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Former Orlando Pirates striker Phumudzo Manenzhe believes that AmaZulu FC will find it difficult to retain their best players during the upcoming transfer window. 

Usuthu are coming off their best season in the PSL era as they achieved their highest finish in the league when they clinched a secured second position behind champions, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Therefore, the KwaZulu-Natal giants qualified for the Caf Champions League for the first time and Manenzhe believes that the ambitious club will able to sustain its success.

However, the retired striker said that keeping key players will be the Durban-based side's biggest challenge. 

"I don't think AmaZulu FC will find it hard to maintain their 2020/21 PSL success, I think they know [that, but] will they be able to keep their best players?" Manenzhe told the media.

"Because we've already seen Sibusiso Mabiliso leaving the club, their challenge will be keeping their best players from going to Gauteng to play for these teams."

Mabiliso was one of AmaZulu's most consistent performers and the 22-year-old left-back has been tipped to join Chiefs when the transfer window opens next month by recent reports.

The new Bafana Bafana international fuelled speculation that he's on his way to the Soweto giants after he announced his departure from Usuthu over a week ago.

AmaZulu's KwaZulu-Natal rivals, Lamontville Golden Arrows, also enjoyed a successful 2020/21 season as they secured their highest finish in the PSL era after clinching a fourth-place finish in the league.

Their influential players, Ntsako Makhubela, Devine Lunga and Nkosinathi Sibisi have strongly been linked with big spenders, Sundowns.

However, Manenzhe, who is a former South Africa under-20 international, believes that Arrows will be able to replace their key players with youngsters from their academy.

"For Golden Arrows, I don't think it will be a problem because if another one goes, you will find two or three that will come out from the development struggling because I feel they have a strong development," he concluded. 

Sibisi was nurtured in the Arrows academy, before being promoted to the first team and he is now a Bafana international having made his debut for the national team against Uganda in a friendly match on Thursday.

Goalkeeper Brandon Petersen has revealed he still fancies a move to Kaizer Chiefs as opposed to other teams that have shown interest in his services as well.

The former Bidvest Wits custodian, who is currently a free agent, was a target for ex-Amakhosi coach Gavin Hunt at the beginning of the 2020/21 season.

However, the transfer ban imposed on the club meant the player could not be signed at that time.

While Hunt has since departed the club, the player has been regularly linked with a move to the team and he has conceded he would love to join Chiefs.

"We are still busy planning now, my agent will see what the next move is," Peterson answered when asked by KickOff whether Amakhosi have made contact recently.

"The thing is I have been in talks with Chiefs, as you know that coach Gavin [Hunt] was there. And obviously, coach Gavin [Hunt] is not there anymore, but obviously, it's something that's still on the cards, but there's nothing for sure yet.

"When the opportunity is there [to join Chiefs], why not? Chiefs is one of the biggest teams in Africa. So obviously it will be a big opportunity for me. If you look at the calibre of keepers they have at Chiefs you know, it's not gonna be a walk-in and play. 

"I don't like freebies, I like to work for my place so, I don't expect anyone to hand me the number one jersey. I'm always up for a challenge."

The 26-year-old has further revealed the teams who had approached him when they realized he was a free agent.

"Like I say I still have to plan out the future and see what's going to work out for me," Peterson added.

"Last season when they found out that I don't have a club obviously there were a few teams you know. In the beginning, it was [Orlando] Pirates, and then Chiefs came, and then AmaZulu came.

"But because it is a new season there will be a few teams because I'm a free agent."

Now that he is not with any team, what has he been doing in preparations for the new campaign?

"The thing is I was recovering from an injury that I sustained just before the lockdown [owing to Covid-19]," he continued.

"But for now, I have a 10-month-old baby. I'm enjoying my time with him, my daughter, and my wife. And still trying to keep fit.

"At the moment I'm in Cape Town but I'm going back to Joburg soon. I bought a house in Joburg when I was at Wits, I'm staying in Joburg."  

Gareth Southgate has come to Harry Kane's defence following a quiet afternoon for the England captain in their Euro 2020 victory against Croatia at Wembley Stadium.

The Three Lions skipper, on the back of a third Premier Legaue Golden Boot-winning campaign with Tottenham this season, was unable to find the mark in the opening game of Group D, with Raheem Sterling's tidy finish the difference in London.

The Spurs forward was kept relatively buttoned up by his opponents throughout, restricted to fewer touches than any other member of England's starting line-up, but speaking after the full-time whistle, his coach was quick to highlight his contributions throughout.

What has been said?

"I think he led the line really well," Southgate told his post-match press conference. "It was a game where he had to take a lot of physical buffeting.

"A lot of the game for him today was to link and create spaces, which he did for the goal, to let others play. There are days when chances will fall to him but today he was really tightly marked by their team.

"They know what a threat he is, [and they] crowded [him] out. [I've] not seen the chance at far post yet, to see how good that was. But he brings so much more to our team than the goals."

Southgate praises midfield contribution

The 50-year-old was also keen to counter suggestions that his side are struggling to get players in behind Kane as a target man, pointing to the scorching conditions at Wembley as a key factor in their more measured approach.

"It happened a fair amount and we got Kalvin and Mason in there too," he added. "Part of that was the heat, incredible conditions.

"They're fortunate [they] could keep [it] better than [the] team I played in as we'd have been chasing forever!

"We knew we had to pick moments when to keep possession and get behind. You always have to have runs to disrupt the back-line."

Further reading

A fan is in serious condition after falling during England's Euro 2020 match against Croatia.

The supporter is said to have fallen from the stands shortly after the match at Wembley began.

A spokesperson at Wembley confirmed that the person was treated and then taken to hospital.

What has been said?

"We can confirm that a spectator fell from the stands just after kick off in the match between England and Croatia at Wembley Stadium," the spokesperson said.

"The spectator was given on-site medical attention and was then taken to hospital in a serious condition.

"We will continue to work with UEFA to ensure the matter is fully investigated and we are continuing to monitor the situation."

How did the game go?

England secured a 1-0 win in their opening game of the tournament.

Raheem Sterling made the difference for the Three Lions when he got on the end of a Kalvin Phillips pass and sent it beyond Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.

Manager Gareth Southgate was relieved to see his side get off to a good start, telling BBC Radio 5 Live: "You know if you don't win the first game, the pressure ramps up.

"We have two really difficult games left in this group and we made a good step forward today, but [there are] important steps to go to qualify."

Who do England face next?

Southgate's side will take on Scotland in their next match at Wembley on June 18.

Four days later they will meet Czech Republic in the last game of Group D.

Further reading

Kalvin Phillips has been hailed by Germany legends Mesut Ozil and Michael Ballack, among others, following a superb maiden tournament display for England in victory over Croatia at Wembley in the pair's Euro 2020 opener.

The Leeds United playmaker arguably proved to be the Three Lions' best player in their Group B clash with their old World Cup foe, anchoring a fine team performance in only his ninth game for his country.

The 25-year-old, playing in the Championship at Elland Road only a year ago, was on hand to set up Raheem Sterling's matchwinner just before the hour-mark, and his display has now drawn the plaudits of several major faces from across football.

What has been said?

Phillips 'happy' with breakout performance

Named as part of an unexpected double pivot alongside Declan Rice in the absence of Jordan Henderson, Phillips arguably remained the most unknown commodity of England's midfield options heading into the tournament, at least on the international stage.

Speaking afterwards, however, the playmaker told BBC Sport that he was delighted with his turn at Wembley in front of 18,497 fans, in particular nailing his assist for Sterling.

"It's a great result and I'm happy with my performance," he stated. "There are two group games left and we need to perform like that - if not better.

"As soon as we finished celebrating [with Raheem Sterling] it's the first time I have found him with a pass since I've linked up with England."

Midfielder rubbishes Rice competition

With Henderson still sidelined after a prolonged injury, Phillips has capably filled the void, though many expect he may be squeezed out when the Liverpool man returns, leaving him locked against Rice for the other spot in midfield - but he has sought to dampen any such speculation of rivalry.

"There's a lot of talk about me and Declan Rice fighting for one position but when we play together," he added. "I think we play really well. It's an honour to play with him.

"It's a great feeling to get an assist and a great feeling for the three points. I'm laid back - that's the kind of person I am regardless of what is thrown at me. I just try and take it in my stride.

"If I didn't have the team around me and the coaching staff around me to make me feel like that then I don't think it would be possible."

Further reading

Gor Mahia head coach Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto has stated he did not expect to get into penalties with Bidco United in the FKF Shield Cup.

The reigning league champions won 4-1 in penalties to set up a Mashemeji Derby with AFC Leopards, in the FKF Shield Cup final, after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
In the Sunday game at the Utalii Grounds, Kenneth Muguna opened the scoring in favour of K'Ogalo with David Orem replying for the opponents.

Gad Mathews saved a Zacharia Gathu penalty with Orem shooting wide while Anthony Simasi managed to beat the goalkeeper.

K'Ogalo scored all their penalties through Alpha Onyango, Miheso, John Macharia, and Onyango to set up a Mashemeji Derby final against AFC Leopards who beat Equity FC 6-5 on penalties.

What did Pinto say after the match?

We conceded the first goal from our mistake, and had chances which we did not utilise," the Portuguese told Goal .

"The second half was not easy, and the pitch made it more difficult. We did not expect to get into penalties, we had aimed at winning within 90 minutes, but we did not manage. Bidco are a good team in the league and have given us a good game. 

"As a coach, it is important to get into the final for the first time since 2013. It is an opportunity to get a ticket to Caf [competition]. It will be tough against the Leopards but my players will give everything."

What did Anthony Akhulia say after the Bidco loss?

"We conceded first but managed to get back into the game which shows my players were mentally strong," the tactician told Goal.

"The penalties are tricky, you might practice them but in a game situation, it is tough. It has been a good season for us, making our debut in the game and reaching the semis is no mean achievement.  

"We are targeting the final next season. Against KCB it will be a very different game and a different approach."

 Gor Mahia will now play AFC Leopards - who eliminated Equity 6-5 on penalties, with the overall winner representing the nation in next season's Caf Confederation Cup. 

Yanga SC have come out to reveal why they are in love with signing players from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

At least in every transfer window, the Jangwani giants have always gone for players from DR Congo with the latest reports indicating they have already sealed the signing of AS Vita right-back Djuma Shabani ahead of the new season.

During the last transfer window, Yanga signed two Congolese players Mukoko Tonombe and Tuisila Kisinda both from AS Vita and they are among the players shining in the Mainland Premier League and have helped the team to second position on the 18-team table and they are also in the semi-finals of the domestic cup.

Yanga’s Vice-Chairman of Players’ Registration Committee, Hersi Said has explained apart from having a good relationship with DR Congo clubs, they are more attracted to players’ from the country because of their commitment and discipline.

What has been said?

“You can look at players like Mukoko [Tonombe] and Tuisila [Kisinda], who always thrive to give out their best to help the team and they do show high commitment plus discipline in the team. We also have a vibrant connection with DR Congo clubs,” Hersi said as quoted by Daily News.

“But, I have come here because of the quality of the player we want to sign for next season. He has shown a big impact in the Caf Champions League and the team he plays for has won the Congo Premier League title.

“To me, it is a privilege if you manage to get such a player. That is why we have come here to seek his services at our club.”

Yanga to sign only Nabi targets

Hersi has further stated the signings they will make for the new campaign have been shortlisted by coach Nasreddine Nabi insisting he is the one who will assess them.

“We will do whatever we can to make sure that the requirements of the coach are met in order to strength our team and make it very competitive for next season's duels,” Hersi continued.

Yanga are currently sitting second on the 18-team league table on 61 points from 29, six fewer than table-toppers Simba SC, who have 67 from 27 matches, and they still have two matches in hand.

Yanga will next face Ruvu Shooting in a league assignment on June 15.

Kenya international Jesse Were and Kelvin Kampamba struck to hand the Zambian Super League title to Zesco United against Napsa Stars at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Sunday.

Were - the all-time top scorer for Zesco United - scored in the first half before Kampamba added the second in the other half as the hosts emerged 2-0 winners against the struggling side.

Were had the first chance in the eighth minute, but he was not clinical enough as his effort was saved by the goalkeeper, Shaban Odhoji in the Napsa Stars goal. A minute later, the Kenyan goalkeeper was alert enough to save the Pensioners from conceding as he collected a powerful header by Samuel Sikaonga.

In the 11th minute, a combination of Simon Nkhata and Tapson Kaseba almost gave Napsa Stars the lead, but the former was flagged down because he was in an offside position while he received the final cross.

Both Kampamba and Thabni Kamusoko were unable to break the deadlock in the 16th and 19th minutes, respectively, with Zesco United determined to get the first goal. For the second time, Were did not manage to beat the former Gor Mahia goalkeeper as a close-range shot by the ex-Tusker striker was collected with ease a minute past the half-hour mark.

But in the 39th minute, Were - who previously earned his 100th goal for Timu ya Ziko - managed to find the back of the net and could have earned a brace, but Odhoji denied him again in the 45th minute. Kampamba was unlucky to double the lead with two of his efforts in the 50th and 51st minutes stopped by Odhoji, who was the busier of the two goalkeepers.

Kaseba came close to equalising for Napsa Stars in the 52nd minute, but a largely untested Toaster Nsabata stopped his effort from finding the target.  

The hosts were dominant all through especially in the remaining 20 minutes and they doubled the scoreline in the 80th minute through Kampamba. The Ndola side emerged winners to claim the trophy despite struggling in the opening stages of the second half.

Zesco United XI: Toaster Nsabata, Simon Silwimba, John Chishimba, Solomon Sakala, Adrian Chama, Samuel Sikaonga, John Ching'andu, Thabani Kamusoko, Winston Kalengo, Jesse Were, Kelvin Kampamba.

Napsa Stars XI: Shaban Odhoji, Gift Zulu, Daniel Obeng, David Odhiambo, Luka Banda, Dickson Chapa, Simon Nkhata, Doisy Soko, Tapson Kaseba, Jimmy Mukeya, Danny Silavwe.

Gor Mahia defeated Bidco United 4-1 in penalties to set up a Mashemeji Derby with AFC Leopards in the FKF Shield Cup final after a 1-1 score in regulation time.

In the Sunday game at the Utalii Grounds, Kenneth Muguna opened the scoring in favour of K'Ogalo with David Orem replying for the opponents.

It was the Football Kenya Federation Premier League defending champions who started the game on a high and made an attempt just two minutes into the game. Muguna was left with a lot of space and tried his luck but he failed to hit the target.

But as the time went by, K'Ogalo was growing in confidence and their nice build-up in the fourth minute ended with the free-kick in a promising position. Muguna took it well and managed to beat the goalkeeper to give his team the lead.

Karim Abdul Nikiema would have done better in the 12th minute when the goalscorer set him up. However, he failed to beat the goalkeeper from close range.

The first shot for the Thika-based charges came in the 17th minute. Gor Mahia's defence failed to properly mark the opposition so Alex Juma unleashed a fierce strike but Gad Mathews came to the team's rescue with a decent save.

Two minutes later, the custodian had no answer to Orem. A ball was floated in from the right and the forward capitalised on poor communication at the back to pounce on the ball and score the equalizer.

In the 40th minute, Clifton Miheso did well to hold two defenders but shot across the goal as the former champions pushed for the second goal, but it was not to be as the half-time whistle ensured the two teams were tied one all.

After the break, it was Bidco United who showed intent by starting the game on a high. They pushed forward hoping to break K'Ogalo's defense once again, but it was not to be.

Miheso was brought down about 25-yards from the Bidco goal. He rose up to take the set-piece but the goalkeeper ensured the ball did not hit the back of the net.

K'Ogalo opted to play with three defenders at the back in the 66th minute and introduced Samuel Onyango in place of Andrew Juma to pile pressure in Bidco's defence.

Ernest Wendo was lucky not to be sent off after intentionally stamping on Gathu Zacharia with five minutes to go. Philemon Otieno was sent off in the 87th minute after retaliating to what he felt was a foul from Gathu.

With no team getting another goal, the match was to be decided by penalties. Mathews saved Gathu's penalty with Orem shooting wide while Anthony Simasi managed to beat the goalkeeper.

K'Ogalo scored all their penalties through Alpha Onyango, Miheso, John Macharia, and Onyango to set up a Mashemeji Derby final against AFC Leopards who beat Equity FC 6-5 on penalties.

The July 4 winner will represent the country in the Caf Confederation Cup.

Gor Mahia: Gad Mathews, Philemon Otieno, Geoffrey Ochieng, Frank Odhiambo, Andrew Juma, Haron Shakava, Ernest Wendo, Alpha Onyango, Kenneth Muguna, Abdul Karim, Clifton Miheso

Subs: Caleb Otieno, Fred Nkata, Joachim Ochieng, John Ochieng, Sydney Ochieng, Nicholas Omondi, Samuel Onyango, John Macharia, Jules Ulimwengu

Bidco United: Adisa Omar, David Kalama, Geoffrey Gitau, Francis Oduor, Anthony Simasi, Peter Nzuki, Alex Juma, Jacob Onyango, David Orem, Gathu Zacharia, Stephen Waruru

Subs: Edwin Obwabani, Lambert Otieno, Kassim Mwinyi, Wilson Anekeya, Steven Okiro, Stephen Obukui, Batts Awita, Nelson Chieta, Hillary Shilaho

Simba SC striker John Bocco was on target as Tanzania needed an improved second-half display to sink Malawi 2-0 in an international friendly at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Sunday.

After a poor show in the first period which was dominated by the visitors, Bocco came through for Taifa Stars after he scored in the 69th minute, and substitute Israel Mwenda made it 2-0 from a beautifully taken free-kick in the 75th minute to earn coach Kim Poulsen his second win since taking over from Burundian Etienne Ndayiragije.

The 62-year-old tactician had already overseen three matches heading into the clash against the Flames, a friendly against Kenya where he lost 2-1 before falling by a solitary goal away to Equatorial Guinea in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and his only win, by a solitary goal as well, came at home over Libya in the aforementioned competition.

Missing the services of captain Mbwana Samatta, who plays for Fenerbahce in Turkey on loan from Aston Villa, and Simon Msuva, who turns out for Wydad Casablanca of Morroco for various reasons, the Danish coach decided to give Simba striker Bocco the armband and also the task to lead the attacking line.

Bocco, who has enjoyed a good run of results with Mainland Premier League champions since returning from injury was partnered alongside Yusuf Mhilu of Kagera Sugar while Simba goalkeeper Aishi Manula was handed a start ahead of veteran Juma Kaseja of Kagera Sugar and Metacha Mnata of Yanga SC.

The Flames, who missed the services of their head coach Meck Mwase after he tested positive for Covid-19 a day before the team departed Lilongwe, also handed a debut to defender Kieran Ngwenya, who turns out for Cove Rangers on loan from Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen, after the Football Association of Malawi completed the required processes for the player to play.

At first, it was difficult for Ngwenya to play for Malawi as he was holding British citizenship but having been cleared, assistant coach Bob Mpinganjira threw him straight into the starting XI with Silver Strikers goalkeeper Brighton Munthali starting between the sticks protected by defenders Stanley Sanudi and Dennis Chembezi.

It was Taifa Stars who started the game on the front foot with Salum Abubakar getting the first chance in the 5th minute but after beating Chembezi to the through ball, he took time to react in front of goal, and keeper Munthali came off his line to clear the danger.

The second chance for Taifa Stars came in the 10th minute when Mudathir Yahya combined well with Feisal Salum and Nickson Kibabage but this was after the latter laid a pass to Bocco, and the towering striker unleashed a weak effort which went inches wide.

Malawi then started to come into the game and in the 20th minute Peter Banda got their first chance to take the lead after being set up by Richard Mbulu but the Moldova-based winger’s shot kissed the bar.

In the 39th minute, Banda whipped in a ball from the left wing which Manula punched for the visitors' first corner of the game but from the resultant corner taken by Gabadinho Mhango, the ball was gathered by Manula, who jumped the highest to calm the danger.

Mbulu was once again set through by Banda in the 42nd minute as the Flames continued to raid the home nation but his effort landed in the hands of Manula.

The two teams went into the break tied at 0-0 but Malawi should feel undone as the wasted two open chances through Mhango and Mbulu.

In the 56th, the Flames got another free-kick from the edge of the box as Chimwemwe Idana was fouled by Shomari Kapombe but the resultant effort from the hardworking Mhango went over the bar.

Kapombe was later replaced by Patrick Mwenda after the foul on Idana as Taifa Stars tried to change their style of play to try and contain the marauding Flames' front two while Mpinganjira made his first substitution by bringing in Yamikani Chester for Khuda Muyaba.

In the 69th minute, Bocco rose the highest to head Tanzania ahead after a cross from Salum, and six minutes later they were 2-0 up after Mwendwa, who came on for Nyoni, scored through a brilliant free-kick which beat the wall and keeper Munthali into the net.

Despite Malawi making a double change in the 82nd minute which saw Gabadinho Mhango and Rafiq Namwera pave way for Tawonga Chimodzi and Vincent Nyangulu, Taifa Stars stayed firm at the back to keep the scoreline intact and protect their good run against the Flames at Mkapa Stadium.

Tanzania Starting XI: Aishi Manula, Shomari Kapombe, Mohamed Hussein, Dickson Job, Erasto Nyoni, Mudathir Yahya, Feisal Salum, Nickson Kibabage, John Bocco, Salum Abubakar, and Yusuf Mhilu.

Subs: Juma Kaseja, Metacha Mnata, Israel Mwendwa, Bakari Mwamnyeto, Kennedy Juma, Edward Manyama, Meshack Abraham, Iddi Suleiman, Ayub Lyanga, Mzamiru Yassin, Yohana Mkomola, Abdul Hamisi and Kibu Denisi.

Malawi starting XI: Brighton Munthali, Stanley Sanudi, Dennis Chembezi, Charles Petro, Kieran Ngwenya, Rafiq Namwera, Chimwemwe Idana, Peter Banda, Gabadinho Mhango, Khuda Muyaba and Richard Mbulu.

Jude Bellingham became the youngest ever to play at a European Championship when he came on for England on Sunday.

The 17-year-old came off the bench to replace Harry Kane in his side's first game of the tournament against Croatia.

The Borussia Dortmund midfielder has also broken Michael Owen's record to become the youngest player to represent England at a major tournament.

What record did Bellingham break?

Bellingham is now the youngest player from any nation to feature at a European Championship.

The previous holder of that record was Jetro Willems, who was 18 when he represented Netherlands at Euro 2012.

How did the game go?

England started Euro 2020 with a 1-0 win against Croatia.

Raheem Sterling made the difference for the Three Lions, taking on a pass from Kalvin Phillips before knocking into the net.

What next for England?

Gareth Southgate's men will take on Scotland in their next game on Friday June 18.

They will then face Czech Republic in their last match of the group stage on June 22.

Further reading