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Rafael Benitez says that there have been talks regarding a potential swap deal with Napoli that would see Yannick Carrasco head to Serie A with Dalian Professional receiving Hirving Lozano in exchange.

The former Liverpool and Napoli boss has been in charge of the Chinese Super League club since departing Newcastle last July.

At Dalian Professional, Benitez manages the likes of former Premier League striker Salomon Rondon and ex-Napoli star Marek Hamsik.

Carrasco is also on the books of the CSL club, although the Belgium international is currently on loan with Atletico Madrid, where he has made six appearances since making the move in January.

Lozano, meanwhile, is having a difficult first season with Napoli, with ESPN reporting that he was recently kicked out of training by manager Gennaro Gattuso due to a lack of effort.

Benitez, who managed Napoli from 2013-15, says that he has been in contact with his former club with the topic of a potential swap deal being brought up.

“We stayed in touch and when we talk to each other we feel mutual respect," Benitez told Corriere dello Sport.

"At the time, as is inevitable, there were differences, but nothing sensational or disrespectful. 

"We had the opportunity to chat in January, it seems to me, because an exchange could be made involving Lozano and Carrasco."

Lozano, who had been linked with Manchester United after breaking out at the 2018 World Cup, joined Napoli from PSV for a reported fee of €42 million (£39m/$47m) in August.

It was at PSV that Lozano emerged as one of the game's top young players, scoring 21 times in his final season with the Dutch club. 

Additionally, Lozano has become a vital piece for Mexico in recent years, with the winger scoring 10 goals while amassing 39 caps for El Tri.

However, he has been limited to just three goals across 23 appearances for Napoli since making that move, with two of those goals coming in 16 Serie A appearances.

Lozano and Napoli will have the opportunity to win a trophy on Wednesday, though, as they take on Juventus in the Coppa Italia final.

ATK Mohun Bagan Private Limited, the new company of the merged entity of Kolkata clubs ATK and Mohun Bagan has been incorporated with the Government of India's Ministry of Corporate Affairs on Wednesday.

Five directors have also been appointed in the company. ATK co-owner Utsav Parekh, Mohun Bagan officials Srinjoy Bose and Debashis Dutta are present in the board of directors. Whereas the other two members are Gautam Ray and Sanjeev Mehra.

The two clubs had decided to enter into a merger back in January 2020 that would help Mohun Bagan enter the ISL from the 2020-21 season.

The new entity was supposed to come into existence on June 1, 2020, but due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic and the resulting nationwide lockdown since March 25, the deal was delayed. With the new company already being reserved, an official announcement from both parties is expected soon.

Mohun Bagan won the league title for the fifth time in their history this year and ATK won their third ISL title beating Chennaiyin FC in the final back in March.

Other than participating in the ISL, the merged entity will also take part in the group stages of AFC Cup 2021 by using Mohun Bagan’s I-League 2019-20 champions’ slot.

Cristiano Ronaldo told Nani that he “will probably end up in America” at some point of his career, the Orlando City winger has claimed.

The pair have been team-mates at club and international level, having shared the flanks at Manchester United and for Portugal.

Ronaldo has been tipped to follow in the footsteps of the likes of David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thierry Henry and David Villa in winding down his career in MLS and, now 35, that day may well be approaching.

"A couple of years ago, he told me that he will probably end up in America," Nani told ESPN.

"It's not 100 per cent, but probably. There is a chance."

The side most frequently linked with a move in recent months has been Inter Miami, David Beckham’s project club ready to make their debut in the new MLS season.

Nani was looking forward to his second season in the division, after completing his first year in Orlando.

With 12 goals and five assists in 30 appearances, the former Sporting C.P. man seems to be enjoying his time stateside – though his side finished second-bottom in the Eastern Conference.

"It is a great league," he added.

"Obviously there are points where we must improve as a league, even in the quality of the players.

"Here you have fantastic clubs, well organised with fantastic conditions, great coaches, great players. You see every season improving.

"I think we all have the conditions in this league. We are in a great country. Everything is around us. It is all about being better, not being afraid to improve."

Ronaldo’s current Juventus contract is believed to run until the summer of 2022, and it seems unlikely the club would be willing to contemplate losing him before then.

By the end of the 2021-22 season, though, Ronaldo will be 37 years old – and possibly considering a new challenge.

In the past, though, he has suggested he wants to finish at the top. In 2015, he said: "In my mind I want to finish in the top level, I want to finish with dignity so in a good club.

"It doesn't mean that to go USA or Qatar or Dubai is not good but I don't see myself [going there]."

Eight individuals from six Championship clubs have tested positive for the coronavirus, the EFL has confirmed, just three days before the season gets back underway.

Promotion-chasing Brentford have confirmed one of the positive tests as their own, though the identity of the individual was not disclosed.

A total of 2213 players and club staff were tested among the Championship’s 24 clubs.

The English second tier is due to restart on Saturday, June 20, with each club having nine fixtures still to play.

A statement from the EFL read: “Those players or Club staff who have tested positive will now self-isolate in line with the guidelines provided by the EFL and only those who have tested negative will be permitted to enter training ground facilities.”

After the previous round of testing a week ago, six individuals from four clubs had tested positive.

It was also announced that from 254 tests carried out at four League One clubs over the last week, four individuals from two clubs have tested positive for Covid-19.

Meanwhile in League Two, there were zero positive results after 174 players and club staff from four clubs were tested.

As the season resumes, the EFL will continue to provide weekly testing updates on Wednesdays.

As things stand, Leeds and West Brom are well placed to end their exile from the Premier League.

Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds are top by a single point, but there is a six-point gap between the top two and the play-off positions.

Fulham, Brentford, Nottingham Forest and Preston currently make up the rest of the top six, but there are seven more teams within six points of the play-offs as the season nears its end.

At the other end of the table, Barnsley find themselves bottom and needing a miracle, seven points adrift of safety.

Luton and Charlton are above them in the relegation zone with Hull, Wigan, Middlesbrough, Huddersfield and Stoke all still at risk from the drop.

The pick of the opening round of fixtures sees third-placed Fulham host play-off rivals Brentford, with the game billed for a lunchtime kick-off to get the season back up and running.

Deon Hotto's representative Machini Motloung is hoping to finalise the future of the Bidvest Wits winger in the near future. 

The Namibia international has strongly been linked with a possible move to Orlando Pirates while Mamelodi Sundowns are also reported to be interested in the player. 

As things stand, none of the Wits players who have offers in front of them has finalised anything with their potential employers.  

"Obviously, it will be better if everything is concluded quickly so that he can move on," Motloung told Daily Sun.   

"As you know, the current season was paused due to the Covid-19 pandemic." 

Motloung admits the situation with Hotto and his colleagues are facing is different from what he's usually used to while hinting that the ongoing negotiations can destabilise the team. 

"Under normal circumstances, you would have been approached just after the season had ended to ensure that you don't destabilise the team," added Motloung.  

There are six to eight rounds of matches to play before the end of the season which has been suspended since mid-March but it is expected that the campaign will be extended but players couldn't wait for that to secure their futures, including Hotto himself. 

Wits still have an outside chance of winning the league as they are 10 points behind leaders Kaizer Chiefs with a game in hand. 

Hotto is one of eight players who will be leaving the Students following the management's decision to sell the club's PSL status to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila owner Masala Mulaudzi last week.

Thulani Hlatshwayo, Thabang Monare, Gift Motupa, Buhle Mkhwanazi, Haashim Domingo, Sfiso Hlanti and Ricardo Goss are other players expected to leave Wits. 

This comes after TTM made it clear their high salary packages will make it impossible for the club to keep them. 

Hotto has been outstanding for the Clever Boys since his arrival from Bloemfontein Celtic two years ago. 

He has scored 14 goals and registered 21 assists in 66 appearances across all competitions since his arrival. 

This season only, the 29-year-old winger has bagged eight goals and five assists in 31 competitive matches for the Students. 

Kakamega Homeboyz have pleaded with Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to forward their name to Caf as Kenya’s representatives in the Confederation Cup.

On Tuesday, Confederation of African Football (Caf) released teams that have been cleared to play in the competition, but Kenya was missing because they could not give out a name as the FKF Shield Cup, whose winner goes for the competition, is yet to be played to the end.

This is because the domestic cup was halted in mid-March owing to the effects caused by the coronavirus pandemic alongside the Kenyan Premier League (KPL), though FKF moved to declare table-toppers Gor Mahia as champions and promoted Nairobi City Stars and Bidco United.

As it stands, Gor Mahia will participate in the Caf Champions League for the fourth season in a row, leaving Kenya without a team in the Confederation Cup.

It is the reason Homeboyz have now asked FKF to forward their name to Caf because they are currently second behind Gor Mahia in the league table and have the financial muscle to afford trips into Africa.

“If you look at the position we are currently sitting in the table, we are second and now if FKF still insists they don’t have a team to send to the Confederation Cup, Homeboyz is ready to take up the slot, instead, of the country missing out,” Homeboyz CEO Benard Shitiabayi told Goal on Wednesday.

“Homeboyz is even ready, more than any other team in the league comparing our financial status and our financial muscles which we have financial support from the County government of Kakamega and we have our own business mogul Cleophas Shimanyula, definitely the only team that can well fit in the competition is Homeboyz.

“We request FKF, they still have enough time to send a team and if they can listen to me as Homeboyz CEO, they should just borrow my idea and give the chance to Homeboyz, who are more than ready, instead, of Kenya missing out completely and throwing away the opportunity.”

Bandari represented Kenya in the last competition and were eliminated in the play-off stage after losing 5-2 on aggregate to Guinean outfit Horoya AC.

Gor Mahia head coach Steven Polack has belatedly won the February Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Fidelity Insurance Coach of the Month award.

The award had been planned to be given out in March but the organisers delayed it citing the coronavirus restriction activated by the government.

The winner is chosen by the organisers and the Sports Journalists Association (SJAK). Polack had also won it in October and November 2019.

Gor Mahia picked up 10 points in February as they recorded three wins and a draw despite going down 3-1 to Sofapaka.

K'Ogalo defeated Nzoia Sugar 3-0 before their surprise loss to Sofapaka in Narok and failed to pick maximum points when they drew 1-1 against Western Stima in Kisumu in the subsequent match.

The last match in February was against Zoo FC when they fought back to ensure they picked up a 3-2 win at Kericho Green Stadium.

Anthony Kimani of AFC Leopards lost the award to Polack as a loss to Tusker denied him a maiden Coach of the Month award. Twahir Muhiddin, who was in charge of Bandari then, came third.

“To get an individual award makes you feel good but we know football is not an individual sport so I congratulate the players and the staff too for the hard work they put in,” Polack told reporters as he received the award.

“Without them, I would not be standing here today with the trophy.”

“The fans have also been amazing because Gor Mahia enjoy the biggest support and it is they who have been pushing the team to do well. It is not all about the money but about the hard work we have put in all along as a group.”

Polack called for a truce between Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and Kenyan Premier League (KPL) who continue to jostle over the fate of the competition.

“Hopefully, we hope Covid-19 will go away soon so that we can get back to do what we are used to,” added the former Asante Kotoko coach.

“Let FKF and KPL sort the issue out together and if they say we have to play again then we will have to play. I have confidence in my players and my staff.

“But they have to look at the bigger picture before they make such a big decision because next season they say will start in August.”

Former Gor Mahia midfielder Geoffrey Kizito has revealed he is happy to play in the Vietnam League 1.

Playing for Than Quang Ninh currently, 'Rasta' as Kizito is known has had stints with Xuan Thanh Sai Gon and Sai Gon. The defensive midfielder further pointed out what is important to survive in the South East Asian league.

“Vietnam has been good, I can’t complain because the league is as competitive and professional, much as many think, otherwise, here performance is key,” Kizito told Football256.

Kizito was part of the Cranes' team that took part in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) and says he achieved one of his career dreams by participating in the tournament.

“It was a good experience and a dream come true because I always wanted to play for my country at such a big stage. I played alongside experienced players and learnt a lot, I can only give thanks to God,” added the midfielder.

Kizito further answered whether he might leave during the upcoming transfer window as he also challenges upcoming players to push themselves hard and learn.

“If the opportunity comes and the deal is straight, I would certainly consider going,” he concluded.

“The young players have to work harder towards their dream every day because talent alone is not enough and opportunity meets hard work. To me, it’s about knowing your weakness, listening and being ready to learn.”

Meanwhile, Express FC defender Cyrus Kibande has said his debut season in the Ugandan Premier League (UPL) was fair.

“I want to be honest with you that playing in 11 league games for such a big club like Express, was a fair start to my career at the club,” Kibande told Football256.

“Not that I was happy with missing out on the other games through injury, no, but note that this was my first season in the league, at a big club like Express, therefore to me 11 games were something huge.

“I am just imagining how it would’ve been had it not been for the injuries, so I am hoping for an injury-free season.”

Kibande also spoke about his expectations of working under Wasswa Bbosa who was appointed to succeed George Ssimwogerere in May.

“I know it’s going to be a competitive season for us as players in terms of proving to the manager that you deserve to start, but I am ready for the competition," 

“I am praying that I overcome my injury problems of last season so that I can play game in game out as I try to realize my dream of playing for the national team.

“It may not be the senior Cranes team for now but as long as it’s a national team set up, I really don’t mind the level.” 

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) are still hopeful of concluding the FKF Shield Cup if the government lifts the ban on sporting activities when it expires on July 7.

While FKF moved to end the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) season and declare Gor Mahia champions and promote Nairobi City Stars and Bidco United, the Federation’s CEO now says they can still conclude the Shield competition which was in the quarter-final stage if the curfew is lifted.

However, whether it will be played or not, will depend on the government’s next move on the 30-day curfew imposed in the country to contain the coronavirus pandemic, which will elapse on July 7.

“If we manage to get 10 days, we can effectively play the competition to the end and get a deserved winner,” Otieno told Goal on Wednesday.

“If the government lifts the ban and allows sporting activities to resume, then we will only need 10 days to complete the competition, we only need to play on Tuesday, Thursday and play the final on Saturday and we will have a winner.”

On Tuesday, Confederation of African Football (Caf) released teams that have been cleared to play in the Confederation Cup, but Kenya was missing out because they could not give out a name as the tournament was yet to conclude.

Otieno now says they have written to Caf pleading to be given more time to see whether they can have the 10 days to conclude the competition.

“We have written to Caf seeking for more time, we are just buying time hoping the government will lift the ban when the current curfew comes to an end, and then we conclude the tournament, and after, to forward in the name of the winners to Caf,” Otieno continued.

“Caf has not responded to our request yet and so we are just waiting, we are keeping our fingers crossed and hope they can grant us more time so that we can have a deserved winner in the competition.”

Bandari represented Kenya in the last competition and were eliminated in the play-off stage after losing 5-2 on aggregate to Guinean outfit Horoya AC.

By virtue of ending the league, Gor Mahia will now carry Kenya’s flag in the Caf Champions League for the fourth season in a row.

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford burst onto the scene in 2016 and he is now considered one of England's best young players, with an abundance of potential.

His stock sky-rocketed following his sudden arrival into the team at Old Trafford and his performances have earned him a number of new deals with the club.

Rashford can already say he has won the League Cup, the FA Cup and the Europa League, as well as the Community Shield, not to mention the fact that he has played in a World Cup semi-final.

So how much has his brief career been worth so far? Goal takes a look at how lucrative Rashford's football journey has been.

Contents

What is Marcus Rashford's net worth?

British finance magazine Spear's estimates Rashford's net worth to be around £65 million ($80m), which is quite impressive, even if it seems a tad unrealistic considering his youth.

A clearer picture will undoubtedly emerge in the coming years as he earns more money through new, more lucrative, contracts, but right now he appears to be doing quite well.

Given that Rashford is only at the beginning of his career he has not had the time required to amass the sort of wealth that is enjoyed by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Aside from his salary at Man United, details of his wealth are not exactly clear, but his various endorsements, particularly with sportswear giants Nike, are sure to be worth plenty of money.

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How much does Marcus Rashford earn?

Rashford signed a new contract with Manchester United in 2019 that is reportedly worth £200,000 ($250k) a week.

The deal runs until 2023 and is a mammoth increase on his previous package, which saw him earning £20,000 a week.

With a salary of £200,000 a week, Rashford would be earning over £10m per year for his efforts before bonuses and other play-related incentives are taken into account.

You can see an approximate breakdown of how much Rashford earns below.

*Approximates

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What sponsorship deals does Marcus Rashford have?

Rashford is a Nike athlete and, since his breakthrough at Old Trafford, he has featured in a number of the sportswear brand's promotional campaigns.

Along with Tottenham's Harry Kane and Manchester City's Raheem Sterling, he is one of England's top Nike footballers and his stature with the brand is perhaps illustrated by the fact that he has rubbed shoulders with the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Gonzalo Higuain and Edinson Cavani in advertisements.

As well as Nike, Rashford is a 'McDonald's Football Ambassador' and in December 2017 he took part in a promotion that saw him return to his former club, Fletcher Moss Rangers to distribute brand new kits.

He has also worked closely with EA Sports in the promotion of their FIFA video game series.

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What businesses does Marcus Rashford have?

Rashford is only at the beginning of his career in football, so he can be forgiven if long-term business interests are not to the front of his thoughts right now. 

However, like many footballers, he does appear to have set up a property business, suggesting that he will invest some of his earnings into that industry.

Of course, there is still plenty of time for him to follow in the footsteps of other footballers by venturing further into the realm of business.

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What charity work does Marcus Rashford do?

Rashford has used his status as one of England and Manchester United's biggest stars to highlight many social issues in an effort to effect positive change in society.

In 2020, the striker penned an open letter to the British parliament urging politicians to continue a free meal scheme for vulnerable children through the summer in light of the coronavirus pandemic. While it was initially rebuffed, pressure mounted on the UK government to such a degree that Prime Minister Boris Johnson performed a u-turn.

Rashford was extremely active in promoting various charities during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020, including foodbank services Fare Share and Co-op, as well as being part of the Players Together initiative, which donated money to the NHS.

He has long taken an interest in helping people who are homeless, working with Selfridges on their 'In the Box' Christmas campaign and has been to the fore in using his voice against racism. 

How many social media followers does Marcus Rashford have?

Rashford's social media presence is formidable for a player of his age, but it is probably not surprising considering that he is playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world. 

The England international has over 8.5 million followers on Instagram, a platform that he updates regularly, giving an insight into his lifestyle; which appears to include plenty of social time with team-mate Jesse Lingard.

Instagram is by far his most popular platform, with his official Twitter and Facebook pages not yet breaking the one-million mark in terms of followers.

Rashford has around 3 million followers on Twitter and his Facebook page is liked by over a million people.

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Bruno Fernandes is looking forward to playing alongside Paul Pogba as Manchester United prepare to face Tottenham in their first game of the Premier League restart.

The duo have yet to feature in a competitive match together as the Portugal star arrived at the club while Pogba was still recovering from ankle surgery.

There is growing excitement from supporters about seeing the pair in the same side ahead of Friday's meeting with Spurs, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer having played them together in a number of training games.

That included a friendly against West Brom at Old Trafford and Fernandes has admitted that it will be "amazing" to feature in the same team as the World Cup winner.

"I think everyone is excited to see Paul Pogba play again. He’s had a long time out injured and to play alongside him will be amazing," Fernandes told talkSPORT.  

"We have a lot of good players and the most important thing is the result for Manchester United. Everyone wants to play with the best players and Pogba is one of them."

Some have questioned whether the pair will be able to play alongside each other but Solskjaer has no issue in putting them both in the same team.

"Good players can always play together, so definitely, they can - it's a big yes," Solskjaer told Sky Sports   last month.

"I think it's exciting... we do have an exciting squad. I've got Scott [McTominay], Fred, Nemanja [Matic].There's many games coming up and I'm sure we can find a good connection between them. We've been discussing that as a coaching team of course, and we're looking forward to it.

On the adulation Fernandes has received from the United fans and being one of the leaders at Old Trafford, the Portuguese added: "They support me a lot and for me that’s really important.

"I’m very thankful for the support the fans gave me from the beginning, it has been perfect for me.

"From the beginning I feel I’ve been at home, like I never left Sporting. It was really important for me to start well with some good performances and we’ve had some amazing results.

"I think everyone has to be a leader in their own way. Everyone here is a leader, in everything you have different leaderships and I think I’m just another one. I try to help everyone and they try to help me.

"I do always want the ball, that is true, and I will always be like that."

Arsenal technical director Edu has confirmed head coach Mikel Arteta will have a big say in the club's transfer business, with the Gunners eager to create a harmonious culture that will see them return to challenging for major honours.

In the past, several managers have complained publicly about clubs not listening to their recruitment suggestions or philosophies for moving on to bigger and better things, with key players often sold for short-term profits rather than longer-lasting success.

Edu claims that no such scenario will appear at the Emirates, however, stating that Arteta's involvement in future planning is imperative to any potential success in seasons to come.

“Mikel has to be involved in recruitment, he must,” Edu told The Athletic. “We talk about what we need, the characteristics of the players, the system we’re going to play and then I start the process internally. That’s my role. 

“If he has names, if he advises or wants advice on players, that’s fine. If he wants to talk to the other guys [like scouts] of course he will talk to them, but normally that’s my process. That’s why the relationship between us needs to be very strong. 

“I have to understand his points and he has to understand the club’s points. Then we build everything together — that’s the main point.”

Edu went on to state that he knew Arteta was the man to take the club forward before they had even started talking about football, with the Spaniard's qualities as an thoughtful and insightful person making him a “special guy”.

“My first conversation with him was not about football and that’s what I really loved,” Edu added. “It was about concepts, respect, people and staff but not football. My beliefs and his beliefs are the same. 

“We were talking about life, about family, how important it is for the players to understand the importance of being together and respecting the club. After that conversation I was really surprised — we connected straight away with our ideas, philosophy and lifestyle. 

“So before we went through the technical part, I felt he was a special guy.

“After that, we went to football. I explained to him the team we had, the system we played, the system we believe we can play in the future, how we see the team. I did a presentation to him about our squad and then listened to his thinking. He was really excited. 

“And then there was a presentation by him to show me a little bit about his philosophy. Then we, together, started to create a plan. We interviewed a lot of people and that was a very beautiful experience for me, less than six months into the job myself. 

“You have to get to know the person, not just the coach. You see his family, his children, his character as a father and husband. That what I call the base. He has a very, very, very beautiful base.”

Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser has turned down the opportunity to sign a short-term extension that would see him finish up the club's nine remaining Premier League matches, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the month.

The Scotland international, who has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal in the past, will fall into the free agent pool come July, with it likely that the 26-year-old is keen to avoid unnecessary injury risk ahead of a potentially lucrative transfer. 

Former Gunners icon Ray Parlour recently responded to reports that Fraser would not stay on with the Cherries, branding the wide man's behaviour “disgraceful” and saying players can just as easily get injured in training as they would during a competitive match.

The diminutive attacker has paid no heed to his detractors, however, with Bournemouth announcing on Wednesday that Fraser was not amongst those who had put pen to paper on short-term deals.

“Simon Francis, Andrew Surman, Artur Boruc and Charlie Daniels have agreed short-term contract extensions to cover the remaining nine games of the 2019/20 season,” a club statement read.

“The quartet will prove a boost to Eddie Howe and his squad as the Cherries prepare for the return of the Premier League later this week.

“Francis, who is club captain, has played the most prominent role this season with 18 appearances in all competitions, whilst vice-captain Surman has featured on nine occasions.

“Goalkeeper Boruc has been named on the bench 29 times this season, while full-back Daniels is continuing his recovery from a long-term knee injury.

“Winger Ryan Fraser has declined to sign a short-term contract extension.

“The Cherries restart their Premier League campaign on Saturday 20th June, hosting Crystal Palace at Vitality Stadium. The game is the first-ever Premier League match to be broadcast on the BBC.”

Sitting in the relegation zone with 27 points from 29 games, Howe's charges must dig deep during the run-in, with the south-coast side currently on a streak of four matches without a win.

South African Football Association’s (Safa) president Dr Danny Jordaan has dropped a hint Bafana Bafana could return to action sooner rather than later.

The Safa boss explained they are communicating with Fifa regarding the return to international competitions, this comes after the matches were suspended following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

On the other hand, Jordaan says they need to see the 2019/20 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season back in action before international games can return.

“As I’m talking to you, I’m responding to Fifa to check on their inputs about international football. I’m talking about issues raised by Fifa when it comes to international competitions,” said Jordaan as quoted by DailySun.

“International competitions are more complicated because our players must first come from Europe to South Africa, but there are no flights at the moment [due to lockdown restrictions].

“But in order for Bafana to play, we need domestic leagues to play because you cannot have players not playing in the domestic leagues and you want them to play at international competitions; the players must be match fit, they must come from a competitive environment, in this case, the PSL, before they go to Bafana to international competitions.

“Domestic competition must commence before you can have international competition.”

According to the publication, together with PSL chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza, Jordaan was tasked to deliver the 2019/20 NSL (National Soccer League) Covid-19 Health and Safety Directive protocols that were compiled by JLC (Joint Liaison Committee).

With the country still in Level 3 of lockdown, it is also reported Khoza and Jordaan have since met Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa in a meeting on Monday via Zoom.

In addition, Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize was in Port Elizabeth on Monday where he also met Jordaan and discussed football-related issues.

Meanwhile, the current season was halted in March just before the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sao Tome e Principe was cancelled.

As things stand, Kaizer Chiefs currently lead the log table with 48 points from 22 matches whilst Mamelodi Sundowns sit second with 44 points, Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United share third spot with 40 points.

Manchester City have a better team than Real Madrid, according to midfielder Rodri – but they can’t take Champions League progression for granted.

As authorities work on plans to finish the European campaign, City have one foot in the quarter-finals after coming from behind to beat Madrid 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

When the second leg is played, it will doubtless be a fascinating encounter between the teams currently sat second in the Premier League and La Liga, but Rodri is wary of overconfidence.

“I don’t trust any scoreline against Madrid, even though we won 2-1,” Rodri told Diario AS.

“It is Madrid and they are far from finished. We have a better team and we showed it in the first leg, but there is one step to take.

“We have to respect our opponents, we have to go for the victory because, if not, we will be in trouble.

“Eliminating Madrid, who have won three Champions League titles in a row and have been so powerful in recent years in Europe, would give us a lot of morale and confidence to say that it can be done. But there are great teams in Europe, not just Madrid.”

Rodri is coming towards the end of his first season at City, having joined in a club-record deal from Atletico Madrid last summer.

Seen as the long-term successor to Fernandinho in the holding role, the Spaniard has bedded in and will be expecting to kick on next term.

In moving from the Spanish capital, Rodri swapped Diego Simeone for Pep Guardiola.

They may seem like chalk and cheese in terms of their footballing philosophy, but Rodri says they are not all that different.

“Many people think that they are polar opposites and that they have nothing in common, but I see similarities,” he said.

“They are very intense, very hard-working, they make you do your best every day, they take training as if it were competition because it is an opportunity to learn, they love you 100 per cent.

“From there, each one has his way of understanding football and putting it across.

“I am lucky because working with both of them has made me a more complete player.”

AFC Leopards interim head coach Anthony Kimani has revealed how John Makwatta's exit affected the young players.

Makwatta joined Zambian giants at end of the January transfer window after netting 13 goals for the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side and Kimani admits his exit was a big loss to young players.

“[John] Makwatta was a leader on and off the pitch and his personality was very inspiring to younger players. We definitely missed that when he left for Zambia,” Kimani told reporters.

Kimani was among the local coaches who took part in the Caf ‘C’ level courses conducted by the Kenya Football Federation (FKF).

“It was an important training. It has raised our knowledge and put us at another level,” said the 2008 KPL winning star with Mathare United.

“Seeing a number of former players undertake the same training was also refreshing. It built their ability to coach even if they are not already doing it now."

Tom Juma, a former Harambee Stars and the current Football Operations Manager at AFC Leopards, also lauded the initiative undertaken by the federation.

“There was a big vacuum as previous regimes never bothered to organize for such courses and the most recent ones have made a difference even at grassroots level,” Juma said.

“And when you look at the numbers trained, you realise there are many people and that it will make a big difference in their lives.”

Kakamega Homeboyz coach Nicholas Muyoti was also among the trainees and explained how the course is vital.

“Some people assume that if you were a player, then automatically you are qualified to be a coach. However, that is not always the case. The transition from playing to coaching is a process and needs knowledge,” said the former Thika United coach.

“In this regard, I am glad to have attended the Caf ‘C’ level course with a number of former players. It was very educative and went a long way to build our capacity.

“I benefitted a lot. It has helped me to look at coaching from a different perspective,” said Bidco coach Antony Akhulia.

Evans Mafuta (Nairobi Stima Assistant Coach), Rix Kanuli (Shabana Asst. Coach), Ibrahim Shikanda (Bandari Assistant Coach), Kinero Abdalla (Modern Coast Assistant Coach), Godfrey Oduor (KCB Assistant Coach), Charles Okere (Tusker Assistant Coach), Fred Ambani (Wazito Assistant Coach), John Amboko (Nairobi City Stars Assistant Coach), George Maina (Naivas Coach), and Pascal Ochieng (Posta Rangers Assistant Coach) were also the beneficiaries of the training.

Free State Stars chairman Mike Mokoena has passed away, the PSL confirmed in a statement on Wednesday morning. 

The cause of Mokoena's sudden death is still unknown.  

In a statement released by the league, PSL chairman paid tribute to Mokoena and hailed his contribution to South African football over the years. 

Mr Mike Mokoena, the Chairman of Free State Stars Football Club, one of the founding members of the NSL and longstanding member of the Executive Committee, has departed.
Our prayers are with the Mokoena family, especially its Matriarch, Ausi Joyce Mokoena who has been a pillar of strength that propped Bra Mike up over the years.

Mike Mokoena was a self-made man that took the fruits of his toil, which he could have used for his personal benefit and that of his family and invested selflessly into football. The Free State Stars payroll that he created and maintained, sometimes under very trying circumstances, is a source of viable livelihood for many.

Bra Mike was an epitome of practicality. People do not come more practical that Mr Mokoena lived.

He shined a spotlight on a little known town in South Africa. He literally put Qwa Qwa and the town of Bethlehem on the map. The economic activity generated by Free State Stars in that part of our country is a powerful legacy of a passionate man that always maintained that “where there is a will, there is a way”

Mike Mokoena, through his toil, left this world a better place than he found it.

May his soul repose peacefully.

Mokoena founded the now Free State Stars in 1977, and the club gained promotion to the professional league in 1985. 

Under his leadership, the club was bought by the league in 2002 when PSL reduced the number of teams from 18 to 16. 

In 2003, Mokoena returned to football after buying Ratanang Maholosiane's status and renamed it Free State Stars and the club was back in the PSL two years later.

While the club got relegated twice thereafter, including the 2018/19 season, Mokoena was proud to have watched Stars lift trophies while he was still in charge of the club.  

Stars won the 1994 Coca Cola Cup, Baymed Cup in 2006 as well as the Nedbank Cup in 2018 with Mokoena as the chairman.  

Former Bidvest Wits winger Sifiso Myeni is saddened by the club's decision to sell its Premier Soccer League (PSL) status.

National First Division (NFD) club Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila recently confirmed that they had purchased Wits' status ahead of next season.

However, the deal will still need to be approved by the PSL Executive Committee before it is officially completed.

Myeni was nurtured in the Wits academy before he went on to help the first team win major trophies.

“It’s sad that a club with such a rich history has been sold. The owners know why they sold it, maybe it was a business decision," Myeni told Daily Sun.

"I thought it was just rumours when I heard about the sale for the first time. But when I heard TTM boss reveal on the radio that the only thing left now was for the PSL to confirm the sale, then I knew the club was gone.

“I joined the club because they had a good youth set-up. Coach Roger de Sa and Eric Tinkler gave me the break to play professional football."

Myeni had two successful spells with the Clever Boys having inspired the team to the 2010 Nedbank Cup triumph as one of the key players.

Before moving to Orlando Pirates in 2012, he returned to Wits four years later, and he helped the team clinch a league and cup double (PSL title and MTN8) during the 2016/17 season.

The Soweto-born player will always cherish his memories with the Students where he played with PSL legends such as Moeneeb Josephs, Marawaan Bantam, and many others.

"I was signed within three days of having trials with the team. I played with a lot of great players like Marawaan Bantam, Winstanley brothers [Ivan, Neil], Richard Rantjie, Lehlohonolo Majoro and Moeneeb Josephs," he said.

"Other youngsters like Patrick Phungwayo and Sibusiso Vilakazi found me in the first team. 

"I am proud that I made history by becoming one of the first players to play at the new FNB Stadium in 2010 when we beat AmaZulu [3-0] in the Nedbank final. I made more history by winning the league with the club.”

Myeni was hoping to reunite with his former teammates to celebrate Wits' 100th anniversary next year, but this will no longer be possible.

“Maybe the team would have done something to celebrate 100 years and invite all players," he concluded.

Myeni is currently clubless after being released by NFD club TS Sporting earlier this month.

UK health secretary Matt Hancock has been mocked by the football world after referring to Manchester United's Marcus Rashford as 'Daniel' in an interview following the government's U-turn regarding free meals for vulnerable children.

Rashford recently penned an open letter to the British parliament in which he begged the government to extend a scheme that provides food vouchers for approximately 1.3 million disadvantaged children across the country.

At first, the Department of Education stated that the scheme would not run over the summer, but Rashford's plea gained enough popularity for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to state on Tuesday that the government would in fact continue to help those in need.

With that, Rashford firmly cemented himself as the most talked about Premier League footballer amongst politicians, including Hancock.

Hancock's name is well known to players in England's top flight too, with the health secretary having called for top-earning athletes to “do their bit” for the country after the UK began to announce its plans for tackling the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite all of that, however, Hancock still managed to refer to Rashford as 'Daniel' in an interview with Sky News on Wednesday.

“Righty-ho. Well I’ll tell you what happened, the Prime Minister talked to Daniel Rashford, he considered it and made his decision,” he said.

“I think it’s terrific, I’m in favour of making sure we get as much support as possible for people in difficult circumstances.

“I think that Marcus Rashford has done a great thing in the campaigning he’s done.”

Rashford responded to a tweet from Gary Lineker by saying he had been called 'much worse' in recent days on the back of his campaign.

Ex-England star Lineker also wrote: “Really looking forward to watching Richard Sterling, Colin De Bruyne, Danny Luiz and Co. tonight.”

Elsewhere, fellow Red Devil Gary Neville simply wished Rashford a good day, tweeting: “Morning Daniel”.

The healthy secretary subsequently tweeted to acknowledge the name mix-up, writing: "Too early. But in all seriousness Marcus you’re a credit to the nation."

Rashford also responded to that comment, replying: "As I said yesterday this was never about politics or me. The PM didn’t need to u-turn the decision but I’m thankful he did. I asked you to listen and you did that so on behalf of all mums likes mine, dads and carers that are struggling across the country, thank you."