Looking for Soccer News?

Gaston Sirino scored the only goal of the game as Mamelodi Sundowns beat Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 in a top-of-the-table clash played in Soweto on Thursday.

Amakhosi went into this encounter leading the Brazilians by three points, but the win sees the two sides equal on points with only three games to go. 

The Soweto giants, however, continue to occupy the first position as they have a better goal difference than the Tshwane outfit. 

Ernst Middendorp made five changes to the side that played to a 1-1 draw with Stellenbosch, with players such as Erick Mathoho and Lebogang Manyama returning to the starting line-up.

Khama Billiat started on the bench as the Amakhosi technical team opted for the young Keletso Sifama on the right-hand side of the midfield. 

On the other hand, Pitso Mosimane brought back Themba Zwane on the left-hand side with Mosa Lebusa partnering Motjeka Madisha at the back. 

After a lively start to the encounter, Sundowns got the first chance to open the scoring through Lyle Lakay but the left-footer couldn't beat Daniel Akpeyi.

It was end-to-end stuff from the early stages, and Chiefs should have opened the scoring in the 13th minute when Bernard Parker was played through on goal but the veteran midfielder decided to pick a pass instead of taking a shot with only Kennedy Mweene to beat. 

Sundowns won a free-kick in a promising area six minutes later and Lakay stepped up to take it. However, Akpeyi came to the party, parrying the curling effort out for a corner for his first real save of the evening. 

It was all Sundowns afterwards as Chiefs struggled to put together more than five passes in the final third.

In fact, they created a few good chances with Lazarous Kambole also getting the chance to break the deadlock but failed to connect with the ball from the edge of the box. 

Sifama was tightly marked on the right-hand side, and he often found himself struggling to beat his markers but most importantly, there was an obvious lack of support from his teammates. 

Sirino would then break the deadlock with a superb goal in the 34th minute after being cleverly played through by Zwane. 

This was the last thing Chiefs needed, given that they had no Leonardo Castro and Samir Nurkovic to come and rescue them, but they will have themselves to blame after Willard Katsande had failed to clear the lines from the back. 

Sundowns went into the break leading Chiefs 1-0, and Middendorp had to make changes to his starting line-up to change his approach for the second half. 

Middendorp made three changes at the start of the second half, throwing in Khama Billiat, Dumisani Zuma and Anthony Akumu.

The trio changed the complexion of the game, as Chiefs started playing with purpose and knocked the ball around, looking better in the final third of the pitch.

The first chance of the second half went to Chiefs as Bernard Parker fired from the distance only to be denied by Mweene. 

Zuma had a chance to restore parity in the 52nd-minute after a good combination move that saw Chiefs get behind the Sundowns defence.  

However, Mweene produced a brilliat save, denying the Amakhosi attacker the chance to make it 1-1.

Soon afterwards, Sundowns went into defensive mode, crowding their midfield and defence and subsequently making it difficult for Amakhosi attackers and approach to want to score from set-pieces. 

Middendorp threw everything at Sundowns, with Mathoho pushing upfront to play as a striker. 

The lanky defender would come close to beating Mweene in the near post with a clever backheel but the Zambia international went down his right to keep the ball out. 

Sundowns soaked up the pressure, launched the ball forward and didn't do much attacking, especially after the introduction of Andile Jali and Lebohang Maboe. 

However, the only time they went forward nearly produced a goal after some sloppy defending from Akumu and Yagan Sasman, and Maboe was left kicking himself after his left-footed attempt rattled the upright. 

Ultimately, Sundowns won the match and moved level on 53 points with Chiefs going into the final three matches of the season.

Stoke City manager Michael O’Neill said John Obi Mikel’s fitness level will determine if he will be involved in League Cup first round outing against Blackpool on Saturday.

The former Super Eagles captain, who joined the Potters on a free transfer on August 17, scored his first goal for the Championship club on Tuesday during a pre-season friendly match against League One side Shrewsbury Town.

Mikel marked his first start for Stoke City with a goal and was on parade for 45 minutes before he was replaced at the break.

Ahead of Saturday’s match at the bet365 Stadium, O’Neill revealed that Mikel is still working on his fitness, having not played a competitive game since March, when he competed in the Turkish Super Lig with Trabzonspor.

The Northern Irish tactician also reserved praise for how the former Chelsea midfielder has settled in at the club.

“We have to consider where the players are in terms of their fitness," O’Neill said in a press conference. "If you look at John [Obi Mikel] for example, he’s not played since March because he terminated his contract at Trabzonspor.

“Steven (Fletcher) and Morgan (Fox) were still under contract at Sheffield Wednesday at that point in time. That means they are probably all in different places physically.

“John has settled in really well, trained really hard and we’ve just got to build up his fitness and his minutes.

“Morgan, we’ve been really pleased, and Fletch coming in as well. We can see their quality but we have to manage fitness wise in terms of overall fitness, match fitness and getting minutes in their legs.”

Mikel, a former League Cup champion at Chelsea, will be expected to help Stoke City progress to the second round of the competition.

After Saturday’s outing, O’Neill’s men will begin the 2020-21 Championship season with a trip to Millwall on September 12.

Cristiano Ronaldo's aim is to "conquer Italy, Europe and the world" with Juventus in 2020-21.

Juve ultimately had a somewhat underwhelming campaign in 2019-20 as, despite retaining their Serie A title, they failed to win the Coppa Italia and were knocked out of the Champions League in the last 16.

Even in the league, things were less comfortable than the champions are used to - after beating Napoli by 11 points in 2018-19, their winning margin was cut to just one by Antonio Conte's Inter.

The European defeat to Lyon earlier in August ultimately cost Maurizio Sarri his job , with Andrea Pirlo swiftly appointed as his replacement in what is the former Italy playmaker's first senior coaching role .

Ronaldo scored 37 goals across all competitions in his second season with the Bianconeri, and he has lofty goals for the next campaign.

"As I'm getting ready for my third season as a Bianconero, my spirit and ambition are as high as ever," Ronaldo posted on his official Instagram account.

"Goals. Victories. Commitment. Dedication. Professionalism. With all my strength and with the precious help from my team-mates and all of the Juventus staff, we work once again to conquer Italy, Europe and the world!

"Breaking records. Overcoming obstacles. Winning titles and achieving personal goals. To do more and better once and again. To reach higher and to succeed in all challenges that may come our way.

"Making every year into an adventure better than the one before and winning everything for our fans and supporters. To be the bearers of this amazing and unique passion that is Juventus, and to live up to its history, elevating our name, our values and our standards as high as possible."

Ronaldo rounded off the message with a rallying cry to the fans.

He wrote: "We are Juventus! We are the champions! We are back and stronger than ever! We are counting on you! All together! Fino Alla Fine!"

The new Serie A campaign will begin on September 19. Juventus are bidding to become the first team ever to win the Italian title 10 seasons running, with Inter and AC Milan the only other sides to have reached double figures for titles win in their entire history.

Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier has reiterated his ambition to construct a stadium for the club while in office.

K'Ogalo and their arch-rivals AFC Leopards were given lands within Nairobi to construct own complexes in 1991, but nothing has been achieved over the years due to financial constraints and encroachment.

“I have said it so many times but to many fans, it sounds just like a cliche,” Rachier said in a video on the club’s Facebook page. “We as an office are determined to have a stadium belonging to Go Mahia Football Club where we will not only be doing our training but also playing our home matches.

“We had been allocated land by one of our former Presidents that is Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi not once but on three different occasions. 

“In the first two occasions, the lands were invaded by squatters and now we hold a title without a land," he added. “There has been a lot of resistance, especially in the Embakasi land to remove people who had already constructed high rise buildings.

"So, again in 1998 following very fervent pleas from our patron Raila Odinga and others, we got land from the president at that time.”

The chair explained that the main impediment was lack of money to pay the outstanding land rates and start construction.

“This land requires payment and we have made a partial payment to the government and we intend to complete payment for the stand premium,” he added. “The land is 15 acres within Kasarani sporting complex and it has been duly surveyed and allocated a land reference number.

“It is not anything of a ghost we have the location, the allotment and an ideal plan and what remains is to complete payment so that a proper deed is issued by the land registrar in Nairobi.

“Following that, it is our dream which we want to come true," he continued. "We are seeking a strategic partner through a joint venture so that we may then construct not only a stadium but other facilities as will be advised.”

Rachier also spoke about the plan of securing a partner to construct housing units for their players. The players, at times, have always faced housing problems especially when their salaries delay and some have been evicted for defaulting to pay rents.

“One of the facilities that we are dreaming for is something that I have read where players of certain clubs are accorded housing,” he concluded. “You know that is a tall order in as far as our financial capacity is concerned and that is why I am talking about a strategic partner with whom we shall be able to enter into a joint venture."

Simba SC constructed modern housing units for their players that are situated near their Mo Arena training ground at Bunju.

Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has been ruled out of the contest for next month’s Ivory Coast Football Federation (FIF) presidential election.

On Thursday, the FIF Electoral Commission found the two-time African Footballer of the Year did not meet the criteria to become the head of the county's football governing body as he had not received enough nominations.

Earlier this month, Drogba was greeted by a large crowd when he submitted his electoral form to vie for the presidential seat at the FIF's office in Abidjan.

However, one of the irregularities found in the 42-year-old’s candidacy was that two of his sponsors were found to have also backed his opponent, FIF's first vice-president Sory Diabate. They are Ivorian top flight side Africa Sports and a body representing referees, AMAF-CI.

The removal of Africa Sports’ backing left Drogba with two nominations from Ligue 1 clubs, which means he did not meet the electoral requirements of having at least three from the 14 top-flight outfits.

Paul Koffi Kouadio is another candidate who had his bid rejected, leaving incumbent vice-president Diabate and former FIF vice-president Yacine Idriss Diallo as the two cleared for the vote.

Drogba and Kouadio, however, have a five-day window to appeal the electoral body’s verdict.

Thursday’s ruling dealt a further blow to the former Galatasaray and Marseille forward’s bid after the Ivory Coast Footballers Association (AFI) failed to support his candidacy.

The AFI’s negligence of Drogba has drawn condemnation from the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro) who suspended the body as a member of their organisation.

Former Barcelona and Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has also slammed the footballers’ body in the West African nation, accusing it of breaching its mission and obligation.

Drogba played for the Ivory Coast between 2002 and 2014 before calling time on his international career.

He is the country’s all-time top scorer with 65 goals after 105 games, the country’s third-highest tally of international appearances after Didier Zokora (123) and Kolo Toure (120).

He played at five Africa Cup of Nations tournaments (2006, 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2013) and three World Cups (2006, 2010 and 2014).

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta is ready to give midfielder Matteo Guendouzi another shot after the pair had a falling out last season.

Guendouzi hasn’t featured for the Gunners since a June 20 defeat to Brighton, a game in which he clashed with Seagulls striker Neal Maupay immediately after full-time.

That led to a reported bust-up between Arteta and Guendouzi, with the 21-year-old tipped to leave north London in the off-season due to irreconcilable differences with his manager.

However, speaking ahead of Saturday’s Community Shield against Liverpool at Wembley, Arteta revealed that he has offered Guendouzi a route back into the Gunners squad.

“I’ve been really clear that everybody starts from zero," Arteta said. "What you did two weeks ago or two years ago, doesn’t really matter. It’s what you are able to contribute to the team now.

“Everybody is going to have the same opportunities. They have to show with their performance their attitude that they are better than their teammates or somehow contributing with what we want to achieve this season."

Speaking about his conversations with Guendouzi, Arteta said: “To tell him exactly that he’s going to be part of the team and at the moment he’s like any other player in our squad. He deserves first of all to be treated exactly the same and I will do that to my best capability.”

Last month Arteta urged Guendouzi and Mesut Ozil to follow the example set by Granit Xhaka if the pair wanted to save their Arsenal careers.

Xhaka appeared to be on his way out of Arsenal after he was stripped of the club's captaincy in the aftermath of a clash with fans during a game against Crystal Palace on October 27.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was named captain after an incident in which Xhaka was seen to cup his ear in response to abuse from sections of the fanbase.

After he was dropped from the team, Xhaka was eventually reinstated and regained his starting position.

"He's a really good example for any player that is in a difficult moment that if you are willing, consistent and really want to do it generally, I think there's always a way back," Arteta said of the Swiss international.

Kaizer Chiefs striker Leonardo Castro has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a hamstring injury. 

The Colombian marksman injured himself during Amakhosi's 1-1 draw against Stellenbosch FC last weekend and had to be replaced by Samir Nurkovic in the first half.   

He was set to undergo a late fitness test ahead of the match against Mamelodi Sundowns but he failed it, forcing the medical team to advise Ernst Middendorp and his technical team not risk him in the remaining three matches of the season. 

Chiefs, who were defeated 1-0 by Mamelodi Sundowns in Thursday's top-of-the-table clash, confirmed the news about Castro's injury in a statement.

"Leonardo Castro won’t play either, as the Colombian is nursing a hamstring strain," read the statement. "He has since left the bubble and will not take part in the remaining matches of the current season." 

Ernst Middendorp also confirmed that Castro will not take part in any of the club's upcoming matches.  

"As I said earlier, Castro has left the bubble. He's struggling with a hamstring injury," Middendorp told the media. "So, his season is over." 

The injury to Castro is undoubtedly a massive blow to Amakhosi's title dreams given his immense contribution this season. 

He scored seven league goals in 16 appearances for the Naturena-based side prior to his injury setback. 

Middendorp will now have to improvise in the striking department as Castro formed a deadly partnership with Nurkovic, who missed the clash against Sundowns through suspension. 

However, the Serbian forward is expected to return against the Bidvest Wits this weekend, although it remains to be seen who will join him in attack.

The German mentor has a few options at his disposal with the likes of Lazarous Kambole, Khama Billiat and Lebogang Manyama capable of playing as strikers. 

However, both Billiat and Kambole have struggled in front of goal this season while Manyama played the Sundowns match with a heavily strapped thigh due to a suspected hamstring injury.

Despite losing on Thursday, a result which leaves both they and Sundowns level on 53 points, Chiefs remain in pole position in the title race due to their superior goal difference.

Luis Suarez has hit back at comments made by his former lawyer Alejandro Balbi that suggested the Uruguayan's future would be linked to that of Lionel Messi, with both players looking likely to leave Barcelona ahead of the 2020-21 season.

Messi recently rocked the football world with the revelation that he longer wishes to see out the remainder of his career at Camp Nou, expressing his desire to leave Barca amid one of the most tumultuous periods in the club's history.

Indeed, there have been widespread calls for club president Josep Maria Bartomeu to step down, with his time in office seen as a disaster both on and off the pitch.

The appointment of Ronald Koeman, a club legend, was seen as a move to appease players and fans, but the Dutch head coach is reported to have told Suarez to find a new team as he is not part of his long-term plans in Catalunya.

With the striker being close friends with Messi, a destructive fall-out ensued, with Balbi among those to have weighed in on where both Messi and his former client may end up come next season.

“Messi's future will have an influence on Suarez's because they are best friends, they get along on and off the pitch,” the lawyer claimed in an interview with TyC Sports. “There is a lot of brotherly love between Messi and Suarez, they are inseparable, always together.”

While there can be no doubting that Messi and Suarez, whose families have holidayed together several times, are indeed close friends, the latter took to social media on Thursday to distance himself from Balbi's comments.

“There are people talking about me or on my behalf when I have not had a relationship with them for years,” Suarez said. “When I need to speak, I'll speak for myself.”

Barcelona fans will want to hear from both Suarez and Messi sooner rather than later, with supporters having already been protesting outside of Camp Nou in the wake of recent developments.

While official news regarding Suarez's future may take time to appear, Messi himself is expected to address the public in the coming days regarding his decision to leave the club at which he has spent his entire senior career.

Chelsea have announced the signing of former Nice defender Malang Sarr on a five-year deal, with the 21-year-old set to spend the 2020-21 season out on loan to “gain valuable game time” in order to be ready for Frank Lampard's first-team squad.

Sarr can be deployed at centre-back in a back four, the left side of a back three or at full-back and was the subject of interest from Bayer Leverkusen, Schalke and unnamed Italian clubs. 

Arsenal were also understood to have been tracking the youngster, but opted not to offer him a deal as they eventually opted to move for Gabriel Magalhaes.

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said of the Blues' latest acquisition: “The opportunity to sign Malang was one we could not miss. He is a tremendous prospect and we will be monitoring him closely during his loan period, hoping he will soon be back at Chelsea. 

“We are very happy to welcome him to the club today.”

A graduate of Nice's youth academy, Sarr made the leap to the French side's first-team set-up at just 17 years old, scoring the only goal of the match on his debut in a 1-0 win over Rennes in August 2016.

A France Under-21 international of Senegalese descent, Sarr made a total of 119 appearances for Nice, bagging three goals along the way.

Sarr becomes Chelsea's fourth signing of the transfer window, with Hakim Ziyech having completed his move from Ajax, Timo Werner being brought in from RB Leipzig and Ben Chilwell making the switch from Leicester City.

It is unlikely that Sarr will be the Blues' final import of the summer, with a big-money move for Leverkusen's Kai Havertz thought to be nearing the final stages before he trades the Bundesliga for the English Premier League.

Furthermore, Chelsea are also on the brink of announcing the acquisition of former Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil captain Thiago Silva, with the veteran centre-back on the verge of joining the London club.

Chelsea begin their Premier League campaign on September 14 with a trip to Brighton, although Lampard's pre-season preparations have been thrown into disarray after eight members of his first-team squad were forced to self-isolate in line with the UK government's Covid-19 protocols.

Lionel Messi is capable of thriving alongside fellow Argentine Sergio Aguero at Manchester City, says Richard Dunne, with the six-time Ballon d’Or winner considered to be a “dream” signing for the Blues.

A switch to the Etihad Stadium for the mercurial South American could soon become a reality.

Messi is said to be pushing for a move away from Barcelona after growing disillusioned with the direction in which the Liga giants are heading on and off the field.

Few could tempt the 33-year-old away from Camp Nou, but City boast the financial muscle and sporting ambition to pursue the very best in the business.

Dunne admits that Messi falls into that category, with it exciting to think that an all-time great could potentially be plying his trade in the Premier League during the 2020-21 campaign.

A move to City would reunite him with former Barca boss Pep Guardiola and international colleague Aguero.

That partnership would be expected to deliver an impressive haul of goals, while long-awaited Champions League glory could also be savoured if the Blues were to land another proven performer in that competition.

Asked about Messi and Aguero at City, former club captain Dunne told Sky Sports: “They can play together, definitely. Messi plays in a deeper role than Aguero would normally, so he add something that little bit more special to Man City.

“In terms of trying to win the Champions League. City have looked like they lack that little bit of experience in winning the competition, and who better to bring in than a person who’s won it four times?

“He will help the club massively if he does come, and fitting him into the side won’t be a problem.

“All the players will be desperate to try and play alongside him, and Pep used him previously at Barcelona by trying to find new formations to get him free, and on the ball, and he’ll try to do the same if he does come to City.

“It would be a dream if he did come here, for all City fans, if he was in a City shirt. It’s a certain possibility now.

“Barcelona have pushed him a couple of times over the last couple of years, where you’ve thought he might want to leave, but this year it seems a bit different. If there was ever an opportunity for him to come here, it seems it’s this summer.”

City have made a habit of pulling off marquee signings since Sheikh Mansour took control of the club in 2008, with Dunne forming part of the set-up when Robinho became the first notable addition to their ranks under a new ownership regime.

The former centre-half added: “It was brilliant. It was a change from one day to the next, when the club became a club with massive expectations, and the first thing we did was we went and signed Robinho, a world star at the time.

“The excitement around the place when he came in… there was an instant desire to try to play alongside players like this, and it will be the same now.

“We’ve got some great players at Man City but when Messi comes in, or if he comes in, those players will want to up their game. They will want to prove they are on the same level and deserve to be playing alongside him.

“It makes a huge difference, even at a big club who have huge superstars already. If you can bring in a player on the next level, it really helps around the place.”

Former Bloemfontein Celtic and Black Leopards goalkeeper Dino Visser has signed for Port Vale on a one-year deal, the club have confirmed.

The Limpopo-born net-minder joins the Valiants after a successful trial with the club, having previously had a stint with Exeter City.

According to the club’s official website, the 31-year old keeper signed a deal after a successful trial.

“Port Vale Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of goalkeeper Dino Visser, after a successful trial with the club,” reads the statement from the club. “The South African goalkeeper has signed a one-year deal, keeping him at the club until June 2021.

“The 31-year old started his career in his native South Africa in 2010, playing for a number of teams including Platinum Stars, Bloemfontein Celtic, a loan spell at Black Leopards, followed by permanent spells at Polokwane City, Santos, another spell at Platinum Stars before signing for Cape Umoya United, his final destination before moving to English football.

“In October 2019, he signed for Exeter City on a short-term deal, before joining Crewe Alexandra at the expiry of his loan with the Grecians," the statement continued. “He has joined the Valiants after a successful trial and pre-season with the club over the last month.”

The ex-Phunya Sele Sele keeper completed his switch to English League Two outfit Exeter on a short-term deal in October last year, but told Goal that despite interest from a number of English clubs, there were no further negotiations due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile, despite the outbreak of the ravaging pandemic but has since opted to join Port Vale, Visser will look to establish himself as one of the top South African exports.

Looking at his contribution to the English outfit, Visser featured in two matches across all competitions.

Unquestionably, Kelechi Iheanacho had an encouraging 2019/20 season at Leicester City.

Just when it seemed like the former Manchester City striker was withering away, after stalling in Manchester and failing to be reinvigorated in Claude Puel’s last months in the East Midlands, the mini-renaissance under Brendan Rodgers last term revived expectations that were either disappearing or had evaporated.

Still, 19/20 wasn’t as perfect for the forward as many remember it. Following watching briefs in the opening two games at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers and away at Chelsea, Iheanacho’s absence from the squad for subsequent matches was telling.

In the EFL Cup, he was snubbed against Newcastle United, suggesting that the Nigeria striker was nowhere near Brendan Rodgers’ plans. At the time, with the window across Europe still in progress, there were strong calls for frontman to seek a move before any transfer opportunities ended.

However, Iheanacho stayed, much to the surprise of many observers and Nigerians...and he’s reaped the rewards.

Despite Leicester’s wobble in the second part of the season, the West African’s performances and output in front of goal by measure of goals and assists and his underlying numbers were definitely encouraging.

Statistics provided by Fbref show that the ex-Man City prodigy hit more shots on target per 90 than anyone else in the Foxes squad, while also having a higher percentage of his shots on target than any of his teammates as well.

Similarly, only Premier League top scorer Jamie Vardy outdid his deputy for goals and assists per 90, as well as Expected Goals and Expected Assists per 90 among Foxes players in 19/20.

Iheanacho, significantly, outperformed the ageless English striker when penalties were excluded from both metrics, further strengthening the belief that the forward was near back to his best.

There was a notable improvement from his first season at Belvoir Drive, where he posted average stats closer to Shinji Okazaki in those metrics than to Vardy, despite curiously being in the top five at Leicester. Last season’s boost to battling the 2016 league winner was indicative of a promising year at the King Power Stadium.

Interestingly, Iheanacho’s progress last term wasn’t surprising to Manu Garba, the man who was in charge of Nigeria’s U-17 side that won the World Cup in 2013, with the former claiming the Golden Ball after scoring six times and registering a staggering seven assists.

For context, this was 50 percent of the Golden Eaglets’ 26 strikes in the tournament held in the United Arab Emirates seven years ago, so maybe that explains just why the 54-year-old manager still rates the 23-year-old highly.

“I’m still wondering how Kelechi didn’t emerge as one of the best in England,” he told The Athletic recently. “He might have fallen under bad influences from friends, coming from a poor background to an improved status. That can become a distraction when you are so young, but I have seen the old Iheanacho at Leicester.”

The experienced boss then went further by suggesting how the former prospect can reach his peak levels with the Foxes and perform even better than he did in his third season at the club.

“Iheanacho is an asset to any club if the manager understands him, helps him and works on his off-the-ball contribution,” Garba stated. “He will be useful coming behind the main striker because his final passes are inch-perfect and he can shoot from distance.

"He will be a good player for Leicester.”

With Iheanacho, the danger has always been heightened expectations. This is understandable owing to his teenage years with the Eaglets as well as in Manchester but that pressure has placed an undue burden on the forward to shatter a glass ceiling that was probably never going to be reached.

The lack of patience was evident in how critical Nigerians became with his performances after Pep Guardiola took charge of City, eventually leading to his departure in 2017, and in a below-par second season under Puel.

His 19/20 rebirth at the King Power has awakened those strong beliefs of old over the 23-year-old forward who had the world at his feet at only 16. Therein, though, lies the problem.

Maybe Iheanacho isn’t going to the protagonist at a major club as many expect, but rather a decent-to-good player capable of playing a part in the team’s overall success like he did in the preceding campaign.

Rodgers recently suggested that he expects Iheanacho to pick up the mantle when Vardy expectedly declines but the jury’s still out on whether he can truly be the main man at a top club or one with aspirations as high as Leicester’s.

Having already left egg on the face of critics with last season’s revival, the former prospect will now look to kick on in 2020/21 and in subsequent seasons to live up to Garba and Rodgers’ hopes and expectations about his potential.

Despite taking the lead in their Premier Soccer League (PSL) match against Bloemfontein Celtic, Bidvest Wits drew their 27th match 1-1 on Thursday afternoon at Tuks Stadium.

Both goals came through penalties as the Students drew the first blood courtesy of Keegan Ritchie in the 3rd minute and Ndumiso Mabena made it 1-1 36th minute.

In the wake of the result, coach Gavin Hunt’s men sit fourth on the log table with 46 points whilst the visitors occupy the eighth spot with 34 points, both from 27 games.

Having already secured a spot in the finals of the Nedbank Cup, Siwelele come from a win over Kaizer Chiefs and a draw to AmaZulu, the clash in Tshwane gave them an opportunity to fight for a spot in the top eight.

On the part of the Clever Boys, they defeated AmaZulu, they were held by Maritzburg United in their previous match and were out to push for a third-place finish.

Coming to the actual encounter, Wits were awarded a penalty in the opening minute when Terrence Dzvukamanja was fouled by defender Wandisile Letlabika and Ritchie gave the Students the lead from the spot.

Coach John Maduka’s side was handed a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area in the 11th minute, but Ricardo Goss parried the effort away Mabena’s shot before his defence cleared the danger.

In the 15th minute, Dzvukamanja came close to making it 2-0 but his glancing header sailed agonizingly wide from the right corner, keeper Sipho Chaine was beaten following a cross from the right flank.

Striker Motebang Sera was denied by Goss from close range after an initial shot came off the right post and rebounded off the goalkeeper’s feet who was ball-watching in the minute.

In the 35th minute, Siwelele were also given a penalty when Mabena was floored by Lorenzo Gordinho in the box, the former Orlando Pirates striker converted beating Goss on the right corner to level the scores.

There were no goals at the interval but the Braamfontein-based club looked more threatening in the second half as they dominated the possession in Celtic’s half.

However, it took Wits the 56th minute to have a shot on target when Phathutshedzo Nange picked out Mpho Mathebula whose half-volley could not beat Chaine, who collected the effort.

The clash was a balanced affair in the 66th minute and Celtic looked to respond but defender Thato Lingwati saw his free-header going over the crossbar from the box.

After 80 minutes of action, Maduka brought in Tebogo Potsane for Sera as they looked for pace in the final third whilst Hunt rested Deon Hotto who had a quiet and opted for Kgaogelo Segota.

With two minutes to go, Sekgota nearly made an immediate impact when he raced into the final third, but he could not find Mxolisi Macuphu with his final, but the two sides would settle for a point apiece.

Wayne Rooney has aired his surprise at seeing “outstanding” Jack Grealish left out of the latest England squad, with the Manchester United-linked playmaker told he may need a move in order to get the recognition he deserves.

Many expected the Aston Villa midfielder to make Gareth Southgate’s selection for upcoming UEFA Nations League ties against Iceland and Denmark.

Having proved himself on a Premier League stage in 2019-20, Grealish was seemingly ready to take the first steps in a senior international career.

Southgate has, however, taken to leaving the 24-year-old out once again, with the likes of Mason Mount, James Ward-Prowse, Phil Foden and Kalvin Phillips getting the nod ahead of him.

Rooney is stunned to see Grealish being overlooked, given his creative qualities, and admits that a big-money transfer may be required in order for his potential to be fulfilled.

A switch to Old Trafford has been mooted for some time, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looking to add more match-winning talent to his squad, and a grander domestic stage may aid Grealish’s cause.

Red Devils legend Rooney, who is also England’s all-time leading goalscorer, considers that to be the case, telling talkSPORT of Southgate’s latest snub: “It’s very surprising. The season he had he was outstanding.

“I’ve been there when I was a young player at Everton and the team probably weren’t to the standard I was. And I think that’s where Jack is at now – Aston Villa are not at the standard of the player he is.

“I can’t work it out why’s he’s not in the squad – I have no idea. He should be in that squad.

“Even if he is just in the squad to train and you just bring him on for 10 minutes to see his character and see how he reacts to it. It was shocking that he wasn’t in the squad.”

Grealish had been asked to make an impact at Premier League level before coming into contention for an England call-up.

Many feel he did that in 2019-20, with his efforts as captain – which included eight goals and six assists – helping Villa to beat the drop on the final day of the season.

Ryan Giggs hopes the struggles being endured by Gareth Bale at Real Madrid do not tarnish the 31-year-old’s reputation and that he will be “remembered for the fantastic footballer that he is”.

Another testing domestic campaign for the Wales international has come to a close.

A second La Liga title triumph was savoured by a man who has been part of the Blancos set-up since completing a record-breaking transfer to Spain in 2013.

Notable highs have been enjoyed in Madrid – including four Champions League successes - but there have been as many lows.

Bale now finds himself frozen out of the Real picture by Zinedine Zidane, with questions being asked of his commitment and attitude.

Giggs has never had any issue with the talented forward and continues to select him for Wales.

The Manchester United legend is, however, aware that the criticism Bale has attracted over recent years could lead some to forget just how good the former Tottenham man can be when at the peak of his powers.

Giggs told BBC Sport: “I hope he is remembered for the fantastic footballer that he is.

“To score twice in Champions League finals, to win it four times and to score one of the best goals ever seen in a final - things like that don't happen every day.

“I hope he is remembered for those things. He is a player that I've always said can make the difference for me.

“He has also made a difference in key moments for Real Madrid as well. That's what great players do. Big players turn up in the big moments in the big games and he has certainly done that.”

Giggs claims to have no issue with Bale’s lack of club football at present, but admits he may need that situation to change in order for a talismanic figure to remain part of his plans.

The Wales boss added ahead of UEFA Nations League fixtures against Finland and Bulgaria: “It is something I've become accustomed to.

“I have always said the ideal situation is I want my players playing and coming into camp with that match rhythm, but Gareth has been in this situation for quite a long time now.

“He played every game in the qualifiers and when he comes on to camp, he has never been a problem.

“He looks after himself, is experienced and professional enough to do that. So at the moment is it a worry for me? No. That might change, we will have to see in the future.

“But it is something I got used to last year and he played every game for me, so I can't really complain. Gareth is a special player. He's someone who can make the difference.”

Mikel Arteta says Gabriel Magalhaes is a player who will improve Arsenal’s squad - but added that a deal for the Brazilian defender is yet to be finalised.

The 22-year-old has been in England since Monday when he arrived from France and underwent a medical ahead of finalising his £25m ($30m) move from Lille.

Confirmation of the transfer was expected earlier this week, but has yet to arrive.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Community Shield clash with Liverpool, Arteta said there are things that still need to be done before the centre-back is announced as an Arsenal player.

“Regarding Gabriel we can’t announce anything yet,” said the Spaniard. “The deal is not finalised.

“You all know that he is a player that we have followed for a long time and hopefully we can get it done.

“Everything is OK when both parties sign, the club and the player agrees the terms and he goes through the medical.

“Sometimes in the final stages it is not as easy as it looks but, again, we are pretty positive that we can do it.”

Arsenal saw off competition from Napoli and Everton to win the race for Gabriel, who was also of interest to Manchester United.

The centre-back was Arsenal’s priority target at centre-back going into the transfer window and Arteta admits he will be overjoyed to get the deal over the line.

“When we get it, I will be very pleased,” he said.

“He’s a player we followed and were very determined that he was the right profile for us to improve our squad. If we are able to finalise it we will be delighted.

“We are trying to finalise the deal, that’s what I can tell you at the moment.”

Another deal Arsenal fans are impatiently waiting to hear news about is the new contract for captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The 31-year-old striker is understood to have agreed a new three-year extension to his current deal, which is due to expire in 2021, but Arsenal have yet to officially announce the news.

When quizzed on the future of his top scorer, Arteta said he was confident of a swift conclusion.

“I keep being positive,” said Arteta. “We've had some really good talks with him and his agent and I am pretty confident we will find an agreement soon. That’s my feeling."

When asked whether Aubameyang signing a new contract would give the club a huge lift, Arteta added: "Absolutely, for him as well.

"I think he should be very happy he is able to stay at the club for a long time and I think he will be delighted with the news."

Mikel Arteta would love to see Lionel Messi move to the Premier League should he depart Barcelona - even if the Argentine attacker ended up at a rival club to Arsenal.

Messi shook the world of football on Tuesday evening when he informed Barcelona, where he has spent his entire senior professional career, that he wants to leave Camp Nou.

The 33-year-old is unhappy after Barcelona ended the 2019-20 season trophyless, losing the Liga title to Real Madrid and being thrashed 8-2 in the Champions League quarter-finals by Bayern Munich.

This has led to widespread speculation as to which clubs can make bids for Messi, with Premier League clubs Manchester United and Manchester City among the few sides who could afford the superstar's wages, even if he were to cancel his contract at Barca and leave on a free transfer.

Arteta, who came through Barcelona's La Masia academy and confesses to still being a fan of the Spanish side, would welcome Messi moving to the Premier League, saying it would be good for the competition.

Speaking at a press conference, the Gunners boss said: "He’s been linked everywhere. He has more clubs than any other player in history after him.

"I’ve been a Barcelona fan since I was young so it’s always sad to see what in my opinion has been the best player in football history leave that football club, but, I don’t know, let’s see what happens and if he comes to England, we are all going to enjoy it.

Asked about whether he would enjoy Messi being in English football if he had to face him with Arsenal in the Premier League, Arteta said: "It doesn’t matter, it’s good for football. If it’s not there we might find him in the Champions League. You want the best players in your league. For me, that is the best thing as an athlete, to have the most competitive league in the world.

"The Premier League always had that. With Ronaldo, I played against him when he was great, it raises the level of every individual and every team as well."

Goal has learned that Messi's intention is to give his version of events in the coming days, with a desire on his part to send a message to Barcelona fans that remain fiercely loyal to him.

He has been vocal about a range of problems at Barcelona this season, including the presidency of Josep Maria Bartomeu, the sacking of manager Ernesto Valverde and his replacement Quique Setien, and criticism from dismissed sporting director Eric Abidal.

The champions of Germany will not be entering the summer’s biggest recruitment race, with Dietmar Hamann saying “as stupid as it may sound, a Lionel Messi transfer would make little sense for Bayern Munich at the moment.”

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has revealed the club passed on the chance to join the bidding for Cristiano Ronaldo in 2018, as he headed to Juventus, and a similar stance will be taken with Messi.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner is pushing for the exits at Camp Nou, but the Allianz Arena will not be his next port of call. That is because Bayern, who do not possess the funds required to pursue a deal even if they wanted to, are already well-stocked for attacking talent in a treble-winning squad.

Hamann, who emerged through the academy system in Munich to launch his own career, told Sky Deutschland of the Messi saga: “I was not really surprised by the news that he wanted to switch.

"After the 2:8 debacle against Bayern, I had expected that something could happen. Barca have rarely been as far away from a Champions League triumph as they are at the moment.

“I'm pretty sure Messi didn't like making that decision. His first option was always to end his career with the Catalans. He has been in Barcelona since he was a child, lives there with his family and is adored in the city and by its followers.

“The question now will be who can and wants to afford Messi? For me the chances are currently 50/50. In the club they will do everything they can to ensure that this worst-case scenario does not occur. Should a change in leadership or a restructuring of the boardroom be necessary, Barca's leadership will have to consider that too.

“However, should that not happen and not be enough for Messi, I see the Premier League as the most likely option. It will definitely be very exciting times.

“It will also be exciting to see what FC Bayern is doing now. If a club can get the opportunity to sign the best player in the world, then you have to at least explore the option. And if there is a good time, it is now after the CL triumph. Everyone is happy and I think any player would understand that the club should at least try.

“However, I'm pretty sure that Hansi Flick is very happy with the current situation and his team would possibly even use his veto. The trainer has a functioning team and all positions are practically doubly occupied.

"Now Leroy Sane joins the team. Then you already have three of the best wingers in the world with him, Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman. In addition, Bayern icon Thomas Muller is back in top form and almost indispensable for the team.

“As a fan, I would like to see Messi at Bayern, but for me it's just not realistic. Because as stupid as it may sound, a Messi transfer would make little sense for Bayern at the moment!”

Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano and Rennes' rising star Eduardo Camavinga have been called up by France for the first time.

The youngsters of African descent have been included in Didier Deschamps’ team to face Sweden and Croatia in the Nations League scheduled for September 5 and 8 respectively.

Aouar has been delivering eye-catching performances for Lyon since his promotion to the senior level in 2017.  

The midfielder, who holds Zinedine Zidane as his role model, has bagged 16 goals in 96 league appearances for the Jean-Michel Aulas outfit.

Aouar is eligible to feature for Algeria despite playing for the French youth teams at the U17 and U21 levels, but he is now set to follow in the footsteps of his role model Zidane, who is also of Algerian descent.

Upamecano has been delivering solid defensive performances for RB Leipzig since teaming up with the German club in 2017.

The defender has since made 83 league appearances for the Red Bulls and featured prominently as Julian Nagelsmann’s side reached the semi-final of the 2019-20 Champions League.

The 21-year-old starlet of Bissau-Guinean descent has featured for France at the U16, U17, U18, U19 and U21 levels, and is now set to make his debut for the Blues.

Camavinga, meanwhile, has been a consistent figure for Rennes, making 33 league appearances since his promotions to the Red and Blacks senior team in 2019 at only 17 years.

The midfielder has featured for France U21 and his chances of representing Angola, where he was born, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the country of his parents, will end if he makes an appearance for France senior team in September.

France have regularly been bolstered by players of African origin, with World Cup winners Samuel Umtiti of Cameroon and Paul Pogba, whose family are from Guinea, notable recent examples.

Cedric Bakambu continued his superb form in front of goal in Beijing Guoan’s 2-2 draw against Shijiazhuang Ever Bright in Thursday’s Chinese Super League game.

Having found the back of the net in his last two games against Qingdao Huanghai and Shanghai SIPG FC, the forward again was on the scoresheet at Suzhou Sports Center.

Bakambu spearheaded Beijing Guoan’s attack along with Alan and delivered a commanding display against Afshin Ghotbi’s men.

The Imperial Guards hit the ground running in the encounter with Alan opening the scoring in the 24th minute after he was set up by Taiyan Jin.

Muriqui levelled proceedings for Shijiazhuang Ever Bright 10 minutes later after benefitting from Yifeng Zang’s assist.

Beijing Guoan were reduced to 10 men after Quanbo Guo was shown a straight red card for a serious challenge on Matheus, and the Yutong International Sports Center outfit soon capitalized on their numerical advantage with Stoppila Sunzu scoring in the 64th minute.

With 17 minutes left to play, Bakambu was brought down in the box by Xuan Cao and the Democratic Republic of the Congo international calmly dispatched his effort.

The 29-year-old forward has now registered three goals and one assist in seven appearances in the 2020 Super League campaign.

With the draw, the Imperial Guards are winless in their last three matches, having last recorded a victory against Hebei CFFC.

Bakambu has been delivering eye-catching performances since he teamed up with the Workers' Stadium outfit in February 2018 from La Liga club Villarreal.

The striker has found the back of the net 30 times in 44 league games, and last season he helped the Imperial Guards finished second in the Super Lig.

Bakambu has 29 appearances for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and 13 goals since he made his debut against Cameroon in June 2015.

The former Bursaspor and Sochaux marksman will hope to continue his impressive goalscoring form for Beijing Guoan when they take on Chongqing Lifan in their next league game on September 1.