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Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane was left disappointed following his side's draw with Orlando Pirates on Tuesday night.

The Brazilians resumed their PSL campaign with a 0-0 draw against the Buccaneers at Dobsonville Stadium and the result saw Sundowns remain second on the league standings - three points behind leaders Kaizer Chiefs.

However, Mosimane admitted that it was a game of two halves with his side having dominated the first half, before Pirates took control of the match after the restart. 

"Yes, a game of two halves for us, we were much better in the first-half, second-half we have to give it to Orlando Pirates, let's be honest and they missed two chances, to be honest. Okay, we had one [chance] but not really convincing," Mosimane told SuperSport TV.

"The second-half they took it, you could see they were much stronger, much fresher than us in the second half. We survived a bit, Mosa [Lebusa] calf [injury], you know. But it's okay, it's a good point, we'll take a point. We're playing Orlando Pirates remember?"

Mosimane, who is looking to guide Sundowns to their third successive PSL title this season, explained that he had to introduce Jose Ali Meza and Andile Jali in the second half because Pirates were dominating the midfield.

"We put Ali [Meza] there to put more fresh legs, I think Keletso [Makgalwa] ran enough, 'Mshishi' [Themba Zwane] also, we put Andile [Jali] to help us in midfield because we could see that they were going through, to make sure that we strengthen the midfield because we had a problem there," he added.

"They were going through and I played a three-man midfield. But it's football, we're going for the long haul, it's a good point, don't undermine a point against Orlando Pirates. It's a big point, two tough games, [Bidvest] Wits and Orlando Pirates. Yes, not bad. It's still a long haul, we're still going," he said.

Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates head coach Josef Zinnbauer had mixed feelings as the Buccaneers drew their maiden competitive match since March.

Despite the draw, Bucs moved up to the third place on the league standings and Zinnbauer was left to rue his side's missed chances with the likes of Paseka Mako and Fortune Makaringe having failed to convert their goalscoring opportunities. 

"First time, you could see it's [been] a long time since we last played but we came more and more in the game. In the first half, a 0-0 was okay. The second half was much better, we had chances to win the game but Sundowns always had a chance," Zinnbauer told SuperSport TV.

"It was a very difficult game for us, top players against us. Yes, at the end of the time we hit the post, with a little luck you win the game. I'm not 100 percent unhappy, I'm not 100 percent [feeling] bad. We have the next game in three days, that's the focus now."

Pirates were without Thembinkosi Lorch and Justin Shonga as the two attackers are facing disciplinary action after they were found to have breached the team's protocols and Zinnbauer explained that the decision was taken by the technical team.

"It was a decision from us, the staff, from the coaches. We have to see the next game, we need a lot of players. You know this difficult time, after three days you have a game, we need the whole squad, so yes all the players have a chance," he concluded.

Pirates' next match will be against Bidvest Wits at Ellis Park Stadium on Saturday, while Sundowns are set to take on Highlands Park on Friday.

Atalanta are preparing for their Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain by assuming Kylian Mbappe will be fit to play, manager Gian Piero Gasperini says.

PSG’s top scorer Mbappe had looked certain to miss the quarter-final after suffering an ankle injury in the Coupe de France final win over Saint-Etienne on July 24.

At one point, Thomas Tuchel said it would take a “miracle” for Mbappe to recover in time.

On Tuesday, though, Tuchel confirmed Mbappe would likely be fit to make an appearance from the bench , bar any last-minute disruptions.

Atalanta are the underdogs going into the game despite an exceptional season in Serie A, and Gasperini is in no illusions as to the size of the task awaiting his team.

"Mbappe is an extraordinary player. He can change a game,” Gasperini told reporters.

“We are preparing ourselves by thinking that he will be on the field. We'll see tomorrow."

On Tuesday, Tuchel said: "If he has a good training session today and nothing extraordinary happens, he will be with the team tomorrow.

“We are very happy that he is with the group and that we can have the possibility of finishing the match with him.”

PSG will still be without midfield lynchpin Marco Verratti, who suffered a calf problem recently.

Whatever team PSG do play, it will be one packed with star names – including the irrepressible Neymar. Gasperini believes he has a plan to stop the Brazilian, but he knows the quality he possesses.

"Neymar is one of the best players in the world,” he said.

“It's a problem for any team that faces Neymar, but I think the best way to defend against him is to play well and force him to defend.

“We'll try to do it with our organisation. We have met a lot of great players. He's one of them, but I think we can reduce his impact."

The winner of Wednesday's tie will go on to meet either RB Leipzig or Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals, with Atletico the only club of the four ever to have reached the Champions League final in the past.

Javi Martinez is looking to leave Bayern Munich after eight years with the German club, chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has confirmed.

The 31-year-old midfielder joined Bayern from Athletic Bilbao in 2012 and has won 19 trophies during his time at the Allianz Arena.

However, Martinez has been restricted to just 10 starts in all competitions in 2019-20 and recently entered the final 12 months of his contract.

Goal and SPOX reported last month that no talks over a new contract had taken place and that no decision had been made over Martinez's future.

Rummenigge has opened the door for the Spaniard to move on during the close season, with teams in France and former club Athletic rumoured to be interested.

"We know that he would like to leave the club with a suitable offer," Rummenigge told AZ. 

"We wouldn't put any obstacles in his way because he was always a good player and a reliable, serious person. We will always try to find a solution that suits the player."

In an interview with Marca in June, Martinez insisted that he was not looking to leave Bayern but admitted that he was also keeping his options open, including a potential return to Athletic.

"I am open to everything that fulfils me personally and physically. I could live and play in the USA, in Australia, or return to Spain," Martinez said.

"I had six unbelievable years in Bilbao. Of course it is an option."

Rummenigge also reiterated on Wednesday that fellow midfielder Thiago Alcantara, strongly linked with Liverpool, will only be allowed to leave if his valuation is met.

"Regarding Thiago, it's known that he told us he wanted to do something new," Rummenigge told Bild.

"If a club approaches us that is willing to pay a fair transfer fee, we will work on it."

Bayern are also in talks with versatile defender David Alaba over a new contract, while loanee Philippe Coutinho will return to Barcelona later this month.

On Alaba, Rummenigge told the media that he was "cautiously optimistic we will find a solution" as the Austrian's contract enters its final year.

Kylian Mbappe is set for a sensational return to action for Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League quarter-final clash with Atalanta on Wednesday.

The 21-year-old had been expected to miss out after suffering an ankle injury in the Coupe de France final win over Saint-Etienne on July 24. However, PSG boss Thomas Tuchel has now suggested Mbappe is ready to play a role from the bench.

"If he has a good training session today and nothing extraordinary happens, he will be with the team tomorrow,” Tuchel told his pre-match press conference.

“We are very happy that he is with the group and that we can have the possibility of finishing the match with him.”

If Mbappe does feature, even if only from the bench, it will represent a remarkable change of fortunes for PSG. Tuchel has previously said he thought it would take a “miracle” for Mbappe to be fit in time for the game, as the French champions look to stake their claim for the European crown.

Having Mbappe back eases some of the pressure on Neymar, although Tuchel feels the Brazilian has the mindset and ability to carry the PSG attacking threat if needed.

"I have the impression that there is always a lot of pressure on him, but he likes it," said Tuchel of Neymar. "He is used to playing with this pressure.

"We are very happy that Kylian is also with the group and that we can have the possibility to finish the match with him, because the two like to play together. Neymar is decisive on the big matches and I am convinced that he can be the key man for us. He has the necessary quality for this kind of situation."

While plenty of fans saw PSG as having received a favourable draw in Atalanta, Gian Piero Gasperini’s vibrant side are in the last eight on merit and scored 98 goals this season in Serie A.

Having his team as close to full strength as possible would, therefore, be a huge relief to Tuchel, who has already made clear his frustration at finishing the campaign without the likes of Edinson Cavani and Thomas Meunier, who have left the club.

Mbappe has scored 30 goals and registered 18 assists in 34 games in all competitions for PSG this season, their top scorer ahead of Mauro Icardi and Neymar.

Tuchel is also sweating on the fitness of key midfielder Marco Verratti, who didn’t fly to Portugal with the rest of the squad due to a calf injury.

“There isn’t much time, but we will try everything,” Tuchel said on the Italian.

Verratti has played in all but one of PSG's Champions League outings so far this season, missing their last-16 second leg against Borussia Dortmund through suspension.

Manchester City’s new signing Ferran Torres has hailed David Silva as an “inspiration” after making the same move from Valencia to the Premier League.

The 20-year-old winger has arrived in the North West with big shoes to fill, following in the footsteps of Silva and replacing the departed Leroy Sane out wide.

Torres joined Valencia’s youth setup as a child in 2006, the same year Silva’s performances for Valencia earned him his first senior international cap for Spain.

“When I started at Valencia, he was enjoying his best time at the club,” Torres told Man City’s official website.

“He was always an inspiration and then, when he moved to City where he’s been playing his best football, I’ve always admired him. Above all, [what impressed him was] his ability to hold the ball, his capacity to make the final pass and his quality.”

Torres was also asked why he chose Man City as his next step, and what sort of player fans can expect to see.

“Being part of the project the club set out to me,” he said. “My aim is to grow as a player. I have a lot of room for improvement and the fact of having Pep Guardiola as a manager was a big factor too.

“It was crucial because he’s one of the best, or I’d say the best manager in the world and at the point I am at now in my career, he can get the best out of me.

“I’m always trying to improve. I always like to ask the reason why we do things and I think this is fundamental for improving and also because I think I’m young and I still have lots of things to improve.”

Torres is also confident he can bridge the gap from La Liga to the Premier League, noting he might not be exactly the sort of old-school winger fans might expect.

He said: “The truth is that English football is more physical than it is in Spain but I really feel I’m ready and I’m looking forward to getting going as soon as possible. I’d say that I have more strength than speed. I also make good crosses, but above all I’d highlight my power and strength.”

Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA FC) have confirmed their seventh signing in this transfer window after unveiling Samson Kigozi.

The 22-year-old winger has landed from Uganda Premier League (UPL) rivals Police FC ahead of the new season set to kick-off on October 17.

“Samson Kigozi has penned a three-year contract that will run from August 2020 until August 2023,” the former UPL champions confirmed on their official website.

Kigozi, who scored a total of five goals in all competitions for the Law Enforcers, has welcomed his move to the Lugogo-based giants by stating: “I feel so happy to join KCCA. It is a dream come true. This is a team of trophies with great players and coaches and with great history and success.

“I want to play at the highest level, I want to compete with the best on the continent and at KCCA I have a chance to play in Caf competitions.

“This will give me more exposure as a player. The fans should expect a hardworking man and one who is ready to help the team achieve its goals.”

On signing the player, KCCA coach Mike Mutebi said: “I have really followed [Samson] for a very long time and I know he is one kind of a player, who can help us achieve our targets for the new season.

“I know we will be competing in several competitions and it is good to have such players, he can score goals and he proved that with Police last season and can also set up the goals, so he is a good addition to my squad.”

He was part of the Uganda Cranes squad preparing for the 2020 African Nations Championships (Chan) finals that was scheduled to be held in Cameroon before the competition was postponed owing to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

Kigozi has now become the seventh signing for the Mike Mutebi led side, after Lwanga Charles, Mugume Ashraf, Mazengo Stefano, Iguma Denis, Bright Anukani and Brian Aheebwa.

KCCA are keen to beef up their squad after losing the league title to Vipers SC when the Federation of Uganda Football Association (Fufa) moved to end the top-flight prematurely owing to Covid-19.

Vipers, who were by then topping the table, were declared champions and will represent the country in the Caf Champions League while KCCA, who were sitting second, will now go for the Confederation Cup.

Mamelodi Sundowns were frustrated by a resilient Orlando Pirates side in a PSL match which ended in a 0-0 draw on Tuesday evening.

Coach Pitso Mosimane made several changes to the team which faced and defeated Bidvest Wits in the Nedbank Cup semi-final match on Saturday.

Despite his poor performance against Wits, Motjeka Madisha kept his place in the starting line-up, while Lyle Lakay and Keletso Makgalwa both started as a reward for scoring over the weekend.

Mosimane's counterpart Josef Zinnbauer had to do without attackers Thembinkosi Lorch and Justin Shonga, who are both facing disciplinary action after they were found to have breached the team's protocols.

Frank Mhango and Augustine Mulenga led Bucs' attack, while Ben Motshwari started after recovering from the coronavirus with the Buccaneers looking to resume their campaign with a victory.

Sundowns got off to a lively start as they pressed Pirates in order to grab an early goal which would have unsettled the away side's leaky defence. 

However, the Buccaneers were compact at the back with Happy Jele marshaling the defence which came into the game having conceded 26 goals from 23 league matches.

Masandawana upped the tempo towards the half-hour mark with Sphelele Mkhulise and Makgalwa looking to use their speed to unlock the Bucs' defence.

The duo combined well before Mkhulise set-up Themba Zwane, who forced Pirates' experienced goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands into a smart diving save at the near-post.

Pirates took control of the match towards the end of the first half, but they could not seriously test Denis Onyango in the Sundowns goal-posts and the score was 0-0 at the interval.  

The Buccaneers were the better side after the restart with Zinnbauer having introduced Luvuyo Memela with the attacker bringing some creativity in the away's side midfield.

Memela set-up Fortune Makaringe, who burst into the box from midfield and unleashed a low shot which was finger-tipped onto the upright by Onyango and Madisha cleared the ball away from danger.

Uganda captain Onyango was the busier of the two keepers as he produced a fine low save to deny Memela, before finger-tipping Vincent Pule's long-range shot over the crossbar as Pirates pushed for the opening goal.

Madisha, who was having a great match at the heart of the Sundowns, produced a crucial tackle to stop Paseka Mako from pulling the trigger inside the box in the closing stages of the match.

Former South Africa under-20 captain Madisha then sustained a head injury and he was replaced by Wayne Arendse, but Sundowns were able to contain Pirates and ultimately, the match ended in a 0-0 draw.

The result saw Sundowns fail to close the gap on league log leaders Kaizer Chiefs, who are now three points above Mosimane's side.

While Pirates moved up to the third spot - four points behind second-placed Sundowns with the latter having two games in hand.

Kylian Mbappe was set to miss out for PSG against Atalanta in the Champions League quarter-final after picking up an ankle injury in the Coupe de France final on July 24.

The forward limped off the pitch after being on the receiving end of a heavy tackle, only joining in on his side's trophy celebrations on crutches.

The France star was set to miss up to three weeks of action – but the Ligue 1 champions were handed a massive boost as the forward was named in their Champions League squad on Saturday.

He was also spotted training with the side in the lead-up to the clash, heavily implying that he will be part of the action on Wednesday.

PSG boss Thomas Tuchel was originally not optimistic about his star recovering in time for the quarter-final clash, but Mbappe might be defying expectations and he could be set to feature much sooner than expected.

"The deadline is short, super short," Tuchel had told reporters. "We spoke with the doctor today and we decided to meet again on Saturday to see what phase he is in and if it is possible that he is on the bench against Atalanta. 

"But I do not expect too much."

After the Coupe de France final, the club issued a statement saying that Mbappe would be forced to remain on the sidelines for three weeks - which initially ruled him out of the European knockout clash against the Serie A side.

PSG stated on their website: "As announced after the final of the Coupe de France against Saint-Etienne, Mbappe was examined on Monday in order to know the severity of his right ankle injury. 

"The examination performed today confirms a sprained ankle with external ligament injury. Following this, the recovery time is estimated at around three weeks."

Mbappe's potential absence for the quarter-final would be a huge blow for the Ligue 1 champions, with the French international netting 30 goals and registering 18 assists in 34 appearances for PSG this season – including five goals and five assists in the Champions League.

The French giants are heavy favourites heading into the tie against Atalanta, but the Italian side have proved to be a plucky team.

PSG are targeting a Champions League semi-finals berth for the first time since 1994-95.

The likes of Neymar, Marquinhos, Angel Di Maria, Thiago Silva, Mauro Icardi, Thilo Kehrer and Presnel Kimpembe have all returned to the squad after being rested for the midweek friendly against Sochaux.

Tuchel, however, stated that Marco Verratti is set to miss out after nursing a calf injury picked up in training. 

Layvin Kurzawa will be forced to sit on the sidelines with a thigh issue.

There is a clear sense this summer that Italian side Napoli are pursuing a rebuild of the squad.

There are two factors dictating this, ostensibly.

First was the player mutiny back in December, when members of the team rebelled against the request of the club’s management to go into ritiro – the somewhat anachronistic sequestering away of a group of players in order to build focus and course-correct in the wake of a poor run of form.

That episode saw the club resolve to move on some of the more influential players in the dressing room.

This fed into the second factor: there was a sense that the squad had been together too long and had grown stale and/or old. A refreshing was needed.

The job Gennaro Gattuso has done smoothing things over since his appointment has gone some way toward redressing that ill-feeling, but the signings of Eljif Elmas and Victor Osimhen highlight a deliberate move to bring down the average age of the squad anyway.

This brings the conversation around neatly to Kalidou Koulibaly, and what is a peculiar case.

The Senegal international has, for the past couple of years, been acknowledged as one of the best defenders in Europe, and has seemed a no-brainer pick-up for one of the top sides in one of the other major leagues. Despite all of that, he has remained in the south of Italy. Yet this summer, following possibly his weakest season performance-wise, is the likeliest a move away has been for the 29-year-old.

What gives?

Recent reports suggest Napoli would be willing to let him leave, as they seek to stay in the black after breaking their club transfer record. There is no shortage of interest: the two Manchester clubs, as a matter of necessity, are in need of reinforcement at the back – City more than United, granted; as are Chelsea and even Arsenal, skint as they are just now.

That’s four of the big six in the Premier League that could do with a player of his quality. However, if they had been paying attention on Saturday night, they would probably have had cause to pause and re-evaluate.

A trip to the (empty) Camp Nou and the prospect of facing Lionel Messi would be daunting for any defender in world football. There is no shame in coming out second-best to perhaps the best player to ever play the game. However, the manner of Koulibaly’s performance in Catalonia was particularly troubling.

For all three goals on the night, he carried some degree of culpability. The third – his concession of a penalty – can be considered somewhat unfortunate, seeing as it was Messi who essentially interrupted his kicking motion.

Still, only the melting of the polar ice caps could possibly outstrip the sheer amount of time he took to wind up the clearance.

For the first, he was much too easily bowled over by the slight figure of Diego Demme, all 5ft 7in and 60-something odd kilograms of German midfielder. For the second, for all that Messi was at his bewitching best, the situation could have been contained if Koulibaly had displayed even a modicum of assertiveness during the move.

It was not simply the goals either.

An errant, ill-advised and unnecessary cross-field pass to no one put the ball out of play for a Barcelona corner early doors.

In another move, he intercepted a pass and then proceeded to storm up the field into an attacking position, only to then have to race back after a turnover had left his side exposed. Then, in the second half, his passing seemed to completely come a-cropper.

It seemed a slow, painful devolution born, not of physical limitations, but of getting caught up in the emotional weight of the occasion. For some reason, it appeared he was keener to impress than usual, and so executed with a far greater degree of risk than was usual or warranted.

That sense of distraction has been a theme for Koulibaly all season. A late return following the disappointment of defeat at the Africa Cup of Nations final last summer saw him struggle noticeably in the first two matches of the season against Fiorentina and Juventus. Right away, he looked so much less than the impassable Titan he had been previously, but while that could be chalked up to fatigue, to what can his more recent lapses be attributed?

Everyone knows the ability Koulibaly has on his day. His technical quality under pressure, allied to his physical presence and a tenacity that has seen him accrue a highlight reel of goal-line clearances speak eloquently. However, all of that means nothing if, as was evident at the weekend, he plays the occasion rather than the opponent.

To unravel in such a dramatic fashion on the big stage immediately calls into question his big-game temperament. It might not only explain why there has been some reticence in the past, but also why, even now, his continued stay in Italy remains a distinct possibility still.

Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) has set the date for the Ordinary General Assembly Annual General Meeting (AGM).

With the 2020/21 season set to start in October, some vital issues have to be addressed and it is the reason why Fufa has scheduled for the meeting. 

"Notice is hereby given to all Fufa members, delegates and stakeholders that the 96th Fufa Ordinary General Assembly shall be held on Saturday, October 17 at Silver Springs Hotel," Federation's Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson Suubi said as quoted by the Fufa Website.

Kampala region will be hosting this year's edition but it is not clear whether it will be done virtually or physically.

The Ordinary Fufa General Assembly comprises of 34 member associations in Uganda and it is the supreme and legislative body of football in the country. It is made up of 88 delegates.

Some of the issues to be discussed include financial statements, budgets, activity reports, dismissing of members, the permission of entrants among others.

All member associations will now be required to convene independent Annual General Meeting prior to the main one, in order to solve their internal issues and ensure their agenda is well represented. This is in accordance with the Fufa statutes.

Women's football is also set to be discussed owing to the recent growth witnessed in the East Africa nation.

"As Fufa, we have always thought that such engagements help us to understand our successes and challenges better," Fufa president Moses Magogo said in an earlier interview.

"We can agree to disagree here but even when Fufa or clubs have different opinions about an issue, when we meet, a solution is always found. 

"We are proud of the journey moved so far since the start of regular club football for women's football in 2015. I can say we have registered a number of successful stories ranging from an increase in the number of girls taking part, the quality of football displayed to our national teams. 

"But at the moment we are saying can we engage another gear?"

Uganda made some structural changes in women's football to help the country grow and for ladies to get more involved in the game.  

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Rudolph Seale believes the Soweto giants will have an advantage heading to the clash against Bidvest Wits because of their hunger to lift the Premier Soccer League (PSL) trophy.

Amakhosi are scheduled to face the Students at FNB Stadium but they will be the visiting side as the iconic venue has been allocated to Wits for the remainder of the current campaign.

Moreover, Seale couldn't say if the Clever Boys are at an advantage after facing Mamelodi Sundowns last weekend in their first match since March but urges the Soweto giants to remain hungry for league glory.

“You know what, it’s an advantage [playing the second match] to Wits but that can also be said about Chiefs because they have studied Wits on the game against [Mamelodi] Sundowns. That [playing the first match] can also be a disadvantage to Chiefs because they have not played and Wits might have an upper hand,” Seale told Goal.

“The advantage or the main point for Chiefs is that they are hungry and I’m sure they have been reminded of the mission, to win the remaining games and complete the job. They haven’t played in months but the hunger should drive them on Wednesday.

“Wits have played last weekend and they will want to continue because they are not starting afresh.”

The retired defender also looks at the fact the Glamour Boys faithful will not be on the stands to cheer coach Ernst Middendorp’s troops, saying the game will demand psychological awareness.

“Honestly, they must forget about thinking they are at home at FNB even though it’s been allocated to Wits now under these circumstances,” he added.

“To me, it’s a home ground on paper but they are both on a neutral venue. The change rooms, the pitch is not familiar to Wits and the fans are not there for Chiefs. So, it’s a new ball game altogether.

“The mission for Chiefs is to focus on getting the points and not relax and bank on the fact that they have always done well at FNB Stadium. There will be no fans and how do you relax and say I’m at home? I think this goes to the old saying that football is the same whether there are fans or not.

“They have trained for many years with no fans and I’m sure playing 11 versus 11 has somewhat adjusted their minds to the new norm of playing behind closed doors.

“Yes, Chiefs have always been driven by the fans and it’s definitely going to have an impact there’s no doubt about that.

“However, the players should be professional enough and focus on the job at hand. Mental strength will be key for them here. I think the absence of fans could be an advantage for Wits but I don’t think Chiefs will be badly affected when talking about empty stands.”

Meanwhile, coach Gavin Hunt’s side will go out to avoid their second loss in all competitions whilst the Soweto giants target maximum points to stretch their lead at the summit.

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebogang Manyama has promised “a hell of a game” when they meet Bidvest Wits in a Premier Soccer League (PSL) game at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday, but has also admitted their opponents have become a more difficult side.

Under threat are Chiefs’ league title ambitions as they resume the campaign seeking to maintain their grip at the top of the standings in their remaining eight matches.

On the other hand, Wits are set to exit the PSL after selling their top-flight league status to Limpopo-based GladAfrica Championship side Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila and Manyama appears concerned the Students keenness to bow out on a high could present a difficult evening for Chiefs on Wednesday.

“I think now they are even more difficult to play against and I think they are still motivated to play for the club. There is history to make for them,” said Manyama as per Sowetan Live.

“Unfortunately, they couldn't make it in the Nedbank Cup. But Wits will always be Wits, very tough team to play against... it's going to be a tough game but we are looking forward to it. We have our own plans and we will try to capitalise on their weaknesses but it is going to be a hell of a game that I can promise you.”

Wednesday’s encounter would be Chiefs’ first match since the restart of football in South Africa last weekend.

They come up against a Wits side already been involved in competitive action when they were eliminated from the Nedbank Cup by Mamelodi Sundowns last Saturday.

While Wits have already gained some game time, Chiefs could be counting on their players who were in-form before the season was suspended in March.

Manyama has been one of the standout Chiefs players so far this season, scoring six goals in 21 league games and managing eight assists.

Also instrumental in Chiefs’ title challenge has been their top goalscorer Samir Nurkovic who has 11 league goals to his name, as well as Leonardo Castro who has contributed seven goals.

Defensive midfielder Willard Katsande and centre-back Eric Mathoho have also been outstanding for Amakhosi.

Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka is looking forward to the challenge of taking on Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi after going up against Cristiano Ronaldo.

When he was at Schalke, Goretzka twice faced Ronaldo's Real Madrid, losing 6-1 in February 2014 and winning 4-3 at Santiago Bernabeu a year later, with both matches part of Champions League last-16 exits for the Bundesliga side.

The midfielder will get his first chance to take on Messi in a professional match when Bayern play Barca in the Champions League quarter-finals in Lisbon on Friday.

However, Goretzka knows it will take a team effort to contain Messi, who was pivotal in getting Barca past Napoli in the last-16 second leg last week.

"After having played Cristiano Ronaldo several times, it's nice to be able to play against another leading footballer of our decade," said Goretzka.

"The only way it works [stopping Messi] is collectively. Everyone knows just how gifted he is, he is capable of finding many solutions also in tight situations. We will have to fight back as a team. If one player can actually take away his fun in the game, I don't know. We just have to fight back as a team and try to play our game."

Goretzka left Schalke for Bayern on a free transfer in 2018 despite interest from Barcelona, and he feels resisting the lure of Camp Nou was the correct decision.

"Back then I deliberately took a long time. I had a few options to stay with Schalke. I listened to everything and made a conscious decision in favour of Bayern. I have never regretted making this decision," he said.

The suspension of major football during the coronavirus pandemic means the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the Champions League will be played as single games rather than over two legs, with UEFA squeezing in the closing stages of the tournament ahead of the start of the 2020-21 season.

Goretzka believes Bayer Leverkusen's Europa League exit at the hands of Inter on Monday was a reminder of how that change has altered the dynamics of European competition.

"This is a knockout game. The right mental mix is always required. Yesterday the Leverkusen game annoyed me because they actually played a good game but were eliminated because of 20 minutes. I had the feeling that they would have progressed over two legs," he said.

"I think we can beat any opponent. Nevertheless, we know that a very good team is waiting for us with world-class players. We will play with our chests puffed out, like we have over the past nine months. We are already in a positive mood."

Erling Haaland emerged as a teenage sensation, but has warned the Bundesliga there is an even more prodigious young talent ready to break through at Borussia Dortmund.

Norwegian striker Haaland turned 20 in July and has already established himself among the top marksmen in German football.

His 13 goals in 15 Bundesliga games since arriving in mid-season from Red Bull Salzburg came amid a overall tally of 44 goals in 40 appearances, split between the two clubs.

Haaland will be Dortmund's chief goal threat in the new campaign, but youngster Youssoufa Moukoko could also have a part to play.

Moukoko is 15 and has been a revelation at youth level, while also training with the Dortmund first team in the recently completed 2019-20 campaign.

He is with the Dortmund squad this week at their training camp in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland, and will be eligible to play senior football when he turns 16 on November 20.

Haaland said: "He's a lot better than I was when I was 15. He trains at Borussia Dortmund and keeps up. I was in my home club, Bryne FK, when I was 15. You can't compare that."

Cameroon-born striker Moukoko has played for Germany at under-16 level and has also appeared for Dortmund in the Under-19 Bundesliga and the UEFA Youth League.

Haaland, quoted in the Westfalische Rundschau newspaper, suggested he would rather keep pressure off the prodigy.

"But it's hard when he's that good," Haaland said. "I don't think I've ever seen a 15-year-old that good."

Dortmund have stated their expectation that Jadon Sancho will stay at the club next season, amid strong interest from Manchester United.

They are looking to build a side to challenge Bayern Munich and the emergence of Moukoko in the coming seasons could be important, but it is likely to be Haaland and Sancho who hold the key to the team's success next term, should both remain with Dortmund.

Haaland added: "As a player, I want to win things, of course. If we improve compared to last year, we also have a great chance of holding something in our hands in the end."

Orlando Pirates have announced the suspension of strikers Justin Shonga and Thembinkosi Lorch and that coach Josef Zinnbauer will be without the two attackers against Mamelodi Sundowns on Tuesday night.

The Buccaneers released a statement just before the eagerly anticipated Premier Soccer League (PSL) encounter at Dobsonville Stadium.

In a statement, Pirates explained the duo has been excluded from the squad that will finish the current season in a Biologically Safe Environment (BSE) in Gauteng because of following a breach of the team's protocols.

"Thembinkosi Lorch and Justin Shonga have been excluded from the squad that reported for the BSE bubble on Sunday following a breach of the team's protocols,” read a statement for Pirates.

"All players have been educated and are constantly reminded, or their responsibilities as public servants and role models.

"It is our role and duty to ensure that all members of this organization are fully compliant and aware of the measures that are in place.

"Both players will be afforded the opportunity to return to play once the disciplinary processes have been finalized.

"Mr Lorch and Mr Shonga will also be required to undergo two Covid-19 tests, which both must be negative, as per the BSE protocols, before they resume any club activities."

Meanwhile, Pirates are also set to be without defender Bongani Sam for the clash as the former Bloemfontein Celtic defender has sustained a hamstring injury.

The Soweto giants are away from home visiting the Brazilians as they look to register two wins in the current season but Zinnbauer will miss the influential duo.

Pirates currently sit third with SuperSport United on the log table with 40 points from 24 matches so far and a win will take them closer to rivals Kaizer Chiefs who lead the table with 48 points.

In their next fixture, the former African champions will welcome Bidvest Wits at Ellis Park Stadium on Saturday, August 15 at 18:00.

Winning the Champions League trophy the biggest honour in European club football.

Earning the coveted title of continental European champion is one thing, but managing to score the most goals in a single Champions League season is a feat on its own.

So which player has scored the most Champions League goals? Goal takes a look.

Cristiano Ronaldo currently holds the record for scoring the most Champions League goals in a single campaign, netting 17 times playing for Real Madrid during the 2013-14 season.

Real Madrid were eventually crowned champions that campaign, beating local rivals Atletico Madrid 4-1 in the final in Lisbon with the Portugal star converting a penalty deep into extra-time.

The victory was the year of La Decima for the Spanish giants, winning a record 10th European cup trophy.

In fact, the now-Juventus striker currently occupies the top three spots of the Champions League season scoring charts. He netted 16 times in the 2015-16 campaign, and 15 in 2017-18 - both for Real.

His former rival at Barcelona, Lionel Messi, occupies the fourth spot with 14 goals, before sharing a tally of 12 strikes with Ronaldo once again as well as Ruud van Nistelrooy and Robert Lewandowski.

The Bayern striker currently leads the 2019-20 Champions League season with 12 goals to his name.

*Current season

**Last updated August 2020

While Ronaldo holds the record for most goals scored in the European top-flight, Radamel Falcao set the record for most Europa League goals netted in a single campaign (18) for Porto in the 2010-11 season.

Victor Lindelof was critical of Manchester United’s performance against Copenhagen in the Europa League quarter-final but is confident they have what it takes to win the tournament.

The Swede came off the bench in the second half of United’s nervy 1-0 win in Cologne on Monday night, with Bruno Fernandes penalty in extra time proving to be the difference.

And Lindelof knows the Red Devils will have to improve if they are to reach the final of the competition, with Wolves or Sevilla next up for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side in the semi-final.

"I think we could have done a lot of things better but when we had the ball they made it difficult for us," Lindelof said after the game.

"Sometimes they pressed high and when they didn't they dropped deep and defended compact as a unit. It was hard to create chances there but I think we should have scored a few more goals. It is very difficult to say just why [United struggled]. It happens sometimes in football.

"Of course it's been a long season but we played a quarter-final in a European Cup so I think everyone had to be ready for that. Like I said, it happens sometimes in football that you don't perform at the level you want to. But the important thing is that we won and we're through to the semi-finals."

The victory means Solskjaer’s side have reached the semi-final of three competitions this season and they will be hoping it's third time lucky in reaching a final, having missed out in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

And Lindelof is confident they have learned lessons from their previous two semi-final defeats, believing that they have the mentality and ability to go all the way and lift the trophy.

"I think we have a lot of confidence in the team right now. We've been performing to a very high level, especially after the league ended," the 26-year-old added.

"We got the third spot and we've been playing some really, really good football. I think everybody has a lot of confidence and we know we can do some great things.

"Obviously even if we play against Sevilla or Wolves, they are two tough teams but we're going to be ready and hopefully we can go out and perform a really, really good game."

Should United beat Wolves or Sevilla, they will then face either Inter, Shakhtar Donetsk or Basel in the final on August 21.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic took time out of his summer holiday to wind up England fans by recreating his incredible goal for Sweden in their 4-2 win in 2012.

The striker netted all four of his side's goals as they beat the Three Lions at the Friends Arena in an international friendly that November.

Ibrahimovic's most impressive goal of the game was a stunning overhead kick from distance which flew over Joe Hart and in after the goalkeeper's poor clearance.

The former Manchester United, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward won the Puskas Award in 2013 for the goal and he is clearly still revelling in the glory. 

The ex-Sweden international posted a video on social media of him leaping out of the water to send the ball flying in a re-enactment of his goal against England.

He added the caption: "God Save the Queen".

Then England boss Roy Hodgson was shocked to see the veteran forward pull off the feat, telling reporters afterwards that it was a "work of art".

He added: "It's a wonderful goal to see on a football field, though I would rather have seen it against someone else."

Ibrahimovic explained his thinking after the game: "Hart was a long way out and I was just trying to get it into the goal. I was on the ground when it was on the way in.

"I saw a defender sliding in to try to get rid of it and I wanted to scream 'No' but the ball went in."

The 38-year-old is currently contracted to AC Milan after returning to the San Siro side in January.

His deal with the Rossoneri expires at the end of August, but the club are trying to convince him to extend, and director Paolo Maldini admits it will not be easy to tie him down.

"Zlatan is part of this project," he said earlier this month. "It won't be an easy negotiation, but we fully intend to keep him with us. We have many young players who can grow exponentially with Ibra by their side."

Axel Witsel is convinced that Manchester United-linked Jadon Sancho will remain at Borussia Dortmund after Michael Zorc's insistence that the winger will not be sold this summer.

Sancho has reportedly reached an agreement to sign a five-year contract at Old Trafford worth £220,000 a week, but Dortmund's valuation of the youngster is proving to be a sticking point in negotiations with United.

Goal has learned that Dortmund are holding out for a final fee of €120 million (£108m/$142m) for a prized asset, who recorded 20 goals and 20 assists for the club in 2019-20.

Earlier this month, Dortmund managing director Hans-Joachim Watzke denied having received any offers for the England international, and Zorc moved to squash speculation surrounding his future conclusively on Monday.

Speaking ahead of the club's pre-season training camp, Dortmund's sporting director told reporters: "Jadon Sancho will play with us next season. The decision is final. I think that answers all the questions."

Zorc's comments haven't dissuaded United from finalising a deal for Sancho, who is thought to be eager to join up with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's squad,  but Witsel is now certain that he will continue to play alongside the talented attacker for at least one more year.

"He stays and we are all happy," the Dortmund midfielder told Sky Sports . "Last year and the first year when I came he’s been one of the most important players offensively for our team.

"This is really good news for us to keep him – at a minimum – one more season."

Dortmund centre-back Mats Hummels also expressed his delight after hearing Zorc's update on Sancho, as he told the club's official website : "He can be the player who makes the difference. I’m happy that he is staying."

Solskjaer was quizzed on United's interest in the 20-year-old once again after watching his side beat Copenhagen 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

The Norwegian refused to be drawn on his transfer plans as he stated in his post-match interview: "I can't comment on other team's players, I can't do that."

Sancho has scored 34 goals in 99 appearances across all competitions for Dortmund since joining the club from Manchester City in 2017, and is currently tied to remain at Westfalenstadion through to 2023.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidential candidate Sam Nyamweya has hit out at the current office for dishonesty regarding information sharing from world football governing body Fifa.

The Federation opted to share the letter from Fifa to secretary-general Barry Otieno dated August 5 regarding the elections, while the ones dated July 11 and August 2 were not shared.

The administrator believes the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) March 17 ruling should also be exercised as a whole and not a mere part which favours the current regime.

"For the purpose of openness and transparency and for us to be able to have a clear view, the email letters of August 2 and the letter of July 11 should have been made public," Nyamweya said in a statement obtained by Goal. 

"Reading from the contents of this email letter, the author selectively and partially chooses to implement the [SDT] ruling."

The former Federation president states, per the ruling, the whole FKF electoral process was nullified. This included all the processes leading to the purported elections, the voter register and the shortlisted candidates fell on the same premise.  

"It is clear that the ruling by the Sports Disputes tribunal is emphatic on the nullification of the FKF electoral process and therefore the call for a fresh electoral process is not anything new," he continued.

"For a fresh FKF electoral process to commence on the right footing, such a process should include a comprehensive review... by the stakeholders... [and] should generate a new all-inclusive voter register." 

Nyamweya is demanding a new inclusive register which should include all clubs from the grassroots.

He has also pointed out that the content of the letter is not addressed to the Electoral Board.

"[The letter] is not in any way addressed to the FKF Electoral Board nor its action anticipated. It is therefore unethical and erroneous for the Chairperson of the Board to claim that the directives were directed to the board," he maintained.  

"The purported attempt by the FKF Electoral Board to introduce and or amend the eligibility criteria is illegal, ultra vires and void.  

"We reject the road map given by the FKF Electoral Board. We treat it as a well-orchestrated plot hatched by the incumbent, executed by his hirelings masquerading as Board officials, with the ultimate goal of rigging in the incumbent and his cronies."

Nyamweya concludes by stating a consultative meeting with all the stakeholders is the only way forward.

"We the football stakeholders hold the view and right that only an all-inclusive roundtable stakeholders forum as advocated and driven by the Sports Disputes Tribunal can unlock the electoral impasse," he concluded.

"We remain committed to the process of having transparent, free, fair, credible, and verifiable FKF elections."