Looking for Soccer News?

With Bidvest Wits having been sold to new owners, defender Sifiso Hlanti’s agent Sizwe Ntshangase says his client is available for negotiations.

The Bafana Bafana defender has been reportedly linked with a move to Orlando Pirates and his handler explains that the club’s purchase by Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila has caught them off guard.

On the other hand, Ntshangase explains that any possible suitors must engage the Clever Boys management and not talk to him directly.

“Yes, Hlanti is available to open negotiations right now. The sale of the club is something that has caught us off guard and we were not prepared for,” Ntshangase told Isolezwe.

“Honestly, there is nothing that has been communicated to us by Wits, or that’s written down until now. However, it’s clear that the club is selling or has been sold.

“All in all, I can say is that the clubs that are interested in signing Hlanti can start to have negotiations now although it will not help to contact me directly. They must still talk to Wits.”  

Together with skipper Thulani Hlatshwayo and winger Deon Hotto, Hlanti’s future is a subject of speculation with the trio being linked with moves to the so-called big three in the form of Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns.

According to Ntshangase’s sentiments, the former AmaZulu left-back could join a new club should the Braamfontein-based club agree to any offers tabled by interested clubs.

In addition, following the sale of the Clever Boys, the latest developments mean Bidvest Wits will no longer exist beyond the current season unless their management buys Premier Soccer League (PSL) or National First Division (NFD) status from another club.

As things stand, Wits' management cannot take the NFD status of TTM as owner Masala Mulaudzi has already confirmed selling his club's status to an unnamed Limpopo-based businessman.

Hlanti featured for coach Gavin Hunt's troops on 26 occasions in all competitions this season despite being heavily linked with a move to the United States of America (USA) for club team Nashville SC after he impressed at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals.

Marco van Ginkel says that Chelsea have opened talks with his agent over a contract extension, which could see him remain at Stamford Bridge beyond the summer.

Van Ginkel was dubbed the 'next Frank Lampard' by ex-Vitesse Arnhem boss Peter Bosz when he completed an £8 million move to Chelsea from the Eredivisie outfit in 2013.

Unfortunately, he has never come close to living up to that billing, having been restricted to just four first-team appearances for the Blues amid persistent struggles with injuries.

The 27-year-old took in loan spells at AC Milan, Stoke and PSV before returning to west London in the summer of 2018, at which point he suffered another major blow to his Chelsea career.

Van Ginkel was forced to undergo surgery to reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee, and he hasn't seen a single minute of competitive action since.

He had, however, finally returned to full training before the 2019-20 season was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak, and he will be in contention for a place in Frank Lampard's squad when Chelsea get their campaign back underway against Aston Villa on June 21.

Van Ginkel's current deal is due to expire at the end of the month, but he claims that talks over a renewal are ongoing.

He expects to return to action with the Blues' academy side if an agreement can be reached over the next couple of weeks, as he told Dutch publication AD: "My agent, Karel Jansen, is in talks with Chelsea about a new contract for me. I am very happy at this show of confidence in me by the club.

"It is quite something when a club tries to keep a player who has been out injured so long and in these uncertain times as well.

"If a deal can be done I expect to make my comeback in Chelsea's Under-23 side.

"Otherwise I will be a free agent this summer, and we'll look elsewhere.

"The prospects look very good. I have worked really hard to come back.

"I can now train four to five times a week. I was on the point of rejoining group training in March before the coronavirus outbreak."

Arsenal must "break the bank" to keep hold of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to Kevin Campbell, who says the Gunners have been guilty of "messing around" when it comes to their star striker's future.

Aubameyang has lived up to his reputation as one of Europe's most deadly centre-forwards since joining Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018.

The 30-year-old has hit 61 goals in 97 appearances for the Gunners, and he currently boasts the fourth-best goals-per-game ratio in Premier League history behind Thierry Henry, Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero.

Despite the Gabon international's prolific output in the final third, Arsenal have yet to offer him an extension on his current deal, which is due to expire in 2021.

Aubameyang confirmed as much during an interview with Telefoot at the weekend, stating: “They know very well why so far nothing has happened. They have the keys. It is up to them to do their work and, after that, we will see how things go.”

Campbell says the Gunners have backed themselves into a corner when it comes to a prized asset's position at Emirates Stadium, and that they are unlikely to find anyone better to come in and fill his boots.

“Aubameyang guarantees you goals, and if you sell your goals you’re in a very difficult position to replace them,” the ex-Arsenal striker told talkSPORT .

“He’s guaranteed to get you 20 goals a season, minimum, so how are you going to replace that?

“If you don’t give him what he wants, it’s going to cost more to find someone to replace him, and even then they are not proven they can come in and do it.

“He’s in the building! Yes, he’s going to be 31 but he’s still lean, he’s still sharp, he’s still fast – this is the type of player you build around.

“I don’t know what they’re thinking at the club, but I’d have signed him a year ago!”

The Gunners famously ended up selling both Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie due to poor contract planning, and Campbell sees history repeating itself with Aubameyang unless the club gives in to his demands.

“I think Arsenal have shot themselves in the foot yet again,” he added. “They’ve played a game and they’ve taken a risk hoping that they’ll qualify for the Champions League so that would obviously push him to be signing, but it isn’t quite working out this season.

“It’s a very, very dangerous game that they’re playing. The backroom people and the hierarchy said they would never put themselves in this position again, but what have they done? They’ve put themselves in this situation again!

“The club has been run so poorly on the transfer retention side, they keep putting themselves in this very difficult situation and it’s not right, fans are going to go crazy about it.

“I think Aubameyang is right to put the ball firmly in their court and it’s now up to Arsenal to make some moves and prove to him that they’re serious. As an Arsenal fan I want him to stay, of course I do, but if I’m Aubameyang, I’ve been at Arsenal all this time and they have been messing around!

“What Arsenal have been doing, skimping and scraping, is not going to turn his head to stay. If Mikel Arteta wants to keep him they have to break the bank to keep him, they have to.”

Partizan Belgrade striker Umar Sadiq stated it’s a big compliment for him to be linked with Premier League giants Manchester United.

The forward has been in blistering form since teaming up with the Black-Whites after a disappointing spell with Steven Gerrard’s Rangers.

The former Nigeria U23 striker has scored 17 goals and provided 16 assists across all competitions this season for Savo Milosevic’s men.

The forward was one of the standout performers during his side’s 1-0 victory over rivals Red Star Belgrade in a derby outing.

Sadiq’s form has seen him linked to a number of European clubs including the Red Devils and recently, Manchester United scout for Central and Southeast Europe Budimir Vujacic watched him play.

The striker is delighted his performances are getting the attention of the Old Trafford outfit and explained how the Black-Whites have helped him to improve.

"It’s a big compliment for me as a player, but believe me, nothing is accidental,” Sadiq was quoted as saying by the Republika.

"In Partizan, we work thoroughly before every game and not only when we talk about tactics and video analysis, but also about the human relationship.

"Whether it is Chief Milosevic or someone else from the expert staff, they are always there for us

"Partizan helped me a lot in my career, I found my way and now I just follow what they ask of me. I think this is just the beginning of my success, and the motivation is there.”

Partizan played Manchester United in a Europa League game back in November and narrowly lost the first leg by 1-0 in Belgrade.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men, however, dominated the second leg at Old Trafford, securing a comfortable 3-0 victory in the encounter.

"As for Manchester United, I think that they were surprised by our game in Belgrade and that is why they played the best team during the visit, which was not the case afterwards. That speaks enough about respect for Partizan. "

Sadiq started his European career with Italian side Spezia in 2014 before he teamed up with Roma, where he spent four years, including loan spells at Bologna, Torino, NAC Breda and Rangers.

The forward will hope to continue his impressive showings in front of goal when Partizan take on Vojvodina at Stadion Karadorde on Friday.

Experienced left-back Wesley Onguso has revealed he started the motorcycle business five years ago.

The Nairobi City Stars defender was caught on camera on a motorcycle commonly referred to as Boda Boda. The picture brought a range of diverse opinions on social media. 

"I have been in the Boda Boda business since 2016 and I have several motorcycles," Onguso told Goal on Monday.

"It is my part-time business which I treasure and aim at developing it because it also helps me in employing other youths. Currently, we do not have football going on and after training, at times I help my employees, it is something I have been doing.

"Football life is short and unpredictable, we have highs and lows and the best players can do is invest. It is the safest way to protect your future; invest while you can."

The former Gor Mahia left-back has also revealed his role during the current Covid-19 pandemic.

"I have been part of the group [SHOFCO] that sensitizes the community on the pandemic, and ensures we supply protective gear," Onguso added.

"It is a voluntary job and on the material day [when the picture was taken], I had relieved my employee who I regard highly. 

"As players, I believe we have a moral obligation of helping the community to deal with this virus. So we have to help as much as we can."

Onguso, the 2017 Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup (Cecafa) winner with Harambee Stars, joined Simba wa Nairobi in 2019.

He was part of the playing unit that ensured City Stars topped the National Super League table and eventually got promoted when Football Kenya Federation (FKF) cancelled the league.

Onguso's new venture comes at a time when the majority of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) players suffered salary delays as clubs ran without sponsors. The league itself did not have a title sponsor which further affected the financial health of clubs.

Kenyan footballers have been out of action since mid-March when the leagues were stopped owing to the measures put in place to help contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Apart from turning out for Gor Mahia, Onguso has played for Sofapaka, Western Stima, Posta Rangers and Mathare United.

Koln right-back Kingsley Ehizibue in awe of Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich, and likened the players to robots.

Hans-Dieter Flick’s men are on a 13-game winning streak to sit comfortably at the top of the league table with 73 points from 31 games, seven above second-placed Borussia Dortmund.

The Bavarians have only lost four games in this campaign against Hoffenheim, Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia M'gladbach, drawing four and winning 23 matches.

Ehizibue returned to Germany, his country of birth last summer, joining the Billy Goats on a four-year contract from Dutch outfit PEC Zwolle.  

The defender has since been a consistent performer for Markus Gisdol’s men, having made 29 appearances across all competitions.

Playing in the Bundesliga has afforded him the opportunity to rub shoulders with good players and after watching the Bavarians and playing against them, he is impressed with their style of play.

"It all seems so simple what they do, so easy. But it is so incredibly good," Ehizibue recently told Dutch website Voetbal International.  

"At Bayern, they think ten steps ahead. I don't know what they're doing there in Munich, but they're like robots.

"I played against a lot of big teams and big players. Jadon Sancho and Timo Werner, in particular, are really very good.”

Ehizibue’s efforts in this campaign helped the Mungersdorfer Stadion outfit to their current 12th position on the Bundesliga table with 35 points from 31 outings.

The defender’s solid defensive showings for his club saw Nigeria coach Gernot Roht hand him his first call-up to the Super Eagles.

Ehizibue is part of the Super Eagles squad that will take on Sierra Leone in 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game.

The right-back will hope to continue his eye-catching performances when Koln slug it out with Bayer Leverkusen at BayArena on Wednesday.

AFC Leopards interim head coach Anthony Kimani has revealed why Liverpool's manager Jurgen Klopp is his inspiration.

Kimani said he is greatly moved by how the German tactician has turned teams into successful outfits the moment he takes over. 

Kimani succeeded his Rwandan boss in December 2019 and went on to implement a new style of play at AFC Leopards. 

“I get my inspiration from [Jurgen] Klopp because I think he is one of the few coaches who have the ability to get the best out of his players,” Kimani told the club's Online TV.

“Looking at how he has managed and transformed the current Liverpool squad and again what he achieved at Borussia Dortmund. I would say he is a coach who has managed to do so well even though he has not been at the clubs which have got so many resources in Europe.

“Whatever he has managed to get out of his players is not what you can see from other coaches. He is a coach that I really look up to.”

The 2012 Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup finalist with Harambee Stars also spoke highly of the club's supporters, players and officials who stuck together during an otherwise difficult season. 

“The fans, management, the playing unit and the technical bench have been outstanding even though we did not achieve as much as we may have wanted,” Kimani added.

“As a family, we came very close during the most difficult period and going forward, if we continue with the same attitude, come together, come on board and steer this club to the right direction then I feel there are big things in store for us.”

The former left-back also revealed he is confident soon AFC Leopards will have successful seasons.

“We have endured a lot as a club in the last couple of seasons, we have not been at where we want as a club, and have not achieved what is expected of us but I think the time is coming,” concluded the coach.

“We have started doing what we are supposed to do and I feel we are getting closer and closer to where we really deserve to be as a club.”

Simba SC have picked themselves up from the disappointing draw against Ruvu Shooting to beat Transit Camp 4-0 in a friendly played in Dar es Salaam on Monday.

The Mainland giants were frustrated on Sunday after they failed to beat Ruvu Shooting in a Mainland Premier League contest, only managing a 1-1 draw at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

The Simba vs Ruvu Shooting game was among the top-flight matches staged over the weekend as the league returned, three months after it was halted owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

And to rectify mistakes from the draw, Simba quickly planned a friendly against the lower division side, whom they hammered 4-0 courtesy of a brace from Brazilian Gerson Fraga, and a goal apiece from Ibrahim Ajibu and Cyprian Kipenye.

Simba coach Sven Vandenbroeck was impressed with the response from his team in the friendly they dominated from the first whistle to the end.

“I was not interested in the scoreline but my attention was on how the players will respond after a disappointing draw against [Ruvu] on Sunday,” Vandenbroeck told the reporters after the friendly.

“The draw against Ruvu sounded like a defeat because we dominated the match but wasted our chances, we were not clinical in front of goal, but in the friendly the players responded well, it is the kind of response I was looking for and I hope they can carry it to the next league match.”

Simba have openly communicated their disappointment with dropping points against Ruvu Shooting with Information Officer Haji Manara confessing every club official was shocked with the outcome of the match as their aim was to get a win.

“The outcome of the match against Ruvu is not what we were expecting, it is not a good result, to be honest, we did not expect to get such a result,” Manara told reporters.

“I can only congratulate Ruvu for putting up a good show to deny us a win, they played in a very determined manner to take the point away.”

On his part, Ruvu Shooting Information Officer Msau Bwire said: “I had warned Simba prior to the match it will not be an easy task, I knew my players were well prepared to frustrate them and I think we have managed to get a point from them.

“We showed them good football, the same way Barcelona play and we now want to keep the momentum going and get good results in remaining matches.”

Simba are now on 72 points after 29 matches; they have won 23, drawn three, and lost as many matches. Ruvu Shooting remained in 11th position as well after collecting 40 points from 29 matches.

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger and captain Siphiwe Tshabalala has opened up about the difficulties he went through during his time with Turkish side Erzurumspor BB. 

After leaving the PSL for Europe at the age of 33, Shabba admits it was completely different when he first arrived at Erzurumspor, especially from a tactical point of view as the club relied more on physical battle than playing the ball. 

"That side was completely different because when you play on Sunday, during the week you just train and you don't have tactical sessions - no organisation from defence to attack. You just go there and fight to play," Tshabalala told the South African Football Journalists Association.  

"That was really difficult for me in that regard and me being a ball-player, obviously, I wanted the ball, I wanted the team to play but it was difficult, it was more about your physique, you needed to be strong. 

"So I struggled, that's why in the beginning I didn't get to play but it also came to a point where I was not happy that I'm not given an opportunity to do what I love, which is to play. I was doing well at training, giving my best, I was the best player at training and then come game time, I'm on the bench, other players [teammates] are surprised and I'm surprised as well.

While Tshabalala admits it was a dream come true to get the opportunity to ply his trade abroad, he admits it was difficult not playing week-in, week-out. 

"This was a dream I was praying for all along and eventually, it came through. So, it was a blessing that came with burdens as well. I had to learn to live with that and continue to lift myself and stay positive in that difficult situation - hoping I will get a chance."

According to the Soweto-born legend, his lack of game time at Erzurumspor worsened when the club made coaching changes - and he questioned a lot of decisions made by the technical team after he found himself still on the bench come match days.  

"Toward the end, there was one incident where the new coach came in. We played Alanyaspor, he [the coach] changed everything. I was on the bench, I didn't play. I worked hard at training and he came to me and said, 'I really like your style of play, you're going to help us a lot and I think you are ready to play now'," he recalled. 

"I was in the team from Tuesday until the day of the game and then when the team was announced, I was on the bench. It came as a shock because the guy who took my place broke his hand, he couldn't play, they told him that he would be out for three weeks and suddenly this player is in the team, he didn't play well, we lost and I was disappointed." 

"But I told myself if I play, it's okay, if I don't play, it's still okay and after that, he gave me a chance and I enjoyed myself. I had the most touches on the ball, the most forward passes. I intercepted passes and even made an assist but it was too late [to help the team beat relegation]," he said. 

Shabba said he was willing to go back to Turkey and honour his contract with Erzurumspor even after they got relegated but they couldn't reach an agreement when negotiating new terms for his contract. 

"After that, they called Jazzman [Mahlakgane] and they told him they want me to come back and build a team around me but we must renegotiate now because of [the relegation]. I was willing to go back and play, but when I arrived there, things were different, in fact, things were worse. The negotiations just went South. 

Furthermore, the former South Africa international revealed at times he was unpaid for three months at Erzurumspor.   

"It was difficult that side. Sometimes you would go for three months without a salary. You can't leave your own comfort, work in a foreign country and still don't get paid and don't get to play. It built me mentally and I learned from the situation and I just decided to terminate and that's how I left," said Shabba. 

La Liga is back following the coronavirus suspension, and while Barcelona returned in some style on Saturday with a 4-0 demolition of Real Mallorca, they’ll be desperate to add more momentum when Leganes come to the Nou Camp.

Barca barely looked like they’d been away as they resumed their domestic dominance with an early opener via Arturo Vidal.

Martin Braithwaite added another just before halftime, as the strugglers crumbled, before Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi added late goals to add gloss to the scoreline.

It was an ideal start for the league leaders, although while they ended Saturday with a five-point advantage over Real Madrid, that was cut down to two when Los Merengues returned to action on Sunday.

Zinedine Zidane’s side were just as impressive against Eibar, taking a comfortable 3-0 lead inside the first 37 minutes—through Toni Kroos, Sergio Ramos and Marcelo—before the visitors pulled one back on the hour mark.

Monday 15 June | Levante vs Sevilla | SS1 & SS7 | Kickoff at 19:30 (CAT)

Tuesday 16 June | Barcelona vs Leganes | SS7 | Kickoff at 22:00 (CAT)

Wednesday 17 June | Osasuna vs Atletico Madrid | SS7 | Kickoff at 22:00 (CAT)

Up next on Tuesday are Leganes, who only had themselves to blame for falling to a 2-1 defeat by Real Valladolid on Saturday evening.

An early mix-up between Nigeria’s Chidozie Awaziem and Pichu Cuellar allowed Enes Unal in to poke home an early goal, and the hosts never recovered, with Valladolid ultimately winning 2-1.

It leaves Leganes three points from safety, and it’s imperative there are no more defensive slip-ups when they come up against goal-hungry Barca on Tuesday.

While Quique Setien’s side have already lost five matches so far this season, it’s hard to see how Leganes will get anything out of this one.

Perhaps the only encouragement for the relegation battlers may come from the fact that Barcelona have to face Sevilla away on June 19; it’s a tricky fixture, and Setien may be tempted to shuffle his pack for the more straightforward clash against Leganes.

If so, could this give the minnows a chance?

On Monday, Levante host Sevilla, who impressed upon their return to action with a 2-0 victory over rivals Real Betis in Thursday’s derby.

Levante will be tough opponents, having impressed on Friday as they held Valencia 1-1 away. The hosts thought they’d won it when Rodrigo struck in the 89th minute, but Gonzalo Melero netted a 98th-minute penalty to rescue an unlikely point.

Atletico Madrid were unable to return to action with all three points as they could only manage a 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao in Sunday’s early kick-off.

Diego Costa equalised for Atleti just before half time after Iker Munian had put the Basque side ahead two minutes earlier.

Diego Simeone’s side have now only won one of their last five matches, and must take a win away at Osasuna to reassert themselves in the tight race for Champions League qualification.

Premier League football is set to return to our screens in June after a three-month suspension due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic.

Having been deprived of seeing the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal in live action during the global lockdown, fans of English football will now be able to watch a selection of games for free.

Television networks such as Sky Sports and the BBC will show a number of fixtures without any charge, while newcomer Amazon Prime will also stream some matches for free.

So which games will be gratis? What channel will they be on? And how exactly can you watch them?

Goal brings you all you need to know.

Contents

When does the Premier League restart?

Premier League 2019-20 restarts on June 17 with two matches: Manchester City vs Arsenal and Aston Villa vs Sheffield United.

Once those two games - left over from matchday 28 - are played, the remaining nine matchdays from 30 to 38 - 90 fixtures - will be played.

Which Premier League matches will be free to watch on UK TV?

Sky Sports will make 25 matches available to watch for free, Amazon Prime has confirmed that its four games will be free to watch and the BBC will also broadcast four live matches for free.

Overall, then, a total of 33 Premier League fixtures of the remaining 92 - nearly a third - will be free to watch or stream on UK TV networks. 

Broadcasters have yet to reveal all the matches which will be available to watch for free, but Goal will keep you updated with a list, including dates, kick-off times and channels, right here.

Return to top

How can I stream or watch Premier League for free?

In order to watch or stream Premier League games for free, you will need access to BBC, Sky Sports and Amazon Prime.

BBC, the national broadcaster, is available for free to anyone in the UK via their television set and it can also be accessed online at www.bbc.co.uk or via the BBC iPlayer, which can be used on a computer web browser or through the app on an Android or iOS tablet or mobile device. BBC One and BBC Two are channels 101 and 102 on Sky.

You will need Sky digital TV in order to access Sky's free coverage of the Premier League. Free games will be broadcast on Sky Pick and Sky One.

Amazon Prime has confirmed that you will not need an Amazon Prime membership in order to be able to watch the four free Premier League matches that will be broadcast on their platform.

Return to top

Serie A bosses have confirmed the schedule for the completion of the 2019-20 season, meaning fans of Italian football will be able to watch the likes of Juventus, Inter and AC Milan live again in June.

Matches will be played in front of a maximum of 300 people in stadiums due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions, but fans will be able to tune in to the action on TV or by streaming live online.

So, the good news is that Cristiano Ronaldo, Romelu Lukaku and Italian football's finest are going to finally be back on the pitch and on our screens again.

Lazio will be hoping to push Juventus right to the wire as they attempt to prevent the Bianconeri from clinching their ninth successive title, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic will hope to make a speedy return for Milan.

Of course, the Coppa Italia will also have to be resolved, with two semi-finals - involving Inter, Napoli, AC Milan and Juventus - and a final to be played as well.

But how can you watch the action unfold? Goal brings you all you need to know.

Contents

How to watch or stream Serie A matches

Watch or stream Serie A in the UK

Premier Sports broadcast Serie A in the UK and games will be available to watch on its TV channels, including their online streaming service, the Premier Player.

Games will be aired at 4:15pm, 6:30pm and 8:45pm BST, with fixtures set to be held most days of the week.

To find out more about getting a subscription, visit the network's website www.premiersports.com to register.

Watch or stream Serie A in the US

ESPN has the rights to broadcast Serie A football in the US, with the online streaming service ESPN+ set to broadcast daily

A total of 124 Serie A matches will be played, plus three Coppa Italia games, in the space of just under two months - so that's a lot of soccer.

Serie A kick-off times in the US are 11:15am, 1:30pm and 3:45pm ET.

Return to top

Serie A matchday 25 fixtures & TV channels

A number of fixtures from matchday 25 will be the first postponed Serie A games to be completed. They include Inter vs Sampdoria and Torino vs Parma.

Return to top

Serie A matchday 27 fixtures & TV channels

Return to top

Serie A matchday 28 fixtures & TV channels

Return to top

Serie A matchday 29 fixtures & TV channels

Return to top

Serie A matchday 30 fixtures & TV channels

Return to top

Serie A matchday 31 fixtures & TV channels

Return to top

Serie A matchday 32 fixtures & TV channels

Return to top

Serie A matchday 33 fixtures & TV channels

Return to top

Serie A matchday 34 fixtures & TV channels

Return to top

Serie A matchday 35 fixtures & TV channels

Return to top

Serie A matchday 36 fixtures & TV channels

Return to top

Serie A matchday 37 fixtures & TV channels

Return to top

Serie A matchday 38 fixtures & TV channels

Return to top

Barcelona boss Quique Setien says Lionel Messi must be assessed for more than just his contribution in front of goal as he nears another career milestone.

The Argentina great needs just two more goals to reach a combined 700 for club and country after registering in Barca's 4-0 over Mallorca on Saturday, their first match since La Liga returned following the suspension of top-flight football in Spain as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Messi has a chance to reach the next benchmark in his sensational career in Tuesday's home clash with Leganes behind closed doors at Camp Nou.

Setien recognised the sensational achievement Messi, who played against Mallorca despite having sustained a knock in training, is about to reach but said the Barca skipper should be praised for far more than just his goals.

"Leo is fine. You don't only have to assess the goals he scored, but also the rest of his contributions, like assisting. That gives us a lot of points," he said.

"It's an astronomical number. I think he's reached 700 goals and that's why he's the best player in the world."

Setien is pondering several selection dilemmas ahead of the contest as he looks to protect his squad from injuries given they have only just returned to action.

Antoine Griezmann started in attack against Mallorca, while Luis Suarez returned from injury off the bench.

With another fixture against Sevilla on Friday, Setien is yet to decide if either forward will start against Leganes.

"I have not decided if Luis Suarez will start tomorrow, I have to talk to him. We have to be very cautious, after long injuries muscle problems can start to appear. We must take care," he added.

"Luis Suarez could be one of the players to rest tomorrow or at a later time. Luckily, we have more players. We have a team to adapt to the circumstances.

"Griezmann is indisputable, he is a great footballer, we continue to count on him, he will continue to play a leading role because he is important for the team and the club, but there are also other players that we have to use."

The game will be Barca's first played at home without spectators in attendance and Setien hopes the absence of fans will not hinder the leaders.

"We would rather play with the support of our fans tomorrow but we know it's not possible and we have to adapt. Football loses its essence playing in front of empty stands," he said.

"I hope we don't lose any intimidation factor because we don't have our fans. The public factor would help us a lot, I hope it doesn't hurt us too much now we won't have them with us."

Six years down the line, Ghana international Jerry Akaminko has jumped to the defence of team-mate John Boye who was the subject of controversy during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Following a turbulent camp agitation over unpaid appearance fees ahead of a must-win last group match against Portugal - an episode that hogged media headlines around the world - Boye was captured on camera kissing a bundle of cash after the Black Stars finally received payment for the arrears.

The photo went viral on social media, becoming the subject of many discussions. To compound matters, Boye scored an own goal the following day against Portugal as Ghana exited the global showpiece at the group stage for the first time ever.

"He wasn’t wrong [to kiss his cash]," Akaminko, who just missed the tournament after picking up an injury in a warm-up fixture against the Netherlands, told Citi TV.

"The way football fanatics see these things is not the way we see it as athletes.

"For someone to work that hard and not get his money but receive it later at that time, it was a different feeling and I am sure he did that for the camera.

"John Boye has seen $100,000 [€88,840] before, maybe even more.

"If the players had received their money [early enough], nobody would have seen John Boye kissing the money."

After a 2-1 opening day defeat to the USA and a thrilling 2-2 draw with eventual champions Germany, Ghana needed a win at all costs against Portugal to progress from the group stage as they did on their World Cup debut in 2006 and in 2010 when they reached the quarter-final.

The days leading up to the all-important clash was characterised by controversy.

The team boycotted a training session in protest over the unpaid appearance fees, over $3.5 million [€3,109,414] cash had to be flown from Ghana to Brazil on the matches eve - under global media surveillance - to pay off the arrears and calm the camp agitations, the same night Boye was captured on camera just after he received his share of the cash.

On the morning of the big game, key duo Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng were sent home from camp for separate incidents of indiscipline.

Ghana ultimately lost 2-1 at Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha in Brasilia and were promptly sent packing.

After the tournament, then Ghana president John Mahama set up a Commission of Enquiry to investigate matters of the embarrassing campaign in Brazil.

Simba SC winger Francis Kahata believes his side was punished by Ruvu Shooting for failing to capitalise on chances created.

The Tanzania Mainland League leaders restarted their campaign to win the 2019/20 title on Sunday with a 1-1 draw with their visitors. It was an unexpected result from Wekundu wa Msimbazi after good preparations which included convincing wins against Trans Camp and KMC respectively in the build-up of friendly matches.

"It was a good game, but the result was a little bit disappointing for us," Kahata told Goal on Monday.

"We created numerous chances to get more goals but we could not finish them and we were punished. It is a point for us but I believe we can do better in our next matches, we need to take lessons from the game against Ruvu Shooting."

The Kenya international did not start the match but was introduced later on alongside Deo Kanda, Miraji Athumani, Mohammed Hussein to replace Luis Miquissone, Gadiel Michael, Hassan Dilunga and Shiza Kichuya. 

Simba information Officer Haji Manara had earlier confessed every club official was shocked with the outcome of the match as their aim was to get a win.

"The outcome of the match against Ruvu is not what we were expecting, it is not a good result, to be honest, we did not expect to get such a result," Manara told Sokaletu.

"I can only congratulate Ruvu for putting up a good show to deny us a win, they played in a very determined manner to take the point away."

It was a massive improvement for the Ruvu based-side who lost the first meeting 3-0 but a blow to Simba who are targeting five more wins to be crowned champions.

Simba are now on 72 points after 29 matches; they have won 23, drawn three, and lost as many matches. Ruvu Shooting remained in 11th position as well after collecting 40 points from 29 matches. The administrative side has managed to collect 11 wins, seven draws and 11 losses.

The Tanzanian top-flight finally returned on Saturday with Young Africans (Yanga SC) edging out Mwadui 1-0 while Coastal Union forced a 2-2 draw against third-placed chasing Namungo FC. 

Azam defeated Mbao FC 2-0. 

SuperSport United goalkeeper Ronwen Williams says the Bafana Bafana number one shirt has no name on it but it’s open to any South African keeper who is working hard.

The Matsatsantsa number one netminder says having Kaizer Chiefs’ veteran Itumeleng Khune back from injury is good news for their competition and brotherhood in the camp.

On the other hand, Williams also points to the likes Siyabonga Mbatha of AmaZulu as well as Bloemfontein Celtic's Jackson Mabokgwane, saying they are doing well for their respective clubs in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

“Coming to the national team, it’s always nice to have a full-strength team to give the coach more options. So it’s not about myself, but the national team,” Williams told City Press.

“I’m just glad Itu [Khune] is back and has his injury problems behind him. He’s one of the best [goalkeepers] we have and to see him miss so much action is not nice.

“Even though we are competing at international level, I still want him to be there because he’s like a big brother. When we are in [the Bafana] camp, we share a room. We’ve got a good bond. I’m glad he’s back. We’ve got the best goalkeepers around the PSL.

“There are a lot of guys who have done well this season who didn’t get the credit [they deserve]. Keepers such as Siya Mbatha at AmaZulu and Jackson Mabokgwane at Bloemfontein Celtic have been excellent.

“We must all continue pushing and fighting because that Bafana number 1 jersey doesn’t have anyone’s name on it. So, whoever wants it must work hard and grab it.”

Speaking about his captaincy role for the 2020/21 season, the 28-year-old admits succeeding Dean Furman is a massive responsibility.

“It’s a massive responsibility for me and a huge honour to lead the team. It’s not easy to replace a wonderful player and captain such as Dean,” he added.

“But I have learned so much from him and other former team captains such as Morgan Gould, Thabo September and Ricardo Katza. So the time is right for me now. I am feeling good about it.”

 Meanwhile, coach Kaitano Tembo’s troops are looking to finish in the top three as they currently occupy third spot with 40 points on the log table as things stand.

Sheffield United have held talks with Manchester United over keeping Dean Henderson at Bramall Lane beyond the current season.

Henderson has spent the past two campaigns on loan at Bramall Lane and his current agreement is due to expire at the end of June.

However, with the season being extended due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the Blades have spoken to United regarding a short-term agreement to retain Henderson.

Ahead of their game against Aston Villa on Wednesday, Wilder confirmed that he has spoken to his Red Devils counterpart Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and is confident Henderson will finish the 2019-20 campaign with the Blades.

Asked if there had been contact about keeping Henderson until the end of this season, Wilder said: "There has been, there always is. Not every conversation is put out to the media.

"I spoke to Ole yesterday [Sunday] morning and I thanked him for his cooperation with Dean. We're in the process, in the next couple of days, of finalising Dean staying with us until the end of the season.

"I've got to say, the manager [Solskjaer] was brilliant and always has been with me and our football club. He was very pro Dean staying and delighted in terms of what Dean has produced for us and what we've done for Dean.

“It can't be understated the opportunity we've given him to play Premier League football and we've been delighted with him."

Solskjaer has expressed his view that Henderson will eventually go on to become first-choice keeper for both United and England. 

However, David de Gea is currently blocking his path at Old Trafford and Solskjaer has yet to make a decision on where Henderson will be playing his football next season.

Wilder would be keen to have the keeper in his squad for a third season and has already spoken to United about Henderson’s longer-term future.

He added: "We've had initial conversations. We would be open to Dean coming back but I've got huge respect for Manchester United and he's their player and they'll make that decision, in conjunction with Dean.

"From our point of view, obviously if there is an opportunity, we'd love to take that up."

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Presidential aspirant Herbert Mwachiro has welcomed the KSh14 billion allocated to sports in the next financial year.

The increment is twice the funds allocated to the same department in the last budget. The Confederation of African Football (Caf) Committee Member states the monies allocated to sports prove the Government's position in supporting local talent.

"The 2020/21 budget released by the Minister for Finance [Ukur Yatani]... sends a very strong signal on the Government of Kenya's commitment to supporting local talent, a sector that has in recent weeks experienced insurmountable challenges as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic," Mwachiro said in a signed statement obtained by Goal.

"The Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage has received a KSh14 billion allocation, a significant increase from the prior year. This is expected to present the impetus to spur the recovery of the sector, in alignment with the theme of this year's budget, 'saving lives and livelihoods.'

"As we prepare for a safe return to sports, we are optimistic that as a country we will be able to successfully roll out the activities on the calendar."

The Chairman of National Olympic Committee of Kenya( Nock) - Sports and Environment Commission further stated the monies can be used to grow football, especially at the grassroots level.

"For football specifically, we anticipate a vibrant climate where talent development is concentrated at the grassroots level, and a level playing field is created for both male and female players," Mwachiro added.

"Additionally, we anticipate a significant boost as whole economies are created through the strategic investments in sports and sporting facilities, and more careers created through the advancement of sports science."

In an earlier statement, the former FKF Vice-President and Chief Executive Officer further urged clubs to ensure they meet the club licensing requirements as they aim to find a stable footing on matters of finance.

“As we move into a season of recalibrating the football management in the country, it is important that clubs in Kenya start the process of adopting club licensing as recommended by Fifa and Caf,” Mwachiro added.

“Club licensing is a significant step-change that will enable community clubs to gain from professional management and commercially sustainable operations.

“My administration will assist the clubs that adhere to club licencing via financial resources and/or expert knowledge. This is a new dawn for Kenyan football.”

Mwachiro will battle for FKF's top seat against the incumbent Nick Mwendwa, former Cecafa Secretary-General Nicholas Musonye, ex-FKF Vice-President Sammy Shollei, former FKF President Sam Nyamweya, former Vihiga County Governor Moses Akaranga and Gor Mahia's Chief Executive Officer Lordvick Aduda.

There is no tentative date when the federation will hold its mandatory elections as the previous two attempts were stopped by the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT).

Paul Pogba is "one of the best players in the world" and "near impossible to replace", according to Mark Bosnich, who has urged Manchester United to keep hold of the French midfielder.

Pogba returned to United for a second spell from Juventus in an £89 million (£112m) deal back in 2016, becoming the most expensive signing in the club's history in the process. He has since racked up 143 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 31 goals, while also getting his hands on the Europa League and Carabao Cup.

However, the 27-year-old has so far been unable to inspire United towards Premier League or Champions League success, amid persistent struggles for form and fitness.

Pogba has only featured in eight games for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men in 2019-20, with an ankle issue significantly limiting his contribution, and he has now entered the final year of his existing contract at Old Trafford.

The Frenchman has yet to agree on fresh terms with United, and speculation over his future is mounting ahead of the summer transfer window amid reported interest from Real Madrid.

Despite his struggles in recent years, Bosnich believes the ex-Juve star can still reach his full potential for the Red Devils, who he has seen make great strides forward under Solskjaer over the past year.

The former United goalkeeper doesn't think his old club should give up on Pogba just yet, as he told Sky Sports: "I know there's been a big difference of opinion on Paul Pogba, he's been very divisive.

"Talking about pure football ability, for any club who are thinking about getting rid of one of their best players, the first question you must ask is 'who are you going to replace him with'.

"For someone like Pogba, that's near impossible. He is one of the best players in the world and we've seen what he can do. Okay, Manchester United fans and people in the media have called for more consistency from him, that is understandable.

"I really do think with the addition of [Bruno] Fernandes and the fact that he's seen a genuine direction put forward by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who has handled this situation really well, there seems to be a different type of enthusiasm around the club.

"I really do think if he's fully fit and played in the right way then he should stay. It would be fantastic for Man United and the player himself. If you look down their spine, he's an integral part of that. I'd love to see him stay and hopefully he will."

La Liga football returned this June after a number of months without action due to the lockdown measures imposed in Spain in response to the global coronavirus pandemic.

Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and more will all take to the pitch again to complete the 2019-20 campaign, following the successful behind-closed-doors model pioneered by the Bundesliga in Germany.

We've been deprived of seeing the likes of Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos work their magic for too long, so, like many, you might be wondering how to tune in and when the games will be played.

So look no further - Goal brings you everything you need to know about how to watch Spanish football's big restart.

Contents

How to watch or stream La Liga matches

Watch or stream La Liga in the UK

In the UK, La Liga matches will be available to watch and stream on La Liga TV, while Premier Sports and FreeSports also have rights for some games.

La Liga TV games will be free to watch in the UK for the month of June if you are a Sky customer. In order to avail of the offer, which will activate channel 435, customers should visit www.premiersports.com register their details and input the promo code BACKTOWIN. However, customers will be charged for the service from July 1.

Watch or stream La Liga in the US

In the US, La Liga games will be broadcast on the beIN Sports network, which has both English language and Spanish language channels, as well as an online streaming service, beIN Sports Connect.

According to La Liga president Javier Tebas, the aim is to have games played every day, but only matchday 28 and matchday 29 have had their dates confirmed so far. Fixtures will kick-off at different times. Games will be played at 12 noon BST (7am ET), 4pm BST (11am ET) 6:30pm BST (1:30pm ET), 9pm BST (4pm ET).

Return to top

Return to top

La Liga matchday 29 fixtures & TV channels

Barcelona play Leganes at Camp Nou on Tuesday June 16 in the late evening kick-off, while Real Madrid - playing at Alfredo di Stefano Stadium - face Valencia at the same time a day later.

Return to top

La Liga matchday 30 fixtures & TV channels

Return to top

La Liga matchday 31 fixtures & TV channels

Return to top

La Liga matchday 32 fixtures & TV channels

Return to top

La Liga matchday 33 fixtures & TV channels

Return to top

La Liga matchday 34 fixtures & TV channels

Return to top

La Liga matchday 35 fixtures & TV channels

Return to top

La Liga matchday 36 fixtures & TV channels

Return to top

La Liga matchday 37 fixtures & TV channels

Return to top

La Liga matchday 38 fixtures & TV channels

Return to top

Related links