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Cameroon legend Samuel Eto'o has thrown his weight behind his former club Chelsea in the upcoming Uefa Champions League final against Manchester City on Saturday. 

Eto'o, who played for the Blues in the 2013-14 season, is delighted that Thomas Tuchel's side managed to reach their first Champions League final since 2012. However, Chelsea are up against a tough opponent in Manchester City who are searching for their first European crown. 

Although Pep Guardiola's City are considered overwhelming favourites for the final in most quarters, Eto'o has dismissed such suggestions and feels Chelsea have every chance of leaving the city of Porto as European champions. 

"I am happy to see my old club Chelsea qualify for the Champions League final once again," Eto'o told Goal. "For some, Manchester City are the favourites to lift the trophy, but in my opinion when it comes to a final, there is no such thing as favourites. It is just one game,so anything is possible.

"Time and time again, we have seen teams arrive to a final unfancied," he added, "only to leave as champions."

Chelsea have already beaten Manchester City twice, in the FA Cup and in the Premier League this season, although they ended their top flight campaign with defeat by Aston Villa.

Eto'o, who is in Doha currently as a Qatar Legacy Ambassador for the 2022 World Cup , spoke of two young talents in both sides who have been impressing fans and pundits alike.

City's young attacking midfielder Phil Foden and Chelsea's midfield dynamo Mason Mount are two players Eto'o is looking forward to watching in the final. 

"For the young players such as Phil Foden and Mason Mount, this will be their first time playing in such an important game," Eto'o continued. "Despite their age, both players have had impressive seasons and could have a big impact on the outcome.

"There are many great players past and present who haven't had these opportunities, so it is important for the players to savour the experience and do everything they can to have an influence on the game," he added. 

Eto'o is no stranger to the big occasions, having won the Uefa Champions League three times in his career (twice with Barcelona and once with Inter Milan), and stated that such occasions are what players dream about.

He also believes that the presence of fans at the stadium will make it even more worthwhile. 

"Playing in these big games is what every player dreams of," he continued. "During my career, I had the honour of playing in many important matches, including the Champions League final on three occasions – winning it twice with Barcelona and once with Inter Milan – so I know how special it is to experience these moments with family, teammates and, especially, the fans."

With football slowly returning to normal ways throughout the world, Eto'o is glad fans will be able to watch the Champions League final live from the stadium, albeit in reduced numbers.

After every non-cross or delayed delivery into the box, Victor Osimhen’s frustration grew as Napoli’s Champions League qualification hopes drifted away.

The striker, probably aware of the Azzurri’s need for all three points, was visibly animated when moves broke down, a pass or cross was delayed, or an attack didn’t result in an effort on target.

The Naples outfit had their fate in their hands before the start of the final game: win vs Hellas Verona at home and return to the Champions League. It should have been straightforward…

However, they performed disappointingly and, as the night developed, hoped for an Atalanta victory over AC Milan in Bergamo, especially as Juventus had raced into a 4-0 halftime lead at Bologna.

What frustrated on the night, aside from the eventual 1-1 result, of course, was the manner of their performance, strangely analogous to how they’d played in the main since their improvement since February.

Having accrued more points (33) than every team in Serie A not named Inter Milan or Atalanta (both 35 points) since that 4-2 defeat by La Dea on February 21, the Partenopei had little business letting things slip vs Verona on their turf.

Even more encouraging in that run of results were the performances which saw them blow away Lazio 5-2, school Spezia 4-1 and obliterate Udinese 5-1.

Their 2-0 win at Fiorentina on the penultimate gameweek of the season looked to tip the scales in their favour, especially as they faced Ivan Juric’s team that had picked up six points from 12 heading into the final day face off in Naples.

Verona may be an awkward side to play against, but Napoli’s rather lifeless performance for the entire game was rather stupefying. They froze. They forgot to play. They bottled it!

At the risk of being alarmist, it quenches the positivity that had developed in Naples, regardless of Aurelio De Laurentiis’ somewhat tyrannical rule and continued disruptive influence.

Their failure to make the Champions League spots for the second season running could have disturbing ramifications for the side who splurged on Osimhen to add the firepower needed to return to Europe’s elite competition.

The striker, however, not only faces the prospect of playing Europa League football for two years running but also being left with egg on his face having left a Lille side last year that then went on to win Ligue 1 for the first time in 10 years.

Who knows what might have been?

His chequered season was ending on a high and there were encouraging signs for next season, even though it was obvious his beloved Gattuso was due to depart and upheaval was imminent.

The former AC Milan icon’s eventual 56.8 win percentage in all competitions was higher than every Napoli boss to have coached 20 games or higher except Maurizio Sarri and he probably deserved to continue for another season.

Instead, Osimhen is going to start next season playing under his third manager in three campaigns.

Without CL football, it remains to be seen if the Partenopei attract the sort of names that’ll give them a chance of returning to the continent’s top competition.

Taking the Nigeria star in isolation, the last couple of months put some gloss on what was turning into a disaster of a year in Serie A. His bright start may not have yielded returns in front of goal, but the all-round menace and developing connection with his teammates at the beginning offered loads of encouragement.

It’s no surprise the forward was involved in more shot-creating actions per 90 this year (3.47) than last season (1.73) and his goal-creating actions per 90 took a little bump from 0.28 to 0.40 this term.

When the goals eventually came following a timely return to fitness after his layoff and illness, Osimhen was near unplayable and netted seven times in the last 11 Serie A games. Throw in two assists in the final weeks of the campaign and nine goal contributions in 11 has a nice ring to it.

Despite the mid-way drop off, the young striker’s 10 goals in 16 starts in 20/21 was quite impressive. By contrast, he scored 13 Ligue 1 goals in 25 starts last term at a frequency of a goal every 176 minutes. This season, it was down to a strike every 158 minutes.

Admittedly, the aforementioned numbers may be far from top class, but it puts a bit of perspective on a testing season in a new league and new country for Napoli’s record signing.

Be that as it may, the lack of continuity in the dugout and the possibility of Lorenzo Insigne departing mean optimistic predictions for next season may be ill-advised.

As for this season, Osimhen did alright in his debut campaign but needs a whole lot more next term. Whether he can guarantee that amid the intense and sometimes poisonous atmosphere in Naples, however, remains to be seen.

Ahead of their Champions League final encounter in Porto on Saturday, Ferran Torres admits that Chelsea have become a "pain in the neck" for Manchester City.

Two Premier League rivals are preparing to battle it out for the grandest of European prizes.

Chelsea have already claimed victories over City in league and FA Cup competition this season, with Torres conceding that Thomas Tuchel's side pose plenty of problems to Pep Guardiola's treble chasers.

What has been said?

"They’re a pain in the neck, in a good way, since they’re always chasing the ball," Spanish forward Torres has told UEFA's official website.

"They run a lot and they want the ball. They don’t just go for counter-attacks, they also want to take the ball off you, which deserves some credit. 

"City are a team which likes to have the ball, and it’s sometimes very hard to take it from us, but they’ve done a great job against us. In fact, they’ve beaten us twice. I mean, you never know in a [UEFA] Champions League final.

"We’re one of the best teams in the world, [so] we have to try and win it all. 

"We’ve won the Premier [League], which is a very hard task – you have to work hard throughout the whole season to achieve it. But a Champions League final [win] would be like the icing on the cake. 

"City have never won one, which is an extra motivation, and we’re going to work hard in this final sprint. And we’re going into it feeling really excited, because above everything else it’s about enjoying it."

Torres' record in 2020-21

City snapped Torres up from Valencia for a reported fee of €23 million (£20m/$28m) during the summer of 2020.

They handed a hot prospect a five-year contract and eased him into their fold amid fierce competition for places.

Torres has progressed quickly during his time in England, though, with 13 goals recorded across all competitions - with that haul including a Premier League hat-trick against Newcastle.

He credits Guardiola with aiding his rapid development, saying of the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss: "If you want to be the best, you have to work with the best and he is currently the best manager in the world for everything that he has accomplished, and for what he has been doing at City. 

"Above all else, for how he involves himself with you, for how he helps you to improve, and for how he tries to help the team. 

"If he needs to stay another half hour so that you get it right, he will. He lives for this and devotes all of his time to football, which I think makes all the difference.

"I’d say he’s turned me into a completely different player from the one I was before coming here. 

"He’s helped me play in practically every attacking position, whereas in the past I only played on the right-hand side. 

"The more versatile a player is, the more chances he has to play and the better footballer he is. I’m still learning from him every day."

Further reading

FC Lugano star Franklin Sasere says his ‘love for humanity’ fuelled his motive for launching a grassroots football tournament in his native town in Nigeria.

Born in Ondo City, the 22-year-old organised the Franklin Sasere Invitational Football Tournament – a championship that will see eight top teams jostle for honours at the Ondo Township Stadium.

The competition – the biggest in the history of Ondo Kingdom – will see the winners, runners-up, and third-placed team smile home with trophies and cash prizes at over a million naira.

The best players could be on their way to bagging professional contracts as football scouts across Europe are in attendance to monitor the grassroots championship.

In a chat with Goal, Sasere – who helped Hamrun Spartans win the 2020-21 Maltese Premier League last season – says his love for humanity and the urge to help in the discovery of hidden talents informed his decision.

“It has been a tough season, however, instead of partying with my loved ones, I felt giving back to the community that unearthed me is the best way to spend my holiday,” he told Goal.

“Take a look around Ondo kingdom, you will find out that there are footballers who are far better than me, but they never had this chance that has seen me play in the Europa League and also with the Maltese Premier League.

“So, the essence of this the Sasere Franklin Invitational Football Tournament is not only to give back to my community but also to give visibility to unknown footballers who could be spotted by the scouts I invited.”

Apart from organising the football competition, Sasere had reached out to primary schools to donate books and writing materials that would help make education easier for them.

“Yes, everyone will not end up becoming professional footballers,” he continued.

“So, having that at the back of my mind, I deemed it fit to extend this gesture to those in schools.

“My project isn’t just driven by my passion for football, I’m driven by my love for humanity.

“Like I told the Osemawe of Ondo during my visit to him, this is not a one-off thing. This will be sustained for the rest of my life whether I am playing professional football or not.”

Cameroon legend Samuel Eto'o has thrown his weight behind his former club Chelsea in the upcoming Champions League final against Manchester City on Saturday. 

Eto'o, who played for the Blues in the 2013-14 season, was delighted that Thomas Tuchel's side managed to reach their first Champions League final since 2012. However, Chelsea are up against a tough opponent in Manchester City who are searching for their first-ever European crown. 

Though Pep Guardiola's City are considered overwhelming favourites for the final in most quarters, Eto'o has dismissed such suggestions and feels Chelsea have every chance of leaving Porto as European champions. 

"I am happy to see my old club Chelsea qualify for the Champions League final once again," Eto'o told Goal. 

"For some, Manchester City are the favourites to lift the trophy, but in my opinion when it comes to a final, there is no such thing as favourites. It is just one game,so anything is possible.

"Time and time again, we have seen teams arrive to a final unfancied, only to leave as champions."

It won't be beyond Chelsea's capabilities, given that they have already beaten Manchester City twice, in the FA Cup and in the Premier League this season. 

Eto'o, who is a legacy ambassador of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, spoke of two young talents in both sides who have been impressing fans and pundits alike. City's young attacking midfielder Phil Foden and Chelsea's midfield dynamo Mason Mount are two players Eto'o is looking forward to watching in the final. 

"For the young players such as Phil Foden and Mason Mount, this will be their first time playing in such an important game. Despite their age, both players have had impressive seasons and could have a big impact on the outcome.

"There are many great players past and present who haven't had these opportunities, so it is important for the players to savour the experience and do everything they can to have an influence on the game," he added. 

Eto'o is no stranger to the big occasions, having won the Champions League thrice in his career (twice with Barcelona and once with Inter Milan). Eto'o stated that such occasions are what players dream of and the presence of fans at the stadium will make it even more worthwhile. 

"Playing in these big games is what every player dreams of. During my career, I had the honour of playing in many important matches, including the Champions League final on three occasions – winning it twice with Barcelona and once with Inter Milan – so I know how special it is to experience these moments with family, teammates and, especially, the fans."

With football slowly returning to normal ways throughout the world, Eto'o is glad fans will be able to watch the Champions League final live from the stadium, albeit in reduced numbers.

Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya are unmoved according to May’s rankings released by the Federation of International Football Association on Thursday.

It has been a quiet period in the month under review – and it is understandable why the trio alongside most African nations stayed motionless.

With 1487 points, three-time African champions remain third in the continent and occupy the 32nd spot globally.

For Bafana Bafana, who square up against Zimbabwe later this year, they still retain their 15th place in Africa and no. 75 in the world.

Charles Akonnor’s Black Stars – who are unbeaten in their last two games in all competitions sit in seventh place in Africa and 49th in the world.

The Harambee Stars will not be featuring at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, nonetheless, they still maintain their 23rd spot in Africa and 102nd position universally.

Senegal are ranked first in Africa and 22nd in the world with 1542 points, while Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles – who are also unmoved - remain 26th globally and second in Africa after accruing 1512 points.

Guinea Bissau who were the biggest movers in April – moving a massive 11 places are 108th in the world, while Namibia are ranked 111th.

For Africa Cup of Nations debutants Comoros, losing 4-0 to Mohamed Salah’s Egypt on the last day of their Afcon qualification are rated no. 36 in Africa and 131st worldwide.

Bahrain's one-place gain (98, +1) is the only movement among the 210 senior national teams that make up the rating.

European side Ukraine remain 24th but, having dropped points, as nearest chasers Serbia and Montenegro have closed the gap on them.

The order of the top six has not changed, with Belgium leading the pack while France, Brazil, England, Portugal and Spain follow in that order.

With most African teams taking part in international friendlies in June, there is bound to be significant movement in the next edition to be released on August 12.

Before then, Gernot Rohr’s Super Eagles would face Afcon hosts Cameroon in a friendly game, while Senegal will try Zambia and Cape Verde for size.

Yanga SC coach Nassreddine Nabi has made it clear they are in the race to win all major titles currently held by their rivals Simba SC this season.

The Msimbazi giants are the current Mainland Premier League and FA Cup champions but according to the Tunisian tactician, they will leave no stone unturned until they win all the trophies this season.

Yanga cruised into the semi-finals of the domestic cup following a 2-0 win against Mwadui FC and will now face Biashara United and they are also sitting joint top with Simba SC on 61 points at the 18-team table, though they have played four matches more.

What did he say?

“Our main goal is to see we win the Mainland Premier League as well as the domestic cup titles which are clear and we are ready for the competition,” Nabi told Goal.

“We want all the trophies in possession of Simba and we will do everything possible to get them, it doesn’t matter what it takes but the players are ready to do the job for me.”

His comments come a few weeks after Simba midfielder Bernard Morrison stated they will remain the dominant force in Tanzania for the next 15 to 20 years and asked their rivals to cool their heels.

What did Morrison say?

“I am very proud to wear this Simba jersey, we have been eliminated from the Caf Champions League [after losing to Kaizer Chiefs], but we are planning to make sure we win all the remaining Cups on offer in Tanzania," the Ghanaian said.

“We don’t have any team that can represent Tanzania well in such a competition apart from Simba, or else, the same teams cannot do it without the presence of Simba, so all I know is Simba will represent Tanzania in the Champions League for the next 15 to 20 years.”

What next for Yanga and Simba?

After reaching the semis of the domestic cup, Yanga will wait for June 17 to face Ruvu Shooting in the league while Simba, who also reached the semis of the competition after beating Dodoma Jiji 3-0, will face Namungo FC in a rescheduled top-tier game on Saturday.

Tottenham have made initial contact over bringing Mauricio Pochettino back to the club as their manager just 18 months after sacking him, Goal can confirm.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy continues to have a positive relationship with the club's former head coach, despite sacking him and replacing him with Jose Mourinho.

However, it remains unclear what Pochettino will decide to do, given that he remains in his post at Paris Saint-Germain, the club he only joined at the start of this year.

What is PSG's stance?

PSG appear to be unmoved by the latest developments regarding Tottenham's interest in Pochettino having only appointed him in January 2021.

RMC reports the Ligue 1 club are not at all worried that they could lose their head coach, with Pochettino having departed for a holiday on Tuesday having held a productive meeting with CEO Nasser Al-Khelaifi and sporting director Leonardo the night before.

In an interview released on the club's official TV channel, Pochettino talked about achieving "great things" at PSG in the future, and "everything we need" is in place at Parc des Princes.

In his first six months at the club, Pochettino won the Trophee des Champions and followed that by claiming French Cup glory, beating Monaco 2-0 in the final. However, the Ligue 1 side have suffered significant disappointment domestically and in the Champions League.

Having knocked out Barcelona and Bayern Munich, PSG missed out on reaching a second consecutive European final after being beaten by Pep Guardiola's Manchester City over two legs at the semi-final stage.

They also came up short in the Ligue 1 title race, with Lille winning the league on the final day of the season despite having a vastly inferior budget to the French capital club.

Who else is in the frame for the Spurs job?

Ajax coach Erik ten Hag, former Leipzig chief Ralf Rangnick and Brighton's Graham Potter have all been linked to the managerial vacancy at Spurs, although Pochettino has now emerged as the favourite for the job.

Antonio Conte, who left his role as Inter boss on May 26, is also available and could be considered, while Belgium boss Roberto Martinez has also been rumoured to be in the frame.

Brendan Rodgers had been one of the favourites when the news regarding Mourinho's sacking was first announced, although he has insisted he remains committed to FA Cup winners Leicester City.

Former Spurs player Ryan Mason has been acting as the caretaker manager at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, although it is unlikely he'll get the role on a permanent basis.

News of Pochettino's possible return will likely be well-received by Spurs fans after he helped grow the club's stature and led them to a Champions League final back in 2019.

He has also been lauded for developing a host of the club's key players including Harry Kane, Son Heung-Min and Dele Alli, while he is also known to be comfortable living and working in London.

Further reading

Real Madrid have confirmed that Zinedine Zidane has decided to step down as the club's manager, despite still having 12 months left to run on his contract.

Goal learned of the Frenchman's desire to walk away from the post in mid-May, with it now revealed that ties will be severed in the Spanish capital.

Zidane is bidding farewell to the Blancos' dugout for a second time, after securing major silverware across both of his stints at the helm.

What has been said?

The Liga giants said in a statement on their official website: "Real Madrid announces that Zinedine Zidane has decided to end his current spell as coach of our club.

"It is now time to respect his decision and show him our appreciation for his professionalism, dedication and passion in all these years, and for what he represents for Real Madrid.

"Zidane is one of the great heroes of Real Madrid and his legend goes beyond what he has been as a coach and player of our club.

"He knows that he is at the heart of Real Madrid, and that Real Madrid is and will always be his home."

Zidane's record at Real Madrid

The World Cup winner spent the final five years of his distinguished playing career in Madrid, retiring in 2006.

He returned to Real and cut his coaching teeth with their Castilla team in 2014, before being promoted into first-team post when Rafa Benitez was sacked in January 2016, with the Blancos looking for inspiration close to home.

The Frenchman was to provide it, with his first spell delivering the Liga title and three successive Champions League crowns.

Zidane headed for another break in the summer of 2018, but was back with the Blancos by March 2019 after seeing his successors struggle.

He oversaw another domestic title triumph in 2020, but was unable to defend that prize while also missing out on more European glory in the campaign that has just come to a close.

In total, Zidane took 263 games in charge of Real, with 174 wins and just 36 defeats.

Who will be the next Real Madrid manager?

Goal has learned that Massimiliano Allegri was the preferred choice of Real's board to step into Zidane's shoes. He is, however, heading back to Juventus two years on from leaving the Bianconeri as a five-time Serie A title winner.

That is forcing the Blancos to look elsewhere, with there still plenty of options for them to consider.

Antonio Conte has just left a title-winning post at Inter, while Raul, who is treading the same path as Zidane as a Real legend working in the Castilla ranks, is another leading contender to take the reins despite his lack of top-level experience.

Joachim Low is about to hit the managerial market, with the 2014 World Cup winner set to step down as Germany boss after this summer's European Championship.

Further reading

Kieran Tierney admits fearing the worst after hearing his knee "pop" in the Premier League meeting with Liverpool on April 3, with the Scotland international questioning whether his European Championship dream had been dashed.

The left-back was forced out of the 3-0 defeat for the Gunners early in the second-half, and initial reports suggested that his season could be over.

He was, however, to spend just a month on the sidelines, returning for five appearances at the end of the 2020-21 campaign and is now ready to lead his country into a first major international tournament since 1998.

What has been said?

Tierney told The Sun: "I heard the pop from my knee and it immediately went through my mind ‘Is this bad? Is this my season done?’

"I was worried about it being long term. Arsenal were on course for a European final and I didn’t want to miss the ties we had coming up or the end to the season. Then there was Scotland and the Euros. There was everything to play for."

The bigger picture

Tierney has been included in Scotland's 26-man squad for the rescheduled Euros, with the Czech Republic, Croatia and old adversaries England set to be faced in Group D.

There appears to be nothing preventing the 23-year-old from figuring prominently in those fixtures, with his knock shaken off in time to recover full fitness and focus.

"The injury happened at a time I was feeling great. I’d just got back from the Scotland camp where I’d done well," Tierney, who has just completed his second season at Emirates Stadium, said.

"I had to wait three or four days before I got the news from the Arsenal physio Jordan Reece it was a grade two ligament problem and I’d be six weeks out. He told me: ‘You’ll be fine for the Euros. You don’t need to worry about that’.

"It was still disappointing to be out. but it was also relief it wasn’t for far longer.

"Thankfully, surgery wasn’t needed. I actually got back playing within four and a half weeks which was crazy, and now I’m feeling great again and ready for the Euros."

Scotland, who have friendly fixtures against the Netherlands and Luxembourg, are due to open their Euro 2020 campaign against the Czech Republic on June 14.

Further reading

Bayern Munich have confirmed they have completed the signing of Reading defender Omar Richards.

The 23-year-old joins the Bundesliga champions on a free transfer and has signed a contract until 2025.

Richards, who made 38 appearances for Reading during the 2020-21 campaign, will wear the No.3 shirt at his new club and will provide competition for first-choice left wing-back Alphonso Davies.

From the Championship to the Champions League

Richards began his youth career at Fulham before making the move to Reading in 2013.

He made his first-team debut for the Royals under Jaap Stam during the 2017-18 campaign and has been a first-team regular during the 2020-21 campaign that saw Reading finish seventh in the Championship table.

Goal first reported Bayern's interest in Richards back in March, with Richards now having completed a move to the Bavarians on a free transfer.

The 23-year-old will provide competition for Canada international Alphonso Davies, who has emerged as one of the world's top left wing-backs.

What's been said?

Richards told Bayern's official club website following the confirmation of his signing: "My move to FC Bayern is a great honour for me. A dream come true. 

"I am proud to be able to wear the jersey of one of the world's largest clubs. I hope that I can help the team to continue to be successful in the future. 

"My thanks go to those responsible at FC Bayern for their trust. Our conversations were very convincing. I can't wait to be on the pitch for Bayern. We are who we are!"

Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic added: "We are delighted that Omar is coming to FC Bayern. Omar is a fine technical player for the left side of defence.

"He finds good solutions in the game going forward, he is very attentive and we trust him to play a good role for our team."

Further reading

The Football Kenya Federation has confirmed the process of bringing home the new golden trophy for the 2020-21 Premier League season.

While taking over the running of the Kenyan top-flight on November 13, 2020, from Kenyan Premier League Limited, the FKF through president Nick Mwendwa confirmed to Goal they will purchase a golden trophy to be competed for by teams in the top-flight in this campaign.

However, the whereabouts of the trophy have remained an uncertain with the league now heading into the second round matches after it was halted on March 26 owing to a spike in numbers of coronavirus pandemic cases.

FKF CEO Barry Otieno has since told Goal they have launched the process of bringing the trophy home in readiness for the season's end.

What did he say?

“We have been faced with visa issues because of Covid-19 protocols back in Dubai but I can confirm we managed to send one of our officials to Dubai two days ago to start the process of bringing home the 24-carat gold trophy,” Otieno told Goal on Wednesday.

“Were it not for Covid-19 the trophy should be here by now, but the people assigned to do the job have really faced difficult situations to secure visas to travel, the second person will probably get his visa by close of this week and will join the one in Dubai to accomplish the mission and the trophy is coming home.

“What I can assure fans is we will have the trophy in Kenya starting any time next week and it will be available to be presented to the winning team at the end of the season, I am sure about that and nothing will change.”

What did Mwendwa say on the trophy before?

When hinting to Goal on the new trophy, Mwendwa said: “There are no more jokes, we want to have the league managed professionally, we want to have many changes done to the league so that local players can also enjoy the game, we already have two sponsors on board and we are working at increasing the number.”

Asked where the trophy will be kept under lock and key for security reasons, Mwendwa said: “We have already talked to KCB bank and they will keep the trophy for us, the trophy will arrive in town soon and we will parade it for everyone to see it.”

KCB are currently topping the 18-team table with 36 points from 17 matches, while Tusker are second on 36 points from the same number of matches and AFC Leopards are third on 33 points from 16 outings.

U.S. men's national team star Yunush Musah says he cannot wait to play in front of fans for the first time as a senior international as he nears his first trip to the United States since childhood. 

Musah committed his future to the U.S. in March and, should he play in the upcoming Nations League, he would officially be cap-tied to the USMNT program.

As the team heads towards that Nations League trip from Europe to Denver, Musah will now have the chance to return to his place of birth in an opportunity he's relishing as he looks to fully integrate himself into the American team.

What did Musah say?

"I can't wait to play in front of the fans," Musah said. "This season as well, playing my debut season without fans, that was a bit annoying. Scoring my first goal as well, that was a bit annoying, but playing for the U.S. in front of fans, that's going to be a great experience.

"I'm going to enjoy it so much. That's a lifetime experience. I haven't been back to New York since I was born, so I'm actually going to stay there after and see where I was born and see the area and try to visit some places because I haven't been back."

Musah's path to the USMNT

Originally born in New York while his Ghanian family was on vacation in the United States, Musah moved to Italy as a toddler before heading to London at the age of nine to join the Arsenal academy.

The teenager came up through the youth ranks in England before making the switch to the U.S., with Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate previously admitting that he was truly hoping to keep Musah with the program.

However, England weren't the only team that the U.S. beat to secure Musah's international future, as the Valencia midfielder admitted he had previously received interest from Ghana.

"Italy hadn't reached out before but Ghana, yeah," Musah said. "They phoned my parents before. Italy hadn't reached out, but Ghana has.

"I think it was when the season started [at Valencia]. People start seeing me in and around the first team, around that stage."

First professional season

Musah recently wrapped up his first season as a professional, featuring 35 times in all competitions while also signing a new deal that keeps him with Valencia through 2026.

Additionally, Musah has appeared four times for the USMNT so far as the team heads into friendlies against Switzerland and Costa Rica with the Nations League semifinals and, potentially, finals sandwiched in the middle.

"It's been a great season to find out more about myself," he said. "In my first season in La Liga, there are so many ups and downs and you learn more about yourself on the downside like making mistakes, losing matches, being in a spot where you have to win matches, being efficient. You have to learn a lot.

"I think for my first season, to play so much, I got so much information on how I am and I'm gonna look for look take this information and take it to next season/ I've played so many games and made so many mistakes and done some good things. I'm just going to try improve and take it into next season, a better season next season, hopefully."

 Newly -promoted Swiss Super League side Grasshopper Club Zurich have announced the appointment of Seyi Olofinjana as the club’s technical director.

The 40-year-old was the loan manager at Wolverhampton Wanderers and played a key role in ensuring the club maintain their Premier League status.

The former Nigeria international parted ways with Wolves in April, where he has been since he retired from professional football.

Olofinjana is delighted with his new role at Letzigrund and looks forward to helping the club achieve success in the Swiss top-flight.

"I am happy to be part of a club with a history like GC. I hope together we can re-establish GC at the top of the Super League," Olofinjana told the club website.

Olofinjana started his European career with Norwegian side Brann before teaming up with Wolves in 2004 and went on to spend four years with the side, featuring in more than 130 league games.

The midfielder then moved to Stoke City and spent a season with the club in the Premier League before he left for Hull City.

He also played for Sheffield Wednesday and last featured for Start in Tippeligaen before he ended his professional career.

After his retirement, he returned to Wolverhampton Wanderers and worked with the club’s academy before he was made the loan manager.

Olofinjana made 48 appearances for the Nigeria national team before he quit international duty, helping the Super Eagles to finish third at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.

Grasshopper Club Zurich finished as champions of the Swiss Challenge League to earn promotion to the top-flight.

The Grasshoppers are currently without a manager and Olofinjana will be expected to play a key role in getting a new coach for the club.

Percy Tau said he will continue fighting to be a regular fixture at Brighton & Hove Albion despite his lack of playing time.

The 27-year-old played just three Premier League matches with the first two coming in January before he eventually returned to action against West Ham United on May 15 where he even contributed an assist that earned Brighton a 1-1 draw.

Since he moved to England from Mamelodi Sundowns in July 2018, Tau has been sent on loan to three Belgian clubs and he is not thinking of leaving the Seagulls for another temporary stint after his maiden Premier League season.

“I don’t think anyone is thinking of that (a loan deal) at this stage. It has been six months that I’ve been at Brighton. And if they were to loan me out, it would be based on what exactly? I didn’t play enough. I am looking to fight for my position,” Tau was quoted by IOL.

“We are still on the same page with the club. They still want me to stay and play. And I also want to fight for my position. You know what they say, they say you want to see the future. As things stand at the moment, we are both on agreement terms.”

Tau is in line to be on international assignment this summer at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, he has been named in South Africa's 30-man provisional squad.

The Bafana Bafana talisman sees his inclusion in the U23 set-up as a responsibility to guide the country to victory.

“I think we’ll take the responsibility well because there’s many of us that can handle it. I am sure that there are young players that will want to take the responsibility because there are tournaments that will want them to be responsible,” he added.

“It’s going to be challenging because some of us don’t enjoy being leaders or always talking. But now, there’s no one and we’ll be forced to talk and lead, but we’ll see how it goes. I came home to rest but the programme is tight and there’s a lot to do.”

South Africa are in Group A of the men's football competition and they are drawn against hosts Japan, Mexico and France.

Ruben Dias says it would be a dream to finish his first season at Manchester City by winning the Champions League.

The Portuguese defender has already won the Premier League and Carabao Cup since his £62 million ($79m) move from Benfica in September as well as being named the FWA Footballer of the Year.

Dias has made a huge impact at the club and helped them to their first Champions League final, and the defender warned Chelsea that City are 'fresh' for the challenge.

What’s been said?

“We couldn’t be more fresh. Obviously, we’re all very happy for what’s happened [this season] but we all know how special the Champions League is. We’re fresh because we want it so much,” he said ahead of Saturday’s final.

“Almost everybody has dreamed of winning the Champions League, I think it’s the biggest competition.

"To finish the club season with the Champions League, it’s all obviously a dream for everybody.

“We fought a lot to be here and we’re always thinking [about] the same thing: 'We want to win it'. So, now there’s one game left and we will do everything we can.”

The bigger picture

Chelsea have beaten City twice since Thomas Tuchel took charge of the club and Dias is expecting another difficult clash.

“It will be good because we know each other; because of that, we might have different weapons,” he added.

“We’re not focused on just one player because if Chelsea is one thing, it is strong because of the team they have, not just the individuals.

“They have top players like us, but I think we’re both teams that are stronger because of the collective. It will be a good game.”

Pep Guardiola’s side are unbeaten in this season’s Champions League and won home and away at Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals.

“We were playing against one of the toughest opponents in the world: special players, a special team,” Dias said. “And to be able to beat them, it says a lot about us and, at the same time, it says we’re ready to take on the final.”

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Samuel Chukwueze has been ruled out of Villarreal’s Europa League final against Manchester United on Wednesday evening.

The 22-year-old was stretchered off in pain during the Yellow Submarine’s semi-final clash with Arsenal in North London as Unai Emery’s men held the Gunners to a goalless draw.

Nonetheless, a 2-1 win from the first-leg helped Unai Emery’s men advance to the final where they will slug it out with the Red Devils for a chance to win the diadem for the very first time in their history.

Having missed his team’s matches against Celta Vigo, Real Valladolid, Sevilla, and Real Madrid due to injury, the winger was expected to return to action against United.

But going by the Spaniards’ team list for the crunch encounter, the Super Eagle will play no role in the tie slated for the Polsat Plus Arena Gdansk.

“'Samu' does not make the game and Juan Foyth, if he trains normally tomorrow [Wednesday], we will be able to use him,” Emery told reporters per Manchester United website.

The winger had pulled out of upcoming international duty with Nigeria, signifying he needed more time to recover.

In the absence of Chukwueze, goal-scoring responsibilities will fall on the trio of Gerard Moreno, Carlos Bacca, and Spain youth international Yeremi Pino.

The African star would be hoping to win his first major title with the La Liga outfit since joining them from Diamond Football Academy after helping Emmanuel Amuneke’s Nigeria win the 2017 Fifa U17 World Cup in Chile.

In that tournament, he was named third-best player behind Johannes Eggestein and compatriot Victor Osimhen.

Having impressed for Villarreal’s reserves in the third tier, he was promoted to the senior team – making his debut in a Europa League game against Rangers – as manager Javi Calleja brought him in as a 79th-minute replacement for Nicola Sansone.

He made his league debut on November 5, 2018, playing every minute in a 1-1 draw against Levante.

Since then, he has been a regular in the Yellow Submarine setup - while accentuating his importance to the team with eye-catching performances.

In the 2020-21 campaign, the youngster has contributed five goals and six assists in 39 matches across all competitions.