Looking for Soccer News?

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Thomas Tuchel said he was not happy with his team's reaction after a brawl against Marseille as the Ligue 1 champions suffered back-to-back defeats.

PSG superstar Neymar was one of five players sent off in a fiery finish to Le Classique at the Parc des Princes on Sunday.

Marseille snapped a 20-match winless streak against rivals PSG, not before host trio Neymar, Leandro Paredes, Layvin Kurzawa, and Jordan Amavi and Dario Benedetto were red-carded in additional time.

After succumbing to Florian Thauvin's 31st-minute volley, Tuchel tried to downplay the defeat as Champions League runners-up PSG opened the 2020-21 season with consecutive losses.

"I'm not angry at all, the challenge is to separate the performance from the result," Tuchel told Telefoot.

"I didn't like our reaction in the last three minutes. I don't agree with that, it was too much. I'm going to suffer from this reaction."

Tuchel, whose PSG lost their first two games of a Ligue 1 season without scoring for the second time in the club's history after 1978-79, added: "I don't like the result. We had a great game, a great performance.

"I'm very happy with the efforts of my team. If we continue to play like that, we will win all the games. I'm very happy.

"It's not usual for us not to score. We have to go back to the context of this match. We have exceptional statistics. It was a great game. I'm not at all worried. I'm happy as a coach. We still lack players, we have a very small squad."

While Kylian Mbappe and Mauro Icardi were absent, PSG were able to hand a debut to new signing Alessandro Florenzi, who arrived from Roma on an initial loan.

Tuchel has made it clear he wants reinforcements following the departures of Thiago Silva and Edinson Cavani as the German boss looks to build on PSG's memorable run to the Champions League final, while the French powerhouse remain in discussions regarding a new contract for Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.

Asked about PSG's transfer plans, Tuchel said: "Are there going to be new players? I really hope.

"It's no secret, we lost five players including Choupo-Moting. It's going to be complicated, we play a lot of matches. I don't know if other teams that have played in the Champions League should play so much games."

Marseille defender Alvaro Gonzalez has taken to social media to defend himself after Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar accused him of making racist remarks. 

The Brazilian was one of five players sent off on Sunday as Marseille claimed a dramatic 1-0 win to hand PSG consecutive Ligue 1 defeats. 

Neymar was sent off for slapping Gonzalez in injury-time, who he accused of racism as he left the field and also on social media following the match. 

Gonzalez was quick to also use the platform as he looked to defend himself against Neymar's comments. 

"There is no place for racism. A clean career and with many team-mates and friends on a day to day basis. Sometimes you have to learn how to lose and accept it on the field. Incredible three points today, Allez l'OM thank you family," Gonzalez tweeted after the match alongside a picture of him with his Marseille team-mates. 

Marseille coach Andres Villas-Boas also leaped to Gonzalez's defence after the match, as he looked to turn attention to the behaviour of PSG attacker Angel Di Maria. 

"I don't know. I hope not, there is no place for racism in football," Villas-Boas said in an interview with Telefoot.

"It's a serious fault if it happened but I don't think so. Before that, we had a situation with a spit from Di Maria. These are things to avoid in the world of football. I hope it won't be a black spot in this historic performance.

"It's a great victory. We improved little by little with a little more control. We were disciplined defensively. It should finish 2-0, but I don't know why the referee didn't give the second goal.

"Di Maria and Neymar were incredible. I congratulate them because it's hard after Covid-19 to present yourself like this. They did well and fought for 90 minutes. It was the moment for us. We were confident."

It was a night to forget for PSG, who have now lost their first two matches of a Ligue 1 season for the first time since 1984-85. 

Thomas Tuchel's side were still without Kylian Mbappe and Mauro Icardi but the manager is adamant his squad needs to be strengthened before the transfer window shuts next month. 

Carlo Ancelotti says he is not concerned by Everton new boy James Rodriguez’s lack of pace and physicality, saying he would have signed former Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt if those aspects were his priority.

The Colombia international impressed in his debut for the Toffees, creating five opportunities as his side started the Premier League campaign with a 1-0 win over Tottenham.

Ancelotti, who coached James at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich before bringing him to Goodison Park, was happy with the 29-year-old’s input.

"The players that can play football, they don't need a lot of time to adapt. James knows what he has to do, Allan and [Abdoulaye] Doucoure the same,” he said after the game.

“I just said show your quality and they did. We had a good combination in midfield. Last season we had players with quality on the ball but you also have to play without the ball.

"James is not the fastest player in the world but he has a lot of quality. We have to use him to show his quality. He is not a winger, but he can come inside and receive the ball, he is very dangerous.

“I am not worried about the physicality. If I was worried about that I would sign Usain Bolt, not James.”

He added to BBC Sport: "James Rodriguez brings his ability to control the ball, to do the right passes, to keep the team comfortable with the ball.”

The Italian coach was happy with his side’s performance overall and hopes to improve on last season’s 12th-place finish.

"It was good, the game was what I expected from the team. It was not easy but we had energy, quality,” he added. “The performance was brilliant. We had difficulties at the beginning but we were comfortable on the pitch.

"After a long time of suffering now the fans have to be happy. It was not easy in the past to win here and we won, it's good to celebrate.

"We need continuity. Last season we were up and down and now we will see. This game tells us we can compete with anyone."

Anam Imo scored her second goal in the Swedish Damallsvenskan as Rosengard silenced Orebro 3-0 on Sunday evening.

Jonas Eidevall's team came into the encounter having secured a 3-0 victory over Djurgarden, where the Nigerian youngster scored her first goal of the season on her second start at Malmo IP. 

Following her exploits in the team's last outing, the 2018 Africa Women's Cup of Nations winner was handed her third start of the season and she made the best of the opportunity in Orebro.

Imo justified the confidence reposed in her by hung on until Johanna Rytting Kaneryd set up Anna Anvegard to double the lead two minutes after the former replaced Imo in the 68th minute.

Twelve minutes full-from time, Alexandra Lowe Riley teed up Anvegard to bag her second goal of the match and seal the triumph for the visitors.

Imo, who now has two goals in 15 outings for Rosengard this term, was in action for 68 minutes before she was replaced by Kaneryd.

The result saw Rosengard retain a three-point lead at the top of the log with 38 points from 15 matches and they will face seventh-placed Umea in their next fixture on September 26.

South African Olympic coach David Notoane has heaped praise on his players who did well in the Biologically Safe Environment (BSE) after the resumption of the domestic campaign, saying he has more options than before.

The manager, who doubled up as Mamelodi Sundowns MultiChoice Diski Challenge coach, explained they have been wondering as the technical team on whether the players can perform under pressure, but said they are convinced.

Notoane is looking to prepare his team for the Tokyo Olympic Games, which will be played next year in July and August.

“From the GladAfrica Championship, we’ve seen a lot of players getting,” Notoane told DailySun.

“With the fixtures being compressed the way they were, we also realised that most of them can handle the pressure and that is giving us more options as we are looking at starting preparations for the Olympic Games.

“As the technical team, we have been wondering if some of these players can perform on the big stage and handle pressure but after the bubble, we are convinced.”

Some of the players the experienced coach was looking at is Bidvest Wits midfielder Rowan Human as well as SuperSport United midfielder Sipho Mbule and Teboho Mokoena.

“We saw quality, even the likes of Rowan Human, who will represent the Under-20 team in the Fifa World Cup were exceptional when pitted against the big boys. It is interesting times with such talent at our disposal,” he added.

“At the moment we are facing unpredictable times. It is very tough as borders are still closed, so we are not sure if we will be able to get one or two friendly matches to put these players in the set-up.

“We have to negotiate with the government. But we would love to have warm-up matches in the upcoming Fifa break, but it is difficult.”

The global games were set to get underway this year but were postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic outbreak, the games are now scheduled to be staged from July 23 until 8 August next year.

The Olympics will still be called Tokyo 2020 despite taking place next year.

Samuel Chukwueze was in action while Kelechi Nwakali made his much-awaited La Liga debut as Huesca played out a 1-1 draw against Villarreal.

Nwakali joined the Oscenses in the summer of 2019 and played a part as they gained promotion to the Spanish top-flight last season after finishing as champions of the Segunda Division.

The 22-year-old was handed his first appearance in La Liga as a substitute and made the most of the opportunity.

His compatriot Chukwueze was afforded a starting role by former Arsenal manager Unai Emery and delivered an eye-catching performance.

Two minutes into the encounter, Chukwueze gave his side a chance to open the scoring after he was brought down by Javi Galan, the resulting free-kick, however, failed to make an impact.

The Nigeria international continued his dazzling displays in the 12th minute when he delivered a fine cross into the box but it was cleared by Huesca defenders.

Both sides further missed a number of chances before Pablo Maffeo broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute for the Oscenses after he was set up by Juan Carlos

Villarreal fought back after the restart and made a number of efforts to level proceedings and the moment eventually came when Pablo Maffeo was adjudged by VAR to have handled the ball in the area.

Referee Xavier Estrada Fernandez subsequently signalled a penalty and Gerard Moreno calmly dispatched his effort in the 68th minute.

Nwakali came in for Juan Carlos in the encounter and had a 100% success pass rate to help his side secure a point at Estadio de la Ceramica.

Chukwueze, meanwhile, featured for the duration of the game, struck three shots, made two key passes and had 67 touches.

Nwakali will hope to make his full La Liga debut when Huesca take on Cadiz in their next league game while Chukwueze’s Villarreal will tackle Eibar.

Former Ghana assistant coach Gerard Nus believes reaching the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final is a major accomplishment for the four-time champions.

On the recommendation of then-Black Stars head coach Avram Grant, Nus joined Ghana's technical team for the continental showpiece in Equatorial Guinea.

In the end, the Black Stars finished the tournament as losing finalists after a penalty shoot-out defeat to Cote d'Ivoire.

Last month, Nus was appointed as new head coach of Indian Super League side NorthEast United where veteran Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan played last season.

"Of course! Avram is a person that I like personally very much. He is an excellent coach and a perfect human being. We had a great time in Ghana, and we achieved something great for the country, I believe, in reaching the Caf [Afcon] finals. He is a big person in the footballing world, and I admire him personally and professionally," Nus told Sportskeeda.

"I spoke with him since he was also the ex-coach of NorthEast United FC we shared opinions, and he did tell me what to expect and other things as well.

"He said many good things about NorthEast United FC. He told me the people in India are really lovely. He explained to me the vision the owners have for the club. Avram also explained to me the issues that the club has been facing in the past couple of seasons, especially regarding the performance of the team.

"It was a bit disappointing to hear those but I take it as a challenge. We need to look at the positive side of things always in life. That is my mentality. If I didn't believe that there is a chance to do something amazing with NorthEast United FC, I wouldn't be here.

"I want to be surrounded by positive people, and I hope we get that. I have already started working on getting the best of every moment, be it working on signing foreign players or checking out Indian players. I hope we can do something good this season."

Spanish coach Nus was also a member of Ghana's technical team at the 2017 Afcon in Gabon.

He has since had managerial spells with Rayo Vallecano in Spain, Rayo OKC on-the USA, Swedish outfit Eskilstuna and Irtysh Pavlodar in Kazakhstan. 

Chidera Ejuke scored his first goal in the Russian Premier League as CSKA Moscow defeated Spartak Moscow 3-1 to claim derby bragging rights on Sunday.

Ejuke replaced Fedor Chalov in the 64th minute for his second appearance in the Russian top-flight, and he managed to seal the hosts’ victory with his effort in the second minute of stoppage-time.

The 22-year-old moved to Moscow from Heerenveen last August after his fine debut season in the Netherlands, where he scored nine goals in 25 Eredivisie matches.

Ezequiel Ponce got Spartak Moscow off to a flying start at the VEB Arena with his 11th-minute opener but goals from Hordur Magnusson and Nikola Vlasic completed the comeback for Red-Blues just before half-time.

Ejuke has played 51 minutes of football in two league matches so far this season and he will be hoping to gather more playing minutes as CSKA Moscow aim to better their fourth-place finish in the league last season.

Sunday's victory put Viktor Goncharenko's men just a point below second-placed Spartak Moscow as they occupy the third spot with 13 points after seven matches.

Ejuke's CSKA Moscow travel to Ufa for their next Premier League fixture on September 20.

The 22-year-old is a Nigeria youth international, and he has played for the Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles on several occasions.

In 2017, he started his European career in Norway where he featured for Valerenga in the Eliteserien for two seasons before departing for the Netherlands in 2019.

Jose Mourinho reaffirmed his desire for a new Tottenham striker but insisted it was not the reason for Sunday's defeat to Everton as he was asked about the club's interest in Alexander Sorloth.

Spurs lost their Premier League opener 1-0 to Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Dominic Calvert-Lewin headed the only goal in the 55th minute.

The reverse came days after Mourinho outlined the need for a new forward to compete with and complement Harry Kane.

Sorloth, the on-loan Trabzonspor man, is an option, according to the Turkish club's president Ahmet Agaoglu .

The Norway striker signed a temporary two-year deal with Trabzonspor last year after struggling at Crystal Palace but then scored 24 league goals in 2019-20 to attract the attention of Tottenham and RB Leipzig.

Agaoglu told Fanatik : "Sorloth wants to go. But there is no way that we will agree immediately for every player who wants to leave.

"We are meeting with Leipzig and Tottenham, ourselves and Crystal Palace. We are both entitled to this transfer, we will act in Trabzonspor's best interests."

Mourinho would not dispute the interest but was reluctant to discuss Sorloth.

"Well I'm not going to discuss Sorloth," he told reporters. "If the president of Trabzonspor said that, I'm not going to say that it's not true.

"I think Sortloth is a Trabzonspor player and it's not for me to speak about."

He added: "Do we need a striker? Yes. Was it because of that we lost the game? No. We didn't lose the game because we need a striker.

"We lost the game and the responsibility of that defeat is my responsibility."

Spurs will have to regroup quickly from the Everton loss as they face up to a packed schedule that could mean nine matches before the October international break.

As Mourinho and Tottenham dominate conversation with their documentary from last season airing on Amazon Prime, the coach is at least relieved he will no longer have to contend with such behind-the-scenes scrutiny over this stretch.

"My message is inside," he told BBC Sport. "I am so happy that there's no more Amazon, so things can stay inside between us. That's the way I like it."

Lucas Hernandez is not looking to leave Bayern Munich during the transfer window but says he may review his options if his situation continues to be "complicated" this season.

The France World Cup winner joined Bayern from Atletico Madrid in an €80 million (£68m/$90m) deal ahead of the 2019-20 campaign, a club-record fee.

However, Hernandez suffered ankle ligament damage in October and struggled for game time with Alphonso Davies nailing down a spot at left-back and David Alaba slotting in seamlessly in the centre of defence when Hansi Flick replaced Niko Kovac as head coach.

In total, the versatile defender made just 12 starts in all competitions and Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with a move during the transfer window. 

For now, though, Hernandez plans to remain in Germany with Bayern, who won a Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League treble under Flick.

"Leave Bayern? No. I still have four years of contract, I just signed there," he told Telefoot. 

"After that, it will depend on this season. If it continues to be complicated like that, I will see." 

Asked specifically about the links to PSG, Hernandez said: "These are rumours, but personally I haven't received anything yet, neither my agent, nor my relatives."

Flick has hinted at part of his rationale for often leaving Hernandez on the bench, saying in June that the defender had "tactical deficits" that needed to be corrected after his long injury lay-off.

"Lucas is an absolute professional, I like his dynamic training," Flick said. "He was absent for a long time and therefore has tactical deficits. 

"I'm happy with him, every player needs a rhythm. I see its potential."

Reports earlier in the season had caused a stir with Bayern, as it was suggested that Hernandez earned a whopping €24m (£21m/$26m) per season.

However, Hernandez's agents hit out at those reports, saying that they were false.

"What has been written is totally wrong," Manuel Garcia Quilon told Goal and SPOX.

"Lucas does not earn €24m, not before or after taxes. I don't know who came up with this idea that Lucas could earn that much. He definitely earns less than that. Maybe someone confused him with another player or someone wants to hurt him." 

Bernard Mensah opened his Besiktas goal account in their 3-1 win over Anthony Nwakaeme’s Trabzonspor in Sunday’s Turkish Super Lig encounter.

The Ghana international who joined Sergen Yalcin's side on loan from league rivals Kayserispor this summer, found the back of the net from the penalty spot in the 64th minute.

Tyler Boyd opened the scoring for the Black Eagles in the 29th minute before the Black Stars midfielder doubled the lead in the 64th minute.

Jeremain Lens's 74th-minute effort sealed maximum points for the visitors despite Abdulkadir Omur's late strike for Trabzonspor in the 88th minute.

Mensah in action for Besiktas for 81 minutes before he was replaced by Adam Ljajic as his team kicked off their 2020-21 Super Lig campaign on a winning note.

During the encounter, the 25-year-old registered the most shots (3) and he completed the most dribbles alongside Ajdin Hasic (2) for the Black Eagles.

His compatriot Caleb Ekuban and Nigeria forward Anthony Nwakaeme were also in action for Trabzonspor at the Senol Gunes Stadium.

The duo will be hoping to help the Turkish Cup champions return to winning ways when they travel to Denizlispor for their next league outing on September 19 while Mensah will be eager to help Besiktas maintain their fine start to the Super Lig season against Antalyaspor the same day.

Mensah has been plying his trade in the Turkey since 2017. He started his Super Lig career with Kasimpasa after joining on loan from Atletico Madrid for the 2017-18 campaign.

He has scored 14 goals so far in 80 appearances in the Turkish top-flight.

Paris Saint-Germain's poor start to their Ligue 1 campaign continued as they fell to a 1-0 home defeat against Marseille in a foul-tempered Classique in which five players, including Neymar, were sent off late on.

Having been without seven first-team stars for Thursday's loss to Lens, Thomas Tuchel was able to welcome four of his regulars back into the fold on Sunday, yet it was Andre Villas-Boas' side – who lost 4-0 in the corresponding fixture last season – that claimed the points at Parc des Princes, where a limited number of fans were allowed in attendance.

Florian Thauvin's 31st-minute volley settled the encounter, which ended in ridiculous scenes as referee Jerome Brisard dished out red cards like confetti following a stoppage-time brawl.

Neymar, who earlier missed a golden chance, was among them, with the forward receiving his marching orders for hitting Alvaro, who he seemingly accused of racism when speaking to the fourth official as he left the field.

Leandro Paredes reacted violently to a foul from countryman Dario Benedetto, with both Argentinians dismissed along with Layvin Kurzawa and Jordan Amavi for their parts in the ensuing fracas.

Neymar was one of three Paris Saint-Germain players to see the red card as their Ligue 1 return against Marseille descended into chaos on Sunday. 

Having been excused from duty for the first two rounds of 2020-21 due to their exertions in the delayed Champions League knockout stages, Thomas Tuchel's men were back in action this weekend as they welcomed l'OM to Parc des Princes. 

There is little love lost between the capital side and Marseille, but a bad-tempered game that saw 36 fouls committed and 12 yellow cards handed out inside the 90 minutes eventually spiralled out of control deep into injury time. 

A tussle between Argentine pair Dario Benedetto and Leandro Paredes quickly escalated into an all-out brawl between PSG and Marseille players, with Neymar in the thick of things. 

The Brazilian slapped defender Alvaro Gonzalez on the back of the head, while Layvin Kurzawa and Jordan Amavi also traded blows. 

Once order was restored referee Jerome Brisard showed a straight red to Neymar, Kurzawa and Amavi for their part in the fracas, with Paredes and Benedetto also ordered from the field after picking up second bookings. 

As a result PSG played out the final minutes with eight men and Marseille nine, the latter holding on to take a 1-0 victory having gone ahead in the first half thanks to Florent Thauvin's goal. 

More to Follow...

Safa has confirmed they have obtained international friendly match opponents for the South Africa national team against Zambia and Namibia during the October Fifa international period.

If the matches go ahead, it would mark the return to international football for coach Molefi Ntseki's Bafana Bafana who were last in action in November 2019.

The matches against Zambia and Namibia are to be played between October 7 and 15. They would be part of the preparations for back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers (Afcon) against Sao Tome e Principe in November.

Safa spokesperson Dominic Chimhavi, however, said the participation of friendlies is subject to the government allowing international travel.

“We have approached and managed to get Zambia and Namibia for friendly matches. Plans are that we play Zambia at home and Namibia away,” Chimhavi told Goal.

“Our opponents have agreed but everything is dependent on lockdown regulations. These plans are in anticipation that we will go into Level One of the nationwide lockdown and our borders would be opened soon.

“We looked within the Cosafa region due to travel restrictions and the countries we approached have been very receptive and they agreed to play us. They also want to get their national teams back in action.”

Chimhavi said FNB Stadium is the initially suggested venue to host Zambia and they will also welcome Sao Tome at the same ground for the November 9 Afcon qualifier.

For the Zambia match, it would be a return to FNB Stadium for former Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic who is now the Chipolopolo coach. 

“The real position is that the coach of our national team wants critical matches to be played at FNB Stadium so we are likely to host Zambia there. That is where we also plan to host Sao Tome e Principe. Gauteng, where there was local football lately, is the likeliest host unless there is an unforeseeable chance,” Chimhavi said.

“These matches are very important for us. Remember our national team hasn’t been playing games for obvious reasons and the coach wants to assess his players. They are a dress rehearsal for competitive matches and we need them to catch-up.”

In the Afcon qualifiers, South Africa are currently placed second on Group C led by Ghana while Sudan are in position three with Sao Tome anchoring the standings.

With the return of international football, South Afruica coach Ntseki is expected to present his plans for the upcoming games to the Safa national executive committee.

“He will meet the Safa NEC next Saturday [September 19] and present his plans ahead of the games against Sao Tome e Principe,” said Chimhavi.

“He was supposed to have met NEC yesterday [Saturday] but the meeting has been postponed. It’s is just a question of him presenting his programme to Safa and NEC will ratify his plans.”

Arjen Robben's emotional return to Groningen lasted less than half an hour on Sunday as he was forced out of his comeback match with injury.

Arjen Robben was given the nod to break a record set by Robin van Persie as he was named in Groningen's team for their Eredivisie clash with PSV.

Former Netherlands star Robben announced his retirement from football in 2019 after leaving Bayern Munich, having enjoyed a glittering spell of 10 seasons with the Bundesliga giants.

However, in an attempt to help Groningen recover from the impact of COVID-19, the veteran winger confirmed he would be returning to the club where he began his career for the 2020-21 season.

On Sunday, the 36-year-old was named in Groningen's XI for their first league match of the campaign, which saw him overtake his old Oranje team-mate Van Persie in the Eredivisie record books.

It proved a short stint for the ex-Bayern, Chelsea and Real Madrid ace, though, who was taken off with an apparent muscular complaint in the first half. 

Robben sat down on the pitch 29 minutes into the game in some discomfort and asked for the substitution, eventually limping off to be replaced by Tomas Suslov. 

PSV took full advantage, opening the scoring through Cody Gakpo less than five minutes later to secure a 1-0 lead at half-time.

Robben's Eredivisie comeback, against another of his former teams, comes after an absence of 16 years and 155 days from the Dutch league.

Van Persie spent 13 years and 267 days away from the Eredivisie between his two spells at Feyenoord, which was previously the longest time between appearances in the competition.

Groningen finished ninth in the Eredivisie last season, with the campaign cut short due to coronavirus.

They will now be hoping that Robben's early exit was a consequence of his long period of inaction, with Sunday's clash his first competitive game in over two years; and that he escaped serious injury in this curtailed return.

In the wake of reports Highlands Park has been sold to TS Galaxy owner Tim Sukazi, co-director Sinky Mnisi has lashed out at fellow directors as he suggests it is betrayal.

The Lions of the North boss says if the likes of Brad Kaftel wanted to buy him out of the club, they should do it according to the law.

Highlands have been making headlines in the past few months as they have been reportedly sold to the former Nedbank Cup champions, but Mnisi wants to challenge the club’s sale.

“I’m not asking for impossible information. [What] I’ve requested will determine my next step. But I’m prepared for the challenge,” Mnisi told City Press print edition.

“I’ve toiled for this team for six years, only to be treated like this. Once I’ve satisfied myself that all those conditions have been met, I can’t allow the deal to go through.

“It makes me feel as if they didn’t want me to own the club. If they want to buy me out because they think I’m the problematic one, they must come up with an offer that’s respectable and that I deserve, not try to cheat me.

“The solution is for them to swallow their pride and respect the fact that I’m a shareholder, minority or not, talk to me and cordial separation rather than a messy one, but they are making things difficult for themselves by undermining me.”

In addition, coach Owen Da Gama confirmed the club has been sold and that he was due to meet management to discuss his future and Mnisi says he won’t allow the sale to go ahead.

"They started looking for buyers back in January and I have proof to that effect. And they should refrain from mentioning that I’m a minority shareholder. I’m also protected,” he added.

“In a boxing ring, when there are two boxers there must be a knockout and winner. I don’t want to use my uppercuts. I’m still jabbing. If they don’t believe that, they’ll see it. This isn’t a threat.”

The Lions of the North have done well under the former Bafana Bafana boss as they reached the top eight last season.

Despite losing the MTN8 final to SuperSport United at the beginning of the season, the Tembisa-based club has secured a ninth finish this term.

Leicester striker Jamie Vardy mocked West Brom fans after helping his side to a 3-0 victory against the Premier League newcomers on Sunday.

After Belgium international Timothy Castagne opened the scoring for the Foxes 10 minutes into the second half, Vardy put the game beyond doubt in the late stages when he netted two penalties.

The England international, who has now scored six times in eight appearances against the Baggies, celebrated by cupping his ears in the empty stadium and said after the game that the gesture was for the home side's fans watching on television. 

"It's massive for us, especially with how we finished last season and not having long to turn it around. We are delighted for three points," the 33-year-old told Sky Sports in a post-match interview.

"I practice penalties every week so I knew where I would hit those. I've enjoyed playing here over the years and scoring goals so that celebration was for the West Brom fams at home.

"Timothy Castagne was brilliant, he thoroughly deserved his goal and he gets into those areas. Wilfred Ndidi did brilliant in defence."

Fellow Foxes scorer Castagne, who joined Brendan Rodgers' side this summer from Atalanta, was delighted to find the net in his first appearance for the club. 

"First of all we got the win. We didn't get a goal against us and I got my first goal. It was a dream debut," the 24-year-old full-back said after the game.

"It's nice to play with [fellow Belgian Dennis Praet]. He gave me a very nice assist. I had three training sessions, I still have some things to learn like the runs they make.

"I like this type of play, also the pressure. That's why I came here. I played in the back four in Belgium so I'm quite used to it - although it's not the same level. The coach helped me a lot in these three days."

Leicester, who finished fifth in the English top flight last season, are in action again next Sunday when they host Burnley at the King Power Stadium and face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup two days later.

Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey has taken over from Inter Milan ace Kwadwo Asamoah as Ghana deputy skipper but Swansea City attacker Andre Ayew has maintained his place as the main captain.

Twenty-seven-year-old Partey, who made his international debut in 2016, and Ayew, are expected to lead the Black Stars through the remainder of 2022 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers.

The new development, as settled on by new national team coach CK Akonnor, was announced by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on Sunday.

"The Technical team of the senior national team, the Black Stars, upon a broad consultation, has maintained Andre Ayew as captain of the side," the GFA published on their official website.

"The Swansea City attacker who led Ghana to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, maintains his position as leader of the team despite changes at the technical realm of the senior national team.

"In a related development, Thomas Teye Partey of Atletico Madrid has been appointed as first vice-captain while Richard Ofori steps in as second vice-captain.

"The trio will lead the team as the Black Stars go through the remaining Africa Cup of Nation qualifiers as well as the qualifying games for the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar and subsequent tournaments."

Initially deputy Ghana skipper, Ayew was handed the Ghana armband by then Black Stars coach James Kwasi Appiah ahead of the 2019 Afcon in Egypt.

Appiah also named Asamoah as deputy skipper.

Ayew's promotion happened under controversial circumstances as predecessor Asamoah Gyan sensationally retired from international football over his displeasure after being stripped of the captaincy.

The former Sunderland forward, who was instead handed the more advisory 'general captain' role usually held by a senior member of the team, however, rescinded his retirement decision and joined the Black Stars squad for Afcon.

The tournament ultimately ended in a disappointing Round of 16 elimination for the four-time champions.

In the twilight of their careers, 34-year-old Gyan and deputy skipper Kwadwo Asamoah, 31, have both not received a call-up since the continental showpiece in Egypt over a year ago, prompting rumours about a near-end of their international careers and an imminent makeover in the Black Stars leadership positions.

Akonnor replaced Appiah as new Ghana coach in January but he is yet to lead the team into action in nine months owing to the international calendar disruptions by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Black Stars will return to action with an Afcon qualifying double-header against Sudan in November.

 Naif Aguerd and Zinedine Ferhat found the back of the net as Rennes secured a 4-2 victory over Nimes in Sunday’s Ligue 1 game.

Morocco international Aguerd teamed up with the Roazhon Park outfit in August from rivals Dijon and has been in fine form for the club.

The defender was afforded his third appearance at Stade des Costieres and gave a good account of himself, helping the Red and Blacks secure their second win of the season.

Algeria midfielder Ferhat also opened his season account but his effort was not enough to help Nimes avoid defeat.

Sehrou Guirassy ignited the glut of goals for Rennes as early as the 12th minute of the encounter before Andres Cubas levelled proceedings in the 36th minute.

Guirassy scored his second in the match four minutes later after he was set up by Flavien Tait to restore the lead for the Roazhon Park outfit.

Ten minutes into the second half, Ferhat equalized for Nimes after receiving a timely square pass from Birger Meling.

Aguerd then notched in a fine effort in the 72nd minute of the encounter, when he volleyed into the back of the net after he was set up by Benjamin Bourigeaud.

Bourigeaud scored a goal of his own at the death after receiving a through ball from Romain Del Castillo to seal his side’s victory.

Ferhat and Aguerd featured for the duration of the game while Moroccan midfielder Yassine Benrahou, who was on parade for Nimes, played for 80 minutes before he was replaced.

Mali international Hamari Traore played for 79 minutes before making way for Brandon Soppy, and did enough to help his side secure all three points while his teammate M’baye Niang was not listed for the game.

Nimes will take on Lyon in their next league game while Rennes will square off against Henry Onyekuru’s Monaco on September 18 and 19, respectively.

Ferhat has seven caps for Algeria while Aguerd has featured five times for Morocco since he made his international debut against Albania in August 2018.