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Ex-Orlando Pirates striker Phumudzo Manenzhe says newly signed defender Thulani Hlatshwayo cannot just walk into the starting XI because coach Josef Zinnbauer has a lot of aspects to consider.

The man known as ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ explained that the German manager must also think of defenders such as Happy Jele, Nstikelelo Nyauza as well as Abel Mabaso, who have done well for the Soweto giants.

‘Tyson’ was unveiled by the Buccaneers last week and has been tipped to partner with Jele in the heart of the defence and many expect the former Bidvest Wits defender to walk into the starting XI.

“He is a great signing... a national team captain,” said Manenzhe to the media.

“A lot of people are asking where is going to play. But the question is, because of his versatility, where is he going to play?

“Do you play him at right-back? Do you play as a centre-back and move Ntsikelelo Nyauza to his rightful position as a right-back, and partner him Happy Jele?

“What do you say to an Abel Mabasa or Mthokozisi Dube? But that is the big question that Josef Zinnbauer has to deal with.”

Meanwhile, many might be expecting the former Ajax Cape Town defender to force his way into Zinnabuer’s line-up but the retired striker seems to think otherwise.

Hlatshwayo has the potential to be a great signing for the former African champions as a competitive defender, famously known for his tenacity and strength in the air, not to mention his leadership qualities, but he has to work for his place in the team.

The Bafana Bafana skipper was unveiled together with winger Deon Hotto and the duo is seen as the players to ensure the Soweto giants are a force to be reckoned with next season.

Moreover, Pirates have also announced the signings of former Clever Boys striker Terrence Dzvukamanja and ex-Baroka midfielder Collins Makgaka.

With the German manager set to test his capabilities in the Caf Confederation Cup, there will be a lot of expectations from the new arrivals at Mayfair.

Zambia coach Bruce Mwape has named Zesco forward Grace Chanda in his provisional 28-woman home-based squad for this year's Cosafa Women's Cup in South Africa.

The 2020 edition of the regional competition was due to be held in August in Port Elizabeth, but the coronavirus pandemic forced a delay until October 19-31, which is still subjected to Covid-19-related changes.

Now, Mwape's Zambia – who defeated Cameroon to qualify for the first time to the Olympic Games in Tokyo - will open camp on September 27, with a team mix of youth and experienced players.

Chanda, who finished as the African Olympic Women's qualifier top scorer with eight goals, is joined in the preliminary squad by Misozi Zulu, Hazel Nali, Mary Mwakapila and Ireene Lungu.

Zesco's Thandiwe Ndhlovu, Green Buffaloes’ Maylan Mulenga, Red Arrows' Mary Manbwe and Bauleni United Sports Academy's Salome Phiri were among the U20 players included in the squad.

The camping will also help the last year's runners-up intensify their preparation for the international double-header clashes with Chile scheduled for November 28 and December 2 in Santiago.

The Copper Queens are yet to play a game since March, since they made history on the continent at the expense of Central African side Cameroon, claiming the Olympic ticket for the first time.

Mwape will aim to replicate their Olympic qualifier form in securing a Cosafa triumph for the first time after finishing as the runners-up last year following a 1-0 defeat to hosts South Africa. 

FULL SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS: Catherine Musonda (Indeni), Hazel Nali (Green Buffaloes), Ngambo Musole (Zesco), Natasha Chanda (National Assembly)
DEFENDERS: Anita Mulenga, Agness Musesa, Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba, Memory Nthala (Green Buffaloes), Margaret Belemu, Fikile Khosa, Mary Mulenga (Red Arrows), Vast Phiri (Zesco), Natasha Nanyangwe (Green Eagles), Jackline Nkole (Indeni),
MIDFIELDERS: Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows), Ireene Lungu, Mary Mwakapila, Judith Zulu (Green Buffaloes) Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni), Thandiwe Ndhlovu (Zesco), Amira Njovu, Tryness Changwe (Green Eagles), Misozi Zulu (Indeni)
STRIKERS: Grace Chanda (Zesco), Maylan Mulenga (Green Buffaloes), Mary Mambwe (Red Arrows), Salome Phiri ( Bauleni )

Frank de Boer believes he has inherited a Netherlands squad that is even better than the one that reached the World Cup final a decade ago. 

The new Oranje coach, confirmed as Ronald Koeman's successor, was on Bert van Marwijk's coaching staff at the 2010 World Cup when Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder et al made the final, only to be beaten by Spain after extra time. 

The Netherlands missed out on qualification for the previous World Cup in 2018 - having also been absent from Euro 2016 - but De Boer is bullish about the future having signed a two-year contract that will take in next year's delayed European Championship and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. 

"This selection is perhaps even more talented than that of 2010," De Boer told reporters. 

"I do see similarities with that group. Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben were in top form, we had Rafael van der Vaart and also defensively it was good with the block - Mark van Bommel [and] Nigel de Jong. Very solid, and so does the current selection. There is a lot of potential, especially in terms of width." 

The Netherlands were at a low ebb when Koeman took over in February 2018 but he led them to the Nations League final and guided them to Euro 2020 - a competition that has been postponed until next year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Koeman will not be in charge for that having left to take over at Barcelona, though former Ajax, Inter, Crystal Palace and Atlanta United coach De Boer accepts he shares similarities with his predecessor. 

"When the rumours about a possible departure of Koeman to Barcelona came, I had a brief talk with my agent about the Dutch national team, just to see how I might feel about that," De Boer added. 

"I am not Ronald Koeman 2.0, but there are of course some similarities. I do want to follow the path of his method." 

De Boer made 112 appearances for his country and won four straight Eredivisie titles with Ajax at the start of his coaching career. 

However, he has failed to emulate that success in his stops with Inter, Palace and MLS side Atlanta, so his appointment as coach of the national team has raised eyebrows. 

"It doesn't interest me whether I was the first, second or sixth choice for the Oranje, this job is very honourable and if I am asked to do this job, I like to do this job," De Boer said. 

"You always have supporters and opponents and you always hear the opponents loudest. But I think there is also a very large group of people who are very satisfied.  

"I hope that I will not betray the confidence of the KNVB [Royal Dutch Football Association] and the supporters."

All the signs point to Dele Alli leaving Tottenham soon, claims former Spurs midfielder Jermaine Jenas.

Alli has fallen out of favour under Jose Mourinho in the season's early stages, failing to even make the bench for wins over Lokomotiv Plovdiv and Southampton before starting and playing an hour in Thursday's win at Shkendija in the Europa League.

The relationship between Alli and Mourinho has come under heavy scrutiny as the midfielder has been linked with a move away from north London.

PSG and Real Madrid have been mooted as potential destinations, while Ray Parlour believes his former side Arsenal should make a £50 million ($64m) move for the 24-year-old.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live Jenas has said that he believes Alli will leave Spurs because his relationship with Mourinho is broken beyond repair.

"I don't feel like it's one that can be reconciled, I feel like it's a parting of the ways," Jenas said.

Jenas claimed that Alli should be keen to leave in order to get back in Gareth Southgate's England plans, having been left out of the Three Lions' Nations League squad for their matches in September.

"Everything Jose does is to get a reaction," Jenas continued. "I would be concerned if I was Dele. He has always been loved by everyone and every manager.

"No doubt that his form has dipped over the last 18 months, he knows that more than anybody.

"Two weeks ago I would have said, if I was Dele Alli, I would stay and dig in. But all the signs lead to getting him out of there.

"At the end of the season there's the Euros - he would be desperate to get back in Gareth Southgate's thoughts. The only way he is going to do that is by playing football and scoring goals again.

"Right now it doesn't feel like Jose Mourinho or Spurs is the place for him. I'd be looking to move on now."

Alli and Spurs will face Newcastle on Sunday in Premier League action, having started their domestic campaign with a loss against Everton and a win at Southampton.

Hertha Berlin sporting director Arne Friedrich has confirmed that his club are considering a move for Mario Gotze.

Gotze has been without a club since his contract with Borussia Dortmund ended in July and has been linked with a move to several clubs, including Sevilla and Fiorentina. 

Speaking at half-time of his side's match against Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday, Friedrich said that Hertha could make a move for the former Germany international.

"He is of course a name that we have dealt with," Friedrich told DAZN, before adding there are "many other names" on his side's list of players they are considering.

Gotze made 21 appearances in all competitions for Dortmund last season, with the 28-year-old often finding himself out of head coach Lucien Favre's plans.

Gotze originally left Borussia Dortmund to join Bayern Munich in 2013 and returned to Dortmund in 2016, where he played another four seasons. 

There has been recent talk of a shock return to Bayern, whose head coach Hansi Flick has recently admitted he had been in contact with the midfielder.

Flick, though, denied that his side were looking to move for Gotze and instead said he was merely checking in on a player he knows well from his time as a Germany national team assistant. 

"I have had frequent contact with him since my time with the national team," Flick said ahead of Bayern's Super Cup win over Sevilla. "I have high regard for Mario and know where his strengths lie. But that's not an option for us at the moment."

In an interview with Bild earlier this month, Gotze said he was open to staying in Germany and had identified October 5 as the date by which he wants to find a new club. 

"The Bundesliga is a part of Europe, and I have never said that I would want to leave the Bundesliga," Gotze said. "There are several ambitious clubs in Germany.

"There is no deadline [to find a new club], but I would like to have a team by October 5. That is, in my head, the date I want to have clarity about my future. I still feel motivated to play football — the earlier, the better." 

The PlayStation 5 hits shelves this winter ahead of the holiday market for Christmas and, in the U.S., Thanksgiving.

It will rival the Xbox Series X and the initial run of pre-orders for the PlayStation 5 have already sold out.

FIFA 21 arrives for the console this winter and promises bigger and better graphics and more realistic gameplay than ever before.

When is FIFA 21 released for PlayStation 5?

EA Sports has confirmed that FIFA 21 will release on current-generation consoles (PlayStation 4 and Xbox One) on Friday, October 9.

However, they have not yet given an exact release date for FIFA 21 on PlayStation 5.

It is expected that FIFA 21 will arrive on the next generation of consoles before the holiday period and is likely to be launched close to the release dates for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.

To ensure that gamers do not end up buying two versions of FIFA 21, it will be possible to get a free upgrade of FIFA 21 from PS4 to PS5 when the game is released on the new console.

Can I play older versions of FIFA on PlayStation 5?

The PS5 promises to offer backwards compatibility for PS4 games, meaning that you will be able to play older versions of FIFA on the new console.

PlayStation 3 and older games are not compatible with the new console, but any PS4 game purchased in the PlayStation Store can automatically be downloaded onto the PS5 through the same user account.

Similarly, if you purchase the standard PS5 rather than the Digital Edition, you can use PS4 discs in the drive and play them on the new console.

What are the launch games for PlayStation 5?

The PS5's backwards compatibility means that there will be hundreds of PS4 games available to play on launch day, but there are also many new games hitting shelves this winter.

The following games have been confirmed as launch day releases for the PlayStation 5:

When is the PlayStation 5 released?

The PS5 will be released on November 12 in USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Mexico and South Korea.

The rest of the world, including the UK and Europe, will be able to purchase a PS5 from November 19.

The pre-order period for the PS5 began on September 17 and allowed customers worldwide to order the console ahead of its release to ensure they get their hands on it on release day.

How much does the PlayStation 5 cost?

The PS5 will cost $499.99 / £449.99 for the standard edition of the console, which contains a disc drive to allow you to play physical discs as well as disc copies of PS4 games.

The Digital Edition of the PS5 will cost $399.99 / £359.99, which only allows you to play games downloaded from the PS5 and does not have a disc drive.

The disc drive on the PS5 also allows you to play 4K UHD Blu-Ray discs.

Jurgen Klopp has described Mikel Arteta as an "exceptional football manager" as he targets his first win over Arsenal since the Spaniard launched his north London revolution. 

Liverpool manager Klopp saw his championship-winning side fall to a rare Premier League loss in July when they faced Arteta's Arsenal at Emirates Stadium. 

Arsenal then inflicted a penalty shoot-out defeat on Liverpool in the Community Shield at the end of August, leaving Klopp still searching for that elusive victory over Pep Guardiola's former assistant. 

On Monday, the teams resume their intriguing recent rivalry at Anfield, and while Klopp is confident Liverpool can extend their 100 per cent start to the season, he can see Arteta instilling a culture at Arsenal that is built for success. 

After nine months at the helm, a club that was blighted by instability before Arteta's arrival looks to have a firm footing and a sense of direction. 

"Mikel Arteta has shown in a pretty short period of time that he seems to be an exceptional football manager. The structure of the team is absolutely exceptional," Klopp said. 

"You can see the balance between defence and offence is really good. There's good organisation, freedom for the players and he uses the players in the right position. 

"Since he's been there, he's done a pretty impressive job, changed the whole mood in the club. I don't think a lot of people thought he would have won any competition, but he did that by winning the FA Cup and also the English 'Super Cup' [the Community Shield]. 

"That’s pretty impressive. So it's a tough, tough opponent.

"They defend properly, all the players are involved. They defend in a 5-4-1 which is a pretty tricky situation. I can say a lot of positive things about Arsenal because it's true, but I think we still have a chance on Monday night." 

Liverpool will be without captain Jordan Henderson for the Arsenal game after he was substituted in the win at Chelsea last Sunday because of a thigh problem. 

That could open the door for Thiago Alcantara to make his home debut from the start, following his arrival from Bayern Munich. 

Klopp was cautious on that prospect, yet the recent Champions League winner would be an obvious candidate given how well he performed after replacing Henderson at Stamford Bridge. 

"We will see," Klopp said. "We have a few days to train, so we will see how we set up. I have an idea, but why should I make a decision today? But he’s in contention, so let’s see."

Manchester City are in talks about signing Benfica centre-back Ruben Dias in a deal that could see Nicolas Otamendi move in the opposite direction.

A right-sided central defender has been Pep Guardiola's priority since City failed to replace former captain Vincent Kompany when he left the club nearly 18 months ago.

Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly was City's preferred target for much of the summer but negotiations over the Senegal international have proven difficult and any signs of a deal look over.

Goal understands that City are now ready to make a move for Portuguese international Dias, who could cost around €55 million (£50m/$64m).

Dias, 23, has been watched by club scouts for several seasons after three strong campaigns with Benfica and being part of Portugal's 2018 World Cup squad.

And the club is trying to get a deal for a new defender done before the transfer window closes on October 5.

Sevilla defender Jules Kounde and Atletico Madrid man Jose Gimenez are also on City's shortlist but Benfica captain Dias is a leading target.

Former Porto defender Otamendi could also be used as a makeweight in the deal with the Argentinian surplus to requirements at the Premier League club.

City have already signed Dutch international defender Nathan Ake earlier in the transfer window in a €44m (£40m) deal from Bournemouth.

Uncertainty also surrounds the future of young Spanish defender Eric Garcia, who is the final year of his contract and has turned down a new deal. Barcelona are preparing a bid to take the former La Masia player back to Camp Nou.

City struggled without the experience of Kompany last season and were forced to switch veteran Fernandinho back into the role from the centre of midfield.

The Brazilian started the opening day of the season back in his familiar role with John Stones partnering Ake in the heart of the defence.

Any new signing could be in consideration for City's Premier League clash with Leeds next weekend.

Guardiola is already short of options and says he has only 13 players available for Sunday's visit of Leicester City. But he is boosted by the return of Aymeric Laporte, who is available after testing positive for Covid-19.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hit back at suggestions that he might be frustrated with Manchester United’s transfer activity this summer, saying it was disrespectful to Donny van de Beek.

The midfielder is the club’s sole addition this summer with efforts to land No 1 transfer target Jadon Sancho still stalling with just over a week left until the window closes.

Solskjaer was hoping to add two or three new faces to his squad before the October 5 deadline, and with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City all boosting their teams there is a risk United could get left behind - but the manager refuted claims that he might be annoyed by the club’s activity so far in the window.

“I think you show quite a bit of disrespect to Donny [van de Beek[ when you say he was the only one, because he is a top player and he strengthens our team and of course we have to concentrate on ourselves,” Solskjaer replied.

“Different clubs have to be allowed to do whatever they do and feel they can. We are working hard to have a competitive squad and team. If and when there are updates we will give you them.”

Van de Beek was handed his first full start in the 3-0 win against Luton on Tuesday and could be in line for his full Premier League debut against Brighton on Saturday lunchtime.

With the 23-year-old boosting the club’s midfield, Solskjaer is hoping his side can produce more goals from the middle this season, easing the burden on Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford.

“We had the front three who scored 60-odd goals, I can’t remember how many, then you had Bruno [Fernandes] who chipped in with penalties and free kicks," he said.

"We need more goals from our set plays, Harry [Maguire] is one of the best in the league of first contacts from set plays. Can we get more from that? Can we get more goals from midfield? Of course that could give us extra points.

“It needs to give us extra points, we have got players in Donny and Paul [Pogba] who can definitely chip in with more goals, Jesse [Lingard], Juan [Mata], Dan James, they can get up there with a bigger tally as well.”

Frank Lampard has revealed that fellow club legend player Petr Cech is getting involved in goalkeeping training sessions amid a fight for the No.1 spot at Chelsea.

Upon retirement from playing football after a spell at Arsenal, Chelsea’s former goalkeeper returned to the club as a technical and performance advisor.

That role has seen Cech get involved in advising on transfers at Stamford Bridge, with the latest deal to be completed that of Senegal international Edouard Mendy in a £22m ($27m) deal from Rennes.

His arrival comes after yet another Kepa Arrizabalaga howler, as concerns continue grow over the latter's form. 

Having been pictured training with the shot-stoppers, Lampard explained how Cech is getting more involved in a three-way battle for the No.1 spot - with Willy Caballero also in the mix and possibly set to start against West Brom.

“Petr came to me and talked about it before he started training at first,” the manager said. “We were sort of suffering with the squad and numbers [being so high] and now Petr is training very regularly with the group. That can change at any time.

“It’s not something I have a problem with in any way and that communication is always really good. It’s something I like. We are a tight-knit family here at Chelsea. It’s important that we’ve promoted that a lot. 

“That was one of the things when I came back to the club. It's not like I’m going to put my boots on and take part every day, but what we’re trying to do is make sure that the group is together.

“Petr has his job but he’s also at times helping with the goalkeepers. Why would you not tap into having the best goalkeeper in the world, which he was for a long time, to pass on that knowledge?

“With Petr, he had so much to give on that side of things. His daily job here is to be a technical advisor and he has been a great help to me on that front. That’s been brilliant for me being back at the club to have that.

“Having Petr train with the goalkeepers and bring his experience is a great thing. He still has great quality as he retired pretty young. He’s training and keeping fit, which I think is healthy for him and the goalkeepers in the squad.”

The £72m ($92m) signing from Athletic Club has struggled since Lampard came in but his record price tag has put off potential suitors.

Valencia and Sevilla have already been put off by Kepa's wage demands but Lampard isn't refusing to rule out a loan move before the transfer deadline passes on 5 October.

“There’s no clarity on that one yet about what will happen and I’m not going to speak about the maybes or what might happen in the future,” he added as he was preparing to talk to both Kepa and Caballero about new signing Mendy.

“I think the most important thing now is the game this weekend, which Mendy won’t be involved in. I will have conversations with all the goalkeepers and be very open about it and we’ll see the way to move forward.”

Trabzonspor have signed Leicester City flop Fousseni Diabate on a three-year deal with the option to extend for an additional year.

The move brings an end to Diabate's disappointing two-and-a-half years stint in England where he played 19 matches for Leicester City, which include 14 Premier League appearances.

The Mali international showed instant promise following his transfer from Gazelec Ajaccio to the King Power Stadium in January 2018 with a brace on his debut outing against Peterborough United in an FA Cup match.

After his maiden campaign, Diabate struggled to secure first-team football and he spent the last 18 months on loan. He spent the second half of the 2018-19 season in the Turkish Super Lig with Sivasspor before returning to France to join Ligue 1 side Amiens on loan the following campaign.

Last season, the 24-year-old scored a goal in 20 league games as Amiens suffered relegation to the Ligue 2.

The Mali winger becomes the latest African star to join Eddie Newton's team following the acquisition of DR Congo's Benik Afobe on a loan deal from Bristol City this month.

Trabzonspor have picked up just one point from two matches in the Super Lig, which came after a goalless draw against Denizlispor last Saturday.

They will be focused on grabbing their first win of the season when they host Yeni Malatyaspor at the Senol Gunes Stadium for Saturday's league encounter.

Alvaro Morata wants to end Juventus' long wait for Champions League glory after completing a "dream" return to Turin.

The Spain striker is back with Juve on an initial one-year loan deal from Atletico Madrid, with the Serie A club having an option to buy Morata for €45million or spend a further €10m to loan him for a second campaign.

Morata previously spent two years with Juventus between 2014 and 2016, scoring 27 goals in 93 appearances before returning to Real Madrid and helping them to win the 2016-17 Champions League, when they beat the Bianconeri in the final.

Achieving European success with Juventus - who last won the Champions League in 1996 - is one of Morata's main goals.

"Juve took a punt on me when I was younger and coming back was a dream of mine," he told reporters at his presentation.

"Leaving Juventus was not up to me. I was happy in Madrid, but now it's important for me to be here and I have kept in touch with everyone over the years.

"It was a great memory and now we have new challenges to face together.

"The Champions League is very important to Juventus. If we were to win it this year, I would be the happiest man in the world. We want to win it."

Morata, now 27, conceded he has been affected by those who have doubted his ability in the past, with a big-money move to Chelsea in 2017 not panning out as expected.

However, he believes he has now matured and is able to handle the pressure of playing for one of Europe's biggest clubs.

"I used to pay attention to the critics when I was younger. I know that I need to work hard and be clear about what I have to do," Morata said.

"I'm happy to be back. I've come back to Turin as a person that's grown in all senses. I'm in the right place at the right time: I know what I need to do, I have the necessary experience. Juve is the opportunity of a lifetime."

Morata played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo with Los Blancos and revealed the Portuguese is excited about being his team-mate again.

"I know Cristiano rather well, he's happy," Morata added. "We spoke quite a lot, even before I returned."

Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho has said that out-of-favour midfielder Dele Alli should follow the example set by Tanguy Ndombele. 

Alli has seen himself fall down the Spurs pecking order in recent weeks, failing to even make the bench for wins over Lokomotiv Plovdiv and Southampton before starting and playing an hour in Thursday's win at Shkendija.

The England midfielder has been linked with a move away from north London  much like his team-mate Ndombele, who has often found himself out of Mourinho's lineup since moving from Lyon in July 2019.

Ndombele, though, could be turning a corner in his Spurs career as he has now started back-to-back matches and has prompted Mourinho to say the 23-year-old is improving.

"I’m very happy [with him]," Mourinho said of Ndombele ahead of Sunday's Premier League match against Newcastle.

"I say all the time, when a player improves it’s a player’s responsibility, it’s the player’s credit. It’s not the coach who makes the miracle. The player that does that by himself, to understand what he has to understand and go in the right direction that he has to go. Tanguy, step by step, is doing very well.

"I didn't talk to Tanguy. I just think that he felt the direction which it was going was not the right one and it’s something that players with me, they feel all of the time that I don’t give positions for free.

"The players have to fight, they have to perform, I would never give him a place in the team because he was an expensive buy or because he’s an important player. He has to do that by himself, probably with the help of his colleagues, with the help of his teammates, he went in a good direction."

Mourinho has even suggested that Alli could learn a thing or two from his team-mate.

When asked if Ndombele's reaction is what he wants to see from Alli and others who are out of favour, Mourinho said: "Yes, that’s what I want.

"I don’t want players to moan, I don’t want players to feel frustrated, I don’t want players to feel that I have something against them when I don’t pick them up.

"I want players to fight for the minutes that they want to be on the pitch and when you play for Tottenham, you have to understand that Tottenham wants to be better and better and the rewards are going to be better and better and the players cannot have a comfortable position on the pitch."

Inter head coach Antonio Conte has said he is "working calmly and harmoniously" with club hierarchy after a public feud last season nearly led to him departing.

After the 2019-20 Serie A season ended Conte launched a scathing attack on the club's directors, saying he did not feel protected and that the work he and his players did was not acknowledged.

Though he hinted he could leave Inter after just one season, Conte agreed to stay on following a "constructive meeting" last month.

The new campaign kicks off for Inter on Saturday when they face Fiorentina in a Serie A encounter, and Conte has insisted he and the club have put the turmoil of last season behind them.

"In full agreement with the club, we decided on a strategy that took into account the views of the owners and the delicate circumstances that all clubs are experiencing," Conte said Friday at a press conference.

"We’ve been trying to seize opportunities but keep these aspects in mind. We’re working calmly and harmoniously in the knowledge that we want to build on the credibility that we earned last year."

Conte had previously complained about a lack of support in the transfer market but the coach appears happy with three of his club's new additions this season.

"[Arturo] Vidal and [Aleksandar] Kolarov will bring experience," Conte said. "[Achraf] Hakimi is a young 20-year-old lad that has great potential."

Conte also reflected on the process that led to his decision to stay at San Siro, saying he now feels satisfied that he and club management share the same objectives.

“Last year, we started a journey. During the growth process, you need to make evaluations and try to improve certain situations as you go along," Conte said.

"Everyone had and has the desire to try to improve in all aspects, and I’m happy about this. If intelligent people with the same objective are discussing matters, a solution can always be found.

"I’m happy because I know that we are continuing a journey together and we all want Inter to do well. This is the most important thing for the club, team and fans."

Ghana coach Charles Akonnor has recalled Besiktas midfielder Bernard Mensah to the national team for his maiden outing, against Mali in an international friendly match in Turkey.

The Black Stars, who are yet to play a game since November, will face their West African neighbours in Antalya on October 9 - the encounter would be Akonnor's first game as Ghana coach since his appointment in February.

Ghana were also scheduled to face Equatorial Guinea three days later but the Central African country opted out on Thursday night due to the travel ban imposed by their government to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Mensah has been rewarded with an invitation to the Black Stars for the first time in five years after his impressive performances for Besiktas in the Super Lig this season.

The former Atletico Madrid midfielder moved to Istanbul from rivals Kayserispor this summer and he has already scored a goal after two matches in the Turkish top-flight.

Strasbourg's Alexander Djiku, Azam FC's Yakubu Mohammed, MSK Zilina's Benson Anang, Amiens' Emmanuel Lomotey and 18-year-old forward Kamal Deen, who is based in Nordsjaelland, are the five new invitees in the team.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association have initiated plans to organise another friendly match for the Black Stars after the Mali outing in order to prepare the Akonnor’s squad for November’s Africa Cup of Nation qualifying fixtures against Sudan.

They sit at the summit of Group C, ahead of South Africa, with six points after two matches.

List in full

Goalkeepers: Richard Ofori (Maritzburg), Richard Ati Zigi (St. Gallen), Razak Abalora (Unattached)

Defenders: Benson Anang (Zilina FC), Lumor Agbenyenu (Sporting Club), Yakubu Mohammed (Azam FC), Gideon Mensah (Vitoria de Guimaraes). Alexander Djiku (Strasbourg), Joseph Aidoo (Celta de Vigo), Nicholas Opoku (Amiens), Kassim Nuhu (Hoffenheim).

Midfielders: Thomas Partey (Atletico Madrid), Emmanuel Lomotey (Amiens), Bernard Mensah (Besiktas), Baba Iddrisu (RCD Mallorca).

Attackers/Wingers: Andre Ayew (Swansea), Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace), John Antwi (Pyramids FC), Eugene Ansah (Hapoel Shmona), Jefferey Schlupp (Crystal Palace), Samuel Owusu (Al Fayha FC), Kamal Deen (Nordsjaelland SC), Mohammed Kudus (Ajax SC).

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the names of coaches for all of the country’s national football teams.

President of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association Ladan Bosso was named as handler of the Nigeria U20 team.

The veteran tactician returns to the team 13 years after leading the Flying Eagles to a failed expedition at the 2007 U20 Fifa World Cup Canada – where his team bowed out of the championship after suffering a 4-0 obliteration to Canada in the quarter-final.

He will be assisted by Jolomi Atune Alli and Oladuni Oyekale with Shuaibu Akanmu as goalkeeper coach. They are expected to qualify the country for the 2022 Africa U20 Cup of Nations billed for Mauritania. That competition serves as qualifier for the global football showpiece to be staged in Indonesia.

Ex-Nigeria U23 assistant coach Fatai Amoo will handle the U17 boys (Golden Eaglets) alongside Ahmed Dankoli, Nnamdi Onuigbo and Danlami Kwasau.

Coach Haruna Ilerika will be in charge of the U15 boys, while Abdullahi Umar has been saddled with the responsibility of grooming the U13 team.

For Nigeria U20 women’s team, coach Christopher Danjuma returns to the helm of affairs. He led the Falconets to the 2018 U20 Women’s World Cup France – where the country bowed 2-1 to Spain in the quarter-finals.

Before this appointment, he was interim Super Falcons coach after Thomas Dennerby walked away for unknown reasons. He will be assisted by Moses Aduku, Bilikisu Tijani and Audu Yahaya.

The U17 girls will be handled by coach Bankole Olowookere while Queen Okpa, Adanna Nwaneri and Mohammed Ndanusa serve as assistants.

THE FULL LIST

U20 BOYS: Isah Ladan Bosso (Head Coach); Oladuni Oyekale (Assistant Coach); Jolomi Atune Alli (Assistant Coach); Samaila Marwa Keshi (Assistant Coach/Scout); Suleiman Shuaibu Akanmu (Goalkeeper Coach)

U17 BOYS: Fatai Amoo (Head Coach); Ahmed Lawal Dankoli (Assistant Coach); Nnamdi Onuigbo (Assistant Coach); Hassan Abdallah (Assistant Coach/Scout); Danlami Kwasau (Goalkeeper Coach)

U20 GIRLS: Christopher Danjuma (Head Coach); Moses Aduku (Assistant Coach); Bilkisu Tijani (Assistant Coach); Charity Nwere Nnedinma (Assistant Coach/Scout); Audu Yahaya (Goalkeeper Coach)

U17 GIRLS: Bankole Olowookere (Head Coach); Queen Okpa (Assistant Coach); Adanna Nwaneri (Assistant Coach); Moroof Nojimu (Assistant Coach/Scout); Mohammed Abubakar Ndanusa (Goalkeeper Coach)

U15 BOYS: Omoniyi Haruna Ilerika Usman (Head Coach); Bassey Patrick (Assistant Coach); Olubunmi Haruna (Assistant Coach); Mohammed Kalli Kachalla (Assistant Coach/Scout); Baruwa Olatunji (Goalkeeper Coach)

U13 BOYS: Abdullahi Tyabo Umar (Head Coach); Salisu Ibrahim (Assistant Coach); Bamai Bukar (Assistant Coach); Mohammed Kwairanga (Assistant Coach); Ifeanyi Uba (Assistant Coach/Scout); Abubakar Abdullahi (Goalkeeper Coach)   

Orlando Pirates midfielder Luvuyo Memela has revealed that he did not enjoy his football under Swedish coach Kjell Jonevret.

The experienced winger recalled his early days at Bucs after joining the Soweto giants from then-National First Division (NFD) side Cape Town All Stars in 2015.

“I didn’t play at first, but then Coach Eric [Tinkler] gave me a chance and I showed myself and I pushed. Everybody started noticing: ‘Who is this Memela?’," Memela told Far Post.

“I was getting goals left and right, as much as I was a winger and creating… Then, Eric got fired and another coach, Muhsin [Ertugral], came, and there were changes of coaches.

“[Under] Coach Kjell, I won’t lie to you — it was difficult for me to even say it, but it was a moment where I didn’t care."

Jonevret was appointed a few days after a lethargic Pirates side were embarrassed 6-0 by Mamelodi Sundowns in February 2017 and he was expected to revive the team.

However, the Buccaneers continued to struggle and ultimately, the team finished 11th on the league standings and failed to qualify for the MTN8 for the first time in the PSL era.

“I started forgetting the kind of person that I am. I started doing things — you know, going out… I didn’t even think of training," he continued. 

"I would get calls from the guys asking: ‘Hey, where are you? It’s training.’ Then, eventually, [I would realise]: ‘Oh, s**t, training has started.’”

Memela explained that it took an intervention from Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza to get him back on track.

“I remember at some point, I had a meeting with the chairman. The chairman is a top person… He said to me: ‘Boy, I’m disappointed that you’re giving up… What makes you do this? Sometimes, you come to training, and you don’t even say anything — you keep quiet and don’t chat to anyone. That’s not you,” he revealed.

“I said: ‘To be honest, what’s frustrating me is that I’m not playing.’ The chairman said to me: ‘Who are you? What makes you think that you are better than other players and you can play and they don’t deserve to play? I’m not saying you don’t deserve to play, but why do you think you are better than others?’

“Then, I realised that the chairman was right. I was not humble enough to understand the situation… It’s not about you, it’s about the team. From there, I think my mindset changed a lot.”

Jonevret was replaced by Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic in August 2017 and the Serbian coach transformed Bucs into PSL title contenders.

Memela enjoyed his football under Micho, who was temporarily replaced by Rhulani Mokwena, before current Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer took over the reins in December 2019. 

“For me, I still say he [Micho] is the humblest guy ever. Even Coach JZ [Josef Zinnbauer] is very humble. Micho is a top, top, top motivator," Memela said.

"He sees things. For me, he is a special coach. It’s a pity that we couldn’t win a trophy or anything while he was around.

“When he came, I don’t know what he saw in me, but he told himself: ‘Let me give this boy a chance.’ He gave me a chance and I played and I was so free because he believed in me," added.

"I could see it in his eyes when he spoke to me while things were difficult.”

Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta is set to reopen the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.

The head of state will reopen the national sporting facility that has undergone renovations for the last three years. Nyayo Stadium is located at the city centre and has hosted league and Harambee Stars games whenever it is in operation.

Kenya’s famous club encounter - the Mashemeji Derby between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia - have always been held at the stadium and its unavailability saw the matches shifted to the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

The Caf Champions League matches pitting Gor Mahia and their opponents were held at Kasarani. KPL clubs Bandari and Kariobangi Sharks also hosted their Confederation Cup rivals at the stadium.

“His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kenya will preside over the reopening of the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, 26th September 2020,” a media invite sent on Friday read.

“This is to invite your federation to attend this important function to the sporting fraternity. Please extend the invitation to your players and the dress code will be tracksuits preferably ones depicting Kenya National colours.”

The reopening of the facility is set to add more options to the league organisers who have had to depend on Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, Mbaraki Stadium in Mombasa, Bukhungu Stadium and Mumias Sports Complex in Kakamega County.

Nzoia Sugar’s Sudi Stadium, Afraha Stadium in Nakuru, Zoo’s Kericho Green Stadium, Moi Stadium in Kisumu, South Nyanza’s Awendo Green Stadium, Chemelil Sports Complex and Tusker’s Ruaraka have been other stadiums available for use in the recent past.

Meanwhile, Kariobangi Sharks' chairman Robert Maoga has explained why the team has resumed training despite the ban on public gatherings.

Contact sports in Kenya are yet to be allowed to resume but Sharks have already assembled at Utalii Ground training in readiness for the new season.

“We have begun training although in small groups of six players. We have been observing all health guidelines and we hope the government will allow us to train as usual and play competitive matches,” Maoga told The Star.

“The federation assured us that they will start testing our players soon thus relieving us the burden of meeting the costs.

“Football all over the world has resumed and its time the government allowed us back. Our neighbours Uganda and Tanzania are back to action and we can learn something from them and start as soon as possible since infections have gone down.”

Football remains suspended since mid-march due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Clubs under the control of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) will have to wait longer before they play football despite the government giving the green light for the resumption of football in the East Africa nation.

The Federation has now warned teams to wait for guidelines before engaging in any activities.

"Fufa wishes to thank His Excellency the President and all Government agencies that have enabled the resumption of Sports activities in Uganda, we are indeed very grateful," the Federation stated in a statement obtained by Goal.

"Fufa wishes to put it to the notice of all its members, members of the Fufa members, and to whom it may concern that all the association football activities are still suspended until advised to the contrary." 

The Federation has further clarified the resumption of football will be systematic to ensure adherence to the health guidelines. 

"Resumption of training, friendly matches, and competitions must be under detailed Standard Operating Procedures (Sops), with strict guidelines of the Ministry of Health," the statement added.

"Fufa is discussing with the National Council of Sports, Ministry of Health and other agencies on the best way forward with the implementation of the directives and guidelines.

"Fufa reiterates that no training sessions, friendly matches, and competitions should be conducted until advised in the due course. Anyone that contravenes this directive shall be liable to sanctions."

President Yoweri Museveni allowed sporting activities to return last Sunday after months in the cold.

In his address to the nation, Museveni confirmed the government will allow sporting activities to resume but without spectators, and also asked organisers to test players for Covid-19 72 hours before any match.

"Open-air activities of sports will be open, provided there are no spectators," Museveni said in his address to the nation from State House Entebbe.

"We must learn to have games without spectators and players should be tested 72 hours before the games."

"Players should learn to remain quarantined for the period of the games."

Fufa had set October 17 as the tentative date for the start of the 2020/21 Ugandan Premier League. The previous one was abandoned with 80% of matches played.

Vipers SC were crowned and given the right to represent Uganda in Caf Champions League while KCCA FC will play in the Caf Confederation Cup.