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Equity Bank caused one of the major upsets in the FKF Shield Cup this season when they beat champions Bandari 1-0 to reach the semi-finals on Wednesday.

The Bankers who reached the last eight following a 1-0 win against Vegpro, needed a 57th-minute goal courtesy of Sande Katumba to knock out the defending champions and proceed to the semi-finals where they will now meet the winner between Tusker and AFC Leopards.

It was Bandari who came into the game as favourites and having beaten Sigalagala 5-0 in the Round of 16, they were already tipped to get past the Bankers, who are handled by former Harambee Stars striker John Baraza.

Bandari under coach Casa Mbungo threatened from the onset and it was William Wadri who had the best chance to put them ahead in the 7th minute but after dribbling well into the dangerzone, his final effort was saved by keeper Timothy Ngugi.

Ngugi, who had an outstanding game, was once again called upon to make double saves, first denying Wadri from point-blank in the 13th minute before pushing out a thunderous shot from Danson Namasaka in the 18th minute.

Equity then started to come into the game and in the 25th minute, Katumba wasted an open chance after he failed to tap in a well-delivered cross from Evans Ochieng.

Another chance for Bandari fell to Collins Agade in the 32nd minute but after controlling the ball well, he unleashed a feeble shot which keeper Ngugi gathered without difficulties.

The two teams headed into the half-time break tied at 0-0 and on resumption, Bandari coach Mbungo made a double substitution as Mosha and Lugogo paved the way for Darius Msagha, and Zakayo Keegan.

However, it was Equity who took the lead in the 57th minute as Katumba capitlised on a defensive lapse by Bandari to beat keeper Justin Ndikumana with a right-footed effort to the top corner of the goal.

The Bankers then resorted to defending and wasting time and despite Bandari throwing all their men upfront to get an equaliser and maybe take the game to penalties, they stood firm and won the game.

Bandari: Justin Ndikumana, Atariza Amai, Mohammed Siraji, Bernard Odhiambo, Brian Odera, Collins Agade, Danson Namasaka, Wilberforce Lugogo, Hassan Abdalla, Benjamin Mirimi and William Wadri.

Subs: Abdallah Matano, Felly Mulumba, Umar Kasumba, Zakayo Keegan, Guelord Mwamba, Darius Msagha and Salim Swaleh.

Equity: Timothy Ngugi, Oscar Lusomo, Levian Ochieng, Paul Nganyi, Bryson Kigalu, Derick Odhiambo, Nicholas Odhiambo, Evans Ochieng, Sande Katumba, Stephen Ologi, and Bryson Wangai.

Subs: Ezra Chege, Daniel Andayi, Humphrey Otieno, Derrick Ayisi, Jesse Kamau, Josphat Waititu, and Godana Guyo.

Monaco left-back Caio Henrique has admitted "it is a great pleasure" for him to be linked with Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.

Henrique completed a move to Monaco from Spanish giants Atletico Madrid last August, penning a five-year contract at Stade Louis II, and has since established himself as a mainstay in Niko Kovac's starting XI.

The 23-year-old played an important role in the French outfit's third-place finish in the 2020-21 Ligue 1 standings, attracting the attention of two of Europe's biggest clubs in the process.

What's been said?

It has been reported that PSG and Barca are both weighing up summer moves for Henrique, but he is not paying much attention to the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.

"I am very calm with all this," Henrique told Goal when quizzed on the transfer rumours. "I try not to get involved and concentrate only on [what happens on the] pitch and I leave it (transfer talk) in the hands of my representatives. 

"Of course, it is a great pleasure to hear about these very important clubs, but I have my feet on the ground and I always try to do my best, no matter where I am playing. I am very focused and committed to the jersey that I wear, and that will never change."

Henrique on PSG's front three

Henrique was also asked to pick the most difficult man to defend against from PSG's all-star attacking triumvirate of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Angel Di Maria, but was unable to separate the trio due to their varied skillset.

"It is difficult to pick one, they are three spectacular players," he added. "Mbappe has his explosiveness and dribbling as a strong point, while Neymar, in addition to his dribbling, has a lot of ability in finding space. Di Maria is also difficult to face. I think that all three in some way create a lot of difficulties."

Henrique's record at Monaco

Henrique featured in 36 games in all competitions during his first year at Monaco, bouncing back after missing the opening five matches of the season due to injury.

The Brazilian is still on the lookout for his first goal for the club, but has proven to be a useful asset in the final third by providing five assists.

Further reading

Chelsea have made contact with clubs and agents as they aim for a double summer deal of Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland and Inter full-back Achraf Hakimi.

Any deal for Haaland would not only break Chelsea's club record and wage structure but would also see Premier League records fall, with his agent Mino Raiola to earn a sizeable agent's fee.

It remains to be seen whether Chelsea will make the move now when there's less competition, or wait until the price drops in 2022 when a variable release clause based on performances is expected to see him leave for a price nearer £70 million ($99m).

What about Hakimi?

Chelsea are willing to match Paris Saint-Germain's £56.1 million ($79m) reported approach. However, Hakimi is valued by Inter at £68.8m (€80m/$96m).

His agent Alejandro Camano played down links to the Paris club to FCinter1908, but admitted that the Moroccan's future is in doubt.

He said: “There is no negotiation underway with PSG, at the moment there is nothing. He is fine with Inter. Am I optimistic about him remaining at the club? This is difficult to say.”

Chelsea and Haaland

Chelsea have found themselves having to massage feelings between them and both Raiola and Dortmund to do the deal, as they do not have a close relationship with agent or club.

They are one of the few clubs that can afford Haaland in this transfer market, along with Manchester City, who seem unwilling to pay over £100 million ($145m) for a player.

Inter would prefer to sell Hakimi rather than Chelsea's alternative target Romelu Lukaku, who has been considered instead of Haaland.

Tottenham's Harry Kane has also reiterated his desire to leave his boyhood club this summer but would rather move to one of the Manchester sides than Spurs' local rivals. The north Londoners' chairman Daniel Levy would likely also block his departure to Stamford Bridge.

Which strikers could leave Chelsea?

The talk of incoming players will disrupt several of Chelsea's Champions League winning team and send messages to those in their loan group and academy.

Chelsea are open to selling Tammy Abraham but they have initially asked for £40 million ($57m) which has risked pricing out interested clubs including West Ham and Leicester City.

Olivier Giroud has had a one-year extension clause activated on his expiring deal but remains intent on pushing for a move, with AC Milan previously keen to sign him on a free transfer.

Michy Batshauyi has seen Leeds United lose interest over a transfer, with the Blues asking for around £15m ($21m).

Youngster Armando Broja is likely to be among players who get the chance to impress Thomas Tuchel in pre-season after a year on loan at Vitesse.

Tino Livramento has been contacted by AC Milan but Aston Villa are among clubs that seem more viable options for the young full-back, whose future could be thrown into doubt by signing Hakimi.

Callum Hudson-Odoi is rumoured to be attracting renewed interest from Bayern Munich, but any move is off the table unless Chelsea opt to sell him. For now, no such conversation has been had.

Further reading

Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi feels it was wrong for Kaizer Chiefs to try and impose a certain style of play on Gavin Hunt while also questioning why they hired him knowing well he has his distinctive philosophy.

Hunt was fired by Chiefs nearly two weeks ago after 44 games in charge across all competitions and the Soweto giants have since appointed Stuart Baxter as their new coach.

It was a difficult season for Hunt who left Chiefs at risk of relegation from the Premier Soccer League but had commendably helped them reach the Caf Champions League semi-finals for the first time ever in their history.

“All I want to say is Gavin Hunt achieved something that Chiefs have never achieved before [leading them to the Caf Champions League semi-finals] and he is out of a job,” said Mngqithi as per Sowetan Live. 

“It is a story about our football. We change because we are emotional at times. Gavin has won four [league] trophies. He plays a certain type of football and he wins trophies with that type of football. Stick with it. But if suddenly you say 'no, we are not happy with the style of football', then why did you bring the coach in the first place?   

“You could not change him from what he has been doing over the years and worse, he could not even sign the players he wants to play the type of football that he wants.” 

The just-ended PSL season saw eight clubs changing their coaches during the course of the campaign which amounts to half of the teams in the league.  

Mngqithi feels PSL coaches need to be given time to prove themselves. 

“Patience pays. Teams that are chasing coaches away are the ones who end up finding themselves having problems,” Mngqithi said. 

“Football is a team sport and it requires a little bit of the improvement of team dynamics and the development of those team dynamics. It is something that cannot happen over one, two months or three months.   

“Any coach, even the one who is not competent, will do better when he is given a little bit of time. There is so much more you can benefit by giving coaches time and freedom to run the team.”

Chelsea and England winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has held a meeting with Ghana sports minister Mustapha Ussif and Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku following an earlier appointment with Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo.

The 20-year-old, who recently won the Champions League with Chelsea, remains eligible to switch his international future to the Black Stars despite playing three times for The Three Lions.

Left out of England’s squad for the upcoming European Championship, the UK-born has taken a trip to Ghana, where his parents hail from, for vacation, fueling reports about a possible future with CK Akonnor’s outfit.

“The Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon Mustapha Ussif on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, received Ghanaian-born Chelsea footballer, Callum Hudson-Odoi in his office following the player's visit to H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo,” the Ghana ministry for sport officially announced on Wednesday.

“The Minister was in the company of the president and vice president of the Ghana Football Association, Mr. Kurt Okraku and Mr. Mark Addo had fruitful deliberations."

Following their discussions, the Chelsea player stated it was a great feeling to come back home to Ghana to give back to his motherland.

“He noted that he would like to collaborate with the government to provide sports infrastructure to the youth of the country to help enhance their dreams by achieving the highest as far as their football careers are concerned.”

On Monday, Hudson-Odoi, whose father featured for Ghana Premier League side Hearts of Oak during his playing career, met Ghana president Akuffo-Addo, who urged the sports ministry to pursue a possible nationality switch for the attacker.

“The Minister expressed delight for the decision of the footballer to think deeply about his motherland and assured of his utmost support to him to ensure his vision of giving to society is achieved,” the ministry’s Wednesday announcement continued. 

“The president of the GFA also noted that his outfit will be very supportive to his course to ensure that the youth of the country find their way up the ladder of their career adding that the country has produced quality players and would not hesitate to accept him into the national team once he makes up his mind to play for Ghana.”

Odoi is one of about four England-born players on the wishlist of the GFA, who have already begun similar discussions with Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, Brighton & Hove Albion right-back Tariq Lamptey and new Watford acquisition Kwadwo Baah.

The Champions League winner recently expressed his openness to a possible international future with Ghana, his older brother Bradley having played for the West Africans at U20 level.

Jerome Boateng has backed Timo Werner to "show who he really is" at Euro 2020 after an "up and down" season at Chelsea.

Much was expected of Werner at Stamford Bridge following his £47.5 million ($67m) switch to Chelsea from RB Leipzig last summer, but he did not adapt to English football as quickly as supporters hoped.

The 25-year-old struggled to replicate the prolific form in front of goal he showed at Red Bull Arena, but still played a key role in the Blues' run to Champions League glory and Boateng expects to see him back to his best for Germany at the European Championships.

What's been said?

The Bayern Munich defender won't be alongside Werner at the tournament after being omitted from Joachim Low's squad, but he is sure that his compatriot will be "hungry" to add more silverware to his collection.

"Timo has changed country, club, playing in a new league," Boateng told BILD. "It is not so easy. Nonetheless, he scored his goals, provided assists, was present, went through a hollow and came out and now he’s the Champions League winner.

"For me, it has been a positive season with the usual ups and downs. It makes him bigger and stronger and he learns from it.

"At the Euros, we will see another Timo Werner, a hungry Timo. A Timo with more arrogance, because he has just won the Champions League. It carries you. He will show who he really is."

Werner's debut season at Chelsea

Werner appeared in 52 games across all competitions for Chelsea last term but only managed to score 12 goals, including just six in the Premier League.

The former Leipzig star also endured a 14-game goalless streak in the top-flight between November and February before finally getting back on the scoresheet in a 2-0 win against Newcastle.

He was, however, able to set up a further 15 goals for his teammates, and started upfront during the Blues' 1-0 victory over Manchester City in last month's Champions League final after earning the trust of head coach Thomas Tuchel.

Werner's international record

Werner made his senior debut for Germany in 2017 and has since amassed 39 caps at international level, scoring 16 goals.

The forward's latest effort helped Low's side beat Latvia 7-1 in a pre-Euros friendly, and his continued presence could prove crucial as they seek to qualify from a tricky group containing World champions France, current holders Portugal, and Hungary.

Further reading

Wayne Bridge has discussed his relationship with Roman Abramovich at Chelsea while also revealing how Jose Mourinho conducted himself behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge.

Bridge joined Chelsea from Southampton in the summer of 2003 and went on to make 142 appearances for the club across all competitions, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup along the way.

The former full-back's arrival at Stamford Bridge coincided with Abramovich's lucrative takeover of the club, and he says the Russian always did his best to keep in touch with the players and that he wanted to be "one of the lads".

What's been said?

Speaking in his role as an ambassador for bettingexpert.com, Bridge told Goal and SPOX of Abramovich: “Roman loves Chelsea. He enjoyed being in the dressing room with us players.

"He would have loved to have been one of the lads. When he didn't have time because of other obligations and we hadn't seen him in a long time, we were always worried about him.

"He is very nice and down to earth despite all his money. In public, Roman likes to pretend he doesn't speak English but he is actually good to talk to.

"When the players were on vacation back then and he happened to be in the area, he always contacted us. Once I was in the south of France at the same time as him so he invited me in to eat with him."

Bridge's move to Man City

Bridge also revealed how Abramovich jokingly disapproved of his transfer to Manchester City in 2009.

The ex-England international was one of the first big-name signings to arrive at the Etihad Stadium after they were bought by the Abu Dhabi United Group led by Sheikh Mansour.

Bridge said of Abramovich's reaction: “We met shortly after the transfer. He joked that I only moved to City because of the money!”

Bridge on Mourinho 

Three of Bridge's six years at Chelsea were spent working under Mourinho, who delivered the club's first two Premier League titles, along with three League Cups and one FA Cup between 2003 and 2007. 

He says the Portuguese was capable of giving rousing team talks to motivate the squad, but has also revealed that he often handed that responsibility over to his players - something Thomas Tuchel is rumoured to have done prior to the Blues' Champions League final victory over Manchester City.

“He could give very motivating team talks, but did not do that so often," said Bridge. "Instead, Mourinho implemented a new system at Chelsea: he nominated players for team talks.

"That's a great idea in my opinion. It was my turn before a game against Manchester United, shortly after I broke my leg. I was on crutches and tried to push the team.

"Since then, other coaches have also adopted this system. I heard that before Chelsea's Champions League final victory over City, it was not Tuchel but the masseur Billy McCulloch who gave the final speech.”

Bridge also opened up on Mourinho's eventual sacking, admitting that even though some players had grown tired of his personality, there were many who were upset when his departure was confirmed.

“The relationship wasn't broken, but some players couldn't cope with his character anymore," he added. "The day he was released was nevertheless very emotional and some players cried. We felt we had let him down.”

Further reading 

Former Nigeria international Dimeji Lawal claims N’Golo Kante deserves to beat the likes of Lionel Messi to the 2021 Ballon d'Or.

The France international has emerged as one of the favourites for the individual accolade thanks to his impressive displays that helped Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea win the Champions League.

He was named man of the match in both legs of the semi-final against Real Madrid and won it again in the 1-0 final win over Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

When asked if he shares the sentiment of the 30-year-old winning the prize, the former Real Madrid B and Kortrijk midfielder told Goal: “I know this topic has generated a lot of attention globally.

“But, I strongly believe that N'Golo Kante should walk home with the award this year.

“Evaluating him by his performances in the year under review, he has done so much in football.

“Talking about Chelsea’s Champions League success, he was the brain behind it as he single-handedly won it for them.

“Whichever way you look at it, the France international is the huge favourite for the prize, more than any other footballer at the moment.”

Defensively orientated players rarely win the illustrious prize, however, the current Shooting Stars Sports Club team manager states that there is a sharp contrast between scoring goals and a contribution to success.

However, he would not be disenchanted if the former Leicester City star is not bestowed with the Ballon d'Or honour.

“I think we have to distinguish between goalscoring and major contributions to one's team,” he continued.

“Should winning the Ballon d'Or be about scoring goals? Or should it be about all-round contributions to one’s team?

“If it is about the latter, I can say it boldly that no one is more deserving than Kante. Talk about consistency, no one has matched him this season.

“Well, opinion differs. So, for those who will be privileged to vote, they may not see things the way I’m seeing it.

“And as such, I won’t be shocked or disappointed if he doesn’t win it, but on a personal note, no one is more deserving than Kante.”

Kaizer Chiefs have announced the appointment of Stuart Baxter as coach, replacing Gavin Hunt who was fired almost two weeks ago.

Baxter will be assisted by Arthur Zwane and Dillon Sheppard who were interim co-coaches after being part of Hunt's backroom staff.

First on the Englishman's schedule will be Amakhosi's trip to Morocco to take Wydad Casablanca in a Caf Champions League, semi-final, First leg match on June 19.

MORE TO FOLLOW...

Kaizer Chiefs have announced Njabulo Blom has been roped into the Bafana Bafana squad preparing to take on Uganda in Thursday’s international friendly match at Orlando Stadium. 

It is the first time ever for Blom to be selected for the senior national team after featuring at the 2019 Africa Under-20 Nations Cup as well as that age group’s Fifa World Cup later that year. 

While Safa is yet to announce the 21-year-old’s late call-up, Chiefs revealed that their midfielder has received the call-up. 

“Congratulations to Njabulo Blom for your senior National Team call-up. South Africa will play against Uganda tomorrow at Orlando Stadium at 6 pm,” Chiefs announced.

With Thabang Monare a fitness concern, Blom is viewed as a potential replacement for the Orlando Pirates central midfielder who did not take part in Tuesday’s training session. 

Monare participated in Monday’s workout with his right leg strapped and Bafana team doctor, Tshepo Molobi said, “The medical team will continue monitoring Monare and the utility player has a 50/50 chance of taking part in Thursday’s friendly match.” 

The Bafana Bafana camp has been hit by injuries and Covid-19 ahead of the Uganda clash.

Brighton & Hove Albion attacker Percy Tau as well as SuperSport United’s Teboho Mokoena have been ruled out after testing positive with Covid-19. 

Sipho Mbule has also been dropped after coming into contact with his SuperSport teammate Mokoena. 

Further affecting the Bafana squad are injuries to the Mamelodi Sundowns trio of Mosa Lebusa, Rivaldo Coetzee and Mothobi Mvala. 

This makes Blom the fifth player to be drafted into the national team this week after Premier Soccer League Defender of the Season Njabulo Ngcobo, the Baroka FC duo of defender Denwin Farmer and forward Evidence Makgopa as well as teenage midfielder Ethan Brooks of TS Galaxy. 

For Blom, Makgopa and Brooks, the Bafana selection is a reprieve after they did not make it into the Under-23 squad currently in Egypt preparing for the Olympic Games to be held in Japan in July.

The judges have voted, the public has voted, and the 2021 South African Freestyle Championships Top- 8 has been announced.

With votes cast over social media platforms, here are the top-8 contestants in no particular order: 

1. Jabu Mdaka

2. Josias Nnete

3.  Sello Mofoko

4. Mashudu Mohapi

5.  Siyabonga Kubheka

6.  Mwandile Mbatha

7. Rishaad Ebrahim

8. Gcina

The 2021 Top-8 — that will continue to revolutionise the simple act of juggling a ball by creating tricks no one ever knew were possible—is highlighted by an experienced group of contestants including 2020 finalist Rishaad Ebrahim, seasoned campaigners Shoti Kubheka and Jabu Mdaka.

Don’t forget to stick around and check out the latest info about the 2020 Championship on Goal.com .

There are prizes to be won.

Wolves have appointed former Benfica boss Bruno Lage as their new permanent manager.

Lage, who will replace Nuno Espirito Santo in the Molineux dugout for the 2021-22 campaign, had been out of work since being sacked by Benfica in June 2020.

He will link up with his new Wolves squad for the start of pre-season next month.

What's been said?

Lage expressed his delight after being officially unveiled by Wolves on Wednesday, telling the club's official website: "First of all, I’m very happy. It’s a big opportunity. I’m very happy because I’ve returned to this country, and to be the manager of a big team.

“It’s a team and a club that wants to do history and a chance to compete in the Premier League. So, I’m happy, excited, with a big ambition to do great things for this club.”

Lage's credentials 

His first experience of English football came at Sheffield Wednesday, where he served as assistant manager to Carlos Carvalhal for two years before taking up the same role at Swansea City in 2017.

The 45-year-old helped Wednesday reach the Championship playoffs in successive seasons alongside Carvalhal, and the pair continued to work together at Swansea in the Premier League.

Lage was snapped up by Benfica, where he had previously worked for eight years as a youth coach, ahead of the 2018-19 campaign, initially taking charge of their B team before being promoted to first-team manager midway through the season.

He went on to deliver the club's 37th league title, but results took a turn in his first full season at the helm with his contract eventually terminated following a run of just two wins in 13 games.

The bigger picture

Lage has big shoes to fill at Molineux, with Nuno having earned a popular following among supporters for guiding Wolves back into the Premier League and to back-to-back seventh-place finishes in the top-flight.

Wolves slipped to 13th in the standings last term after selling a number of key players and seeing star striker Raul Jimenez ruled out of action with a fractured skull, and Nuno subsequently left the club by mutual consent.

Lage will be expected to take Wolves back into the top half of the table next season, with it reported that he will be given a sizeable transfer kitty to bring in new talent.

"I’ll be trying to know everyone, to see what the club has to offer, and my first idea is to try to link everyone together," the new manager added. “I want to create a good dynamic of group, with my staff, with all the departments of the club. I have tried to link all together to start to build up the new cycle.

“I think it’s a good opportunity to understand what Nuno [Espirito Santo] did in these four years and my ambition is to continue and to improve what he did.”

Further reading

Delayed a whole year due to Coronavirus, the 16th UEFA European Championship is set for the big kick-off in less than a week.

The tournament will kick off on Friday, June 11, in Rome, with what could be one of the best matches of the round: a Group A clash between Italy and Turkey.

After Friday, there are multiple games every day from the 12th to the 23rd, then a two-day pause before the Round-of-16 starts on June 26 with two games per day.

Today, Dream Island, a rewarding online game platform with its professional football analyzing team is here to analyze, predict and produce running commentary about the upcoming games.

So, which are the teams with champion-quality?

France, Portugal, England, Italy and Belgium are intimidating competitors that undoubtedly have been gathering talents in recent years.

France

As silver medal winners in the last Euro tournament and the winner of the FIFA World Cup in 2018, France’s players such as Pogba, Mbappe, Griezmann, Kante are at their best. If we add to that the surprising call up of Benzema, we will be undoubtably speaking about one of the strongest attacks in the world.  

Portugal

Portugal will be France’s biggest rival during this tournament. The defending champions are bringing one of their most talented teams in years to Euro 2020, loaded with players who can support Ronaldo and make Portugal a contender again.

The talent pool is arguably greater than it was five years ago in France, when Portugal won the title with a squad that succeeded with efficiency rather than extraordinary play.

England

England have a strong squad heading to Euro 2020, with all players having a strong season in the Premier League. The Three Lions reached the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia against expectations. The young squad back then has matured and will look to challenge for the trophy.

Gareth Southgate is spoilt for choices when it comes to team selection. The tactician will have the likes of Marcus Rashford, Harry Kane, Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden to choose from. The expectations are high from the Three Lions on this occasion.

Italy
Italy should also be considered as a strong opponent. They have a nice blend of experience and youth in its ranks. This Serie A season saw several top talents come to the fore, who will now represent the country at the international level.

Belgium
Finally, Belgium Who finished third at the 2018 World Cup will be aiming to win its first European title. Martinez's side dominated the show in the qualification phase with 10 wins from 10 games. Romelu Lukaku is in a great form and helped Inter Milan win the Serie A, while Kevin De Bruyne will be looking to inspire his teammates to glory.

Simba SC have decided to approach Kenya defender Joash Onyango to negotiate a contract extension in order to prevent him from joining Premier Soccer League side Orlando Pirates.

Onyango signed a two-year contract with Wekundu wa Msimbazi before the current season began and has been an outstanding figure for the Tanzanian champions since. His performances have attracted interest, especially from South Africa, and Simba have now reached out to the defender to negotiate a new deal that will potentially see him stay longer.

Simba's Chief Executive Officer Barbara Gonzalez has confirmed Onyango and his agent, have been welcomed to the table for a possible new bumper deal, but the player has yet to respond.

"We have already reached out to Onayngo and his agent that we would like to extend his contract which will begin once the initial two-year deal ends," Gonzalez said as quoted by Mwanaspoti. "The current contract was to end when the next season concludes, but the new one will see him stay with us until 2024.

"We have decided to make our wish to extend the contract given how Onyango has performed since he joined us. We need him because we understand how Simba would critically need his services. We also need him to sign so that if anyone comes on board to table his wish to sign Onyango, we will enter into negotiations knowing already he has a new deal for a further two years.

Goal understands the Simba board was initially divided on the length of the contract that Onyango ought to have been given when he signed in 2020. Some felt he should have been given a long-term contract, while others advocated for a short-term contract because Onyango's age was too advanced for a lengthy contract.

But since he started featuring for the Msimbazi giants, Onyango, when fit, has been lined up on a regular basis to partner Ivorian centre-back Pascal Wawa. His arrival and instant impact saw Tanzanian defender Erasto Nyoni relegated to the bench and sometimes lined up in midfield.

Simba are expected to enter into negotiations with more stars whose contracts are expected to end after the season. Beno Kakoalnya was the latest player to earn a new deal, while Francis Kahata left after two seasons.

Jose Mourinho claims he has won "25 and a half trophies" in his managerial career - the half coming from guiding Tottenham to the Carabao Cup final last season, only to be sacked days before the match.

The Portuguese manager, who will take charge of Serie A side Roma next season, has officially won 25 leagues titles and cups across a glittering career with Porto, Chelsea, Inter, Real Madrid and Manchester United.

He took Spurs to the League Cup final in 2020-21, but was dismissed six days before the game amid a poor run of form in the Premier League, and they went on to lose the Wembley showpiece 1-0 to Manchester City under interim boss Ryan Mason.

What has been said?

Speaking to The Sun, Mourinho said: “So if you want me to be proactive now you can ask me, ‘how many trophies have you won in your career?’ I’ll tell you 25 and a half. The half is the final that I didn’t play with Tottenham.

“You ask the guys who played lots of finals and everybody will tell you, ‘to play a final is a dream’ and it doesn’t matter if it is the first final or number 20 or number 50, a final is always a dream.

“A Wembley final is more than a dream, I played the first on the new Wembley and every time I go there, it’s more than a dream and to have a chance to win a trophy with a club that doesn’t have many of course was a double dream.

“I am the kind of guy that when I close the door of a club, I move and I just wish good to people, but in a funny way I would say I have 25 and a half titles because it’s something that marks my career which is not to play a final that I won the right to go there.”

Mourinho at Spurs

The 58-year-old manager was brought in to Tottenham to replace Mauricio Pochettino in the hope he could end the club's long trophy drought - only to depart empty-handed after only 17 months at the helm.

After making a strong start to his first full campaign in charge which appeared to put Spurs in Premier League title contention, results started to slip and Mourinho was relieved of his duties, with a shock Europa League defeat to Dinamo Zagreb also playing a part.

Eventually, under Mason, Spurs came seventh in the top-flight standings, qualifying for the inaugural UEFA Conference League next season.

Further Reading

Malawi midfielder John Banda has been ruled out of the team’s friendly match against Tanzania on Sunday.

The Flames have confirmed the unavailability of the player with only four days remaining before they face Taifa Stars at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

In a statement on their social media pages, the Flames have revealed coach Meck Mwase has allowed the midfielder, who features for Mozambican giants UD Songo, to represent his team for an upcoming league assignment.

What has been said?

“Flames vice-captain John Banda has been ruled out of Sunday’s international friendly against Tanzania,” read part of the statement.

“Mozambique-based Banda will not come for the match after coach Meck Mwase granted the player's club request to keep him for their League assignment this weekend.”

Despite missing Banda, the team received a huge boost on Monday as more professionals arrived in camp led by South Africa-based midfielder Gerald Phiri.

Phiri became the sixth from the contingent of players plying their trade abroad, after Peter Banda, Charles Petro, Khuda Muyaba, Dennis Chembezi, and Kieran Ngwenya, to join camp while Cyprus-based midfielder Tawonga Chimodzi is expected in camp on Wednesday alongside Phiri's Baroka FC teammate Richard Mbulu, captain Limbikani Mzava, and striker Gabadinho Mhango.

The Flames are expected to leave for Dar es Salaam on Friday.

Samatta and Msuva not in camp

Meanwhile, Tanzania international Mbwana Samatta is among the players who are yet to report to camp as the team started preparations to face Malawi.

The team under coach Kim Poulsen moved to camp on Monday, but the two players - Mbwana Samatta (Fenerbahce -Turkey) and attacking midfielder Simon Msuva (Wydad Casablanca - Morocco) – did not show up with Tanzania Football Federation Media and Communications Officer Clifford Ndimbo confirming they will join soon.

"So far so good, morale in the camp is high and players are looking forward to the match though we still don’t have [Samatta] and [Msuva] in camp,” Ndimbo told Goal on Tuesday.

“It is a very important game, which will help to give head coach Kim Poulsen a good balance prior to the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches.”

Apart from Samatta and Msuva, Poulsen also named Novatus Dismas of Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel in the squad alongside seven players from the Simba SC squad that reached the quarter-finals of the Caf Champions League.

Tanzania national team assistant coach Juma Mgunda has revealed the reason Mbwana Samatta and Simon Msuva have not reported to camp ahead of the friendly against Malawi on Sunday.

The Taifa Stars will welcome the Flames at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium as part of their preparations for the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against DR Congo, Benin, and Madagascar.

Goal exclusively reported on Tuesday that striker Samatta who features for Fenerbahce in Turkey and attacking midfielder Simon Msuva of Wydad Casablanca in Morocco were missing from camp as the team started preparations for the friendly on Monday.

Mgunda has now explained to Goal Samatta’s absence has been occasioned by family issues he is attending in Tanzania while Msuva is yet to arrive in the country from Morocco as his team Wydad have a Caf Champions League fixture.

What has been said?

“Mbwana [Samatta] is already in the country but he has a small problem with family which he is sorting out and then we will have him in camp in the next one or two days, the good thing is that he is already in the country so there is nothing to worry about,” Mgunda told Goal.

“In regards to Simon [Msuva] his team Wydad have a game in the Champions League and so we hope after they play the game he will be able to join us, there is still much time for him to come, we expect him in camp in the next two or three days.”

On how the players responded to training on Monday, Mgunda said: “We have started training well, we started training on Monday and everything is okay, and it is good to say the morale in camp is very positive, and the players are looking sharp and ready and this is because of these players are coming from teams that are active in the local league.

“So if you look at the training we did, we did not have any issues with the players technically as they are understanding each other very well and pushing themselves, and it is good to say the start was positive and they are looking forward to Sunday's game.”

On the choice of playing against Malawi, Mgunda explained: “It will be a good friendly, it has been long since we played against them [Malawi], but we have always followed them and we know they are not an easy team, I feel the friendly will be good for us, it will give us the opportunity to check some of the new players we have in the team.”

Who else is in the squad?

Tanzania squad: Aishi Manula (Simba), Metacha Mnata (Young Africans), Juma Kaseja (KMC). Shomari Kapombe (Simba), Israel Mwenda (KMC), Mohamed Hussein (Simba), Erasto Nyoni (Simba), Bakari Mwamnyeto (Young Africans), Kennedy Juma (Simba), Dickson Job (Young Africans), and Nickson Kibabage (Youssoufla FC-Morocco).

Others are Simon Msuva (Wydad Casablanca-Morocco), Mudathir Yahya (Azam FC). Mzamiru Yassin (Simba), Feisal Salum (Young Africans), Salum Abubakar (Azam), Braison Nkulula (Azam), Iddy Suleiman (Azam), Mbwana Samatta (Fenerbahce-Turkey) and John Bocco (Simba).

Also, the list contains Abdul Suleiman (Coastal Union), Ayoub Lyanga (Azam), Denis Kibu (Mbeya City), Meshack Abraham (Gwambina FC), Novatus Dismas (Maccabi Tel Aviv-Israel), and Yusuf Mhilu (Kagera Sugar).