the Azam Shield Cup where they are scheduled to face Biashara United.

"It is true that we won but that is not enough reason to believe we are at a level that I would want," added Nabi. "There is a lot of work that I must do in order to make the team be at the highest level I wish."

"Although there are some bright aspects, there is still a lot we need to feed the players in order to become better versions of themselves. I am happy that they understand what they are told and what they must do.

"I said before that we have got players who can push this team to a higher level, but that is only possible if we work hard and be hungry for more."

The next league game for Yanga will be a league encounter against Ruvu Shooting.

Simba SC have come out to explain why their striker Meddie Kagere was not used when they played against Kaizer Chiefs in the quarter-final return leg of the Caf Champions League in Tanzania.

The fans of the Msimbazi Street-based giants are yet to forget how the team failed to score one more goal to overturn a 4-0 first-leg defeat against the Soweto giants. 

The issues of Kagere not featuring in the game at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium also brought in criticism from his agent Peter Gakumba, who claimed Simba should hold coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa responsible for the exit because he refused to play the Rwandese striker.

Simba have now come out to elaborate that even if Kagere was to come in for Chris Mugalu, whom many fans felt needed to substituted during the game, it would not be possible since the new Fifa rules regarding the coronavirus subdivisions prevented the change.

Simba’s team manager Patrick Rweyemamu has explained the changes to Kagere’s possible entry were hampered by changes in Fifa’s rules by the IFAB board and they were not be able to replace him with Mugalu.

What has been said?

 “The coaches made the change wanting to speed up the process of creating more scoring chances and we did not need to add more protection that became the first batch,” Rweyemamu said as quoted by Sokalabongo.

Rweyemamu has further stated the introduction of Kagere was affected by the use of three substitutions already, following the head-on crash between defender Joash Onyango, and Taddeo Lwanga, who were both forced off in the first half.

“The doctors thought Onyango could continue so we did not want to change him instead he was treated for a short time out,” Rweyemanu continued.

“After a while, we were told he was not able to continue and they advised him to be substituted, now that is where everything went wrong and as you all saw we regretted not only losing Onyango but we were hurt by misusing this new principle of change.

“We had to remove Onyango and replace him with Kennedy [Juma] now for the code change calculations, the first batch of player changes was used for Morrison, the second batch was for Nyoni and the third for Kennedy.

“If you look at it, the rules did not allow coaches to bring on Kagere again or remove Mugalu and then all the calculations were ruined but the biggest was when we suffered injuries to Onyango and Lwanga destroying everything.”

Further reading

Former Nigeria goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu has stated Edouard Mendy’s abilities has made him Chelsea's no. 1 goalkeeper following his rapid development in his debut season in England.

Mendy is expected to start in goal for the Blues in Saturday's Champions League final against Manchester City at the Estadio do Dragao.

He has made a quick recovery from last Sunday's Premier League clash against Aston Villa after he collided with the goal post.

The 29-year-old is having an impressive debut season in the Champions League with eight clean sheets in 11 matches so far.

Ahead of Saturday’s showdown in Porto, Shorunmu is tipping Mendy to be at his best against Pep Guardiola’s team.

“Goalkeepers might not have the pressure but sometimes, it depends on their form. That department is very important,” Shorunmu told Goal.

“Mendy is improving in every game, right now everybody can see he has the abilities to be the no. 1 for Chelsea. He is doing well and he is good in one-on-one and with aerial balls.

“Whether Mendy or Kepa, I'm sure both goalkeepers are up to the task because this is the final stage and they will want to put on their best performance.”

The former Besiktas and FC Zurich goalkeeper further reacted to David De Gea's missed penalty kick which cost Manchester United the Europa League title against Villarreal on Wednesday.

After a 1-1 draw at the end of extra-time, Villarreal won the match 11-10 on penalties after Geronimo Rulli parried De Gea’s effort.

“We don't blame De Gea, everybody needs to encourage him,” he said. “Sometimes it happens in football, it was a mistake.

“He was trying to find the net but unfortunately, he missed it. He will get over the pressure and disappointment with time. Hopefully, he will be back to his best.”

Napoli have confirmed the appointment of Luciano Spalletti as their new coach.

Gennaro Gattuso departed at the end of the season, after Napoli agonisingly failed to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Club owner Aurelio De Laurentiis has acted swiftly to bring in a replacement, with former Roma and Inter boss Spalletti handed the reins.

What has been said?

“I am delighted to announce that Luciano Spalletti will become Napoli coach on 1 July,” De Laurentiis confirmed in a brief statement. “Welcome, Luciano – we'll do great work together.”

Napoli go for experience

After handing the job to the relatively inexperienced Gattuso to replace managerial legend Carlo Ancelotti, De Laurentiis has now reverted back to an experienced head.

At 62, Spalletti numbers Empoli, Sampdoria, Venezia, Udinese, Ancona, Roma, Zenit St Petersburg and Inter among his coaching stops.

He was twice named Serie A Coach of the Year during his spell at Roma, who he guided to back-to-back Coppa Italia titles in 2006-07 and 2007-08.

Spalletti twice secured the Russian title with Zenit, and he will be charged with making Napoli a force in the Serie A title race once again.

Further reading

Gor Mahia assistant coach Sammy Omollo believes Kaizer Chiefs acted hastily by firing coach Gavin Hunt.

The tactician was fired on Friday after the Glamour Boys succumbed to a 2-1 defeat to a struggling Black Leopards side in a PSL encounter which was played at Thohoyandou Stadium on Wednesday. 

The defeat left Amakhosi in 11th place on the league standings - five points above the relegation zone with two matches left in the current campaign.

However, the 51-year-old former Harambee Star believes it was not a good decision by the club to make changes in the technical bench at a critical time when Chiefs are eyeing continental glory.

"It was poor timing to send Hunt home when they are preparing for the Caf Champions League semis against Wydad Casablanca," Omollo told Goal on Saturday.

"We understand he has been struggling in the PSL, but even if they are five points above the relegation zone, I am sure they would have survived. Hunt has been doing well in the Champions League, they should have let him complete the season.

"It is painful to take the team all the way to the last four of the competition and get fired even before completing the journey."

The Gor Mahia assistant coach has further opined how Hunt's sacking may impact the players ahead of the game.

"It is a psychological blow because the playing unit was used to his tactics especially in the continental competition," Omollo continued.

"Definitely the players might struggle to get used to whichever tactics they might be introduced to between now and June 18 when they play the North Africans. The fans should not be too optimistic of getting a positive outing although in football anything is possible."

Omollo went on to explain why Wydad Casablanca are coming into the match as favourites.

"They have been in this stage before, and they know what is expected of them compared to Chiefs.

"The South Africans have a shaky defence and they were badly exposed in the 3-0 loss to Simba SC in Dar es Salaam. In short, I am expecting the North Africans to make it to the final."

Barcelona are closing in on a deal for Brazilian full-back Emerson, whom the Blaugrana have co-owned with Real Betis since January 2019. 

The 22-year-old has been a key performer for Betis since a transfer that saw the two La Liga rivals pay €6 million (£5m/$7m) each to Atletico Mineiro.

Barca are now set to activate their option to take sole ownership of Emerson for €9m (£8m/$11m).

What has been said?

"You all know I have a contract with Barcelona starting June 1," Emerson said at a press conference while with the Brazil national team. 

"It's a three-year contract, the press is speaking about it and I think Barcelona is contacting Betis and made it clear they're counting on me for next season.

"I'm glad, it's a club I have dreamt of playing for since I started in football. To be recognised like that is a big thing for me, every player wants to play for Barcelona. I want to go there and show what I can do and establish myself at my position."

Asked if the deal to take him to Camp Nou was done, Emerson added: "I can say that, yes. They've always said they were counting on me for next season. Having this recognition is a great thing for a footballer.

"These are the fruits of my work, I'll be at Barcelona if that's God's will."

What's next?

Barcelona informed Betis of their intention to activate their €9m option on Thursday, Goal can confirm. 

The Blaugrana are set to meet with Emerson's representatives next week as they aim to finalise the deal. 

With Emerson on board and Sergino Dest's place at Camp Nou assured, Barca are now likely to explore a sale of Sergi Roberto, whose contract expires next summer.

Emerson, meanwhile, has been called up to the Brazil national team for June's World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay, replacing the injured Dani Alves in the squad.

Further reading

Kaizer Chiefs marketing manager Jessica Motaung has reacted to the rumours that Stuart Baxter is set to return for a second spell at Naturena and will be assisted by Molefi Ntseki following Friday's sacking of Gavin Hunt.

Widespread reports suggested Chiefs are close to reaching an agreement with Baxter to return for a second spell at Naturena.

The two have previously worked together at Bafana Bafana where Ntseki was Baxter's assistant coach until August 2019.  

Motaung was coy in her response to the reports, telling Sowetan Live, “As you know, yesterday [on Friday] the club made an announcement regarding Gavin Hunt. As per the press release, future announcements will be made in due course.”

It is understood Amakhosi went into talks with the former Bafana Bafana coach earlier this week and the discussions intensified when Chiefs lost to Black Leopards on Wednesday, culminating in Hunt’s sacking two days later. 

In recent games, Chiefs lost Premier Soccer League games to relegation-haunted sides Chippa United, Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila and Leopards. 

They also almost surrendered their 4-0 Caf Champions League quarter-final first-leg lead to Simba who beat them 3-0 in the return leg last Saturday. 

With results not coming Chiefs’ way, the relationship, between the club and Hunt is said to have been frosty especially in recent weeks despite the former Bidvest Wits tactician helping them reach a historic Champions League semi-final.  

Chiefs are currently five points above the PSL relegation zone. 

This saw the end of Hunt’s eight-month stint at Naturena where he never had the chance to sign his own players due to a Fifa transfer ban imposed on Amakhosi.  

Dillon Sheppard and Arthur Zwane will be interim coaches until Chiefs confirm Hunt’s replacement. 

Chiefs have reportedly turned to Baxter, the last coach to deliver them a PSL title at the end of the 2014/15 season, after he also helped them to the 2012/13 league crown. 

Baxter has been unattached since February when he was fired by Indian Super League side Odisha FC following controversial statements. 

At the time he was fired, Odisha were anchoring the standings, having won just once in 14 league matches, all under Baxter, who joined them in June 2020.

Since then, they never recovered from the basement until football was suspended in India in March due to the coronavirus.

Ntseki on the other hand has been jobless since the end of March after he was fired as South Africa coach following his failure to qualify for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations.