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Fifa have slapped Guinea-Bissau Football Association president Manuel Nascimento with a 10-year ban from all football-related activities for “his involvement and participation in an incident of mob justice.”

A fiery critic of Caf president Ahmad Ahmad and Fifa secretary general Fatma Samoura, Nascimento was also ordered to pay 100,000 Swiss francs ($108,000) as a fine.

In handing the ruling, the Fifa adjudicatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee found Nascimento, guilty of “having breached his duty to protect the physical and mental integrity of others, in violation of the Fifa Code of Ethics.”

The Fifa sanctions came a day before the Guinea-Bissau FA was due to hold elections, with Nascimento - who has been at the helm since 2012 - seeking a third term.

Reports from Guinea-Bissau suggested that he arrived at the FA's headquarters early Saturday morning but the five candidates he had been due to contest against threatened to boycott the elections while urging the electoral body to respect Fifa's decision.

It was not yet clear, at the time of writing, if the elections went ahead.

Not much has been revealed about the incident for which Nascimento was sanctioned by Fifa.

“The investigation into Mr Nascimento concerned his involvement and participation in an incident of mob justice against a man in Guinea-Bissau,” said Fifa.

“In its decision, the adjudicatory chamber ruled that, based on information, including video material, gathered by the investigatory chamber, Mr Nascimento had breached his duty, as per the Fifa Code of Ethics, to protect the physical and mental integrity of the man who was the victim of the mobbing.

“Consequently, the adjudicatory chamber found that Mr Nascimento had breached art. 23 [Protection of physical and mental integrity] of the Fifa Code of Ethics and sanctioned him with a ban from all football-related activity [administrative, sports or any other] at both national and international level for ten years.”

It is not yet known if Nascimento will appeal Fifa’s sentence on him.

His punishment for a non-football related matter follows the sanctions on former Central Republic Republic Football Association president Patrice-Edouard Ngaissona, who was banned by Fifa last November for suspected participation in an armed conflict in his country.

The controversial Ngaissona, who was a Caf executive committee member, has since been hauled to the International Criminal Court at The Hague to face trial over alleged war crimes.

Simba SC have promised their fans in Moshi they will give them a perfect gift by beating Polisi Tanzania in their final Mainland Premier League match on Sunday.

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi have already been crowned champions and will be playing their final match of the season before they face Namungo FC in the final of the FA Cup on August 2.

Simba team manager Patrick Rweyemamu has now said they owe their fans in Moshi a win and going by the way the team was received on arriving in the town, they are inspired to produce such a result.

“We have arrived safely in Moshi and the good thing is all the players are fit and ready to play Polisi on Sunday,” Rweyemamu is quoted by the club’s official website.

“What amazed all of us is the reception we received on arriving in Moshi, we owe the fans a win, and we must give them a win and an entertaining match, they deserve it because the reception they gave us deserves the team to give back by winning the match.”

The game will also be special for Simba striker Meddie Kagere, who is most likely set to win the Golden Boot as he has notched 22 goals, and will be keen to set a new record of surpassing the goals he scored last season.

The Rwandan striker signed for Simba from Kenyan champions Gor Mahia in the 2018-19 season and went on to win the Golden Boot in that season after notching 23 goals.

Kagere has now vowed to break the mark if given the chance by coach Sven Vandenbroeck to start in the away match.

“I know everyone will be looking at me to see what I do in the final match but in God’s grace, I know the record can be shattered if I get the chance to play,” Kagere told Goal.

“We have really enjoyed a good season, we have played well as a team and have been supporting one another, and it will be the same case in our final match on Sunday and also the FA Cup.”

Yussuf Mhilu of Kagera Sugar is following Kagere with 13 goals scored so far this season.

Mason Greenwood should expect to get an England call-up “soon”, says Jesse Lingard, with the Manchester United youngster considered to have done “exceptionally well” on a senior stage.

The 18-year-old forward has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Old Trafford in 2019-20.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has shown considerable faith in youth, with Greenwood able to nail down a regular role as a result.

His 17-goal return has seen him match the efforts of past teenage sensations such as Wayne Rooney and George Best.

There is plenty more to come from him, with many expecting a hot prospect to force his way into the plans of England boss Gareth Southgate.

Lingard believes such recognition will arrive sooner rather than later, with a man who has 24 Three Lions caps to his name telling Tribal Football when asked if Greenwood deserves a call: “I think so.

“Obviously the way he is playing at the moment, helping the team and scoring goals and if he keeps doing that I am sure the call will come soon.”

The form of Greenwood this season has contributed to fellow academy graduate Lingard being nudged down the pecking order at Old Trafford.

The 27-year-old playmaker is determined to force his way back into contention, but has no complaints at having seen a young colleague see 46 appearances across all competitions.

Lingard added: “Mason Greenwood has been brilliant ever since he started training with the first team and he has done exceptionally well.

“Even though he is so young he has taken the reins and brought goals and assists and he has been a really good addition to the team.

“He has been banging goals in since he has been very young and the manager has seen that and put him in the first team.

“For him it is about working hard, keep practising, staying humble and keeping his feet on the ground, but I think he will do that, he has always been humble, but he also has great confidence.”

Greenwood will be hoping to put in another inspirational showing for United on Sunday when they take in their final Premier League outing of the season against Leicester – with both sides still in the hunt for a top-four finish.

Reading have yet again postponed an update on Ayub Timbe’s short-term contract but they confirmed the departure of five players.

Timbe signed a loan contract with the Championship side in January from Beijing Renhe and Kenyans will have to wait a little bit longer to know whether the winger will remain in England or not.

Among the players Reading have let go is midfielder Charlie Adam, who joined them last summer and scored two goals in 13 matches.

Tyler Blackett has also left Reading after four years where he managed to appear in 107 matches.

Gabe Osho, an academy graduate, has seen his contract extended after impressing in the 2019/20 season.

“We do however also bid farewell to three club stalwarts, who between them have made 775 appearances for the club across the last decade - Chris Gunter, Garath McCleary and Jordan Obita,” Reading announced without mentioning Timbe at all.

“Orbita came through our Academy ranks from the very earliest age group and made his senior team debut almost exactly 10 years ago, coming off the bench to represent the Royals at Torqua aged 16.

“He went on to cement a place in the starting 11 and earned the Player of the Season gong from Royals fans in 2013-14.

“A serious knee injury forced him to sit out two years of his career on the sidelines, but he returned to the first-team fray last August and made 18 appearances for Reading in his comeback campaign.

“Both Gunter and McCleary initially joined the club from Nottingham Forest following our promotion to the Premier League in 2012.

“Gunter made more than 300 appearances for the club, rarely missing a match or even a minute as the right-back refused to ever let injury strike or fatigue affect his attitude or performance on the pitch.

“McCleary, meanwhile, scored 27 goals during his eight years in RG2 – none more memorable than his goal against Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final and perhaps none more spectacular [although a fair few came close] than his audacious volley at home to Burnley in 2014.

“Model professionals throughout their careers at Madejski Stadium, we would like to sincerely thank them for their hard work and dedication to the club, whilst wishing them the very best of luck in their future careers.”

Four weeks ago, Reading confirmed they were in talks with Beijing Renhe on Timbe’s possible stay and that an update was promised would be made by the end of the month.

Young Africans (Yanga SC) have revealed they are planning to hold a special programme to honour late President Benjamin Mkapa.

Terming the third Tanzanian president as their number one fan, the club’s interim Secretary-General Simon Patrick said the ceremony is to pay their last respects for Mkapa and this will possibly be done after their match against Lipuli FC.

Yanga will face their opponents on Sunday, July 26.

“Yanga have lost one of their big fans, in fact, our number one fan. Many may remain unaware that Mkapa made a great contribution to the team when he was still the president of the republic and even when he retired,” Patrick told Mwanaspoti.

“Whatever he did for the club cannot be explained easily and in a simple way.

“One of the iconic structures he left for us is the national stadium in Dar es Salaam which was named after him. He wanted it to help the growth of sports in the country so it is our duty to ensure we preserve and use it diligently.

“The officials of Yanga will call for an urgent meeting and see how we can honour our number one fan in a special way.

“Although we are now focused on our last Premier League tie in Iringa, we will surely meet later on and see how we can give our last respect to our number one fan.”

Meanwhile, Yanga defender Andrew ‘Dante’ Vincent has explained why he has been missing from the team’s camp.

“Since I returned to the team after the friction that was there between me and the club's officials, I have only played in one match against Simba SC when I was introduced in the second half. What else would I have done?” Vincent asked during an interview with Mwanaspoti.

“I have not been in his [Luc Eymael’s] plans all through and I am surprised that he has the audacity to question my discipline especially saying I do not attend training sessions. 

“What should I do in order for my discipline to be described as good?

“I would really want someone to wear my shoes and feel what I am feeling. But for now, I will leave alone what has been said about me. Let people continue talking about it.”

The defender was signed three years ago from Mtibwa Sugar and his contract is expected to end this year.

Former Bidvest Wits striker Coxwell Ratshivhadelo doubts Black Leopards will survive relegation when the 2019/20 season resumes.

Lidoda Duvha are rooted at the bottom of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) standings on 16th spot with six league matches left to end the campaign which has been suspended since March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Leopards will be without midfielder Lesedi Kapinga and striker Joseph Mhlongo, who have both left the club after their contracts expired at the end of last month.

The Limpopo-based side's management decided against keeping them until the suspended season is completed in a Biologically Safe Environment (BSE) in Gauteng soon.

Ratshivhadelo, who is a former Leopards striker and fans’ favourite, believes this decision will backfire as the duo was key for the team's hopes of surviving relegation to the National First Division (NFD).

“I’m also surprised by the decision the club management took because I thought they will hold onto all their important players until the end of the season,” Ratshivhadelo told Daily Sun.

“Kapinga and Mhlongo are some of the best players in the team and will be needed during this tough time.

“At least this [decision by the club] will benefit the players in terms of their future. In my opinion, it is a good move for them [Kapinga and Mhlongo] financially.”

Mhlongo, who is a free agent, has been linked with Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in the past, but Chippa United and Highlands Park are known to be keen admirers of the 29-year-old player.

His former Leopards teammate, Lesedi Kapinga completed his move to Mamelodi Sundowns this week having also been linked with Pirates and SuperSport United.

Now working as a prison warder, Ratshivhadelo also believes Lidoda Duvha lack depth in their squad with the club having also parted ways with attacking midfielders Karabo Tshepe and Thuso Phala since the season was halted due to Covid-19.

“But as for Leopards, it was not a good decision. I am a big fan of Leopards as I enjoyed playing for them," the former Pietersburg City Pillars player explained.

"But honestly, it will be very difficult for them without those two players to survive relegation. I am looking at the depth of their squad and how they have been struggling throughout the season. I doubt Leopards will survive.”

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has insisted that his doubters make him a better player, and that he looks for "criticism as fuel" to improve.

Henderson was named the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year on Saturday, as a reward for leading the Reds to a first league title in 30 years.

The 30-year-old lifted the Premier League trophy following Liverpool's 5-3 win over Chelsea at Anfield on Thursday, capping a superb individual campaign which also saw him add the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup to his silverware collection.

The England international's role in Liverpool's starting XI hasn't always been appreciated by supporters or experts, and eyebrows were raised initially when he was handed the captain's armband following Steven Gerrard's departure in 2015.

Henderson has only recorded a modest four goals and five assists for Jurgen Klopp's side in 40 outings this term, but his overall contribution as a leader in the middle of the pitch has been priceless.

The midfielder admits that he hasn't always been able to ignore his critics, but says he has learned the art of turning negatives into positives while developing his all-round game.

"I think at times criticism can hurt," Henderson told the Daily Mail. "You understand criticism is part and parcel of football, but when you are a young player it is harder to deal with when you are not used to it.

"At a big club like Liverpool, the expectation level can affect you. It is about learning and dealing with it as best you can.

"I have found ways to deal with it through experience. Now I look more for criticism as fuel to drive me forward.

"I will never stop trying to get better. It is something I will always do until I finish playing football. That is a big part of life.

"You are going to have setbacks and criticism but it is how you react to those situations. Use it as energy and fuel and motivation to come back stronger and improve. That is all I have ever tried to do."

Klopp's men are currently preparing for a final day clash with Newcastle at St James' Park, before they take in a well-earned two-month break ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.

Henderson is already focused on retaining the Premier League crown, and he is adamant that motivation levels among the Liverpool squad will be as a high as ever when the top-flight returns on September 12.

He added: "I am ready now. The day I woke up after lifting the trophy it was about the next challenge.

"I have listened to people who have won in the past and they say it is hard to win the Premier League trophy but even harder to retain it, so the challenge starts now.

"It will be a huge challenge but one myself and the team are ready for.

"I love what the gaffer said. He said that we will not defend the trophy, we will attack it.

"That is the perfect way for our football team. That is the mentality we have shown over the past year. Improve, give everything on the football pitch and in training. Give everything.

"The time off is the same for everyone. That will not be an excuse. The lads would be ready to start the new Premier League tomorrow and do everything to retain the title."

Mohamed Salah has admitted to being unsure of his Liverpool future after the Reds' Premier League title triumph.

As the 2019-20 campaign edges towards its conclusion, Liverpool are currently sitting pretty as holders of the Premier League, Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.

The Reds conquered Europe for the sixth time in their history last season, and built on that platform to win a first league crown in 30 years this term, wrestling the trophy away from Manchester City with seven games to spare.

Salah has contributed 19 goals to their top-flight cause, taking his overall tally for the club to 94 in 151 appearances since his arrival on Merseyside from Roma in the summer of 2017.

The Egypt international still has three years left to run on his current contract at Anfield, but he has long been linked with a big-money move to Real Madrid.

Although the 28-year-old is refusing to give anything away when it comes to his future plans, he has done little to squash ongoing speculation during an interview with LA FM Colombia.

Asked to discuss his ambitions as he enters the next phase of his career, Salah responded: "I just want to enjoy today and enjoy the moment!

"No-one knows the future and what will happen. Let's see what will happen.

"But at the moment we win the Champions League, we win the Premier League, I'm happy. Let's see what will happen in the future, but I'm very happy to win and achieve those trophies."

The former Roma winger went on to credit Jurgen Klopp for transforming Liverpool from also-rans into genuine trophy contenders, while insisting it was an easy decision for him to get on board with the German's project at Anfield three years ago.

"There is no secret. I don't believe in secrets in football. I just believe in hard work, your mentality has to change sometimes," said Salah.

"Since [Klopp] came here, the first thing he tried to do is change the mentality of the players to a winning mentality.

"He did well in that. I came here and he was telling me the plan about everything and I was excited to come. We are doing good."

Salah added on how he has performed on an individual level this season: "I still play in the same position as a wing. I didn't play as a striker before. But the number of goals between this season and last season is not that far.

"Last season in the Premier League I scored 22. This season [so far] I scored 19. One game I could score a hat-trick and it would be 22! I don't see it as different.

"Maybe you have a challenge in your head and mind to keep pushing yourself forward because you already won the Premier League.

"It's always when the people ask you what trophy would you choose: individual or collective ones? Everyone would choose the team ones. This season we won the most important one!"

"It's difficult to be like before because you won the title. That could be one of the reasons why we didn't score much [since the restart]."

Young Africans (Yanga SC) chairman Mshindo Msholla has come out to state he has no intention to leave the club’s post in the near future.

There were reports last week Msolla had quit his position following a series of poor results that saw the team eliminated from the FA Cup and also struggle to win the league which was won by Simba SC.

Yanga are currently fighting to finish second on the 20-team table alongside Azam FC as both sides are tied on 69 points, with one match remaining at the end of the season.

Despite the club fans asking Msolla to step down, he has now stated he does not intend to leave the post and will work with other officials to make Yanga great again.

“Those were just rumours [that I have resigned], there is nothing like that, I have not resigned and I am still the chairman of Yanga,” Msolla is quoted by Sokaletu.

“I still have a lot that I need to offer this great club and I am happy everything is going on well, we only missed a trophy this season and we are still fighting to make sure we finish second and then plan accordingly for the new season.”

On Tuesday, Yanga moved to issue a statement dismissing claims Msolla had resigned from his top position.

“Yanga would like to dismiss online reports chairman Dr Mshindo Msolla has resigned,” Yanga’s statement obtained by Goal stated.

“Msolla is still a Yanga official and is still willing to serve and undertake the responsibilities the club asked him to. 

“He is undertaking his duties as usual and the office would like to call upon all members and supporters alike to dismiss such reports pointing to Msolla's resignation.”

The poor results have left Yanga fans calling for the resignation of the club official and also they have asked the team to release some players owing to their poor display during league matches.

Goal understands, coach Luc Eymael has already handed in a list of players he wants released by the club and this also included the new targets.

“I gave the club my wish list, and the changes I want to be done to the playing unit and I hope they will respond positively so that we can get ready for the new season,” Eymael told Goal.

Some of the players who could leave the club include strikers David Molinga and Ivorian Gnamien Yikpe.

Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) could reschedule the matches lined up to conclude the 2019/20 season due to the death of former President Benjamin Mkapa.

Mkapa, 81, who served as Tanzania's third President from 1995 to 2005, died on Tuesday and his demise could affect the already programmed matches.

On July 26, the 20 teams were expected to engage in their final matches but the national tragedy may end up pushing them to a later date.

TPLB chairman Steven Mguto said there is a great possibility the matches will be given different dates but called for patience.

“It is a great tragedy for the nation and considering that July 26 is one of the days he [Mkapa] will be given his last respect, for sure we have to come up with a different programme,” Mguto told Soka Letu.

“But for now we have to wait for the board to meet, discuss and give an update.”

Although Simba SC have been declared champions for the 21st time in their history, Yanga SC and Azam FC are entangled in a fierce fight to secure second place.

Azam are second, above Yanga, by virtue of their superior goal difference after they have played 37 matches and have 69 points.

The second spot remains an important position for either side as Tanzania await the decision of Caf on whether to strip Libya of its Champions League position. Should that happen, the slot will be given to Tanzania.

The relegation fight is far from over as Lipuli FC, Mwadui, Mtibwa Sugar, Ndanda SC, Mbeya City, Mbao FC, and Alliance FC are still in the danger zone. Singida United have already been relegated after amassing just 18 points from 37 encounters in a season that has proved very tough for them. 

The conclusion of the matches was also set to give Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) a chance to plan for play-offs.

The Tanzanian government declared July 26 to 28 as national mourning days before the former head of state is laid to rest on July 29 in his home at Mtwara.

The match between Mbeya City and Kinondoni Municipal Council (KMC FC) has already been transferred from the national stadium to Chamazi Complex, just outside Dar es Salaam.

Yanga’s coach Luc Eymael also responded to reports there might be a change in the league’s programme.

“I have also heard the same rumours and if it is the case then we will not stay in this hotel and wait for the match, I cannot stay in this hotel anymore,” Eymael told Goal.

Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has paid tribute to Egypt great and captain Essam El-Hadary who retired at the age of 47.

El-Hadary retired from professional football on Thursday to close the curtains on a successful 27-year career. 

According to the 47-year-old, there is no better goalkeeper in Egypt than him, and he said there was nothing more to add to his football history.  

"Football is my second wife and I have divorced it. I am not returning to play football again, the entire system has errors and club heads attacking each other, and may God be in the help of the players," El-Hadary said in a statement.

"There is nothing to add to my footballing history. There is no goalkeeper in Egypt better than me. I only sat on the bench in 1998 for goalkeeper Nader El-Sayed."  

Khune admitted El-Hadary was a living legend who proved age is nothing but a number. 

The 33-year-old Amakhosi shot-stopper said he now wants to beat El-Hadary's record and play until he's 50 years old. 

"Retiring at the age of 47. You are a living legend that shows that age is just a number. You ran a great race El-Hadary, you inspired a lot of goalkeepers to continue playing at the highest level. Happy retirement. I wanna play until I'm 50," wrote Khune on his Twitter account. 

In 2018, Khune revealed he wanted to play until he was 40 but he appears to be motivated by El-Hadary.    

Khune has been a professional football player for 16 years since his promotion from the Amakhosi development ranks in 2004. 

However, he only made his debut in 2007 against Jomo Cosmos under the stewardship of Muhsin Ertugral. 

Since then, the South Africa international has featured for the Glamour Boys for 13 consecutive seasons - this is despite suffering long-term injuries along the way. 

Last season's long-term injury saw Khune lose his No.1 spot to Nigeria international and goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi.  

In South Africa, only Moeeneb Josephs is the longest-serving goalkeeper who has been playing at the highest level for 23 years since making his debut for Cape Town Spurs in 1997. 

Another goalkeeping record is held by Andre Arendse who is the oldest to play in the PSL at 45 years of age, 10 months and four days in a league encounter away to AmaTuks in May 2013.

Manchester United are now more "robust" after a slow start to the 2019-20 campaign, says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who thinks the Red Devils have been been the "third best team" in the Premier League for a "long spell".

United kicked off their latest season with a thrilling 4-0 home win over Chelsea, following a summer overhaul which saw a number of ins and outs at Old Trafford.

The performance served to raise levels of optimism among supporters expecting Solskjaer to bring back the glory days of Sir Alex Ferguson's reign, but it proved to be a false dawn.

The Red Devils failed to put together a significant run of wins between September and January, and slipped way behind pacesetters Liverpool as a consequence.

They were also in danger of missing out on Champions League qualification for a second successive year, until the winter arrival of Bruno Fernandes gave the entire squad a much-needed lift.

Solskjaer's men have won eight of their last 13 top-flight matches with the Portuguese pulling the strings in midfield, and are now sitting in third heading into the final weekend of the season.

A win or a draw against fellow top-four hopefuls Leicester will see United return to Europe's elite competition, and the Norwegian boss is pleased with the progress his side have made.

"It would be a good boost and a nice boost for the team to finish third," Solskjaer told Sky Sports. "I know since October, after that international break, we've had the third-most points in the league.

"For a long, long spell now we've been the third-best team, we just, in the start of the season, we were too inconsistent. Now we have got more consistency, more fitness levels, we're more robust.

"And of course we want to be in amongst the elite in Europe and play in the Champions League but the old Winston Churchill quote is, 'success isn't final, failure isn't fatal - then what you need is the courage to continue'.

"That's what we're going to do with this team, we continue. We carry on developing the team, improving and knowing that this is not the end of the journey for the team, this is just one other stepping stone in our development."

Although United have been one of the top-performing teams in the country since returning from lockdown, they have only won once in their last four, while exiting the FA Cup in disappointing fashion at the hands of Chelsea.

It has been suggested that fatigue has crept into the squad at the worst possible time, but Solskjaer insists his players will be in peak condition when they arrive at the King Power Stadium on Sunday.

"We hoped to arrive at the last game of the season needing to beat Leicester to go past them - I think I said that quite early, maybe in January," The United manager added. "That was the aim and we're here now.

"We feel good going into the game. We had to catch a few teams with both points and goals, and the boys have done exactly what's been required. We've kept on chasing them and now we're in the last game, 90 minutes to go.

"We'll be in the same position as every other team in the league, feeling the effects of a long season but we're ready to go, ready to play again. Every team will feel a long season coming towards the end.

"We have proven over the last five or six weeks that we are one of the fittest teams and one of the strongest teams. But all the other teams you'd feel a little bit of wear and tear, aches and bruises. I wouldn't worry about my players at all in that respect. They'll be sharp, fresh and ready."

Barcelona and Spain legend Xavi has announced he has tested positive for coronavirus.

The 40-year-old, currently manager of Qatar Stars League side Al Sadd, said on Instagram that he wasn’t experiencing symptoms but will self-isolate until he has recovered.

Al Sadd are scheduled to play Al Khor on Saturday, with the Qatari top division returning after four months of Covid-19 suspension.

Xavi said: “Today I will not be able to accompany my team in the return to official competition.

“David Prats, reserve coach, will take my place as head of the technical team.

“A few days ago, following the QSL protocol, I tested positive in my most recent Covid-19 test.

“Luckily, I feel perfectly fine, but following the protocol, I will remain isolated until I have overcome it.

“When the medical authorities allow me, I will return to my daily routine and work more eagerly than ever.

“I thank all the authorities, especially those which allowed us the means for an early detection that avoids more spreading of the virus and guarantees the normal continuation of the season.

“A hug, and see you soon on the football pitch!”

Xavi has been in charge of Al Sadd since May 2019, leading them to the semi-finals of last year's AFC Champions League.

He had previously spent the final four years of his playing career at the club. He joined in 2015, leaving Barcelona after their stunning treble-winning season in 2014-15.

Xavi signed a one-year contract extension earlier in July but he is still widely expected to take over as Barca manager at some point in the future.

Last month, he told Sport: "The biggest hope I have now is to be Barca coach and get Barca back to winning ways.

“Our technical staff are preparing for it a lot and it makes us really excited.

"I'm a club man. I would like to return at the right moment to start a project from zero.

"I've said it a lot of times but I want to take footballing decisions at Barcelona.

"It's clear that after the elections the stage would be set, of course. I'm not ruling anything out.

"They came for me in January, we spoke about it. I told them the circumstances and timing weren't right."

SC Villa interim coach William Nkemba says he is keen to help the team get to the top as an example to other Ugandan Premier League (UPL) teams.

The administrator was put in place in 2018 to help the team get forward and challenge for top honours. The official insists the objective has not changed and they are determined to set the bar for other UPL teams in the country.

"Our aim is to sit at the top, to be an example to other clubs, and we are working towards reviving and regaining our glory," Nkemba told Nation Sports.

The experienced administrator has also given a positive report regarding the team's governance. He went on to laud the team for their good performances in the abandoned season.

The 16-time-champions finished the season in third position with 46 points, eight behind eventual winners Vipers SC.

"There are so many aspects in which we can rate clubs performances and one of them is the visible aspect which is the performance on the field," Nkemba added.

"We came out and competed strongly and at the time the league was ended, we still had a chance of winning the trophy and I salute the player for the great spirit they displayed in ending third though that’s not the place that Villa would desire to be."

The Jogoo also struggled financially at some point, and players went six seasons without pay. 

"At the heart of our plans is improving players’ welfare and this will involve diversifying our revenue streams.

"There are structures and models that we are working on to be able to maintain financial sustainability which will then inform and translate into a lot of welfare for players but I also don’t look at the players only but also the other staff because today in modern football the core staff are players but there are so many other staff at the club," he revealed.

"We intend to improve in that area next season. We have so many plans and strategies laid out that we would like to roll out starting with the announcement which we shall make to the Villa family first before the world out there and we are looking for a better and more improved experience next season.  
  
"But in general, I will look at so many areas in terms of governance, the general welfare of the club, financial sustainability and I will agree we had a lot of challenges in those many areas but on the field, we did very well especially in comparison with the past season where we survived relegation."  
 
The interim committee includes Norbert Kazibwe who serves as the secretary, Haruna Jjagwe who is the treasurer and Moses Matovu who is the technical chairman. So what have they achieved since 2018?

"We have tackled so many issues regarding governance and I have been reporting to directors who appointed the committee I lead and they have made good strides in this regard," Nkemba continued.

"So we are ready to engage in with our fans and the whole Villa fraternity to explain and present to them the structures proposed, approved and developed that would catapult us to the glory we want to have as Villa."  

Roy Hodgson has admitted that Wilfried Zaha "would relish a move" away from Crystal Palace, with the former Arsenal target still eager to "find some pastures new" after being denied a transfer last year.

Zaha returned to Palace for a second spell back in 2015 following an ill-fated three-year stint at Manchester United, and has since rebuilt his damaged reputation by becoming one of the most effective attacking players outside of the top six.

The 2018-19 campaign saw the Ivorian take his game to new heights, as he posted career-high tallies of 10 goals and 10 assists to help the Eagles finish in mid-table.

The 27-year-old caught the eye of a number of top clubs with his performances, including Arsenal, whom he publicly admitted to supporting in his youth while addressing speculation over his future.

The Gunners had identified Zaha as a priority target before the opportunity to sign Nicolas Pepe presented itself, and the winger was ultimately left in limbo after they forked out a club-record fee of £72 million ($92m) to sign a fellow countryman from Lille.

Transfer rumours surrounding the Palace star have since died down significantly, but Hodgson has now revealed that an influential figure remains determined to seek a new challenge.

When asked if Zaha will still be an Eagles player next season, the 72-year-old manager told a press conference: “That’s the $64,000 question isn’t it? But it’s not just Wilf Zaha – there’s players in every club that come into that category.

“Wilf has made it clear, ever since I came to the club really, that he would relish a move and would like to move on and find some pastures new.

“But he’s a very valuable player and the club realises his value and appreciates his value and so really everything will depend I guess  – as it always does – [on] what sort of offers the club is going to receive for him and how they will equate that with the need to keep him or the need, maybe, to satisfy his wishes, and allow him to go after giving good service to the club for a period of time.

“Quite frankly, I’ve got no answer to that question, it will be all a matter, I guess, of seeing what transpires.”

Zaha was reportedly being valued at around £80 million ($102m) when Arsenal were pursuing him last summer, and Hodgson doesn't see any reason for his price tag to drop when the transfer window reopens.

“I think he should [be worth the same amount], because he’s a very top-quality player,” the Palace head coach added.

“But, as I say, that will be a decision and matter anyway for [chairman] Steve Parish and the other owners of the club.

“They will have to take any offers into consideration and I’m pretty certain that I will be consulted. At the end of the day the final decision will have to be a club one.”

Leon Balogun has revealed his desire to quickly integrate into Rangers team ahead of the kick-off of the 2020-21 Premiership season.

The 32-year-old joined the Ibrox Stadium outfit as a free agent after leaving Championship club Wigan Athletic at the end of the 2019-20 season.

The Nigeria international signed a one-year contract with the Gers on Friday with an option of an additional one-year extension after satisfactory performances.

Balogun is looking to hit the ground running, by quickly adapting to his new environment as he hopes to play a part in the Gers’ first game of the season against Aberdeen on August 1.

"I think it is an advantage for me not to be coming off 14 days or a 21-day break so I can come straight to fit into it, work with the team and get to know the team,” Balogun told the club website.

"The league starts next week, so I am looking forward to joining the squad and integrating as quickly as possible.

"It's amazing. I'm coming to a club which has an incredible history and an incredible fan culture. I, unfortunately, haven't witnessed it yet, but I am looking forward to it

“On a personal note, my best friend, my oldest friend, was a huge Jorg Albertz supporter. That's how I first got in touch with Rangers because of my best friend and the Hammer, so it is a proud moment for both of us - we never really saw it coming but it's immense."   

The Super Eagles defender is looking forward to playing in front of Rangers fans and hopes the club will achieve success during his time.

"Obviously, to have this kind of crowd behind you in every game at home is amazing. I've been lucky enough to experience it, or something similar before in my career at some stage,” he continued.

“I just want to experience it as everyone has been telling me you have no idea just how big it is, and I am looking forward to getting started and getting in touch with them. Hopefully, we can have some success together."

Balogun has spent most of his career in Germany playing for Turkiyemspor Berlin, Hannover 96, Werder Bremen, Fortuna Dusseldorf, Darmstadt 98 and Mainz.  

The centre-back moved to England in 2018, joining Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion before teaming up with Wigan, initially on loan before the deal was made permanent.

Balogun, who was born to a Nigerian father and German mother, has 32 caps for the Super Eagles and was part of Gernot Rohr’s side that finished third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Ghana's senior men's national team, the Black Stars, have made a donation to the Football Association (GFA) in support of the battle against Covid-19. 

The pandemic has caused massive disruption to major events around the world.

Ghana has taken its own fare share of blows as the 2019-20 football season, including the Ghana Premier League, had been prematurely terminated, while matches of the various national teams have had to be postponed too.

“This is a big surprise, honestly, for the FA to receive this amazing support from our own players, our gallant Black Stars players who have been thinking about not only their health but also the health of our general populace," the GFA announced on its official website on Friday.

“So, it is very, very gratifying that members of our senior national team, the Black Stars, will also make this amazing contribution of hundred thousand Ghana cedis that has been used to purchase this PPEs for the use of the general public.

“On behalf of the Executive Council, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our players and the members of the Black Stars Management Committee for this amazing support.

“These items will be distributed across, and it will reach the homes of many. We thank you so much and may the Almighty God bless us all."

At the moment, Ghana has recorded a total of 31,057 cases of coronavirus, including 691 new cases, 3,095 active cases, 161 deaths and 27,801 recoveries and discharges.

“We make this presentation on behalf of our Black Stars players. In view of the Covid-19 pandemic, members of the team decided to make contributions towards this presentation we are making this afternoon,” said GFA Executive Council member George Amoakoh after making the presentation on behalf of Black Stars captain Andre Ayew and his teammates.

“The contributions put together came up to the tune of GH¢100,000. The Black Stars Management is presenting to the GFA for onward distribution to the general public."

The Black Stars are four-time African champions, having won the Cup of Nations (Afcon) in 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982.

They have also participated in three World Cup tournaments, their best performance being a quarter-final berth at South Africa 2010.

SuperSport United youth coach Kwanele Kopo believes Bafana Bafana and Brentford midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo is one of the most intelligent players ever produced in the country.

The experienced tactician has hailed the 29-year-old midfielder’s progress in Europe, saying he is not one of the dirtiest anchormen but his ability to read the game has elevated him.

“Kamo has been unfortunate with injuries, especially during his stint in the championship with Brentford. When he was at FC Twente in Holland, I mean, he played his best football, and that’s how he got his move from Holland to England,” Kopo told IOL.

“He’s very intelligent, the signs were there from a young age. He’s not one of the players that speak a lot. He gets on with his job quietly. Tactically he’s also one of the best.”

Kopo promoted Mokotjo to the third-tier division at the tender age of 15 and speaks highly of the Free State-born’s ability to pass the ball and to intercept situations.

“He’s passing rate is very good. He reads the game very well,” he added.

“He can influence the game positively in the attack. I know that in Holland and Brentford, he plays as a holding midfielder but he’s not a tackler, he reads the game very well to intercept situations.”

After finishing the 2019/20 campaign with Brentford, Mokotjo recently renewed his contract on a short-term deal and will look to help the club gain promotion to the Premier League in the near future.

The Bees are third on the log standings with 81 points, a spot that has ensured they’ll be one of the four teams alongside Fulham, Cardiff City and Swansea City to fight for promotion in the play-offs in August.

Formerly with PEC Zwolle and Excelsior, Mokotjo has featured in 26 matches across all competitions for Brentford, scoring once and providing two assists.

On the other hand, the Odendaalsrus-born player has been honoured in the Netherlands by Zwolle as he was named in their All-Star team.

Johnstone Omurwa's move to Angola giants Petro Atletico has hit a new twist after his current team Wazito FC reportedly turned down a bid believed to be around KS10 million.

The defender has been solid for the 2018/19 National Super League champions and as a result, teams came hoping to seal his services. Despite their initial tough stance on letting the 21-year-old leave, the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side, later on, agreed to let the Kenya U23 star go.

However, Goal has learned the move is on the rocks after his team hardened their stance once again.

"After initial talks, we expected involved parties to have smooth negotiations on the matter," a source close to the club told Goal.

"[Petro] made their offer, which is close to KSh10 million, but [Wazito] are not willing to let him leave. I cannot tell why the sudden change of mind, but we hope everything will be solved to allow Omurwa to leave.

"This is a once in a lifetime chance for a player and it will not be good to deny him the opportunity."

Despite their struggles in the KPL, Omurwa remained Wazito's best player by far.

Initially, it is said he was reluctant to make the move but his stand softened following a serious pursuit from the team’s officials.

"It is true [Johnstone] Omurwa will join Petro Atletico soon. After wide consultations he has decided to make the move as the Angolan officials stated and restated they were interested in him," Goal reported as told by the club's insider.

Should the defender make the move he will join former Gor Mahia striker Jacques Tuyisenge, who left for the club last year.

Allan Wanga became the first Kenyan to sign for the Luanda team in 2007.

A few days ago, Omurwa revealed he had been approached by Petro Atletico officials.

"Petro Atletico officials first approached me last month, but I never knew they were serious. So, I jokingly referred them to the club because I still have a running contract. 

"They [Petro] told me they were ready to give Wazito about Sh10 million for my release. But [former] coach [Stewart] Hall called me and told me he still needs me in his team and promised to engage the club to review my contractual terms."