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Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Bongani Zungu has expressed his delight at finally joining Rangers FC from Amiens SC. 

Zungu sealed a season-long loan deal with an option for a permanent deal at the end of the season on transfer deadline day. 

The 27-year-old had been linked with a move to the Scottish giants for some time and at the times the deal appeared to be in jeopardy as reports suggested Rangers had changed their minds about bringing in the lanky midfielder. 

Zungu, who is still in France, said he has already studied the current squad and has seen where he would fit in to improve the team.               

"I have studied the squad and feel I can come in and bring my attributes to help the team improve," Zungu told the Rangers website. 

What excites Zungu the most is the chance to play in European competition with Rangers. 

"The chance to play for such a big club especially in European competitions is very exciting for me," said Zungu. 

"I can’t wait to fly to Scotland and meet my new teammates. I know that I will settle in Glasgow and am looking forward to getting started as soon as possible."

The Duduza-born star vowed to keep giving his best whenever he's given a chance, adding that he wants Rangers fans to be proud of his performances, especially knowing that he has the backing from African supporters who follow the club closely.   

"I really want the fans to be proud of my performances and will always give 100 per cent for my new team."  

"Rangers are a global club and I know there are already many supporters across Africa. I am looking forward to playing in front of a big crowd and audiences across the world," concluded Zungu. 

Zungu left Amiens having played 59 games across all competitions during his three seasons there. This includes the two matches he has played so far this season in Ligue 2. 

He scored twice in those matches and recorded a single assist but it is his work rate and dominance in the middle of the park that caught the eye of Steven Gerrard and his technical team.   

Thomas Partey boasted more potential within Atletico Madrid’s youth system than David de Gea, says his former youth coach Javi Banos, with the midfielder considered to be “perfect” for Arsenal.

The Gunners completed a late raid for the Ghana international on transfer deadline day.

A £45 million ($58m) deal was pushed through as the clock ticked down, with Mikel Arteta able to land a player that he identified as a top target.

Arsenal had been urged to find another Patrick Vieira for their engine room, and have ticked that box by bringing in Partey.

Banos expects the 27-year-old to thrive in English football, with his ability to compete at the very highest level having been noted at a young age.

“Atletico Madrid always have strong players in their youth teams,” Atletico’s former academy coach Banos told Sky Sports.

“Over the years I was fortunate enough to coach guys like Lucas Hernandez and David de Gea. But the truth is that Thomas was a player who made the difference. He had great potential.”

On the qualities that he first spotted in Partey, Banos added: “Above all, it was the precision of his passing.

“He was very effective in terms of his delivery. He also covered a lot of ground and positioned himself well on the pitch tactically.”

That skill set should serve the combative midfielder well at Emirates Stadium, with Arsenal acquiring a player that is seemingly tailor-made for English football.

“I have always said that he is a perfect player for the Bundesliga or the Premier League because of his style of play,” said Banos.

“He is a player who is ready and well-suited to succeed at a club like Arsenal.”

The Gunners will be hoping to take Partey’s game to even greater heights in north London, with Banos convinced that there is more potential to be unlocked in a player that has already made rapid progress.

He added: “I think the thing he has improved most in recent years is his final pass.

“He is not just a defensive midfielder. He is now a more adventurous player, with freedom in his movements and scoring ability.”

Arsenal will return to action after the international break with a testing trip to Manchester City on October 17.

Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have announced the signing of Bouna Sarr from Ligue 1 club Marseille.

The right-back has been turning heads since he teamed up with the Stade Velodrome outfit in 2015 and last season he featured in 27 league games for the side to help them finish second on the table.

The versatile defender has now signed a four-year deal with the Bavarians to continue his development with the German club.

Sarr will link up with Cameroon international Eric Choupo-Moting, who also recently teamed up with Bayern after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.

"I'm very happy to be joining a great club like FC Bayern. It's a dream come true and I will do everything I can to help continue the successful history of this club,” Sarr told the club website. 

Bayern Munich board member for sport Hasan Salihamidzic believes the French-born Senegalese will add value to his side, given his versatility.

"Bouna Sarr is a dynamic right-back who fits in very well with the way we approach our game,” Salihamidzic said.  

“He'll help us in an important position. At 28, he brings stability and experience to the table, and we also believe that he'll develop further at FC Bayern."

Sarr started his professional career with FC Gerland and played for Lyon and Metz youth teams before his promotion to the Maroons' first team in 2011.

The defender featured in 96 games for Metz before he moved to Marseille in 2015, where he spent four years.

The 28-year-old made more than 135 appearances for the Stade Velodrome outfit, helping the club finish as runner-up in the Europa League in the 2017-18 season.

Sarr was born in France to a Senegalese father and a Guinean mother which make him eligible to play for the three countries.

He could make his debut for his new club when they take on Arminia Bielefeld in their next league game on October 17.

Liverpool midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri has tested positive for Covid-19 and will now sit out international duty with Switzerland as he takes in a period of self-isolation.

The 28-year-old had been due to link up with his country for the latest round of friendly and UEFA Nations League fixtures.

He has, however, been forced to withdraw from Vladimir Petkovic’s plans after contracting coronavirus.

A statement from the Swiss FA read: “Xherdan Shaqiri has tested positive for Covid-19. In consultation with the health authorities, he is in isolation.

“The strict protective measures and requirements of UEFA for national teams in accordance with the ‘UEFA Return to Play Protocol’ have been strictly adhered to. Based on this, clarifications are currently underway with the local health authorities about how to proceed.”

Switzerland are due to face Croatia in a friendly on Wednesday and they then have testing away dates in the Nations League to come against Spain and Germany.

The first of those contests is due to take place on October 10, with a trip to Cologne being made three days later, but Shaqiri will be forced to sit out those fixtures as he recuperates at home.

He is not the first player on Liverpool’s books to have tested positive for coronavirus, with two other leading lights having already been ruled out of Jurgen Klopp’s plans.

Summer signing Thiago Alcantara was the first to pick up the virus, meaning that he has seen just one substitute outing for the Reds so far – in a Premier League win at Chelsea.

Sadio Mane has also taken in an enforced break at Anfield, with the Senegalese forward absent from the crushing 7-2 defeat that the reigning English champions suffered against Aston Villa last time out.

Shaqiri also played no part in that contest, with it expected that he would be on the move before Monday’s transfer deadline.

Interest was shown in the former Bayern Munich and Inter star, but no deal was put in place.

That means that he will be drafted back into Klopp’s squad when Liverpool return to domestic action after the international break with a derby date against Merseyside neighbours Everton.

Alvaro Gonzalez insists that Neymar doesn't deserve his "respect", and claims the Paris Saint-Germain star told him "he won in one day what I earn in a year" during their clash at the start of the season.

PSG suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat at the hands of Marseille in Ligue 1 on September 13, with Florian Thauvin scoring the only goal in a game which saw five players sent off.

Both sets of players were involved in an ugly melee in stoppage time, which resulted in the home side being reduced to eight men as Layvin Kurzawa, Leandro Paredes and Neymar were all shown red cards.

Marseille saw Jordan Amavi and Dario Benedetto dismissed for their part in the skirmish, but Neymar made all the post-match headlines for being caught slapping Gonzalez across the back of the head.

The Brazilian defended his actions by accusing the Spanish defender of allegedly calling him a "monkey son of a b*tch" on social media, before adding: "my only regret is not hitting that asshole in the face."

Neymar was alleged to have made racist marks of his own towards Hiroki Sakai during the match, but he and Gonzalez both ended up escaping further punishment from the French Football Federation.

Gonzalez says the PSG talisman attempted to wind him up throughout the 90 minutes, and even bragged about his earnings in an attempt to get a rise out of him.

The Marseille centre-back told Onda Cero: "Neymar told me he won in one day what I earn in a year, and it's true. I told him I was very happy with my salary.

"Neymar's whole game that day was unfortunate, full of provocations."

Gonzalez has always vehemently denied racially abusing Neymar, but says the incident has still had a detrimental impact on him both professionally and personally.

He holds the Brazil international responsible for bringing his character into question and also points out that there is no video evidence to substantiate his claims.

"I did not make any racist insults, I will not allow my football career and myself to be humiliated," he said. "Neymar deserves nothing from me, neither my respect nor anything.

"We had a bad time, not just me, my family and more. If I had said anything to him, it would have appeared on all the cameras."

Gonzalez added on his personal battle against Neymar on the pitch: "I was superior to Neymar in this match, he was helpless that day.

"You have to know how to digest defeats, you have to know how to lose and know when things are not well. "

Eden Hazard is an “incredible” player and will prove as much at Real Madrid once he is clear of the injury issues that have been holding him back, says Luka Modric.

The Belgium international has endured a wretched run of misfortune on the fitness front since completing a big-money move to Santiago Bernabeu in the summer of 2019.

Just one goal has been recorded for the Blancos by a player who was supposed to offer them renewed attacking vigour.

Hazard is back on the sidelines at present, preventing him from kick-starting his 2020-21 campaign, but Modric believes the 29-year-old will come good and prove his worth to Madrid.

The Croatian midfielder told El Partidazo de Cope of a talented team-mate: “It’s not a comfortable situation for Hazard. He’s amazing, he’s going to prove it. Only injuries can prevent him going forward. When he’s been fit, he’s shown he’s important, it’s a shame. We need him.

“Hazard is one of the best in the world, he is incredible, and I am sure he will show it this year if injuries do not prevent it. Last season he already showed that he was important until injuries stopped him. It goes to show why Madrid paid so much for him.”

Hazard could find himself lining up alongside Modric once clear of the niggling knocks that have been holding him back.

The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner continues to see regular minutes for Madrid at 35 years of age and admits he could see out his playing days in the Spanish capital.

Modric said of his future: “Sure, of course I would like to stay at Real Madrid. It’s not just up to me. I think I still have football to give. I feel like I could play at this level for a couple more years. It also depends on the club and coach, if they see me as important. My wish is to finish the race here, but I also don’t want to be a problem.

“Despite being 35 years old, I feel very good, I feel strong, and I think I can continue at this level. I want to renew, and if possible, finish my career at Madrid.

“Madrid and I have a good relationship. I am sure that we will reach an agreement - either to continue and go ahead or go somewhere else. Madrid is my home, it is my ninth season and I’m very happy here. We’ll see what happens. I haven’t talked to the president yet.

“My family and I love Madrid. We would like to live here after my career. If I have to decide, Madrid!”

Modric’s current contract is due to expire in 2021, meaning that he will either agree fresh terms in the current campaign or walk away as a free agent once it comes to a close.

Arsenal have announced the signing of Nikolaj Moller from Malmo.

The Gunners’ move to land the talented teenager was confirmed by Goal on Monday, with Moller reportedly having been nicknamed 'Ibra', in reference to Swedish legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic, during his time at Bologna.

An agreement for the 18-year-old frontman was pushed through prior to the latest transfer deadline passing and it is understood that Arsenal have parted with around £450,000 to secure Moller’s signature, tying him to a four-year contract at Emirates Stadium.

The Premier League outfit said in a statement on their official website: “Nikolaj Moller has joined us from Swedish side Malmo. He will link up with our Professional Development Phase this season.

“The 18-year-old centre forward is a powerful striker and prolific goalscorer. He has spent most of his youth career in Sweden, but recently spent time on loan in Italy at Bologna’s academy.
 
“We all welcome Nikolaj to Arsenal and look forward to watching his development with us. The deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.”

Moller will be linking up with Steve Bould’s U23s squad at Arsenal, rather than Mikel Arteta’s senior side.

He is the latest in a series of signings to bolster Bould’s ranks for the coming season, following on from the additions of George Lewis, Tim Akinola and Jonathan Dinzeyi.

The Gunners have always looked to build with one eye on the future, with their academy system having proved particularly fruitful down the years.

Hector Bellerin, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah are among the home-grown stars currently seeing regular game time, with the likes of Reiss Nelson and Joe Willock also forming part of the senior fold.

Moller will be hoping to tread a similar path at some stage, with there plenty of potential still to be unlocked in his game.

Arsenal intend to be the ones to benefit from that, with another goal-getter added to their ranks.

Moller has some way to go before he can claim to be following in the footsteps of iconic countryman Ibrahimovic but, as a tall forward who is good with his feet, he does share many similarities with the AC Milan superstar.

Tanzania coach Etienne Ndayiragije has admitted he is worried at the level of local-based strikers who are not scoring goals for their respective teams in the Mainland Premier League.

The Taifa Stars coach has revealed the trend of foreign strikers scoring goals in the league ahead of domestic strikers is worrying because it will affect the performance of the national team.

The Burundian tactician gave an example of Saturday’s Simba SC game which saw them hammer JKT Tanzania 4-0 with all goals coming from foreign players – Meddie Kagere (2), Chris Mugali, and Luis Miquissone.

“Over the weekend, all three big teams in the country played and won. For instance, Simba won four goals, and all the goals were netted by foreign-based players like Meddie Kagere who scored twice, Chris Mugalu and Louis Miquissone,” Ndayiragije told Daily News.

“Young Africans (Yanga) also won 3-0 and all the goals were scored by imported players who are Carlinho Fernandes ‘Carlinhos’, Haruna Niyonzima, and Yacouba Sogne, the same applied to Azam FC who won 4-2. As such, we really have scoring problems when it comes to the national team level.”

Ndayiragije has, however, welcomed the team’s friendly against Burundi saying it will help to give his side a good challenge ahead of the major approaching contests such as the Africa Cup of Nations and African Nations Championship (Chan).

“The current Burundi squad has got almost 13 players who trade their professional football outside the country, and some of them will be making their debut playing in the Burundi team this Sunday,” Ndayigarije continued.

“Some of them play in Portugal, Norway, Sweden, Belgium, Morocco and Turkey and some of them were born there, but because Burundi accepts dual citizenship, they have been called to play in this friendly encounter.

“It was really difficult to get a friendly match during this Covid-19 period, but many thanks should go to the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) for doing their utmost to get one.

“At first, we found an away friendly match against Togo, which was supposed to be played in Tunisia but we declined because it seems that the person who arranged this game is an agent of Tunisia, hence he wanted to study us before we meet them in Afcon qualifiers next month.

“I know it was a tactical move from him to see how we play. But, if you can see from our Afcon Group J, we have three points, the same as Libya, while Tunisia have six points, hence mathematically, whoever is in our group and reaches at least nine or ten points, will earn qualification.

“As such, our two games against Tunisia will be very important for us because we at least need to get four points from the two-legged matches against them, to be in a better position to qualify.

“If we can claim a draw away and win our reverse match at home, we will have seven points meaning that our game against Libya will be a final to us since a draw or victory will enable us to sail through.”

The friendly against Burundi will be staged at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on October 11 (Sunday) and already professional players named in the squad led by captain Mbwana Samatta have reported to camp.

Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL) through their brand Serengeti Premium Lager have extended their sponsorship of the Tanzania national team Taifa Stars by three years.

The two parties signed their first deal worth Tsh 2.1 billion in 2017 and it expired in May 2020. 

"[Serengeti Breweries Limited] have, today [tuesday], extended their deal with Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) to sponsor the national team Taifa Stars for another three years," TFF confirmed on their official Facebook page.

"The deal is worth Tsh 3 billion."

The new development is a boost for the TFF and Taifa Stars who are preparing to play Burundi in an international friendly on Sunday, October 11 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Meanwhile, Fenerbahce striker Mbwana Samatta has reported to the Tanzania national team camp that they prepare for Sunday's game.

The Taifa Stars captain who scored two goals for Fenerbahce as the Turkish giants defeated Fatih Karagumruk 2-1 in his full Super Lig debut on Saturday, arrived in Kampala in the late hours of Tuesday and immediately headed to the team’s residential training ahead of the build-up set for the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Sunday.

Samatta moved to Fenerbahce on loan from Premier League side Aston Villa and had a memorable outing as he made his first start in the Turkish Super Lig at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.

He is among the foreign-based players named in the Taifa Stars squad by coach Etienne Ndayiragije, others being Thomas Ulimwengu, who plays in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Himid Mao, who plays in Egypt, Simon Msuva and Nickson Kibabage, who are based in Morocco, and Ally Msengi in South Africa.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Metacha Mnata (Yanga SC), Aishi Manula (Simba SC), David Mapigano (Azam FC).

Defenders: Shomari Kapombe, Mohamed Hussein (Simba SC), Israel Mwenda (KMC FC), Brayson David, Abdallah Sebo (Azam FC), Bakari Mwamnyeto (Yanga SC) Dickson Job (Mtibwa Sugar), Iddy Mobbi (Polisi Tanzania).

Midfielders: Jonas Mkude, Said Hamisi, Yassin Mzamiru (Simba SC), Himid Mao (ENPPI SC, Egypt), Iddy Nado, Salum Abubakar (Azam FC), Feisal Salum (Yanga SC), Ally Msengi (Stellenbosch FC, South Africa). 

Forwards: John Bocco (Simba SC), Mbwana Samatta (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey), Nickson Kibabage, Simon Msuva (Diffa El Jadidi, Morocco), Thomas Ulimwengu (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Ditram Nchimbi (Yanga SC).

Ander Herrera has revealed what he told Edinson Cavani about Manchester United and has also urged Kylian Mbappe to snub a move to Real Madrid in 2021.

Herrera spent five years on United's books before departing at the end of his contract last summer, and was then snapped on a free transfer by Paris Saint-Germain.

The 31-year-old has had the opportunity to play alongside several world-class performers at Parc des Princes, including Cavani, who currently stands as the club's all-time record scorer with 200 goals to his name.

Unfortunately, the Uruguayan's contribution to PSG's cause was restricted by injuries in 2019-20, and he ultimately ended up leaving the club as a free agent in June.

The Red Devils decided to take a gamble on Cavani on deadline day, seeing off competition from Atletico Madrid to tie the 33-year-old down to a one-season deal with the option of a second year.

Herrera says he gave his own personal insight into playing at Old Trafford to his old team-mate before he made his way to Manchester, before expressing his frustration that supporters will have to wait before seeing their new striker up close.

The PSG midfielder told Cadena Ser: "He asked me for advice. I told him this was one of those teams that you couldn't say no to.

"It's just too bad he can't take advantage of the fans. Old Trafford is unique."

Herrera also discussed the future of his current club colleague Mbappe, who has been tipped to complete a move to Santiago Bernabeu next summer.

Madrid decided against signing any new players during the summer window for the first time in 40 years, but are reportedly planning to make a big-money move for the French forward at the end of the current season.

Mbappe has hit 92 goals in 127 outings for PSG in all competitions since moving to Parc des Princes from Monaco in a €180 million (£163m/$212m) deal in 2017, establishing himself among the world's elite performers in the process.

Herrera sees similarities between the 21-year-old and Madrid talisman Karim Benzema, but does not want to see the pair link up in the Spanish capital any time soon.

"I hope he won't join Real Madrid next summer," the ex-United star said of Mbappe. "Even though he plays as a centre-forward, Mbappe is like Benzema.

"He likes to attack from the left. He is unstoppable when he does that."

Kaizer Chiefs have moved swiftly to dismiss media reports that Samir Nurkovic could be sold ahead of the start of the new season. 

Unconfirmed reports surfaced on Monday that Pitso Mosimane was interested in luring the Serbian striker to Al Ahly. 

On Tuesday, Saudi Arabian outfit Abha FC were also rumoured to have tabled an offer for the services of the Amakhosi marksman. 

However, the club said no club has come forward to express interest in the 28-year-old. 

The Soweto giants further stated that they cannot let go of Nurkovic at this stage, suggesting that any offer for the speedy attacker will be rejected. 

This because they are still waiting for the outcome of their appeal for the two-window transfer ban imposed by Fifa. 

Amakhosi appeared before the Court of Arbitration for Sport on September 9 but they are yet to receive communication on whether or not their ban will be suspended. 

Nurkovic arrived at Naturena at the start of the 2019-20 season as a relatively unknown to the majority of South African football fans. 

But he took the PSL by storm, scoring 14 goals across all competitions on his debut season in SA to finish as the club's top goalscorer. 

He also provided six assists in the 36 matches he played for the Glamour Boys. 

His incredible goalscoring ratio from his time in Slovakia was the reason Amakhosi brought him to Naturena. 

Nurkovic enjoyed his best football at KFC Komarno where he netted 35 goals in 41 appearances while registering seven assists. 

He formed a deadly partnership with Leonardo Castro who had a slow start to the campaign only to get injured toward the end of the season. 

The duo will be expected to lead Gavin Hunt's attack in the new season, especially if Amakhosi aren't successful in their transfer-ban appeal. 

Jamshedpur FC have recruited English defender Peter Hartley this season who comes to India with playing for various clubs in England as well in the top division of Scotland.

Hartley, born in Hartlepool, England, had joined Sunderland FC’s youth system at the age of 11. He graduated through their youth system and was promoted to the senior team in 2006.

The experienced defender recalled his early days as a professional footballer and how he had made his senior debut under the tutelage of Manchester United legend Roy Keane.

“As a youngster, maybe 10 or 11-year-old, I played for Sunderland," reminisced Hartley while speaking to Goal. “I came through their youth system and then made my professional debut when I was 18 under Roy Keane. We got promoted to the Premier League and then I went on loan to Chesterfield.

“I got some experience at Chesterfield and then returned to Sunderland again. Roy Keane had left by then and the new manager (Ricky Sbragia) offered me a new contract but my hometown club Hartlepool United offered me a contract too. I support that club because that is where I am from and the Hartlepool were in the League One at that time so it was an opportunity I was very happy about.

“Later I had moved to Stevenage, Plymouth, Briston Rovers and Blackpool. Then I moved to Scotland to play in the Scottish Premier League for Motherwell FC. Overall it has been a very good journey so far.”

The defender spoke about some of the most memorable moments of his career. Recalling one such instance, Hartley suggested how he had scored a winning goal while playing for Plymouth Argyle FC against Portsmouth in the second leg of the League Two play-offs.

The first leg had ended in a 2-2 draw and in the dying moments of the second leg, the defender had scored the winning goal to take his team to the final.

“One of my most memorable memories is when I was at Plymouth. We played against Portsmouth in a play-off semifinal. It was the 91st minute and I had scored a header from a corner to take the team to Wembley to play the final. That was a very proud moment to take 20,000 Plymouth fans at the game to Wembley,” said the English defender.

He also recalled playing against Antonio Conte’s Chelsea in 2016 in the second round of the EFL Cup while being at Bristol Rovers. Even though the Blues had won the tie 3-2, it was a very special game for Hartley as he had scored one goal for his team.

The Jamshedpur FC defender also suggested that he was the first English player to score against the Blues at home that season who were the eventual English champions.

“When I was at Bristol Rovers, we played against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. They had a really strong team with players like (Cesc) Fabregas, (Ruben) Loftus-Cheek, Nemanja Matic and Pedro. They were very strong and we ended up losing the game 3-2, but I scored a good goal from a header. That was a proud moment for me. I think I was the first player in England to score against Conte’s team at Stamford Bridge,” said the 32-year-old defender.

Last season, the Englishman was made the captain of Scottish Premier League side Motherwell FC. He led the team to a third-place finish in the league table and helped the team to reach the Europa League qualifying round.

“I also captained Motherwell and led them to the Europa League and it was also a proud moment for me. Being captain of the club playing in two Scottish League Cup finals and also getting the club into Europe was a memorable season for me,” said the Jamshedpur star.

Ahead of 2020-21 season of Indian Super League (ISL), Rahul KP is in a hotel room in Goa, hundreds of kilometres away from Kochi, because of the Coronavirus pandemic. 

The same pandemic that has put several industries in disarray has affected the football world as well. Even as football leagues around the world resumed (without spectators), India's ascend in terms of the number of affected cases continued and it meant footballers have had to take of themselves for more than six months. Simply put, they have also had to 'work from home'. 

Rahul, who recently signed a contract extension that will keep him at Kerala Blasters till 2025, got to spend time with his family for the first time since he set out to pursue his football dream. He started all three of India U-17's group games in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017, played for Indian Arrows in the I-League and then earned a contract at Blasters. 

"The lockdown was a very different experience for me since I haven’t stayed this long with my family, ever since I left to pursue my footballing dreams with the 2017 U-17 FIFA World Cup preparation camp. It had its pros and cons," Rahul told Goal from Goa. 

"I’m very happy to have gotten quality moments with my family, time to introspect on myself, understand my weaknesses, sufficient time to recover from my injuries from last season, work harder on my fitness and mentally prepare for the upcoming season. But not being able to train on the field, having to work out all by yourself at home and also supplement the same with a proper diet has been a challenge.

"However, I do understand that the times were such that it required all of us to stay at home, not just for our personal safety, but also for the safety of our loved ones and I’m happy to have done my part. Although the past six months have been a mixed bag of emotions, it is now time to get back with the team, train hard, maintain fitness levels and proper diets and get back on schedule for yet another challenging season."

The lockdown has forced the organizers of the league to zoom in on a centralised venue and get players into a bio-secure bubble. The challenges ahead of Rahul include getting fit, learning the new manager's philosophy and adapting to new surroundings, none of which is concerning for the young winger.  

"Although I haven’t worked under Kibu in the past, I’m eagerly looking forward to training and learn new techniques and tactics with him. We used to have online team meetings during the lockdown and I’m keen to prove myself on the field. I’m confident that the coach has a definitive plan for the squad and also for every player. I hope to showcase the best of my abilities for the overall achievement of the club’s goals for the season. 

"Goa is my second home. I have a lot of friends and family here at Goa, similar to Kerala, who only hope for my best. They are my biggest motivation. It is a challenge that I may not be able to see them due to the safety regulations of the league, but I’m happy that they are around. I have a very strong emotional connect with Goa that words can’t explain. While I truly miss my home and the yellow sea at our home stadium, I’m ready to take up this challenge because challenges define a person, helps you get better and is the only way to know how tough you are."

Son Heung-min is going through a purple patch in the Premier League for his side Tottenham Hotspur. In four matches he has already scored six and also has an assist to his name. 

On matchday two, he scored a poker against Southampton FC whereas on Sunday he was instrumental in the demolition of Manchester United with two goals and an assist. 

The 28-year-old is also a key figure for the South Korean national team and his exploits in the 2018 Asian Games final against Japan ensured that the entire squad was exempted from mandatory military service. 

But not many know that Son scored his first international goal against India during the AFC Asian Cup 2011. 

After making his debut for the national team in a pre-tournament friendly against Syria on 30 December 2011, he got his name on the scoresheet in the third group stage game.

It was a sublime left-footed finish from a tight angle in the 81st minute left Subrata Paul beaten all ends up and helped Korea register a thumping 4-1 victory. 

On his return to the West Asian nation to play a major competition 11 years later,  Son will be one of the footballers to watch out for in the Qatar World Cup 2022. The Taegeuk Warriors are second in Group H of the World Cup Qualifiers with eight points from four matches and remain on course to qualify for the third round. 

The nation's hopes will once again remain pinned on their Premier League superstar during the 2022 World Cup and Korean Football Association President Chung Mong-gyu expressed the same. 

"We have a good chance to do well in Qatar. Leading our attack in Qatar will be Son Heung-min. By 2022, I feel he would have scaled such heights on the European club scene which have even been beyond legends of our continent," Chung Mong-gyu had stated in 2018 in an interview with Qatar 2022 local organisers Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy.

South Korea's best performance in the World Cup came in 2002 when they reached the semi-finals but lost out 1-0 to Germany. He was also on the scoresheet when South Korea defeated Germany 2-0 in the 2018 World Cup. 

In a press conference held by the Malaysian FA (FAM) on Monday afternoon, the national body revealed the licensing and privatisation status of the top two tier clubs in the country.

Secretary general Stuart Ramalingam explained that 13 of the 20 clubs (excluding reserve teams) have fulfilled the six requirements to compete in the 2021 Malaysia Super League and the Malaysia Premier League, while the remaining seven have only received a conditional license.

The seven are Melaka United, Pahang, UKM FC, Kuching FA, Kelantan, Pulau Pinang and Sarawak United, who did not receive a full licence mostly due to their failure in submitting payment proofs for wages, taxes and Employees' Provident Fund contributions on time.

But according to Stuart, these teams have shown proof of communications with the parties involved and provided mutually-agreed payment plans. The seven will now have until 31 October 2020 to meet all the requirements, or they will face points slashing, demotion, fines or licence revocation.

The six licensing requirements are sporting requirements, infrastructure, officials and administration, legal requirements, financial criteria and business capacity.

On top of the FAM licence, eight teams have also been granted a license to compete in Asian Football Confederation (AFC) tournaments if they qualify. They are Johor Darul Ta’zim, Perak, Selangor, Terengganu FC, Felda United, Petaling Jaya City, Kedah and Kuala Lumpur. Melaka have also applied for an AFC licence, but it was rejected.

JDT in the AFC Champions League. Photo from Sports Regime

Meanwhile, the association also announced that all 20 clubs have submitted their first phase privatisation/separation process documentations. On top of the 20, third tier military club Armed Forces have also participated in the exercise, and completed their process.  

Under the first phase, clubs need to fulfil seven requirements:

For the second phase, the FAs and FCs will need to submit their organisational charts as well as the curriculum vitae of their officials by 30 November 2020, in order to ensure that the now-separated entities' operations are not run by the same people. 

Tha association also revealed the owners and directors of the 21 clubs, although Stuart was quick to add that the list is not final and further changes may still take place.

However, two clubs have been flagged for irregular ownership issues, although these issues do not affect their first phase process according to Stuart.

University club and Premier League side UKM FC have registered their head coach Sulaiman Hussin as the owner of its ownership company, hinting at the possibility that the university that they represent, the National University of Malaysia no longer want to run and fund a professional football team.

UKM FC in early 2020

More shockingly was the issue inolving Felda United. Rumours have surfaced of a power struggle for the ownership of the club that represent rural poor resettlement government agency Federal Land Development Authority, but just hours after the FAM presser, the agency announced that it will shut down its professional football operations after the 2020 season ends, despite having already received the 2021 licence and cleared the first phase privatisation process.

Wigan Athletic have announced the extension of Viv Solomon-Otabor’s contract until January 2021.

The 24-year-old moved to the DW Stadium last month on a short-term deal after his contract with Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia had ended.

Solomon-Otabor came at a time when the Latics had faced the agony of relegation from the Championship after going into administration and having 12 points deducted.

Wigan began life in the English third-tier on a bad note with defeats against Ipswich Town and Gillingham. Things however changed in the next match against Portsmouth which they won 2-1 away from home followed by a 1-0 home win over Doncaster Rovers in their most recent match.

Solomon-Otabor has played in all these matches, providing an assist in the defeat by Gillingham and the Doncaster victory. The ex-Birmingham City player has also played once in the EFL Trophy, featuring for the first 45 minutes in a 6-1 win over Liverpool Under-23. He also played from start to finish in Wigan’s 3-2 defeat by Fleetwood Town in the first round of the EFL Cup.

All these were good enough for the Latics to give Solomon-Otabor an extended stay at the DW alongside English midfielder Dan Gardner who arrived on the same day as the Nigerian.

Solomon-Otabor was born in the British capital of London and began his senior career at Birmingham City, featuring 40 times in all competitions between 2014 and 2019, netting two goals.

In his time at St. Andrews, he was the recipient of the 2015-16 Birmingham City Young Player of the Season award.  He was also loaned out to Oxford City, Bolton Wanderers, Blackpool and Portsmouth.

His most productive loan spell was at Bloomfield Road where he appeared 47 times, scoring five goals and six assists.

Solomon-Otabor was called up to the Super Eagles squad in October 2019 as a replacement for Bordeaux’s Samuel Kalu ahead of a friendly with five-time world champions Brazil in Singapore. He was, however, an unused substitute for the match which ended 1-1.

Fenerbahce striker Mbwana Samatta is the first foreign-based player to report to the Tanzania national team camp as they prepare to face Burundi in a friendly on October 11.

The Taifa Stars captain who scored two goals for Fenerbahce as the Turkish giants defeated Fatih Karagumruk 2-1 in his full Super Lig debut on Saturday, arrived in Kampala in the late hours of Tuesday and immediately headed to the team’s residential training ahead of the build-up set for Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Sunday.

Samatta moved to Fenerbahce on loan from Premier League side Aston Villa and had a memorable outing as he made his first start in the Turkish Super Lig at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.

He is among the foreign-based players named in the Taifa Stars squad by coach Etienne Ndayiragije, others being Thomas Ulimwengu, who plays in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Himid Mao, who plays in Egypt, Simon Msuva and Nickson Kibabage, who are based in Morocco, and Ally Msengi in South Africa.

Tanzania will be taking part in the African Nations Championship and the Burundi tactician will be using the friendly match to gauge the fitness and preparedness of his charges.

Taifa Stars will be playing Tunisia on November 11 away, before hosting them in Dar es Salaam two weeks later. The East African nation started their campaign in Group J with a 2-1 win over Equatorial Guinea before falling 2-1 away to Libya in their second game.

The Tanzania Mainland League has been active since June 13 which will be a boost to players' fitness ahead of the Burundi assignment.

Full Squad: Goalkeepers: Metacha Mnata (Yanga SC), Aishi Manula (Simba SC), David Mapigano (Azam FC).

Defenders: Shomari Kapombe, Mohamed Hussein (Simba SC), Israel Mwenda (KMC FC), Brayson David, Abdallah Sebo (Azam FC), Bakari Mwamnyeto (Yanga SC) Dickson Job (Mtibwa Sugar), Iddy Mobbi (Polisi Tanzania).

Midfielders: Jonas Mkude, Said Hamisi, Yassin Mzamiru (Simba SC), Himid Mao (ENPPI SC, Egypt), Iddy Nado, Salum Abubakar (Azam FC), Feisal Salum (Yanga SC), Ally Msengi (Stellenbosch FC, South Africa). 

Forwards: John Bocco (Simba SC), Mbwana Samatta (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey), Nickson Kibabage, Simon Msuva (Diffa El Jadidi, Morocco), Thomas Ulimwengu (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Ditram Nchimbi (Yanga SC).