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Rumoured Liverpool and Manchester City target Kalidou Koulibaly has played down rumours of a summer move away from Napoli.

Koulibaly has been a solid presence in the heart of Napoli's defence since his arrival at Stadio San Paolo from Genk in 2014.

The 29-year-old has racked up 239 appearances for the club in all competitions, including 27 this season, emerging as one of the top centre-backs in Europe in the process.

The Senegal international has been tipped to undertake a new challenge away from Naples this summer, with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain among those being credited with an interest in his services.

Liverpool and City have also been strongly linked with Koulibaly, who still has three years left to run on his current contract at Napoli.

The highly-rated defender has now come out to address ongoing speculation over his future, revealing that he has yet to sit down with the top officials at Stadio San Paolo to discuss a potential transfer.

Koulibaly also admitted that he would be open to seeing out his playing days at the Serie A club, telling Gazzetta dello Sport: "In football, you never know what happens. I never spoke to Napoli about leaving. If we have to find a solution, we will find it, but I have never talked about the transfer market. 

"I also read in the newspapers about my future. But I only want to think about playing, I am 100 per cent [committed to] Napoli and it bothers me to be linked, every day, to this or that European club. 

"We will see what the president (Aurelio De Laurentiis) will decide and if he proposes to extend my contract, that would allow me to end my career here. 

"At the moment, I still have a three-year contract and I am not thinking of anything else but Napoli."

Pressed further on the possibility of retiring at Napoli, Koulibaly responded: "I wouldn't say no. But I don't want to deceive anyone. We know how things are in football. Maybe you say you stay for life and then you are sold. 

"So I tell the fans that I will give 200-300 per cent while I wear this shirt. I have a special relationship with the people of Naples, a pure feeling."

The Senegalese star will be back in contention for a place in Gennaro Gattuso's starting XI when Napoli play host to Milan on Sunday.

Liverpool got a good look at Bruno Fernandes long before Manchester United made their move, with Jason McAteer of the opinion that the Reds should have snapped up a “huge influence”.

Jurgen Klopp’s side faced Sporting in a pre-season friendly at Yankee Stadium in New York during the summer of 2019.

Fernandes opened the scoring in what would end up being a 2-2 draw, with his playmaking qualities and keen eye for goal clear for all to see.

Tottenham had already been sniffing around the Portugal international by that stage, while a door remained open for Liverpool to make a move.

Neither opted to put a deal in place, though, and the 25-year-old is now starring on a Premier League stage at Old Trafford.

"Manchester United were in disarray not long ago," ex-Reds midfielder McAteer told the Racing Post.

"There seemed to be a lack of characters in the dressing room but the lockdown now looks to have provided them with a welcome break and they have benefited from some work on the training ground.

"They have started back well and Bruno Fernandes has been brilliant.

"I saw him play against Liverpool for Sporting Lisbon in the summer in America and he was brilliant. I was hoping Liverpool would sign him and he’s been a huge influence.

"He has made Paul Pogba look a better player and you can tell the younger members of the team have been given more confidence.

"They know that they have a player who is capable of finding them when they are in good positions.

"Their defence is still a concern and I think they are prone to sulking if they go a goal behind but they are lying in wait for Leicester to continue slipping up and they look ready to pounce.

"Much of their rejuvenation is down to their Portuguese midfielder."

Liverpool have fared admirably without Fernandes, with a first title triumph in 30 years wrapped up in record-breaking style.

There is, however, a sense that Klopp still needs to find another creative influence in the middle of the park after choosing not to bring in a replacement for Philippe Coutinho when the Brazilian headed to Barcelona in January 2018.

He is being linked with a number of options ahead of the next window, such as Thiago Alcantara and Kai Havertz, but will be lining up against Fernandes again next season as the Portuguese seeks to help force United back into contention for a domestic crown.

Borussia Dortmund's valuation of rumoured Manchester United target Jadon Sancho must be met 100 per cent if he is to be sold this summer, according to the club's sporting director Michael Zorc.

Sancho has been a revelation in Germany since his move to Dortmund from Manchester City in the summer of 2017.

The 20-year-old has scored 58 goals in 143 appearances for BVB in all competitions, while also contributing a staggering 54 assists, establishing himself as one of the most deadly attacking players in Europe in the process.

The 2019-20 campaign has been arguably the England international's best yet at Westfalenstadion, and he is now being tipped to make the step up to an even bigger club in the summer transfer window.

Zorc has already admitted that Dortmund are preparing for Sancho's departure, with a return to the Premier League being mooted as a strong possibility.

United have identified Sancho as a priority transfer target, but the German outfit are reportedly set to demand a fee within the region of €120 million (£107m/$136m) for a prized asset when the market reopens.

Zorc says the winger won't be sold for a penny less than their asking price, and he is still holding out faint hope of the ex-City starlet staying put for another season.

The Dortmund chief told German publication Waz: "Jadon has a valid contract with us and we would be very happy if he is still with us next season.

"To think about anything else at all, the timing would have to be right, and secondly, our price expectations would have to be met 100%."

A number of former United players have endorsed Sancho's potential arrival at Old Trafford, including Andy Cole, who enjoyed a hugely successful spell in Manchester between 1996 and 2001.

When asked to comment on the Dortmund attacker's future during an interview with MUTV earlier this month, the ex-Red Devils striker responded: "Would he give Manchester United something different? Of course he would.

"I’m not going to sit here and say, 'Oh no, he’s not good enough!' because of course he’s good enough. He’s got pace, he’s got the ability to go past players, score goals and create."

Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly has confirmed Lille striker Victor Osimhen called him to make an enquiry about racism in Italy ahead of a potential switch to the Stadio San Paolo outfit.

The Super Eagle delivered impressive performances in his debut season with the Mastiffs which have seen a number of European clubs jostle for his signature.

The forward scored 18 goals and provided six assists in 38 appearances to help Lille finish fourth in the French top-flight last season, and won the club’s player of the season for his displays.

Napoli is leading in the race to sign the 21-year-old forward but recently, his agent expressed his concern about racism in Italy.

Koulibaly arrived at Stadio San Paolo in the summer of 2014 from Belgian club Genk and has developed into one of the best defenders in the world.

The Senegal international, who has experienced racist abuse in the European country, revealed the advice he gave to Osimhen when he reached out to him.

“It is true that he called me. We talked about racism, I told him that coming to Naples he won't have these problems, he will choose the right city,” Koulibaly told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I too felt the bitterness of the racist insult, but never in Naples. I reassured him, I told him that if he comes, he will have the best choice. Then, the rest will have to be done by the leaders. "

Koulibaly has also been linked to a number of European clubs, including Manchester United, Juventus and Manchester City, but has revealed he is enjoying himself with the Parthenopeans and suggested he could end his career with the side.

“My family is doing very well in Naples and this makes me happy. If I have been here for six years, it is only thanks to them, because if they had not been well, I would have already gone away,” he continued.

“My children speak Italian as well as French. At home, we speak both languages. Here we live peacefully, I hear that I will go away, but here I am fine, I do not understand why we should talk about the market when there is nothing on the horizon. Every day there is a new one.

“In football, you never know what happens. I never spoke to the club that I wanted to leave. If we have to find a solution, we will find it, but I have never talked about the market.

“I also read in the newspapers of my future. But I only want to think about playing, I am 100% of Napoli and it bothers me to be approached, every day, to this or that European club.

“We will see what the President will decide, if he proposes to me to extend the contract, which, therefore, would allow me to end my career here.

"At the moment, I still have a three-year contract: there are many, and I am not thinking of anything else but Napoli.

“I wouldn't say no [to end my career in Napoli]. But I don't want to deceive anyone. We know how things are in football. Maybe you say you stay for life and then you are sold.

“So I tell the fans that I will give 200-300 percent until I wear this shirt. I have a special relationship with the people of Naples, a pure feeling ”

The defender has not been at his best in this campaign owing to injury problems and other issues, which have limited his playing time, as he has only featured in 19 Serie A games.   

The 29-year-old, who helped Senegal finish as runner-up in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, however, admitted the coronavirus lockdown has helped him to work on himself and hopes to regain his fitness soon.

“The quarantine has done me a lot of good, I have worked at home, I have equipped a gym in the garage to regain physical fitness: I am getting there,” he added.

“I know I haven't been to the top this year, even though I did well in the Champions League. This will not be my worst season. I paid for the participation in the Africa Cup of Nations, I took the fatigue with me.”

Koulibaly will be expected to play a part when Napoli take on AC Milan in their next league game on Sunday.

Returning Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach Rhulani Mokwena has questioned the logic behind those insisting that he should have stayed at Orlando Pirates to work under Josef Zinnbauer, saying being part of Pitso Mosimane’s backroom staff is his best option.

The youthful coach rejoined Sundowns earlier this week following a brief spell at Chippa United and a period at Pirates highlighted by a largely unsuccessful stint as interim head coach.

In what could have exposed his capacity to lead a traditional giant like Pirates, Mokwena managed just four wins, five draws and as many defeats before Zinnbauer was roped in last December.

Mokwena then reverted to being an assistant coach, now under Zinnbauer, but lasted just one match in which he cut a lone figure, suggesting that he might not have been happy under the German.

Then after retracing his roots back to Chloorkop, Mokwena gave a brutal assessment of his mentor Mosimane and Zinnbauer.

“Apart from making this thing about Zinnbauer and Pitso Mosimane, there were opportunities to be head coach both locally and outside the country,” Mokwena told Marawa Sports Worldwide on Metro FM.

“But the reality is [that] I am still a young coach and I still have a lot to learn which is also a major consideration because with coach Pitso you know that he is going to stay for long and he is a man who is loyal.

"He is a man that history has shown that he gives himself time and sticks to his contract.

“I can’t say the same about the Pirates coach because I don’t know him. But it was made easier for me because I didn’t think that even now when everyone keeps saying that you would have learnt more from Zinnbauer because he is a foreigner. But who said so?

“Because with all due respect if we were to put the two CVs on the table, I mean, coach Pitso is head and shoulders above JZ and this is the humble truth.”

While Mosimane has a proven track record of sweeping silverware on the domestic scene as well as, at one stage, conquering Africa, Zinnbauer is yet to prove himself on the continent.

It is the German’s first job in Africa where he arrived without a trace of success in Europe where he coached in the Bundesliga and Swiss Super League.

But after leading Pirates to seven victories, two draws and two defeats in the 11 matches he has been in charge of so far, Zinnbauer has shown potential to become a big force in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

Mokwena, however, still insists that Pitso is the right man to guide him.

“And if you were to ask me, who do I want to learn from? I want to learn from a man who has won trophies repeatedly, who is loved in his own country, who is appreciated in his own country by his own people, who is a black coach that continues to be an inspiration to many other black coaches including myself,” continued Mokwena.

“Then the answer would be that because I am also fortunate but I sit in a position where I know that a lot of people would have said ‘ahh he should have gone to be a head coach somewhere else’ but it’s not about what I want, it’s about when the time is right and we feel it should happen.”

Cristiano Ronaldo made team-mates at Manchester United “allergic to defeat”, says Nani, with the Portuguese forward’s relentless pursuit of perfection rubbing off on those around him.

The Red Devils plucked a rough diamond away from Sporting in the summer of 2003, with Sir Alex Ferguson impressed by the potential in a wiry teenage winger.

The legendary United boss would polish Ronaldo into a global superstar, with the needless tricks and theatrics removed from his game as he was morphed into a powerful goal-scoring machine.

By the time he left for Real Madrid in 2009, an all-time great already had a Ballon d’Or to his name and an enviable haul of collective honours – including three Premier League titles and a Champions League crown.

Nani had joined a fellow countryman in England during the summer window of 2007, with the same path taken from Sporting, and he admits to having been turned into a winner by a superstar colleague .

On his arrival at Old Trafford and early experiences in what would be an eight-year spell, Nani told the Players’ Tribune : “Not many mentioned Manchester United. But my agent, Jorge Mendes, wrote down the names of all the clubs and said, 'For me, the best team you can choose is this one'. He pointed at Man Utd.

“Before I knew it, I was looking for a house in Manchester.

“At the start I was supposed to move into a hotel, but Jorge asked me 'Would you mind staying with Cristiano?'

“So I moved in with him and Anderson, who had just arrived at Man Utd.

“Cristiano had a swimming pool, a ping-pong table, a tennis court — and every day we would compete at something.

“By the time Anderson and I left that house, we had become allergic to defeat.”

Ronaldo was not the only big character to help shape Nani into becoming a senior star himself , with there plenty of advice to be found in a star-studded squad.

Nani, who is now on the books of MLS side Orlando City, added: “Sir Alex was like a father to me. Guys like Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs gave me so much good advice.

“I became friends with Antonio Valencia, Fabio and Rafael, Cristiano, Anderson and many others.”

During his time with United, Nani took in 230 appearances and helped the Red Devils to four Premier League titles, a Champions League triumph and Club World Cup success.

Peter Olawale has named Brazil and Real Madrid legend Ronaldo Nazario as his role model.

The 17-year-old is on the verge of joining French top-flight outfit Lille thanks to his impressive outing at the 2019 U17 World Cup in Brazil with Nigeria.

Still in the nascent stages of his career, his playing style has already prompted fans to draw comparisons with Arsenal great Thierry Henry, but the youngster has revealed that it is another striker in Ronaldo who he looks up to.

“My role model is Ronaldo Nazario. I love the way he plays, he is fast, skilful and he’s got power-packed shots too and these are the characteristics I possess,” Olawale told Goal.

“I watch his video always and I keep working hard to do better than him.

“My coaches in my academy and national team feel I share some traits with Thierry Henry, but deep down my heart, it is Brazil’s Ronaldo that I cherish and try to emulate.”

Referred to as ‘Little Ronaldo’, the Tripple 44 Academy starlet claims he sees that as a motivation to do more rather than a burden on him.

“Not at all! As much as I feel honoured getting compared with this football icon, I try to be myself always,” he continued.

“I would love to make my own mark and hopefully someday, those coming behind would see me as their role model.”

Olawale is not short of suitors having been linked with Victor Osimhen’s Lille, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Fenerbahce and Besiktas.

Nevertheless, the introverted Nigeria youth international, who turns 18 on July 26, is hoping that his future can be resolved soon to commence "another chapter" in his career.

He added: “Everything is still on hold due to the pandemic but it’s one of those things I try not to think about.

“It will be a special experience to finally put pen to paper but I don’t want to think about it. I can’t just wait to start the next chapter of my life and more importantly make the best out of it.

“Looking at what has been happening over the last few months, I have no clear idea about my destination but I’m very positive and I know that everything will work out well.

“I just want to take it one step at a time because I believe in my ability so much and I want to take the first step and continue to build on it.”

Like every other upcoming African talent, the teenager has a very big dream for the future.

“I have got a target, a very big dream and I’m aware that that takes a lot of dedication and hard work, and a little bit of luck for it to come true,” he stated.

“My dream is to become the best player in Nigeria and also in Africa while I cross my fingers to see what happens globally.”

Talk of Liverpool making a move for Napoli centre-half Kalidou Koulibaly is “a bit harsh on Joe Gomez”, says Jason McAteer, with Jurgen Klopp expected to continue favouring “the team, not the individual” when piecing together his summer transfer plans.

The Reds have worked hard to plug defensive leaks over recent years.

The £75 million ($95m) signing of Virgil van Dijk in January 2018 proved to be inspired, with the Dutchman having played a leading role in the Champions League and Premier League successes that have followed.

He is considered to have helped raise the game of those around him, including England international Gomez.

With that in mind, McAteer sees no need for the Reds to invest heavily again in another centre-half – especially as they have been careful not to disrupt team spirit in a happy Anfield camp.

The former Liverpool midfielder told the Racing Post: “Liverpool have been linked with a move for Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly, along with plenty of others, and with Dejan Lovren leaving people have obviously put two and two together.

“But that might be a bit harsh on Joe Gomez, who I think has worked well with Virgil van Dijk and has done nothing wrong, so we will have to see.

“Liverpool will always be linked with big-name players but it is not just about what you do on the pitch.

“There are other considerations to make and how you fit in with the club and the way things are done at Anfield. And Klopp has embraced this completely.

“It's about the team, not the individual.

“Roberto Firmino is a good example. People may be concerned that he hasn't scored a league goal at Anfield for more than a year, but I'm not worried.

“You need all the ingredients to make a great cake and his movement is incredible. He creates so much for Mo Salah and Sadio Mane and sacrifices his own scoring output.

“He's not really a centre forward. He links everything and is a massive piece of the jigsaw. You can really appreciate what he does if you just concentrate on what he is doing.

“It's about all the ingredients working together. That's why Liverpool have been so successful over the last couple of years.”

It remains to be seen whether Klopp will dip back into the transfer market this summer, with Liverpool also being heavily linked with the likes of Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara and Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Kai Havertz.

Norwich have been relegated from the Premier League after suffering their 24th defeat of the season, losing 4-0 at home to West Ham on Saturday afternoon.

The Canaries needed to avoid a loss against the Hammers at Carrow Road to keep their slim hopes of survival alive.

Prior to the match, Farke admitted that his team were destined for the drop, telling reporters: "Even if we win the last four games, I would say with at least a 99 per cent guarantee it would not be enough to stay in this league."

The German manager's prediction proved correct, as Norwich got off to the worst possible start when Michail Antonio turned the ball into the net for the visitors following a Jarrod Bowen corner with just 11 minutes on the clock.

The home side didn't allow their heads to drop after the opener as the game turned into a real end-to-end contest, but top scorer Teemu Pukki squandered their best chance when he headed a pinpoint Jamal Lewis cross wide of the post.

Farke then watched his side concede from another set-piece right on half-time, as Antonio latched onto Mark Noble's expert delivery to divert a header past Tim Krul and into the far corner of the net.

Antonio completed his hat-trick early in the second half before adding a fourth to round off a comfortable 4-0 victory for West Ham, who have now moved six points clear of the relegation places.

Norwich's relegation was confirmed at the final whistle, as they remain rock bottom of the table on 21 points with only three matches remaining.

Norwich can no longer mathematically make up the ten-point gap on 17th placed Watford, as they missed the chance to gain some ground on their rivals following the Hornets' 1-1 draw with Newcastle at Vicarage Road.

Farke's men have only won a total of five games all season, conceding 63 goals while only managing to score a measly 23 at the other end of the pitch.

Pukki's prolific form in the first half of the campaign looked set to inspire the Canaries to safety, but results began to take a turn for the worse when the Finland international stopped finding the back of the net.

Norwich have lost all six of their games since the resumption of the season on June 17, and they still have trips to Chelsea and Manchester United to come.

A home clash against Burnley is wedged in between on July 18, which will be the Championship-bound outfit's last chance to restore some pride before they return to English football's second tier.

Said Benrahma found the back of the net twice in Brentford’s 3-1 win over Derby County in Saturday’s Championship game.

 The 24-year-old forward has been turning heads since his arrival at Griffin Park from French club Nice in the summer of 2018.

The Algeria international has racked up 25 goals in 77 league games which have generated interest from a number of Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Arsenal.

Last weekend, he struck a hat-trick, his third in the 2019-20 campaign, a feat only bettered by Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero.

At Pride Park, Benrahma was handed his 35th start and delivered a spectacular performance, scoring twice in the encounter.

Ollie Watkins put Thomas Frank’s Brentford in front only three minutes into the encounter after a fine individual display.

Just before the half-hour mark, former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney set up Jason Knight to level proceedings for Phillip Cocu’s men.

Shortly after the restart of the second half, Benrahma restored the lead for his side, capitalising on an error from Derby goalkeeper Ben Hamer.

The striker then completed his brace in the 64th minute with a curling effort from the edge of the box to give his side a comfortable win.

The forward has now scored 17 goals this season and will hope to continue the performance in his side’s next league game against Preston North End on July 15.

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) has been urged to accommodate former players within its ranks as employees.

Fufa held a consultative meeting with former international players at Ivy’s Hotel Wakaliga on Friday where key issues were raised

While appreciating the meeting, former Cranes and Express FC's captain George Ssemwogerere was the first one to ask Fufa to offer jobs to the players who represented the country before.

“This is my family and we all belong to football. I’m happy we are here to discuss football and our matters," Ssemwogerere said as was quoted by Fufa website.

“The federation should create opportunities for the ex-internationals. There are many job opportunities within the federation that can be shared among the ex-internationals. 

“Let’s believe there are always disagreements in a family but we need to minimise them and work together for the good of football.”

Paul Ssali, who represented Uganda in the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) called for an end to the wrangles that have defined the relationship of the former players.

“Many Fufa presidents have tried bringing us together but disunity is our main weakness as ex-internationals,” said Ssali.

“The only way we can prosper is by respecting one another and always fronting football issues.

“We should be organised and whenever I have any concerns, I go direct to the federation but not to the media. We should also be transparent and avoid being greedy.

“Football is wide if we don’t embrace the courses available for coaching, administration, intermediary and others we can’t change our lives.

“Football is now professional and we can only earn from it when we have expertise in some areas.

Dan Ntale, on his part, stressed the sentiments that were shared by Ssemwogerere on job opportunities.

“I would prefer we start having regular meetings for sharing ideas, playing football and starting projects that build us and the game,” explained Ntale.

“We have come here as individuals but not as an organised association. We would need the federation to lobby for us to have an improved life.

“We shall be grateful if the federation connects us to different football partners like State House maybe most of our concerns can be worked upon because we were football soldiers who represented the country internationally.”

Fufa president Moses Magogo told the former Cranes to desist from regular attacks against the federation if they have to enjoy job opportunities.

“The federation is always open to receive concerns from all football stakeholders. We have tried the best to cater for ex-internationals and we can solve issues without fighting,” Magogo said.

“Fufa welcomes all stakeholders who are organised and with strategy, whatever you are planning must have a strategy.

“Life outside football is far different from football life. People can easily forget all about you when you retire and most of you don’t believe in yourself.

“You should use the opportunity available. Deciding to attack the federation instead, you won’t be closer to the opportunities available. The relationship with the federation must be strong.”

Young African (Yanga SC) coach Luc Eymael has promised to play a good brand of football when they take on Simba SC in the semi-finals of the FA Cup at National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday.

The giants will be seeking to earn passage to the semis of the domestic competition with Simba eyeing the trophy to complete a double while Yanga are keen to win the trophy and snatch the ticket to the Caf Confederation Cup.

It will be the third meeting between the two giants this season with the first round fixture ending 2-2 while Yanga turned on the screw in the second-round contest to win 1-0 courtesy of a goal from Bernard Morrison.

The Belgian coach has now told Goal they are ready to give their best against the best team in Tanzanian league and told fans set to attend the match that they will not be disappointed by the end of the final whistle.

“It is a derby, a derby is always special, for me, it is the five biggest derbies in Africa now after the Soweto derby, then we have other derbies but I know it is the biggest derby and with fans coming, we don’t want to disappoint them, they must come knowing they are in for a good match,” Eymael told Goal.

“Simba is a very good team to face, we have to do our best to go to the semis and we have to do our best to go to the semis and I hope my players will show the commitment and the technical approach when we beat them 1-0 in the league.

“We know Simba are the best team in Tanzania but we are also the best in our own ways, we don’t want the fans to go home without having smiled, they must be entertained, the two sides play very good football and I know they will not disappoint.”

Eymael also confirmed Ghanaian forward Morrison, who has been in and out of the team but was the tormentor when Yanga beat Simba 1-0 in the last league meeting, is now fit and focused to do a great job on Sunday.

“[Morrison] is fit and ready to down Simba again, he really wants to play against them, he is psyched up and I am also ready to unleash him,” Eymael told Goal.

“It is true [Morrison] has missed a couple of matches since the league resumed on June 13 but for the last week, he has shown real commitment and determination to help the team, he scored for us against Kagera Sugar and he now wants to score against Simba again.”

On whether injured captain Papy Tshishimbi and midfielder Haruna Niyonzima will face Simba, Eymael said: “The boys did well in training today [Friday], Harun [Niyonzima] is 70% ready and we will make the last assessment on [Saturday] because he only trained alone, partly alone and we don’t want to take a risk with him because he fractured a fibula.

“On [Tshishimbi] we will also make an assessment after training tomorrow, he really wants to play but like I have said before, it is not good to risk a player coming back from injury with a big match like a derby, we will look at him again and decide whether to start him or not.”

The match will kick off at 15:00 local time.

Pep Guardiola says Manchester City's main domestic target is to finish second in the league, which he sees as more important than winning the FA Cup or Carabao Cup.

City have emerged as English football's dominant force since Guardiola's arrival at the Etihad Stadium in 2016.

The Blues have won eight trophies in total under the Spanish tactician, including two Premier League titles, while setting new standards in terms of consistency and performances levels.

Liverpool also managed to take their game up a notch in 2019-20 after narrowly missing out on last season's title winning all but three of their first 31 fixtures.

Jurgen Klopp's men were named champions following City's 2-1 loss at Chelsea on June 25, and they are now on course to break the record for the number of points gained in a single campaign.

However, City have already bagged a third successive League Cup, and they still have the semi-finals of the FA Cup and a Champions League last-16 tie against Real Madrid to look forward to.

Despite the possibility of a second successive treble, Guardiola insists a runners-up spot in the Premier League holds more value than another piece of domestic silverware.

The City manager told a press conference on Friday: "This organisation wants to win titles, so of course this is not the perfect satisfaction but it's recognition that our opposition was incredible in this competition and we were not on that level.

"We cannot deny that the second [place] target is better than the FA Cup winner, the Carabao Cup winners, or the others and qualification for the Champions League, which all the other clubs are fighting for.

"We were not the best, another team was, but we were better than the other 18 teams.

"This is the target to finish this season."

Ahead of a meeting with Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, Guardiola spoke out in favour of making the new rules regarding extra substitutions permanent to help reduce the risk of injuries and fatigue.

"It has helped all the teams because all the clubs have had a lack of preparation, just two or three weeks, which is not much to play every two or three days," he said.

"In the last 20, 30 minutes [of matches], when you have a lack of preparation, you suffer and that (extra subs) helps to maintain players' fitness.

"Maybe for next year if it happens, it will be good. You can travel with not just 18 players [including] on the bench, but 20, as happened this season.

"It would be good for the health and mood of the team. Everybody feels involved and part of the team, and you can make more rotations, so it will be good."

Guardiola added on his future in Manchester: "I like to be here. I enjoy every single day, even in this season where we had to struggle hard to get results in the Premier League.

"I feel as though the players want to fight and still have the desire to win in this last part of the season and we will see for next season."

Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) president Isha Johansen has revealed that 'all options were explored' by Caf before the decision to cancel the 2020 Africa Women's Cup of Nations.

After three months of football suspension owing to Covid-19, the African football governing body announced the scrapping of the 2020 Awcon following its Executive Committee meeting on June 30.

This means the women's showpiece held every two-years since 1998 will not take place for the first time, having staged the last edition in Ghana in 2018 which came as a rude shock to fans.

Following the outrage and continental-wide condemnation, the 55-year-old, who doubles as the chairperson of the Caf Organizing Committee for Women’s Football has offered an explanation.

"Women's football means a lot to Caf and we take pride, not only in the fact that we have women's football on our calendar but also the fact that we are actually facing these challenges head-on," Johansen said in an interview with Caf made available to Goal.

"We are making great strives to change these narratives. For the 2020 Africa Women's Cup of Nations, there were circumstances beyond our control which made it difficult for Caf to organize it and all options were explored but to no avail."

In July 2019, Congo pulled out of hosting the 2020 Awcon, leaving the event without a host before the coronavirus lockdown in March 2020 despite interests from Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria.

A week later, Caf announced the expansion of the tournament from eight to 12 teams after 11 editions, starting from 2020 before a record total of 36 entries for the qualification series in December.

With the qualifiers earlier slated for April 2020, the global health crisis forced an indefinite postponement and subsequent cancellation, which the administrator has now offered reasons for.

"For the three main reasons, we did not have an option than to cancel it. Firstly, the withdrawal of Congo meant that we look for a new host," she continued.

"The bid was reopened and we received bids from Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea. However, both bids lacked the most important support documents which were the letter of support from their respective governments.

"If you cannot get a letter of support from your government to host countries, it becomes quite complex and problematic in the long run because we cannot organise the competition without the support or guarantee from the host country coming from the government.

"Secondly, the outbreak of Covid-19 which we all know led to the suspension of all football activities around the continent and indeed the rest of the world. Due to that fact, the qualifiers initially scheduled for April 2020 had to be postponed indefinitely.

"With the women's Afcon being a senior women's national team competition, we could only schedule the matches based on the Fifa calendar dates which were also affected by Covid-19. Again, due to Covid-19, the calendar was revised and left us with two window opportunities being in September and October for qualifiers.

"We had the closure of borders across the continent and so, it was very unlikely we will be able to honour these matches within these window opportunity dates taking into consideration the travel restrictions and we also have the U17 and U20 Women's World Cup qualifiers which have to be completed this year."

No gainsaying the cancellation, the news was greeted with dismay by numerous fans, as well as top African stars, including Ajara Nchout and Asisat Oshoala, who took to social media to question the move.

And Johansen also shared in their disappointment with the truncation of the 2020 event while offering strong assurance of better days ahead for women's football on their continent.

"As you can see, it's not the case of not being able to meet all the expectations of people or that we just decided to take an easy way out to cancel the women's Afcon 2020 just because it's women's football but because of some very obvious reasons totally beyond our control," she enthused.

"As I've listed, there were options that we went over and over again to see how best we could accommodate but we just couldn't. For the shock news to fans, I understand how disappointing this could be, again, everyone needs to understand that it is based on the current global situation.

"It's got nothing to do with another agenda other than the fact that we simply cannot hold the competition during abnormal times that we have now. Caf, as you know and may not, has even allocated some substantial amount to support to the host country to stage the final tournament but no country is being forthcoming yet because of the Covid-19 which has disrupted every single economy in the world.

"You cannot go and impose a competition on a country to host if they are not ready. It has to be a collective decision and it also has to be organised under conducive circumstances and no country is operating under normal circumstances. These are abnormal times.

"When we do host these competitions, you want your current competition to outdo the last one and get one better than the other. Ghana was a hugely successful competition and, so why host something that is going to be probably limited or second-best or really not good at all only to be criticized as to why did we go ahead with knowing full well there were challenges.

"I think that it is best that we leave it as it is. We still monitor and plan for better days ahead. We are planning and at the same time, we have been looking for the host of the 2022 Awcon which will also serve as the qualifier for the 2023 Women's World Cup. Even though the decision is not good news, of course, it gives us time to reflect and plan.

"The good news is that women's football is going to bounce back in style and get better. We've got Covid-19 but it does not mean we will become a defunct or abnormal feature if we like our sport.

"Certain challenges in life are there to strengthen you and to make you get better, especially when you're able to rise above these situations and that's what is happening with women's football during this Covid-19."

Former Gor Mahia striker Paul Kiongera has revealed why he left Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side Wazito FC.

Goal exclusively reported on Friday Wazito had parted ways with two more players – experienced midfielder Lloyd Wahome and Kiongera – just three days after they had fired 11.

A source, who did not want to be named confirmed the exit of the former K’Ogalo player by stating: “Wahome and Kiongera have left the club.

“Wahome is set to join a local club after his departure. For now, I have no information concerning the club Kiongera is planning to join.”

Kiongera has now come out to explain why he left the club he joined only last season and managed to score four goals before the season was halted in mid-March owing to the effects caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

“I take this opportunity to thank the management and teammates for the great time and the success we achieved together at Wazito,” Kiongera wrote on his social media pages.

“However, due to differences in opinion as regards my terms of engagement I'm to take a new challenge elsewhere.”

Wahome left Tusker after five seasons in March 2019 to join Wazito while Kiongera arrived in January and signed a short-term deal.

On Tuesday, Wazito released 11 players among them, long-serving custodian Steven Njunge, midfielder Teddy Osok, forwards Victor Ndinya, Pistone Mutamba, Derrick Otanga, and goalkeeper Kevin Omondi.

While the foreign quartet of Paul Acquah from Ghana, DR Congo's Piscas Kirenge, Augustine Otu of Liberia, and Togolese Issifou Bourahana were not spared either.

After the sackings, Wazito boss Ricardo Badoer labelled the players as "f*cking hyenas”, who only played for the team to “eat my money.”

The rant has already been criticised by several football stakeholders in the country with Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula calling for the deportation of Badoer.

“Where is he from in the first place?” Shimanyula asked in an interview with Goal on Wednesday. “He should desist from belittling the Kenyan players. He should be deported as soon as possible.

“These are the kind of people who hate a country they are residing in and end up abusing Kenyans.

“How can he openly hate Kenya and the players? Even if he has got money that is his own money. Men have got money but they never brag about the same and abuse Kenyans.

“Let him be deported quickly. Let him take his money, the little money he brags of with, to his home country. He has done a grave mistake of calling Kenyans hyenas.”

The ongoing clean up at Wazito has also seen coach Stewart Hall part ways with the club.

Tusker FC have joined the race to sign free agent Kevin Omondi to strengthen the goalkeeping department.

Omondi was among the players who were released by Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side Wazito FC alongside his compatriot Steve Njunge. The Brewers are keen on bringing an experienced shot-stopper to offer competition to Robert Mboya who was the Ruaraka-based side's first choice in the abandoned season.

"Omondi is a good goalkeeper and we were shocked to realise he has been released by Wazito," a member of the Tusker technical bench told Goal.

"Head coach [Robert Matano] is considering bringing him on board for next season. He sees him as a player who can increase stiff competition in the goalkeeping department and help the team win the 2020/21 KPL title.

"I cannot tell whether contact has been made or not, but what I know is that [Omondi] is in Tusker FC's radar."

If Omondi joins the 11-time league champions, he will replace Rwandan Emery Mvuyekure whose contract with the team reportedly expired in June.

Others who were released by the 2018/19 national Super League champions are Pistone Mutamba, Derrick Otanga, Teddy Osok and Victor Ndinya among others.

The club owner went on to brand players as 'f*cking hyenas' who only ate his money without doing their jobs at the club.

"Badoer went overboard with his remarks, it was totally uncalled for," Matano said in an earlier interview with Goal.

"Has he forgotten he won promotion back to the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) with the so-called hyenas? So, what about those he has left, are they not hyenas as well?

"It is a lack of respect to players and Kenyans in general to use such abusive remarks and I condemn it.

"These are the same players who have been performing well prior to joining his team. It is right to release players when they do not meet your expectations, but not in abusive remarks."  

The KPL winning coach went on to say it takes time before building a formidable side capable of challenging for top honours.

"It does not mean because you have invested, results will come instantly. It takes time to build a team, you cannot wake up and demand a league title just because you have assembled good players. Patience is needed."  

The Tanzanian government has confirmed only 30,000 tickets will be available for the derby pitting Young Africans (Yanga SC) against Simba SC at National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday.

The giants will be seeking to earn a passage to the semis of the domestic competition with Simba eyeing the trophy to complete the double while Yanga are keen to win the trophy and snatch a ticket to the Caf Confederation Cup.

It will be the third meeting between the two giants this season with the first round fixture ending 2-2 while Yanga turned on the screw in the second-round contest to win 1-0 courtesy of a goal from Bernard Morrison.

The government through the Director of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports Yusuph Singo have now revealed only 30,000 fans will be allowed to attend the match as one of the precautionary measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

“The Covid-19 is not completely eradicated in the country that is why we still need to take precautions hence 30,000 is a good number during this period,” Singo is quoted by Daily News.

“Those who will not have tickets should just remain at their homes and watch the game via television since we will not allow people to congregate outside the venue and we will have enough security personnel to facilitate that.”

The government has also increased ticket prices for the fans keen to watch the derby with VIP A, B, and C tickets going for 30,000/-, 25,000/- and 20,000/- respectively while those who will occupy ordinary seats will pay 10,000/-.

“We hope the Covid-19 pandemic will end soon and after that then normal attendance will be allowed,” Singo continued.

Meanwhile, the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has revealed the officials who will be in charge of the third derby of the season.

The match commissioner will be Ally Katolila from Dar es Salaam, as well as Nadeem Aloyce, Ramadhan Kayoko, Frank Komba and Kassim Mpanga.

The other two officials are Abubakar Mturo and Abdallah Mwinyimkuu, who are from Mtwara and Singida, respectively. The Tanzania Mainland League champions eliminated holders Azam FC after claiming a 2-0 win in the quarter-final clash while Yanga beat Kagera Sugar 2-1.

England 1966 World Cup winner and Leeds United legend Jack Charlton has passed away at the age of 85.

Charlton's family have released a statement confirming the news on Saturday morning, which reads: "Jack died peacefully on Friday, July 10 at the age of 85.

"He was at home in Northumberland, with his family by his side.

"As well as a friend to many, he was a much-adored husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

"We cannot express how proud we are of the extraordinary life he led and the pleasure he brought to so many people in different countries and from all walks of life.

"He was a thoroughly honest, kind, funny and genuine man who always had time for people.

"His loss will leave a huge hole in all our lives but we are thankful for a lifetime of happy memories."

Charlton was part of the Three Lions squad that lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy after a famous 4-2 final victory over West Germany at Wembley in 1966.

The former centre-back played in every match during England's run to glory, and amassed a total of 35 caps for his country before hanging up his boots.

At club level, Charlton made a record 773 appearances for Leeds over the course of a 23-year career, establishing himself as one of the greatest central defenders in the history of English football.

He also enjoyed considerable success in management, overseeing two World Cup campaigns with the Republic of Ireland between 1986 and 1996, while also enjoying stints at Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday and Newcastle. 

Leeds have released a tribute video in honour of Charlton's life on their social media channels, with the caption: "Rest in peace Jack".

England's official Twitter account posted the following message: "We are devastated by the news that Jack Charlton, a member of our World Cup-winning team of 1966, has passed away.

"Our deepest sympathies are with Jack’s family, friends and former clubs."

Bruno Fernandes has revealed his wild hotel celebrations after Portugal's Euro 2016 triumph, which he watched alone in his room while away with Udinese for a training camp.

Fernandes has enjoyed a meteoric rise to prominence over the last couple of years.

His outstanding performances at Sporting CP attracted attention from a number of the world's top clubs, and after one of the longest transfer sagas of the last decade, Manchester United won the race for his signature in January.

The Red Devils forked out €55 million ($49m/£62m) to bring the 25-year-old to Old Trafford, and tied him down to a five-year contract.

Fernandes had previous experience in a major European league from his time at Udinese in Serie A between 2013 and 2016, but few could have predicted how quickly he would adapt to the demands of English football.

The Portuguese midfielder has scored eight goals and laid on seven assists in his first 15 appearances for United, establishing himself as a firm fan favourite and the new creative hub in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's squad.

Four years ago, he was still awaiting his first cap at international level, and wasn't even considered for a place in Fernando Santos' squad for the European Championship in France.

However, Fernandes still tuned in to see Portugal win the tournament by beating the host nation in the final, while taunting two Udinese team-mates with allegiances to Les Bleus.

The former Sporting star has explained how he couldn't contain his joy after the final whistle, telling the Portuguese football federation: "I was in a hotel during a training camp with Udinese at that point and I had two guys – two French players – with us: Thomas Heurtaux and Cyril Théréau.

"I bet with Heurtaux that whoever lost would take a picture with the other and post it on social media. Even today my photo is still there on my social networks – and on his social networks too, I believe.

"I remember watching the game alone in my room. Everyone else was watching it on a giant screen. I said no, I'll watch it alone in the room because they'll bring bad luck, so let me stay here.

"I stayed in my room alone. The moment we scored the goal I ran across the hotel! I ran to where they were all watching, screaming all the way from my room to where they were! Screaming!

"I got there and they were obviously devastated, the two French guys, and I was really ecstatic. I think that as a Portuguese, regardless of whether you're actually involved in Portugal's successes or not, you have to feel proud."