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New Onduparaka FC signing Kennedy Atibuni has assured fans he is going to work very hard and ensure they get good results.

Atibuni was signed in a three-year deal and has given an example of his lethal partnership with the former Onduparaka star Muhamad Shaban as the reason why his arrival is set to yield more goals and assists.

“I promise the fans to give my all when I am given the chance to play,” Atibuni told Football256.

“I love scoring goals. My game is about attacking and I always look to create chances. Therefore, I promise more goals and assists.

“For example, during the Arua district Post Primary games in 2014 where [Muhamad] Shaban won the Golden Boot, I provided him with 10 assists as he emerged top scorer with 16 goals.

“During the Copa Coca Cola games in 2014 where he was voted Most Valuable Player with eight goals, I assisted him with three.”

At Diamond Stars, Atibuni scored 23 goals and provided 11 assists when he featured in 45 games in a three-year stint at the club.

Last season, he had four goals and was the captain of Diamond Stars who fought and survived as they finished ninth in the Nyagak Group.

The star launched his career seven years ago as he played for Alpha Rising Stars in the 2013/14 season before he was signed by Dove All-Stars, a Fufa Big League side, for the 2016/17 campaign.

He was released by Dove All-Stars after he was jailed for engaging in a chaotic incident with the Brian White Foundation two years ago.

Although the Big League side wanted to sign him again, he picked the Arua-based Premier League side instead.

“Making the decision to join Onduparaka was easy because I have desired for long to play for this club and it is a dream come true,” Atibuni said.

“Of course, Doves All-Stars were interested, they approached me but it’s all about choice, to see where you can play and market yourself more.

“I chose Onduparaka because they play at the highest level in the country and that’s the place to expose myself.” 

He was the third signing after the initial arrivals of Musema Bonny and Jerry Jakisa.

The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has urged clubs to act fast and ensure their new players are registered since time to complete the process is elapsing.

The Federation has revealed a big percentage of teams from all divisions have not yet done what is expected of them, with less than two weeks left for the window to be closed.

"With 10 days remaining before the transfer window is closed, 55 out of 70 teams have not completed the signing of players in our system," TFF said in a statement obtained by Goal.

"The transfer window, in preparation for the 2020/21 season, for teams in the Tanzania Mainland League, the women's top-tier, first and second divisions are set to be closed on August 31."

Among the teams that have not managed to complete the process are 2014 league champions Azam FC and current champions Simba SC, the newly promoted teams as well as a big number of teams in the women's top tier.

"In the [Tanzania Mainland League] teams that have not started the registering process are Azam, Biashara United, Coastal Union, Dodoma Jiji, Gwambina, Ihefu, Kagera Sugar, KMC, Mbeya City, Mwadui, Namungo, Polisi Tanzania, Ruvu Shooting and Simba SC.

"[In the Women Premier League] we have Alliance Girls, Baobab Queens, Kigoma Sisters, JKT Queens, Ruvuma Queens, Tanzanite, TSC Queens and Yanga Princess."

The TFF has further confirmed they will not extend the signing period for teams.

"All teams are urged to effectively use the set period for signings since there will be no extension."

TFF picked September 9 as the date to kick off the 2020-21 Mainland Premier League campaign.

The top-flight will kick off the season on Sunday, September 6.

However, before the season gets underway, champions Simba SC will take on Namungo FC in the Community Shield season opener on August 29, 2020.

The Division One league will then kick off on October 3, 2020, while the last division will start on November 7, 2020.

The domestic Cup, which is referred to as the Azam Cup, will start on November 28, 2020, while the mid-season transfer window will open on December 12, 2020, and will close on January 15, 2021.

Simba SC, who won three titles – Mainland Premier League, Community Shield, and FA Cup – in the recently concluded campaign, will be keen to retain the titles when the season gets underway.

Simba won the league with six matches to spare after their closest challengers Young Africans (Yanga SC) and Azam FC failed to reach their tally of points, and they ended the season with 88 points, while Yanga came second and Azam third.

Premier League (UPL) side Police FC have signed Arnold Ssembuya from Ugandan Peoples’ Defence Force (UPDF FC).

Ssembuya joins the cops on a three-year deal as Abdalla Mubiru strengthens the side that almost got relegated in the cancelled 2019/20 season.

“I feel good joining Police because it is one of the best teams in Uganda. I’m promising to work hard for the best,” Ssembuya said as was quoted by Sports Nation after completing the move.

Police have signed seven players since the transfer window was opened by the Federation of Ugandan Football Associations (Fufa). The new players are Eric Ssenjobe, Hassan Muhamood, Sammon Oloka, Muwadda Mawejje, Tom Ikara and Tonny Mawejje.

Ssembuya is a Masaza Cup 2016 winner and he scored a penalty in the shootout against Gomba then.

In the Regional League, he was the skipper of Kyebando FC.

Mubiru and Police Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Fahad Lumu have vowed to revamp and improve the squad and the latest addition says it all.

They have preferred to sign experienced stars ahead of the next season that is expected to start on October 17.

Meanwhile, Malaba Youth Development Association (MYDA FC) have extended Eric Mutebi’s contract.

The midfielder has been tied with a further three-year contract although he did not take part in any action last season as he was injured.

“He is now fine and back to play for the team, but he played for us in the regional league and he was part of the team that was promoted to the Big League,” Mika Andre, MYDA FC's head of communications, told Sports Nation.

Mutebi, who previously played for Kansai Plascon, has been given jersey number 10 at the new Premier League club.

“I am really happy that I have recovered from my injury and agreed to terms with the club on my contract extension of three years,” the midfielder said.

“It’s bad that last season I didn’t feature in any game in the Big League.

“But I am pretty much sure I will do all that it takes with my fellow players, coaches to maintain our team in the league since it’s our first season in UPL.”

Ramathan Yakubu, Isaac Doka Mweru and Waiswa Kasongo are the other players who have been signed.

Pep Guardiola would “be in trouble” if he were manager of Barcelona or Real Madrid, claims Yaya Toure, with the Catalan having been appointed by Manchester City to deliver Champions League glory.

European success has once again eluded those at the Etihad Stadium in 2020. A shock quarter-final defeat to Lyon means that City’s long wait for continental glory is set to continue.

Guardiola has claimed the Champions League crown before, but his last triumph came back in 2011 when still in charge of a star-studded Barca side.

Toure believes recent failures would not be tolerated at Camp Nou or Santiago Bernabeu, with City needing to ask questions of whether their coach can land the prize they covet most.

“Maybe if it was Barcelona or maybe Real Madrid, for sure he’s going to be in trouble,” the former City and Blaugrana midfielder told Express Sport. “We don’t have to be in any doubt that he has been brought to City to win the Champions League.

“Now people are finding a way to say he’s coming just for the league or for anything. But you cannot lie about that because the budget the club have been giving to him year after year, he needs to have the trophy. He needed to have it. When you bring in a manager of this calibre he needs to have results.”

Toure added: “Of course, Pep’s good but people are going to demand a bit more from him because of what they give to him. The expectations are going to be high. There’s not any club in the world like City can spend millions of pounds on players - young players and quality players are expensive.

“When you get these things, you have to give the trophy to the club. I don’t know what the board are thinking, it’s them that is going to make this kind of decision. I know City, they can have whatever manager they want because everybody knows they got the money to do it.”

Guardiola saw his tactical approach criticised against Lyon, but Toure feels that may be only part of the problem for City.

The Ivorian said: “To be honest, these days what happens is all about man-management. You have to feel the players want to play for you.

“So many players don’t want to play with you then in a few weeks maybe the manager is going to be sacked. The player needs the confidence of his manager and the manager needs his players as well.

“For me, as a player, I always believe if you have to give 100 per cent then you have to give 100 per cent to the right person and the person who deserves my sacrifice. You cannot do things for people now if there’s no confidence or trust and it’s quite hard. The players have to be with the manager.”

Former Sevilla star Coke believes the team's 'love relationship' with the Europa League has helped propel them into four of the last seven finals in the competition.

The five-time Europa League winners will take on Inter in Saturday's final after a 2-1 come-from-behind win over Manchester United in their semi-final.

Coke, who is now at Levante after featuring in Sevilla's three consecutive Europa titles between 2014-16, feels his former club have built a relationship with the competition and helped to grow it through their success.

"The fact is that the special moments that Sevilla has experienced with the Europa League they have not experienced in another competition," Coke told Goal. "Sevilla has helped this competition grow and be highly recognized and the Europa League titles have helped Sevilla be known at European and world level.

"This love relationship is true that can be seen in events such as [Andres] Palop's goal, [Stephane] Mbia's goal or the other day in those 10 minutes [against Man Utd] in which [Yassine] Bounou stopped a few [shots]. 

"Sevilla bet and have bet for many years on this competition and they always give it back."

While Sevilla will be slight underdogs for the final against Inter, Coke sees the match as being a close battle that could possibly be decided by one or two goals.

"Sevilla have shown that they are great and they will compete in the final," Coke said. "Inter is a great team that if they defend deep, they can get in behind. They have very good players who can make a difference.

"Sevilla have a lot of heart, I think they can dominate the game in many phases of the game, I have no doubts. I don't think it will be a game with many goals and, how accurate the people at the top are, will determine the game because I see it as quite even."

Sevilla won the first of their five Europa League titles in 2006 against Middlesbrough before clinching it again the next season versus fellow La Liga side Espanyol.

Their treble of titles in the competition between 2014-16 came via finals against Benfica, Dnipro and Liverpool.

Gwambina FC have revealed they are ready to take on the best in the Mainland Premier League in this campaign.

The Mwanza-based club was among the three to earn promotion to the top-flight and their chairman Omary Mmassi now believes they are ready for the challenges that come with taking part in the big stage.

“The team is already in camp with a total of 25 players though the number is expected to increase according to the wishes of our coaches,” Mmassi is quoted by Daily News.

“We will do our best and make sure we don’t fail our Mwanza fans, we are ready for the challenge.”

Mwanza will now have one team in the top-flight after the relegation of Alliance and Mbao FC at the end of the 2019-20 campaign.

The team has already started training with 25 players including Mohamed Makaka, Isihaka Ibrahim, Stali Nyambe, Mohamed Hussein who are goalkeepers.

The defenders are Revocatus Richard, Salum Kipaga, Hamad Nassor, Anthony Matogolo, Aron Lulambo, Lameck Daniel, Baraka Mtui 'Popa' and Novatus Lufunga.

The midfielders are Yusuph Kagoma, Yusuph Lwenge 'Dunia' Salim Juma Sheshe, Rajab Athuman, Said Mkangu and Jacob Massawe.

The strikers are Meshack Abraham, Jimmyson Steven, Paul Nonga, Kapama Kibaden, Moric Mahela, Japhet Makalai and Miraji Saleh.

A week ago, the club confirmed they have signed 12 players including goalkeepers Mohamed Makaka from Ruvu Shooting and Stali Nyambe from Buildcon FC of Zambia while defenders include Aron Lulambo from KMC, Moric Mahela from Stand United­ and Baraka Mtui 'Popa' from Ruvu Shooting FC.

Other are Novartus Lufunga who served Lipuli, Said Mkange from Sahare FC while strikers include Paul Nonga from Lipuli, Lameck Daniel from Biashara United, Japhet Makalai from Kagera Sugar and Miraji Saleh who formerly served Stand United.

The club also received a huge boost with key players renewing their contracts among them Mohamed Hussein, Isihaka Ibrahim, Revocatus Richard, Salum Kipaga, Hamad Nassor, Anthony Matogolo, Yusuph Kagoma,Yusuph Lwenge, Salim Sheshe, Rajab Athuman, Jacob Massawe, Meshack Abraham, Jimmyson Steven and Kapama Kibadeni.

Gwambina were promoted to the Tanzanian Mainland Premier League from the First Division League (FDL) after they beat Pamba FC 1-0 in their final match of the season.

The club, which was only founded a year ago, earned promotion with two matches to spare as they had accumulated 44 points from 20 matches.

Gwambina won 13 games, drew in five, and lost in two other matches. 

Gwambina were promoted alongside Ihefu and Dodoma Jiji while Mbao FC were relegated alongside Alliance FC, Lipuli FC, Ndanda FC and Singida United. 

Manchester United have had the transfer door left open by Bournemouth over David Brooks, with new Cherries boss Jadon Tindall admitting all players are available for the right price.

A mass exodus of top talent appears to be on the cards at the Vitality Stadium. With relegation having been suffered out of the Premier League, bigger clubs are circling Bournemouth.

Manchester City have already picked off Dutch defender Nathan Ake in a £40 million deal ($53m), while Aaron Ramsdale has linked up with Sheffield United as their new first-choice goalkeeper.

Other deals are expected, with England international striker Callum Wilson among those generating plenty of interest.

Brooks is another catching the eye, with the talented Welsh playmaker having a move to Old Trafford mooted.

It remains to be seen whether United will meet an asking price that is reported to have been set at £40m, as they are also chasing down the likes of Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho, but Bournemouth will not block the path of anyone who attracts a sizeable bid.

New Cherries boss Tindall has told the Bournemouth Echo: "I think first and foremost there's a lot that's got to happen.

"We as a football club have got a value of what we believe for our players and if that value is met then players have got the opportunity to then discuss with whoever they need to discuss with and then make the decision they feel is right for them.

"But first and foremost, it needs to be right for the football club and once it's right for the football club then, as you've seen in the past, I don't think it's a club that will stand in anybody's way providing that the club's happy with and it meets the valuation of the player.

"Until any offers come in for any players then they remain in Bournemouth regardless anyway. The squad are happy here. They know they're at a fantastic club and it's a club that's going places and want to achieve something this year.

"I think when you've got that purpose as a player where you're going into a season where you're looking to be successful and achieve something, I think it's a great thing to have and people want to be a part of that."

Willian says he joined Arsenal to win the Champions League and was convinced by coach Mikel Arteta’s desire to lead the Gunners to European glory.

The Brazilian winger joined Arsenal from London rivals Chelsea, signing a three-year contract. Willian spent seven years at Stamford Bridge and won two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and a Europa League crown.

The 32-year-old has his heart set on the Champions League trophy, however, and he believes he can achieve it with Arsenal after talks with his new boss.

“One of the reasons I wanted a three-year deal was to be part of a plan, not just a player passing through,” Willian told The Sun. “When I talked with the manager he told me why he needed me for three years. It was that he first wanted to qualify for the Champions League and win it by the time I left. That was what I wanted to hear.

“I was at Chelsea for seven years and won everything except the Champions League. Hopefully this move will give me the trophy I haven’t got as well as another Premier League title.

“Maybe [I could have won it with Chelsea], but everyone knows what the problem was. They thought because I was coming to the age of 32 they couldn’t give me a three-year contract.

“I felt I had proved my fitness, that I was as good as ever and that I deserved that deal.

"Frank Lampard wanted me to stay. He was picking me in more games than I’d probably ever started there. Before, I was playing two games then being left on the bench, which I know is part of football, but I was enjoying myself playing more.

“The manager showed a lot of faith in me and I think I repaid it. But Arsenal have given me what I wanted and now I will show they have made a good decision.

“My age is no big thing. If you look after yourself, live right and train right, today’s players can still be at top level when they are 35. For me it is not a problem. I have a lot to play for with Brazil too and I want to be at the next World Cup. If I do well at Arsenal then that will happen.”

The former Shakhtar star is confident he can strengthen his new side’s attack as they look to challenge for silverware in Arteta’s first full campaign at the helm.

He said: “Arsenal are one of the biggest clubs in the world and I see this as changing from one big club to another. It is expected we should be challenging for all the titles. I know what is needed to do that because I was very successful at Chelsea. This is a club which deserves to shine again.

“I have been here for seven years and the Premier League is the best place to play in the world. That’s why, in the past, I didn’t move to Spain or Italy.

“I like it in England so much and I still feel I can improve and make a team like Arsenal better. I’m not a superman but with the help of the good players around me we can achieve great things.”

Barcelona have welcomed another familiar face back to Camp Nou, with the Liga giants confirming that Henrik Larsson is to form part of Ronald Koeman’s coaching team.

Another summer of change is being taken in by the Catalan outfit.

Struggles throughout the 2019-20 campaign led to two coaches being relieved of their duties, with Quique Setien heading in the same direction as Ernesto Valverde.

An SOS call has been put out to Koeman, with the Dutchman returning to a club that he helped to their first European Cup triumph during a memorable playing career.

He will not be the only iconic figure gracing the dugout next season, with Larsson set to slot in alongside him.

The Swede, who was a fearsome frontman in his day, joins Alfred Schreuder as part of Koeman’s backroom staff.

Larsson is another who spent time at Camp Nou when at the peak of his powers, with a move to Catalunya made on the back of a goal-laden stint at Celtic.

“FC Barcelona has reached an agreement with Alfred Schreuder and Henrik Larsson for their incorporation to the technical staff headed by Ronald Koeman. Both have signed until June 30, 2022,” read a statement released on the Blaugrana’s official website.

“Koeman and Larsson saw their paths cross as players, as they both played for Feyenoord between 1995 and 1997. Now, 23 years later, they will meet again at Camp Nou, where they both enjoyed glory as players. As a manager, Larsson has coached Falkenberg and Helsingborg in Sweden, his native country.

“In addition, Alfred Schreuder, born in Barneveld (Holland) on November 2, 1972 will also be part of the staff . He is an expert in strategy and boasts extensive experience in both the Netherlands and Germany. Schreuder has been part of the staff at Hoffenheim, where he managed to qualify for the Champions League, and also of Ajax in 2018-19, where he worked with [Frenkie] de Jong and impressed a Europan audience by reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League.

“Henrik Larsson, born on September 20, 1971 in Helsingborg (Sweden), was a striker with a great nose for goals, unrivalled ability and intelligence in his movements and way of handling the ball. The Swede came to Barca in 2004 from Celtic Glasgow. During the two seasons that he wore the Barça shirt, he gave a great performance, playing 62 games and scoring 22 goals. With FC Barcelona he won a Champions League, two Leagues and a Spanish Super Cup.”

It’s been a Champions League season not quite like any other, with African players featuring prominently during the one-off single-tied ‘Final Eight’ tournament.

While RasenBallsport Leipzig and Olympique Lyonnais have fallen by the wayside, Malek Shafei and Ed Dove celebrate the performances of Dayot Upamecano, Karl Toko Ekambi and Maxwel Cornet during their compelling quarter-final victories over Atletico Madrid and Manchester City respectively.

Things didn’t go to plan in the semi-finals, while the less said about Nordi Mukiele’s performance against Paris Saint-Germain in the final four, the better.

While one Cameroonian falls, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is still standing in the Champions League, and was responsible for one of the great moments of the competition so far.

PSG appeared dead and buried in their Last Eight clash against Atalanta, before Marquinhos equalised and then Choupo-Moting—introduced from the bench—equalised from close range after being set up by Kylian Mbappe.

He was the most unlikely hero in this star-studded PSG side, and now has the opportunity to feature in the final against Bayern Munich after the capital club downed Leipzig 3-0 in the semi.

In Friday’s Europa League final, Victor Moses’ Internazionale meet a Sevilla side who can count upon Morocco duo Youssef En-Nesyri and Yassine Bounou, who was influential in victories over Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United.

In the pod, Shafei and Dove give their predictions ahead of the final, and also recap some of the greatest African players to have won European club football’s secondary competition.

It’s an illustrious list, containing the likes of John Obi Mikel, Taribo West and 2020 finalist Moses.

Also on the agenda this week, we assess Mikel’s recent move to Stoke City—does he still have what it takes to make an impact in the Championship?—and explore whether rumours linking Odion Ighalo with a move to PSG deserve to be taken seriously.

We also look at some of the greatest African players who worked alongside new Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman, with the Dutch coach having a big influence over the careers of famous names such as Sadio Mane, Victor Wanyama and Steven Pienaar.

Finally, we examine the recent fiasco at Horoya AC, where the teams’ passports have been lost ahead of a critical away trip to North Africa for the Caf Confederation Cup semi-final.

Four prizes tumbled for Andre Ayew at Swansea end-of-season awards ceremony for the 2019-20 season held virtually on Thursday night.

The Ghana international was named Swansea City Supporters’ Player of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season, while walking home with the Top Goalscorer award and the Away Player of the Season accolade.

Ayew returned to South Wales having completed a season-long loan to Turkish Super Lig outfit Fenerbahce – where he scored five goals in 29 league outings.

At the Liberty Stadium, the 30-year-old put up awe-inspiring performances to produce incredible moments, ranging from his splendid assists for Bersant Celina and Sam Surridge in club’s triumph at QPR, a late winner at Luton Town as well as a stunning strike that silenced Brentford in the first leg of the play-off semi-final.

Even at these, Steve Cooper’s men failed to seal a place in the English elite division next season.

In the season under review, he scored 16 goals in the English Championship from 46 appearances plus two goals in the Carabao Cup which took his tally to 18 across all competitions.

That earned him the club’s topscorer prize ahead of teammate and Englishman Rhian Brewster.

Eight of his league goals came from away fixtures and that justified his prize for the best Away Player of the Season.

Despite having a year remaining on his contract, the striker is believed to be eyeing topflight football, but manager Cooper is intense on having him remain at Swansea.

"I think that's a conversation me and Andre need to have," Cooper told BBC Sport.

"I would like nothing more than for Andre to be playing with us again next season.

"We have seen the real level of player he is this year, with the goals he has scored and the impact he has had on and off the pitch. It's been brilliant to work with him.

"But I understand Andre is a better player than the Championship. That's a matter of fact and I am sure he will have offers to do that." 

"We need to have a good conversation over the next couple of days. We trust each other 100 per cent and in the end we will come to a resolution that's right for everybody," he continued.

"I understand that it'll be a talking point, whether he stays or goes.

"Whatever Andre decides to do, he will have thought about it long and hard about it, that's for sure, and we'll see where it goes."

The UEFA Referees Committee has confirmed Daniele Orsato will officiate the 2019-20 Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain. 

Orsato is no stranger to the competition having refereed eight matches this season alone, including Real Madrid’s round of 16 first leg meeting with Manchester City in February where he sent off Sergio Ramos.

The 44-year-old Italian will be helped by linesmen Lorenzo Manganelli and Alessandro Giallatini, who are both also from Italy, while Romanian Ovidiu Hategan will serve as the final's fourth official. 

Another Italian in the form of Massimiliano Irrati will take charge of VAR and will be assisted by Marco Guida, while Spanish duo Roberto Diaz Perez del Palomar and Alejandro Herandez Hernandez will also provide support for the officiating technology. 

Orsato was the fourth official for last year's Europa League final between Arsenal and Chelsea - which the Blues won 4-1 with the help of a brace from Eden Hazard. 

The Italian became a FIFA referee in 2010 and served as a VAR referee for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. 

In 2017, Orsato was singled out for praise by former Premier League referee Graham Poll after officiating a fiery Champions League match between Leicester City and Sevilla. 

"Italian referee Daniele Orsato made some huge calls which showed confidence but were absolutely correct," Poll wrote at the time in his column for the Daily Mail. 

"Samir Nasri was dismissed for a headbutt on Jamie Vardy, despite replays showing there was a complete over-reaction by the Leicester striker. One could argue that Vardy was 'professional' to ensure his opponent was dismissed or that Nasri was stupid to get involved. I just hate seeing that sort of reaction from Vardy.

"Next up was an interesting penalty as Vitolo flicked the ball over Kasper Schmeichel whose momentum took him into the Sevilla striker. Technically it was the right decision but they are seldom given.

"To round off his evening Orsato then sent Jorge Sampaoli from the technical area for his remonstrations throughout the game. Strong and consistent refereeing."

Last season, Orsato oversaw the first leg of PSG's last-16 Champions League clash against Manchester United where he handed out eight yellow cards and ultimately sent off Paul Pogba in a 2-0 defeat for the Red Devils. 

Sunday's Champions League final between Bayern and PSG will be Orsato's most high-profile match to date.

New Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has once again called for calm surrounding the future of Lionel Messi, declaring "Messi is Barcelona and Barcelona is Messi".

Following Barca's 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals, speculation quickly began swirling about Messi's future at Camp Nou with suggestions he was open to an exit after a season without silverware for the club. 

While contracted for another season, the 33-year-old has been linked with moves to Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter. 

Koeman, who recently replaced Quique Setien as Barcelona manager, has stressed his desire to work with Messi next season and believes the Argentine attacker has every right to be unhappy based on recent results.  

“I don’t know [whether Messi is too powerful at Barcelona]. I wasn’t around to see what’s happened. But Messi still has a contract for another season," Koeman told NOS. 

"It’s perfectly logical that he’s disappointed. I would be disappointed as well when I’ve just lost 8-2 to Bayern. It would be a very bad look if you were walking around with a smile on your face after an event like that.

"Messi is a winner and all coaches know that. I’ve got a great relationship with Pep Guardiola and he’s also said that it’s amazing to work with Messi.

"He wants to win at all costs and is a proper winner. He gets annoyed if he doesn’t win. I am looking forward to working with him.

"It’s up to me to find a way we get the best out of Messi, that he’s happy here and that he feels important. He’s the captain and he should end his career at Barcelona. Messi is Barcelona and Barcelona is Messi.”  

At Koeman's unveiling as Barca's new boss this week, the former Netherlands manager wasted no time in addressing the speculation surrounding Messi. 

"I don't know if I have to convince Messi or not," Koeman said. "You want to have the best in the world in your team, not the opposite.

"I want to work with Messi. He wins you games and, if he provides the performances he has always shown, I'll be happy if he wants to stay.

"He has a contract. I have to talk to him, because he is the captain of the team. We are going to work and talk with several players. And in the case of Messi, I hope that he will be here for many more years."

Wagner Ribeiro, the agent of Neymar, recently suggested Messi moving to PSG would be easier than the Brazilian returning to Camp Nou, but it's clear Koeman won't be letting the Barcelona legend leave without a fight.

New Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman is planning to deploy both Frenkie de Jong and Antoine Griezmann in their preferred positions next season.

Both players moved to Camp Nou last summer and enjoyed mixed first seasons with the Catalan club as they failed to win a single piece of silverware. 

While De Jong struggled to make an offensive impact in midfield, Griezmann was criticised for his lack of goals, with the duo often forced to play slightly different positions to what they were used to.

Koeman, who previously questioned how De Jong was being used at Barcelona, is determined to ensure the Dutch midfielder is deployed properly moving forward. 

"The plan is to start playing Frenkie de Jong in the position that he plays with the national team as well," Koeman told NOS.

"I remember attending a Barcelona game and I saw him play a position where I wouldn’t play him as a coach.

"You’ve spent a lot of money on a young player. You should then play him in his own position, where he can perform in a way you’d expect from him. He’s shown at Ajax and with the Dutch national team which position suits him best and that’s where he will be playing at Barcelona as well. 

"There’s stiff competition for that role, so he will have to be in great shape and form. But it will be in a position that suits him." 

Griezmann meanwhile, who made his name as a versatile forward for Atletico Madrid, could also find himself back playing his preferred position next season if Koeman has his way. 

"The same goes for Antoine Griezmann. He is not a traditional winger, so you have to play him in his own position, in a role that suits him and where he can showcase his abilities," Koeman added.

"You have to know your players as a coach and ensure you get the best out of them."

Speculation continues to swirl around the future of Lionel Messi at Barcelona with Koeman once again voicing his desire to work with a player who he believes has every right to be "disappointed" after the club's 8-2 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals. 

Willian has stressed that Arsenal have to keep hold of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and that the striker's continued presence at Emirates Stadium is "very important" to him.

Aubameyang has enhanced his reputation as one of Europe's most prolific frontmen since swapping Borussia Dortmund for Arsenal in January 2018.

The Gabon international has scored an impressive 70 goals in 109 appearances for the Gunners, 29 of which were recorded during the 2019-20 campaign.

His latest double helped Mikel Arteta's men beat Chelsea 2-1 in the FA Cup final, but he refused to be drawn on speculation over his future after the final whistle at Wembley.

Aubameyang only has one year left to run on his current contract, and has been linked with a potential move to either Barcelona or Manchester United in recent months.

Goal has reported that Arsenal have reached an agreement with the centre-forward over an extension, but a final announcement over his future is unlikely to be forthcoming until the club's pre-season camp gets underway on August 22.

Willian, who moved to the Emirates on a free transfer after leaving Chelsea earlier this month, has talked up how integral Aubameyang is to the Gunners' hopes of competing for more major honours while expressing his hope that his new team-mate remains in north London beyond 2021.

The Brazilian midfielder told The Sun: “I joined Arsenal because we can challenge for titles but Pierre will be a big part of the plan. He has to stay — it is very important to me.

“This is a guy who gets 25-30 goals a season and we have to keep a player like that. He’s one of the best players in our team and somebody I want to be making chances for.”

Arteta expressed his belief that Aubameyang can become an Arsenal legend if he decides to commit to fresh terms with the club after the FA Cup final, telling reporters: "We always had incredible strikers at this football club and Auba deserves to be named and compared with the big names.

"By winning trophies he will be closer to that and the longer he stays there as well. Hopefully we can have him for more time."

Derby County captain Wayne Rooney will manage England at Soccer Aid for Unicef to be held later this year. 

The Three Lions all-time leading goalscorer will work alongside co-manager Sam Allardyce, with David Seaman serving as goalkeeping coach for the one-off match to be held at Old Trafford. 

Rooney, who joined Derby last season in a player-coach role, has been granted permission to take part in the match as he gains some unique managerial experience and raises awareness for an important cause.

"Taking part in Soccer Aid for Unicef is something I have wanted to do for many years," Rooney said.

"Previously, I have never been able to make the dates work, but this year was obviously different. I was enormously proud to be asked to manage the England team and although there will be no fans at the match, it is always special to go back to Old Trafford.

"Simply, representing your country is always a huge honour – and this game is no different. I’m looking forward to working with Sam and David. Yes, the players and I want to win the match but the real victory is helping to raise millions of pounds for Unicef. This year, every £1 donated is automatically trebled thanks to the UK Government and Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, so I would ask people to donate if they can.

"I’d like to thank Derby County Football Club for giving me special dispensation to take part in the match. Soccer Aid for Unicef is a show that we’ve always tried to watch as a family over the years. The names taking part this year will make it one of the most exciting to-date, so I hope everyone at home tunes in."

Soccer Aid was first held in 2006 and was the idea of Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes. 

This year's match was meant to take place in June but has been postponed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, with a new September date expected to be confirmed soon. 

Patrice Evra and David James will be making their playing debuts at the charity match this year, while previous participants Yaya Toure, Wes Brown and Robbie Kean will also be returning to take part. 

Last year's match saw the Soccer Aid World XI defeat England on penalties after the match ended 2-2, with Olympic champion Usain Bolt among the goalscorers. 

Fabio Cappelo has urged Juventus to move for Wolves star Raul Jimenez, suggesting that he could be the foil Cristiano Ronaldo needs in Turin. 

Juve retained Serie A for yet another season in 2019-20, clinching their eighth successive Scudetto. 

Ronaldo was at the fore of their efforts, netting 31 league goals to finish behind only Ciro Immobile in the top scoring rankings. 

In Europe, however, the Nerazzurri were out of luck, going out at the last-16 stage to Lyon on away goals despite Cristiano's double in the second leg. 

And according to Capello, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid superstar would benefit from playing alongside Jimenez to replicate his past success in Europe. 

"He is a great player who has lots of talent, ideal to play alongside Ronaldo," the ex-Milan, Madrid and England boss explained to ESPN when asked about the Mexico international. 

"Because Cristiano has been missing a [Karim] Benzema at Juventus, that could be Raul."

Capello, however, recognises that following the financial devastation caused by the coronavirus pandemic and resulting lockdown, big signings were likely to be at a premium for the Italian champions. 

"Juve's problem is that they have to sell players and loan others out in order to go back into the market," he explained. 

Juventus were not the only side to suffer an upset against Lyon in this year's Champions League campaign, with Manchester City also going down to the French underdogs after eliminating Madrid in the last 16. 

Capello admitted that City's elimination was the biggest surprise, while looking over the woes of Barcelona in the wake of their 8-2 thrashing at the hands of Bayern Munich.

"I was more surprised by Manchester City's elimination, they were my favourites," Capello added. 

"The Real Madrid-City match was very good, very interesting. 

"Barcelona right now are not Barcelona, there is something in the dressing room, with the coach, with Bartomeu, it is very difficult. 

"People don't understand that you have to be united and work together. I think Barcelona were the most unbalanced team, I think they have a lot of work to do to get back to the level people expect of them and not only hope for Lionel Messi to work miracles."

Togo international Alaixys Romao has been snapped up by French Ligue 2 outfit Guingamp on a free transfer having seen out his contract at Reims.

The veteran midfielder joined the Ligue 1 side in 2018 from Greek outfit Olympiacos on a two-year contract with the option of extension.

However, he was released by the club at the end of last season despite featuring in 22 French topflight matches before the competition was cancelled due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

Also, he made three appearances in three French League Cup games for David Guion’s side as they crashed out of the championship following a 2-1 defeat to AS Monaco.

Having missed promotion to Ligue 1 last term, the Costamoricans will be relying on the former Toulouse, Cuiseaux-Louhans, Grenoble, Lorient and Marseille man to help their course to regain their elite division status after they got demoted in 2019.

“A very experienced player - 592 games at the highest level, Alaixys Romao intends to help Guingamp play the leading roles in a League 2 that he knows well,” a statement from the club read.

“The club is very happy to have in its ranks a player who has been unanimous in the seven clubs of which he wore their jersey.”

Excited by his new adventure, Romao took to social media to thank the club for their trust in him, while assuring to do everything to help their course.

“New challenge. Very happy to join Guingamp, thank you for the trust you have placed in me. We are going to do everything we can to achieve our goals,” he tweeted.

With this move to Stade de Roudourou, he becomes the ninth African in Sylvain Didot’s team. Others are Lloyd Palun (Gabon), Lebogang Phiri (South Africa), Youssouf M'Changama (Comoros), Yeni Ngbakoto (Congo DR), Yannick Gomis (Senegal), Paul-Georges Ntep (Cameroon), Felix Eboa (Cameroon) and Souleymane Anne (Mauritania).

Romao could make his debut when Guingamp host Niort on the opening day of the French Ligue 2 season.

On the international scene, he boasts of over 70 caps for the Hawks since his debut in 2005 having featured for France at youth level.

Ugandan Premier League (UPL) champions Vipers SC have appointed Steven Mulindwa as the club’s general manager.

Mulindwa, 24, is a holder of an International Business degree and Economics and Business Management Masters Degree from the University of Surrey, United Kingdom.

He pursued his first degree at the Makerere University and has been given the general manager role, a position that did not exist previously at Vipers.

Mulindwa’s appointment comes a day after the Venoms appointed Charles Masembe as their Sporting Director. Masembe is a Fifa grade referee.

He has been promoted to the new position after serving as the logistics manager before.

“This was after his satisfactory work as Logistics Manager for the last two years – a post he has done faithfully and whose duties he has carried out with distinction to-date,” Vipers said in their statement confirming Mulindwa’s appointment.

“Mulindwa will now take on the new role with his primary role to oversee the general duties of the club.

“He will also lead the core research team that will be charged with holding the club's vision of becoming the best on the continent as well as managing the institution’s estates.”

The club’s president Lawrence Mulindwa said the creation of the new office and the subsequent appointment of the holder are meant to help Vipers achieve their core goals.

“Our dream is to become a first-class footballing club on the continent and we can achieve our goal with the kind of management we are putting in place. Steven is young but visionary and energetic,” said the Fufa honorary president.

“He can take us miles with his experience.”

“The general manager is expected to report directly to the club president and Board of Directors carrying on other duties as assigned by the above offices within the club structures,” Vipers’ statement added.

Mulindwa has promised to work with everyone as he undertakes the new top job at the four-time UPL winners.

“I am grateful for the new appointment and with the versatile team we have I know we can support each other to always work and achieve the vision of the club,” the 24-year-old administrator said.

“My office door will always be open to new ideas that we can implement.”

Apart from the managerial changes Vipers have implemented, they have signed a number of players to strengthen the squad that will participate in the Caf Champions League.