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Football is back and in a big way! With just one week left to go before Liverpool look to start the defence of their title, Astro sparked new excitement with the big announcement that they will be showing all 380 matches live.

The new season that will kick off on 12 September 2020 at 7:30 p.m Malaysia time at Craven Cottage with the match between Fulham and Arsenal will see Astro continue their unparalleled coverage of the best and most exciting football league in the world.

In what has been a difficult year for live sports because of the global pandemic, Astro has been able to ready themselves for the new challenge. In years past, Astro has always brought big-name pundits and former Premier League players to the Malaysian shore to beef up their coverage but has now look to a more digital way to captivate audiences.

Euan Smith, Group Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer, TV of Astro enthused about the brand new prospect of alternative solutions like live match coverage with pundits on the other side of the world via video conferencing as they look to go beyond the boundaries of a normal studio production.

“Sports fans are some of our most engaged and enthusiastic viewers. With live sports making their return, Astro is back stronger and more excited than ever to serve Malaysian sports fans with the biggest sporting events from around the world. And there’s no bigger and more exciting football league than the Premier League,” said Smith during the launch on Thursday.

“Besides providing the most comprehensive coverage, we are taking football viewing to the next level with our Ultra Box and Broadband offering live matches in unparalleled 4K UHD. Customers need never miss a sporting moment with our Astro GO companion apps, streaming exclusive Premier League programmes on demand wherever and whenever they wish.

“We’re mindful that, as we navigate the ongoing global situation it is vital for Astro to find new ways to engage customers and sports fans virtually. We see headroom for growth in sports, and are pushing hard on new ways to drive value and revenue in the digital space.”

It’s was a measure highlighted by a special event during the launch which saw former Manchester United captain and current TV pundit, Gary Neville dialing in from England for 30-minute long discussion on all things Premier League.

When asked about whether Liverpool have the capacity to retain the title, the former England international was quick to point out that it will be hard to see the same two teams fighting for the coveted title in the 2020/21 season.

“It’s so amazing to see Liverpool do what they did last season. They have been brilliant for two years and you have to give credit to Jürgen Klopp. But it’s hard to win back-to-back titles and only Manchester City have done that in the last 12 years,” said Neville.

“Liverpool can do it and they’ve got the talent. I think if they could sign Thiago (Alcantara), it would make them very strong again. But I do think they need the one signing to give the squad a stimulus because the boys have been together for a few years now.

“I think Manchester City will be the strongest team again this year and they will be revitalised under Pep Guardiola.”

Astro’s coverage for the Premier League will see all 380 matches being shown live on their platform whether that’s TV on mobile app, Astro Go. Additionally, fans can also watch selected matches on 4K UHD.

Just like they have done in previous years, Astro remains the one-stop place for all the biggest sports action with fans able to catch LaLiga, Serie A, Ligue 1, Formula 1, Moto GP, UFC, NBA and many more on their platforms.

Find out more about the Astro Sports Pack at https://promotions.astro.com.my/details/getsports

Last year's Indian Super League (ISL) finalists Chennaiyin FC are set to have a new man at the helm in the 2020-21 season after Csaba Laszlo was unveiled as their head coach last Sunday.

The 56-year-old coach is highly experienced and has travelled around the world, having been in charge of the Lithuanian and Ugandan national teams apart from clubs like Dundee United, Hearts and Ferencvaros.

The Hungarian succeeds Owen Coyle under whom the Marina Machans had a fairy tale sort of run to the final of the ISL while playing an attacking brand of football. As such, a lot of the chatter around Laszlo's appointment was on what he will bring to the table as far as playing style is concerned.

Laszlo has already seen how the team performed during the 2019-20 season and feels that he might not tinker too much straightaway.

"I am a coach who has been around the world. So, I have to adapt to the circumstances of the team apart from the team adapting to my methods too. The team will stay together for almost six months which is good," Laszlo told Goal.

"The team already has a style. They achieved a lot last season. The most important thing is that the players should understand me and vice versa. I don't want to change too much. It might be the wrong way. But we will change certain things that need to be changed but we will keep the good things," he added.

However, organisation and discipline are two characteristics Laszlo says he wants his team to have. The former Hungary assistant coach, however, explains that the insistence on discipline does not mean his team will sacrifice creativity and spontaneity in attack.

"Generally, I’m a coach who wants discipline inside and outside the field. I want a team that will fight for every point in every game. My team will be organised and knows what they need to do. I also want my players to show creativity and innovation on the field.

"Of course, my tactical shape and style might differ according to different teams because we need to adapt at times."

Laszlo has already identified the need to find reinforcements for Lucian Goian and Nerijus Valskis who had good seasons with the club last time out. Goian scored a few important goals as well while Valskis truly found his scoring boots under Coyle. The Lithuanian striker ended up scoring 15 goals and won the ISL Golden Boot before switching over to Jamshedpur FC.

The coach also feels the club needs to find someone in the mould of Andre Schembri who was an understated but key part of the attack last season. The Maltese forward retired from his professional career after the 2019-20 campaign.

"I took the opportunity to watch the games from last season. I know there were some key players. There was Goian who was the captain and leader. We have to replace him. We had a striker leave. We need a good goalscorer like Valskis.

"And we have to replace Schembri who was very important last season with his innovativeness and goals even when he came from the bench. He was a player who sacrificed himself for the team. We have to find such a player."

The coach was highly appreciative of the club management and feels they are moving in a focused manner in the transfer market. He feels that new additions should be secured soon.

"I think the reaction from the club was good when I spoke with them. The club is very professional. The owners and directors and staff members who were involved in this have done a professional job. We have to find replacements for players in the key positions. We are working on it  and I hope we can present some important names in one week.

"We are moving in a focused manner," he added.

It's all starting to take shape at the top of the table as Johor Darul Ta'zim increased their lead over Terengganu FC. Watch the full highlights below!

Afiq Fazail got the ball rolling midway through the first half before JDT punished Perak to lead 4-0 at the break, after which The Bos Gaurus were left completely deflated.

Melaka 1-0 Terengganu FC

Melaka snapped TFC's two-match winning run as a solitary Uche Agba goal was enough to condemn the visitors to a defeat on the road.

It was a good day for B. Sathinathan as his boys came from behind to snatch a vital win over the Rhinos, thanks to a brace from Ifedayo Olusegun.

West Ham United captain Mark Noble has expressed his anger after Gary Diangana left the club to join newly-promoted West Bromwich Albion on a five-year contract.

Friday's move brought an end to Diangana's 10-year stay in London having joined West Ham Academy at the age of 12.

The 22-year-old joined West Brom on a season-long loan last summer after struggling to break into the Hammers' first-team, and he made a commanding statement with his return of eight goals in 30 Championship outings as Slaven Bilic's side returned to the English top-flight for the 2020-21 campaign.

Diangana’s departure, however, did not go down well with West Ham stars as captain Noble took to social media to voice his displeasure over the exit of a ‘great kid’. His comment was liked by teammate Declan Rice and former player Trevor Sinclair.

“As captain of this football club I’m gutted, angry and sad that Grady has left, great kid with a great future!!,” Noble tweeted.

Although the transfer fee was undisclosed by the Hammers, the club assured the funds would be used to strengthen David Moyes’ team for the new Premier League campaign.

“The decision to sell Grady has been made reluctantly but – ultimately – in the best interests of the Club and with the aim to strengthen the squad in different areas at this time," West Ham said in a statement.

"The money received for Grady will be reinvested entirely in the team, in line with the manager’s targets. We believe that this will give us the best possible chance of ensuring we have a balanced squad to compete in the Premier League and capable of reaching our objectives and ambitions this season.”

“Everyone at West Ham United would like to thank Grady for his service and commitment to the Club, and wish him all the very best in his future career.”

Diangana was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and he joined his family to move to London at the age of four.

He is yet to be invited by the African country but he has featured for England U20 and U21 teams in the last two years.

Former Super Eagles and 3SC defender Ajibade Babalade is confirmed to have died of cardiac arrest in Ibadan on Friday.

He died at the age of 48 and he was the team manager of Nigeria National League outfit Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) before his demise.

Babalade played for the Nigeria national team in the 90s and he was part of the team that won bronze at the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal.

At the club level, he had playing stints in South Korea, Ivory Coast, Austria, Nigeria and India before calling time on his career in 2005.

The ex-Nigeria defender also played in the Caf Champions League final with 3SC in 1996 but they lost to Egyptian Premier League side Zamalek.

During his stint in Austria with Sturm Graz, Babalade played in the Uefa Champions League before returning to 3SC in 2004 and he ended his career in India with Mohun Bagan AC a year later.

“We are sad to announce the shock demise of former Super Eagles defender Ajibade Babalade. Babalade died of cardiac arrest today in Ibadan. May his gentle soul Rest In Peace. Our prayers are with his family,” the NFF tweeted.

His former club, Stationery Stores also took to social media to pay tribute to him.

Harambee Starlets captain Dorcas Shikobe and her counterpart Janet Budi have reportedly joined Yanga Princess.

The duo has made the rumoured moves just a few days after Harambee Starlets full-back Wincate Kaari had joined the Tanzanian Women Premier League side.

With Kaari's move already confirmed by Yanga Princess, Shikobe and Budi will have to wait for the procession of their International Transfer Certificates (ITC) to formalise the said transfers.

Initially, Bertha Omita had signed a deal with Simba Queens although her club Kisumu Starlets were not keen to let the forward cross the border and sign for the Tanzanian champions.

“Harambee Starlets have registered stellar performances and as a result, our players are being scouted internationally. Our target is to qualify for the 2021 African Women Nations Cup [AWCON] and 2023 Women World Cup,” Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Nick Mwendwa told NTV on Friday.

Should Shikobe and Budi complete the moves, it would mean five Kenyans have joined Tanzanian clubs in 2020. Bolton Omwenga was signed by Biashara United whereas Joash Onyango joined Simba SC.

Meanwhile, Young Africans (Yanga SC) used $400,000 (TSh924M) to acquire new players in the Mainland Premier League August transfer window.

Mwanaspoti - with reports from an unnamed Yanga official - claim the new players will also enjoy huge salaries compared to the ones who were released.

The 27-time Premier League champions signed 12 players and have now a playing unit consisting of 27 players. The publication reports that Mukoko Tonombe and Tuisila Kisinda - both from AS Vita of the Democratic Republic of Congo - were the most expensive of the stars that were signed.

Tonombe and Kisinda impressed during the match against Aigle Noir of Burundi – and the latter indeed scored one of the two goals at the Wiki ya Wananchi celebrations at the Benjamin William Mkapa Stadium. It is understood Yanga splashed TSh250,000 million on the pair.

Carlos 'Carlinhos' Fernandes from Petro Atletico of Angola, former Asante Kotoko star Yacouba Sogne and Ghanaian Michael Sarpong are understood to have also cost the club a considerable amount of money.

Going by the number of foreigners they have signed, it means Yanga still have two slots to accommodate non-Tanzanians remaining.

It has been reported Timu ya Wananchi would fill the void with a foreigner in the next transfer window whereas the remaining slot will be given to the new coach Zlatko Krmpotic to bring a player of his choice.

Simba SC will have to do without three key players when they take on Ihefu FC in their Mainland Premier League opener on Sunday.

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi, who will be seeking to win a fourth straight league title this campaign, will start the season against the promoted side in a match set for Sokoine Stadium.

However, they will have to navigate the fixture without three players – defender Pascal Wawa, winger Luis Miquissone, and striker Chris Mugalu – who have been ruled out owing to various reasons.

According to Simba coach Sven Vandenbroeck, new signing Mugalu had travelled back home to Zambia to sort out family issues and though he has returned to Dar es Salaam, he will not be ready for the match while Wawa and Miquissone have fitness issues.

“[Mugalu] requested to visit his native home and sort out some family issues and we gave him permission, he has already returned to Dar es Salaam but I will not have him in the squad for the league opener, I want him to have enough rest for the next match,” Vandenbroeck told Goal on Friday.

“Pascal [Wawa] and Miquissone were left in Dar es Salaam with our fitness coach, they are not fit and ready and so they are all working hard to come back into the squad, we will check them again when we return to Dar es Salaam.”

Mugalu is among the new players who were signed by Simba in the just-concluded transfer window with the others being Joash Onyango from Kenya’s Gor Mahia, Bernard Morrison from Yanga, Charles Ilamfia from KMC, David Kameta from Lipuli FC, and Ibrahim Ame from Coastal Union.

Simba have enjoyed a good pre-season, winning all their friendly matches including the 2-0 win against Vital’O of Burundi during the Simba Day celebration at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

Simba's rivals Yanga will start the new season with a match against Tanzania Prisons, Namungo, who booked a place in the Caf Confederation Cup by virtue of reaching the FA Cup final, will host Coastal Union at Majaliwa Stadium while another promoted side Gwambina FC will start their journey with a game against Biashara at Karume Stadium.

Opening fixtures; Namungo vs Coastal - Majaliwa, Lindi, Biashara vs Gwambina - Karume, Mara, Ihefu vs Simba - Sokoine, Mbeya, Mtibwa vs Ruvu Shooting - Gairo, Morogoro, Yanga vs Prisons - Mkapa, Dar, KMC vs Mbeya City - Uhuru, Dar and Azam vs Polisi Tanzania - Azam Complex.

Chelsea have completed the signing of Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth a £70 million ($91m) including add-ons.

The Blues will pay almost the entire fee up front but with a small proportion coming in add-ons after successfully negotiating down the £90m ($118m) asking price with the Bundesliga outfit.

Havertz, 21, has penned a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge having been convinced to join the club after more than two months of talks.

"I am very happy and proud to be here," Haverz told Chelsea's official website. "For me it is a dream come true to play in a big club like Chelsea and I can’t wait to meet all the players and the trainers. Yeah, I am very happy to be here!"

The Germany international becomes the latest addition to Frank Lampard’s squad with more than £200m ($260m) spent this summer in west London.

Deals for Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner got the ball rolling for the Blues, and the club have also added Ben Chilwell, Malang Sarr and Thiago Silva in a summer full of major additions.

Chelsea fans can revel in the fact that Havertz will be turning out for them in 2020-21, with plenty of excitement surrounding the arrival of the talented playmaker.

Many have already tipped him to make a positive impression in English football, with another sizeable show of faith from Roman Abramovich having allowed Chelsea to fend off a number of European rivals and secure a much sought-after signature.

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added: "Kai is one of the best players of his age in world football, so we are very happy that his future lies at Chelsea. He has proven pedigree in one of the best leagues in Europe, he plays for the German national side and he is an exciting, dynamic talent.

"We are delighted to be able to add his versatility and quality to the squad before the season begins."

Having finished in fourth place last season, Chelsea will be expected to be much closer to runaway champions Liverpool in the upcoming 2020-21 campaign, as well as mounting a challenge in the Champions League. 

When Brentford lost the Championship Playoff final against Fulham in July, the consensus was that key components of the Bees’ strong 2019/20 season to depart. In fairness, maybe one in particular: Said Benrahma.

Regardless of an underwhelming performance against their West London neighbours, the Algerian was still expected to leave the second tier, as there was a feeling that he’d outgrown that division. There was disappointment over that game vs Scott Parker’s side owing to a failure to show his true quality when it mattered, despite punishing the same team a month earlier in the league.

Still, over a month after Brentford’s loss in that decider which would have seen them play in the Prem for the first time in their history, the North African remains at the Brentford Community Stadium.

Indeed, this is the opposite of what observers expected when reports suggested capital clubs Arsenal and Chelsea were waiting for the season to end before battling for the hugely talented 25-year-old.

For now, neither the Gunners nor the Blues have made a move for Benrahma, but why haven’t they or any of the top sides in the Premier League made concerted efforts to snap up the attacker?

For Arsenal, it’s fairly complicated.

Mikel Arteta’s side opted to bring in Willian on a free transfer after his Chelsea contract expired when they could have considered a long-term option in the North African. This is understandable owing to the financial realities of most sides due to the coronavirus, which meant choosing to pay the Brazilian’s wages alone as opposed to splurging on a transfer fee as well as high wages for the talent was a long shot.

Maybe the club also balked at the idea of a player without top flight experience in England commanding a high transfer fee. So, the North London side, like many others currently cash strapped have chosen to be thrifty in the market.

Their apparent lack of funds to spend has been evident in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid man Thomas Partey, with both sides said to be far apart in their valuation of the Ghana midfielder. Despite a relatively cheap £43 million release clause in the West African’s contract, a pandemic-hit window means the Gunners haven’t struck a deal.

Curiously, there have been reports insinuating that the Gunners are looking to sell a few fringe players to fund the transfer of the all-round defensive midfielder. If this is indeed the case, a move to London Colney may be impossible, this summer at least.

As for the Blues, the sheer sum already pumped in this transfer window on attacking talent means a move for Benrahma was near impossible.

Given Frank Lampard's team already have Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi as natural widemen, as well as Timo Werner and record signing Kai Havertz as further options in the wide roles, moving for Benrahma when other areas need addressing, is going to be misguided.

So, if Arsenal and Chelsea are unlikely to happen, what about Liverpool, Manchester City or Manchester United?

Liverpool, despite being champions, are unexpected to make a move as it stands. Jurgen Klopp’s troops lost out on Werner to Chelsea due to financial restrictions, and are also struggling to sign Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich for similar reasons.

Therefore, unless one of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah or Roberto Firmino departs for big money, the world champions are unlikely to swoop for Benrahma.

For City, regardless of a willingness to spend this summer, already have Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez, Bernardo Silva and new buy Ferran Torres to feature in the wide positions. Phil Foden, like Silva, is capable of playing in a midfield three or on the flanks, so Pep Guardiola looks to have those positions filled for now.

With United, it looks viable, in theory. However, the Manchester giants have prioritised a move for Jadon Sancho this summer and may not consider the Brentford man as an alternative. Also, despite being adept as a right winger, the fact Benrahma played his best football on the left last season may put the Red Devils off in striking a deal for the playmaker.

Nevertheless, it is an option Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could consider due to how the side suffered last season because of a lack of quality replacements outside their starting line-up. With Benrahma, United will not only have someone capable of starting consistently but also one capable of making an impact off the bench.

In truth, if none of these top Premier League clubs come in for the Bees’ attacker who netted 17 goals and set up eight last season, it leaves him at a crossroads to either play another season with Brentford or join a lesser side in England’s top division.

Given the maverick will have one year left on his current deal in another 12 months, it could represent a win-win for player and club if their talisman stays, as he could get a dream move to one of the aforementioned sides in a year and help Thomas Frank’s side have another go at gaining promotion in 20/21.

Potentially signing for a club outside the heavyweights may be ill-advised as such a transfer will leave him on a long-term four-to-five year deal, possibly putting bigger sides off. At 25, the Algerian is prepared to take the leap to play at the highest level, and a transfer to a club outside the league’s primary challengers possibly rules this out for him.

Without question, it is surprising that Benrahma hasn’t moved despite a remarkable campaign with Brentford last term. In a pandemic-hit universe, maybe there’s some merit to having him wait another year with the Bees and then hopefully secure that big move he deserves in 12 months.

Rwandan striker Meddie Kagere has left Simba SC fans guessing on his future after a message he posted on his social media pages.

The former Gor Mahia striker, who has won two Golden Boot awards since he signed for the Wekundu wa Msimbazi from the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions, has delivered a message which has left the fans divided and not sure what the future of the player holds at the club.

“Was such a great season with great achievements for the club Simba SC, the technical team and players,” Kagere wrote on his Twitter handle. “Thanks to Haji Manara and the Simba fans for the respect and trust u always have for me. Hoping for the best 2020-2021.”

Most fans believe from the message, Kagere, who has been linked with a move to APR of Rwanda, has simply said goodbye to the club while others feel he will be at the club for the new season which kicks off on Sunday.

“Maybe you are saying bye and on your way coming home, have a safe journey,” wrote Eulade Mahirwe.

On Wednesday, social media was awash with news that Kagere had confronted his coach Sven Vandebroeck in training on Tuesday, after the team arrived in Mbeya from Arusha, where they beat Namungo FC 2-0 to lift the Community Shield.

However, they both came out to deny the reports with Vandebroeck saying he doesn’t have any problem with the striker and does not know where the news came from.

“I can't use powers on my players and on unnecessary things that I don't know where they come from,” Vandenbroeck was quoted saying by Simba’s social media pages.

“I don't have a problem, Meddie [Kagere] has no problem that's what I can say.”

On his part, Kagere rubbished the reports, terming them as baseless and pointed a finger at his enemies who are out to tarnish his name.

“I have heard the rumours going around about me, and they are not true at all, all those rumours are just aimed at spoiling my good name and that is why I have never replied to such stories,” said Kagere.

“First, they came up with stories. I used charm but I kept silent, and now they have said I fought with my coach which is not true, I am shocked and saddened with such reports and have kept asking myself when and where did I fight with my coach?”

Earlier on Wednesday, Simba information officer Haji Manara also waded into the issue and dismissed the reports, claiming Simba did not train on Tuesday as the players were already tired after arriving from Mwanza.

“Here in Simba it is all happiness all the time and when people want to make us sad they come up with cooked stories, nothing like that happened, at no time did [Kagere] and [Sven] fight each other or confront each other,” Manara told Sokaletu.

“All those are big lies being used to divert the attention that Simba won a trophy on Sunday, they just want to spoil our party and at the same time imply that there are problems in Simba, we don’t have any problems, we are a happy family, they want to provoke us and we are not ready to be provoked.

“The coach requested all the players to have a rest, they were all resting and none went to training, so I am wondering when did it happen and where? We know them [the traitors] they are back again with lies but we will not buy that.”

Kagere joined Simba from Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions Gor Mahia in 2018 and went on to win the Golden Boot in the first season when he managed 24 goals and repeated the feat last season when he scored 23 goals.

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi will open their league campaign with a clash against promoted side Ihefu FC at Sokoine Stadium on Saturday.

Sven Vandenbroeck has already achieved a great deal at Tanzanian giants Simba SC.

Of course, the key achievement of his tenure so far is the treble the local heavyweights clinched last term, as they chalked off the Community Shield, Tanzanian title and domestic FA Cup during a dominant campaign.

Beneath those successes, however, came the Belgian’s own personal redemption story in African football.

The 40-year-old was a member of the Cameroon backroom staff—under his compatriot Hugo Broos—who won the Africa Cup of Nations with the Indomitable Lions in 2017, and got his first major job as a number one off the back of that when he was appointed Zambia coach in 2018.

It was a golden opportunity for the former Roda JC defensive midfielder; few young coaches get their first chance to make a mark as a head coach with a side who had won the Africa Cup of Nations within the previous six years.

Of course, Zambia had struggled to build on that success, but under Wedson Nyirenda during the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign, there had been various bright sparks and reason for optimism.

Indeed, Nyirenda was unfortunate not to get the opportunity to follow through with those successes, as the Chipolopolo finished second in qualifying Group B—ahead of both Algeria and Cameroon, Africa’s champions in 2019 and 2017.

This was an exciting young Zambia team, complete with talents such as Enoch Mwepu, Patson Daka, Brian Mwila and Justin Shonga.

Vandenbroeck’s task was to help these youngsters integrate further into the fold, and qualify the Southern Africans for the 2019 Afcon.

He failed…emphatically…finishing bottom of a fairly straightforward group containing Guinea-Bissau, Namibia and Mozambique. It was a dire failure, and had bitter consequences for Vandenbroeck, who duly left his post after initially being placed on ‘administrative leave’ by FAZ.

Needless to say, his departure wasn’t mourned by a nation who were comfortably the biggest to have missed out on the first-ever 24-team Afcon.

Considering his miserable tenure with Zambia, he landed on his feet when he was appointed by serial Tanzanian champions Simba in December.

Vandenbroeck’s predecessor, Patrick Aussems, was dispatched in November after reportedly leaving the club without getting permission during an international break.

In truth, the Belgian was already on borrowed time with Simba, having crashed out of the Caf Champions League in the preliminary round at the hands of Mozambique’s UD Songo, but while there was definitely work for Vandenbroeck to do, it was clear that the Tanzanians’ assets were better than what their performances had suggested.

Over the subsequent months, the new boy consolidated the positive elements of the squad, and got the best out of the likes of Meddie Kagere, Clautous Chama and new arrival Luis Miquissone, who had been part of the Songo side that had ousted Simba from Caf competitions.

Another key figure was Kenya’s Francis Kahata; a new arrival under Aussems, Vandenbroeck gave him licence to run the show in the final third, and Simba duly romped to the title.

At 29, Kahata’s chances of another shot at European football are behind him, but he remains a delight to watch in the Tanzanian top flight, ending the season with six goals and six assists.

Similarly, John Bocco thrived under Vandenbroeck, having missed much of the latter portion of Aussems’ tenure with a knee injury.

He bagged nine goals during the second half of the season, and was a shock omission from the final shortlist for the Tanzanian Player of the Year award.

Vandenbroeck has put together a fine side, and fully deserved all of the plaudits that came his way during the run-in.

There was some speculation that he would depart the club during the offseason, with Vandenbroeck acknowledging that he wasn’t certain he’d be with the side into the new campaign when asked by reporters.

He also appears reinvigorated, and keen for Simba to thrive both domestically and on the continent this term.

“If we manage to keep our squad fit throughout the season then I don’t have any doubts that we will be crowned champions again,” Vandenbroeck told journalists.

“We have signed very quality players, a very good addition to our squad, but we have to make sure that they are fit to see through the season, injuries can sometimes spoil your plans, and we hope they will be able to see through the season.”

There have been reinvestments, Kenya’s Joash Onyango will immediately boost the defensive unit, particularly if he can replicate the performances he showed alongside the likes of Harun Shakava and Charles Momanyi at Gor Mahia.

The arrival of the controversial Bernard Morrison following his troubled tenure with arch-rivals Young Africans SC represents a gamble, and while things could implode spectacularly, the Ghanaian could be a massive asset if Vandenbroeck can get the best out of him.

Morrison joins a squad that has been lauded for its unity, although the Belgian has recently had to dispel rumours of a rift with Rwanda’s Kagere following speculation that the duo had squared off during training on Tuesday following the Community Shield triumph over Namungo FC.

It’s an unwanted headline ahead of the start of the new campaign this weekend, and Vandenbroeck will be hoping it’s the last of the unwanted subplots during a season which will doubtless be more demanding than last term considering the desire to impress on the continent as well as domestically.

The Belgian has achieved great things in Tanzania, and turned his career in African football around following that disastrous spell in Zambia…but can he build on that fine first year in Tanzania?

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has confirmed that the club are trying to sign Sokratis Papastathopoulos from Arsenal.

The 32-year-old centre-back joined the Gunners from Borussia Dortmund in 2018, but featured just 19 times in the Premier League last term.

Sokratis is in the final 12 months of his deal with Mikel Arteta's team and they are open to selling him ahead of the new campaign, with the likes of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba having been introduced into the first-team squad.

Napoli have emerged as top contenders to land the defender and De Laurentiis confirmed they hope to bring him to Italy, but says the transfer market is unpredictable.

"We're working on it," he said to Radio Kiss Kiss. "The transfer market is a laugh. In the world of football, balls swell out of proportion, it seems that you are talking to people who are blackmailers."

But the Napoli chief has admitted that he has been unnecessarily stubborn when it comes to keeping the Serie A side's top players, citing midfielder Allan and centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly as examples.

Allan looks set to reunite with ex-Napoli coach Carlo Ancelotti at Everton while Koulibaly has long been a target for Manchester City, among others.

"They are two excellent players, but I should have sold them first," he said when asked if the pair will be sold in this transfer window. 

"I didn't sell the Brazilian midfielder to protect Ancelotti. When I was offered €110 million, I was unfair not to sell Koulibaly to the Premier League. 

"I realised that you have to give up the players when the time is right, even if they have only been with us for just a year.

"From now on, when there are important offers, we will sell. I understand that in this country, which guarantees nothing, you have to live for the day. 

"When I was offered €110 million I was unfair to the fans. Same thing with Allan, even if there he was a sort of protection for Ancelotti."

He continued: "I think [Allan to Everton] is all done. I don't know if there is a signature or not, you have to ask [CEO Andrea] Chiavelli."

Nathan Ake claims Manchester City have snapped him up in a £40 million ($53m) deal to cover “three positions” within Pep Guardiola’s squad.

The Blues moved to acquire the versatile Netherlands international after seeing Bournemouth relegated out of the Premier League.

Ake’s services had been much sought-after long before the Cherries found themselves sliding back into the Championship.

They were never going to be able to retain his services once they tumbled into the second tier, with City moving quickly to position themselves at the front of a transfer queue.

Guardiola was thought to have made that move in a bid to find a suitable successor to Vincent Kompany at the heart of his back four.

Defensive issues held City back at times in 2019-20, with Ake viewed as a long-term option to fill a centre-half berth at the Etihad Stadium.

The 25-year-old is, however, capable of operating at left-back and in a holding midfield post, with the Dutchman suggesting that he could be asked to fill a number of roles for his new employers.

Speaking to Voetbal International, Ake said of his discussions with Guardiola and life in Manchester: “We talked about normal life first. That includes everything - family and how we are as people. That was easy and automatic. It is nice to get to know someone like this, for him too.

“Then it was about [the fact] that I can play in multiple positions. They are happy with that and they told me that. I think it’s a bonus that I can play football in three positions.

“I think we had a good conversation with each other. There was a warm feeling that felt good right away.”

Ake is currently away on international duty with the Netherlands, as they prepare to open their UEFA Nations League campaign against Poland on Friday.

They also have an outing against Italy to come on Monday, before a star-studded squad then breaks up and the players return to their domestic clubs.

Ake will be hoping to hit the ground running at City, with Guardiola’s side set to make a slightly delayed start to their 2020-21 Premier League when taking in a trip to Wolves on September 21.

Scott McTominay never allowed his head to drop during injury struggles at Manchester United in 2019-20, with the Scot saying “you’re only mugging yourself off” if you do not work hard to bounce back stronger than before.

The 23-year-old did just that last season after finding himself stuck on the sidelines around the turn of the calendar year.

An untimely knee problem kept McTominay out from Boxing Day to February 23, with 12 games missed in total.

With there fierce competition for places at Old Trafford, anybody who drops out of the side faces a tough task to get back in.

United academy graduate McTominay has, however, won the trust of Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during his time as a senior star in Manchester.

A positive attitude, along with no little ability, have made him a useful asset for the Red Devils, with every challenge put to him – on and off the pitch – being faced head on.

“Whenever it’s all going swimmingly, you’re playing every week and scoring a few goals here and there, it’s good. Then you get a setback and you have to react to that,” McTominay told the official podcast of the Scotland national team.

“You can’t hang your head and be disappointed about that. You have to think about when you’ll be back and set dates for yourself to push yourself back from injury as well as you can without re-injuring yourself.

“For me, injuries are part of football and you have to accept that. You’ll never go through your career without picking up a minor injury, or a longer-term injury. Everyone will have some troubles in their career, but that’s part and parcel of football.”

McTominay has battled hard to become part of the first-team fold at United and, with a close-knit support network around him, he is not about to give anything up without a fight.

He added: “A lot of that does come from the people you’ve got around you, your family… my mum and dad stayed at my house for two or three months when I got injured.

“They made sure I ate all the right foods, which I do anyway, checking if there’s anything you need. They’re the type of people who get you through stuff; always having someone there to speak to if you’re having a tougher time.

“For me, it went so quick from when I first got injured [in December] - my knee, that was 10 weeks - that went really quick because I had people around, coming to see me. You can’t really do much when you’re on crutches!

“The physios at the club were amazing and they pushed me every single day to my limits to get me back as quick as I could, and it shows when you come back to matches and you’re ready. You’re only mugging yourself off if you don’t come back in that way.”

Ex-Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper John Tlale has tipped Kaizer Chiefs to lift the Premier Soccer League (PSL) title on Saturday afternoon.

Sundowns and Chiefs are both looking to celebrate their 50th year anniversaries in style on the last day of the 2019/20 season.

On the other hand, the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations winner has also credited Bidvest Wits for their gallant fight and he also believes Orlando Pirates can still qualify for a continental competition.

“It’s such a difficult one, to be honest. I don’t know where to start looking at the title race. Chiefs have the advantage, their job is to make sure they don’t lose the game,” Tlale told Goal .

“If they lose to Baroka, Sundowns will gain the advantage, I think their clashes against Black Leopards and Baroka are not going to be easy. It’s tough but I think Chiefs will lift it.

“However, it will not be easy because Baroka can also upset Chiefs. Both teams [Sundowns and Chiefs] are not consistent and it becomes very difficult to predict. Sundowns played well to collect two wins in a row but losing to Baroka means anything is possible now. If I put my head on the block, I think Chiefs will take it."

Tlale also touched on the importance of having Itumeleng Khune back in the Chiefs team. 

"[Itumeleng] Khune is a good goalkeeper for the country and in the PSL, his return has definitely given Chiefs a massive boost," he added.

“Khune will always be the number one and his presence can motivate the defence and youngsters to focus and do well to lift this.”

With both clubs celebrating their 50th birthdays and tied on 53 points from 29 matches, Tlale has credited the title challengers for their dedication throughout the 2019/20 campaign whilst saying Bidvest Wits will end their campaign with integrity.

“I can only wish all the teams the best of luck because to have 53 points, both celebrate 50 years of existence means there’s a lot at stake,” continued the legend.

“I can also commend all the teams for the commitment and hard work because this has been the toughest season.

“It has literally gone to the wire. Whoever wins the title will definitely deserve it and if you look at a team like Wits, they have also given their best up to so far. I think they tried to ensure the clubs pulls down the curtain with integrity.

“For Pirates, they still can qualify for the Caf Confederation Cup, if they do well and win the three points tomorrow, they can still see them in Africa next season because it’s not over for them.”

As things stand, Pirates sit fourth on the log table with 49 points, Wits are placed fifth with as many points whilst SuperSport United occupy the third spot with 50 points.

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker is keen to mastermind another win over Orlando Pirates on Saturday. 

The two teams are set to wrap up their 2019/20 Premier Soccer League (PSL) campaigns at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg.

Stellies secured an impressive 1-0 win over the Buccaneers in the reverse fixture in October last year at Cape Town Stadium.

They will face a Pirates side which is hoping to finish in the top three as they are currently placed fourth on the league standings - a point behind third-placed SuperSport United.

“To do a double over Orlando Pirates will be a massive achievement for us,” said Barker on Daily Sun . 

“We also have a chance to finish in the top eight and we don’t want to regret but we want to go there and put up a good performance.

"We are going out guns blazing. We don’t have pressure, we can now play with freedom and we want to reward ourselves for this game.”

Stellies have caught the eye in their debut season in the top-flight league and they could qualify for next season's MTN8.

They are placed 10th on the league standings - two points behind eighth-placed Highlands Park, who will face AmaZulu FC on Saturday.

Stellenbosch played their home matches at either Athlone Stadium or the Cape Town Stadium this season. 

This was because their preferred venue, Idas Valley Stadium was deemed inadequate for the league's standards by the PSL.

The Western Cape side used the venue when they won promotion to the elite league from the National First Division (NFD) last season.

However, Danie Craven Stadium in the Stellenbosch University campus was refurbished and it is ready to host PSL games.

Barker, who has coached AmaZulu and the University of Pretoria in the PSL, explained that they are looking forward to playing in the campus next season.

“We have upgraded Danie Craven Stadium at the University of Stellenbosch and we’ll be using that as a home venue next season,” said Barker.

“It made extra tough for us as we started this league with seven games away and that was a tough period but we did come through it.

“We are looking forward to our home stadium next season, making it a tough environment for the opposition teams to come through.”

Former EFA vice-president Ahmed Shobier has revealed the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt has been misplaced by Egypt Football Federation.

The North Africans enjoyed great success in the continental tournament between 2006 and 2010, clinching the trophy three times as a result won the trophy permanently.

The missing of the trophy was discovered as the country was preparing to build a museum where the diadems will be displayed.

It was previously claimed former player Ahmed Hassan was in possession of the highly coveted trophy, which he denied vehemently.

Shobier, who is now a journalist, made the revelation during his programme while the federation have also confirmed the missing trophy as well.  

"The EFA started looking for some trophies as they aim to put them in a notable museum inside the EFA," Shobier said. 

"However, the EFA was surprised to find that the AFCON trophy was lost and decided to open an investigation.

"They were informed by an employee inside the association that it was held by former Egypt captain Ahmed Hassan who refuted this claim. Nobody knows where is the trophy at the time being."

Egypt are the most successful country in the competition, having won it seven times in 1957, 1959, 1986, 2006, 2008 and 2010.

Former Manchester United full-back Rafael has mocked Alexis Sanchez over his revelation that he wanted to leave the club after his first training session.

The Chile international joined the Red Devils from Arsenal in January 2018 during Jose Mourinho's time at the helm, but he was unable to hit his top form at Old Trafford.

Sanchez made just 32 appearances and scored three goals in the Premier League in his 18 months at the Red Devils and was subsequently loaned to Inter last August.

The former Barcelona star has since made a permanent move to the Serie A side and admitted in a video posted on Instagram this week that he immediately wanted to terminate his contract and return to the Gunners, where he scored 80 goals in 166 appearances and lifted the FA Cup twice.

Brazilian right-back Rafael has speculated about what went wrong for Sanchez at Old Trafford, suggesting paranormal activity may be to blame for his underwhelming performances.

Commenting on an Instagram post about Sanchez's remarks, the 30-year-old said: "Maybe he saw a ghost and get scared that's explain why he play so bad every time."

Despite a knee injury which kept him out for around three months last season, Sanchez has had an easier time at Inter than at United.

Although limited to just 10 starts and 12 appearances from the bench in the Italian top-flight, he netted four goals and chipped in with eight assists as Antonio Conte's men finished as runners-up behind Juventus.

The 31-year-old forward completed the switch to the San Siro side on a free transfer and signed a three-year deal with the Europa League finalists.

While Sanchez complained there was no family atmosphere at United, he said last month that he has found one in Milan and is happy at the club, while he is eager to guide the Nerazzurri to silverware.

"I'm hungry and I want to win - my goal is to make all our fans happy," he added. "I'm here to win, and I'm happy that I'm staying here at Inter!"