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Jack Harrison has confirmed that he will be taking in a third spell at Leeds United, with Manchester City opening an exit door once again for the promising winger.

The 23-year-old forward has spent the last two seasons on loan at Elland Road.

He contributed to the Whites winning promotion to the Premier League during the 2019-20 campaign and is now looking forward to taking in top-flight football under Marcelo Bielsa.

A man who City snapped up from sister club New York City FC in January 2018 told ESPN FC of helping Leeds back into the big time: “I still don't think it's quite sunken in yet.

“I don't think it will really sink in until the first game where you walk out obviously in a Premier League stadium.

“We don’t know the fixtures yet or anything like that, but until we start preparing for that I don't think it will really sink in until then. As of right now I'm just trying to enjoy the moment, enjoy the time, the celebrations with the team.

“I'll be there again next season, so it's exciting to go back and do it all again in a few weeks.”

Harrison, who registered six goals and eight assists for Leeds in their Championship title-winning campaign, added: “When I first arrived I knew Leeds was a big club, but I didn't really understand the depth of the club or anything like that.

“I think when you come to the games and you see the fans and you see how much it means to them day in, day out, these fans literally live for football. It's almost like there's nothing else that exists. Life is only Leeds United.

“Especially when we got promoted and we saw all the fans at the stadium and you can see how much it means to everybody at the club, everybody in the city.

“It's an incredible, incredible thing to be a part of. I'm just happy that I'm able to help Leeds get back into the Premier League after such a long time and I think they deserve to be there.

“I'm really looking forward to making the most out of it next year and hopefully making more people happy.”

Harrison is also enjoying working under enigmatic Argentine tactician Bielsa.

He said of the highly-rated South American and Leeds’ ambitions for 2020-21: “With Marcelo, I think anything is possible.

“We have a team that is dedicated, that is motivated and under the leadership of Marcelo we're more than capable of staying up.

“You look at how Sheffield United have gone up, they're an organised team, their tactics are detailed as well, just like Marcelo and they've done extremely well this last year, so we're hoping we can do the same, if not better, than Sheffield United. I think that would be a great year for us next year.”

Orlando Pirates midfielder Siphesihle Ndlovu’s mother, Fisani Gracious Ndlovu, wants a cupboard from Bafana Bafana legend Teko Modise.

This is because the attacking midfielder drew an image of Modise on Fisani's cupboard in her house in Ashdown, KwaZulu Natal as an 11-year-old aspiring footballer. 

At the time former Mamelodi Sundowns and Pirates midfield maestro Modise was playing some of his best football in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) having established himself as one of the top attacking midfielders in the country.

“Please tell Teko Modise I want my cupboard,” Fisani said in an interview with Far Post.

“One time I found Siphesihle had drawn a footballer on my cupboard and written Teko Modise when he was about 11. He loved Teko so much. That’s when I knew he was really passionate about the game.”

Fisani admitted she did not spare the proverbial rod in order to ensure that Siphesihle becomes a disciplined young man in KwaZulu-Natal, Ashdown. 

“I never spared the rod – he knew I’d discipline him if ever he was mischievous. It gives me joy to see the young man he has grown to become," she added. 

"A lot of his peers are finished now because of drugs and alcohol, but he used to listen."

This also helped Ndlovu develop into a disciplined and hardworking player during his time in the Maritzburg United academy having previously played for Mgungundlovu Academy of Sport in Pietermaritzburg.

Ndlovu made his professional debut during the 2016/17 season and he went on to become the first-ever Maritzburg player to be crowned the PSL Player of the Month award.

His former coach at Maritzburg, Fadlu Davids discussed Ndlovu's qualities as a footballer with the duo having reunited at Pirates. 

“He is a special player. He is an all-rounder, really good at both. He is so flexible," Davids told the same publication. 

Ndlovu helped the Team of Choice to a club record-high fourth-place finish in the league in the 2017/18 campaign and he was named PSL Young Player of the Season and Midfielder of the Season.

"You can play him on the left, on the right and on the centre based on how tactically you want to go at the opponent, whether to stop them or attack them. His understanding of the game is his main strength," Davids added.

Ndlovu was snapped up by Pirates from Maritzburg prior to the start of the 2019/20 season and he is looking to establish himself as a key player under Davids, who is the Bucs assistant coach.

As they prepare to resume their 2019/20 Premier Soccer League (PSL) campaign, Bidvest Wits have been dealt a massive blow with striker Mxolisi Macuphu surviving a hijacking.

According to coach Gavin Hunt, the former SuperSport United hitman has lost his car and the veteran manager admits his player has a problem.

Hunt also confirmed that some of his players tested positive for Covid-19 and that midfielder Thabang Monare is struggling with injury whilst they will miss Elias Pelembe, who is in lockdown in Mozambique.

The current season was halted because of the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in March and the Clever Boys are preparing to face Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semi-final match this weekend at Orlando Stadium.

“Machupu got hijacked this week so I don’t know. They stole his car, everything so he has got a problem,” said Hunt told the media.

“Thabang Monare is struggling a little bit, Gift [Motupa] is struggling a little bit. So, yeah if you go through the team. Pelembe has not come back, who else?

“You obviously got players who tested positive two weeks ago and they have just come back this week. It’s quite a few of them.” 

The Cape Town-born coach also explained he will have to hand debuts to a number of his players from their MultiChoice Diski Challenge team, saying they are facing a tough week.

“This first week is tough for us, we play Sundowns, [Kaizer] Chiefs and [Orlando] Pirates in seven days,” added Hunt.

“There are going to be a lot of players that will make their debuts, that’s for sure, which possibly wouldn’t have happened in a normal season.

“Football is a funny game, hopefully, starting Saturday, which won’t be easy for both sides, let’s see how we go.”

On the other hand, the Wits manager also faces a bleak future as the National First Division (NFD) side, Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) announced they cannot afford the former defender’s salary.

“I have been in South Africa football since 1981 and I’ve never missed a year. I am trying to be as calm as I can. I am trying to be as calm as I can,” continued the four-time PSL title-winning coach

“It is very unique, but we will get on with it and play football, let’s see where it takes us. Personally, I want to feel the grass under my feet and go to training every day. I want to keep working immediately after this season.”

Premier League clubs have voted against the continuation of the five substitutions rule, which was brought in for the post-lockdown period in June, during the 2020-21 season.

English football resumed on June 17 following a three-month break in the 2019-20 season, with supporters no longer allowed access to stadiums due to the continued threat of coronavirus.

Players were forced to undergo weekly testing to contain any further outbreaks, while several new measures were put in place on matchdays to ensure the safety of players and staff.

The number of changes managers were able to make each match was increased from three to five, and squads of up to 20 players were permitted to encourage regular rotation.

After an initial trial period, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) extended the option to allow five substitutes per team in every fixture into 2021, which provoked a strong response from some fans and experts.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher was among those to blast the decision, saying: "This is nonsense! Premier League stay with 3 subs please!"

IFAB's ruling has now been overruled in England following a vote from all 20 top-flight clubs on Wednesday, who decided unanimously to revert to the competition's original format. It has also been announced that the number of players allowed on the bench has been dialled back down to seven.

The Premier League released an official statement confirming the news, with VAR usage also renewed for the new campaign beginning on September 12.

"At the Premier League’s annual general meeting today, shareholders agreed to rules relating to VAR and substitute players for the 2020-21 season," the statement said.

"Shareholders unanimously approved the implementation of VAR, in line with the full FIFA VAR protocol. Clubs also agreed to revert back to using up to three substitute players per match, with a maximum of seven substitutes on the bench."

The decision come as a disappointment to Tottenham head coach Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese backed the new rules regarding squads and substitutions to continue prior to this week's vote, telling reporters: "I like the 20 players [in the squad].

"It doesn't make any sense to travel with 20 players and then you arrive in the stadium and have to send two guys to the stands when the clubs pay every player and invest in every player. It gives you more chance to bring young people [on] and gives a much better feeling to everybody. Twenty players on the bench, I think very, very good."

Former Tanzania Mainland Premier League champions Azam FC have signed David Mapigano from Gor Mahia on a two-year deal.

The signing of the Tanzanian custodian comes in the same day the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions Gor Mahia confirmed that the goalkeeper had left the club just after a season with them.

Mapigano becomes the fifth signing by the Ice Makers who failed to secure themselves a second-place finish in the 2019/20 season.

“Azam are happy to make an announcement that they have signed Tanzania international goalkeeper [David] Mapigano Kissu on a two-year deal from Gor Mahia,” the 2018/19 FA Cup winners announced.

“Mapigano, who is part of the Taifa Stars squad, has been signed as was duly recommended by the technical bench.

“The goalkeeper, who has also played for Njombe FC and Singida United before moving to Kenya, had a good season with Gor Mahia where he played in 15 games and managed to keep nine clean sheets.

“Mapigano also recorded a goal against Bandari when his long-range strike found the back of the net as Gor Mahia won 3-0.

“He is our fifth signing as we continue to strengthen our squad for the upcoming season.”

Awesu Awesu, Ally Niyonzima, Ayoub Lyanga and Ismail Aziz Kada have already been signed as Azam and Yanga become the first Tanzanian teams to have signed five players in the early period of the transfer window.

The former Singida United goalkeeper will battle for first-team chances against Mwadini Ally, who was a second choice goalkeeper, and Benedict Haule who was coach Aristica Cioaba’s preferred number one choice.

Mapigano was signed by Gor Mahia at the beginning of the 2019/20 season which the club underwent financial challenges. He had been acquired alongside his compatriot Dickson Ambundo who has also left the club.

The Tanzanian goalkeeper had made it clear he would not return to K’Ogalo if his monthly wages were not going to be paid in full.

Gor Mahia have moved to sign Nairobi City Stars goalkeeper Levis Opiyo who is expected to be Mapigano’s successor.

Awesu, Niyonzima, Lyanga and Kada have already linked up with their new teammates who conducted a training session for the first time since the league ended.

Cioaba oversaw the Wednesday training session which was also attended by his assistant Bahati Vivier, club’s physiotherapist Costel Birsan and the goalkeeping coach Idd Abubakar.

Tanzanian defender Abdallah Shaibu has returned to Young Africans (Yanga SC) and has signed a two-year contract.

Shaibu, 21, is the fifth player the record league champions have acquired in the span of six days. Shaibu served Timu Ya Wananchi between 2017 and 2019 before he signed for MFK Vyskov of the Czech Republic.

The youngster did not stay long with the European club before he signed for LA Galaxy II in 2019 where he equally spent less time.

His arrival comes days after Yanga signed another defender, Bakari Mwamnyeto from Coastal Union who also put pen to paper on a two-year deal.

Shaibu and Mwamnyeto are expected to fill the void of Kelvin Yondani or Juma Abdul.

Peter Zawadi Mauya, Yassin Mustapha and Waziri Junior are the other players Yanga have handed deals to so far.

Meanwhile, after releasing Yondani and Abdul, Yanga are understood to have called the two to a meeting in order to offer them short-term deals, Goal can report.

They were among the 14 players who were deemed surplus and let go but the club believes the defenders possess important experience that might prove worthy in the near future.

It is for this reason the management called them individually to a meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday but an agreement was not signed by either star.

The defenders are said to have felt the contracts are not as good and requested for more time to ponder whether to sign them or not.

Yondani, 35, has been on the books of Yanga since 2012 when he was signed from arch-rivals Simba SC and those have been the only two clubs he has served in his career.

Abdul acted as the club’s assistant captain to Papy Tshishimbi who was also released.

Other players who were released include Mrisho Ngassa, Jafary Mohamed, Mohamed Issa Banka, Tariq Seif, Andrew Vincent Dante, Patrick Sibomana, Muharami Issa, Ali Ali, Rafael Daud, David Molinga, Gnamien Yikpe, Ali Mtoni Sonso and Eric Kabamba.

Finally, Namungo FC have made their first signing as they prepare for a Caf Confederation Cup appearance next season.

The FA Cup 2020 finalists acquired Fredy Tangalo from relegated side Lipuli FC and have offered him a two-year deal.

Tangalo has been nominated to vie for the best midfielder of the year award alongside Clatous Chama of Simba and Namungo’s Lucas Kikoti.

Head coach Thierry Hitimana explained why they might not sign any foreigner despite their qualification to the continental competition.

“Singing players from outside needs time to watch them and make a decision and if I am going to remain at the club up to next season, I am going to give priority to local stars,” Hitimana told Mwanaspoti.

Namungo finished fourth on the league’s log despite a spirited fight to get second position.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Leagues and Competitions Department has confirmed the transfer window will open on Monday, August 10.

Since the annulment of the league owing to Covid-19, plans in Kenyan football have been moving at snail's pace. With clubs set to strengthen, no communication had been put across regarding the period of transfers, but the puzzle has now been solved.

"Football Kenya Federation wishes to notify all clubs scheduled to participate in the ... and other stakeholders, that the primary transfer window for the 2020/21 season shall officially open on Monday, August 10, and Monday, August 17 for the [Kenyan] Premier League and the [National] Super League respectively," the statement obtained by Goal read.

Teams will have up to three months to ensure they bring onboard players they feel are capable of adding worth to their clubs.

"The window shall open for twelve weeks and close on Monday, November 2 for the [Kenyan] Premier League and Monday, November 9 the [National] Super League at 1700Hrs. 

"The window for international transfers closes on Monday, November 2 at 2359Hrs."

The committee has further communicated new dates for commencement of the new season will be communicated.

"The Competitions Calendar including the commencement dates for both Leagues shall be communicated in due course."  

On April 30, FKF confirmed Gor Mahia as the 2019/20 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions. 

"The top-tier took a break mid-March owing to the Covid-19 pandemic with no definite return date. By the time, K'Ogalo were leading the table with 54 points after playing 23 matches.  

However, Kenyan Premier League Limited protested the move stating the Federation had no legal mandate to annul the league and raised the same with the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT).

The Tribunal is set to rule over the same before the end of August.

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) followed suit by annulling their league. With 80% of matches played, Vipers SC were crowned and given the right to represent Uganda in the Caf Champions League.

Former champions KCCA FC who were second were given the mandate to play in the Caf Confederation Cup.

For Tanzania, it was different; the league was played to completion. Simba SC won it as well as the FA Cup.

While Wekundu wa Msimbazi will represent the nation in Caf Champions League, Namungo will play in the second-tier competition. 

Eric Garcia has turned down a contract extension with Manchester City amid major interest from Barcelona.

Goal reported on July 31 how the Spanish giants have made the 19-year-old their top target, with his contract running down at the Etihad Stadium.

Ahead of City's Champions League last-16 second leg with Real Madrid, Pep Guardiola revealed that Garcia has rejected a new deal and will leave when his contract expires.

"He announced to us that he doesn’t want to extend his contract with Manchester City," Guardiola told a press conference.

"He has one more year and after that, he doesn’t want to extend. We want it but he doesn’t want to extend it so I imagine he wants to play in other places."

Garcia left Barca's La Masia academy three years ago and has since broken into the first team at City but the Catalans want to bring him back to Camp Nou and see him as the long-term successor to Gerard Pique.

City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain was set to sit down with the player's representatives to discuss a new deal before the Covid-19 outbreak.

According to sources in Spain, Garcia was considering his future because of Guardiola's uncertainty at the Premier League club. The City boss is currently in the final 12 months of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and has so far refused to say whether he will commit to a further extension.

In July, Guardiola said that he was confident that Garcia would sign a new long-term deal but Barca remain convinced they can persuade him to return.

City have been short of defensive options since former captain Vincent Kompany left at the end of his contract in the summer of 2019.

And the issue became a bigger problem when Aymeric Laporte missed five months of the season through injury, while the form of Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones has dropped.

Garcia has established himself as a regular in Guardiola's line-up since Project Restart, featuring in the Premier League clash with Liverpool and FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal and is expected to line-up alongside Laporte against Real Madrid.

City have already acted to address their defensive problems for next season by bringing in Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake in a deal worth an initial £40 million ($53m).

He is not expected to be the only defensive acquisition with the club also looking at Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly and Sevilla’s Diego Carlos as they try to close the gap on Liverpool having failed to mount a Premier League title challenge in 2019-20.

But the loss of Garcia will be a huge blow with the defender seen as having a big future at the club.

The teenager has been praised for his understanding of the game at such a young age but the lure of a return to his boyhood club looks like it will prove too much.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan believes he has enjoyed a “good season” at Roma and is pleased to have an agreement in place that allows him to return to Stadio Olimpico in 2020-21 and avoid re-joining the ranks at Arsenal.

The Gunners sanctioned a move to Italy for the Armenian playmaker prior to the 2019-20 campaign.

They had seen Mkhitaryan endure a testing time in English football at Manchester United and Emirates Stadium. There had been flashes of what he was capable of, with three trophies secured at Old Trafford under Jose Mourinho, but consistency proved to be an issue for the former Borussia Dortmund star.

Mkhitaryan has rediscovered his spark in Serie A and has already seen a deal struck that will keep him away from north London for the foreseeable future.

“In my opinion, I had a good season, despite the two injuries I had,” Mkhitaryan told UEFA’s official website. “I am in good shape right now, and I hope to keep everything this way.

“We have already reached an agreement with Roma for me to play for the club for another year, until summer 2021, which I am very happy about. I have felt at home since day one – in my football, on the pitch and off it.”

Roma are yet to bring the curtain down on their current campaign as they remain in the hunt for Europa League glory, and Mkhitaryan is hoping to sign off with a repeat of the success he enjoyed in 2017, with the 31-year-old finding the target in United’s 2-0 final victory over Ajax.

He said: “The Europa League is a pretty serious tournament, and it’s an honour for any player to win it. Before the final match, I just wanted the team to win, so that I would be able to lift the cup above my head with the Armenian flag.

“I did my best to prepare for the match during the week in order to perform perfectly.

“The match went as we had planned, we won 2-0, and what’s most important is that I scored probably one of the most important goals in my career, which I was hugely happy about. I can’t even explain the emotions, the feelings I had in that moment and at the end of the match.”

Mkhitaryan’s 2019-20 season has seen him make 29 appearances, with nine goals and six assists.

Goal can reveal Anele Ngcongca is not leaving Mamelodi Sundowns for Belgian side KSV Roeselare.

In July, Roeselare claimed to have secured the services of Ngcongca on a two-year deal from the Brazilians. 

However, the said deal was denied by Ngcongca's agent Mike Makaab who reiterated his client had not signed anything with anyone except recently renewing his contract with the Tshwane giants.  

A source close to the player and the club has now confirmed to Goal that Ngcongca is still in Rustenburg with the rest of his teammates. 

The source further revealed that there have never been negotiations between Sundowns and Roeselare over the possible transfer of the 32-year-old defender. 

Ngcongca is expected to release an official statement to clear the air regarding his future and Roeselare's reports.  

"Anele is still around. He hasn't left the club," the source told Goal. 

"Those were just unfounded rumours because no club has entered into negotiations with Sundowns over Ngcongca's services," said the source. 

"The club isn't going to entertain those rumours but the management has spoken to Anele about it and he will release a statement when he is ready," concluded the source. 

Ngcongca spent nine years in Belgium and another year in France during his 10-year stay in Europe. 

He returned to South Africa to sign for the Brazilians in 2016 and has won two league titles and the Telkom Knockout Cup trophy with Pitso Mosimane's coached team since then.

This was after he turned down an opportunity to join Kaizer Chiefs who were initially interested in signing him upon his return from Belgium. 

The former Bafana Bafana utility player has made 97 appearances across all competitions for Sundowns in his four-year stay with them and found the back of the net on two separate occasions despite his earlier struggles with injuries and form. 

Ngcongca has been an integral member of Mosimane's squad this season with 29 matches, a goal and a single assist under his belt to date.  

At times, Mosimane used Ngcongca in a more central role as Thapelo Morena owned the right full-back position before his injury back in September 2019.

Toni Kroos has revealed he once lied to the Bayern Munich team doctor about how he picked up an injury - and that it eventually helped him get a valuable loan spell away from the Bundesliga giants.

Kroos, now with Real Madrid and one of the most respected midfielders in modern football, picked up a ligament injury aged 18 while having a kickaround with his friends, he said on his podcast Einfach mal Luppen.

The now 30-year-old playmaker revealed that, on a visit to Rostock - where he used to be an academy player - to see friends, he fell over while playing football and tore a ligament, which kept him out of action for three months.

When asked by Bayern club doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt how he had sustained the injury, however, Kroos claimed he had picked it up while doing training runs in the forest, rather than while playing around with his mates.

Kroos opened up on the incident on his podcast, stating: "You haven't heard anything else to this day. Especially when it came out that it really was a torn ligament, I didn't feel like explaining that it happened in football. Now after so much time, I can't be punished for this."

The Germany international went on to say that he felt the injury had actually helped with his career. During the winter break in the 2008-09 season, Kroos was sent out by Bayern on an 18-month loan to Bayer Leverkusen in order to gain first-team experience.

Kroos established himself for Leverkusen in the 2009-10 campaign and was called up for the Germany squad at the 2010 World Cup, before returning to Bayern and working his way into the first-team picture.

In Kroos' opinion, his injury played a part in him being allowed to leave Bayern, as he would otherwise have been kept as a back-up squad member and would not have had the same opportunities.

He said: "I think Bayern would not have allowed me to move if I had been fit. I didn't play much before anyway and then everything came together so that I was allowed to go to Leverkusen."

At Leverkusen, he was given a first-team place by manager Jupp Heynckes, who then became Bayern boss between 2011 and 2013 as Kroos became an established figure in the side that won the treble in 2012-13.

Kroos remains grateful to the veteran coach, describing him as one of the greatest influences on his career.

He said: "He was the coach that I had the longest, the one who helped me to gain a foothold in Leverkusen, the one who helped me to finally assert myself in Bavaria and helped me become a top player."

Lille are set to sign Canada international Jonathan David after agreeing a €30 million (£27m/$35m) club-record deal with Gent despite interest from a number of Premier League clubs.

The 20-year-old will replace Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, who joined Napoli in a €50m (£45m/$59m) deal last week, and will sign a five-year deal.

Arsenal had considered David as a replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang but continue to chase a contract renewal for their star striker, while they are also set to sign Willian on a free transfer from Chelsea.

The Gunners also face budget restrictions having announced they would lay off 55 members of staff at the Emirates Stadium to help fund further moves, with Lille centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes one of the players who could arrive.

Meanwhile, Manchester United scouts were watching David but they continue to discuss a move for Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho, with the Red Devils having been unable to agree a fee with the Bundesliga club up to now.

Leicester City, Leeds, Brighton and Crystal Palace had all registered serious interest in David but he has opted for Lille having been impressed with their plan to further develop his career.

David's move to Stade Pierre-Mauroy for a €30m fee will see him break the club's previous record transfer that saw Renato Sanches join in a €25m (£23m/$30m) deal from Bayern Munich last summer.

The New York-born Canadian star alerted scouts to his talents having scored 11 goals in 12 games for his national team in a starring role alongside Bayern star Alphonso Davies.

At club level, 18 goals and eight assists in 27 Jupiler Pro League games saw him emerge as the Belgian league's top man.

Lille have already been active in the transfer window having signed former Manchester United youngster Angel Gomes on a free transfer, before loaning him to their affiliate club Boavista.

They have also signed experienced Turkish striker Burak Yilmaz and two youth stars in Isaac Lihadji and Usman Simbakoli.

Christophe Galtier's side finished fourth in Ligue 1 last season and will feature in the 2020-21 Europa League.

Real Madrid will struggle to keep out Manchester City without Sergio Ramos, according to Fabio Capello, who says the captain's absence creates an "important problem" for his old club.

Madrid are facing an uphill battle to reach the Champions League quarter-finals after losing 2-1 to City at Santiago Bernabeu in February.

Isco opened the scoring for the Blancos in the round of 16 first-leg tie, but Gabriel Jesus hit an equaliser before a Kevin De Bruyne penalty completed a remarkable turnaround for the visitors.

To make matters worse, Ramos was shown the 26th red card of his career during the dying moments of the match, which ensured he will sit out the reverse fixture at Etihad Stadium through suspension.

Capello thinks Pep Guardiola's side will find plenty of gaps in a Madrid defence lacking a talismanic performer, and has ultimately backed them to qualify for the last eight.

The former Blancos head coach told Laureus: “I thought in the last two games that they played before the end of the season, Manchester City were on the top of their form.

“They are really dangerous when they go forward. In the past, I thought [Pep] Guardiola has made some tactical faults in midfield, but now, when they lose the ball, they try to recover it.

“The problem when you play City is how well can you defend against them?

“So I think, for me, I prefer Man City, because without Sergio Ramos, when you have to defend against City going forward, it will be difficult for Real.”

Asked if there is any chance of Madrid completing a turnaround in Manchester, Capello responded: “It's possible because, for Real Madrid, it's normal to play this kind of game.

“The pressure will help Real Madrid. They finished the Liga season brilliantly and they won the title.

“But I think they have one important problem. Without Sergio Ramos, when you have to defend, it will be really difficult.

“Sergio Ramos is the captain, is the leader in the dressing room, he's the leader on the pitch. The personality of this player is really important for all the players.”

The ex-England and Juventus manager went on to express his belief that Guardiola has altered his managerial approach significantly since leaving Barcelona in 2012.

Capello added: "Guardiola is changing his style. When he was at Barcelona, he played the famous tiki-taka, but now it has changed a lot.

"When he recovers the ball, they go really quickly to create openings for a goal, with fantastic players like De Bruyne, [Riyad] Mahrez, Gabriel Jesus. It will be a spectacular game for me.”

Tanzania Mainland Premier League champions Simba SC have reportedly developed an interest to sign Kenya international Jesse Were.

Were has established himself as a prolific striker for Zesco United since his 2016 move and the newly-crowned Tanzanian champions are said to have lately added him to their wish list.

Simba have not signed any player so far since the transfer window swung open on August 1 but reports indicate the club's top hierarchy have met where they discussed plans on how to carry out their transfer business.

In their meeting, Goal understands Were's approach was prominently discussed as well as Chris Mugalu's possible arrival too.

The Democratic Republic of Congo star is featuring in the Zambian Super League with Were as he is on the books of Lusaka Dynamos.

Simba's Chief Executive Officer Senzo Mazingisa had made it clear only top players will be brought on board as he feels the squad does not need a total overhaul.

Should Were sign for Wekundu wa Msimbazi, he would fight for a first-team place with Rwandan international Meddie Kagere who has been an indisputable goal scorer for the Msimbazi club since 2018.

He would be the second Kenyan in the team as Francis Kahata signed for them in 2019 from local giants Gor Mahia.

Recent reports had linked Were with Azam FC who have been so ambitious in the ongoing transfer period as they alongside Yanga SC, have been the busiest sides so far.

Meanwhile, David Kameta, who is reportedly on his way to Simba has praised Shomari Kapombe as the best defender in the league.

Should Kameta complete the move, he is expected to be Kapombe's understudy and he has spoken highly of the Tanzanian international who has been a defensive pillar for Simba.

“[Shomari] Kapombe is a defender that I have come to respect so much in the league. He is good not only in defending but also providing crucial crosses as well as creating assists,” Kameta told Mwanaspoti.

“I have learned a lot from watching him since I was in the lower division and now in the league. I am learning fine details from him now and possibly even in future.”

The transfer window will close at the end of August.

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has revealed he has sent his groundsmen to the Dobsonville Stadium to ensure the pitch is in immaculate condition ahead of the return of the league fixtures next week. 

The Brazilians take on Orlando Pirates at Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday, and Mosimane just wants to make sure that everything is ready for their match. 

"I have sent my people to Dobsonville Stadium, the people who look after Chloorkop pitches and all that. I told them that their office is no longer Chloorkop, but Dobsonville Stadium and be there nine to five,” Mosimane told the media in an online press conference. 

"They must help the groundsman and make sure that the pitch is ready and in proper condition.

"We have been given a venue and we can’t be making any excuses or passing the buck. I asked them to take everything to Dobsonville if they can but there are challenges," he said.

The 56-year-old mentor said part of the challenges is that his groundsmen are reluctant to leave their equipment at Dobsonville Stadium and while he admits the pitch wasn't bad, he just doesn't want to be caught by surprise when his team has to take to the field. 

"They said, 'coach we can’t leave our equipment in the township' but that is where we are playing; not FNB or Ellis Park - we are playing in the township; it’s the draw. It said we must go to the township and we know the challenges. I grew up in the township. So, you’ve got to make sure things are right. I don’t think the pitch is bad," he explained.

"I got the images and Bidvest Wits played there before the Covid-19 pandemic; it’s a different story after Covid-19.

"Sometimes you get paranoid about these things," he revealed. 

Mosimane is also worried about his safety and that of his colleagues and players and asked if the groundsman at the Soweto-based venue has tested for the coronavirus. 

He revealed there has been no communication at all between the people currently looking after the facility and the club while his team is in Rustenburg.  

"Has the groundsman tested for Covid-19? I am going to be talking and walking with him on the pitch. If he has tested, where does he stay? Who does he talk to while I am in Rustenburg and tried to take the team away from the epicentre?" asked Mosimane.  

"But I need the guy to help me over there, that's part of it – football under Covid-19; that’s what we have," added Mosimane. 

Jesse Lingard is determined to add to his medal collection at Manchester United, with the England international taking aim at Europa League glory in 2020.

The 27-year-old has endured a testing campaign at Old Trafford.

Fierce competition for places, along with serious questions of his form, has led to Lingard slipping down the pecking order.

He has, however, been a regular in continental competition and – having captained United early in their campaign – was back among the goals in a 2-1 victory over LASK in the second leg of a last-16 encounter.

Lingard hopes that a spark has been found in his game, allowing him to see more minutes, while the collective goal of the Red Devils is to finish their season with major silverware wrapped up.

They did take in a Europa League triumph under the guidance of Jose Mourinho in 2017, with the intention being to replicate that success three years on.

Lingard told MUTV after helping Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side into the quarter-finals, where they will meet FC Copenhagen: “A win is very positive, especially taking it into the next game.

“We’ve done well and hopefully we can get to the final now and win that. That is our main aim now: to win that trophy.

“With the squad we have got and the personnel we have I feel like everyone is going to play a part. Throughout the build-up in this competition, everyone has played their part.

“We can’t wait to get there and play this game now. 100 per cent I want to win it again.

“Lifting a trophy is a special feeling you can’t really explain and winning it before you take that confidence forward. We have got a mixture of youth and experience in the squad and for the young lads to win their first trophy, it will be perfect for them.”

Lingard has now netted in back-to-back outings, having ended his long wait for a Premier League goal against Leicester on the final day of English top-flight competition, and Solskjaer is pleased to see a man with 24 international caps rediscovering his touch.

The United boss said of an academy graduate who has generated plenty of transfer talk in recent weeks: “Every player knows that when you get your chance, in a game or even in training, you’ve got a chance to prove yourself, prove your worth.

“I know Jesse, I’ve known Jesse since he’s been a little kid, and I know there’s a very good player and great personality to have around.

“He knows what we want from him and he knows that he has to stand by the manager whatever decision he makes.

“I would be disappointed if he was happy coming off, because he was growing in confidence. He’s worked really hard on his finishing, especially lately, and I’m happy for him to score.”

Long time Germany international captain Michael Ballack has expressed his deep admiration for Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, and hopes the German coach will take charge of his national team at some point in the future.

Klopp has established himself as one of the world's leading managers at Anfield, having already arrived at the club with a strong reputation following back to back Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012 while coaching Borussia Dortmund.

He has enhanced that reputation with the Reds, winning the Champions League in 2019, then this season leading Liverpool to the Premier League to end their 30 year wait for an English top-flight league title.

This has impressed ex-Bayern Munich and Chelsea midfielder Ballack, who told German website Sportbuzzer: "It is impressive how Jurgen established Liverpool at the top, then led them to the Champions League triumph and now to the championship title.

"He breathed the new spirit into Reds, embodies the club, and is a brutal worker who gets the most out of his players. He is an absolutely exceptional trainer. For me he is one of the three best coaches in the world."

Ballack also backed Klopp to succeed Joachim Low as manager of the Germany senior men's international team.

Low has led Germany since 2006, and took them to World Cup glory in 2014. However they were dumped out in the group stages in 2018, and Ballack urged the national federation to look to the future in appointing their next coach by picking the most succesful German option available to them.

He said: "Why shouldn't one of the best coaches in the world be a candidate for the national coaching post? The question is not whether he has the qualities for it, but whether Klopp would even like to become a national coach.

"He is in a position where he can choose anything. Should he ever have enough as a club coach, the position of national coach would be a great story for him and German football. This connection would be perfect."

Ballack - who captained Germany at the 2002 World Cup but missed the final loss to Brazil due to suspension - is currently working on his own coaching badges. He earned the UEFA B licence last year, but his plans to take the tests for the A licence this year have been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However Ballack remains committed to working in the sport again: "One thing is clear: I love football and of course I can well imagine returning."

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has backed the proposal for the Premier League's new five substitutions rule to continue through to the 2020-21 season.

When English football was cleared to resume in June following a three-month break in the season, a number of fresh conditions were put in place in a bid to ensure the safety of players and staff amid the ongoing battle against the coronavirus pandemic.

All top-flight clubs were granted two drinks breaks per 90-minute match, one in each half, with managers allowed to select larger squads of up to 20 players for all remaining fixtures.

The number of substitutions allowed per game was also increased from three to five, in a bid to minimise the risk of injuries during in a congested schedule.

Premier League clubs are now set to vote on whether or not to the make the changes permanent, with the new season set to get underway on September 12.

Mourinho didn't feel the need to make the maximum number of substitutions in any of Tottenham's final nine outings, but he says having the option to shuffle his pack could be valuable tool going forward.

"The five subs, I don't mind it. In the majority of matches, myself, I felt no need for that," the Portuguese head coach said ahead of Thursday's vote.

"But one thing is no need, another thing is no chance. So if you have the chance to do it, I don't think it's a problem.

"Because it can only be done in three periods, it doesn't affect much more the real-time of the game, coaches cannot stop the game five times as you know. I think it's fine.

"I don't see a problem at all with that."

Mourinho added on the benefits of picking a larger squad for each match: "I like the 20 players [in the squad]. It doesn't make any sense to travel with 20 players and then you arrive in the stadium and have to send two guys to the stands when the clubs pay every player and invest in every player.

"And it's much better for a manager to have on the bench a right-back, a left-back, a centre-back, a winger, a midfielder, a striker.

"It's much better to have everything there because it's the ammunition you need. For all tactical reasons, beauty of the game, competitiveness of the game, it's a fair way to treat players because they want to feel they're in the game, and they feel that on the bench.

"It's different to staying at home. So the 20 players on the bench, I love it.

"It gives you more chance to bring young people [on] and gives a much better feeling to everybody. Twenty players on the bench, I think very, very good."

English Championship side Brentford have officially confirmed they have parted ways with midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo and Nikos Karelis. 

The Bafana Bafana star had been with Brentford for the past three years and was recently handed a two-month contract extension until the end of the season. 

However, the club felt he was no longer in their manger's plans for the upcoming season and showed him the exit door. 

His departure comes on the back of Brentford's failure to secure promotion to the Premier League following their loss to Fulham earlier this week. 

"Brentford FC can confirm that Nikos Karelis and Kamohelo Mokotjo have now left the club," reads part of the statement as released by Brentford.  

The pair signed short-term extensions to contracts that expired on 30 June to take them through until the day after Brentford’s final game of the 2019/20 season, as per EFL protocol implemented due to the three-month cessation of fixtures because of the Covid-19 pandemic. With the campaign ending on Tuesday, Nikos and Kamohelo will now leave." 

Mokotjo featured 102 times across all competitions for the English side since his arrival from FC Twente in 2017.

This season only, the midfielder made a whopping 29 appearances for Brendfort and his exclusion from the play-offs took the majority of South African football fans by surprise.  

"Kamohelo leaves at the end of his third season in West London and has played 102 games in all competitions for Brentford, scoring six times. He joined from FC Twente, in the Netherlands, in 2017 and, after starting out with SuperSport United in his home country, also played in the Dutch leagues for Feyenoord and S.B.V. Excelsior."  

"The midfield player has made 26 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring in the win at Wigan Athletic, as well as being a regular for South Africa. He appeared for his country in the Africa Cup of Nations last summer and now has 21 caps to his name," continued the statement. 

Brentford manager Thomas Frank wished both Mokotjo and Karelis well in their futures, saying they played a huge role in helping the club reach the level it is in this season. 

"On behalf of everyone at Brentford FC, I would like to wish Nikos and Kamo all the best for the future.

"It has been a pleasure to work with them and they have given their all for the club, on the pitch in the games they have played and in training, where their work has helped the group develop over the season," he said.  

Frank added: "Nikos has been very unfortunate, and I wish him better luck with injuries in the years to come as he has proven his quality. Kamo has been superb for us over three years and now has the opportunity to take on a new challenge. They are part of the Brentford FC story and I hope we see them again."

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) have opted out of the deal to sign former Maroons FC striker Pius Obuya.

Obuya and the 13-time Ugandan Premier League (UPL) winners had already agreed on a three-year contract but a medical examination on the player is said to have revealed long-term hip and shoulder injuries.

The injuries, which would mean the forward spends more time on the sidelines, has been revealed as the primary reason why the capital city club did not want to sign him anymore and are now in the market for another viable option.

“An agreement on personal terms was reached between KCCA and the player [Obuya], subject to undergoing a medical,” a source close to Obuya revealed to Football256.

“However, during the medical examination, a problem was identified with his hip and shoulder that will require Obuya to have immediate surgery, and the club has decided to opt out of the deal.”

KCCA head coach Mike Mutebi had seen a perfect replacement for Allan Okello in Obuya but the latest injury revelation could have completely crushed their hopes.

Okello left Kassasiro Boys in January 2020 to join Algerian side Paradou AC after good personal performances, especially in the Caf Champions League.

Obuya has established himself as one of the promising forwards in the Ugandan league since he made his debut as a 16-year-old at Maroons.

KCCA, who will take part in the Caf Confederation Cup next season and target group stage qualification, have already signed Brian Aheebwa, Charles Lwanga, Ashraf Mugume, Stefano Mazengo, Bright Anukani and Denis Iguma.

Meanwhile, Joshua Lubwama has reportedly completed a move to Wakiso Giants.

The midfielder did not extend his contract with BUL FC where he had been for the last two seasons after it expired at the end of June.

His time at the Jinja-based club was hampered by injuries a case he recognised in his farewell message.

“BUL FC will remain in my heart for giving me the amazing opportunity to play in the top-flight league in Uganda,” Lubwama said as he was quoted by Kawowo Sports.

“After this time, I can only thank everyone at BUL, to the staff who made my time here so easy, to all the fans that have supported me since the first day I wore the jersey, to the coaches over the years.

“A battle with you has been an honour and to my teammates who helped me settle in since day one not only as a teammate but as friends, it has been an incredible journey and it is with great sadness that I must say goodbye.

“I will miss you all and wish you the best of luck for the future.”

Should the Wakiso Giants move be completed, Lubwama will work again with head coach Douglas Bamweyana after their previous association at Makerere University.