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Zimbabwe midfielder Ovidy Karuru believes South Africa will be the Warriors' 'toughest' opponent in the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers, while dismissing Ghana from providing a stern challenge in the same group.

Group G of the road to Qatar contains Zimbabwe, South Africa, Ghana and Ethiopia with the qualifiers having been initially scheduled to kick off in September 2020 before the coronavirus pandemic struck.

It is the Zimbabwe-South Africa home and away fixtures, dubbed 'The Battle of Limpopo', which are eagerly anticipated by Stellenbosch midfielder Karuru in this group.

“We have been waiting to play Bafana Bafana," Karuru told Cosafa TV. "We always want to play against South Africa, because when we are here [in the Premier Soccer League] at our clubs, we always talk about it.

“We have missed the Battle of Limpopo," he added. "I think that one is going to be out toughest game, because South Africa do not want to lose against Zimbabwe and we do not want to lose to South Africa.

“When it comes to Ghana and the other team [Ethiopia], I think we just have to go there and come out with a result, then we take them on in the reverse fixture at our home ground.”

History favours Zimbabwe, who have won seven matches, while Bafana Bafana have recorded six wins, with two games between the neighbours ending in draws.

It is now seven years since the rivals last met when the Warriors edged South Africa 2-1 in an international friendly match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in September 2013, with Knowledge Musona and Cuthbert Malajila scoring for the visitors, while Bernard Parker pulled one goal back for Bafana.

In the Battle of Limpopo, Peter Ndlovu and Musona are the highest scorers with three goals each, while Delron Buckley and Lucas Thwala follow with each having struck twice.

In this group, only Ghana and South Africa have featured at the World Cup before, while Zimbabwe and Ethiopia are seeking their maiden qualification.

Karuru, who has previously played for French Ligue 1 side US Boulogne, has vowed that the Warriors won't be on the losing side when they face their near neighbours.

“Against South Africa, there is no home, there is no away for us especially guys playing here in South Africa," he added. "It's going to be a tough one. All I can promise is that I don’t see us losing that game."

The last time the two neighbours met in a World Cup qualifier, South Africa edged Zimbabwe 2-1 at FNB Stadium in May 2001 and Bafana Bafana proceeded to the 2002 tournament in Korea/Japan.

The first leg of that qualifying campaign ended disastrously in July 2000 after 13 fans perished at Harare’s National Sports Stadium in a stampede and the match was abandoned with eight minutes to go as the visitors led 2-0 courtesy of a Buckley brace.

Allowing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s contract to run down is “typical Arsenal”, says Jermaine Pennant, with the Gunners told they should look into selling Mesut Ozil and invest those funds in a new deal for their captain.

Prolific Gabonese frontman Aubameyang has entered the final 12 months of his current terms at Emirates Stadium.

He is yet to commit to an extension, despite offering no indication that he is looking elsewhere and regular claims of confidence from the likes of Mikel Arteta when it comes to an agreement being reached.

Pennant believes Arsenal should now be forcing the issue, with the option there for them to move another big earner off their books as World Cup winner Ozil finds himself frozen out.

The former Gunners winger told talkSPORT, with Arteta’s side set to go in pursuit of major silverware when they take in a meeting with Chelsea on Saturday: “Winning the FA Cup would make it easier to keep hold of him, but the fact he’s not playing Champions League football is going to be a massive factor in him staying.

“A player of that calibre wants to be playing in the Champions League, all the top players in the world want to play on that stage.

“It’s going to be tough for Arsenal to keep him, especially with his contract running down. He’s already rejected an offer to stay, so Arteta is going to have to be doing some right good sweet-talking.

“But if you’ve got Ozil on £300,000 a week and it’s a money issue with Aubameyang, then why not just let Ozil go? Sell Ozil!

“If he’s scoring goals the way he is, just give him the money, it doesn’t matter how old he is!”

Aubameyang is now 31 years of age, but he has scored 68 goals through 108 appearances for Arsenal.

He is not the first high-profile figure that the Gunners have struggled to agree fresh terms with and Pennant admits the north London giants need to shake that unfortunate habit.

“It’s typical Arsenal,” said Pennant. “They do not learn their lesson. You would have thought they would have learned when [Aaron] Ramsey left.

“When you have got a player of that stature and what he can bring to the club – he’s top goalscorer season after season – and you’re letting his contract run down to a year so that potentially he could be going on a free, you’ve got to be snapping your best players up.

“If you want to be competing in the league and you want to be in that top four, you can’t be letting your top goalscorer leave and let his contract run down.

“It is crazy but it does seem that is the Arsenal way and when are they going to learn?”

Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has been named Montreal Impact's best player for the Major League Soccer is Back tournament.

Wanyama started in all of Montreal Impact’s games in Group C until they qualified for the play-offs and went down to Orlando City a week ago in the first round of the knockout phase.

The former Celtic midfielder was named Man of the Match when Montreal Impact fought hard against DC United to secure the only win in the group that helped them sail to the knockout round.

Wanyama, who joined the MLS side early in the year, was part of the squad that engaged in the MLS is Back tournament and lost to New England Revolution and Toronto FC as well.

Although the former Tottenham Hotspur star has had an encouraging start at his first MLS club – winning Man of the Match and Man of the Tournament awards – his manager Thierry Henry cautioned that the team needs balance if they are to assure themselves of good performances.

“Yes, we do have to improve, that’s for sure,” Henry said in a previous interview. “I don’t know if you follow us since the beginning of the season, but we score goals. Have a look.

“We score goals, but we also concede. So, we have to find the right balance.

“It’s like the end of the preseason. Obviously, some things can be improved. I am proud of my players. We came here [to the MLS is Back tournament], we did what we did despite having restarted to train later than other teams.

“I have to look after my players, but we’re only five games into the league [season] and obviously we had games here, but it’s still early for me here. The process is still on.

“We still have to try to find the right balance defensively and offensively. We need to find the right balance, but I just arrived here.”

The Harambee Star left Europe after stints with Beerschot, Celtic and Southampton.

His time at Tottenham Hotspur saw him fall down the pecking order, with injuries taking a toll before he switched for MLS - a league that is sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation - in March 2020.

Christian Pulisic will “prove to be better than Eden Hazard” if he sticks around at Chelsea, says Tony Cascarino.

The United States international is approaching the end of a productive debut campaign at Stamford Bridge.

After overcoming a slow start to life in English football and working his way back from an unfortunate injury suffered at the turn of the year, the highly-rated forward has shown that he could be a superstar in the making.

An impressive return of 10 goals and as many assists has been posted across all competitions, with there an FA Cup final date with Arsenal and second leg of the Champions League last-16 encounter with Bayern Munich to come.

Pulisic’s numbers are comparable to those Hazard managed in his first season at Chelsea, with the Belgian going on to become a modern day legend in west London.

Cascarino believes the man filling the same left-sided attacking post is capable of securing a similar standing, with the potential there for Pulisic to raise the bar even further.

“I’ve watched him develop and become a player,” Cascarino told talkSPORT.

“I looked at Hazard’s stats - first season, nine Premier League goals in his very first season, the 2012-13 season for Chelsea.

“I keep thinking: ‘Was Hazard as good as Pulisic has been?’ Pulisic has been out of the team at times through injury, he was brilliant in the Super Cup against Liverpool, but I think he has progressed into a player.

“He has got nine Premier League goals as well this season. I think Pulisic is going to be one hell of a player.

“He has got one advantage over Hazard, because Hazard was at Chelsea for a long time and over those years there were a few dips and sometimes he looked out of shape. Pulisic is a total pro, everything about him is professional.

“His pathway has been planned, from his parents down to him. The clubs, to get him to the Holy Grail of the Premier League, it’s all been programmed in a bit like an android, robot sort of form.

“Boy is he dangerous. If he stays in England for five, six, seven years for Chelsea, I think he’ll prove to be better than Hazard, and that’s a big call.”

Leon Balogun made his debut while Joe Aribo was in action as Glasgow Rangers secured a 1-0 win over Aberdeen in their first game of the 2020-21 season.

The 32-year-old defender joined the Ibrox Stadium outfit from Championship side Wigan Athletic after reaching the end of his short-term contract with the Latics.

Balogun teamed up with Wigan initially on loan from Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion before the deal was made permanent. He subsequently played 11 games for the side.

The defender was immediately handed a starting role by manager Steven Gerrard after he proved his fitness in training along with his compatriot Aribo.

Balogun formed a four-man defence along with Borna Barisic, Connor Goldson and James Tavernier and delivered a solid performance.

The former Werder Bremen centre-back made three clearances, blocked one shot, had eight touches and recorded a 100-percent pass-success rate to help the Ibrox Stadium outfit keep a clean sheet in the encounter.  

Ryan Kent scored the only goal of the game after benefitting from Alfredo Morelos’ assist in the 21st minute.

Aribo, meanwhile, struck three shots, with two on target, made two key passes and had a 100-percent pass-success rate to ensure his side clinched their first win of the season.

The midfielder was recently named the club’s 2019-20 Young Player of the Season following his impressive showings in the campaign.

Aribo also scooped the Goal of the Season, after his fine effort against Sporting Braga helped the Gers advance into the Round of 16 of the Europa League.

The Super Eagles players featured for the duration of the game, while Belgian-born Nigerian Funso Ojo was on parade for 78 minutes but could not help Aberdeen to avoid a home defeat.

Balogun and Aribo will hope to help Rangers continue in the winning ways when they take on Bayer Leverkusen in their Europa League Round of 16 second leg tie on August 6.

The duo are key components of the Nigeria national team, with Balogun helping the West Africans secure their eighth bronze medal at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Manchester United need to “go and get” Jack Grealish and Jadon Sancho, says Ryan Giggs, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer urged to add greater depth to his squad with proven performers.

The Red Devils are being linked with a number of players now that the summer transfer window has swung open.

Grealish and Sancho are said to have registered on their radar for some time, with United still in the market for added creativity and cutting edge in the final third of the field.

Raids on Aston Villa and Borussia Dortmund would make sense within that recruitment project, although big money would be required in order to get either deal done.

Giggs hopes that funding will be made available, with the United legend of the opinion that a talented playmaker and exciting winger would be useful additions at Old Trafford.

He told the Webby and O’Neill YouTube channel: “Two good players. I think the thing with Grealish is he’s obviously used to the Premier League and doesn’t need to adapt to it so that’s good.

“For me from the outside, it looks like he’s got the mentality to come to this place and not bother him. Certain players can get overawed.

“Also, the good thing this year is he’s got 10 goals and got into double figures so that would be one question mark I would have had with him: does he score enough goals? To get to double figures with no penalties for Villa is impressive.

“Sancho is quick, direct but also an intelligent player.

“What I like about him is when he gets into those areas with the final ball, he doesn’t panic. A lot of quick wide players sometimes do but he picks out the right pass.

“He’s someone who can counterattack if we’re going to play that but also if a team are going to sit back, he can beat players and make things happen.

“They are two signings that may be available and if we’re able to get them, I would go and get them.”

Giggs added on the need for United, who will have Champions League football back on their agenda for 2020-21, to bring more options into their ranks: “With the lads getting a bit tired, having that strength in depth where you’re able to change it and you’re not really weakening… I think that’s what City have had. [Leroy] Sane doesn’t play and [Riyad] Mahrez comes in or Bernardo Silva doesn’t play and [Phil] Foden comes in.

“So that sort of thing where it doesn’t weaken them and you’re able to keep them fresh.

“And also, something I experienced at United, every day in training it’s competitive. The quality of training goes up because of the quality of players that are coming in. ‘

“All of a sudden, the players that have done so well at the end of the season are looking over their shoulders.

“You sign Sancho and you sign Grealish, everyone’s looking over their shoulders and thinking: ‘Is he going to be taking my place? No he’s not. I want to take it onto that next level’.

“So you need that strength in depth but also quality and good lads as well.”

Emiliano Martinez can expect to attract interest from Premier League suitors this summer, claims Ray Parlour, with the Argentine goalkeeper needing to decide whether he would be happy slipping back into a No.2 berth at Arsenal.

The South American earned an unexpected opportunity to impress when Bernd Leno suffered an unfortunate injury at Brighton shortly after the Premier League restart.

Martinez, who had previously made only six Premier League appearances across nine years with Arsenal, was asked to step in and provide cover between the sticks.

He has excelled in that role, earning plenty of plaudits along the way, and is now being tipped to receive tempting offers from afar in the current transfer window.

Former Gunners star Parlour told talkSPORT of Martinez, who is set to line up in the FA Cup final against Chelsea on Saturday: “It’s very difficult to be a No.2 because you must get very frustrated by not getting an opportunity.

“But now he’s got his chance and I had no doubt that he would prove to be a very good goalkeeper because I’ve seen him pre-season, I’ve seen the way he trains and the way he conducts himself.

“He’s just had to be patient. He’s 27 years old now. The interesting thing for me now will be does he want to stay being a No.2? Because Leno will be fit very soon, probably for the start of next season. What happens with the selection?

“Now if he’s the match-winner [against Chelsea] and has an unbelievable game and Arsenal go on to win, it’s going to be a big dilemma for Mikel Arteta going forward.

“It’s a good headache to have. You want your No.2 to be ready to go and when he did get in the team at Brighton when Leno got injured, I had no doubt that he wouldn’t let anybody down. He’s been the best player, some of the saves he has made.

“It’s whether he wants to stay No.2. Leno would still be No.1, but I’m sure there’s lots of clubs now hovering over and saying: ‘We wouldn’t mind taking him to be our No.1’. A Premier League club would be straight in saying: ‘We’re struggling in the goalkeeper situation, would you want to come and play for us week in, week out and be our No.1?’”

Legendary former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman agrees with that assessment, but he is hoping to see Martinez stick around and compete with Leno for minutes in 2020-21.

He told The Sun “Martinez has been out on loan with a lot of other clubs in his career and he has been playing good football. He is still young, only 27.

“I was 26 when I signed for Arsenal and I had a lot of experience before that in first team football. He is similar to me in that respect.

“Mikel has a real decision on his hands. Martinez has all the capabilities and qualities but he has only done it for a short period of time. Leno has done it for a few seasons now.

“It bodes well for the club to have two good quality keepers at the club but how do you keep them happy?

“Martinez has to realise that if Arteta stays with Leno, then he has to accept that. He is at Arsenal. The club cannot just have one good goalkeeper, and Martinez may not be kept in.”

Lazio striker Ciro Immobile has beaten the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Robert Lewandowski and Lionel Messi to the coveted Golden Shoe for 2019-20.

The Italy international has enjoyed a remarkable season in front of goal, with his best-ever return posted in league competition at 30 years of age.

Veteran frontmen have set the standard in what has been an eventful campaign for all concerned.

While Immobile tops the charts with 35 Serie A efforts to his name, his closest challengers are all seasoned performers who have made a career out of terrorising opposition defences.

Lewandowski, with 34 Bundesliga goals at Bayern Munich, is now 31 years of age, while five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo – who sits third on the Golden Shoe list after netting 31 times for Juventus – has passed his 35th birthday.

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi, who registered 25 La Liga goals, is 33, and the leading marksmen on a Premier League stage – Jamie Vardy of Leicester (23 goals) and Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (22) have both passed their 30th birthday.

They will all be expected to maintain their stunning standards when competitive football returns after a short break for the 2020-21 campaign.

It is, however, Immobile who can revel in the fact that he currently sits at the top of the European goal charts.

He also has one more opportunity to raise his tally even further, with Serie A the last of the major divisions in Europe to finish the campaign.

Lazio will bring the curtain down on their season with a trip to Napoli on Saturday, with their top scorer needing just one more goal to match the Italian top-flight record haul of 36 set by Gonzalo Higuain when he was in Naples in 2015-16.

Immobile is already guaranteed to finish as the most potent frontman in Serie A, as Juventus have taken the decision to rest Ronaldo for their final outing against Roma – with Maurizio Sarri keeping one eye on a Champions League clash with Lyon on August 8.

The Portuguese superstar is still waiting to get his hands on a first Capocannoniere, but that wait will be extended by at least another 12 months – as will Ronaldo’s pursuit of a fifth Golden Shoe.

The only other member of the top 10 that can add to their tally from this point is Romelu Lukaku of Inter – who is set to face Atalanta on Saturday – but the Belgian has only 23 goals to his name at present and would need to break all kinds of records in order to top Immobile.

Bayer Leverkusen coach Peter Bosz says Kai Havertz has made a decision regarding his future and admits he could make a transfer any day now.

The 21-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Bundesliga side this summer, though Leverkusen want around €100 million (£90m/$118m) for him.

Chelsea are the main contenders to land him, but Leverkusen director Simon Rolfes insists they have not received any offers for the Germany international .

Bosz has been impressed by the way Havertz has handled the constant speculation around his future, but says there is no guarantee he will be staying put.

"I talk to Kai a lot and try to feel what all this does to him. For example, these daily rumours about transfers," he told Deutschen Presse-Agentur .

"I keep finding that Kai is handling all of this very well. I don't think he will stop playing at 29 [like Andre Schurrle].

"Yes, I know what he wants to do, but of course I'm not going to give it away, it's up to him."

Asked when a decision will be made, Bosz added: "I couldn't say. Perhaps the crucial call will come today, maybe next week, maybe not at all."

Havertz scored 17 goals and registered eight assists for Leverkusen in 2019-20 and is already being tipped to become one of the best players in the world.

While Bosz is not sure if he will reach the level of current global superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the Dutchman says he is already being regarded as among the best in Germany. 

“You never know [if Havertz will become world-class player like Messi or Ronaldo]. But in Germany he is treated as if he was already one," he said. "That is why I try to do something about it when the headlines are always about Kai. We have a lot of great players in the squad."

Leverkusen finished fifth in the Bundesliga, narrowly missing out on a place in next season's Champions League. 

They will continue their Europa League campaign on Thursday when they meet Rangers in the second leg of their last-16 tie, having beaten Steven Gerrard's men 3-1 in the first leg in Glasgow.

Cesar Azpilicueta admits that nobody knew who he was when Chelsea snapped him up from Marseille in 2012, but the Spaniard insists that quitting the Blues was never an option.

The versatile defender arrived at Stamford Bridge as a relative unknown after seeing a £7 million ($9m) transfer put in place.

Few knew what to expect from that deal, with Azpilicueta facing fierce competition for places from the likes of John Terry, Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole and Branislav Ivanovic.

He was, however, to see his hard work and remarkable consistency nail down a regular role and now, at the age of 30 and with eight years of experience in England behind him, he is club captain and a two-time Premier League title winner.

As he prepares to go in pursuit of more major silverware in the 2020 FA Cup final, Azpilicueta told the Daily Mail of his early experiences in west London: “Most of them didn't know who I was.

“There wasn't a big fee or a lot of talk about me as a player. I knew I would have to fight. I knew many players came here and had to go on loan because they couldn't find their place.

“My first game in a Chelsea shirt was for the Under-23s on an academy pitch. I remember it well. My first months, nearly every time on the bench. I didn't play a lot but I didn't think to quit. This was a massive opportunity for me and from the bench, I thought I could start to learn and understand the English game.

“Ivanovic was in my position. Branna was an amazing player, great passion and desire and I watched how he would counter-attack on the set-plays. We scored lots of goals like this. So, in the League Cup against Arsenal, in my second year, I tried my luck and that's how I came by my first Chelsea goal.”

Azpilicueta is now a long-serving stalwart at Stamford Bridge and has retained his place under a succession of managers.

He has seen a number of coaches and talented performers come and go, with the challenge being for him to help nurture the club’s exciting young class of 2020 into potential title winners of the future.

“I have played with the past generation who won all those trophies. Football changes and this is a time for change. They have done the first steps,” Azpilicueta added.

“They went through the academy and the process of going on loan. They trained hard and did well but it is different to going into the first team, to have an impact and be consistent. You're not going to have a clear path. There will be bumps and you have to take them and be stronger for the next one.

“It is important to have confidence in them. Our future is bright. They won trophies with the academy. Most of them won the FA Youth Cup. Now we will see if they can replicate these trophies with the first team. They have the opportunity to go to Wembley and fight for the FA Cup as a senior.

“At Chelsea we fight to be at the top. It is important to develop players who were not in the Premier League last season. They have played in the Champions League but we know there is a gap of more than 30 points to Liverpool and that means we can be better.

“It's up to us to close that. We can do it by being humble and accepting when we don't do it well we must train harder to make it right.”

Kenya international Michael Olunga scored yet again as Kashiwa Reysol defeated Nagoya Grampus 1-0 on Saturday.

Olunga found the back of the net in the 71st minute with an assist from Ataru Esaka as Kashiwa Reysol picked up their fourth win in the last five matches.

There were four yellow cards recorded in the tightly fought tie at Aichi. Olunga’s teammate Tatsuya Yamashita was the first player to be cautioned in the 23rd minute before Kosuke Nakamura was booked in the 29th minute.

Nagoya Grampus’ Sho Inagaki entered into the referee's book in the 32nd minute before his Brazilian teammate Joao Schmidt was yellow-carded in the 53rd minute.

Olunga has turned out to be a dependable and prolific striker for the 2019 J2 League champions in the top-flight as he has now scored in the last four matches.

The former Thika United, Tusker and Gor Mahia centre-forward failed to score in the first three matches since J1 League restarted on July 4 but his recent fine form now sees him top the scorers’ chart with nine goals.

Olunga’s closest Golden Boot challengers include Yu Kobayashi of Kawasaki Frontale, Musashi Suzuki of Consadole Sapporo, Marcos Junior of Yokohama Marinos, Leonardo Perreira of Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Kyogo Furuhashi of Vissel Kobe.

Saturday's win has enabled Olunga and his teammates rise on the log and are now placed at position three, temporarily though, with 15 points from eight games, with one more point than Nagoya Grampus, who have played seven matches so far.

Wins for Cerezo Osaka against Shonan Bellmare and Tokyo against Sagan Tosu in the other Saturday actions will see Kashiwa Reysol drop to fifth.

Olunga, who scored his first J1 League hat-trick against Vegalta Sendai on July 26, has established himself as one of the clear runners for the Golden Boot at this stage.

He was the runner-up in the second division when he managed 27 goals in a successful campaign which pushed Kashiwa Reysol back to the top tier.

In other matches, Vegalta Sendai recorded a second consecutive loss after falling 1-0 to Yokohama Marinos

Yokohama FC were defeated 2-0 by Sanfrecce Hiroshima with more games yet to conclude.

On Sunday, eighth-placed Consadole Sapporo will host Vissel Kobe, who are 11th after playing seven matches.

Olunga will have another opportunity to try and add more goals when Kashiwa Reysol face Shonan Bellmare on August 5.

Former Bafana Bafana and SuperSport United defender Nasief Morris has revealed he was once close to signing for Orlando Pirates. 

This was when Morris was playing for Santos just before he went abroad, after having a discussion with Augusto Palacios who was then coaching the South African U20 national team. 

According to Morris, the desire to play in Europe was enough for him to turn Pirates down even after receiving a call from Dr Irvin Khoza at the time. 

"I few years before I even to Europe... while I was at Santos, Augusto Palacios was my coach at the U20 national team. He asked me if I would be interested in coming to Orlando Pirates. I said to him, 'definitely, we can look at it' and things like that," Morris told Goal.  

"Then suddenly the break for me came when I was invited to come to Greece for a trial." 

Morris' response to Khoza was that he would like to go try his luck abroad first and he would come back to join the Sea Robbers if things didn't go well.

"And I think a week before I left, I got a call from Mr Irvin Khoza himself asking that he spoke to Mr Palacios and he wanted to know if I wanted to come to Orlando Pirates. I said, 'by all means, I'd like to come but my first goal is that I want to go to Europe. If I don't make it in Europe, I'll definitely come to Orlando Pirates," he recalled.   

"And that was my goal and I made sure when I got the opportunity, I took it."

The retired defender went on to sign for Aris Thessaloniki in Greece before cementing his legendary status at Panathinaikos. 

Morris spent seven years at Panathinaikos - but he would spend the final two years of his contract on loan at Real Club Recreativo de Huelva and Racing de Santander. 

He returned to South Africa in 2011 to join SuperSport United before returning to the Mother City to reunite with his former club Santos. 

Morris, now 39, retired from professional football in 2017 after three seasons with Milano United.  

Kieran Tierney is “just like” Virgil van Dijk, according to former Celtic and Scotland manager Gordon Strachan, with the Arsenal defender considered to boast a “lunatic mentality” and the ability to “smell danger”.

The Gunners bought into that skill set when luring the 23-year-old away from Parkhead in the summer of 2019.

A move to the Premier League had been mooted for some time, with Tierney having caught the eye across five seasons as a senior performer at his boyhood club.

He is now treading a familiar path when it comes to ex-Celtic stars illuminating an English stage, with Liverpool centre-half Van Dijk among the more prominent to have made that transition with ease in recent times.

Strachan believes Tierney will scale similar heights, with his “first-class” attitude and undoubted ability set to carry him to the very top of the game.

“He has what I call that lunatic mentality, and I mean that in a good way,” Strachan told the Daily Mail .

“He was like Scott Brown at Celtic. It gets cold in Glasgow you know but those two would walk around with just their T-shirts on.

“Kieran has a first-class approach. He listens and takes in information and, crucially, he listens to what you are telling other players too so that he understands their roles also.

“He is bright and he smells danger, just like Virgil van Dijk does at Liverpool. He isn't in that class yet but there are similarities.

“And he backs himself. He is brave like that.

“Many full backs or central defenders won't push out on to a winger, for example. They are happy to let them cross. At least they can't get beaten or embarrassed that way.

“Kieran won't do that. He will get out there and say, ‘If you are going to cross this, you will have to get by me first’.”

Strachan handed Tierney his international debut back in 2017, with his versatility put to good use after finding himself in direct competition with Andy Robertson – who is now another Premier League title winner at Liverpool – for a more natural left-back berth.

Strachan added: “He has the type of mind that allows him to think that whatever he tries will come off. He has complete faith in himself and it's totally justified.

“I played him at three positions for Scotland - left back, left of three centre-backs and also right-back.

“My two best players were left backs — Kieran and Andy Robertson — so I shifted Kieran across. He never complained. He just got on with it. That's how good he is and that's how good his attitude is.”

SuperSport United coach Kaitano Tembo has bemoaned his side's lack of practice matches, saying his players would only be “about 70 to 80 percent ready” by the time they resume their Premier Soccer League (PSL) campaign.

Tembo and his men get back to action by hosting Bloemfontein Celtic at Bidvest Stadium on August 16.

Since the beginning of July, SuperSport have been training on the pitch but players were working out in small units, before starting full training as a whole group “a few days ago.”

“I think we will probably be about 70 to 80 percent ready by the time we play our first match. We are going to take that match as a preparation match because we have not had time to play friendly matches because of this Covid-19‚” said Tembo as per Sowetan Live.

“Confirmation of the restart date by the chairman of the league Dr Khoza is helpful because it allows us as coaches and the players to plan properly. I am not saying things are going to be easy but it definitely makes planning a little bit better when you know when‚ what time and where you are going to play.”

While Tembo is unhappy about the lack of friendly matches, his side would restart against a Bloemfontein Celtic outfit that would have gained some match fitness following their Nedbank Cup semi-finals clash with Baroka FC on August 8.

“It is not going to be easy because we only started training as a group a few days ago as we had to observe social distancing rules when we returned to training about a month ago,” Tembo said.

“We will only know after the first match where the guys are in terms of match fitness because the reality of the situation is that players are not match fit now. We have been training for a few weeks but it was difficult to plan and load players not knowing when we are going to start.

“It was also difficult to push the guys at training in terms of fitness but we are excited that the league is going to resume and we want to thank all the people who worked hard behind the scenes to ensure that we get back to action.”

Currently placed third on the PSL standings, a top-three finish would see SuperSport return to the Caf Confederation Cup, where they reached the final in 2017 but lost to Tour Puissant Mazembe.

SuperSport’s remaining six league games include visiting Orlando Pirates, who also have a top-three finish as realistically the best they could end the season.

Simba SC coach Sven Vandenbroeck has explained the importance of the FA Cup final by revealing he will field his best squad to battle Namungo FC on Sunday.

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi will be keen to seal a treble this season, having won the Mainland Premier League title and the Charity Shield Cup - as they come up against a Namungo side who finished fourth on the league table, at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Sumbawanga, Rukwa.

The Belgian coach has now told Goal he will not underrate their opponents and will, instead, pick his best squad for the final.

“It will be our final match of the season and we will, therefore, field our best squad to finish the job,” Vandenbroeck told Goal on Saturday.

“I will not underrate [Namungo], they are not a team to look down upon and therefore, I have told my players what to do and what to expect in such a final, it will be difficult because they can also spring a surprise, so we must be ready to deal with them.

“I am happy we have been training for the last few days since we ended the league and all the players are fit to play, I will go for my best squad, to finish the job and give us another trophy.”

Speaking ahead of the final, Simba captain John Bocco, who has enjoyed a good season with the club, admitted they are aware of the kind of opposition Namungo will give them, insisting they have to be at their best to achieve their target.

“I am sure we all know we are coming up against a very tough opponent,” Bocco also told Goal on Saturday.

“Namungo is one of the teams who always give us trouble in league matches, they know us very well, they know how we play and for that reason, it will be a very difficult final for both teams.

“But I am happy we have had good preparations going into the final, we have trained very well and we don’t have injuries, the squad is good and ready to go, and I know in the name of God, we will play well and win the trophy on Sunday.”

On what they want to achieve on Sunday, Bocco explained: “We want to write history as the only team to have won three trophies in one season, we won the Shield Cup in the season opener, won the league and now if we win the domestic Cup, we will have three trophies in one season.

“The desire to win three trophies in a season is pushing us hard to go and do the job against Namungo, all the players are psyched up and we are all burning to do the history and I hope we will achieve the dream.”

Simba defeated Yanga SC 4-1 in the semi-final to advance to the final, while Namungo narrowly defeated Sahare All-Stars by a solitary goal in the other semi-final.

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Steve Lekoelea has hailed coach Josef Zinnbauer’s work with his former team, saying he expects them to win silverware if they continue doing well next season.

‘Chippa’ would not commit regarding which team will emerge as the new Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions at the end of the current campaign, saying there are many factors that will determine the race for the title.

On the other hand, the retired dribbling wizard believes the so-called small teams will be at an advantage against the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, and the Buccaneers because the games will be played behind closed doors.

“The Pirates coach [Zinnbauer] is doing a very good job. If the team can continue playing well, they will definitely win a trophy next season,” Lekoelea told Isolezwe.

“Maybe the only position they need to fix is the defence because it’s not solid. That was evident when the team was coached by Rhulani [Mokwena].”

Taking a look at the race where Amakhosi lead with 48 points from 22 games, the Brazilians have 44 from 21 matches and are in second place, whilst the Buccaneers and SuperSport United share the third spot with 40 points.

With that in mind, Lekoelea says the winners will be decided after two or three games.

“It’s very difficult to say who will win the league because the players will not have the same momentum before the games were suspended [in March],” added the retired midfielder.

“I would answer this question easily if you would have asked before the suspension of the season. I think it will take two games for the teams to adjust to playing without the fans - for now, it remains open.”

On the other hand, the former Moroka Swallows and Bafana Bafana midfielder is of the view that coach Ernst Middendorp, Pitso Mosimane, and Josef Zinnbauer’s troops will struggle behind closed doors.

“It will be very difficult to play without the supporters. Teams like Chiefs, Pirates, and Sundowns will definitely struggle,” he continued.

“It’s going to be like the players in training, this will be different than before the season was suspended. I am sure the so-called small teams are delighted because they know they have a chance to win the games.”

Former Arsenal, Inter Milan and Nigeria striker Nwankwo Kanu has been celebrated on his 44th birthday.  

Leading the tributes is the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), who lauded the two-time African Player of the Year for his contribution to the Super Eagles.

“Happy birthday to two-time Africa Player of the year and Nigeria football legend, Kanu. Have a good one Papilo,” NFF tweeted.

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) recollected the performances of Kanu for Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations, where he helped the West Africans win bronze medals and finished as runner-up in the 2000 edition.

“Legendary African footballer Nwankwo Kanu turns 44 today. The Nigerian is one of the continent's greatest talents, dazzling fans all over the world throughout his career,” read a tweet from Caf, accompanied by a video.

Fifa also recalled, in a video, how the heroic last-minute strike from the forward helped Nigeria stun Brazil in the semi-finals of the 1996 Olympic Games to secure a place in the final and subsequently win the gold medal in the tournament.

“Happy 44th birthday to the magician who was twice named African Footballer of the Year,” read a tweet from Fifa.

Kanu started his career in Nigeria with Iwuanyanwu Nationale before moving to Europe to join Ajax in 1993, where he enjoyed great success.

The forward helped the Dutch club to win the Champions League, three Eredivisie titles, Uefa Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup trophies before departing the side in 1996 to join Inter Milan.

His eye-catching performances then earned him a move to Arsenal in 1999 and won two Premier League titles and the FA Cup, among other accolades with the Gunners.

Kanu ended his five-year stay with the Emirates Stadium outfit in 2004 to team up with West Bromwich Albion and played for Portsmouth for six years, winning the FA Cup title with the side before his retirement.

Kanu scored 12 goals in 87 appearances for Nigeria during a 17-year career with the three-time African champions.

He is is currently the Super Eagles ambassador and his 'Kanu Heart Foundation' helped in treating children with heart diseases, having suffered a similar problem during his football career. 

Wazito FC defender Johnstone Omurwa has stated he has to be patient and let his club handle negotiations with Petro Atletico of Angola.

The Central African side has been in touch with the lanky defender, hoping to have his services in the 2020/21 season. While the Kenya international admits he would love to play for the club, he has stated the 2018/19 National Super League champions are handling the issue on his behalf.

"I am aware Petro Atletico are serious about having me in their team for next season," Omurwa told Goal.

"However, I am still contracted by Wazito, and I am remaining with about two years in my current deal. All I can do is let the two parties negotiate and reach an agreement before I leave.

"Yes, I would love to play abroad, but again I have to respect the fact that I am employed here in Kenya by Wazito. I cannot interfere with the negotiations, all I can do is wait for the outcome which I believe will be positive.

The 21-year-old has challenged upcoming footballers to go a step ahead and work harder to stand a chance of playing in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) or even better leagues abroad.

"The game has changed and currently, we have youngsters dominating the industry," Omurwa added.

"Chances are everywhere but to get it, you have to work hard, without doing so and maintaining your discipline, it will be tough

"I cannot even explain how I have managed to find myself at the top. Things have swiftly moved and I have reached where a few people expected.

"Anybody who is out there wanting to be a footballer, no shortcuts, they have to push harder on and off the pitch in order to be successful. There is nothing tough, sacrifice and remain concentrated and you will realize your objectives."

In an earlier interview with Goal, the Kenya U23 international also revealed why he continued to do his best for the side despite all the changes at the club over the last 12 months.

"And this being our full-time job, if you do not give your best, then you can easily be released," Omurwa said. 

"But if you give your best, there will be no worries. It is for this reason I have been ensuring my work rate is good, the same as the qualities I offer."  

   
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MYDA FC CEO Hannington Muwanguzi has claimed he has not received any report indicating they have been fined USh1 million for failing to submit the mandatory club licensing documents.

MYDA, the newly-promoted side and Onduparaka FC, were each fined one million shillings but Muwanguzi said the club has not learned of the development from the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa).

“I haven’t received any communication from the Federation (Fufa) about the fine,” Muwanguzi said as was quoted by Sports Nation.

“Our file of documents for licencing is already at Fufa as I talk now. It was received by the licensing manager and I was still in the timeframe given to us.

“I have to say we were not late because we cannot submit papers before the Club Pro agenda which we did last weekend.

“We were given a period of a week to submit our documents and so the papers were submitted and I haven’t seen any fine slapped on us – I think there is just miscommunication.”

URA, Busoga United, BUL, Mbarara City, Police, Bright Stars, UPDF, Express, SC Villa, Kyetume and Vipers SC have already submitted part of the minimum requirements and were consequently fined USh500,000.

The deadline to submit the documents was extended to August 7 as none of the Fufa Big League sides had brought forward their documents.

Muwanguzi also explained what they plan to achieve in the Premier League.

“Our target is to remain in the league because we have never dreamt of taking a step backwards for the time we have spent in football, so we have not just come to play but to compete,” he concluded.

“We have something new we are bringing in Ugandan football, something which has been missing so everybody should get prepared to see flair in Ugandan football called ‘MYDA Storm’.

“We are still recruiting but we have our initial younger players we started with from the beginning.

“We are just looking forward to adding only those players who are going to add something different and special which we need at this stage we are at.”

An irate Thomas Tuchel insisted he is not concerned by Paris Saint-Germain's lack of goals after they completed a domestic clean sweep of trophies on Friday.

PSG added the Coupe de la Ligue trophy to their triumphs in the Trophee des Champions, Ligue 1 and Coupe de France this season when they beat Lyon 6-5 in a penalty shoot-out.

The showpiece at the Stade de France was not befitting the last ever Coupe de la Ligue final as neither team could find a goal across 120 minutes, with PSG clearly missing the brilliance of injured forward Kylian Mbappe.

Since their season resumed, PSG - who found the net 75 times in 27 Ligue 1 games in 2019-20 - have only scored twice across 210 minutes when Neymar netted the winner in the Coupe de France final last week.

Yet when such a statistic was put to Tuchel, he reacted angrily.

"So, what's the big deal," he said to reporters.

"Yes, we're still lucky. You can write it down. It's the only thing, we're lucky. That's the way it is, no quality, only luck.

"It's football. It's football. It's only football.

"Do you know the result of Liverpool against Barcelona in Barcelona [when Liverpool lost 3-0 in 2019]? How they played and then they won the Champions League. Give me a team that scores four or five goals in every match... it's not possible.

"But you are always looking for something negative - 99 positive points but no, we'll look for the 100th one which will be negative. We're going to look for problems.

"There's no problem, we won. I'm not going to apologise for this goal story. Since how many games have we had? No need to find excuses for that."

Tuchel said he is proud of his squad after their latest successful campaign, adding: "They are reliable guys who play, enjoy working and suffering together.

"That makes me very happy. I am proud and happy.

"We did not lose the concentration, the hunger to win, the confidence, we won on penalties and that counts," he said. 

"We won these four titles, there is a good atmosphere in the locker room. And I'm very happy because everyone thinks it's okay to win, but it's not that easy. 

"Winning four titles is the merit of this team and I am happy."

PSG's campaign is not over yet as they have a Champions League quarter-final against Atalanta to look forward to in Lisbon on August 12.

Tuchel has already admitted that Mbappe, who sprained his ankle in the Coupe de France final, needs "a miracle" to be fit for that game.