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Evans' United days coming to an end

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Manchester United defender Jonny Evans is effectively for sale this summer after it emerged that talks have not been opened on a new contract.

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Manchester United defender Jonny Evans is effectively for sale this summer after it emerged that talks have not been opened on a new contract.

The 27-year-old has endured an up-and-down season, with injuries, a six-game ban for spitting and modest form meaning that he has started only 14 games all campaign.

Now it looks as though United will listen to offers for Evans this summer, given that his contract at Old Trafford is due to expire in a year. While team-mates such as winger Ashley Young and fellow defender Phil Jones have been in talks with the club over new deals and Chris Smalling has recently signed one, there have been no talks between Evans and the club he has represented since his debut in 2007.

With Barclays Premier League rivals Everton interested in him, it could be the right time for the Northern Ireland international to move on as he looks to kick-start a career that has recently begun to stall.

Evans has been unable to impose himself under Louis van Gaal and the United boss confirmed at the club’s end-of-season awards that he plans to offload several players this summer.

‘We have to take care of the balance of the selection, but also to improve our selection, because we want to be champions,’ he said.

‘It shall be a rough summer for a lot of players, but I think a top club has to do that.’ – Daily Mail

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Xavi to announce Barca exit

Barcelona midfielder Xavi will announce he is leaving the club he joined as an 11-year-old to sign a lucrative three-year deal with Qatari side Al Sadd.

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Madrid - Barcelona midfielder Xavi will announce on Thursday he is leaving the club he joined as an 11-year-old to sign a lucrative three-year deal with Qatari side Al Sadd, his agent told Reuters.

Now 35 and Barca's appearance record holder and club captain, Xavi is set to follow in the footsteps of former Spain team mate Raul, who played for Al Sadd between 2012-14.

Xavi would also work with Qatar's Aspire Academy, become an ambassador for the 2022 World Cup to be held in the Gulf state, one of Barca's main sponsors, and aim to start his coaching qualifications, his agent, Ivan Corretja, said.

He declined to comment on media reports Xavi will earn 10 million euros ($11.1 million) a season.

After joining Barca in 1991, Xavi graduated from the club's academy to the first team in 1998 but has had limited playing time this season under coach Luis Enrique.

One of the most decorated footballers of all time, he defined Barca and Spain's spectacularly successful possession-based playing style.

He represented La Roja 133 times, a record for an outfield player, and was a key figure in Spain's glittering run when they won the 2010 World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships.

With Barca, Xavi has won three Champions League crowns, eight La Liga titles and a host of other trophies.

He is set to receive a rousing send-off at the Nou Camp when Barca, who wrapped up their latest La Liga title last weekend, host Deportivo La Coruna for their final match of the campaign on Saturday.

He could still win another two trophies, with Barca through to the Champions League final to play Juventus on June 6, a week after they play Athletic Bilbao in the King's Cup final.

Xavi made his debut for Spain in a friendly against the Netherlands in November 2000.

He played in four World Cups and three European Championships and won 100 of his 133 matches for the Iberian nation, controlling play from a central position, regularly providing assists and also scoring the occasional goal.

His last appearance for Spain was a bitter 5-1 reverse to the Netherlands in their opening Group B match at the World Cup finals in Brazil in June. – Reuters

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Arsenal in talks with Cech

Arsenal have opened talks with Chelsea regarding a proposed £10million swoop for Petr Cech.

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Arsenal have opened talks with Chelsea regarding a proposed £10million swoop for Petr Cech.

Paris Saint-Germain have also made contact with the Barclays Premier League champions over a summer move for the goalkeeper.

Arsenal chiefs have made discreet enquiries regarding Cech and have discovered he is open to a move across London.

Cech and his family are settled in the capital and the 32-year-old would prefer not to uproot this summer.

The Czech international has played second fiddle to Thibaut Courtois at Stamford Bridge this season, making just five league starts.

PSG looked into signing the keeper in January and would have the financial firepower to blow Arsenal out of the water, but it is understood Cech prefers a move to the Gunners.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho would prefer not to sell Cech to Arsenal, but would not stand in his way if he made clear a desire to join Arsene Wenger’s side.

Cech’s agent Viktor Kolar said: ‘Arsenal, Manchester United or PSG are all top clubs and Petr would like to join one of them, definitely.

‘Petr expects that Roman Abramovich, not Jose Mourinho, will decide about his future, based on their agreement from last year.’– Daily Mail

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Teko wants to win more

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teko Modise has no plans to wind down his career and hopes to add more accolades to his name.

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Johannesburg – Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teko Modise has no plans to wind down his career and hopes to add more accolades to his name.

Modise was on Sunday announced as the PSL’s Midfielder of the Season for 2014/15, and also picked up the 2015 Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament after helping the Brazilians to win the competition.

The 32-year-old former Bafana international, who was the PSL Footballer of the Year in 2008 and 2009, remains as hungry as ever to keep on performing at optimum leels and hopes to win more individual and club silverware.

“The passion that I have for the game is huge and everyone that knows me will tell you the same thing,” he said after winning the two awards on Sunday.

“I still want to win the Footballer of the Season award, I still want to win the League again and how do I go all about that? I must work hard – I just want to play football, nothing else matters.”

He has attributed his achievements this season to hard graft, and also paid tribute to his team-mates and to the Mamelodi Sundowns management.

“It is great to win awards like these. This is only an indication of the hard work one does throughout the season,” the ‘Navigator’ is quoted as saying on his personal website.

“It was a successful campaign by the team and we did all we could to finish with something to show for it. I am grateful to be part of a team like Mamelodi Sundowns and to be recognized for the work I do for the team.

“The accolades add to a line of others but remain an encouragement to me. It is humbling when you reap the benefits of what you sow. I would like to thank my team mates, the technical team, supporters and my family for standing behind me all the way. The story continues.” – ANA

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Brendan faces grilling from owners

Brendan Rodgers faces an end-of-season meeting with Fenway Sports Group as they demand answers to why Liverpool’s season finished in failure.

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Brendan Rodgers faces an end-of-season meeting with Fenway Sports Group as they demand answers to why Liverpool’s season finished in failure.

While FSG did not expect Liverpool to challenge for the title this season, following the sale of Luis Suarez to Barcelona, it was hoped Rodgers would secure a top-four finish. Instead, Liverpool have flattered to deceive.

There is no indication that Rodgers’ job is under threat — FSG stressed after losing the FA Cup semi-final to Aston Villa that he was still their man — but he will be grilled by principal owner John W Henry, chairman Tom Werner and director Mike Gordon.

Meeting Rodgers will be part of a thorough review, particularly after FSG made their biggest investment ever in one transfer window last summer, when more than £110million was spent on eight players.

All aspects of the club will be assessed, with Liverpool’s five-man transfer committee bound to face close scrutiny.

Of the new faces, only Emre Can has performed to the levels expected. – Daily Mail

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Sterling gets mixed reception at awards

A mixture of boos and calls for him to stay greeted Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling when he received the club's Young Player of the Year award.

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A mixture of boos and calls for him to stay greeted Liverpool and England forward Raheem Sterling when he received the club's Young Player of the Year award a day after it emerged he wants a transfer.

The 20-year-old – who joined Liverpool from Queens Park Rangers in 2010 – had stirred up fans feelings when it was reported in Tuesday's papers he was seeking a move away having turned down a new contract worth around £100,000 ($155,500, 139,000 euros) a week.

While his agent moved to calm the mood earlier on Tuesday by saying the reports had been “blown somewhat out of proportion” it is still expected that Sterling will tell club manager Brendan Rodgers and chief executive Ian Ayre at a meeting on Friday he wishes to leave.

Speaking at the awards – where Brazil midfielder Philippe Coutinho was named player of the year – Rodgers admitted it had been a “difficult, trying season”.

“A number of distractions that we couldn't have planned for have made it difficult, but the players have given everything,” added Rodgers, whose own position at the club has been questioned as they missed out not only on silverware but also a Champions League place.

If Sterling – who told the BBC earlier this year he was not a 'moneygrabber' but wanted to win trophies – does go on the market deposed English champions Manchester City are the perceived favourites to sign him.

Sterling told Rodgers he wanted to leave before Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Chelsea game on May 10, but it is understood Liverpool want to retain his services.

Sterling has two years left on his current deal, thought to be worth £35,000 a week.

Sterling is believed to want to play in the Champions League and, aside from City's interest, Real Madrid, Arsenal and Chelsea are also reported to be watching the situation.

Liverpool's US-based owners Fenway Sports Group will demand a fee of around £50 million before they would consider selling.

The Sterling issue is another blow to Rodgers, who has struggled to replace Luis Suarez following the Uruguay striker's move to Barcelona last year.– AFP

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Israel-Palestine peace match suggested

Fifa chief, in Middle East to try to persuade Palestine FA to drop proposal to suspend Israel, proposes peace match

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Jerusalem - Fifa chief Sepp Blatter, visiting the Middle East to try to persuade the Palestine FA (PFA) to drop a proposal to suspend Israel from the world body, on Tuesday proposed a peace match between their national teams.

Blatter appeared at a news conference in Jerusalem after meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and said he was “on a mission of peace”. He meets Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Palestine FA chief Jibril Rajoub on Wednesday.

The PFA accuses Israel of hampering its activities and restricting the movement of players between the Gaza Strip and the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Israel cites security concerns for the restrictions it imposes.

Although Blatter declined to detail what was said in his meeting with Netanyahu and Israeli FA chairman Ofer Eini concerning the Palestinian agenda item at the Fifa Congress on May 29, he said he could reveal his plan for a “peace match”.

“One item I can tell you that I spoke about with (Netanyahu)... to arrange a match for peace between the national teams of Israel and Palestine and Fifa would be happy to organise it,” Blatter said.

He added that Netanyahu promised he would attend such a fixture but, with enmities between Israelis and Palestinians running high, it is hard to envision such a match taking place in the foreseeable future.

The PFA has also cited curbs Israel places on the import into the Palestinian territories of sports equipment, visits by foreign teams and individuals and protests Israel's inclusion of teams from settlements in the occupied West Bank in its leagues.

Fifa has been trying to find a solution to the Palestinian complaints for more than two years and Rajoub has so far stood firm, insisting the proposal to suspend Israel is put to a vote.

Swiss Blatter told reporters in Jerusalem he did not have the power to remove the item from the agenda and described it as “a very unusual and very serious matter.”

If Fifa were to suspend Israel, it would bar all its teams and clubs from competing in international competitions such as the Champions League and Euro 2016 qualifiers.

Israel is a member of European soccer's governing body UEFA and Palestine is part of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

Reuters

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Things Van Gaal needs to sort

Having achieved his target of a top four spot in his first season, Manchester United’s manager has some big decisions to make in the off-season.

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As Manchester United’s first season under manager Louis van Gaal draws to a close, the club finally know they will be playing in the Champions League again next season — but may have to win a two-legged qualifier in August. As Van Gaal looks forward, however, there are burning issues to address regarding key players.

Is David De Gea definitely leaving for Real Madrid?

United are still talking to David de Gea and his advisers and are hoping that a record deal for a goalkeeper — in excess of £200,000 a week — will persuade him to stay. As recently as last week, United executives were voicing hopes that a display of support from the club’s fans during Sunday’s game against Arsenal may help to turn De Gea’s attentions back towards Old Trafford.

Inside the dressing room, however, hope is fading fast with players saying privately after the 1-1 draw with Arsenal that they feel the Spaniard is definitely on his way to Real Madrid.

Van Gaal’s public stance on the matter has certainly changed. For weeks, he refused to discuss the issue but recent pronouncements suggest that United have a list of replacements lined up and an admission that De Gea is being pulled towards Madrid by his girlfriend indicate that United know they are in the closing stages of a battle they may well lose.

What is the contingency plan?

De Gea has shown this season how vital it is to have a world-class goalkeeper and Van Gaal has already discounted beginning next season with his current understudy Victor Valdes.

For all his experience and quality, Valdes will begin the next campaign as No 2.

In terms of a replacement for De Gea — if that is what it comes to — United are more than aware of the qualities of Tottenham’s Hugo Lloris and Petr Cech of Chelsea but know they will face enormous battles to get either from their current clubs.

United scouted both keepers in the years of Sir Alex Ferguson but Tottenham, for example, have already been telling people that they will not sell Lloris to United. The Old Trafford board are well aware of how Spurs chairman Daniel Levy digs in his heels whenever they come knocking for players. With all this in mind, one other goalkeeper who is already under consideration is Dutch No 1 Jasper Cillessen of Ajax.

Will United try to land Bale in De Gea deal?

At the moment, United do not want to do this. They simply do not want to encourage Real into thinking that they are actively looking to sell their goalkeeper.

Given the choice, Van Gaal would rather begin next season without the Wales winger if it meant hanging on to De Gea. However, that stance may change somewhat if it becomes clear that De Gea is going to leave anyway.

United have the money to do the Gareth Bale deal and will break the world transfer record if they feel they must. United and their chief executive Ed Woodward are currently unsure about whether Bale will be made available this summer. If he is, they will be at the front of the queue.

United first became aware of Bale when he was a teenage left back at Southampton and were very much involved in discussions before he moved to Spain from Tottenham two summers ago.

What about Falcao and Robin Van Persie?

Falcao’s wave to the crowd on Sunday seemed to signify the end of the Colombian’s time at Old Trafford. There have been suggestions from Falcao’s entourage that an extension of his loan through to January may have been a possibility worth discussing. United, however, have not confirmed this. They are aware that they will need strength in depth next season with the return of European competition and there could have been some mileage in the possibility of Falcao remaining as a back-up on reduced terms.

Nevertheless, the player himself understandably wants to play at a club where he will be a frontline striker and is currently listening to other offers from around Europe, including one or two from the Barclays Premier League.

With regard to Van Persie, it is highly likely he will stay and may even talk to the club about an extension to a contract that has one more year left to run.

The Dutch international would ideally like to remain at Old Trafford but United will need to do something to protect his sell-on value if that is to happen.

The difference between Van Persie and Falcao is that the former knows how to score goals in this division and Van Gaal does feel that he can contribute fully next season if he can stay fit.

What does Depay signing mean for Di Maria?

In short, whether or not Angel di Maria has a future at Old Trafford depends entirely on the Argentine forward himself. The signing of Memphis Depay from PSV — who had a medical at United yesterday — will not influence that at all.

United will play more games next season and Van Gaal knows he needs greater alternatives in different positions if his squad is to thrive.

As Van Gaal himself hinted recently, Di Maria has been found wanting mentally this season and only the player knows whether he has the capacity to reverse that.

United have been sympathetic in helping Di Maria and his wife and daughter get over the attempted burglary they suffered in the winter, with the club allocating support staff and security to the family.

However, on the field Di Maria has been left in no doubt about the ways he must improve. United do not want to sell Di Maria and they do not wish to loan him out. If he does leave this summer, it will be because he asks to. – Daily Mail

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Banyana’s Portia Modise retires

The first African footballer to have scored over a century of international goals is hanging up her boots.

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Johannesburg - Banyana Banyana striker Portia Modise announced her retirement for professional football on Tuesday at Safa house.

The 31-year-old who made her debut for the national team back in 2000, was the first African footballer to have scored over a century of goals with her tally of 102 in her 117 appearances for Banyana.

Safa president Danny Jordaan said Modise would continue to assist the national team as a guide other players, and the footballing body will in turn oversee that she becomes a qualified coach.

Modise was named South African Sports Star of the Year last year, beating out a number of popular male counterparts to the prized award.

The forward represented Banyana at the 2012 London Olympics and has played club football abroad in Denmark.

In 2005, Modise was one of the nominees for Women’s Fifa World Player of the Year.

ANA

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Cosafa champs to pocket R500 000

The winners of the Cosafa Cup will earn R500 000, while the losing finalist will pocket exactly half of the winners’ cheque.

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Johannesburg - The winners of the Cosafa Cup will earn R500 000 the organisers revealed.

The losing finalist will pocket exactly half of the winners’ cheque (R250 000) while third place will take home R125 000.

The fourth-placed team will be given R100 000.

The tournament began on Sunday and will run until May 30.

All the games will be played between Olympia Park in Rustenburg and the Moruleng Stadium in the North West Province.

The top six teams according to the Fifa World Rankings enter at the quarterfinal stage. Host, South Africa, takes on Botswana, Mozambique clash with Malawi, Ghana play the winner of Group B and defending champions Zambia wait for the winners of Group A. The losing quarterfinal teams compete in the Plate competition, with the winners advancing in the Cup.

ANA

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Sterling should be embarrassed

Liverpool's Raheem Sterling has come under a withering attack from two of the club's former stalwarts over his apparent reluctance to sign a new contract.

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London - Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling has come under a withering attack from two of the club's former stalwarts over his apparent reluctance to sign a reported 100,000 pounds ($155,340) per week contract.

The 20-year-old England international's future at Liverpool is clouded in uncertainty with British media reports on Tuesday suggesting Sterling is poised to request a transfer.

Manchester City are one of the club's being linked with a move for Sterling who, according to Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has been offered an “incredible” new contract.

With Liverpool insisting Sterling is not for sale, the saga is bound to rumble on into the summer and Jamie Carragher, now a television pundit, said he should be embarrassed to walk into training this week and suggested a change of agent.

“I'd be embarrassed to walk into training tomorrow and show my face to everyone; even the lady on the reception,” former Liverpool defender Carragher told Sky Sports.

“Raheem Sterling is a great kid. He's not some flash young kid. He's not loud, he's not in people's faces. He loves his football.

“He needs to change his agent. That's the one thing he needs to change.

“For a 20-year-old kid to be taking on Liverpool Football Club, there's nothing worse.

“Raheem Sterling will obviously move on at some stage. Brendan Rodgers has said he won't be leaving this summer but it looks like he's trying to force the club's hand.”

Carragher said Sterling still had to prove he was worth the kind of salary enjoyed by the Premier League's biggest names.

“If you want trophies and big money they won't be given to you, you have to earn them,” Carragher said.

“What did Liverpool win this year? Nothing.”

Former Liverpool winger John Barnes, who Sterling has been compared to, echoed Carragher's comments.

“Raheem has not achieved anything, he has not won anything,” Barnes told the BBC.

“Does anyone believe that if he goes to Manchester City he will be the first name on the team sheet or are they just signing him because they need English players?”

“Raheem has great potential, but Liverpool gave him an opportunity and he should stay for a couple of years.” – Reuters

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Chiefs on a different level to rest

Rodney Reiners looks back at the good, bad and unseemly of the PSL, as the season ends with a court battle.

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It’s almost expected, isn’t it? Another Premier Soccer League (PSL) campaign has come to an end, and instead of a season review focusing predominantly on the football, the players, and the highs and lows of the emotional rollercoaster a season brings, the spotlight is again on the off-field shenanigans as far as relegation is concerned.

Last week, the PSL had to oppose an interdict in the South Gauteng High Court from Moroka Swallows and AmaZulu to stop the promotion play-offs from taking place. The play-offs got under way on Sunday, with Black Leopards defeating Jomo Cosmos 2-0. The other club involved in the play-offs, to decide a spot in next season’s PSL, is Swallows. AmaZulu have been relegated and will play in the National First Division (NFD) next season.

Swallows and AmaZulu’s decision to go to court is based on the fact that the PSL is currently investigating claims of match-fixing with regard to the relegation battle. The court, though, ruled in favour of the PSL, which is why the play-offs went ahead on Sunday. The league’s investigation into whether match-fixing took place or not is on-going.

It’s a sad state of affairs. But the most damning aspect of it all is probably that it occurs so regularly. In truth, the PSL only has itself to blame. Until the yawning chasm between the PSL and NFD is sorted out, this will remain an issue. There is such desperation to stay in the PSL, or be promoted to the PSL, that skulduggery will always be rife. Every club wants to be in the financially flush PSL, with its R1.5 million-a-month grant and the potential to land numerous sponsorships. In the NFD, it’s only R400 000 a month, no sponsors, and club bosses end up having to regularly dip into their own pockets to make ends meet. This is the scenario that has created the dog-eat-dog world that is the nether regions of the domestic game – the relegation area in the PSL and the top end of the NFD.

THE NEW KAIZER CHIEFS

It has been a record-breaking season for PSL champions, Kaizer Chiefs, including the most points (69) by the title winners, most league wins (21) and longest unbeaten winning run (19 games). The margin between first and second was an astounding 12 points, that’s how dominant Chiefs were this season.

But a closer look at the PSL log clearly reveals the secret to success for this current squad of the popular Soweto club – goals conceded all season in the league: just 14 (second-placed Sundowns conceded 24). This defensive solidity is what successful coach Stuart Baxter has brought to the club.

Traditional Chiefs teams, going back to the era of Ace Ntsoelengoe, Teenage Dladla, Ace Khuse, Doctor Khumalo and even some of the more recent generations, have always built their game on possession, on flair and skill. But the modern game has moved on… and this is why Baxter has infused Chiefs with the necessary defensive organisation and tactical discipline the modern-game demands. Often, it would be odd to see Chiefs concede possession to lesser teams, but it would all be part of the strategy – and they would feed off the opposition’s errors and punish them with swift and efficient transitions. Certainly, worthy champions. Chiefs have just been in a different class this season… perhaps even on a different planet!

AJAX’S EXCITING YOUTH LEGION

It has been a long time since the Mother City has been so captivated by Ajax. In the doldrums for a number of seasons, a special crop of young players have emerged to revive the energy, enthusiasm and passion that drove the club in its early years of existence.

Rivaldo Coetzee (18), Abbubaker Mobara (20), Tashreeq Morris (20), Travis Graham (21), Bantu Mzwakali (21), Mosa Lebusa (22) and Riyaad Norodien (20) have taken the Cape by storm – and reminded everybody that football is alive and well in the Mother City. And, most of all, that when it comes to football talent, look no further than Cape Town…

But, not only that, the contribution of head coach Roger de Sa has to be acknowledged. He has managed to bring the best out of the kids by getting them to believe in their ability and, most importantly, he has trusted them by giving them the opportunities to perform on the top-flight stage.

The reward has been fifth place in the PSL and runners-up spot in the Nedbank Cup. For a club with a cheque-book far more modest than the PSL’s big-spenders, with a team of home-grown talent still making its way in the sport, that is certainly a good return.

The challenge, though, will be next season. Is it a case of the Cape club simply flattering to deceive, or will they be able to leap even even higher?

MERRY-GO-ROUND

Another recurrent theme in the PSL. Season after season, the same, mouldy old coaches simply rotate from club to club.

Patience has never been a virtue among football bosses in this country, with Chippa United, of course, the worst of the lot. Again, this season, they chopped and changed coaches with regularity and, as expected, they nearly got relegated, finishing one place above Swallows.

De Sa, Baxter, Pitso Mosimane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Gavin Hunt (Wits) and Steve Komphela (Maritzburg) are the only coaches who finished the season at the club where they started it. The other clubs all had one or more changes during the campaign.

CUP WINNERS

The MTN8 competition was yet another success for Chiefs, which earned them R8-million in prize money and a best player award for midfielder George Maluleka.

The next trophy of the season went to SuperSport United as they won the Telkom Knockout Cup to chalk up another achievement for coach Gordon Igesund. The curtain then came down on the football calendar, with Sundowns edging Ajax 4-3 on penalties to take the Nedbank Cup over the weekend.

PLAY IT AGAIN, KOSTA

In a football world of staid, boring tactics and cautious, conservative game plans, Polokwane City breathed life into the PSL. Under the direction of nerveless Serbian coach Kosta Papic and the smooth passing skills of Mitchells Plain’s Cole Alexander, Polokwane played an exciting, high-tempo brand of football. They dared, they risked, they weren’t afraid of losing, they entertained, they enthralled…

Football in the PSL is not always the most attractive – there are games that thrill, but there are also many dour, dull encounters – but, whenever Polokwane were in action, rest assured, you were entertained. And, for that, they definitely deserve a mention. - Cape Argus

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Uefa makes u-turn on FFP

Mega-rich football owners have been given the green light to start spending again to catch up with the game’s big clubs after an amazing U-turn by Michel Platini.

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Mega-rich football owners have been given the green light to start spending again to catch up with the game’s big clubs after an amazing U-turn by Michel Platini.

The Uefa president has announced he will this summer relax the rules he introduced to restrict money spent on transfer fees and wages.

Owners will once more be able to run up massive losses — as long as the money they put into a club to buy new players is a gift rather than entered in the books as a loan.

The decision is a victory for Sportsmail’s Chief Sports Writer Martin Samuel, who has lobbied Platini for exactly that change.

It is likely to be confirmed by Uefa at the end of June — just before the summer transfer window opens — and will start a spending stampede by ambitious clubs.

It means, for instance, that Manchester City and Chelsea would now be able to compete on the open market for a superstar such as Gareth Bale.

Platini has admitted that the current straitjacket on finances has not worked.

Clubs such as Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain have been hit with heavy fines and had spending restrictions imposed on them under current Financial Fair Play regulations designed to limit the size of financial losses.

But after pressure from City, PSG and the two Milan giants from Italy’s Serie A, Uefa are planning changes to allow clubs to spend more freely.

Platini said yesterday: ‘The world is two-faced but we will say this openly: I think we’ll ease things. It will be the (Uefa) executive committee who will decide if it is to be eased or something like that, and the outcome will be known by the end of June.’

It was a year ago this week that City were hit with a £43million FFP fine for overspending, as well as having transfer limits imposed and Champions League squad restrictions.

Although two-thirds of the fine was suspended, City were limited when it came to buying players and had their wage bill capped.

Now if they want to make a £200m-plus bid for Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, new-look FFP will make it easier. Sheik Mansour, City’s owner, has a £17billion personal fortune and theoretical access to an Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund of £493bn. PSG owners Qatar Sports Investments have access to sovereign funds of £194bn.

Platini suggested key Italian involvement in the lobbying for change, saying: ‘The Italians wanted (FFP) eased.’

One source told Sportsmail: ‘Uefa know FFP has helped to reduce some costs in a beneficial way. But they can also see that the richest clubs are becoming locked into dominant positions and any club outside that group has a shrinking chance of ever competing.

‘Allowing more investment could alleviate that.’ One factor forcing Uefa’s hand is an ongoing legal threat by clubs wanting to have FFP watered down and lawyer Jean-Louis Dupont, leading the legal action, said: ‘We welcome the announcement of a changes in line with the demands expressed by our clients.’

But the change will infuriate some clubs, not least Arsenal and Liverpool, owned respectively by Americans Stan Kroenke and John W Henry. Both men supported FFP and cost controls. Neither club would comment.

Gianni Infantino, Uefa general secretary, said: ‘Our objective remains to ensure the sustainability of European club football.’ – Daily Mail

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Sterling determined to leave Anfield

Liverpool will hold crisis talks with Raheem Sterling after the forward told manager Brendan Rodgers he wants to quit the club.

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Liverpool will hold crisis talks with Raheem Sterling after the forward told manager Brendan Rodgers he wants to quit the club.

Sterling spoke to Rodgers before the 1-1 draw at Chelsea and made it clear he does not want to stay. But the England international has agreed to a final round of discussions as Liverpool make a last-ditch attempt to persuade the 20-year-old his future is at Anfield.

Sterling has refused to sign a new, five-year deal because he is unconvinced by the club’s ability to challenge for silverware. He wants Champions League football, something that will not be possible at Anfield next season.

He also feels he is being under- valued by the offer of a new deal, believed to be worth around £100,000 a week, and is unhappy with the club releasing details of the contract.

The Barclays Premier League’s top four clubs — Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United — are all watching developments closely. Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Juventus are also interested. They are all prepared to offer more

than Liverpool are currently proposing. Rodgers insists Sterling, who has two years left to run on his £35,000-per-week contract, will not be allowed to leave even if he does not sign a new deal.

But it remains to be seen whether Liverpool are prepared to let Sterling run down the remainder of his contract and risk the prospect of losing him for nothing in 2017.

Liverpool remain hopeful they can change Sterling’s mind, as they did in 2005 when Steven Gerrard came so close to joining Chelsea.

But there are key differences between the two situations. Sterling is not from Liverpool and entrenched in the club’s history like Gerrard. He was born in Jamaica and raised in north-west London.

Like Gerrard, he wants success but winning trophies with Liverpool is not the be all and end all for him.

In public, Liverpool players have urged Sterling to sign a new contract. Rodgers, who said Sterling has been offered an ‘incredible’ deal, is adamant that his development as a footballer and a person would be best served by staying rather than going somewhere he would not be guaranteed regular starts.

But, at the club’s Melwood training complex, it is a different story. Sterling has been advised by a number of his team-mates that he should leave if he wants to fulfil his huge potential and ambition.

Sterling’s rejection of Liverpool’s offer means he has lost out on more than £1.6million in wages since Liverpool first put the deal to him in October. But it is looking increasingly likely that his long-term future lies away from Liverpool.

This is a crucial summer for Liverpool as they begin the process of rebuilding after the departure to LA Galaxy of Gerrard, who will be recognised at tonight’s Players’ Awards night which Sterling will also attend. – Daily Mail

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Depay completes United medical

Memphis Depay has completed his medical with Manchester United as he moves closer to officially completing his transfer to Old Trafford.

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Netherlands forward Memphis Depay has completed his medical with Manchester United as he moves closer to officially completing his transfer to Old Trafford, the Premier League club announced.

With Depay's fitness checks out of the way, United say they will “now work towards finalising his registration when the international transfer window opens in June”.

United announced earlier this month that they had agreed a £25 million ($39 million) fee with PSV Eindhoven for Depay, who was the top scorer in the Dutch league with 22 goals this season.

However, despite Depay's imminent high-profile arrival, former United captain Gary Neville has urged fans to give their new acquisition time to settle at Old Trafford.

Neville believes the 21-year-old still has much to learn if he is to blossom into the world-class player he and United hope he will become.

“It's a typical Manchester United signing to sign someone who has got potential but hasn't yet grown to become the finished product,” Neville told Sky Sports.

“United have done that over the years, particularly with foreign players.

“I think Depay looks like an exciting player but there's a lot of obstacles to overcome to determine as to whether he's going to become the real deal.

“He's got to settle in the country and get used to playing football in Manchester. It will be different but it fits the bill in terms of him being a young player.”

United manager Louis van Gaal handed Depay his international debut in October 2013 and took him to the World Cup the following year, where he scored twice in four appearances for the Netherlands.

“I have worked with Memphis during last summer's World Cup with the Netherlands and he has great potential,” Van Gaal wrote.

“The plan is to help him develop as a player, but we must all be patient.

“The Premier League is very different from any other league and it will take time for him to fully adapt to the pace and unforgiving nature of football in this country.” – AFP

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