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Orlando Pirates head coach Josef Zinnbauer lauded his players after the Soweto giants secured a late win over Baroka FC on Wednesday night. 

The Buccaneers came back to defeat Bakgaga Ba Mphahlele 2-1 in their penultimate match of the 2020/21 PSL season which was played at Peter Mokaba Stadium. 

Denwin Farmer handed Baroka the lead, but Pirates fought back and grabbed two goals through Frank Mhango and Terrence Dzvukamanja.

Zinnbauer stressed the importance of the win as Bucs came into the clash with Bakgaga Ba Mphahlele having lost 1-0 to TS Galaxy on Sunday. 

“Tough game, very hard, good Baroka, a lot of chances and then towards the end of the game we got the lucky punch,” Zinnbauer told SuperSport TV.

“It is important always the three points. We have a game where we needed three points and we have another game on Saturday where we need another three points.

“The season is not finished. But we have to work on a lot of things and I’m happy now we have now a better performance than the last game," he continued. 

“We have a lot of chance of course and if we score earlier and more then we make it easier for us and then you get more self-confidence for the next game."

Pirates are now placed third on the PSL standings and they will qualify for next season's Caf Confederation Cup if they defeat Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila on Saturday in their final game of the season. 

Mhango was undoubtedly Pirates' best attacker against Baroka and he appeared unhappy when he was substituted and Zinnbauer shared his thoughts on the Malawi international's reaction. 

“I don’t know, you’ll have to ask him. But it is normal you have a substitute. The guy wants to win. He had a lot of chances before and didn’t score. It’s normal as a striker you come out and then you have not a chance to make a goal,” he added.

“But he had a good game, and he scored. It was important for us he scored the equaliser. It was very important for us close to halftime and he had a good game. But next time if he has the chance he can score."

Pirates will host Tshakhuma at the Mecca of South African football, Orlando Stadium. 

Karim Benzema made his first France appearance in nearly six years when he started Wednesday's friendly against Wales, but his return included a saved penalty in the first half.

The Real Madrid star was included in France's Euro 2020 squad last month , ending an exile that stemmed from his role in the Mathieu Valbuena sex tape scandal.

Benzema started against Wales alongside Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann on Wednesday - both of who scored, as did sub Ousmane Dembele - forming a strong attacking trio for Didier Deschamps' side as France ran out 3-0 winners.

How did Benzema's return go?

Midway through the first half, France were awarded a penalty when Wales defender Neco Williams was penalised for a handball in the box and shown a red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity.

Benzema stepped up and went low to his left, but goalkeeper Danny Ward produced a fine diving save to deny the forward. The striker has now missed each of his last three penalties for France.

Benzema's exile ends

The 33-year-old striker amassed 81 caps and scored 27 goals for Les Bleus leading up to his two-goal display against Armenia in October 2015.

That match would be Benzema's last before his international exile began, and it appeared for a long time to have been his final France appearance - but after a fantastic run of form for Madrid, Deschamps decided to give Benzema another chance with France ahead of their Euro 2020 campaign. 

What was said?

Speaking about his decision to reinstate Benzema, Deschamps said "things have changed" but didn't give away much else.

"Things have changed. Me, and certainly Karim's side too, of course," the France boss told Telefoot. "I'm not going to tell you when, how, if it was possible before. The conditions were not met, they are today. If I made this decision, you can imagine that it was fine."

After Wednesday's match, Deschamps told TF1 of Benzema's penalty miss: "Karim was unfortunate, but he was very present. A goal would have pleased him, and me too, but if he saves them for later...

"It was an important moment for him [to play for France again]. He is part of a collective in the way he plays." 

Asked himself what he thought of his return to international football, Benzema said: "Good, very good. I had very good feelings, with a good week of work. A lot of pride and joy and desire to play and show what I did on the field.

"A match is like that, the main thing is to create the opportunities, win and do better next time."

Further reading

Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns completed their away 2020/21 assignments with a 2-0 win against Bloemfontein Celtic at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Wednesday.
 
Peter Shalulile struck in either half as the Brazilians picked three points in the penultimate fixture of a season they were dominant in.
 
In the fifth minute, Celtic got the first shot of the game when Neo Maema set up Lucky Baloyi whose effort was stopped by a crowded Mamelodi Sundowns backline.
 
Mothobi Mvala got the first shot for the Brazilians in the seventh minute, but as the ball was rolled towards Motupa Gift Motupa, Mondli Mpoto reacted quickly to collect the loose ball. In the 11th minute, the champions opened the scoring through Shalulile who capitalised on a rebound to score. Lyle Lakay set up Haashim Domingo who took a shot that was blocked, but Shalulile was lurking around to head home from the rebound.
 
Zambian goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene did well by diving to his left-hand side and saving a low drive from a free-kick by Celtic's Maema in the 17th minute. After conceding, the home side did not sit back and asked serious questions on the Sundowns defence. Rushine De Reuck made important clearances in the 26th minute as Celtic swarmed the visitors' area.

The Brazilians reacted and pushed Celtic into their own half again and in the 39th minute, Gaston Sirino led a counter-attack, found Motupa on the left but he was stopped by a raised offside flag. In the 44th minute, Mvala attempted a shot from the edge of the box but Mpoto was equal to the challenge as he collected the direct shot.

Celtic started the second half a better side but received a blow in the 47th minute when Maema was injured and Sundowns' Shalulile carried him to the touchline for medical attention.  
 
Celtic's experienced Mpoto almost gave Sundowns the second goal when he took too long and sent the ball straight to Motupa in an attempt to make a late clearance. Motupa's effort deflected off the post as Celtic emerged from the scare that was caused by their custodian at the hour mark. 
 
Mpoto again was at fault a minute later when he invited Mvala but the Sundowns star fouled him as they tussled for the ball. His two errors almost gave out his side, who had begun the second half a more determined side.
 
The champions grabbed another goal in the 65th minute when Shalulile scored his second of the evening. Lakay did well to spot the Namibian after a short corner and the striker did well to beat Mpoto with a header from inside the box.  
 
In an attempt to contain Sundowns, Celtic made changes with the introduction of Jabulani Ncobeni, Lantshene Phalane, Sera Motebang and Tumelo Njoti for Tebogo Potsane, Given Mashikinya, Ndumio Mabena and Harris Tchilimbou respectively in the 72nd minute.
 
The visitors made their substitutions in the 78th minute as Mauricio Affonso, Lesedi Kapinga and George Maluleka replaced Motupa, Domingo and Mvala. A good chance beckoned for Celtic in the 80th minute when Tshepo Rikhotso laid the ball on Victor Letsoala's path, who did not finish from the cross that was not so good either.
 
A huge chance for Siwelele went to waste in the 84th minute when the visitors failed to clear, giving Thato Lingwati a chance to attempt a shot on goal, but the South African sent the ball slightly over the bar. Sundowns made another substitution in the 85th minute, with Grant Margeman replacing Sirino, and they eventually won the tie.
 

Returning Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti can't imagine the club without Sergio Ramos, but still warned that the defender's future is undecided.

On Tuesday Ancelotti left Everton to take over at Real Madrid, where he previously managed between 2013 and 2015.

One of the Italian's first orders of business will be sorting out the future of Ramos, whose contract at Madrid expires on June 30.

What was said?

Asked at his introductory press conference about Ramos, Ancelotti said: "I can't imagine a Real Madrid without Sergio Ramos but I also couldn't imagine a day without Carlo Ancelotti!"

Ancelotti added of the 35-year-old, who has been at Real Madrid since 2005: "It is clear that Sergio Ramos is a very important player and has been fundamental for many successes at this club. I know there are talks over a renewal, but I don't know the details, when I do, I can say more."

What else did Ancelotti say?

The 61-year-old was asked about a host of other topics at the press conference, including Eden Hazard, who has yet to find his best form while battling injuries during his two seasons at the club.

"Hazard is a top player, he has had injury problems and hasn't shown his top potential yet here. I believe he can do that next year. He wants to and is motivated," Ancelotti said.

Ancelotti also made it clear he is expecting to work with Gareth Bale next season, though the Welshman's future is unclear after he spent the 2020-21 season on loan at former club Tottenham.

"Gareth has not played much in the Premier League," the Italian said. "But he scored lots of goals, was very effective in recent games when he had a chance to play. He is coming back, I know him very well, he will be motivated to play better and have a great season, no doubt."

Ancelotti was also asked about Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been linked with a move back to Madrid as his Juventus contract approaches its final 12 months.

"I am very close to Cristiano, but I do not like to talk about players at another club," Ancelotti said. "He has a contract at Juventus. I can tell you I love him a lot, and I am happy to see him still scoring many goals, playing very well.”

Further reading

Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe has played down comparisons with Erling Haaland, insisting the football world is still "getting to know" the Borussia Dortmund striker.

Mbappe has solidified his reputation as arguably the best young player of his generation since joining PSG from Monaco in 2017, taking his overall tally of career goals to 231 while also becoming a World Cup winner at international level with France.

The 22-year-old is being touted as the favourite to win the 2021 Ballon d'Or after another stellar year at Parc des Princes, but Haaland has emerged as a possible contender too, having burst onto European football's biggest stage at BVB over the past one-and-a-half seasons.

What's been said?

It has been suggested that Mbappe and Haaland will step up to replace Barcelona captain Lionel Messi and Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo at the very top of the game when the duo finally retires, but the Frenchman is distancing himself from a potential rivalry.

When asked if he compares himself to the Norwegian frontman, Mbappe told GQ Magazine: "It’s his second year, we’re getting to know him. It’s the start for him.

"I'm happy for him, for what he’s doing.”

However, the France international went on to admit that he does measure his own abilities up against the best players in the game, which he believes is a healthy way to improve.

“You do always compare yourself with the best in your sport, just as the baker compares himself with the best bakers around him," he said. "Who makes the best croissant, the best pain au chocolate?

"I watch matches of other great players to see what they’re doing. 'I know how to do this, but can the other guy do it too?’ I think other players watch me, too.

"I think that pushes players to raise their game, just as Messi was good for Ronaldo and Ronaldo was good for Messi.”

Mbappe & Haaland compared

Mbappe became a Ligue 1 winner in his first full season at Monaco, and left the club with 27 goals to his name from 60 appearances.

PSG invested €150 million (£129m/$183m) in his talents, which he has undoubtedly repaid over the past four seasons, finding the net 132 times in 171 games while also laying on 60 assists.

Mbappe has picked up 10 trophies at Parc des Princes already, including three more Ligue 1 titles, and has also appeared in a Champions League final, while Haaland has only just started to make his mark in the competition.

Haaland won the Champions League golden boot in 2020-21 with 10 goals in eight matches, and scored another 30 in domestic competition for Dortmund.

The 20-year-old has hit 57 goals in 59 outings for the Bundesliga club in total since moving to Westfalenstadion from Red Bull Salzburg in January 2020, but has only picked up one trophy so far in the form of the DFB Pokal.

What else did Mbappe say?

Mbappe has previously stated that he tells himself he is better than Messi and Ronaldo as a motivational tactic, but has now conceded that he has a long way to go before reaching the same level as two players that have shared 11 Ballon d'Or awards between them.

“It’s not only me who knows that [they are the best],” he added. "If you tell yourself that you’ll do better than them, it’s beyond ego or determination — it’s lack of awareness.

"Those players are incomparable. They have broken all laws of statistics. They have had 10 extraordinary years, 15.”

Further reading

Antonio Conte is in advanced talks to take over as head coach at Tottenham Goal Italy can confirm.

The Italian left his role as Inter boss after winning the Serie A title in the 2020-21 season and it appears he will now be heading back to the Premier League following a two-year spell with Chelsea back in 2016.

It is also understood that former Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici is also in discussions with Spurs, with the 48-year-old having previously worked with Conte at Juve.

What's the latest?

Former Inter boss Conte, who left the Nerazzurri after securing the Serie A title, is now looking at returning to England and is in advanced discussions with Tottenham.

Spurs are looking for a new manager after sacking Jose Mourinho, with Ryan Mason having only been given the job on a temporary basis until the end of the 2020-21 campaign.

Another former Chelsea boss, Maurizio Sarri, was also in the frame to take over at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but Conte, who delivered the Premier League title during his time in charge at Stamford Bridge, is the preferred choice.

The north London club are also looking at bringing in Fabio Paratici to take up a director of football role.

Paratici, who worked with Conte during the latter's hugely successful three-year spell in charge at Juve, is available having left the Turin giants after 11 years at the club.

Spurs had been keen on luring Mauricio Pochettino back to the club although they are likely to fail to convince Paris Saint-Germain to part with their head coach, with Real Madrid having already failed to land the Argentine.

Can Conte convince Kane to stay?

One of the first, and most important tasks that will greet Conte should he take the Tottenham job will be sorting out the future of star striker Harry Kane.

As reported by Goal, Kane has expressed his desire to leave Spurs as he grown disappointed by the lack of progress being made at the club.

It is not yet known if the appointment of Conte will change the England captain's mind, although it is likely to be seen as a positive move by the club in appointing a proven winner in the Italian.

Should Kane secure a transfer away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Spurs could look at making a move for Inter striker Romelu Lukaku, who formed a strong relationship with Conte at the San Siro over the last two seasons.

Further reading

Genk striker Paul Onuachu has arrived at Nigeria’s camp ahead of Friday’s international friendly against Cameroon.

The 26-year-old is the last of the invited players to arrive at the Super Eagles’ base in Austria as Gernot Rohr now has his players available for training.

In the absence of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and Crotone star Simeon Nwankwo due to injury problems, Onuachu is expected to lead the three-time African champions’ attack against the Indomitable Lions.

In the just-concluded league campaign, the former Midtjylland man was in blistering form for John van den Brom’s Smurfs, helping them to finish as runners-up in the Belgian top-flight behind winners Club Brugge.

For his contributions, he found the net on 35 occasions in all competitions this season, amid other impressive displays.

Onuachu’s eye-catching performances saw him named the 2020-21 Belgian League Player of the Year and winner of the Golden Boot diadem.

With his presence in the camp, Rohr now boasts of 20 players in his squad for the showdown against the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations hosts.

Others in camp include captain Ahmed Musa, Moses Simon, Francis Uzoho, John Noble, William Troost-Ekong, Alex Iwobi, Shehu Abdullahi and Leicester City duo of Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho.

The rest are Chidozie Awaziem, Jamilu Collins, Peter Etebo, Valentine Ozornwafor, Abraham Marcus, Anayo Iwuala, Terem Moffi, Peter Olayinka and Samson Tijani.

Porto’s Zaidu Sanusi, West Bromwich Albion’s Semi Ajayi, Fulham’s Ola Aina, Benfica’s Tyronne Ebuehi and Hoffenheim’s Kevin Akpoguma all pulled out of the match due to injury worries.

Despite the size of his squad, the German tactician claimed the double-header would help his team gel for September’s World Cup qualification games against Liberia and Cape Verde.

“You see that so many players are not here for this test match. It's an opportunity to try other players, to see new faces and then have the chance to something,” Rohr was quoted by Nigeria Football Federation media.

“It is also important to prepare well for the World Cup qualifiers against Liberia and Cape Verde. So, we must use this opportunity to be ready and have a good competition in the team.”

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed what he considers to be the "most important trophy" of his career to date, while also discussing his favourite goal.

Ronaldo is one of the most decorated players of his generation, having won 32 trophies across spells at Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, while also picking up five Ballon d'Or awards.

The 36-year-old has two international winners' medals on his CV too, including the 2016 European Championships, which he has now insisted means more to him than all of his other achievements in the game.

What's been said?

Ronaldo scored three goals during Portugal's run to glory at the Euros five years ago, but limped out of their final victory against France through injury, with Eder eventually grabbing the winner in extra time.

The Juventus forward took it upon himself to continue instructing his team-mates from the sidelines and was overcome with emotion after the final whistle after seeing his country's long wait for major silverware come to an end.

Speaking as an Official Global Brand Ambassador for LiveScore, Ronaldo said: "The start of the UEFA European Football Championship 2016 was going well for me but then I was sad because I got injured [in the final vs France]," 

"By the end of the match I was crying with happiness! I experienced three types of feelings and emotions in that game, but at the end of the day it was unbelievable what I felt!

"It is probably the most important trophy that I’ve won in my life.”

The forward added on the prospect of captaining Portugal to back-to-back European Championship successes this summer: "It was very emotional. To win it again would be incredible, and of course, we go to the tournament with that as our ambition. 

"We have a good team but also we know there are a lot of very strong teams there.”

Ronaldo's most treasured goal

Ronaldo went on to pick a favourite from his 777 career goals, admitting he cannot look beyond his famous overhead kick against his current club in the 2017-18 Champions League quarter-finals.

Real Madrid won the first leg of the contest against Juve 3-0, with the Portuguese opening the scoring before doubling his account with a spectacular acrobatic effort which left Gianluigi Buffon rooted to the spot.

“As you know, I have scored 777 goals in my career," said Ronaldo. "It is a bit unlucky but unfortunately, I have to mention that I scored my favourite ever goal against my current team, Juventus, and past my great friend Gianluigi Buffon!

"I would say that is my best and favourite goal that I’ve ever scored in my career.”

How did Ronaldo perform for Juve in 2020-21?

Ronaldo enjoyed another prolific campaign for Juve last season, scoring 36 goals in 44 appearances across all competitions.

29 of those efforts were recorded in Serie A as he finished with the Golden Boot, and he was also able to add a first-ever Coppa Italia crown to his silverware collection, along with a second Suppercoppa Italiana.

Further reading

Tanzania striker Mbwana Samatta has claimed he is not sure of the reception he will receive at Premier League side Aston Villa after completing his loan spell with Fenerbahce.

The 28-year-old forward was loaned out to the Turkish Super Lig side having joined the Villans for £8.5million from Belgian top-flight side Genk, however, he failed to make the desired impact in England, scoring just twice in 16 appearances.

The decision by Villa to loan out the player was not received well back home in Tanzania where the fans reacted angrily by criticising the move which saw the Premier League outfit lose over 30k followers on Instagram in the first 24 hours after the loan deal was confirmed.

Immediately after the transfer was announced, Tanzanians descended on the Villa Instagram page to unfollow it, with most of them saying they are now heading to Turkey with “our son.”

Following the incident, Samatta has stated he is not sure what kind of reception he will get at Villa Park when he returns for pre-season.

What has been said?

In a question and answer session as covered by JAYM-Sport, the Taifa Stars captain explained when asked about his return to Villa: “After leaving Villa many Tanzanians talked too much hate about the team and for that reason, I don’t know when I go back how they will receive me.

“I don’t know if they [Aston Villa] will welcome me with open hearts or they will chase me away but I don’t think I will be able to stay because a lot of Tanzanians talked too much hate when I was loaned out and I now don’t know if they will be happy to see me return, or they will hate me.”

Samatta joined Villa on January 20, 2020, after signing a four-and-half-year contract to become the first Tanzanian to play in the Premier League and also the 117th different nationality to play in the competition.

The transfer fee paid to Genk was reported as £8.5 million and he went on to make his debut for the club eight days later in Villa's 2–1 EFL Cup semi-final second-leg win over Leicester City, a result which sealed the club's place in the final of the competition.

On February 1, 2020, Samatta scored on his league debut for Aston Villa, in a 2–1 defeat to Bournemouth, and this made him the first player from Tanzania to play, and subsequently score in the Premier League.

The arrival of Ollie Watkins and Burkina Faso international Bertrand Traore meant Samatta was surplus to requirements in Dean Smith’s squad, hence, he was loaned to the Turkish Super Lig outfit.

Victor Osimhen will score between 15 and 20 goals for Napoli during the 2021-22 Serie A campaign, according to the majority vote conducted by Goal readers.

The Nigeria international was highly impressive during his stint at Belgium’s Royal Charleroi as he managed 36 goals in 37 appearances, which earned him a €14m (£13m/$17m) move to Lille in 2019.

His imposing form continued in Ligue 1 as he found the net on 18 occasions in 38 appearances for the Stade Pierre-Mauroy giants. That fuelled his move to Naples in a deal reported to be worth €50 million (£45m/$59m) a year later.

In his maiden season at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Osimhen scored 10 goals in 29 appearances across all competitions.

As his Italian outfit look to begin life without Gennaro Gattuso next term, we asked our readers how many goals the Super Eagles star would turn in for Luciano Spalletti’s side.

In a poll conducted on the Goal Africa Twitter handle, a tiny 3.2 percent of total votes cast claimed Osimhen would score a maximum of seven goals for Napoli. This is understandable because he scored seven times in his first full season in Europe.

In the last three seasons, the striker has scored a minimum of 10 goals in a league campaign. Little wonder, 17.9% of voters think the Super Eagle would find the net between eight and 14 times.

A huge 43.7% percent of the total votes cast predicted he would score between 15 and 20 goals for the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona giants.

Lastly, 35.3% feel he will score at least 21 goals for the Campania-based outfit.

Plausible as this optimism may sound, this mark looks unlikely having in mind that the 2015 Fifa U17 World Cup winner’s highest tally ever remains 13 goals – a figure he achieved in 2019-2020 at Lille.

Spalletti’s appointment was confirmed on Saturday and Osimhen's agent William D'Avila praised the recruitment of the 62-year-old while backing the 22-year-old to shine under him.

“It will be great for the team to have a top coach like him [Spalleti]. 4-2-3-1 will be the formation and Victor will be the offensive force,” D’Avila told Kiss Kiss Napoli.

Kaizer Chiefs interim coach Arthur Zwane has claimed his mentality for winning has not changed as he is expected to lead the Premier Soccer League side in the remaining fixtures of the season.
 
In 11th place on the table and just five points above the relegation play-off spot, Zwane admitted they are in a bad situation and knows a win on Wednesday will ease their relegation fears.

Amakhosi will be at home against Golden Arrows at FNB Stadium as they pursue critical points after the struggling for consistency so far this season.

"This team taught me about winning. When I arrived here as a player, it was all about winning," Zwane said, according to The Citizen. 

"Nothing will change that. My mindset has not changed. I am looking forward to pushing the players, encouraging them to make sure we get maximum points in the last games.

"We are in a situation that we all know as a team is difficult. We need to achieve results. We have not been doing well.

"But that is the nature of the game – you win some, you lose some. Unfortunately, now we are in a situation where we need maximum points. We have been preparing the boys, they are doing well at training and are looking forward to the game."

Zwane revealed the game plan they will apply against the high-flying Arrows, knowing very well a defeat will plunge them closer to the relegation playoffs.

"As a team, we will always be ready for any game. The game of football is obviously about the results at this level. So, we are hoping to get maximum points and take advantage of playing at home," added the tactician.

"We will take the game to them and play without fear. We know we are playing a difficult team with good players, nippy players. They have a good structure and a good coach too. It is not going to be easy, but we are also not going to make it easy for them as well."

He also gave injury updates on Siyabonga Ngezana and Samir Nurkovic: "We will only be missing Siyabonga Ngezana because he is suspended. [Samir] Nurkovic was sick in the previous game, so he couldn’t play, but he is fully recovered now, but I am not sure if he can last 90 minutes. If he could give us 90 minutes, that would be a bonus."

Zwane and Dillon Sheppard have taken charge of the team after Gavin Hunt was sacked last week.

Cape Town City have revealed that AmaZulu FC have failed to meet the deadline set by the Western Cape club to buy Zukile Kewuti. 

The 25-year-old utility player joined AmaZulu on a short-term loan deal from City in February 2021 and he quickly established himself as a regular at the KwaZulu-Natal giants.

Kewuti has made 13 appearances across all competitions for Usuthu thus far having reunited with his former coach at City, Benni McCarthy.

City club chairman John Comitis has now disclosed that AmaZulu have not exercised the option to buy him before the deadline and that McCarthy might have been unaware of how the deal was reached by the two clubs. 

“I don’t think Benni knew the facts of the deal. There is a pre-set transfer amount in the loan agreement they could have exercised at the end of April, but they did not take the option,” Comitis told Daily Sun. 

“So, it was in their hands. It was an extremely reasonable amount of money so it was reportedly incorrect.

"They had an option that they could keep him and they let that expire without any response. But now we are happy to have him back.”

McCarthy joined AmaZulu in December 2020 and Kewuti was his maiden signing at the Durban-based side. 

Meanwhile, AmaZulu club president Sandile Zungu has been impressed by Kewuti's versatility as the Cape Town-born player operated as a left-back against Mamelodi Sundowns two months ago. 

“You saw how well he [Kewuti] did against Sundowns in the left back position,” Zungu told the same publication. 

Kewuti replaced suspended regular left-back Sibusiso Mabiliso and he helped the Citizens keep a clean sheet against Sundowns in a PSL game, which ended in a 0-0 draw at Jonsson Kings Park Stadium. 

Zungu also indicated that McCarthy will make the final decision regarding Kewuti's future with the club. 

“We are influenced by our coach, but when it comes to technical matters such as player selection, signing or release [players], we don’t get involved," he concluded. 

Kewuti was part of the City side that clinched the 2018 MTN8 under McCarthy after they defeated SuperSport United in the final. 

Kaizer Chiefs would be looking to ease a rough patch of form when they host Golden Arrows in Wednesday's Premier Soccer League clash at FNB Stadium.

After failing to record a single victory in their last five league games, 11th-placed Amakhosi have found themselves five points above the relegation zone in what led to Gavin Hunt's sacking last Friday.

The difficult run has seen Chiefs' chances of finishing the season in the top-eight now very slim as they are five points behind eighth-placed TS Galaxy with two matches remaining.

They come up against an Arrows side third on the standings with their eyes set on claiming a berth to play continental football next season.

Arrows have established themselves as one of the highly-competitive teams in this campaign, having only lost four league games which is the third-best record behind Mameloldi Sundowns and Swallows FC, who have lost just a match each.

But with Chiefs having also carved a record as being a very unpredictable side, Abafana Bes'thende might need to be extra careful in their trip to Gauteng.

TV Channel, Live Score & How To Watch

Squads & Team News

Chiefs go in to battle without Siyabonga Ngezana, who is suspended after he picked his fourth yellow card in their last match, a 2-1 defeat away at Black Leopards.

But stand-in coaches Arthur Zwane and Dillon Sheppard welcome back Njabulo Blom, who missed the last two league games after being red-carded against Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila on May 4.

Also returning from suspension is Willard Katsande, who was absent against Leopards and this increases the coaches' options in central midfield.

Attacker Kahama Billiat is still out injured, while Dumisani Zuma and Lebohang Lesako are doubtful.

Arrows will be without influential midfielder Nduduzo Sibiya, who was shown a red card late in their 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy on May 19.

Sibiya has been one of Abafana Bes'thende's outstanding players this season with six league goals and four assists in 20 appearances.

Match Preview

This is one match Amakhosi cannot afford to lose as a defeat will leave them staring down the barrel of relegation going into their final match of the campaign. 

Amakhosi's top-eight chances are almost as good as dead as they largely depend on how their rivals for that position TS Galaxy, Baroka FC and Bloemfontein Celtic fare in the final two games.

On the other side, a win for Arrows will help them edge closer to cementing a top-three finish which would come with a guarantee of playing in Africa next season.

Arrows and Chiefs played out a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium last November.

But Chiefs have been let down by their recent outings and they host their KwaZulu-Natal visitors boasting a form sequence of lose-draw-lose-draw-lose.

Their opponents managed to recover in their last match with a resounding victory over TS Galaxy which came after a slump of two straight defeats which were preceded by as many draws.

That four-match winless run saw Arrows surrendering a claim of a top-four finish which comes with Caf Champions League football for next season, but the victory but them back on track.

Arsenal "made a mistake" in appointing Mikel Arteta, according to William Gallas, who says that the inexperienced coach wasn't ready for the Gunners job.

Arteta was drafted in to replace Unai Emery as Arsenal's new permanent manager in December 2019, having spent the previous three years serving as Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City.

The Spaniard has just completed his first full season in charge, which ended in disappointment as the Gunners missed out on a place in European competition for the first time in 25 years, leaving Gallas convinced that he is the wrong man to take the club forward.

What's been said?

“Mikel Arteta was not ready yet to manage a club like Arsenal," the former Arsenal and France defender told The Sun.

“OK, he was assistant coach at Manchester City. But he had never managed a team. It is completely different.

“The board made a mistake picking him. I'm sure he will be a great manager but you need to have experience to manage a big club.

“To be honest, it is a great shame for the Arsenal fans after finishing eighth.

“Arsenal is not the same Arsenal we knew 18, 20 years ago. We had players who were strong, with strong personalities.”

Arteta's mixed start at Arsenal

Arteta won over the club's supporters in the second half of the 2019-20 campaign by delivering an unlikely FA Cup triumph, which he followed up with a Community Shield victory over Liverpool.

However, results quickly took a turn for the worse in the Gunners' latest season as they fell into the bottom half of the table, with the 39-year-old's tactical approach subsequently called into question.

Arsenal went on to exit the FA Cup in the fourth round and suffer a painful semi-final defeat to Villarreal in the Europa League, but did at least manage to finish the campaign with five successive Premier League victories.

The bigger picture 

Arsenal will likely keep faith with Arteta for another season as he continues to oversee a long-term project, with his contract not due to expire until 2023.

However, the former City No.2 has warned that recruitment in the summer transfer market will be necessary for the Gunners to take strides forward in 2021-22.

“There are so many things to do because we have a lot of players on loan and a lot of players with contracts that we still have to sort,” Arteta said last month.

“It will depend on what happens with a lot of those players and what we are able to recruit to improve the team. That is going to determine where we are."

Further reading

Mamelodi Sundowns will be hoping to avoid two straight matches without recording victory when they visit Bloemfontein Celtic for Wednesday's Premier Soccer League encounter at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium.

After a 0-0 draw against Swallows FC last Saturday, Masandawana dropped two points but have a chance to bounce back to winning ways away from home.

They might have already bagged the league title but the Tshwane giants would want to finish the campaign on a high in their two remaining games. 

Celtic, who are sitting 10th on the log and six points above the relegation zone, now stand in their way of securing maximum points.

Not much is at stake in this game for Sundowns but their hosts would want to guarantee themselves safety with a match to go.

TV Channel, Live Score & How To Watch

Squads & Team News

Celtic will be missing the services of suspended goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane who has accumulated four yellow cards.

Sipho Chaine is almost sure to be selected to guard goal ahead of Mondli Mpoto and Gerhard Phafoli, who are yet to play this season.

Siwelele will also be without another suspended player Mokone Mereko.

The left-back is serving his last match of suspension after he was shown a red card against Cape Town City on May 12.

But the good news for coach John Maduka is the return of forward Victory Letsolao, who was suspended for their last match against Chippa United.

Letsoalo is Celtic's top scorer in the league so far this season with eight goals. 

Earlier this week, Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi was unclear on the availability of Themba Zwane, who is am injury concern.

Zwane featured for 51 minutes in the draw against Swallows FC and was replaced by Sibusiso Vilakazi, but the club has been coy about his fitness status. 

However, Mngqithi confirmed Kermit Erasmus and Keletso Makgalwa are ruled out with the latter being a long-term absentee.

Sphelele, who could not go beyond the 19th minute against SuperSport United last week before missing the Swallows match, is a doubt for Wednesday's encounter together with goalkeeper Denis Onyango and defender Banglay Soumahoro.

But the good news is that Gift Motupa is back from injury to add attacking options 

Match Preview

While Sundowns go into this match fresh from a draw against Swallows, Celtic are buoyed by a 2-1 away victory over Chippa United in their last match on May 18.

But dropping two points will not make Masandawana a less competitive side as they were held by the Dube Birds on the backdrop of four straight league wins. 

The Brazilians also remain beaten just once in 28 league games this season to date.

Celtic on the other hand have won just once, drew three times and suffered a defeat in their least five games.

What could be worrisome for Siwelele is that they have conceded an average of a goal in their last five outings in which they have shipped in five goals. 

But after they knocked Sundowns out of the MTN8 early in the season, before scuring a 0-0 draw in the reverse league fixture at Lucas Moripe Stadium, so Celtic might not be too worried about Wednesday's assignment. 

Also, the Free State side have enjoyed 14 days away from competitive football, while Sundowns have played three games within that period.

Orlando Pirates continue with their push to play in Africa when they clash with Baroka FC in a Premier Soccer League match at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday.

After losing 1-0 to TS Galaxy last Sunday, when they blew an opportunity to climb one rung up the ladder and settle on third spot while coming two points behind second-placed AmaZulu, Pirates are on a redemption mission.

That result complicated the remainder of their campaign which now sees their chances of playing in next season's Caf Champions League or Caf Confederation Cup no longer in their hands, but largely dependent on how AmaZulu and third-placed Golden Arrows fare in their respective remaining games. 

Even if the Buccaneers beat Baroka while Usuthu and Arrows win their matches on Wednesday, Pirates will remain stuck outside the top-three going into their final match of the season at the weekend.

What could further complicate the Soweto giants' mission in Polokwane is that they face a Baroka side keen to end the season in the top half of the table.

Currently, Bakgaga ba Ga-Mphahlele are ninth on the standings just two points behind TS Galaxy, who are eighth.

TV Channel, Live Score & How To Watch

Squads & Team News

Baroka have no suspensions in their camp in what is some good news for coach Thoka Matsimela.

With veteran Namibia midfielder Ananias Gebhardt, forward Evidence Makgopa, Goodman Mosele and Malawian striker Richard Mbulu all enjoying some good form all season, Pirates have something to seriously worry about.

Pirates will be without suspended utility player Abel Mabaso.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns man, who has of late been deployed as a defensive midfielder, was red-carded against TS Galaxy and is ineligible for selection.

Coach Josef Zinnbauer might not be too worried about Mabaso's absence as he has Ben Motshwari available, who is returning from suspension, while Siphesihle and Thabang Monare also act as cover in that position.

Forwards Tshegofatso Mabasa, Zakhele Lepasa and Jean-Marc Makusu have been struggling with injuries in what has compromised the Soweto giants upfront, where Frank Mhango is the only available natural number nine.

Match Preview

Pirates continue to be haunted by lack of consistency in the league this season.

The defeat by TS Galaxy confirmed again their struggle to complete two consecutive wins after they arrived in Nelspruit on the backdrop of an important victory over AmaZulu.

Their current league form is defined by two wins, a draw and two defeats in their last five outings in which they have managed to score four goals, while conceding as many.

Their opponents Baroka have not tasted defeat in their last three games but just a win, three draws and a defeat have seen them battle to cement a spot in the top-eight.

Just like Pirates, Bakgaga have struggled for goals recently, managing just three in five matches but have compensated for that with a defence which has shipped in three goals as well.

After beating AmaZulu in their second last game away in Durban, Baroka could be fancying upsetting the Buccaneers, who last won on the road against Chippa United in early March before failing to secure maximum points away from home in four league outings.

The Limpopo outfit has also enjoyed 14 days without being involved in competitive action since their last match in which they were held 0-0 at home by Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila.

During Baroka's period of rest, Pirates have played a Confederation Cup game and two PSL fixtures.

Matsimela's men have proven to be a stubborn team against traditional giants this season and they held the Buccaneers to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture in November 2020.

Mesut Ozil and his ownership partners in Liga MX club Necaxa could have their plan to sell on a portion of their stake through a Non-Fungible Token (NFT) blocked by the Mexican Football Federation.

Ozil's group announced this week that it would sell a digital token representing a 1 per cent stake in Necaxa to the public. However, the Mexican Football Federation released a statement Tuesday night saying the scheme was likely not allowed under its current rules. The plan, it has argued, defies the guideline that league approval is needed for any sale of a financial stake in a club, no matter how small.

NFTs, which are a form of rare online collectibles usually purchased using cryptocurrency, remain a murky legal subject given the newness of the industry, so it's possible the Ozil-involved ownership group will push back against the Mexican Football Federation.

What was the proposal for the Necaxa ownership NFT?

Ozil is part of an investment group that has purchased a reported 50 per cent stake in Necaxa. Among the individuals involved in the project are the NBA's Victor Oladipo, MLB's Justin Verlander and skier Bode Miller.

They have all proposed the creation of an NFT that would represent a 1 per cent stake in the club. In other words, they would sell a small share of their portion of the organisation to the public, with the highest bidder being awarded a unique digital token that comes along with promised perks such as access to the team and its facilities, tickets to home and away games, championship rings, and team merchandise.

Crucially, the 1 per cent stake could then be sold on to anyone. The norms of the NFT industry suggest that Ozil's investment group would get creator royalties from any further changing of hands, though that has not yet been confirmed in this instance.

What has the Mexican Football Federation said?

The problem in the eyes of the Mexican Football Federation is that all sales are supposed to be approved by the league, and the sale of the NFT on the blockchain would not follow that protocol.

"In accordance with our regulations, the membership certificates [of ownership] may not be transferred or modified under any figure other than the express approval of the Assembly of the MX LIGA and confirmation of the Executive Committee and/or the General Assembly of the Mexican Football Federation," wrote the governing body in a statement posted to its official website.

"Therefore, the direct or indirect equity participation of a LIGA MX Club is not subject to any type of exchange, or purchase by any means or form of payment (including NFTs), other to those previously recognised in our regulations.

"Any change or direct or indirect addition of shareholders (regardless of the legal form in question) will be considered as a replacement of the membership certificate and therefore will be subject to compliance with the requirements described above."

Further reading