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Former Orlando Pirates striker James Mothibi is of the opinion coach Josef Zinnbauer got his tactics wrong when they lost 4-0 away at Raja Casablanca in a Caf Confederation Cup match on Sunday

The result saw the Soweto giants eliminated from the Confederation Cup 5-1 on aggregate at the quarter-final stage, a result that has left their fans planning to march to Orlando Stadium to push for the sacking of the German tactician.

It was yet another heavy defeat this season since being thrashed 4-1 by Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup in April and a 3-0 Premier Soccer League loss to the same side in early May. 

With the above in mind, Mothibi is not convinced by the tactics Pirates employed on Sunday. 

“Combination passes didn’t work, also second balls got us exposed by Raja. Their midfielders were pressing very high, that’s why Raja scored with counter-attacks and the mistakes by our defenders,” said Mothibi as per Phakaaathi.

“Our center-backs were adding into the midfield and ending up leaving people who are supposed to attack at the back, which was a very poor tactical approach.”

For a second game running, Zinnbauer started the match without an outright striker, preferring to bench Frank Mhango, while he opted Abel Mabaso as a midfield anchorman ahead of Ben Motshwari, who came as a late substitute. 

The German stuck with Innocent Maela as a center-back, while Ntsikelelo Nyauza never came off the bench. 

“Look it’s better when you play Innocent Maela at left-back and Wayde Jooste at right-back where he plays,” Mothibi continued. 

“Play with Thulani Hlatshwayo and deploy Nkanyiso Zungu at centre-back because he is comfortable on the ball and it will help in terms of build-ups from the back.

"In midfield, our defensive midfielders should be Ben Motshwari and Thabang Monare. Vincent Pule and Thembinkosi Lorch should play in front of them because they are creative. On the wings you play with speed. 

“Throw Deon Hotto on the left and Gabadinho Mhango on the right and leave Tshegofatso Mabasa as the only striker. They failed in the opening 13 minutes.

"We missed three clear chances. Lastly, Raja was playing with speed and there was no one at Pirates who was trying to slow down the pace of the game.  

“The only way was to be comfortable on the ball and move Raja side to side for them to open up. If you watched the game, you would have noticed that every-time Pirates played the ball in the midfield, Raja would press our players with more than two players.” 

With Pirates’ PSL top-three hopes also under threat, their fans are organising a march to Orlando Stadium on June 5 protesting against “below standard performances.” 

Buccaneers super fan Dejan Miladinovic wants Zinnbauer to be fired as part of some changes he feels should take place at the club. 

“Look, it’s good that we will be going to Orlando because we are not happy with the way things have been going in the team, especially in terms of results,” said Miladinovic.

“We are really not happy and we want to see some changes happening, starting with the coach.

"That’s what the fans want because they see that things are not going well for us.

"The team hasn’t been doing well, actually, we have performed below our standards for the last couple of years. We are a big team and we expect big results.”

Pirates now shift attention to the PSL where they host second-placed AmaZulu on Thursday.

Yanga SC have reached the semi-finals of the Tanzania FA Cup following a 2-0 win against Mwadui FC at Kambarage Stadium on Tuesday.

The Jangwani giants, who are chasing the trophy as they seek to return to continental football next season, scored two goals courtesy of winger Deus Kaseke in either half to carry the day against their Mainland Premier League rivals in the quarter-final battle.

Yanga coach Nasreddine Nabi made two changes to the team that played in the Round of 32, with Burundian forward Saido Ntibanzokiza and goalkeeper Metacha Mnata replaced by Ditram Nchimbi and Farouk Shikalo.

It was Yanga who started the game with a high tempo as Kaseke combined well with Mukoko Tonombe and Yacouba Songne, but the former’s effort was too weak to trouble Mwadui keeper Mussa Mbisa in the fifth minute.

Yanga continued to press for the opener and once again it was Kaseke who got the chance to break the deadlock after a through-ball from Nchimbi, but he could not direct the ball into the empty net as Mwadui defenders moved quickly to clear out for a fruitless corner.

In the 24th minute, Kaseke was at the right place at the right time to turn the ball into the net, taking advantage of a mistake by keeper Mbisa, who spilled a weak effort from Songne.

Yanga went into the half-time break leading 1-0 and after the resumption, they were searching for more goals, and this time around it was Songne who should have made it 2-0 after a similar mistake by Mbisa, but his effort went inches wide.

The pint-sized winger Kaseke then sealed his double in the 57th minute to set up a semi-final date with Biashara United at Ali Hassan Mwinyi, Tabora.

In the other quarter-final matches set for Wednesday, Division one side Rhino Rangers will take on Azam FC while defending champions Simba SC will come up against Dodoma Jiji.

Yanga SC starting XI: Farouk Shikalo, Kibwana Shomari, Adeyum Saleh, Dickson Job, Bakari Mwamnyeto, Mukoko Tonombe, Zawadi Mauya, Feisal Salum, Ditram Nchimbi, Deus Kaseke and Yacouba Songne.

Mwadui FC starting XI: Mussa Mbisa, William Lucian, Salim Aziz, Jackson Shiga, Halfan Mbaruku, Mackyard Makolo, Walece Kiaongo, Feisal Rajabu, Hashim Mohamed, Roshwa Rashid and Denis Richard.

Manchester City star Joao Cancelo has revealed his desire to return to Benfica before he retires, admitting "I am a Benfiquista at heart".

Cancelo began his career at Benfica back in 2012, but left three years later with just one senior appearance to his name, with Valencia snapping him up for €15 million (£13m/$18m) after a successful loan spell.

The Portuguese went on to join Italian giants Juventus in 2018, and became a Serie A winner in his first season in Turin before moving to City, where he has since established himself as one of the top full-backs in European football.

What's been said?

Cancelo has helped Pep Guardiola's side win a Premier League and Carabao Cup double already this season, and could yet add the Champions League to his CV, but he doesn't plan on seeing out his playing days at Etihad Stadium.

The 26-year-old is hoping to retrace his steps back to Estadio da Luz at some point, as he told Gazzetta Dello Sport: “I would like to finish at Benfica. It is the team where I started to get serious and the club that I have always supported.

"I am a Benfiquista at heart. One day I hope to wear that shirt again. For now, I enjoy Manchester City."

Cancelo on Guardiola

Cancelo went on to talk up Guardiola's management style, highlighting his meticulous approach in training while also opening up on how he demands 100 per cent effort from all of the players in his squad.

"Guardiola is a perfectionist, sophisticated in his attention to detail. He is a continuous source of information for the players," said the Portugal international.

"Working with him means improving day by day. He is a continuous stimulus, he has inexhaustible energy and you must always give your best to keep up with his pace, but the results reward the efforts of each of us."

Cancelo's European ambition 

City will be gunning for their first Champions League crown when they take on Chelsea in Saturday's all-English final, and Cancelo is bracing himself for another tough challenge against a team that has beaten Guardiola's side in successive domestic games.

He is looking forward to playing in Portugal again, with the showpiece set to be staged at Estadio do Dragao, but also insists he won't be satisfied with anything less than a victory.

"Playing the Champions League final in Portugal is a milestone that fills me with pride, but at this point, it is not enough," said Cancelo. "You take to the pitch and you have to win. 

"With Chelsea it will be a splendid challenge. I imagine there is balance, there will be struggle and suffering."

Further reading

Former United States youth international Jacob Montes has signed a one-year contract with Crystal Palace.

The American midfielder has agreed on a permanent move to Selhurst Park, subject to international clearance, after leaving Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. - where he won the NCAA national championship while serving as captain.

Montes, who has also played for the Portland Timbers USL reserves and represented the U.S. national team at Under-19 level, will join up with his new team-mates in south London for pre-season before the 2021-22 Premier League campaign kicks off in August.

What's been said?

Montes expressed his delight after being unveiled at Palace on Tuesday, telling the club's official website: “I’m extremely excited. It’s been a dream to be a professional soccer player since I could walk, really, so to be able to sign for a Premier League club is incredible.

“I want to try to make a good impression, and do whatever I can to perform at the highest level.”

Eagles chairman Steve Parish added: “We’ve been really impressed by Jacob, and welcome him to the club.”

Montes' career record to date

Montes has only made eight professional appearances to date, with all of those outings coming in the USL Championship for the Portland Timbers reserves side.

The 22-year-old made a name for himself at Georgetown between 2017 and 2020, having initially broken into the American game at the FC Florida Prep Academy.

Montes played a key role in Georgetown's 2019 NCAA National Championship triumph, recording 11 goals and five assists while also being named the Big East Conference Midfielder of the Year.

Further reading

Sadio Mane will see out the summer transfer window on Liverpool's books, claims Jason McAteer, with the former Reds midfielder expecting a Senegalese forward to stay put despite exit talk surfacing at Anfield.

Change is being mooted in the final third on Merseyside, with the general consensus being that Jurgen Klopp needs to freshen up his ranks after a period of considerable success for a settled squad.

Injuries undid some of that work in 2020-21, with Mane - who cut a frustrated figure at times - among those to see individual standards slip, but he ended the season with a brace against Crystal Palace that secured Champions League qualification and can now get a well-earned rest.

What has been said?

McAteer, speaking in association with FreeSuperTips, has told Goal on the Mane transfer gossip: "I can't see Sadio leaving, it's been a difficult time for him, and he'll be the first to admit that he's struggled to find form.

"When you look at the past five seasons for Liverpool and Senegal, he's played a ridiculous amount of football.

"He hates coming off, he wants to play in every game, and he travels the world when he plays for his National side. It's going to take its toll, with Liverpool most weekends you can pick their strongest team and Sadio Mane would always be in that.

"Liverpool haven't had the luxury of being able to rest him properly and it's been very tough for him. I think we've just seen a tired Sadio Mane, physically and mentally which is why we aren't getting the performances we expect of him or he expects of himself.

"I see him being a part of next season, there was no rest for him, he went from winning the title straight into the new season. Having a summer off will help him, so having that time to recharge the batteries will do him and the rest of the squad a world of good."

Who could come in alongside Mane?

While backing Mane to stay put, reinforcements alongside Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino are being speculated on heading towards another recruitment market.

Klopp is expected to seek out another goalscorer, with McAteer suggesting that Liverpool allowed a man that would have been "perfect" for them to slip the net when heading to Southampton.

He added on what the Reds need in the next window: "He'll [Klopp] go for an out and out striker, someone who plays in between the goalposts and gets into the six-yard box.

"You look at the number of opportunities Liverpool created, and the chances missed, it's probably an area to take a look at. You want a poacher to come in rather than a false nine like Jota and Firmino, so they're probably looking for someone like that.

"[Sergio] Aguero would have been a good opportunity, but there's rumours he's going to Barcelona.

"It's an area of concern, but collectively the front three aren't too far off last season's numbers.

"Salah's just missed out on the Golden Boot, Mane's numbers have been down, but he's contributed in the past few games. Firmino isn't too far off his numbers from last season so collectively they've done alright as a three.

"It's a shame Danny Ings isn't still at the club because he would have been the perfect fit and relished a role like that."

Further reading

Napoli centre-forward Victor Osimhen has sent an emotional farewell message to Gennaro Gattuso after leaving the club.

The Italian tactician was relieved of his job as manager of the Parthenopeans after his side failed in their bid to qualify for the Champions League.

Gattuso brought Osimhen to Stadio Diego Armando Maradona last summer with the club parting with a record fee of €70 million to secure his signature from Ligue 1 side Lille.

The Super Eagles forward has taken to social media to pen a heartfelt message to the Italian tactician and praised him for helping him develop.

“You have been instrumental towards my development, not just as a player but also as a man,” Osimhen posted on Instagram. 

“I really appreciate all you do for me on and off the pitch,I admired you as a player and to be able to work under you and call you my boss is something I will never forget in a rush.

“I hold you on high esteem forever. I wish you all the very best on your new adventure.”

The forward struggled with injuries and coronavirus-related problems on his arrival at the Serie A club which limited his playing time.

Notwithstanding, Osimhen managed to score 10 goals and provided three assists in 30 appearances across all competitions.

His performances, was, however, not enough to help the Parthenopeans finish in the top four as they ended fifth on the league table.

Osimhen broke into the limelight at the 2015 U17 World Cup, where he won the Golden Boot and Silver Ball awards.

He was subsequently signed by Wolfsburg and made 12 Bundesliga appearances for the club before leaving for Sporting Charleroi.

He delivered impressive performances for the Belgian side before moving to Lille, where he spent a season and then snapped up by Napoli.

Osimhen is also a key member of the Nigeria national team and recently helped the side qualify for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Ederson is being backed to step up to the spot for Manchester City if required in the Champions League final, with Scott Carson facing enough "incredible" efforts from the Brazilian in training to convince him that success would be achieved from 12 yards.

The South American shot-stopper has never shied away from the fact that he would fancy his chances on penalty duty if Pep Guardiola ever gave him the nod.

City have endured plenty of problems in that department over recent times, with the likes of Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero fluffing their lines, and it may be that a goalkeeper needs to provide inspiration in a continental showdown with Chelsea on Saturday.

What has been said?

Carson claims Ederson will not be fazed if forced to face and convert penalties, with City's third-choice shot-stopper telling the Manchester Evening News: "He has smashed a few at me and Zack [Steffen] and it’s one of them where you actually want him to score, you don’t want the ball to hit you because he smashes it that hard.

"It does hurt! He takes a few every now and then and seems to find the side-netting every single time, and with the power. It’s incredible."

Could City go to spot kicks?

There will be plenty of goalscoring talent on show when two Premier League rivals lock horns on a European stage in Porto, but contests with so much riding on them tend to be tight affairs.

It may be that penalties are required to determine the destiny of sought-after silverware, with Carson - who has taken a couple himself in the past - admitting that Guardiola's side are preparing for all eventualities.

The 35-year-old former England international added: "Every day after training finishes, the lads will come and ask for a couple of penalties and the keepers try to make sure they do it properly.

"The training ground is different to a stadium with fans and pressure, but we just try to keep them honest and make them do it properly. You can watch videos of past penalties but it’s just instinct on the night, and who keeps their nerve.

"Xabi [Mancisidor] the goalkeeping coach will have the iPads out with past penalties - that’s normal stuff everyone does now. But that can only help you so much, as you don’t know what’s going to happen. You have to do it on the day - it can be about luck.

"But it’s a great position to be in as a goalkeeper because you can come out as the hero.

"When the shoot-out starts, you are enjoying it, but when the numbers start to go up - eight, nine, 10 - then you think ‘I’m going to be taking one soon if I don’t get my finger out!’

"That’s when it starts to get a bit nervy, as it’s a situation you’re not used to, out of your comfort zone.

"But the two times I have taken a penalty in a shoot-out, I’ve found the back of the net. I have been in two long ones, one for England Under-21s when I scored, and one for Derby against Carlisle which also thankfully hit the back of the net."

Further reading

Luis Suarez is hoping to see Lionel Messi remain at Barcelona, but the former Blaugrana striker claims to have no inside information when it comes to a big contract call at Camp Nou.

As things stand, six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi continues to run his deal in Catalunya down towards free agency.

Fresh terms have been mooted, but no paperwork has been signed, and current Atletico Madrid star Suarez is among those waiting on a future decision from an all-time great.

What has been said?

Suarez, who spent six memorable years alongside Messi at Barca, told El Partidazo de COPE on whether he thinks the iconic Argentine should stay put: "As a friend and fan I would be happy, I would love it, and I would recommend that he continues at Barcelona. 

"Has he told me if he’s staying? Not yet."

When will Messi decide?

Goal learned back in February that the 33-year-old would be making no decision on his future until the summer.

Copa del Rey glory has been savoured since then, but the Liga title has been landed by Suarez and Co at Wanda Metropolitano.

There is still much for Messi to weigh up, with questions being asked of Ronald Koeman's future as coach while transfer speculation rages around supposed targets.

Who could Barca bring in?

Among those seeing a switch to Camp Nou mooted is Messi's fellow countryman Sergio Aguero.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has revealed that a move to Spain is on the cards for the Blues' all-time leading goalscorer, as he also prepares to hit free agency.

Aguero's presence could convince an international colleague to remain in his current surroundings, with a familiar face still one of the most prolific forwards on the planet.

Suarez believes Barca should be lining up more Argentine firepower, with there no complaints on his part at the Blaugrana seeking out more experience after parting with his services in the summer of 2020.

The 34-year-old added on the Aguero talk: "Now there is a new board of directors, other people, and they are looking for a quality player. 

"Obviously he has a relationship with Leo, but you cannot argue about what a quality player he is and what he can give to Barcelona. I support the decision totally."

Further reading

Former Gor Mahia CEO Omondi Aduda has faulted Football Kenya Federation for the criteria they have laid out to pick the country’s representative for the Caf Champions League for next season.

Three weeks ago, FKF has confirmed in a statement obtained by Goal that the team which will be topping the 18-team Premier League table by the end of June 30, will get a direct ticket for the inter-club competition.

But according to Aduda, there is no such criteria as outlined by Caf when they asked all federations across Africa to send the names of their flag bearers by the end of June 30.

What has been said?

“The Champions League tournament is for Caf, and FKF is an affiliate member of Caf, so they have to follow the criteria given out by Caf to get a flag bearer for the country, and not the cooked criteria they already came out with,” Aduda told Goal on Tuesday.

“They have been told to choose one rule out of the two as listed by Caf, and most importantly to engage their clubs but now what they said, because this is Champions League and not a representative event like it is the case in the Confederation Cup, they have to follow the rules.

“They need to follow the criteria the African body has explained in their road map on what should be done to get the correct flag bearer, I don’t know what will happen but their criteria does not go with what Caf had asked them to do.”

According to a statement from Caf obtained by Goal, the African body requested federations will not have finished their leagues by June 30 owing to conditions associated with the coronavirus pandemic, to engage teams according to articles 2 and 3, Chapter 4 of the regulations.

What do Caf rules stipulate?

“Federations that did not complete the season 2020-21 but had set criteria to classify the teams to homologate the standings in the national competition 2020-21, the engaged teams in the next Caf season are the teams qualified from the national competitions 2020-21 in accordance to criteria of engagement mentioned in article 2 and 3, Chapter 3 of the regulations,” read part of the Caf statement.

The statement continued: “The federations that could not complete the season and considered that the season is totally canceled and not counted, the engaged teams in the next Caf season are the same teams qualified from the said association in the last Caf season 2020-21 taking into consideration the quota of each association according to their rankings.

“Also the federations not yet to finish the national season by the time of engagement will be requested to choose one of the above-mentioned criteria to determine their representative(s) and Caf will either approve or disapprove the criteria chosen.”

According to Aduda, FKF did not consider any of the aforementioned criteria but instead, decided to come up with their own style of picking the team for the competition.

Azam TV has secured the Tanzania Mainland Premier League broadcasting rights in a deal worth Tsh225.6 billion.

The broadcaster will own the sole rights of the top-tier for the next 10 years following the sponsorship renewal with Tanzania Football Federation on Tuesday.

“We have come to an end of picking a suitable league broadcasting partner, but we have not completed the process of picking the radio partner which I think will end soon,” said Wallace Karia, the TFF president .

“The amount this partnership is pumping into our football is testament enough of how we have grown administratively. When I came in 2017, the partnership was valued at Tsh5 billion but now we have secured the Tsh225.6 billion deal.”

Karia explained how the money must be utilised by the recipient clubs and the punishment that will accompany misappropriation.

“This deal will specifically help our clubs because a huge percentage of the money is meant for them. But the money available calls for compliance and transparency which means we will need financial reports regularly from the clubs,” he added.

“The money must be used according to the guidelines and if a club flouts the guidelines, the amount of money for such a club will be reduced or cancelled altogether. This money is specifically allocated for the salaries, travel and medical expenses of the players.

“The money should not be used whatsoever for paying debts or buying players.”

Karia believes the partnership with the Tanzanian broadcaster will help the league grow even better as TFF focuses on key areas of development.

“This is a big deal that has never happened before and many will agree the standard of our league has been growing season in season out. We are also ranked in position eight in the best leagues in Africa.

“This deal will attract big players from our region to our league and we will emphasise the need for even better growth by implementing better policies for the youth teams, the legal framework of the league, transparent leadership and infrastructure.”

Karia added TFF will try and help clubs secure individual sponsors for superior financial health.

Tanzania Football Federation has confirmed they have been cleared to send four teams to next season’s Caf Champions League and Confederation Cup.

According to TFF Competition Director, Salum Madadi the decision to send four teams comes as a result of Simba reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League this season where they lost to Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa.

The Msimbazi giants were eliminated on a 4-3 aggregate result by the Soweto giants after they lost the quarter-final first leg clash 4-0 away and then won at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium 3-0.

According to Madadi, Caf has made it clear by promoting Tanzania to a 12-point international team and overtaking Libya, they will now have four teams in the two inter-club competitions.

According to the latest Caf rankings, after Simba reached the last eight, Tanzania has moved up to 12th place, while Libya has been relegated three places with 13.5 points.

Simba’s move to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League has seen Tanzania collect 27.5 points.

What has been said?

“The chance to send four teams as it stands is that two will come out of the Mainland Premier League in terms of first and second place winners, and the other two in the FA Cup for those who have played in the finals,” Madadi said as quoted by Sokalabongo.

“But if the Premier League champion reaches the FA Cup final, then they will go on to represent the country in the Champions League and then the second FA Cup winner will go to the Confederations Cup, after which the runners-up in the league will go to the Champions League and the third winner will play in Confederation Cup.”

What have Azam FC said?

According to Azam FC Information Officer Thabit Zakaria, they have already prepared to play in continental football next season.

“Personally, at Azam, it was not surprising on the issue to get four places as we have already prepared for the continental football through the Premier League or FA Cup, so even if those opportunities were not available we would still be going and that is why we continue to fight for the title,” Zakaria told the same portal.

What about Yanga SC?

Hassan Bumbuli, Yanga’s Head of Information and Communication told the same portal: “What may not be known is that Yanga is aiming to play in the continental tournament, but not because of those privileged positions.

“The only thing we believe in is winning the Premier League or the FA Cup so we can get a guaranteed chance, but that's not what has been mentioned.”

Simba, Yanga, and Azam are both fighting it out for the league title and also taking part in the domestic cup.

Former Orlando Pirates ball wizard Joseph 'Dukuduku' Makhanya feels Josef Zinnbauer is no longer the right man to lead the Buccaneers.

Domestic league challenges aside, Pirates crashed out of the Caf Confederation Cup in humiliating fashion on Sunday when they were hammered 4-0 by Raja Casablanca. Coming on the back of a hopeful 1-1 score-line against the same opponents a week earlier in Soweto, the result has been hard to take for Pirates fans.

And it's not only Bucs supporters who are unhappy with Zinnbauer - ex-Sea-Robbers star Makhanya has also spoken up on the subject.

“Based on the results and achievements, I would say we need a new man. Now we’re looking at what Zinnbauer achieved the whole season, at the moment we’re number four on the log and that means next season there’ll be no continental football for the club," the diminutive former winger told the Sowetan.

Makhanya also questioned the German’s tactics and handling of his personnel.

“For me, the coach has failed, given the amount of signings the club made at the start of the season. We should be competing with Sundowns but now the coach can’t get the better of the players he has, that’s his main problem. Our full-backs are all over the pitch and the wingers are played as strikers. It shows he can’t get the better of his material.’’

It won’t be getting any easier for Zinnbauer and his men this week – they take on high-flying AmaZulu, who are currently second on the table, in a league encounter at the Orlando Stadium on Thursday evening.

The Soweto giants are currently fourth on the table, with four games left and they have 43 points.

Bucs will be hoping to overtake third-placed Golden Arrows in order to secure their spot in the Caf Confederation Cup next season. Arrows are on 46 points and have played two games more than the Buccaneers.

Yanga SC have been challenged to mirror what their Mainland Premier League rivals Simba SC have done to reach the Caf Champions League quarter-finals.

The Msimbazi giants were knocked out of the inter-club competition after losing 4-3 on aggregate to Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa, losing the first leg 4-0 in Johannesburg before winning the return leg 3-0 at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

While admitting they were happy to see their rivals eliminated, former Yanga Competition Committee boss Hussein Nyika has admitted they still have to borrow a thing or two from how Simba are managed if they are to conquer Africa in the coming season.

Nyika believes Simba have defended their honour by making sure they did not lose at home and went further to urge Yanga to learn from them should they get a ticket to continental football next season.

“I have seen our compatriots [Simba] did not lose at home this season, this is a very good record for them that makes them protect their dignity. What I have found out is Simba are one and the same thing, they do not discriminate when it comes to protecting the dignity of their club,” Nyika told MwanaSpoti as quoted by Sokalabongo.

“Here my fellow Yanga players must learn from this even if they do hate Simba, they should learn a thing or two from their achievements and also set a bar for themselves.

“My fellow Yanga, we need to be realistic and also have goals in what we want to win and our plans should be managed properly and if we get a ticket back to the continental scene then we can use Simba as a starting point for self-assessment.”

Nyika was impressed with the fact Simba fans stood out with their team even after failing to overturn the first leg defeat insisting such a gesture will keep the team together for many seasons to come.

“There are times when the fans put a lot of pressure on the players and forget that their arrival on the field is to strengthen the team and not to bring them down, but Simba fans were on par with their players and helped them to score those three goals,” Nyika continued.

“They [fans] cheered for a long time but what impressed me was at the end of the game they all congratulated their players which makes the player feel he is worth more to fight for his team even when they play next time.”

Simba have now shifted focus to retaining the league and domestic cup titles and are currently neck to neck with Yanga as they are sitting joint top of the 18-team table with 61 points, though the latter have played four more matches.

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has admitted that Premier League clubs are currently a step ahead of those in La Liga and the rest of Europe's major leagues.

Simeone has just guided Atletico to their second La Liga title in the space of seven years, taking his overall haul of trophies in charge of the club to nine.

Los Rojiblancos pipped the two most successful clubs in Spanish football history to the finishing post in Real Madrid and Barcelona, but they exited the Champions League in the first knockout stage at the hands of Chelsea - who ended up in fourth place in the Premier League.

What's been said?

Chelsea went on to set up an all-English final against Manchester City after seeing off Atletico, with Simeone conceding that the Premier League is stronger than La Liga, the Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and Serie A at the moment.

"I think so (Premier League clubs are the best in Europe)," the Argentine told ESPN. "The English championship is very strong. First, they have an economic investment from all the clubs that is very equal and very strong.

"In the other championships there are always two clubs: Paris, Bayern, Barcelona and Madrid. In England, Liverpool, Manchester, City or Chelsea can win. It is a more equal championship.

"When you see who has reached the semi-finals, and Chelsea and City [are in the final], it shows the good moment of English football."

Simeone reflects on Atletico's loss to Chelsea

Atletico lost the first leg of their last-16 tie against Chelsea 1-0 on neutral ground in Romania, with travel restrictions in Spain at the time preventing the game from being played at Wanda Metropolitano.

Simeone feels his side were unlucky to lose that contest, but has no excuses for their 2-0 defeat in the second leg at Stamford Bridge and expects the Blues to play their part in an entertaining showpiece against City on Saturday.

"When we lost against Chelsea, the truth was that the first game was equal," he added. "We played in Romania due to Covid, which was an added problem.

"In the second game they were superior and we are happy that the team who eliminated us reached the final. I really like how Chelsea plays. It will be a great game because City has a great team."

Who else did Chelsea beat to reach the final?

Chelsea were drawn against Primeira Liga giants Porto in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, and won 2-0 at Estadio do Dragao before losing 1-0 at home to squeeze through to the last four.

The Blues then picked up a 3-1 aggregate victory over Real Madrid in the semi-finals, and will be gunning for their second European crown when they take on City, who saw off Borussia Monchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain to make the final.

Further reading

Cristiano Ronaldo appears set to keep the transfer rumour mill ticking over at Juventus, with the Portuguese superstar posting a cryptic message on social media as the 2020-21 campaign comes to a close.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is under contract in Turin for another 12 months, but a new challenge has been mooted - with various landing spots being speculated on, from Manchester to Madrid via MLS.

The iconic 36-year-old admits to having hit the targets he set out when making a stunning switch from Spain to Italy in the summer of 2018, with the all-time great pleased to have made his mark in another record-setting stint of a truly remarkable career.

What has been said?

Ronaldo has posted on Instagram after landing Coppa Italia glory in 2020-21 and becoming the fastest man to reach 100 goals for Juve: "The life and career of any top player are made of ups and downs.

"Year after year, we face fantastic teams, with extraordinary players and ambitious goals, so we always have to give our best to keep ourselves at excellent levels.

"This year we couldn’t win Serie A, congratulations to Inter for the well-deserved title. However, I have to value everything that we achieved this season at Juventus, both in collective and individual terms.

"The Italian Super Cup, the Italian Cup and the Serie A Top Scorer trophy fill me with happiness, mainly due to the difficulty they carry with them, in a country where nothing is easy to win.

"With these achievements, I reached a goal that I had set myself since the first day I arrived in Italy: to win the Championship, the Cup and the Super Cup, and also to be Best Player and Top Scorer in this great football country filled with tremendous players, giant clubs and its very own football culture.

"I’ve already said that I don’t chase records, records chase me. For those who don't understand what I mean by this, it’s very simple: football is a collective game, but it is through individual overcoming that we help our teams achieve their goals.

"It is always looking for more and more on the field, working more and more off the field, that records eventually emerge and collective titles become inevitable, some being the natural consequence of the other.

"So, I'm very proud with this fact that has been widely replicated in recent days: Champion in England, Spain and Italy; Cup winner in England, Spain and Italy; Super Cup winner in England, Spain and Italy; Best Player in England, Spain and Italy; Best Scorer in England, Spain and Italy; Over 100 goals for a club in England, Spain and Italy.

"Nothing compares to the feeling of knowing that I’ve left my mark in the countries where I’ve played, and that I gave joy to the fans of the clubs I represented.

"This is what I work for, this is what moves me and this is what I’ll always keep chasing for until the last day.

"Thanks to everyone who took part in this journey! We stand together!"

The bigger picture

Ronaldo has helped to secure five trophies across his three years at Juventus, with that haul including two Serie A titles.

He was, however, acquired to help the Bianconeri end their long wait for Champions League glory, and European glory has proved elusive.

With that in mind, and with questions being asked of leading figures on and off the field, change is expected in Turin this summer.

Ronaldo may form part of that process, with his sporting and marketing ability still of obvious appeal to clubs around the world, but no formal decision has been taken as yet regarding the future of one of the very best to ever play the game.

Further reading

Egyptian giants Al Ahly have accepted Mamelodi Sundowns' apology for the abuse which their coach Pitso Mosimane had to endure when arriving at Lucas Moripe Stadium last Saturday for a Caf Champions League encounter.

For Al Ahly coach Mosimane, his return to his former club was soured by the abuse he received from supporters associating themselves with Sundowns, upon his arrival at the ground.

Subsequently, Sundowns issued a statement apologising for the incident.

"Mamelodi Sundowns observed behavior and conduct from some of its supporters before its match with Al Ahly which is unacceptable and improper and does not reflect the integrity, respect, compassion, and other values that we uphold.

"We received complaints by supporters of improper conduct and insults but Mamelodi Sundowns supporters should under no circumstances, disrespect, insult or behave in the manner they did and must at all times stay true to our values and principles.

"We, therefore, want to apologize to Al Ahly and those associated with the Club," read part of the press release.

Looking to maintain their cordial relations with Sundowns, and also respectful of former Downs president Patrice Motsepe, who is now the Caf president, Al Ahly accepted the apology with a statement of their own:

"Al Ahly’s board of directors sent an official letter to Tlhopie Motsepe, President of Mamelodi Sundowns, emphasizing on the tight relations between Al Ahly and Sundowns.

"Al Ahly highlighted in the letter the club’s appreciation to the apology of Mamelodi Sundowns’ board for the inappropriate actions before and during the game between Al Ahly and Sundowns on Saturday in the second leg of the CAF Champions League quarter-finals, which reflects the eagerness of Mamelodi Sundowns officials on portraying sportsmanship.

"Al Ahly clarified several important points, including that the club has no intention to file any complaints against the South African side as a sign of mutual respect between both clubs.

"Also, Al Ahly mentioned that having Dr. Patrice Motsepe at the top of the African football hierarchy causes Al Ahly to overcome any hurdles as Dr. Motsepe enjoys a strong relationship with Al Ahly and the club’s officials, noting that Al Ahly officials support Dr. Motsepe’s efforts to develop football in Africa.

"Moreover, Al Ahly added that the club puts things in its appropriate context and will not let what happened affect the relationship between the South African giants and the club’s former coach and our current coach, Pitso Mosimane.

"Al Ahly highlighted in their letter that the club appreciates having Mosimane as the football team’s head coach and that he deserved better reception after what he has done during his time with the South African club, adding that Mosimane enjoys respect from football fans in Egypt and South Africa.

Al Ahly concluded their letter by saying that the club appreciates the decision of Mamelodi Sundowns’ board to conduct an investigation over the actions that surrounded the game."

Bruno Fernandes has welcomed the "good pressure" that comes with being placed in a talent pool at Manchester United alongside iconic figures such as Eric Cantona.

The Portuguese playmaker has become a Red Devils talisman for the modern era, allowing him to follow in illustrious footsteps at Old Trafford.

The 26-year-old has registered 40 goals across 18 months in English football, alongside 26 assists, with obvious comparisons being made between his impact and that previously enjoyed by an enigmatic Frenchman who claimed four Premier League titles.

What has been said?

Fernandes, who is hoping to land the first trophy of his United career when facing Villarreal in the Europa League final on Wednesday, told BBC Sport of the Cantona talk: "It is an honour to be compared with him because the impact he had was really high and he won many major trophies with the club.

"But when you are compared with this kind of big player it means you need to be better every day. 

"It makes me work harder to keep in the mind of the people, being compared with him. That, for me, is a good pressure."

Fernandes' record at Man Utd

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer moved to lure Fernandes away from Sporting during the winter transfer window of 2020.

An immediate return was offered on that show of faith, with the Portugal international slotting seamlessly into the fold, and remarkable standards are being maintained.

Fernandes is proud of his efforts so far, but is also aware of the need to strive for continuous improvement.

He added: "Of course, I did really well. I know that, from my numbers, my performance, everything.

"But this comes from the help and trust of my team-mates. They have helped me to be better every day. And if they help me, I know I can help them."

The bigger picture

Victory over Villarreal in Gdansk would see United bring a four-year wait for major silverware to a close.

Tangible success is vital for a club of such lofty ambition, but Fernandes has made no secret of the fact that he views the Europa League as a stepping stone to bigger and better things.

He has reiterated that message on the back of a runners-up finish in the Premier League, saying: "This team is improving. Everyone can see it. We are growing up and understand together we can reach better things.

"The most important thing for me about next season is being all together; club, players and fans pushing to the same side. 

"If we all do that we could do many good things next season, which, I am pretty sure, will be much better than this one."

Further reading

Villarreal defender Alberto Moreno has opened up on his acrimonious Liverpool exit, admitting "I'll go to my grave not understanding" the criticism he received at Anfield.

Moreno moved to Liverpool from Sevilla in 2014, and went on to appear in 141 games across all competitions for the club, recording three goals and 11 assists.

The 28-year-old initially enjoyed a prominent role in Jurgen Klopp's set-up following his appointment as head coach, but fell down the pecking order after the Reds' 3-1 defeat to his former club in the 2016 Europa League final.

What's been said?

Moreno was singled out for intense criticism for his performance in the Basel showpiece, which he believes was unfair and marked the beginning of the end of his Anfield career, with Villarreal eventually snapping him up in July 2019.

“I still don’t understand the amount of criticism,” the left-back told The Guardian. “On the first goal they nutmegged me, sure. But I’m a defender. Players get past Sergio Ramos, the best centre-back in the world. Why can’t it happen to me?

“To this day I don’t understand why I got so, so much criticism, when the whole team didn’t play well. The finger was pointed at one player and I don’t think that’s OK. People blame you. Only you. It was like I lost the final. It’s hard. You can’t get it out of your head.

"You look at the paper, at social media – I don’t usually pay much attention to social media because it’s all so false – and read things. ‘Alberto, Alberto, Alberto, Alberto.’

"I’ll go to my grave not understanding why I got all the blame."

Moreno added: "That’s the start of a year without playing. My relationship with Klopp was perfect. But protecting me would have meant keeping faith, giving me chances which didn’t happen.

"I don’t know if that was Klopp or the club. I got back in the Spain squad after three years and just then, I injured my ankle. That was when Andy Robertson had his chance.

“He played at such a high level and that was it; I didn’t get any more chances.”

Moreno's injury woes at Villarreal

Moreno missed the first half of the 2020-21 campaign due to a cruciate knee ligament injury, and has only made eight appearances for Villarreal since returning to action in March.

The Spaniard claims that the issue is still hampering his form, but also admits that being on the sidelines for so long has adversely affected his mentality.

“My knee’s still not 100 per cent," he said. "I can do everything I want, but with certain movements you can feel it’s not completely right. With a long-term injury it’s more up here."

Moreno targeting Europa League glory

Moreno will be in line to feature in his third Europa League final when Villarreal take on Manchester United in Gdansk on Wednesday night, having won the competition with Sevilla in 2013-14.

"We’ve made history already; if we win our names will be written into the books forever. Beating United would round it all off," he said of what a victory would mean to him. "I’ve had a rough time the last six months but I’m getting minutes again, which is a huge reward. Winning would be incredible.

“Playing again, training with my team-mates, even sitting on the bench after such a serious injury, able to experience another final, is amazing. For a year that started so badly to end like this makes it a great year.”

Further reading