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SC Villa CEO Shawn Mubiru has dismissed reports the club is set to release nine players in the ongoing transfer window.

In a Twitter response, Mubiru stated that no such decision has been made by the club’s top hierarchy so far.

“What the media did was to release some of the players that we have not told to seek opportunity elsewhere. That was unprofessional and wrong,” Tweeted Mubiru.

“Next time, avoid writing one-sided rumours. It is not that I am not available for comment. I do appreciate balanced reporting.

“We have chosen to take a very disciplined path even when we have agreed to part with our former players, we would like to give them the same respect they had while coming in, the coach will come out soon to set the agenda.

“Until they are facts at your disposal what you have is purely speculation. I have taken a decision at the club to have fewer words and more work. Not very soon you will have knowledge about.”

According to reports, Brian Nsubuga, Emmanuel Kalyowa, Albert Mugisa, Hood Kakooza, Charles Lwanga, Ambrose Kirya, Samson Kirya, Ibrahim Kibumba and Ronald Magwaliare are the players set to be released in order to create room for the newcomers.

The official also responded to the reports that some players have not been paid over a long period of time.

“On unpaid players’ salaries, I have been clear from day one, that all those that have taken part in serving the club whether non-playing and playing staff will be paid once the club is in the position to do,” concluded Mubiru.

“Just like any business, the club is also struggling in these times.”

Kalyowa, who os in the reported list of the players to leave, was the first one to open up on the matter of salary delays.

“Imagine serving a team with a debt of 10 months and going through this Covid-19 period with five kilograms of rice from Fufa only to hear a group of fellow players receive a salary of two months,” Kalyowa said on Thursday.

“Just because some of us have expired contracts or we are not good enough for the club?

“Does it mean we didn’t work for the club? We are always taken as bad always on issues concerning money in Uganda but this is too much to handle.”

SC Villa finished third last season despite numerous off-pitch challenges.

If anything perfectly captured Watford’s chaotic season, it was their 3-2 defeat by Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

After a demoralising opening half where they fell 2-0 down inside 24 minutes on a day they knew the potential ramifications of not turning up, the shoddy start was probably not surprising to fans of the Hertfordshire club now used to their team’s volatile nature.

Seven minutes after Kieran Tierney doubled the Gunners’ advantage, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made it 3-0 to the hosts. Job done for Mikel Arteta’s men, relegation for the Hornets...or so we thought.

Well, Watford did get relegated but they gave as good they got after half-time. While Troy Deeney pulled one back from the spot just before the interval, the away side raised their game exponentially in the second and probably deserved to pull level for 3-3.

At the forefront of that renaissance was Ismaila Sarr, the club record £30 million signing from Stade Rennais, who’d taken Watford’s run-in by the scruff of the neck post-lockdown and indeed since the turn of the year.

The 22-year-old’s look of dejection at the final whistle was a poignant reminder that the club would be playing football in 2020/21 in the Championship, a situation the youngster probably didn’t envisage when he moved from France on deadline day last year.

Indeed, he was central to his side’s fightback at the Emirates, showing the electric pace and acceleration that had tormented Premier League full-backs from time to time this season. The Senegal star created a staggering four chances vs Arteta’s side, with two falling into the ‘big chances’ column.

For context, none of his teammates created that many and neither did anyone on the home team. He set up Danny Welbeck’s goal in the 66th minute and should have doubled his assist tally minutes later but for Emiliano Martinez’s incredible save to deny the Englishman’s improvised back-heeled effort, to the utter disbelief of Deeney.

In truth, maybe Watford wouldn’t have had it all to do had Sarr made the most of an opportunity in the 12th minute. Having received the pass from Kiko Femenia, the West African took too long on the ball and the chance to shoot was lost. Still, he set up Abdoulaye Doucoure on the edge of the box but the midfielder’s heavy touch allowed Dani Ceballos to block his effort and Martinez saved the rebound that fell to Roberto Pereyra.

Those gilt-edged chances missed cost the Hornets on the final day. They failed to tuck away five of the seven created, edged the Expected Goals metric 3.92 to 1.95 and would have come away with all three points on another day.

For Sarr, who still managed to churn out performances amid the turbulence at Vicarage Road that saw three permanent head coaches take charge throughout the season, it was a promising season despite initial struggles to get into the team.

Javi Gracia, who signed the pacy winger, lasted only four games before his sacking, Quique Sanchez Flores was in charge for 10 fixtures before being jettisoned after a 2-1 loss at Southampton in November and Nigel Pearson was astonishingly fired with two games to play.

Even with only 28 games under his belt, 22 of which were starts, the West African’s raw numbers were respectable. He scored five times and assisted four, second behind Deeney and Gerard Deulofeu respectively, and was behind only the club captain (12) for total goal contributions this term.

According to Fbref, the 22-year-old was involved in eight goal-creating actions that led to goals, unsurprisingly higher than his colleagues, while he completed 49 open-play passes that led to shot attempts – third behind Doucoure (59) and Gerard Deulofeu (51).

To put this in context, when Sarr’s return is compared with Bukayo Saka, Mason Greenwood and Christian Pulisic, three youngsters who took the league by storm this season, it makes for an interesting assessment.

The Anglo-Nigerian contributed to seven goal-creating actions and 45 shot-creating actions in open play, the English teenager also posted seven offensive actions leading to a goal with 32 passes leading to an effort on goal. Pulisic, though, was involved in more goal-creating activities and in-play passes leading to shots, edging the Senegalese 13 and 51 respectively in both metrics.

Frankly, Sarr could have posted even better stats had teammates made the most of his nine big chances created (the highest in the side) and had he converted six presentable opportunities that went begging.

Be that as it may, the ex-Rennes man still gave supporters of the club reason to cheer in a maiden year of highs and lows for the team.

He put Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool to the sword with a brace and an assist in a 3-0 performance at Vicarage Road that sent shockwaves through the country and gave highly rated left-back Ben Chilwell a torrid time in a 1-1 draw that made observers question the Leicester City man’s competence.

Furthermore, the rapid attacker produced moments of magic in 2-1 wins over Norwich City and Newcastle United that briefly gave fans hope of staying up after the restart but it wasn’t to be.

With Watford’s five-year love affair in the top flight now over, the financial ramifications mean they may have to let go of some of their best players, and Sarr certainly counts as a saleable asset.

In a depressed market caused by the coronavirus pandemic, it remains to be seen if sides in the Prem would pay a premium for the Senegal international who still has four years to go on his contract.

There are about six weeks for teams to prepare for the new season and 10 for the summer transfer window to run, giving the Hertfordshire club little time to sort Sarr’s future, get a new head coach and decide on their squad for next season.

The plan when they signed the winger from Ligue 1 was to build around him for the future but relegation from arguably the most popular league in the world has thrown a spanner in the works.

After thriving in the Premier League in his first year, the talented wideman has shown he has what it takes to play with the very best in the business, and clubs in the league should be lining up for his signature.

Sarr's story in the Prem is far from over.

Yanga (Young Africans) SC fitness trainer and assistant coach Riedoh Berdien says he is still part of the technical team of the Tanzanian giants, and spoke of how the club’s fans are of the friendliest in the game.

Yanga is reportedly searching for a new coach after parting ways with former Free State Stars and Black Leopards manager Luc Eymael over allegations of racism in the past few days.

The Cape Town-born coach explained that his future is yet to be decided in the East African country as the club will make a decision on his future, despite media reports suggesting he is on his way out of the side.

“I have not been fired, the club awaits on the new coach then to make the decision whether to continue using my services or not,” Berdien told Goal.

“As you know that’s football. We have to wait for what the club decides.”

After the 60-year-old Belgian manager reportedly lashed out at the club’s supporters, the Banyana Banyana trainer shared his experience at the club, saying the fans have been amazing.

“I have worked all over Africa. So, I am used to the structure and cultures in Tanzania,” he added.

"There has been a lot of challenges for sure but in every club there is. The people are extremely friendly and the green and army are the best supporters that I have experienced. I have mentioned this a lot on Twitter.

“There was even a YouTube video about Yanga fans. Their motto is even “be nice be like Yanga.”

Berdien joined the club in January to team up with the former Polokwane City manager in the East African country after the duo previously worked together at Ea Lla Koto in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

Although he confirmed he is yet to engage the club’s hierarchy to map out the way forward, Berdien may not struggle to find a new club as he has worked on the African continent as well as in countries such as Trinidad & Tobago.

On the other hand, Goal previously gathered that he once received an offer to join former Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic at Zamalek in Egypt.

Tying Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to a new contract would be as big as winning the FA Cup for Arsenal, says Charlie Nicholas, but he accepts the “goal machine” will move on if Real Madrid or Barcelona come calling.

The Gunners have been locked in extension talks with their club captain for some time. No deal has been done, with the prolific 31-year-old frontman entering the final 12 months of his deal as a result.

With no fresh terms agreed, it has been suggested that Arsenal may have to reluctantly sanction a sale in order to avoid losing a prized asset for nothing in the summer of 2021.

Aubameyang has remained coy on his future plans, despite stating his happiness in north London, and the general consensus is that an approach from a leading European club would see his head turned.

Nicholas fears that will be the case, but he is refusing to give up hope when it comes to keeping such a talismanic figure at Emirates Stadium.

The former Gunners frontman told Sky Sports of Aubameyang ahead of Arsenal’s FA Cup final with Chelsea on Saturday: "It's vital they keep hold of him, but if Real Madrid or Barcelona were to show interest in him at his age, and he wants to go, he'll go. We had to let the best I've seen in an Arsenal shirt - Thierry Henry - go because he wanted to join Barca.

"That's the reality as this guy is a goal machine. When you look back at the wages we gave Mesut Ozil, we had to put up with Alexis Sanchez until we part-exchanged him, this guy is of the same ilk where you're wondering if it's worth giving him the big salary.

"Personally, I think it is as there's very little guaranteed in football, but the guarantee he gives you when he's fit is goals. Goals for Arsenal are the main ingredient in the way they play. Arsenal's duty now is to fix a defence that has been weak for the past six or seven years.

"Gradually, I think Arteta will do that, but the club are still being held to ransom a little bit [over Aubameyang]. If Arsenal are to finally get this [contract] over the line, you give him what he wants, and then Aubameyang still becomes a sellable asset if he then wants to leave in a year.

"If we run it down, as we did with Aaron Ramsey, you're just holding on to someone who isn't entirely committed to the cause. I'm hopeful now that Aubameyang will re-sign - Arsenal, get it over the line! It would be as big a boost as winning the FA Cup. That's how big it would be."

John Obi Mikel has congratulated his former club Trabzonspor after winning the 2019-20 Turkish Cup title on Wednesday.

Goals from Abdulkadir Omur and Alexander Soerloth helped Eddie Newton’s men secure a 2-0 victory over Alanyaspor in the final of the tournament.

Ghana forward Caleb Ekuban featured for the Black Sea Storm while Nigeria international Nwakaeme was not listed for the game.

Nwakaeme scored two goals and provided one assist in six appearances in the competition and played a key role as Trabzonspor finished as runner-up in the 2019-20 Super Lig, scoring 11 goals and setting up nine others in 29 games.

Mikel started the campaign with the Medical Park Stadyumu outfit after joining the side as a free agent in the summer of 2019.

The former Chelsea midfielder made 27 appearances for the side across all competitions, including three in the Turkish Cup tournament.

In March, the 33-year-old departed Medical Park Stadyumu by mutual agreement after expressing his concerns about the league continuing amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The midfielder has taken to social media to praise his former club and teammates for scooping the Cup trophy.

“Congratulations Trabzonspor on winning the Cup final. Well done boys and the city deserve it,” Mikel posted on Instagram.

Mikel is currently without a club but will hope to sort out his future before the start of the 2020-21 season.

The midfielder is famous for his exploits at Chelsea, where he spent 11 years, winning a number of laurels, including the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup, League Cup and Community Shield titles.

The 33-year-old has also previously featured for Lyn in Norway, Tianjin Teda in China and Championship side Middlesbrough.

Mikel had 91 caps for the Super Eagles and was part of the side that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

The midfielder retired from international duty after helping the West Africans finish third at Afcon 2019 in Egypt.

The last man to save a Bruno Fernandes penalty, Miguel Soares, has advised Premier League goalkeepers on how to bring a run of 17 successful efforts from the Manchester United midfielder to a close.

Since acquiring a Portugal international during the January transfer window, the Red Devils have been awarded a flurry of spot kicks.

Fernandes has converted every one he has stood over, with the 25-year-old yet to fluff his lines from 12 yards in English football.

You have to turn the clock back to October 2018 to find the last time he failed to convert, with Soares keeping him out during a Portuguese Cup clash between Sporting CP and Loures.

The 29-year-old does not enjoy the same kind of standing as those filling Premier League No.1 spots, as he currently splits his time between lower league side Pero Pinheiro and a position as a property consultant, but he does have the answer when it comes to denying Fernandes from the spot.

Revealing his secret to the Daily Star, Soares said: "The save was a great moment. The secret was the small movement I made to the left.

"Bruno looks at the keeper when he takes a penalty, so I did the same to him. I feigned to dive to the left, and went to the right.

"I wanted to make Bruno take his decision as late as possible. I didn't want to make his life easier.

"We took Sporting all the way to extra time, and still gave them a scare before they won 2-1.

"I hope Bruno can continue converting penalties in the Premier League. He'll miss one eventually, but I hope it won't be for a while - it is better for me.

"I didn't manage to get his shirt after the Sporting game, but I would love to have one of his Manchester United shirts now.

"Although I was his opponent on the day, I am a big fan of his."

Fernandes has taken 28 penalties in his professional career to date, with 26 of those finding the back of the net.

He has registered 10 goals through his 20 appearances for United, with his efforts in helping the Red Devils to a third-place finish and pursuit of Europa League glory quickly seeing him become a talismanic figure at Old Trafford.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola insists Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp in 2019 and 2020 are the toughest opponents he has ever faced as a coach.

Klopp is the only manager to have beaten the Catalan more times than he has lost, with the Reds’ coach winning nine of their 19 encounters and Guardiola just eight, while he has not won any of their five clashes at Anfield.

After a fiercely competitive 2018-19 when City beat their rivals to the Premier League by just a point, Liverpool easily came out on top this year to secure their first title in 30 years.

"The toughest opponent I've ever faced in my career is this Liverpool from last year and this one," Guardiola told DAZN.

"If you let yourself be dominated, they lock you in the area and you can't escape. When you dominate them, they run into space like no one else. They are very fast going backwards. They are very strong strategically. Their players have great mental strength. [Klopp] is the rival who has made me think about how to beat him the most."

Guardiola had a fierce rivalry with Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho during his time with Barcelona, but he rates the current Premier League champions as the best team he has ever come up against.

"I have always said that Real Madrid are a very strong team in my career, they helped me to become a better coach with tough matches and competitions with Jose Mourinho, [Manuel] Pellegrini and all the coaches they had," he added.

"If you ask me which has been the most difficult rival for me to face, it has been Liverpool. The first years when I arrived in England, Liverpool were a bit weaker than now and Real Madrid were stronger. Now, this Liverpool are the hardest I have come across in my coaching career."

Guardiola’s priority is shifted back to Real next week with the newly crowned Spanish champions standing in the way of a place in the Champions League quarter-finals.

While City hold a 2-1 lead from the first leg victory at the Santiago Bernabeu in February, Zinedine Zidane has an incredible record in the tournament having won it three times in succession and Guardiola is full of praise for the Frenchman.

"Although people may not believe me because he is from Real Madrid, I am very happy that things are going well because it is very good for football that things go well for people like him," the City boss added.

"When he has done what he has done, winning three Champions Leagues in a row, taking two La Liga titles from Barca when they - in this decade - have dominated this competition like no other club, it shows his ability."

Manchester City will have great difficulty finding a replacement for David Silva, admits Pep Guardiola.

The 34-year-old midfielder will leave the Etihad after their season is over, having spent 10 trophy-laden years with the club.

Guardiola hailed the four-time Premier League winner as a unique player and admitted it will be tough to find someone who shares his ability and competitiveness.

"Signing anybody with his way of playing and his quality is very difficult, especially replacing his competitiveness, not only his quality," Guardiola told DAZN. "His quality is unique and special, his ability to move in confined spaces. What has surprised me the most knowing him in these four years together is his immense competitiveness when he plays."

Guardiola's team surrendered their Premier League crown to Liverpool this season, having finished 18 points behind Jurgen Klopp's side. However, they still have the chance of winning a historic first Champions League title.

City's campaign resumes on August 7 when they face Real Madrid in the second leg of the last-16, having won 2-1 when they met in the Spanish capital before the coronavirus pandemic brought football to a halt, but Guardiola is taking nothing for granted. 

"We should not think too much about the advantage we have," he said of his side's chances against Zinedine Zidane's team. "We know what an advantage it is. If there is a team that can turn it around, it is these great teams, as well as Barcelona or Bayern. They know these competitions and they know how to play them."

He added: "We are not going to make a tactical change or anything to surprise Real Madrid because they know what we do.

"The only objective that I have in the coming weeks is that the players come to the pitch to play football, without our people, to defend when they have to defend, to jump, to run, to encourage each other. Things are more simple. A team only has to have this. This is that I want to my team have."

Speaking about what it would mean to finally win the Champions League with City, Guardiola said: "I don't know what I'm going to feel when it hasn't happened yet. I tried it the first year, in the second, in the third and in the fourth. If I am involved in it, I'm trying to win it. If I don't win it, I will have failed but the important thing is to try.

"I've won it because I've had incredible clubs and incredible players, and I want to keep winning."

Antonio Rudiger says Chelsea have achieved their goals ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup final against Arsenal but admits that he is not satisfied with his own standards on the pitch.

The Blues secured qualification for the Champions League with a win against Wolves on July 26 following a season disrupted by the global coronavirus pandemic.

However, they conceded 54 goals throughout the Premier League season - their worst total since Roman Abramovich took control at Stamford Bridge in 2003 - and are 3-0 down on aggregate in their Champions League last-16 tie against Bayern Munich.

"For me personally, first of all I do not want to give any excuses," Rudiger says. "It has been a tough season with everything going on. Just in the performances, there were some good games and also bad games. It has been up and down.

"Me, personally with my season, I am not that happy. But at the end of the day as a collective, we achieved our goals and this is what matters. We still have two games to go and this is what I am focused on. Everything else I will analyse myself and go on to next season.

"If I reflect on the way we had to get to this final, it was tough. The season was tough for everyone. I had injuries, the coronavirus pandemic, it was really difficult. But we are there now and we want to do everything to win that trophy."

Having undergone knee surgery in April 2019, Rudiger missed the early part of Frank Lampard’s first season as Chelsea manager and it took time for him to fight his way into the club legend’s plans.

It is clear Chelsea have issues to solve on the defensive front with Kepa Arrizabalaga, individual defenders and Lampard all copping criticism throughout the campaign.

And Rudiger admits the team need to collectively find a better balance in the upcoming games against Arsenal and Bayern.

"It is definitely something we need to work on," he added. "I think it has more to do with consistency. On our day, yes, we can beat everyone. Then when it is not our day, we can also lose against everyone. This is the balance we have to find.

"It is like life, to find the goal in the middle is difficult sometimes. It is something we have to work on. We are aware of that, I am aware of that. We still have two games for this season and we have to finish them on a high."

Rudiger can make it three trophies in three years since joining Chelsea with a win on Saturday following his £30 million ($39m) move from Roma under Antonio Conte.

As well as seeing his side run out 4-1 winners against Arsenal in the Europa League final last year, Rudiger also won the FA Cup in 2018. He was named man of the match in a 1-0 win over Manchester United at Wembley, clinching his first club silverware as a professional.

"It was my first club trophy and it was a special day, a special moment and I was really very happy," he says.

"I also liked the ceremony and everything before the game. It was huge! Wembley, full crowd, half-blue, half-red, it was just amazing and a perfect day.

"The man of the match was not so important for me because the trophy is more important and we won it after a very difficult season. We ended the season well.

"You have to always enjoy these types of moments, these types of pressures because there are a lot of footballers in the world but not everyone gets to win the trophies.

"To do it in England, in this league, is tough. So you have to enjoy every moment and, if you are there, try to grab it with both hands.

"This is what I expected when I came here to Chelsea, to play for titles. For me, I don’t see this as a small cup - a title is a title. If I am there I want to win."

The 27-year-old also praised the Premier League for supporting the 'Black Lives Matter' movement; Rudiger reported racist abuse in a game against Tottenham earlier this season but police were ultimately unable to find the evidence necessary to prosecute a criminal offence.

"The authorities who came with the idea to take a knee and put Black Lives Matter on the jerseys and everything, I have to say thanks very much for your support," he says.

"In that case, I see positives because I really hope that people care and you can see people care.

"This is an ongoing story. I believe it will never have an end. But if you see that authorities are taking actions and doing something, it makes you happy. This is who I am, I am a positive guy. I always try to look at the positive.

"But on this specific thing, racism, I am sorry but I cannot be any more positive. It is not only about me. It is about the players and other people. I want people to live free.

"Accept that some people are black, others are white, it does not matter. I really feel sorry for those people. It seems like an education issue."

Mikel Arteta is convinced Saturday’s FA Cup final will not be Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s final game for Arsenal.

The Gunners skipper - who has just one year left of his contract - goes into the Wembley showpiece with speculation raging about his future.

Inter and Barcelona are believed to be keeping close tabs on his situation, with many believing Arsenal will be forced to sell their top scorer if they lose to Chelsea on Saturday and fail to qualify for Europe for the first time in 25 years.

Speaking ahead of the cup final, however, Arteta - who has always maintained his belief that the striker will decide to extend his contract - insists he is not thinking about the possibility of Saturday being Aubameyang’s final appearance in an Arsenal shirt.

“No, I don’t have those thoughts,” said the Spaniard - who also raised the possibility of the 31-year-old staying put even if he doesn’t put pen to paper on a new deal.

“Don’t forget he still has a contract here with us. We want to keep him and do it more long-term. But at the moment he is with us and I think he should be really proud of where he is as well.”

Arteta knows exactly what it’s like to lift the FA Cup for Arsenal, having won it twice during his days as a player in north London, in 2014 and 2015.

Aubameyang now has the chance to follow suit this weekend and Arteta believes the experience of winning the cup as skipper could further convince the former Dortmund star to extend his stay in north London.

“Absolutely. I think that has a strong link with everything that you want to experience as a player,” said Arsenal’s head coach.

“Winning a trophy helps to really believe and make you feel 'wow, I want more of those moments as well'.

“If you are wearing the armband and you are able to lift that cup, it is such a moment and this is going to help for sure.”

Arsenal go into Saturday’s final as underdogs, just as they were when they met Chelsea at Wembley in 2017.

They finished 10 points behind their west London rivals in the Premier League and know that beating the Blues is their only route back into the Europa League next season.

For Arteta, Saturday’s final provides him with an opportunity to win a trophy in his first season in charge at the Emirates and he is well aware of the lift a piece silverware would give to the club after what has been a difficult couple of years.

“It would be absolutely great,” he said. “We’ve worked so hard since I joined here to try to bring this club back to winning titles, so if we can achieve that I will be delighted.

“But not for myself - for the players and the club. They’ve been through some very difficult moments in the last few seasons and as well for our fans, because they really deserve some joy and nice moments.”

Harun Shakava has revealed what made him the captain of Kenyan Premier League (KPL) giants Gor Mahia in January 2018.

Shakava was given the armband after Musa Mohamed left to join KF Tirana of Albania and the defender has revealed why he was chosen over the other players.

“I joined Gor Mahia when I was just 19 years in 2014 under Bob Williamson. Patience at Gor Mahia made me captain because a number of players came and went,” Shakava told MKV TV.

“I was pushing hard and I knew my time was coming although things were tough. I played more than 300 games for Gor Mahia and maintaining fitness at that level was not a joke.

“I pushed hard despite the situation that defines the Kenyan football knowing what I wanted in the end.”

Shakava also explained how pressure has come to define the life of any player at K’Ogalo and how participation in continental matches moulded them into who they are.

“Before I was even made the captain, you have to understand that all games for Gor Mahia come with incredible pressure,” he added.

“The pressure from fans makes it even harder unlike in other teams where there is less pressure from fans.

“If you look at the level of Caf football and compare it with our local football, of course, there is a whole difference. If one plays in Caf for three or four seasons, he would develop a strong mentality in football.

“That is what made a lot of Gor Mahia players grow and that is why they played with incredible confidence when facing Kenyan rivals.”

Shakava left Gor Mahia after five years where he won the KPL titles in 2017, 2018 and in the transitional season of the 2018/19, and joined Nkana of Zambia.

He credits Gor Mahia for giving him the stage to showcase his abilities and went ahead to explain the difference between the Kenyan league and the Zambian one.

“Gor Mahia are a big team that is known well across Africa and scouts will always want to watch an outstanding performer at the club,” Shakava concluded.

“The Zambian football is above the Kenyan competition but in management, state of pitches, many teams have sponsors and enjoy a considerable number of fans but not in talent-wise.

“But when you come to Kenya and in a game for example involving Mathare United and KCB you are likely to get three or four people.

“There is also great speed involved in Zambian football more than it is in Kenya and the league is also more physical.”

Gor Mahia coach Steven Polack has revealed the exit of midfielder Bernard Omondi is a huge blow to the club ahead of the new season.

The diminutive winger joined Gor Mahia from Nzoia Sugar in 2017 but has now ditched the champions to sign for Wazito FC on a three-year contract, ahead of the new Kenyan Premier League (KPL) season.

Polack has now told Goal how his efforts to keep the player at the club bore no fruit, but wished him well in his future assignment.

“It is a huge blow to the club, losing Omondi, who was very young and ready to learn, he was one of the most disciplined players in our ranks and I can assure the fans I did all my best to have him stay but it all ended in vain,” Polack told Goal on Friday.

“I talked to him, I think on three or four occasions and asked him not to leave, I told him things will improve at the club now that we have a new sponsor but he could not listen, his mind was set, he wants to take care of his family and you know the financial situation at our club cannot guarantee him that.

“He had run down his contract and to be honest, the club was willing to extend it, we had discussed to have him stay, but he opted against renewing the deal, I can only wish him well in his next move, who knows, he might return again and play for us.”

The 24-year-old winger becomes the third player to leave K’Ogalo after young custodian Peter Odhiambo left and has been linked with a move to Wazito, and winger Dickson Ambundo was released after running down his contract.

“We can only be able to keep the players who are happy here,” Polack continued.

“I spoke to Odhiambo to stay but he asked for playing time which I cannot guarantee him here, and so that is why he left.

“For Ambundo, his contract had also run down, and both parties agreed to end the relationship, none was keen to renew the same.”

While Gor Mahia have already lost three players, they have only managed to sign keeper Levis Opiyo from promoted side Nairobi City Stars.

Kaizer Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung has distanced the club from media reports that the management is considering sacking Ernst Middendorp at the end of the season.

While Middendorp took Amakhosi from the ninth position last season to top of the PSL standings this term, a section of the club supporters still doesn't think he's the right man for the job. 

However, Motaung said the future of the 61-year-old mentor has never been discussed by the club's hierarchy, describing the reports as a rumour.      

"Unfortunately we’ve not even had that discussion as a club," Motaung told TimesLIVE.

"So, it’s a rumour that you find and talk which is out there‚ which we don’t know of.

"So, at this moment, I don’t want to entertain the coach’s issues because there is nothing – we have never had a discussion. We have not sat down and discussed his future."

The 50-year-old administrator reiterated that Middendorp still has a contract with Amakhosi which will come to an end in June 2021.    

"The coach has a contract. He still has one more season to go and we have not even sat down to said, 'the coach must leave' or anything [like that]," Motaung continued.

"And we don’t know anything. These are just rumour and rumours. We don’t know anything. We have not had those discussions."

Calls for Chiefs to sack Middendorp grew louder in June when Bidvest Wits announced the sale of their PSL status to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila boss Masala Mulaudzi because Gavin Hunt was linked with the position currently held by the German tactician. 

Hunt previously denied being interested in replacing Middendorp at Naturena, saying it was embarrassing because he respected the fact that Chiefs had a coach. 

Middendorp, however, could find himself under immense pressure to keep his job beyond the current season should the Glamour Boys squander their lead and lose out on the league title. 

This because they have already missed out on the Telkom Knockout Cup and Nedbank Cup. 

The Soweto giants haven't won a major trophy since the departure of Stuart Baxter in 2015 but Middendorp has given them a glimmer of hope so far this term. 

Kerala Blasters' Malayali talents Sahal Abdul Samad and Rahul KP are set to extend their current deals at the club, Goal can confirm. 

Fan-favourite midfielder Sahal had signed a three-year contract last year that would have ended in 2022 but the new deal will see him tied down for three more years till 2025. Fleet-footed winger Rahul KP impressed in his debut season for the club and has managed to secure an extended deal as well. 

Sahal's popularity rose during the 2018-19 season, at the end of which he bagged the Indian Super League (ISL) and All India Football Federation (AIFF) Player of the Year awards. He has two assists and a goal in 37 ISL appearances and although the 23-year-old was not as prominent under coach Eelco Schattorie last season, he is widely considered as a hot prospect who can turn out to be one of the best midfielders in the country.

And that makes the extension deal a no-brainer for the Kochi-based club. 

Sahal is extremely highly-rated with praises coming in from all quarters including legends like Bhaichung Bhutia, IM Vijayan and more. Sahal has already made his national team debut, with Igor Stimac considering him a key part of his plans for the Blue Tigers.

It must also be noted that several ISL clubs were interested in Sahal through the summer.

20-year old winger Rahul, who played eight games for Blasters after joining from AIFF's developmental side Indian Arrows, is another one of Blasters' talented young footballers. He was part of Luis Norton's India national team that took part in the U-17 World Cup in 2017 and has since done well for Arrows in the I-League.

His pace on the ball has impressed many of his teammates including veteran forward Mohammed Rafi who had told Goal , " I have never seen a better speedster than him (Rahul KP). He is so fast. If he trains and is used well, he can be a really good player."

With key local talents tied down for a few more years, Blasters' attempt at restructuring the squad under the tutelage of sporting director Karolis Skinkys and head coach Kibu Vicuna, is on the right track. 

The reduction in the number of foreign players on the field to just four, a change the ISL is likely to adopt from the 2021-22 season, it makes sense for the Blasters to tie down their best Indian talent on longer deals.

East Bengal recently confirmed the signing of Goan coach Francisco Bruto Da Costa for the upcoming 2020-21 season.

Da Costa, who has an AFC Pro License, has the experience of working in Indian Super League (ISL) clubs NorthEast United FC (2016) and Kerala Blasters (2018-19) as an assistant coach to Portuguese manager Nelo Vingada.

The Goan had also followed Vingada to Malaysia and served as his assistant at the Malaysian national team. He is only the third Indian coach after Syed Nayeemuddin and Shyam Thapa to be associated with a foreign national team.

“The club had approached me a couple of months back to discuss in general about the club and also regarding players. Finally, on July 29, I decided to sign the contract and join the club," he told Goal.

“East Bengal is a big club. For me, it is not important whether they play in ISL or I-League. That was never the question. East Bengal has achieved a lot over the years and they have a very rich history. It was an honour and privilege to join such a club especially in their centenary year,” said Da Costa.

Managing a Kolkata club isn’t everyone’s cup of tea considering the immense pressure and expectations of the fans. But the Goan manager suggested that he thrives under pressure.

“I enjoy pressure situations and I am really looking forward to working in Kolkata. Since childhood, pressure works as a motivation for me to work even harder. So I was very happy to take up this great challenge.”

If East Bengal decides to rope in another foreigner as head coach, Francisco feels he is ready to work under him.

“If East Bengal management decides to bring a foreign coach I won’t mind,” said the young Indian coach. "My job has always been to contribute to the game and I will continue to do the best I can. My target is to make East Bengal successful.”

He went on to discuss the prospects of East Bengal playing in the ISL, though the top-tier league has indicated that they will not be extending the number of participating teams for the upcoming season.

“It is always nice to play in the top tier. There are certain things that have to be done and if everything is done, then definitely East Bengal will be in ISL. But the decision will depend on the AIFF, FSDL and the East Bengal management. I have no say in this. But it would be nice to see East Bengal play in the ISL.”

Francisco Bruto has a vast experience of working at the youth level. He had previously managed India U14, U17 and U19 teams and was also in charge of the AIFF Elite Academy for a few years.

He suggested that he has already discussed his plan regarding East Bengal’s youth system with the club and is looking forward to meeting the youth coaches.

“I would love to contribute to the youth setup of East Bengal. It will be nice if I can share my experience and knowledge with coaches in the youth system to bring success to the club. I would like to be part of it.

“I have already spoken to the club regarding the structure of the youth development programs but I have not got into details. As and when I go there I can get into more details because it is difficult to do anything from so far away.”

The Goan coach also revealed that he will travel to Kolkata to take over as East Bengal’s new coach as soon as the pandemic situation improves across the country.

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc said the Bundesliga club would be happy for Jadon Sancho to stay in 2020-21 as Manchester United reportedly try to negotiate a blockbuster transfer.

Sancho has been tipped to swap Dortmund for United and the Premier League giants are nearing a deal for the England star after securing their Champions League status, according to growing speculation.

Dortmund, however, are apparently unwilling to lower their asking price for Sancho as the German side seek £109 million ($143m) from United.

Zorc addressed the rumours regarding Sancho on Thursday, saying: "Jadon is an outstanding footballer with a quota that I have never seen at this age.

"I think it would even stand up to being one of the largest in the industry if you look at its age.

"I would be happy if he would still play with us this season. And that's the current state of affairs.

"First of all we have to stick to the facts - and they are so, that we still have a contract with him until 2022."

Sancho left Manchester City for Dortmund in 2017 in pursuit of first-team football, and quickly established himself in the Bundesliga.

The 20-year-old scored 17 Bundesliga goals and supplied 16 assists in 2019-20 as Dortmund finished second behind champions Bayern Munich, while he netted 20 goals across all competitions.

Amid question marks over Sancho's future, former Manchester United forward and current Lyon captain Memphis Depay has reportedly emerged as a possible replacement for the Englishman at Dortmund.

Goal  has learned that  a formal bid for Sancho has yet to be submitted to Dortmund , with the Bundesliga outfit valuing the former Manchester City trainee at £120 million ($154m).

Woodward has warned it will not be "business as usual" in the transfer window this summer due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and sources have dismissed claims that United will spend more than £100m ($129m) on any player.

It is understood, therefore, that United are looking to negotiate an initial deal for Sancho worth around £80m ($103m), with add-ons then included to potentially increase the final fee.

Dortmund are willing to part with Sancho and have already started planning for life without the 20-year-old, but there will have to be compromise from both sides if a deal is to be agreed.

Jesse Lingard, whose future is in doubt at Old Trafford, believes the Dortmund star would be a good addition to Solskjaer’s side as they push to compete for the Premier League next season.

“Jadon is a brilliant player. It is obviously up to him," Lingard said last Thursday. “I've seen him with England, I've seen his qualities and I feel like he'd be a great addition to any team.”

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has confirmed Thiago will not sign a new contract and is expected to leave the club.

The midfielder joined the German giants from Barcelona in 2013 and has one year left on his current deal.

Thiago, 29, has recently been linked with a move to Premier League champions Liverpool, and Bayern have accepted that his departure is imminent after sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic's failed attempts to convince him to sign an extension.

"Actually, the conversations Hasan had with him were always very productive. And at some point it actually seemed that [a deal would be reached]. But then Thiago informed Hasan that he would like to do something new again, and so it is," Rummenigge told Sky Sport in Germany. 

"We will have to accept that. We have a contract that is still valid for one year and if he agrees with any club and that club should pay a transfer of a certain amount.

"I don't want to make any public comment about the amount that we have in mind. Then we will deal with it, but we will not, as I have already said, hold a summer sale. 

"I'm not angry at all, I like him. I think he's a great footballer, a fine footballer and he's a good character too. And one shouldn't forget either: At 29, he is at an age where, if he wants to do something new, he has to do it now because if you are in your 30s, it will be more difficult to make transfers."

Rummenigge expects transfer fees to drop as clubs struggle to deal with the financial consequences of the coronavirus and feels the big clubs will suffer more than smaller ones.

"I think I have a very good network with many colleagues - regardless of whether it is Real Madrid, Barcelona, ​​many English clubs, France, Italy - and I can say very clearly: Everyone groans, everyone suffers. Everyone has reduced income," he added.

"I can also say one thing: the bigger clubs have bigger revenue reductions than the smaller ones. Of course, that is in the nature of things, because of course the income is also a bit more questionable for all of us and we used to have higher income."

Neeskens Kebano scored for the second fourth game in a row as Fulham booked their place in the Championship promotion play-off final even though they lost 2-1 on Thursday night to Cardiff City but won 3-2 on aggregate.

The Cottagers took control of their destiny from the first leg after sealing a 2-0 win in the Welsh capital with Anglo-Nigerian Josh Onomah and Kebano each finding the back of the net.

The Bluebirds tried to initiate a comeback here when Curtis Nelson scored in just the eighth minute of play.

It did not take long for Fulham to respond with DR Congo international Kebano equalising a minute later by tapping in Bobby Reid’s well-worked cross on the right flank.

Lee Tomlin made it 2-1 to Cardiff just two minutes after the restart, but that would be the end of their efforts in making a return to the top-flight since the 2018-19 season when they finished 18th, two points shy of safety.

Kebano was injured at the start of the second half and was replaced by 25-year-old Franco-Mauritanian striker Aboubakar Kamara.  

The Paris Saint-Germain academy graduate’s goal was his only shot on target while he produced 35 touches, 10 accurate passes at (62.5%) and won six of 11 total duels.

Kebano has now had a hand in six goals (five goals, one assist) which began on the penultimate round of the regular season in a 5-3 win over Sheffield Wednesday before playing a 1-1 draw with relegated Wigan Athletic and then finally the first leg of the playoffs against Cardiff.

Fulham are also looking to make it to Premier League since the 2018-19 campaign when they finished 19th.

They will come up against Brentford who saw off Swansea City also by the same 3-2 aggregate scoreline in the other semi-final.

The Bees were beaten 1-0 in the first leg in South Wales courtesy of a fantastic Andre Ayew strike, but clawed their way back in their last game at Griffin Park with 3-1 win, Chelsea-linked Said Benrahma providing an assist for the second goal.

Brentford are looking to get back in England’s top tier for the first time in 74 years.